1. Tell me about yourself. Your book(s), your life, your
inspiration.
I’ve always loved to read. Growing up in a decidedly
middle-class setting in Georgia, my idea of an exotic journey was a family car
trip to visit relatives in Florida. For me, reading was an escape, a way to go
places and do things that I never thought I’d get a chance to do.
I’ve been blessed, and have traveled the world and been able
to do a lot of things that as a child I could only dream of doing. But I still
remember the magic of being transported to other worlds by a good writer. And
I’ve always wanted to be able to pass that along. I’ve always toyed with the
idea of writing, in fact, started my first novel over twenty years ago. A couple
of years ago, I finally finished it and it’s sitting on the shelf! I’ll revisit
it at some point, but didn’t feel like it was ready for prime time.
I spent most of my work life in the health care industry.
Health care is fascinating, representing the largest single portion of our GDP
and touching everyone in one way or another. Yet, most people have no clue as to
the inner workings. So I chose to present my stories with the health care
industry as a backdrop, trying to give the reader a feel for what goes on behind
the curtain.
I love fiction; it gives the writer the freedom that I enjoy.
At the same time, I always felt like I learned something from the good fiction I
read, so I’m a stickler for details on the components of my books. I do my
homework and take the time to research things that I’m unfamiliar with. I want
my readers to be able to take away something they didn’t know before they read
my book, some new knowledge.
The Medicine Game, my first novel, is a story about
greed and corruption in health care involving a corporate cover-up. In an effort
to cut manufacturing costs of an expensive heart drug, the effectiveness has
been compromised. Yet the profit motive drives the corporate players to hide the
facts.
My newest book, A Case of Revenge, gives the reader a
frightening glimpse of what is possible in a world where computers and
technology reach into every corner of our lives. Coupled with the age-old motive
of revenge, it makes for a suspenseful who-done-it.
2. Where do you see you writing taking you in the
future?
I don’t claim to have any deep, moral messages in my books –
they’re meant to be entertaining. Although I’d like to be able to make a living
from my writing, my real reward is the feedback I get from readers. As a writer,
I think that is the greatest satisfaction. My goal is to publish ten books in
ten years.
3. How do you use your talents/time to help
others?
Hopefully, my writing is encouraging others, both to read and
write. I get lots of inquiries from aspiring writers, young and old, which I
enjoy. I also enjoy interacting with my readers, especially in person. I’ve had
the chance to speak to college English classes, and I love doing that. I find it
energizing. I’d like to do more speaking on the subject of writing, and hope
that in the future, I get more opportunities to do that.
I’m a member of the Florida Writers Association and actively
involved with the Tallahassee Writers Association, and again, see that as a way
to give back. I’ve always liked encouraging and motivating others.
