How long have you been writing? I began writing at the age of eight, and it slowly became an obsession. I pursued a different avenue in college, becoming a nurse, but writing stayed with me. After finishing graduate school and landing my dream job in nursing, I finally returned to writing and penned my first novel. It has taken a lot of hard work to reach where I am today, but it was worth it. Every experience, every interaction, makes me a better writer.
What inspired the book you’re currently promoting? (RIVER OF ASHES, St. Benedict #1) Lucas Astor had written the first draft of a manuscript that our manager felt I’d be perfect to collaborate on. We both have a penchant for dark and twisted characters, which is the best way to describe Beau Devereaux and the world that developed into the St. Benedict series. We both had experiences that became part of the inspiration. I detail some of mine at the end of the novel in an author’s note. One of the characters is based on a friend from high school. I call her Lady L to protect her identity. She was sexually assaulted by a very popular student who drugged and raped her on a date. As a nurse, I have worked with many sexual assault victims. In addition, I live near the Bogue Falaya River and a seminary, which inspired the setting. The Abbey exists and is in St. Benedict, though still a working Seminary school. Astor’s inspiration comes from attending high school in a small town that was run by one very powerful, wealthy family, not unlike the Devereauxs. He went to school with a guy (we’ll call him “Bryce”) from that family who was a lot like Beau Devereaux (sans the rapist part). He played football, was handsome, wealthy, and very popular. The “golden boy.” The teens would all gather on the weekends to party at a spillway on the river. Bryce’s dad owned a store that sold alcohol. He’d always bring the liquor as no one at the store would ever say anything to him because they were afraid of getting fired. Bryce was cocky and an ass. He also ended up getting into his fair share of trouble. All of these things are reflected in the book.
Who are the authors who most influenced your work? Tennessee Williams, Heather Graham, Lisa Jackson, Sandra Brown, Iris Johansen, and Erica Spindler. They have all written books set in my hometown of New Orleans.
Where do you write, i.e. an office, outdoors, a coffee shop? In my home office surrounded by an eclectic crew of fur and feathered friends. I’m a licensed/certified wildlife rehabber.
If you could visit one place to research a book where would it be? Egypt. I would love to go there and research a thriller with murder, lost treasure, and mummies.
Southern Sisters Book Club 