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What inspired you to start writing?
I've always written short stories as a kid, and even attempted a novel at age 12...that didn't get far, but as an adult I knew I had many stories to tell, so I started in my early 20s. Now I write biographical novels about sassy ladies.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
From the streets of Providence to the grandeur of a New York City mansion, Betsy Bowen - later known as Madame Eliza Jumel Burr, who believed George Washington was her father - lived a life marked with secret longing and bold ambition.
Although her business partnership with the French merchant Stephen Jumel was a cordial one, affording her power in real estate, her heart belonged to Vice President Aaron Burr. Their complex and passionate relationship spanned decades.
When the widower Aaron turned down her marriage proposal, she faked her own death to get Stephen to marry her. She then purchased the historic Mount Morris in Washington Heights and renamed it the Morris-Jumel Mansion. Soon after Stephen's death, she and Aaron finally wed, but their marriage culminated in scandal and betrayal.
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How do you create your characters?
My characters are real historical figures, but when I wrote pure fiction, I created them using the most fascinating aspects of human nature that resonated with me, hoping the reader would connect with them as I did.
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What does your typical writing day look like?
I start by reading over what I wrote the day before, and editing. I write 2500 words a day, which is 10 pages. Afterwards, I'll read books about the next sassy lady I want to write about, or do promo on social media.
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What has been the most rewarding part of being an indie author?
My publishers have given me a great deal of freedom to write what I want without restrictions or guidelines.
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What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your writing journey?
As all authors, I believe it's a challenge getting my books in front of readers. I believe they'd sell much better if more readers knew about them.
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Do you have any favorite writing tools or apps?
One tool I've used for a long time is the "Writing the Breakout Novel" workbook that includes questions about the storyline and characters. I also have character questionnaires I answer to delve more deeply into my characters' motives and personalities. Even writing about real people, answering these questions helps me get to know them better.
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What advice would you give to new or aspiring indie authors?
Never give up--take writing courses, read as many how-to books as possible, and join a supportive critique group who writes in your genre. And remember--patience is the key!
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How do you handle book promotion as an indie author?
I post to several dozen Facebook promo groups every day, Instagram, X, Bluesky, and I contact local cable channels and newspapers for interviews and reviews. I've done signings in bookstores with other authors.
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What’s next for you? Are you working on a new book?
Yes, I have a list of sassy ladies I want to write about--it's a long list, as there are so many! It's always hard to narrow it down. After about a year of research, then I start writing.
