A. I’m a news reporter at Chan 24 in Houston, TX. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from San Jose State University, was born and raised in Los Angeles. I wrote my first novel at 12 years old. It chronicled one of many summers I spent on the south side of Chicago. Even though I enjoyed writing that early in life, it would take years before I believed I could write a real novel, that people might want to buy.

A. While reporting in Waco, I covered a story about a woman whose man was arrested, she knew very little about his past. I took that and ran with it. Later the outline for When Loved Ones… came to me, I named Jon after my then Photographer who told me he thought it was a great idea.

A. It began with How could she know… Should she have known then I figured since the entire book is based on lies the next natural title became When Loved Ones…

A. In the 4th or 5th draft I did, but then toyed with it and decided prior to sending it to the editor that since this was Dot’s story and had been all the way through I didn’t think it was needed, but had it on stand by incase the editor disagreed. She didn’t mention it so I left it out.

A. I wanted supporting characters who were similar to friends real people have, imperfect. I’ve heard so many women say they no longer try to tell friends about their men b/c often times women who are lost see and believe what they want. I also wanted to touch on the issue of how women can be so cruel to each other sometimes.

A. She was easiest… and came to me the fastest, she represents so many young women I knew growing up, completely dependent on a man, certainly not to Dot’s extent, but close. I wanted her to irritate people in the beginning, but wanted to show some growth in her. I think she learned from this experience. I wanted to show hope for people who start out that way.

A. Kel is the friend everyone has, just kind of carefree, simple at times with decisions, but a real good heart deep down inside. I enjoyed her antics.

A. I wrote the book in seven months. The re-writing and aspects of publishing took longer.

A. No, he wind up getting some money from Jerrett but moved on after Dot’s decision.

A. I didn’t think so at first… but so many people have asked what happens to Dot, I’ve completed 2 chapters of a story that may be a sequel. But I’m still not sure, if that makes sense.

A. The possible sequel and another my sister Denise says is my best so far, “Be Still My Heart”.

A. This may be weird, but I can write anytime, and anywhere… and I do, I’ve belted out the first two pages in shorthand while sitting in traffic of the possible sequel. I’ve written in bed, so I keep a pad next to my bed, because I’m always coming up with ideas. I do most of my fine-tuning in my home office. A small room, with a TV, some artwork I painted, dried roses, and a huge window right next to me. I have a short attention span so I often look out the window, watch TV, listen to music, then 2 chapters later, I don’t even realize how long I’ve been at it.

A. I’d like readers to get several messages from When Loved ones… first.. it is very important that we know who we are and where we come from, family history. I alluded to the fact that several characters could’ve been related. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard friends find unknown relatives in the most interesting ways, and some stories weren’t good, “Be Still My Heart,” will take that to another level. Also, I want people to look at these friends, how they treated, and mis treated each other. Most importantly I hope people recognize the importance of dealing with the past and lies no matter how uncomfortable they may be. But I want readers to be truly entertained and hungry for more after reading the story.