A: James Scott Bell, Ted Decker, Deb Raney, and Liz Curtis Higgs

Q: What person has had the biggest effect on your life as a writer, and why?

A: I have to say my husband. He has been there for every rejection and cheered me on. He also lets me go to the office supply store if I pout. Then professionally the biggest influence is James Scott Bell. He's a great model for Christian writers.

Q: What type of books do you write? Is there a reason you write (for instance) historical romance rather than science fiction?

A: I write inspirational romance because I believe love comes from the Lord and who better to model a romance?

Q: How do you come up with the idea for a book? Once you have an idea, do you plot it out, fly by the seat of your pants, or what?

A: I started out as a 'seat of the pants' writer but have learned how to do the snowflake method. Randy Ingermanson www.randyingermanson has it on his site. It's made a world of difference in how I organize my work in progress.

Q: What one thing do you like the most about being a writer, and why? What do you like the least?

A: I like setting my own schedule and being free to let my imagination play. The thing I like least? Setting my own schedule because sometimes I'd rather be quilting.

Q: Do you ever use real people as the inspiration for characters in your books? If so, why do you choose those particular people?

A: Yes, I use the males in my house but please don't tell them. <g> I have three sons all dating age and one is getting married. And then there's my husband. They all give me a lot of material to work with.

Q: What traits do you like or dislike in a hero or heroine?

A: I don't like characters who whine and talk about what could have been. My thought is then just take charge and do what needs to be done.

Q: Are your books something you alone create, or do you have trusted advisors, brainstorm partners, or first readers you rely on to help you get the story right?

A: I have a terrific critique group through American Christian Romance Writers as well as a few friends who help me brainstorm.

Q: Have you made any big mistakes in your writing career? What were they, and do you think they did you lasting harm?

A: Sending out work before it was ready is something I did in the past. The theory is editors will remember your bad stuff and not want to see anything else. This past year I've been to several writers' conferences and have found these editors to be nice, friendly and caring. I think as long as the work is good they'll take a look at it.

Q: Do you ever suffer from writer's block? Have you found any effective ways for dealing with it?

A: I've had it several times and it's usually brought about because I have to stop in the middle of a book for something big, like surgery or a writing a work for hire project. To get back into it I start at the beginning of the book and start making changes and soon I'm back to writing.