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I was born and raised in the South, but now make my home in the Midwest, just close enough to Cadogan House and St. Sophia's to keep an eye on things. When not transcribing Merit’s and Lily's adventures, I bake (a lot!), watch entirely too much television, root for my favorite college football team (Go Big Red!), spend time with friends, and play with my dogs, Baxter and Scout.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Are Merit and (Ethan or Morgan or Catcher or Luc or Noah or Nick or Whomever) ever going to get together?

Sorry. Not touching that one. I have a strict no spoiler policy. Just keep reading. One way or the other, my goal is to give Merit a happily ever after.

2. How many books will be in the Dark Elite series? How many in the Chicagoland Vampires series?

There are currently three books under contract in the Dark Elite novels and four under contract in the Chicagoland Vampires series. But I'll keep writing as long as they let me. :)

3. How long have you been writing?

I've always been crafty (I love hobbies!), but I didn't start writing until 2005. I used to *hate* writing, but as I got more practice at it (in my dayjobs), I stopped fearing it.

4. I want to be a writer. Should I take any special classes?

I've never taken a creative writing class, so I can't really speak to that. I think the best ways to improve your writing are to read, and to write, in that order. Read as much as you can, in as many genres as you can stand. Write a little everyday.

5. I want to be a writer. Should I get an agent?

That's up to you. I have an agent (although I got my first contract without one), but I'm very glad I made the decision to invest. Beware of any agent who requires you to pay up-front fees. Reputable agents make money only when you do.

6. How do I find a publisher? How do I submit a manuscript?

Do. Your. Research. If you believe your project is ready for submission, research publishers in your genre to determine which are accepting submissions and which, if you're sans agent, accept "unagented" or "unsolicited" submissions. Once you've identified appropriate publishers, research their submission guidelines and follow them to the letter. Check out blogs on publishing and agenting if you need more information (i.e., Editorial Ass, The Rejecter, Editorial Anonymous).

7. How do you write your novels?

I've started a series on my blog describing my writing process from beginning to end. You can now read Part I (Brainstorming) and Part II (Outlining). Coming soon: Part III (Completing the Manuscript) and Part IV (Editing).

8. Do you write everyday?

I currently write two novels a year--one Dark Elite novel, and one Chicagoland Vampires novel. (The rest of the time I'm editing, marketing, etc.) When I'm writing, I typically use a per-day word count goal--typically between 500 and 1,500 words, depending on how close I am to my deadline.

9. What are your favorite book series?

I love Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Rachel Caine's Weather Warden series, and J.D. Robb's In Death series.