What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write My Best Break?
Cynthia Anderson is a recurring character in the My Best Series who readers didn’t particularly like. I thought it was time to change that. My inspiration for this book came from a story about a father who discovered the daughter he raised from birth wasn’t biologically his. Cynthia’s story is a bit different, but it still touches on the fact that things aren’t always what they appear and it is up to each person to deal with life’s surprises. Cynthia is hungry for success but she has to make some tough decisions.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of My Best Break, what would they be?
Older by Alec Benjamin – It’s a song about growing up whether you are ready to or not. The song applies to both Cynthia and her mother Cybil in different ways. Plus it has a really catchy tune!
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read across most genres, everything from Women’s Fiction to Science Fiction. (Horror and some thrillers give me nightmares, so I read those less frequently.) Women’s Fiction is what I read most often, but I like a little bit of everything. I write Women’s Fiction because I understand what readers expect from the genre book. I make sure to include the conventions and scenes readers expect so my books are satisfying and enjoyable. Someday, I might write in a new genre, but for now, Women’s Fiction is my focus.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Demon, Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, The Change by Kirsten Miller, The Obituary Society by Jessica L. Randall, and Valentine’s Day in Venice by Stephanie Taylor.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The scene where Cynthia is in the bathroom eavesdropping on her mother’s phone conversation wrote itself. It is showing how Cynthia is repeating the behaviors of her past but is aware of how she should be doing things differently. And for some reason, the bathroom was the right setting for this!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Fans! I have two floor fans that are always running in my office. They are great for white noise and to keep me cool during the hot Texas summers! If I don’t have them running, it’s hard for me to concentrate.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
When eating an elephant take one bite at a time. This idea from Creighton Abrams helps me move a book from an idea to a published manuscript because I can focus on what needs to happen right now. If I worried about all the other things that need to be done, I’d never accomplish anything.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
You have more control over your life than what you think. Don’t give away the control.
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