Interviewed by Kristi Knight
KK: What inspired you to write your first manuscript?
KB: I enrolled in my first online writing class as a reward to myself after working on an intense special event. That carrot dangling in front of me was probably the only thing that pushed me through the project at times. When I began the class through UCLA Extension, I set a goal to finish a manuscript, which I accomplished about seven to eight months after I began the class.
KK: Have you always wanted to write?
KB: I’ve written bits and pieces for as long as I can remember. I distinctly remember writing—at the age of twelve—a fantasy story that made it to page four in a spiral notebook. I was so pleased with myself because the story included the word “sagacious.”
KK: Tell us a little about your writing routine.
KB: I’m still working on that and the process seems to be different for each project I start and the stage of a particular project. I try to set daily word goals and normally write intensively four days a week. In addition to my writing, I spend time taking online classes, editing my work and critiquing work for others.
KK: What do you like to do in your spare time?
KB: Read, of course! And travel and spend time with my family.
KK: Do you have some favorite books or authors?
KB: We don’t have enough space here for a list of every work I love. A few of my favorite authors: Anita Diamont, Rachel Gibson, Kinky Friedman, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Janet Evanovich, Diana Gabaldon, and Christopher Paolini.
KK: Where do you get your ideas?
KB: I’m still working to fill up my “idea file.” Sometimes ideas will come from magazines or newspapers—perhaps just a picture rather than a complete news story. I tend to do my best brainstorming while out walking the dog, lying in bed at night or in the shower. I call these “stop light ideas” because invariably thoughts will come to me during the thirty seconds at an intersection with no pen at hand. And where I live now, it’s too dangerous to daydream when I’m driving!
KK: Do you have any advice for someone who wants to begin writing a book?
KB: First, sit down and start writing. Worry about what you’re doing right or wrong after you have something on paper. The first project I began had more POV changes than the number of shifts at an all night convenience store. A new writer must find a way to learn new skills—classes, craft books, writer’s loops, RWA or other writing groups. Second, keep writing. Then find a support or critique group. Whatever you do, do not stay hidden away at your computer. The longer you hide your writing in the closet, the bigger monster it becomes to share with others. And last, keep writing.
KK: Why write romance?
KB: Because the girl always gets the guy! Seriously, we all need a world where everything ends up “just right” because that will never happen in real life. The HEA (happily ever after) of a romance gives the reader that positive closure.
KK: Do you have an English degree?
KB: Far from it. My bachelor’s degree is in Economics and my master’s degree is on Higher Education Administration. Most of my career, I’ve spent in the university setting with student career services, job development and fundraising.
KK: How has living overseas impacted your writing?
KB: Living in the Middle East has afforded me the time and opportunity to stop making excuses about writing and just do it. Life outside the U.S. has taught me a great deal about patience, travel and quirky human behavior—all very beneficial for a writer.
KK: Will you, or have you, ever used the Middle East as a book setting?
KB: I don’t know. That really depends on what a particular book demands. However, after traveling to Sri Lanka last year, I decided I would love to use the island as a setting—it’s incredibly lush and beautiful.
KK: Do you have a specific snack, drink or music that helps you write?
KB: Coffee, cold cereal and instrumental jazz.