Where do you get your ideas from?
I often get my ideas from newspaper articles. For example, I read about a young couple where the boy was accused of shaking his baby to death. When it went to trial, the young man was undisputedly acquitted, but I couldn't help but wonder how this tragic experience had irreparably changed them. How could they go on and salvage their marriage? How could their love survive? His son died in his hands; how could he not subconsciously feel like he'd killed the baby? How could they move on to create a happy family with this horrible legacy? Hence, Silent Echoes was born.
How long does it take to write a book?
It takes me about nine months to research and write the book, and then about six months of revisions to perfect it.
Who are your favorite authors?
Ahh, my favorite authors. Some of my very favorite authors are Jodi Picoult, David Baldacci, Christine Feehan, and Susan Wiggs. I also enjoy, Joan Johnston, Catherine Coulter, Stephen King, Sandra Brown, Dean Koontz, Jude Deveraux, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Teresa Medeiros to name a few.
Do you write every day?
On average, I write a minimum of 4 hours a day and then spend another hour or so on the business work. With three teenagers and a twelve-year-old, parenting keeps me pretty busy. Weekends are almost always reserved for my family.
Who were your early influences?
Through writer's groups and conferences, I've met some of the most talented, generous writers in America. I'm constantly astounded by bestselling authors' willingness to help/advise unpublished writers. Catherine Coulter, Joan Johnston, Jodi Picoult, and Susan Wiggs have to be four of the classiest, kindest, most successful women I've ever had the privilege to meet. They are extremely talented writers and savvy businesswomen. I will always be appreciative of their advice.
- Email Theresa