1. Did you always dream of being a writer?
When I was ten years old I wrote in my diary that I wanted to be a teacher and an author like Judy Blume, so I guess you could say I’ve dreamed of being a writer for most of my life.
2. How did your writing career develop?
I tried writing a novel when my kids were babies, but I was also teaching and trying to be a good wife and mother. Something had to give. So I waited a few years, then took a leave of absence from the classroom so I could focus on writing and family.
3. Your newest novel is calledForgetting Ophelia,what is it about?
In Forgetting Opheia, Lia Townsend believes her future with the man of her dreams is planned out and perfect—until Jake Townsend leaves her on their 5thanniversary. Blindsided and adrift, Lia must face the consequences of Jake’s secrets and find a new direction for her life—with or without Jake.
4. What was your inspiration for the book?
Since I took a pivot in my own life—leaving a safe teaching career for an uncertain future as a writer— I wanted to explore those feelings in a character. I absolutely fell in love with Lia Townsend along the way, and want her to be as happy as I am.
5. Can you tell us more about the main character(s)?
Lia and Jake (plus their best friends and their families) are well-intentioned but also flawed, as most people are. As much as they do care about each other, they may not better off together. I love complexities in relationships, not simple answers in a Happily Ever After.
6. Where and when do you write your stories?
I write at home, typically in the mornings on my laptop. I start at my desk, then move to a counter downstairs, even outside on a beautiful day.
7. What do you do and enjoy when you’re not writing?
I love to spend time with my family and dogs, read, go for walks, and binge-watch Netflix. (Shhh!) I also have a part-time job at a library which I adore. I work there four afternoon/evenings a week.
8. If you could switch places with a character from a book, who would it be and why?
Ooh. Good question. Maybe Maren Hollister, Lia’s best friend. She’s a happily-married wife and mother, and a real kick to be around. Although her life has some bumps and twists, it’s a lot less complicated than Lia’s.
9. What books have influenced your life most?
Hmm. I would have to say Stephen King’s books, because I was obsessed with his fiction as a teenager, and as an adult writer I revisit his memoir On Writingevery year or so. As a study of the craft of writing, it’s brilliant. Having said that, my books (and life) are NOTHING like his – ha!
10. What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on the follow-up to Forgetting Opheliacalled The Opposite of Addie. It’s Jake’s story…
11. What do you enjoy most about writing?
I love starting with a seed of a storyline then letting the characters take me where they want to go. I end up with plot threads I never imagined and surprise even myself.
12. Pick three authors you want to have dinner with and tell us why.
I’ve already mentioned Judy Blume and Stephen King, so I’ll pick three new ones: I think dinner with Jo Jo Moyes, Jennifer Weiner, and Kristin Hannah would be full of laughter and insight. I’d love to ask each one of them how they create such endearing, real characters I root for immediately.
13. Imagine Forgetting Ophelia would be turned into a movie, who would you cast for the main characters?
Maybe Blake Lively as Lia, Ian Somerhalder as Jake, Chris Pine as Declan McKinley, Emilia Clark as Maren Hollister, Susan Sarandon as Regina Lark. (This is fun! I hope it happens!)
14. You have written other books as well, can you tell us more about them?
Yes! Forgetting Opheliais the third book in my Friendship & Secrets Series. Guest List(a prequel novella) and Letters for Scarletcome first; and like Ophelia, they explore the impact of love and loss, secrets and betrayal, complicated friendships and family drama. I’ve also written a Young Adult novel called Lily by Any Other Namethat takes on the same conflicts and love triangles, except with younger characters still in high school.
15. How do your own experiences influence your writing?
I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles which is where my stories are set, and my characters either work in schools or attend school, so my experiences as a teacher are key. My next book will probably be set in a library, because that’s where I’m working now.
16. Coffee or tea?
Definitely coffee. Three cups every morning.
17. Paperback or e-reader?
Paperback. I adore the feel (and smell) of a new book!
18. Mountains or the sea?
I love the beach, so sea.
19. Summer or winter?
Summer. (See above!)
20. Sweet or salty?
Can I say both? Salted Caramel is my favourite flavour combination.
Ever-hopeful Lia thinks she’ll be with handsome, brooding Jake forever. Until one day he completely blindsides her and makes her question everything she knows…
Lia Townsend is expecting a ring and a trip to Hawaii for her fifth wedding anniversary. Instead, her husband, Jake, walks out on her. Out of the blue. Devastated, Lia vows to win back Jake and the perfect life they shared.
Because it was perfect, wasn’t it?
But as Lia searches for the truth behind Jake’s departure, cracks in the shiny varnish begin to show. And once she uncovers his secret, all that she once knew and believed in crumbles.
Lia’s eccentric mother, her best friend, and two vastly different men each pull her in new directions, and Lia attempts to push past the pain and start anew.
But Jake isn’t gone for good. When an accident rocks the lives of their best friends, Lia and Jake are thrown together. Will Lia choose to salvage her old life with the man who broke her heart – or was everything they shared an illusion?
Forgetting Ophelia is set for release on October 8th by Velvet Morning Press.
Link to preorder/purchase: https://
About the author:
I’m a lapsed marathon runner and former high school English teacher who traded in my classroom for a writing nook. The author of Lily by Any Other Name, Letters for Scarlet, and its prequel Guest List, I live in Southern California with my husband, two children, and three dogs. When I’m away from my computer, I can be found with a good book, a glass of wine, or a pair of running shoes. My best days feature all of the above.
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