A: I think maybe it happened when I received my first check when I became a journalist. Even though I had a degree in journalism, I wasn’t sure that I’d ever get a job that paid. I began by working for a cable magazine, and the day I received my first check, I felt like I knew what I was supposed to be doing.

Making it in the publishing world is so hard, and I knew that before I ever began writing fiction. I had these stories to tell, and I honestly didn’t know if anyone would ever read them. When my agent called to say we had a deal with Berkley, it was one of the happiest moments of my life. My wedding day, my children’s births and book deal day. Those are the four best days of my life.

Q: What has been the response from readers to your novels?

A: The people who come to book signings and e-mail tell me to write more and faster. I take that as a compliment. They love that even though this witch is so powerful, she’s very relatable. Life isn’t perfect, and Bronwyn has some things under control. Then there’s her love life, which is a complete mess.

Q: What is something your readers would be surprised to know about you?

A: This question makes me laugh. I think there are things about all of us that we’d be surprised to know about one another. Maybe, that I was a dancer for fourteen years. I still miss it. Oh, and I didn’t know anything about witches until I began writing Charmed & Dangerous.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or author? What kinds of books do you read for enjoyment?

A: Wow, that’s a loaded question. I love books, and read so many different authors. I can tell you what I’ve been reading lately. I’ve really enjoyed books by Eve Silver, Marianne Mancusi, Annette Blair, Mary Janice Davidson, Yasmine Galenorn and several others. I’ve been on a big paranormal kick, and I love tough women characters who don’t take any bull.

Q: If you were to give a fledgling writer some advice, what would that be?

A: Don’t talk about writing, sit down and do it. Take as many classes as you can, network with other writers and industry professionals. And know that no one else can write a book like you.

Q: In your books, the main character is a witch. How did you come up with that idea?

A: I came up with idea on the fly before a big meeting with an editor. I wanted someone who was powerful like bad Willow on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” but was a good person. The character had been dancing around in my head for a while. I finally jotted down some notes and she told me (Yes, there are voices in my head) that her name was Bronwyn. I have no idea where that name came from, but it stuck.

In the new series I’m working on, which is about powerful sisters who save the world, I wanted to explore the whole sisterhood dynamic. I didn’t have siblings growing up, so that’s something I was really interested in.

Q: What is easier, interviewing celebrities or writing novels?

A: I’d say they are equally difficult. I still really enjoy doing both, but books are my absolute passion. I’m in the middle of a first draft right now so it feels like the hardest thing in the world is to write a book. Truth is, when I reach the end I’ll think it’s the greatest thing ever. I love making up these worlds and seeing what characters do next. I’m surprised every single day. It’s a great way to live life.

Interview Date: September 2007
Profile and questions compiled by Angela A., North County Regional Library