Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?
Since I’ve written 100 plus books, this is a difficult question! I love my first book,
an obscure romance called Perils of the Heart, because a) it was the first book I
sold, and b) it was a fun, humorous, high-seas action-adventure.
I also love The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, a historical romance, because
the character of Ian (a man with Asperger’s in 1880s England) is intriguing and
endearing.
I also love the Kat Holloway novels, because Kat is courageous and resourceful
and not about to bow her head in spite of her troubles or position in life. I also
enjoy the Captain Lacey mysteries, because Captain Lacey is a character with a
lot of depth, and it’s fun to delve into the darker side of Regency society from a
male point of view.
And then there’s my Stormwalker series, a contemporary fantasy about a half-
Dine woman with great powers, whose boyfriend is a dragon, and who is trying to
hold together a hotel she runs in the middle of the Arizona desert. It’s such fun to
write. I have many other favorites, but I could talk all day. I enjoy everything I
write one way or another.
What books have most influenced you as a writer?
Another tough question. My tastes are so eclectic, and I read constantly. I would
say Terry Pratchett’s books taught me a lot about pacing and humor. I read David
Eddings’ series a long time ago, and learned a about painting setting in simple
strokes. Dick Francis and Nora Roberts are good at this too. I read a lot of
mystery and action-oriented scifi and fantasy, so everything I’ve read has
influenced me in the direction of mystery and action-adventure. I love to keep
moving.