When I used to run the Chamber of Commerce, people called me, "The Chamber Lady." When I left that to write and talk about emotions, it must have been a natural progression to call me, "The Love Lady."
Why is love so important?
Love is not just some mushy gushy sentiment in a country song. Love is the most powerful force that exists. Love can turn enemies into friends, mend our deepest wounds, and manifest our wildest dreams.
Do you prefer writing fiction or nonfiction?
I love the creativity and freedom of imagination that comes with writing fiction.
What's your writing process?
When I first started writing I would create chapter outlines on index cards and write from those. Now it's somewhat reversed. I prefer to be in a quiet place near nature and clear my thoughts. Then, I write whatever comes to mind, even if it doesn't make sense at first. From there I will take notes to track characters, places, and timelines.
Where do your ideas come from?
Ideas can come from anyplace and anywhere. The important thing is to write them down. I've been known to pull off the side of the road when driving to jot down ideas. I also take notes on my phone no matter what time they wake me up in the middle of the night. I took notes for ten years like this before writing Polly Parker Meets Her Shadow. The more you do this, the more the ideas will come. If they're not coming right away, start with a journal. Journal writing is great anyway. It has a magical way of solidifying your thoughts and advancing your skill at expressing them. Plus, you're left with scores of memories to look back on - that could also end up as material in your next book.
Are your characters from real life?
Most characters I create are an amalgamation of people from real life. Writers write what we know. It's nice to be able to polish them and add and subtract traits so they become entirely new people. I mix in my twelve years of experience as a spiritual therapist.
Why do you think emotions should be taught in schools?
On a basic level, it's because technical skills and emotional skills must go hand-in-hand. If someone is a brilliant engineer for example, but can't release their childhood trauma, this will eventually effect their ability as an engineer. Or, if a relationship is falling apart in your personal life, you're bound to have a rough time at school or work. In our hearts and minds, the work or school hours do not fit neatly into an eight hour block, no more than personal matters only take up the other sixteen hours in a day. They are intermingled.
On a deeper level, emotions are our greatest strength. Feeling the emotion of what you desire is the surest way to manifest that desire. This is tremendous knowledge worth having.
What advice do you give young writers?
Write because it's what you love to do. Always follow your heart and you can't go wrong.