As the author, how would you describe your book?
FINDING LILIES is a southern romance novel unfolded in unadorned language, revealing the uncertainty and great intimacy of first love and the searing pain of separation.

Can you tell us the behind-the-scenes story about how Finding Lilies came into being? What was the germ? How did the characters come to life? Is there a character who still lives inside of you?
I knew that I wanted to create a tale of young love and all of its complexities and trials. As Blake Adam's character developed, I realized that she contained so many facets of myself--my fears, strengths and weaknesses. As her character changed and grew, I became fascinated with her--her hardships, her determination. To me, there is nothing more magnetic or magical than first love. I wanted to reveal this through Blake and Jackson. After I completed the novel, I knew that both of them would be a part of my life for a long time to come.

Can you tell us something about you as a writer, i.e. when you started writing, what's your creative process is like, what inspires you, etc.?
As a young girl, I spent one summer reading every book written by the Bronte sisters. After reading Wuthering Heights, I was mesmerized by how the story captured me completely. I found myself fantasizing about Catherine and Heathcliff, knowing that I never wanted to forget them. It was then that I realized the greatness of literature and how it affects us all. I began to put pen to paper, writing whatever popped out of my head. While getting my theatre degree in college, I found myself writing screenplays and theatrical plays. Writing has always played a major role in my life. I would literally explode into a million pieces if I could not write.

How do you keep a balance between family, work, and your writing?
I think there is a chaotic science to it all. Being a stay-at-home mom, there are times that I stay up until two in the morning writing pages and pages. I know that I must write to stay balanced. I find that I am at peace when I'm able to express myself creatively.

Can you tell us something about you as a person?
Hmmm. Creative, nurturing, stubborn, outspoken, and at times somewhat neurotic. That about sums it up.

If you had a chance to be mentored by one author (living or dead), who would you choose and why?
I have an admiration for all of the Southern literary masters like Faulkner and Twain, but I also greatly respect Sylvia Plath. Plath had an ability to completely reveal herself on paper with an immense sensuality. She freed herself from traditional form and subject matter and was still able to appeal to readers. I would love to sit and listen to her talk about absolutely anything.

Despite the wisdom that says you can't take it with you, if you could take four things with you when you leave this world, what would they be?
Green grass, a blue sky, a glass of sweet tea and a copy of Al Green's Greatest Hits.

What is your view of epublishing? What opportunities does it provide for you and for other authors? What do you think is the future of epublishing?
ePublishing provides great opportunites for authors in so many ways. Writers are able to experiment with their styles and material and not worry about altering their works in order to appeal to agents. Readers are provided with a vast selection of original books. I believe that the epublishing industry will grow greatly in the future.

What other published works do you want us to know about?
Since graduating college two years ago, I have written FINDING LILIES and plan to write many more books in the years to come.

What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on my new novel, The Rock Dwellers, which is based heavily on family stories about moonshining and growing up poverty-stricken in the South.