Get to Know the Author
Curious about the person behind the pages? In this Q&A, I answer some of the most common personal questions I’ve received—from writing inspirations and favorite books to what life looks like beyond the keyboard. I’ll be adding to this section over time, so feel free to check back for new updates—or drop me a question in the comments and I’ll post the answer.
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What does a perfect day look like for you when you’re not writing?
A perfect day for me doesn’t have to be extravagant. Honestly, a quiet morning with coffee, a walk with my dog Ryder, and no schedule at all is often enough. My husband, John, and I are best friends, and just hanging out together—or watching a good movie—is more than enough for me.
But if I could dream a little bigger? I’d be somewhere near the water—Hawaii, maybe, or back home on Long Island. No emails, no deadlines, just ocean air and peace of mind. Whether it’s a cozy day at home or a quiet stretch of beach, the common thread is the same: no pressure, just presence.
What’s one thing readers might be surprised to learn about you?
Oh that’s an easy one—I’m a total neat freak. My home has to be clean and tidy at all times. My mom used to call our house “the museum” because, as she put it, everything was spotless and practically shone. I wouldn’t go that far, but yes…I definitely drive my husband a little crazy with how particular I am around the house.
Do you listen to music while writing?
No—music is actually a total distraction for me, and in two very different ways. First, when I’m writing, music pulls me out of my thought process and disrupts the flow completely. But also, I love music—especially rock—and I like to immerse myself in it. So I reserve that time for working out or just unwinding when I’m not in a writing headspace. For me, writing and music are both emotional outlets—just not at the same time.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process—and the most challenging?
Great question and probably the one I talk about most often with readers, friends, and family. My favorite part of writing is definitely character development, with setting description a close second. I love creating every facet of a character—from their personality to their physical presence—and once they come to life on the page, I take real satisfaction in finding the perfect name to match who they are. Character-building and scene-setting come naturally to me. I enjoy bringing a story’s world to life through all five senses and helping readers feel grounded in the space around the characters.
On the flip side, I’d say plot development is the most challenging. I care deeply about crafting a story where the emotional payoff feels earned—where the climax is not just dramatic, but meaningful. That pressure to “get it right” is what makes plotting so difficult and also so rewarding when it finally clicks.
If you could have dinner with any character you’ve written, who would it be?
Oh wow…I love them all, but I’d have to choose Eleanor from Frontier Kindred. In the Q & A section for the novel, I mentioned that she was my biggest surprise—and that’s absolutely true. My original intent for her character was completely different than who she ultimately became. Somehow, she just took on a life of her own—and I absolutely fell in love with her along the way. She turned out exactly as I imagined, yet more layered and meaningful than I expected. I think having dinner with her would be both insightful and deeply rewarding. She’s such a dynamic character, and I’m truly enjoying the process of continuing her development in the next two books.
What book changed the way you think about writing (or life)?
Without hesitation, I’d say The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. To me, it’s a true masterpiece—one of those rare classics that everyone should read at least once. It definitely shaped the way I think about writing, especially from a philosophical and emotional perspective. I’d like to think that my first novel, Unbound, lives in a similar space—not in comparison, of course (I’m not putting myself next to Salinger!)—but in that it’s rooted in raw honesty, personal reflection, and emotional truth.
Is there a book you wish you’d written?
Absolutely — The Catcher in the Rye, for all the reasons I just mentioned. It’s honest, raw, and timeless. I can only hope to write something that resonates with readers in even a fraction of the same way.
Who are some of your favorite authors — past or present?
I’ve always loved John Grisham, Scott Turow, and Pat Conroy. To me, Grisham is the master of legal thrillers—and Turow is a close second. Both are incredibly skilled at crafting plot-driven stories with just the right amount of tension, twists, and emotional payoff. Legal thrillers are probably my favorite fiction genre overall.
Pat Conroy, on the other hand, stands out for an entirely different reason. His writing is rich with emotion, layered family dynamics, and a poetic sense of place. He’s a master at telling deeply personal, character-driven stories that stay with you long after the final page.
What’s your go-to comfort food or treat?
Pizza is definitely my go-to comfort food—any time. But when it comes to treats? Just give me a bag of plain salted potato chips and I’m happy. Sometimes, it really is the simple things.
Is there a quote or saying that sticks with you?
I’ve always lived by one simple reminder: Never give up on yourself. It’s something I’ve had to repeat to myself more times than I can count, especially during the toughest chapters of my life. I know it’s not a groundbreaking phrase, but those words have carried me through more than people realize.
How has your personal experience shaped the stories you tell?
Sharing my journey in Unbound was deeply personal, and it opened the door to writing stories rooted in resilience and living authentically. My own path has always been closely tied to a love story—and that’s something I carry into every book. I believe that everyone deserves to live openly and truthfully, but just as importantly, everyone deserves to find love—real, lasting love.
Here’s a fun one—if any of your books were adapted for film or TV, who would you cast?
Oh wow—such a great question, and honestly, one I’ve daydreamed about more than a few times! I’d absolutely love to see Unbound adapted into a feature film or a limited series on Netflix or HBO. I think the story would translate beautifully to the screen.
As for casting, I have a few favorites in mind for the three main characters. For Andy Kramer, I’d cast Lucas Hedges. He has the emotional depth and dramatic range to capture Andy’s inner turmoil, and he fits the character’s physical presence really well.
For Daniel Kramer, Andy’s abusive father, I think Kyle Chandler would be an ideal choice. He’s such a powerful dramatic actor, and I believe he could deliver a chilling yet believable portrayal of Daniel.
And finally—for the most important role—Jason McDermott, Andy’s love interest. I’d cast Michael Angarano. He brings a grounded strength to his performances that really resonates with how I see Jason, both emotionally and physically. He has that average, everyday-guy look and is capable of deep intimacy without flash.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
First and foremost, I always come back to my guiding philosophy: Never give up on yourself. That simple thought should stay at the forefront of your mind as you navigate your writing journey. Every writer runs into bumps in the road—and sometimes even longer detours—but holding on to that belief can help steer you back on track when things feel uncertain.
From a practical perspective, I would also say: never underestimate yourself. Some of your best ideas may be sitting quietly in the back of your mind, just waiting for the right moment to emerge. Trust your instincts and allow your creativity to bring those ideas to life.
One final thought that has always stayed with me is this: nothing you create is worthless or insignificant. If it comes from your heart and mind, it is art—pure and simple.
