What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Model Behavior (The Unlovabulls Book 2)?
The short answer is my dog, Brennan.
The Long answer is that a few years ago, we adopted a four(ish)-year-old Cane Corso from a local rescue. They believed she had been a puppy mill mama. These are a 130-140 lbs. bully breed that are NOT for first time dog owners. They are strong willed, intelligent, confident, dogs that were bread to guard the castle for hundreds of years. They also happen to be an “in” dog to have right now.
I wanted to tell Brennan’s story because so many people buy dogs that come from puppy mills without even realizing it simply because they don’t research the breeders or the breed itself. Bad breeding and owners who can’t meet a dog’s needs, are how bully breeds get a bad rap, and how shelters get overcrowded. Brennan is a heart dog. Her face is starting to turn grey now––adopting an older dog is so very rewarding. They deserve a second chance at their forever, too.
As for football, my husband played in college. The Unlovabulls series is set in Dallas–– football is a way of life, but as former athlete, I wanted to highlight how contact sports can affect the body. The parallels I drew between old dogs (Sadie) and old football players (Hayes) practically wrote themselves.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Model Behavior (The Unlovabulls Book 2), what would they be?
Oh, I’m a hardcore music person! It helps me invoke the emotion I’m trying to pull out of my characters.
For my heroine, Olive, her theme song is definitely Wings by Birdie. The music really embodies the nostalgia Olive would have for the person she’d been in college, and how she felt about the hero, Hayes.
With Hayes, I’m going to give away my age group here, but The Reason by Hoobastank. It IS Hayes! He needs to make changes in his life but isn’t sure he can without help. It’s perfect for him
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Yes, of course. Romance is my favorite, and I love all genres, but I gravitate to adult contemporaries. Though, if I ever write in another genre, it will probably be horror. I know, it’s a jump that usually makes people look at me like I’ve lost it.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I’m currently reading The Southern Book club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix and Summer Proposal by Vi Keeland. I’ve also got Mexican Gothic by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia, Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon, and Helen Hoang’s The Bride Test.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
There’s a scene where the Heroine—who owns her own PR firm—arranges for a TV show to come shoot an episode about the Unlovabulls rescue. That scene was so much fun, watching it unfold and Olive did her thing, kicking ass and taking names. As an aside, I once filmed a TV show (Dude Perfect) with my dog at my local training center, so I had a head start on the research
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Twizzlers. When I’m on deadline, I want Twizzlers to chew on. I mean, they’re good but not the best licorice I’ve had, so I’m not sure why it has to be Twizzlers brand, but it does. Maybe because they can be chewy so I can really work my jaw on them instead of grinding my teeth? I also always have music playing when I write. I almost always have a dog on my feet, too.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
There are a few. I’m super-protective of my dogs. Especially Brennan. She is such an amazing dog, yet I know—because of her breed—if she were ever to get into a fight with another dog, even if she didn’t start it, she will always be the bad guy. As a bully breed owner, I’m hyper aware of that. It’s my duty to make sure my dog is well-behaved and under my control at all times, because breed bias is a thing.
I like to tell people “Don’t Bully My Breed.” The other saying I love that relates to my dogs is “That wasn’t my dog growling at you. It was me.” It’s fits.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I want people to remember to educate themselves and become knowledgeable dog owners. Dogs shouldn’t be an impulse purchase. Put in the time and research, and get the right dog for you and your family. I hope that’s a rescue dog, but if it’s not, make sure you know where your dog is coming from. Buying a puppy mill puppy only perpetuates the cycle of shelter overcrowding and lining the miller’s pockets.
Also, a dog is a commitment for their lifetime, not a throwaway. Be prepared to meet the needs of the breed you chose. You wouldn’t buy a house with researching the builder or history–don’t buy a dog without researching the breeder and breed.
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