What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Average Joe?
Average Joe has been a long time coming. Years ago, one of my favorite coffee stands changed ownership while I was on vacation. When I returned to find a nude barista serving my coffee, I was speechless and, I’ll admit, a little embarrassed. It turned out the new owner was a high school friend of my husband. We had a good laugh about the situation, but that experience planted the seed. I knew I had to write a book about a bikini barista.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre to read is romance. Dark, edgy romances are my favorite.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
J.R. Ward’s The Viper, Kristen Ashley’s Making The Match, Jewel E. Ann’s Memories Of A Life
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene to write in Average Joe was the “good cop/ bad cop scene” with Joe’s uncle. Marley is trying to find her son and believes Joe won’t threaten his uncle for the information. So she tries to break a bottle on a glass table and use the jagged edge as a weapon but ends up breaking the table instead. What ensues is funny, though dark, but I love how Joe lets Marley take charge and only steps in when he feels her safety is compromised.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I don’t have any quirky writing habits. However, I do write best on the left end of my couch. My husband likes to tease that I’m wearing the fabric down and should try a different spot occasionally.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Marley is not a very likable character, but she has her reasons. I wrote her that way on purpose. We make assumptions about people every day without considering their stories. I hope that theme comes through in Average Joe.
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