Recent novels have focused on teenage pregnancy, the foster care system and domestic violence. As I've grown as a writer, I think I found my voice, in that I try to take on issues of relevance and find a way to convey them through my characters. And I think my readers have come along with me for the ride. The process has been gradual but steady, which has now prepared me to do my first full-length woman's fiction book next year. I am totally thrilled about that.
Family is always important.
Character growth and development, not just a plot. I hope a story that will touch readers long after they put the book down. That is an extremely difficult question. I think because it was definitely the turning point in my writing career. Yet my current manuscript, I believe is the best creative work I've ever done.