When did you start writing?

I started this book in 2010.

What makes writing your passion?

It wasn’t really a passion but more of a calling. I knew that I had to write it to inspire others.

How long have you been writing?

It took me 10 years to finish and I’m very proud of how it turned out and how it had helped so many already.

What was the feeling when you published your first book?

I was excited to have accomplished something that I wasn’t sure I was ever going to be able to finish. But the feelings of gratitude came in a flood of emotions when I actually held the book in my hands for the very first time.

What’s the story behind your choice of characters?

The story behind the characters are the real people I came to know in my own life.

What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?

Nothing really. It’s a journey and when you look at as that, you learn to appreciate every step of the way.

How do you get over the “writer’s block”?

We really didn’t have that. But because of the nature of the writing we did have to take month longer breaks. Sometimes we did do breathing exercises to get into the true emotions of my past to be complete authentic and true.

We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?

It isn’t easy for sure, but taking it one moment at a time helps. I printed a mock up of the cover and put it around another book to have as a visual, a reminder that one day my real book will be on my night stand. It’s very powerful.

If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?

I would tell my you get self that it will all work out in the end!

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?

I do read them and I ask for them! I’m happy to say that so far I have only 5 star reviews.

What is the feeling when you get a good review?

Of course getting great reviews is a great feeling, but for me, knowing that I can touch a life or inspire someone is what I really feel great about!

Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?

My whole story is about my life, so, yes!

Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?

Being that my book is a memoire, I incorporated many past memories and characteristics that resonated with my point of writing the book.

What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?

In some cases. My cover relates to a young girl that overlooks the ocean, that looks beyond and that really is more a reflection of me now than to my story.

Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?

My purpose is to connect and to be a light or a resource to the fact that no matter what you go through in life, you can and will get through it. I love talking to my readers and hearing their stories and what they have learned through their experiences.

How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?

It feels amazing of course but again my intent is to help others and recognize their strengths in getting through their past experiences.

Who is your favorite author? Why?

I have many, but the ones that inspire are my favorite, for example: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is my favorite.

What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?

My dream would be to see my book as a movie and for it to reach millions of people. For it to be a movement for healing.

Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?

I wouldn’t change a thing!

If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?

I am who am because of what I went through. I wouldn’t want anyone to suffer like I did, but I know that the suffering lead me to who I am today. I am strong and wise and I love helping others. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anyone.

What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like