Tell us what books you have published and what you have in the works.

Two books so far, Divinely Designed and Luck of the Draw. I’m working on a third right now about a guy who gets the surprise of his life when he finds out a girl he barely knew had left him her only child. I hope to have it submitted by the end of the year–hopefully sooner, but with little kids still keeping me busy during the day, I try to keep my goals realistic.:)

What inspired you to want to be a writer?

Reading. I LOVE to read and one day, years ago, I had the thought, “I wonder what it would be like to write one of these?” So I gave it a try and found I loved writing too. Now I only wish I had more time to read. 🙂

Any favorite authors or books?

Too many to list all of them. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Kathryn Stockett’s The Help, J.K. Rowlings’ Harry Potter, C.S. Lewis, Shannon Hale . . . any light, fun, clean reads that take me away to another place and make me smile. And I love, love, love children’s books! Max Lucado, Leah Wilcox, Richard Schnieder’s Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect. There is nothing better than a well-written or humorous children’s book, I tell you. They even have pictures. 🙂

Luck of the Draw brings up Dani’s parents and their draw towards looking perfect and achieving status. Do you think there is a lot of that in today’s society and what do you think is the solution?

This is a difficult question for me because I don’t want to sound judgmental, and I hope that Luck of the Draw doesn’t come across that way either. I’ve known several people who have had that tummy tuck, that breast augmentation, that nose job, who drive that expensive car, or live in that lavish house. And do I think less of them for it? NO! I do not. But I do think there is an overall perception in our society that how you look, what you drive, and who your friends are, is somehow a reflection of who you are, which is sad. Is there a solution for this? I don’t know. Personally, I think the real change has to start with individuals. My mom has a cross-stitch hanging on her wall that I love. It says, “I’m somebody special, cause God don’t make no junk.” That is plain and simple truth right there. I think the challenge is getting people to actually believe it.

Tell us about your favorite character or scene to write

Mmmmmm . . . this is another difficult question. I love Brighton for his over-confidence and as well as his humility. That sounds like a contradiction, but really it’s not. I also adore Dani for her spunk, her inner strength, her desire to do good, and her genuine concern for others. My favorite scene to write was probably the one where Brighton shows up at Dani’s house in Colorado. I loved how it showed their personalities, differences, and growing attraction. I also loved introducing Nana–the most darling of grandmothers, don’t you think?

Do you have any upcoming events?

Other than a book signing at 10:00 on Saturday at the American Fork Seagull book, I don’t have anything else on the calendar yet–which is kind of a relief (if you want the honest truth). Book signings sound far more glamorous than they really are. For me, they mean feeling silly and conspicuous, although I do love meeting and talking to wonderful people who share my interest in books. After all, I wouldn’t have met you, Heather, had I not attended Authorpalooza, so I can’t complain too much. 🙂

What message do you want to portray to readers who pick up your books?

My goal as a writer is to create fun, uplifting books that will somehow leave readers feeling happy, entertained, and with any luck, inspired. Those are my favorite kinds of books to read, and I’m grateful for the many authors out there who have written so many of them.

We are giving away signed bookmarks donated by Rachael. Leave a comment here or on our review of Luck of The Draw to enter. Ends November 6, 2010 and is open internationally.