Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions and Answers
Some of the questions I receive relate to how I develop my plots and characters. Are the characters based in real life? Are the places within my books actual locations I have visited?
Below I have selected some of the most common questions asked of me and provided some narratives which I hope will prove helpful in providing answers. Of course, if your question is not answered here you can always fill out my contact form and I will respond as soon as I can.
Morgan
Can you tell us about your family?
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I have two children. My daughter is a Clinical Psychologist who recently moved back to the area for a new position. My son is recently married and lives in Seattle, where he works for a start-up website. My daughter-in-law just earned her nursing degree. They presented me with my first grand-child in January! I have a “bonus” son who just got engaged and works in security; he is a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, of course, my eleven-year old chocolate lab named Marley.
Which author(s) do you admire?
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I admire all the mid-level authors who write beautifully crafted romance novels while still working a day job and who are still willing to mentor new authors. I love Nora Roberts and Susan Elizabeth Phillips – superstars! But I love the books written by my friends LuAnn McLane, Janice Maynard, Donna MacMeans, Jules Bennett, Roxanne St. Clair and Duffy Brown. To get my historical romance fix, I turn to Eloisa James and Courtney Milan.
In non-fiction, I admire Jane Juska who wrote a book years ago, Memoirs of a Round-Heeled Woman, which inspired me to try to find love online. I also admire Anne Lamott, Joyce Maynard and Cheryl Strayed for writing such powerful words.
In non-fiction, I admire Jane Juska who wrote a book years ago, Memoirs of a Round-Heeled Woman, which inspired me to try to find love online. I also admire Anne Lamott, Joyce Maynard and Cheryl Strayed for writing such powerful words.
What do you like the most about being an author?
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I love being able to write and not to have to make excuses for the time I spend doing it. I love seeing the first copy of my newest book and holding it in my hands. But, most of all, I love talking to readers about my books, listening to their likes and dislikes and sharing stories.
If we were to meet for lunch to talk books, where would we go?
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We’d go to Northshire Books in Saratoga Springs, NY. There is a great bakery attached to the store where we would drink pots of tea and eat quiche and the best cupcakes, while surrounded by books.
What’s your motto in life?
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“The past should be left in the past. Otherwise, it can destroy your future. Live life for what tomorrow has to offer, not for what yesterday has taken away.” I don’t know who said that, but I have it posted above my desk.
What does your writing process look like?
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An idea comes to me. If I am smart, I write it down. If I am lucky, I can find the note after I’ve written it down. Then, I sit in my chair in my little office (which used to be the guest room) and I start writing. Sometimes I start with a love scene, sometimes I start at the beginning, sometimes I just start writing about the idea or the character that started it all. There are days when all I write is one good paragraph and there are days when I write thousands of words. here.
How do you go about choosing the names of your characters?
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Some names are based on the people who inspired the character, like Naomi’s parents in Unanswered Prayers. Their names are the names of the parents of one of my best friends from childhood Often the characters tell me their name, like Sam and Naomi. With Katarina: Out of Control, as I began writing, I was calling one of my male characters Fred. I asked my Facebook followers to give him a name more appropriate for a sexy, Jewish lawyer. So Fred became Zack. And, of course, in Cocktales, I changed the names slightly to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent. Except for Biff, that name came out of nowhere!
How long have you been an author?
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My first story was published when I was in second grade. My next story was published almost 50 years later. It’s been a year since both Katarina and Cocktales were first published, on Valentine’s Day 2015.
Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
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Computer, though I take notes in longhand, in one of my many pink notebooks.
What is your favorite/least favorite part of the writing/publishing process?
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My favorite is when the idea comes to me and I am lost in the possibilities of a great story. My least favorite is going through galley proofs line by line. I know it’s the last step but I am impatient for the book to be out!
What’s your favorite love story – movie or book?
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My favorite love story is Gone With the Wind. But my favorite move is Casablanca. Although I really love both the Outlander series of books by Diana Gabaldon and the Starz series based on the books.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
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Yes! I always fall in love at first sight. I’m looking forward to falling in love for the last time in my life!