SP: How and why did you start writing?

In grade school, we had to write a poem about Valentine's Day. Mine was two pages long and quite the saga. I've never stopped.

SP: Why did you write The Devil of Charleston?

When I came to the Lowcountry I knew a story was brewing, but I wasn't sure what. Then I went to a pirate restaurant/museum and I knew then and there. It just started to flow--and was sped along by an emotional point in my life. Heartache will inspire and make the words come like nothing else.

SP: What has writing taught you?

It's reminded me that while the times change and faces change, people's natures never do.

SP: Comment on your writing habits.
a. Where do you write?

On my couch with my clipboard. I write 90% longhand. I often wonder how anything gets done because my cat, Misfit, insists that my clipboard is actually a kitty-couch.

b. What time of day?

My favorite time to write is from 9 pm-2 am, and during a thunderstorm. But I never know when the stream of consciousness is going to strike so I always have my clipboard with me.

c. How many days per week?

I usually write a little every day, but the mood hits me in spurts. I usually have a good run (several pages) about two-three times a month. There is no real average.

d. Do you keep a journal?

No, I never have.

SP: Has any single book inspired you as a writer?

The most inspiring book to me was a YA Gothic Romance called "Jack O' Lantern." I checked it out from the Bookmobile when I was 12 on summer vacation. I spent the summer hand-copying it into a notebook-not to plagiarize, but so I could always have it with me. :) I think that one act made me realize what it takes to actually write a book-and it showed me, too, that it was by no means impossible.

SP: Are any local characters in your book?

There are certain real historical characters in my book, but the fictional ones are all based on composites of real people I know-guests at the hotel I used to work at, friends, and co-workers... and all of them have me in them too, even my personal manias and obsessions.

SP: What do you think of the NYT Best Seller List?

I think it's every author's dream to top it, but you can't measure success that way.

SP: What are your writing aspirations?

To help people find romance in a world that, sadly, wants to erase anything that remotely resembles it.

SP: What do you do for inspiration?

I like to go to the beach and watch the waves. You can visualize the way it used to look... tall masts, flapping sails, etc. And just living in Charleston is usually enough. A lot of people don't know it is the largest preserved city in America, and the 2nd largest in the world, after Rome.

SP: Ever had writer's block?

Oh, yes! It used to worry me, but it doesn't now. I've taken six months or longer off of writing. It's all part of it.

SP: Do you travel to get inspiration or are you a home-body?

I would travel more if I could, but as a general rule, I like to stay home and turn off the lights and ignore the phone.

SP: Is that dress for real?

(Laughs) My mother made it for me. I love it! It weighs over twenty pounds and you have to acknowledge that the ladies that used to wear stuff like that all the time had to be pretty tough, especially in 90-degree heat and high humidity for nine months out of the year.

SP: What's the fastest you've ever gone on your motorcycle?

I've had it to around 80, but it's so light it blows around and is uncomfortable past 65. I once blew a head gasket on an old Harley-Davidson that had no speedometer. My boyfriend at the time was riding his motorcycle and he was doing about 90 and I was leaving him in the dust. The lines became a blur. Once is enough for that kind of garbage unless you race or think you have something to prove. :)

SP: Do you have a real job?

I am a registered tour guide in the city of Charleston, so I get paid to run my mouth. I never knew such a luxury existed! I work for a historical tour company during the day-Charleston Tours-and I do ghost tours at night for Bulldog Walking Tours. I can't imagine ever wanting to do anything else.