https://amzn.to/318yJAp

Annabeth’s new book Arctic Wild released on June 3. Here is part of the blurb and it sounds amazing- When a plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness, the best place to land is in the arms of a younger man…

Hi! Thank you so much for having me today! I was delighted to be asked to do this interview as I celebrate the release of ARCTIC WILD, second in my Alaska set series.  In the book, workaholic corporate attorney rediscovers the simple joy of slowing down after a plane crash forces a wake-up call on him. One of the minor details in his growth is rediscovering his love of reading. Finding enough time to read is something I can really relate to, but unlike Reuben, I’ve always managed to make time for it, even if it means less sleep! And thus, I’m delighted to answer some questions about my favorite subject—books, books, and more books!

SB: What are you reading now?

I got to meet the amazing Damon Suede at Book Lover’s Con in New Orleans, and I got a signed copy of one of my all-time favorite reads: HOT HEAD. I’m loving reading this again, this time in paper. Something delightful about finally holding a paper copy of something I’ve read so many times in e-book. Continuing with my paper renaissance, I’m also reading the nonfiction book, Everyday Detox from Melissa Gilmore which is a gorgeous cookbook with all sorts of photos in addition to recipes.

SB: What book is currently on your bedside table?

As, I mentioned, I’m just back from Book Lover’s Con 2019, and I brought a stack back with me, all of which are next to the bed right now. In addition to Hot Head, I’ve got Andrew Grey’s New Tricks (another bucket list author who was delightful to meet), Falguni Kothari’s The Object of Your Affections, which is getting deservedly amazing buzz and I’m reading along with my mom so we can discuss, Theresa Romain’s Lady Notorious, a historical that looks amazing, and Kathy Lyons’s Hitting It, a m/f sports romance I won and am super excited try.

SB: What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

There have been so many that it’s impossible to name all, but different authors have influenced me for different reasons. Suzanne Brockmann for military romance, but also for deep POV, tight plotting, juggling multiple plotlines, and engaging secondary characters. Susan Elizabeth Phillips had a similar early influence, especially on bringing in humor as well. KA Mitchell’s always well-paced romances really influenced both my pacing and my desire to always hone in on the core love story.  ZA Maxfield’s emotional resonance is something I really aspire to in my own writing. Voice is perhaps the trickiest thing in writing and some of my earliest influences like Judy Blume and Norma Klein really taught me about being true to voice, and then as adult authors like Tessa Dare, Damon Suede, Marie Sexton, Dev Bentham and many others really hammered that point home.

SB: What is your favorite book when you were a kid?

I had a lot of the typical favorites—Anne of Green Gables series especially, every Judy Blume book, Ann M. Martin’s books, Paula Danziger, but one that I hold especially dear that doesn’t get a ton of mentions is Sydney Taylor’s All-of-a-Kind family series, originally published in the 1950s, taking place in turn of the century New York. I was growing up in a tiny midwestern town, and these books were a glimpse at whole different sort of existence—bustling city and the large orthodox Jewish family at the heart of the series. Learning about their customs and traditions really opened my eyes beyond my little town and contributed to a life-long love of reading about different cultures and different sorts of families. (Disclaimer: I haven’t read the series in years, so I’m not sure how it would hold up today, but I did adore it as a kid).

SB: If you could ask one successful author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?

I always love talking writing process with other writers. Conferences like the one I just attended are always a great opportunity for such conversations, and I’m always curious about how others do things. I love knowing whether an author is a pantser or plotter, so I usually ask that—do they outline, do they write out of order, that sort of thing. I also love knowing how they grow—craft books, workshops, courses etc that they recommend. And now that I’m published myself, I do like asking about marketing—what’s working for them, what would they do differently, etc.

Your turn now! What’s on YOUR bedside table? What were some of your favorite books as a kid that maybe get less recognition than other classics? Feel free to chime in! Thank you so very much for having me today! I hope you check out some of my recs!