Are you an indie author or a traditionally published author?
Both! I’m a hybrid author. I started out independently publishing in May of 2013 and by 2014 I had been picked up by an agent and multiple publishing houses. While The Kylie Ryans series, Keep Me Still, Give Me You, Falling for Fate, All I Need, The Seduction Duet, and The Naughty List are independently published, all three books in The Neon Dreams series were published by HarperCollins (Avon/William Morrow) and The Nashville’s Finest series is published by Berkley (InterMix). My alter ego, Trinity Scott’s Dark Net novels are traditionally published as well by Simon & Schuster (PocketStar Books).
Which of your books should I read first?
Oh gosh, this is a tough one. It honestly depends on what type of books you prefer. I highly recommend starting one of the series—so either Girl with Guitar (Kylie Ryans #1) or Leaving Amarillo (Neon Dreams #1), but if you’d rather go the standalone route, Keep Me Still is my bestselling novel to date. My newest standalone, The Naughty List, is tons of fun as is The Seduction Duet (Hot for Her/Hot for Teacher).
Where can I find the Reading Order of your books?
You’re in the right place already! Right here on my website! Click here!
Where can I buy your books?
Most of my indie books are enrolled in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program, so you can grab them as part of your subscription if you’re a member. My paperbacks and traditionally published novels are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo. You can grab signed paperback copies and special edition eBooks on this site as well. Click here for more info on signed and special editions.
Which social media site is the best one to follow you on?
At this time, I’m most active on Instagram and in my Facebook Reader Group.
What are you working on now?
Surviving the holidays.
And also, finishing a follow up to All I Need titled All I Want that should be out around New Year’s Day 2020.
What else do you like to do besides write?
I have a 9-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son, so mostly I spend my time trying to keep up with them before they grow up and ditch me! I love baking, reading, and have become a huge fan of naps now that I’m in my late thirties. ;)
What are some of your favorite books?
This varies from season to season, but my current faves are Leave Me Breathless by Cherrie Lynn, Rescue Me by Rachel Gibson, Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas, The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorenson, The Deal by Elle Kennedy, One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy, Deviant by Callie Hart, and Dark Notes by Pam Godwin.
What’s going on with The Broken Heartland series?
It was a co-written project with my critique partner and BFF Elizabeth Lee. We started it as a fun side project in our spare time in 2013. The next thing we knew, neither of us had any spare time. I went through a messy divorce right in the middle of landing a six-figure traditional publishing deal. EL changed jobs, returning to the corporate world full-time, then had some major family medical issues that became all-consuming. So the once three book series has been condensed into a lengthy standalone novel that will release as soon as possible. We work on it every chance we get. I think readers will be very pleased to see how the series ends.
How do you come up with the ideas for your characters and books?
Most of my inspiration comes from music, music videos, celebrity news, or events either I myself or close friends of mine have gone through. Every now and then I’ll catch a glimpse of something out in the world, like a couple kissing in a Taco Bell parking lot or a little girl screaming at her dad in Wal-Mart and a book idea or character will be born. I tell everyone I know to be careful what they tell me because you never know what could end up in a book!
Are there more books coming in The Nashville’s Finest series?
I hope so! When my son was born in August of 2016, I was a single mother unable to keep up with the publishing schedule so we put it on hold indefinitely. At this time, I am in the process of buying my rights back from the publisher to the third and fourth novels in the series so that I can independently publish them. (Deadly Retribution and Protective Detail are the titles and I will self-publish them as soon as possible).
Who is Trinity Scott?
Trinity is my much cooler, much sexier older sister.
Just kidding.
Trinity Scott is kind of like Caisey After Dark. When I wanted to start writing dark erotic suspense, both my agent and the publisher I was working with at the time didn’t think it was a good fit for Caisey Quinn readers, who might be expecting sweet and steamy contemporary romance. So Trinity is the pen name I use when I’m writing romantic suspense.
Will you publish any more Dark Net novels?
Much like the Nashville’s Finest series, the original plan was for three books but only one (Blood & Lace) ended up hitting the shelves. The other two, Sins & Silk and Shadows & Glass, will be independently published by me in the very near future under the Trinity Scott pen name.
Do you have any audio books available?
Yes! Blood & Lace is currently available as an audio book and Girl with Guitar will start production soon!
But seriously, when is the final Broken Heartland book coming?!
I know, right? Soon, we promise. We haven’t nailed down a specific date because every time we do, something catastrophic happens, which is ironic considering it’s a story about tornadoes. All updates will first appear in my newsletter. Sign up if you haven’t already and you’ll always be the first to know!
What makes your books worth my precious time and hard-earned money?
Honestly, I accepted long ago that I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s okay. But what you will always find in my books are fully developed characters with believable backstories, thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I try to keep the storylines as realistic as possible in a romanticized fictional world. For instance, I don’t believe love fixes legitimate illnesses such as addiction, so you will often see my characters heading off to rehab when necessary.
When it comes to books, there are never any guarantees. What I always suggest is read the synopsis, download a sample (they’re free!), and check out the middle-of-the-road three-star reviews for pros and cons if you’re on the fence. Even if you enjoy my writing, you may not love every single book I write. Much like I don’t love every Adele song even though I think she’s fabulously talented. When in doubt, download the Freebie on my website and see what you think. Good news is, most of my titles are available in Kindle Unlimited as well!
Best advice you can give to aspiring or struggling writers?
Write every day.
Make a realistic set of goals—daily, weekly, monthly. Create a feasible schedule and protect your writing time. Tell the important people in your life what you’re working on and ask for their support, whether it’s with chores, childcare, or cheering you on when needed.
Don’t get caught up in the comparison cycle of doom.
If you don’t write your story, someone else will.
Every time you want to quit, think about where you want to be in five years. Quitting probably won’t get you there.
My Favorites
Food: Pizza, but not like, regular people pizza. I like Philly Cheesesteaks, BBQ sandwiches, Buffalo wings, and Greek salads in pizza form. I’m an odd duck, I know. My absolute favorite is the curry chicken Thai Dye pizza from Mellow Mushroom. There are cucumbers on it. I can’t even explain the sheer awesomeness of this pizza but I dream about it.
Movie: I literally cannot pick just one. The ones I will always watch over and over are Sweet Home Alabama, Hope Floats, The Lucky One, Pretty Woman…
TV Show: I never have time to keep up with actual TV shows but I have watched every episode of Hart of Dixie half a dozen times and I’m currently binge watching MindHunter, You, and Fuller House on Netflix, so there’s that.
Snack: Um, healthy-ish snacks I like are sweet pickles, trail mix, popcorn, hummus, and fruit of every kind. Unhealthy version when I’m on a deadline: Peanut M&Ms and the spiciest potato chips I can find.
Band/Artist: The Civil Wars. I know, they broke up. I’m still not over it. I also enjoy Miranda Lambert, OneRepublic, Halsey, Sam Smith, Adele, and Maren Morris. When I’m writing, I tend to listen to a lot of lesser known folk artists like Barnes Courtney, First Aid Kit, and The Avett Brothers.
Song: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey. It’s my life anthem.
Color: Plum if you’re fancy (dark purple if you’re like me)
Beverage: Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade with like 5 extra pumps of sweetener or whatever frozen caramel drink they’re selling this season.
Pastime: Writing or Reading on my couch when it’s raining and storming outside
Sport: Watching in person: professional baseball. Watching on TV: figure skating and college football. Playing: volleyball
Didn’t find the question you wanted the answer to?
Head over to CQ’s Road Crew (my Facebook reader group) and ask me in there!
