What is your "day job"?

I am the publisher of Strebor Books and Infinite Words, two imprints at Simon and Schuster. Outside of that, I have been a full-time writer for the past sixteen years.

Who were your heroes, or mentors?

My heroes are my children. Some people never get to meet theirs, but I gave birth to mine. I have several mentors in life but I never put their names out there unless they do it first. Let me just say that I am very blessed to have some powerful women as my support system.

I have mentors in various areas in life. There could be nothing better. My number one mentor is my own mother, though. I speak to her several times a day and can speak with her about anything and everything.

When did you decide you were a creative artist, that this would be your journey?

I decided that I was a creative artist about nineteen years ago and I truly believe that I am walking in my gift. It never seems like I am actually working and that is a true sign that I am walking the right path.

If you weren't a creative artist, what would life look like?

I would probably be billion-dollar-businesswoman if I was not an author. Writing pays well but not that well. There is still time to evolve and diversify though, so I am working on it.

If you had it all to do over again, would you do anything differently?

No, because I don't believe in regrets or doubting the past. Everything happened exactly like it was supposed to happen, the positive and the negative. Negative things can inspire us to step out of our comfort zones.