Being an author is a lot like living with multiple personalities...

At least, that's the way it is for me. It doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing, there is always sure to be about seven snippets of random character dialogue running through my head. If I was in the midst of working on a book then that would be perfect, but sadly, hearing the banter of a killer tormenting their prey isn't normally the sort of thing I need running through my head during a meeting at work. Then again, neither is a bit of slapstick comedy dialogue appropriate when listening to an irate customer. For some reason, they don't seem to appreciate it when you quirk a smile while they rant.

For me, writing isn't work or a hobby; it's breath. Some people have a flair for cooking - I don't remember the last time I turned on my oven. Some people have a green thumb - I managed to kill a cactus plant I was given that only needed water once a month. But words...crafting them into something they've never before been and will never again be is a calling that I've felt far longer than my 7+ years in the financial services industry.

I think I was 8 years old when I wrote my first book. The pictures were thumbprints that were turned into little mouse people and at the time Freddy Kruger was the big bad guy of the moment so my slasher mouse was Freddy Mouser. I'm not even going to try to tell you that the book was any good, but y'all cut me some slack...I was 8. :)

After that, I started writing and have never looked back. I might have a book that was bound and published in an elementary school though I can't even remember what my submission for it might have been - or the name of the elementary school for that matter. (We moved around a lot).

What I do know for a fact is that the mystical and elusive muse has been kind to me over the years, never being stingy. To date I have completed four full-length novels and have a number of other works in various stages of the development process. I very much look forward to the day when I can get all those characters and their conversations out of my head and share them with you.

Currently, I live outside of Dallas, Texas with my husband Jay - who has been amazing about not calling the men in white coats to come for me when I suddenly start talking about fictional people and their imaginary crimes- and our three furry children: Buddy, Chloe and Sydney Cat.

For anyone who is actually still reading, I'll go ahead and end this nonsensical rambling with a promise to add more when the mood strikes - and possibly even bring in a very special guest poster to share her thoughts as well.

Until the muse returns...

J. Nicole Whitten