So, I thought I'd recycle this interview and post it here on my blog. Perhaps it will give you a bit more insight into me, the author. Here we go!1. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Be patient. Be true to yourself. Be kind to yourself and others. Write more. Go for your dreams.
2. What fantastical fictional world would you want to live in (if any) given the chance?
For some crazy reason, I hold a fondness for Winterfell in the Game of Thrones world. I admit I’ve not read the books, but I’ve watched the television seasons twice through. While Winterfell is a harsh environment in so many ways, it feels safe in others. Plus, there are cool nooks and crannies above and wandering tombs below. Seems like the exploring would be endless, even with snow covering the ground. I’ll just pretend there are no White Walkers….
3. Did you want to be an author when you grew up?
No. I didn’t think about being an author at all. My sister was the bookworm and dabbled in writing as a kid. I was more into art and music and thought I would end up being a music teacher. A few life twists changed that plan, and it wasn’t until I was in my twenties when the fiction-writing bug hit me.
4. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Creative. Thoughtful. Flexible.
5. If you could own any animal as a pet, what would it be?
Dogs. Always dogs. I had a couple of childhood dogs that I love. I have a lovely fur-girl today. I cannot imagine my life without a dog!
Now, I've also had cats. I like cats a lot too, but I very much dislike kitty litter. So, I see no more cats for me in my future unless they live in a barn and catch lots of mice. Since I don't have a barn, well, I foresee no more cats in my future. :(
6. Have you ever met anyone famous?
I once met ice skater Scott Hamilton, and sat at the same dinner table with him at an education event in Washington, D.C. He was shorter than I imagined, and he had a very tall girlfriend!
I once met ice skater Scott Hamilton, and sat at the same dinner table with him at an education event in Washington, D.C. He was shorter than I imagined, and he had a very tall girlfriend!
I also met author Sue Grafton when I won a mystery short story writing contest at a local bookstore. She was on a book tour and signing at the bookstore, and the winners of the contest got to spend an hour with her after the event. It was a really inspiring thing for this younger fledgling author.
7. What was the first book that made you cry?
Gone With the Wind. Actually, it was the movie that made me cry. I was in the 5th grade and reading the book at the time, but I hadn’t reached the end of the book yet. When Rhett walked out of Scarlett’s life, I cried my eyes out—right there in the local theater! My parents didn't know what to do with me.
8. How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?
It honestly varies. I’ve had books I’ve worked on for years, off and on. And others that take a few months. I once wrote 24,000 words in a weekend to meet a deadline to finish a book, so that one was written pretty quick. I’m all over the place!
9. How do you select the names of your characters?
Honestly, sometimes character names just pop into my head. First names, anyway. If I’m searching for a last name, I will sometimes Google. For example, I was recently looking for a last name for a character living in South Dakota. I Googled “popular surnames in South Dakota” and up came an entire list. I scanned the list and a couple of names jumped out at me. I made a decision quickly. I’ve found I have a tendency to choose short, punchy names. Not exactly sure why. Maybe it’s less typing. 😊
10. What are your top 5 favorite movies?
In no particular order:
7. What was the first book that made you cry?
Gone With the Wind. Actually, it was the movie that made me cry. I was in the 5th grade and reading the book at the time, but I hadn’t reached the end of the book yet. When Rhett walked out of Scarlett’s life, I cried my eyes out—right there in the local theater! My parents didn't know what to do with me.
8. How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?
It honestly varies. I’ve had books I’ve worked on for years, off and on. And others that take a few months. I once wrote 24,000 words in a weekend to meet a deadline to finish a book, so that one was written pretty quick. I’m all over the place!
9. How do you select the names of your characters?
Honestly, sometimes character names just pop into my head. First names, anyway. If I’m searching for a last name, I will sometimes Google. For example, I was recently looking for a last name for a character living in South Dakota. I Googled “popular surnames in South Dakota” and up came an entire list. I scanned the list and a couple of names jumped out at me. I made a decision quickly. I’ve found I have a tendency to choose short, punchy names. Not exactly sure why. Maybe it’s less typing. 😊
10. What are your top 5 favorite movies?
In no particular order:
The Wizard of Oz
Sleeping With the Enemy
Hope Floats
Dirty Dancing
Nights in Rodanthe
And there is the interview! Care to share a fun fact about yourself in the comments? Choose a question below!
Sleeping With the Enemy
Hope Floats
Dirty Dancing
Nights in Rodanthe
And there is the interview! Care to share a fun fact about yourself in the comments? Choose a question below!
1. What's your favorite book or movie?
2. Where is your favorite reading spot?
3. Would you like to live in a fictional setting? Where?
4. How many books are in your TBR pile?
5. What's your favorite book genre?
I look forward to reading your comments!