Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
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Exclusive Interview with
When did you start writing?
In my early childhood.
What makes writing your passion?
The opportunity to explore characters and life in a myriad of ways.
How long have you been writing?
For as long as I can remember! My fourth grade teacher was instrumental in nurturing my interest in writing.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Anxiety and exhilaration.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
They mirrored challenges I saw my friends facing as we all became empty nesters.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I don't know that anything really annoys me. I can get frustrated sometimes at the solitary pursuit.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I step away - physically and emotionally. Completely clear space to reload.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
The joy that comes from exploring situations and bringing them to life.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Oh I would ask her to relax. To trust that she will figure it all out in exactly the right time.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I do. I appreciate all of the reviews, good and bad. I don't dwell on any of them.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I love that a reader took the time to write a review and that the story and or characters connected with them.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
In some ways - perhaps a response or overall feeling.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
In Running With Our Eyes Closed, I could relate to Samantha's questions of what's next now that her children are raised.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
It is an essential component - one that should reflect the heart of the story as it is the first contact a reader will have.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I do. I really enjoy meeting and chatting with readers.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It's a thrill. The first time it was a bit surreal.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Contemporary author-Paula McClain. She is a brilliant, compassionate storyteller.
Of all time - F. Scott Fitzgerald. No explanation needed :)
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Not an easy question to answer. On the surface, fame - fortune all deliciously enticing. But quite honestly, at 62 and this point in my life "as big as" is simply to keep writing stories that readers love.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Nope.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Wouldn't switch places - pretty happy in this life as it is.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Why? I sometimes wonder why people do what they do - what they get out of deliberately hurting another.
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you!
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I am married, and live in Tucson, AZ. I have two boys, well, they'll always be my boys! They are grown now at 27 and 30. My oldest son is married and has a beautiful one-year-old daughter, and I'm loving 'nonna life'. Writing, family, 3 dogs, a desert tortoise, and travel fill my days.
What is your day job if you have one?
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Golf, hiking, yoga, needlepoint, playing my violin.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I did. There was tragedy, losing my mom to breast cancer when I was just 17. But in spite of that, I remember one filled with love and adventure.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Not one in particular. Though becoming an empty nester prompted my interested in a deeper understanding of that time in life, which ultimately led to writing my first novel.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Yes. The remaining 2 books in the Empty Nested series. And a new romance series. The heroines are of a 'certain age'. It's a demographic I believe is long overdue for a stronger presence in the romance genre.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Compassion. Presence. Life has gotten too rigid and impersonal for our children.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
To talk to my mom again x 3
What is your favorite music?
Depends on my mood. Music moves through me - I love the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, most of the Baroque period and country (true country!) There is incredible talent coming out - seems daily. I love the new voices.
Share a secret with us 🙂