Q & A with the Author
Where were you born and where do you call home? I was born and raised just outside of Cooperstown New York. Better known as the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. I now live about 30 minutes away in Schoharie County, NY with my husband, 3 kids, 2 dogs, and a degu.
Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share. Well, life has been full of ups and downs for the last few months. I’ve been getting busy with the upcoming release of book one in the series, titled PHOENIX RISING and supporting other indie authors with their new releases. Sadly, my mom, who has always been my hero and my wordsmith, passed away in February. It was difficult to say good bye to her, but firmly believe that she watches over me and continues to provide inspiration.
Where did you get the idea for PHOENIX RISING? The short answer- no idea! Maggie's story was one that had been in my mind for awhile. It started with the basic question- What if everything you'd ever believed was fiction turned out to be real? Hmmm... interesting. For three years, little ideas popped in my mind, scenes and exchanges. I'd jot them down in a notebook then move on to whatever I was actually supposed to be doing. Eventually, I had pestered my family and friends enough with the assorted ideas that my husband purchased me a new lap top and said "Would you just sit down and write the story already?"
Tell us a little about your favorite character- That's like asking me to pick my favorite child! I think each character has a little of what I love in them. Maggie has that touch of insecurity and disbelief we all harbor, while Seatha is that fun loving and bold female we all want to be.
What do you feel is the hardest part of being an author? GREAT question! Honestly, and trying not to sound too full of myself, it isn't coming up with ideas. maybe I have too much free time, but I get ideas popping in to my mind all the time, usually at the most inopportune times- like when I'm trying to go to sleep or make dinner! I guess the hardest part, right now anyway, is to find that balance between Maggie's world and the real one. I think its important to dedicate time every day to sit down and write, even if its only a few hundred words. As you can imagine- with 3 children, a husband, and demanding pets, that can be difficult to do.
Is there any one person who gave you crucial advice when it comes to writing? James Knodel- my 8th grade English teacher. Our final exam that year was to write a short story about anything we chose. My "short" story ended up becoming several pages long, and was about the daughter of a plantation owner during the Civil War that fell in love with a slave. Mr. Knodel didn't give out 100s on final exams, but I did get a 99%. He spoke to me after class one day and asked one thing from me- to carry a notebook and writing utensil with me at all times, saying I had stories to tell. I listened, and have done so ever since.
Who designed the cover of your book? I actually designed my cover. I was having “issues” with my Muse making an appearance one morning, so I decided to play around with images. I really liked the cover I came up with so I kept it.
Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad - I look at it like this: not everyone will like my book. I’m okay with that. There’s books I’ve read and didn’t enjoy. It goes back to reading being a personal thing. I read all the reviews I get. When a reviewer comments on something they didn’t care for, I keep a list of them. Chances are, someone else felt the same way but didn’t want to write it down. I use these reviews to improve my own writing.
What are a few things you enjoy doing, other than writing? I'm a HUGE football fan, so if there's a game on, especially my beloved Miami Dolphins, chances are I'm watching it! I also enjoy movies, softball, painting, hanging out with my kids and hubby. Oh, I love to cook, too!
So you like to cook? Do you have a favorite food? I LOVE to cook! My favorite food cannot be limited to only one- I love a full turkey dinner, like on Thanksgiving! But, folks RAVE about my lasagna! I have issues with cooking small meals, so we’ve taken to weighing my lasagnas…they average around 16 pounds!
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Chocolate
What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work? Lol…honestly, if I eat a healthy breakfast, it’s half a poppy seed bagel, egg beaters, turkey bacon and a cup of coffee. Realistically, and more common, cold pizza and a Coke…
Your favorite gadget - this is funny- my vegetable peeler! I learned a long time ago that a paring knife in my hands will do nothing but mutilate a potato!
Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday? I’m a history junkie, especially ancient history. I’d love to visit the ruins in Italy.
One of your favorite quotes – “It looks like I picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue.” Lloyd Bridges in Airplane!
List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend? Dark Matter Heart by Nathan Wrann; Uprising by Dawn Jayne; The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice
List 3 of your favorite movies? Gone with the Wind, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Braveheart
If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters? Oh my…I’m not sure who would play anyone, but I’d LOVE to see Christopher Plummer play Liam!
If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you? Hehehe- Johnny Depp, Will Ferrell, and Colin Farrell. I’d love to act all deep and pick others, but honestly, I’d love to listen to Ferrell’s jokes, in Depp’s body, with Farrell’s Irish brogue!
Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share. Well, life has been full of ups and downs for the last few months. I’ve been getting busy with the upcoming release of book one in the series, titled PHOENIX RISING and supporting other indie authors with their new releases. Sadly, my mom, who has always been my hero and my wordsmith, passed away in February. It was difficult to say good bye to her, but firmly believe that she watches over me and continues to provide inspiration.
Where did you get the idea for PHOENIX RISING? The short answer- no idea! Maggie's story was one that had been in my mind for awhile. It started with the basic question- What if everything you'd ever believed was fiction turned out to be real? Hmmm... interesting. For three years, little ideas popped in my mind, scenes and exchanges. I'd jot them down in a notebook then move on to whatever I was actually supposed to be doing. Eventually, I had pestered my family and friends enough with the assorted ideas that my husband purchased me a new lap top and said "Would you just sit down and write the story already?"
Tell us a little about your favorite character- That's like asking me to pick my favorite child! I think each character has a little of what I love in them. Maggie has that touch of insecurity and disbelief we all harbor, while Seatha is that fun loving and bold female we all want to be.
What do you feel is the hardest part of being an author? GREAT question! Honestly, and trying not to sound too full of myself, it isn't coming up with ideas. maybe I have too much free time, but I get ideas popping in to my mind all the time, usually at the most inopportune times- like when I'm trying to go to sleep or make dinner! I guess the hardest part, right now anyway, is to find that balance between Maggie's world and the real one. I think its important to dedicate time every day to sit down and write, even if its only a few hundred words. As you can imagine- with 3 children, a husband, and demanding pets, that can be difficult to do.
Is there any one person who gave you crucial advice when it comes to writing? James Knodel- my 8th grade English teacher. Our final exam that year was to write a short story about anything we chose. My "short" story ended up becoming several pages long, and was about the daughter of a plantation owner during the Civil War that fell in love with a slave. Mr. Knodel didn't give out 100s on final exams, but I did get a 99%. He spoke to me after class one day and asked one thing from me- to carry a notebook and writing utensil with me at all times, saying I had stories to tell. I listened, and have done so ever since.
Who designed the cover of your book? I actually designed my cover. I was having “issues” with my Muse making an appearance one morning, so I decided to play around with images. I really liked the cover I came up with so I kept it.
Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad - I look at it like this: not everyone will like my book. I’m okay with that. There’s books I’ve read and didn’t enjoy. It goes back to reading being a personal thing. I read all the reviews I get. When a reviewer comments on something they didn’t care for, I keep a list of them. Chances are, someone else felt the same way but didn’t want to write it down. I use these reviews to improve my own writing.
What are a few things you enjoy doing, other than writing? I'm a HUGE football fan, so if there's a game on, especially my beloved Miami Dolphins, chances are I'm watching it! I also enjoy movies, softball, painting, hanging out with my kids and hubby. Oh, I love to cook, too!
So you like to cook? Do you have a favorite food? I LOVE to cook! My favorite food cannot be limited to only one- I love a full turkey dinner, like on Thanksgiving! But, folks RAVE about my lasagna! I have issues with cooking small meals, so we’ve taken to weighing my lasagnas…they average around 16 pounds!
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Chocolate
What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work? Lol…honestly, if I eat a healthy breakfast, it’s half a poppy seed bagel, egg beaters, turkey bacon and a cup of coffee. Realistically, and more common, cold pizza and a Coke…
Your favorite gadget - this is funny- my vegetable peeler! I learned a long time ago that a paring knife in my hands will do nothing but mutilate a potato!
Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday? I’m a history junkie, especially ancient history. I’d love to visit the ruins in Italy.
One of your favorite quotes – “It looks like I picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue.” Lloyd Bridges in Airplane!
List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend? Dark Matter Heart by Nathan Wrann; Uprising by Dawn Jayne; The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice
List 3 of your favorite movies? Gone with the Wind, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Braveheart
If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters? Oh my…I’m not sure who would play anyone, but I’d LOVE to see Christopher Plummer play Liam!
If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you? Hehehe- Johnny Depp, Will Ferrell, and Colin Farrell. I’d love to act all deep and pick others, but honestly, I’d love to listen to Ferrell’s jokes, in Depp’s body, with Farrell’s Irish brogue!