An Interview

                               This is the same posting I had earlier without the time-related information.        
        




Earlier this year someone wrote me an email and asked for an interview about my book, Penniless Hearts. Thought this would be a great time to share those answers.

Where do you call home and what do you love most about that place? I live in the California desert. The warm breezes can be intoxicating and I love swimming!
What or who inspired you to write your first title?My dad always encouraged me to write and I've been writing since I was a young girl. My novel was inspired by my honeymoon and wedding in Hawaii.
What books have most influenced your life?Sounds funny but I've always loved books that take the main character on a journey. It can be a physical journey or just a journey of the heart. Honestly, the books with the greatest influence were probably fairy tales.

Can you give us an idea of what your “writing space” is like? Cluttered and creative are two words that immediately come to mind. I have two actual writing spaces—the first one is a large desk next to a window where I access the internet. My actual writing desk and office is a walk in closet I call ‘The Desert Rocks Creative Department.’ 
What inspired you to write Penniless Hearts?Penniless Hearts is the novel I had to write because of my experience in the newspaper business. It’s a journey of love and a catharsis for my characters. They have to figure out why things happen and why pain can lead to joy. In fact, I’ve also been inspired by the Biblical conversion of Paul and the The Prophet by Khalil Gibran. I’ve always loved stories that take someone on a journey of introspection. Alice through the Looking Glass, for example, Dorothy on her way to Oz or the shepherd boy in The Alchemist .  Famous poets and writers have left imprints on my heart and make me want to share the insight I grasp in their words. Plus, I love beautiful beaches like the ones in Penniless Hearts.
Where did the idea come from?I worked for thirty years in the newspaper business and mistakenly believed it was the business of communication—but—the same lack of corporate communication which made me laugh at first—later made me scream. The only option was to step away and write about it.
Who is your favorite character in your latest publication and why?Penny is my favorite character. She’s the sensitive, loving and imaginative, brave woman I wish I could be. I also like The Fist because I can almost envision Joe Pesci.
If your publication was made into a movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters? I see Jason Lee as John for some reason and Matthew  McConaughey as the pilot. Penny has to be tough and cute at the same time. Maybe Amy Adams or Zooey Deschanel.
Which of your characters is most like you (if any)?
Yikes, I was afraid of this question. I’d have to say Tina but I’m working on being more like Penny.