My Tell All

The following interview originally appeared on I’mareadernotawriter.com, but I thought I answered some interesting questions. So. I wanted to share it with you.

1. If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?

My Kindle, so I could continue to read.  My toothbrush because yuck if I don’t have it.  And my family and friends, because I need them to be happy.

2. If you were a superhero what would your name be?

Perseverance. I think it’s one of the best tools any person can have to accomplish amazing goals and to reach dreams that seem almost impossible

3.  One food you would never eat?

I know a lot of people love this, but not me, Sushi. I think since the cavemen worked so hard to discovered fire, we should not insult them by eating meat raw.  LOL.

4. Pet Peeves?

Bullies, people who think that only their opinion matters, lemon seeds in my drinks and shoes that hurt my feet.

5. Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Years ago, I was attending a luncheon with Debbie Macomber.  She handed out little green note cards and told us to write down three goals.  I’ve always been a big believer in having goals, so I did it.  I wrote I wanted to write and sell a how-to writing book.  I wanted to receive a three book contract and I wanted to hit one of the big lists:  the New York Times or the USA Today.  I have since accomplished all those goals and I have to tell you, each and every one them brought me such a feeling of accomplishment.   There is something about having goals and meeting them that brings a powerful feeling of having some control in your life.  Like Debbie Macomber, I recommend everyone write down their goals and start working toward them.

6.  Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?

Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. There is actually a video that perfecting describes my Shadow Falls series as well as Kylie, my main character.  I actually posted it on my blog.  Check it out.

7.  What is your favorite quote?

Well, since I just went over to my blog to listen to Natasha Bedingfield’s song, I will use a couple of quotes from her song.  “Live with your arms wide open.  Today is where your book begins.  The rest is still unwritten.”

8.  Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

Each of the characters in Shadow Falls has a little bit of me inside them, which makes them so relatable to me.  Della is my rebellious side and don’t we all have one of those sides?  However, Miranda is dyslexic, which means she gets her spells wrong sometimes.  And I relate to her because I’m dyslexic, too.  But of all the characters, I think I relate to Kylie the most.  I based a lot of her back story on things that happened to me when I was a teenager.  I had a family member die when I was around her age, and my parents got a divorce, too.  That was so hard for me.  Plus, I had girl friends making some bad decisions where boys were concerned, just like Kylie’s friend Sara did.  I used all of the emotions I felt, all of the insecurities and uncertainties I experienced as a teenager when I molded Kylie’s character, and I think it helped bring her to life.  I guess you could say I plagiarized my life to create Kylie.  However, Kylie is a lot cooler than I ever was.

9. What do you do in your free time?

Am I really supposed to have some of that?  Seriously, I do spend most of my time writing.  I try to walk each day.  Spend some time with family and sit in the hot tub, where I do a lot of plotting.

10.  Horror or Romance?

Romance!!!  But with a touch of danger to keep me on my toes.

11. Sweet or Salty?

Salty.

12.  Summer or Winter?

Neither.  Spring and Fall is what I’d choose.

13.  Cat or Dog?

Both.

14.  Truth or Dare?

Both.  Or how about…Dare to tell the truth?

Okay, those were my answers. So tell me. If you were stranded on a deserted island what three things would you take with you?