Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Interview with Rachel Hauck
So, Rachel, do you have a favorite chocolate indulgence?
No, just chocolate in all forms!
Give your own definition of chick lit/lit fiction.
Oo, good one. A woman's journey toward a goal or destiny that involves, faith, friends, family, career and hunky man. :)
You taught about chick lit at the ACFW conference a few years back. Could you give us a workshop in a nutshell? :-)
Oh, girl, what are you thinking? Um, be funny. Be deep. Create a wide stage with a humorous supporting cast, don't be snarky or mean, tell the story with dialog, don't be introspective. How's that?
Do you have any chick lit-like moments from your own life that you could share?
Well, I was a career woman for many years before I was married. I traveled the world and the country for four years before moving to an in-house job. One winter, I was in Spain, and my interpreter decided he was in love with me. Oh, mercy! He was married. I wasn't. And he gave me the willies. He flew to his home city over the weekend and about nine that night, a note was slipped under my door by a hotel staffer. It started out, "Dear Princess..." Oh no oh no oh no!
I felt sick, and slimed and a bazillion miles away from my friends. I just prayed. It was all I could do! And what a privilege to be able to pray. Monday morning, he tells me how he thought of me all weekend. He was with his family! More oh no oh no oh no!
A few nights later, our cab driver went insane or something and got lost taking us to our hotel. By then even I knew the route! So we're driving around Madrid and I preached to my interpreter the entire time. Gave him the Gospel of Jesus Christ straight up and full on. End of crush on ole Rachel. ;) God be glorified!
Do you have any writing quirks?
You mean writing itself is not a quirk?
I do tend to pick last names that start with H or W. I have to have a Diet Coke or two to get started. I have to run through email and social media before writing. And call Susie Warren. Sometimes I read before I take up my own project.
You've already co-authored a series with Sara Evans--which we're going to have to talk to you about later on! But is there someone else you would love to write with? Why?
I'd love to write with Debbie Macomber. She's such a warm, fabulous story teller. I've learned a lot from her. I'd like to write with Susie because we practically write each other's books anyway. But writing with a co-write is not easy. Sara and I have done extremely well together, and I don't take that lightly. Once you start getting into story and plot, how to write and what to write, all the rules change. Sara and I have our partnership divided in clear lines so we don't step on each other's toes.
Really, I'd love for one of my own books to just take off to the moon!!
What are one or two of your favorite lit novels from the CBA?
Well, got to bow to the master Kristin Billerbeck. She writes great stuff. I think her Ashley Stockingdale series is fabulous. My other favorite lit author would probably be Siri Mitchell.
Where would you go on your dream “research” trip, and would you take anyone with you? Who?
Whoa, you used dream and research in the same sentence. I'm not sure that's allowed. My dream trip would be to a ranch in Montana, or a beach house in Fiji. If I happened to get some research done, then so be it. I'd take my hubby for sure.
If you could live in a novel, which one would you choose?
Live in a novel? Hmmm... Maybe in Mitford, Jan Karon's great North Carolina world.
If you weren’t pursuing writing, is there another dream career you might be chasing?
This is it. My dream career. All my "eggs" are in this basket.
Finally, share two pieces of advice—one writing-related and one not.
Writing advice would be to take it one day, one book at a time. Don't get ahead of yourself but stay tuned into the industry and publishing. Get involved in writer's groups, work on your craft, work on networking.
None writing related would be to really, really, really get a hold of the fact Jesus loves you. He's declared you are worthy. Don't let anyone steal that from you. And take care of this matter before really trying to do the matter of writing.
Thanks for having me! GREAT questions. :)
Interview with Erynn Mangum
Today we have the hilarious Erynn Mangum as our guest author. Erynn is a proud new mom who writes about quirky characters and coffee...lots of coffee. The first time I read one of her books, my husband walked into the room and laughed at the smirk on my face. Fun stuff. :-) Erynn, do you have a favorite chocolate indulgence?
I love, love, LOVE homemade chocolate chip cookies. The Charmingly Chocolate Chip Cookies from Trader Joes are the closest to homemade that I've found that you can buy store bought. I also love chocolate milkshakes. :)
Give your own definition of chick lit.
I think chick lit is has changed a little bit over the years. Before, the characters needed to be in their thirties, desperate for love and pretty sarcastic. Now, I think it can encompass different ages, different motives and different voices - as long as it's fun, entertaining and has that twinge of romance!
Do you have any chick lit-like moments from your own life that you could share?
I'm forever putting my foot in my mouth, so awkward moments are pretty much a daily occurrence for me. Sadly.
What about any crazy college Bible study stories?
I was SO lucky to be a part of some amazing college Bible studies - and yes, most of the scenes in my books are usually directly related to some of the ones I lived through! I remember we used to meet at this house that four guys shared and they would roll out huge area rugs right before everyone came over and then roll them back up right after everyone left so they never had to vacuum their carpet. Bleugh!
Do you have any writing quirks?
Oh gosh - I never do the same thing twice. Sometimes I sit on the couch, sometimes I'm at the kitchen table, sometimes at the desk. Sometimes I need coffee, sometimes a chai tea, sometimes just good old fashioned water. Usually I'm wearing sweatpants. I went through a phase where I chewed gum the entire time I was writing and let me tell you, I had enviable jaw muscles.
If you were going to co-author a novel, who would you choose to write with? Why?
Honestly, I don't know that I could co-author a novel. I think I write in such a scattered, unorganized way that I would drive any other writer absolutely insane. Plus, I never know where I'm going to take the story until I'm in the middle of writing it. Such habits do not a good co-author make.
What are one or two of your favorite lit novels from the CBA?
Love Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson - I read that recently and just cracked up. Robin Jones Gunn is always a magical read - I can only read her every so often though because I get so envious of her storytelling abilities!
Honestly, I don't know that I could co-author a novel. I think I write in such a scattered, unorganized way that I would drive any other writer absolutely insane. Plus, I never know where I'm going to take the story until I'm in the middle of writing it. Such habits do not a good co-author make.
What are one or two of your favorite lit novels from the CBA?
Love Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson - I read that recently and just cracked up. Robin Jones Gunn is always a magical read - I can only read her every so often though because I get so envious of her storytelling abilities!
Where would you go on your dream “research” trip, and would you take anyone with you? Who?
England and Austria. I want to go see where Jane Austen grew up and I want to do the Sound of Music tour. I can think of several really fun storylines that could happen on a Sound of Music tour. :) As far as people I would bring, I'd make it a girls trip and bring my mom, sister, grandma and a couple of my bestest friends.
Also, I think it would be too fun to write a story in Australia and I would definitely want my husband to come with me for that one. After growing up watching Man From Snowy River, I think Australia is such a romantic place!
If you could live in a novel, which one would you choose?
Sheesh! This is a hard question! Can I have multiple lives? I'd pick Pride and Prejudice, but they hadn't discovered deodorant yet, so that might be more of a See And Not Smell place I'd like to live. And I would love to have gone on the road trip in Elvis Takes A Backseat, because seriously - a life-sized statue of Elvis was in the backseat. But I think my top choice would be Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, because y'all, they had milkshakes falling from the sky.
If you weren’t pursuing writing, is there another dream career you might be chasing?
Every person I've ever talked to who is a photographer is absolutely in love with their job - I think that would be my next choice. Can you imagine a more fun job than capturing all of the priceless moments in people's lives?
Finally, share two pieces of advice—one writing-related and one not.
Writing-related advice: Accept criticism with a critical eye. Everyone is going to have a different thought on where your manuscript should go - listen to the advice that you believe really makes your work better and ignore the advice that changes your vision for the book.
Non-writing-related advice: Don't get distracted while blow drying your hair or you might end up sucking hair into the wrong end of the dryer and that is painful. Be sure to break in the shoes you are planning on wearing during your wedding before your wedding day. Running while holding a bottle of water is harder than it seems, particularly if you've lost the cap to the bottle. I'm full of very important pieces of advice.
Thank you SO much! This was fun!! :)
Thanks for joining us, Erynn!
To learn more about Erynn and her writing, check out her website. She has also graciously offered to give away a copy of Cool Beans, the first book in her Maya Davis series. You can get your name put into the hat up to four times. 1. Tweet this link and let us know. 2. Post this link on your facebook and let us know. 3. Follow our blog. 4. Comment below, telling us about what novel you would choose to live in. Or, well, just comment below. :-)
Interview with Trish Perry
Today, our dear friend and award-winning author Trish Perry is hanging out with us on Mind Chocolate. A fellow ACFW member, Trish is the first published author I ever met! Thanks for joining us, Trish.
Do you have a favorite chocolate indulgence?
Do you have a favorite chocolate indulgence?
Oh, the list is endless—very hard to choose a favorite. But every once in a while Costco will feature the Fudgie Wudgie company’s wares, and I actually stock up when they do. I was smack in the middle of a hard-core diet the last time around, and I bought a couple boxes anyway and froze them. They’re in there, in my freezer, like jewels of the Nile. My favorite flavor is Belgian Chocolate Walnut. Amazing stuff.
Give your own definition of chick lit.
Hmm. I actually shy away from that genre title these days, because of the shallow connotation it now carries. I tend to call my books romantic comedy or contemporary romance (and let the humor come as a bonus). I think many readers now think of “chick lit” as being about young women whose lives revolve around shopping, dating, and falling down. Even though I inject plenty of humor in my romances (I love to laugh), my gals tend to deal with more in their lives—family struggles and secrets, personal growth, coping with loss and other challenges, deepening friendships, and things like that. Of course, romance plays a huge role, and there’s always at least one hunky man in my heroine’s life. But I do hope readers think of my books as more substantive than a lot of books in the chick lit genre.
Do you have any chick lit-like moments from your own life that you could share?
Just like the chocolate question, there are so many to choose from . . . but here’s one for you. Even though I’m older than your standard chick lit heroine, this one is real. Nearly two winters ago, my teenaged son and I took several drives to check out colleges in our state. We tended to use an entire weekend when we made those drives, packing for an overnight stay so we could cover several schools in the same general area. We rushed on one of these trips, because he was formally scheduled for a morning interview and tour at a college three hours away from home. We got there in time to catch a shuttle bus to the campus, but when I got out of the car, I realized I had forgotten to bring shoes. I tended to make those long drives in my socks, just to be comfy. But I had forgotten to throw my shoes in the car, and I hadn’t packed a spare pair. I had to let my son take the shuttle to the interview while I got back in the car and drove all over the rural college town seeking any place where I might find some shoes to buy. The place was like a retail-free zone—plenty of tractor and feed stores, but little else—and I kept going into places in my socks, asking where I might buy some shoes. Someone at a consignment shop finally directed me to the K-Mart, one town over, where I bought the cheapest pair of sneakers I could find. I turned a few heads on that little journey.
Do you have any writing quirks?
I’ve noticed after the fact that many of my heroines have daddy issues. This truly is a quirk, because my own dad is a total gem and has never treated me with the neglect, conditional love, or ridiculous demands that my heroines’ fathers often do. Maybe it’s because I feel so confident in him that I’m comfortable putting my heroines through such grief.
If you were going to co-author a novel, who would you choose? Why?
What a good question. I’ve never co-authored a novel before, but I’ve discussed it with a couple of women I respect. Maybe we’ll end up working together at some point in the future. Miralee Ferrell is an amazing brainstormer, and I love her to death. So she’d be one person to consider. The other person I’ve chatted with along these lines is Debby Mayne. I think she and I would blend well. Both of those women think much the same as I do, and neither of them has the slightest bit of ego problem about them.
What are one or two of your favorite lit novels from the CBA?
I thought Kristin Billerbeck’s What a Girl Wants was excellent and far more on-the-money than some of the other Christian lits that came out around that time. She “gets” the voice for the genre. And, again, I’m not sure about the genre classification, but Sandra D. Bricker has written some especially fun ones. I really enjoyed The Big 5-0. although I imagine some readers would wonder about a lit heroine at that age. My advice? Read it. You’ll love it. Sandie’s hilarious.
Where would you go on your dream “research” trip, and would you take anyone with you? Who?
I’d love to tour Europe (and if we’re dreaming, I’m dreaming a huge budget for this trip—I want comfort). If I took someone with me, it would probably be my adult daughter or my sister, or one of the women I’ve mentioned above. I’d even be happy bringing my son—he’s a fun, terrific person—but he’d probably rather not make that trip with mom . . .
If you could live in a novel, which one would you choose?
I’m so content in my real life, that I’d have to choose one of my own books that are set right here in my general area. I wouldn’t want to live in a different time than now, because I’m spoiled rotten by modern conveniences. And I have so many friends and loved ones who mean so much to me, that I’d notice their absence if I lived in a book far away.
If you weren’t pursuing writing, is there another dream career you might be chasing?
I’d still have to do something artistic, or at least something that happens via the right hemisphere. Probably acting or reviewing. There’s something about fictional stories that simply fascinate me. I don’t even enjoy good nonfiction or memoir as I do fiction. That element of human creation pulls me in like nothing else. To some extent I think of God as the creator of nonfiction and memoir. Fiction is how His creations wish it could be or imagine it could be. If I weren’t creating those fantasies myself, I’d want to be involved, somehow, with how others create such things.
Finally, share two pieces of advice—one writing-related and one not.
Writing related: Begin every day by thanking God for your gift and turning everything about it over to His will. That way you’ll always know you’re writing what He wants you to write.
Non-writing related: Know where your shoes are at all times.
Ha ha. Good advice, Trish! :-)
To learn more about Trish and her writing, check out her website. She has also graciously offered to give away a copy of her recent release The Perfect Blend. You can get your name put into the hat up to four times. 1. Tweet this link and let us know. 2. Post this link on your facebook and let us know. 3. Follow our blog. 4. Comment below, telling us about any chick lit moments in your life. Or, well, just comment below. :-)
Ha ha. Good advice, Trish! :-)
To learn more about Trish and her writing, check out her website. She has also graciously offered to give away a copy of her recent release The Perfect Blend. You can get your name put into the hat up to four times. 1. Tweet this link and let us know. 2. Post this link on your facebook and let us know. 3. Follow our blog. 4. Comment below, telling us about any chick lit moments in your life. Or, well, just comment below. :-)
Interview with Julie Carobini
Julie, do you have a favorite chocolate indulgence?
Mmmm ... milk chocolate covered toffee by See's. (My family knows that whenever we get a pound of See's candy ... never touch the toffee!) It's kind of an upscale version of a Heath bar. Love it!
It looks like we may have some things in common, as your books often have chocolate and ocean themes. What inspired that? Do you intend to weave them into your future books?
All that chocolaty goodness in Chocolate Beach and Truffles by the Sea provided solace for my poor heroines. (I can relate, can you?) These days I write seaside novels filled with faith, flip flops and waves of grace. While there's not a lot of chocolate in my new series, the Otter Bay Novels, there is a dramatic seaside locale, plenty of conflict, elements of faith ~ and romance. These are the threads I plan to tie and untie in future books too.
Give your own definition of chick lit.
Defunct. Kidding. Maybe I should say "evolving." When reading one, you can't help but feel like Alice falling into the wonderland of the main character's mind. My favorites are written in first person and they don't feel like the heroine's talking to a reader ~ they feel like she's talking to me. Also, the characters often sound unfiltered, like they speak first and think later. An abundance of snarkyness might explain why the genre has tumbled from its throne, but I also see the more attractive traits of -lit books, such as humor, voice and closely-written point-of-view, showing up in other genres.
Do you have any chick lit-like moments from your own life that you could share?
You mean like the time I was so nervous about meeting my new boyfriend's (now husband's) business associates that when taking my seat I shook the table hard enough to nearly topple their drinks? No, I couldn't share that ...
Do you have any writing quirks?
Julee Schwarzburg edited my next book, Fade to Blue, and gave me a list of my "favorite words." This was her very kind way of pointing out those words I overuse. The one that sticks out to me now is 'wag' or variations of it: wagged, wagging, wags ... My characters wag their heads way too much, apparently ;)
If you were going to co-author a novel, who would you choose? Why?
That's a toughie because I already have a few co-authors, namely God and all the characters I talk to in my office. If he or she could get along with all of us, then sure, I'd consider a co-author.
What are one or two of your favorite lit novels from the CBA?
I have a dog-eared copy of My Life as a Doormat (in Three Acts) by Rene Gutteridge. I've read it that often.
Where would you go on your dream “research” trip, and would you take anyone with you? Who?
Any place coastal ~ Italy, French Riviera, Hawaii ~ and I'd take my husband Dan because he's as curious as I am. I would also love to write a novel set on our southern coast some day, however, because southerners are just so friendly!
If you weren’t pursuing writing, is there another dream career you might be chasing?
In addition to writing, I run JuliesBeachShop.com and would love to travel the world searching for quirky treasures to fill it :)
Finally, share two pieces of advice—one writing-related and one not.
1. On writing ~ Go to writer’s conferences. I know they can be expensive, but our God is extravagantly generous. When my college-aged son was a baby, I didn’t have the resources to attend a week-long conference. Then ‘out of the blue’ I was invited to participate in that sought-after conference—for free. It’s a long story, but to this day I’m grateful for the way God answered the prayer for provision. Through conferences I have made lifelong friends, I’ve met editors and, of course, I’ve learned much about writing and marketing. Find a way—some conferences offer grants—and go!
2. Whatever it is you do for work, take a real break from it each day. No email, phone calls, FB, etc. I need to follow my own advice more often, really, I do. But whenever I do step away from the computer and take a walk by the beach (I live nearby) or go grab a cappuccino, I'm AMAZED at how much better I'm able to tackle what needs to be done!
Thanks for having me here today, Jenness! Best to you and Tracy!
Thank you, Julie!
To learn more about Julie and her writing, check out her website. She has also graciously offered to give away a copy of her recent release A Shore Thing. You can get your name put into the hat up to four times. 1. Tweet this link and let us know. 2. Post this link on your facebook and let us know. 3. Follow our blog. 4. Comment below, telling us about your dream research trip (aka vacation).
Interview with Kristin Billerbeck
Today on Mind Chocolate, we're kicking off our Lit genre spotlight with award-winning author Kristin Billerbeck. She's a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the mother of four, and a very funny lady who isn't afraid to tell it like it is. Her books include the Ashley Stockingdale series, the Spa Girls series, and more.
Kristin, do you have a favorite chocolate indulgence?
My favorite chocolate indulgence is an Iced Soy Mocha with two pumps of chocolate (not four) from Starbucks. It’s a weird enough order where they make it as I come in…ah, chocolate on demand, is there anything better?
Give your own definition of chick lit.
Chick lit embodies a multitude of women’s fiction. Some chick lit is deep and full of real angst, and some is lighthearted, fun beach reads. The thing they all have in common is “voice”. Chick lit is generally told in first person, and it’s about the way one character sees the world. It’s her worldview. Her character study. It has been said Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the mother ship for all chick authors. She skewered the society of her day (when a woman’s value was only in how well she married). The humor is wry and ironic –very much like today’s chick lit.
You once made this prediction about chick lit: "I feel that it will peak, and that those who write good fiction will be left, and the genre as a talking point will die. Leaving those who really love the genre to get back to work." Do you feel like you were right? Do you have any other thoughts about the future of the genre?
I am actually surprised at how chick lit has survived and no one is calling it chick lit. I’ve heard humorous women’s fiction, young adult, Glitz, etc. Everything, but…but there are still plenty of chick authors out there and I just saw a commercial for the new Shopoholic book. I have been concentrating more on romance, but I miss the chick lit and the voice, so who knows what’s next?
Do you have any chick lit-like moments from your own life that you could share?
The reason I have no trouble coming up with chick lit moments is my life is made up of them. If they were pearls, I’d have a very long, expensive strand by now. It’s not just that life happens and involves me, it’s that I find great humor in humiliation, be it mine or someone else’s. I feel sympathy for others, and crack up at my own. Go figure.
Do you have any writing quirks?
I have a very short attention span, so I have to bribe myself to stay at the desk. I use espresso and David Crowder music mostly. And I reward words written with email. I have some local writer friends and we meet at a local coffee shop and write “together” – we reward scenes written with conversation.
If you were going to co-author a novel, who would you choose? Why?
I don’t know that I’d want to co-write. Most authors don’t play well with others, but if I had the ability to sit at someone’s feet and watch how they did it, I’d choose Maeve Binchy because her characters are so complete and whole. I’d love to see how she works them into her mind.
What are a couple of your favorite lit novels from the CBA?
There are really a lot I enjoy, but I love Rachel Hauck’s Love Starts with Elle, Tamara Leigh’s Faking Grace, Virginia Smith and Jenny B. Jones (whose voices I just love!).
Where would you go on your dream “research” trip, and would you take anyone with you? Who?
My dream research trip would be to Thomas Hardy’s England and I’d go the way I saw Jane Austen’s England – ALONE. I like to be lost in my own world and taking in the sights and sounds and the smells. I live with four kids and a dog, so I like the quiet. I don’t even mind eating in restaurants alone. I experience the world fully that way, and that is the way I like to research.
If you could live in a novel, which one would you choose?
Pride and Prejudice, naturally. I was an Austen-geek at fifteen, and nothing has changed. Now, I’m reading it to my daughter, and she’s well-acquainted with all things Darcy.
If you weren’t a writer, is there another dream career you might be chasing?
I am simply fascinated by how the human brain works, and how we’re all different and experiencing the world differently, so if I had another profession, it would be as a psychiatrist or brain researcher. Even if it were only as someone taking notes on doctors’ work, I find it fascinating.
Finally, share two pieces of advice—one writing-related and one not.
1. Writing is subjective. If it’s in your blood, write, write, write. Don’t let anyone’s opinion sway you from your mission. Set a goal, make it happen.
2. My other advice would be don’t let other people define you. Strive to be who God made you to be in fullness and don’t pretend to be the Christian Martha Stewart if that’s not how God made you. People’s judgment doesn’t matter in the end.
Thank you so much for stopping by, Kristin! To learn more about her, check out Kristin's website. She has also graciously offered to give away a copy of her recent release Perfectly Dateless, a fun YA novel. You can get your name put into the hat up to four times. 1. Tweet this link and let us know. 2. Post this link on your facebook and let us know. 3. Follow our blog. 4. Comment below, telling us about your favorite chocolate indulgence.
Interview with Tracy
What is your favorite chocolate indulgence?
This is a hard choice. There are just so many goodies out there! I am going to have to go with my friend Jan Hobbs' chocolate cake. The recipe includes chocolate and coffee. It is delicious! I feel the need to apologize to everyone that it is not available world-wide for their enjoyment. :)
Define chick-lit in your own words.
This is simple. I can do it in one word. Fun! :)
What was the most chick-lit moment in your life?
This is an impossible question to answer. There is no way that I can choose just one. I am a disaster magnent, and I married a man that can find humor in the most dire of circumstances :) I live in a chick-lit novel!
Do you have any writing quirks?
When I get a chance to break away from the chaos that is my life and write I am extremly focused. This is one area where the only quirkiness that can be found is in the characters on the page. If you ask Jenness about this I am sure that she would tell you differently. :)
What is your favorite CBA lit (chick or otherwise) novel?
Okay, these questions are hard. I am getting a headache from all of these choices! I have a strong love affair with books in general. It is difficult to choose favorites. I am going to have to agree with Jenness about Ray Blackston's book Flabbergasted. It is laugh out loud funny.
Where would you go on your dream writing "research" trip, and would you take anyone with you? Who?
I would go to Monaco, and I would take my hubby. Though I must confess that with him along I don't know how much research I would get done...unless my next novel includes lots of romance. :)
If you could live in a novel, which would you choose?
I do live in a novel! :) My life is Bliss. South Florida really is a little slice of heaven right here on earth.
If you were not pursuing writing, what dream career would you be chasing?
I am taking this question literally. I know that this will never, ever happen. It really is a dream in every sense of the word, but I have always secretly (do not laugh!) wanted to own a football team. I love this sport! The skill, detail, and sheer physical demands all come together to create the most magnificant game in the world.
Finally, share two pieces of advice--one writing related and one not.
1. I still have so much to learn that I feel a little awkward handing out advive, but here are my two cents. To become a good writer you have to be vulnerable. You cannot pretend that you know everything. You must be willing to learn from others. You have to put your hard work out there, and accept critiques. It might not always feel like it, but this is a gift. The things that other writers can bring to your craft cannot be detailed in this small space. In short...surround yourself with people who share your passion for words, and learn everything that you can.
2. Be real. Lay the facade aside and be real. We all have issues. There is nothing to be gained by pretending otherwise. However, by being transparent there is much that we can learn from each other. And most importantly from God.
Interview with Jenness
Do you have a favorite chocolate indulgence? Maybe Lindt truffles? Honestly, when it comes to chocolate, I’m not that picky. I’ll go for the chocolate chips if there’s nothing else around.
Give your own definition of chick lit.
To me, it’s a fun story told about and narrated by a sassy woman with a quirky cast of secondary characters. In a way, it's a coming-of-age tale--with or without a romance thread--where the heroine learns what is truly important in life.
Do you have any chick lit-like moments from your own life that you could share?
I live the klutzy side of chick lit. I don’t wear the stilettos, but I do have some honkin’ shoes. Once on a trip, I took a few books and a single shoe out of my suitcase before my flight in order to keep from paying the overweight baggage fee. It felt a little odd walking around the airport with that lone shoe hanging out of my carry-on…
Do you have any writing quirks?
I have issues with names. I almost always have to go back and change quite a few, because, for some unknown reason, most of my female characters have names ending in “y” or “ie” and my last names tend to be Irish or Scottish.
What are a couple of your favorite lit novels from the CBA?
Two in my long list of favorites are Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston and Miss Match by Erynn Mangum.
Where would you go on your dream “research” trip, and would you take anyone with you? Who?I don’t have a story for it yet, but send me back to Antigua, Guatemala, and I’m sure I could come up with one. I was there briefly in high school and loved the cobblestone streets, the cathedral ruins, drinking hot chocolate at midnight in a café while someone walked around playing a guitar…Sigh. I would take my husband. If I could get him on a plane.
If you could live in a novel, which one would you choose?
Out of the ones I’ve written, I’d choose Bliss. As much as I love writing suspense, I’d much rather live in a fun, happy world. J Out of the ones I’ve read…how about Secrets by Kristen Heitzmann? I’d love to try Lance’s food and see that house.
If you weren’t pursuing writing, is there another dream career you might be chasing?
My dad restores pianos and furniture. My grandpa restores furniture. My sister-in-law paints. And I love finding unique used furniture to fix up. I think it would be amazing to open a business with my family, building and painting and repurposing things to sell. J
Finally, share two pieces of advice—one writing-related and one not.
1. I say this over and over again, but it’s so important. Find other writers. Join writers’ organizations and critique groups. You need the support and the mentoring they offer. I especially love ACFW and My Book Therapy.
2. The best way (for me, at least), to find the willpower to clean your own house is to find an audio book. If it’s a good enough story, you’ll be looking for extra things to clean so you have an excuse to finish it. J
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