Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I’ve been a reader my whole life. My grandfather taught me to read when I was only three years old. Books have always been my escape from the world, my safe place. Plus, I’m a major introvert and carry on conversations in my head all the time. It was probably a natural progression from reader to writer. But it took some time.
Following a dream can be scary and sometimes we need a wake-up call to get us to jump off that ledge and go for it. That’s what happened with me. I had a medical scare and it made me think, “if I die tomorrow, would I have any regrets?” The answer was yes, because I never tried to write the stories floating around in my head. That was the moment that I embraced my dream and shoved the fear aside. Not that it doesn’t resurface every time I start a new book.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I feel like I’ve lived a pretty average, but wonderful life. However, I have lived overseas twice, which was not only amazing but interesting. First, I lived in Spain and then later in Italy. Both were wonderful experiences. I loved getting to know the people and culture of those countries. And let’s just say they’ve both got it going on with the idea of taking a break in the middle of the day.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I’m originally from Napa, California, but I kind of grew up in a lot of places. My mom had wanderlust so we moved around a bit. I’ve lived in Hawaii (loved that we didn’t have to wear shoes at school!), and Alaska (the Northern Lights are AH-mazing!). I’ve also lived in Arizona, Illinois, and then moved to Washington at the beginning of high school and that is where I consider my second hometown to be located. I’m pretty sure my mom was training me to be a good Navy wife, because moving is part of the life.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
This one is easy. I’d spend the day with my husband and kids. There’s no one else I’d rather spend those last hours with. I imagine us playing some kind of game (D&D, Catchphrase, Cards Against Humanity) because we’d all be together, talking, teasing, and laughing. There is no sound I love more in this world than that of my family laughing together (and now I’m crying just thinking about this…).
Who is your hero and why?
I don’t have one, but rather a pair: my grandparents. There are so many things I admire about them. They saw extraordinaire events and milestones in their lifetimes, not all of it good…think of the Great Depression, both World Wars, so many wars, but a lot of wonderful advancements. They were from Oklahoma and went through the “Dust Bowl,” making the decision to relocate to California so they could find work. Neither finished high school, but my grandfather was one of the most well-read people I’ve ever met. My grandmother was the most gracious hostess. You could drop in unannounced and she’d always make you feel welcome. She could drive a school bus, work a steam press and was an amazing seamstress (she made my wedding dress!). My grandfather risked his own life to save a neighbor’s during one of the big fires in California. Not because he was looking to be a hero, just because it was the right thing to do.
They made a good, stable home for their family, often taking care of nieces and nephews along with their own kids. They helped raise my brother and I, as my mom was a single parent. They showered us with love, taught us values, and while they may not have had much in the way of money, we never went without. They faced ups and downs, but stuck it out together, celebrating fifty-four and half years together. They stood by each other’s sides, they fought, they loved, and they never gave up. They were normal, down-to-earth people who loved deeply and passed that on to their family. How could they not be my heroes and everything I strive to be.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
You may call me Empress. Just don’t make me lose my groove. LOL. Just kidding. Okay, so I went to my middle child to answer this for me. His answer: diplomatic, kind, caring and just. (This is one of the reasons I love that kid.)
What do you do to unwind and relax?
READ. I know that probably doesn’t sound like a relaxing hobby for a writer, but books have always been my escape. If I’m not reading, you might find me baking for my family, or cleaning house (strangely enough, cleaning clears my mind). If the weather is nice, I like to go on walks (not hikes) at the state parks. And if we can travel…look for me on a beach (under an umbrella) or at Disney.
How to find time to write as a parent?
My kids are all grown now, with the baby having just turned 19. So do not know how that happened. When I started writing he was 8, the middle was 10 and the oldest 18. I worked full-time, too. The great thing about those ages is that they don’t need you to supervise them 24/7. My family all thought it was pretty cool that I was writing a book, so they were helpful. They let me have time in the evenings to write, as well as on the weekends. The important thing for me, and I think them as well, was that I made time every day for them. When my boys got home from school, I’d stop everything I was doing to talk with them, to see how their day had gone. Same with my husband and oldest. I made sure they knew they were still my priority.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Introverted, empathic, sarcastic, kind, impatient.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ll let you know when that happens. Honestly, I think it happened after I finished my third manuscript. That’s the one that got editors’ attention.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Hands down: Grease. I will watch it every time it comes on, even though I can recite the lines. And yes, I sing along.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
All of them, of course! Actually, I’d love to see them made into a series. I think they’d be a lot of fun, but they definitely don’t fit into the sweet category, so maybe for one of the streaming services.
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