Pastime With Books: Author Interview

What turns you on creatively? .. I’m turned on by difficult situations that folks (characters) have to work their way out of. I’m very evil in that way! Coming up with creative problems and likewise, creative solutions, is very fun (and turns me on, you know, in a creative kinda way)

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? .. My first and only novel overused the word “sweetie” when the main characters addressed the child, who was one of the important supporting characters. Have been reminded of this by more reviewers than I would care to mention. No more “sweeties” for me, ever !

What is your greatest regret? … I love to travel and did a good deal of it when I was a travel agency owner in the 1990’s (plus I didn’t have any kids.) but wish that I would have taken time after college to move to Europe and live in England or France or Switzerland for a year or so.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? … I wish that my follow through on tasks was more consistent. I get distracted by new ideas, stories, business ventures, etc. too easily. I do just okay at the new things I try, but I have an issue with staying with something for the long-term (more than 3 or so years). Remember the dog in the wonderful Pixar movie “Up”, that’s me (on a slightly longer time scale) - SQUIRREL!

What is your greatest fear? … That I won’t be so lucky as I age in regards to how healthy I’ve been thus far in my life.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? …. So far, hands down, my children. The three of them are very interesting, different, well-mannered (okay, well the currently 14 yr old daughter was NOT well-mannered between ages 12 and until recently!), and smart. Seeing them take shape gives me great pride.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? … I detest people that don’t listen and steer every conversation back to themselves. Have you ever chatted with someone, relayed an interesting bit of information to them, and they have this uncanny ability to connect this information with something that is important to THEM? sheesh, get clue.

What are your favorite types of books to read and why? I enjoy spy thrillers and other thrillers. My favorite book of all time is John le Carre’s “A Perfect Spy” he writes with such richness, texture, and complexity that I often find myself pausing to decipher what I just read. He is a master of the “gray” character in that his characters have a blending of good and bad traits. I love Lehane for this same reason.