Ten Random Reader Questions

I get asked some really funny, amazing, and silly questions. So I gave the Corinne Michaels Books group the opportunity to ask me anything. One of my good friends picked 11 random questions and these are what she picked. I hope you enjoy because knowing her these are going to be the worst of them…lol

1)What is your guilty pleasure?

Wine and cupcakes. I could live off those! Although, lately it’s been Starbucks. I’m very superstitious and I’ve now convinced myself that I can only write if I drink Starbucks. Which I’m sure my barista is happy about.

2)Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?

I’d like to see myself with at least 5 books published. I’d like to be living by the beach still and hopefully writing full time.

3)What is hardest to write sex scenes or emotional ones?

For me, it’s the sex scenes. I know some of my writer friends who can attest they’re difficult. It’s a lot of moving body parts and clothing that has to come off. When I write they move very fast in my head, so I’m usually a little behind and it can take me a day to write one scene. When I write the emotional scenes I usually can move quickly.

4)Whats your process in starting a book? And how do you do it all with Family, career, FB,Blog?

I don’t know that I have a process. With Beloved I just went in. I knew Catherine (since she’s a lot of me.) Jackson, was a little trickier. I had a very clear idea of who I wanted him to be. However, he wasn’t. Once I let him really take his own life the process was much easier. I don’t outline, it limits me too much. I do know the plot and what I want to happen, but I leave enough room in my head to allow things to change. For the second question, I don’t know. There are some days that it seems to all work harmoniously. I can write, be a mom, wife, work, and then there are others where I should’ve stayed in bed. But then again that’s living. I try to write at night so my kids can have my attention during the day. TRY.

5)You’re sitting in your writing space and you look to your right, what’s there?

My fireplace. I write in my living room since the house we moved into doesn’t have writing nook for me.

6)How did you arrive at your character’s last names?

HA! Okay Catherine was always Pope for me. Jackson again was issues. His name changed several times. He was Jackson Grant for a very long time…but that’s another story.

7)If you could live anywhere in the world (money isn’t an issue) where would it be?

Any Caribbean island- I’m not picky. I live for the ocean and if it’s crystal blue waters than I’m a happy girl.

8) How many Mochas would it take for you to scrap Catherine and have Muff fall desperately in love with this Aussie chick???

Of course she picked this one… Oh, Tanya it would take a lot more than you could afford.

9)What is your favorite food?

I’m not really sure. I love food. (which my #authorass can attest to)

10)Who/what inspired or pushed you when you felt like giving up or not continuing?

Wow, there are about ten people who really gave me pushes and all at different times. My betas: Cara, Mandi, Jenn, Stacia, Roxie and Livia pushed me more than anyone. They literally were my lifeline at times.

Then I had some fantastic authors who supported me. If it weren’t for Rose, Laurelin, Kristy, Emmy, and Faith I don’t know that I would’ve had the courage to write. They held my hand and then pushed when I needed it. My editor Megan Ward was beyond supportive and inspiring. She can light a fire under anyone and I’m honestly blessed to have her in my life.

There was point where I really wasn’t sure I could actually do this. I was terrified and all of them stood beside me and some where empathetic and others told me to suck it up. Each were equally valuable to me.

Of course my husband, kids, and mother are always the reason I keep going.

11)Who Is your role model ?

Is it funny that I have many? There are amazing women who I strive to emulate. Each day someone else reminds me that I can do better. Today, it was Claire, tomorrow it could be you. That’s the beauty of it, everyone in some way shape or form can be a role model.