Q: Do you have a personal motto?

A: Yes, two actually. The first is no big surprise and serves as good advice for any one pertaining to anything. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". And if we think of the planet as one of the "others" then all that is good in this world boils down to that one rule.
     The second is less grandiose and more personal and that is "Be yourself". Those few words of wisdom from my sixth grade teacher have never steered me wrong. It's about honestyI like that.

Q: Do you believe in love at first sight?

A: I believe in infatuation at first sight. I think love comes after your first impression is proven correct and the person is as compelling on the inside as they are on the outside. Falling in love is easy it's the staying in love that's hard.

Q: Are you a romantic?

A: I think in our technology driven society, romance is considered indulgent or superfluous. Left brain is valued above right brain. You can't be a romantic and be cool. I think that's so sad. We separate ourselves from each other too much. Maybe that makes it easier for us to stay detached, to stop caring. I love it when people connect, we can change the world that way. I relish the happy ending and I don't think that makes me weak or sappy. It makes me hopeful and I've always thought hope was a good thing. So yes, I am a romantic and proud of it.

Q: Do you consider yourself a feminist?

A: I'd have to say yes, but I think that term is very misunderstood. One gender isn't stronger or better than the other. We're different and I celebrate that difference. I seek equality and only when so called feminine traits are as valued in our society as are masculine traits, will we achieve true equality. I'm looking forward to that day.

Q: Why did you become a writer?

A: A million things, but if I have to name just one, I'd have to say that being the third of three girls probably had the most to do with it. As the youngest, my input wasn't nearly as interesting as my sisters'. No one ever came right out and said anything, but I knew it to be true. So whenever I heard a comment like, "That's a nice house" I'd pipe in with "That's Tony Bologna's house." Or "Tony Bologna has a house like that." I'd created an imaginary friend so I could make a contribution to the conversation. No one in my family ever questioned Tony Bologna's existence and they made sure that Tony's Christmas gifts always got to me in time. My family encouraged my creative talents then, just as they do now. Aren't I lucky?

Q: What was the first romance novel you ever read?

A: I wish I could say Pride and Prejudice and sound impressive, but I'm afraid I can't, I didn't discover Jane Austen until University. I read Nancy Drew books at an early age and always loved the parts with suitor, Ned Nickerson. I anxiously prayed for the day hapless Ned planted a passionate one on Nancy's lips. Alas, I was destined to be disappointed. In frustration, I turned to more promising titles. The first was called The Twisted Cameo by Katheryn Kimbrough. I was hooked! I still have that paperback. The cover hangs on by a thread and its spine is cracked, but its precious contents remain intact. I can remember the peculiar lump that formed in my throat as the hero kissed the heroine and the happy tears I shed as I read the last page. How great is that? Writing is truly a noble profession.