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About Me & FAQsIt’s hard to know what you might want to know about me – if anything at all! I’m an ordinary sort, without prestigious degrees from Ivy League schools, or a life filled with living in exotic places, or a career anyone but the uninitiated could remotely call glamorous. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, women writers don’t run around in tiaras and diaphanous gowns attended by a fawning staff while they dodge paparazzi. Except in our fantasies. Although I could dispense with the gown and tiara if I only had one fawning staff. Nope, you’re more likely to see me sans make-up in blue jeans, either ensconsed behind my computer while I munch on a quick breakfast of granola (used to be banana nut bread, but I'm trying here, people), attempting to drive out thoughts that range from how many loads of dirty laundry are waiting in the next room to how many weeds have popped up in the garden. There's a downside to working at home. I also wrestle with the certainty that if I don’t think of something to write pretty soon, my career will be over way before I can afford retirement. I grew up only a few miles from where I currently live - a pleasant Midwestern suburb of a pleasant Midwestern city. I did get more than ten blocks away several times in my life. First, when I went off to the University of Kansas where I majored in journalism, then again when I couldn’t get a job in said journalism (not that I was so rotten at it, but it was recession time) and took the first job offered at a major tour and travel company (as a clerk typist – my parents were thrilled). This “temporary” step led to a twenty-year career in the travel industry. Working in travel is yet another totally unglamorous job – but it did provide me with opportunities to travel (cheap) to all parts of the U.S. and Europe, the Caribbean, and one foray into Egypt, a trip truly exotic when the sand flies weren’t nipping at my nose (arms, feet, and legs). Along the way, I married and had a son, who is now, gulp, nineteen, and I divorced. I still believe in love... but I also have developed a strong attachment to a room of my own. The last position I had in travel was managing a travel bookstore, and I’d likely still be there if it hadn’t met its demise with the upswing of the “big box” bookstores. But everything happens for a reason… While I was floundering around (I was quite good at floundering) with that age-old question – What do I want to be when I grow up? – my then-husband urged me to write a book. I took his advice, and I did. Not that the very first effort was any good, mind you, but I was hooked. There’s nothing better than discovering your passion in life – unless it’s discovering there’s somebody out there who wants to pay you to do it! That’s it in a nutshell. I’m asked a number of questions about my books, and writing. I’ve put some FAQs on my newsletter page. If you think of anything you’d like to know about me, or any aspect of writing - feel free to email me with your question(s) and I’ll answer as many as I can on my website in the future. --- FAQs The three most frequent questions I get – or that people want to ask are: Who is your agent? Marcy Posner at Sterling Lord Literistic. See www.sll.com. Who is your editor? For the HOME series, it was the equally incomparable Claire Zion, Editorial Director, New American Library. How much do you make? Oh, c’mon. Other questions... How do you pronounce your name? However you want! It's a toughie, both to spell and pronounce, so use whatever makes it easiest for you to remember - I'm never offended. Each branch of the family seems to have hit on a different pronunciation. Cor-zhay (what my son and I use). Cor-jee-ought. Cor-gate. Why are your HOME books set in Cordelia, Missouri? Are you from there? I wish - it sounds like a wonderful place, and I'm very close to the people who live there. :) Cordelia is a total figment of my imagination – as is nearby Lake Kesibwi. Cordelia is a compilation of different towns in central Missouri – larger than Cole Camp, smaller than Sedalia, and containing, I hope, the best of both. (I’m a “happy ending” writer – I ignore most of the warts.) Growing up, I spent summers at the Lake of the Ozarks, and still get back there when I can. Lake Kesibwi is reminiscent of the Lake of the Ozarks back in the 60’s when I was a girl. I have a “thing” for small towns, even though I’ve never lived in one. Maybe it’s that illusive longing for a simpler life? Although I’m not too sure life is simple anywhere anymore. If you have a question, please email me, and I’ll do my best to answer either personally or here on my web site. |
 Photo by Arby Todd Because you've asked... (Or: Snippets of My Life From the Last Few Months.) I've gotten behind on updating my web site, sending out newsletters, and finding consistent time to write on my blog. But... that just means my life is full, doesn't it? Doesn't it? Of course it does! And I know you know what I mean - we all hit those spates where the pace picks up. I've been juggling several freelance jobs, as well as a number of things on the homefront, some of them dull (refinancing the house), some of them poignant (son's graduation), some quite fun... Like longer spring walks. A trip to the lake. A Bon Jovi concert. (My ears are still ringing, but, be still my heart. Have you heard that new(er) ballad on their Lost Highway CD? Make A Memory? Now, that is romance.) And I just saw the musical, Wicked. Loved that - see it if you get a chance! * * * In Memorium Byron Brainerd LaMae Brainerd * * * Answers to questions you've asked... Books I've Read Recently THE GOLDEN COMPASS, by Philip Pullman I LOVED this book - what a writer - such great characterization, plotting... just wonderful. ELEVEN ON TOP, by Janet Evanovich Reading candy - fun. EAT LOVE PRAY, by Elizabeth Gilbert Wonderful voice, wonder-filled journey. OPENING OUR HEARTS, TRANSFORMING OUR LOSSES An Al-Anon Family Groups publication ---- Favorite Author I'm always amazed when people can choose one. Or even several. I have lots of faves...depends on my mood! (But I'll admit to a long-time love for Georgette Heyer, and that one of my favorite all-time books is WHERE THE HEART IS by Billie Letts.) What I'm Watching on TV Not a lot, lately. Broke the habit during the writer's strike. But I'll admit to fascination with this year's election campaign and some hours spent listening to pundits. Favorite Food Here's a plug for my favorite restaurant: Kokapelli's. Mexican, of course. I just plain love Mexican food! Favorite Color To Wear Periwinkle. Shades of nature. Favorite Colors to Decorate With Burnt orange, sage, natural shades. Favorite Childhood Authors Janet Lambert. She wrote a series of young adult books featuring the Parrish family and was a major inspiration for my O'Malley sisters' series. I loved re-visiting my old friends with each of her books. Also Georgette Heyer, any of the famous gothic novelists, Louisa May Alcott, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Jane Austen! |
