My Turn

It’s my turn to answer a few questions.

1)Tell us a little about your family and where you're from

I grew up in Houston, Texas. I was a true city girl, and loved living in Houston. Now I live in a small town outside of Cincinnati. I have two kids who are in high school, and I’ve been married to the guy I met my second week in college for almost twenty years.

2)If you could be lazy for an entire day what would you do?

That’s easy. Read. Nap. Read some more. Eat cookies.

3)What is your writing routine?

I hate to procrastinate, so I write pretty much every day for at least a few hours. I like to write in the morning as soon as my kids are off to school. Oh, I almost always count pages, too. As in, I've got to write five more pages today.

4)What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book for Harlequin was called Cinderella Christmas. It was about a janitor who agreed to accompany an executive to a ball, in exchange for a pair of beautiful shoes. One of my critique partners had inspired me. She thought there were probably a bunch of stories that could be written about women doing a lot for shoes. On a side note, I love to shop, but I'm not much of a shoe person.

5) How long have you been writing?

10 years. To date, I've sold 20 books. I've written for Avalon, Five Star, Harlequin American, and now also Avon Inspire.

6) What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to write, but didn’t think I’d ever be a writer. Actually, I thought I’d grow up to be one of those ladies who lunch. When reality hit-in the form of a stern talking to from my father-I became a teacher. I taught elementary school for ten years and really enjoyed it.

7) What were you doing at midnight last night?

I’m one of those people who loves to sleep. Usually, I’m asleep by eleven. However, last night I was rereading Mary Balogh’s novel, Simply Love. Oh, I love, love, love her regency historicals. I read them over and over again. So, last night I was finishing up that book even though I knew exactly how it ended.

8) Are you a cat or dog person? A dog! We have a beagle and a miniature dachshund named Suzy.

9) What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

For me, the most important element is characterization. If I don’t connect with the heroine, I usually won't finish the book.

10) Describe your writing space.

I’m in my son’s old bedroom. I painted the walls pink, and I have all my book covers framed on one wall. It is truly the messiest room in the house. Suzy the weiner dog usually sleeps in a bed by my desk. Oh, and I have a space heater that’s almost always on.

11) Do you re-read your books once they're in print?

I usually do if people like them. I’m the type of person who’s always sure the book I wrote could've been a lot better.

12) Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

I’m a Diet Coke girl, but only rarely. I usually only drink coffee and hot water. The hot water habit is an old trick a teacher friend taught me. Back in Colorado, Kim and I realized we were drinking way too much coffee while teaching 6th graders-we were as hyper as they were! Let me tell you, it wasn't a good situation. So, I started sipping hot water. Now it’s my drink.

13) Have you ever made a crank phone call?

Nope. I’m one of those annoying people who follows rules. It pretty much drives my children crazy.

14) Do you have any interesting special talents?

Hmm. I can walk down a flight of stairs in four inch heels and not look down. Yes, I went to charm school for that. No, it hasn't come in handy.

Well, that's it for me! I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

Shelley