1. How do you remember your first kiss?
At age six, I walked my heartthrob home. Suddenly, I was in a big hug. Lips touched mine. I broke loose and ran like hell. I told my older sister, and she teased me mercilessly.
2. What was your first favorite love song?
Actually, the first song I ever bought on a record - "You'll Never Get to Heaven (if You Break My Heart)" sung by Dionne Warwick.
3. What’s the first thing you do when you begin writing for the day?
Set a timer.
4. Who’s the first writer who truly inspired you to become a writer?
Thanks to the encouragement of a teacher, I did Tolkienesque fantasy for my first few works, so probably JRRT should get the credit (or blame).
5. Did the final revision of your first book have the same first chapter it started with?
No, and that's despite meticulous planning before I wrote word one. That scene lingered for a while in a later chapter before hitting the cutting room floor. But I still love it.
6. For your first book, which came first: major characters, plot or setting?
The setting came into my brain with no warning. Soon characters started talking to me. But, when I picked up a pencil the first time, I was completely in plotting mode.
7. What’s the first word you want to roll off the tip of someone’s tongue when they think of your writing?
Wow!
