FAQ

 Q:         How did you become a writer?

A:         Wow—that’s a long story, but I’ll try to make it short. First I had to become a reader (not someone who knows how to read, but someone who reads a lot). Unfortunately, for me this didn’t happen until I was an adult (see Inspirational Message). From there it went to Christmas letters, college writing courses, poems and short stories, a newspaper column, and finally a published book—Molly Mormon. Every step along the way—however small—has been an important one.

Q:         Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

A:         I wanted to be a movie star, and a mommy, and even a flight attendant. But never, in my wildest dreams would I have imagined myself as a writer. Life can be full of surprises.

Q:         Where, when, and how often do you write?

A;         In my dining room that’s converted into an office. At night after the kids are in bed. Monday through Saturday (with days off here and there when life gets in the way).

Q:         Is your office clean?

A:         Why? Are you planning on visiting? If so, please let me know waaaay ahead of time…and bring some brownies. BTW…is your bedroom clean?

Q:         Where do you get your ideas?

A;         Life, in general. My memories. My dreams. My nightmares. My over-active imagination. Watching people. Listening. (So watch out—I may be watching you!!!)

Q:         How do you name your characters?

A:         Sometimes the name just pops up out of the blue, but often I borrow them. The name Jarret, from Comfortable in My Own Genes I borrowed from a high school friend. He was also my date to the Sadie Hawkins dance my senior year. When I had to come up with a last name for Chad, the “bad guy” in the Molly books, I borrowed my bishop’s last name—Hanks. It just seemed like a funny inside joke because Bishop Hanks is definitely a “good guy”!

Q:         Who did you base the character Molly on?

A:         Molly is tall, and very athletic. I based both those characteristics on my niece Jenna. But the internal workings of Molly are loosely based on feelings I had as a teenager. I remember feeling frustrated with the whole "social scene" of high school—wanting to be popular but striving to maintain my standards. The two don't always go hand in hand. But so many of the youth today are wonderful and strong. I know that they can attain a high level of peer respect without giving in to peer pressure. Those who try to persuade others to lower their standards aren't truly friends after all. 

Q:         How do you think up the titles for your books?

A:         While soaking in the bathtub—a great place to think, by the way.

Q:         How long does it take to write a book?

A:         About six months.

Q:         What do you like most about being a writer?

A:         Working in my pajamas.

Q:         How many books have you published?

 A:        By the end of 2005 it will be 5!

Q:         What is the wind speed velocity of a swallow?

A:         Sorry, I couldn’t resist! But puh-leeze, don’t ask me if it was a European or African swallow, or else… (And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, I’m sad—very sad!)

Q:         How many books will there be in the “Molly Mormon?” series?

A:         Honestly, I didn’t know it was going to be a series so I’m not sure I have an answer to this question. I try to listen to what my readers want, and everyone wanted more. I’m not sure if I could carry the series past Molly Mommy? but I’ve been given some interesting title suggestions such as Molly Mid-life Crisis? (Um…I don’t think so). The only thing I know for sure is that there will be a spin-off from Molly Mommy? that finishes telling Curt and Amy’s story.

Q:         What’s your favorite book that you wrote?

A:         Hmmmm…some things I just have to keep to myself! (But I do love the love story in Molly Married?).

Q:         Who is your favorite character?

A:         Molly and Dani would have to be my two favorite characters—they’re truly a part of me in more ways than one.

Q:         Do you base your characters on real people?

A:         Sometimes. And sometimes they’re a combination of several people—but I try not to name names. This could really get me into hot water.

Q:         What’s the best advice you can give me if I want to become a writer?

A:         Read…and then read some more. Also, keep a journal.

Q:         If I become a writer, will I get rich?

A:         If you want to get rich, go to medical school…or try to convince JK Rowling to adopt you.

Q:         Is there going to be a Molly Mormon? movie?

A:         It’s currently being discussed—so keep your fingers crossed!

Q:         What’s your favorite book by someone else?

A:         Favorite…as in one book? Hmmmm. I must say that in general, my favorite books are written for younger readers. I love Richard Peck’s A Long Way From Chicago and A Year Down Yonder. The book Because of Winn Dixie has shaped my writing style in many ways. I loved Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli and the first few pages of Regular Guy by Sarah Weeks made my laugh hysterically—always a good thing unless you like breathing! Squashed by Joan Bauer is nothing short of brilliant, and one of the highlights of my writing career thus far was sitting next to Ms. Bauer at a book signing for a local writer’s conference. I mostly watched while Joan signed books for an endless line of fans (she was the keynote speaker of the conference), but it was fun to chat with her and dream of someday having a line of my own. But if I had to pick one, it would be, Anne of Green Gables. I don’t know if it gets any better than this, folks!

I also have some favorites in LDS fiction. I'm a sucker for a good LDS romance and have enjoyed the works of Anita Stansfield, Josi Kilpack, Erin Klingler, Rachel Ann Nunes and Betsy Brannon Green. Dean Hughes' “Children of the Promise” series is also incredible (I was especially riveted to the 2nd, and 3rd books in this series). I like to read LDS YA fiction, and loved B.J. Rowley's "Light Traveler" series. But the LDS authors that have influenced my writing the most have probably been Janette Rallison and Jack Weyland. Both of these authors write with a sense of humor, and I really appreciate this. I think we all could use a little laugh now and then to brighten our spirits! I try to use humor in all aspects of my life (I’ve even been told that I have a quirky sense of humor—I’ll take that as a compliment, thank-you-very-much), and this “quirky” humor is evident in my writing—at least, I hope it is!

Q:         When will you have a new book out?

A:         My goal is to release at least one book per year.

Q:         What do you do in your spare time?

A:         Read. Watch a good movie with the family over a bowl of popcorn. Talk to my friends. Take a nap. (I’m sorry my life isn’t so exciting).

Q:         What’s your most embarrassing moment?

A:         It involves a long strand of toilet paper…and that’s all I’ll tell.