I'm currently a SAHM to my 7 year old fraternal twin girls, Arwen and Lorien. Yes, Dh and I named our kids after The Lord of the Rings. But that is so us :-) I was raised most of my life in NYC, just blocks from Broadway/Times Square, and was lucky to be exposed to some amazing theater experiences (on, off and off off Broadway), lot's of movie theaters (not the XXX kind, though they weren't too far :-)), and some of the greatest museums in the world. I have only been writing for a few years, but it has become my passion and it is through writing that I have found a new love for reading that didn't strongly exist before. Needless to say, I'm trying to catch up on a whole lot of great literature!
FAQs (and some NOT SO FAQs)
Why do you write YA?
There are so many raw emotions and feelings during this time of one's life. Kids during this age are figuring out or experiencing a lot of things for the first time which makes everything feel that much more exciting, fearful, dramatic, confusing, etc.
What influences you the most?
Since the question is "what" and not "who" I will say that in terms of writing, I am strongly influenced by movies.
Are you creative in other ways or just writing?
Well, I did study acting for a while and I like to think I was pretty good at it. Other than that I'm afraid I'm not all that creative in the arts, but it doesn't stop me from appreciating it and those who do it! Oh and I studied martial arts for a while as a teen and was rated #1 in Kata and Kumite in the women's brown belt division for the entire tri-state area (NY, NJ, and CT). Woot!
If you couldn't write what would you do?
Die. No seriously, I can't imagine NOT writing. It is a mental release for me and has become such a huge part of my life that I can't fathom the idea of not writing.
What's your favourite book/artist/musician/play/film?
Book: The Mortal Instrument series, Artist: Monet and Gericault (yes, I know, totally contradictory in styles). Musician: Billy Joel, Play: The Producers, Film: The LOTR trilogy HANDS DOWN.
Do you have a day job?
Currently a SAHM, but next year my girls start Kindergarten so I will be looking for a job in the teaching field. I was a Kindergarten teacher before having kids.
What, in your opinion, is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Surviving the newborn stage of twins!!!
What is your biggest fear?
Something happening to one of my kids!
What is your favourite snack food?
Cape Cod original flavored chips. I can NOT keep those in my house. I could easily eat an entire bag in a day!!!
On what day of the week do you get the most writing done?
I get most of my writing done at night after my kids go to bed.
What are 3 things on your Bucket List?
To do a world cruise
Travel all over Australia
Own a luxury motor home and travel all over the United States of America and visit every major city across the country (and maybe a few not so major cities)
If you could fall into any novel, which one would it be?
Right now I'd have to say The Mortal Instruments. I'm just in love with the idea of being a Shadow Hunter and kicking some serious Demon ass. I would also LOVE to hang out with Jace. He's such a sarcastic smart ass bad boy. I totally heart Jace and I'd so kick Clary's ass to have her out of the picture. HAHA Just kidding. He's too young for me :-)
What would your superpower be?
Hmm...This is a really hard question, but I think I would have to say that I'd love the ability to remove racist/prejudiced behaviors, attitudes, and mentalities from people. I'm saddened by how much hate and intolerance there is in this world. It breaks my heart. Other than that I really wouldn't mind the ability to take away sickness and disease from children.
Would you rather spend the rest of your life with your legs permanently straight or permanently bent at the knee (at a 90 degree angle)?
hahaha...what a question!!! Will have to get back to this one.
Dog person or cat person?
Dog
chocolate or butterscotch?
Butterschotch? What the hell is butterschotch? :-)
Romantic comedy or action?
Action, action and more action...and a little blood please :-)
Mocha Latte with a whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon or plain black coffee?
Plain black coffee? Why not just eat the damn beans? Actually I have eaten the beans. Starbucks sells them covered in chocolate during the holidays. Yum-Oh. But seriously, I prefer mine with all the sweet crap in it.
Favorite 80's song and/or toy?
Not even possible for me to name a favorite 80's song. I could never choose. But toy...Hmm...Was Spirograph and Barbie Fashion Plates from the 80's?
First celebrity crush?
Taimak--a martial artist and actor from this cheesy (but totally awesome) movie, The Last Dragon. I got to meet him at a karate seminar I went to. It was pretty exciting. I also had a huge crush on Jake Ryan (Michael Shcoeffling) from Sixteen Candles.
crayons or markers?
Markers!
Finally, can you roll your tongue?
Haha...no, but I can do the wave with it :-)
