A few weeks ago, Claudia of On A Limb with Claudia asked me to be a part of her blog tour promoting her new book. I immediately agreeded to do this. I am very excited to be able to interview Claudia. Several people have already asked the questions about the book, so I went in the other direction. Without further ado… the interview:
If you were a car, what kind of car would you be?
Book mobile. Large and sturdy with just the right story for everyone who comes to visit.
If you were on a desert island with only one thing to eat, what would you want an endless supply of, and why?
I’d want a laying chicken and a rooster so I could have eggs – which are my favorite food. I’d grow chickens for food. Mmmmmm. And you know, people say that snake tasted like chicken. But it does not. No. Snake tastes like snake.
What do you really want to do with your life?
I want to live my life to it’s fullest. I’d like to make the most of every single minute of every single day. I enjoy helping people, but I don’t need to leave my ‘mark’ on them.
In more practical terms, I want to continue to write novels and serial fiction about interesting people, who try hard, fail miserably, but keep doing their best.
Do you have any plans for the summer?
We are hoping to get backpacking over the forth of July weekend. Right now, our lives are fairly uncertain right at this moment, so other than a little backpacking we’ll stay close to home. Between the gardens and the hundred year old house, we have plenty of “adventure” to enjoy before the snow returns.
If you were on American Idol, what song would you sing?
“When you wish upon a star” That’s a song that plays a significance in The Fey, my thriller novel. It’s the only song I can play on the piano. I just love the song.
Do you remember a favorite teacher?
School was never really my thing, Tommie. I endured Elementary School and Jr. High. In high school, I worked so much I basically didn’t go. I never had a problem with the school work, so was passed from grade to grade. My favorite teacher in college was Dr. Jasper Rine. He was wicked smart, and very kind to me in a moment that I needed smart kindness. In some ways, he’s a major factor in my learning to listen to my own wisdom.
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do?
My first thought was surviving my parents’ home. My next thought is getting through the aftermath of my father’s death. My father was the glue that held my sisters and I together. When he died, we fell away from each other in a way that’s irreparable. Even though childhood was tough, I always thought I’d have my sisters. Now, they are just strangers in a sea of people. It’s truly broken my heart.
Tell me about your favorite book?
Wow, there are so many. My favorites growing up were the Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare and the Lord of the Rings by JR Tolkien. As an adult, I admire so many writers. I admire Ursula Le Guin for writing excellent, entertaining fiction with deeper meanings. I admire James Joyce for his obsession with language. I love Mark Twain’s dedication to writing for ‘real people.’ James Lee Burke writes amazing characters. Sue Grafton has an unbelievable capacity to hold to her era, her time frame in the Alphabet mysteries. Jasper Fforde’s fiction is so quirky, wild and brave. Gosh, I could go on and on.
Who is someone you admire?
I’m kind of funny. I don’t admire famous people or accomplished people. I admire people like you, Tommie. I admire anyone who gets up in the morning and do their best regardless of the circumstance. It’s so easy to give up or give in to the overwhelming press of modern life. The choice to just keep moving, one step at a time, is truly admirable.
I have a particular soft spot for military families because they give so very much. Every member of a military family gives up something so that the soldier can do his or her job. They work so very hard and get very little credit for all they do.
Favorite music/song/ or band?
I’m a huge Breaking Benjamin fan. Right now, my favorite song is “Forget it”
What is the easiest organization tip you have implemented in your day to day routine?
Uh, other than emailing Tommie in a panic for advice! *g*
The best tip I learned from Tommie, the organizational Queen, is to create a weekly meal plan. There are so many benefits to just having a simple meal plan. My husband is gluten intolerant, so we cycle wheat products. I love any kind of cookie, muffin, bread, you name it. With a meal plan, I know what I can eat and what’s not the best choice. Bless you for being such a great teacher.
While I did not know this was going to be a tommie lovefest, I enjoyed being a part of her tour.
Claudia has generously offered a copy of The Fey to Operation Shoebox for active duty soldiers.
With this discount code, you can receive 10% off, if you want to purchase the book. Just enter : HLV7SKA2 when you visit https://www.createspace.com/3369215
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4 comments:
Very cool interview! I'm going to have to check out the book!
Thank you so much for hosting the blog tour! You're such a delight to me in so many ways. Thanks for blessing me again here!
Claudia,
Thanks for your donation to Operation Shoebox. I enjoyed many donated books during my deployment and it helped me to escape, if only for a moment.
I can tell you that each and every donation to a soldier is appreciated. From knitted caps from a group in Ohio to Christmas cards from a kindergarden class in Alaska, we loved them all.
If you see a soldier on the street, thank them for their service. It reminds us of why we serve; to make this country safe for our families, our friends and everyone that chooses to live in this nation. At times it may sound like a recruiting speech, but this is why we serve. I feel that the sacrifices that my family and I have made in order to serve this nation are justified each time we are thanked for my service. It may seem a small gesture but I means a lot to all of us.
Thanks for your support.
Mike
(Tommie’s Husband)
Ah shucks Action Jackson - I knew Tommie was fabulous, I'm so glad she has someone equally as fabulous.
Bless you for your service, for the efforts of Tommie, Will and Livi that make it possible. Thank you for doing what no one else can or would want to do.
Cheers!
Claudia.
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