As I promised, here is the second interview to give you a little more insight to me, my writing and who I am. Enjoy!
Where were you born?
In Warsaw… Warsaw, Indiana, that is. LOL. For those curious, it’s near Fort Wayne, Indiana.
What was your dream job when you were a child?
Originally I wanted to be an actor then that changed to an artist. Neither one panned out, but at least I did find a way to be creative.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
Of course there are two obvious answers here: one, my daughter and building a home for my family. Two, being a writer of not one but 15 novels! Seriously doubted I could be prolific enough and organized to write one coherent novel.
What is your favorite book and why?
Stephen King’s The Stand. The cast of complex characters coming from all parts of the country to fight in an epic struggle against evil was mind-blowing as well as inspiring.
What is your favorite movie and why?
This will surprise most of you, but it isn’t horror, but sci-fi. The Matrix is probably one of the most unique and exhilarating films I have ever seen.
What is the best trip you’ve ever taken?
My father and I went for two weeks when I was in my early teens, camping in various spots all through Michigan until we got to an isolated island called Isle Royale. It was very remote with no technology allowed. I saw a moose in the wild, heard wolves howling and for the first time, there were no sounds other than nature. No cars, planes, trains or city noise. Complete silence. Amazing experience.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I am very addicted to a Virtual Reality video game called In Death Unchained. If there were any way to make a living doing it professionally I would! LOL. It is an awesome archery game. I have been a gamer for most of my life. This game hands down is the most engaging and exciting.
What is your biggest fear?
Losing anyone in my family would be devastating, but having another stroke or something similar would be more than I could ever take on again.
What is one thing you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t yet?
A couple of things: I would love to go on a cruise once. The other activity would be to go bungee jumping at least once in my life.
What is your favorite cuisine?
Normal week to week favorite meals would be Chinese food or steak. For special times or on vacation, it would have to be Snow Crab Legs.
What is your favorite music genre or artist?
I am into heavier music like Godsmack, Avenged Sevenfold and Linkin Park.
What is your favorite season and why?
I love consistent weather so I love summer. Now it does get pretty hot here in Arizona, but I don’t miss the other seasons. I lived long enough in Indiana to have my fair share of rain and snow. I am so done with that!
What is your favorite childhood game or toy?
I am dating myself here but I have to say, it was the Atari. I love video games, especially the old standup arcades. Having a game console at home was amazing. Thus, I have always had one since the Atari.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I guess you could call it adventurous, but when I was 26, I decided I had to forge a new life for myself. After saving a bit of money, I moved to Phoenix–no job, no house/apartment and no family or friends. I moved here for the weather and to find myself. It took a lot of hard work to get established but I don’t regret it. Sometimes you just know when you have to make a hard change in order to grow.
What is your favorite fictional character and why?
One character which has always stolen my attention every time is the drow elf character called Drizzt Do’Urden created by R.A. Salvatore. Just a great fantasy character with a hero mindset and a misunderstood darkness about him. A “Batman”-esque dark hero.
What is your favorite sport or physical activity?
Well, since my stroke I really haven’t been physical, but in the past, it was racquetball, tennis, pickleball or hiking. Perhaps I can rekindle my hiking at least. I do miss being in nature!
What is your dream travel destination?
I would love to see Australia at least once. Or maybe if given the opportunity, I would go see Scotland.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Halloween by far is my favorite. Just love the fun of it. As a kid, I was all about the costumes and the candy. My daughter shares that same love. Last year for the first time since my 20s I wasn’t able to dress so this year I guess I am going to have to make up for it! (pardon the pun.)
What is your favorite type of animal?
Although lions are really high on the list, I will never stop watching shark shows — I am a fanatic with Shark Week and I search out videos on YouTube about them. I love the videos and learning about them, but you’ll never catch me diving in the ocean. I have no interest in being up close to the actual animals.
What is your favorite type of music instrument?
I love the saxophone and actually played one in my Middleschool years. I am also a big fan of pianos – one day maybe I’ll push myself to learn to play.
What is your favorite type of dessert?
I am a bigtime brownie aficionado. If that’s not available, then something with bananas will always work for me. And yes, yes I do take fan desert gifts! I am not so proud to turn them down. ha!
What are your top five favorite television shows?
Tough question but right now I would say 1# Game of Thrones (except last season!), 2# Dexter, 3# Lost, #4 Better Call Saul, and #5 Breaking Bad.
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