The following interview was conducted during the Milayna book tour in March 2015.


 

1. What was the scariest moment of your life?

My husband had three discs rupture in his neck. One morning he got up and wasn’t able to button his shirt or tie his shoes. By that evening, he wasn’t able to walk. When he was taken into emergency surgery, the surgeon warned me he wouldn’t be able to walk again—the damage to his spine was too extensive.  Four days later he walked out of the hospital to go home.

 

2. Tell us about your dream vacation.

I want to take a Disney boat cruise. LOL! Then take my kids to Disney world. 

 

3. What books have most influenced your life?

The Nancy Drew books and Where the Red Fern Grows. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is the first book that really touched me and transported me to another world.

 

4. How do you develop your plots and your characters?

My characters usually come to me first and I start making character sketches. Next the plot slowly unfolds as I get to know my characters. It’s during that time that I start making a bare bones outline of the book.

 

5. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Hmm, I used to work at a migrant farmer daycare when I lived in New Mexico. I was the toddler teacher. I had kids from the time they began walking until they turned three. When we’d take the kids to wash up for lunch, we taught them to sing the “Happy Birthday” song. When they were done signing, they had washed their hands long enough and could rinse and dry. Cute, huh?

I still hum the stupid song when I wash my hands.

 

6. Growing up would you say you were a girlie girl or tom boy?

Oh, definitely a tomboy. No question. Bring on the frogs and toads! I’m still a huge tomboy.


7. Do you come from a large or small family? Is it a blessing or a curse? For instance…..

I have an extremely small family. It was boring, so I guess you could say a curse, when I was young. Holiday dinners were all adults…and me. Now I have four kids and it is definitely a blessing.


8. What are your favorite TV shows?

I don’t watch a lot of television, but I love Scorpion, Stalker, Criminal Minds, and Chopped. Otherwise we typically watch movies. During the day the television isn’t on because I’m writing.


9. What songs are most played on your Ipod?

Right now it’s Maroon 5’s newest album and Taylor Swift’s newest album. I’d say Ed Sheeran is in the top ten, too.

 

10. Quick Picks:

Favorite color: Dark, deep purple

Favorite season: Autumn in Michigan

Would you rather go camping or attend a concert? Camping

Chocolate or Gummy Bears? Chocolate, of course. 

Which game do you prefer Trivial Pursuit or Monopoly? Trivial Pursuit

Favorite pet –cat or dog? I have both.

Michelle
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