Questions from latest virtual book tour: part three

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

I can see myself in all my characters. Essentially, all characters are an extension of the author---maybe not ALL of the author, but still, the characters have certain facets of our personality. I think the best characters represent the deep fear we have within ourselves, the dark side we have that we are afraid to show anyone.

What's the craziest writing idea you've had?

In college I wrote a short story about a woman who wakes up and discovers Satan in her bathroom taking a shower. I converted it into a one-act play and it won a contest and was given a full production.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Don’t mistake things that are urgent for things that are important.

Hidden talent?

I can play the didgeridoo.

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

The remake of The Great Gatsby. I can assure you, I’m quite obsessed with that book (as a quick look at my blog would show you.) Mr. DiCaprio, while I have the utmost confidence in you, Do. Not. Screw. This. Up.

Which authors have influenced you most how?

Three in particular: 1—Rod Serling. I remember back in 7^th grade being fascinated by old “Twilight Zone” reruns on PBS. He had that innate sense of human nature, and a keen grasp on what frightens us. 2—Ray Bradbury. His stories were so “out there,” so fantastically science fiction and even a bit philosophical. 3—Flannery O’Connor. There’s something about her take on the Southern experience that is both grotesque and religious at the same time. Her story, “The River,” is my all-time favorite.

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?

South Park. It’s so crude, vulgar and politically incorrect…and I still laugh out loud.

Favorite places to travel?

I’m a real Anglophile. I love all things British---the accent, the cathedrals, the literature. Any culture in the world can produce one Shakespeare, or one Churchill or one Beatles. Somehow, this tiny, soggy island in the North produced all three. And then some. I’ve been to England twice and hoping to go again in the Spring, taking a stop by Scotland (and any Brits out there, contact me and I’ll treat you to a “cuppa.”)