Hello Penelope
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What is your writing schedule like? Many years ago, as an early childhood educator and a mother to three daughters, I got into the habit of writing in the evening. For me, that’s what worked. I settled down every day after all the chores were done to write. I never watched shows on television. Even though I am retired now and our daughters are grown, I still find the evening my best time to write. When I know I’ll be out at night I’ll work in the afternoon, but I continue to prefer the quiet time after supper to sit at the computer and fashion my stories. |
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How much of the book is based in real life? In real life, my family lived in a house on a hill above a lake. In the wintertime when the lake froze, I skated on the ice trying to copy the moves of the better skaters, but I never took ice skating lessons and never became an Olympic skater. I really did see turtles in suspended animation under the ice during the winter, which is a rather awesome sight. Also in real life, one of my daughters was an EMT for several years—though not a paramedic. From her, I learned about the specific playlists for EMTs and paramedics. All of those musical selections have a fast, driving beat. As an early childhood educator, I was required to take First Aid training, but my daughter gave me a wealth of information about the job of being an EMT. |
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What do you do when you're not writing? When I’m not writing and I have free time, I either crochet or paint. I’ve been in a prayer shawl group for a few years and I enjoy trying new patterns and fashioning shawls while praying for the recipient of the shawl. I started crocheting at the age of seven when my mother taught me how to do it. I find it to be a calming, meditative activity. My paintings are mostly done in oils—though I have also worked in other mediums. My favorite subject is seascapes. Since I live near the Jersey shore, I can always find another lovely scene to capture on canvas. |
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Do you have advice for other writers? The best advice I have for other writers is don’t quit. Join a professional writing organization. Get a critique partner or join a critique group. Send your writing to contests. Never give up! |
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what is the spiritual takeaway for your reader? Do not allow grief to forever shadow your blessings. |
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What makes your hero heroic? Ethan does what needs to be done, even though his own safety is at risk. |
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what makes your heroine heroic? Haylie refuses to allow her unfortunate experiences in the past ruin her future. |
