Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I graduated from Pepperdine University in Southern California with a degree in Journalism. My intimate knowledge of the Midwestern United States, the inordinate amount of time I spent in its churches’ pews and my unique parentage make me an “expert” on life after religion. Having moved 17 times by the time I graduated from high school, I have seen more than my share of the Great Plains. I never stayed in one place long enough to make human friends. My best friends were all characters from my beloved books; and the love of reading led to a lifelong passion for writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“It’s Not My Favorite” is my latest book. Growing up in various states around the Midwest and being forced to spend WAY too much time in church 🙂 it gave me the chance to observe people and catalog little things away—for future reference. I was inspired to share the Hutchinson sisters with someone outside of my head!
I am well aware that a multitude of prejudice exists “It’s Not My Favorite” is my favorite for a number of reasons, but the most important one is its portrayal of the lesbian character. There are two main characters, sisters, one gay and one straight. The beauty of the story is that it portrays them both with the same normal, human qualities. They both struggle, they both have relationship dramas, they both have issues with their parents and they both find a piece of success. I hope that the book will bridge the gap between GLBTQ romance/humor and Contemporary romance/humor. Rather than targeting GLBTQ, specifically, I feel this book can slip into the mainstream and allow a far wider audience to experience a character they might normally miss.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Is chocolate addiction unusual?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Marian Keyes, Juliet Marillier, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Michael Chabon, Gregory Maguire, and on, and on and…
What are you working on now?
I am working on Book 2 in the Lake Effect Series – the continuing story of Gwenn and Rachel Hutchinson.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The jury’s still out. I hope it’s www.awesomegang.com!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I hate to give advice ☺ I will say this, “No one decides your future, but you.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day!
What are you reading now?
I realize I am the last person in the known universe…but “The Giver” by Lois Lowry. I saw an interview with her and Jeff Bridges at the ALA Convention and I just had to know.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Working with my son on his line of How to Books.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I have to bring books? Can’t I just bring Bradley Cooper? Depends on the genre—I have soooooo many favorites. But, if you put a Marian Keyes book in front of me I wouldn’t be mad about that. Oh, and I probably want a copy of The Secret Garden!
Author Websites and Profiles
— Rue Website
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