Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first ever book. The story is true based on my own experience of growing up in the 70’s, although I believe anyone could relate to this story. I kept a journal during this time and it proved to be a great story telling tool. I wrote everything as it played out in my real life. Some of it funny, some tragic and learning about my own sexuality was both a hoot and an inspiration!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The “Good” Girl by Tobie Reynolds
As stated before, the book is based on my real life Journals that I kept during my life growing up in the 1970’s. I chose the name for the book because while many of my friends seemed to be experimenting literally with Sex, Drugs and Whatever….I always remained the ‘good girl’. One boyfriend wrote in my High School yearbook: “To a girl that doesn’t go far to stay safe!” and added a stick man with an eye-roll!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just simply tell it like it is….good, bad and ugly! If it happened to me, I wrote about it just exactly how it happened and how I felt about what was happening at the time. Many friends have told me that I write like I talk, which makes them relate to my written word.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading!!! I suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in 2013 and was put on ‘Complete Brain Rest’ (yes, that is really a thing!) No reading! No computer! And very limited TV! Holy crap, I was bored and depressed. So when the doctor gave me the ‘green-light’ to start reading I absolutely ‘devoured’ every book I could get my hands on!!!!! Books that make me laugh and cry in the same story are what I like best!
What are you working on now?
I have always wanted to write a book about those people whom have suffered a tragedy and how they have coped. I have the vision that I would write the awful details that lead up to the tragedy and through the tragedy itself, title each chapter by the name of the victim. By the end of the book, I would hope to find a common bond that helped. I mean, I cannot imagine how a mother who has lost a child even gets out of bed every day! And I have always wondered what happens in those minutes between ‘Oh My God we’ve been in a terrible accident’ and help arriving. I want to expose those moments to help people realize how precious life is. As my mother used to say “In the blink of an eye!”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t even know….this is my first attempt. I need serious help! Ha Ha!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, just speak from your heart! Don’t try to be someone else. If you try to simulate your favorite author, you will be doing yourself and your readers an injustice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Never do anything out of Spite!” We’ve all been hurt before and our knee-jerk reaction is to strike back. My mother always held her hands over her heart (as if she were begging) and said “Never do anything out of spite!” I’ve passed that advice to my own children. It isn’t always easy to do, but if you retaliate to someone, you never really feel good about it, so either way…the bad guy wins. Don’t give them the power!
What are you reading now?
I just finished “The Girl on the Train”! Suspenseful and Funny!!!! Loved it!!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finding out what people really think about this book will tell me whether or not I should pursue the love I have for writing. Or maybe I’ll just start doing the research on the project I mentioned before, talking to people whom have lived through tragedies and how they have made it through.
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?
The Help
The Fault in Our Stars
Anything by Olivia Cummings
Penelope Douglas’ work too.
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