Which book do you find yourself recommending passionately?
Missing May by Cynthia Rylant. I read it at a time when I was struggling to find my writing voice. I was so struck by the strong sense of place in that book. It was obvious that West Virginia was Rylant’s heart’s home. So I decided to write stories that were set in my heart’s home—the South—and specifically the Smoky Mountains. I wrote her a letter to tell her the impact her book had on me and she sent me a lovely hand-written note back, signed “Take good care. Cyndi Rylant.” *swoon*
Favorite season of the year? Why?
SUMMER all the way!! I love the heat. The flowers. The long days. Love it all.
What gives you shivers?
Heights. OMG….. And one more thing: snakes. *shivers*
What’s your hidden talent?
I’m actually a pretty good tap dancer. I took tap lessons for years, from childhood all the way up until just a few years ago. I love to tap dance. It totally suits me much more than yoga.
Morning person? Night person?
Morning all the way. I turn into a pumpkin about 8 o’clock. My writing day never extends beyond about 3 o’clock … cause I’m heading toward Pumpkin Town. (Trivia for you: There is actually a town near my hometown of Greenville, SC, called Pumpkin Town.)
It’s been a while since I’ve read MISSING MAY; perhaps it is time to revisit it. Have you ever thought about a tap dancing adult appearing in one of your books? Clearly this is close to your heart as well as the Smoky’s!