Interview

Hi Piper and welcome. I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

 

I'm working on a novel about a young woman who goes to Puerto Vallarta for a weekend to put distance between herself and a broken engagement. She plans to ignore all men - forever. Which naturally backfires on her, immediately. She seems to bump into a particular sexy guy everywhere she goes. The morning after a date with him, she wakes to learn he saved her life the night before by kidnapping her, and he's an FBI agent investigating murder. She's his prime suspect - and the victim is her ex. I'm still waiting to see what heat level the story takes on. It might end up being a title for my mainstream pseudonym.

 

What do you like best about writing? What is the hardest part for you?

 

The big piles of money I'm raking in. No, seriously, I'd say I like the whole concept of creating something from scratch and being able to communicate it well enough for readers to see it, too. And I'd be lying my tail off if I didn't admit I love it when other people enjoy what I write. :)

 

The hardest part these days seems to be making the time to write, and then turning off my noisy Inner Editor so I can just get the darn story down in words.

 

Every beginning writer wants advice on how to succeed. What is the tidbit that helped you succeed?

 

I think my critique groups helped the most, to be honest. And not just what I learned from doing the actual critiques, but the networking and the moral support. My crit partners are my friends for life. Finding a group of people you trust and like is fantastic. Beyond that, I'd just tell new writers to keep on keeping on. Don't let the rejections get you down, no matter what.

 

Do you plot and plan your stories in advance, or just sit down and start creating?

 

Oy. Usually a premise hits me and I just roll with it but I have to admit, I've painted myself into a corner a time or two and had to do some deep thinking to work my way out.

 

What does your writing space look like? Do you eat there? Play any computer games?

 

Well, I've got a couple of kind emails from my writing pals taped around my old monitor (and some silly cartoons), but now I have a laptop so I can go off in a corner if needed. I take along my iPod and also a RockStar energy drink.

 

I have been known to munch while writing but if I'm truly "in the zone", I forget to eat, stretch, anything. Must use an alarm clock on those days so I don't forget to go retrieve the kidlets from school. When I stand up, I'm hunched over like Quasimodo or Dick Van Dyke in his sitcom when he used to always throw his back out.

 

Much more likely to compulsively peek at new emails (and Facebook updates) as they arrive. If I'm having trouble focusing, I'll close all my internet connections.

 

Surprise! Surprise! The Trip Genie is going to whisk you away to wherever you want to go! Where are you going and how many suitcases are you taking?

 

I'm jumping up and down like the contestants on Price is Right. Woohooo! Uhm. Just lost my tube top. Be cool, Piper, gosh!... I'd have to choose someplace tropical, with white sandy beaches and swaying palms and the occasional buff cabana boy bearing trays of fruity umbrella drinks. I could probably fit my stuff in one suitcase. Plus, you know, one for toiletries and stuff. And my laptop bag, of course, with my Sony Reader and my iPod... Does that still count as one suitcase? :)

 

What are some of your future goals?

 

I'm hoping between my writing and royalties from the books I edit for LPI to be able to quit my day job (substitute teaching, but I prefer to be called Teacher Stunt Double). As soon as I'm Stinking Rich, Brad Pitt will probably realize what he's missing and come chasing after me. He'll be too late, though. Dear Husband and I will be in primo physical condition, off scaling Everest,sailing, and attending red carpet parties while our personal trainers write best-selling books about how fab it is to know us.

 

Friends drop over unexpectedly right at dinnertime.  Would you cook dinner for them or take them out to your favorite restaurant?

 

Unless our French Chef, Pierre, had the evening off, guests in our home would be treated to fine gourmet fare. But if he wasn't here (which he hasn't been, like, EVER. He's fired.), we'd stay here and eat. Why drive 20 long minutes to town when we've got fresh possum and musk rat right outside? Realistically? We'd end up having something fancy like tacos.

 

How did you and your husband meet? Who fell for whom first?

 

We were both 20. I was a manager at the local McDonald's and he claims he took a night job there just to meet me. I still think it was just because he was broke, though.

 

He pestered the hell out of me and proposed nonstop until he wore me down. LOL. I gave up a summer in Maine with my aunt, whose husband was in the Navy (big adventure for me!) to stay here in Colorado and marry the goofball. But he's been worth it. And he had some moves for a 20 year old!

 

What is the best way to spend a quiet evening at home?

 

Dear husband and I lock ourselves in our room, turn on Jack Johnson, and I relax while he practices tantric massage on me with scented oils, worshipping my body in the manner in which I should be accustomed. Oh, wait? Were you asking about my fantasy evening at home?

 

How do you describe Piper Denna?

 

I'm a happy, optimistic person who avoids confrontation but will totally jump to the defense of an underdog. I like to debate and turn over both sides of an issue. My favorite TV shows are comedies, or dramas with romance, and American Idol - it's the dream-come-true factor, plus look at Kris Allen. Is that not the cutest little smile to grace your TV screen in, like, years? And let us not forget Ryan's dimples. Ever!

 

How does Piper Denna’s husband describe her?

 

What time of the month are we talking about? <g> Let's see... He gets peeved with me because I'm not quite as spontaneous as he is. I'm also a worrier, whereas he is... not. And I'm a morning person, which he hates (I think he's jealous).

 

MORE FUN…

 

Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on your life?

 

Jay Leno. Kidding, kidding. Although I do really like Jay...Honestly, I have no idea. My parents were more the "glass cracked, chipped, and barely 1/4 full" type people. Also, very practical. No clue where my dreamer side came from.

 

Whom will you pass this “influence” on to?

 

My daughter is very inclined toward writing, so I'll encourage her to pursue it. And my son seems to have my positive outlook. He plans to be a pro baseball player one day. No way will I dampen his dream.

 

What is the one household chore you abhor?

 

One? I only get to choose one? Oh, all right. Dusting. Which is why it's on my kids' Chore List. muahahahaha! Power to the mommies!

 

What is the one that everyone else complains about that you think isn't that bad at all? 

 

I really am okay with cleaning windows. Instant gratification, baby!

 

What is the one food as a child you hated and refused to eat no matter what, but now as an adult, you love it and can't get enough of it?

 

I grew up in a family where we had to eat what was put on our plates - all of it. Things I hated then, and still hate now: liver, fried potatoes with onions, cooked peas. Didn't grow out of any of those!

 

What is one habit that you have that drives your family insane?

 

They all hate to hear me typing, no matter what keyboard I use. And I'm only admitting this because none of them are here at this chat, but I do overcook (BURN is such a strong word!) lots of our meals.

 

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question:  What is your favorite comfort food?

 

Warm french bread. If I buy a loaf at the market, it's a crapshoot whether I'll make it home with the whole loaf!

 

LOL! Piper!  This has been a lot of fun.  Continued success with your writing career.

 

By brooke Wills

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor

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