Questions? Answered!

Emy Shin asked...
What's your favorite kind of hero?

In literature or film, my favorite kind of heroes are those with profound flaws that at times cause them to act as anti-heroes, but deep-down, are genuinely motivated to protect and care for those around them (see: Scarlett O'Hara, Iron Man*).

In real life, my favorite kind of hero wears combat boots:

My brother's boots the day he deployed to Afghanistan.

lotusgirl asked...
What got you into writing?

I've been a writer (and a reader) for basically as long as I can remember. My grandma tells a story about me being tiny — probably 3 or so — and looking at a book, so frustrated with myself because I couldn't read it yet. Growing up, writing was something I was praised for and encouraged to do, by everyone from my parents to teachers to friends. I discovered very early it was a passion of mine, and (almost) everything I wanted to be when I grew up involved writing in some way. I've always written poems, short stories, and narrative nonfiction, and as a teenager I even began (but never finished) a few novels.

Pam Harris asked...
When are you, me, and Quita going to meet up for coffee or something?

Soon! We've know each other, what, a year now in the blogosphere and haven't gotten together? We must rectify this, ladies! I will be emailing you. ;)

Miss Cole asked...
What intrigues you about YA?

YA intrigues me for a few reasons. First, I didn't even know it was a genre (or reading level, depending on who you ask) until a couple years ago. Second, it is seen by many as a second-class, last ditch, sell-out type of thing to write, but it's producing some of the most interesting, quality work out there. Third, YA allows for reflection and introspection upon one of the most tumultuous periods in the human lifespan.

Yahong asked...
How do you balance writing & life?

This is *slightly* less of an issue for me, because writing novels is my full-time job. That being said, balance is difficult for everyone. I can still only write or edit for 3-5 hours a day before I'm burnt out like a cheap light bulb. People are surprised to hear it, but I barely get everything done each day. There's blogging, reading blogs, reading ARCs, reading for research/to stay up on the market/for pleasure, critiquing, social networking, laundry, cleaning, dishes, paying bills, balancing the checkbook, making meal plans and grocery lists, staying up on current events, spending time with family, having a social life, giving the cats attention... and that's not to mention times like the holidays or special times of the year when you have a whole slew of other things to do, like plan parties, bake, create cards, etc.

I think the main difference for me is, since my husband and I were willing (and thankfully, able) to give up a two-income household, I don't have to give anything else up to write. Most people have to sacrifice time with their families or friends or the cleanliness of their house or even schoolwork to write, but I chose (and again, was able, because I know this is not the case for most) to sacrifice my income. It is not the right choice for many people, but it was for us, and I continue to be grateful to God and my husband for allowing me to live the way I do.

*Never thought I'd find a category to lump both of those characters into.