If you could choose any place in the world to live, where would it be?

That's easy: Scotland! Although I'm a Texan-American, born and bred, for more years than I can remember, I have been fascinated with the land of (some of) my forebears. I love the beauty of the land, the changeable weather, the rich history of the place, and the people:Ê their hardiness, the enchanting accents, their humoUr and sassiness........and, OH! those sexy, manly men in their kilts!!

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I think I have ALWAYS wanted to be a writer. I remember that, as a small child, lying in bed at night, I would make up stories in my head, to help lull me to sleep. I always thought of those as my bedtime stories, and the habit continues even today. Many of those stories I have translated into written stories and poems.

Your occupation now?

I am a wife/mom/homemaker, but since I have a poem published now, I like to consider that I am finally a REAL writer!

What are some of your interests and hobbies?

Besides writing, I enjoy music, art, reading and seeing movies. I also love animals, and like to spend time playing with our 4 cats, 5 kittens and 2 dogs.

What would you say are your character strengths?

I think loyalty is one of my greatest strengths. I stick by my family and friends through thick and thin, sick and sin. I feel very fortunate in that I have a great capacity for love.......there's enough to go around for everyone in my life, and those whom I love never have any doubts as to my feelings. I'm also a trustworthy confidant; I can KEEP a secret.

Weaknesses?

Ahhhhhhhh, weaknesses! I am stubborn, of a somewhat jealous nature, I lack self-confidence and will-power, and sometimes I am painfully shy.

Do you have any quirks you think are strange or amusing?

Yes. I give all my pets nick-names, and I make up little songs for them, which I sing to them when no one else is around.

Who is/was the most influential person/role model in your life?

My mother. She taught me the meaning of unconditional love. We do not always see eye-to-eye, but there is no one whom I trust or admire more. She is the quintessential Southern belle: as beautiful as Scarlett O'Hara, as loving as Melanie Wilkes, as fussy as Mammy and as greatly admired as Ellen O'Hara.

What are your achievements/accomplishments that you are the most proud of?

My children, and my writing.

Are you currently single, involved, or married?

I've been married for nearly 17 years, but my husband and I give each other complete freedom.

What qualities do you find the most attractive in other people?

A quirky sense of humor and quick wit get me every time! I also admire intelligence, sensitivity and honesty.

What is one thing you would change about the world?

I would like to change the PEOPLE of the world so that they would be less inclined to war, aggression, captitalism and greed. With the resources we have in our lives, I think it's a crime that anyone should be hungry, homeless, joblesss or without all the education they desire.

What is your favorite food?

Rib-eye steak, thick, boneless and grilled so rare that it moos when I stick my fork in it!

If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose?

Jesus. What an experience it would be to talk with Him!

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do with the money?

I would go to Scotland, of course! But I would also make certain that all my loved ones wanted for nothing.

Do you consider yourself a spiritual person?

Yes; I am not religious in the traditional sense, but I am definitely spiritual.

Is there any particular historical era that you feel drawn to?

I think the 19th century--especially around the time of the American Civil War--would have been a fascintating time in which to live.

What are your favorite books and authors?

I love 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell, all of Steinbeck's work, Harper Lee's Southern masterpiece, 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough, everything by Mark Twain, Stephen King's early novels, the 'Lonesome Dove' series by Larry McMurtry, Bram Stoker's evil fairy-tale, 'Dracula,' and many, many others........My favorite poets are Sara Teasdale, Sylvia Plath, A.E. Housman, Lord Byron, Shakespeare, W.H. Auden, the Brownings, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, Edna St. Vincent-Millay, Rabbie Burns, Yeats, Longfellow and Emerson. My tastes are nothing if not eclectic!

What are your favorite movies?

Another long list: 'Out of Africa,' 'Gone with the Wind,' 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' 'All About Eve,' 'Bus Stop,' 'Mildred Pierce,' 'Hush........Hush, Sweet Charlotte,' 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?,' 'Terms of Endearment,' 'The Last of the Mohicans' and 'Legends of the Fall'.........just to name a few.

What is your most prized possession?

Hmmmmmmmmm, probably my antique furniture (dining table and chairs, buffet and secretary) and antique ruby red glassware.

What is your favorite color?

This week? Pink.

What are your favorite television shows?

'ER,' all the 'Law & Order' programs, 'CSI,' 'Friends,' and all the nature programs on Discovery, Animal Planet and etc.

What are some of your pet peeves?

TV commercials, dishonesty, greasy dishes, prejudice and unkindness.

What are some of the issues that you are passionate about?

Human rights, AIDS research and abolishing capital punishment.

Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

Both ears have two piercings each. No tattoos, but I want one.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish before you die?

To let my hair grow down to my knees.

What is something you've always wanted to do/try but haven't yet?

Make love on the beach.

Where do you see yourself ten years (what are your goals)?

Hmmmmmmmmm, well, I hope I shall make some tiny mark with my writing, maybe earn a little money with it, and get out of debt.

What is your favorite quote?

"Suppose you were an idiot.....And suppose you were a member of Congress.....But I repeat myself......" and "A novel is a confession to everything by a person who's done nothing." ---Mark Twain