Writers often talk about getting to know their readers to learn about their interests and marketing preferences. But how much do readers know about authors?
It used to be that all readers had was the short author biography on the back of the book jacket or from occasional interviews. Today, things have changed.
Most writers now have websites and social media accounts to provide glimpses into their writing process and family life, as well as marketing their work. One thing I enjoy from authors I follow is finding out completely random things about them. Obviously, privacy is important so I don’t expect them to share everything. But an occasional look into their day-to-day lives makes me appreciate them as people, not just as a book they’ve written.
So, in keeping with the theme of sharing random facts, here are ten things about myself that you might not have known.
1. BACK WHERE I COME FROM
I have lived in four different states, nine different cities (two of those I’ve lived in twice). And Including college dorms/apartments, I have moved 16 times in my life. I have lived in my current city the longest, 17 years over two different time periods. I consider Nebraska to be home, but have also lived in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas (briefly).
2, CRAZY CAT LADY
Anyone who knows me more than two minutes will learn that I love cats. Some of my earliest memories are of being at my grandparents’ farm trying to play with the barn cats. I’ve had three cats of my own, all giant orange/yellow floofy boys. And I fostered another cat for a couple months before he was adopted.
3. COLLEGE DAYS
I attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in middle grades education, with endorsements in English and social science. I loved my experience at Kearney so much that I went back a decade later. I earned a Master of Arts degree in English with a focus on literature and composition. It was some of my English professors that gave the courage to believe I could be a writer. I proudly wear the UNK blue and gold. Go Lopers!
4. CALL ME COACH
In my first teaching job, I served one season as an assistant high school volleyball coach. My qualifications for the job included having played on my school team in 5th – 7th grade and being willing to take the job. I mostly helped run practice and kept stats during matches. But my claim to coaching fame came in a tournament that had enough teams to run varsity and junior varsity brackets. Our first matches were scheduled at the same time, so I coached the JV squad for that first match. In my one and only match as a head coach, my team won!
5. SAIL AWAY
I’ve been on two cruises with extended family. In June 2017, we boarded the Disney Wonder on a trip to Alaska, with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. And in November 2019, we sailed with Royal Caribbean to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Martin. As an introvert, the mass of humanity confined on a floating city can be a bit overwhelming. But I found places to tuck away into a quiet corner and people watch. The chance to see places I hadn’t been before and spend time with family created great memories.
6. WRITER, THE EARLY YEARS
Like many writers, I have always loved words and storytelling. That translated to entering contests even as a kid. In fourth grade, a teacher selected me to attend a local Young Writers’ Conference where I presented a collection of poems. In sixth grade I finished 2nd in a citywide essay contest. (To this day, I still say my essay was better than my classmate who won.) But probably my biggest win as a young writer came at 13 when I won an essay contest sponsored by a newspaper. The prize? Tickets to a New Kids On the Block concert. Oh yeah!
7. BRUSH WITH FAME
I’ve had a few minor brushes with local celebrities – athletes/coaches, media personalities. But my biggest run-in with nationally recognized figure took place the summer I spent with my parents in the Dallas area after my freshman year of college. I worked at a nearby fast food place where most of the front counter employees were high school kids. Because I was older, I often worked the late shift. After taking a drive-thru order one night, a shiny black BMW pulled up. When the window rolled down, I recognized the driver as Deion Sanders. He played for the Dallas Cowboys at that time. But I recognized him from his days as a baseball player with my favorite team, the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, instead of asking for an autograph, I had to ask if he wanted additional napkins or ketchup.
8. ICE ICE BABY
I’m a big sports fan, particularly football (American version) and baseball. I played soccer and volleyball in my younger days. But I am also a huge curling fan. The sport fascinated me from an early age even though I never played. For a long time, I didn’t know the rules; I just knew you had to try to get as many of your team’s stones in the middle of the circles. During the epic run for the US Men’s team at the 2018 Winter Olympics, I began studying the game. I admit I still don’t fully understand all the in-game strategies, but I now understand the rules and terminology and can follow along with what’s happening.
9. WELCOME TO THE SHOW
When it comes to social life, I’m not someone who enjoys impromptu hangouts or the bar scene. Even in my younger days, that wasn’t my thing. I prefer scheduled events like concerts or pre-planned dinners. I have season tickets for Nebraska football. I’ve attended almost every home game since 1995. I also have tickets for Broadway shows at area performing arts centers. I’ve had the chance to see some great productions, including Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, Something Rotten, and Waitress among many others.
10. MY DREAM VACATION
If I ever win the lottery, there are so many places I’d love to travel. But my dream trip would be to take several months to travel all over England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. This is partly because much of my family ancestors came from this region. I am about 65% English and Celtic descent. But beyond that, these regions have so much history, culture, folklore, and artistic inspiration. I would love to explore the museums, grand concert halls, ancient castles, and breathtaking landscapes. So many things that couldn’t be covered in a conventional tour. I’d need at least a month in each place to fully appreciate the history and culture of the region.
**If you could ask a favorite author anything non-writing related, who would you talk to and what would you ask?**
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