As the author, how would you describe your book?
"The Surrogate Who Cleaned Up" is a thought-provoking look into the frenzied world of adultery and political back-stabbing.

No, it's not.

It's a silly book. It is, in fact, brimming with silliness. Its sole purpose is to make you, the reader, smile, giggle and perhaps even guffaw. Yes, guffaw. In a perfect world, such as Dali and Blade inhabit, guffaws are quite commonplace. This book is fast-paced and can be unpredictable. In other words, it is supposed to be fun. I would be delighted to introduce you to these crazy characters and my wish is that they leave you feeling happier and more optimistic—at least for a while.

Can you tell us the behind-the-scenes story about how The Surrogate Who Cleaned Up came into being? What was the germ? How did the characters come to life? Is there a character who still lives inside of you?
Dali and Blade came to life when I was pregnant with my second child. I had no desire to write a humorous novel. Instead, I had every intention of penning a more traditional romance. The truth is, those two characters refused to let me write it the way I wanted to. I knew they were going to give me trouble after I'd written the first several pages. They wouldn't behave—no matter how much I tried to reign them in. Time after time, they simply found other ways to sneak out of the traditional romance bounds. I have read many books from many genres as well as countless romance novels. Those well-written, intense, romance books have given me much confidence and inspiration to stand up (and lie down ;-) for what I want in life, both personally and professionally. Such inspiration, in fact, is what ultimately gave me the courage to allow this book to veer off the path and be what it was meant to be.

Can you tell us something about you as a writer, i.e. when you started writing, what's your creative process is like, what inspires you, etc.?
I write every day. I have to. My creative process involves sitting before the computer and belittling myself until I get on with it. Writer's block lives a mile or so down the road, because I don't have time to deal with it. I am also a feature reporter for the local newspaper and I write poetry, essays, and short stories. I am always "inspired" by a deadline—because of the need to be able to purchase and consume food. I am also inspired by kind, non-hypocritcal people who make it a point to support others and not take life too seriously. I believe that is the key to emotional, spiritual and personal success.

How do you keep a balance between family, work, and your writing?
I don't. Okay, I try, but every so often something comes up that throws the whole thing off kilter. (I'm leaning to the left right now ;-). Nope, it isn't always easy avoiding "panic mode" during these times, but I constantly remind myself to try and keep my perspectives and priorities in focus. Family is first. Work/writing is second. Also, lots of deep breathing and daily meditative prayer doesn't hurt either. ;-)

Can you tell us something about you as a person?
I had my first poem published in 1972 when I was eleven. I am a mother of two boys and also the wife of a 40-something-year-old "boy." I love to cook and hate to clean. I am a decent culinary creator, but I always make way too much food for dinner. My fridge is nicknamed "Leftover City." In addition, I am an actress and, it goes without saying, a bit loopy.

If you had a chance to be mentored by one author (living or dead), who would you choose and why?
C.S. Lewis. I believe he would be able to impart the greatest intellectual wisdom and touch my soul in the process.

Despite the wisdom that says you can't take it with you, if you could take four things with you when you leave this world, what would they be?
1. Cabbage Kuchen
2. Bill Bryon's "A Walk Through the Woods"
3. Toothpaste/brush combo dealie
4. Beano (see Cabbage Kuchen above)

What is your view of epublishing? What opportunities does it provide for you and for other authors? What do you think is the future of epublishing?
E-publishing gives voice to those who fit within more traditional norms, as well as those who might not. In other words, it gives voice to writers like me. There is a vast and proud future for e-publishing, of that I have no doubt. I'm looking to the sky because e-publishing will continue to gain momentum and prestige and fly.

What other published works do you want us to know about?
My humor essay's have been published in such places as Big Beautiful Woman and Big Apple Parent, and I have just written a nonfiction humor book entitled: "The Other 23 Days: Scores of Alternative Uses for Feminine Hygiene Products" a paperback published by Crotalus Publishing.

"Pivot...this!" a humor essay is on Moxie magazine's web site under the Perspectives department.

Over the years my work has been seen in Byline, Living for the Whole Family, and many other publications.

What projects are you currently working on?
I am always knee-deep in writing a weekly feature for the local paper, and I am also writing about the process of making a film by trailing a local filmmaker. The book will be titled: "The Making of Lake Desire. . ." by Crotalus Publishing. No, it's not porno, ;-) yes, it is quite interesting—especially given the current economic conditions.