Q: Did you always want to be a writer when you grew up?
A: Absolutely not. As a teenager, I had my life all planned, and "authorship" was not on the schedule. First, I would become a go-go dancer (G-rated, naughty-bits covered), then a stewardess (now known as a "flight attendant"), followed by a stint as a rock star. By the ripe ol' age of 25, I'd be an Oscar-winning actress.

I was in a garage rock band for ten minutes. Otherwise, little went according to plan.

 

Q: Are you Savannah? / Is Savannah you?
A: On a good day, I come close to being as strong, smart, and brave as Savannah. I probably have two or three of those days a year. But I  like to think I'm a little nicer than Savannah. Not much. Just a tad.

 

Q: Is your husband Dirk?
A: Absolutely. My husband is a man, and I believe there's a bit of Dirk in most guys. He's impatient - except with those closest to his heart, who can do no wrong.  He's gruff - except with children, dogs, cats, and me.  He constantly complains about everything - except our grandchildren and me. So, in those respects, he's Dirk. However, my husband's a sharp dresser, and he isn't at all cheap. But he will toss junk onto the car's rear floorboard when I'm not looking. 

 

Q: Do you eat what Savannah eats? (This question is usually followed by expressions of concern and predictions about me going toes up before my time.)
A: No! Nobody eats like Savannah! For heaven's sake, the woman has chocolate-dipped, peanut butter cheesecake for breakfast! I don't even think there IS such a thing. But if you happen to find a recipe for chocolate-dipped peanut butter breakfast cheesecake, be sure to send it to me.

 

Q: Is Granny Reid based on a real person?
A: First, let me say "Thank you" to everyone who has expressed their affection for Gran. Then, let me assure you: Yes, Granny Reid is real. She lives in numerous beautiful,  strong women I've had the pleasure of knowing in my lifetime. Many of these ladies hang on my family tree: my lovely mother, my grandmothers, aunts, cousins, my daughter, daughter-in-law, and sweet, feisty granddaughters. Others are family whom my heart adopted along the way. Tender in love, fierce in battle, they are all glistening jewels . . . like Granny.

 

Q: Are you as good a cook as Savannah?
A: "Nope. Better," she said humbly with a smirk.

 

Q: Are you going to keep writing Savannah Reid Mysteries forever?
A: Apparently. I'm afraid to quit. Threats from ruthless fans.