The One-Link Lowdown on...Cyrus Keith!

My guest today is Northern Indiana-born Cyrus Keith.  A USAF veteran trained in electronics repair and battlefield aid, Cyrus currently works as an avionics technician for corporate jets. As if that isn’t impressive enough, he also ‘played bass with the best rock-punk band that never launched a record, invented the best board game that never sold a copy, and with a friend developed a role-playing game that to this day gathers dust in a Rhode Island closet.’  His first novel, Becoming NADIA, recently stormed its way to the top, scooping top place in the Suspense/Thriller section of the 2012 Epic E-Books Awards – an amazing debut!  Book Two The NADIA Project series, Unalive, is also now available, and you can find both books at Muse It Up Publishing.  Welcome, Cyrus!

If you could retrieve one thing from your childhood, what would it be? 

Wow, that makes me think of so many things. But I'm going to get deep on you and say I'd go back and get my innocence. I was so young when that was ripped from me. I've seen things that no child should ever have to witness, and some of them still affect me almost fifty years later. At the same time, I've developed a compassion for others who have been through some of those same things. I don't necessarily wish for those ordeals to have never happened, but if I could still have my innocence through them, I could be a better person today. 

What’s the naughtiest thing you've ever done? 

Ah, does the Fifth Amendment work in England? Hey, what's that over there? It looks like an octopus in a mac, eating bubble and squeak while playing "God Save the Queen" on bagpipes! *runs away* 

Well, I'm afraid we don't have the Fifth Amendment here in the UK, so I may have to quiz you further on that later!  Now tell me - what’s the worst job you've ever had? 

Depends on what you call the worst. I was a night-shift nurses' aide at a skilled nursing facility for a year and a half, just long enough to realize I was NOT cut out for the medical profession. Cleaning bedpans, changing beds, and treating bedsores as big as pie tins were all part of the regimen. At the same time, I was around history professors and WWI heroes, and wounded warriors from Vietnam who deserved so much better than I or anyone else could ever give them for their sacrifices. I knew refined dowagers and former Broadway dancing queens. I had thirty grandfathers and thirty grandmothers who shared wisdom and laughs, and pain with us. I swear I cried like a baby every for every one we lost. 

Yes, that kind of work is so hard but in many ways, a privilege too.  And the best job you've ever had....?

Well, it depends on what you call the best. I was a night-shift nurses' aide at this skilled nursing facility… 

Ah, I hear you!  Okay, what’s your favourite piece of music?

I have four, and I can't in good conscience put one above the others:

1.)         By-Tor and the Snow-Dog, by Rush (the live version on All the World's a Stage). The sheer technical ability in this musical fantasy epic blew me away the first time I heard it. I couldn't believe that wall of sound came from just three men. Probably one of the best power-metal pieces ever assembled, and easily one of Neal Peart's best drum parts.

2.)         Dreams I'll Never See, by Molly Hatchett. Under-appreciated masterpiece of guitar work. It touches my soul in a deep and wonderful place every time I hear it. Make sure you get the long version.

3.)         Hold Your Head Up by Argent, from their album All Together Now. The lyrical theme is one of standing tall and holding your head high when everyone else is pointing and criticising. The vocal part is short, but deep, and the organ solo is one of Rod Argent's best.

4.)         There is a worship song called Resting Place that just takes me to that place in my spirit where I can picture myself sharing bread and wine with my God on a little wooden table in a cozy cottage that's just for Him and me to share. 

What your favourite sandwich, and where in the world is the best place to eat it? 

The Office Burger is available just a short hop across the Pond and one third across the North American Landmass, in a small town called Athens, Michigan. The Office restaurant and Pub serves up the perfect burger, an Angus beef masterpiece stacked high with Canadian Bacon, bacon, three kinds of cheese, mushrooms, onions, lettuce and tomatoes. Awesome flavour balance, and you won't be hungry again for a week. 

Which household chore would you happily give up for ever?

Which household chore would I happily not give up forever? I can't think of any. You wanna help out with that or somethin'? (Oops, sorry. Bunny just kind of took over for a minute)

What talent or skill would you love to have that you don’t have now?

Heinlein's ability to weave a world into a story so seamlessly that the reader never notices it.

 What drives you seriously nuts?

Congress. Oh, dear lord, do I even need to say more? 

I think we can all relate, no matter where in the world we are!  Now, tell me this - imagine you're given a time travel machine .  Where would you go, and why?

September, 1066. Wow. Talk about days that changed the world. Harold vs. William for all the marbles, with Danes thrown in for good measure. Those were days for Heroes, and so much went down then. All we really have is a wall hanging to record what really happened, between Stamford Bridge and Hastings. I would be blown away by a chance to see what went down, to be close to the events as they happened and record them.

Did I mention that the transitional period from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance fascinates me as a time in history anyway? Like, how did Europe get from the times of the Caesars to Charlemagne? What happened to bring the Church from the times of the Apostles to Menno Simons?

There's just so much knowledge and culture that changed, and with the collapse of Roman leadership, much of what really happened was lost.

As I live right on that very 1066 doorstep, Cyrus, I’d be right there with you – what a time that would have been.  Friends, you can read more about Becoming NADIAright here at today’s One-Link.  Cyrus, it’s been great to see you - thanks for being my guest today, and good luck with all your future projects.

The One-Link Lowdown on...Kathryn Meyer-Griffith!

Kathryn Meyer-Griffith began writing novels at age 21 and now has had fourteen previous novels and eight short stories published from Zebra Books, Leisure Books, Avalon Books, The Wild Rose Press, Damnation Books and Eternal Press.  She writes in a variety of genres including romantic horror, historical romance, romantic suspense, romantic time travel and murder mystery - wow!  An artist and graphic designer, Kathryn worked in the corporate world and for newspapers for twenty-three years before quiting to concentrate on writing full-time.  Her horror story Blood Forge  was recently published as an 'Author's Edition' by Damnation books, and two short tales released in one novella, Don't Look Back, Agnes and In This House, by Eternal Press.  Welcome Kathryn!

If you could retrieve one thing from your childhood, what would it be?

Spotty, my little black and white stuffed toy dog. I slept with that little worn, torn eared critter until I was almost twelve years old. Couldn’t sleep without it. I remember one night I couldn’t find it anywhere (I was about eleven) and, afraid to admit to anyone I was still sleeping with a stuffed animal, in desperation, I finally told my dad….and he looked everywhere – under the beds, all over my room and everywhere we could think of  – with me until he found it. He never once laughed or made fun of me for needing that toy so much. Remembering that now brings tears to my eyes. It was just one of the many kind, loving things he did to show me he loved me. Loved all of us. My dad’s been gone 13 years. Such a good man. Good father to me and my six siblings. I still miss him so. I don’t recall what happened to Spotty, but I’d do anything to have that little stuffed dog back.

What’s the worst job you've ever had?

I’ve had a few in my lifetime. Many years ago when I was first divorced and trying to support my six-year-old-son son and myself, working at a trucking company for minimum wage doing their billing; where my supervisor tried to sabotage me over and over because she thought I was trying to steal her job. As if! But the worst job was when I was a child (about ten or so). My family was very poor, so my brother and I always went around went around to help them, my younger brother, Jim, and I would go around the neighborhood offering to clean up the yards, sweep snow off driveways and sidewalks in the winter, or I’d offer to babysit or…clean up people’s houses for money. We always desperately seemed to need money. For milk. Bread. You know. This one neighbor woman, the mother of one of my brother’s little friends, hired me to clean her house one day. So I did. I worked like a starving-child-for-food and cleaned up a storm, with her one step behind me all the way nit-picking on everything I did. Wanting more and more. Ha. But at the end of the day when I stuck my tired grubby hand out to her, so happy I was going to be taking cash home to mom, she produced, with a flourish and much fanfare, a tiny gold chained necklace with a tiny pearl on the end. “Here’s your payment for all your hard work! It’s a real cultured pearl. It’s it lovely?”  Here we were, starving, and this clueless rich woman gives me a necklace for my hard day’s work! I was timid back then and so ashamed; couldn’t bring myself to ask for cash, please…so I took the necklace without a word and slunk home. I was never so humiliated. I never forgot the way that incident made me feel. Afterwards, I swore I’d grow up some day, work hard and shine at something, and never be broke and desperate again. And though I’ve had really hard times in my life, none ever made me feel that bad again.   

Those lessons we learned as children stay with us, don't they?  Kathryn, now - tell us three surprising things about yourself, one of which is a fib - and we'll try to guess the fib! 

(1) I was a folk singer with my brother and later we sang in a rock band. I wore crazy patterned bellbottoms, Cleopatra eye liner and a strip of rawhide around my head.

(2) I went to New York and lived there alone on the streets for a month just to see what it’d be like to be homeless.

(3) I drew pictures for a living for many years.

What would be your perfect day?

Once it would have been a whole day left alone to write…but that was when I was a working mom and wife many years ago; now I write full time and have all the time I want alone to write. So now it’d be…spending the day on vacation with my husband (of 33 years) on Mackinac Island or on Bar Harbor wandering along the waterfront…going out to lunch there together and then driving home that night to a big party with all my family of brothers and sisters, son and family, nieces and nephews. A huge chocolate cake with white wedding icing and other tasty snacks. Heaven.  

It sounds like sheer bliss!  On a similar theme, who would you invite to your ultimate fantasy dinner party?

Ha, ha. My husband, of course, and a few of the big writers I adore…Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Dan Simmons…and musician Tom Petty (I love his music) and Steve Perry (of Journey). Wow! I’d be in seventh heaven!

What talent or skill would you love to have that you don’t have now?

I’d love to be able to play a guitar or the violin expertly. I love to sing, but have never had the gift of being able to play a musical instrument.

                                                                     

Which animal do you think you’re most like, and why?

That’s sooo easy. A smart, sassy, fat cat of course. I think I was one in my last life. Meow.

Me too!  Okay, I'm letting you borrow my time travel machine for the day.  Where would you go, and why?

Back to my childhood, circa 1960….to see my family again all young and just starting out….my six siblings, my mother, beloved father and Grandfather and Grandmother Fehrt still alive, young and laughing and smiling with us kids around the dinner table; then later us kids out playing in the fields after dark and afterwards watching Twilight Zone and Zorro on a summer’s night. Oh, for just a day to watch from the shadows, smiling, at my long-ago family, I’d give about anything.

That would be amazing, wouldn't it?  Back to your writing, Kathryn - what’s the best review you've ever had?

I’ve had many, many 5 Star, great reviews, especially over the last year and a half since all my old novels (12 now and 14 by July 2012, going back 29 years…and all in eBooks as well as print, too) are being rewritten and re-released; and I love it when they say, “I couldn’t put it down” or “She’s a master storyteller.”  Ha! It only took me 40 years and endless heartbreaks along the way. But the review that really touched me was when a reviewer read my romantic apocalyptic vampire novel THE LAST VAMPIRE-Revised Author’s Edition  (originally it was a 1992 Zebra paperback) last year and called it “the best end of the world novel he’d ever read,”  and that he thought, “and no one, I believe, could ever write a better one!”  Yikes. My head was as big as a prize pumpkin for a week. Then to top it off now that same novel is a FINALIST for a 2012 Epic EBooks Award in their horror category. Top winner to be picked in March, but just to be nominated is a great honor, I feel. I’m so happy. At long last, vindication!!!

 
Aside from writing achievements, family, etc - what are you most proud of?

My long and happy second marriage to my husband, Russell. Thirty-three years and still counting. And that I never gave up my writing through the awful dry years and the years that I couldn’t sell anything, through the working and family problem years and all the other usual setbacks…and now it’s been over forty years and – look! – I’m still here and still writing!

Thanks Jane for having me here on your blog today…it was fun! Warmly, author Kathryn Meyer Griffith.

Kathryn, it's been a pleasure!  Thanks for sharing your answers with us - and your fib, which was No. 2 - you went to New York for a visit but never lived there, and, thank goodness, have never been homeless.  Your One-Link today is this one to your page at Eternal Press Publishing with details of all your publications with them, including the two-for-one Don't Look Back, Agnes and In This House.

Great to see you - good luck with all your future projects!

The One-Link Lowdown on...Suzanne Brandyn!

My guest today is Suzanne Brandyn. Born in rural Australia and having travelled widely in her beautiful and diverse homeland, Suzanne has experienced pretty much all that fine country has to offer.  She now brings it to you in in all its forms in her wonderful contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels.  Be prepared for beautiful beaches, dramatic coastlines, glamorous cities – and the hot breath of the wild red outback.  Her latest release is the romantic suspense, Forgotten Memories, published by Eternal Press.  Welcome, Suzanne!

What’s the naughtiest thing you've ever done? 

Shot an arrow between my younger brother's legs. Lol. Lol. Thank heavens I didn't miss. My mother went berserk.  

What’s on your bedside table/nightstand? 

My ipad, a lamp, and I'll leave that last one up to your imagination. :)

Which household chore would you happily give up forever?

All of it. Hate, hate housework. But one would be ironing. It's so boring.

Agreed!  You're talking to a person who purposely buys fabrics that rarely need ironing! ;-)  Suzanne, who would you invite to your ultimate fantasy dinner party?  

Really who would I invite. *sighs* It would have to be Hugh Jackman. He's like, so so um.... I'd drop to his feet in a whisper. :) Shush, don't tell my hubby. :)

What talent or skill would you love to have that you don’t have now?

I can dance pretty well, it's the singing voice that sounds like an old toad on its way to death. I don't sing. Lol

What drives you seriously nuts?

Bad Posture.

You're given a time travel machine - where would you go, and why?

Oh wow, what a present. I'd go everywhere, but to choose one, I'd go back into the western days, where women wore long dress, frilly bits and pieces. It would be nice to wear this type of dress, but perhaps I couldn't sit around and sigh for too long. I'd have to be Annie Oakley. Lol.

A rebel!  Quite right!  Tell me - what’s the best review you've ever had?

Suzanne Brandyn paints wonderful word portraits of Michele and Jacqueline with beauty and sexuality plus shining through. Her description of the island creates a place that is both enchanting and terrifying depending on the circumstance. (from Long and Short Reviews. ) 

What's your guilty pleasure?

I have a glass of wine with my meal. But secretly I have a glass about four o'clock if I'm home. I just love sitting out the back on the balcony taking in the view of the mountains, and listening to the roar of the ocean. It' s truly paradise.

We need those moments, don't we?  Good for the soul.  Aside from writing achievements, family, etc - what are you most proud of?

Being a survivor. I was abducted once. It was pretty bad. I don't like to go into the details but I survived. :)  I am a survivor. Yah!!!

Suzanne, it’s been great spending time with you today!  Readers who want to know more can follow your One-Link to your website where they’ll find out all about Forgotten Memories and all your other fantastic novels.  Thanks so much for being my guest today, and I wish you loads of luck in all that you do! 

The One-Link Lowdown on...Elizabeth Bailey!

 My guest today, Elizabeth Bailey, grew up in colonial Africa 'under unconventional parentage and with theatre in the blood.'  After a theatrical career of her own, she turned to writing in her thirties, first concentrating on historical romance.  Eighteen - yes, eighteen! - novels later, she has since expanded her writing into both mainstream and crime fiction.  Her latest publication, The Deathly Portent, is the second in her 'Lady Fan' nineteenth-century crime series.  Welcome, Elizabeth!

If you could retrieve one thing from your childhood, what would it be? 

 

The very first time I read Friday's Child. I was 10 or 11 and I found it in my dad's bookcase. It was a moment containing the supreme joy of discovery, which you can never recapture. Although I reread it countless times, and all Heyer's novels thereafter, and enjoyed them tremendously, that first dip had special resonance. If even one person felt that on reading one of my books, I would be over the moon.

What’s the worst job you've ever had? 

 

Making lanterns! I did it for a week and it was the closest I've been to a factory environment, although it was a small outfit and there were only about three workers. I got fired by the boss in the end because he endlessly needled me for being "posh" as he thought, and in the end I hit back. I refused to leave until he paid me, but I was glad enough to be shot of putting together bits of metal and glass to build the damn things.

Tell us three surprising things about yourself, one of which is a fib - and we'll try to guess the fib!


When I was 14, I won a cup for target shooting with a 303 rifle.

I once created a Regency style high-waisted fur coat and bonnet out of two old furs (bought secondhand when you still could get real fur) and left two inches of fur all over the carpet by the end!

I rode a donkey when I was only 3!

Hmm...I'm wondering about the rifle shooting, but something tells me you're full of surprises...!  Elizabeth, what’s on your bedside table/nightstand? 

I don't have one, but on the window sill behind my bed at the moment is a calendar of fantastic Regency carriage prints made by a writing friend, my night light, a bottle of magnesium tablets, a cough medicine bottle, a half-used tube of Rescue Remedy cream, an old 4Head headache remedy which just about works, a red biro (for the crossword), and a couple of Propolis lozenges - from all of which you'll gather that I use alternative meds and read in bed. Next to the bed is my bookcase, with to hand a stash of cryptic crosswords (culled from our Radio Times over here) and a crossword dictionary, the current Writing Magazine, about four separate books that I'm reading (the novels I read straight through, the others I dip into). And next to the bookcase is one of the ginger cats (who usually sleeps on the bed). At night, there is also my night drink of Calm (Calcium, magnesium and cider vinegar mix which helps me to sleep) and a glass of water. No glasses because once my contacts are out, I can read comfortably without them.  Amazing what a nest one makes for oneself around the bedhead! Don't you just love that moment when you get into bed with your drink, sigh thankfully against the banked pillows and prepare for that wonderful half-hour or so of indulgence. Bliss!

Bliss indeed, and I have to say your little nest sounds a lot like mine, including cat!  What your favourite sandwich, and where in the world is the best place to eat it?

 

Oh lord, it's cheese and tomato! And in bed would be perfect. How uninteresting am I? I hardly ever eat bread these days, though, so don't have it often. But if I'm allowed to be totally self-indulgent about this, my truly favourite thing is to picnic in an Italian piazza with a feast of baguette style bread, olives, continental cheese and sausage or salami, with a small bottle of red wine and that lethal espresso, highly sugared, to follow. Watching the passers-by and gazing at the surrounding architectural beauty. That's when I feel completely relaxed and truly as if I'm on holiday.

Set me a place, I'm coming over for a sandwich!  Now tell me - which household chore would you happily give up for ever?

All of them! I'm a rubbish housekeeper and can live in acres of dust and cobwebs without noticing. Suddenly I wake up and look at the place and realise it just won't do. Then I have a binge of cleaning until I get too tired and resolve to do a little every day. Then I'm back at the PC and forget about it completely until the next time it suddenly hits me again. If I cook, I usually don't prepare because I forget I've got to do it, and then I have to do a speed version. I'm not one of these cooks who lovingly spend hours getting it just right, that's for sure. What's in the freezer that I can do in half an hour max is about the sum of it! Though I'm quite enjoying making chips in the new fat fryer because I'm endlessly fascinated with the speed. I don't mind washing up though.

What talent or skill would you love to have that you don’t have now?

I wish I could play the piano really well. I learned but gave up when I was in my teens. I started all over again when I had a piano one time and struggled to play better. I was never much cop at reading music despite learning and was never able to read fast enough to play properly. It's the only instrument I learned and I loved playing - just wasn't good. And then my piano died in a flood in a friend's basement where it was housed and that was that. Also would have loved to play by ear but I can't, never could.

That's a skill I bet many of us would love to have.  Now to a subject I suspect will be very close to your historical heart!  You're given a time travel machine - where would you go, and why?

I'd do a Doctor Who and pop into several timeframes. Of course I'd spend a while in the Georgian period - just to check on some of my research facts and get them right. But for the hell of it I'd jet off to somewhere that no longer exists like Mesopotamia. I'd definitely jump into Inca country in South America and hope to bring back a bit of gold! Plus have to go to Tudor London and watch a Shakespeare play at the Globe, and Venice during a masquerade, and don't let's leave out Sarah Bernhardt in action and Stanislavski in Russia. I think I'd probably do a through the centuries theatre tour from Greek to Laurence Olivier - wow, what a treat!

That all sounds wonderful!  Can I come along for the ride?  Elizabeth, what’s the best review you've ever had?

I had some super reviews for my first historical crime The Gilded Shroud, but the best one which beats all reviews hollow was this single sentence: " The late Regency writer Georgette Heyer lives—and she's writing mysteries as Elizabeth Bailey! " What an accolade! To be compared to my favourite writer ever whose work I so much admire - it just totally made my year.

What single invention would change your life for the better? 

What a fascinating question! I can think of a number of things I wish someone would invent, but I have to say the one I really really want is an automated maid to do all those personal niggly jobs that drive me nuts. I just find it sooooooo boring having to keep cutting and filing my nails, washing my hair, not to mention messing with unwanted hair, and faffing around with creams and lotions and stuff. I'd love to be pampered. Oh and while it's about it, that automated maid can do the washing and dusting and all that jazz - and the ironing, I NEVER iron! - which would take care of that eternal housekeeping which is quite as boring as bodykeeping. Oh, for a servile robot - know what I mean? 

Yes,  I know exactly what you mean!  Thanks for being such a fun guest, Elizabeth, and for giving us today's One-Link to your website where we can read all about The Deathly Portent and all your other fabulous novels.  Good luck with all your future projects, and I'll leave the last word to you - your fib!

  

The last one is the fib - I actually got thrown off a donkey when I was 3 because it was sitting down when I got on its back with my brother, and then it got up and I promptly fell off!

Goodbye, Sharon.

My dear friend Sharon Donovan - taken from this life far too soon and missed so much.


I'll be lighting a candle for you today, Sharon. Your smile will never be forgotten.

The One-Link Lowdown on...Debra St. John

My guest today is Debra St. John. From her home in a suburb of Chicago, Debra writes 'sultry contemporary romance with sexy heroes and spunky heroines.' I know a lot of people who'd jump in line to get their hands on that kind of story, and Debra delivers big-time in both novel-length works and short stories.

Reviewers have sung her praises with accolades like 'she masters the art of revealing just enough to keep you guessing,' and 'an author who can make the reader feel so many things is one that has staying power in the writing world.' Wow! Welcome, Debra!

What’s on your bedside table/nightstand?

A lamp (for reading in bed of course!), a (dusty) vase of artificial flowers, two pairs of glasses (one for distance, one for reading...bifocals do not work for me), Chapstick, a wedding picture, and a Bible. (Which makes it sound crowded, but it’s not.)

What’s your favourite piece of music?

I can’t really pick a piece of music, but my music genre of choice is country. There’s a story in every song and I’ve gotten ideas for whole stories from just a line or two in a particular song. Country music is honest, pure, and real. And it works for me, because although I live in a suburb of Chicago, I’m a country girl at heart. My music must have twang!

What’s your favourite sandwich, and where in the world is the best place to eat it?

Grilled cheese...my kitchen!

Food always tastes best at home! Speaking of matters domestic, Debra, which household chore would you happily give up forever?

Cleaning the toilets. (As long as they would self-clean themselves...otherwise that would be icky.)


What talent or skill would you love to have that you don’t have now?

I’d love to be able to sing. I do now all the time (in the car, at church, around the house) but I’m terrible. It would be nice to be able to carry a tune.

What drives you seriously nuts?

Mean people.

I'm with you there! People can be generous in all sorts of ways, and generosity of spirit counts for so much, doesn't it? Now, tell me this - I'm letting you borrow my time travel machine. Where would you go, and why?

I’d go back to the 1860s for the American Civil War. There’s just something about that time in the South that’s so tragic, yet so romantic. I’d also like to write a Civil War romance someday and this would help me get the research just right.

It would be fascinating. Debra, what's your guilty pleasure?

My hubby and I are “True Blood” addicts. We never miss an episode, and we have all of the past seasons on DVD. And although he’s the vampire, I’d really love to sink my teeth into Eric Northman.

I love a good TV drama series too! What single invention would change your life for the better?

Something that would make weekend and evening hours longer than week day ones.

Aside from writing achievements, family, etc - what are you most proud of?

My hubby and I renovated a 1920s rundown two-flat and made it into a beautiful home. One of my favorite rooms in the house is my personal library with over 1000 books.

It sounds beautiful, and I can guess how much it means to you, especially as you mention at your website that your husband is your real life hero!

Friends, you can find out more about Debra and her factual and fictional heroes here at her One-Link to her website.

Debra, I wish you loads more success with your fabulous contemporary romances. Thanks so much for being my guest today!

The One-Link Lowdown on...Barbara Ehrentreu

My guest today is Barbara Ehrentreu. A retired teacher with a Masters degree in Reading and Writing K-12 and seventeen years of teaching experience, Barbara lives with her family in Stamford, Connecticut. Also a Literature Examiner and a radio writing show host, she's well qualified as the successful published writer she's fast becoming. Her recently published YA novel, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor, was described by one Amazon reviewer as 'one of the best novels about teenagers I've read.' Welcome, Barbara!

If you could retrieve one thing from your childhood, what would it be?

I’d want my Nancy Drew books. I’m sure someone stole them from me!

Those books of our childhood mean so much, don't they? I'm so glad my daughter is reading many of my favourites now! Tell me this - what’s the worst job you've ever had?

I worked in a middle school in the Bronx where the principal did nothing and the kids were so rowdy the security staff was there more than the teachers.

Wow - that must have been pretty rough! And the best job...?

Working as a fourth grade teacher in a magnet school in Buffalo, NY. What a class!

Tell us three surprising things about yourself, one of which is a fib - and we'll try to guess the fib!

I love all things Betty Boop.
I have lived in New York, California and Connecticut.
My favorite color is blue.

Hmmm. The fib could be any of those! Barbara, Let me think about that one while you tell me about your perfect day.

I would be in the Caribbean somewhere near a beach. When I wake up the smell of the flowers wafts in on the warm breeze. I have breakfast on my terrace overlooking the aqua water and afterward I go out to the beach and sunbathe, interrupting it for swimming and/or snorkelling. I would be sipping delicious cocktails and having lunch at the beachside restaurant attached to the hotel. Maybe I’d take in a little sightseeing or shopping and at night dress up and go to the restaurant again for a delicious meal and more rum drinks. Then later, I’d write all about my day.

What’s your favourite piece of music?

“Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Ah, we are soul sisters - that's one of my all-time favourites ever, too. Ok, on to matters of the stomach! What your favourite sandwich, and where in the world is the best place to eat it?

Corned beef and pastrami on rye bread with coleslaw and mustard. Probably the best place to eat this is either The Carnegie Deli in Manhattan or The Second Avenue Deli in Manhattan. The Second Avenue Deli is where they filmed “When Harry Met Sally”. I can only eat a quarter of it, though, because they are huge!!!

Which animal do you think you’re most like, and why?

I’m like a lion, which is my birth sign. If you leave me alone I’m placid and content and I’m lazy. However, bother me in any way and my claws come out and I will be vicious. Especially if you bother anyone in my family and I think an injustice has been done.

You really are the Lion Mother! What’s the best review you've ever had?

That’s a hard one to answer, since I’ve gotten so many great reviews! I think it was one of the first ones where the reviewer said it was a “break out YA novel” and an “important and thoroughly enjoyable read”.

Wonderful! When you're not writing, what's your guilty pleasure?

I love to do jigsaw puzzles on my iPad. This really relaxes me.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I guess I would want to be less stubborn. I tend to stick to my own ideas a little too much and I don’t like to change things much.

Aside from writing achievements, family, etc - what are you most proud of?

What else is there? Oh, there is one thing. I’m proud I was able to meet President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton in person, talk with both of them and have photos with them.

Wouldn't we love to see those photos one day! And I'd love to have been a fly-on-the-wall at that meeting, it must have been fascinating. Friends, Barbara's One-Link today is this one to her novel If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor, where you'll also be able to find out more about both Barbara and the eponymous Jennifer, and read a superb extract.

Barbara, thanks so much for being my guest today. You told me your fib was the one about your favourite colour being blue, but here's the truth just as you told me - My favorite color is red! I once wrote a poem about it, but I can't find it. I just love red, because it makes me smile and it gives me energy. It's bright and also commands attention. Need I say more?

Nothing more to be said - I think red just about sums you up! I've really enjoyed our time together today. Good luck with all that you do!