Interviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long did it take you to write Monkey Love?
A: About 2½ years, during which time I was also going to school full-time, working part-time, and taking enough freelance writing and editing assignments to pay my bills. I'd lug my laptop everywhere and whenever I had a few minutes between classes or jobs, I'd write. Sometimes I set the novel aside for weeks and when I went back to it would take a while to get back into Holly's mindset.
Q: Whose idea was it to continue the story in Monkey Star?
A: When I finished writing Monkey Love, I thought it was happily ever after for Holly. Sure, she'd get into some more wild and wacky situations, but she'd learned to stand up for herself and found someone with whom she could be happy. I had begun writing an altogether different novel when my editor urged me to consider a sequel. Once I decided to set the sequel in Hollywood -- where Holly could work as an animal trainer and even have a fling with a movie star -- then I was on a roll, and I wrote the book in under five months.
Q: How much of your books are based on real events or people?
A: Lots of the smaller details and character traits are based on my life (or friends and family members), but the events are completely fabricated. For instance, Aunt Betty is loosely based on my grandmother, but Grandma would never do some of the things Betty does in the book, unless she forgets to take her meds. Betty is like Grandma on Acid.
Q: Will there be a third book in the "Monkey" series?
A: I hope so. Right now I'm working on a different project. But Holly still has a lot more to say, and Tallulah the monkey is certainly up for more mischief. Stay tuned!
Q: How about a "Monkey" movie?
A: I've had a few nibbles from film folks, but so far, no one has snapped up the rights. I think Holly's life would make for an excellent sitcom!
Q: Have you really been asked these questions frequently?
A: No, but Infrequently Asked Questions didn't look right at the top of the page. In truth, the questions I am most frequently asked are: "Would you like whipped cream on your Mocha Frappuccino?" and "Mommy, can I have a cookie?"
