Let’s face it, we’ve all had that fan girl or fan boy moment. Who is the famous person (literary figure or other) that you were excited to finally meet in person, and how did it go for you?
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For this month’s On the Bench post, our authors asked their characters to reveal their most embarrassing moments from their lives—either on or off the page. Look out, because these characters have had some cringe-worthy moments.
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Writing is like any other activity…everyone has an opinion on how best to do it. What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve been given over the years?
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What trait did your author give you that you feel really fits you…or what trait would you change if you could?
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Which fictional setting from one of your books or short stories would you love to step into, yourself, and why?
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When it comes to braving puddles from April showers, rain boots or bare feet? And if the former, what color are they and what drew you to them?
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You’ve heard the old adage, March comes in like a lion, and out like a lamb. What’s your favorite saying that involves the weather, and do you find it true or not?
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A new year can mean a fresh start. What fresh start has your protagonist had to make…or what changes are they thinking of making?
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At some point, almost every writer has held a job outside the publishing industry…some fulfilling, and others not so much. What’s the worst non-writing job you’ve ever had?
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It’s the holiday season again! What is your protagonist’s favorite holiday movie…and what is yours? And do you watch it any other time than in December?
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Everyone knows that Thanksgiving means leftovers! What is your favorite leftover (or created from leftovers) post-Turkey Day dish?
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October means that Trick or Treat time is almost here. What is your protagonist’s go-to Halloween costume, and what is their favorite Halloween candy?
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It’s September, the traditional beginning of a new school year. Do you have a grade school memory that still lingers with you after all this time?
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Characters are their own people, and sometimes they respond to situations differently from their authors. How would your protagonist react if someone threw them a surprise party?
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It’s deadline time, it’s midnight, and your stomach is growling. What snack do you eat when you need a bit of energy to power on through, especially when you know no one is watching?
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This month, we all weigh in on which character from a book by any other author, living or dead, would we secretly like to “steal” and put into our own books…and why? You might be surprised by the answers!
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You must be made of stern stuff not to get a bit misty-eyed at some of the heart-tugging commercials on TV these days. What past or recent commercial (happy or sad) is guaranteed to “get you in the feels” every time it comes on?
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Oh, those character names! Are they good? Not? Will readers like them. The author’s dilemma is a huge one because the right name can make—or break—a character. Or will it? Our authors weigh in and ask for your ideas, too!
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Even we authors are guilty sometimes of being cliché in our everyday dialogue with friends and family. What expressions do you habitually use that make everyone roll their eyes and say, yep, that’s him/her?
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Secondary characters can sometimes steal the show. For this month’s Characters on the Bench post, we all weigh in on the question of which character from any of our books do we think deserves their own novel or series…and why? The answers may surprise you…
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It’s happened to us all. We try to do someone a favor, and it backfires (sometimes spectacularly). What good turn have you done for a person (or has someone done for you) that didn’t work out quite as planned? Find out what our authors have to say as they weigh in this month on the issue of favors.
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On a trip, I need bathroom breaks. That usually equates to a stop at a Starbucks for coffee. While my wife doesn’t mind a stop at Starbies, she usually draws the line at places with porta-potties. Her usual comment is, “That’s easy for you.” Hey, I get it. Biology is biology. There are no two ways around that!
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December’s Question Any traveling “detours” that drive your companions crazy? Do they ever end up in your books? Diane A.S. Stuckart: I much prefer to travel by car than any other way, and I love those ubiquitous roadside markers that commemorate births and deaths and battles and so on. If it were up to me, […]
Holiday Cheer from All of Us We’re delighted you enjoy visiting with the authors of Booklover’s Bench. Nancy J. Cohen, Maggie Toussaint, Diane A.S Stuckart, Cheryl Hollon, Debra H. Goldstein, Terry Ambrose, and Lois Winston wish everyone a joyful holiday season. This year we’re each sharing our favorite holiday beverage. Cheers to all! Let’s hear […]
November’s Question Fancy footwork: what shoes would we find on you/your protagonist’s feet, and what footwear would you/they never be caught dead wearing? Maggie Toussaint: While my catering sleuth tends toward practicality in her everyday footwear, River Holloway Merrick loves black stilettos. I’ve never been able to successfully walk in high heels of any height, […]
October’s Question What’s the best place to eavesdrop on conversations, and have you used this in one of your books? Cheryl Hollon: When I was working on a long-term contract in England, my husband and I frequently took the train for a weekend getaway. The conversations were fascinating, especially if they were on a cell […]
September’s Question Seeing what animal/landmark/famous person was a memorable first in your life? Debra H. Goldstein: I had three memorable “first” famous person sightings. When I was five, I saw Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob at a charity show and excitedly managed to get my not-so-excited dad picked to be part of a skit with […]
AUGUST’S QUESTION What mystery-based TV show(s) do you enjoy, and why? Nancy J. Cohen: I love the Hallmark Movie & Mystery Channel because their cozy mysteries are the type I enjoy. These are mostly lighthearted and fun with a dash of romance. I also am a fan of The Brokenwood Mysteries on the Acorn Channel. […]
July’s Question What outrageous character names tickle your fancy? Terry Ambrose: I’m terrible with outrageous character names! However, I’ll give this a go. How about a femme fatale named Scarlett Ribbons? Or a boss who was called Malum Dictatum? The psycho could be Doozy McCoozy. And a stalking ex could be Folle McVey. Nancy J. […]
