Who is the Churchlady? Writing is my passion. I've been writing since I was a kid and was first published in McCall's Magazine when I was in grade school. Beside writing novels and children's books, I also am a copywriter and editor for a direct marketing firm specializing in the financial markets. I have a freelance business writing magazine feature articles, too. I've journaled for my children even before they were born. Written in my own hand about our lives and their development, I think those are the most important words I've ever written.
I live with my husband and children in the midwest.
- Churchlady is one of my pen names and it always makes me giggle because of the SNL reference.
- Married for 27 years.
- Two children and an English Springer named Jewel.
- Profession: Mother and author. Or is that taxi driver and writer? Head fetch and proofreader? Check all the boxes and cover your bases, Churchlady.
- Guilty pleasures: a great beer, real vanilla ice cream, lobster, watching Days of Our Lives.
- Favorite reads: Garrison Keillor's editorial, the morning newspaper, fan fiction, John Sandford.
- Favorite pastimes: raising roses, writing, walking my dog, riding my bike, watching my kids play their favorite sport.
- Favorite music: Nickleback, Josh Groban, Italian opera, Bon Jovi, Bob Seger.
- Favorite TV program: Days of our Lives, The Mentalist, Criminal Minds.
Above is yours truly with the lovely and talented Alison Sweeney. Most folks know her for her work on Biggest Loser, however I'm a fan of her work as Sami Brady on Days of Our Lives. Below is James Scott, the man who brings the deliciously dangerous EJ DiMera to life on the show. I met these two stars recently in LA and had them autograph my books, Awakening Allaire and Avenging Allaire. Both actors are in the dedications since their work inspired the characters Devon and Allaire in my books.
Alison was really excited and impressed that an EJAMI storyline could turn into novels. James said, "Wow, that's a bloody lot of words!" He, too, was really gracious. I gave Alison an autographed copy of Awakening (that's really Allaire's book) and I gave James an autographed copy of Avenging (Devon's book). Meeting these two people was something I never expected and I'm so glad I got the chance. Thanks, James and Alison, for the inspiration!
Here's a shot of me enjoying my 15 minutes of fame at a recent book signing. In all truth, I had so much fun visiting with old friends and making a few new ones. I ended up selling a lot of books and hope I made a few fans, too.
- Three people I'd love to meet: Tiger Woods, President Bill Clinton, James Scott.
- Big dream: to appear on the David Letterman Show. Better get on that, eh?
- Advice to asipring authors: write one word at a time, that way it's not so daunting.
