My First Blog Tour Interview!

This week, I have a treat for you. I am participating in my first ever Blog Tour. I am so excited! Below you will find an interview by debuting author Denice Stewart. Her wonderful book is entitled: Where Would Cows Hide? This is the first book in a series featuring the Parker Twins and Denice is busy, busy, busy working on the next installment. However, she took time out to graciously grant an interview. Below is the product. I have a feeling you'll enjoy getting a peek inside this lady's head. She is a treasure and an awesome writer who loves to write for young people. Enjoy.

Oh, and if you're saying to yourself, "Now how in the world is she going to tie this into chocolate?" Well, allow me to do just that. Chocolate has milk in it. Milk comes from cows. The name of Denice's book is .... Where Would Cows Hide. 'Nuff said.

And remember, no one has to sneeze for you to say ... God bless you!

Hope you have a great week.
Debbie

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DA: Where were you born? Where do you live now?

DS: I was born and raised in the small farming community of Thomas, located in western Oklahoma. I graduated high school and attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where I received a degree in History. My husband and I moved to Stillwater, OK to earn his Master's degree in Statistics, and then we moved to Maumelle, AR after my husband got a job at UAMS in Little Rock. Two years ago we returned to the Oklahoma City area, and that is where we live now.

DA: What are your hobbies?

DS: Reading, writing of course, watching sports with my husband, playing with my kids, and traveling when we get the chance.

DA: When did you begin writing?

DS: I always loved reading, and writing just naturally flowed from that love of reading. I would say I've wanted to write since the 2nd grade, although I had a brief stint in 3rd grade when I wanted to be an archeologist. Blame Indiana Jones for that one. I wrote short stories through junior high and high school, won a writing contest when I was 17, and that sealed the deal for me.

DA: Can you tell us a little about your writing process – how long from start to finish?

DS: Because I have small children at home, I tend to write in bursts. I do a lot of outlining (which I used to hate in school), and a lot of research ahead of time, so when I have a block of time to sit down and write, it doesn't take as long. My thoughts are more organized, I have a thorough grasp of the story, and I can power burst through the writing process in no time. But because of all the interruptions, it takes several months to finish a story, from planning to typing "The End".

DA: Who are some of your favorite authors?

DS: When I was in elementary school, my favorite author was Bill Wallace, another Oklahoma writer. In junior high I discovered Dean Koontz, and he is still my favorite author to this day. In high school I was a big R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike fan. In college I discovered the classics like Jane Austen, Alexander Dumas, and the Bronte sisters, and after college I found Christian fiction, and enjoy too many authors to name.

DA: What kind of music do you like?

DS: Cheesy 80's music is my favorite. I like contemporary Christian when I need a spiritual power-boost. I listen to classical when I am writing and need to concentrate, and then I am all over the spectrum; country, big band/swing, 50's & 60's oldies, you name it, I'll listen to it.

DA: What are you working on now?

DS: Well, the second book in the Parker Twins series is under review at the publisher's, so hopefully we will be seeing more of Brad, Charlie, and Zoey. I am outlining the details of book three, but I am also working on an adult book for sometime in the future.

DA: How do you edit?

DS: I have a couple of critique partners who help me with my editing, but I also go back over my work from the previous day, looking for mistakes. This helps me find the errors and also get back into the story.

DA: When do you like to write?

DS: I usually write at night after my husband gets home from work, and can watch the kids for a couple of hours.

DA: Why did you choose to write for this age group and in this genre?

DS: Adventures were my favorite kind of books as a kid, and after I had my own children, I couldn't imagine writing any other kind of books. I wondered what kind of trouble they would get into as they grow up, and that's how the idea for these stories was born.

DA: Were there any teachers or librarians that made an impact on you in school?

DS: I was so fortunate to have great teachers who instilled a love of reading and writing in me: Mr. Hoskins (2nd grade teacher), Mr. Claussen (6th grade teacher), Mrs. Ronan (9th & 10th grade English teacher), and Mrs. Wright (11th & 12th grade English teacher). I also had a couple of college professors who helped me along the way: Dr. Walter Johnson (history professor) and Dr. Jim Yates (English Liturature/Creative Writing professor).

Thank you so much, Mrs. Archer, for giving me the opportunity to share some of my writing experiences with you. It has been a pleasure.