1. Do you have an inspirational picture, photo or saying that you look to when you are depressed or have a terminal case of ‘writer’s block’?
Yes. It's that any day when you can make someone smile is a good day. Of course, I hope that my writing will make people smile (and laugh, cry, think), but in every-day life giving (and receiving) smiles is a great reward.
2. What gets your creative juices flowing?
Daydreaming. My first YA novel, Practice Makes Perfect (now titled Summer Replacement), was a result of daydreaming about what I would have *liked* my summers to have been when I was a teenager. After that, it's sitting at the computer and getting at least two sentences written. Once I've done that, I'm on my way.
3. What will stop your creative muse the quickest?
Interruptions and/or knowing there something else besides writing that really needs to be done. That's one reason I like to write in the afternoon. I try to get everything else out of the way in the morning, so I don't have it hanging over my head when I sit down to write.
4. If you could be anything other than a writer, what would your second choice be?
My second choice would be to own a racing stable and have a horse that would win the Triple Crown. That was my first childhood dream, and it's still a pretty good one--though not exactly practical. ;)
5. If you could be anything other than a human, what would you be and why?
I'd have to say a cat (in a good home with an owner such as myself who believes in totally spoiling her cats). Purring seems like such a cool thing to be able to do.
6. Imagine your fairy godmother were to wave her magic wand and bestow a million dollars in your bank account. What would you do with the money?
I think I'd set up a fund for people in Eugene who have endured some unexpected hardship. There are several charities to which I'd donate. And then I'd probably get the Home & Garden TV Curb Appeal crew to work on my house's curb appeal!
7. If you were, for some reason, to lose the ability to write, what would you do with all the creative instincts you could no longer use?
I'd love to learn to draw (even though there's no reason to believe I'd be very good at it!) or study landscape architecture.
8. Who would you love most to meet “in person” and why?
Hillary Clinton. She's been a First Lady, a senator, run for president and is now Secretary of State. I think it would be fascinating to talk to her.
9. Finally, name the one thing in life you do not at this moment possess, but wish to have with all your heart.
An organized house? A tidy yard? Um, wow, I can't really think of any things I need/want terribly much right now, but I'd love to have all my books hit the best-seller list. :)
Ann Herrick's Author Page is:
