Pittsburgh native, Sandy Henry is the author of a debut thriller, Something Borrowed, Something Blue (Llumina Press, June 2004). She is also a featured contributor in an anthology by bestselling author Yitta Halberstam (Small Miracles), and she's currently at work on her second thriller, My Bonny Lies.

WELCOME, SANDY!

1. How did you become an author?

I've always wanted to be a writer. Well actually, the first career goal that I can recall was to take over for the Tooth Fairy. But apparently she's not giving that up. Finally, after a particularly hard-hitting birthday, I committed myself to finishing my romantic suspense novel, Something Borrowed, Something Blue. I researched all sorts of publishing options and chose a Print On Demand company that offers returnability, to get me to press. I'd turned down a few traditional publishing contracts, as they stipulated that they had 12-18 months to commence production on my book. But the manuscript was finished and professionally edited. And I wanted to live the dream I'd had since childhood. I've been thrilled by the outcome.

2. What inspires you?

Reading a good mystery or seeing a cool thriller inspires me to come up with ways to surprise readers and give them an unexpected twist or ending. Also, when I need to become inspired to sit at my computer and write a tough scene or chapter, swimming laps is very inspirational.

3. What are you working on now? Future books?

I have been working on my next mystery, My Bonny Lies. But I'm working on another project, too. It's called Gunsmoke: Legends of the Long Branch, a collection of short fiction (mostly mini-mysteries) based on the long-running CBS series. The 50th anniversary of the show on TV is next fall, and I am actively pursuing permission to borrow the show's characters for my book. I'm also looking for a publisher who will recognize the selling potential of this nostalgic project. The manuscript was just awarded second prize in the 2004 DIY Book Festival awards (Fan Fiction category). So I'm planning to follow up on some leads from the awards presentation and West Hollywood Book Fair last weekend.

4. If you could have lunch with a literary figure
(living or dead) who would it be? And why?

That's a tough one. I'm sure this isn't what you'd intended with your question, but I'd surely like to have lunch with the William Morris agent I've been chasing down! For real, though, tea with Jane Austen would be interesting.

And lunching with Carolyn Keene, creator of Nancy Drew mysteries, would be fun. I loved those books. And my favorite television writer, Kathleen Hite, would have been a very cool lunch date. Her characters were fresh and original--they absolutely never reacted in a predictable way. I'd love to know their secrets, particularly since all wrote independent female characters at a time when feminism was not a popular concept.

5. What advice would you like to offer aspiring
writers?

Write what you enjoy reading--don't follow some trend of the moment.

Proofread, edit and polish your work, but recognize when it's time to let go and get it out there. You're still a writer if your project sits in a drawer. But it's more fun to get it into the hands of readers. And royalty checks are very cool.

Consider "donating" one of your stories, poems or essays to an anthology or other request for submissions. I know a few of my writer friends told me I was crazy to "give away" my work. But I submitted a humor piece to a similar request that I found online. I'm thrilled that it's now published in Changing Course, the empowering new collection by bestselling author Yitta Halberstam (Small Miracles). The book, just released in September, contains essays and comments from such notable women as Betty Rollin, Joyce Maynard, Oprah Winfrey and Susan Sarandon, as well as Yitta herself. It's one of my coolest credits, regardless of the payment that was offered.

Trust your own instincts. There are lots of well-meaning people who will tell you that you'll never make a living as a writer (or that writing a book about Gunsmoke is crazy). But you need to believe in yourself and your ideas, regardless of the nay- sayers. There are lots of successful, self-supporting writers out there, even if they're not Mary Higgins Clark or Stephen King. Success isn't always measured in dollars.

6. What do you like to do besides writing?

I enjoy swimming, walking, movies, travel and spending time with my husband and two Labrador Retrievers.

7. Favorite movie?

Favorite movies are Fargo, Office Space, Reversal of Fortune and just about any comedy made during the 1980's.

Vacation spot?
Mexico, Cayman Islands and Northern California are my favorite places to visit.
Food?
Pittsburgh's Samurai shrimp sauce (it could enhance the flavor of an old shoe) and pizza.

> 8. Anything you'd like to tell our readers? Upcoming
> contests? Booksignings? Events?
I am appearing with Taylor Books at the West Virginia Book Fair Saturday, October 16th, in Charleston, WV. Later that evening, Taylor is hosting a book signing for me in their Charleston store. My presentation begins at 7 pm, with live music to follow.

October 23rd, I will be appearing at the Bethel Park, PA Borders Books and Music at 1 pm. Additional information and upcoming events will be posted on my website soon.

> 9. Have you written anything besides books?

I am an optioned screenwriter. And several of my Gunsmoke poems, "A Cut Above," "Long Branch Lady" and "Festus Speak" will be published in a special anniversary issue of Television Westerns magazine. "A Cut Above" can also be seen currently on James Arness' website. Also, next year, I will be featured in Book Promotion From A to Z (Filbert Press).
>
> 10. How can people contact you or learn more about
> your books and all of your writing activities?

I love to hear from other writers (and readers!). They may contact me through my website: http://www.sandyhenry.com. I am also listed with Authors Den and Authors of Note.

Finally, I'd like to mention that I enjoy helping other writers to market their works, both before and after the sale. Many authors are unfamiliar with some of the marketing tools that are critical to getting their books onto store shelves. This is especially true with POD. Presently, I know of no courses or seminars that teach authors how to create a compelling, eye-catching media kit, with its press releases, sell sheets, etc. I am now providing one-on-one coaching in this area, and I can teach authors how to create the promotional components they need for their current title, as well as for each subsequent book they write. Information will be posted on my website soon. Questions may be addressed to sandyhenrywrites@aol.com.