Life is all about change, and significant changes are in the works for my entire family. After nine years of living in their own home within a ten-minute drive of us, my parents (89 & 99) are flying to the opposite side of the country to live with my sister and b-i-l. It's a win/win situation for everyone, and I'm grateful my sister is taking over as their primary caregiver. (Thanks, and hugs, Lynda!)
As you can imagine my daily routine will change dramatically, and being an optimist who actually enjoys change, it's a given my first priority will be my writing. (It's taken a back seat lately, and I'm excited that too will change!)
My goal for September is to focus on PROTECTING HOPE, book 2 of the Piedmont Island Trilogy, and submit it to my editor. Besides getting sufficient exercise, I also want to remain somewhat visible online. As I often do author interviews, I thought this might be a perfect opportunity to turn the tables and share a few personal tidbits about myself. :)
So, here's part of my bio from my website:
A fan of Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, the Hardy Boys, Agatha Christie and Erle Stanley Gardner and married to her high school sweetheart for one-third of a century, it's a given Anne K. Albert writes mystery and romantic suspense stories.
When
not writing she loves to travel, visit friends and family, and of
course, read using 'Threegio' her cherished and much beloved Kindle 3G!
Enjoy the 'interview'!
Q: Please tell us a few interesting tidbits about yourself that might surprise us.
Anne:
I majored in political science at university, but have never had any political aspirations. I also graduated from art college, but can't paint or draw. The sound of jingling coins in a man's pocket drives
me crazy. I'm afraid of big dogs. And last but not least, I rarely ever
get homesick. I love to travel and suspect I may have been a
nomad or gypsy in a former life!
Q: Where would you like to visit?
Anne: This list is endless. I enjoy exploring close to home, but I'm also keen to see the world. I've toured South America, the Caribbean, England, eastern Europe, and almost every state and province in the US and Canada. Ireland, Newfoundland, France, and Australia, however, are all on my bucket list.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
Anne: Anything my husband cooks! Fortunately, there aren't many foods I dislike, but I'll bypass liver at every turn. (Liver, shiver!) I love eating outdoors when weather permits, and that includes fresh, easy snacks and finger foods. When the temperatures drop, I enjoy oven baked meals that fill the house with delicious aromas. Those tempting smells promise a comforting evening meal. Yum!
Q: What is your favorite quote?
Anne: EASY IS HARD ENOUGH. I do my best to live each day with those four little words in mind. They often save a lot of grief!
Q: If money were not an object, where would you most like to live?
Anne:
Ah, remember that nomad thing I’ve got going? I could never choose just
one place to live. I’d have four. One rural, one urban, one
‘continental’, and one at the beach. Spending three months of each year
in various places around the globe would mean I’d never get bored…at
least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Q: If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
Anne: I have flying monkeys and I’m not afraid to use them. I'm smiling as I type that, but honestly, I imagine most people would think I'm a pushover. That may be true in some respects, but I’m also resilient, tough and determined. As a friend once
said, “Being a writer isn’t for wimps!” So true.
As always reader comments are welcome and appreciated. Now, my turn...I'm curious. Do you have a warning label? How do you handle life's changes? Do you have a favorite quote that defines you and your life?
*If you are an author and have a recent release that falls within the romantic suspense, romance and/or mystery genre, AND is suitable for readers 16 to 90, please contact me to arrange an interview.
* * *
Hope it works out very well for your parents. The change of scene can be disruptive, but your sister's help should minimize that. We look forward to more enjoyable reading as your writing schedule clears!
ReplyDeleteThanks, William. They're looking forward to the change, and much as they would like to deny it, they're unable to continue living on their own. As for my writing, I feel re-energized and eager to get to it!
DeleteWarning Label: Animals rule enter at your own risk.
ReplyDeleteLife Change: Adapt to any situation with a leap.
Favorite Quote: Mae West:"There are no bad girls only good girls gone wrong."
Glad you will be doing more writing. Know your parents will adapt. They did not get to their age without many life skills. Thanks for another interesting Blog.
Thanks for sharing, Jake. You're absolutely correct about their life skills. They're plentiful and well worth considering and adopting!
DeleteTerrific post, Anne, and I understand what you've been dealing with -- been there, done that.
ReplyDeleteWarning Label: Life is tough, but I'm tougher.
Life Changes: Difficult, but I roll with the punches.
Favorite Quote: Man (or woman) Plans, God Laughs (No idea where that came from or whom I'm quoting.) I keep making plans and God just chuckles.
Oh, Marja. I love "Life is tough, but I'm tougher"! Well said! Thanks for sharing. :)
DeleteHow do I handle life's changes? Well, that depends on what it is and my frame of mind at the time, I guess. But, what gets me through is the Serenity Prayer.
ReplyDelete"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."
That's my favorite prayer, too, Patricia. Knowing those things makes ALL the difference in every situation!
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ReplyDeleteInteresting turnaround, Anne, and in more ways than one. What a change. I am happy for you and everyone involved--and can't wait to hear about the writing evolution to come.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenny. I feel a little behind the 8-ball, but want to enjoy the process as well. I'll keep you informed how it goes!
DeleteAnne, you've opened the door. I'm the elder and still caretaker in charge of everyone. I don't get it. Why can't families stand on their two feet and deal with their own problems instead of running to dear old Mom. I don't ask for much. Peace to write and think,; a little Chardonnay; a beach and no more surgery.
ReplyDeleteWhen is enough enough?
Thanks for listening. I seldom open up.
Oh, Charmaine, a little Chardonnay, a beach and I pray NO MORE surgery for you. Ever. Hugs, and open up any time you want. I'm here!
DeleteHi Anne,
ReplyDeleteGreat reading your self-interview and learning a little about you! I think I'm the opposite of you, home-wise. I love our 170 year old farmhouse and never like leaving it and not much for travel-- except -- for the two weeks we spent in london last fall. That's the only other place I'd love to live.
Sandy Gardner
sgardner2@hvc.rr.com
The weird thing is, I love the feeling of home but as I mentioned home can be anywhere--and it doesn't have to belong to me!
DeleteWe recently visited friends who have a gorgeous farm and our hostess is one of those blessed individuals who, like you, Sandy, is happiest when she is at home.
She makes everyone feel incredibly comfortable and always treats us to scrumptious homemade treats. It's heavenly. Yet, I imagine I'd get restless if I overstayed my welcome. It has nothing to do with our friends, and everything to do with me. And really, thank goodness we're all different. It makes the world a much more interesting place!
Thanks for commenting, and good luck on the draw!
As for London, oh, yes. In a heart beat, I'd go. But not forever! ;-)
Thanks to everyone who left a message on "Easy is Hard Enough". I'm excited to announce Sandy is the winner of my giveaway draw. Happy reading!
ReplyDelete