Apropos of Nothing: Kitty Sutton Answers 5 Questions

She was born Kathleen Yvonne Kelley. Sounds Irish does it not? Irish, in part, however the other half is Cherokee. She grew up along the Little Blue River in an old part of Kansas City in a family that was well known as musicians and performers on the Kansas City scene. She had a varied and difficult childhood. Her mother, being newly divorced and only making $1.50 per hour, placed both of her boys and Kitty in Catholic Children's homes. The boys went to Pius X Home for Boys and Kitty to St. Joseph Home for Girls. They were essentially orphanages, but the arrangement was supposed to be temporary. Kitty ended up being at the girl's home, going home to her mother on the weekends, until she was five when one of the nuns lost her temper and threw Kitty out of a second-story window. After trying to conceal the deed by putting Kitty in a room in the attic without any medical attention and in a coma, Kitty defied the odds and woke up, forcing the nuns to call a pediatrician. They chose one who would come in the middle of the night. Little did they know the pediatrician they called was the one Kitty's mother had used for her regular care. The good doctor immediately fetched the mother to bring her daughter home.

However, life still did not go well for the girl. Over the years, her mother became increasingly mentally ill and subjected Kitty to emotional torture that would have twisted a weaker personality.  Her love of art, music and dance helped to sustain her, and, though she knew only a little about Him, she had faith in God. She also found solace in her creativity. Finally, at sixteen, Kitty escaped and ran immediately to authorities – who refused to believe her. Since the girl refused to be taken back home, they decided to put her in a situation that would make her want to go home.  So, without her have committed so much as a curse word, she was put into Juvenile Detention.  When the case workers came back to see if she had changed her mind, they were surprised that she would rather stay in jail, with some very rough, criminally inclined young women, than go back home to the emotional torture she had endured for so long.

This gave them pause, so they decided to do a little more investigating. A few days later, they returned and asked, “Kathleen, did you know your mother is crazy?” This is what she had been telling them all along. So, before her senior year of high school at Southeast High in Kansas City began, she was placed in foster care. She was placed in various homes, all with horrible results because some people thought you took in a teenager in foster care so that they could be the maid and babysitter.

Finally, they found a home for her during the Thanksgiving holiday where she remained until she set off for college with a scholarship in music and dance at UMKC. There, she met here husband of forty-one years. Kitty began to write early in her marriage. While raising their three children, she had no opportunity to use her God-given talents until they moved to the Missouri Ozarks near Branson in 1992. After being asked to sing at an open-mic night, she was given a job on the spot as an entertainer. One thing led to another and within two years, Kathleen Sutton became Kitty Kelley (used as a stage name) with her own Branson show. Finding this success in her life did wonders for her self-esteem. She produced three albums and appeared on numerous network television shows. In Denmark one of her songs, “Grandpa's Fiddle,” placed at number eight on the pop/country charts the same week that Garth Brooks’ “American Bar Association” placed at fourteen. Her show continued with good success until 2004, when illness caught up with her.  That fall from the two-story window so long ago became a source of extreme pain, and Kitty had to close her six-days-a-week show. 

She picked up the writing she had practiced as a form of therapy and began again in earnest.  This time, though, she decided to focus on an aspect of her Native American heritage that, after much research, was obvious had been sadly lacking in the historical record. She set about to right that wrong by writing in the genre of Native American Historical fiction and produced her first novel, Wheezer and the Painted Frog, under her married name, Kitty Sutton. She had planned to publish the work by herself, but was unsure of how to accomplish such a technical feat. She often posted in a group on Facebook called Book Junkies. She quickly made friends, one of whom is the author of this blog. Upon hearing about Kitty's book, Susan felt her own publisher might be interested in this unique subject. One thing led to another and a request was made to Kitty for the manuscript.

Now Kitty is very happily writing daily. The second in the Mysteries from the Trail of Tears series, Wheezer and the Shy Coyote, was recently released. Her publisher is Inknbeans Press and Kitty could not be happier about it.

Talk about responsibility. 

All those years of raising my family, I yearned to sing and perform. I accepted a few invitations to sing at several Kansas City nightclubs, but came away with a feeling of disgust for the lifestyle.  I had no desire to sing to a bunch of people who would not remember the next day where they had been the night before. So I put all I could into raising my family – trying not to repeat the terrible mistakes made by the adults I knew as a child. I studied the Bible and became one of Jehovah's Witnesses and with this new knowledge, I was able to keep my marriage and family together.

I learned early on that my nature did not fit in the corporate environs, so I began my own business.  I was able to use my creative skills in many different endeavors which supplied a good bit of our income. Once my children were raised, I had no qualms about pursuing my lifelong dream – with excellent and satisfying results.

Complete this sentence: "My favorite time of the day is…"

My favorite time of the day is around 2 A.M., when all are in bed and I can have the time to create at my leisure. I do my best work in the middle of the night. Sometimes, I go out into my garden and pull weeds with the help of a flashlight or I go down to the chicken pen and give them a late night (or early morning) treat.

What would be the most difficult news for you to accept about someone in your family?

It would be the news of losing my wonderful husband and partner in art. I would miss him terribly and there is no human on this earth that I trust more than he. We are as in love with each other as we were all those years ago when I was a troubled young woman who needed love and reassurance. There would be no replacing him.

Tell about a "special" gift that you received when you were a child.

Yes, I was given something special, but it was not something I could hold or set on a table and look at. But it was as important to my life as anything I can think of. After coming home from being thrown out of that window and the long hospital stay that it involved, I was able to attend a family reunion. Back in the 1950s, family reunions were much more prevalent than today. My grandfather, who owned Stinson's Music Store at 40th and Troost in Kansas City was, of course, a well-known musician as well. Most of his children were known around town as some of the best jazz musicians of their era. Anyway, I knew nothing about that – I was only six at the time. My grandfather played the violin, but I had never heard him play it. On this occasion, the entire family had brought their instruments to have a good jam session. I don't know how my grandfather  knew that I loved to dance, but he wanted to warm up his fiddle and he told me to dance to the tune he would play. While he played and I whirled around letting my six-year-old body do whatever it felt like doing to keep the beat, I discovered that this was something I loved. When the song was over and all the family, at the time about 200 of them, clapped their pleasure of my performance, I will never forget the feeling of empowerment I felt at the moment. I did not know what it was called then, but that feeling followed me my entire life. That is why I wrote “Grandpa's Fiddle,” which gained some acclaim in Europe. When I close my eyes, I can still hear his fiddle, blazing away while I turned and swerved, tapping my little feet to the beat and receiving a gift that I have cherished. In truth, I believe that it was that empowering moment that kept me from losing my mind during all those helpless years under my mother's mental illness. That was a great gift.

Say something about spontaneity.

Spontaneity is my middle name actually, to a fault. I have a hard time sticking with the grind because I get inspired and then go rushing off to experiment with my new ideas. That includes everything in my life. I must say, it has contributed to a very interesting life, but it has caused many a problem as well. That is the life of an artist, whether it is writing or visual art, when the call of creativity yells loud and clear, we must obey. For me, if I ignore it, I get depressed. It took me years to figure that out. Now I just give in to my creative spontaneity and then do my best to take care of the mundane in between the inspirations.

Her Publisher’s Website

Her Website

Her Musical Side

Actually, Kitty, I think we met on Twitter first! I loved your first book, and I look forward to reading the second in the series. I'm glad that I was able to assist you, even in such a small way. Best of luck to you in all of your endeavors!

Apropos of Nothing: Jo Briggs Answers 5 Questions

Jo has always lived in the southern part of England, in varying counties, despite a desire to live abroad; she has yet to experience that, except from a holiday perspective. The place Jo is pulled toward mostly is America, in particular New York; but she has yet to step on a plane in that direction, the long-distance element so far being a hindrance. 

As a child, she appeared in some TV commercials after attending a famous drama school in central London from the ages of 4-7.

Jo’s interest in writing has been there in the background, for as long as she can remember; it was something she had always wanted to do since she went to school – after doing well in her English Literature classes. She used to carry a notebook around with her and write ideas down, but she was quite private about her writing until becoming an adult.

Her first published novel, Broken Strings, is due out at the beginning of October to celebrate her birthday. It will be the first of a trilogy detailing the trials and tribulations of the lives of its two main characters, Mia James and Grey Bailey. 

Talk about newspapers and how they affect your life.

I am quite opinionated in what papers I want to read. I avoid what the British refer as the gutter press like the plague. They are namely the ones that have all the dubious celebrity stories and the reputation for alleged phone hacking to get stories. I am definitely one for the electronic age so now read most newspaper stories from the Guardian and Independent on my iPad.

Tell about the last time you were late for something.

I am always punctual; it drives me mad when people are late.  I tend to arrive over-early if anything.

Say something about apologizing.

I am a great believer in saying sorry when you are in the wrong.  It is sometimes not easy to do, but you have to be the better person. 

In what ways does TV influence your life?

I used to be a TV addict, but now I often can go a week without seeing anything if I am busy elsewhere without it bothering me. These days the only TV shows I view are a few British and Aussie soap operas, Vampire Diaries, True Blood, Dexter and Revenge. I do like things like CSI, NCIS, and The Mentalist, but I do not sit down to them rigidly each week.

Tell about a time when you were lost.

I have no direction sense at all, except left from right but ask me which way is North and I have no idea! In the days before Sat Nav, I drove to see my boyfriend who lived in Derbyshire from where I lived in Berkshire and his directions made no sense once I came off the main motorway. I saw the same roundabout about 50 times! Was not happy.

To learn more about Jo and her work, visit:

Her Blog

Her Facebook Page

Her Twitter Profile

It was a pleasure to get to know you better, Jo. We have a bit in common: I always wanted to live in New York as well, but have yet to even visit! Good luck with your first book. 

Apropos of Nothing: Rosemary Smith Answers 5 Questions

Rosemary was born in Louisiana. She used to tell people she had the good sense to leave the state before she was branded a Cajun. People laughed. When she got older and learned a few things, she realized that Louisiana was not a bad place at all.

As a military family, she and her husband, Al, lived in Europe for nearly six years and met people from all over the world. Rosemary sold her watercolor and oil paintings to feed her creative streak. She also wrote poems and stories but never shared them with anyone outside her family.

When Al retired after twenty-six years in the Army, they chose to come back to Louisiana for him to fly for Petroleum Helicopters. He loved it. Rosemary continued with her real-estate career, and life was good.

They discovered very quickly that they’d both missed the sounds of cicadas in the summer heat, the tastes of crispy fried shrimp, spicy boiled crawfish and icy cold Sugartown watermelon, and definitely the people.

Rosemary likes watching the egrets fish in the coulee (a fancy name for a fancy drainage ditch) in the woods behind her house. The little green lizards even inspired her to write a series of books for children. She enjoys making a big gumbo on the first cool night of autumn. Most of all, she enjoys hearing the voices of her Cajun friends as they sit around her table to share it.

Louisiana is a magical place, full of mystery, wildlife, good food, and fun. Rosemary won’t be leaving again. When she dies, they can bury her remains in a cypress box in the swamps she loved. Louisiana is home.

How do you decide between right and wrong? 

 I ask myself if I would want my mother to know about it. My mother must have instilled a massive sense of guilt in me from birth. She nearly died having me, so even now I feel like everything I do has to justify my existence. I only recently realized that all my novels and many of my stories have an underlying theme. I am sixty-five years old and still trying to please my mother. My characters seem to feel the same way. Even my Vampire. His mother was the one who asked, “Does it have to be human blood?”

Tell about a "special" gift that you received when you were a child.

My first really “special” gift was a set of World Book Encyclopedias….Red Covers… I read them from the front cover of A to the back cover of Z more than once. My parents thought it was to help me with my school work, but it opened doors to all kinds of exciting worlds and made me even more curious about EVERYTHING. It made me want to see it for myself.

When do you feel most confident? 

When someone reads something I wrote and says good things about it. Praise makes me brave.

Say something about spontaneity.

I am quite spontaneous. Heap a little praise on me about one of my books or stories and then take a few steps backwards. It could get dangerous…in a fun way. 

What is one thing you could do to improve your life? 

Write a book that people like well enough to tell their friends about so that it ends up a NYT bestseller. And be Richer, Thinner and Taller…..lol………if all that fails, I want to win the Powerball….

To learn more about Rosemary and her writing, visit:

Her Facebook Page

Her Twitter Profile

Her Pinterest Boards

Her Website

Thank you for stopping by, Rosemary. I remember the first time I opened up an encyclopedia – it was like getting access to a world I’d never known existed. I couldn’t concentrate on what I was actually looking up because of all the interesting tidbits around it!

On Wednesday, Jo Briggs will be answering five questions. I look forward to seeing you again then!

Apropos of Nothing: Debbie Bennett Answers 5 Questions

Debbie has been writing since primary school and hand-wrote her first novel at age fourteen in a fancy ring-binder. After that inspiring debut, she wrote several (mostly unpublishable) novels on a manual typewriter and later computer, until an agency contract in the 1990s led her to think she might actually be good at it.

She’s worked in law enforcement for over 25 years, in a variety of different roles (both front-line and back-office), which may be why the darker side of life tends to emerge in her writing. In 2005, she was long-listed (top 25) for the Crime Writers Association Debut Dagger Award, which gave her the self-confidence to independently publish the crime novel Hamelin’s Child on Kindle and other e-outlets in 2011, closely followed by a young-adult fantasy, Edge of Dreams, and a collection of short (and not-so-short) stories, Maniac & Other Stories.

She spent nine years editing and publishing anthologies, newsletters and other publications for the British Fantasy Society, and has had numerous short stories in print in a variety of outlets, from award-nominated anthologies to women’s magazines. She’s also reviewed for the BFS and Starburst magazine and was a reader for a national short-story competition for many years.

www.debbiebennett.co.uk has links to all my books on multiple platforms.

www.authorselectric.co.uk where I blog on 6th every month about ebooks, writing and anything else.

What kind of emergency scares you the most?

OK. Over-the-top answer here as I’m going to say what immediately springs to mind… nuclear war! I said it was OTT, didn’t I!? I was born in the mid-‘60s and remember a lot of news surrounding the Cold War as I was growing up. And then I saw the BBC drama Threads in 1984, which terrified me (I have it on DVD and it still scares me as an adult). I live near to Hack Green nuclear bunker in Cheshire which is now open to the public – they have public-information documents on display there that I remember seeing in the house as a child.

Oh and anything involving my beautiful and talented teenage daughter!

Which of your senses do you value most?

Definitely sight. I’ve been short-sighted since I was a child and worn contact lenses from age seventeen. My eyes are less tolerant now, so I’m stuck with glasses a lot more – and I hate them. My husband and daughter have perfect vision and neither of them appreciates it.

What would you like to receive on your next birthday?

A contract for a film option on one of my books? Not likely, I guess, so I’ll settle for something Eeyore. Most of my birthdays have been Eeyore themed, from cakes to slippers to cuddly toys. I like Eeyore.

Describe the funeral service you would like held for you.

Gosh, that’s a question I’ve never had before. Something low-key and not too sad. I think funerals should be a celebration of life, not death. If I could watch, I’d like to know what I’ve meant to the people I care about and maybe people could share happy memories. Most of all, I’d like people to think I did something useful with my life and didn’t waste or squander it.

Share a compliment you received recently.

“Mum, you look really nice!” Said by my 16 year-old in a surprised tone of voice as though mum and looking nice don’t usually belong in the same sentence. Generally I’m a source of entertainment at best, and embarrassment at worst, especially when I’m wearing – heaven forbid – a denim jacket or jogging pants (not together – even I draw the line there). I can’t recall just what it was I was wearing at the time either.

To learn more about Debbie and her work, please visit:

Her Webpage

Do Authors Dream of Electric Books? (where she blogs on the 6^th of each month)

Wow, Debbie! Thanks so much for stopping by! I remember being truly terrified of nuclear war once upon a time – I guess other fears have overwritten those of the Cold War era.

On Monday, Southern author Rosemary Smith will be answering five questions. You’ll want to read her answers! 

Apropos of Nothing: Ed Drury Answers 5 Questions

Ed Drury is a musician and writer currently living in Portland, Oregon. No one is sure just how long Ed has been around. Just one look at him suggests it has been for a very long time. He was born in the vicinity of his mother, and, yes, it was a long time ago. Ed writes music for indie films, television and theater. Seriously – he's been paid to do that! He also has worked as a psychiatric aide, respiratory therapist, computer programmer, technical writer, store clerk and has done some acting, but has never been arrested.

Complete the sentence "The loneliest time for me is…"

The time I spend in large groups of people.

Give 3 reasons why you like yourself.

I have a pretty decent understanding of myself. I love animals. I like it that I am not excessively deep or brooding.

Say something about hitchhiking.

Kids, don't do this!

What would you like to receive on your next birthday?

Ah, I would like just one day where there are no acts of violence anywhere in the world. That would be the best gift I could receive. Also, my birthday is very close to Halloween, candy is always good.

What are your reasons for wanting to go on living?

Good question! I love creating music and writing. Those are things I hope to do for years to come. I also love to hike and there are a lot of new hikes I've been meaning to take. Plus some old familiar ones I wish to see many more times.

To learn more about Ed and his work, please visit:

His Amazon Author Page

His Smashwords Author Page

His Webpage (hear his music!)

His Facebook Page

Buy His Music Here!

I don’t think I’d ever heard the didgeridoo before – at least not in a context where I knew what I was hearing! It’s fantastic, Ed – thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you get what you want for your birthday.

Novelist and editor Debbie Bennett will be with me in two days. See you then!

Apropos of Nothing: Rich Meyer Answers 5 Questions

Rich Meyer is a freelance writer, editor and proofreader who has written numerous trivia quiz e-books, flash fiction stories and is working on his first novel. He is an active volunteer with the Old Time Radio Researchers group, dedicated to the preservation of old-time radio shows. Rich is an avid fan of Frank Zappa, Doc Savage, comic books, and, of course, trivia. Rich lives in Pennsylvania with his wife Mona and their family of furry children.

Say something about illness and how it has affected your life.

I spent a good portion of my early childhood in and out of hospitals with ear infections, pneumonia, and came close to dying once when I had an adverse reaction to a German Measles vaccine. As such, I kept to myself most of the time and developed a love for reading, particularly comic books and science fiction novels, and drawing. While if I hadn’t been sick, I might’ve gone on to somewhat more physical endeavors, I feel I’m a more rounded individual because of those early trials, even though at the time I really had no awareness of what was actually going on.

Which of your senses do you value most?

That’s a toss-up between my sight and my hearing. While I use my sight much more in what I do (watching movies and old TV shows to collect trivial bits of information), my wife and I recently adopted a blind kitten. That little girl is showing us that being blind is not the end one might think it would be, as she is one of the most active kittens I have ever had the fortune to have in my life. I guess one must consider what one would rather not do: never again see a great piece of art or a striking landscape scene, or never again hear a glorious symphony or a powerful guitar solo?

Talk about competition.

I’m not big on competition. I don’t always worry about winning or coming out on top, since I know no one is going to do that very often for very long. I would (and have) made a horrible salesman.

The only semi-exception is when I play trivia, particularly in the World’s Largest Trivia Contest in Wisconsin; while I take a personal satisfaction whenever I can be the first on my team to find an answer to a question, I also don’t worry too much about being the winning team, since that is a VERY hard thing to do. However, my current team is pretty well-versed in the trivial arts, so I may change that attitude at a moment’s notice.

Give 3 reasons why you like yourself.

First, I have reached a level of personal integrity that allows me to deal with the hypocrisy of modern life without getting stressed out about it.

 I take care of my own.

 And finally, I have a sense of humor, which is the most important weapon a person can have in any battle.

What would you like to achieve with your life?

I have no real goals at the moment, other than to live a comfortable and stress-free life. I would like that, when people look back at me after I’ve moved on, they remember me as having a modicum of personal class and style, and that I left a lot of smiles behind.

To learn more about Rich and his work, please visit:

His Amazon Author Page

His Review Blog

His Other Blog

Fascinating interview, Rich! I’m no slouch when it comes to trivia – I just may have to invest in some of your books. I’m also glad to read that Ruby Xev is settling into life with you and the rest of your family. Her pictures are adorable!

On Thursday, the talented musician and writer Ed Drury will be joining me for his moment in the hot seat. Come back then, won’t you?

Apropos of Nothing: Kevin Tomsett Answers 5 Questions

Kevin is 34 years old. He is almost married to Kim and has two sons, Morgan and Shawn, and a daughter, Cameron. He likes nothing better than using his downtime to play Skyrim or Lego games on his Xbox 360. When he is not playing, he can be found watching the Grand Prix. When not doing that he will probably be at work; if not at work, he can be found bashing out his latest bestseller!

Describe your best year in school.

My best year at school would have to be the year after I left – I hated it that much.

Say something about space travel.

I love the idea of space travel like in Star Trek, and the thought of other races out in the expanse of space makes us as human beings seem small.

Tell about an understanding person in your life.

That would have to be my almost wife Kim. She has stuck by my side through thick and thin.

Say something about apologizing.

It’s not an easy thing to do.

Describe the kind of car you would like to own.

That’s a hard one. I guess something like an armoured Hummer.

To learn more about Kevin and his work, please visit:

His Facebook Page

Revenge on Smashwords

Thanks for taking a few minutes to chat, Kevin. You are a man of few words – you must save them for your writing!

Come back Monday – Rich Meyer, Trivia Master Extraordinaire, stops by to answer a few questions with no right or wrong answers!

Apropos of Nothing: Vickie Johnstone Answers 5 Questions

Vickie Johnstone lives in London, UK, where she works as a freelance magazine sub editor and book editor. Her favorite things include reading, writing, films, the sea, art, animals, birdsong, rock music, white chocolate, nature, travelling and tea. If sleeping was an Olympic sport, she would be a contender. Vickie began self-publishing books in March 2011, and signed with Inknbeans Press in October of that year. She has three poetry books: Kaleidoscope (119 poems); Life’s Rhythms (316 haiku) and Travelling Light. Vickie is writing a series for younger readers about a magical cat called Kiwi and her two human chums. So far there are four books: Kiwi in Cat City; Kiwi and the Missing Magic; Kiwi and the Living Nightmare, and Kiwi and the Serpent of the Isle. Other titles include a comedy horror called Day of the Living Pizza and a quirky romantic comedy with walkies called 3 Heads & A Tail. One day, Vickie would like to live by the sea.

Say something about surprise parties.

Why haven’t I ever had one?! Bummer! Thinking about it, I’ve never had one and I’ve never been to one! They’ve all be planned. Ah, tell a lie, I did go to one. It was my boyfriend’s friend’s birthday. It was all arranged by his girlfriend. She had got a big cake, with lots of chocolate and cream. Now I’m hungry! We had to meet her outside their flat. On the way, we bought some booze. Then we waited for the other friends to turn up. When they did, we tiptoed up these really steep stairs – with me filming from the back with my camera phone and giggling – to the top, and then down a corridor, and then into the flat. Birthday boy was sitting with his back to us, watching TV. He spun round, expecting the usual and got a butcher’s of all us, all grinning like idiots, and his girlfriend holding a big cake. Then we started singing “Happy birthday” in Polish, because he is. I only know the first bit, “Sto lat, sto lat” (which means 100 years), and then I have to go “La, la, la!” Anyway, safe to say, birthday boy was very shocked. We went to the pub later. It turned out to be a fun evening.

Tell about a secret desire that you have.

Ah, my secret desire would be to travel the world and just keep moving around, seeing something new every day. And then I’d settle somewhere warm without much rain (not London then…), by the sea and by a forest. Swimming with dolphins is another one, but I’m a poor doggie paddler!

Complete the sentence: “I wish all people would…”

Live together in perfect harmony. Then there would be no arguments, no wars, no gossips, etc, etc. Everything would go along quite happily. Eastenders would be very different for a start. So, perfect harmony is the thing I’d aim for if I ruled the world! This reminds me of a line from a song by the Wurzels, about a combine harvester, which is now stuck in my head, for better or worse.

'Cause I got a brand new combine harvester and I'll give you the key

Come on now, let's get together

In perfect harmony

I got 20 acres and you got 43

Now I got a brand new combine harvester and I'll give you the key.

She might well laugh.

I'll stick by you and give you all that you need

We'll have twins and triplets

I'm a man built for speed

And you know I'll love you darling

So give me your hand

Oh, the thing I want the most is all that acres of land.

My granddad used to play it in the car when I was young, along with ‘You’ve got more rabbit than Sainsbury’s’, by Chas and Dave.

Talk about your favorite childhood game.

This was Hungry, Hungry Hippo! It was a pretty basic game. It was made up of a plastic frame with four cute, colourful hippos in each corner with levers on their backs. You’d plonk these white marbles in the centre and then bang your hippo as hard as you could to eat as many marbles as possible. Whoever was the biggest piggy and ate the most was the winner. Simple but great. I loved it. Happy kids everywhere! I also loved Mousetrap, though it took a long time to set up and yet took seconds to play, and Kerplunk. Yes, I was easily pleased as a kid. I probably still would be if I could only get my hands on Hungry, Hungry Hippo!

Share a family ritual that has special meaning to you.

I live quite far away from family, so I don’t get to see them that often, especially with the price of train fares in this country! Groan. A family ritual? I’m not sure I can think of any here, so I guess it will be Christmas. That’s the time when I always go home. I think I’ve only missed two in my whole life. It’s like an unwritten family commandment: thou shalt return home to the family nest and stuff so much food in your mouth that you’ll have to roll your way home! I remember, as a kid, being terrified of the turkey! It just lay there with its stiff, bony legs in the air, waiting to be stuffed. Don’t mention those giblets that Mum had to pull out! Horrific! Actually, I think Dad got that glorious job. Now I make do with my Quorn log and veggies, and I’m as happy as a turkey that still has his giblets and is going gobble gobble round a field. My granddad would always fall asleep for exactly half an hour after eating. My grandma baked the best tarts and puddings ever – I’ve still never had pastry that’s better. And when I was little, my brother would always be up at the crack of dawn, ready for his presents. Sometimes he didn’t even go to sleep – he’d be alert, watching... In fact, though he’s three years younger, he was the one who had the sad duty of informing me that, in fact, Santa Claus didn’t exist – it was our mum! I think I may have cried!

Other rituals could include watching Eastenders (grimace!), trying to eat your dinner without feeding the dog who has rather big, brown soppy eyes, or watching the birds feeding in our garden. My parents have about three bird feeders joined together, and sparrows and starlings flock to them like it’s the best restaurant in town. And there’s a pond to make it all so romantic! And the whole scene is inches away from the kitchen window. Bill Oddie, eat your heart out!

To learn more about Vickie and her work, please visit:

Her Blog

Her Facebook Author Page

The Kiwi in Cat City website

Her Amazon Author Page

Her Twitter Profile

Great stories, Vickie! I had a Hungry, Hungry Hippo game too – I loved it. Also, I think your dream location may be Belize…though it’s backed by jungle, not forest!

My next guest will be Kev Tomsett, another UK writer. I hope you’ll stop by in two days to see how he answers his five questions.

Apropos of Nothing: Mary Ann Bernal Answers 5 Questions

Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age.  While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.

Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter-writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work.  She has also been a featured author on various reader blogs and promotional sites.

Mary Ann is a New York “expat,” and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.

Talk about your favorite sport and why you like it.

My favorite sport is football, professional and college. I enjoy the fast-paced atmosphere and the passion for the game, not only for the players but for the spectators as well. It is exciting to watch your team defeat an arch rival, especially when the tradition has endured for over 100 years. If you guessed the Army-Navy rivalry, you are correct. Also, my team has had continuous victories since 2002, and if you guessed Navy, you are correct again. I am counting the days for the 2012 season. Go Navy.

Complete the sentence: "I wish all people would…"

...treat everyone the way they would like to be treated.

Say something about spontaneity.

While thinking a situation through before making a decision is recommended, acting spontaneously does have a place in the thought process, i.e., the split-second decision. You might remind me of the saying, “act in haste and repent at leisure.” Rightly so, but there are instances where acting on an impulse could lead to experiencing something new, something you might never have thought of, something out of character. Selecting things for one’s “bucket list” comes to mind. Have I acted spontaneously? Of course. Chartering a helicopter in the evening to see the city’s Christmas lights comes to mind, but then my friends tend to be impulsive, which makes life more interesting.

Say something about illness and how it has affected your life.

Life and relationships are taken for granted. However, experiencing a life-altering event ultimately reminds a person to live each day to its fullest since no one is promised tomorrow. After recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia, I have made it a point to thank God for the gift of life each day, and to make sure my family and friends know they are loved and appreciated.

What seems to be the biggest problem in your life right now?

Self-doubt, the endless questioning of one’s abilities, hovers over the writers’ world. The thinking is that the work is not good enough. It is because of self-doubt that writers strive for perfection and never give up. Pushing one’s doubts aside can be difficult, but not impossible, to overcome. I take it one day at a time.

To learn more about Mary Ann and her work, please visit:

Her Website

Her Facebook Page

Her Twitter Profile

Her Blog

Literary Underground

It’s been a pleasure to interview you, Mary Ann. That helicopter ride must have been incredible…makes me sorry that I’m so afraid of heights!

Two days from now, Vickie Johnstone, author of the Kiwi book series, will join me. Hope to see you then!

Apropos of Nothing: Kristann Monaghan Answers 5 Questions

Kristann is a self-proclaimed 40-something couch potato determined to get healthy and not be those three little letters…FAT.  A Pediatric ICU nurse living in Flagstaff, Arizona, she knows all about how to be healthy, yet just can’t seem to apply this science to her own life. Flagstaff is the epitome of hippie outdoorsy life and she is NOT an outside girl (nor does she like the smell of patchouli and body odor together). She lives with her cat Daisy May (AKA the Ninja Kitten) and is really hoping she doesn’t turn into the Crazy Cat Lady who threatens small children with a really big stick from her front porch. She might have had that experience, but she doesn’t want to BE that experience. So instead, Kristann has ventured into what she calls The Running Experiment.

Which fairy tale character do you feel most like? Why?

I mostly identify with the villains/villainesses in a fairy tale. I am not like those fairytale Princesses. I don’t have sunshine and song coming out my butt and I don’t need anyone to save me. I prefer to lurk in the shadows and cause mayhem. It’s much more fun to be evil. You don’t have to apologize for who you are if you are evil because then you can just blame it on your evilness. Plus, I can practice my evil laugh: Bwhahahahahahaha!

Share a family ritual that has special meaning to you.

Well, there was this one time I sent my infant brother down the laundry chute. That was fun for me until my butt met the hand of my mother. Oh wait. You mean like a tradition. Actually, the one thing I can think of is that we always make these special cookies at Christmas called Kringla. Maybe it’s because I am a Fat Girl that cookies are special, but, really, making these means Christmas is here.  Plus, I really like to eat them. A lot.  Hence, why I am fat.

Say something about poverty.

Poor people can’t afford food, which is a crime to a Fat Girl. Seriously. And why is it that the most fattening food is the cheapest? It’s like saying if you are poor you must also be fat, wear sweats and live in a trailer drinking your wine out of a box. Hey…don’t judge me. Excuse me, but I must run to Wal-Mart now for another box.  

Share something that no one knows about you.

Wow, you are nosy, aren’t you? Can’t a Fat Girl keep some secrets? When you read my blog, you will see that I share almost everything; but in reality, I am painfully shy. No. Really. In a social situation, I am a total wallflower. Going to an all-women’s college helped me break out somewhat and I am sure my Cottey sisters will laugh when I say I am shy. Writing helps me step outside my comfort zone without having to actually talk to somebody face to face and look like a total Fat-Girl spaz. The computer helps with that, but it really doesn’t help me lose weight. Pretty sure between my couch and computer and working nights, I am doomed to be fat. 

Share a childhood experience with death.

When I was a toddler, I had a near-drowning experience where I fell into a swimming pool and a Great Dane jumped in and saved me. My only memory is of a hazy bright ball and the wetness of the water. I have no idea where my parents were when it happened. Maybe they ran to Wal-Mart for more wine. Or maybe I was being raised by the dog. That would explain a lot.

To learn more than you ever thought you would want to know about Kristann, visit her blog.

Kristann, you are the least-shy woman I have ever met. Wait. No, that would be Leslie from dear old Cottey C. But you’re a close second. So this is one Cottey sister laughing. Of course, I’m also rolling on the floor over the idea of you being raised by a Great Dane…. Keep writing. You’re the only person I know who can make me laugh so hard.

My next guest will be Mary Ann Bernal, a historical novelist with a passion for football!

Apropos of Nothing: Jaq D Hawkins Answers 5 Questions

Jaq D Hawkins is a published writer with nine books in publication on nature spirits and chaos magic published by Capall Bann Publishing, as well as two fantasy novels in print and E-book formats, Dance of the Goblins and Demoniac Dance, soon to be followed by the third book in the series, Power of the Dance.

Also recently released is her first steampunk book, The Wake of the Dragon, an airship-pirate adventure among the opium trade in an alternative history. Information on all titles can be found on her website.

What seems to be the biggest problem in your life right now?

Time! I'm editing two films, have five more novels at least started although I try to focus on one at a time, my daughter is just graduating and I have a boyfriend who needs some time, and ideas flow far too fast to keep up.

Share a childhood experience of embarrassment.

When I was 10 I cut my own hair once and got the fringe in front so short that I had to wet it to make spikes or it would stand straight up. My school photos for that year would look trendy now, post-punk.

If there were six more hours in the day, how would you spend them?

Film editing. I love it and hate it as it's a lot of drudge work but the results are very satisfying.

If you could have a committee of 3 people (living or dead) to help you make decisions, whom would you choose?

Oh this is fun...

1. Ben Franklin to offer wisdom

2. Leonardo DaVinci to lend genius

3. Jim Morrison to offer perspective

Tell about an understanding person in your life.

My daughter is a very understanding person. She's been through all the phases of my life since she was born and some rough experiences of her own, but it has all made her grow into a lovely and intelligent young woman with a sense of perspective and an ability to adapt to circumstances, whatever happens.

To learn more about Jaq and her work, please visit:

Her Website

Her Blog

Her Twitter Profile

Her Facebook Page

It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Jaq. I couldn’t agree more with wanting Leonardo DaVinci’s advice – he was amazing! I’ve had my share of bad haircuts, too, though I don’t think any of them would look trendy today.

I can hardly wait to introduce you to my next guest: Kristann Monaghan! Never heard of her? Just wait – you will! Prepare to laugh your butts off.

Apropos of Nothing: Alex Canton-Dutari Answers 5 Questions

Alex Canton-Dutari -- né Alejandro Cantón -- was born in Santiago, Republic of Panama, almost seven decades ago. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and throughout his professional years wrote a textbook and many articles about his area of concentration -- clinical sexology. Upon retirement he has tried to become a full-time novella writer, which combined with his babysitting tasks -- four grandchildren -- keeps him quite busy.

Say something about hitchhiking.

Never did it, but went all over Europe on a Eurailpass in 1966 -- Spain to Trondheim, Norway, then on to Austria and returning through the Mediterranean coast way back to Madrid. At the time that was the high point of a free spirit and youthful daring -- on US$5.00 a day!

Describe the pet you would most like to own.

A cat… when my wife was alive we always had a cat, and I miss the cuddling, snuggling up to me and the purring that would put both of us to sleep. Tiger is with my youngest son now. If I move to another apartment I hope I'll be allowed to have a new one.

Tell about a time when you felt awkward.

I'm an Aries -- we're perfect. Nah! When I go to gatherings of my belated wife's family I feel completely out of place. Oh, yes, it also happens when I go to a writer's meeting, especially among experienced ones. I don't feel quite at the same level, though my colleagues consider me otherwise.

Describe the "greatest" dessert in the world.

Lately I've been pan baking Betty Crocker's corn bread. I pour in just enough sugar and top it with butter and maple syrup. It's healthier than "death by chocolate," which I love but stay away from. Now that I think of it, it's almost a main dish instead of a dessert!

Talk about your favorite sport and why you like it.

When my kids became teenagers I started going to the gym and used all the contraptions. But the best part of this "sport" was joining other fathers in the steam room where we talked about politics. Therefore, talking about politics was my favorite sport -- in a way. It kept our imagination going, our brains working and was always a good excuse to attend. Nowadays I still go to the gym, but most of my partners have gone to their family's asteroid. I wrote a novella during my last bout at the gym.

To learn more about Alex and his work, please visit:

His Blog

His Facebook Page

His Amazon Author Page

It’s been a pleasure getting to know you better, Alex. Cornbread is a staple item in my family’s diet – it pairs well with pinto beans!

On Saturday, Jaq Hawkins will be joining me to answer her five questions. Please join me again then.

Apropos of Nothing: KR Hughes and TL Burns Answer 5 Questions

K. R. Hughes is a native of Amarillo, Texas. She has a degree in English, helps with the literacy program and tutors college students. Hughes has two children, Justin and Kayti. Hughes also has a historical novel, Treasured Love, under her pen name Kymber Lee.

T. L. Burns is the foremost researcher and historical guru for What She Knew. Burns and husband Ken have two grown children, Kenny and Deven. Burns is a native of California. She has spent the majority of her adult life working with at-risk kids and adults.

Both authors currently reside in Atlanta, GA where they write and encourage budding authors to follow their dreams.

Tell about a depressing time in your life.

The most depressing time in my life was when T L still lived in Texas but I had moved here. I kept thinking she needed to be here so we could write together and market our novel. I got involved with the Indy Film Industry in Atlanta, Georgia and was told that this novel would make an excellent movie. So I finally convinced her to come here and join me. YAY!

Say something about hitchhiking.

We both think if you’re a woman, just say no! You never know what is going to happen, unless, of course, you’re in Europe where that sort of thing is somewhat allowable. Then it could be a great adventure.

Talk about a joyful time in your life.

When K R finally stopped nagging me to come join her in Atlanta, I was either going to shoot her or join her (a little Texas humor).

Say something about resentment.

Resentment will eat at you until it corrodes your insides. It hurts no one but you. Let it go. Take a deep cleansing breath then forgive yourself and them. You’ll feel much better. Don’t worry, be happy!

Talk about the last time you lost your temper.

We had to yell at our publisher a few times in order to get the book finished correctly. We gave them a completed manuscript and the printer completely destroyed it. It was a mess and took us several weeks to straighten out. They wouldn’t just let us start over with the correct manuscript. UGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!! But it’s out and looks beautiful. So we just smile and move on.

To learn more about this writing team and their work, please visit:

Their Website

Their Blog

K.R. Hughes’ Amazon Page

T.L. Burns’ Amazon Page

Their Twitter Profile

Thank you both for stopping by. Funny you should mention hitchhiking in Europe…Italy is the only place I’ve ever gotten into a strange man’s car! Luckily, he drove my friends and me directly to a bus stop in a Florence suburb. Whew!

Join me on July 19^th, when I will be interviewing Alex Canton-Dutari – one of the nicest clinical psychologists I’ve ever met. He also happens to be fascinating author and a good sport. 

Apropos of Nothing: Ey Wade Answers 5 Questions

Ey is the author of Beads on a String - America’s Racially Intertwined Biographical History. She has also penned several other novels within several genres. A mother of three and grandmother of one, Ey loves to write, work in the garden, and spend time with her family.

Tell about a family tradition that you enjoy.

 I really love the Easter celebrations. Every year since I was a kid we would meet at one certain family member’s home and have this massive dinner, and humongous egg hunt. As kids we had to stay behind while the adults and older cousins hid the eggs. The suspense was excruciating. Eventually, as that certain family member became too old to hold the hunts we would move into another home until it was my turn to be the host. The excitement in being the hider, and waiting for the new generation to find their treasure is excruciating.

How do you want to spend the last day of your life?

Free of any kind of pain. Not rushed and not knowing it was going to be my last day of life.

Share a compliment you received recently.

Someone told me I was a fantastic writer and just from reading one of my books has asked me to collaborate on a project. That’s the biggest compliment ever.

What seems to be the biggest problem in your life right now?

Oh, where can I start? All of my problems are big peace-of-mind-stealing, lint-in-pocket, constant-pain-in-back-and-hip monsters of problems.

How do you decide between right and wrong?

I choose it naturally. I use discernment and think of three choices. Jail, hell, or mental torture. I don’t want to have to live with any.

To learn more about Ey and her work, please visit:

Wade-In Publishing

Her Facebook Page

Her Twitter Profile

Her Amazon Author Page

Her Blog

I think I want to come to your place for Easter, Ey! Around the holidays, I often wish I had a big family with lots of children running around. Then I remember that I’m a writer, and I would probably let my children starve to death while I wrote “just one more page”!

On July 17^th, I will welcome co- authors KR Hughes and TL Burns. 

Apropos of Nothing: Kristina Howells Answers 5 Questions

Kristina Howells is a published author and poet. She currently lives in Calais in France, and she is a British expat. She has written non-fiction and fiction works, including A Hatter goes Mad, Te Deum, Una voce, Lettre Fatale, Making sense of the Genesis Flood, Making sense of the Life of Christ, Law and Gospel,  and Les Delices de Calais.

She recent took part for the first time in the June Camp NaNoWriMo. At this camp, she had to write 50,000 words or more within 30 days. She is glad to say that her new novel, Lovers in a Bag, is almost finished. All she can reveal is there are two funerals and a wedding.

However, since her publishers have gone out of business due to the credit crisis, she now self-publishes using Lulu.com and Createspace. She says it is easy to publish without paying for it when you know how.

Make a statement about honesty.

Honesty is very important. Lies will one day always catch up with you. I’d rather be honest and then face the consequences.

Describe an ideal vacation.

My ideal vacation is lying in a hammock on a tropical island, and writing a book without any disruptions.

What would you like to receive on your next birthday?

I am forty soon. So for my next birthday I would like to receive a 64 GB tablet so I can store all my electronic books.

Say something about resentment.

There is a lot of resentment in the world. I think as I have got older I try to not look back or dwell on things that cause me to resent the situation. I’d rather get my own back by writing about that person and publishing it as a short story or poem. Then get over them. The best I can.

What color would you use to describe yourself? Why?

A very good question; In fact I love the colour pink. It is bright and clear. It is a fun colour too. I like to have fun especially after I am at a party. But then if I was to describe my mood. I am at the moment very tired from this writing camp so I would say my mood is a murky brown colour. It most probably will return to pink the 1st of July.

To learn more about Kristina and her work, please visit:

Her Smashwords Profile

Her Wordpress Blog

Amazon

Price Minister

What a pleasure to have Kristina visit all the way from France! Merci beaucoup, Kristina! I wonder: do you warn your enemies that they might become a character in one of your novels?

Stop by in Sunday, July 15^th, to find out Ey Wade’s favorite holiday and much more!

Apropos of Nothing: Madison Johns Answers 5 Questions

As a child, Madison Johns preferred to distance herself from other children her age and had been described as a dreamer. Even as a small child, she remembers staying awake many a night fighting dragons, being whisked away to foreign lands, or meeting the man of her dreams.

Madison Johns began writing at age 44; she then pounded out a book a year for the next three years and published her first novel May 1, 2012.

Madison gathers both inspiration and comic relief from her work with seniors in both nursing-home and hospital settings, inspiring her to write Armed and Outrageous. She hails from Saginaw, Michigan, and resides with her husband, two children, and delightful cat Misty.

Say something about suicide.

It's sad and I have seen it too much working at a hospital. It's not age related in anyway. In truth, many senior citizens get very depressed over the death of a spouse or their own declining health. You can't judge anyone never having walked in their shoes and whatever they feel is real to them.

Share a scary dream.

I was in a house haunted by a little boy that for some reason didn't know he was dead. He looked freaky like possibly oriental with black hair and black circles beneath his eyes. It reminded me of The Grudge. It had something to do with mirrors and four little boys sitting in a bathtub. It really freaked me out.

Describe the kind of house you would most like to own.

I'm just a run-of-the-mill normal girl. I'd love a huge house on the ocean in California, next to some hunky guy who works out on his balcony. What? Seriously, I'd love a house on the beach in Michigan with plenty of bedrooms and enough room for an office that faced it. I love my home state and all its beautiful wonders.

Give your definition of the "perfect party."

I'd love a beach party with hula dancers and plenty of fireworks, enough to blast high into the air. People in Michigan like to blow shit up! Plenty of alcohol too – how else am I gonna get inspiration for my next book?

Describe the most unpleasant job you ever had to do.

This would go under the TTMI category and, believe me, you don't want to go where I have been. LOL

To learn more about Madison and her work, please visit:

Her Amazon Author Page

Armed and Outrageous on Barnes & Noble

Her Website

Her Blogger Blog

Her Wordpress Blog

Thanks, Madison. I think I had that nightmare, by the way…or maybe I just saw that creepy-as-hell movie. Wait…yep, that was it. I couldn’t sleep that night. Now that I’ve remembered it, I won’t be able to sleep tonight either. So, yeah, thanks a lot, Madison!

Speaking of creepy things, Friday the Thirteenth approaches! My guest will be Kristina Howells. She’s written a few disturbing novels…

Apropos of Nothing: Nicole Storey Answers 5 Questions

Nicole Storey is your typical super-mom who writes in her spare time and drinks way too much coffee.  She’s a night-owl who loves Halloween and fantasy books!

How do you think your mother would describe you?
My mother and I have never seen eye to eye on many things.  However, I think she would describe me as a once-black sheep who gains natural highlights as the years go by. LOL!

If you could spend one whole day with your best friend, what would you like to do?
I would love to sit outside in a couple of comfortable rockers on the back porch with some coffee, chocolate, and great conversation.  Unhurried times are hard to come by these days.

Tell about a depressing time in your life.
The loss of my best friend in high school our senior year was one of the worst times in my life.  The whole year for me was like sailing turbulent seas in a tiny boat; I had no idea where I was going.  I’d lost my compass, my navigation in life.

Talk about your eating habits.
In one word: Bad!  LOL!  I usually only eat one meal a day, and that is in the evening or at night.  I survive off of coffee and tea.  Occasionally, I will have oatmeal in the mornings if I’m hungry, but I usually don’t have much of an appetite until the afternoon.

Describe the funeral service you would like held for you.
I would like a huge party with tons of food, music, drink, and laughter.  Death isn’t the end of our lives; it is the ending chapter in one book before we start another.

To learn more about Nicole and her work, please visit:
Her Facebook Page
Her Personal Website
Her Twitter Profile
Grimsley Hollow: Eve of the Beginning
Grimsley Hollow: The Chosen One

I'm so glad you were able to stop by today, Nicole! I had a day like you described with my best friend not so long ago -- it was way overdue. Our lives can be overrun with "busy"-ness, can't they?


Please stop by on July 11th, when my guest will be Madison Johns.