Charla winner of Dramatic Storyline, Comic Storyline, Romantic Storyline, Cliffhanger Chapter, Humorous Scene, Maintenance of Character, Futuristic Scenario, Short Story, Alternative Universe and Happy Ending

1. Tell us something about yourself.
I'm a 30 year old wife and mother -- happily married to Chris and daily trying to raise Jessa and Maggie. We are expecting another child in September, and feel very blessed. I stay at home, and I love the time to write.

2. What got you hooked on TYR?
When TYR first airedin 1989, I was a nineteen year old, newly married tomy first husband and miserable. TYR was an such a
wonderful escape because it was such an engaging show.I admired Lou and wanted to be her! And all those cuteguys were great bonuses. ;)

3. What kind of stories do you prefer? Romance,action, thrillers?
I prefer romances, but with a dramatic story. Nothing in life is easy, and I like to read romances that are true to life.

4. What are you reading right now?
I'm reading a collection of short stories by Kate Chopin titled A Vocation and a Voice and Land Girls by Angela Huth.

5. Who has inspired you in your writing?
Outside the TYR fanfic world, Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors. I've also been inspired reading stories by CS Lewis and O Henry. Within the TYR world, I was first inspired by the very first fanfic I read --Jack Fell Down, by Sid. I've also been inspired and encouraged by Raye, Kim R. and Laura C. and Vicki. And I have to give credit to Melissa and Lisa at The Buck
Stop; when they hosted a Buck contest, I wrote my first TYR fanfic, "The Presence of Ike," to submit.

6. Have you written other fanfic than The Young Riders?
Believe it or not, yes, though I didn't know it was called fanfic at the time. When I was in 8th grade, and a rabid Star Wars fan (still a huge fan!), I wrote, with my friend Beth, a sequel to Return of the Jedi. We wanted Luke Skywalker to get a girlfried --
her name was Aurora. I think Beth still has the fic.

7. What is most important in your life right now?
My relationship with Jesus Christ is always the most important thing in my life. That is always followed closely with my relationship with my family. Getting this baby born in September is pretty darn important too! :)

8. Where will you be in 10 years time if you get your way?
If I had my way, I'll have a published novel by then. As much as I'd love to be a best selling novelist, truth be told, I'd just be happy to be published.

9. Any current writing projects?
I have two current writing projects. One is for the AU contest at Kidnation, titled "Tempt Me Not." The other is the sequel to "Sins of War," titled "The Huntress."

10. What advice do you have to give to other writers?
Just keep writing. Some days you post a chapter and get tons of feedback and others you don't hear a word. Always believe in yourself, believe in your story and keep writing! If you get criticism, heed it if it's wise, ignore it if it's malicious, and always keep writing and posting!

11. A thank you speech, please
This is my first thank you speech, so bear with me!
LLOL I am humbled by the awards I've received from AYRF and my fellow TYR fans and authors. I'm so happy that you not only read my stuff, but like it. Thank you so much for caring about my writing. I want to thank all my dear friends, who always encourage me.Thank you Starbright, for doing such an incredible job the last two years with AYRF. Thanks to my sis, Raye,
for all the late night talks. Thanks to all the folks who have posted my stuff. And thanks to my husband, Chris, for putting up with all my computer time with nary a complaint. Love ya'll and God bless!

Thanks for taking the time to answer this Charla!