Raye winner of Storyline with Most Suspense, Male Character, Dramatic Moment, Dramatic Scene, Maintenance of Character and Best Title

1. Tell us something about yourself.
HMM>>>> Bitten by the Writing/TYR bug in June 2000, I've been writin' like a mad woman ever since... I have a young son who is whole heartedly joinin' in on Mom's obsession about all things Western. I also run/co-run several Websites.. Riders Ranch, AYRF2001, Loulabelle List, Teaspoon Saloon, Hickok Haven, and TYR reunion 2. What got you hooked on TYR? Jimmy, Lou, Jimmy, Lou, Jimmy, Lou...don't get me wrong... I love all the boys/girl and then some...there is just something about that oft discussed romance that keeps me hooked.. the tragic love story.. sigh.. that and a top notch cast that is second to none.

3. What kind of stories do you prefer? Romance, action, thrillers?
ALL of the above, I love to test myself and write as many different types as I can. If you ask me Sis, Charla, she'd tell you that I'm the Queen of the Dark Story.. lol.. she's surprised when I manage to throw humor in there.. but I'll do my best to contribute to all the genres of fic within the fandom.

4. What are you reading right now?
tryin' to catch up on fan fic...I'm readin' up on WWII for SEASON and lots of Writing Craft Books

5. Who has inspired you in your writing?
First and foremost.. the amazing actors in TYR.. they inspire me to write about the characters... All of my TYR lady friends.. they keep me on my toes... My Mother, my biggest fan... she knows I can do it... authors like Julie Garwood, Melanie Rawn, Jennifer Roberson, Mercedes Lackey, etc.. yep.. most are fantastic Fiction, but you should see the four half finished FF novels in my writing file... lol

6. Have you written other fanfic than The Young Riders?
hmm.. thought about it.. but i have never attempted to

7. What is most important in your life right now?
My son, Writing, and learning to shoot (I'm into Cowboy Single Action Shooting)

8. Where will you be in 10 years time if you get your way?
Living in Tucson or Tombstone, (no kiddin') my husband wants to move there.. and workin' as a part time novelist.. it's always been a goal.. I'd also like to have another child in the meanwhile (a girl perhaps?)

9. Any current writing projects?
SEASON IN THE RAIN... AU story with the Riders in WWII France... with guest appearances by some of my TYR Gal Pals... lookin' forward to feedback on that.. Aimee and I are planning some great format ideas for the story...
THE TRILOGY OF THE WILD BUNCH: STAR, LIAN, & BARRIMORE: Three Woman arrive in RockCreek and create some havoc. Inspired by the adventure at Last Years Reunion.
BRING ON THE RAIN: Emma's struggle to drag herself out of her depression as her child suffers from Small Pox
LIKE FATHER LIKE DAUGHTER: AU story.. the boys are challenged by a pretty face in petticoats; Teaspoon's Daughter, Louise... which rider will catch her eye.. and which will hold her heart?

10. What advice do you have to give to other writers?
Have fun, don't let someone tell you to stop, or that your story doesn't have value.. if you love it.. write it... and if you're writin' historical fiction.. please remember to give weight the historical part.. do a little research.. it makes all the difference...

11. Thank you speech;
Just a big Thank you to Starbright for keepin' the awards site an awesome place to hang out..and to all the great ladies out there who sent me feedback, GOD BLESS you.. it means the world to me,... to know that what I've written has touched someone else... or made them smile. Please.. if you like something someone else has written.. tell them... please..

Thanks for taking the time to answer this Raye!