Saturday, August 12, 2006

My Friend -- Nancy Lavo

I'm really happy to introduce a long-time friend to you. Nancy and I went to the same church years ago when we each sold our first books to Heartsong. Over the years we've both grown in friendship and as authors. Her most recent book is Miss Menace, published by Heartsong. I loved this delightful contemporary comedy. Remember, if you leave a comment, you'll have a chance to win a free copy of this book.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I don’t consciously put any of myself into my characters. Having said that, I’m certain it’s impossible to filter out my experiences and perceptions from my work. I’m guessing that a bit of me creeps in undetected.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I don’t think I do quirky things, which could mean one of two things. Either I’m a very staid individual or I’m so weird that quirky seems normal to me.

Should I tell them which I think it is? Maybe I'll let them guess. When did you first discover that you were a writer?
My kids gave me an inspirational romance novel for Mother’s Day one year. After I read it, I said, “Hey, I can do that!”

And you do it very well. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Romance, romance, romance. Not much of a range, huh? Occasionally I’ll stray from romance and pick up a popular fiction title or a mystery, but they rarely satisfy like a good romance. I think it’s the guaranteed happy endings of romances that keep me coming back.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?
I’ve written five books for Heartsong, and one for Silhouette Romance. I have a couple more completed books collecting dust under my bed.

Well, pull those out, dust them off, do a re-edit, and get them out there. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I walk three miles every day. The fresh air and exercise are a terrific antidote for stress. More importantly I spend time with the Father in prayer and in His word. No matter how crazy things get, He keeps me grounded.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
From the phone book. No kidding. I can come up with first names without any trouble, but last names always stump me. So I flip open a phone book and skim along until I find a name that strikes my fancy. I have been known to borrow my friend’s names for secondary characters.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My precious family. By the grace of God my husband and I have raised three wonderful children who love God and one another. Now that’s what I call an accomplishment!

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Probably a parrot. I talk a lot and favor bright plumage.

I like that. What is your favorite food?
Anything chocolate.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?
I had a great time writing it.

And the readers enjoy reading it. Thank you for giving us this peek into your life, Nancy.

Remember to leave a comment, and there's still time to leave a comment on Andrea Boeshaar's interview.

9 comments:

Margo Carmichael said...

I'd say quirky is normal for Nancy. She's a hoot. The book has to be as funny as she is. Good interview, ladies!

Anonymous said...

Great Interview! Nancy solunds like a character!

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

She really is. I'm looking forward to spending time with her at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in September.

Tracie Nall said...

A great interview. I love that she picks names out of the phone book!

Anonymous said...

Great interview Lena and Nancy! I so much enjoy getting to know a little more about each author!

<>< Shauna

Patricia PacJac Carroll said...

I enjoyed meeting Nancy at the Ready Writer's Saturday. And now what a treat to get a peek as to what she is like. I too liked the parrot answer.
I'd love to read her book.
Good interview.

Anonymous said...

This has been so much fun. Thanks for allowing me to participate in your blog interview. Love ya, Nancy

Southern-fried Fiction said...

I use the phone book for names and the Social Security website. LOL I'd love to win the book, Lena. Sounds like ti's right up my alley!

Anonymous said...

Talk about a "ghost writer"! I never knew you wrote novels til B. told me!!! And to think of all these years watching 4th of July fireworks with you and your family, not knowing that an even "brighter star" was among us! That would explain why we never see you when we come to your neck of the woods! You're busy writin'!

Hugs,
C.