Topic: Author Interview
Liz Flaherty the Person
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Oh, man, nothing like starting with a hard one! Okay, how about I HOPE I’m kind, funny, and smart. But I probably have to say neurotic and self-righteous, too. (And I don’t color inside the lines very well; you said three, didn’t you?)
2. How do you think others would describe you?
Oh, dear. Anal, I’m afraid, but nice.
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
Family. I’m a Christian and I’m passionate about that. Fairness. I want life to be fair to everyone, not that it works out that way, but I want it to.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
Yes, we have three cats. Gabe, Jessy, and Dirty Sally. Gabe’s our baby, Jessy’s grouchy, and Dirty Sally came to us scrawny, filthy and starved. Now, she has long, soft gray hair and is fat. She still eats as though every meal will be her last.
5. What is your most precious memory?
Having my kids. Marrying their father.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
It has to do with periods and adolescence.
7. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
I’d own and operate a bed and breakfast. I doubt I’d make a lot of money, but it would be fun to meet so many interesting people.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Liz Flaherty spent her entire life in Miami County, traveling when and where she could. She leaves three children and their spouses, six perfect grandchildren, and , three cats. She also leaves her husband, Duane, (AKA “the boyfriend”) with the reminder, “I TOLD you I was going first. The checkbook’s in my purse.”
It is her request that friends and family make quick work of her viewing and funeral, then have a great party in celebration of her life. She had a ball.
Liz Flaherty the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a “real” writer?
Yup. I was in the 5th grade. I didn’t know how I’d make my living or what else I’d do in life, but I knew I’d always write.
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
I’m working hard at what I hope will be my second Silhouette Special Edition.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
I want it to continue to be fun, although I want to be successful at it, too. And I want my writing to give its reader a good day, or at least a good couple of hours!
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
No, because there isn’t one. I work full time, plus am active in family, church, and community (good grief--don’t I sound pompous?), so there are no typical days.
13. Why do you write?
Like there’s a choice?
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
That’s hard to answer. I am, of course, inspired by those who do it easily and well. But I’m even more driven by those who just do it every day, pulling it word-by-word from somewhere behind their eyeteeth, whether they feel like it or not.
15. How do you define your writing?
Midwestern cozy. Oh, say, did I just invent a new sub-genre?
16. In one sentence—what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
Here, read this--it’s good.
Liz Flaherty the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
My website and blog are at http//www. lizflaherty.com Please come and visit!
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
You can email me at lizkflaherty@yahoo.com or s-mail me at P O Box 207; Macy, IN 46947
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
Always Annie, Because of Joe, and The Debutante’s Second Chance. The first two--sigh--are long out of print, but still show up on ebay.
20. For new readers—what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
They can expect to read about people they know, about situations they can identify with, and they can expect to laugh--not out-loud guffaws, just a grin here and a snicker there because that’s how we all survive. I guess that’s what readers can expect: survival.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers—what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
You mean there’s more? Okay, I’m not exciting, although I can be fun--or so I keep telling people. I’m on the severalth (a new word, I know) reinvention of self. I’ve been daughter and sister, the lead singer’s wife, the tall kid’s mother, the Flaherty and Wilson kids’ grandma, a writer, a postal worker...well, actually, I still am all those things. Being them has taught me that you don’t have to be good at everything. You just have to like doing it and you need to try. My favorite word over the past few years has become “joy.” This is what I wish for you all. Thanks for having me!
