Topic: Author Interview
Teri Brown the person:
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Tenacious, ambitious, thoughtful
2. How do you think others would describe you?
There's probably a big difference between how they would describe me and how I think they would describe me! Hopefully, they would describe me as someone who is very real and honest. Someone who doesn't pretend to be someone they are not.
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
Oh geeze, this is a tough one. I guess first and foremost would be reading. I always say that I choose to be the best mother I can, the best writer I can and the best citizen of planet earth that I can, but I have no choice about being a reader. I feel strange if I'm not involved in reading a book.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
I have five cats and two dogs. Groner, Little Bear, Snaps, Gabish, and Julia are our cats and Penny is our little Pomeranian cross. The dog of my life is my wiener cross, Scrappy Doo. The love he has for me is awe-inspiring and I am so grateful to have him in my life.
5. What is your most precious memory?
There are too many to count. Mostly having to do with my children or husband. And it's little things, like the smell of my daughter's hair when she was three or the way my son's legs and back felt when I would rub his back and legs to help him fall asleep when he was a baby.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
Probably when we were being checked for scoliosis when I was in seventh grade. We had to change into our gym clothes and the girls couldn't wear their bras. For some odd unknown reason I left my bra dangling down around my waist. I just completely forgot to take it off. I didn't notice till a girl grabbed it and screamed, "What is this? It was a total Judy Bloom moment.
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
I have no idea. None.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Teri Brown turned to writing in a desperate attempt to keep from having to get a paying job at her local McDonalds. Fortunately, she was successful and was not only a contributing editor for iParenting Media, but also the author of two nonfiction books. Her magazine credits included Writer's Digest, Women's Health and Fitness, Dog Fancy, and Oregon Coast Magazine, among others. Her book, Read My Lips (Simon Pulse), stars a deaf girl who uses her amazing lip-reading ability to infiltrate the popular crowd, take down a secret sorority and tame the school rebel.
Teri also felt it was important to give back to society and volunteered for Meals on Wheels, The Redmond Humane Society, her local library and various political causes.
Teri lived with her husband and children in a dilapidated 1969 ranch style house in Portland, Oregon
Teri Brown the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
I hate to tie writing to money, but there it is. The moment I got my first check. It was 25 dollars for a homeschooling newsletter. And no, I didn't keep it. I went and cashed that sucker and took myself out to lunch!
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
I still want to keep my hand in non-fiction, but am currently very busy with my fiction.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
I hope to be writing in several different genres... Young adult, of course, but also Middle grade and romance.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
Is there such a thing as a typical writing day? It all depends on if I have interviews for my nonfiction or edits on my fiction and what my deadlines are. But once my teens are at school and my husband at work, I try to get my fiction done first and then my nonfiction. And then of course, there is promotion to consider, as well. It's all a part of the writing life.
13. Why do you write?
I write because it is a part of who I am. Because it is the coolest job in the world. Because I have stories in my head.
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
No answer
15. How do you define your writing?
Hmm. Good question. Sometimes I think its horrid. Other times, I'm very pleased with it. My writing is warm and un-pretentious. It's written for real people from all walks of life.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
That she kept improving with every book she wrote!
Teri Brown the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
http://www.teribrownwrites.com/ http://tjbrown.blogspot.com/
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
My book comes out on June 3rd 2008.
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
Hopefully enjoyment. I am telling a story and want people to leave their stress and worry behind them and just be entertained.
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?
Read My Lips by Teri Brown
Popularity is as easy as a good secret.
Serena just wants to fly under the radar at her new school. But Serena is deaf, and she can read lips really well-even across the busy cafeteria. So when the popular girls discover her talent, there's no turning back.
From skater chick to cookie-cutter prep, Serena's identity has done a 180...almost. She still wants to date Miller, the school rebel, and she's not ready to trade her hoodies for pink tees just yet. But she is rising through the ranks in the school's most exclusive clique.
With each new secret she uncovers, Serena feels pressure to find out more. Reading lips has always been her greatest talent, but now Serena just feels like a gigantic snoop....
