Topic: Author Interview
LEEANNE MARIE STEPHENSON the person:
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
a. Loving - I love very deeply with all my heart and soul.
b. Caring - I care very deeply about others and what they are going through. Thus I became a Registered Nurse.
c. Giving - I give in as many ways as I can to help others!
2. How do you think others would describe you?
Empathetic and sympathetic, very loving, generous spirit, very organized, good listenenr, wonderful cook.
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
My family and making sure things in their world are A-OK.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
No
5. What is your most precious memory?
My daughter was born with many problems because I was a diabetic, and at one point they told me she wasn't going to make it. Therefore my most precious memory was when I was finally able to hold her in my arms for the first time, 2 weeks after she was born.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
My husband and I took my son and his new girlfriend out to dinner for the first time and I called her by my son's last girlfriend's name!! It was quite an uncomfortable moment!!
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
If I hadn't become disabled with my medical condition I would have continued on in my education in nursing and ultimately become the Head Nurse of ICU.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Leeann Marie Stephenson went home to be with her Lord. She was a woman of generous spirit who gave her all to make others feel loved and happy. She stood strong while facing health challenges and adversity, thus turning her tragedy into triumph. She will most be remembered for making her life matter.
LEEANNE MARIE STEPHENSON the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
When I finished my book and it was accepted to be published. When the publisher sent me a picture of the cover it started to seem like reality.
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
I'm currently going over several plot lines and developing characters for my next book.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
I would like to produce a sequel to my called, "A PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE". I have had several requests for this.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
I sit in a cozy chair in my office and let my imagination soar as delve into the lifes of my characters, then I begin to write the scenarios down.
13. Why do you write?
It allows me to escape from the real world of chronic illnesses, and takes me to places where I can let my imagination soar.
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
Ann Wesley Hardin. Her writing style is a lot like mine.
15. How do you define your writing?
My writing style uses the view point of both the hero and the heroine so you can see how each one is thinking. There is nothing more wonderful than love and romance in one's life and I bring this into my writing.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
Do you believe in a ridiculous, all consuming love, that you can't live without. Then this is the writer for you!!
LEEANNE MARIE STEPHENSON the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
Website: http://www.lmstephenson.com/
Blog: http://www.myspace.com/lmstephenson
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
e-mail: stephensonbook@yahoo.com
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
"A PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE" by Leeanne Marie Stephenson
ISBN# 1-4241-6507-5
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
A delightful escape into a fantasy indulging truly romantic, passionate love story!
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?
My introduction into the world of medical professionals started at the age of six. I was diagnosed with "brittle diabetes", and spent the majority of my childhood in the hospital. Doctors, nurses, and nutritionists impressed me with their patience, sensitivity and positive can do attitudes. They taught me how to balance my food intake and insulin injections so I could lead a "somewhat" normal life. The professionalism these people displayed made me realize that I wanted to be part of this care giving community. Therefore, I became a Registered Nurse. After graduating with honors from Mercy Central School of Nursing, (Grand Rapids, MI), I secured a position as a Registered Nurse at Blodgett Hospital, (Grand Rapids, MI). Over the next ten years, I married my high school sweetheart and started a family. Periodically I changed jobs to meet the demands of parenthood and family life.
Then my life took a dramatic turn as I was diagnosed with kidney failure due to my diabetes. The prognosis was less than promising. As my physical condition deteriorated, I was forced to give up my career as a nurse. Fatigue and weakness encompassed my entire world as I underwent dialysis treatments. Once again, I was on the receiving end of medical care. Desperate and determined to still be part of this wonderful profession, I started writing a romance novel based on the experiences I had encountered as a nurse. When the days that lie ahead of me seemed impossible to face, I did not allow my tears to compromise my strength. Instead of giving up, during the darkest time in my life, I drew on the love that surrounded me from my wonderful husband and family to write this loving story. When I wrote, I was released from my physical problems and taken back into the world of nursing, which I loved so much. Romantic stories can always release us from the problems of real life. They send us into a fantasy world where our imaginations can soar. I strove to take my readers and myself into that world. Thus was born my book, "A PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE".
This book is so very special because it represents the strong love I had surrounding me, and what I could accomplish because of it, during the lowest point in my life.
The one driving force in my life was to be there for my family, especially my precious children. I had to continue and be a strong role model for them. I demonstrated to them that when adversity is overwhelming, you still have to endure. Getting ahead in a difficult situation requires an avid faith in oneself. I did just that by reaching deep inside myself and drawing on my core values of perseverance and unfaltering resolve to overcome the obstacles in my life and achieve one of my dreams!
After a year on dialysis, I was told I could have a kidney transplant. My wonderful brother stepped forward and gave me the gift of life. From that moment on, my whole world changed for the better and I eagerly embraced this second chance at life. When I felt well enough, I set about getting my romance story published, so I could be an inspirational example of what can be accomplished when life seems overwhelmingly hopeless!