The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance recently asked me to answer a series of questions so that they can auction me off at their trade show in September.

(It’s a long story, trust me.)

Since most of you are not SIBA members, our harried Assistant Tour Director and Web Mistress thought it would be fun to share some of the better answers about being a writer and the writing life. #5 was her favorite.

1) Favorite book as a child?

Loved my father’s copy of The Last Days Of Pompeii by Edward "It was a dark and stormy night." Butler-Lyon. That explains a lot, doesn’t it?

2) Why do independent bookstores matter?

For the same reasons that cowboys matter, their wild untamed spirits. They make their own rules. Plus they know bull when they see it.

3) Least favorite part of writing a book?

I know it’s now a writer’s job to promote their book but sometimes it feels like you’re shouting prayers into a hurricane.

4) Comment on the writing life...

THE CONSTANT ART OF BEING A WRITER: THE LIFE, ART AND BUSINESS OF FICTION is my comment on the life. It’s more than 140 spaces––it’s $17.95.

5) Why do you write?

Asking a writer why they write is like asking a dog why they breathe…they don’t understand the question but they’re still hoping you’ll toss them a bone.

6) When do you write?

I write when I am sleeping, lying, eating, flirting, praying, and pulling weeds. Living life is writing. It’s paper optional.

7) What is your drink of choice?

I drink bourbon and wine, although not usually in the same glass. Of course, there is an exception to every rule.

8) Hardest part of the creation to publication experience?

Writers are public dreamers––the work itself is a great joy. Selling dreams twelve to a carton is another story.

9) Will you talk business over dinner?

Why would a writer talk business at dinner? That’s like asking your ex who makes the best surveillance cameras.