CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Audra from Catch Me if You Can

        Tell me a little about yourself (where you live, who you are, what you look like, what you hope to achieve, etc.)

        Well, I was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, but moved to Charity because I love a challenge, and because I really like the people here. Plus, I missed my best friend Olivia. A lot. As for what I look like, well, it depends on what mood I’m in. I love changing my hair color and contacts to fit my mood. Livvy teases me because I wear contacts even though my vision is perfect. What can I say? I love being different. If you asked Olivia if I was different, she wouldn't hesitate to say, “Audie’s different alright.” LOL The thing I want to achieve most in my life is to make heaven more crowded. To be a light in a dark place and to show those around me the love of Christ through my actions and my love for them. And to not let fear keep you from doing what you love.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Anything adventurous because I love trying new things. And I love visiting waterfalls.

What is your favorite color and why?

Honestly, I don’t have a favorite because I think all the colors God created are SO beautiful. But if I had to pick just one…. Hmm let me think. Uh, probably pink because I really, really love pink roses.

What is your favorite food?

Oh that’s an easy one. Chocolate covered strawberries.

Why is it your favorite?

Duh, it’s chocolate. Need I say more? *smiling*

What would you say is your biggest quirk?

I’m a firm believer in confronting ones fears instead of letting them keep you in bondage and hold you hostage. There are times when I even take huge risks in doing so. Drives my friend Olivia crazy. But she’ll get over it. Hehe *Waving profusely at ya, Livvy. Love ya, girl!*

What is it about your antagonist that irks you the most, and why? Share a line in the book where this irk is manifested.

His persistence in getting what he wants. I know you asked for a line, but I’m taking the liberty of adding a few more. Hope you don’t mind. What can I say? It must be the feistiness in me. *smiling*

“Well.” She slammed her drink on the seat. “Of all the nerve. You don’t even know me. I am not stuck up!”

“Prove it. Go out with me.”

Her big eyes widened. A smirk slowly curled her lips. “You’re on, Hotrod.”

He sat back, pleased with himself. “Good.”

What or who means the most to you in your life? What, if anything, would you do to keep him/her/it in your life?

Jesus Christ, of course. My best friend Olivia Cole and my family. And mustn't forget Barrett. As for what I’d do to keep them in my life… Well first of all, I wouldn't want them in my life if they didn't want to be there. Having said that, I would definitely go out of my way and my comfort zone to show them how much I love them, and spend quality time with them, getting to know them even more.

What one thing would you like readers to know about you that may not be spelled out in the book in which you inhabit?

I would love to have Camara help me build my very own demolition derby car.  A 1966 Chevelle Super Sport to be exact. And I wouldn't even care if I got grease under my nails.

If you could tell your writer (creator) anything about yourself that might turn the direction of the plot, what would it be?

Unfortunately, Debra exposed me pretty well. Nosey woman anyway, getting her head into my business. Shame on you, Debra Ullrick. *smiling* You could've at least hidden a few things from the readers instead of being such a tattletale about everything. I should have told her I was allergic to men. That would've fixed her. *Just teasin’, Debra.*

Ask me any question. I've always wanted to know what a character thinks about writers like myself. I'll answer the question at the end of this interview.

Do your characters become real to you? And if so, do you miss them when you finish the book?

I love your question :) Actually, I have just finished the second draft of The Gift: A Parable of the Key due out in September, and am feeling a bit lonely about leaving Virginia behind. I have grown to love her like a neighbor as well as her husband, Richard, and dear sweet, Joy. But the 3 part series will be ending, and you know what they say, sometimes your best friend will move away but that doesn't mean you'll forget them in your heart. 

Thanks for asking!

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Debra Ullrick, Christian romance author of...

NEW YORK TIMES & CBA BESTSELLER~A Log Cabin Christmas - novella - A Grand County Christmas

Reunited at Christmas

NEW RELEASE: Catch Me If You Can

Forewarned

The Unexpected Bride

The Unlikely Wife

Groom Wanted

The Unintended Groom 

Colorado Courtship - novella anthology - The Rancher's Sweetheart

Christmas Belles of Georgia - novella - Loving Stetson

Dixie Hearts

The Bride Wore Coveralls

Déjà vu Bride, sequel to - The Bride Wore Coveralls

www.debraullrick.com

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Debra Ullrick

Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing?

Well, I've been married for over 40 years to a wonderful man - a man I am more in love with than the day I married him. *smiling* My husband and I, along with our daughter, lived and worked on cattle ranches in the Colorado Rocky Mountains for over 28 years. It was there, in the mountains, that I started writing. When I stopped working on the ranch and my daughter was in school, I read a ton of books. One day I wondered if I could write one. So I sat down and within two and half weeks I had written a book. A book that wasn't publishable I soon found out. J  I had an authors whose work I loved what she thought of it and she very politely and very tactfully said that it had potential but that I needed to get a few writing books and to work on showing vs telling, active vs passive etc. So, I did. She also told me about a writing group, the ACRW (Now known as the ACFW). And the rest is history.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing freehand?

My living room is my favorite room in the house so I use my laptop and write there.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

My favorite part of writing is being in control. *wicked teasing grin* hehe Actually that’s not entirely true as the characters take over and write their own unique stories. Even so, I still like to think I’m in control anyway. Hehe

My least favorite part is worrying about whether or not something is believable and second guessing every word I write.

How do you come up with your characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?

Usually an idea comes to me first. Then I start to write it. Picking a name is important to me, so once I sit down to write, I look through a list of names until one jumps out at me. Then I find pictures that match their description. Well, most of the time anyway. Sometimes I don’t know who the characters are or what they look like until after I start writing and they tell me. Sounds bizarre I know, but that’s what goes on inside a writer’s life and head. Once I start writing and they tell me their story, I discover their hurts and what makes them who they are. The reason readers would want to get to know them is…they are “real” people with “real” issues. People we can all relate to in some form or another. In fact, there is a lot of me in my stories. Things I've gone through.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

I promote on Facebook every day and tweet every day. On occasion I will run ads on ENT or BookBub along with a few other places as well.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

I don’t schedule my writing time anymore. I used to get up early and write until way late. Since my mother’s death, I've learned that there are other things way more important. Like God, family and friends. Spending time with them takes precedence over writing.

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

At Amazon

I am currently working on two stories. The first is a suspense titled Danger Never Knocks. The second one is The Dreamer and The Cowboy which is part of a series. The first book in the series is A Cowboy for Christmas. My newest book that I have out is Catch Me if You Can. It is part of a three book Racing Series. Book 1 in the series is… The Bride Wore Coveralls. Book 2 is Déjà vu Bride.

 Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I've always got a project on the back burner. Always thinking of new ways to promote my books. To make my books better. To minister life and hope to the readers without sounding preachy.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

I say if you want to write, go for it. But watch who you share that dream with. There are people who will discourage you and tell you that you can’t. That your books aren't good enough. 

Well, keep in mind they told Elvis Presley he’d never make it. They laughed at Thomas Edison and many others like them, and we all know their outcomes.  So write that story on your heart. Write it the way you see it and hear it unfold. Write it even if it doesn't make sense. You can edit it when you’re finished. Learn the craft of writing. Join a writing group or two or three. Buy how-to-writing books.  Learn the rules of writing but don’t let the rules bog you down. Write your stories in the unique voice God gave you, and don’t let anyone rob that voice. It’s that voice that sets you apart.

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 Thank you, Debra!

Come back on Wednesday for her Character Interview!

www.debraullrick.com

Book 3 in the Racing Series ~ CATCH ME IF YOU CAN  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O9GLH76