we end with a discussion and a potluck. I am always intrigued about an author's background.
Pam Jenoff was interviewed for GoodReads in October 2009. Let me share portions of her
interview here......take a look into the person behind the book.
What were your previous occupations?
I was the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon & a Foreign
Service Officer (diplomat) with the State Department" (assigned to U.S Consulate in Krakow,
Poland). "I am presently an attorney, as well as an author."
How would you describe perfect happiness?
"A good morning of writing, a satisfying run, a meal with my family & a nap. To me
perfect happiness has nothing to do with possessions or material things. It's all about
having the time to do the things I enjoy with the people I love."
What's your greatest fear? "Fire, lighting, water, flying. I'm not at all brave!"
If you could acquire any talent, what would it be? "Singing. I have the world's worst singing voice."
What is your greatest flaw? "Impatience."
What's your best quality. "I'm very driven & motivated."
What trait is most noticeable about you? "I speak quickly & lots."
What 3 personal qualities are most important to you? "Loyalty, compassion, integrity."
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be."
"Probably right here, at home, surrounded by family. I have always been split between
homebody & world traveller, & right now I think it's a 51/49% split in favor of homebody.
But there's always a part of me that's dreaming of London, Krakow..."
What are your most overused words or phrases?
"My agent is forever chiding me for overuse of the word "suddenly" in my writing."
What is your fantasy profession?
"Writing children's books/young adult novels. Popular adult novelists are popular,
but popular children's authors are deities! I wish I had it in me, but I don't."
Questions About Books & Writing
Favorite Authors: "Tracey Chevalier, Anita Shreve, Pat Conroy, Anne Tyler, Kate Atkinson...."
What are your 5 favorite books of all time?
"A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helperin, Air and Angels by Susan Hill, The Winds of
War by Herman Wouk, Mila 18 by Leon Uris, Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien."
Is there a book you love to reread? "Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg."
Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?
"I believe to succeed as a writer the most important factors are discipline, tenacity & the
ability to revise."
AND
How would you describe your life in only 8 words?
"Magical, chaotic, exploding symphony of love and laughter."