Aspiring Author Thursday: Introducing Katie Dodge

Today I get to introduce my fabulous critique partner and friend, Katie Dodge! She is such an amazing friend, not to mention hilarious! :) Check out her blog and give her a follow! :)

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I've always thought it would be the coolest job ever and always wrote here and there. But it wasn't until two years ago that I sat down to write a book. And now I'm halfway through my second one!

I'm so glad you did because you are an amazing writer!

Do you have a writing schedule, or do you just sit down whenever you get a spare moment?

I wish I had a schedule, but I snag time whenever I can. With three little kiddos that's the way it is. :)

Don't you love the chaos when our six kids get together? ;)

Could you tell us a little about yourself? Random facts? Hidden talents?

I have nothing interesting to say. I was tagged the other week where I listed 7 things about myself and really, I think that's all there is. Ha! But for those who didn't see it, I'll repeat a few. I was a nanny in Connecticut and one time hung out with Bill Murray's son, Homer, in NYC. (Or so he says he was. He totally been lying for all I knew.) I was an extra in a few movies, including Halloween IV when I was in first grade. (I was a trick-or-treater in it and I wasn't allowed to watch it for obvious reasons;)
I just asked my kids what talents I have and my 6 yr old said, "Ballet." I shook my head and said, "Nope." Then she says, "Cleaning up?" I have to disagree again. I'll have to explain better what "talent" actually means...

 Ha! Cleaning up is one of my best talents! Unfortunately... :P

If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing you couldn't live without? (Besides your family and a laptop of course.) 

Sunscreen! I'd burn in ten minutes.

Ditto to that.

What is one book you could read over and over and over?

That's a hard one. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant I read a couple times. And A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. LOVED that book. Sorry, that was two.

I haven't read either. I know, I know. I'll add them to my monstrous list. :)

What book are you dying to read this year?

Way too hard to answer! I have a list a mile long.

Me too! Although, I really really want to read yours!! *hint hint*

What genre do you write and why?

Women's Fiction, but I'm thinking my current one falls in the Historical Crossover genre (is there such a thing?) And I don't know why ;)

Sounds good to me! :)

Do you have any writing rituals?

Music, silence, eating, etc. I like total silence, but that rarely happens in my house. When I read at night, I like the t.v. on, but muted. I don't know why, but I do. And snacks are a must. I'm not picky about what it is either.

Mmmm.... snacks....

Where do you come up with your ideas? Dreams, while driving, etc?

A little of everything. Movies get the ideas flowing for sure. I love movies! Music. Dreams. While cleaning or running.

I love movies too. Movie night? I think so!

Any advice for other aspiring authors?

Don't stop learning and honing your skills. And don't give up. If you really want it, don't give up.

:)

Random Writing Question: If your MC had three wishes, what would he/she wish for?

In When the Mockingbird Sings, I have two. I guess I'll go with Mattie. 1-) To be free. 2-)To be able to love whoever she wants. 3-) I can't say anymore of the wishes because I don't want to give anything away. ;)

Love the title. Love. Great answers as well. Thank you so much Katie! Heart You! :D