Getting to Know You: The RMFW Q&A Project #3

The Getting to Know You Project is intended to introduce RMFW members with short responses to three questions, a photo, and a few social media links if available. If you would like to participate in the project for future months, please email Pat Stoltey at blog@rmfw.org

 

Cassandra Cridland

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-cridland-73671b4
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rapidlight

1. We know the who (that’s you), so will you give us the what, why, when, where, and how you write?

I write both long and short romantic fiction. The stories usually come to me in the voice of a character that has lost the only person they’ll ever love, and who is now determined (come hell or high water) to get that person back. I have a dedicated office, which is dominated by a huge L-shaped wooden desk, and I write whenever I can pull time around the day job and weekend chore list.

2. What is one fun thing few RMFW members know about you?

I’m a combination western history buff and a Superman geek. My office décor eclectically blends Superman artwork with 1800’s era railroad maps, old whiskey tin signage, and working replica revolvers. I haven’t mastered my quick-draw yet, but one day soon…

3. What is your most favorite non-writing activity, the one that gives you the greatest joy?

I’d have to flip a coin between reading and hiking. In the last two years, I’ve logged over 1100 miles on a variety of trails. If I know the terrain particularly well, I’ll do both activities at the same time.

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Teresa Funke

Bursts of Brilliance Blog: http://www.teresafunke.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresafunkeandcompany?ref=hl
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresafunke
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP3qGOs8-GMt32xxX2Ubbtw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/search?q=Teresa%20Funke&src=typd
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/535023.Teresa_R_Funke

1. We know the who (that’s you), so will you give us the what, why, when, where, and how you write?

I knew I wanted to be a writer in the fifth grade, but it seemed like a somewhat impossible dream. After two boring jobs post-college, I quit to become a freelance writer, not knowing entirely what that was. Almost 25 years later, I’m still writing, focusing on books about World War II for young readers. I write in my basement office. Sometimes I miss having a window, but I actually think it helps me concentrate better. I don’t have a set schedule for my writing right now, though I have at other times. I should do that again.

2. What is one fun thing few RMFW members know about you?

I’m a classics film buff. On a good day, I can tell you what movie won best picture in any year between 1928 and 1995 (when small children came along and sucked my good memory away). For fun, my husband will turn on one of the “old movies” stations and test me. I have to guess the year of the movie within two years. I can do it almost every time. I’m also a theater buff. I’ve seen close to 500 productions and have a goal to see a show in every theater on Broadway. There are 40, and I’ve done ten. Guess I have to move to New York for a while.

3. What is your most favorite non-writing activity, the one that gives you the greatest joy?

Traveling. I have a goal to visit a new state or country every year. I only have 10 states left to go, and I’ve been to 25 countries! If I had unlimited resources, I’d travel all summer, every summer. I’d pick a country to live in for that summer and do little trips from there.

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Jean Jacobsen

Colorado Romance Writers page: http://crw-rwa.ning.com/profile/JeanJacobsen
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14754432.Jean_Jacobsen

1. We know the who (that’s you), so will you give us the what, why, when, where, and how you write?

I write historical non-fiction, The Chronicles of Douglas County, Colorado– The History Press and American historical romance, The Reluctant Debutante-Indi Pub.

My mom read bunches of romance novels. I must have inherited my love of reading them from her. The first one was Splendor in the Grass. Does that date me?

I’m an early bird so morning is’ my best time to write, usually in my office which overlooks a greenbelt.

2. What is one fun thing few RMFW members know about you?

In my early-20s I worked for a small telephone company in southern California. That was before customers could dial long distance themselves. Imagine Lilly Tomlin in her “operator may I help you”, comedy sketch, except I didn’t snort!

3. What is your most favorite non-writing activity, the one that gives you the greatest joy?

Hearing my grandchildren laugh gives me great joy. I am a lover of coffee, chocolate, fragrant flowers and yummy food.

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Lesley L. Smith

Website: http://www.lesleylsmith.com/fiction.html

1. We know the who (that’s you), so will you give us the what, why, when, where, and how you write?

I write science fiction, but it’s SF with a twist, sort of the new generation of SF. My SF often has humor and romance and female scientists and quantum physics. I love the combination of science and imagination.

I try to write every day and I’m lucky enough to have a spare room that serves as my writing headquarters. My RMFW critique group, The Inklings, is a great motivator to finish those chapters!

2. What is one fun thing few RMFW members know about you?

I’m on a secret mission to make physics more fun and less intimidating to everyone. Oops! I guess it’s not so secret any more. I often sneak physics into conversation, and of course, it’s in my writing. I’m happy to give other RMFW writers physics tips or answer questions.

3. What is your most favorite non-writing activity, the one that gives you the greatest joy?

Since I’m a writer, it may be a cliche, but I do love to read. I also love nature, so reading outside is a real treat.

Thanks for this opportunity to be ‘gotten known’! I’m looking forward to getting to know other RMFW members.

 

Many thanks to Cassie, Teresa, Jean, and Lesley for volunteering for the Getting to Know You blog project. If you would like to participate in future months, email me at blog@rmfw.org