Getting to Know You: The RMFW Q&A Project #10

The Getting to Know You Project was intended to introduce RMFW members with short responses to three questions, a photo, and a few social media links. This will be the last post in the series for now.

Mike Houtz

Website: http://mikehoutz.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.mikehoutz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelhoutz/

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

I spent 15 years practicing medicine before deciding that raising my own children and pursuing a passion for fiction writing was a better life lived than 90+ hour weeks at the hospital ignoring those closest to me. After working on my first project, a medical thriller (naturally), I’m now currently seeking representation on my second novel, DARK SPIRAL DOWN, an international thriller. I just received a call that DARK SPIRAL DOWN is a 2017 Zebulon Award winner. The only thing better would be a 2017 Colorado Gold! I write when my two young sons are at elementary school. My office overlooks the front range just a mile away, the beauty never ceases to amaze. I’m still discovering my ideal writing method. I see the chapters in my head like a movie and type out what my mind’s eye captures. I’ve found careful plot outlining keeps me from getting “too” off course. I’m trying a slightly different tactic writing by the synopsis of my medical thriller, revisited, for my next effort (or, is that the first? I’m confused.).

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

I spent thirteen glorious years performing all over the country as the lead guitarist for a cajun/zydeco band, Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies. I think my fellow classmates were stunned that I could balance intense medical studies with performing. Proof that if you love something, you will find a way.

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

I absolutely love watching my boys compete in their respective sports. One in fencing and one in lacrosse. We’re constantly on the road all over the country with their competitions. Unfortunately, it will all be over in the blink of an eye, and I know I’ll cherish those times for the rest of my days.

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Diane R. Jewkes

Website: http://dianerjewkes.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeRJewkes
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DianeRJewkes/

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

Hi! I write historical romance primarily. I grew up loving history and reading romance so it was a natural progression when I decided to start writing. My first book, The Heart You Own, was published in 2012. I started writing it before the invention of Word (it took a long time)! My second book, The Heart You Need, was published this year. I live up in Conifer and have an office in my house where my two assistants, Albert and Rizzi, keep me company and remind me to take them out so I don’t sit at my desk all day. I’m a pantster, so I get an idea, sketch out a rough plot and research my time period and place. I keep composition books for each idea with all my scribbles, questions and scenes. I like to write first, type later.

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

I have a degree in journalism and worked on a small newspaper in New Mexico. In the short time I was there I covered 4 murders, got to submit reports on the Santa Fe Prison riot to the Associated Press and helped come up with the Deming Duck Race. I also had an entry in the first duck race. He was fitted out with a satin cape and little satin spats for his feet!

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

I love spending time with my children and grand-children and traveling.

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Patricia (Pat) Stoltey

Website/blog: http://patriciastolteybooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patricia.stoltey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PStoltey
Google+: https://plus.google.com/115494264819086899639
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1105939.Patricia_Stoltey

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

I write primarily crime fiction, including a historical mystery called Wishing Caswell Dead to be published in Five Star’s Frontier Fiction line this November. Previous books were The Prairie Grass Murders, The Desert Hedge Murders, and Dead Wrong (a thriller finalist for the 2015 Colorado Book Awards).

I write because it’s the only way to quiet my busy brain which is always thinking about stories and characters and settings…probably the result of all the reading I’ve done over the years. I’m a binge writer, so I create in bursts over a period of days…then slip back into periods of goofing off. I mostly write in my own little office at a desktop…a room cold in winter, hot in summer, and placed just beside and above the neighbor’s garage where one of the grown kids practices on his drums. I write at the computer and usually have nearby a cup of coffee in winter or a glass of iced tea in summer.

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

I spend at least one hour every morning reading for fun/learning while I get myself fully caffeinated and take care of Katie Cat’s morning demand for lap time. Soon after, I spend at least twenty minutes with Sassy Dog in my lap at my computer while we watch cat and dog and other critters on You Tube videos. My husband and I are downright silly about our pets!

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

This is hard because so many things that used to bring me joy, like travel (especially flying anywhere) or cooking (especially since I’m always trying to diet), are no longer appealing. I think my happiest moments these days are those I spend at home, dressed in sloppy and comfy clothes, gardening or playing with watercolors or daydreaming in the sun, and just being. And I do love a good nap on the couch with Sassy Dog sacked out on my stomach to keep me warm.

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Thanks to Mike, Diane, and Pat for participating in the Getting to Know You Project.