Q & A

Q. I got an email in response to a question I wrote to you. Did you answer it personally or did an assistant write to me?

A. I wrote it. Honest.

Q. So what is your fiction called? Do you write historical fiction or women's fiction or what?

A. If you really want a technical description, I suppose you'd label it historical romantic fiction usually set in the Appalachian region with a focus on Irish immigrants and Irish Americans. I've also seen it branded as women's historical fiction. (But I do hear from a number of male readers.) Why not make it easy and just call it historical fiction? Works for me.

Q. Are you a morning person (writer)? Afternoon?  Evening?

A. Some days I'm all three. Most days I'm all three. But if you're wondering when the "flow" seems to work best, it's late afternoon and evening.

Q. What makes you laugh?

A. My three grandsons. They're very funny kids. My husband ... he can coax a laugh even when I'm determined to be glum. My dog and cat, especially when they're together.

Q. Which of your own books do you think would make the best movies? And if you could cast the actors, who would you choose?

A. That is a very difficult question! But fun to think about. First, though, I have to admit I'd probably be terrified about the whole idea, having seen what Hollywood has done to a few of my favorite books (by other authors). But in an ideal world, I suppose I'd choose my Mountain Song Legacy books. Jonathan Stuart--now you're not going to understand this, but I'm basing this on physical appearance only at this point--would be played by Jeff Foxworthy (who's really not an actor but a comedian and quiz show host). Remember: I said "physical appearance only." As for Maggie--I can't think of one single actress who "fits" Maggie. Any ideas--email them to me! (Just in case, you know.)

Then, too, the recently re-released Song of Erin saga would be a great film, don't you think? Trouble is, there's only one man who could make Jack Kane come alive, and that would have been Sean Connery twenty years or more ago. And then there's the WIP, Rachel's Secret ... Julia Ormond would be perfect as Rachel. But only a younger Tom Selleck would work as Captain Gant. And I can't think of anyone but the wonderful David Strathairn of the mournful eyes and gentle voice for Dr. Sebastian.

And then there's ... somebody stop me.

As you can see, if I had any control over the movie rights at all, I'd be a nightmare to work with!

BJ