1. What inspired you to write It’s Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been?

I was approaching a “big birthday”…you know, one with a zero in it…and was feeling a bit discouraged about where my life is today, versus where I thought I would be by the time I reached this age. The voices in my head whispered, “It’s too late for you, sweetheart. Give it up. You’ll never lose weight; you’ll never get married again; you’ll never make it to the NY Times best-seller list or make a lot of money; etc.” Hopelessness had me in its grip.

After a few days of moping, I came across a quote by George Eliot, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been,” and that snapped me right out of my funk. I decided that would be my new mantra from now on. I decided it’s NOT too late for any of my dreams!

Then I was talking with my publisher friend Brenda Knight and told her of my new mantra. She loved it. She asked me to write a book for her publishing house, so I did. And that’s how the book was born.

2. How was your experience working with Cleis Press?

Actually, I work with a new imprint of Cleis Press…it’s called Viva Editions. It has its own identity and brand in the marketplace. And I loved working with them. They designed a fabulous cover for my book, and put two-color ink inside (which was a first for them). Brenda Knight is the Associate Publisher who handles Viva Editions and she is amazing. She not only publishes, she also does marketing, publicity, and more. In a tiny publishing house like that, one person wears many hats. And Brenda wears her many hats with panache and style. I love working with her!

3. Do you think the author’s role in the publishing process has changed at all in recent years?

Not really. I’ve been publishing books for almost 20 years and the author’s role is still central to a book’s success. In the past, some authors thought that PR and marketing were the publisher’s job, but they were mistaken. A publisher may have ten or fifty or five hundred books to promote every year and they can’t possibly devote the time, money, and attention to each title that the authors would like. Some authors have been unrealistic in their expectations of their publishers, to the dismay and annoyance of the publishers.

I always tell authors, “Your book is your baby. And nobody loves your baby as much as you do. Your publisher has dozens of babies to take care of and can’t possibly love each one and devote as much time and attention to each one as you might like. It’s YOUR job to get out there and help your baby succeed. It’s a bit like being a parent…you have to devote yourself full-time to getting your baby off to a good start in life…it’s the same with your book.”

4. Are most of your books available as ebooks? Have you ever read an ebook? If so, what did you think of the experience? What type of device did you read it on?

I think a couple of my books are available as ebooks, but not all of them, by a long shot: I’m sure various publishers are working on it.

No, I haven’t read an ebook, but then, I don’t read paper books either. I’m so busy writing books that I don’t have time to read any! I published SEVEN new books last year and THREE more new books this year, so I’ve been a busy author. No time to read.

5. Have you ever read a large print book? What would be your preferred format for reading, if any book were available in that format?

No, I haven’t read a large print book, but with my middle-aged eyes, I like the idea. As I get older, it gets harder and harder to read regular size print and I think large print would be very easy on the eyes. Sounds terrific! I can’t wait to see my book in large print!

6. What other projects/books can we look forward to seeing from you soon?

I have two new books coming out next year, both from Hampton Roads. Early in 2011, the first title will be in stores: If God Is Your Co-Pilot, Switch Seats: Miracles Happen When You Let Go! and the second will be out in Fall 2011, Happiness is Available…Help Yourself: The Power of Positive DOING. These are both inspirational books…perfect for these tough times we’re all going through. I’m very excited about them!

I think it’s a GREAT time to be in the book business! Wherever there is change and turbulence, there is also opportunity. When things fall apart, new things are born out of the chaos. It’s exhilarating, fun, and challenging. I guess I like to be a little bit scared because it stimulates me to be more creative and resourceful. It also keeps me closer to my faith and reminds me to depend on spiritual sources in running my business as well as running my life. Everything is fine and the world is unfolding as it should. I’m a happy author these days.