I worked with a graphic designer and described the cover concept I had in mind. She showed me background images and I asked to see a sampling of similar images. I knew I wanted the cover to display an image that would clearly identify as NYC- because NYC is the backdrop and a character in the book. I decided a color image would be more attention grabbing than a black and white illustration of a city scene I had originally had in mind. I think the image style is modern- not nostalgic which suits my content. I wanted the font style in Green"Witch" to be a bit off kilter to hint at the deliberate play on Greenwich. I came up with the idea when one of my European customers mispronounced the word and it tickled me.

I would wake up on my days off and turn on my laptop and write for two to four hours before I became distracted by life. My advice is to create a habit of writing on certain days or times each week and do it! The thought of writing a novel can be overwhelming but creating a process or effective routine for yourself provides the roadmap to creating a longer work. In the beginning I didn't write an outline or timeline I just began writing regularly. I stopped questioning and critiquing myself and let my creative mind take over to tell the story. I had doubt, I had fear, but I kept on going.

This is a difficult question I will attempt to answer. I'm always afraid of being pigeon holed by my top book/album lists as a certain kind of person because my taste and interests are very diverse, but If you asked this question when I was 20 I would have rattled off:
Crime and Punishment because it asks the question who has the ultimate moral authority the individual or society, still a very interesting question as far as I am concerned. Atlas Shrugged because it was so passionate and dynamic, and I liked the idea of self determination but I don't support unbridled capitalism the type we have now-I believe we should have an economic system that supports the greater good, that provides the basic needs of the people yet encourages individuals to make contributions- democratic socialism. I believe in the vision of America as a moral and ethical nation one that should provide all the citizens the same protections, freedoms and opportunities and help the less fortunate members of our society, the poor, the infirm, the mentally ill, the disabled and care for our elders. Heart of Darkness- because the struggle between the light and dark forces of the human soul never gets old to me. The Great Gatsby- because it is a great American novel. Any Kurt Vonnegut book- Ioved him and now understand just how deceptively simple his casual, straightforward style was in discussing heavyweight/complex topics such as loneliness, depression, suicide, murder, war, death, etc. As a more mature adult I would say I thought "The Corrections" was a great portrait of a dysfunctional American family. I really respect the fearlessness and emotional honesty of Joan Didion's work- "Blue Nights" just stunned me. I also enjoyed reading "Just Kids" because I love learning about creative people's lives and reading about different time periods in New York City. I also think 1Q84 is amazing! I am so jealous I will never be that imaginative! Murakami is a very unique voice. Love his "Kafka on the Shore" also. "Eventide" by Kent Haruf for his authentic, loveable characters and emotional honesty.

Central Florida. Growing up in the suburbs forced me to engage my imagination because it was so dull growing up there. I amused myself by reading and escaping through movies too.

11

A sense of outrage at the unfairness and injustice of our rigged economic system and how it personally impacted my life drove me to start writing my book. At the time I really didn't know where I was going with it, but I needed to express my feelings and have a creative outlet at a very difficult time in my life when the cost of the consequences to some of my life decisions had began to become apparent. I realized that the margin for error when risk taking was much smaller when you're poor than when you are wealthy, and that the consequences of financial loss in my case would be more serious and long lasting.

Being a creator. Engaging my mind to most effectively communicate my ideas. Writing is work for me. I am a laborer, working on my craft, practicing, honing my delievery and style. Writing also challenges me to be emotionally fearless and take risks, daring myself to be vulnerable and honest.