Nope...it's a pen name. I'm a very private person and would like to keep my writing separate from my personal life as much as possible.
I could say there have been prominent individuals with noble causes worthy of the distinction but truth be told, it's been people I know and hold nearest my heart. At the top of the list is my husband, who's always giving, caring and extremely supportive. He's also the most objective person I know. For the most part I see things in black and white, he helps me see the in betweens. Then there's my sister and brother who are the coolest people I've ever known. And...I can't forget the neighbor lady or the small circle of friends who accept me as I am in spite of my little quirks and eccentricities. Because of their unselfish generosity and support, they've had the most positive and profound influence on me and my life.
Medicare's Prescription Drug Program of all things, the insurance provider I chose and the astronomical cost of health care. On one hand it's been a lifesaver, on the other it's been a nightmare. As a by-product of constant battles with my insurance company, the book was born. It's taken shape in the form of a medical thriller.
The story's based on the mentioned issues plus general observations of disturbing negative attitudes towards the ill, aging, and those requiring assistance to stay healthy. This story also presents the questions: How much profit is enough and who should decide when a person's outlived their usefulness, God or man?
There's a bit of truth in all fiction and the fun part for me when reading's always been trying to figure out what's real and what isn't. A good book is one that me question if what's written is real and compels me to research the subject to find out for sure. When it comes to A Nation of Expendables, I'd rather leave it to the readers to decide for themselves.
I'm not telling! You're going to have to read the book to find out.
Everywhere! Being a little nutty, I usually have a sideways sort of look at things. As far as I'm concerned life can be pretty weird but it sure makes for good fiction.
Absolutely...I consider myself fortunate to be chosen for publication. My publisher's a small company in Nova Scotia. The owner and staff of Lachesis Publishing have been great to work with and extremely supportive throughout the process.
Besides the waiting...lol? Seriously, I think the hardest part was the editing process. I have concentration problems and have to limit the amount of time spent on the computer so it was a bit difficult. Fortunately, some really talented folks were assigned to work on the book. My first editor was Garrett Peck, a published author and two-time Bram Stoker Award nominated editor. My copy-editor was Jodi Lee, a published, dark fiction author. Her story 'Graveside Tales' is part of an anthology collection called 'Fried, Fast Food, Slow Deaths' and it's been recommended for nomination of a Bram Stoker Award. Then there's the EIC, Louise Bohmer, who pulled it all together. Louise is an accomplished writer and editor for a number of small press companies. Needless to say, my book was in some very qualified and capable hands.
Oh yeah...writing's pretty hard but I use it as a creative outlet and a tool to keep my mind active so I don't forget my name, address and social security number...lol.
Currently, I'm working on another thriller. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, but trust me, it's another important issue needing to be addressed by some serious state and federal legislation.
Why Vana Roth?
It's short, easy to say and easy to spell. Plus, my publisher thought I might be asking for legal trouble if I used Lisa Gardner or James Patterson.
If you could live anywhere, where would that be?
Same area would be nice but at a higher elevation. We can't get local TV or radio reception inside the crater, but at this point I'd settle for pizza delivery and high speed internet access.
How would your friends describe you?
Well...they say I'm "unique". I've never asked for further explanation and have decided to take it as a compliment.
What sort of things are an absolute must have?
I keep a huge stash of Super Glue, Duct Tape, Velcro and toilet paper on hand at all times. If supplies get low, I start to panic.
What's your favorite power tool?
I just love power tools so it's pretty hard to limit my favorite to only one. At the moment, I'd have to say it's my husbands power miter box. But then again, the nail gun and sawsall both have incredible potential.
Any pet peeves?
Drivers who multi-task while doing 75 mph on the highway, spam email, Viva Viagra commercials, dishonest and unethical POA management.
Any valuable life lessons?
Never wear rubber waders when weed whacking around a gravel driveway. The potential for drowning while fishing increases considerably due to the itty-bitty holes the rocks make in the rubber.
Don't swim anywhere the fish have bigger teeth than you.
Things that make you go hmmm?
The fact that Al Gore's $16K annual electric bill for one home would power mine for 17 years, but I guess "Going Green" is relative and proportional to ones income.
Favorite books?
War and Peace and Green Eggs and Ham. Well actually...I've never read War and Peace.
Favorite pastime?
Besides reading, the frog relocation program.