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"Just the facts, ma'am." (Well, I go by the philosophy that the small things count. So here are tidbits that tell more about me than

FAQ:gAfter almost four years and four books later (ones that actually hit the shelves), I actually DO have some FAQs that I get from readers, bloggers, reviewers and more!

Can I get an ARC or review copy of your book (or even a Word, PDF, a copy chiseled in stone, or copy of one of your others)?

No. Okay. I probably should expand on that. Nope. :-) Really, I'll tell you why now. Authors, contrary to what many think, don't have unlimited access to ARCs or even copies of their books. My ARCs that I receive are reserved for a: my favorite charities and raffles b: my favorite bloggers (who are established and NEVER ask for review copies because they know that, after years of blogging and establishing their reputations, how the game works) c. family and friends the book is dedicated to d. my own publicity and marketing. And that's about all I can do. There are many ways to get review copies and the world of blogging (and reviewing) is much like that of writing. Research the market, how to get books, who to approach (never authors themselves) and get to work. It's important as a reviewer or blogger to establish your reputation so that authors know who to go to. I could go on and on, but I just need to URGE you to take the time to study the market and how it works.

Also ... if you're asking for one of my previous titles, GO TO YOUR LIBRARY! Or buy one. I know everyone's strapped for cash, so that's why I'm #1 proponent of libraries. Your library can get you ANY BOOK you want that's in print. It's magical.

Who's your agent?

The Incredible Stephen Barbara at Foundry Literary + Media.

Can Can you donate a book for XXXX charity?

I often get form letters (Dear Author ...) from schools that are looking for silent auction books. I so so so understand that you're trying to raise money. I used to respond to each letter personally until it dawned on me that oftentimes the schools or representatives weren't even aware of who I am. Sometimes I get "My kid loves your book, can we have one for the auction?"

Be SPECIFIC. I can guarantee you if I get a personalized letter, I'll actually consider it. If I get one that tells me specifically WHY my books would be good for your auction, I'm all ears. It's just a little frustrating to get these blank "Dear Author-type" letters. Authors have feelings, too!! (AND most have very limited numbers of books to give away -- see above -- so we need really GREAT reasons for donating).

Again, if somebody I know personally asks for a donation, I'm almost 100% ready to say, "Yep! Where do I send it?"ich would probably be too dull to have to read.)

Absolutely!! Check them out here.

Do you visit book clubs, schools, libraries and more?

Yes ... and no. By SKYPE, anytime! It's just kind of hard to visit places and fly all the way from Colombia ... But because of the magic of Internet, I can now go anywhere. Check out how, right here.

Bio Basics:

Jobs I've had (or continue to have): paper girl for THE NEVADA APPEAL, babysitter, runner, secretary, day camp counselor, backpacking guide for middle schoolers and high schoolers, barista (I make a mean capuccino), EFL teacher, fifth grade teacher, translator, seller of jewelry at craft fairs and jewelry rep, Web Site stuff, library/cultural consultant (my frustrated dream is to have studied library science and become a librarian ... maybe later??), office assistant ... and more!

From: Carson City, NV (born in Carson Tahoe Hospital, went to Gleason, Bray, Bordewich, Carson Junior High, Carson High). My first grade teacher's name was Mrs. Cronenberger and my favorite ever teacher was Mr. Glanzmann (High School algebra and trigonometry). But I went ALL the way to Reno, Nevada (a whole 45 minutes away) to college. (Ha! And you thought I was a homebody. Yes, I moved back in with my mom and dad in my late twenties. But it was to write! Thanks Mom and Dad -- my "capital investors" and "emotional investors" in all this!!).

Favorites:

Treats: Nutella crepes (hate, hate, hate to share them but I'm the mom and have to share which makes me want to stomp and scream but, like I said, I'm the mom and have to share.), ice cream, dark chocolate with sea salt or hot pepper (this, I don't share. I hide away and eat one square at a time), and homemade cinnamon rolls.

Movies: Life is Beautiful, The Lives of Others, The Secret in Their Eyes (this movie is phenomenal), The Bourne Identity series, Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, Bridesmaids ...

Books: Too many to name, but my top authors include JD Salinger, Steinbeck, Markus Zusak, Alexie Sherman, Ellen Hopkins, Francisco X Stork, Barbara Kingsolver ... too many! (And I REALLY like books about mountaineering -- Everest expeditions and that kind of thing.)

Memories: Every memory of my childhood includes my sister. So Carrie, in almost every way, is my favorite memory. Specifically, I remember my dad taking us sledding on C-Hill and coming back to have Mom's homemade hot chocolate. We created a "Bootland" with our best friend Andrea -- a phenomenal snow park, in my godparents' driveway after BM (my godfather) shoveled snow into a giant mound. With Andrea, we had the Bamboozles -- a club that collected money by recycling cans then used the money to buy candy. I had a paper route and stayed with it for a year to win a bet. And my one shot at summer camp was the most miserable week of my life. I HATED spending the night away from home.

Pastimes: Daydreaming (I'm really good at this and justify it because I'm an author. Right? I don't need to be a fully productive member of society at all times), running, remembering what it was like to travel all over the world (Things change after parenthood. That's good, too. It's nice to have a place to call our own.), chasing shadows with Amelia, dancing with my husband, Cesar, playing with my nieces and going out to coffee with my rock in this world, my sister, Carrie, laughing, laughing, laughing, and trying to figure out safer ways to cross Pereira's streets (drivers here are insane).

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