17 Interesting Facts About Me
1. I've wanted to be writer as long as I can remember. My mother claims that I wanted to be a writer when I was four (but I’m still not sure I knew what a writer did back then). I completed my first novel at the ripe age of 8 in my grandmother's dining room using my mother’s typewriter from college. It consisted of one typed page, four chapters, each a paragraph long. The story was about a set of alien sisters that landed on earth, had to learn how to make their way home but in the process fall in love with two human boys. I know, a love story from the very beginning. I blame Walt Disney.
2. I read my first romance novel when I was a freshman in high school, this doesn't include any books with a strong romance plot or young adult novels centered on romance (I definitely read a lot of those when I was younger). I picked it up at the local bookstore and didn't really know that it was a romance novel but once I read it I was hooked. The book was The Bride of Windmere by Margo Maguire.
3. I didn't try to write my first romance novel until I was a freshman in college (now looking back at some of the work I wrote at the time it was romance, I just didn't realize it).
4. When I originally starting writing romances, I wrote historical. I completed several of these works. Many will never see the light of day, if I have anything to say about it, others I may revisit when I get the time (what’s that?) or inspiration.
5. Willa Edwards is a pen name. I decided on this name based on two of my favorite men. William Shakespeare (though I admit Will from the Pirate of the Caribbean series had some influence). And Edward Cullen from the Twilight series. I can't help but love him, sweet, caring, polite and well read, what could be better.
6. I decided to take a pen name not because I'm embarrassed of what I write. I love what I write and everyone important in my life not only knows that but reads my work, but I did it for the freedom. So that I can write the work as it comes to me, without any need for an interior judge or jury.
7. I HATE to be asked what my favorite book is. How do you pick one book out of so many amazing options? But if I have to choose, with a gun pressed to my temple as the head of Barnes and Noble holds me hostage, I would have to pick A Rose for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith. It’s heartbreaking, romantic, sweet and compelling. But I'm also obsessed with Wicked, the book before the musical but I love them both. I love the Bronte sisters. I think everyone of the Harry Potter books is excellently written and I think the Twilight series has some of the most vivid characters I can remember reading. Stephen King is brilliant and Misery is the best book for any author to read (it’s great for everyone not just writers, so if you haven't read it take a look at it). And so many others I can't name them all.
8. I have many favorite romance novels. I love Mary Spencer/Susan Spencer Paul, especially her Touch series full of magically fated true loves. I love Deborah Simmons, especially her DeBurgh Brothers, though my favorite of hers is The Devil Earl. For some more modern stories I love Joely Sue Burkhart's Connegher series, Bianca D'Arc Vampire Series, Alexis Fleming, Joey W. Hill, Kelly Jamieson, Erin McCarthy and many, many, more...
9. Beyond writing I love food, almost any kind of food, but especially Mexican. Beans, Guacamole, salsa, and onions are very important in my household. In time with my Irish heritage I also love potatoes in almost every form. I'm not a meat and potatoes kind of girl because I’ve been a vegetarian since my sophomore year of High School, but I do like vegetables and potatoes.
10. I’m single. So if you know anyone let me know, just kidding. But as a result my writing does become a great deal of wish fulfillment for me. Though I think that would be true if I was married, engaged, or anything in between. That’s the great part about writing. I can have a million weddings, on the beach, in auditoriums, in foreign countries, big, small, elaborate, down to earth, and to a great many different men, while still enjoying my single real life.
11. During the day I work as a Sales Analyst for a male dominated company (that will not be named), which I love. It’s the perfect combination for me. I spend my days surrounded by men, talking about male things, working with numbers and being very analytical, and spending my nights in a very female centered world that is creative, fun, flirty and stimulating.
12. During my college days I studied abroad at Cambridge University in Cambridge England. I studied at the Gonville and Caius College. It was one of the best time of my live and I got to see so much of England it was amazing. I also spent time in Ireland while I was there and fell in love with the country. Its quirky humor, good food (I'm serious, give me salmon, mash potatoes and Guinness any day) and most of all its love of writers. If I could live anywhere in the world, that’s where I would pick. But I still have a lot of the world to see…
13. I was born and raised in Vermont. It’s a great state to live in. Very environmentally conscious (which has definitely influenced my perspective), open and political place. Plus Maple sugar, Ben and Jerry's and Vermont Teddy Bears, what could be better? I’m not a skier (which everyone thinks is a big surprise, but my winter activities usually consist of curling up in bed with soup or tea and a good book), but I did ice skate in the winters. It is also a very educated and literary place. Per capita it has the most writers of any state.
14. My favorite movie is Frailty, it’s a fascinating story, and the storytelling is remarkable. If you haven't seen it, it’s definitely worth a try. I love The Forty Year Old Virgin. It’s such a sweet love story. I really love cheesy 80s movies, like A Sure Thing, The Breakfast Club, Dirty Dancing, Say Anything and Some Kind of Wonderful. And Fantasy movies like Stardust and Dogma.
15. I listen to alternative music. One of the few luxuries I allow myself is satellite radio, and it always switched onto the alternative channel (except when it’s on Book Radio). Some of my favorite bands are Death Cab for Cutie, Muse, Mutemouth, Alien Ant Farm, Weazer and Metric. But I still like a little Top 20 every now and then. I'm also a huge car singer. When I'm alone the volume is up high and I'm singing as low as I can and dancing the best the steering wheel will allow.
16. I live a very simple life, I actually like that. There is power in not letting things, or services, control your life. My friends make fun of me but I don't have cable, and I have no interest in it. I only recently got internet and I kind of miss the days when I didn't have it. It’s a huge distraction from writing or reading like I should be. I've had the same cell phone for almost five years and I don't have any expensive services like internet or texting. I'm as close to Amish as you can get in this modern world. It’s a little odd, but I like it that way. It gives me tons of time to write.
17. If I were any fictional character I would be Princess Fiona from Shrek. I didn't decide this for myself but was told so by many of my friends. Of all characters to be compared too, this is a pretty good one, and I can see how they decided this. I definitely live in my head, and have a specific way that I think things should work (I can't think of a better definition for a writer). I don't have problem kicking a little butt (though mine is mostly verbal) when someone's out of line or annoying me. I do have a tendency to scream a bit, and force people to conform to my way, but it’s always for their best interest. And I'm definitely as interested in finding my true love as she is.
Is there anything else your interested in knowing about me. Send me an email and I'd be glad to answer your questions. And let me know about you too. I'm always interested to know more about my fans.
2. I read my first romance novel when I was a freshman in high school, this doesn't include any books with a strong romance plot or young adult novels centered on romance (I definitely read a lot of those when I was younger). I picked it up at the local bookstore and didn't really know that it was a romance novel but once I read it I was hooked. The book was The Bride of Windmere by Margo Maguire.
3. I didn't try to write my first romance novel until I was a freshman in college (now looking back at some of the work I wrote at the time it was romance, I just didn't realize it).
4. When I originally starting writing romances, I wrote historical. I completed several of these works. Many will never see the light of day, if I have anything to say about it, others I may revisit when I get the time (what’s that?) or inspiration.
5. Willa Edwards is a pen name. I decided on this name based on two of my favorite men. William Shakespeare (though I admit Will from the Pirate of the Caribbean series had some influence). And Edward Cullen from the Twilight series. I can't help but love him, sweet, caring, polite and well read, what could be better.
6. I decided to take a pen name not because I'm embarrassed of what I write. I love what I write and everyone important in my life not only knows that but reads my work, but I did it for the freedom. So that I can write the work as it comes to me, without any need for an interior judge or jury.
7. I HATE to be asked what my favorite book is. How do you pick one book out of so many amazing options? But if I have to choose, with a gun pressed to my temple as the head of Barnes and Noble holds me hostage, I would have to pick A Rose for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith. It’s heartbreaking, romantic, sweet and compelling. But I'm also obsessed with Wicked, the book before the musical but I love them both. I love the Bronte sisters. I think everyone of the Harry Potter books is excellently written and I think the Twilight series has some of the most vivid characters I can remember reading. Stephen King is brilliant and Misery is the best book for any author to read (it’s great for everyone not just writers, so if you haven't read it take a look at it). And so many others I can't name them all.
8. I have many favorite romance novels. I love Mary Spencer/Susan Spencer Paul, especially her Touch series full of magically fated true loves. I love Deborah Simmons, especially her DeBurgh Brothers, though my favorite of hers is The Devil Earl. For some more modern stories I love Joely Sue Burkhart's Connegher series, Bianca D'Arc Vampire Series, Alexis Fleming, Joey W. Hill, Kelly Jamieson, Erin McCarthy and many, many, more...
9. Beyond writing I love food, almost any kind of food, but especially Mexican. Beans, Guacamole, salsa, and onions are very important in my household. In time with my Irish heritage I also love potatoes in almost every form. I'm not a meat and potatoes kind of girl because I’ve been a vegetarian since my sophomore year of High School, but I do like vegetables and potatoes.
10. I’m single. So if you know anyone let me know, just kidding. But as a result my writing does become a great deal of wish fulfillment for me. Though I think that would be true if I was married, engaged, or anything in between. That’s the great part about writing. I can have a million weddings, on the beach, in auditoriums, in foreign countries, big, small, elaborate, down to earth, and to a great many different men, while still enjoying my single real life.
11. During the day I work as a Sales Analyst for a male dominated company (that will not be named), which I love. It’s the perfect combination for me. I spend my days surrounded by men, talking about male things, working with numbers and being very analytical, and spending my nights in a very female centered world that is creative, fun, flirty and stimulating.
12. During my college days I studied abroad at Cambridge University in Cambridge England. I studied at the Gonville and Caius College. It was one of the best time of my live and I got to see so much of England it was amazing. I also spent time in Ireland while I was there and fell in love with the country. Its quirky humor, good food (I'm serious, give me salmon, mash potatoes and Guinness any day) and most of all its love of writers. If I could live anywhere in the world, that’s where I would pick. But I still have a lot of the world to see…
13. I was born and raised in Vermont. It’s a great state to live in. Very environmentally conscious (which has definitely influenced my perspective), open and political place. Plus Maple sugar, Ben and Jerry's and Vermont Teddy Bears, what could be better? I’m not a skier (which everyone thinks is a big surprise, but my winter activities usually consist of curling up in bed with soup or tea and a good book), but I did ice skate in the winters. It is also a very educated and literary place. Per capita it has the most writers of any state.
14. My favorite movie is Frailty, it’s a fascinating story, and the storytelling is remarkable. If you haven't seen it, it’s definitely worth a try. I love The Forty Year Old Virgin. It’s such a sweet love story. I really love cheesy 80s movies, like A Sure Thing, The Breakfast Club, Dirty Dancing, Say Anything and Some Kind of Wonderful. And Fantasy movies like Stardust and Dogma.
15. I listen to alternative music. One of the few luxuries I allow myself is satellite radio, and it always switched onto the alternative channel (except when it’s on Book Radio). Some of my favorite bands are Death Cab for Cutie, Muse, Mutemouth, Alien Ant Farm, Weazer and Metric. But I still like a little Top 20 every now and then. I'm also a huge car singer. When I'm alone the volume is up high and I'm singing as low as I can and dancing the best the steering wheel will allow.
16. I live a very simple life, I actually like that. There is power in not letting things, or services, control your life. My friends make fun of me but I don't have cable, and I have no interest in it. I only recently got internet and I kind of miss the days when I didn't have it. It’s a huge distraction from writing or reading like I should be. I've had the same cell phone for almost five years and I don't have any expensive services like internet or texting. I'm as close to Amish as you can get in this modern world. It’s a little odd, but I like it that way. It gives me tons of time to write.
17. If I were any fictional character I would be Princess Fiona from Shrek. I didn't decide this for myself but was told so by many of my friends. Of all characters to be compared too, this is a pretty good one, and I can see how they decided this. I definitely live in my head, and have a specific way that I think things should work (I can't think of a better definition for a writer). I don't have problem kicking a little butt (though mine is mostly verbal) when someone's out of line or annoying me. I do have a tendency to scream a bit, and force people to conform to my way, but it’s always for their best interest. And I'm definitely as interested in finding my true love as she is.
Is there anything else your interested in knowing about me. Send me an email and I'd be glad to answer your questions. And let me know about you too. I'm always interested to know more about my fans.
