Ann Morris Interview

by

Manda May

Hello Ann,

You titled your book "The Finer Things In Life", I'm dying to know what you identify as the "Finer Things"?

To the hero and heroine of THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE, those things are vastly different when the story begins. To the hero, the finer things in life have always been tangible things, made possible because of wealth and social standing. To the heroine, having had neither for all of her life, money and social standing are anathema. Through the power of love, they learn a most important lesson--the finer things in life cannot be seen, touched, or tasted--they can only be felt by the human heart.

I know that in some stories I try to base some of the characters around people I know, do you do this?

If I do, it isn’t a conscious act. I’m sure though, since none of us live in a vacuum, that most of the characteristics I give to my characters are those I’ve found either admirable or offensive in others, as well as in myself.

If so, what people have you based personalities around, and if not, then why not? 

As I’ve already pointed out, I find some traits in people admirable, others offensive. When I draw my characters to fit a particular story, I choose the character traits and personalities that will carry the story forward and will also let my characters change and grow so that by the end of the story they’ve earned their happy ending.

Have you based any of the characters in this book on yourself?

I imagine every writer does, to some extent. I don’t consciously pick and choose characters that resemble me.  I know that many of the characteristics I choose for my characters are ones I think I already possess, or wish I did.

What about on any of your experiences?

Again, as I said earlier, no one lives in a vacuum and certainly no writer writes out of one. My experiences, good and bad, are reflected in some manner in everything I write.  I think, as writers, the sum of our experiences are translated, in some measure, in all of our stories.

What would you consider the climax of your story?

When the hero and heroine--more directly, the hero--realizes what the finer things in life really are and how lucky he is to have found them.

What would you consider to be the most humorous part?

When the hero, a world-renowned physician and socially prominent New Orleanian, finally goes with the heroine for a spin on her motorcycle.

How does the realization that your book is being published strike in you? (Pride? Fear? Relief) :)

Definitely, all three. I’m proud to have written it. I’m frightened that no one will like it. And relief that it’s finally come to pass.

Who would you say are your biggest supporters?

Fortunately, I have many:  my family, my writing buddies in the Romance Writers of America’s Kiss of Death Chapter, and my art buddies with whom I share two mornings a week, painting.

What would you consider to be your source of inspiration? (someone you know? Something you watch? A hobby?)

I can’t think of a time in my life when I didn’t want to write.  As a young child, I was a loner and often my only companion was a book. So, I guess my greatest source of inspiration comes from all the wonderful writers in my life who have provided me with a “friend” whenever I needed one.

How do people around you affect your writing? (cut your time? Add humor? Bring inspiration?)

Relationships demand time and energy. As a wife, mother and grandmother I have lots of demands on both my time and my energy. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though. I said it earlier in this interview--we don’t live or write in a vacuum.  If it were not for my family and friends, I would have very few life experiences from which to draw for my stories.

Are you an occasional writer, or are you a sit-down-and-write-a-book-in-one-night type?

As a general rule, I write every day, generally in the late afternoon and evening. On those days when I absolutely can’t sit down at the computer and write new material, I either work on my next scene or two in my head, scribble notes for future reference, or do some kind of research.

Thanks for your time.

Laterz,

Manda May :)