Interview Faith Frances Berlin

by

Jaxine Daniels

1. Is A Woman of Quality your first book published? If so, tell us about how that feels.

A Woman Of Quality is my first publication with Wings. My first two books, one women's fiction and one a juvenile novel, were with another POD publisher. I am excited about working with Wings... and eager to see this book in print.

2. What inspired this book?

My personal experience as a songwriter and living in Nashville. I love music and writing songs is something I've done since I was in high school.

3. Tell us a bit about your heroine. What inspires her?

Bonnie Rose, who is the "spittin' image" of Dolly Parton, is inspired by her singer-songwriter boyfriend, Jimmy James' talent and star possibilities. They are deeply in "forever love" and all Bonnie wants is to help Jimmy achieve the success she knows he is fated for, until he goes a little "star crazy" and things begin to go wrong.

4. Tell us a bit about your writing life and your "not writing" life.

As to my "not writing" life: I am retired now, married to the love of my life for 43 years (he is an ad writer, songwriter and humor writer) and living in Rancho Bernardo in north county San Diego. I was a real estate broker/owner for 12 years when we lived in Huntington, LI., New York... then my songs got the best of me and Ed and I moved to Nashville... Of course, that was many years ago, but I still write songs along with writing novels and light verse. And as for my "writing life;" since I am retired I write my stuff or edit other people's writing everyday... and it's lovely to be able to have this free time to be creative.

5. What is your all time favorite book and why?

During my 77 years, I've read so many that I could not possibly select one favorite. I've loved reading all my life and I'll read anything... even comic books... whatever... I just love a good story. I've read all of Harry Potter and loved each one. I read futuristic stories, sci-fi, para-normal... some romance, adventure, suspense… if a story captures my attention at the beginning, I'll stick with it until it ends.

6. If you could have coffee with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I'd enjoy sitting down with Poe and hearing how he wrote "The Pit and the Pendulum" --I enjoy horror stories and write many of those myself--and also I'd like to chat with Stephen King and Rod Serling would be fun. Nora Roberts would be very interesting also. How does she DO it?

7. Are you an outliner or a "seat of the pants writer?

Both. Novels I outline; short stories just write themselves, generally.

8. What's on your Christmas list?

Ed and I don't celebrate Christmas very much any more... our kids are grown and have kids of their own... Personally, I don't really want any more "things."

9. Tell us some things that are on your "I want to do this someday" list.

Over the years I've been published (stories and verses) in many national magazines, so at least I've had that pleasure. Now I want to publish a successful novel (Like A Woman of Quality, maybe?) and also a successful book of light verse. I have a collection, but can't find a publisher yet. I'd like to see it in print before I hit 80.

10. What is on the horizon for you?

Probably another novel, but it most likely won't be contemporary romance... probably a good psychological horror tale. And more short stories, verse and country songs. As long as my health holds out I know I'll be writing something and getting it out there.