Getting to know you Thursday with Mia Ross

Please Join me in welcoming debut author Mia Ross to my blog today. I met Mia on the seekerville blog and have gotten to know her. I have just finished her debut book and really enjoyed the story. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I met my husband when we were both in college, and he followed me home so I kept him. We have a daughter and a son who keep us very busy. Our house is run by three cats who are in a competition to see which of them can sleep the most.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, is the first book that really grabbed me as a child. It’s still my favourite.

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and write?

I love to read mysteries and thrillers, but they’re very complicated, with all those moving parts and dead bodies. I like writing romances because they focus on people and always deliver a happy ending.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

Louisa May Alcott was my first, since she wrote to support her family at a time when women weren’t supposed to do that. Laura Ingalls Wilder was another strong woman I admired for both her writing and her spirit. And reading C.S. Lewis taught me a lot about how to wrap a deeper message in an engaging story readers will enjoy.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I don’t remember ever wanting to be anything else. I’m truly living my dream right now.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

Mostly, I got lucky. I’ve been a bookworm my whole life, and I guess I picked up structure and style through osmosis. Then there’s my vivid imagination. When I see or hear something that catches my attention, I always spin a story around it. I think I’m just wired that way. On the more professional side, my agent and editor have taught me how to craft a story that flows well for other people. They’re the pros, so I always listen carefully!

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

Other than being a mom (which I already am), for me no job could replace being a writer.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I’m a huge sports nut: baseball, American football, psyched about the upcoming Olympics. I especially love being on the sidelines watching our kids play, or attending their concerts and plays. I enjoy yard work, as long as there aren’t too many weeds to pull. Tennis is my favorite sport to play, and I tried golf but wasn’t very good. As patient as my husband was coaching me, I’d much rather drive the cart. (Jenny here, I like sports to mainly Cricket but am looking forward to the olympics also. Not into golf myself.)

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

Scotland is at the top of my list. Hubby could golf at St. Andrews while I castle-hop. Perfect. (I have been known to plan holidays/vacations around cricket.)

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

United States First Lady Michele Obama, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Madeleine Albright, the first female US Secretary of State. These three incredible women have defied the odds and made the world a better place for so many people they’ll never even meet. Their intelligence, determination and compassion are awe-inspiring.

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon.  Also where we can find you on the web.

My Love Inspired debut Hometown Family is out now. The first in my Sawyers series, it’s a contemporary romance about letting go of the past and embracing the future. You can find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at eHarlequin, both in print and various e-formats. Excerpts from that book and my upcoming 2012 releases are at www.miaross.com.

Jenny, it was a pleasure being here today. Thanks so much!