DMc: You have led quite the adventurous life moving many times. What did you find to be the most difficult once settled in your new location to get your creative groove back?

NL: It was difficult moving, but I guess my husband doesn’t like to get any moss under his feet. Anyway, I’ve always been more or less a solitary type who loves to read and create. The first thing I always did upon moving was find the closest library. Now, thanks to the Internet, and the fact that I have TONS of books yet to be read, that’s not necessary. I like to hole up in my office and visualize what I want to write or draw. When I know what that is, I sit down at the computer and type, type, type, which I know many authors say you should not do, but I have tried writing from an outline and find I always seem to deviate from them. Unfortunately, I tend to write like I talk…too much! So, I end up going through what I’ve written and cut, cut, cut. I’ve found it much easier to cut than add. When it comes to drawing, I love to sit quietly and envision what I want to do, but I’m my own worst critic and usually my finished illustrations do not come out as I see them in my head.

DMc: What can a writer expect when collaborating on a book with you?

NL: I’m very easy to get along with. I love hearing new ideas and suggestions and working with talented people.


DMc: Your children’s chapter book, Tiny Angel was released in November 2009, please share with us your inspiration behind this delightful story.

NL: First off, thank you for saying it’s delightful! My inspiration behind this book comes from the fact that as a child I was a bookworm, very shy and wore glasses, which caused me to be the brunt of the class bully. I was very insecure and felt like I never fit in. My strong belief in guardian angels helped me through some tough times and my own personal angel is named Jody, same as Macy’s in the book. Many times I was lonely and when I got older, I learned I was not the only kid who felt that way. I thought by putting a little of my childhood angst into this book it would show other children they are not alone.


DMc: Do you find it difficult to switch from writer/illustrator to editor?

NL: I started writing almost twenty years ago. I was working as an editorial assistant for a publisher and realized my love of writing and editing. My first credits were with local newspapers and when we moved to NC, I wrote for the “Wilmington Magazine”. I had started writing “Ti

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