10 Questions for Roxanne Henke
1. Tricia: Greetings neighbor! Even though we only live a state way, we haven’t had a chance to visit. But where has your imagination taken you this year?
Roxanne: Hi, Montana neighbor!! You asked where my imagination has taken me this year? Well, since all my books take place in small town North Dakota (kind of like where I live), I suppose I have to say I didn’t travel all that “far.” But, as you know, when you are deep into a story, it’s as if you’re living somewhere else. Almost as if you “are” someone else. So, when I write I not only get to live in a different town, I get to “be” other people. Ah, the weird and wacky life of a writer!
2. Tricia: One of the things I love about your website is the Roxy Reads page. What do YOU look for in a good book.
Roxanne: I absolutely LOVE to read!! And, I am quite picky about the books I love. The main thing I look for in a good book is realism. I want a story (and an author) who will make the pages in my hand come alive in my mind. I want people who speak like folks I know. I want their lives to not be “perfect,” just like real life. I want to explore new ideas through the lives of the characters in the story. If an author can make me forget that I’m reading fiction…now, THAT is a good book!
3. Tricia: If I were to show up at your house tonight and we were to play a board game (one of my favorite activities), which would you pick?
Roxanne: Scrabble, for sure.
4. Tricia: Would you let me win?
Roxanne: Absolutely NOT!!!
5. Tricia: If you had to pick one reality show to be on, which would you pick? Why?
Roxanne: If I had any talent at all I’d pick “American Idol.” I love that show, but I can’t sing in public. I do, however, have a “great” voice in the shower and in my car! I also love the “idea” of ‘Survivor,’ but I’m too old-and-spoiled (I like my soft bed and coffee in the morning) to be a competitor.
6. Tricia: In your home town of Wishek, ND you have a special holiday. Do you care to share?
Roxanne: I’d love to share our “National Holiday” in these parts. It’s…(drum roll, please)…Sauerkraut Day. Yes, really. I live in a community heavily populated by Germans from Russia. We LOVE sauerkraut!! And, if you show up the second Wednesday of October, we’ll even serve you up a plate of the stuff (with wieners and mashed potatoes) for FREE!! Who said, “There is no such thing as a free lunch?” There is in Wishek, North Dakota!!
7. Tricia: Most people think writers are rich and famous. What is one “richness” you cherish in your life? And what are you “famous” for according to people who you best?
Roxanne: To the first part of your question…Ha-ha-ha-ha!! It didn’t take long for me to figure out that “rich-and-famous” and “author” do NOT, necessarily, go together. The reason you hear about million-dollar deals is because they are NEWS. Most authors (including “me”) will never see that kind of money! A richness in my own life? Definitely my husband, my two daughters (and new son-in-law) and the rest of my family and friends!!! And I can’t forget our annoyingly-friendly dog, Gunner. What am I famous for?? Don’t tell. . .but it’s my “Ostrich Walk.” (And, no, I won’t explain!!)
8. Tricia: If a producer approached you about making a movie about one of your books, which book would you choose? Who would play the leading role?
Roxanne: ‘After Anne,’ no question. I actually had a “vision” about that whole book being a half-hour, TV, “dramedy.” Part drama. Part subtle humor. Of course, since it’s part of a series, the “show” could go on-and-on-and… Who should play the leading roles? Sela Ward as “Libby.” Annie Potts as “Anne.” See, I have thought about this!
9. Tricia: Pepsi or Coke?
Roxanne: Can I say, “Coffee?” Next choice? Coke Zero…my new favorite!
10. Tricia: If you could give a tip to a new writer concerning the spiritual elements of writing a novel, what would it be?
Roxanne: Write real. Real people don’t have “faith” figured out. We all question…and wrestle with the answers. Somedays are better than others. Readers identify with real people, so if you want people to take your work seriously…write real.
Happy writing!
Roxy
www.roxannehenke.com
Tricia,
I was fortunate to meet this lovely woman about a year ago. I have since read Roxanne’s entire “Coming Home to Brewster” series and I wait patiently for her new one coming out in January, “The Secret of Us.” Well, I can’t say patiently! This author is a genuine person of love that somehow personifies her whole self through her writings even in fiction form. I also believe “After Anne” would make a wonderful movie. Maybe someday we’ll all be fortunate enough to see a lot more of her work not only on paper, but also on the big screen. If you haven’t read all her books, please do it for yourself. A couple even changed my life in how I live! Thanks for the interview! Cecilia