In celebration of the upcoming release of my debut novel, Fast Forward (see announcement here), I’m doing a series of interviews with authors about their past, present & future. Today, please welcome… Alissa Callen!

PAST:

1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a child I’d read books by torchlight and scribble stories that I’d put under my pillow for safekeeping only for them to end up in the wash. So have always wanted to read and write and lose self in fictional worlds where no washing ever needed to be done!

2. What did you do before you became a writer?

My background is in education and counselling but for the past fifteen years have been lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mum and traffic controller to four now-not-so-little children.

3. What is one of your most treasured memories from the past?

Reading. Being the eldest of seven kids peace and quiet was a rare commodity, so I’d take a book to the shearing shed and hideaway in the lanoline-scented silence. Even now I still have every horse book I ever bought as a child.

PRESENT:

4. What’s your latest/upcoming release about and/or what are you currently working on?

Am very fortunate to have two books coming out in quick succession in 2013. January sees the release of What Love Sounds Like with Escape Publishing and then February 1 will have a launch title for the digital-first Random Romance list of Random House called Beneath Outback Skies.

5. What’s a typical day like for you? (If there is such a thing!)

How my day unfolds is subject to the eating habits of a thirty year old grey pony. Depending on what time she finishes her breakfast, I will have either answered emails or have spent far too much time surfing the web. Then once she is back in her paddock (have learned not to start writing before then as can forget to untie her!) I write until twelve. Have lunch. Then write until school pick up at three. Then if am not required for taxi duties will sneak in a little more computer time before dinner.

6. Name three things you are grateful for in your life right now:

My long-suffering husband

Fabulous friends

Romance Writers of Australia

FUTURE:

7. If you could fast forward in time to any age or year for just one day, what would you choose & why?

I’d choose 4 days – one for each of my children – with no set date, just so I could share in one of their future milestones and check that they were doing okay.

8. If you could have any new technology or invention in the future that would make your life a whole lot easier (or more fun), what would it be?

Would love an internet connection that never drops out and only has one speed – fast! And for my husband I’d like a set of car keys that would come to you when you whistle!

9. What are your hopes & dreams for the future?

To keep writing the stories that sprout like mental-mushrooms when I sleep and to live long enough to see my children grow into the special adults that they will be.

Thanks so much Juliet for having me and I wish you all the very best for your own present and future.  I don’t need a crystal ball to know that your future will be bright and filled with many fabulous new releases like Fast Forward.

You’re welcome, Alissa, and thank you for your nice words! 🙂

Visit Alissa online:

Website:  www.alissacallen.com

Blog: Words, windmills and plot wrinkles @ www.alissacallen.com

Facebook: Alissa Callen – Author

Random House

Buy WHAT LOVE SOUNDS LIKE via Escape Publishing or your favourite ebook retailer.