1) I've gone skydiving. Yes, I voluntarily stepped out of a plane at 3,300 feet for a solo parachute jump. It was a most tranquil, yet exhilarating experience. (I've always encouraged my children to try everything once.) While I'm glad I had that experience, I would never do it again.
Ellie Orbeth
2) I was a travel agent. As a child, I wanted to be either a nun or an airline stewardess. After school, I ended up working in the industry as a travel agent for 19 years. I inherited the travel genes from my parents and have travelled extensively throughout the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Europe.
3) My first story-telling efforts were in grammar school. My brother and I wrote short stories. Unfortunately, they have been lost, and I only have the memories of sitting on the floor in my brother's room and collaborating on our Sherlock Holmes/Dr. Watson-type tales.
4) My daughters refuse to watch TV with me. I usually blurt out whodunit in the first few minutes and they claim I spoil the show. I've been known to pass through the room without having seen any of the plot and finger the killer. For the sake of family peace, I have learned to bite my tongue (well-I try).
5) I love the ocean. One of my favorite activities is walking barefoot on the beach, and my favorite vacation is sailing away on a cruise ship.
6) I'm a cozy mystery aficionado. I read a variety of mystery books, though cozies are my category of choice. Therefore, cozy mysteries are what I write. While I weave forensics into my stories, I stay away from realistic blood and guts. You might find an occasional swear word or two, but my tales are intended to be character-heavy, enjoyable puzzles.
7) Yes, I was caught up in the Harry Potter frenzy. I admit it. And I have been to The Elephant House in Edinborough, Scotland, a cafe where J.K. Rowlings wrote the first story. We stumbled across the café by chance and spotted the commerative plaque in the window.
8) I was a professional model in my youth. Hard to believe? I did 2 TV commercials modeling clothes for William A. Lewis. This was way before VCR's and I have no proof-but it really did happen, folks!
9) I love Halloween. I always took my daughters trick-or-treating and now take my granddaughters. For many years, I lived in Chicago apartment buildings. Parents took their children to private homes and avoided apartment buildings, so I would stand at our entrance with a big bowl of candy and practically chase the kids down the street to shower them with treats.
10) I passed down the love of mysteries to my daughters. My eldest, Jennifer Oberth, also writes cozy mysteries. Check her out.
