Interview with author Monica Garry-Allen talking about her writing, including her latest work, The Makeover.

SDG: Great to have you as a guest, Monica. How about a little background about yourself?   MGA: Hi, my name is Monica Garry-Allen. I'm a writer and lover of all things romantic. I reside in southern Mississippi with my husband. When I'm not listening to the characters in my head and jotting down their adventures, I'm busy working as a Clinical Laboratory Technician. I love to travel, preferably with my husband, so he can do all of the driving. I enjoy time with my family, who are just as silly as I am. I have no children...yet, wish me luck! My hobbies are reading, writing and shopping, though I hate trying on clothing. If I wasn't a writer or a Laboratory Professional, I would probably be a Secret Agent. But that's the beauty of being a writer: you can create you own world and be whoever you want to be. In my imaginary world, I am the Queen and my siblings are my minions.   SDG: Wow. That's a busy life. What inspired you to write this book?   MGA: My co-workers, lol. My co-workers and I are all corky and we say some of the lamest things during our eight hours together at work. Hanging with those ladies every day inspired me to write a series of short stories about nerd girls who love hard!   SDG: That sounds like a lot of fun. What was your approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?   MGA: I let it flow. I usually write a synopsis of the story, but I rarely stick to it. I let my characters tell the story then I go back and edit it.   SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?   MGA: About two months on and off. I got distracted a few times during the process.   SDG: That's extremely fast! Can you tell us a little about your book?   MGA: The Makeover is a fun romantic comedy full of love, laughter and lipstick. It follows the life of April Parson and her two best friends as they realize that life outside of college is not as easy as people make it out to be. They thought they left bullies behind when they graduated high school, but they find out that adults can be just as mean. With the help of her best friends, April learns to be strong and stand up for herself. She also finds love and a new pair of high heels during her journey!   SDG: Well, who doesn't love a great pair of heels? Is your family supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?   MGA: My husband and my family are super supportive. My sisters love reading my rough drafts and helping me brainstorm. My hubby is not a big reader, but he loves listening to me tell him what my characters are up to. On my release day for The Makeover, he got me a cake, a card, and made me breakfast in bed.   SDG: Okay, that's the best husband ever! Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for beginner writers?   MGA: Study the craft. Read and write as much as you can. If you can, attend writers workshops and conventions and always surround yourself with positive people. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do this.   SDG: Excellent advice. What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?   MGA: I'm working on book two of my Nerd Girls Love Hard series and I'm also working on my Christmas novella.    SDG: Like I said before, you really are busy. What is the best time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job? Also, how long on average do you write each day?   MGA: I usually write in the mornings! I'm an early bird. I wake up, get myself together, fix me a pot of coffee and get to writing. I write for about two-three hours then it's time for me to get ready to clock in at my day job. By the time I come home from work I'm too tired to even think about writing, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about my characters!    SDG: Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?   MGA: It is a very lonely occupation. Though my husband supports my career, he doesn't understand why I enjoy sitting in front o my computer for hours at a time typing away. It amazes him that I would rather work on my story than go outside...into the real world. LOL!   SDG: I feel the same way. What is your website and where can readers purchase your book or books?   MGA: My website is: http://mgarryallen.wordpress.com I blog at: http://mgarrallen.wordpress.com My books can be purchased at: www.frontporchromance.com and from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DIIKP2O You can find me on Twitter @monicagarry And my Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/monicagarryallen?ref=hl   SDG: Thank you so much, Monica, for taking the time for this interview. I look forward to reading all of your stories!