When I was thinking of a name for the main character of "Cloudy Rainbow," I decided to use it.  But in my book, Dulcie is a real person, a computer programmer, who becomes involved in a virtual world similar to Second Life. She actually has her own avatar called PC Lady.

I started writing "Cloudy Rainbow" after my 15-year old cat died as a way to cope with my sorrow and also to memorialize him (Floppy is a character in the book).  The main question I posed to myself when writing the novel is what happens to a loved one after he or she dies?  Without challenging any religious beliefs or rehashing ghost stories, I sought to tell a tale that attempts to answer this question in a realistic yet simple manner.  The supernatural elements and the clairvoyant are added for interest, but I believe the premise is very basic.

I don't believe authors create characters.  I think characters introduce themselves to authors and then grow and develop throughout the story.  At least for me, my characters are conglomerates of the personalities of several people I have known.  But as they interact throughout the book, they take on new "lives" of their own.  Dulcie is a lot like me, although I really enjoyed writing Valerie's dialogue.  I envied her outspokenness. 

Much of "Cloudy Rainbow" is fictionalized truth.  While I never lived on campus, I was a Features Editor and secretary on my college newspaper.  Almost all the cat scenes are based on my experiences with Floppy, from the happy to the sad ones, although the way Dulcie came to have him was different than how he became my pet. 

I think my book would appeal to a wide variety of readers, those who enjoy paranormal romances or romantic suspense, those who are pet or cat lovers, virtual world and Second Life residents, people who have suffered a loss and may find comfort from the story, anyone who likes contemporary romance with a supernatural twist.

I think self-publishing through POD is a great option for new writers, and I think this type of publishing will come to be viewed more favorably in the future.  I already see this happening.  However, making the decision to self publish through a POD company is an individual decision, and most new writers should probably try to sell their works to traditional publishers or seek an agent first. 

As a librarian and avid reader, I like to read many types of books and authors.  Some of my favorite authors include Nora Roberts, Dean Koontz, John Saul, and Katherine Neville.

Yes, I started one after I finished "Cloudy Rainbow" and have since picked it up again and hope to finish writing it by the summer.  This one will be a virtual mystery. 

Time, Time, and Time.  With a full-time job as librarian, my part-time "job" as Associate Publisher of RezLibris, an online magazine for librarians in Second Life, and being mom to a 4-year old daughter, I have to be very organized and determined to make time to write.

I think it's a timely topic, but I may diversify a bit.  It depends on how the virtual ones sell and what stories come into my mind and ask to be written.

No, but I've made lots of virtual friends.