Q&A With M&M Addict and Author, Cindy Roesel

I am truly honored to shine the spotlight today on my dear friend, Chick Lit Central book reviewer, and Emmy winning journalist, author Cindy Roesel.  Cindy and I met virtually when she read my first novel, The Day I Wore My Panties Inside Out, and reached out to me through Facebook. Little did I know then, she would quickly become not only a member of my closest friends, but also the Hello Kitty Fairy Godmother to my daughter, Gracie.  It is my privilege to welcome Cindy to Princess With a Pen!   

I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to read an advanced copy of, Viewer Discretion Advised, and I remember emailing you; telling you something along the lines of, “I need a TUMS cocktail after reading how manic the newsroom can be!”  Be honest, how many bottles of antacids did you have when you worked in television?

First of all, Miss Jen Tucker, thank you for inviting me and VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED over to visit with you and Princess with a Pen!  I can’t think of a nicer place to spend some time talking about my novel and the whole writing thing than with you my lovely BFF!

You know Jen, the newsroom can be a stressful place.  I enjoyed it because I was an adrenalin junkie at that time of my life.  In news, you’re constantly walking on a high-wire with no net below you, especially when the show is live.  There’s nothing like having the facts whispered into your earpiece and then telling the audience what is happening as it happens.  It’s truly rock ‘n roll!

Since we are friends and you did ask me to be honest, I will be honest.  I never took TUMS or any antacids.  I went to the professionals.  I did take anti-anxiety drugs, which were prescribed for me by Doctors, and I did take them as prescribed, so I didn’t abuse them.

I can only imagine the pressures and stress.  Thank you for being so honest about that, Cindy.  

People might not know that you and my daughter, Gracie, are BFF’s.  Cindy spoils her rotten and is the coolest fairy godmother ever!   If you and Gracie were to spend the day together, what would be on the “fun agenda” for the day?

Well golly, anything Miss Gracie would want to do I would want to do, too!  First thing though, we’d have to go buy up all the Miss Kitty stuff around your town.   Maybe she’d like to get her friends and go do something fun with me and them, or not!  I’m not sure!  Maybe we could hang out and play board games like Candy Land!  It’d be up to her!   I could call Gracie in advance and we could make a plan!

And then you send her back home to me spoiler rotten, right?  Oh my mercy…  It will be a massive undertaking to straighten her out!  Lucky Gracie AND lucky me!  Ha!

People that know anything about you, first and foremost know about your baby dog, Sassy, who is the light of your life.  I love that little lady!  Pet adoption is a cause close to your heart and you are very active in the Miami, Florida community raising awareness.  Tell us about your passion for dogs and animal rights.

One year ago we rescued Sassy, or more accurately, Sassy rescued us.  It was six months after we lost our Shih Tzu, Princess.  Princess had passed away after an eighteen month battle with cancer.  I truly didn’t believe I’d ever experience joy again in my life.  I’d had her for nearly thirteen years.  I’m sure there are people reading this who don’t understand and that’s fine, because there are pet owners who do understand and I’m talking to you.  Princess saw me through so many stages of my life and we did everything to help her.  Princess was/is amazing and now she’s in heaven and we have her little sister, Sassy.  Sassy was two days away from being put down and every time I look in her precious face, I’m just reminded by the joy and love she gives us and everyone she comes in contact with.  My friend, Beth has Earth Angels Rescue and she visits animal shelters.  I went with her once and realized that’s not my strong point.  I’m good at raising money for her cause and love to put my time and energy into it.

I am so glad that you found Sassy, and a purpose to help animals, through loving Princess as you do. 

Do we see glimpses of Cindy in Charley, your main character from Viewer Discretion Advised?

Yes and no.  It’s funny, because the more I answer this question the more I realize Charley is a lot like me, but not completely.  We’re both loyal and back up our staff, which is important, but she makes a decision affecting her relationship which I don’t agree with.  You’ll have to read VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED to understand what I mean, but it is a significant opposing view from what I’d do.

Both of us love plain M&Ms.

I love plain M&M’s too!  I have a “thing” where I have to eat two of the same color, at the same time.  It’s a quirk; what can I say? 

You live in the amazing city Miami, yet have lived in many cities while working in news.  Dish on your most favorite zip code, and not so favorite!

I’ve had the privilege of living all over the country and it’s truly amazing how diverse it is.  I graduated from college in NYC and my first reporting job was in Tyler, Texas.  There were more people at my subway stop than the entire city/town of Tyler.  It was quite a shock, but I learned so much. I really enjoyed the Twin Cities, in fact I still have a house which I rent in St. Paul.  People were so nice, but the weather was so incredibly cold, I wore a full length fur for survival.  I’m sorry if that offends anyone.  It was a gift.  Now I’m in Miami permanently and it seems to be working.  It is a little crazy at times.  There is a running joke that practically any big news story that happens anywhere in the world always has a Miami angle.  I love the weather for the most part, but I also appreciate the opportunity to travel and go other places.

I think you have such an amazing opportunity with Charley Thomas’ character to build a series of books  *Jen crosses fingers for more Oz scenes*   Is there a sequel in the works?

To sequel or not sequel, that is the question?  I’m working on a sequel, but I’m not really sure … Give me a few more months.  I’m working some storylines, but it’s not completely feeling organic.  I need to commit or move on!  I have some other ideas!  I really LOVE Oz.  I can’t imagine leaving him behind!

You and I are staying up all night and having a slumber party.  What movies are on the docket for us to fall asleep watching, because you know Jen cannot stay up all night.  You know I’m all about the snacks, so don’t leave out any details on those goodies too! 

First of all, I have a couple of questions?  Are we watching chick lit movies?  Or hot guy flicks like Daniel Craig as James Bond, Jason Statham kick butt as The Transporter and Matt Damon is Jason Bourne.  If we’re doing guy films, you’re not sleeping.

My new favorite treat is Skinny Cow chocolate fudge bars only 100-calories, plain M&Ms, Twizzlers, Peach Diet Snapple by the quart and yogurt parfaits filled with lots of fresh fruit. 

Thank you so much for having me over to Princess With a Pen!   I know you get to pick and choose who you want to have promoting their books.  I’m very grateful you let me and VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED stop by.  If anyone has any questions, please stop on Facebook, Twitter or my website.  I’d love to hear from you.  Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Thank you so much for stopping by Cindy! 

Cindy has so graciously offered ONE lucky reader, anywhere in the world, a copy of her novel, Viewer Discretion Advised!  Simply tell us about your ideal slumber party with your best gal pals for a chance to win, and be sure to leave your email address with your comment.

RULES: Only entries including email addresses will be counted.  The winner may chose a KINDLE ebook OR print copy  This contest closes on September 14, 2012 at noon EST.  Prize will be fulfilled by Cindy.  Good luck to all!   

XOXO

Jen