Lela Davidson is one of our homegirls here in Northwest Arkansas, and the author of two funny and true books of essays on motherhood and related issues:
Lela is giving away a copy of her new book! Leave a comment to enter!
We learned a little bit more about Lela in this interview.
MTAR: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Lela Davidson: My hobby is making spreadsheets. I think that’s all you need to know.
MTAR: What do you do when you are not writing?
Lela Davidson: I talk to myself. Writing is much healthier.
MTAR: What inspired you to write your first book?
Lela Davidson: I was tired of writing really awful novels.
MTAR: You just had a very successful book launch. For readers who have not attended one, what should they expect?
Lela Davidson: We try to make the launch parties fun for my audience. Moms don’t always get out as much as they used to, so we really try to promote a party atmosphere.
MTAR: Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?
Lela Davidson: See awful novel above. I love it, but I wouldn’t wish the reading of it on anyone.
MTAR: Can you tell us about your new release?
Lela Davidson: Who Peed on My Yoga Mat? is a collection of short stories from my thrilling life. Readers can expect riveting tales of diaper blow-outs, tweenage angst, and marital bliss gone amiss.
MTAR: What was your favorite chapter (or scene) to write and why?
Lela Davidson: I love the story about the shower scrubbie. Because marriage is either excrutiatingly funny or unbearably painful.
MTAR: What would your fans be surprised to know about you?
Lela Davidson: I am fascinated by my canister vacuum. That’s not sexy, but it’s true.
MTAR: Do you have a specific writing style?
Lela Davidson: Short. It matches my attention span.
MTAR: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Lela Davidson: I had moved from Seattle to Wichita Falls, Texas. It was quite the culture shock and I wanted to capture the characters I met. Also, I was at home with two babies watching a lot of Oprah. She kept harping on about finding your passion, so, after ruling out community theater, I started scribbling.
MTAR: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Lela Davidson: Titles and endings. I’m pretty confident with the middle stuff now.