Thonie Hevron: Twelve Question Tuesday

Thonie Hevron

Today I am excited to welcome Thonie Hevron to Twelve Question Tuesday. 

1. Please tell me the three most important things people should know about you.
First, that I believe in God; second, I love my husband and the life we’ve built together, third, writing is in my DNA. I couldn’t stop if I wanted.

2.  Are you a dog person or a cat person? 
Both, actually. Both serve the different needs of my personality. Currently, I have two senior rescue mutts and no kitties. And, I have a horse that I love to bits (sorry for the pun!)

3.  Tea or coffee?
Coffee, hopefully Gevalia or Eight o’Clock. But a nice cuppa Earl Grey is wonderful, too.

4.  Boxers, briefs, boxer-briefs, or commando? (Either what you prefer or what you prefer on others.)
Yikes, TMI! I only go commando while kayaking--I’ll leave it at that.

5.  What was the first thing you ever wrote?
“How the Leopard Got Its Spots” in the fifth grade. I think it started as an assignment but I really loved it and was proud of that story. It set me on this path.


6. When did you finally decide to call yourself a writer?
When I retired, I finally found--no, made--the time to publish and market my book. My husband supported my efforts and took over a lot of the home responsibilities. But the turning point, in my mind, was in 2012, when I won the Public Safety Writers Association (PSWA) Third Place for Best Unpublished Novel. I felt like I’d earned the respect of my peers and could call myself a writer.

7. Which of your works are you most proud to have written? 
I am proudest of my most recent novel, INTENT TO HOLD. I hope to have it published by late summer of 2014. It was my best effort so far and it won me a publishing contract in a contest. My writing improves daily, mostly with help from my critique group--exceptional writers all--and Redwood Writers, the local chapter of California Writers Club. Both offer practical support and encouragement to me (and to all the members). POSSESSION FOR SALE, my next book, will be even better.

8. What is the scariest thing that has ever happened to you?
When I was 18, my cousin and I were driving in deep in the forests of Northern California when we realized we were lost. This is before cell phones or GPS. I got my car stuck in some mud so we had to walk for miles in the dark until we could find a telephone to call her dad. There’s a story there.

9. How did you end up getting published?
I won a contest. After I finished INTENT TO HOLD, continually struck out with agent queries. Trying a different tack, I entered it in three contests. It won in the contest I was hoping for--a publishing contract.

10. Would you be food or fighter if the zombie apocalypse were to happen?
A fighter, no matter what kind of apocalyptic event.

11. What is the most daring thing you have ever done?
Zip-lining is on my bucket list as well as a balloon ride over the Wine Country, but the riskiest thing I ever did was self-publish. I resisted it for years but at one point, with an agent rejection letter in my hand, I decided I had nothing to lose. Putting your work “out there” was scary but I believed in myself and knew the work was good quality. I just did it and am proud of the product.

12. Would you rather be rich or famous--and you could only have one-- and why? The fame would be based on something good, not something like being the best serial killer or anything like that. 
No easy answer here. I’d like to be famous for writing good quality stories but like most writers, I tend to shy away from the spotlight. Money’s always nice but there is no intrinsic value if you don’t share it. Then, if I had lots of money, would I write? You bet!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sonoma County Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Ryan answers a call from his estranged wife in Mexico to help find her kidnapped brother. When he and his partner Meredith Ryan arrive, they find the crime is not as simple as they were told. Betrayed and caught by the police, they are expelled from Mexico. Returning to Puerto Vallarta by boat at night, Nick and Meredith battle nature, Federales, crime cartels and even Nick’s own family to rescue his brother-in-law. To complicate their mission, Nick must face the end of his marriage while Meredith hasn’t yet put her own nightmares to rest.

Blog  Just the Facts, Ma'am 

Website http://www.thoniehevron.com/

Purchase on Amazon  By Force or Fear