Interview With Author Cami Checketts

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Harry Potter, she gets the chance to write fiction. Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She teaches strength training at her local rec and shares health and fitness articles at http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing. 
http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.comwww.camichecketts.com
Deirdra:  What is your writing and educational background?
Cami: My degree is in Exercise Science (closely related to writing, haha). I do use my degree to write fitness articles and I had a few fabulous writing classes in college, but most of my writing education has been poring over books on writing, attending conferences and workshops, and learning from my amazing critique partners.

Deirdra:  What makes you passionate about writing?
Cami: I feel like something’s missing if I go a day or two without writing. Plus I fall so in love with the characters in my books I just have to get their stories down on paper.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?
Cami: Really long. It took me five years to find a publisher who would take a chance on me.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?
Cami: Oh yeah. The first time I entered a writing contest one judge said, “I was laughing my butt off, and not in the right places.” Ouch. You can only improve from there, right? I dealt with it by telling myself that I was awful at a lot of things but I learned and I worked and I improved. Basically, the old, never give up with lots and lots of work.

Deirdra:  What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?
Popcorn. It lasts a long time and is high fiber, low calorie so I can eat a lot of it without feeling too guilty.

Deirdra:  Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?
None. Unless running until your body hurts and being able to wrestle my 14yo (who is now bigger than me) to the ground are considered talents.

Deirdra:  What are you working on now?
The third book in the Running series.


Deirdra:  What is the most difficult thing about being an author?Negative reviews. You hear that children need eight positive comments for every negative comment. I’m a really bratty child. I can have fifty positive reviews and get one lackluster comment and dissolve into self-pity. It can be paralyzing. Now I read the positive reviews and don’t let myself look at the negative ones.
Deirdra:  Can you tell us a little about your book, Poison Me.
Cami: Jake Merrill was raised by his grandmother, Ruby, and her hilarious friends. After a suspicious death at the retirement home where Ruby lives, she enlists Jake and Chanel, the beautiful activities director, to help her find the killer.
But secrets Ruby has kept for decades threaten her family and the man she’s always loved but could never have. Chanel’s unstable ex-boyfriend, a presumably dead relative, and vicious criminals add to the confusion. Time is running out as Jake, Chanel, and Ruby desperately search for clues to solve the murders and fight to save those they love.I tried to rewrite the blurb in a casual tone and it just didn’t make sense. It’s a really fun book, the ladies remind me of Steel Magnolias (did anyone else love that show?).
Deirdra:  What do you hope readers will get from your books?
Cami: Happy. I want to entertain readers with fast-paced, clean, romantic, and fun stories. There are always some serious themes in my books but for the most part I want the readers to feel uplifted and happier after having read.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?
 My mom. She forced me to start writing and has been my biggest fan since. She gives my business cards to every person she meets, and is shocked when someone hasn’t heard about her famous daughter (LOL).


Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?Thank you! I really appreciate you helping authors the way you do and thanks to the sweet people who took the time to read this interview.