Interview with the Happy Lesbian Housewife author, Shelia Powell
Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?
-I actually write under my real name, Shelia Powell, for regular novels, and Lorraine
Howell for my true comedy books. I do this because I don’t want Shelia’s fans to
read Lorraine's book because it may not be appropriate. Lorraine can be a wee bit
naughty.
When did you first call yourself a writer?
-I first called myself a writer when my first book, Memoirs of the Happy Lesbian
Housewife, You Can’t Make This Stuff Up, Seriously was nominated for some
awards and received a GCLS Finalist and Rainbow Award honorable mention. I
don’t think it is important to win awards to be called an author. It just made it seem
real to me.
What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?
-My favorite part of publishing is getting my box of new books. My least favorite is
editing lol!
Author Interview Questions about Their Book
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
-I have written and had 5 books published. My favorite is under my pseudonym,
Lorraine Howell. It was my first book and actually started out in an online
magazine. The title is Memoirs of The Happy Lesbian Housewife, You Can’t Make
this Stuff Up, Seriously. It is my favorite because it is about real life with
sometimes a hilarious twist. The sequel to this book, Memoirs of the Happy Lesbian
Housewife, Weddings and Dogs and Kids, Oh My! Was just released on August 15. If
If you want a good laugh, pick these up for sure.
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
-To be honest, I had a hard time knowing when to stop the book because I had more
stories to tell.
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
-All of it
Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?
-Why myself of course.
What inspired the idea for your book?
-Just my crazy life!
How much research did you need to do for your book?
-I just lived it.
Would you and your main character get along?
-Yes, we do! J
If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
-What in the world is wrong with you people? J
Fun Author Interview Questions
What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?
-I am a definite pantser when I write. I just sit down and let the words flow… or not
lol.
If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which would you pick?
-In the GCLS award-winning Finding Home, written under Shelia Powell, I would
love to write a spin-off about our feisty little firestarter, Magnolia.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
-I always have a Diet Pepsi by my side when I’m writing.
What risks have you taken with your writing that has paid off?
-Just doing it. I was not published until I was almost 50. It was worth the wait!
When was the last time you Googled yourself and what did you find?
-I last googled myself on August 15th when Memoirs of the Happy Lesbian
Housewife, Weddings and Dogs and kids, Oh My came out. I googled just to see it
on the page. I felt like a kid on Christmas when I saw it.
Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
-While writing, I always have P!NK playing in the background.
Questions about Writing
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
-I was told that I was funny and that I just had to know that about myself. Once I
believed in me, it was gravy!
What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?
-To improve your writing skills I would tell someone to find what they love and
write about it.
Does writing energize or exhaust you? Or both?
-Writing both energizes and exhausts me. Right after I finish a book or story I am
on top of the world and feel like dancing around the house. Then, I crash…hard!
Whom do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?
-For totally honest feedback on anything, I simply ask my wife Sweetie (see,
pseudonyms work well for me ;) She is the most honest person I know and won’t
hesitate to tell me if it’s not good.
Questions to Ask Authors about Other Books and Authors
What books do you enjoy reading?
-I enjoy reading paranormal books.
What book (or books) are you currently reading?
-I am currently reading Untamed by Glennon Doyle. I highly recommend it as a
a great self-help book.
Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?
-I prefer the feel and smell of printed books.
What books have you read more than once in your life?
-I have read The Stand by Stephen King at least 3 times.
Personal Questions for Authors
As a writer, what would you choose as your spirit animal?
-I would have to say that my spirit animal for writing would have to be a butterfly.
We flit and fly around but light long enough to get things done.
At what stage (or stages) of your life have you done most of your writing?
-I have done all of my published writing starting in my late 40s. It’s never too
late!
Would anyone in your family disapprove of anything you’ve written?
-My kids swear that they hate reading about their most embarrassing moments but I
think they secretly love it!
Does anyone in your family read your books?
-My whole immediate family reads the Happy Lesbian Housewife books to see
what I said about them this time tee hee!
Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
-My wife and kids are my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. I couldn’t do this
without them.
If you could invite any three people for dinner, whom would you invite?
-If I could invite 3 people for dinner, it would be P!NK, Stephen King and
Ellen. What a good time we’d have.
Would you share something about yourself that your readers don’t know (yet)?
-I was the first psychic medium to be used on the Travel Channels Ghost
Adventures.
If you had the power to cure a disease of your choosing, what would it be?
-If I could cure any disease, it would be cancer. My daddy died of glioblastoma
(brain cancer) and it was so cruel.
Get Shelia's latest book, Memoirs of the Happy Lesbian
Housewife, Weddings and Dogs and kids, Oh My! on Amazon and on the Sapphire Books website.
