Five Question Friday: Barbara Garren
Today, I’m writing to you from Las Vegas, and the idea of gambling has been on my brain. I like playing black jack. More importantly, I like winning at black jack. Who doesn't? Some people might think that when you are gambling you have infinite potential to win big. But I have to disagree.I was having this discussion with my husband about the ability to count cards and if you can really figure out whether or not the prime moment to go all in and double down without any risk. He made a good point that the house has an unlimited bank roll and can afford to go on a losing streak whereas the average person showing up at the table does not have unlimited funds and can’t afford to bounce back after a major loss.
There is always the luck factor but I really think that is rare and a wild card if you will. Which is kind of like today’s Five Question Friday guest, we are lucky to have her and she has lived a wild life. Put your chips on the table and place your bets as your enjoyment potential is sure to be limitless with this interview.
1. Popcorn is one of my main sources of nutrients and I am very specific about how I prepare it, what about you?
Have you been peeking at my blog page? Popcorn is one of my primary food groups, but I don't actually "prepare" it. Trader Joe's makes an amazing "Movie Theater" popcorn that comes, ready to eat, in a bag - like potato chips. I've been known to eat the entire bag in one sitting. If I DO make it for myself, I prefer the cast iron skillet on top of the stove. And butter. Lots of butter!
2. I love that you were in the Navy, please tell me you have a favorite character in Top Gun?
Um - not really. Funny thing, when sailors watch movies about sailors, we tend to pick apart all the inconsistencies and mistakes. I will say I've always been a huge Tom Skerrit fan, so I guess I'll go with Viper.
3. In Infinite Potential, Kelsi loses her husband at such a young age, what was the inspiration for this tragedy?
Honestly -- my own loss. My husband was killed in a car accident when I was a little older than Kelsi. I never really intended to write about it, but it just came out one day and I couldn't stop. After losing him, I spent a lot of time thinking about what happens, both scientifically and philosophically, when we die. I'm a huge science geek (I think physics is more fun than Monopoly!) and I couldn't figure out what happened to that little spark of energy that is left over. The whole "conservation of energy and mass" equation doesn't quite work out when to a sum zero. Coupled with the fact that our bodies and minds basically run on "energy" - and emotions are a form of energy and Phasms were born!
4. Guilt is an issue in Infinite Potential, what do you think is the best way to clear a guilty conscience?
Hmm - good question. Guilt's a tricky thing. It's necessary of course - we'd never change our behavior if we didn't feel guilt. And it's a deep, rich, luscious emotion, isn't it? All that pain and suffering. All the mental self-flagellation. The thing is, the more guilt you feel, the more guilt you WILL feel. It's a self-serving vicious circle.
The only way to clear yourself of it (besides not doing anything to feel guilty about), is to be honest and open about the events leading you to feel guilty in the first place. Face the things you are afraid to admit to. When you really look at the matter you feel so guilty about, and if you're brave enough to face it honestly, you'll find a small part of you that is trying to clear away the muck and debris, that is okay with what you did or whatever happened.
Like Kelsi, who feels guilty for moving on with her life after Jamie's death. It's not just that she feels she's being untrue to their love and marriage. It's that part of her thinks she caused it by not doing something to prevent it, and part of her realizes how much more love and joy she can experience, for having loved Jamie. She sees it as a double betrayal, and that's very hard for her to face. But love - and guilt - are funny that way. The more you have loved, the more guilt you pile on the more you are capable of having.
5. I've got to ask an RT Convention question, what is the thing you are most looking forward to?
Meeting all my new friends, and hopefully some fans. So many of us have become so close and supportive over the last months, I can't wait for a group hug and a toast to our perseverance! The writing community is a great group of people and I have so many "on line" friends that I'll be meeting for the first time. Many from the U.S., but there are friends from Canada and Australia I'm dying to meet as well. And come on, it's New Orleans! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Thanks to Barbara Garren for stopping by and please click on over to Amazon and grab Infinite Potential. It will definitely be a winner for your Friday Reads.
