Good afternoon! Thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to answer a few questions.
Being a mom and an author, how do you keep things balanced? Do you?

What a loaded question! *laughing* I find it easier now that my children are pre-teens. It's a lot easier to write when the children understand a bit of what I'm doing. They're a little more independent, and that helps so much. I like to write when they're at school. When they come home, I'm Mom. We do homework, discuss their day, and check-in with each other.

Of all things you have accomplished, is there one accomplishment you are most proud of?

Personally-my children. They are wonderful, healthy, intelligent little people. Professionally-each and every one of my books. Each one gives me that boost that keeps me going.

How has being a writer influenced your life?

I've worked a couple of jobs I really enjoyed. But being a writer is everything I love, want, and desire rolled into one job. It's occupational utopia.

What do you consider to be a good day?

If I hit the keyboard as soon as the kids get on the bus. Then I type like a fiend and produce around 3000-4000 words. That is a good day. It puts a smile on my face.

How do you write? Are you a plotter? A fly by the seat of your pants?

ALL of my ideas simply come to me. When I have them, I compartmentalize them in my head. Some will have no outline. And some will have a rough sketch. But I'm no plotter. *grinning* I hit the major points and take it from there.

Since everybody needs a break, even when doing something they love, how do you like to spend your time away from writing?

Being a lover of words in any form, I read. If I'm by myself, I'll crack a book or three and enjoy someone else's words. If the kids are home, we look to see what we can get into.

You currently have a number of books in the works, are there any out there now we could look at?

My first release is in October 2005. Then there will be a flurry next year with short stories and a couple of novels.

Can you tell us a little about your upcoming works?

All my stories are being released by Whiskey Creek Press. Virtually Yours will be released in October 2005. It deals with romance in the virtual world. I'm a low-tech person myself, but technology is becoming more and more advanced. The idea intrigued me. What would a woman do when she falls in love with a seemingly virtual man? Perfect Timing is a time-travel novel. Kyle must do an in-depth study on an individual in order to further his education in future. Rachel, the study, is quite a handful. He pretty much invites himself into her life. Slowly, she lets him in. And they discover there are things that simply can't be denied in any time. The Portrait is a paranormal romance. Sophie, who seriously needs a break, is sent through a portrait to help a man who has made a huge mistake in his life. Dylan is trapped and being punished. Sophie takes it upon herself to try and figure the whole puzzle out. Dylan doesn't know what to m! ake of this woman in his life, and the results are entertaining and touching. I also have three short stories coming out in Anthologies in January. Two are love stories, and one is a spicier romance. The spicier story in the Winter Wishes Anthology is being released by Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. The two love stories are being released in the Love Anthology.

I'm intrigued by the idea behind The Portrait, how did you come up with it?

I enjoy paranormal romances. You can push the boundaries and really bring in several different elements. I was driving in the car when the idea hit me. I scrawled "Sophie", "Portrait", and "Curse" on a scrap of paper. Then I began to fill in the story. This is one of the most complicated pieces I've done. I wanted to bring elements of romance, fairy tales, and suspense together.

From what do you derive the most inspiration for your writing?

I'm ambitious and competitive. *grinning* I want my words to touch the readers and give them a respite from their usual lives for awhile. I'm inspired by readers and words. I use both as tools to inspire me to do my best.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Keep doing it. You can never achieve that dream if you quit. If you are meant to write, you will. You will find ways even when there are seemingly none. Keep doing it.

Is there anything you'd like to add?

I'd just like to thank you for the interview and say how much I enjoy hearing from readers. They can contact me at chryswriter@aol.com. Thanks!

Thanks again for answering our questions. If you'd like to see more about Crystal Inman, take a look at her website, http://chryswriter.tripod.com/index.html. You can see her books at http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/authors/Crystal_Inman.shtml.

Interviewed by: Serena