The Proust Questionnaire, popularized by the French essayist and novelist Marcel Proust, is said to reveal a person’s true nature through a series of probing, soul-searching questions. In the hot seat today: Lisa Moore Ramée, author of the contemporary MG novel, A GOOD KIND OF TROUBLE (Balzer + Bray, March 12, 2019).
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Lying on the sand in full sun, close to the water in Hawaii, with a Mai Tai in hand.
What is your greatest fear? That something bad would happen to either of my children.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I can sometimes be incredibly lazy, and then I regret my inaction desperately.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty
Which living person do you most admire? There’s so many people, but probably Shonda Rhimes.
What is your greatest extravagance? I’m not an extravagant person AT ALL, but probably wine.
What is your current state of mind? I’m very excited—my book debuts tomorrow.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Prudence. Acting rationally can be overrated.
On what occasion do you lie? I really hate lying, but I would to protect someone’s feelings.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Super and dammit.
Besides writing, which talent would you most like to have? Definitely singing. I sound horrible and I so wish I could belt out a good Happy Birthday without being embarrassed.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? The pat answer would be my children, but honestly, I would have to say selling my novel.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? Beyonce.
What is your most treasured possession? My ten-year anniversary ring.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Having no one that cares for your wellbeing.
What do you most value in your friends? An ability to make me laugh.
Who are your favorite writers? Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Angie Thomas, Corey Ann Haydu, Deb Caletti and Erin Entrada Kelly.
Who is your hero of fiction? Hermione Granger.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Malcolm X.
What is your motto? “Tell the truth, it’s easier to remember.”
Lisa Moore Ramée was born and raised in Los Angeles and now lives in Northern California with her husband, two kids, two obnoxious cats, and more yard than she can control. She earned a BA in Speech Communications from San Francisco State and an MA in English Literature (focusing on Creative Writing) from Cal State East Bay. She worked for several years in publishing, including the Walt Disney Company. While there, she co-penned The Little Mermaid, Jr. Graphic Novel and the writing bug took up permanent residence. She is a devotee of Top Chef and Project Runway and often tries to work the shows in her plots. A Good Kind of Trouble is her first novel. Find Lisa on her website and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. 
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