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 (aka nosy) questions. It the hot seat today, Shari L. Schwarz, author of the MG contemporary, TREASURE AT LURE LAKE (Cedar Fort, 2016).
What is your idea of perfect happiness? A secret Oregon coast beach with a November storm rolling in. A cave to hide out in, a journal, and a thermos full of mocha java.
What is your greatest fear? Failure. Failing at the dreams I strive for—currently getting my next novel published.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Impatience
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty
Which living person do you most admire? My sister. She’s kind, compassionate, strong, wise and open-hearted.
What is your greatest extravagance? Books, and traveling to the ocean.
What is your current state of mind? Inspired and wired. Probably had too much coffee!
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Dusting the furniture.
On what occasion do you lie? I try not to. I have such a guilty conscience if I do.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Seriously. Actually. Awesome.
Besides writing, which talent would you most like to have? I’d love to be able to illustrate books.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Writing Treasure at Lure Lake.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? A cute, loved dog. I mean, lounging around all day? Belly rubs? Treats? What’s not to wish for?
What is your most treasured possession? I’m not into possessions. But functionally, my laptop. I take it everywhere with me in case I have unexpected chances to write.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Severe depression and suicidal thoughts.
What do you most value in your friends? Honesty, vulnerability and unconditional love.
Who are your favorite writers? Markus Zusak, Kwame Alexander, Madeleine L’Engle, Rick Riordan, Kate DiCamillo, Sherman Alexie, Gary Paulson, Angela Thomas and many more!
Who is your hero of fiction? Kwame Alexander—oh, wait. Did you mean a fictional hero? Katniss Everdeen.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Mother Teresa, not because I’m like her but because her life and her words always inspire and convict me.
What is your motto? Two that I tell my kids a lot: “Do what is right and do it well.” And: “There’s always a solution to every problem.”
SHARI SCHWARZ is the author of the MG survival adventure, Treasure at Lure Lake, which is set in the the Northern Colorado Rockies not far from where Shari, her husband and their four boys live. Shari is also a freelance editor and mentor for Pitch Wars and other online writing contests. Find Shari on her website and Twitter.
Fun interview. Had to laugh about the coffee. I’m pretty wired too. And I use the same words a lot too. Congrats to Shari on her book!
I’m wired today too! Mondays will do that… every time!
I enjoyed reading Shari’s book as well as the fun interview. Thanks.
Thanks for reading, Greg!
Great interview, and I love these questions! I may steal one or two, since I like to do interviews too. Many thanks to both of you, and best of luck to Shari in her book endeavors!
–Suzanne
http://www.suzannewarr.com
Since Marcel Proust popularized the questionnaire, I don’t think it counts as stealing! 🙂
Super questions. I haven’t heard of this book, thanks for the recommendation.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview, Dorine. I can’t wait to read this book either!
Enjoyed the interview with really interesting questions. I really enjoyed getting to know Shari, I’m inspired by Mother Theresa. Disasters and secrets, her novel sounds like a page-turner!
I’m glad you enjoyed Shari’s interview, Patricia. The Proust Questionnaire is incredibly revealing!