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Author Revealed

Nora McFarland
Maryann Bates

Nora McFarland

Nora McFarland has worked for CNN and has an M.F.A. from USC’s school of cinema and television. She lives in Macon, Georgia.

Author Revealed:
Q. What is your motto or maxim?
A. Revise and improve.
Learn more about Nora McFarland
Nora McFarland Revealed
About Nora McFarland
  • What is your birthdate?:
    7/6
  • Previous occupations:
    Receptionist, Cashier, Office Assistant, Bagel Maker, Stage Hand, Videographer, Playback Operator, Audio Operator, Stage Manager, Community Relations Manager, Bookseller.
  • Favorite job:
    Bookseller.
  • High school and/or college:
    Albany High and U.C. Santa Cruz.
  • Favorite movie:
    I could never choose just one. The answer would always be changing. Here are some favorites - Death on the Nile, His Girl Friday, Lars and the Real Girl, Heaven Can Wait, anything by Wes Anderson, anything by the Coen Brothers.
  • Favorite television show:
    Right now it's Lost, but this is something else that will always change over time.
Revealing Questions
Q. How would you describe your life in only 8 words?
A. Very lucky.
Q. What is your motto or maxim?
A. Revise and improve.
Q. How would you describe perfect happiness?
A. High tea and a body in the library.
Q. What’s your greatest fear?
A. Actually finding a body in the library.
Q. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?
A. Looking at the Pacific Ocean from the California coast.
Q. What are your most overused words or phrases?
A. I stared at him.
Q. What do you regret most?
A. Nothing. I've been insanely lucky.
Q. If you could be any person or thing, who or what would it be?
A. A mystery writer. (see above question about regrets)
Q. What trait is most noticeable about you?
A. I get fidgety when I'm nervous or bored.
Q. Who is your favorite fictional hero?
A. Sherlock Holmes.
Q. Who is your favorite fictional villain?
A. The Smoke Monster from Lost.
Q. If you could meet any historical character, who would it be and what would you say to him or her?
A. Agatha Christie. I'd ask all about her writing process.
Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?
A. People who leave their shopping carts in parking lots.
Q. What is your favorite occupation, when you’re not writing?
A. Reading, watching TV, and watching movies.
Q. What’s your fantasy profession?
A. Mystery Writer. (again, see above question about regrets)
Q. What 3 personal qualities are most important to you?
A. Loyalty, kindness, and humor.
Q. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?
A. Gummy letters.
Q. What are your 5 favorite songs?
A. September by Earth Wind & Fire. Almost Like Being in Love by Nat King Cole. Tiny Dancer by Elton John. Theme from the American President by Marc Shaimon. You're All I Need to Get By by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
On Books and Writing
Q. Who are your favorite authors?
A. Elizabeth Peters
Ross MacDonald
Georgette Heyer
Stuart Palmer
Q. What are your 5 favorite books of all time?
A. I couldn't pick. It's too hard and the answer would constantly change.
Q. Is there a book you love to reread?
A. I've never reread a book for fun. I don't know why. It just doesn't appeal to me.
Q. Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?
A. Get feedback and revise.