Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Giveaway & Character Interview with Alex & Maddie of What a Girl Wants

I have multiple Diva's here today! Selena Robins has stopped by for a character interview with the couple from What a Girl Wants. So I'm gonna turn this over to Selena and Maddie and 
Alex (who is a dude, not a Diva).


I’d like to welcome the hero and heroine Alex Donovan and Maddie Saunders from my latest contemporary romance, WHAT A GIRL WANTS to The Jeep Diva Blog.


Thank you for hosting us today and I hope you all enjoy my interview with my main characters.


Selena: Thanks for jumping out of the book to join me today. Maddie, let's start with you. What was your journey like in What A Girl Wants
Maddie: The plane trip from to Hawaii was uneventful—
Alex: I have to interrupt here. Uneventful? Is that what you call it?
Maddie: Come on, Alex, even you have to admit it was classic. Besides, you laughed at the prank I pulled on you. Anyway, as for your initial question, Selena, I enjoyed the adventures you created for us, especially the humorous moments. Of course, what’s a romance without heartache, physical pain, angst and a ton of conflict?
Selena: Are you complaining about all that?
Maddie: Me? Never. I’m not a complainer, especially to my creator who has total control over my destiny. I may be a little impetuous—


Alex: A little?
Maddie: Okay, maybe more than a little. But as I told you off the pages, Alex, Selena gave me those traits. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.


Selena: Your turn, Alex. How would you describe was your journey in this book?
Alex: There’s no other book I’d rather have been created in, even with all the pain we both went through. Maddie’s right, the humor helped a lot, especially when it got real serious and sorrowful.


Unknown ObjectSelena: If you each had a free day and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
Maddie: You created me, Selena, what do you think? *wink* Okay, seriously, I do love my career as a travel journalist, and I’ve been to a lot of exciting locales, but coming home and staying put for a few days, sitting around in my comfy lounging pants and a certain someone's sweatshirt I pinched from him, no make-up and hanging out with my friends, enjoying a glass of wine and chatting about our adventures is always a blast.
Alex: What Maddie said. There are some things we both agree on, that’s one of them.


Selena: Alex, what’s your philosophy on life?
Alex: Live without regrets.
Maddie: Life’s a beach and then you have sex on it. Not that I’m a nymphomaniac or anything, but, after all the angst, conflict and pain and the dysfunctional family you created for me—again, it’s not a complaint, just stating a fact—I have to rely on my sense of humor and not take everything so seriously…not like someone else I know.


Selena: What scares you?
Maddie: Needles. However, what’s really scary is when you get so anal about editing and polishing and not moving forward fast enough. It wasn’t a lot of fun when you left me in a certain position for months, I got a cramp. I am eternally grateful you finally finished the scene. Good thing I have a lot of stamina and I’m a patient gal.
Alex: You, patient? Since when?


Selena: What about you, Alex, what scares you?
Alex: Besides the fact that sometimes I can get inside Maddie’s head and figure out what she’s thinking. Reckless cruelty, corruption, hypocrisy and knowing there are kids out there who desperately need help, but the system keeps letting them down.
Maddie: I agree with Alex. I just tend to bury those things, because some of what he said has affected my life and the people I care about. All those months in draft mode, having to deal with that, until you finally yanked the story out of draft mode, stopped editing and helped me overcome my fears.
Alex: Uhm, Maddie, you’re still petrified of needles.
Maddie: Uhm, Alex, you’re still scared of assisted showers.
Alex: I wouldn’t say scared. I think we need to move on before you give away too much of the plot.


Selena: Which of your character traits is most important to you and why? Maddie, you first.
Maddie: My persistence and my quirky sense of humor. I had no choice, the way my life was written, if I didn’t find the humor in it, I’d be on a therapist’s couch for life.


Selena: What’s your biggest fault?
Maddie: My persistence and my quirky sense of humor. It did drive Alex crazy at times.
Alex: It caused me bodily injury, Maddie.
Maddie: Don't blame me, I didn’t write the scene that way. Although, knowing me, I probably would have suggested that scene, but without the injury of course.


Selena: Alex, your turn. Which of your character traits is most important to you and why?
Maddie: Can I answer that for him?
Alex: Selena already knows what you’re going to say. That I’m uptight, suspicious—
Maddie: A perfectionist, a health food-freak—
Alex: Thanks for your help, Mads, but I can finish answering this question. My integrity, having and living by an ethical code of sound moral principles. I’m self-disciplined, as an investigative reporter this is essential, so I pride myself on my ability to remain focused, alert and possess a lot of self-control.
Maddie: Well, there is all that of course. However, as for your self control—
Alex: What’s your next question for me, Selena?


Selena: What’s your biggest fault?
Maddie: Can I please answer this one?
Alex: Not a chance, Doll. Disclaimer: for any women out there who takes offense to me calling Maddie doll, there’s a good reason why I sometimes call her that.
Maddie: There is, you can find out about it in chapter one.
Alex: To answer your question, Selena, I’d say my biggest fault is that I can sometimes be stubborn and moody.
Maddie: You think?


Selena: Tell our readers what your favorite foods are.
Maddie: Chocolate and bacon. Not together….at least I haven’t dipped any bacon in chocolate as of yet. Those two things are in a food group of their own and are guaranteed rocket ships to delectable cloud nine.
Alex: Food that won't clog my arteries.


Selena: Alex, what do you admire most about Maddie?
Alex: Her persistence and sense of humor. She’s quirky, unique, self-reliant. She’s a strong woman who says out loud what most people think in their heads, this can be a problem, but I’ve gotten used to it over the years. I do admire how she hasn’t let what happened in her past define who she is today.
Maddie: Thank you, Alex, but I don’t say everything out loud that I’d like to say, for example, I haven’t told everybody that you can’t carry a tune and that when you—
Alex: I don’t think Selena wants you to give away so much of the plot.
Maddie: Well played, Alex.


Selena: Maddie, what do you admire most about Alex?
Maddie: He's not perfect and he doesn't wear a cape or leap off buildings, but he does have a lot of hero qualities that I admire. Namely; his integrity, loyalty and ethics. Even though I love to pull a lot of pranks on him, on the whole he's showed a lot of patience. Don't let that get to your head, Alex, I said on the whole, you did get cranky more than once. Now, about that self control he talked about
Alex: Thanks for having us, Selena.


Maddie: Thanks, Selena. Can I make a little request before we sign off?
Selena: Sure.
Maddie: Can you please hurry up with your current work in progress and not only because Alex and I make an appearance. I really do want to know what happens to the hero and heroine of that book, and of course, I’d love to wave hi to the readers who read our journey in What A Girl Wants.
Selena: I'm going as fast as I can. Now, get back into that book you two. :)
Maddie: Mmmm. Chapter sixteen would be a great place to tuck back into—
Alex: One track mind.
Maddie: It’s how I roll. *smiles*


About Selena Robins
Genre-defying, witty, humorous, suspenseful, romantic and sexy— words used to describe Selena’s novels. A self-professed foodie and chocolate guru, Selena loves to dance with her dog, sing into her hairbrush and write in her PJ's. In love with her family, friends, books, laughter, hockey, lively discussions and red wine (sometimes all at the same time). Selena is a dragon slayer who enjoys reading and writing sassy heroines and hot heroes (the ones your mamma warned you about, but secretly wished she’d dated a few in her life).

Selena’s Website: https://SelenaRobins.com/
Follow Selena’s blog: http://SelenaRobinsMusings.com/
Selena’s Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Selena-Robins/e/B0058986JK/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Selena is giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift certificate to one lucky commentor. Ask Alex, Maddie or Selena a question. Winner will be emailed on Monday July 23. 


65 comments:

  1. This was a fun post...Off to go check out the book! smiles, Christi

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  2. Thanks, Christi. It was a lot of fun writing these characters.

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  3. Congrats on the new release! Thanks for such a fun "interview"! OMG! I wants that book now so bad!

    OOOH... nice to know that you've already got another one in the shoot and I love reoccurring characters! Payday must come now! I feel a splurge acomin' on :)

    Really... best of luck to you and congrats on the book(s)!

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  4. Erin, thank you for the congrats and for dropping by and for your enthusiasm. Music to a writer's ears. :)

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  5. I need to get this book...off to add it to my TBR! As for a question, hmmm! Since I havent' read this before so I have lots of questions but I'll just ask Alex what is your favorite thing to see Maddie wear? :P

    Thanks for the chance to win!!
    raynman1979 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Thanks, Rissa. I'll let Alex answer your question:

      Alex: A smile. ;) But she looks smokin' in my boxer shorts that are too big for her and one of my T-shirts.

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  6. I love character interviews. What book is next? Thanks for the chance. Congratulations!

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    1. I'm currently working on two books. One is a mystery/suspense/romance comedy. The heroine, Ryan, owns a unique business, one that I will share when the book is ready to come out. I have all kinds of superstitions when it comes to writing. LOL

      The other work in progress is a thriller/suspense novel, which features mobsters, hookers, FBI a hot undercover cop and a Mafia princess.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. I want to know about the singing, what does Alex do that involves not being able to carry a tune?
    thank you
    mawmom(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Carin, thanks for stopping by.

      Alex sings (loudly) in the shower when he thinks nobody is able to hear. Only Maddie hears him, and seriously, hot as he is, he cannot carry a tune.

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  8. Thanks, Rissa. I'll let Alex answer your question:

    Alex: A smile. ;) But she looks smokin' in my boxer shorts that are too big for her and one of my T-shirts.

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  9. I loved the interview! It was the first character interview that I've read. I haven't read the book, but I will be adding it to my list on Goodreads. My question is: Is this a stand alone book or will there be a sequel?

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    1. Hi, Jackie, thank you for visiting the blog and I'm glad you enjoyed the character interview.

      This book stands alone, and the characters from this book will appear in the next book, and also two of the secondary characters will be getting their own book. However, each book will stand on its own.

      As a reader, I love revisited characters from books, so I enjoy to see what they've been up to since their last appearance.

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  10. I think I'm doing this wrong. I should be hitting reply under the person's post, right?

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  11. How did you come up with the character's for your book?

    ronnkelly3@aol.com

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    1. Hi, Ronnkelly3 thanks for dropping by.

      I start with a concept for the book, outline the plot, goals, motivation and conflict and from there I create characters to fit those elements.

      Like every writer, I take personality traits and their quirks from people I know, but use those very loosely and then exacerbate those traits. It's actually a hard question to answer. LOL The characters develop once I start the story and get into their deep point of view and start shaping up, the more I write about them, their dialogue and the story, which is why editing is probably more important for me than the first draft.

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  12. Selena what inspires you to write?

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    1. Hi, Tore, thanks for dropping by. It's a question I'm asked a lot, and I would love to give a profound answer, something people will tweet about and quote me, but I don't have a solid answer for this.

      I've always stories. My mother was a wonderful storyteller and would make up her own stories for each of us kids. I've always had a passion for books, so I guess my love of reading as inspired me to spread my own creativity to others.

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  13. I loved this book. Can we maybe see these Characters again?

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    1. Hi, Kaylyn, so happy you enjoyed the book. I love these two characters, so the answer is a definite yes. You will see them in my next book, and they will surprise everyone with what has happened in their lives.

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  14. Replies
    1. Thanks, Books4me. I love humor in my fiction, because life is so serious sometimes, it's great escapism.

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  15. I love it~ It looks like a fun read. As a question, What is the first thing they noticed about each other?

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    1. Hi, Jody, thanks for taking the time to visit and comment.

      The first thing they noticed was what ever hot-blooded-couple notice about each other, their good looks. For Maddie though, I think she zeroed in on Alex's personality quickly, and even though she always thought he was a good looking guy, she learned which buttons to push to get a reaction and also noticed that although he's serious about a lot of things, he doesn't take himself too seriously and rolls with the punches.

      Alex is a worldly man, he's dated super models, and beauties from around the world, so although he always found Maddie attractive, he really embraced her personality and the comfort of their friendship, always being able to just relax around her and be himself.

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  16. I love character interviews. When you develop your characters, what inspires you? I have friends that literally take a notebook and write down different personality qualities they want to see in a character and flaws, whatnot and write around what they write down.

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    1. Hi, Kara, thanks for joining us.

      I have a notebook, note pads in my car, all over the house. LOL I also have a mini-tape recorder that I carry with me at all times, in case I hear a piece of dialogue, or I see something that I want to make note of.

      Writers are people watchers, we are hypersensitive to our surroundings, so we make mental notes (or in my case, voice or written notes) about the weather, a unique tree I may see, notice couples when they are out, parents with their children, overhear snippets of conversation.

      I may not use everything I record, but it helps to go back and look at notes. For example, if I'm writing in the summer and the scene takes place during Christmas or Valentine's, it helps to go back to my notes that I recorded during those seasons to help me set the scene.

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  17. I would like to as Maddie, as a travel journalist, what is her favorite place to visit?

    And Selena if you could write with anyone who would it be?

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    1. Hi, BLH, thanks for dropping by, great questions.

      Maddie: I love anywhere that can satisfy my passion for extreme sports. Hiking in Arizon, zip-lining in Belize, hang gliding in the Rockies.

      Selena: I never really thought about writing with someone else, but if I had a choice, I'd choose Joy Fielding. I've been reading her since she published her first book. Our voices and styles are so different, that it would make for an interesting combination.

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  18. I'm curious about what Maddie would think about the new trend of chocolate and bacon together (I've seen various bacon chocolate bars and chocolate-covered bacon, and even bacon ice cream).

    vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for dropping by.

      I think Maddie would buy-out any store that had bacon ice-cream and bacon covered chocolate. She's pretty much game to try any food, except Sushi, she won't eat "bait." :)

      I don't like bacon at all, which as I understand it, is not popular. But I do love chocolate, however, only dark chocolate, I'm not a big fan of milk chocolate.

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  19. Great interview! I have one question, how hard is it to do an interview? Is it hard picking questions? Hard answering them?

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    1. Hi, Shadow, thanks for dropping by the blog.

      If you're talking about creating a character interview, it's not too hard because, like a lawyer in court, I already know what the answer is going to be :)

      Having said, the challenge really is to ask the question, give the answer, without giving away too much of the plot and to remain in character so that the reader can get a feel of not only my writing voice, but of the characters as well.

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  20. Do you get inspiration from the people around you?

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    1. Hi, Erika, thanks for commenting.

      Yes, from all sorts of people that I know, even strangers. I don't always use their personality traits, but it helps to pick up on one thing and then exacerbate it to a fictional character.

      Inspiration for this particular theme came from my own romance with my husband. Only the theme, though. LOL We were close friends before we started our romance, so I've always had a love for a friends to lover story. :)

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  21. I loved this interview - I can see the play between the two characters even in this short bit and look forward to reading the book. So Selena, which character is your favorite?

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    1. Hi, Bas1chs, thank you for the compliment and for dropping by.

      Once a book is finished, my new crush is on the current work in progress. LOL I fall in love with the hero first, because if I can't fall in love with him, then my readers won't.

      For this book, it's hard to choose, since I love both Maddie and Alex and they are both my favorite for different reasons. I know a cop out answer, but I can't choose. :)

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  22. I enjoy reading these type of author & character interviews, they really fill out the concept & style of the book - I like this one.

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    1. Good morning, Di, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks

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  23. I want to know how old Selena was when she began writing
    Thanks
    Hollybwrightatcomcastdotnet

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    1. Hi, Holls, I wrote my first story for publication when I was 13 years old. It was a contest I had entered at school, sponsored by the Humane Society. We had to write about animals. My story involved two race horses who fell in love during the race :) I won first prize, some money and vowed that one day, I was going to to this when I grew up. :)

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  24. Selena, which genre is your favorite genre to read?

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    1. Hi, Cathy, thanks for stopping by. I'm an eclectic reader, so I love many genres, but romance is my first love with all its sub-genres.

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  25. Great post, I really enjoyed the interview! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

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    1. Hi, Exina, I'm glad you enjoy the post, and thanks for taking time to comment.

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  26. I'd love to know what your 'Achilles Heel' is Alex?

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    1. Hi, Marybelle, good question & thanks for stopping by, I'll hand this over to Alex.

      Alex: The need to fix problems, thinking I can do it on my own without any help at times.

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  27. Serena..how do you decide on the covers for your books?
    Yvette
    yratpatrol@aol.com

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    1. Hi, Yvette,

      Book covers are not my decision, but, gratefully, Samhain Publishing does involve the author in the creation of the cover. We fill out a sheet with a lot of questions, describe the characters, the setting, and the graphic artist works from there. Sometimes, a cover needs to be adjusted, however, the final decision is the publisher's marketing department.

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  28. Maddie and Alex sound like so much fun!
    My question to you is are Maddie and Alex as characters completely of your imagination or are they inspired by someone you know?

    justjanhvi at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi, Janhvi, thank you, they were a lot of fun to write.

      Their characters were inspired by my own romance with my husband, of a friends-to-lovers theme. That's where the similarities end. Although, both have some minor traits from our lives, eg. Maddie's love for chocolate and Alex being able to not to take himself so seriously at times, that's where all similarities end. The rest is fiction and comes from my own imagination.

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  29. My daughter has dipped bacon in Nutella which is pretty close to chocolate. That girl will damn near anything in Nutella. I cringe everytime I see her eating it.

    I'm with you on romance in general and loving all the sub-genres. Can you name a few of your favorite books?

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  30. Hi, Maria, I'm Italian and it may come as a shock to you, but I don't like Nutella at all. My nieces love it so much, they buy the giant size container from Costco. Bacon in Nutella would be something Maddie would do for sure.

    As for your question, there are so many books that I love that are on my keeper shelf, that I'd hate to just name a few and leave out a lot of my favorite authors who have also become close friends.

    However, I'll leave my friends out of the list that way I won't forget anybody.

    A few that I really love are books by: Lisa Gardner, Pamela Clare, Joy Fielding, Joseph Finder, Dean Koontz, Sheila O'Flanagan, Julia James, Cindy Gerard....the list goes on. I've recently discovered new authors as well, through Facebook, I read their excerpts and go buy their books.

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  31. Congrats on ur Bk. WHAT A GIRL WANTS Ms. Robins..This is definitely my kind of Read. I love,love humor N my Romantic Reads..:D. Could U tell me what's ur favorite type of hero? Do U have any Dark heroes N the future? Wat about any Native American hero? ((I love reading about Native Americans hero..sigh)). Will ur future work bk. setting b N ITALY?? Is sooo Romantic((giggle))! Thanx
    redz041@yahoo.com

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  32. Thank you, Rubyswan. My favorite type of hero is someone who I can connect with, cheer for and although has some flaws in his character, he shows growth.

    Regarding dark hero's. In my suspense/thriller work in progress, the hero is tortured, has to overcome a lot of internal demons (as does the heroine), and is a complex, yet redeemable character.

    I never say never, so creating a Native American hero is not out of the question, although I would want to speak to a Native American to do the character justice.

    Yes, I do plan on writing a novel set in Italy. :)

    Thanks for stopping by.

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  33. Hi I was wondering about how long does it take to write a book for you? Love interviews!! Thanks so much for the contest!!

    forettarose@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi, Foretta, glad you enjoyed the interview.

      It takes me over a year to complete a novel. Short stories about 5 months or even less, but a complete novel, from beginning to end, including all the revising and polishing and then revising and polishing again, over a year.

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  34. Now my question would be should Maddie and Alex decide they need a sweet-tooth moment would they choose pie or cake; or perhaps a little of both to mix it up a little ;=D Thank you for the fun!

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    1. Hi, Denise Z, thanks for dropping by.

      Maddie would choose both, she's the one with the sweet tooth, Alex likes fruit, yogurt and as Maddie puts it, freakishly healthy food. Although, if she were to wear some of that chocolate icing all over herself........well, I think he may develop a yen for cake. ;)

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  35. Thank you so very much for the contest!! Loved the post!!

    swkimbell@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi, Kim, thanks for entering the contest and I'm glad you enjoyed the post.

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  36. This was so funny.
    If this were taken to the big screen.. Alex and Maddie, who would you both choose, to represent yourselves?

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    1. lissette_125 at hotmail dot es

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    2. Hi, Lissette, Alex and Maddie are gone to bed (no surprise there ;) ) I'll answer for them.

      Maddie isn't hard to picture: Isla Fisher

      Alex has been more of a challenge, because I can visualize him in my head, but haven't quite nailed an actor who I think looks a lot like the Alex in my imagination. However, if I had to choose I think Ryan Reynolds or Brandon Routh would be great in that role.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  37. Very fun interview. What's your favorite place to visit?

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  38. Hi, BN100, thanks for stopping by.

    I have to favorite places to visit again, Sedona, AZ and Italy.

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