1: Would you rather listen to the Beatles or Green Day?
Definitely the Beatles!

2: How long did it take you to write your book?
The first draft took about a year. But then in between working on the rewrites and revisions, I wrote two other books, so I didn’t really finish the final version of Up In The Air until several years later. Of course, I say ‘final’ with a pinch of salt. There have been many final versions since the first one.

3: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
The main character, Melody. I admire her gumption, her desire to be tough and not let anyone hurt her. Yet, I also love her vulnerability, which is revealed during her stay on Chimeroan. Her fears resonate with me very strongly, especially since these very fears are what she needs to face in order for her to live her dream. And in the end, I rejoice with her newfound freedom.

4: Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?
I love both, depending on the day.

5: What authors do you look up to and why?
Of course there are too many to mention. Nonetheless, I admire authors whose works inspire and whose message remains with me long after I finish reading the book, e.g.:
Richard Bach (Jonathan Livingston Seagull)
Antoine de Saint-Exupéryn (The Little Prince)

I also love authors whose works entertain and draw me into another world, e.g.:
Megan Whalen Turner (The Thief)
Kenneth Oppel (Silverwing)

6: Which author do you think you write like the most?
I have no idea. However, one reviewer said that Up In The Air reminded her of the wonder she felt while reading Madeline L’Engle. I was floored (happily so, of course). I’ve read A Wrinkle In Time and loved it.

7: What’s your favorite food?
On a day when I feel strong, a fresh, delicious Caesar Salad.
For those days when I’m in a hurry, good old-fashioned pizza.]
But I also love pasta and of course, paella and curry. Let’s not forget roti.

8: What’s your favorite movie?
Several. Of course by now, you must know that I’m not a one-answer kind of gal.
Oldies: The Sound of Music
Not so old: The Star Wars Trilogy (the initial three)
Current: Mama Mia, Sleepers, Skyfall (and many, many more)

9: If your book was turned into a movie, who would you cast for the main characters?
I can’t think of anyone to play Melody and the other fliers. My preference would be for as-yet unknown, talented actors to be given the parts.

10: Describe your book in one sentence.
Oh no! You’re forcing me to come up with a one-liner, which I have been struggling with for years. OK, here goes:
A young girl dreams of flying, but when she finds herself In the mystical world of Chimeroan and gets the wings of her dreams, she realizes that she cannot ‘outfly’ her problems.

11: What kind of interaction do you hope to see from your fans?
Enthusiasm, passion, wide-eyed excitement at the thought that their deepest desire or dream can come true. Curiosity as to what this could mean. And then, should they dig even deeper, that’s when the dialogue would truly begin.

12: Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
Generally speaking, I would say ‘extrovert’. However, there are times when I feel like curling up and withdrawing into myself.

13: If you could meet anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Dead? Einstein. I’d love to get first-hand insight into how he reasoned out his theories.
Alive? Hmm, now where shall I start: George Clooney, Richard Gere, Harrison Ford, Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling… I can go on and on. Why? My answer is: why not!!!

You can find Ann Marie Meyers online here:
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