Valentine's Day Q&A with Maya Kirkwood

Hello my little seed beads!

Today I've got Maya Kirkwood, the heroine of Unmasking Maya here discussing all things romantic. Just so you know, she hasn't met Derek yet. Her answers might have been a little different if we'd had this little interview after they met.

Me: Thanks for being here, Maya! If you don't mind, I'd like to get right down to business.

Maya: Sure, no problem. And thanks for having me, Libby.

Me: My pleasure! Okay. First question: Are you currently in a relationship? If so, tell us a little bit about your S.O. And if not... what are you looking for in a romantic partner?

Maya: I'm single right now and I wouldn't have it any other way. Still reeling a bit from what my ex did... Anyway, if I were looking, I'd want a man who's pretty low-key when it comes to career ambitions. Someone who just punches the clock and doesn't take work home with him, you know?

I nod, suppressing a giggle. She's just described the exact opposite of Derek.

Me: How old were you when you had your first kiss - and can you share what you remember about it?

Maya: Hate to sound all dramatic and everything, but there were some crazy things going on during my adolescence. If you knew what went down, it wouldn't surprise you at all that I was a late bloomer as far as my budding love life goes. My first kiss was at age sixteen with Steven, a boy from school. He was a sweetheart - quiet and artistic.

Me: Aw... Okay, what's the best romantic gift you ever received? And the best one you ever gave?

Maya: Back when I was studying at Parsons, I had this big project I was working on. I had my heart set on this imported Italian silk tweed, but it was way too expensive. For my birthday, my boyfriend presented me with three yards of it. I know that doesn't sound super romantic, but it meant so much to me. He was so supportive and caring. As far as the most romantic gift I've ever given... I guess it was probably a weekend trip to Martha's Vineyard. That was a different boyfriend - years later when I had some money. Haha.

Me: What's your favorite romantic comedy, book or movie, and why? What about love song - and why?

Maya: Don't laugh, but I've always been a sucker for the mid-sixties romcoms, especially those starring Doris Day. They're just so OTT and there's a sort of idealistic innocence to them. Pillow Talk is my favorite. I must have seen it twenty times. For my favorite love song, it's got to be "When I'm Sixty-Four." It may be a bit farfetched - the idea of being with someone for so many years (and being happy with them) but I like to think it's possible.

Me: Please describe your dream wedding.

Maya: You're probably going to think I'm some kind of recluse, but I love the idea of doing it in seclusion. Maybe on a quiet beach somewhere with only the necessary people in attendance. I'm a private person, and I don't like to be the center of attention. But rest assured, I'd still be wearing a killer dress. Structured layers of silk charmeuse, probably.

Me: Would you design the dress yourself?

Maya (looking at me like I'm an escaped mental patient): Obviously.

Me (laughing): Excellent. Thanks so much for chatting with me today, Maya!

Maya: Anytime, Libby.

Maya's got her gallery opening tonight, so she bolts right after the interview. I take my time getting my notes together, a grin spreading widely across my face. Maya will be meeting Derek tonight, and she's not going to know what hit her.

Hope you enjoyed Maya's Q&A! If you'd like to know more about her, your timing couldn't be any better. Unmasking Maya is on sale for just 99 cents on Amazon from now through the weekend. Here's the link: Unmasking Maya on Amazon.

Be sure to check out all the other fantastic character interviews as a part of our group promo! All of these authors have also marked their books down to 99 cents, so great deals abound. Here are their links:

Samantha Stroh Bailey
Tracie Banister
Francine LaSala
Cat Lavoie
Samantha March
Meredith Schorr
Nancy Scrofano
Lucie Simone

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

Love,
Libby