I was recently privileged enough to be able to interview Joan H. Young, author of the dead Mule Swamp series as part of her blog tour.

Q: Anything you would like to share with readers on a personal note that would allow them to get to know you better?

A: I’m essentially a badly-dressed hermit who seems to have an occasional need to emerge into the spotlight and pretend to be important.

Q: Five words to perfectly describe you.

A: Outdoorsy, Christian, word-loving, railfan geek.

Q: Best books you have read.

A: This question is much better than trying to name a favorite book. I have a hard time with “favorite” labels, because it’s too hard to compare genres. However, it’s easy to list several favorites. I’m a real sucker for travel books, and Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins, Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck, and Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon contributed significantly to my wanderlust. How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn has always impressed me with the fragile nature of the human condition without the tragedy of Steinbeck. The one and only romance that appeals to me is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Other good reads are Les Miserables, Andersonville, Endurance: Shackletons Incredible Voyage, and Descent by Jeff Long.

Q: Favorite movie or movies.

A: Again, I can’t pick one single film. However, the movies I seem to watch over and over include The Fugitive, Andromeda Strain, You’ve Got Mail (I have no idea why- I’m not a romantic comedy fan, but this one seems to work for me), Sneakers, Hunt for Red October, Big Business (a hilarious take on the switched twins theme), and 2001 Space Odyssey.

Q: Favorite Toy

A: It’s a package deal, which includes a backpack, tent, and walking stick!

Q: Dream place to live and why?

A: I need to live where there are four seasons, hills and lakes and forests. In a perfect world I’d own a small lake, be the only house on a hill overlooking the water and have it well-buffered with lovely cool woods.

Q: Any causes you are passionate about?

A: I’m completely obsessed with quiet non-motorized outdoor recreation. I think many of our ills and stressors would be cured by taking peaceful walks in the woods. Turn off the motors and the music and hike or paddle or bicycle. Your life will change for the better!

Q:  If you always spoke with your heart what one thing would you say to us?

A: Get off the couch- go outside, listen for the voice of nature and the voice of God.

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us Joan.

Everyone, please be sure to check out the next stop in the tour and visit with Angel Haze. Also, don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway