I’d like to welcome author and blogger, Samantha McGraw, to the blog!

A few of your favorite things: Almost any kind of tea (I love to try new ones!), Chocolate (Everyday!!), Cats (Strays know I’m a cat lover and always find their way to my doorstep.)

Things you need to throw out: Many people would say I have too many notebooks, colored pens, and books, but I say those people are crazy! My closet could use a good decluttering though.

Things you need for your writing sessions: Good lighting, quiet, a cup of tea, and a few Hershey’s Kisses.

Things that hamper your writing: A cluttered desk or a long to-do list that’s cluttering my mind.

Things you never want to run out of: Chocolate and Tea.

Things you wish you’d never bought: I seem to have an addiction to various kitchen gadgets that have only been used once, or never been used at all.

Favorite foods: Did I mention that I like chocolate? Any kind of cheese would be at the top of this list too. And if you’re a chocolate and cheese lover too – try a grilled cheese with brie and Nutella. You’ll thank me later.

Things that make you want to gag: I never liked fish. The taste and the smell are not appealing to me.

Favorite smell: I love citrus smells and fruity flowers. Honeysuckle is one of my favorite scents, it reminds me of my childhood at my grandparent’s house. I have a honeysuckle candle on my desk that I often light when I’m writing.
Something that makes you hold your nose: Bleach. I suffer from migraines from time-to-time and this smell is a trigger so I avoid using bleach whenever possible.

Something you’re really good at: Baking. I love trying new recipes and experimenting with new ideas.
Something you’re really bad at: Crafty DIY projects. I’m one of those Pinterest-fail people!

Last best thing you ate: While I’m sure I’ve had something marvelous since, this question takes my memory back to a few months ago on a girl’s trip to Wilmington, NC. We were blessed with discovering some of the best restaurants in town. Fabulous grilled cheese sandwiches, tapas, crepes, and homemade breads. It’s a good thing I don’t eat like that too often!
Last thing you regret eating: My husband offered me a bite of his dish when we were at a Chinese restaurant. I asked if it was spicy and he assured me it wasn’t. He lied!

Things to say to an author: Your story is a fabulous escape for me! I loved taking a trip into the world you created.
Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: Your work reminds me of ______’s work, but their stories are a little better.

Favorite places you’ve been: Wilmington, NC, San Antonio, TX, Napa Valley, CA New York City
Places you never want to go to again: The Jersey Shore. It’s a lovely place to visit, but there are A LOT of bridges to cross in order to get there. Bridges are not my thing!

Favorite books (or genre): Mysteries, of course, and Thrillers, but those are also kind of mysterious. I occasionally enjoy Women’s Fiction too.
Books you wouldn’t buy: I’m not a big fan of history or autobiographies unless it’s someone I really admire.

The coolest person you’ve ever met: Hmm, there are a few. The coolest writers I’ve met are Sue Grafton and David Baldacci. I’m a big fan of both so that was pretty awesome. In a previous life, I was an event planner in Washington, D.C. and planned events that were attended by President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. I also planned a holiday party for Adrian Cronauer (of the Good Morning, Vietnam fame).

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: I once met Steve Guttenberg and Quincy Jones at an inauguration party and didn’t recognize either one.

About Samantha:

Samantha McGraw has a love of mysteries and afternoon tea. Her short story, “Deadly Devonshire,” can be found in the Deadly Southern Charm Anthology. She lives in Richmond with her husband and very spoiled fur baby.

Freelance Writer

Blogger on the award-winning Tea Cottage Mysteries

Contributing Author to Deadly Southern Charm

Contributor at Huffington Post

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