I enjoy interviewing myself. Call me crazy [because I am a little bit], but having a conversation with myself makes me giggle every time.
But I figured for the Bloom Book Club, I should actually have other people interview me. So I posted on my personal blog and on my facebook page and gave people permission to ask me anything. And I’m going to answer all of those questions, plus a few I threw in myself just for kicks.
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What is From Head To Foot about?
From Head to Foot is a candid, easy-to-read guide that uses real-life examples and faith-based instruction to equip Christian girls with the confidence, faith and moxie theyβll need to face their teen and college years.
[I love any opportunity to use the word “moxie”- try it sometime.]
What was your favorite book growing up?
Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself.Β I dropped my copy in the bathtub so many times growing up that the cover is almost unrecognizable and the pages are wavy.
What does the F. in Annie F. Downs stand for?
Frosting. My parents knew long ago that I would be addicted to buttercream.
How did you know when you were finished writing your book? How long did the whole process take you?
I knew I was finished when my editor told me so. π There are stories she cut and stories she asked me to add. Like any good piece of art, the artist never feels like it is totally done. You just have to stop. The process of writing From Head To Foot started in August 2007 and the book was available for purchase on December 7, 2010. [phew… that sounds longer than it felt...]
If you could do ONE thing differently in life, what would it be and why?
I would keep playing the french horn after 8th grade. I loved that instrument and I regret quitting band when I started high school because I thought the band was uncool. On a deeper level, I wish I would have been brave enough to be who I wanted to be.
What is your favorite thing to do in Nashville?
Sometimes, if the night is warm enough, the songwriting boys will pull out their guitars and we will sit on a front porch and they will sing the songs they have written that week. The creativity. The friendships. The music. The breeze. The pause between songs when I can still feel the new words in my belly and I breathe deep in expectation of the next musician? It makes my Nashville.
If you meant like, my favorite coffee shop? Frothy Monkey.
Waffles or pancakes?
Waffles with peanut butter, honey, and a cut-up banana.
What is something you wish someone would tell you every day?
I wish someone would tell me every day that they choose me above all others.
[Whoa… that got deep and serious really quick. My apologies.]
How did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve been a journaler my whole life, but there was a day in 2006 when I felt like if I didn’t write I would explode. That’s when I really knew.
What is one thing you would tell moms (or mentors) when dealing with their daughters image and/or teens years?
Be honest about your story. Listen closely. Remind her of her best qualities every single day. Fill her life with truth so that the lies are not welcome.
Do you like Swedish Fish?
The candy? Yes. Actual fish from the country of Sweden? I do not know, but I would bet so.
What is your favorite go-to movie? The one you put in just to make yourself smile.
You’ve Got Mail. “152 insights INTO MY SOUL!”
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Funny. Creative. Long-winded. [If you can’t admit it to yourself….]
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Do you have more questions? Leave them in the comments and I’ll answer them for ya!
Tomorrow… an exclusive excerpt out of From Head To Foot!
Leave a Comment
Lynn says
Do you think your book would be a good book for teenaged girls in other cultures? I live in rural Africa and wonder if your book would be a good resource for some teenaged girls here to read?
AnnieBlogs says
Hi Lynn!
Great question. I have teenaged friends in Scotland who have read the book and they said that while some scenarios are American culture specific, they were able to connect and understand the book. Hope the same is true for your girls. I look forward to hearing what they think! π
Southern Gal says
I love how you are always you, no matter what.
Lindsey Nobles says
You are funny…
Rebekah says
i know i say it all the time (maybe not say…but think it at least) but i really think we are very close to the same blade of grass. one of us is just…longer, or more green or something.
your waffle idea is making me super hungry, especially on a monday morning. and you’ve got mail is my go-to movie. my sisters and my neighbor and her sister will sometimes do entire scenes just because we’re sitting around and someone says something about school supplies or thanksgiving or…something totally unrelated to any of it but it’s just a good movie to quote. my sisters and i actually visited all the places (well, not all, but most) where they shot in NYC when we went up there 5 years ago and it just made my entire life.
and your parents really liked to live on the cutting edge of names. i mean, they were LIGHT YEARS ahead of chris martin and gwyneth paltrow. and…other celebrities that have named their kids after food. π
Mary DeMuth says
I’m now leading my second group through this book! Really well done. In the leader’s guide, you talk about a video. Is there one released yet? I can’t seem to find it.
AnnieBlogs says
Hi Mary! I’m so glad you like it. π
Here’s the link to the YouTube page- new videos will be up this week as well.
http://www.youtube.com/fromheadtofoot
Hugs to you.
Lori says
Annie,
“I wish someone would tell me every day that they choose me above all others.”
I read this statement of yours and a rush of emotion and memories came right to the surface. I hear that cry of yours and understand it. Hold tight to God’s promises.
Bianca says
Oh girlfriend, you didn’t answer all my questions. When I’m in NashyNash next, I’ll be conducting my own interview!
monica says
I was in band as a flag twirler. Maybe there is a fantasy camp for grown ups who want to try marching band bec. they didn’t in high school. π
your book looks great, btw. I (almost) have a teen girl who loves to read. must get a copy for her
MaryheKay says
Band wasn’t cool in high school?? Well, that certainly explains some things for this flag-twirlin’, flute playin’ band nerd of olde…
Seriously, though, your answers are exactly why I like you so much. I think we’d be great friends in real life…after I got over being old enough to be your mom…or at least your babysitter. I’d be a cool babysitter (said the band nerd.)
Sure can’t wait to hear about your newest writing project!!
Jessica Turner @ The Mom Creative says
When are we having dinner? Soon I hope. xo
gitz says
Oh my gosh, the quote from You’ve Got Mail just made me fall a little more in love with you. You know, like a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils in the fall. π
Jan Udlock says
Hi Annie,
I love your “choose me” answer. It’s so authentic.
Tell us about a time that you thought no one would buy your book?
And thank you.
Teri @ StumblingAroundInTheLight says
Yes, to be chosen…to be fully known and fully loved….
OH! I am. YOU are too; you do know that, right?
What a delightful interview!
Teri
Kristen@Chasing Blue Skies says
You are just too stinkin’ cute!!
Amy says
What you wrote about, Annie, speaks loudly to me…it’s such an important message!
Two things I observed about you that made me realize more about myself…1) you’d been a journaler all your life and then suddenly just knew that if you didn’t write you’d “explode”…that’s something I’ve discovered about me this past year, in such a big way!, and 2) you identified that you’re “long-winded”…I need to claim that (because it’s true about me, too!) and not feel shame for it!
I can hardly wait to get my hands on your book!
Rich blessings…