What was your inspiration for writing She Sins at Midnight?

I hate to say it, but there was no real inspiration for She Sins. When I write, I just sit down at the computer and wait to see what wants to be written. A lot of the book comes from my own life, like the town of Bentley is very much like the town I lived in during high school, but Lila et al are a story of their own making, and I love them!

Describe your novel’s heroine, Lila.

Lila Montgomery is loyal, insecure, gorgeous and quirky. She is the best friend we all long to have.

Have you always wanted to be a writer? When and why did you decide to write a book?

I never really dreamed of being an author. Empress of the free-world? Yes, because I thought I might actually be able to do that. Writing always intimidated me until one day I just started doing it. I am now totally convinced there is no better job in the world.

Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors… SO many. My tops would include Jen Lancaster, who aside from being my same age and from the same part of the country has a smart-ass sense of humor very like my own. I love Marian Keyes for again, a fabulous sense of humor and sense of character. I’m also a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner, Allison Winn Scotch, and Emily Giffin. I would also like to invite David Sedaris to be my gay husband. I adore him!

What was the last book you read that you loved?

The last book that I read that I liked would be an easier question to answer. But loved? I’m going to have to go with Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Her imagination is simply beyond what a mere mortal has. Her grasp of history and romance and character…unbelievable! Thrilled that the series is being turned into a television show.

If you could be a character in any novel you've ever read, who would you be and why?

If I could be any literary character, I would pick Jane Eyre. Jane is the classic strong heroine that doesn’t let diversity smother her. It makes her stronger and more interesting. Plus, I’m a big sucker for gothic romance.

If you could have lunch with a fictional character, who would you choose and what would you talk about?

I know I should wrack my brain and come up with some highbrow fictional character to dine with, but the truth is that I’d love to break bread with Madeline in her house in Paris all covered in vines. I see Brioche, some good cheese, a great bottle of wine (that I don’t have to share because she’s underage) and something smothered in chocolate for dessert. Also, we would talk in the manner in which the books are written. “Then dined on wine and cheese and bread, stuffing themselves ‘til they went to bed.”

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?

Before I had children (now 3 and 5) and actually had spare time, I loved to read anything I could get my hands on, knit, embroider, throw dinner parties and plot to take over the world. However, now that I have no spare time to speak of, I still love to read and wait for it… watch The Real Housewives of New York. Those broads are just so trashy it boggles the mind.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is from Voltaire. “Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.” My life has been an adventure in Faith. My youngest daughter is named Faith.

Do you stick to a writing schedule or write only when you’re inspired?

I only write when I am inspired. I seem to be full of inspiration at 4 in the a.m. I would change that if I could.

What are you working on now?

I am finishing up editing my second chick lit novel, The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan. Lila and I needed someone to lunch with, so I created Mimi. What a trip she is!

Thanks, Whitney!

While attending the University of Illinois in Chicago, Whitney Dineen was discovered by a local modeling agent and began an unexpected career as a plus-size Ford model. She modeled in New York City before moving to Los Angeles with her husband. When she wasn’t modeling, she was in the kitchen, baking delights to share with friends. Soon, her friends began asking her to send baskets of her wonderful candies and cookies to business associates, agents and production studios. Word spread like wildfire, and the rest, as they say, is history. Whitney’s sensational creations are still in great demand by her loyal celebrity clientele (www.WhitneysGoodies.com). During “The Hollywood Years,” Whitney was bitten by the writing bug and started creating characters that are inspired by strong women with a great sense of humor. In addition to her love of chick lit, Whitney has also written a series of adventure books for girls. The first of which, Wilhelmina and the Willamette Wig Factory, will be out the summer of 2014. Whitney and her husband, Jimmy, have recently relocated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest to raise their children, chickens, and organic vegetables. For more information, please visit www.whitneydineen.com.