What was your first car?

My first car was a 1987 Buick something or other. It was silver, old, clunky, and the brakes stopped working after about 6 months of driving. But my mom wanted me to have a “learning car” in case I was accident prone like my sister, and I paid cash for it after winning $600 in a raffle at a hockey game!

What was the first thing you learned to cook?

Ha! Um…I’m still learning?! I would say probably French toast - or “eggbread” as my Grandma called it.

When was your first time on an airplane?

My first time was as a baby, traveling from California where I was born to Dubuque, Iowa. Since then, I’ve been on many more – with a family in the Army and a love for traveling, planes and I are no strangers!

What was your first paying job?

Baby-sitting, but other than that, my first “real” job was pizza maker at a Papa Murphy’s. I quit because they kept insisting I remove my fake fingernails. I was 14. Lol.

How old were you when you had your first kiss?

Oh boy. I think I was in the 5th or 6th grade. His name was Billy, it was at a park, and I got grounded for coming home late that night.

What was the first concert you went to see?

Wow, I do not remember! I’m sure I had to go to some in high school, but nothing is coming to me. My first college concert I went to was Avenged Sevenfold – love them!

When/what was your first regrettable hairstyle?

Cutting super short bangs. I think around the 7th grade. Eesh!

How old were you when you got your first computer?

When I got my OWN first computer, I was 21 and it was my college graduation present to myself. After I did 2 years of online school…figure that out!

What was your first big purchase?

Probably my first car. At 17, $600 is a lot of money to spend!

What was the first book that made you cry?

Oh boy. I’m sure it was a Baby-Sitter’s Club book. Love them!

Where was your first road trip?

My first big road trip that I remember (and going farther than the Midwest) is when I drove to North Carolina with my brother-in-law’s family to visit my sister and her new husband and baby in Camp Lejeune. That was in 2000 I believe.

Who was your first best friend?

My cousins Erinne and Leah. My first “school” best friend was Katie, who I am still in touch with through Facebook.

When/where was your first trip abroad?

Amsterdam in March 2006. I was a travel major in college and our big assignment was to completely plan this trip, then we got to take it. Best. Class. Ever.

Who was your first love?

Ooh, probably my first boyfriend Billy. I was in the 5th/6th grade. I definitely thought we were getting married. I am friends with him on Facebook, and did just see that he got married not too long ago. No hard feelings. ;)

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Ha. It was Zac Hanson, from the boy band Hanson. Yes, it’s true.

Thanks, Samantha!

NEW RELEASE: THE GREEN TICKET

College junior Alex Abrams scores her dream job at the ripe age of twenty – manager to a successful salon and spa. Thrilled to finally have a real adult job, Alex enthusiastically jumps into the world of schedules, conference calls, and getting a massage when interviewing prospective employees. What she doesn’t expect are the very grown-up issues that come with a demanding boss. Kevin Dohlman quickly becomes Alex’s worse nightmare – covering up his affairs, dealing with his enormous ego, and trying to protect her female staff from him becomes a full-time job in its own right. Alex has also befriended Kevin’s wife and co-owner, Dani, and is trying to keep Kevin’s secrets hidden from her. The situation only worsens when Kevin starts paying Alex off to make sure she keeps her insider knowledge to herself.

While struggling to keep her wits and stay happy with her new grown-up job, Alex is juggling college courses, a new love interest, and keeping up with her close group of girlfriends. When her roommate and best friend Lila gets offered an opportunity to move to Los Angeles and sign with an agent, Alex realizes her life truly is changing, and everyone around her – including herself – is growing up. Knowing she is faced with some hard decisions ahead, Alex struggles with keeping her job at Blissful. But does she really want to throw away what she dreamed of as a career – or will the secret-keeping for Kevin become too much to handle? The Green Ticket is a story about morals versus money, and how one young woman navigates the shaky line between the two.

eBook Giveaway! Please leave a comment to be entered to win 1 of 2 copies of The Green Ticket. Be sure to include your email address or Twitter/Facebook information so that we can get in touch if you win. The winners will be chosen on Wednesday, December 12th. Good luck!