About the Author: Lorelei Branam
Lorelei Branam is a native of Coral Gables, Florida and a 2010 graduate of Florida International University's school of Political Science. This is her first published work of fiction, but for years her storytelling has been entertaining friends, family, colleagues and people stuck in line with her. You can enjoy more of her work at www.IveyMaeMcFarland.com. Her next book will be released in the summer of 2013.
Call me Ivey Mae.
I have been interested in boys since I realized they weren't girls. Literally. After a tonsillectomy at age five, my first comment was, "The doctor is cute." When I was eighteen my dad started calling me Will Rogers after the actor who infamously stated that he'd never met a man he didn't like. My mother has always wondered what is wrong with me, but the answer is right in her mirror.
As a blossoming novelist, I let my southern roots color the world around me. My books grapple with my alter ego and the romantic dalliances with her dashingly handsome muse.
But in reality, I am staying married—this time—living with my husband, our 6 children, and 30 pets—and no, we don't live on a farm, but smack dab in suburbia. My husband thinks rabbits and guinea pigs are family and shouldn't be separated. But after 22 baby, inbred rodents, I said, "Family, my rear end!" and separated the boys and girls.
My dear mother is now a widow and lives next door. And although she is lonely, she is thoroughly enjoying her seat in the I-am-old-and-can-do-what-I-want boat. She's the one using a shower cap instead of an umbrella and bright-colored laundry baskets instead of a suitcase. Oh, and as it turns out, she doesn't really like me or animals. I know, hilarious.
You can't make this stuff up, although Mother would probably tell you that I do. Our lives would make for a train-wreck type entertaining genuine reality show. But our commotion would just run off the TV crew, so—for now—my stories will have to do.
