Strangely Funny 2 1/2: Chelsea Nolen

Starting June 20th, the Kindle version of Strangely Funny 2 1/2 will be on sale for 99 cents at Amazon! Here's some information on the author who inspired the book's cover, as rendered by Monstermatt Patterson:

Chelsea Nolen has been in programming and testing for most of her working life. To get away from the tedium, she writes things—odd, off-the-wall ideas that come to her at irregular intervals. When this is not enough diversion, she cares for her dogs, cats, and 5 family members. Chelsea et al live in Oregon.

How did you come up with the idea for "Alien Dust"?
I came up with the idea for the story as I was trying to figure out how a person would stop a vampire with modern technology. The Dustbuster (TM) just jumped into mind, and I laughed my head off. However, it wasn't that funny with humans; Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural have pretty much worn the shine off of the idea. But aliens! Who have never seen a vampire! Area 51 meets Dracula, it was too good!

How do you handle the challenges to your writing time? You seem to live with a crowd of people and animals.
Challenges to my writing time occurred while the kids were growing up. Now that they're adults, it's easier to find the time to myself.

Do you see writing as an eventual career for you, or a sideline?
I always wanted to be a writer as a career. But look around. Less than 100 people make a living off of writing, and I am nowhere near the quality to manage that. So I kept my day job.

Do you have hobbies? If so, do they influence your writing?
My hobbies are gardening, taking care of the critters, and walking. I fit anything else in as there is time (and energy). And yes, they always influence my writing.

What is your next project?
My next project is to finish one of the list of stories I have the kernel of an idea for (I have the list written, now I need to point my finger at whichever one draws my interest). I'm thinking dice would be a better way to decide which story is next.