Do I need to go over how much I worship Mur Lafferty again?!  I sang her praises in a article all of her own, have devoured every podcast she’s released and am anxiously awaiting the new release of Playing for Keeps.  She is the Granddame of Podcasting, a fantastic writer and one of the nicest people I’ve ever traded e-mails with.

She was also nice enough to go along with my totally old fashion interview process.  That’s right boys and girls, the first ever Time Well Wasted interview is with she of the purple hair, the Mighty Mur Lafferty.  And I can’t thank her enough for taking the time to answer the silly questions I e-mailed her way.

Now then, on with the show:

TWW -  What inspired Playing for Keeps?
ML - I’ve always been a superhero fan, but wondered why all the “super powers” were crime-fighting (or crime-causing) powers. So I explored that.

TWW - If Keepsie had an iPod what would be on it?
ML - She’s an unapologetic 80’s music fan, from the bubblegum pop to punk. So evertyhing from Katrina and the Waves to the Damned.

TWW - Was there any music or movie that influenced the story or characters?
ML - honestly none that I can think of…

TWW - If you could have dinner with anyone in the entertainment industry (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
ML - Right now? Probably Paul Lieberstein. I’m obsessed with The Office and would love to pick the minds of the writers to see how they come up with that sharp dialogue.

TWW - How did the idea of Keepsie’s power come to you?
ML - When you play marbles, you play for “keepsies” and I always thought that sounded like a nickname. So if it was someone’s nickname, why would it be? Then I realized she kept everything that was hers.

TWW - Where did the “Power over Elevators” come from?
ML - DragonCon many years ago, my friend Jason (who that character is named for) seemed to have the power that every time he pushed the button, the elevator would come.

TWW - Pretend you’re casting Keepsie, who do you see playing her?
ML - Janeane Garofalo

TWW - Did you have a victory theme for hearing Playing for Keeps had been picked up for publication?
ML - “Playing For Keeps” by Beatnik Turtle always seems fitting. 

TWW - Going away from the book for the moment, what means of entertainment do you pursue in your free time?
ML - TV- The Office, CSI, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes (obviously)
Movies- not many, with the kiddo and the babysitting issues.
Books- focusing on urban fantasy and feminist SF literature right now
Games- Mario Kart Wii, Pokemon and Sim City on the DS, and City of Heroes on the PC

TWW - In your first Suicide Girls column you counted years by Mario Kart releases, who’s your favorite driver?
ML - I actually don’t have one! I have been trying to find my favorite, but haven’t settled yet. I like Birdo, Dry Bones, King Boo and Rosalina.

TWW - How big has the demand/request for a PFK sequel been?
ML - Pretty good, most all of the feedback I get includes “where’s the next one.” So if it sells well, I’ll get started on that. 

TWW - Some quick favorites:
ML - Actress - Uma Thurman
Actor - Edward Norton
Movie - The Matrix
Musician/Band - They Might Be Giants
Video Game - World of Warcraft
Podcast - Right now? Metamor City.
Writer – Connie Willis or Neil Gaiman, depending on my mood
TV Show – The Office

TWW - When is the Amazon.com run for Playing for Keeps?
ML - August 25!

TWW - And finally, is there any hope of seeing you in Austin, Texas for a book signing?
ML - That is the curse of small press - no book tour. So no plans to hit Texas any time soon.  :(  Sorry!

Again, I simply can’t thank Mur enough for this opportunity, I’m simply honored that she consented to be the first of the interviews for Time Well Wasted.  You can find much, much more on Mur Lafferty at The Murverse, and I hope you’ll pick up your copy of the brilliant novel Playing for Keeps when it makes it’s Amazon run on August 25, 2008.