Ever adventuring, Olivia Madson has never called one place home for too long. Since birth into an Air Force family, she has moved more than 30 times in her life, hitting every compass point in the U.S. and two locations overseas. Along the way she received a BA in Anthropology and a MA in Museum Studies, working at a variety of museums including Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic home, and the National Museum of Natural History, part of the Smithsonian Institution.  One of her longest stops was the 8 years she spent in Washington, D.C. as the FBI’s Art Theft Program Manager where she co-founded the Bureau’s Art Crime Team.  Olivia had always dreamed of writing a romance novel, and finally took her chance penning “Buried Riches” after finding inspiration from a trip to Greece. 

She has begun work on her second book, “Smoldering Legacy,” delving into the world of fire crime. Olivia is a multi-faceted individual whose passions and interests emerge in countless forms. She is an avid writer, dreamer, traveler, shopper, belly dancer, reader, diner, and explorer.  She lives in Oregon with her husband Michael and two very spoiled pugs.

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21 Things You Should Know About This Author

 

What book have you gifted the most? Why?

Books by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, particularly the Special Agent Pendergast series. They are great story tellers and I love books with museums, curators and science.

What is the one productivity tool you use every day? Why?

When I’m writing it’s just me and my laptop, or my tablet when I’m writing on the road.

What word do you misspell most often?

Not so much misspelling, but I always have to look up affect vs. effect. Makes me crazy!

What three things do you do to be a successful writer?

Research my subject, release the imagination, and most important dedicate 40+ hours a week to it. It’s a job so you have to treat it that way.

What are the titles of the last two books you have read?

“Brother Odd” by Dean Koontz and “Ravished” by Amanda Quick

What is your favorite word?

Inveigle (persuade by means of deception or flattery). Got that one from “X-Files.”

What do you use more often – a dictionary or a thesaurus?

Thesaurus (for sure, absolutely, definitely, unquestionably)

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

“Dance Like No One is Watching”

What is your ‘go to’ munchie or drink while writing?

Starbucks chai tea

Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

Visuals are great, but then they limit the imagination. Words leave it open for interpretation and the reader to fill in with their own dreams and vision.  Nothing beats imagination.  I think that’s why so often we prefer the book over the movie version. 

What animal are you most similar to and why?

Probably my pug dogs. They are generally happy and like everyone, plus we both like to eat and take naps.

How would your best friend describe you?

Enthusiastic, intelligent, kind

What keeps you up at night? (and don’t say howling dogs)

When I’m writing it’s hard to sleep because I can’t wait to get back to the book and see what’s going to happen next.

What is one thing you will never do again? 

Get married. If something happens this time I’m done.  But I hope third time is a charm.

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare? 

I love cookbooks! I should make a tried and true recipe, but I always experiment on guests, so it’s anyone’s guess what will be served. 

What is the best compliment you have received – or would like to receive?

My dance teacher, Aziza, called me a “Smarty Pants Girl.