Veteran writer Judy Baer on "what ifs," psycho pets, and the very cool "Guy" at the center of her life. Read on ...

MB: What or who inspired your novel?

JB: When I drive into the city, I always pass the huge signs advertising the lottery which say how much money is going to be in the next drawing. Each time I see that, I play a game with myself -- if I were to win the lottery, how would I use the money? (Not that I buy the tickets, mind you, but I do mentally practice spending the money!)

Then I began to ask myself "what if" (the standby question of the writer!) What if a woman, the daughter and granddaughter of pastors who doesn't believe in gambling, accidentally won the lottery? What would she do with it? Some Christian organizations are uncomfortable taking money earned by gambling so what if the people she wanted to have it refused it? What if she was scammed so often that she couldn't trust anyone to distribute the money but herself? And what if she didn't like handling money and had no idea how to manage it? Where would God's leading come in all of this?

That's how the plot began for "Million Dollar Dilemma."

MB: What do you like most about your novel?

JB: I like the premise of this story -- discerning God's will when you are hopelessly confused by your circumstances. I also like the pets in this story. I often write animals as characters in my books and Pepto the cat with the miserable disposition holds a special place in my heart.

MB: Who is the most heroic person you know?

JB: There are so many every-day heroes, the unsung people who get through troubled times -- serious health issues, loss, troubled children -- with grace and courage. They are awesome.

MB:Who's your romance hero: dark brooding bad boy or white knight in shining armor?

JB: The hero of "Million Dollar Dilemma" is the seemingly brooding bad boy who is wearing a suit of shiny armor somewhere beneath his battered, leather jacket and slightly dangerous exterior.

MB: Answer the question you wish an interviewer would ask.

JB: Showing people that being in a relationship with God doesn't mean giving up things or having a somber life. It's my attempt to show them that God is really a very cool 'Guy' to hang out with and being at the center of His will is for your life is a wonderful experience. I want people to know that God is completely approachable and interested in everything about them -- everything.