I understand you were a fan of Doris before you worked for her. How did you first discover her work and what impressed you most? I became a fan at age 10 after being so impressed with her smile, talent and singing in Calamity Jane...that movie really started my fascination with Doris. She seemed real.

You worked with Doris in the 1970s. What is you most precious memory of this time?

Definitely the time I took exclusive care of her after some minor surgery. I was her round-the-clock nurse and she was totally dependent upon me. Doris told me that if I ever needed her to care for me sometime, she'd be right there with me. I was living with her then and it was a very special time.

Why have you chosen now to write this book and how did the publishing deal come about?

Actually, I wrote the manuscript 32 years ago while still living in California - that is why things are very accurate and in detail. It was more like a journal - I knew Doris was special and I just kept an account of things. Nineteen months ago I was asked to be interviewed by David Kaufman, the New York author who is writing a book on Doris due out in mid-2008. We did the interviews in June 2006. He wanted to talk to me since I both worked for Doris and also lived with her, something no one other than family had done.

After talking to David, I was encouraged by a friend to write my own book and then ran across my manuscript which had been in my garage all these years. It needed updating and retyping, I then realized that our dear Doris is now an historical figure and I am sharing a little bit of history with my story DAY AT A TIME.

Having been a writer/and PR person over the years I did some networking and found a wonderful company, Hawthorne Publishing, in my home town. Nancy Baxter of Hawthorne Publishing has been invaluable in helping me bring my story to fruition.
 

Knowing that there has been an influx of DD books in recent years what sets yours apart from the rest?

That's easy - this is my story and my sentimental journey - at age 10 "I had my eye on the prize." I wanted to get to know Doris - never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have this incredible opportunity. Doris invited me into her world and I will always be most grateful to her.

Regarding other books - most of them deal with her professional career only - mine is a personal account of what it was like to be with her day in, day out - she is one Great Lady and I saw that first hand.

I was the only person other than family to live with Doris for any extended time and I cherish those precious memories. I saw the real Doris Day, a wonderful, fun-loving and kind person. We shared many happy times together and also many sad times - Terry's accident, Billy De Wolfe's dying days, etc. I take the reader ....DAY AT A TIME!


Being that Doris is an extremely private person did you have any concerns when writing this book?

No, because again I say, this is my story of a young girl from the Midwest who became a Doris Day fan at age 10 and made plans to go west and get to know her. DAY AT A TIME is really a tribute to Doris.

Did Doris provide any input for your project or any of her showbiz peers?

I'd like to tell you some of the people who helped tell the story...two of Doris's dearest friends, Billy De Wolfe and Jackie Susann, play a big part in my book.
I didn't approach anyone, but had all of this in my 32 year old manuscript.

Do you plan to write any further books?

I really can't say right now - I want to concentrate on promoting DAY AT A TIME as a tribute to Doris. My heart and soul are in this book and it is heart warming to learn of so many people worldwide who love and cherish Doris - young and old internationally look up to her. This is awesome and I hope that my book will give them a special treat.

Sincere thanks to Mary Anne Barothy for taking the time to do this Q&A interview (conducted by S. Munns).