This week’s Five Things features Toni Blake, who has written all sorts of wonderful contemporary stories, is always a hoot to hang out with and was willing to subject herself to the ruthless screening process that makes up the Five Things review. So without further ado, Five Things About Toni Blake.

Favorite indulgence: TV, plain and simple. My name is Toni and I’m a TV-aholic. People come down on TV-watching like it’s a horrible thing, but I disagree. So much of what’s on TV is very well done – comedies make me laugh, dramas make me think and feel. As a lifelong TV watcher, I credit TV for being instrumental in teaching me how to structure a story and how to write dialogue. And yes, I do watch some reality TV, too, and I can’t always justify that as much, but eh – in the words of Sheryl Crow: If it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad ; )

First memory: I was desperately trying to get out of my baby bed because it was Saturday morning and I just knew I was missing Scooby Doo. Yes, I seriously remember being in my baby bed, as vividly as if it happened yesterday. That said, I’m not sure, at that age, how I could know if Scooby Doo was on, so this might be one of those memories that wasn’t exactly the way I recall it. But I do remember being in the baby bed and being so frustrated that I couldn’t get out.

Favorite dessert: A nice, chewy brownie. Why complicate things – I like to keep it simple.

Most played song on your iPod: Not sure if it’s the most played, but it’s the-song-I-love-that-is-probably-the-least-likely-song-people-who-know-me-would-EXPECT-me-to-love, and I do play it a lot: Fell in Love With The Girl by The White Stripes

Coolest celeb you’ve ever met (other than me): I once stood about seven feet from George Clooney – does that count? Plus he and I dropped out of the same college – so we clearly have a lot in common ; ) I’m pretty sure he’ll be trying to whisk me away to the Italian villa any day now.

While Toni is waiting for George, you might like to try her latest book, Whisper Falls which would put you in good stead to read her upcoming book, Holly Lane. Check out her website for excerpts, all things Toni, and perhaps you will bump into Mr. Clooney there as well. Not promising anything, just saying . . .