How did you decide to become a writer? Include age when you began to write.
I've always loved to read, and when I was around 12, I noticed that teachers reacted enthusiastically to my writing. That stayed in the back of my mind through young adulthood. I remember sitting in a pediatric waiting room with my little ones and reading an article a mother had written about daycare options on cruise ships. I was blown away to think she'd gotten PAID to do that. So, when our kids got older, and I felt I needed a goal to work toward when I wasn't working my day job in a science lab, I decided to become a freelance travel writer.
What inspires you, and motivates you to write?
Working toward an exciting goal makes life so much more exciting for me, I can't imagine going back to mundane, going nowhere ruts. I also find that when the world is insane, or bad things are happening to loved ones, I can take refuge in the world I'm creating in a book.
What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future?
When my daughter was in her senior year, I dealt with my empty nest dread issues by writing a travel adventure novel about a mother who handles her empty nest by running off to Colorado and having crazy adventures there. I followed up with a mystery novel set in the college science lab I coordinated for 20 years. Making that mystery work involved so much time and frustration that I took a break from it and wrote my father's story which expanded into a family biography. I finally made the mystery work by cutting the end off, but there's so much good stuff in that amputated end that I need to expand it into a second book. After that, who knows. I hope to get back to giving lectures on cruise ships one day.
Do you get writer's block? What do you do to get out of your writing funk?
I generally don't have problems with writer's block. When I get stuck, it's because I don't know what's going to happen next and doing more research fixes that most of the time.
Share an inspirational story you encountered on your writing journey.
Not long after becoming a science lab coordinator, I saw a notice offering small grants to boost preschool learning programs. I’d just left a preschool teaching job, and I’d been wishing that the little ones could play with some of the science toys in the lab, so I had a brainwave. Wouldn’t it be cool if we could check kits out to teachers, so every kid in class could have a set of bottles full of magical but harmless chemicals to explore? My new bosses who made suggestions for the proposal and then brought in a grant specialist. He liked the idea but said we should make videos to explain how the chemistry works. All I knew about making videos was that homemade ones were usually lame, so what chance did I have of making good ones? But I soon realized that I had a superpower. The whole college seemed to be behind me, providing help with all the stuff I didn't know. Later I took the kits to the University’s the annual Chemistry Day. The 3rd year I signed up, the director of that program told me that, of all the displays and demonstrations offered by various organizations, our Kids Chemistry Kits always booked up first. That’s what comes of having PEEPS. After that, I knew I had wings and I’d be crazy not to fly!
The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already released. If there are any reviews for this book, please include them as well.
Coordinating a college science lab seems a terrific job for this fledgling graduate. The instructors are fun and appreciative. Maci loves helping with field trips and magic shows, and the intrigues of science are endlessly fascinating. Except, why all the secrets? The dean orders Maci to say nothing about finding a bleeding man in the parking lot. Reporting missing lab equipment is also taboo. When Maci investigates fraudulent expenditures, the lab reagents she prepares fail. Toxic fumes from a broken bottle force an evacuation. Someone uploads a devastating virus into a state-wide system—from Maci’s computer. While she’s pushing to discover who’s behind the trouble, the instructors conclude that it’s Maci. Her one loyal ally acts a lot like a stalker. She’s on her own dodging booby traps, bloody threats, and termination.
Anne's 5 reasons 1) Enthused reviews on Amazon! 2) Details are 100% authentic 3) Fun characters 4) Beautiful Rocky Mountain settings 5) Heart-pounding lab chase scene Mile High Lab Rat (A few of many reviews!) Captivating “Very creative writer. Captivating story. Lots of detail. It's a book you just want to read without stopping. I look forward to the sequel." Naomi Hamann A Lab Rat Mystery that keeps you on the Edge! “...there was never a dull moment! I felt like I was in Maci's shoes the whole time wondering just who I could trust and who was after me!”
Valerie Temple Author A Patch in the Wilderland Lots of twists and turns “This book is definitely for the current, former, or future "lab rat"! Lots of detailed and accurate descriptions of behind-the-scenes lab preps and life in the sciences, interspersed with a mystery of epic proportions. Lots of twists and turns, right up until the final big, explosive finale! A good, quick read!”
Nicole H. Markelz Great blend of science, romance, and mystery! “Great setting of a science lab to learn about a world I never knew about! Story is driven by romance and mystery and a head strong MC that you root for! Great read.”
Caitlin Howell A great read I couldn’t put down “A stunning, fast-paced story packed with surprising twists…laugh out-loud funny…written beautifully. I would follow Maci anywhere!” Judith Fowler, forensic psychology writer
Who is your ideal audience?
Adults who love nature, science, Colorado, mysteries, and/or learning new things. People who've spent time in science labs will love revisiting that ambiance.
What sets you apart from other writers?
That's a tough one. Several people have told me that I'm odd. I was surprised. I didn't see anything odd about what I'd said, but I took it as a compliment. The editor who worked my final draft of "Mile High Lab Rat" said that it was fantastic, and she'd never read anything like it. I can't say why, but maybe you'll read it and tell me.
Is there another author your books are similar to? Share all that applies to each book.
"Mile High Lab Rat" has commonalities with Nevada Barr's national parks novels. "No Market For 'Em" is similar to Rick Bragg's "All Over But the Shoutin" and Tony Hillerman's "A Life," but each life inevitably takes its own course. My best comparison for "Rocky Mountain Walkabout" is Winton Groom's "Forrest Gump."
If you have multiple books available, which one is your favorite? And why?
"Mile High Lab Rat" is my opus. My writing skills have grown considerably, and I also took the time and got the feedback required to make this work top-of-the-line.
What does your writing process entail? Planner, pantser? Research required? Editing methods? etc
I can't just sit down and write. I have to know what's happening next or I tend to tap dance with words. Yes, research is huge!
Behind the scenes......Music or no? Any other tactics used in the aid of writing?
No music. Maybe I should try it, but I haven't.
What would you tell a new writer to help them get started?
Forget the clock/calendar. Give your writing all the time it needs to be all it can be.
Do you have a newsletter? Share a subscribe link if you have one. Include what to expect with your issues (if you'd like to share this information)
No newsletter yet, just my blog at breathtakebyways.com.
Is there anything you would like to add? Any tips or anecdotes you'd like to share?
Having a writing group is a major boon for me. If you get a chance, join up and enjoy!