How did you decide to become a writer? Include age when you began to write.
I first decided to become a writer in First Grade when my teacher made a big fuss over my report on George Washington. But in my later years, when my career guidance counselor told me how little the average writer earns (think starving artist syndrome), I decided to go into education and write as a sideline. During that time, I wrote for a newspaper, a tabletop magazine, and a trade journal and published a textbook. Only after retiring did I write fiction.
What inspires you, and motivates you to write?
I enjoy the writing process so that motivates me. I also like the camaraderie of participating in writers' critique groups. I also think writing is good for the brain.
What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future?
My published book, Story of a Stolen Girl, is an international thriller. My two works in progress are historical and literary fiction. I also published several short stories.
Do you get writer's block? What do you do to get out of your writing funk?
So far, knock on wood, I have not had writer's block
The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share a blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already been released. If there are any reviews for this book, please include them as well.
I am currently querying publishers for two books: Golden Boxty in the Frypan which is inspired by my mother's experiences as an orphan in the 1930s. The second novel is Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years. This novel, the first of a trilogy, is about a woman, born in South Africa in 1961, who grows up in a Soweto shanty under the rule of apartheid. She dedicates herself to fighting racial injustice with her written words.
Who is your ideal audience?
My ideal audience is made up of readers who like to learn while being entertained and are ages 13 to 100+.
What sets you apart from other writers?
I think I am more compulsive than most writers about editing prior to letting anyone read my work.
Is there another author your books are similar to? Share all that applies to each book.
Others have compared my writing to Barbara Kingsolver's work. I am humbled when someone says this. I only wish that were true.
If you have multiple books available, which one is your favorite? And why?
Story of a Stolen Girl is the only book I have published at this moment unless you count my textbook. The novel is definitely my favorite so far. I also several published short stories.
What does your writing process entail? Planner, pantser? Research required? Editing methods? etc
I do an enormous amount of research before and during the writing process. I try to be a planner, but as I write, I have bouts of being a pantser.
Behind the scenes......Music or no? Any other tactics used in the aid of writing?
I don't listen to music while writing, but I do while editing. I get tense and irritated when finding some of my dumb mistakes or reading something that I thought was wonderful, but now makes no sense at all, so I listen to soothing music during editing.
What would you tell a new writer to help them get started?
Read online articles about the craft, and specifically read lots within your desired genre. And join a supportive, yet honest, critique group.
Is there anything you would like to add? Any tips or anecdotes you'd like to share?
It is important to me that my writing takes the reader to a place, era, or circumstance they know little about and leads them to learn more about the subject.
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