Jozette's Desk

     Jennifer Greenhill-Taylor

             Freelance Writer and Editor

 

Tell us about yourself; where are you from?

I’m a freelance writer and editor living in Florida with my writer partner, Joseph Hayes, and three cats.

I have been a journalist for 25 years, and recently chose to leave the daily deadline-driven world of the newsroom to embark on my third career, freelance writer, editor and novelist.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and raised in Northern Ontario, Canada, I moved to the States when I was 12, so attended high school and college here, in Florida. I’ve lived in several different countries and many states, and have traveled widely.

What got you interested in writing?

I was always a voracious reader, and when I was heading for university my test scores etc., said I was equally interested in science and writing. I opted for science at that time, and then, after a decade-long career in medical research, I went back to university to get a degree in literature and communications.

While I was in school I got small pieces published in local papers and newsletters. I will never forget the moment when someone asked me what I did, and I thought to myself, “Go on, say it: ‘I’m a writer.” It was so thrilling. I haven’t stopped writing since.

I was lucky enough to be hired by a newspaper after I graduated, and during a 25 year career at two major daily regional papers, I have done just about every job in the newsroom, from beat reporting, to film and theater reviewing, to editing everything from hard news to travel and features.

I left the newsroom more than a year ago, when they cut the staff in half. It was time to go out into the world on my own.

What do you think it takes for a person to be successful in your field?

A passion for words in general, but specifically, a passion for using the right word at the right time, for making language tight and accurate, in addition to being compelling and entertaining.

It also takes a lot of work to be a freelancer. You have to be able to network in a real, solid way; you have to build on each job, using it to get the next job; and you have to be supremely confident, even when you don’t feel confident.

What are your current projects?

I’m writing a novel, my first, which I began last year during Nanowrimo. It was a great way to get into the long form of writing, which I’d never done, as journalism pretty much limits you to short and very short form.

Basing progress strictly on word count was very liberating for me, because as an editor, my instincts are to work and rework and worry and shape until each sentence is perfect. You can imagine how long it would take to write a 100,000 word novel using that method. So the word-count method was immensely helpful to get me going.

In addition, I write a monthly arts column for Orlando Magazine, and am about to embark on a rewrite of a travel guide to Walt Disney World for Fodors. I just finished editing a book manuscript, and another travel guide for Dorling Kindersley, and also wrote a proposal for a memoir a few months ago. It is still making the rounds of agents, but the economy sucks.

I also do collateral for authors, which means I design and write the copy for their postcards, brochures and web-sites, along with writing copy for a variety of web-sites that my partner Joseph Hayes designs. The jobs have all come through word of mouth and solid connections I’ve made, either at the newsroom, or through a global network of friends and acquaintances. I can’t stress enough the importance of real, solid networking if you are going to be a freelancer.

What is the hardest part of your job; the easiest?

Marketing myself. I can market the heck out of someone else, but I was raised in a British household, where boasting (which is what marketing is, after all) was discouraged. Writing anything is the easiest, because writing is what I love to do.

What are 3 things people don’t know about you?

A) I worked for a medical examiner for several years, so I’m not interested in watching the explosion of CSI shows on TV. Been there, done that, threw away the blood-soaked towel. B) I love to sail. C) I inherited my grandfather’s gardening gene, and have a pretty amazing green thumb.

What is your creative process like; what happens when you first sit down to write?

It depends on what I’m writing. If it’s commercial writing, I just do it. Years of training have given me the skills to know what to put in a good lead paragraph, and once you have that everything hangs nicely from it. If it’s creative writing, that’s another thing altogether.

In writing on the novel, I do it scene by scene, and arrange the scenes and change them around to increase or enhance the impact or emotion or flow. The characters are there, they know what to do, and I just try to keep up with them.

Have you ever written a book? If not…do you plan to?

Up until a year ago I would have laughed at that question. Journalism doesn’t leave you enough energy to write a book, at least not the kind of busy, daily deadline driven journalism I practiced. But now I have the time and the creative part of my brain is having a ball with the book.

I’m about 90 percent done with the first draft. Just a few scenes to finish. Then I’ll turn to the job of refining and polishing, and cutting!! Oh, how hard it is to cut those lovely phrases. But I’ve learned that if you are too in love with any words, they probably need either to be cut, or to have a first reader give you clear-headed advice.

Have you received any awards for your work?

I received several awards from the Florida Press Club and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors for my film and theater criticism.

What discipline do you impose on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc?

The need to pay bills and keep a roof over our heads is all the discipline I require. We live pretty simply and were fortunate not to have any bills but the mortgage and the regular monthly food/utility/gas etc.,  Between us we simply know that we have to find enough work to finance that.

So far, knock on wood, we’ve been able to do that. I really have no problem sitting down to write. It’s the thing I love to do most. I have more problems making myself get up and walk around, or go out into the garden and work on the plants, just so I keep myself physically in good working order.

What has been your experience with publishers?

None, yet. Once I get the novel hacked and in better shape, I’ll let you know, as I expect there will be lots of tales to tell, many of them disappointing and frustrating. But I’m confident in the book and in its subject matter and in my ability to do the research needed to find just the right publishers to send it out to. And I’m determined and unsinkable. And I have a bathroom that needs wallpapering; it would be perfect done in decoupaged rejection slips. Gives a whole new meaning to recycling.

How do you promote yourself?

I have a website, www.burryman.com/jgt; I hand out business cards. I give free advice about lots of things, and sometimes that turns into work. But mostly, I promote myself by doing the best work I can do. Word of mouth is gold to a freelance writer.

What is your particular challenge when writing?

In fiction, it’s standing back far enough to see if I’m telling when I should be showing.

What kind of research is involved in your writing?

Since I write about subjects as diverse as health, medicine, travel and the arts, I depend on Google to a huge extent to give me a great deal of information.

In writing the novel, I found that all the web research in the world couldn’t replace the value of actually going to the sites where my story takes place. Engaging all my senses helped me not only to reproduce the world of the novel as accurately as I could, but it also inspired me to depict the characters’ emotions and senses in a more compelling way.

What effect has the economy had on your career?

It’s definitely harder to get freelance work, as there are so many unemployed journalists out there doing the same thing.

When editing, what genre (s) do you specialize in?

So far, I’ve specialized in biographies, memoirs, travel guides, novels and poetry. I also offer web-site content editing and retranslation of machine translated sites, where the language is bizarre and needs to be turned into actual English.

What is your editing process?

As an assigning editor in the newsroom, I believed that the best editing was done before the story was written, so I would work with a reporter to be sure we knew what angle/length/focus and tone the story would take. That way no one went off on a tangent and there was no total restructuring to be done when I got the story.

Now, as I’m working with manuscripts I’ve never seen, I read through the whole work first, whether it’s a book length manuscript or a poem, making small notes, but mostly absorbing the story. Then I go through it again and make serious notes (I like to edit using the Microsoft Word Track Changes function, as it allows clear and trackable communication between writer and editor) and suggestions. If there is a real structure problem, I talk with the writer at length, as I think editing is a team effort that requires a great deal of conversation.

Editing is NOT total rewriting and restructuring. That’s the writers job. I suggest, and let the writer do the writing. An editor’s job is to communicate how to fix something, or how to do it better. A writers job is to work with the editors advice and improve the work.

What is your turnaround time?

If we are talking about editing or writing a freelance piece, I’m a journalist trained to work on a daily deadline. I can be fast, if that’s what the client wants and needs.  I recently turned a 500 page manuscript around in a week. But all I was doing was copy-editing. To really work on a long piece thoroughly obviously takes longer.

Do you have any advice for those interested in pursuing a career in freelance writing and editing?

Just do the work. I started out as a latecomer to writing, as I said at the beginning. I was 35 when I returned to get my journalism degree, and people said, “You’ll never get a job. There is too much competition.” But I did. I took the most menial job in the newsroom, entering the television grid, just to get a foot in the door. Then I learned to do everyone’s job by volunteering to do extra work when people were on vacation, or when a big project came up. Then I begged to be able to write something, and got a story in the paper, and then another, and so on until I was promoted to reporter. Then I volunteered to edit and learned how from the people around me.

I can’t emphasize enough the value of training, whether you are writing for your local paper or web-sites or writing a novel or writing poetry.

Writing is a craft. You may have the skill to tell a good story, but the craft of writing must be practiced and refined. There is always something new to learn, always something to glean from a reader, always improvement to be made. It’s what makes working with words so endlessly fascinating.

And finally, my mantra is that if you give something away, it devalues your work and the work of all writers. I understand the need to send poems and stories to literary journals to make a name for yourself and increase your list of publications. But people who write for web-sites for nothing, in the hopes of gaining “exposure” are deluding themselves. The web-site owners are making money on your content. Stop demeaning your work, and start demanding decent pay for it. You wouldn’t ask your plumber or mechanic to work for “exposure.” Don’t fall into that trap yourself. << stepping down off soapbox : ) >>

Shameless self promotion: This is where you get to include anything not covered in the interview that you want your reader to know.

My partner Joseph and I have been active in writers social groups on the web for more than 15 years, and have met many of our dearest friends through writers groups online.

We run Inked-In, (www.inked-in.com)  a social network for writers, musicians and artists, and we also run The Burry Man Writers Center (www.burryman.com)  a web-site filled to the brim with advice for freelancers, and resources for writers. It has won countless awards, and has been up and running for 15 years now. We make no money on it; we don’t believe in ripping off new and developing writers, and work actively to ensure that we don’t refer anyone to sites that demand a lot of money in return for less than professional services. It’s a labor of love (and a repository of all the resources we use regularly in our jobs as freelancers).

Thanks, Jozette, for inviting me to share my life and passion with your readers. I wish them all the best of luck in their writing endeavors. It’s a strange thing, this passion for words. It sustains us, it frustrates us, but you never give up when you are a real writer. It’s what you do.

 

                       Yocheved Golani

                                     author

 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer; what got you interested?

A former Health Information Management professional, I was working my fingers off for a Fortune 500 company in 1995, analyzing "cost outlier" issues so we could figure out exactly how much hospitals had spent on unusually long or very involved patient care (hospitals are NOT great at accounting). We submitted bills to insurance companies and relevant government programs. It was a publish or perish profession, too. After some of my articles were printed in peer review publications, I opted for an easier career as a writer. I segued from medical writing (I knew lots of doctors who'd invented procedures or medical devices, and they made good reading!) to mainstream feature stories, then wrote a few books.

Do you write full time? 

YES! But some of that writing is devoted to promoting my book(s) or preparing feature stories and book or music reviews.

How many books have you written; how many of them are published; which one is your favorite? 

I've written more than the published four. I'm pacing their publications to suit trends. My favorite is my newest book because it represents so much of my personal accomplishments.

How long does it take you to write a book? 

My first novel (an espionage tale) took about 3.5 years. I did LOTS of research and rewriting. Fiction is so different from fact-based journalism. But once I had experience at it, the sequel only took about nine months.

Who or what inspires you to write? 

Sydney J. Harris was my first inspiration. William Safire made me laugh at my foibles and those of my peers. Both writers inspired me to be correct, creative and clever. The desire to prevent the needless suffering I went through as a patient motivates me to help other people in medical distress. I had a clue about how to get out of my predicaments when I was struck with an otherwise devastating diagnosis (a BENIGN brain tumor crushing all the nerves in my head and about to prevent heartbeats!), but most people lack such clues. They feel threatened by the illness and their sense of helplessness. I want to EMPOWER Patients to help themselves with my research and sense of humor.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing? 

I usually waken at 5AM, work out (walking or using weights as I exercise at home), eat a light breakfast, and start typing or researching by 7AM. I go at it pretty devotedly until about 10 or 11AM, take a break to stretch out, eat something satisfying, chat with friends outdoors or on my phone. I'll put in another few hours of writing, which includes Tweeting, updating my blog, scheduling my article placements with editors & determining word counts, completing the feature stories (which include international phone calls for research) and planning future projects. Here and there I update my day planner to reflect changing realities.

When I write my books I am glued to the chair and monitor for hours and almost have to force myself to take breaks.  But no matter what I'm writing, a feature story, book or music review, even a book I'm authoring, I stop sitting at my PC by 2PM or so. I get back on a few hours later after refreshing my body, spirit and mind with social activity, food and/or a nap. Living in the Middle East's time zone forces me to accommodate North America's waking schedule. I Twitter twice daily so I can catch on to hot topics in the rest of the world and stay current with my messages. Not bad for a woman who was once blinded by a brain tumor; I got revenge.

What kind of research is involved in your writing? 

Fact-checking is supreme! I do what I can to verify quotes, dates, times, & situations several times in the book-preparation process. Some resources went out of business before I finalized my text, and there's no way I wanted to include obsolete information.

For the first (2007) and second (2009) editions of It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To I had to think of complications for patients and how to solve them then find those solutions. I also depended on my enduring relationships with medical professionals with whom I've worked or reported on to supply me with resource materials. I also subscribe to medical updates from prestigious institutions to alert me to developments I need to know about for my readers.

I've refreshed the first edition with newer information in the Global Resources for free and low-cost quality medical care and added coping strategies I learned as I became certified in Counseling Skills. The result..? Updated E-book It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To: EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge is awesome!

To be very real about this, I had to research Twitter and how to use it effectively for book promotion. I also study writing techniques so I can keep my prose lively. It all takes time, and I have to be careful not to spend my days and nights at my PC.

Do you have other interests and hobbies you pursue when not writing? 

I adore having fun. I travel, work out, garden, spend LOTS of times with friends, go to concerts, museums and exhibits. I'm going on a day cruise soon, horseback riding, picnicking with friends, and touring some archaeological sites where I'll get to be on my knees sifting through sandy-covered clues to the past. Meanwhile I'm preparing for a 5K walk to raise money for a charitable institution that helps disabled children.

What are you reading at the present time? 

The Time Traveler's Wife; it’s a nifty story idea with a sort of medical twist.

Do you have an agent; who and how did you find him/her?  

A world-famous psychiatrist who's also an author and lauded It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To: A Life Book that Helps You to Dry Your Tears and Cope with a Medical Challenge (the first edition of my patient-empowering books) introduced me to his agent. We both left her after she failed to deliver. I've worked copiously to land a marvelous agent, but gave up after a time without success to show for all my hard work. BTW, that shrink uses my books with his patients and staff!

Have you ever self-published your work; who was your publisher? 

Booklocker.com published all four of my books. I just caught up with the late 20th century and authored an E-book with the updated version of my book. Your readers can buy the updated version of my book at http://www.booklocker.com/books/4244.html

What is your current work in progress? 

My Self-Help Coaching for people in medical situations. I help them to build on their strengths, to develop new skills, and to focus on what's going right in their lives. I'm also doing a feature story about a sports center for disabled adults and children. I want to unwind before deciding on my next book topic.

Does your family take an interest in your writing; do they read and critique your work? 

Not a chance. I refuse to let family members or friends coddle me. I submit my work to honest, critical colleagues unafraid of hurting my feelings so I can stay fresh, effective and memorable.

What is your particular challenge when writing? 

Getting into the reader's mindset. For some reason, men read my journalism and books far more than women. I'm still trying to figure out why that is. My hunch is that they like my problem-solving approach to life. Women adore my sense of compassion and jokes.

Are you a morning writer or do you write better at night? 

I am definitely a morning person. I drop at night. If I have evening plans I need a BIG nap first so I can stay awake for them.

How have you promoted your book; do you think self-promotion is important?  

Promotion is CRITICAL!!!!!!!!!!! The world at large doesn't know I wrote a book so I have to inform of them it and clue people in to how the books can help them. I study how to do it from the professionals (a major time sucker). I have a blog, posters, E-mail signatures and a website devoted to promoting my written work. I also do speaking engagements plus I'm making some videos of that. I went to a beach far, far from where I live to unwind with friends a few weeks back. I was mobbed by grateful readers who recognized me.  That unplanned promotional effort was fun. So was the sun and surf.

What is your genre of choice for writing and reading and why? 

It varies. I get sucked in to good writing no matter the topic. I own lots of books about comedy, history, biographies, art. Children's literature sends me to heaven, so to speak. Kids are so real. Some children's authors do a world of good for adult readers who enjoy their take on life.

How do you handle writer’s block; rejection letters?

In 1997 I wrote a novel about terrorists who stole a US military plane to punish the USA for being what it is. I posted my rejection letters from publishers on my "Wall of Shame" so I could laugh and motivate myself to work harder. The book was picked up for publishing rights soon after 9/11. I've rarely suffered writer's block. It seems to come from frustration about something unrelated to the topic. I try to stay emotionally at ease. I'll indulge in humorous literature or videos to relax again, or spend time with friends. Because I do that anyway, I rarely go into writing or other kinds of slumps.

Have you taken any writing courses; which ones; where? 

I used to be a creative writing English teacher (I began my HIM career to support my college tuition). You know the old saying, "There's a frustrated writer in every English teacher?" WOW was it true in my case!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?  

How prescient I can be. I loaded my 2nd edition with ways to acquire affordable health insurance and low-cost or free medical care before the financial tsunami swept the world. The whole world needs my book now

Do you hear from your readers; what kinds of things do they say?  

They love the easy-to-read format of the first "It's MY Crisis!" edition because I used large fonts and creme-colored paper easy to visualize for tired eyes. Many readers like the ease of reading the 2nd edition of It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To: EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge on their monitors.

What do you think makes a good story? 

Cliff-hangers with happy endings. My life has been one and people are reading all about it in both versions of It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To. Do you know why I entitled the books that way? Because someone listened to me cry about my then-brain tumor in 2005, a benign thing endangering my entire life after blinding me - and she told me I had no right to cry because GOD only challenges us according to our capabilities! I'd been told I was dying and she's telling me I have no right to cry!

I wrote my books to help people to persevere. I included advice about what to tell insensitive people like that. I also sell a bookmark as "License to Cry." Readers keep it in their wallets or post it over their hospital beds if they don't put it on the 'frig or in their book.

BTW, I tell the post-surgical story of how I recovered my vision in those books, despite doctor predictions that I'd never see again. I like revenge that's productive, not destructive. I made it a hobby to prove some doctors WRONG. Several are now following my case because not only does my sight continue to improve (my eyewear prescription was lowered 14 times in 4 years!), my bones, muscles and overall health are in the condition of a woman HALF my age! I'm younger than my birth certificate.

What writer’s groups or organizations do you belong to?

None. I used to belong to groups when I lived in the USA, and I lead one, too. I taught private students in Israel after relocating here in 2002. All of them became published writers! But somehow I never joined a writing group here. I socialize with a few writers, so we banter about our professions in the middle of everything else we're doing. I guess that suffices for me.

What are your views on eBooks and audio books? Are you published or plan to publish in either media? 

It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To: EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge  is an E-book, and it almost didn't become one! A hacker messed up my manuscript as I was submitting it to my publisher. I was so unnerved I decided to produce a print edition. Then colleagues convinced me to join the more popular digital reading revolution. After rewriting the entire book by piecing together printouts and E-mails of when I asked colleagues for critiques of specific passages, I presented my first E-book to the world. I'm still catching my breath from the physically and emotionally exhausting experience!

I advocate the use of audio books because not every person reads with their eyes. I listened to books to when I was bedridden and recovering from life-saving brain surgery. Blind people need audio books, too. And when I was an English teacher (slap my knuckles if you must, but be gentle), I coaxed my students to listen to professionally acted audio books. I focused on getting them to have fun with the drama of it all. Kids HATE to read assigned homework, especially novels. The recordings helped them to comprehend written materials (I mean really, who speaks like George Elliott, Chaucer or Shakespeare these days?) and to pass my tests. Hmmm, now that I've shared this with you and your readers I'm considering going audio!

Do you have any advice that you’ve picked up along the way to share with other writers?  

Yes, KEEP IT FUN! If you make your writing master your time and the quality of your life, it therefore goes to pieces, nothing will be worth writing.

What is it you want the reader to know about you that wasn’t covered in the interview?  

Tell seriously ill people, medical professionals, social workers and everyone you know about It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To: EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge . Medical and mental health professionals praise it on the cover and some of their colleagues use it at work! One shrink tells me that his patients call him less.

"They're using your book and feeling better for it."

Check out my book-related blog, http://itsmycrisisandillcryifineedto.blogspot.com/

Tweet me on http://twitter.com/yochevedgolani

Hire my writing services at http://www.linkedin.com/in/yochevedgolaniink

 
Yocheved Golani http://www.linkedin.com/in/yochevedgolaniink
http://twitter.com/yochevedgolani
www.yochevedgolani.com and
http://itsmycrisisandillcryifineedto.blogspot.com/

 

 

                   Magdalena Ball

      Writer, Reviewer, Manager, Marketer

 

Tell the reader a little about yourself; where are you from?  I was born in NYC either smack bag on Generation X or at the very end of the Baby Boomers (depending on how you want to date).  I’ve been living in Australia now for about 20 years and can’t imagine living anywhere else right now (fairly well rooted).  I’m a multitasking writer, reviewer, manager, marketer, poet, mother, friend, and correspondent, not always in that order. 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer; what got you interested?  I’ve always been a reader (slid very early from being read to, to reading to myself – I was about 4 or 5) and for me writing was a kind of extension activity of reading.  I always loved words and stories and playing with images, characterization and so on was part of the pleasure I got from reading, and when I finished the book and there wasn’t another one around, I decided to make my own.  The activities of reading and writing are intrinsically linked for me, particularly when I’m reviewing, but also doing my own creative writing.

Do you write full time?  No.  I also do lots of other things – some of which pay better than writing, and some of which are more imperative (someone is shouting my name) than writing, although I like to think that there is some kind of semantic link between everything I do.  I’m always thinking about writing when I’m not actually doing it though (even when it seems improbable!), so it’s possible to stretch my answer to a kind of fuzzy yes! 

How many books have you written; how many of them are published; which one is your favorite?  I’ve had one novel published (Sleep Before Evening), three poetry chapbooks (Quark Soup, She Wore Emerald Then, and Cherished Pulse  - the last two collaborations with Carolyn Howard-Johnson), and one nonfiction book (The Art of Assessment).  I’ve got a full length poetry book being released by BeWrite Books in December this year (Repulsion Thrust).  I’ve got another novel half written, and another poetry chapbook about half done too and am working on both.  Of course the one about to come out later this year is my favourite since it’s the most recent, and I think it’s fairly hard hitting and topical.  But that said, my novel Sleep Before Evening was the biggest, hardest piece of writing I’ve ever had to do and probably due as much to the difficulty as to its actual value, I think it will always have a certain particular value for me that the others, which were easier, won’t have. 

How long does it take you to write a book?  Depends on the book; I could probably knock over a full length nonfiction book in about 4 weeks solid writing.  A novel might take me four years!  A poetry book, say, one year.  These timings may vary depending on the work, my life (how much I’m juggling), and the overall difficulty/complexity inherent in the themes and structures I’m playing with. 

Who or what inspires you to write?  Anything; I’m particularly inspired by my children, my husband, my parents, my grandparents, New Scientist magazine, NASA, the SETI project, the world around me, the universe, various television shows, other books that I’ve read, the chickens in the back garden, the News, pain, joy, music, and um, let’s say, the weather, just to round off the sentence!  I try to keep myself open. 

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?  I wish I could say that I write every day with the most beautiful consistency – say, from 8am to 12 without fail, but that wouldn’t true.  I’m always writing, and my work schedule is completely erratic – as and when I can basically.  It might be a sentence here and there, or a full scale two hour poetry writing session, or a half hour article, or some blog writing, or three hours on a single review.  There’s no real schedule other than that I do try and plan in what I’m going to get through each day. 

What kind of research is involved in your writing?  At the moment, for my next novel, I’m doing all sorts of research on the Voluntary Simplicity/Downsizing movement in Australia; on corporate overload; and on farming practices in Tasmania (which will give you some idea of the plot).  For any particular poem, there might be some short term, generally online based research around whatever topic I’m inspired to write about – it can vary a lot (see list of inspiration above!). 

Do you have other interests and hobbies you pursue when not writing? Reading, of course - I’m always reading, even when it doesn’t look like it, and my family – I’ve got gorgeous, full-on children and a great husband, and I like to cook, eat, and swim.  I’m doing a Masters in Marketing as well, which I’ve only just started (wasn’t busy enough). 

What are you reading at the present time?  Andrew Thelander’s Last Birds (interviewing him next month), and just started Sofie Laguna’s One Foot Wrong, and Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book (which I had to wrench away from my eldest son, who is a big Gaiman fan). 

Do you have an agent; who and how did you find him/her? Not yet.  I’m thinking that I might go hunting after I have my next novel published.  Then I’ll have two under the belt plus a full length poetry book, and maybe, if I’m really lucky, one bigish prize of some description.  Then I’ll be hot property and will need management! 

Have you ever self-published your work; who was your publisher?  My main publisher was BeWrite Books (www.bewrite.net) – a smallish traditional publisher.  They published my novel Sleep Before Evening, and are also publishing my upcoming poetry book Repulsion Thrust.  My chapbook Quark Soup was published by Picaro Press, a small traditional poetry publisher.  I’ve self-published a few poetry chapbooks, and found it fairly straightforward, but for full length books, I like the editing filter that a traditional publisher provides.  I’m not sure you could purchase that kind of editing and packaging.  Or maybe you could but it wouldn’t be easy. 

What is your current work in progress?  Black Cow.  Here’s my elevator pitch:Graeme Archer is the well respected Chief Executive Officer of a large multinational corporation, facing a “tree-change” when his health problems worsen, and his busy family life starts to disintegrate. 

The story tracks the family as they downsize from a ritzy suburb to a small Tasmanian farm, and the mega-challenges they encounter as they attempt to change their lives from super consumers to super conservers. The novel is intended to be light-hearted and entertaining, but it explores serious issues: the modern dilemma of ever increasing workloads, work-a-holism, and the impact of the economic crisis on working families, and over-consumption on the environment. 

Readers will be attracted to the book for the way in which it explores these topical issues and presents a possible solution, but it will also appeal to those looking for the door-opening, perspective changing prose that literary fiction tends to have.

Does your family take an interest in your writing; do they read and critique your work?  My mother has been particularly valuable in reading, critiquing, and proofreading my work.  She was a professional proofreader for a big publishing house at one point and has an eagle eye for errors, but is also brilliant, as mothers tend to be, at bolstering my confidence and making me feel good about what I’ve done.  She manages to toe the line between critique and support very well indeed! 

My husband, whose opinion I treasure greatly, is a little tougher – I can’t get away with any sloppiness at all with him, so he does critique my work, but only when it’s almost ready for publication!  As for my children, it depends on how adult oriented the work is!  I haven’t let them read my first novel Sleep Before Evening at all, even though my 12 year old is well and truly capable.  It’s definitely not for children.  That said, they are all very supportive, and at the launch of my poetry book Quark Soup, the kids all did the selling for me while I just had to sign.  They were fantastic. 

What is your particular challenge when writing?  Time; I do so much juggling that finding and prioritizing the writing over other things is always a challenge for me, especially with longer term projects like a novel.  It’s so easy to get something else done and completed, that making sure I keep working on the longer term stuff takes a lot of discipline. 

Are you a morning writer or do you write better at night?  I’m definitely a morning writer.  I can work perfectly from about 4:30am, but after 10pm I’m hopeless and tend to fall asleep on whatever I’m doing (reading usually). 

How have you promoted your book; do you think self-promotion is important?  I think that the term ‘Marketing’ is a better one than ‘self-promotion’, though of course I know what you mean.  The reason for saying this is that I feel strongly that the key aim of promotion is to ensure that our target market knows what value we’re providing to them. In other words, creating relationships with my readers and providing value to them is what most of my promotional attempts have been about.  They don’t generally involve selling (I leave that to my kids!), but rather, creating the kind of buzz that will help them recognize and think of me when they’re looking for a great reading experience. 

I’m a pretty intensive marketer (I don’t think that any modern author, regardless of the publisher, can survive without taking ownership of marketing their work), and because I live in a remote place, tend to do the majority of my marketing online.  I would do about 5 or so in-person events, and am always willing to talk to writers’ groups, or do a reading, but most of what I do is around online content like blogging and making sure that my websites and newsletters provide value (and making buying my books easy) and building literary community.  I don’t entirely do it for promotional reasons – I also enjoy that kind of networking for its own sake (of course I’m a reader as well as a writer), which is more than I can say for selling! 

What is your genre of choice for writing and reading and why?  Literary fiction because it tends to defy genre classifications and is therefore usually (and I’ll pay for this I know) of higher quality than other genres.  That isn’t to say that I don’t like other genres (there’s plenty of sci fi, mystery, and romance in the books I read), just that if a book is so good that its genre is more or less unimportant, than it usually gets classified as literary fiction and the chances are much higher that I’ll like it.  I also love poetry. 

How do you handle writer’s block; rejection letters?  I don’t generally get writer’s block because I’m doing so many different, diverse types of writing.  If it isn’t going well on one project, I can always switch to another.  Time is so limited for me that I don’t have time to stare at a blank page!  As for rejection letters, I expect them.  Writers who don’t receive many rejection letters are probably not submitting much.  Writers who don’t handle them well won’t last long.  Rejection is definitely a part of the process and you have to learn to deal with it stoically.  If it’s a curt form letter, you use it as a prompt to re-submit work elsewhere (there are always more markets).  If there are suggestions for improvement, I always read these carefully and where appropriate, rework the writing to take good advice into account.  If I get a lot of rejections for one piece, I will often put it aside for a while and then go back to it and revise. 

Have you taken any writing courses; which ones; where?  I took a number of creative writing courses at university as electives for my Eng Lit BA, but since then, my continuing writing education is generally in the form of reading good writing books.  I have done a few mini-courses, such as the great ones available for free at the utterly wonderful Muse Online Conference (http://themuseonlinewritersconference.com/) each year, and have just (today) signed up for Penny Sansevieri’s Red Hot Web 2.0 Tricks webinar.  I subscribe to a lot of writer newsletters, and tend to download a reasonable amount of podcasts and participate in online courses like this whenever something catches my eye. 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?  Writing my first novel was a huge learning curve and I learned all sorts of things.  Probably the most important was that, ‘it ain’t over till it’s over’.  In other words, no matter how finished you think you are after your first draft, you’re probably wrong.  There’s a lot of work involved in taking a first draft to a publishable manuscript.  And I suspect that the more work you do, the better your novel will be.  I knew that revision was important, but I don’t think I had any idea of just how important it was, or how critical a differentiator it was between high quality and poor quality work. 

Do you hear from your readers; what kinds of things do they say?  Probably because of my extensive networking (someone recently called me ‘ubiquitous’) I do hear a lot from my readers, and regularly.  We tend to talk as much about other books as my own (maybe to the detriment of my own sales – that’s what comes of being a compulsive reader and reviewer!), but in general, my readers have been wonderfully supportive.  I will sometimes involve one or two key readers in the actual revising process as well, sending them work for comment. 

What do you think makes a good story?  I think that the key to good stories is ‘fictive truth’.  In other words, the story has to have an internal honesty that draws the reader in and allows us to believe in our characters and their progression.  We need to lose ourselves for a while in that fictive dream. 

What writer’s groups or organizations do you belong to?  I’m a member of two groups – one is my local Hunter Writers’ Centre: http://hwcentre.com  I’ve been a member of them for about 12 years, and they’ve been terrific, giving me large scale writing jobs, promotional support, and even a terrific mentorship on my first novel.  The second organization is one I’ve just joined (at their invitation) is the Australian Society of Authors: http://www.asauthors.org  They are also a serious organization focused on publication, and provide professional seminars, grant/funding opportunities, and collaborative opportunities.  They include such famous writers as Bryce Courtney, Helen Garner, Markus Zusak, and Garth Nix to name just a few, so I’m in good company!

What are your views on eBooks and audio books? Are you published or plan to publish in either media?  Although I do like the feel and ease of a hard copy book in my hand, I’m quite sure (and I know that there are others who won’t agree) that at some point in the not too distant future, ebooks will be the norm, and hard copies the elegant artifact oriented exception for collectors rather than readers.  I do buy and read ebooks now and read them on my netbook (little laptop) and once good quality reading screens are the norm and netbooks under $250 – we’re nearly there – then people will begin changing their purchasing habits. 

Space is at a premium, and my own bookshelves are triple stacked.  Add the fact that ebooks are faster to obtain, less expensive (should be significantly less expensive I think), and easily searched; it’s only a matter of time.  All of my books area available as ebooks as well as hard copy. 

My publisher has put out a £1.00 (about $2usd) ebook version: http://tinyurl.com/n5zpz2) of Sleep Before Evening and I have to say that I applaud their pricing. This is where all publishers have to head. 

Do you have any advice that you’ve picked up along the way to share with other writers? The only difference between a successful author and a failed one is tenacity.  You can quote me!

Shameless self promotion: (This is where you promote yourself. What is it you want the reader to know about you that wasn’t covered in the interview?)  There’s lots more for readers at my website: http://www.magdalenaball.com including a link to my blog, details about each of my books, my twitters, touring (which will commence shortly), upcoming work, more about my review site The Compulsive Reader (www.compulsivereader.com) and lots and lots of goodies for the reader. 

As I’ve mentioned, I just love the whole idea of a worldwide group of like-minded readers (not just of my own books, though of course I love them especially!) connecting virtually. Being able to discuss and interact around a book is almost like a more detailed second reading. 

I respond to all emails, and welcome contact from those who have read my books or just want to argue with me about one of my blog topics!  As for other writers, I always welcome collaborative ideas, and feel strongly that we need to support one another – there are plenty of cross-promotional opportunities at the site.  Please do drop by and connect. 

             Janet Elaine Smith

             author, editor, book marketer

Tell the reader a little about yourself; where are you from?

Sort of all over, I guess. I started out in St. Peter, MN, then moved to Spring Lake, MN, attended Bible college in Minneapolis, then went to our mission headquarters outside Philadelphia, then to Venezuela, then to Grand Forks ND where my late husband and I lived for over 35 years. Now I live in a little town in northeast Wisconsin that is heavenly. In between, Ivan and I traveled through 42 states one year from Sept-March.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer; what got you interested?

When we returned from Venezuela, after 9 years there as missionaries, I wanted to write our experiences down so I wouldn’t forget them; having heard that old age sometimes does that to a person. By the time I finished that, I was “hooked” on the whole writing experience.

Do you write full time?

I guess it depends on what you consider writing. I wish I had more time to write on my books, as that is my first love. However, I also write for several magazines regularly, do editing for other authors, am the Marketing Director for my publisher (Star Publish LLC) and try to do some marketing and public speaking for my own books.

How many books have you written; how many of them are published; which one is your favorite?

I have 20 published books to date, and I’m working fast and furiously on the next one. My favorite is A Christmas Dream. It is just a warm, fuzzy story that all ages enjoy, and it makes you realize that miracles do still happen today, even if it isn’t Christmas time.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It used to take me about a month to do a short contemporary book. My first book, Dunnottar, is a historical novel set in Civil War era Scotland. That one took me 9 months to do the research and 9 months to write it. Now, due to other restraints, I would guess probably about 3 months, but if I can really get rolling on it, less.

Who or what inspires you to write?

Human nature and life in general. There are so many fascinating people and things that happen right in our daily lives, I can’t understand people who say they can’t figure out what to write about.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

Surely you jest! As I just explained above, that is an unknown entity. It wasn’t that way in the “early days,” but life tends to get in the way of things. Besides, I am sadly lacking in the organization department of my life! Always have been, and I suspect always will be.

What kind of research is involved in your writing?

With Dunnottar, and some of my earlier books, especially the historicals, I did a lot of research at public libraries, public records from the area where the books are set, etc. That was pre-computer days. Now I can do a lot of it on the computer, but I tend to try to go to other places for backup information. While the computer is a wonderful tool for research, there are a lot of errors circulating on many subjects.

One of my favorite places for research for historicals is in old encyclopedias. I have 6 sets of them; so many of the old facts have been omitted to make room for new scientific, medical, etc. data. Also, when I have a story idea in my head, I am always on the lookout for information about that subject. And if I am doing research on something else, like genealogy, I keep notes because I never know when a new story spark might light in my head.

Do you have other interests and hobbies you pursue when not writing?

I love just people watching, mingling with other people, I do genealogy, I play the piano, organ and accordion, love to keep up on my Spanish, and am quite active in both the historical society and my church home. Oh, and since moving to WI, I have become a Red Hatter.

What are you reading at the present time?

Hungry Spirits by Alice Duncan; it is her latest Daisy Gumm Mystery. I love that character. I am lucky enough to have gotten an advanced review copy for a review. Alice is one of my many favorite authors. I’ve been reading her books for years.

Do you have an agent; who and how did you find him/her?

I have had 9 agents, but none of them ever got me anyplace. I have heard that there are some very good agents, but I wasn’t lucky enough to find them. I finally gave up and decided to do it “my way.”

Have you ever self-published your work; who was your publisher?

Technically, most of my publishers have been self-publishing or independent publishing companies. I have run through some very bad ones (some who are thankfully bankrupt, and some that are still “scamming” people). The publisher I am with now is Star Publish LLC. They are wonderful to work with. Unlike many of the so-called “POD publishers,” they are very selective in what they publish. They also offer a whole lot more for the money than most of the others do, including marketing, editing, etc. I’m very happy with them.

What is your current work in progress?

I am working on something I vowed I would never do. So many people have asked me to write my memoirs, especially covering our time in Venezuela, that I finally bit the bullet and that’s what I’m working on. When I finish that, the next book out will be an inspirational medical romance, set in Venezuela. It is completed, but I have to transfer it (by typing) onto the computer. It will be fun to have the two books come out fairly close to each other.

Does your family take an interest in your writing; do they read and critique your work?

Ivan, my late husband, was very supportive of my writing. He did not read it, but he said he heard it all while I was reading it to him while I was working on it. He often came up with some good ideas that served as the premise of some of my books. I miss that. (He died in Jan. 2008, after we had 42 years together.) My two sons are quite supportive and have read at least several of my books. My daughter has read some of them, but she says, “Mother, the whole world doesn’t revolve around your books.” That’s pretty much her attitude—until a friend of hers wants an autographed copy of one of them!

What is your particular challenge when writing?

Finding enough time to stick at it.

Are you a morning writer or do you write better at night?

I write much better in the evening. I try to get done with all my other tasks during the day so I can write at night. Often, however, that is things like magazine articles—and answering interview questions. LOL! Seriously, I really appreciate your asking me to share a bit of my life with your readers. Thanks so much.

How have you promoted your book; do you think self-promotion is important?

I promote it on the Net, in person, through bookstores, every place I can. When my first book came out, in 2000, I had no idea that an author had to promote their own books, and I certainly had no experience in marketing anything. For some reason, the things I tried once I learned that if my books were going to succeed I had to really work at it, actually worked quite well. I think it is because they were so simple that there was no way they could fail.

I figure my marketing efforts were successful for two reasons: God loved me and wanted to see them succeed, and sheer beginner’s luck. I certainly never dreamed that any publisher would come looking for me to help them with the marketing of not only my own books, but those of their other authors as well, but it has happened.

What is your genre of choice for writing and reading and why?

I like to read a lot of different genres, so it just seems natural to write in them too. I have written historicals, contemporary romances, young adult historicals, mysteries, time travels, adventures, and one of my books (Dakota Printer) has even been pegged by some readers as a Western. If I had to choose just one as my favorite, I guess it would have to be time travels. It is such fun to change history.

How do you handle writer’s block; rejection letters?

Fortunately, I don’t suffer from writer’s block. I have about 50 or 60 plot ideas in my head now, so I’m not worried about running out of ideas. Also, as I said earlier, every day is filled with possibilities, just from keeping your eyes, ears, mind and imagination open. I also don’t get rejection letters anymore. In fact, the magazines I now write for came looking for me, for the most part. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t pay my dues in that area though. I spent many years getting rejection letters. I shopped the ms. for Dunnottar around for over 20 years before it was finally published. Ivan was a big help with dealing with the rejections. When I would get a ms. back, whether it was for a book or a magazine article, he would ask me the next morning, “Do you have the ms. ready to send out today?”

Have you taken any writing courses; which ones; where?

Basically just high school and college courses, but I did well in them. Audrey Kinder, my high school English teacher, often told me that one day I would be a successful writer. I owe her a lot for her encouragement. In fact, she is a character (under a different name, of course) in my Max Stryker Mystery, Bank Roll. I just wish she had lived to see it. I hope she would have been proud.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

This sounds terribly egotistical, and it isn’t so much when I am actually writing the books, but it surprises me when I go back to read them later, after they are published, that they are actually pretty good books! I pray before I write, and I think the good Lord provides a lot of the inspiration. So, He deserves the credit for that.

Do you hear from your readers; what kinds of things do they say?

I love hearing from my readers. That is what makes the whole thing worthwhile. For the most part, they are kind and complimentary things. Once in a while I will get a negative review. At first that really bothered me, but I learned to try to see if there was a legitimate basis for what they said. If so, I learned from it. The ones that bug me the most are when people say something negative and it is obvious that they haven’t even read the book.

The most meaningful ones are when a reader says that something that I wrote has sparked an inspiration, or a positive thought. To think that you can reach out to somebody like that is just awesome. One of my readers even came up with a JES Guarantee that she said should be on all of my books. It is: “A happily-ever-after ending; A good dose of laughter; Heartwarming tales; New friends you won’t forget.” I loved it, and it is on the back cover of all of my latest books.

What do you think makes a good story?

Anything that can touch a reader’s emotions and make them relate to both the storyline and the characters. When I am working on a book, if it makes me both cry and laugh, I figure it is a good story.

What writer’s groups or organizations do you belong to?

We have a local writers’ group here in our little town that Billie Williams (the author friend who graciously brought me here when I was lost and wandering after Ivan died)and I started. Billie has pretty much taken it over, and she does a wonderful job with it.

In this little town with a population of about 200 people, we have 23 members who are extremely talented writers. I also belong to many online writers’ groups. My favorite ones are Jays Writers World, NUW (Not the Usual Way), Independent Authors Guild, READ (run by my buddy, the awesome Deb Stover), and Word Friends. 

What are your views on eBooks and audio books? Are you published or plan to publish in either media?

I don’t read e-books, so I have stayed away from them, but I realize that they are becoming an important part of today’s literary world. BlueLeaf Publications will shortly be releasing my Keith Trilogy in a Kindle format. I am also working on doing an audio book version of Monday Knight, the first book in my Women of the Week Series. It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but I’m trying to learn without lying down and rolling over. Arf!

Do you have any advice that you’ve picked up along the way to share with other writers?

The most important thing, I think, is to believe in yourself and what you write. Don’t write what the market demands; write what you would like to read if you went to buy a book. Finally, as per an old Bible college professor, Miss Reading, said: “When you get to the end of the story—STOP!”

Shameless self promotion: What is it you want the reader to know about you that wasn’t covered in the interview?

When I had my first book signing, at BDalton Booksellers in Grand Forks ND, I told people, “I know I’m prejudiced, but it’s a really good book.” Now I tell people, “I used to say that I was prejudiced about it being a good book, but now lots of other people agree with me, so it IS a good book, and I’m not the least bit prejudiced!”

If you want to feel good about life and realize that there can always be a happy ending, read a JES (Janet Elaine Smith) book. You will walk away feeling like anything is possible. As I say in my favorite book, A Christmas Dream, miracles do still happen, even if it isn’t Christmas time.

Again, thank you so much for the chance to share a bit about my life with your readers. I hope they will all head for Amazon, or most any online bookstore, or their favorite local bookstore and look for a JES Novel. If they want to tip their toe in the water first, they can find the first chapter of each of my books at http://janetesmithstarbooks.tripod.com .

 

Happy reading!

                        Cate Cavanagh

                                  author

 

Tell the reader a little about yourself; where are you from? 

I was born in in Brooklyn NY in a neighborhood that was poor but rich in the sense of community and wonderfully diverse! There were Hispanics, Italians, Jews, Blacks and anyone else you could imagine. I have wonderful memories of that community!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer; what got you interested?

I got interested as a young reader who could see what words created--I could see the people and places in the books I read and I just wanted to be able to do the same from a pretty young age.

Do you write full time?

No. I do not and frankly right now I am undergoing one of my writing blocks. I don't fret about it anymore as I know these bouts pass in their own way in their own time.

How many books have you written; how many of them are published; which one is your favorite?

I have two published (many others in the works) but right now Her Godmother is my favorite. I had a ton of fun writing that book.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Drafts are usually done within three to four weeks but the proofing and editing takes a ton of time, sometimes months!

Who or what inspires you to write?

Sometimes it's a word or sometimes it's seeing an interesting stranger that makes me begin to think of the what ifs and the story idea is born. It will often sit for a very long time before I actually begin working on it as I tend to let ideas "percolate" for some time before I know how to begin.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

When I am writing I begin writing at eleven pm at night and will write until four or five in the morning. I like writing at night and I seem to get the necessary second wind if I begin writing at that time. It is also quiet at night which I enjoy very much when I am writing.

What kind of research is involved in your writing?

I like to know my subject completely. For example, Her Godmother addresses the impact of alcoholism on a family, particularly the little girl so it helped that I was a child of an alcoholic and knowledgeable in the Twelve Step Program of AA.

Do you have other interests and hobbies you pursue when not writing?

Absolutely! I love being with my dogs, horses, cats and reading and meditating.

What are you reading at the present time?

I am jumping around a few books at the moment. I just finished a John Grisham book who I usually love but this book was dreadful! I was sorely disappointed as there was no dialogue really. It was all prose so I couldn't feel the people in the book at all.

Do you have an agent; who and how did you find him/her? 

No I do not have an agent. I hear so many things about agents I am not looking for one at this time.

Have you ever self-published your work; who was your publisher?

Yes I have. Her Godmother is published through Star Publish and I did so after an awful experience with a horrible publisher so I decided to take my work into my own hands.

What is your current work in progress?

I have a book of supernatural short stories in the works as well as a new psychological thriller I have just begun.

Does your family take an interest in your writing; do they read and critique your work?

I have full support from my family. My husband gets out of the way when I write and will pick up the slack when I am working on a project without even being asked.

What is your particular challenge when writing?

Getting the first line. I often have the title and then it just sits. The longest it sat was a year before I could come up with that first line.

Are you a morning writer or do you write better at night?

I write much better at night in the beginning. Once I am rolling I use the day to quickly type in notes for development at night.

How have you promoted your book; do you think self-promotion is important?

It is important because frankly, if you don't do it yourself it will not get done as only big houses can afford real promotion and we all know how hard it is to get into the big boys up there. Plus the turnaround can be years and I am not a patient person.

What is your genre of choice for writing and reading and why?

I love the supernatural, mystery and magical genres. I love things that bring into worlds that are different than my own. I also love poetry madly and have written quite a bit of poetry in my time. I began as a poet in fact and the discipline I learned as a poet has served me very well.

How do you handle writer’s block; rejection letters?

I don't react one way or the other at rejection letters. Like most I have gotten so many it doesn't bother me. I know my work is good. Period. What it amounts to is a pile that someone glances at and when the quota is filled, everyone else gets rejected. It's not personal. As for writer's block I just don't think about it. When that title comes I know I am on my way to writing again.

Have you taken any writing courses; which ones; where?

I took courses in high school and college. I studied fiction, poetry, journalism and so on.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

I discovered how good I really am. I am my hardest critic and when I feel as if it were written by someone else and it reads well I know I did a great job.

Do you hear from your readers; what kinds of things do they say?

Everyone I've heard from loves my work! People are already asking me for a sequel to Her Godmother which I am considering.

What do you think makes a good story?

Regardless of whether you write in the supernatural, sci fi or mainstream genres the most important thing I feel is character development. Readers need to know your characters--whether they like them or not.

What writer’s groups or organizations do you belong to?

I belong to online groups where there is much support which can be needed at times.

What are your views on eBooks and audio books? Are you published or plan to publish in either media?

Personally I prefer a book I can hold in my hands but I do think audio books are great and will be the next real wave in publishing because people can listen to a book while they are driving or doing housework and so on.

Do you have any advice that you’ve picked up along the way to share with other writers?

Research the industry. Find listings of good and bad publishers and good and bad agents. Be ready to commit to interviews, podcasts and doing your own promotions. Get on podcasts as often as you can. Eventually you will develop a following.

Shameless Self Promotion:

I am bilingual, an expert equestrienne and long distance swimmer. I was an advocate and case manager for developmentally disabled people for many years and an advocate for the elderly. I am multiracial and very stubborn. A victim of a serious neurological disease called RSD I have rehabilitated myself from near helplessness and am grateful I can write and type as at one time, I was unable to do this at all. I advocate never defining yourself by your illness and to fight tooth and nail for any quality in life you can hold onto.  You can find my book, HER GODMOTHER on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and fine book stores.

Watch the trailer for my book here:

Her Godmother

 

                         Gloria Teague

                                      author

 

Tell the reader a little about yourself; where are you from? 

This is a hard question for me to answer. I was born in Tennessee and lived there for six years. Then my mother remarried (after my father’s death) so I became an Air Force brat, moving around the world. I’ve lived in Oklahoma for 22 years but still say I’m from TN. I think that’s because my ancestors are from there and it was where my beloved grandmother lived.

 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer; what got you interested?

When I was 12 years old I won a European-wide essay contest just for military dependents. When I won I thought, “Wait—I think of something, write it on paper and get rewarded for it? Wow, I’m going to be a writer when I grow up!” But I put the dream on hold for decades. I guess I allowed life to get in the way.

Do you write full time? 

Yes, I do. I worked in a hospital for quite a while before I was diagnosed with cancer. It was while I was doing the chemo thing, my husband said, “This is a good time to start writing again.”  He was right.

How many books have you written; how many of them are published; which one is your favorite?

I’ve written seven books with five published. I’m still polishing the other two. My favorite is Saturday Night Cocoa Fudge simply because it’s about the quirky, damaged, loving women of my family.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I admit I’m slow. I know other writers will want to choke me but I don’t write every day, may go for weeks without touching my writing but then write 12 hours a day for a week straight. So I guess, on average, six months to a year.

Who or what inspires you to write? 

I’m inspired by other writers’ accomplishments. Maybe that’s being competitive but I hate for an author with a new book to ask, “Well, what are you doing right now, Gloria?”

What is your work schedule like when you are writing? 

Frantic; insane! As I’ve said, I may write for half the day at a time.  I sleep for five hours, rush through household chores and then hit the computer again.

What kind of research is involved in your writing? 

Oh gosh, as little as possible. I detest research! It’s one of the reasons I prefer to write fiction.  Of course, like everyone, I’m forced to do it at times, even with fiction.

Do you have other interests and hobbies you pursue when not writing?

Actually, I prefer to just be alone most of the time. I get into music, watching movies and reading like a fiend. But I’ve done some community theatre and a couple of independent movies. I played a “mature” hooker once in a movie. It was a comedy and nothing naughty about it.

What are you reading at the present time? 

Jodi Picoult’s Change of Heart.

Do you have an agent; who and how did you find him/her?  

No agent.

Have you ever self-published your work; who was your publisher?

Yes. I had one book with Booklocker.com (good people) and two with Publish America.

What is your current work in progress?

I have two WIP going, along with writing articles. One book is a paranormal romance and the other is a thriller.

Does your family take an interest in your writing; do they read and critique your work?

My husband doesn’t read anything I write. My oldest daughter has read some of it and my youngest daughter has read every word I’ve written. All of them are thrilled when I win an award, give a speech or have a booksigning.

What is your particular challenge when writing?

DISCIPLINE!! Like many people, I have a million excuses to not sit down and write.

Are you a morning writer or do you write better at night?

I definitely write better at night, especially in the wee hours of morning. You can find me clanging away on my keyboard at 3 am.

How have you promoted your book; do you think self-promotion is important?

Self-promotion is essential! I call/visit libraries, book stores, civic organizations to try to get an audience. I’ve learned I sell more books after I speak. I keep press kits in my car.

What is your genre of choice for writing and reading and why? 

I love fiction, both to write and to read. I want to escape the real world, that’s my entire reason for writing and reading. Two of my books are nonfiction but I’ve sold 53 short stories that were fiction.

How do you handle writer’s block; rejection letters?

I’ve never had writer’s block and doubt I ever will. I have too many story ideas bouncing around my brain to run out of material. As for rejection letters-it’s tough for anyone. For a few hours after I get one I pout. I tell myself, “Who am I kidding? Obviously I’m no good, I can’t write.” To end my own pity party I’ll pull out a scrap book and look at my accomplishments. True, my scrapbook doesn’t include being on a best selling list but there are some I’m proud to have.

Have you taken any writing courses; which ones; where?

I’ve taken two classes at a local community college in Tulsa.  One class was “99 Ways to Sell Your Writing” and the other one was “Confessing for Money”.  The best thing I got from those classes was meeting other writers.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?  

I’m not quite sure if I learned anything other than the fact that I have so little discipline.

Do you hear from your readers; what kinds of things do they say? 

Yes, I’ve gotten fan mail and it’s thrilling, especially when they’re nice. The comments are usually that the person could relate to someone in my book; that they didn’t want to put the book down until the end.  I had one guy that wished me dead because of Beyond the Surgeon’s Touch.  He said I was spouting religious “junk” (because I can’t use his actual verbiage) and he hoped I died in a fiery crash. Not true, the book is filled with short stories based on actual medical case histories. Oh well, what are you going to do?

What do you think makes a good story?

I think a good story is one that grabs me in the beginning, one that makes me care about the protagonist and root against the bad guy. I don’t want to read a book when I have to force myself to keep turning the page; life is too short and there are too many books to read.

What writer’s groups or organizations do you belong to?

I belong to and am newsletter editor for the Tulsa NightWriters. I am also a member of Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, INC. (OWFI), and Mystery Writers of Oklahoma.

What are your views on eBooks and audio books? Are you published or plan to publish in either media? 

I like both mediums. I listen to audio books on every trip and I’m glad there are ebooks out there that give many writers a shot. One of the books I’m working on now will be submitted to ebook publishers when I’m finished. They may not want it, but that’s where I’m headed next.

Do you have any advice that you’ve picked up along the way to share with other writers?

Perseverance! If writing is truly your dream, stick with it. If you need skills to perfect your craft, take classes, attend critique groups, whatever it takes to realize your dream.

Shameless self promotion:

I had a new book released in March, Beyond the Surgeon’s Touch (One Miracle Away from Death) so I’m having book signings for that and Saturday Night Cocoa Fudge. I have an article on www.youandmemagazine.com and a new one coming out (sometime) in www.writingfordollars.com., with another one already in their archives.  The first of this month I won three awards at the OWFI conference contest, two for nonfiction and one for fiction. I have web pages: www.gloriateague.com, www.myspace.com/cocoafudge and www.myspace.com/beyondsurgeontouch if you want to know more.

                     Nickie Fleming

                   Author, Freelance Writer

 Tell the reader a little about yourself; where are you from?

Hello everyone! I’m Nickie Fleming, and I live and work in Dendermonde, Belgium. I am a teacher by profession, but have now started a career as author and freelance writer. I hope to make this my new full time job soon.

I am single, and live together with my sister, who’s equally single. We have a house in Dendermonde, and a flat at the Belgian North Sea coast.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer; what got you interested?

I suppose that was when I first entered a public library. I was two at the time, and had come with my grandmother (on foot, and quite a distance for a little girl). I remember I felt so overwhelmed by all these cases of books, and wanted to take one into my hands. Since then, I always accompanied grandma to the library, and took along my first books aged 4. I could already read and write by the time I entered elementary school.

Do you write full time?

Not right now. I still work full time as administrator for a group of schools. But as of September, I’ll have to make the decision whether or not to go full time as a writer. I’m doing a bit of freelance work already, and when I got more assignments I can probably make enough money to stay at home and only write.

How many books have you written; how many of them are published; which one is your favorite?

I guess I’ve written about twenty books by now. Most of them, of course, landed in the waste-paper basket. But some of them I keep in a cupboard and they serve as primary ideas for new books.

Up to now, I have four books published. Three were published in English, in the USA, and one is in Dutch and published in Holland.

My all time favorite is the story around the Medici Diamonds. I intend this to become a trilogy, spanning a great period of time. The first book was published a Publish America (a mistake, as I now know) but fortunately the contract can be ended soon, and then I’ll do a rewrite and ask my current publisher to give it a chance. I can also write out the parts to follow then.

This diamond story is very much in the tradition of great works like The Three Musketeers, or The Scarlet Pimpernel and it is a tale of love and hate, of trust and betrayal, or right and wrong.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Oh, that really depends! When my mind is completely set on writing, I can write a novel in just a few months. But sometimes it takes me much longer!

My last release, Maria Gonzalez, took me about four years to write! This was because I had to stop each time I got going (my mother got very ill, and died later on).

Who or what inspires you to write?

That’s a tough question. I guess that, by reading stories like The Three Musketeers, or the novel of R.L. Stevenson, I felt I could write such a story too.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

Right now, I only write after hours or in the weekend.

What kind of research is involved in your writing?

I don’t do any research anymore! As a kid, I was fascinated by history, and I spent hours and hours in the library. There I wrote down cards with facts, which I still keep in my office. When I need information on a certain age or fact, I check my database and most of the time come up with the answer. For the rest, I just Google!

Do you have other interests and hobbies you pursue when not writing?

More than one! I love to read (which goes without saying) and have a vast library of books both at my home in Dendermonde as at our flat in Knokke-Heist. I also enjoy traveling and have seen a big part of the world already. To keep fit, I go walking and frequently ride my bike. I’m also a big fan of skiing and do this every season.  Sometimes I knit or do some embroidery. And when I find the time for it, I do more research on my family tree. Furthermore, I enjoy good food and a good glass of wine!

What are you reading at the present time?

Right now, I’m reading two books. One at the train on the way back and forth to work: Harlan Coben’s The Innocent. At home I’m reading Julie Garwood’s Murder List.

Do you have an agent; who and how did you find him/her?

No, I do not have an agent. I tried to find one when I decided I liked to get published, but did not succeed in landing one. And now, after closing down a deal with my present publisher, I don’t really see the need for it anymore. I trust I’m capable enough to discuss contracts and deals.

Have you ever self-published your work; who was your publisher?

Sure; I did self-publish – I had my own publishing company for about two years. But due to my mother’s illness I had to stop and hand over the company to an interested party.

What is your current work in progress?

Currently I’m finishing a second novel in Dutch.

Does your family take an interest in your writing; do they read and critique your work?

They are not overly interested. My parents used to laugh at my attempts at becoming a published author. My sister reads my books, but she never offers any comment (she’s not a keen reader, either).

What is your particular challenge when writing?

The written book should be exactly like I have in mind and see before my eyes like a film.

Are you a morning writer or do you write better at night?

I’m definitely a day writer! I can’t do any work at night, because I need my sleep.

How have you promoted your book; do you think self-promotion is important?

I try to promote my work by being present at most social networks (like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, just name them…). I’m also a member of various writing forums and discussion groups. While you can do your best, a lot also depends on the efforts your publisher makes.

What is your genre of choice for writing and reading and why?

I write historical fiction with lots of adventure, because I feel I’m best at that. I’ve also tried something different recently – a collection of short stories to be published around Halloween. These are a mix of horror and romance.

While I loved to read the classics when I was younger, nowadays I prefer to read a good thriller – one in which the author can surprise me. Few reach that goal. Harlan Coben does, and I’m a great fan of his work. I’m equally fond of John Connolly’s work, and that of Jeffery Deaver and Christopher Fowler.

How do you handle writer’s block; rejection letters?

It’s quite simple: I only write when I feel like it. It can happen that I don’t write a single paragraph for a couple of years. Since I’m not bound by contract to deliver a new book once or twice a year, it causes no problems.

Rejection letters tend to make me more determined. I kept on querying publishers until I found one willing to accept my work.

Have you taken any writing courses; which ones; where?

No, I have never taken a course in writing. You can either write, or you can’t. I did read English Literature though, and have a master’s in it (with another one in linguistics).

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

What surprises me every time is that my characters tend to lead their own lives. Sometimes a character behaves in a way that is not expected, but is good for the outcome of the story.

Do you hear from your readers; what kinds of things do they say?

Readers write me to tell me how they loved reading the book. Up to now I’ve never received a negative reaction! What made me laugh, was the mail from someone who had actually checked out some facts in a book (when did the sun settle in London in 1585, on a specific date in December). I had just made a guess at it, but according to this guy I was completely right!

What do you think makes a good story?

There should be a storyline in it that appeals to the reader. And I’ve found out that most of them also want a happy ending.

What writer’s groups or organizations do you belong to?

I am a member of Absolute Write Water Cooler and of Writing Forums.

What are your views on eBooks and audio books? Are you published or plan to publish in either media?

EBooks are the future. More and more people start to read them. I frequently see people with a palm reader on the train, and this is just the beginning.

My latest release is available in both e-book format and printed version.

Do you have any advice that you’ve picked up along the way to share with other writers?

My only advice is: believe in yourself, don’t get disheartened and never give up.

Shameless self promotion:

Check out my website, www.nickiefleming.com and read more about me and my work.

Did you know that I’ve conducted interviews with a lot of bestselling authors? And that I got a raven review for my newest book?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                        Dorice Nelson

                               Author

 

 

Tell the reader a little about yourself; where are you from?

 

My name is Dorice Nelson and I come from the Northeastern part of the United States. I’ve always favored the four seasons in all their glory. I even like winter and cold weather—I prefer it in the Adirondack Mountains where it’s extremely beautiful. Spent a time in the South but it was too warm for me.

 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer; what got you interested?

 

I had no real thought of becoming a writer—although I did some trade paper reporting, wrote grants and “governmentalese”—until I discovered a biased story about an 1826 murder in Albany, New York. I became incensed over the male point of view regarding women of that day and age who had little or no say in their lives. I decided I would write a rebuttal. I started it, but it now rests in a drawer as I have gone on to other things. I will go back to it though…..it’s a book that has to be written.

 

Do you write full time?

 

I tried to until I had an auto accident in July of 2008. I spent some time recovering, then my eldest son went into the hospital at the beginning of September. It’s only been this past week that we have had him back in his own home. So, since July, I’ve barely written anything worthwhile, but I’m getting back in gear now.

 

How many books have you written; how many of them are published; which one is your favorite?

 

I’ve written three books, all of which got published as soon as they were received by the publisher and I felt very lucky. I have two more under contract and can’t wait to get them finished. I think my favorite book was the first one that came out first, CLAN GUNN:GEREK. I truly fell in love with the hero and two animals; a first-class Scot, a dog and a horse. Now that I’ve learned more, I think my new favorite is going to be the new suspense novel I’m working on—VENGEANCE IS MINE. Hopefully, it will be out in 2009.

 

How long does it take you to write a book?

 

It varies with each book. The first one took several years before I got it right. The next two novels, LOST SON OF IRELAND & SARATOGA SUMMER: 1863 came quickly after that, but Vengeance is taking a long time. It’s my first contemporary, first suspense, after all the historical novels.

 

Who or what inspires you to write?

 

I don’t really know what inspires me. I know I have empathy toward animals, particularly dogs and horses. I like to have them in all my books. I love the mountains, hence The Gunn book set in the Highlands. I like Celts and write about them all the time.

 

 

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

 

Once I get into the book, I find myself thinking about it all the time. I try to write about three hours a day. If I’m in gear, I write very fast—if I’m out of sorts, I produce little of use. I have a new Mini-computer, which I am able to carry with me, and I find myself writing more now. I do know that I should be writing more.

 

What kind of research is involved in your writing?

 

 Since I write historical novels, research is an absolutely necessity. I use the Internet and hundreds of books for my research. I like to have my facts correct and then drag my characters through the times, using what I think might be someone’s reaction to the current news of the day. Right now, I’m researching Saratoga and its history of horse racing—for both of my current writing assignments.

 

Do you have other interests and hobbies you pursue when not writing?

 

Riding horses used to be one of my interests, but I’ve gotten too old to ride the kind of horses I like to ride—those wonderful thoroughbreds. I am a reader of great note. I love to read novels and do so every day so I’m in constant pursuit of my reading hobby.

 

What are you reading at the present time?

 

I’m reading two things. First, How to Write KILLER Fiction (by Carolyn Wheat) for a course I’m going to facilitate at Writer’s Village University online. Secondly, I’m reading a great book on the Irish, The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherford. Most of my characters are Celts and I love reading about them.

 

Do you have an agent; who and how did you find him/her?

 

I had no need for an agent. Someone who had read my book when they were out with another publisher started her own company, WRITE WORDS, INC. When the first company folded, she asked to publish my books because she adored them.

 

Have you ever self-published your work; who was your publisher?

 

No, I have never considered self-publishing.

 

What is your current work in progress?

 

I’ve got two in the works. Vengeance Is Mine is my contemporary suspense and mostly takes place in Saratoga, a home for thoroughbred horses. The story is giving me the willies and proving harder to write than I expected. I’m also working on the sequel to Saratoga Summer: 1863, the first story about the eldest of the five O’Malley brothers. Saratoga Winter: 1865 is the story of the youngest of the brothers. I have two more of the Saratoga series to do.

 

 

Does your family take an interest in your writing; do they read and critique your work?

 

My husband is also a novelist and is doing his fifth book. His others have been published in print and eBook formats—same publisher that I use. He sometimes reads my stuff but I’d rather have the opinion of strangers or my writing partners, otherwise it becomes a competition. LOL

 

What is your particular challenge when writing?

 

Sitting down to write; I’m a terrible procrastinator. I can always think of a million of things that I must do before writing……..not a good thing or feeling. Once I get into my writing for the day, I can sit and work for hours.

 

Are you a morning writer or do you write better at night?

 

It doesn’t seem to make much difference. Since I started going to Curves in the morning, I don’t get started until after ten or later. Down deep, I know I shouldn’t do that. I should sit down in the morning and do nothing until I’ve written at least three pages. Sometimes, if I get a good idea, I can write at any time at all.

 

How have you promoted your book; do you think self-promotion is important?

 

Self-promotion is a necessity for every author, except perhaps the biggest New York Times Best Seller authors. Both my husband’s books and mine are in our local drugstore and selling like crazy. I also do other things, workshops, teaching, talking about my books to everyone. Promotion is one of those things that an author has to do.

 

What is your genre of choice for writing and reading and why?

 

I really don’t have a genre of choice. I love to read and will read most anything I get my hands on except for category romances, whether contemporary or historical. I even like to read non-fiction.

 

How do you handle writer’s block; rejection letters?

 

Right now, I’m not handling writer’s block well. I feel the distinct need to get started working myself to pieces. My rejection letters have been so few, I can’t remember whether I felt terrible or not. I got a couple at the beginning of my career, so the editors were probably correct in their perceptions and rejections. Writer’s block is more of a problem than letters of rejection.

 

Have you taken any writing courses; which ones; where?

 

Not really, except for a number of course I’ve taken or given at the Writer’s Village University. I like the setup for the university and find it easy to drift into and out of courses. I usually give workshops and courses’ myself, a carryover from my teaching career.

 

 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

 

That writing is the hardest work of all. When I started, I thought I could whip up a story the whole world would love. It took me years for the first book, and I was horrified at all the mistakes I’d made over those years. Writing well is hard work—but good writing pays off eventually.

 

Do you hear from your readers; what kinds of things do they say?

 

I’ve been fortunate. I hear from readers all the time, and the words they’ve used have always been positive. I get good vibes from readers. They seem to love my heroes. One reviewer was completely taken by the Scottish deerhound in the Gunn book.

 

What do you think makes a good story?

 

Since I’m such an eclectic reader, I think it’s “good writing is good writing,” that makes the story. I don’t, for a minute, think that there’s one single thing to make a good book. If an idea takes hold and the writing’s good, I think the world is an author’s oyster.

 

What writer’s groups or organizations do you belong to?

 

I’m a member of Romance Writers of Writers of America and its local chapter in Saratoga SRWA. I also belong to the International Women’s Writing Guild and several online organizations. I’m slowly getting out of groups and organizations that do nothing more than stop me from working.

 

What are your views on eBooks and audio books? Are you published or plan to publish in either media?

 

At present, I am published both in print and in eBooks and my books have been selling well for several years. I would love to get into the audio market. I have wondered often, how a film group would handle my historical novels which are adventurous sagas.

 

Do you have any advice that you’ve picked up along the way to share with other writers?

 

Just to stick with it, to learn new things with every word you write and don’t let anyone discourage you if writing is what you want to do.

 

Shameless self promotion:

 

All my books are at Amazon.com; Fictionwise.com; Ebookwise.com; Mobipockets.com; Borders; the Kindle reader list and numerous other Internet sites, (CLAN GUNN: GEREK; LOST SON OF IRELAND; & SARATOGA SUMMER: 1863.) Look for Dorice Nelson.

 

Also, I would just love readers to go to Write Words, Inc. to see what a lovely selection of books the publisher has.

 

 

 

 

Ayn Hunt

 

Author

 

 

Tell the reader a little about yourself; where are you from?

 

I’m in the Great State of Texas, where I’ve lived nearly all of my life, mostly Houston. But I lived in a few dozen other states for a short time when I was growing up.

 

 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer; what got you interested?

 

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer. I came into this world wanting to write.

 

Do you write full time?

 

Yes.

 

How many books have you written; how many of them are published; which one is your favorite?

 

I have nine completed manuscripts of varying lengths. But only have rewritten and sent out five of them so far The titles of the four which have been published are:  Unwilling Killers, Obsessed, and The Haunting, which are Gothic Ghost stories (using my pen name of Ayn Hunt). And my latest, Contract Bride is a contemporary romance and best seller using Ayn Amorelli (which means ‘little lovers’ in Italian).

 

I have two favorites.  The Haunting, which seemed to write itself. I’m real proud of that. It’s been compared in reviews to an old Alfred Hitchcock movie. 

 

Then there’s Contract Bride which was hard to write, but ultimately rewarding, not only because the e-book version format of it is on the all-time best seller list at Fictionwise.com, but because of the complexity and depth of the two main characters.

 

 

How long does it take you to write a book?

 

It depends. Unwilling Killers, my first book, took two years, mainly because I was hesitant to send it out and kept rewriting it.  Obsessed, my second book, which is now out of print, took a little less than a year. The Haunting seemed to write itself and only took 6 months to write. Contract Bride though took roughly 9 months for the original and another two for the rewrite. 

 

 

Who or what inspires you to write?

 

A huge oil of water lilies, painted for me by my late Aunt Alice. She was the only one in the family who believed that someday my books would get published. It graces the wall next to my desk.

 

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

 

I usually write 6 days a week, 4 a.m. to 11 or so with short breaks. After I eat lunch and take a short nap, I rewrite what I’d written that morning. Then I work on promotion on-line.  It varies however when I’m doing rewrites for a book that has been contracted.  Then I write all day and late into the evenings.

 

What kind of research is involved in your writing?

 

For my ghost stories it was fairly easy, in that we had a ghost in our house. I was able to do hands-on research on him, watching him, studying his habits, his manner of interacting, etc.  Then I read every book I could about ghosts, to see if my conclusions matched that of the experts.

 

For my romances, I research neighborhoods I’m interested in, on-line and the types of occupations for my main characters.   

 

Do you have other interests and hobbies you pursue when not writing?

 

Sure.  I’m redecorating our old house according to the principles of Feng Shui. And I keep scrapbooks about my career (suggested by one of my editors), so sometimes I work on those. I also read for pleasure while I’m eating lunch and sometimes right before I go to sleep.  And my very favorite of all, I baby-sit my two little grand- children every chance I get.

 

What are you reading at the present time?

 

The Rainmaker by John Grisham and Therapy by Jonathan Kellerman.

 

Do you have an agent; who and how did you find him/her?

 

I don’t have an agent.

 

Have you ever self-published your work; who was your publisher?

 

 

I’ve never self-published; although I once belonged to a group of writers who did.

 

What is your current work in progress?

 

I’m getting ready to do the final rewrite on a YA novel about an abused child.  It’s something I wrote eons ago, had it interested in by a major publisher who, right before it got to committee, changed their policy and got rid of the editor who I was working with. Angry and frustrated, I dumped it into the bottom on one of my drawers.  But it’s time to resurrect it.

 

As bad as I felt at the time, it turned out to be a good thing.  It gave me time to learn the business of writing and publishing and to build up my line of credits.

 

Does your family take an interest in your writing; do they read and critique your work?

 

Yes and no.  My husband and daughter don’t. But my sister-in-law and my husband’s aunt read every one of my novels as soon as they are published.  They don’t make comments though. 

 

What is your particular challenge when writing?

 

Trying to keep track of real life when I’m doing final rewrites. During those times, I’m so immersed in my novels, I invariably burn a few meals, forget things people tell me, forget to run errands, etc.    

 

Are you a morning writer or do you write better at night?

 

Mornings, definitely! My muse is more active and I can jump quicker into my novels.

 

How have you promoted your book; do you think self-promotion is important?

 

An Author has a duty, I think, to promote their work. Who knows your book better than you? Who understands your desire, your motivation to write a particular type of book more than you do? Who can better discern the potential groups of readers for your book?

 

I promote every book (including my backlist) by arranging book-store and coffee house signings, doing radio interviews, print interviews, giving talks at libraries, putting flyers on college bulletin boards, striking up conversations when I do errands about my book.

 

On-line, I list every book I can on on-line sites, give chats and workshops on-line, maintain a free, non-fiction/promotional newsletter about ghosts with several hundred subscribers, keep an updated website (www.AuthorsDen.com/aynhunt), put up excerpts of my books on promotional days of my writer groups, fill out Profiles,  network with other writers both on-line and off, and write articles and sometimes a series for various e-zines and websites.      

 

What is your genre of choice for writing and reading and why?

 

I fall in love with every book as I write it LOL As for reading, I’m not particular.

If I spot an interesting story at the store, I’ll usually buy it if I can afford it.  I do get hooked on series characters though. If I’m fond of the main character, the author of those books has made a reader for life.  

 

How do you handle writer’s block; rejection letters?

 

Grrr. LOL.  I curse and throw things when even one of my books gets a less-than favorable review. As for rejections, I stew about them for days, wondering if the person who rejected the story has a point, or just a lack of good taste. 

 

Writer’s block though. That’s a whole different ballgame. There’s usually something going on in my life that I have to take care of then, but that I’m ambiguous about.  I have to resolve that conflict first, before I can move forward.  Or it might be my health.  I have a tendency to overextend myself and then get sick as a result of fatigue.  Then again, it might be due to my trying to make one of my characters do something they flatly refuse to do.  Once I analyze the nature of the problem, and do something, however small, about it, it usually clears up. 

 

Have you taken any writing courses; which ones; where?

 

I took a lot of journalism courses throughout high school and college.  I started out in this business writing free-lance articles, and did okay for nearly 20 years. When my daughter went off to college, it gave me time I needed to write novels.

 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

 

How quickly people’s perceptions of me changed.  I lost who I thought was a very good friend.  Without giving me a chance to defend myself, she told me exactly what she thought of me all those years I thought we were friends. The thing was I hadn’t changed.  But her view of me had. 

 

Do you hear from your readers; what kinds of things do they say?

 

Usually people email me to say how much they like my books.  But some email me if I’ve angered them. For example, in Unwilling Killers, I knocked off a heck of a nice guy who let greed get the better of him and was in so deep with the wrong kind of people, he couldn’t get out. I killed him in what I thought was a noble way.

 

But I got a lot of emails about that.  “Are you out of your mind? Why did you do something like that? Why couldn’t you have let him be injured instead? Why kill him?”  LOL 

 

What do you think makes a good story?

 

Characters; they can make or break a story.  If your readers don’t like your characters, the book doesn’t stand a chance.

 

What writer’s groups or organizations do you belong to?

 

I’m a member of nearly 80 on-line writer’s groups LOL; too many to name.

 

What are your views on eBooks and audio books? Are you published or plan to publish in either media?

 

All my books are published in both paperback and e-book forms.  I think that’s a good thing.  With the economy the way it is, many people can afford the price of an electronic book easier than paperbacks, much less hardback books. I also think it’s the wave of the future, as more of us become comfortable in using computers in our daily lives.  It’s also part of our culture. Everyone is “Going Green” and saving trees.

 

Do you have any advice that you’ve picked up along the way to share with other writers?

 

Some writers want to start at the top, bypassing smaller publishers. I think they are doing a disservice to themselves. Only by starting small can a writer learn about the business.  There’s a lot more to writing books than just the books themselves.  Getting experience with a small publisher who will help train them in all the aspects of their profession is invaluable.   

 

Shameless self promotion:

 

 

All my books (with the exception of Obsessed, which is out of print) can be bought through all dot-coms like Amazon.com, Fictionwise.com, etc, as well as at the

Publishers’ sites, where they offer free excerpts before buying them.  My website too (www.AuthorsDen.com/aynhunt ) has excerpts of my books.  I love creating memorable characters people want to be friends with, then watching them try to stay alive as I throw one problem after another at them.       

 

Part of the fun of writing for me is not knowing the endings of my books until I’m finished writing them.

 

Thank you for interviewing me, Jozette.  I’ve enjoyed it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                    Bill MacWithey

                      Author

                                   

 

Tell the reader a little about yourself; where are you from?

 

I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, my mother being attended by a midwife.  My family moved to Springfield, Illinois when I was just a few months old.  My family eventually numbered ten children, me being the third from the youngest.  Now, there are but two of us left.  I spent 22 years in the army, having joined at age fifteen.  Since that time I have been a homebuilder, director of construction for Red Lobster Restaurants, was the general superintendent for Marathon construction, where my boss was the owner, Allen Sheppard, the astronaut.

 

Through the years, I owned a paint and body shop/marine upholstery shop and, finally, a used car business.  During those years, I also had a crew of people doing home remodeling.  So, I have had a quite varied career over the years.

 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer; what got you interested?

 

I always enjoyed writing assignments in school, all the way from the first grade on up.  It is laughable now, because I knew little about fiction writing, but I began writing a science fiction story while in the army.  Of course, it was my first attempt at writing anything of novel length and it was really terrible.  I didn’t really get into writing seriously for publication until many years later but, one day, I sat down at an old Smith Corona typewriter and started writing “Freedom From Fear,” an autobiographical novel based on true experiences while in the military.  I did quite well in the army and told the story of how I enlisted at such a young age etc and the rank I attained by the time I was released from active duty.  When I started rewriting and editing, it struck me that it sounded like a complete ego trip and I shelved it.  I am just now scanning it into a computer to possibly publish it.

 

Do you write full time?

 

Having a need to be active, I sit at the computer for about four hours a day, but still do a bit of work building high-end computers and I do a small amount of boat upholstery.

 

How many books have you written; how many of them are published; which one is your favorite?

 

I have written twelve full-length novels and about a hundred short stories.  I have also written two nonfiction books.  Ten of my books were published by a division of Random House and I have self-published two more. It is truly difficult for me to judge which one is my favorite, since they are all different genres.  One of my favorites is Maybelle’s Revenge, which in fact is my shortest novel.

 

How long does it take you to write a book?

 

It takes me anywhere from three months to five or six months, not counting rewriting and editing.

 

Who or what inspires you to write?

 

I suppose one could say to a large extent ego is the driving force behind most writers.  It is nice to see your name on the cover of a book. But seriously, I have always had a burning desire to learn and a penchant for finding out why??? Why was that little dog running along a busy highway, looking at the cars going by? Was he someone’s pet that became too much trouble, so they just threw him away? I believe there is a story in everything we see or hear.  Do you have a neighbor who seems a bit strange?  Why not link him to a murder in a story, or perhaps he lost someone so dear to him he will never recover.  That is until a pretty bachelorette moves in next door and, unbeknownst to him, is a hit woman for the mob.  There is a story everywhere!

 

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

 

I sometimes write in the middle of the afternoon, but mostly in the evening from around 6 or 7 until 11 or so.  I dedicate an allotted time for writing, but never force my self to follow a tight schedule.

 

What kind of research is involved in your writing?

 

I would say I have done enough research to last a lifetime, having always been an avid reader of anything historical, scientific or futuristic.  I have studied our county’s history and the history of places such as the Caribbean at great length. The people, the way they lived, the major explorations etc.  A trip to Barbados some years ago led to my historical romance novel, Sam Lord, King of Hearts.  When writing and find I need information to make the book accurate, I stop and do research.

 

Do you have other interests and hobbies you pursue when not writing?

 

I am an animal lover, so have all sorts of pets.  A very tame Paddington bunny sits at my feet or in my lap quite a bit of the time when I am writing.  We also have four feral cats in the back yard we take care of, a big old tabby house cat and a one-year-old Snorkie dog.  I also enjoy gardening – the flower type.  I eat few vegetables anyway.  Last summer, I turned our back yard into a rock garden with lots of dry weather plants etc.

 

What are you reading at the present time?

 

I have recently read several nonfictions, such as Bill O’Reilly’s work.  I know it will sound like ego, but when reading another novelist’s work, I keep thinking I could have written this or that much better, which takes away from enjoying the book.  Also, time is of importance to me to do my own thing.

 

Do you have an agent; who and how did you find him/her?

 

No.  Boy…that was easy to answer.

 

Have you ever self-published your work; who was your publisher?

 

Yes, I retain the copyright to all my work.  In fact, I have set up a small print shop and print a lot of my own work, mainly for the purpose of putting books together myself to send to people as a way of advertising my work.  Having this ability has led to a small business of printing family cookbooks for family reunions.  A friend asked me if I could print and bind 45 cookbooks for a family reunion, which I did.  The word spread and I now do quite a few of them; one more way to stay busy.  Do you think I might be a workaholic?

 

What is your current work in progress?

 

I am currently working on three novels, Love is a Baby Ruth (romance); It’s Our World (science fiction); and a sequel to Killed by Death, Death can be Deadly. (techno thriller)

 

Does your family take an interest in your writing; do they read and critique your work?

 

There is little family to do the critiquing, but yes, my wife reads some of my work, but seldom offers suggestions.

 

What is your particular challenge when writing?

 

Honestly, I have few challenges other than interruptions by animals, telephone calls and having to stop to go to bed.  Of course, there are those days when even as much as I love writing, I just can’t do it, so watch some TV and think about how much work I could be getting done.

 

Are you a morning writer or do you write better at night?

 

If I wrote in the morning, nothing would make sense.  I find I can be most productive in the evening and mostly when the animals have gone to bed and the wife is either asleep or in the bedroom watching a movie etc.

 

How have you promoted your book; do you think self-promotion is important?

 

Promoting my work involves mostly what I said earlier; sending free copies to willing readers.  Getting book reviewers to review your work is only effective if you are a mass murderer or have eight babies at a time.

 

What is your genre of choice for writing and reading and why?

 

I suppose I would have to say techno thriller or espionage.  One reason is that a story in these genres can be set just far enough in the future that I can create things that don’t exist right now, such as a new type weapon or airplane etc.  I have watched The Hunt for Red October a dozen times.  That is a well put together book and movie.

 

How do you handle writer’s block; rejection letters?

 

Writer’s block is no real problem for me.  I would suggest to any writer to work on more than one book at a time.  If you get stuck on one, work on the other for a while.  It works for me.

 

Have you taken any writing courses; which ones; where?

 

Many years ago, I took a summer creative writing course at a local high school.  I firmly believe a good critique group, in person or online, can do more for your writing than most courses one might take.

 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

 

Again, I know it will sound like an ego trip, but I am surprised with the way I start writing without an outline and the ideas just pop up with every new page.

 

Do you hear from your readers; what kinds of things do they say?

 

Yes, I have a lot of very nice emails.  The one I like best is from a fifty year old man, who happens to be quite wealthy.  He first read Killed by Death then bought a copy of every one of my books.  He informed me he had never sat down and read a book in his life and now he is eagerly awaiting my next book after reading all my books.  I get an email from him about once a week asking me how this or that book is coming.

 

What do you think makes a good story?

 

One must make the people in the story real!  One must study people they meet and the way those people react, speak etc.  Real life dialogue is so very important.  You cannot have a woman in the Deep South speaking perfect English etc.  In addition to that, your story must be believable to the reader.  An example: “Hey, George, are you going to take me to dinner or not?”  If this is a commoner in the south she is going to say: “Hey, you gonna take me ta supper er not?”

 

What writer’s groups or organizations do you belong to?

 

A local once a month loosely organized group that just meets for coffee and bragging.

 

What are your views on eBooks and audio books? Are you published or plan to publish in either media?

 

EBooks are fine, but it is hard to find a publisher that promotes your work or truly sells much. NEVER EVER pay anyone to put your eBook on their site!  They are just ripping you off.  As far as audio books, it is quite expensive to transfer a novel to audio if you have someone do it for you.  The copies are very reasonable if you have enough market for them but, again, the market is hard to find.

 

Do you have any advice that you’ve picked up along the way to share with other writers?

 

I suppose the best advice would be to keep writing on something else while trying to find a market for a book.  Also, I cannot express enough the value of a good critique group.  Let’s face it - we all think our work is great, while others might not think so.  A good critique group will tell you the hurtful truth. You should not depend on a good friend to be honest with you about your writing, because they don’t want to hurt your feelings.  If you are going to send anything to an agent, send the most powerful paragraph in your story; just a paragraph.  But, be careful to whom you send it.  Again, there are a lot of rip off artists out there.  Your work must be truly exceptional, where a sad scene makes tears come to the eyes of a reader and funny scenes make them laugh aloud.  Again, your writing has to be real.

 

Shameless self promotion: What is it you want the reader to know about you that wasn’t covered in the interview?

 

 

I suppose I have always been a workaholic and it shows in my hours spent at the keyboard.  Also, being my age has its great advantages.  I have lived to see many things happen and know how life has been, how it is and how it might be.  Feel free to contact me at writebill@satx.rr.com I always enjoy hearing from other writers.  You can read some of my work at my website: http://www.booksbybill.com

 

Joseph R. Hayes

 

Playwright/Freelance Writer

 

 

Tell the reader a little about yourself; where are you from?

 

I am a playwright and freelance features writer - among other things. I was born in New York and spent (hopefully) half my life there; now I live in Florida

 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer; what got you interested?

 

Oh, I've wanted to be a writer all my life. The romance of language
always fascinated me. It wasn't until I had spent decades doing other
things and was finally diagnosed as an adult with Attention Deficit that
I became a writer. And in 2002 I was told by Douglas Coupland that I
should stop writing short stories and work on plays; I've never looked
back.

 

Do you write full time?

 

I do, yes. I am officially a full-time freelance writer, working for
magazines, online publications and corporate clients.

 

How many books have you written; how many of them are published; which one is your favorite?

 

Not a book writer, per se. I have written several travel books, and I'm
about to start a new series of food books, but I'm not a novelist in any
way - although one might argue that a full-length play is as much work
as a novel.

 

How long does it take you to finish a project?

 

I can finish a major feature project - that is, a magazine cover story,
for example - in a month; I can research, interview and write a typical
freelance piece in a day. It can take three months to write a one-act
play, and there are full-lengths I've been working on for years. Let's
say 1 year for a play from idea to stage, and then the slow tortuous
process of rewriting it again and again.

 

Who or what inspires you to write?

 

Myself. The world. A stray idea, an overheard conversation (particularly
an overheard conversation), a fascinating premise, a "what if" moment.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

 

My schedule is to write. If I have an assignment, that's top priority,
obviously - one must eat! I try to put one day a week aside for
"creative" work, sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't, but I try
to give myself permission to stop whatever I'm doing and write if an
idea grabs my brain.

 

What kind of research is involved in your writing?

 

What kind you want? I am a research fanatic, and sometimes while I'm
working on a non-fiction piece I'll come across a bit of information
that tickles me so much I zoom off on that tangent for a while. Several
of my plays have historic elements, and while my work is fiction my
backgrounds are 100% accurate.

 

Do you have other interests and hobbies you pursue when not writing?

 

I can't say I actually have hobbies, because I end up taking on
interests as other jobs. So my interest in jazz has led me to producing
an ongoing new jazz festival, my obsession with fonts adds to my ability
as a website designer, my collection of tiny toys gives me things to
snap for my photography exhibits.

 

What are you reading at the present time?

 

Magazines. I love magazines (that ADD again) and the New Yorker in
particular. I have almost 200 RSS feeds on my Bloglines page, and I read
the New York Times, food and technology blogs, and postings by my
friends every day.

Do you have an agent; who and how did you find him/her?

 

Nope.

 

Have you ever self-published your work; who was your publisher?

 

Not yet, but I will be shortly. I'm still researching.

 

What is your current work in progress?

 

I have a play based on events in 1945 Florida, another in the same time
period, but about the New York jazz scene. I'm writing a magazine
profile of an 18-piece brass band and another one about "green"
technology. I'm about to start a series of food books and I'm toying
with an idea to pitch to the Travel Channel.

 

Does your family take an interest in your writing; do they read and critique your work?

My lovely co-conspirator, Jennifer Greenhill-Taylor, shares in all
things creative, and we read and help shape each other's work.

 

What is your particular challenge when writing?

 

Staying on track.

 

Are you a morning writer or do you write better at night?

 

I'm a nighttime person; I'm doing this questionnaire at 10am and having
a hell of a time

 

How have you promoted your work; do you think self-promotion is important?

 

Self-promotion is all we've got, Jozette. Dizzy Gillespie talked about
finding that one person in the audience to play to, and we have to do
the same thing if we're going to be true to our voice. Fortunately, the
Internet allows us (potentially) to find lots of that one person. So I
use the Web - I'll often get an idea, buy a domain name and put up a
website the same day, just to get started.

 

What is your genre of choice for writing and reading and why?

 

Yes.
 

How do you handle writer’s block; rejection letters?

 

No such thing. Try writing on deadline for money, and you'll find out
pretty quickly that writer's block is another word for procrastination
and fear. And if you don't want rejection letters, go work in a
supermarket. Saying this only proves that you're actually sending work
out, and something to be very proud of, it puts you ahead of 90% of the
other people who call themselves writers.

 

Have you taken any writing courses; which ones; where?

 

Courses, not really. I've had the great good fortune to be at the
Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, FL, three times, where
I worked with extraordinary writers and made lifelong friendships and
working relationships.

 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your plays?

 

That I can do it! That when it comes down to it, I like my voice. That I
can always learn something new.

Do you hear from your viewers; what kinds of things do they say?

 

I have had satisfying responses from people who have been touched by my
plays, people who get very personal touchstones from what I'm trying to
say with my work. People have said that they remember musicians I
mention, that their fathers played in those bands. One person told me
that he had seen one of my plays and went home to call his brother, who
hadn't spoken to him in years. In one of my productions I had a live
band onstage, and I found that after the first two shows the musicians
were actually leaning forward to listen to the actors when they weren't
playing.

 

What do you think makes a good story?

 

People, human reactions, emotions, a bit of the fantastic, internal
logic regardless of how illogical the situation might be, believable
dialog, the kind you might overhear in a restaurant.

 

What writer’s groups or organizations do you belong to?

 

My own, I really don't have time for much else. So (cough cough) The
Burry Man Writers Center and the social network for creative artists
called Inked-In.

 

 

Do you have any advice that you’ve picked up along the way to share with other writers?

 

Do the work. Don't talk about writing, don't read about writing, don't
sit in a writing group and complain about other people's writing. Don't
sit in your room with a drawer-full of unfinished writing and wait to be
discovered. Write. Do The Work, "the work" meaning sit your ass down and
finish that book, get your play out to a theater, make business cards
that say "WRITER" on them, stop complaining and get out into the deep
end with the rest of us who actually expect to be read by someone.
Believe in yourself, because nobody else will if you don't

 

Shameless self promotion: What is it you want the reader to know about you that wasn’t covered in the interview?

 

Oh, that's a big door to leave open! Let's let my 1001 websites do it.

I run/produce/own and co-own/curate and just plain AM these websites:
The Plays of Joseph Reed Hayes - www.josephreedhayes.com
my freelance page - www.jrhayes.net

The Burry Man Writers Center: resources for a worldwide community of
writers, online since 1996  - www.burryman.com
Inked-In: social networking for creative artists - www.inked-in.com
Burry Thoughts: the blog of The Burry Man and Inked-In - http://burryman.blogspot.com
tINKer: a social network for teen writers - www.tr.im/tinker
Jazz On Edge: a festival of new jazz in Central Florida - www.jazzonedge.com
Convention Eats: restaurant recommendation service for convention planners www.conventioneats.com
AND COMING SOON:
The Spice Maven
Books On The Map