Post date: Feb 14, 2016 3:54:03 PM
June Mita interview with David Alan Binder
Facets blog with current information - https://pridejulyns.wordpress.com
Purchase Facets on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Facets-Julyn-S-Pride/
Purchase Facets at Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/facets-julyn-s-pride/1122676053?ean=9780692475379
Read Diary on Booksie - https://www.booksie.com/posting/julyn-pride/diary-of-a-lower-middle-class-american-424862
Follow Julyn on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Julynpride
Facets Photo Gallery view or purchase - https://junemita.smugmug.com
1. How do you pronounce your name (only answer if appropriate)? The name Julyn is a combination of my first and middle name, June and Lynne. So phoenetically it would be Jew - Lin.
2. Where are you currently living?
Connecticut
3. Where would you like to live?
Connecticut
4. Why did you start writing? I was inspired to write lyrics in the 70's because of John Denver. I was a bad composer, but a decent poet so I changed from lyricist to poet. The real catalyst was Advanced Composition in 10th grade. The teacher required we keep a journal of our feelings and thoughts. Well, my handwritten journals now number about 50. That is where I go to get lots of ideas for poems and short stories. The journals also serve as a place to try experimental writing, and the journals are often the place to write character sketches and roughed out chapters. Any dream or idea I have will usually be written in my journals first.
5. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
Never give up.
6. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I prefer writing by hand in a converted garden shed with no electricity. I use oil lamps or candles when I write in the shed at night. I am a big Walden Pond fan.
7. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?
I self published. Insights? Well, you should have a few thousand dollars to start, to pay for ISBN's, software that is compatible with your choice of print company, and designers. I have graphic art experience so I already have lots of photos and software to make my book covers. I am technologically savvy so understand word processing, pdf conversion, and I also use Strunk and Whites Rules of Gramnar to do my own editing and to be my own ghost writer.
8. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
If you can do it, create an ebook with your print copy. I opted for print on demand through Create Space and through Ingram Sparks. The nature of my book "Facets: Homespun Poetry and Photography of New England" does not convert to an ebook very well, so I chose not to do an ebook.
9. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published? Do research. See what writer's organizations exist in your state. Do not get caught up in trying to be on the bestsellers list. It will only deter you. It isn't always about dollars. Do not fear rejection, because you will be rejected time and time again. Writing is not for the faint hearted.
10. How did you acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one? I did not get an agent. Few agents will touch a book of poetry. It is the one genre where you are primarily on your own. I did buy a book on the subject of finding an agent. I will use it when I am ready to publish my short story collection.
11. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? It is all in my head. I observe human nature and record my thoughts about what I see and hear day to day. Hemingway said to write one true sentence a day. That means word for word, something you said or heard someone else say. I dream words and sentences sometimes. For my book Facets, I wanted to publish my photography, and realized to combine poetry and photography was a match made in heaven. I began picking photos of mine that matched poems I had written, then I looked at photos and wrote new poems to go with the photo. Then I wrote poems and created photos that showed some aspect of the poem. Most are from personal experience.
12. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers? Start with what you know. For instance, the collection of short stories I am working on is based on growing up in a farm town. I am fictionalizing the experiences and embellishing them as I write, adding fictional situations to a true life experience. The collection will be titled Chronicles of Wabbaquasset. I hope to complete it by next year.
13. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
It didn't cost as much as I thought it would. I already had so much of the required software that I had to invest very little in coming up to speed with the current publishing industry.
14. How many books have you written? "Facets: Homespun Poetry and Photography of New England," is my first book with an ISBN and a Library of Congress number. I self published and self printed another book many years ago called "Penobscot Woman: Journey To Enlightenment." That one will eventually be officially published when the climate for Native American spirituality is gaining momentum again. I also wrote another online book. It is called "Diary of A Lower Middle Class American." It is available to read on Booksie.
15. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer? I am still learning the craft. I will always be learning the craft.
16. We’ve heard that it is good to provide twists in a good story. How do you do this?
I have not successfully done so.
17. What makes your book stand out from the crowd?
That still remains to be seen. I would say that because the book is an interrelated concept book of poetry, done in "chapters" combined with photo "poems" it is something of a breakthrough piece. Let's just say I am developing a unique style of writing.
18. What are some ways in which you promote your work? Book clubs, lectures at libraries, exhibits of my photos at galleries and through art organizations.
19. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing) and why?
I would have started serious writing pursuits and publishing much earlier. I am already near retirement. I don't have lots of years more to be the writer I always wanted to be.
20. What would you like carved onto your tombstone? Or what saying or mantra do you live by? I won't have a tombstone. I will just dissolve into the woods and become a legend.
END OF INTERVIEW
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