Wil A. Emerson interview with David Alan Binder

 Bio from website:  The setting provides peaceful inspiration but often my characters are drawn from extensive travel throughout the U.S. and Europe.

After twenty years in the health care profession, I decided to pursue a long held dream to write novels for publication. My main focus is on mysteries but my first success came in women's fiction--Taking Rosie's Arm, which I recently reworked as Autumn Rose, Book 1 of the Rosie MacIntosh Series. I frequently contribute to Smashwords.com where you can find suspense, humor and good old fashion romance with happy endings.

          My creative outlet has a few arms. Never one to shy away from multitasking, I am the Emerson chef, Bar-B-Que meister and campfire tender. During some relaxed moments, I take up a brush for painting acrylic ocean and nature scenes, still-life and whimsical flowers. Take a look at What's on Canvas to see the latest rendering.

Because of my interest in nursing and the medical field, I serve as director of a prescription assistance service. Along with several volunteers, I obtain prescribed medications for individuals without prescription insurance or who have fallen into the 'low income' bracket. This work is a very satisfying endeavor.

I live by a lake so my need for water is always filled…kayaking, paddle boarding or boating. I also enjoy travel, playing with my grandson, and supporting worthwhile causes. The photo above was taken of my husband and me at the end of the 2015 Color Run) Grand Rapids Color Run, wahoo record time!

Of course, the writer prevails, and there is always a work-in-progress as well as reviews of other authors' work, mostly in Crime and Suspense.

Also, feel free to stop by my blogs: http://wilaemerson.blogspot.com/ and https://wilaemerson.wordpress.com/

 

Website:      www.wilemerson.com

 

1.     How do you pronounce your name? 

Easy….Wil as in the will to write, to never stop…..

 

2.     Where are you currently living?

U.S.   Michigan and N.C.

 

3.     What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far? 

That is necessary to keep writing. The first is never the best….you learn more about characters with every revision.

 

4.     What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?  

Writing quirk: too many stories to write so I have several projects going at one time. I never forget a character…not even when ‘she/he’ has been put to bed, on the shelf.

 

5.     Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?         

Go for a publisher…but it takes as much time as the writing…you must pursue constantly until you reach one who will say yes.

Self-publish is you want—it can’t hurt. 

 

a.     Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they? Currently Thorndike Press, Five Star, various online magazines, Amazon.

 

6.     Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?      

No secrets…it is hard work and 75% luck.

 

7.     How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent?  Any tips for new writers on getting one?

Luck is on your side if you get an agent.

 

8.     Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?   

Write, read lots of books…

9.     What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?  

It surprises me daily that the characters speak for their self. I know little about them until they tell me who they are, what they want.

10.                        How many books have you written?  

Seven completed.

11.                        Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?

There are no tricks or tips, it is all about writing and writing and writing.

 

12.                        Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?

Twists are the unexpected. Some writers like to shock, some like to disappoint, some like to provide the worst scenario. As long as it gives cause to the character’s persona, quest, then it works. And sometimes you give the expected, too-- A twist in itself.

13.                        What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?

Heartfelt…I don’t know how to not be emotional.  So if you read Taking Rosie’s Hand you’ll remember the emotional relationship Taylor had with Rosie.

 

14.                        What are some ways in which you promote your work?  

Not a good promoter. That is the awful side of writing. If a book sells, good. If I need to sit and wait for someone to come and ask for a signature, I’d rather stay home. It takes too many hours of time and nets little profit. Ads on the website or internet—anywhere you can put the book, is enough.

 

15.                         What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?

Push for a NY agent.

 

16.                        What saying or mantra do you live by?

Don’t give up. ---And---It’s important to write because I like to write.

 

17.                        Anything else you would like to say?

Writing is not for wimps.  Consider that most people will never read your stories. If they do, they won’t like them at all. Then keep writing. And write again and again.