1) How did you become an author and get published? Share your experience.
The jury is still out on whether I am a 'writer' and although I have published several books here and there, I don't consider myself 'published' by any means. When the phone rings and there is a honest-to-God publisher on the line asking for a submission? I'll think about it all then. Right now, I'm just learning and having fun meeting readers who kinda think I have some possibilities on the horizon. Maybe the journey is the important part, yeah?
I hate trying to market a product I know has those possibilities when a billion other hopefuls have that same dream. It all seems improbably at this stage, so you have to keep plugging along and hope something clicks.
2) When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?
Even if I'm involved with a current project and a plot bunny rears its ugly head? It calls to me and I have to take notes and get a rough outline in my head before I can return to finish what needs to be finished. When the muse strikes, I better open the door.
3) Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?
The characters that require the most work, for me, are the sub-characters that are just as important as the leads. Or I have found them to be the 'meat' of the stories. They do not just fill space. They warm and excite and make a person think about the possibilities. I love sub-characters and give them all the attention and love they deserve. Well, I guess, if I do my job, they can accomplish all that. I try very hard to do them justice.
4) Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?
I, personally, do not make a move without an outline. I do write spontaneously but only after I have it in my head, the direction I need to go. Organic comes with the humor. The characters, once I feel comfortable with them, we play...and that is the best time in my writing process.
5) Tell us what you enjoy most about writing [genre].
I love writing anything with history involved because I always do copious amounts of research. I want to do justice to any period I write about. I find it difficult to just sit down and write from a cold start. If I research, then I feel like I have time traveled a bit and visited a really cool era. It's a trip. And I enjoy them immensely.
6) What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [genre]?
Murder mysteries are the most challenging for me because of all the detail needed to make an murder interesting, then the writer has to remember all that detail but I do love when it all comes together into a feasible plot that makes the reader go...damn, didn't see that one coming!
I also find time travel challenging. You should see the post it notes on my computer station when I'm trying to figure out timelines! It's not for the faint of heart.
7) Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in [jobs/education] in your writing?
I think a writer uses each and every aspect of his/her life in writing their stories. It is what makes a story so 'human' and relatable to the reader.
We all experience certain moments in life and to transmit one through a character that is also at that point, then the reader can sit back and say...hey, I get that. It's important.
8) Do you identify with your main character, or did you create a character that is your opposite?
I put myself into my stories. Not going to lie but it's always as some minor character that has a 'shining moment'. I'm mostly the comic relief, I suppose. But as for the main characters? No, they create themselves if I listen closely enough and pay attention. I don't have too much say in their stories. I just sit quietly, let them do their thing and type what they tell me. It works that way best.
9) Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
A lustful, passion-filled, swoon-worthy romp with warm sensuality. (THE WITCH OF THE GLEN: A VIKING LOVE STORY)
10) Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?
The one thing I try to include in any of my books, is humor. I believe humor is God's way of saying, everything is going to be just fine. Don't sweat it. Laugh about it and move on. Life is a learning process.
No one gets it right on the first or second, or sometimes, even eighth try. It will be okay, so...enjoy. I want the humor to shine through whether I'm writing a murder mystery or love story or sci-fi attempt. I'm going to try to make you smile a bit.
11) As an author, what critique has been the most challenging for you to receive? On the other hand, what compliment has been the most rewarding?
The compliments that offer over surprise that the writing was better then they thought it would be, maybe?
The most challenging critique is the one who attacks the author personally. You have two choices in that case. The reader doesn't really know you or anything about your life so he/she is just lashing out like any stranger might with something that annoys or irritates.
So, take the high road and try to shrug it off. Remember there are so many who saw the possibility and stated as much. It hurts, of course because we are all human, but humans can be incredibly kind as well as cruel. Hang with the kind ones. You'll be happier.
12) Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?1. What is your favorite line from your book?
Writing is a lonely, sometimes desperate vocation. One must be fully committed and confident in themselves. Writing is only one aspect of the process. Which in itself is daunting. But the love of the written word cannot be stilled. Give yourself wings to fly and nothing can ground you.
Favorite line from my book? "That feels so good, Starlight." the man closed his eyes to savor. "Your flesh is so hot and welcoming." he squirmed against the sensation, grunting lasciviously. "Open wider for me."
And my advice to my younger self? Become a truck driver, forget this writing nonsense.
13) To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?
My favorite chapter is out of an old story I posted. I wrote it many years ago but still love the characters so much, they are like old friends when I revisit them. 'Love Letters to a Soldier'.
The first chapter gave me fits. I tried so hard to put the reader back into WWII with the soldiers that were in the field. Not the killing, so much. But the everyday, human difficulties, the longing for home and familiar surroundings...the interaction between a man and another man who relied on each other for their very lives.
It was so hard. I still have nightmares that I didn't do them justice. So, what came out of it was a chapter I could live with, and I think...they would not have objected to, too awfully much. Fingers crossed on that one.
14) What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?
I think a man can aspire to 'higher aspirations.' It's kinda sad, that a man doesn't take the time and effort to read some of the romance novels floating around.
I know the 'dialog' turns them off but maybe the sentiment expressed behind that smarmy diatribe is what the woman is after. The kindness, the tenderness, the attention to detail. It would go a long way with their girlfriends and who would get the benefits? They...would, the guy.
Show a little interest and that interest will be repaid ten-fold, guys. Sometimes, it just takes a look for a woman to melt. What comes before that look counts.
15) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like long walks along the beach, quiet sunsets....
Alright, I took a shot.
I like to hang with my friends out by the firepot outside (it's cold here) and toast marshmallows and just talk smack. Hot chocolate and shooting the bull? It's freedom at its finest. I love shopping for xmas presents along about now. I love the festive holiday stuff. I'm a sucker for nostalgia. Dinners with the extensive family.
My God, I'm a walking Currier and Ives advertisement. Shoot me now.
16) Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?
BATMAN!
Okay, seriously? I wanted to join the space program. I am still very much interested in technology. Elon Musk for me, is one of our most talented innovators. We need more people like him with a vision and purpose.
Our country was founded by such men and made great by their efforts. I think there are so many like him out there, but they have been told 'it's not possible' or feasible for so long now, they are starting to lose hope.
I know a new generation of such dreamers are emerging. I can't wait to see what they accomplish!
17) Where do you like to write? In a coffee shop? In your home office? On the beach?
My idea of writing heaven? I am surrounded by teenagers and young kids and adults, like most of you writers. I go into my office and shut the door but if I could, a few weeks on a beach somewhere? It sounds like heaven to me.
I have been known to jot notes down on McDonald napkins though, so...it is what it is.
18) Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
I usually don't, but when I was researching the 1940s. I found the music of that era will actually put you back into time. The sensations, the goose-flesh moments?
They will come when you are setting a scene and hear the same music playing your characters are dancing to. Wow! What a kick! Moonlight Serenade? String of Pearls? I wonder if the people of that time felt the same emotional depth. What an amazing question.
19) What other hobbies do you have outside of writing?
I'm sorry, I don't understand the question. What is a hobby????
20) Are any of the characters in your book based on people in your real life? If so, can you tell us more about that process and how it influenced your writing?
One of the stories I wrote, got picked up in a military setting and was passed around, chapter by chapter as it became available on a fanfic site. One of the soldiers fell in love (lust) with the main character in the book and was certain she was one of my friends and wanted to meet her.
I actually do take characters sometimes from real life but not this particular one, so I tried to explain, she didn't exist. He was heartbroken and angry with me (he thought I was lying, I think) and was just not a happy camper.
He had been a staunch supporter from the get-go, and it hurt him that I wouldn't divulge this woman's name and number. I kept sending him care-packages hoping he would forgive me. lol.
It all turned out fine, though as he met a lovely Second Lieutenant, and they married before the story ended. She got hooked on it too. (Thank you, God.)