In a recent conversation with my husband he suggested that I reveal what is most important to me about my writing and my life. We thought of it as an opportunity to connect more with my readers. I wasn't quite sure how I would approach that but I knew an article wasn't the thing. An interview then? How arrogant is that?! That format intrigued me though and seemed like a good vehicle for such a thing, almost like a conversation. So here it goes:
Where did I grow up, and how does this influence my writing?
I grew up in a post WWII development
that grew and became a far suburb of Chicago, Carpentersville, Illinois. I had a very 1960's upbringing. We
had old sensibilities in the face of a rapidly changing culture. It was the
cause of some angst for sure, but the family survived it and became very close
despite our differences.There was little
worry about any danger to us, except what we could cause to ourselves. I was free to play outside until the street lights came
on and was watched out for by the whole neighborhood. I had
many great adventures in the quarry, woods, or farms that surrounded the
community with my friends and even alone. Those early days gave me a sense for adventure. Many of the events I experienced then find themselves into my writing in snippets that build a character, scene, or event.
When did I first start writing?
Around 8 years old. I fell in love
with it the very first time I had to tell a story about a picture on the board
in 3rd grade. Thanks Miss Rholof, and please forgive me if the spelling of your name is off a bit.
What is the greatest joy I get out of writing?
Exploration: I get to explore
aspects of the human condition and put my own abstract spin on them.
What's the story behind my latest book?
In Minstrels' Gambit I wanted to
have a musical element to the story so the main characters are minstrels. I
didn't want to have a typical seek the powerful magic item story, so the items,
musical scores in this case, are actually a puzzle to a greater dilemma. You'll
have to read it to find out more.
What do my readers mean to me?
Everything! I want them to enjoy
what they read and find something of themselves within the characters. I write for more
than my own enjoyment, and hopefully a few bucks. My hope is that as I evolve
as a writer that my writing can give perspectives that the reader may never
have thought of, but I want to do it in an escapist environment so that the
effect is almost subliminal. I say almost, because I still want the reader to realize their perspective came from the writing.
What motivated me to be an indie author?
I worked in the print industry most
of my adult life, and I have a web design degree now too. I am reasonably adept
at graphic design. I wanted to see what I could do if I put my writing together
with that background. My first book, Legend Destiny was produced by an outside source.
Minstrels' Gambit is all mine. My first cover could be a little better, but I
am pleased with it.
How do I approach the cover design?
I try to convey a scene or a
composite of scenes from the story, preferably something with some emotion
behind it.
Since I find marketing difficult, what techniques have worked best for me?
Iinternet marketing, such as free offers, contests, free
chapter samples and discount codes.
Who are your favorite authors?
Every interviewer seems to ask this so...There are many but here are those
that come to me first Agatha Christie, Mary Stewart, David Eddings, Clive
Cussler, Robert A. Heinlein, Morgan Llywelyn, Robin Hobb.
What do I read for pleasure?
Mysteries are my favorite. I
especially like those with many suspects. I still love Agatha Christie. I also
like a good action adventure story. It can have elements of fantasy in it, but
that is not necessary. Clive Cussler is a good example of what I like to read
in that genre.
What are my next projects?
I am finishing the second of the
Minstrels' Tale Mysteries, Minstrels' Covenant and then I will go into the
third book, Minstrels' Prize. I have several other projects in various stages,
but I really enjoy writing the characters in the Minstrels' series, so I may
continue with that for awhile. I'll see what moves me when I finish Minstrels'
Prize.
What inspires me to continue writing?
I don't think I would be happy if I wasn't creating something. Writing is my favorite and most comfortable medium.
When I'm not writing, I'm...?
Working at creating a homestead in my backyard or hiking when I get the chance. I get a lot of scene
inspiration from places I have hiked.
Comments on this experiment are more than welcome. Too self serving, or a good tool to connect with? I'd really like to hear what you think. Thanks for your consideration.
