How
did you begin writing?
Writing
followed naturally from my love of stories and reading. It gave me a way to create, to enjoy and
share my own ideas and stories. As
a child, I remember my mom reading me Enid Blyton’s marvelously imaginative
tales, but I couldn’t get enough. If
learning to read meant I could enjoy these whenever I wanted, I was eager to
learn, and from there, to write, so I could create my own stories. I’ve been writing ever since!
Why
do you continue to write?
To
me, it’s as normal a part of life as eating and sleeping. Not only that, but it’s fulfilling,
rewarding in countless ways. I write
for much the same reasons I read: to
experience adventures I otherwise could not.
It is through writing that I can best explore ideas, as well as create
something fresh and exciting -- a new world.
Besides, if I didn’t write, what would I do with all the ideas
cluttering my mind? Why not let them
out and share them with others? Writing
is my way of contributing to the magical world of fiction, a world I so
admire.
What
authors do you like to read? Have any
books had a strong influence on you or your writing?
I’ve
enjoyed books by a wide ranged of writers, depending on my age and interests at
the time. Some that come to mind
are: the Little House books by
Laura Ingalls Wilder, books by L.M. Montgomery (particularly the Emily
ones), Andrew Lang’s fairy tale collections, Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy
books, Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, The Ordinary Princess, Calico
Captive, and books by Beverly Butler, Cameron Dokey, Lois Duncan, Victoria
Holt, Joan Lowry Nixon, Phyllis A. Whitney.
But overall, I’m pretty much a “single title” chooser -- if the book looks
good, I’ll give it a try. I have a very
fond place in my heart for Regina Doman’s The Shadow of the Bear, a
creative retelling of the Snow White and Rose Red fairy tale. This book is a unique treasure -- an
exceptionally charming, entertaining and suspenseful read -- all this without
sacrificing values and morals. It is in
this vein of writing that I strive to follow.
What
are your writing habits? How, when, and
where do you write? In longhand or on a
computer? At a certain time and/or in a
certain place?
My
writing habits fluctuate, changing to suit my needs. I don’t tend to write in long stretches, but often return to the
work throughout the day. For a while, I
would write anywhere but at my desk (I associated it too much with
school!). Lately I’ve found that
combining writing with eating breakfast and/or lunch is a great way to trick
myself into being productive -- I don’t eat till I’ve written something; then,
once begun, I don’t want to stop writing, even when the food’s gone (and a
dirty plate sits beside me). I most
enjoy the writing process when the day is behind me and I’m sitting in bed; my
door closed on the rest of the world, I really become immersed in the story,
savoring it. My mind comes alive at
night, but also in the morning -- these are my favorite writing times. But I don’t believe in sitting about waiting
to be “inspired” -- too often this becomes an excuse for procrastination, at least
for me. I can write just about
anywhere; it’s really a matter of telling myself I can. I’ve written in airports, cars, lying on the
floor, at the kitchen table, in bed, outside by a lake, or sunning on a
deck. For this very reason, I find
writing in longhand works best for me because I can transport my pen and folder
of loose-leaf papers anywhere. I need
the freedom of being able to shuffle papers about, scribble notes in the
margins, cross out, circle, and draw arrows all over the place. Also, when I later type my story into the
computer, this acts as an automatic rewrite, one of the necessary steps in
getting my manuscript into its best possible form.
How
do you avoid distractions?
This
depends on whether I want to avoid distractions. Honestly, sometimes washing my car is very
tempting. I’m a procrastinator, yet I
must have some way of avoiding distractions or I wouldn’t have managed to get a
novel into print. Most often it’s
simply a matter of sitting (or lying) myself down and rereading a little of my
story to get myself back in the mood.
Once my hand is moving the pen, I usually become immersed and don’t stop
until it’s for a valid reason. (Like
that darn car.)
How
do you get ideas?
Hmmm…it
seems more like the ideas “get” me. Too
often I’m snuggled in bed, ready for a good night’s sleep, when -- Wham! -- ideas
invade my mind, and it’s goodbye to rest.
Free from the cares of daytime activity, my imagination takes over. I have to keep popping up out of bed to jot
notes so I don’t forget. Generally,
ideas can come from anywhere: people,
situations you get into or hear about, TV, newspapers, movies, songs . . . Once you start thinking “what if . . . ?”
you’re on your way. I often begin with
a situation or scene, and then in come the characters; they start talking to
me, and it’s time to write down what they are saying. I’m thankful for night ideas, because they’re often the
best. Of course, a lot of useless ideas
come, too; in the blackness of night they seem brilliant. Then morning comes and I realize that’s not
the case. But by weeding through the
ideas, a few roses can usually be found.
What
writing projects are you working on at the moment?
Too
many! I love the variety, but it can
become overwhelming; I have to take a step back and say, “Choose one thing and
stick with it, at least for today. You
can’t work on everything at once.” It’s
hard because I get so many ideas and get excited about so many different
things. Some of my many projects
include picture books, short stories, articles, a middle-grade novel called Project
Graveyard, a cookbook, another suspense novel that needs revisions, and
numerous other young adult novels. I’d
love to write a historical novel, but feel a bit daunted by all the research
involved. I like research, but tend to
burry myself with notes.
Is
suspense your favorite genre to write in?
I
couldn’t say until I’ve written in the others.
I enjoy reading historical stories, as well as mystery, inspirational,
adventure, clean romances, and fantasy, and have my own ideas for novels in
these genres. But certainly suspense
tops my list, if only for the fact that, in one way or another, it is an
essential element in any good book to make you want to keep reading.
What
is the worst thing about being a writer?
For
me, I’ve had to battle self-doubt, especially when people asked “What do you
do?” and I’d have to say, “Write.” I’d
imagine them thinking, “Okay . . . what does that mean?” or, “You’re not really
a writer unless you’re published,” or, “Sure, it’s nice to dream, but get
real!” I’ve learned to change my way of
thinking. Like when I decided I’d
rather devote my time to writing than continuing college for another degree, I
knew deep down that this was right, even though everyone around me was going to
school, and if I spent my time writing instead of worrying, I’d have something
to show for it. I told myself to be
thankful God gave me talent, and I shouldn’t waste it, but work to develop
it. I’m also thankful for my family;
they’ve given me ultimate, unwavering support.
Now the problems I face are usually focused on marketing, which takes up
so much time, and the organizational and productivity aspects of writing. Days come when I don’t feel like writing or
the words won’t flow. This is no big
deal as long as I keep things in perspective.
If this project doesn’t work, I’ll turn to another. Writing holds inexhaustible possibilities;
it’s reassuring to remember this.
Writing can be a frustrating business, but the rewards far outweigh the
difficulties.
Do
you ever experience “writer’s block”?
Not
consciously. If I think about it and
label it as such, it will only hinder my writing. Certainly there have been times when I feel I’ve written myself
into a rut, but then I simply write myself out of it, or take a break and read
a good book, watch a movie, bake a cake, or go for a walk. Most likely, the problem will work itself
out in time or be forgotten.
What
is the best thing about being a writer?
My
greatest delight is being able to share stories with others. If people get enjoyment from my writing,
experience emotion and a heartwarming read, I could not ask for better reason
to be a writer. Yet it would be
nonsense to say I don’t write first and foremost for myself; I’m constantly
enjoying the privilege of taking journeys of the imagination. It all works out, though, because if
something fascinates me, I trust it will thrill others as well.
In
what way, if any, do you think being homeschooled help you become a writer?
Being
homeschooled had a definite impact on me, and I consider it a major influence
in my development as a writer. I was
able to take advantage of so many opportunities for exploring my
interests. I had the freedom to read
and write in a wholesome, undaunting setting.
Sometimes I’d write stories during recess (much to my brother’s
annoyance!) I’m a firm believer that a
homeschool environment nurtures creativity.
It provided me with a “self- motivation-education” that has carried over
into many aspects of my life.
Do
you think your faith (Catholic) affects your writing?
Definitely,
since it is an essential part of who I am.
But it’s never my intention to preach or moralize in my stories. As the writer, I should be invisible. Readers should come to their own
conclusions, identifying with the characters -- my purpose is not there to be
saying, “You must believe this or that.”
But I find that Christian values and truths enrich my writing, challenge
and inspire me and my characters; if they move my readers also, wonderful. But I never forget that the reason someone
is reading is for a good story, and that is what I strive to write.
What
other hobbies and interests do you have, aside from writing?
I
enjoy bike riding in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. I like cooking and baking and developing new
recipes. In fact, it’s one of my many
ambitions to publish a cookbook. I’ve
written one for kids called Yucky Bananas, Yummy Bakery, but I have yet
to find a publisher for it. Another
interest I have is cake decorating. I
never cease to be fascinated by the beautiful creations that can be made with a
few simple tips and a bag of frosting.
I enjoy baking and decorating so much, in fact, that if I’m invited to
do book signings or readings, I’ll probably bring a cake to share!
What
advice do you have for other writers?
Read
and write as much as possible. The more
you learn about the craft, the more you can perfect it. Don’t let yourself be defined by whether or
not you are published. If you write,
you are a writer. Subscribe to writing
magazines, join a writers’ group, take a class, live in the library (my
personal favorite). Perseverance,
determination, persistence -- whatever you call it, don’t give up. The world always has room for one more
writer. No one else can tell your story
quite like you can.
Tell
us about some of your childhood writing experiences.
I
was about five when my brother showed me how to sew together pages and bind
them into “book” form. From there I was
eager to fill my book with a story. I
wrote My Pet Butterfly, using such bad spelling that I’m probably the
only one who can decipher the story. At
eleven I was into Nancy Drew and so started my own “series” with a heroine
called Vicky Gail. I spent hours
pecking out chapters on an ancient typewriter, the keys often jamming
together. I used to spend my school
recesses writing while my brother badgered me to play outside with him. I reached an age when I was fascinated by
writing fairy tales, then I started on an historical novel about a girl
kidnapped by outlaws, journeying across the Wild West. I intended these things to be published
someday, but now I see them as the valuable writing lessons they were: they helped me learn the craft while
nourishing my imagination and honing my writing skills. I’d be embarrassed if they were published!