I’m answering my own questions *only* because one of my interview-ees said she was curious about how I would answer. So here I go.
MG: What was the catalyst to get you started in your writing?
-- In my case, it was a jumpstart to something I already loved but had forgotten. I was researching writing programs for my kids and found The Writer’s Jungle. The author encouraged moms to write so that they would inspire their children to write. The other book (mentioned in the first book) was No Plot, No Problem, which led me to national novel writing month, which led me to write a novel.
MG: How long have you been writing?
-- I wrote a really short essay in 3rd grade that my teacher traced onto carbon paper so she could make copies on the ditto machine. In 4th grade, I wrote a chapter book about dinosaurs (one chapter per page!). Then in Junior high, I started writing mysteries, but never finished. Writing long hand was too discouraging. I stopped writing when I was in college because I had to write what other people wanted to read (maybe that’s why I balk at having an editor telling me what to do.)
MG: How often do you write? Do you have a routine?
-- Whenever I get the chance - in between homeschooling and housework and other stuff. I have no writing routine at all. Before all this, I imagined myself writing in a coffee shop, but the smell of coffee makes me ill and coffee shops are too loud. I need quiet when I write.
MG: What kind of stories do you tell?
-- I once tried my hand at contemporary romance, but realized I loved fantasy. Now I write only fantasy. My stories always have magic, someone fighting against the person they were meant to be, someone who is enslaved (either literally or figuratively by their past, etc), and ROMANCE.
MG: Do you have any other pursuits besides writing?
-- I used to do scrapbooks, altered books, and paper bag books. Now I just write. I also like blogging and I spend too much time on facebook.
MG: Do you have a favorite author and or genre that you read?
-- Although the advice is to read what you write, I haven’t found many fantasy books I like, so I read romance – contemporary, historical, biblical. Some of my favorite authors are Debbie Macomber, Siri Mitchell, Mary Connealy, and Camy Tang.
MG: If you could keep only two writing books, what would they be and why?
-- Plot and Structure by Jim Bell and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. J. Bell’s book is great for how to write a story. Anne’s book just makes me laugh and reminds me to not take my writing too seriously.
MG: If you could visit only two writing blogs, what would they be?
-- Camy Tang’s Story Sensei for tips on writing and editing, and Debbie Ohi’s Inky Girl Comics because I can always use a good laugh. (I’m seeing a pattern here of learning and laughing.)
MG: Publishing…?
-- I prefer to self publish, but the reasons are long and drawn out. Let’s just say, this is a passion, not a career, and I want more control. There are only 2 times when I envy published authors: 1, when I think about doing a book signing and then remember that I have to pay for my books ahead of time and if they don't sell, I'm stuck with them, AND 2, when I'm formatting a book to be printed, and then copy editing it when it comes back.
MG: What has been the most difficult aspect of trying to get published?
-- In the case of self publishing, I think it’s been fighting the prejudice against self publishing.
MG: What one piece of advice would you give other writers, either about writing or about seeking publication?
-- Write. Keep writing. Your stories are important. Don’t quit. Even if you aren’t published yet, keep writing, because in the end it’s not about getting published. It’s about getting your stories on paper (or computer) and letting God get your stories to the right people, in whatever way he chooses.
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