Sandi Greene says about herself, "Besides my family, I have two loves: First, I am an educator, teaching 1000+ college students a year in composition, literature, and creative writing. Secondly, I am a writer, mainly for teens. In the last several years, I have written more than two dozen articles for magazines, but my current focus is teen novels."
Sandi is part of my local ACFW chapter. Since she lives some distance from where we meet, I rarely get to see her, but when I do, it's always enjoyable. She's full of energy and life.
You can find her at her website, Sandi Greene or at her blog All About YA.
MG: When did you know you wanted to write?
MG: When did you know you wanted to write?
SG: From the time I was a child I wanted to be a writer. It wasn’t until I went through a difficult experience as a young adult that I realized I wanted to share my writing with others.
MG: How long have you been writing?
SG: I remember writing stories as a child, and then trying to write my first “book” when I was in junior high. That didn’t finish too well. But I started writing magazine articles at 19, published in that genre for ten years, and started writing novels a year and a half ago.
MG: How often do you write? Do you have a routine?
SG: I have a very busy work schedule and two young children so routine in writing is non-existent to me. I always get jealous when writers talk about how disciplined they are to write at a certain time each day and for a certain amount of time. This would never work with my life right now. I just get to write here and there whenever I can squeeze in some time.
MG: What kind of stories do you tell?
SG: When I write for magazines, I usually write stories for teen girls that relate to something I went through as a teen. In fiction, I still like to hang onto those teen themes, but I like to add a lot of crazy drama and siutations that have never happened to me. I have a little bit of a wild imagination and like to come up with unique stories.
MG: Do you have any other pursuits besides writing?
SG: I am a college English teacher and a mom. These two things take up most of my time. Even if I wanted to pursue something else, it’s not realistic for me right now. And that’s okay…writing is my passion, so if I have time to pursue anything it’s going to be that.
MG: Do you have a favorite author and or genre that you read?
SG: I write YA, so that’s pretty much what I read. I prefer contemporary YA, and haven’t really been able to get into paranormal/fantasy. Some of my favorite YA authors are Sarah Dessen, Melody Carlson, and Elizabeth Scott. I also like suspense such as Harlan Coban, and romance by Nicholas Sparks.
MG: If you could keep only two writing books, what would they be and why?
SG: “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamont. This was one of the first writing books I ever read and it made so much sense. I just love how real she is about the journey. You feel like someone else gets you when you read the book.
I also like James Scott Bell. His revision book (Revision and Self-Editing)is one of my favorite writing books.
MG: If you could visit only two writing blogs, what would they be?
SG: Rachelle Gardner—she’s just the bomb. Seriously, that woman can write well and drive home some writing points in a clear and concise way. Often when I read her I’m inspired, and I learn something. I visit other writing blogs regularly and everyone has her on their blog list.
Chip McGregor—he makes me laugh, in a good way! I think he’s very intelligent and sees things about the industry and about writing that are must-knows. But he delivers the information in a fun and engaging way. I can’t read a blog of his without laughing.
MG: Why did you decide to pursue publishing?
SG: I’m pursuing book publishing because I love writing stories, and I want to share my stories with others. I think my purpose is to engage and entertain. I hope themes or inspiration emerges through those stories, but my primary purpose is to allow that escape to another world where you can laugh and cry.
MG: What has been the most difficult aspect of trying to get published?
SG: The amount of time it takes. I didn’t realize how long of a journey it is, and how up and down it is. You can get good news one day and bad news the next. You can get a horrible critique, and then a glowing review. It’s just painful and it’s joyous, all at the same time. Being able to keep going has been the most difficult for me.
MG: What one piece of advice would you give other writers, either about writing or about seeking publication?
SG: Know that it takes a lot of time and discipline. But if you love it, then it’s well worth it.
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