 Frequently
Asked Questions
I'm so often asked questions about my work -
development of the story, growth of the characters, the process of
writing, and the business of publishing.
I would like to share with my
readers some insight into the process from my perspective.
Please email
me if you have specific questions you would like me to answer. I always
enjoy hearing from my fans.
QUESTIONS FROM
READERS
What is the
best advice you can give an aspiring writer?
Believe in yourself! It is almost always a long, tedious process to
achieve success, and don’t give up. Pursue your dreams! Build
disciplined, writing time into your schedule. Always edit and reedit.
Make your story and presentation as perfect as possible.
You were a
teacher, how did you prepare to switch careers?
I read lots of “how to” books, and applied the information to
my writing. I became a voracious reader in many genres, studied the
author’s style and learned from each one.
How many
books have you written?
Three and two have not yet been released. I am currently
working on another one.
Are
your characters or plots based on real people?
No. They all come from my imagination.
How long does it take to write a book?
It takes about a year to create a book that satisfies me.
When you
begin a book, do you know the outcome?
No, as the characters develop, I let them take me where they
want to go.
Did
anything influence you as a child to become a writer?
I loved all Nancy Drew mysteries, and often dreamed of becoming a sleuth. I also devoured female biographies and admired their
accomplishments.
How has
your writing developed, and how long did it take you to get published?
I wrote for about seven years, and during that time I studied
the craft. I attended a writing conference, and met people who
eventually led me to publication.
What are
the most common mistakes a new writer makes?
Redundant words, too many adverbs, and failure to research. Buy
a good grammar book, and brush up on the mechanics of writing. Remember
to tie up all your loose ends. Understand and apply “point of view”.
This is probably one of the most difficult concepts a new writer must
master.
What is a query letter, and how do you write
it?
A query letter asks an editor or agent to review your work. I would
advise you to buy a book that shows examples of well crafted letters.
Choose whom you want to query, write for their guidelines and follow
them. If they say one single-spaced page, they mean one page. Don’t
try to be cute and say things like: if you want to know the end of
story, you’ll have to read it, name your protagonist after the person
you are querying, or address the person by their first name. Remember,
this is a business, and treat the person with respect at all times.
If an
agent or editor asks to see my work, how do I submit?
Send only what the person has asked to review. Always include a
stamped, self-addressed envelope, don’t bind the typed pages, and be
patient. Wait for them to contact you. Use this time to write
something else.
What are
your interests?
Most of all I love family time. I also enjoy water sports, traveling,
movies, Broadway plays, Kentucky basketball, and of course, reading.
If you have questions please email
me or if you have comments about this book please post a review
(favorable I hope) on
Amazon.com.
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