Tell
me about yourself. What got you started in Writing?
When growing
up, I seem to be a bit of a dreamer. As I look back, I never minded telling
tall tales or writing, although I was a slow reader and a terrible speller. I
was blessed with a wild imagination, and utilized this creative side in the
essays or stories I wrote.
During those
early school years, my bubbly personality sent me fluttering around others like
an insect with wings. Foolishly, I became a high school dropout at sixteen, and
had to pursue my education later in life.
With time
comes maturity. My one and current marriage came two years after leaving
school. We raised three children, which now have children of their own. As a
family we have traveled more than most, before coming to Florida to live.
On the
professional side, my work has leaned towards children or in the medical field.
I obtained a GED, and went on to take both vocational and some college courses.
In recent years, my interest in writing returned and I began to dabble in poems
and stories. Amateur illustration, graphic design and photography were
additional hobbies that followed.
How
do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?
A strict
writing schedule may work best for some, but as long as I can make time to jot
down a few ideas each day, I am happy. Instead of block hours, my routine is
working around whatever I have scheduled on the home front.
Often I can
be found on the computer past midnight. Other times, I may work the entire
morning and afternoon.
Writing a few
minutes or hours each day will strengthen an inspiring author’s growth in his
craft. I believe we all must find what works best individually. It is
surprising how quickly minutes can turn into hours when doing what we enjoy.
How
and where do you write? Do you prefer a laptop or some other method of getting
your words down?
Creating a
relaxing atmosphere is the first step before writing. Unless you are extremely
good at tuning out noise, the television can become a big detraction if left
on. I usually turn on some of my favorite music and write in a place that I
won’t be disturbed.
An idea for a
story can emerge anywhere or during any given moment. Having a pen and notebook
nearby is important for not losing phases or thoughts. Don’t ask how many times
I didn’t write down a word and forgot it later on.
When it comes
to creating a story, the first draft is usually on a standard piece of paper. I
make lots of changes and prefer to look it over before it is typed on the desk
computer. My laptop also comes in handy. It may be used as a backup for my
working computer files, or other projects. One of these is a deluxe word search
for kids.
What’s
your favorite part about writing? What’s your least favorite part about
writing?
What pulls me
in most about writing is the versatility. A writer can travel anywhere or
transform into any character. The story line may be true; it may be pure
science fiction. A writer has the freedom to change topics, settings, or plots
in the unpublished book.
If I was to
pick the least favorite part of writing it would be the research. Even with a
fictional book, a certain amount of truth statements or locations are usually
included to make the story realistic. I am currently working on educational
books. Although they are written for children, they require some research.
How
did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your
book?
It’s
All About the Chirp, Snap and Quack is actually a spin
off from another idea. One of my hobbies is photography and the other graphic
design. I had been designing mugs. One day while watching my grandchildren at
the park, I began to snap wildlife photos. Before too long, my wildlife
collection grew with each returning trip for more.
As I examined
the photographs, cute little phases crossed my mind. I downloaded the pictures
onto files I made on my computer. I wrote sayings under the ones I could
imagine on a mug or t-shirt. One day after several more new photos, I came up
with another idea to put them into a book. It’s All About the Chirp, Snap
and Quack was that book. Now I have future plans for two similar ones.
What
types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?
In my
opinion, marketing is more difficult than putting together the book. Not having
much previous success, I hired a publishing coach to point me in the right
direction. With her assistance, she designed a blog, author page, book trailer,
bookmarks, and submitted It’s All About the Chirp, Snap and Quack in my
name. She advertised my book on her sites, and created contests and blogs where
authors could submit their book covers and ads.
Next step was
to join groups and try to get my book noticed. My book is posted on Twitter,
Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedln, Google +, and author pages. Each day it is best
to try to move forward. I post poems on Scriggler, leave comments on blogs I
find interesting, and have joined several writing groups. Many allow authors to
post their books for free.
Here are some
tips: Create a contact list. Emailing places or calling local bookstores may
lead to some success. Book reviews and book signings are extremely important
when trying to get your book known. I have a book signing scheduled at a local
library and another at B&N. With both I will be one of a group of local
authors. Scouting around for places to do guest appearances or leave books does
take work.
To touch once
again on creating a contact list, I made a book ad. This advertisement is
slowly being sent to libraries and independent bookstores in and out of state.
To make each one personal, I address the heading to the business in which the
email is intended.
One last
thing I do for marketing is place ads on Facebook. I feel a sponsor
advertisement will receive more views on the weekend. I have considered other
marketing sites like Amazon and others on Twitter.
What
are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?
Christmas
at the Claus House ~ Saving Clara Deer was released four
and a half months before It’s All About the Chirp, Snap and Quack. The
book is for Santa lovers, and the efforts to save a sick deer. I do not have
any other published books out as yet.
It is my
intention to release other books. I have several manuscripts either finished or
in varies stages of completion. Most manuscripts are in need of illustrations.
My current focus is on a deluxe word search for children, which will be a 200
page workbook and a second wildlife book.
Do
you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.
I actually
have a few. Some manuscripts were stored on a shelf after being rejected by
traditional publishers. Usually, I moved on to the next project rather quickly.
One big mistake I made was to submit work before it was proof read or
edited. That’s a certain no-no with any inspiring writer. Often another
person will spot mistakes the author has missed. We as writers can be too close
to our work.
The
manuscript deepest on the back burner is an unfinished novel. The story is
about a dog a boy receives for his birthday, when all he wanted was a new bike.
Did I mention the child is also afraid of dogs? This children’s book was put
away at its halfway point because of other projects. It’s almost time to pick
it back up.
What
would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn’t believe
he/she has enough talent?
Don’t give up
on your dream! For some, words seem to fall into place and seeing their work
published in a magazine or book comes easily. For others like me, it turns more
into a struggle. With the number of submissions, the odds are against even a
seasoned writer. It takes a writer with thick skin and sheer willpower to
succeed.
Writing
skills develop with practice. Read similar work to gain further insight and
never shy away from asking questions. Join a writing group and share. Reading
one’s work to others, even for five minutes, can generate great feedback on how
to improve a manuscript. Many towns or libraries have their own writing groups
that meet monthly or once a week.
A story is in
each one of us. It takes perseverance and luck to achieve our goals. An
inspiring writer should not give up. When the work is finally in print, it will
feel like magic. All the hours, the research, and the lack of sleep will be
forgotten, as ideas for a new book begins.
***
Thank you, Nancy!
Learn more about Nancy
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