When
did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Well, it's
pretty interesting, I started writing my own stories when I was 7
years old. I loved Peter Rabbit books. I would make my own Peter
Rabbit stories on manila paper, staple them together and sell them
for a nickel! In my defense, I hadn't yet learned of that infamous
word - “plagiarism.” I loved everything about writing! In 3rd
grade I voluntarily took an English summer-school class, just because
it gave me more chances to write. Being given a blue ink pen and
brand new notebook on the first day was like winning the lottery.
When I was 9 years old I started watching the 6:00 news, with
anchormen Don Cannon and Paul Long, as often as I could. They told
each story as if it were happening to them personally. I also like
how Don Cannon would venture outside the newsroom to further help
people. That's when I decided I would do both – fiction and
nonfiction! I wanted my writing to help people. I think I have
found just the way to do that.
It's hard to
say for sure. I wrote one book in 30 days and another book in 2
years. It took about 6 months to write my first children's book. I
have several book in the works now. When I hit a writer's block with
one of my books I will work on another one to liven up my creative
juices. I also have 2 books complete that I never sent in out of
fear of rejection. I can be my own worst critic. They say writers
need to have a “thick skin” about them. I haven't quite mastered
that.
Since I work
another job during the day, evenings are my time to write. There are
random times during the day that I will work on my writing. It just
happens, I suddenly think of just the right words for a book/article
so I break out my journal and start taking notes. Sometimes I even
take notes in my phone. My journal goes everywhere with me. I have
a stack of journals that I haven't written in yet because I buy so
many of them. I guess it's turned into more of a collection. I
never exit an office supplies store without buying at least one
journal. In one of my journals I save names, interesting careers and
hobbies for the characters in my book; even odd traditions, advice,
anything that would be useful to may characters.
Once in a
while I will treat myself to an all nighter. I have a few odd
habits, I prefer to eat ice cream when I write. I only use blue ink
pens. I start writing on pen and paper and then gradually move my
stories to my laptop. I sleep with a clipboard and pen next to my
bed.
Most
importantly, there is never a “13” of anything in my books – 13
photos, 13 chapters – nothing like that, ever! Ya, I am a little
superstitious.
My latest
release is 365 Days of Family Fun. I used to be a teacher so this
was a fun book to write. I wanted parents/guardians to see all the
fun and creative ways they have fun without spending a fortune. I
was also published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog did
What?”
I have a book
coming out through Keith Publications, titled, The Dark Tunnel. It's
about surviving abuse. In June 2016 I will have a book released on
the history of Elizabeth and West Elizabeth. It's for their “Images
of America” series.
Everything You Wanted
to Know about the Heroes in Blue
365 Days of Family Fun
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