Q. "Where do you get your ideas?"
A. "There is no answer. No writer can
rightfully state precisely where ideas originate because no one
knows. Some people think ideas are simply 'blips' of the imagination.
Others think the author is somehow connected to creative energy in
the world around us. I firmly believe ideas are of divine origin.
When I write a book, I have no idea what will happen in it. I can
outline, plan, and prewrite all I want. But, when you get down to
writing the first draft it assumes a life of its own."
Q. "Are you surprised by what happens during a first draft?"
A. "Usually. Often I'm completely amazed
because a sudden twist has caught me unexpectedly. You assume that as
the creator, you are in charge. That isn't the case at all."
Q. "How do you find time to write?"
A. "It's all time management. You write a
few paragraphs here and there and eventually, you have a novel. It's
never easy and it does require commitment. But, it doesn't take
nearly as long to author a novel as many people think."
Q. "What are the biggest misconceptions in writing that you've
came across?"
A. "There are several:
1. Writing is easy money. Never true unless you
are already established or have celebtrity status in some other arena.
2. Publishers buy stories regardless. Publishers
do want interesting, intriguing material. However, they want it from
professional individuals who submit a clean, polished manuscript that
follows their guidelines. You will have much competition and no
second chances to make a first impression.
There are others, but these seem the most common."
Q. "What are the most important facts for new writers?"
A. "Always improve and always persist. You
have to be pig-headed and ready for a path that may take you a
lifetime to conquor."
Q. "What about the vicious circle of thought many newer writers
face? You know, you have to be published to get an agent, but you
have to have an agent to get published."
A. "Have both heard it and said it. Really,
it just means you need credentials. Period. It is rare that any
writer starts with immediate acceptance. You can't expect big
paychecks starting out or instant recognition. Oftentimes, you may
have to submit work for free. But, it's the credentials you want at
this stage. It's an investment in your future. Credits can much more
valuable than money."
Q. "You are very pro-critique. Do you believe it is helpful?"
A. "Critiquing is like any other activity.
There is a good side and a bad one. There can be pitfalls. But, there
are many rewards. If you are open to criticism and find a good
reviewer who will genuinely explore probelmatic areas, it can be a
beautiful thing."
Q. "In your opinion, why is rejection so common amid newer writers?"
A. "It is part of the life. You are a true
writer when you receive your first form rejection letter. You have a
multitude of companions who have been there before. First, there are
the common problems. Story is too young, doesn't suit the genre, the
grammar and usage errors are too distracting, etc. The second, yet
most found, is writers' ability to overlook guidelines. They ignore
the requirements of a publisher or agency. For example, they don't
send a SASE, query someone who has no interest in their genre, ignore
formatting requirements, etc. It is true that if you don't send a
SASE, you won't get a rejection letter. You won't get any response at all."
Q. "Can you get someone published or accepted?"
A. "No writer can do this. Publishers and
agencies are companies that writers work for, to simplify the
perception of it. The same applies to agencies. Unless they actually
own the company, no writer can dictate who a publisher or agency can
or can't accept."
