Do you write non-stop until you have a first draft, or do you edit as you move along?
Tweak as I go along.
They say authors have immensely fragile egos… How would you handle negative criticism or a negative review?
I have had negative critiques that gave me a queasy stomach, plus a yen to bop someone on the nose. Fortunately, I resisted this urge. On second thoughts, the offending critique often proved right. So far, reviews for all of my books have been good to terrific. I would HATE a bad review. If we had a basement, I would probably lock myself down there and sulk.
As a writer, what scares you the most?
Never getting another book published.
When writing, what themes do you feel passionate about?
The theme of whatever book I am writing at the moment.
When it comes to writing, are you an early bird, or a night owl?
Night Owl.
Do you have an agent? How was your experience in searching for one?
No agent yet. So far, my agent search is a bust. It’s a toss up what’s the hardest – finding the right publisher, or finding the right agent. At the moment, I am going it alone.
Do you have any unusual writing quirks?
Only the fact that I write for a living – living? ?? This is a living? Thank God for my supportive husband, and my many wonderful clients needing professional critiques.
Technically speaking, what do you have to struggle the most when writing? How do you tackle it?
My first page is always the hardest. I rework and rewrite that sucker umpteen times.
How was your experience in looking for a publisher? What words of advice would you offer those novice authors who are in search of one?
Research to find a publisher. Visit their website and check out their current book list – does your book fit their list? Check their submission guidelines with care. Gather publishing information and editor news from sources like The Purple Crayon, The yearly
CWIM (Children’s Writers and Illustrator’s Market), and news that flows through the online lists you are on.
What type of book promotion seems to work the best for you?
I am still learning the promotional ropes. Press Releases. My Blog, friend’s Blogs, interviews, and newspaper, TV, and radio interviews. School visits have proved a great income source, even when book sales are poor. I contact those whose business or themes fit with my book, and ask for reciprocal links, or even a book sales slot on their website, blog or store. Local stores. I am considering a Blog Tour. I look for new ways to promote my books every day.
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