By far the hardest part of writing a historic fiction novel for me is the research and making sure I get the facts and time-period perspective correct. “Enigma,” which is set in Akron, Ohio in 1941 just prior to Pearl Harbor, has been exciting to write but also...
I use different techniques to help me. If I’m having a bad day and can’t seem to focus, I close the office door until I’m done writing for the day. If that doesn’t work then I put music on to help me with a particular scene. And if I’m still not able to get in the...
That’s a hard question to answer because I see the characters as a writer and creator and not as a reader. I think so far my favorite character would be Rachel Portola, the lead female in the Shadow Series. And the reason may not be why you think. She is my favorite...
First of all, listen and take to heart what your editor tells you. They bring experience and an objective view to your manuscript, and they have a strong sense of what the publisher’s readership wants. Next, if you feel strongly opposed about a particular suggested...
I think going through the process of writing several novels and working with my editor has certainly helped improve my writing craft. I enjoy writing more than I have in the past. I feel I can focus more on the actual story and characters because my skill in the craft...
I have to laugh because I feel like I’ve been here all along. I think the key is not to give up no matter how long it takes. All my life I was behind everyone when it came to age-appropriate milestones. I didn’t start college until after my children were older and I...
Wow, what a question! Mmm, there are so many…but I think I’d like to spend some time with John Steinbeck. I’d like to tell him I loved his work. He had a tremendous influence on American literature. This was a man who celebrated when his book finally went OFF the NY...
That’s a very easy question to answer—without hesitation— it is getting to be with the readers of my stories. I love being with them at book signings or conferences, or wherever we encounter each other, even online blogging or emailing. Writers spend so much time...
The basic advice seems to always be to write the story the first time anyway you want and don’t worry about anything, get it written down. For the most part, I’ve found that to be true. Once my initial draft is done, it is not unusual for me to go through six to ten...
For me, the most fun about being a writer is to write—to develop characters and a story, and then know the reader is going to go on that journey with the characters. What’s not fun for me, and I imagine for most writers, is having your stories rejected. It is...
