Where did you grow up as a child?
I grew up in Poland but spent most of my adult life in Australia. I lived in Sydney for many years and recently moved to a seaside town in Northern NSW.
What was the first book you ever read, and how did it change you?
It was ‘In desert and wildernesses by Henryk Sienkiewich. I read many children’s books before, but this felt to me like I was a grown-up. It made me think that there were always happy endings and that life was quite romantic.
When and why did you choose to become an author? Who do you write for?
When I decided to retire, I started looking for a hobby. So far, I have published two books (Alison’s Wish and Two Tinas), and I am editing my third novel to be published later this year. I am also writing short stories, which I intend to publish perhaps next year and a book for younger readers (my grandson will be 11 soon). Writing for this age group has proved to be quite a challenge.
If you were given a chance to teach a writing class or start a book club of sorts in prison, would you do it? Why or why not?
Yes, anything to escape the prison reality would be the only way to survive being locked up.
What are some things that haven’t been done in a romance genre that you hope to introduce through your books?
My characters are not only young people, and I hope to show that romance can happen even when you are old.
I believe that people have less time to read now and therefore my books are deliberately shorter, allowing busy people to read and enjoy them.
How was your experience working as a Clinical Psychologist?
I loved being a clinical psychologist. I have learned a lot about people through work. My knowledge informs the ways I develop my characters, which are complex but also realistic.
Your thought on conventional vs, self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?
Sadly at my age, there is not much choice. Traditional publishers prefer younger authors, especially first-time authors. Self-publishing is expensive, and unless you have money for advertising, it does not pay well. I would love to be published by a traditional publisher one day.
How did you come up with the title of your book, ‘Two Tinas’?
It was an obvious title that foreshadowed the plot. I knew the title before I started writing it.
What motivated you to write your first book?
My first book, ’Alison’s Wish’ (second edition soon to be published), was started as a creative writing exercise. We were asked to develop several characters, and after the course ended, my characters demanded that I write their story.
Are you friends with other authors? If so, how have they helped you in your journey as a writer?
I have a couple of friends who write, and it is good to be a part of a community. We read and comment on each other’s writing. I also have a lot of writer friends on Instagram and Twitter. I ask questions sometimes but mostly learn from reading other people’s comments.
Do you usually write the ‘back-of-the-book’ blurbs at the back of your books or does your editor?
I write it myself – quite a challenging task.
Writing and finishing a book can take an immense amount of discipline. How do you keep yourself motivated and keep the dreaded writer’s block from attacking?
I enjoy writing; it is a fun relaxing activity for me. My motivation is strong, and as the story develops, I am additionally motivated by wanting to know how it will end.
How different would your life be had you not discovered writing?
I will find something to fill in my time, but I doubt it would be as challenging and fun as writing.
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it another memoir?
Firstly ‘Two Tinas’ is not a memoir. It is a novel, and although written in the first person, it is not based on my life. All my novels are a product of my imagination. Although I use my experience and knowledge of people acquired during my work, the characters are not real or based on any person alive or deceased. My next book has a working title, ‘A Modern Woman’s Guide to Starting Over at Fifty’. I hope to publish it sometime this year.
How did you come to know about AllAuthor? How has your experience with us been?
I found out about AllAuthor through one of my Instagram friends who asked me to vote for his book cover. Your help with advertising ‘Two Tinas’ has been invaluable and much appreciated. I am hoping to become better known through this platform.
