Tell us a few things about your early life or childhood. Who was your role model as a child?
I grew up on the 60s and early 70s, when it was a different world with no internet, and three channels on the TV. I lived in a big city (Pittsburgh) and a little farm in Wisconsin, to a small town in Wisconsin…so I saw a wide range of variety and life environments. As a child I loved Old Hollywood and actors…still do.
As a teenager, what were you obsessed with?
The heartthrobs of the day, reading, and enjoying acting and singing in my high school.
What did advertising interest you as a career?
Coming from a small town in Wisconsin at that time, there were not a lot of options given to young women as to what the future could hold beyond the “normal” careers like teaching or secretary. When I graduated high school, I got on a bus and moved to the big city of Milwaukee, and God opened the door at just 17 for me to get a job as a writer at a TV station! That started my 45 year career in all kinds of copywriting and eventually voicework in all kinds of advertising and mediums, including the way the internet changed how all work could be done beyond physical borders. I kept learning every new technique and technology as they came along.
What events led to you wanting to become a DJ?
As a TV/radio writer, I would be called into the studio at different jobs to add in a voice. I appeared to have a talent for it, and when the opportunity came to be a live DJ, I jumped on it! I was a country DJ for four years, in the time we were still spinning records and albums. I was at several stations through the years and as the industry kept changing to what it is today…all computerized. I continued off and on in the media industry as a writer/producer/talent.
How did you come up with the idea for your latest release, Being Wendy?
If you go back to my first book, Being Ethel (In a world that loves Lucy), then to Being Dorothy (In a world longing for home), Being Alice (In a world lost in the looking glass)….and now Being Wendy (In a world afraid to grow up)…you will see the pattern behind the stories. The titles are something everyone can relate to through some well-known characters that run as a thread in the tapestry of the story, even though they are not the focus of the story. They play into the lives of the characters I’ve created on Mackinac Island.
How many more books do you plan to write in the 'Mackinac Island" series?
That’s a great question I don’t have the answer to! I have at least two more titles…to use…and possibly more after that. The stories start at 1979 and continue in those years…1980, 1981, 1982…so each story reflects what’s happening in that year.
What, in your opinion, are the most essential elements of good writing?
I write in first person, which some people aren’t used to. I started that way because I realized the books I liked to read were written that way. You really get to know the protagonist because you can only “tell” what they see, or have knowledge of. Good writers take their time and make sure they are true to the basic tenants of writing, and of course in this Netflix binging world, there must be cliffhangers at the end of every chapter to keep interest!
Do you ever leave book reviews on other authors' books? What do reviews mean to you?
I didn’t understand before becoming an author how important reviews are to an author to bring them up in the algorithms of sites like Amazon. And reviews don’t have to be long…I loved the book and loved the ending…is a great review. There are also sites where people review too extensively and that really bothers me, because I want my readers to “discover” secrets throughout my book. If someone gives those little tidbits away in a review…that robs the reader of finding them for themselves. I try to leave reviews now for authors, but mine will never be lengthy or giving away some plot point that I liked. Short and simple works great.
Which one do you prefer: writing a series or a standalone novel? Why?
Since all my books are stand alones, or you can read them in a series…I like both. Writing a series, that can still stand alone, I have to be consistent with things that have been said about my main characters in the prior books. If you read my books in order, I say it’s a “richer” experience because you are “in their head” longer. I may do some complete stand alones in the future, but maybe more of novellas than novels.
How can one create an effective marketing strategy for your business without money?
It’s the love/hate relationship with social media. Being out there with reels and news does help. It can’t all be about books, but fun, interesting things too. It goes back to the tenants of finding your tribe and engaging in the brand that is YOU! Jumping on free interviews and even handing out business cards with your books is helpful. I’m always asking people…do you like to read? That opens the conversation to my books. It’s faster with money, no doubt, but it is possible with creativity and lots of time.
What type of music do you enjoy listening to?
My husband is in the praise and worship band as a guitarist at our church which is excellent, and I love that music. My son is a singer/songwriter out of Nashville, so I love his music and his new band, Penn Jones Conspiracy…or Benjamin Olson….all music available for download everywhere. I love the music of the 60s and 70s…especially Dan Fogelberg, Carly Simon, Carole King, The Eagles, James Taylor…you get the vibe!
How does one make a successful career in advertising?
I started 45 years ago, so it’s probably different today. Stay creative in all things and it will be reflected in what you do. I was always a media writer, so I always had a job…radio/tv/production/corporate/nonprofit….the world needs advertising writers. Once you start to have a portfolio of what you’ve done, that’s what opens the doors. Doing it is more important than too much education when it comes to advertising. Build that portfolio and share it!
What can writers do to address mental health issues in their writing effectively?
My characters in my novels all deal with life lessons, extensively. I believe faith is a key component of good mental health and I like that my readers can see what happens to the characters as they deal with real life. They will see the struggles we all face, and then how they overcome and triumph over these obstacles. I hope all my readers can find something in each book they can relate to.
What are you currently working on? When can we expect your next book?
I’m working on the next story in my Mackinac Island story series…. Being Nancy (In a world lost in Mystery) which is my ode to Nancy Drew…the books that planted a seed for me to be an author someday, even though I didn’t publish until I was over 60! I take a year to write a book because I also still do freelance writing in the natural medicine field, voice work around the country, art, teaching classes, and speaking. Plus, once a book is written, there are at least 3 months in the “after” stage to publication including editing, proofreading, formatting…those all take time on other people’s part and I work with their timeframe after I’m done.
When did you join AllAuthor? What do you think of the experience so far? Do you have any feedback?
I joined a few months ago, and yes, I think it’s been a wonderful experience. I love how you come up with a new pic that you post, and I can post as well. It would be great if you could spread the news of the “series” instead of the only the first book, but I understand. I recommend any author serious about success to join AllAuthor, it’s well worth it.
