Barbara Daniels Dena Interview Published on: 18, May 2023
Do you have a simple childhood memory that you could never forget?
Yes, it is so funny. When I was a child, I wanted a rainbow can-can for Christmas. When the family was gone, I snuck into the closet, opened my present and there it was. Yay! But when Christmas arrived, I was so sad that I didn’t have the surprise that I always anticipated every year.
What inspired your first original story? Did you share the tale with anyone?I have been doing the ‘what if’ stories my whole life so I can’t imagine not sharing them. My first one was probably about trolls because Dad always told us kids to hurry on because there was a troll under the bridge. I probably bored friends and family to pieces with my imagination. I am and always have been inspired by ‘life itself’ in my stories, especially funny things, and mysteries.
Where did you get your degree in education? What was the most memorable part of college for you?Marycrest College, Davenport, Iowa. My classmates were a hoot. It took me a few years to finish my degree, so I was older than the younger students, and I had a great time with them sharing ideas and the things which were important in their lives.
Did you always want to be a writer?Absolutely. As the years went by, I said I was going to be the next Danielle Steel, but I found I do not have the patience to write a novel. Short stories are my favorite writing style.
What challenges did you feel while getting your debut book, "For the Soul: A Collection of Short Stories" published?For me, I am old school and learning technology for uploading the book was a hurdle which was so difficult for me to understand. Luckily, I have friends who volunteered to do it for me. To say I am computer illiterate in most areas is likely an understatement and I heartily laugh at myself about it. I am great at ‘copy and paste’ though!! I have learned through trial and error on my part that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Why did you choose the title "One Soul's Journey"?I love water and when searching for the cover for that book, I saw the picture of the stream tumbling forward over the rocks and to me, life is like that water, a journey, sometimes it is smooth, sometimes it is rocky.
When you're not writing, what are some things you like to do with your free time?I listen to audiobooks while I knit.
What should everyone know about writing books?It is harder than it looks. It takes time, perseverance, and lots of imagination.
How often do you write in a week? Do you try to write a certain goal number of words or chapters a day or do you just go with the flow?I go with the flow. I try to write something every day, but I have no set schedule or goals. That is too much pressure to put on oneself. Writing for me is a joy, not a production line.
How do you usually get new ideas for your books? Do you use any tricks to get "in the zone" and get your creative juices flowing?I flip through the internet for news or unusual stories. Or I may be researching a subject that interests me and a story will pop into my mind. But really, I never discount people watching or hearing about an event another has experienced as the greatest sources for ideas.
According to you, what is the perfect recipe for an amazing story?Imagination and life. All one has to do is watch the world,
As an author, what kind of pressure or stress do you get from writing? What are some ways you find ways to have fun being an author even though it is a very demanding job?I do not allow myself pressure or stress. My writing nook overlooks a pond where I have grazing deer, geese, ducks, a crane and lately a swan has flown in so I nature watch constantly when I am tired of writing a passage. Plus, I have a tiny Yorkie, Zoe, who thinks she is the writer, and I am but the transcriptionist, so when she demands attention, off we go!
Do you think someone can be an author without having discipline? Why or why not?Not if one wants to be a good author. It takes commitment and a willingness to stick to a final goal. Not that it has to be a set amount of hours per day or words per day, but a goal of a finished product, the willingness to say “I can do it” and not throw the baby out with the bath water.
Are you working on anything new at the moment? If so, when can we expect its release or publication?I am working on Book #3 of the Soul Series, yet to be titled. I hope it will be out in 2023, but as we all know, life has an unexpected way of tugging on us when least expected so I will see how it turns out.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?An absolute 10 stars. I couldn’t be happier with the AllAuthor.
