C.A. Simonson Interview Published on: 14, Mar 2023
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the small farm community of Clark, South Dakota, close to the Minnesota border.
Why do you think so many authors begin writing later in their life and don't actively pursue it as children?Time is the main reason. Life takes over with family affairs, work, children, etc. However, that was not my case. I had my first piece published at age 17. From there, I began writing articles (inspirational, how-to, human interest) and had them published in many different national print magazines.
When and how did you decide that you wanted to write?I actually won a reading contest in 4th grade for WRITING the book I was supposed to review. (I wrote a short story about it on my website). I've always had stories going through my head. It's getting them down on paper that's the hard part.
Who is the most supportive person in your life when it comes to your writing?My husband. He lets me read my stories aloud to him and then gives valuable feedback.
How did you come up with the idea of writing the book, RUNAWAY?The story behind RUNAWAY started as a dream - a dream that covered three nights. It came in bits and pieces. Most of my novels are written about children, so when I decided the main character would be the pre-teen, Rosie, it wasn't hard to piece the rest together. Telling the plight of children going through foster gave the added tension the story needed.
What gave you the idea for "Love's Journey Home"?Love's Journey Home is a compilation of true-life experiences from my father, my husband, and my sons. The only difference - it's all combined into one character who experiences them all. It begins with seven children who are abandoned by a drunken father after the death of their mother. The children are told to sit on a fence and wait until he returned. He never did (also based on a true story).
Do you prefer writing standalones or books in a series?Series is definitely the way to keep interest and readers coming back for more.
How many books do you plan to write in The search for Love series?It is the Journey Home Series. I'm contemplating adding at least one more to the trilogy.
How important is research to you when writing a book? How long does it usually take you and what book took the longest to finish the research for?Research is crucial. I didn't realize this when I started writing until I was asked about the timeline and location. The first book in the trilogy, Love's Journey Home, took the longest - 10 years of research and writing. RUNAWAY took almost as long. Usually, research takes up to a year to complete.
Writing is your hobby, but also your job. So do you ever get tired of doing it? And if so, how do you relax or take a break?I love to write. Period. But when I hit a brick wall, I stop with that storyline, and write an article, or do research, or listen to podcasts or webinars that teach writing techniques. Sometimes just brainstorming on other flash fiction stories helps. (But I also love to fish, sew, and garden - all quite different, and what I call no-brainers that helps me relax).
Describe your journey as an author so far in five words.It's been an amazing journey.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you've learnt along the way?I repeat: research is crucial. I'm somewhat of a panster in writing, but have discovered that outlines and timelines are very important as well. It keeps me on track. Editing myself is "okay" - but another set of eyes is better. Beta readers are invaluable, and critique or writing groups are a treasure.
What are the most productive ways to spend time on the Internet?Research? (LOL) Also, as stated, in training webinars or podcasts.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?I have several - two nonfiction training workbooks are scheduled to be written this year. One on Everything Has a Story and another on plotting. For fiction, I have had a story in my head for a few years (it has to ruminate) - about a migrant coming through the southern border looking for his birth father who worked in Columbia thirteen years before.
Finally. what intrigued you most about the AllAuthor website?As a premium member now, have your thoughts about it changed? I like what AllAuthor provides and how it encouraged authors. I've entered the book cover contests several times.
