Terri Greening Interview Published on: 08, Aug 2023
Which city or town did you grow up in?
I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Your educational background includes a B.A. in journalism and an M.B.A. How have these academic pursuits influenced your writing style and approach to storytelling?I think my educational background helps with the details of writing such as editing and word choices.
Can you tell us about your journey as a creative writer? What sparked your interest in writing, and how did you decide to pursue it as a career?I’ve always liked to write, and I enjoy writing creatively. This could be because I like to read a lot, and I enjoy other peoples’ writing.
Are there any particular authors or literary works that have had a profound impact on your writing style or storytelling techniques? If so, can you share some examples?I like to read mysteries and thrillers, and I admire the authors that write them.
The Great Lakes region seems to play a significant role in your work. How has the natural beauty and surroundings of this area inspired your writing?The Great Lakes and surrounding areas are very beautiful. I like to go to Lake Michigan when I can because it is so breathtaking and calming. There are many sandy beaches along the shoreline as well.
How did you come up with the idea for your book, The Lady of the Lighthouse?I am interested in lighthouses and shipwrecks in the Great Lakes area, and I wanted to write about them.
As a creative writer, how do you handle feedback and criticism? What steps do you take to continuously improve your writing based on feedback from readers or editors?I like to take writing classes and find creative ways to communicate ideas. I often use feedback while I’m writing.
Your writing likely involves significant research, whether it's for fictional elements or journalistic pieces. How do you approach research, and how do you strike a balance between creativity and accuracy?I try to do both.
Have you ever faced writer's block? If so, how do you overcome it and find inspiration during those challenging times?I haven’t actually had a problem with that. I usually read and write every day.
In today's digital age, self-publishing and online platforms have transformed the landscape of the publishing industry. What are your thoughts on these changes, and how have they affected your approach to sharing your work with the world?I think new ways of publishing are good for writers in that they offer more opportunities for them to get their writing into the world and in front of readers.
Many aspiring writers struggle to find a balance between their creative pursuits and other responsibilities. How do you manage to incorporate your passion for writing into your daily life, alongside your other interests and commitments?I try to find time to write every day, but I’m also thinking about my writing when I go about my daily activities. When I actually sit down to write, I usually have an idea of what it is I’m going to write about.
Writing can be a deeply personal and vulnerable process. How do you navigate the emotional aspects of creating stories and characters?Creating characters and writing about their emotions as they experience life events is very rewarding for me. I enjoy exploring characters’ actions and reactions in situations.
Your interests include yoga, gardening, nature parks, walking, and biking. How do these activities contribute to your creativity and influence the themes in your writing?All of these activities help me to relax and feel creative.
Can you share any upcoming projects or works that you're currently working on or planning for the future?I have a paranormal thriller novel coming soon from World Castle Publishing, entitled “The Copper Isle Ghostslayer.” I am currently working on another novel.
What originally attracted you to our website? If you were to review the website what score would you give it out of 5?I would give AllAuthor a 5 out of 5. Having an author website with purchasing options, a contact form and my social media links is very convenient for me and for potential readers, I think. I also like AllAuthor’s weekly mockup banners for advertising and the other author resources offered.
