Can you tell us about your transition from being a dedicated reader to becoming a writer? What motivated you to start writing your own stories?
For as long as I can remember I loved to read, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and drama. I have always wanted to write and as a child, I wrote small stories and poems as life went on I forgot about my love for writing but continued to authors like Dean Koontz, Jrr Tolkien, C S Lewis, Steven King, VC Lewis, Robert Jordan, and other in that genre. As I aged and began to enter my retirement years, I decided I wanted to start writing again. So I wrote my first book Porcelain Doll, and the next Gold Caven. I enjoyed writing so I began my epic fantasy series, The Mejuarian.
Living on a serene island in Canada sounds like a dream. How does the natural beauty and tranquility of your surroundings impact your writing process?
Living in such a quiet environment it helps me to relax my mind and at times, I can stare out of my window at get ideas for my books just from looking at the birds playing around. I enjoy nature and being around it stimulates the colorful characters I create in my writings.
You mentioned that you draw from your experiences to add authenticity to your stories. Could you share an example of a personal experience that inspired a particular scene or character in one of your works.
There are so many experiences that I draw from because I try to understand and know my characters. What would they do in each situation, so that their behavior does not seem out of character from chapter to chapter? I tend to create them from my own experiences over I have had over the years. I love to provoke emotions and I believe having experienced the good times and bad times I believe I create more interesting characters. Some good, some bad, and some that are just sad.
As you're semi-retired now, you have more time to focus on your writing and your relationship with God. How do these two aspects intersect and influence each other in your creative process?
My writing and my spiritual beliefs are tied together because, without my faith in God, I would not be able to continue in such a competitive industry. I am blessed by Him, and because of that, I don’t worry about success influencing my dedication to my writing. I believe he has given me a story to write, and I have to write it to the end; He will take it from there. So, I hope my writing shares the love and grace he has shown me. Since I truly believe that God is a wonderful loving being Lord.
Your passion for fiction and fantasy is evident. What draws you to these genres, and are there any authors or books that have significantly influenced your writing style within these genres?
C. S. Lewis is my favorite because although not directly mentioned his works do show a goodness in Spirituality. I hope to create interesting characters, as well, tell a good story, and entertain all ages, so that anyone can enjoy my writing without warnings about its content.
I write fantasy because I love to write to take the readers to worlds not known; lovely, beautiful worlds, that the reader if only for a moment time, can immerse themselves into peace and joy.
Crafting captivating stories requires dedication and creativity. Could you walk us through your writing routine and the steps you take to develop your ideas into compelling narratives?
First I love to create my character; the character drives the story I believe, and once I know my hero or heroine I can then find the story I want to put in
For example, in the Mejuarian Series, Syberias Mejuarian has the story written around her. She starts off confused, depressed, and I would say weak the ridicule of all the Mejuarian, but by the end of the series, she will find her strength. The situations I am placing her in will cause her to emerge as a strong mother and confident female prepared to do anything to save her child and the Mejuarian world.
Readers often enjoy glimpses into an author's favorite characters. Are there any characters from your works that hold a special place in your heart, and if so, what makes them stand out?
Syberias Mejuarian is my favorite character. All my female characters' actions, personalities, and ways come from parts of my own existence; she is the persona of my growth from a young adult female to a retired woman.
Estelle, as well in Gold Cavern, is written from a big part my life, the days of my youth. Unlike Estelle in the book, my mother and father were very good to me, but we had very little, and my neighborhood was poor. Today for that reason alone, I am very appreciative to God as he strengthens me to move on as well so that my ending is far away from my beginning. I still love my hometown though, and friends that I still have there I still communicate with, so I am thankful but still the person from the small town.
How did you come up with the idea for your novel, Gold Cavern: The Legend of Goldum?
That was my husband's idea, and like all my books, we worked on them together. He was writing a screenplay like an old movie with Gregory Peck in it called Mckenna’s Gold. For several reasons, we could not use the outline of it. Since I write based on my knowledge, I kept the gold hunt part of the story but created new characters, different adventures, and a unique ending.
How do you create complex and intriguing characters in your novels?
I only created them from my own experiences. Parts of myself and, people that I have known, making that person either a villain or hero.
What do you do personally to improve your writing and why does it work?
I use every kind of grammar check tool there is and then I have it edited by a professional. I don’t use the new Chat system to create my stories, they are all original. As for the story, ideas come easy for me so much so that I must be careful and focus and finish one situation before I move on to the next adventure.
Writing can be a deeply personal endeavor. How do you navigate the balance between sharing your personal experiences and creating fictional worlds that resonate with a broader audience?
I think my writings do share a bit more about myself than they probably should. I believe that the audience must really know the character. For me in my style of writing, I believe it must come from experience.
Revising and editing are crucial parts of the writing process. How do you approach the revision stage, and do you have any tips for fellow writers who are looking to polish their work effectively?
I have found some good people I work with online, and they help me with editing and honest reviews. Northern Light Books is great at editing, and she is considerate of the writer’s feelings, without overpowering your work with her ideas. Amy’s bookshelf, a great for marketing and reviews before and after your book is done.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your writing career? Are there specific themes or messages that you hope to explore in your upcoming stories?
I am going to finish the Mejuarian Series, and I have another series I think I am going to try writing. From there I will see with God has for me.
Finally, how has All Author helped you with the promotion of your books? Would you recommend this platform to your author.
All Author is wonderful. I am glad that I found it because I enjoy all the features you have for promoting my books. The everyday tweets, creating personalized banners, and even the contests. I can meet and follow other artists from all over the world, and read their works as well as introduce mine to them.
I definitely tell all my writer friends to use All Author.
