My Guest Author This Month Is....

My guest this month is one of the most fun authors I know. Katie O'Connor has a wickedly mischievous sense of humor and I was so pleased that she agreed to be my guest this month. I hope you enjoy her answers to my questions as much as I did.

    Q. When and why did you start writing? What is it about writing that satisfies you the most? 

     A. I’ve written off and on since I was about 18. Stories just come to me and I can’t make them go away unless I jot them down. I value the truth above almost everything else, and being an author allows me to spin outlandish tales without stretching the truth. I read once that writers are just people with multiple personalities and that writing keeps those personalities in check…some parts of me think this might be true; other parts think it is nonsense. (Snicker)

Q.     What is one subject or genre you would never write about and why? 

A.  I can’t think of any taboo subject. Even sensitive subjects such as rape, incest, abortion, and abuse can be used if handled with sensitivity and tact. That said, it can be a motivating factor in the growth of a character, or can have shaped their lives, but is not part of their daily lives. As for genre, I’ve tried my hand at many. I love romance and erotica. I’m working on a fantasy and a sci-fi novel. Mystery, however, seems too complicated to pen easily as I tend to write by the seat of my pants without too much advance plotting.

Q.     Have you had a defining moment in your writing life that changed everything for you?

A.  Recently, when I was bemoaning yet another rejection, I said, “Someday I’ll be a successful author.” My friend replied that I had eight published books and I was ALREADY a success. I think that moment is the point where I fully started to believe in myself and my work.

Q.     How did you feel when you held your first book in your hands?

A.  Interestingly enough, it wasn’t holding the first book that gave me my biggest thrill, perhaps because it was digital only and that’s just not the same as a printed book. Signing my first contract was the best feeling ever. Elation, disbelief, astonishment, thrill, aside from the birth of my children, it was the most wonderful day of my life, bar none. Now, back to holding that first book…When I published the next book and held it in my hand I was both awed and humbled to realize that I had done this. I had written a book worthy of printing! I still quiver with pleasure and pride when I think of signed contracts and print books.

Q.     If you weren’t a writer, what would you be and why?

A.  This will sound like a cop-out to the question, but I could never be anything but a writer. My heart and mind overflow with stories and ideas that must come out. I write them, I tell them to my grandkids and friends. I make-up stories about people I see at the mall. The stories are there and just keep coming. But, aside from that, I’m kind of old-fashioned. All I ever wanted to be was a mother and homemaker. That’s what made me happy. I’ve done that. I’m happily married and have been with my childhood sweetheart for 40 years. We’ve got two amazing daughters and five of the best grandkids that ever walked the earth. (Just ask me, I’ll tell you all about them.)

Q.    Do you work with critique partners? If so, what do you most like about the process? If not, is this an avenue you would consider in the future and if not, why not?

A.  I work with two critique partners, Shelley Kassian and Brenda Sinclair. I love the feedback I get, especially when I get the ‘what the heck was that supposed to be’ comments. The chance to pre-read two of my favorite author’s work is a great perk. The best part, by far, is that I can expect honest feedback from them. No slams, no false praise, just the truth framed in a manner that assists my writing process, rather than belittling me or my work.

FUN QUESTIONS.

1.     What keys on a keyboard do you not use?

The stupid trackpad on my laptop; I keep it turned off. It gets in the way, I touch it accidentally, and I end up zooming somewhere in my document that I don’t want to be. 

2.     Which of the four seasons do you like/dislike the most and why?

I think I prefer autumn or fall as we call it here in Canada. I love being outside when it’s cool but not cold. It gets dark early enough for a long evening bonfire and there are NO BUGS!

3.     What is your idea of perfect happiness?

This is a strange one. I don’t believe in perfect happiness. Without needing something or striving toward a goal, a person stagnates. And without sorrow, happiness is meaningless. But momentary happiness…hot coffee, something sweet to nibble on, solitude and a good book come pretty close to perfect.

4.     You are offered a free vacation, one a beach destination, the other a sight-seeing tour, which would you choose and why?

     Since I’m not a sun or beach person, I’d probably choose the sightseeing tour. They fire my imagination and spark new story ideas. Can it be to Scotland, please? Pretty please with sugar on top!

SPEED QUESTIONS: Straight YES/NO answers, unless you want to add a few words to qualify the answer.

Have you ever:

1.     Lied about your age? no

2.     Danced naked in the rain? yes

3.     Called in sick to work when you weren’t sick? no

4.     Won a contest? Yes: I was Snow-Queen 1977. Yup, I’m a beauty pageant winner.

5.     Eaten ice cream straight from the carton? Hellz Yes!

6.     Locked yourself out of your house? More than once.

7.     Ridden a motorcycle? As a passenger, yes. Driven one? No way in hell.

8.     Taken an enormous risk? No; I’m a coward by nature.

9.     Gotten lost in a strange city? Yuppers

10.  Eaten a whole packet of cookies? Who hasn’t?

11.  Watched the stars at night? As often as I can.

12.  Worn odd socks? Yes, although it annoys me. Fancy socks with pictures on them rock!

If you want to know more about Katie check her out at https://katieohwrites.com/. 

Visit this site again tomorrow and check out some of her books!

My guest this month. . . by Victoria Chatham

I am so pleased to introduce to you this month author A.M. Westerling. Not only is she a very good friend of mine, she is also one of my eagle-eyed critique partners.

We first met at a Calgary Association of Romance Writers of America (CaRWA) information evening, held at the Memorial Park Library in Calgary. Both of us had attended in the hopes of finding out more about the craft and business of writing romance. It was shortly before CaRWA hosted its first conference, Crossing the Publishing Threshold, in November 2004. Much has flowed beneath the bridge since then and, as well as I thought I knew Astrid, some of her answers surprised me!

1.     When and why did you start writing? What is it about writing that satisfies you the most?

Unlike a lot of authors, I never had a burning desire to write. I was quite happy to be a reader and I read one or two books a week. I discovered historical romance and I devoured every one I could get my hands on. The genre was popular at the time and publishers were pumping them out as fast as they could which meant the quality got diluted and some of them were so bad, I couldn’t even finish them. In fact, some of them were so bad, it occurred to me I could do better! But life was busy and I never pursued it any further.

Then in the early nineties, my husband and I started an engineering company which meant I was in the office with time on my hands as we didn’t have a lot of work in those early days. That was when I started to write. Our company became successful so I put that book aside and didn’t pick it up again until 2001, when we sold the company and retired. I did sub that book to a couple of editors but it didn’t sell and it’s my proverbial “manuscript under the bed.”

The thing that satisfies me the most is creating a new world and bringing new characters to life. If I do my job properly, they take over the story and what happens depends on them.

2.     What is one subject or genre you would never write about and why?

Erotica. Quite honestly, I don’t see the appeal. That’s not to say I don’t write sex scenes, I do, but I would consider my work as sexy historical romance and you could skip the scenes and not lose the thread of the story.

3.     Have you had a defining moment in your writing life that changed everything for you?

I had the opportunity to work one on one with author and writing instructor Mary Buckham (www.marybuckham.com) on my third manuscript. I learned so much from her about the craft of writing and she pointed out mistakes in my own work that I never noticed. ie: passive voice, raising story questions and who knew my characters actually needed goals?! My work improved leaps and bounds after that and this exercise turned into The Countess’ Lucky Charm.

4.     How did you feel when you held your first book in your hands?

A feeling of disbelief, as in, is this really happening to me?! Also pride in what I had accomplished.

5.     Do you read your reviews? If so, how do you celebrate the good and get over the bad?

I absolutely read my reviews and I’ll tweet or FB about it if I get a good one. I use the comments as learning tools, even the poor ones. Bad reviews don’t bother me at all because I don’t like everything I read either. As Jo Beverley said in one of the first workshops I ever attended, “not everyone will get my magic.”

6.     Have you ever judged any writing competitions? If you have, what about the process surprised you the most?

I judged the Emerald City Openers for a few years. What surprised me the most is how much I enjoyed the opportunity to provide helpful (I hope!) feedback and encouragement on what I had read. I could tell some of the entries came from beginning authors and I liked the feeling of being a mentor.  

FUN QUESTIONS:

1.     What keys on a keyboard do you not use?

The Function keys.

2.     Are you a glass half full or half empty kind of person? Or is the glass just malformed?

Definitely the glass is half full. Life is an adventure - try something new, follow your dream, smile at a stranger, make time for friends and family. Yes, I have my down days but every dark cloud has a silver lining. J

3. Which of the four seasons do you like/dislike the most and why?

I love spring. I love the feeling of renewal and the soft green of new growth. I love spending time out in the garden and getting dirt under my nails after a long Canadian winter. I love planning what I’m going to plant this year and deciding what little yard project to tackle. Besides, summer follows it and then I can enjoy the fruits of my labour!

4.     What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Camping with my sweetie. Anywhere, but particularly in northern British Columbia.

SPEED QUESTIONS: Straight YES/NO answers, unless you want to add a few words to qualify the answer. Have you ever:

1.     Lied about your age? No

2.     Won a contest? Yes. Earlier this year I won sideline passes for a Calgary Stampeders home game in the upcoming season.

3.     Ridden a motorcycle? Yes, as a passenger. Scared me silly, especially going around the corners!

4.     Watched the stars at night? Definitely yes! J See my above answer re: camping.

Please join me tomorrow, May 16th,  to check out some of Astrid's title. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Who Is My Guest This Month?

The old proverb says 'birds of a feather stick together' and has been in use since at least the mid 16th century. In 1545 William Turner used a version of it in his papist satire The Rescuing of Romish Fox: 'Byrdes of on kynde and color flok and flye allwayes together'. 

So it is with writers and this month I'm pleased to welcome independent author, Mahrie G. Reid.

I'd actually known of Mahrie for a while, recognizing the name long before I met her. After reading her answers to my questions I now know her a lot better

1.   When and why did you start writing? What is it about writing that satisfies you the most?

I started telling stories when I was seven or eight and by the time I was fourteen had been writing them down for a few years. My plots were quite fantastic. In one book, the twins inherit an island and old house from a great-aunt. Words were stock and trade in our house. Mom was a writer and Dad a preacher. The dictionary lived on the radiator beside the kitchen table. “Look it up,” Mom would say. It is like music. People with music in their souls play music, write music and listen to music. Word people write, read and tell stories. It is to me like air or food. I thrive when I write. I turn grumpy when I don’t.

2.     What is one subject or genre you would never write about and why?

          I’d never write horror stories. They frighten me and give me nightmares.

3.     What was the best writing advice you ever had, and did it work?

          Keep writing, no matter what. And yes, it did. I used writing in my work and for pleasure. Now I have three books published.

4.     How did you feel when you held your first book in your hands?

          I opened the package and gazed at it. With my one hand I stroked the cover. Then I laughed and hugged it. Excitement and satisfaction were what I felt.

5.     Do you read your reviews? If so, how do you celebrate the good and get over the bad?

          I don’t usually read my reviews. People either like my book or they don’t. I can’t control their tastes. I’ve received enough positive comments about my writing to know that there are people who like my stories. That’s good enough for me.

6.     Have you ever judged any writing competitions? If you have, what about the process surprised you the most?

          It has been years since I judged contests. However, what I remember is the lack of research people did before writing and submitting. Not the subject of the story, but the formats, the lengths of scenes and chapters, the use of various craft skills and those details that are so readily available.

FUN QUESTIONS:

1.     What have you always wanted? Did you ever get it?

I always wanted a Jaguar car but never did get one and now think it impractical. But I still like them.

2.     What keys on a keyboard do you not use? There is one called Alt Gr – I have no idea what it’s for so I never use it.

3.     What is the most memorable class you’ve ever taken? I took the Dale Carnegie courses and later worked for the organization. The skills I learned have helped me in all areas of my life. The courses are not about public speaking. That is simply the tool they use to teach other life skills. Some of those skills saved my sanity more than once.

4.     What is your idea of perfect happiness? Any day that I remember to choose happiness is a perfectly happy day. That contented feeling inside and a giggle just waiting to happen make moments perfect. 

SPEED QUESTIONS:  Have you ever:

1.     Lied about your age? Yes

2.     Danced naked in the rain? Yes

3.     Called in sick to work when you weren’t sick? Yes- when my kids were sick.

4.     Won a contest? Once

5.     Eaten ice cream straight from the carton? Of course

6.     Locked yourself out of your house? Oh yes.*sigh*

7.     Ridden a motorcycle? Oh, baby – I sure did.

8.     Taken an enormous risk? Yes

9.     Gotten lost in a strange city? Yes

10.  Eaten a whole packet of cookies? Does an entire pan of Rice Crispy squares count?

11.  Watched the stars at night? Yes

12.  Worn odd socks? Yes

Thanks much, Mahrie! Loved to hear that someone else has danced naked in the rain. In my world, a pan of Rice Crispy squares definitely equals a whole packet of cookies. My DDH once made a batch of chocolate chip cookies - except instead of individual cookies he made one huge one in our cast iron frying pan. Need I say more? Tomorrow I'll have details of some of Mahrie's books.