What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
Two-hour sessions staring at seven in the evening. I also take two days a week off when I write. The mini break each week helps me stay on track with my schedule, most of the time. Being disciplined is so important.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’m not a Tea drinker at all, does nothing for me. But, when I’m writing I go through this routine. It starts with making a cup of Tea. Not any Tea. It must be Chamomile and it must have a teaspoon of honey. If I don’t have my Tea, I’m all out of whack and am unable to find my rhythm. Otherwise, I never drink Tea. It’s spooky and I don’t understand why or how this ritual started.
How do books get published?
Being a rookie author and having no clue of the literary world, find a good agent you can trust. I relied on their expertise and network of contacts to secure a publisher for, Hoodoo Sea. Not to mention their guidance on the book itself and how to put the story’s best foot forward to the publishers. Hoodoo Sea wouldn’t have been published without their professional help, I believe.
Where did you get your information or ideas for your books?
The idea for the book came from watching a documentary on the Discovery Channel. The additional information I needed I had spent researching online. Pre-internet, I can’t imagine how difficult it had to have been for writers to obtain the knowledge required for their novels.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first novel Hoodoo Sea when I turned forty.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Being with my family aside, my top three in no particular order are going fishing for Walleye, playing cash poker games and racing off to our log cabin every Friday for the weekend.
What does your family think of your writing?
They are my biggest fans, supporters and critics.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned creating your books?
Finding out I had creativity and being able to place my thoughts into a style of writing people enjoy.
How many books have you written?
Hoodoo Sea is my first. I am currently working on my second novel, and any agents reading this, call me?
Do you hear from your readers much?
I’ve had the pleasure of several phone calls and emails already, even though the novel has just been released. I am grateful for this feedback; it’s the icing on the cake. I welcome any comments and any reader can go to http://www.hoodoosea.com. All messages are brought to my attention and I respond to each one.
What kinds of things do they say?
The comments are consistent, that’s a good thing. The ending of the novel is quite a surprise and readers either love it, or hate it. Mission accomplished.
