-
Q: What inspired you to start writing?
I had always written poetry and synopses, opinion letters of articles when inspired by the topic. This was different. My baby brother was born with Down syndrome; his birth had a dramatic effect on my family, with me spending my life ensuring his inclusion. We had moved from Vorhees, NJ, to Florida for our grandchildren, leaving Bruce in Philadelphia. Family visiting up north, not having us there, were no longer visiting with my brother. Now, diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer, 4 months to live, our story needed to be shared. My final guarantee of his memory never being forgotten.
-
Q: Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
My Sister Wants an Elephant, my second book, was so well-received by parents and my grandchildren that I decided to write another children's book with my grandchildren. Most of the story is complete, just waiting for them and edits
-
Q: How do you create your characters?
Characters from the memoir are authentic. Characters from the children's books are based on my children and grandchildren. Their personalities are beyond entertaining with dialogue worth repeating
-
Q: What does your typical writing day look like?
I create more while living in Vail, CO, while hiking through the mountain trails. Thoughts come that I record on my phone and then type on the computer. While in Florida, the students I tutor inspire me. So, I basically write in the early mornings out on my patio or late in the afternoon. It's not a rigid schedule and I do not stress if ideas are not readily available
-
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being an indie author?
Flexibility of schedule and ideas
-
Q: What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your writing journey?
Marketing of my books has been stressful and disappointing. I don't feel Florida respects Indie authors
-
Q: Do you have any favorite writing tools or apps?
I do not use tools or apps to write
-
Q: What advice would you give to new or aspiring indie authors?
Just write!!!! Then worry about anything else
-
Q: How do you handle book promotion as an indie author?
It is very time-consuming, especially rooting through legitimate promoters.
-
Q: What’s next for you? Are you working on a new book?
I just recorded the audiobook, will be translating My Sister Wants an Elephant into Spanish, and waiting for edits on my latest book
