Novel FAQs / Author Interview
Q. How long did it take to write this novel?
A. On and off, nine years
Q. When did you first decide to write this particular story?
A. After an event that culminates in the book. The email messages within the novel are real. With suggestions that I expand them along with a desire to share a very special story, I began to write, emote, and grow, putting my feelings on paper.
Q. Are the characters real?
A. The four family members represent real people. The others are fictional characters, which may include traits from several individuals. Personalities are exaggerated and tweaked to fit the story.
Q. Did you write the book from cover to cover?
A. Actually, no. I found that I began with section one (the Joyful Mysteries), then skipped ahead to section three (the Glorious Mysteries), while details were fresh, vivid and powerful. Section two (the Sorrowful Mysteries) was the most difficult portion.
Q. When was your favorite time to write?
A. On a cold Saturday in front of a wood burning fire.
Q. Did you have assistance with any aspect of the writing or publishing?
A. I was fortunate to have had many encourage my writing, and phenomenal friends to provide perspective on content and technical improvements. Desi read four renditions offering guidance that enhanced the quality each time. Mike (and a few others) pointed me in the right direction for research on publishing. Mike2 gave me a refresher English course after school. Dawn tirelessly reviewed for structure page by page. Erin shared wisdom, Jo offered perspective, Magi encouraged and kept me laughing with her amazing wit. Bonnie handled the beta read, supporting me with her caring insight. Holly empathized, and along with Sue supported all my hopes. Alexa shared her experience, answering tons of newbie questions. Kristen edited. Lorraine, Carrie, Sue and Mike3 proofed. Danny promised to buy a dozen copies, boosting my spirits with guaranteed interest! My pre-readers and launch team members were amazing. Other friends cheered as I moved through the process of completing this work.
Q. What was the most challenging part?
A. Editing. The writing came easy. The first draft of the book was 499 pages. Modifying, cutting for clarity, editing for quality over quantity was the hardest but most rewarding part. Learning and employing common "do's" for successful writing earned me many hours of informal education. Formatting was no picnic, but following current guidelines has definitely improved it's look and feel.
And probably in second place, the cover. Getting it just right was a challenge, but one well worth the effort.
Q. How long did it take to write this novel?
A. On and off, nine years
Q. When did you first decide to write this particular story?
A. After an event that culminates in the book. The email messages within the novel are real. With suggestions that I expand them along with a desire to share a very special story, I began to write, emote, and grow, putting my feelings on paper.
Q. Are the characters real?
A. The four family members represent real people. The others are fictional characters, which may include traits from several individuals. Personalities are exaggerated and tweaked to fit the story.
Q. Did you write the book from cover to cover?
A. Actually, no. I found that I began with section one (the Joyful Mysteries), then skipped ahead to section three (the Glorious Mysteries), while details were fresh, vivid and powerful. Section two (the Sorrowful Mysteries) was the most difficult portion.
Q. When was your favorite time to write?
A. On a cold Saturday in front of a wood burning fire.
Q. Did you have assistance with any aspect of the writing or publishing?
A. I was fortunate to have had many encourage my writing, and phenomenal friends to provide perspective on content and technical improvements. Desi read four renditions offering guidance that enhanced the quality each time. Mike (and a few others) pointed me in the right direction for research on publishing. Mike2 gave me a refresher English course after school. Dawn tirelessly reviewed for structure page by page. Erin shared wisdom, Jo offered perspective, Magi encouraged and kept me laughing with her amazing wit. Bonnie handled the beta read, supporting me with her caring insight. Holly empathized, and along with Sue supported all my hopes. Alexa shared her experience, answering tons of newbie questions. Kristen edited. Lorraine, Carrie, Sue and Mike3 proofed. Danny promised to buy a dozen copies, boosting my spirits with guaranteed interest! My pre-readers and launch team members were amazing. Other friends cheered as I moved through the process of completing this work.
Q. What was the most challenging part?
A. Editing. The writing came easy. The first draft of the book was 499 pages. Modifying, cutting for clarity, editing for quality over quantity was the hardest but most rewarding part. Learning and employing common "do's" for successful writing earned me many hours of informal education. Formatting was no picnic, but following current guidelines has definitely improved it's look and feel.
And probably in second place, the cover. Getting it just right was a challenge, but one well worth the effort.
Q. Will you write another book?
A. Yes! I certainly hope so. My dreams include helping others by writing or assisting with writing of their memoirs.
Q. Who should read this book?
A. Everyone, young, old, male, female, short, tall…
I have several target audiences. First, would be Mitch’s family and friends who will enjoy the memories intertwined in the tale. Second, would be readers who are fond of the "Hallmark movie” story line. And third, would be anyone who’s experienced a family struggle, joy, fear, despair, prayer, bliss, success, loss, miracles, growth, and a hundred other common life episodes. The story shows how ordinary moments, the good and not-so-good, come together to make us who we are. There's value to discover within each event.
A. Yes! I certainly hope so. My dreams include helping others by writing or assisting with writing of their memoirs.
Q. Who should read this book?
A. Everyone, young, old, male, female, short, tall…
I have several target audiences. First, would be Mitch’s family and friends who will enjoy the memories intertwined in the tale. Second, would be readers who are fond of the "Hallmark movie” story line. And third, would be anyone who’s experienced a family struggle, joy, fear, despair, prayer, bliss, success, loss, miracles, growth, and a hundred other common life episodes. The story shows how ordinary moments, the good and not-so-good, come together to make us who we are. There's value to discover within each event.
