Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I just published my first book early this year. To say I was and still am excited about this would be an understatement. I am not sure how to qualify myself anymore – middle-aged sounds right, especially if one takes into account that my family has a long list of folks who live well into their 90s. Personally, I figure I’ll live until I’m 100, so I’m going with middle-age. I married the love of my life back in 1975; four children, eight grandchildren later, we are still going strong. Writing has been another love of mine. I always liked the essay form. Back when there were newspaper columnist/humorists, I never missed an article by Erma Bombeck or Dave Barry. I think they fed the humor gene that flows through my family. My faith in God and my family are very important to me. I see the humor of both relationships and like to feature that in my writing. I also am a birder. Springtime when the babies are coming to the feeder is the most challenging time for me to write. You can find me standing with binoculars keeping up with my birdie visitors throughout the day. I also love to play games. Anything from cards to board games to old-school video games. I love the camaraderie and the competition. I’m hopeful that play will keep my mind and reflexes sharp.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE MAGIC was inspired by my father. Alongside of his career, my father was a talented magician. Dad grew up during The Depression and was quite a story-teller. When I decided to write down some of these stories so that they wouldn’t be forgotten, I realized that a novel was coming together. It became a middle-grade novel, and I am hopeful that it will remind children and adults of how important it is to look for the magic in the midst of difficulty and challengers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My worst writing habit is the misguided notion that I need to have a bowl of Peanut M&Ms by my side when I write. This is particularly troubling when I’m writing in the morning as M&Ms are not exactly the breakfast of champions. Sometimes I refer to them as part of my writing tools. If I’m going through a lot of M&Ms, then you can be sure I’m getting some words down on the page and gaining weight at the same time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Barbara Robinson’s wonderful book THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER and Robert Kimmel Smith’s THE WAR WITH GRANDPA are two that made me appreciate reading aloud with my kids and grandkids and laughing together all the way. Laughter has such a bonding quality. In the adult realm, any book by Alexander McCall Smith, but especially his Number One Ladies Detective Agency books and also books by Fannie Flagg have had a huge influence on me.
What are you working on now?
I am in the very beginning stages of my next novel, so I’m not ready to give any clues as to exactly what that is just yet. I also continue to publish at least weekly on my humor blog, www.lifeonthelighterside.com.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As I am pretty new to all of this, Facebook has been my go-to promotion tool. I have a blog, www.lifeonthelighterside.com, that I also have used to promote my book. I did a book-signing at a local bookstore, too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. Discouragement comes but it also leaves as you keep writing. Don’t show your work too early, but be prepared to show it to a well-chosen writing support group to help you grow and see past your blind spots. The first draft is only the beginning. Don’t give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Nike was on to something with their “Just Do It” campaign. It sticks in your head and it translates to writing well.
What are you reading now?
FUNNY SIDE UP by Rita Davenport, THE SCHOOL OF ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS by Erica Bauermeister, and TALK LIKE TED by Carmine Gallo.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am beginning my next novel. I am also learning about marketing and promoting my work.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
THE BIBLE, THE RELUCTANT TUSCAN by Phil Doran, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen, and 501 MUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS so I could plan where to go when I was rescued.
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Bonnie Anderson Website
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