Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just completed my first novel, titled, Listening to Her Own Voice. Beginning in the 1860’s, Rosa, my protagonist, immigrates from Switzerland with her family to Minnesota. I am a retired social worker and financial educator. I am licensed as a clinical social worker, and a financial educator. I have two Master’s degrees; one in counseling and the other an MBA in personal financial planning. My training and experience influence the characters I write about and the dilemmas they find themselves in. I live in North Carolina with my husband, and our dog Lucy, who is the inspiration for my second book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This is my favorite question to answer. Listening to Her Own Voice was the result on pure inspiration. I’ve chronicled the life of my 2nd great aunt, the youngest of the siblings in MN and her struggle to decide on her vocation. Years ago, I was bitten by the genealogy bug, and in my research, I found out about Rosa. In my determination to thoroughly investigate my maternal side, and then track down what happened to Rosa, I actually spoke with a 95-year-old woman who’d been taught piano by her. I was so filled with inspiration throughout the year that it took me to write the book, that I never felt any writer’s block. Each and every day of writing was both hard and fun. It is the result of years of research and fact-checking, but all in all writing the book felt like I was going to a party every day.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No unusual habits; just rules. One is that I pace myself. The other is that my frisky miniature schnauzer reminds me when it’s time to pace myself. When she has had it with staring at me at the computer, she throws a fit, and that’s when I know it’s time to take time for play. I seek assistance and feedback from anyone who will take a chapter and read it. Usually I implement the suggestions. Also, when a particular piece of research is important to me, I will gladly pay an expert for information. Often this is a contribution to a charitable organization. Ultimately, however, I listen to my own sensibilities about what is right for my book, as I am the one who has given it the most time, effort, and thought.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My writing teacher recommended a book titled Plot vs. Character, and in these recent times of quarantine, it has been invaluable. Any help I can receive from writing a worthy prologue or epilogue, I am grateful for. Every writer, every foot note, every descriptive word helps the synapses in my brain to fire, and I make notes. I enjoyed Elizabeth C. Stanton’s autobiography and her fight for the women’s right to vote. I enjoy reading historical fiction. I enjoyed reading Freedom Bound by Rosalie Turner. I’m currently reading Sisters of the Resistance by Christine Wells.
What are you working on now?
I hope to publish my second book this fall, a children’s book, titled: Life’s Lessons from Lucy the Schnauzer. Anyone interested in learning more about me can check my website at www.colleenbooks.com. I have a blog there, and will let people know of any book promotions I’m planning. My 3rd book, which I am working on is titled: You Need Me. It is about a 50-year-old couple who think they are financially set to retire at age 62, only to learn their financial planner is pilfering their retirement savings.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ll probably always do some autographed book giveaways. I advertise through Kindle Select, and let the readers on goodreads know when my book is out. Following that, I will advertise in a newspaper that’s relevant to the topic. I ask friends and relatives to take a look, and provide reviews if the like it. I really enjoy written reviews such as this, and wherever, possible, am seeking to advertise world-wide.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make perseverance your middle name. When you start to burn out, it’s time for a break. Share your joys and sorrows with someone; in other words, get support and feedback.
Know that as a self-publisher, marketing will be difficult.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
With regard to writing, it is to be inspired. Overall, advice that I would give is to ask for help, because someone will always be out there to give it.
What are you reading now?
Sisters of the Resistance by Christine Wells and Gentle Warriors, a biography about Clara Euland in Minnesota who fought for women’s right to vote.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Ideas for another book are constantly percolating in my head. I might do a ‘test’ unscientific survey of friends about my ideas. Some of my ideas will end up on the production floor, so to speak. Others may turn into a book. It’s possible I will collaborate with another writer to add to the creativity of the book.
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?
East of Eden, Power, books about nutrition.
Author Websites and Profiles
Colleen MacFarlane Website
Colleen MacFarlane Amazon Profile