Interview With Author Dorenda Doyle
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
How I Learned to Like My Mom: Forgive Those You Love … Before It’s Too Late is my FIRST EVER book! I am a retired educator (30 years), mother of 3 plus their spouses, grandmother of 7, and love to travel. My free time (WHAT FREE TIME?!) is spent taking care of grands, doing animal rescues (I have 3 rescues of my own–2 dogs & 1 cat … ok, maybe 4 rescues, cause I have a husband too!), reading, and biking. My bucket list goal is to visit all 63 National Parks, and biking a Century (100 miles in one day; my best is 77 so far).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
How I Learned to Like My Mom: Forgive Those You Love … Before It’s Too Late
It is a memoir about my mother, whom I loved, but decidedly did not like … that is, until I was forced to see her for who she really was. This happened upon her death and in the months following, while I was doing research on her life in order to deliver her eulogy (which I was loath to doI). I learned that she wasn’t JUST a beautiful, talented alcoholic who had drug her four kids through seven marriages, barely supporting us because she had only an eighth-grade education. Through family photos and stories, I uncovered the tale of a resilient woman who refused to give up on her dreams, her kids, or her life. Slowly, but surely, my admiration and respect grew for my mother with each additional piece of her history—some sad, some humorous, some uplifting, and some horrible. I began to welcome those traits in my own personality which I had previously abhorred because they were “hers.” The research continued for 6 more years until I knew that the only way I could have closure as well as finally show her the respect she deserved was to write this book. It is my story as well, how I learned to like the mom I loved, how I came to realize that forgiveness is one of our greatest gifts, and how I no longer judge her or myself.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I drink hot chai tea when I start to lag. I fight the cat to keep her off the keyboard. I get my exercise by getting up and down from the computer to act as butler to my dogs (letting them in and out of the house).
Nope, pretty normal …
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite genre is NOT memoirs, but rather fantasy, romance (historical, comedy), and escapism fiction. Love Jayne Ann Krentz and Kathleen Woodiwiss. My newest favorite author is Jen Telger! Why did I write a memoir then? Because THIS was the book I HAD to write, the one that was heavy on my heart. My next books will be children’s books.
What are you working on now?
Marketing my brand new book
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
No clue yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write EVERY DAY!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get the book written. Don’t worry about making it perfect on the first round (or you’ll never finish), just get it written! AND, hire a GREAT EDITOR!
What are you reading now?
The Vanishing by Jayne Ann Krentz
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have started outlining my children’s series, Adventures with Grandma. I have 7 books planned (featuring an avatar of each of my grands).
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?
NOT Robinson Crusoe!
Kathleen Woodiwiss, The Wolf & The Dove
Jayne Ann Krentz, (may I have her whole Arcane Society series?)
Anything from Leigh Bardugo or Andrea Kane
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