Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been working for a number of years as a ghostwriter, and I have lost count of the number of books I wrote for various clients. I will say that I learned something about writing, with each and every book that I wrote.
I have been writing for other people for so long, that I at last had to give myself permission to write the stories that I am interested in, and that are entertaining for me.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When Mother Calls is the title. It is a fantasy/time travel novel that I started writing when I was in the midst of a family dispute, and I needed something to entertain myself with, and pull my mind out of some of the not so nice things that were happening around me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a feeling that with no matter what method of writing you describe, you will find numerous well known authors who write in that way.
I start writing my rough draft by hand. I guess this really dates me. I come from the generation that did not learn how to type until they were in high school. And then, we typed on the old manual typewriters. Computers were a dream of the far future.
Once I have a few pages written by hand, I type them up – go back and edit, and write the next few pages. I have tried outlining the plot first, but my characters do not like to read those outlines.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would have to say that Mark Twain was one of the biggest influences in my life. I believe I have read nearly everything that he wrote. Alice Hoffman and Dean Koontz have also influenced my writing, and Ellis Peters, with her Brother Cadfael series. There are so many, and I know I will think of more, once this interview is closed.
What are you working on now?
Oh, dear. I am in the midst of writing the next book in the Josepha Chronicles series. I am also doing everything I can to let people know that When Mother Calls is available for sale. I am also recording When Mother Calls, to sell as an audio book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am just beginning this process. I will let you know how things work as I go along.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Write. Eat. Sleep. Those words should be posted at the top of your computer, where you will see them, first thing in the morning. That is what you must do in order to develop your craft.
Next comes editing. It is amazing how much one can learn by editing the work of other novice writers. Their mistakes will stand up and glare at you. And, i am not talking about the simple mistakes of grammar and spelling.; even the most seasoned writer will occasionally make a mistake, or misuse a word. I am talking about describing your major scenes so that they make sense to the reader, and with such detail that they draw your readers into the midst of those scenes. I am talking about developing your characters so that they seem to be a little more solid than cardboard.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep going. There is an old, old story about Moses leading his followers across the Sea of Reeds. They have come so far, and are stuck on the shore, with the Egyptian soldiers not so far behind. The sea is in front, and it looks impassable. Moses’ wife practically shoves him from behind, saying, “Get going.”
Moses steps into the water, and it comes up to his knees. He looks back to his wife, who shouts to him, “Keep going!” So, he goes in a little further, and the water is up to his hips. He turns to look back at his wife, who again shouts, “Keep going!” and waves him on. Moses takes a few more steps, and the water is up to his chest. Of course, his wife shouts at him, “Keep going!” He takes a few steps more, and the water is up to his chin, nearly to his nose. It is then that the waters part, and the tribe is able to cross.
What are you reading now?
I have about a dozen books stacked up on my dining table, and at least that many on my bedside table. There are quite a few more on the table where I sit with my computer. When I want something peaceful, rich in characters, I read Will and Ariel Durant’s history books. I would rank them with some of the best that have ever been written.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to write, one pen after another. Also, learning how to sell. That, I believe will be my biggest hurdle.
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?
I would take almost anything by Will and Ariel Durant, Dean Koontz and who knows who else. Then I would take a few large notebooks, and a lot of pens. For, nothing could be more dull than not being able to write my own stories.
Author Websites and Profiles
Genevieve Fosa Website