Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Cleveland Ohio, and now live north of Detroit in Michigan. I was a scholarship art student and worked in graphics before raising a family. Years later, I returned to my other passion, writing. My poetry and short stories have been published in more than fifty literary journals. I have four poetry chapbooks, a poetry chapbook award from Bottom Dog Press and an MFA from The University of Southern Maine. I work as a volunteer for Rochester Area Neighborhood House Inc., a nonprofit human service organization.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
IN THE CONTEXT OF LOVE is women’s fiction. It was inspired by the real life stories in a magazine article I read in the 90s titled “My Father Was a Rapist.” It was such a chilling but inspirational article, and I had such admiration for the women’s stories. I decided to write about a young woman, born in the mid fifties before there were rape kits or rape counselors, who learns this devastating fact about her conception. I didn’t know how she would find out, or what would happen when she did, but that’s part of the joy and the challenge of writing!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to have music playing – it helps energize me. Barking dogs will blow my concentration.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
T. C. Boyle, Marilynne Robinson, Ann Hood, Anne Tyler, Ian McEwan, Jane Smiley, Jane Hamilton and fellow Michigander Bonnie Jo Campbell, to name a few. The earliest books I remember embracing were Heidi, Pippi Longstocking, Black Beauty, Mary Poppins, and The Jungle Book.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing a companion book to IN THE CONTEXT OF LOVE, which deals with the life of a character, Joe Vadas, who was most important to the narrator, Angelica. People have told me they want to know what happens to all the characters, including Angelica’s two children, so I guess I’ll have to write a sequel!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter has been a great resource for me, from finding supportive writers to book bloggers. And friends. Lots of friends. Making friends on Twitter has resulted in two radio shows and countless guest blog posts — not to mention that’s how I found my publisher!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Think of your chapters as publishable excerpts, and submit them to literary journals and contests. Sometimes judges offer valuable feedback, and publishing credits establish credibility. Writing a synopsis is a great exercise that will help you further develop your story, plus it’s necessary for querying agents and publishers. If possible, work with a reputable story editor or other writers on structure, plot and characterization. Take a couple weeks off and then return to revising with fresh eyes. Once you feel you have a well-crafted manuscript, research agents and publishers and start sending out those queries. Lastly, don’t let rejection deter you. Be determined.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t take the easy way out. Don’t write the easy line.
What are you reading now?
SOME LUCK by Jane Smiley
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing!
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 snatch up all the Anne Tyler and T.C. Boyle books I have yet to read.
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