Interview With Author Yvonne Blackwood
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the author of seven books. I’m an award-winning short-story writer, and have contributed stories to several anthologies, including Human Kindness and Canadian Voices. I’ve also published articles in magazines including More of Our Canada, Adelaide, and Green Prints. I retired after a thirty-seven-year banking career.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is College Life of a Retired Senior. I was inspired to write the story after I went back to school seven years after retiring. Several obstacles appeared during my twenty-first century college journey, but I persevered. I felt I could inspire others to pursue their dreams by sharing the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write into the wee hours of the morning.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Maya Angelou for her diction and fascinating life stories and Michael Ondaatje for his way with words.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a novel in between promoting my new non-fiction book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try several different methods as no single method can cover all markets. In the past, I have found stacking promotions helpful to bump up the book’s ranking.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you love writing keep doing it. Enjoy the journey as you travel toward your destination.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write because you love it and not just to make money.
What are you reading now?
I have been reading A Promised Land by Barack Obama for several months now-book promotion gets in the way!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to publish my first novel and continue 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?
The Firm-John Grisham; Heart of a Woman-Maya Angelou; The English Patient-Michael Ondaatje; The Spy who Came in From the Cold-John le Carré
Author Websites and Profiles
Yvonne Blackwood Amazon Profile
Yvonne Blackwood Author Profile on Smashwords
Yvonne Blackwood’s Social Media Links