Periodically, I try to make time to answer some of the questions I have been asked about each book. Since Portsoy Woods, is my first novel, and my most recent release, this is the book which is generating the most questions at the moment.
How long does it take you to write a book?
For me, that depends entirely on the project itself. A book can move quickly if a great deal of the planning and research is completed or if I have been mentally working on the project for a long time, or have made other earlier attempts at writing that particular book, framed as another project. My books have taken between about three months full-time, to about a year, while working on other things. Each project really is unique. Also since I write a broad range of things, first a guide to disaster preparedness, then a book which tells the story of the life of my youngest son, then a novel such as Portsoy Woods, then each project flexes different muscles and requires different amounts of time spent in different types of efforts.
When will your next book be available ?
My next book should be available in November, 2017. It is an historical biography in which much of it takes place in the nineteen-forties and beyond. It is an historically accurate piece and therefore took a great deal of concentration and research.
Why do you write in different genres ?
For years with a young family, I wrote what the magazine or publication needed, and so I practiced writing different types of projects. I have often joked, that I will write whatever "they pay me to do" within reason. With books, I think I write the stories which I think need to be told, or need to be said. I don't think much about the genre, until the project is finished.
What do you like least about writing books ?
I was surprised by this, but I don't much enjoy the promotion of books after each book is written. Once one agonizes to write, then does revisions, edits and re-edits then I don't much want to discuss it for awhile. Unfortunately, right before and after release are the most important times in which the author must discuss and promote the book ! It's an evolution and I will simply need to learn. Life does consist of opportunities to learn to do things that you would rather pass on, sometimes.
The characters from Portsoy Woods have all gone on with their lives, oblivious to the fact that the book is finished, and it out and about in the world.
Which characters were your favorites ? Who do you wonder about ?
Thanks so much to those of you who are reading or who have read my newest book, Portsoy Woods. I send additional thanks to those who have posted a review on Amazon, Books a Million or other sites online. It really does help in bringing other readers to the book.
Thanks also to the readers who found the book through Facebook.
It is my hope that not only readers are entertained by the travels, activities, challenges and relational stories within Portsoy Woods, but that they will come away from the book having learned a few things about preparedness and with thoughts as to how to avoid some of the challenges natural and man-made disasters can cause for us and for our families.
Just like the families in Portsoy Woods, we all need to learn enough about general preparedness in order to keep our families safe.
Happy New Year everyone !
