Do not Despair: An Interview with author/illustrator Wendy Wahman

What inspired you to write your first picture book? 

My dog Andy inspired my first book, “Don’t Lick the Dog." Andy was afraid of children and puppies.  We worked on both issues (separately, of course ;-).  I wanted to do a book on dog language, but it turned into a how to meet dogs safely primer. Good dog manners help everyone, kids, adults – and dogs.

Which came first – the idea for illustrations or the text?

The art came first, but none of it was used in the book. I’d done some dog art samples to send out in hopes of getting illustration work. Editors thought I had a manuscript. So then… I made manuscript.

Who encouraged you in writing that book?

Joe, my husband, was a lifesaver with “Don’t Lick the Dog,” as was my wonderful editor, animal lover, Laura Godwin. I had never written a picture book, so I was hugely grateful for their support.

Are you active in any critique groups?

I’m in a fantastic critique group now, The Whatsits, (https://www.facebook.com/5Whatsits/). I mostly lean on them. And my friend, children’s book writer, Erica Silverman. 

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

I keep a, Do Not Despair folder. It holds notes of encouragement or good news, like this one a talented friend sent to me a while ago:  "One thing I admire about you is how you stick to it, as discouraged as you get, as broke, as intimidated; you get back onto the horse. Once I went to a writer's conference where they had a sort of inspiration singer/songwriter perform during the lunch hour. She sang a song that has never left me: 'What would I do if I were brave today.' I have asked myself this so, so often and more than a few times I have thought be more like Wendy.” 

We have all experienced writing rejection. Give me an example of how you learned to write past it.

When I’m absolutely devastated and think about quitting, I’ll go do something else. Eventually, the little stab wounds heal over enough to get back to work. When and if they ever don’t, then I’ll quit. But I’m pretty resilient.

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing?

In writing, that you’ll never get to the cool surprises that happen unless you sit down and write. 

What frustrates you the most? 

In publishing, how very quickly your book can become invisible if:  
A. The critics don’t get what you’re doing and they crush it beneath their hobnailed boots; 
B. Your book doesn't get support from your publisher for whatever reasons; 
C. The country falls into a freaking recession or depression, right when your book is releasing. 

What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner?

I wish I had taken criticism better during works in progress. Your agent, editor or art director wants your work to be the very best it can be. They’re not trying to hurt you, they’re trying to help. Yea, it may hurt. Too. 

What is some of the best writing advice that you’ve received or could give?

“They’re just words.”  I tended to hold back until just the right words and thoughts took shape in my mind. Not be so tight and precious about them. Just let ‘em rip and see where it goes. 

Are there any other points about writing that you would like to add?

I keep a post-it note near my computer that says, “Not now.”  That’s my response to the supercritical inner editor who tells me I can’t do this, I’m no good, an imposter, crummy.  You know all those lovely messages that pour in when your work is stumbling along.

What is the next book that will be coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?

“Nanny Paws” releases May 22nd. Super excited about it!  Kirkus gave it a great review. Here’s a shortened version…

"Move over, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Good Dog, Carl: Nanny Paws knows exactly what to do for the kids in her care! Ally and Mae, elementary-age twins, need never worry about who will wash their faces, clear the table, or walk them to school. Nanny Paws has it all under control.

But while the narrator tells the story from the perspective of this energetic pink poodle, the illustrations deliver quite another story... In every instance, this pampered pooch has a hilariously overinflated sense of her helpfulness… A delightful tale for dog lovers with less-than-perfect pooches.” 

Sounds like a fun read. If you would like to learn more about Wendy’s writings, here are some links to get you started.

Website: https://www.wendywahman.com/

Blog: https://www.wendywahman.com/blog

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WahmanBookPage

If you’re more of a visual person, here are links to a couple of her book trailers.

Don't Lick the Dog   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exoQtUxpHR8
Nanny Paws  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBant4KRjAA&feature=youtu.be

Adding the Mystery Twist: Author Interview with Eunice Loecher

Today's author has been writing for over twenty years. She started with inspirational non-fiction then tried her hand at writing romantic suspense. However, her true writing calling is cozy mysteries - with several in print. Read on to learn her writing story.

Your early books were non-fiction. What drew you to the idea of writing your first mystery novel?

First, I have always loved reading mysteries, starting with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. When my husband and I moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, the ideas sprang from an interesting new location plus a positive experience I had working at a Hallmark store in Normal, IL. Our grown daughters remained in Normal so I had quite a bit of free time to fill.  My imagination went into overdrive.

Was there a specific book or author that made you think – I could write like that?

Agatha Christie and Rex Stout continue to inspire me. I only dream of writing as well as they did.

How long did it take for you to write the first book?

I honestly don’t remember, probably two or three years.

Was it harder or easier to write your second book?

Both! Easier because the story idea came after a trip to Alaska. Our cruise ship was leaving a port and a man was left behind. He arrived at the dock and a boat brought him out to the ship. It was a “what if moment.” What if he didn’t arrive in time to be brought out to the ship? The story built from there.

Harder because I began working with my mentor and critique partner, author, Lyn Cote. Between my comma sprinkling wherever and no concept of point of view, I shed a few tears over my writing.

Are you active in any writing critique groups?

I joined a local writing group in the 1990’s. Eventually they disbanded. Lyn Cote (author of over 40 books) took me under her wing so to speak. She has been an amazing blessing in my life. We meet once a week to read and critique our pages. Without her guidance, I know I wouldn’t be published. She recommended a wonderful editor, and also a formatter who designs my covers.

What makes for a good mystery?

My books are cozy mysteries. I enjoy stories that are character driven written with humor and quirky characters. There has to be a reason for the murders, not violence for violence sake. I want my readers to be satisfied with the ending. And best of all, I want them to enjoy spending time with Zita and Zinnia in Arbor Vale, Wisconsin. With them it is usually a pretty wild ride.

How do you go about deciding what red herrings to throw into the mix?

Interesting question. As the story develops, I notice some characters acting in ways that become suspicious. Occasionally I’ll decide one character will be the villain and suddenly they end up dead. Oops! Things usually get interesting while I try to decide how that happened and why.

What type of research do you do for your books? Tell me about the process.

Most of the Arbor Vale Mystery Series is set in northern Wisconsin. I use a great deal of the local history and current events. Where else do they have a celebration of roast beef in September with a parade of roasts down the main street with people dressed like cows? Our history includes bootleggers, loggers, and gangsters.

John Dillinger and his gang had a shootout with the FBI at a local resort and restaurant, “Little Bohemia.” They filmed a recent movie at the restaurant about Dillinger. You can still see the original bullet holes in the building. I love all the quirky local history. It works well in mystery novels.

Did you go through the normal process of pitching your book to agents and traditional publishers?

Yes. An endless nightmare of rejection.

What feedback did you get?

I’ve received enough rejection letters to paper my office. I’d spend a few days licking my wounds and then start writing again. Occasionally there would be some interest. The most disappointing events happened with two different publishers. I was nearing a possible acceptance of one of my manuscripts when suddenly those particular lines were discontinued.

What made you decide to go the indie publish route?

First and foremost encouragement from my critique partner Lyn. And I like having control over the finished product. My stories told my way.

How do you write?

It always starts with an idea or an event I experienced. The saying, “Write what you know,” is true and works for me. A transatlantic cruise I took with my daughter. A creepy picture of my grandchildren in a corn maze. A fiftieth class reunion when the memories that surface cause revenge. Revenge served cold fifty years later can be very satisfying. 

Did you do an outline first?

Not a traditional outline. When starting a new project I go back to several books and reread them, The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler, Goal, Motivation, and Conflict by Debra Dixon and Creating Characters by Dwight Swain. My current favorite is Write Your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell. I also do scene and sequel for each chapter.

Did you do individual character development before doing the full plot?

Originally I did character questionnaires for all my characters. After six completed books in the series, my characters have become well known and understood friends.

What type of publicity do you do to promote your book? What has worked best for you in generating sales?

I promote my books on Facebook, Twitter, and blogging is free. I use Create Space for my print on demand orders. My books are accepted on consignment at three local bookstores. I occasionally do local book signings or craft shows. I’ve been asked to speak at bookstores, libraries, and book clubs etc. Last fall our local newspaper did a feature story on me. I was also on the cover and feature story for a local magazine.

What do you know now about writing/publishing that you wished you had known sooner?

Everything has worked out at the perfect time for me. I enjoy the freedom of indie publishing which wouldn’t have been available a few years ago.

What is the best advice you've been given about writing or that you've learned that you would like to pass along?

“The dog shouldn’t have a point of view,” Lyn said, during one of our early critique sessions. I avoid having multiple points of view in my stories. It’s too easy to head-hop. Especially with the dog.

What other works do you have in the process?

I’m currently finishing book # 7 in the Arbor Vale Mystery Series, Vengeance is Mine. And yes this book is about that fiftieth class reunion. The next book percolating in my head will feature search and rescue dogs. My daughter volunteered to be a victim during a training session. Very Interesting!

Are there any other points you’d like to cover?

I enjoy meeting people and encouraging them to write. I’m at a stage in my life where I do this for fun. When I give a talk, I dress as one of my characters, Zinnia. I’ll put pink, purple, green or blue chalk in my hair. I have a sweatshirt that says, “It’s a Zinnia thing you wouldn’t understand.”

That's all for today's interview. If you would like to learn more about Eunice's writing, here are some links to get you started. 

Twitter @EuniceLoecher

http://arborvalemystery.blogspot.com/

Friend me on Facebook

Getting Cozy with Mysteries: Author Interview with Annette Dashofy

My interview today is with USA Today bestselling author Annette Dashofy, who has been nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel.She spent five years as an EMT on the local ambulance service, dealing with everything from drunks passing out on the sidewalk to mangled bodies in car accidents, which gave her great background details for her murder mysteries.

Your first published works were in anthologies by the Mary Roberts Rinehart Pittsburgh Chapter of Sisters in Crime. How long have you been active with that group? 

I joined in 2004 as soon as I grew serious about trying to get published. I had joined Pennwriters, a multi-genre group, a few months earlier. One of the friends I made in that organization told me I needed to join Sisters in Crime, too. She was right!

Why did you choose to write in the mystery genre? 

I’d toyed with other genres in the past, but mystery and crime fiction always appealed to me as a reader. So I started writing what I wanted to read.

What was the process of going from short stories to novels? 

I didn’t really go from short fiction to long fiction. I’ve always written novel-length stories, but wasn’t having any luck getting them published. I started writing short stories as a way to experiment with different styles and voices. And once I got a few published, it added some “street cred” to my bio as well as help me build a readership.

How did you find your publisher? What was the process? 

Wow. There is a very long story here, but I’ll cut to the chase. My fellow author and very good friend, Donnell Ann Bell, introduced me to Kendel Flaum, of Henery Press, who requested my manuscript. After ten years of beating my head against walls, I had a three-book deal offered to me ten days after the request.

Do you have an agent? 

Not currently. I’ve had two over the years. We parted company amicably in both cases.

When you first started writing your first book, did you intend to make it into a series? Or did you find you had more you wanted to write about the same characters? 

I intended this to be a series before I even started the first book. I had a good idea of what the second book would be, and I knew I’d set up a world where there were lots of possibilities for stories.

How many more books do you think there will be in the series? 

Good question! I know there will be at least six because I’m contracted through that many. Whether the series continues beyond that will largely be determined by sales and by my readers. If they want more Zoe and Pete, I’m happy to oblige.

How did Zoe Chambers come about? 

Zoe and Pete first appeared in one of those short stories we talked about earlier. I wrote A Signature in Blood almost ten years ago, and Chief of Police Pete Adams was the main character. It was one of those experiments in style and voice I mentioned—writing from a male cop’s point of view. In the short story, Zoe was Pete’s sidekick and sort-of romantic interest. It ended up being a 2007 Derringer Award finalist. I have plans to pull it out, update it, and re-release it as a treat for my readers.

What makes for a successful mystery? 

That’s a tough one. I think it’s a combination of elements. Characters that the reader cares about. Tension on every page. Enough action and conflict to keep the reader turning the page. And a satisfying ending. Of course, those things apply to most genres, not just mystery.

How much time daily do you have for writing? 

Not nearly enough!

What is your writing routine?

I don’t have nearly enough time for writing, and since I have a contractual deadline to produce a completed manuscript every nine months, I have to write EVERY day. I get up at 5:00 in the morning, see my hubby off to work, have some breakfast and some coffee. I check email and Facebook while I’m eating. Then I sit down at my computer at 7:00 and write (most days) until 9:00 or 9:30. After that my day goes in a lot of different directions. Some days I go to visit my mom. Some days I edit. Some days I work on the business end of things. But I must get in those morning pages. Every. Day.

What type of publicity do you do to promote your book? 

I do a lot of different things. I’m on Facebook a lot and on Twitter. I have a big blog tour set for the release of With a Vengeance. But I’m also getting out and doing bookstore events as well as a few conferences and meet-and-greets at other venues. This fall I have a local library tour in the works. And my publisher does their share of online promotion as well. It’s a team effort.

What has worked best? 

I wish I knew! I can tell you my best sales weeks have happened when my publisher marked down an earlier book in the series when a new one was being released. Those sales hit BookBub and launched me onto the USA Today bestseller list. But I’m still trying to figure out what works best the rest of the time.

What is the best advice you’ve been given or learned on writing? 

Marry someone with good health insurance! Just kidding. Sort of. Seriously though, I think the best advice I’ve been given and continue to share is to write the best book you can and then revise until it’s even better. And don’t submit it until it’s the absolute best you can make it.

What works do you have in the process? 

I’m currently finishing the first draft of the fifth Zoe Chambers mystery, working title: No Way Home. It’s due to my editor on June 1, so I’m slightly crazed right now.

Anything else you’d like to share about writing? 

I think it’s vitally important to join a writing group or two. Writing is a solitary endeavor, and we need guidance and support along the way. Being in the company of like-minded souls who “get it” is invaluable. Be forewarned—you get beat down a lot all along the way, from harsh critiques to rejections to negative reviews. That just means you’re a working, submitting writer putting yourself out there. Don’t let it get to you. Keep writing, keep submitting. And never ever give up.

That's it for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Annette's books and those in the works, here's the way to start.

My website: www.annettedashofy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annette.dashofy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Annette_Dashofy

Why Do I Bother? Tips for Staying Motivated

If you're a writer, you've probably said this many times… My writing isn't any good.  I know. Been there, done that and have the wastebaskets full of crumbled papers.

Initial doubts begin with your first critique session. You've taken your brilliant manuscript to your writing group expecting them to be wowed by your creative genius. Instead your fellow writers suggest you cut paragraphs, improve your grammar, add emotion, and delete extraneous dialog tags and much more.

You’re crushed and think this writing thing just isn't worth it! Or you may think what do they know? This was written from your heart and readers will cherish your wit(Like Ralphie in A Christmas Story movie where he expects to see A++++ from his teacher for his lackluster theme about why he should have a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas).  That was my first impression after one of my critique sessions. But I did go back to the next group get-together.

What writers who have been at it for awhile know is at one time they were in your same situation. As writers, we’ve all gone through this step and see it repeated over and over with new writers. I didn’t give up and neither should you. Writing is a learning process and so are critiques. Make sure you understand the grammar and style suggestions. Ask your fellow scribes for suggestions on writing courses and their favorite books on writing. We all want to succeed – and we want you to be a success as well.

The results depend on you. An “overnight” writing success usually takes multiple manuscripts before the first one takes off. Good writing takes practice. I laugh when I hear someone finished their first draft and think it’s ready to go off to the printer right then and there. A good writer can find improvements to their manuscript even after it has been edited several times.

Like the old adage for musicians…How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

                                                         Practice, man. Practice.

It’s the same with writing. You need to practice and learn how to make a lyrical composition with words that will resonate with your readers.

Writers need to be readers, too. Read in the genre you want to write. Study other authors’ books to see what draws you into their stories. And don’t be surprised if you find occasional errors. After all, no one is perfect; but a good editor will usually weed out most of the mistakes.

Soon you’ll find ways to improve your own stories. And you’ll start to see when the prose is’t working as your inner editor starts critiquing your writing.

To answer the question I originally posed at the start. Why I bother is I love to write and share stories where readers can learn from my characters as they reach for their dreams. Maybe that will give them the impetus to reach for their own goals.

This post is part of the Writing Contest: Writers Crushing Doubt. Hosted by Positive Writer. For details and more positive tips on writing, go to the link below.  

http://positivewriter.com/become-the-writer/#disqus_thread

Keep on writing!

Writing Mysteries Steeped in History: Author Interview with Alyssa Maxwell

What drew you to the idea of writing historical fiction with a mystery theme?
I'm a puzzle person. I love Sudoku, word search, jigsaw puzzles, mazes, and I even have a couple of mystery themed games that I've played on my daughter's Nintendo DS. I love the challenge of solving a puzzle, and I also find them very relaxing because they engage my mind and take me out of the real world for a while. So a mystery is really like assembling a giant puzzle, one where I have to first decide what all the pieces will be before I can put them together.

As far as writing historicals go, I've always been attracted to anything in the past. As a child, when other girls wanted to play house, I wanted to play "olden times." I loved going to places like Colonial Williamsburg, or staying at a friend's cabin in the Adirondacks, where I could pretend to be a pioneer. I'm not sure why.

Do you have a favorite mystery author?
Some of my favorite historical mystery authors now are Rhys Bowen, Teresa Grant, Carol K. Carr, and C.S. Harris, but I also grew up reading the very atmospheric and mysterious (if not strictly "mystery") works of the Brontes, Daphne Du Maurier and Mary Stewart.

How long did it take for you to write the first book?
It took about eight months to write Murder at The Breakers. I find that writing the synopsis is the hardest and most time consuming, relatively speaking considering they're only about 12 pages, but that's where I'm shaping and putting together all those pieces. Once that's done, it serves as my guide map for the book, making the actual writing a joy.

How did you go about finding a publisher for your books? Did you attend writing conferences?
This is not actually my first published book. I started out in historical romance (under different names, but I'm going to be mysterious about that for now), and Kensington was my first publisher. I'd entered my proposal in a contest, and the wonderful, late Kate Duffy read it in the final round. She liked the book so much she bought that one and two others.

Since then I acquired an agent, and he made this sale to Kensington, bringing me back there after several years away. We actually met at a cocktail party at the Kensington offices in New York. But yes, along the way I've attended writing conferences and countless workshops, making friends and learning the craft. Although I was an English major in college and worked as an assistant editor and ghost writer later on, I didn't truly learn how to write genre fiction until I began working with other authors. This is a very giving community!

Tell me about your writing background.
After college, I worked as an assistant editor for a reference book publisher. Later I wrote biographies for a memoir publisher.

Are you active in any writing critique groups?
I am definitely active in several writing groups and heartily recommend them because, as I like to say, it takes a village to write a book. I've critiqued with the same amazing group of writers for almost twenty years now. We're all currently published, but we've supported each other through the ups and downs of our careers. Could not have done this without them!

I'm a member of the Romance Writers of America/Florida Romance Writers, Mystery Writers of America-Florida Chapter, Sister-in-Crime, and Novelists Inc. The support, networking, and sharing of information and ideas has been invaluable. I always try to give back, too, whether it be serving on the board of directors, judging chapter contests, helping organize events, mentoring new members, etc.

What type of research do you do for your books? Tell me about the process.
I want to say hurray for the public library and the inter-library loan system, which allows me to find books from the comfort of my home, and have them sent from any library in the county to my local branch. I always start with a stack of books – biography, architecture, history, etc., to get an overall feel for the period, the people who lived in it, and what was happening at the time. This always helps shape my plot. In fact, when I first started the research for Murder at The Breakers, I didn't know that Gertrude Vanderbilt's coming-out party was held in the summer of 1895 in the newly rebuilt Breakers, but that seemed the perfect launching point for the book and the series.

I also use the internet, but that's more for smaller, specific information. I love to look at pictures of period clothing, carriages, homes, etc. I can easily spend hours doing just that, if I let myself.
Finally, for this series, I've had my husband for help. He grew up in Newport, and his family has been there for several generations. He grew up on The Point – on the same street where my sleuth, Emma, grew up. He attended the same church as Emma, walked the same streets. And his grandmother, "Nan," is Emma's "Nanny," or at least served as the inspiration for the character. Although I loved Newport before I met my husband, being part of his family has deepened the connection and my enthusiasm, both for the place and this series.

How much “artistic license” do you use in creating locations for your stories?
I try to be as accurate as I can, and respectful to the real-life Newport. There are some fictional places in the stories, such as Emma's childhood home, which is on a real street but the house itself is made up. There are also other homes, shops and taverns that exist only in my imagination, though they are in keeping with what would have found in Newport at the time. One funny thing about Newport is they liked to move houses. For example, the house my husband grew up in, although an old colonial, would not have been at its Point location in 1895. It was moved there decades later.

What has surprised you the most about getting published other than the joy of seeing your book in print?
The joy of hearing from readers so soon after the book's release. This has both surprised and humbled me. The appeal of Newport is even stronger and more universal than I had thought, and in only the past week I've heard from people with personal ties, fond memories, and one who might have gone to school with relatives of my husband. So this has been more than a career milestone, it's been a very personal and fulfilling journey so far.

How much time daily do you have for writing?
That can vary. I still do some editing part time, so I actually wrote Murder at The Breakers primarily on weekends. That's changing, so I'm spending more time writing and less time on other projects. But even writing full time, I don't think I could spend more than 5 hours a day. After that my brain turns to mush and I really can't produce anything worthwhile.

How much does social media play in your promotion of your books? What suggestions do you have for enhancing a writer’s social media platform? What type of publicity do you do to promote your book?
Social media is my main form of promotion. It's the only way to reach a wide range of readers without having to spend a fortune on print or other advertising. I'm active on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, but rather than simply saying, "buy my book," I try to engage people in what they might find interesting about my books and share interests we might have in common. Another good idea is to show interest in other people's posts and carry on a real dialogue with your "friends." Sharing is also important. If I see another author promoting a new project, I'll share it on my wall. Or any item of interest. Social media is about networking and establishing relationships. People say, "Oh, those aren't really your friends." But you'd be surprised at the friendships that begin on social media and continue at conferences and other writing events. But for spreading the word about a book, nothing is as important as word of mouth, readers telling their friends about a book they like.

Was it harder or easier to write your second book?
There are challenges with every book, and times when the book seems to write itself. So it wasn't easier or harder, just different, kind of like the way one's children might be similar, yet completely different individuals. Each one has been interesting and fun to write!

What is the best advice you’ve been given or learned on writing?
That it's ok for the first draft to be terrible, because you can revise bad writing, but you can't revise a blank screen. Worrying too much about perfection in the first draft can cause a writer to freeze up, and then possibly give up. Also, find a process that works for you, and don't worry about adhering to the "rules" of being a writer. Write every day if that works for you, or only write on weekends. Write straight through without editing, or edit as you go. Writing a synopsis first works for me, but it might not work for you. Find your best routine, and stick with it no matter what other people advise you to do. It's your book, and your career!

Thank you for your insight on writing! If you would like to learn more about Alyssa and her writing here's a good start

http://alyssamaxwell.com

https://www.facebook.com/alyssa.maxwell.750

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7163135.Alyssa_Maxwell