Renee interviews author Robert Macomber

Tags

author, history, Housewarming, inspiration, Life, writing

Earlier this month Robert N. Macomber was a featured speaker at the Florida Authors and Publishers Association Annual Conference. He offered a fascinating look at how location research can make a story more vivid and memorable – for both the writer and the reader.

Tell me about your background. Where did you grow up, where do you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.
I grew up in southwest Florida, same area where I currently live. I studied political science and history in college and started as a teacher, then moved into law enforcement, but began writing while doing those jobs. Early on, I knew that my passions were sailing, history and storytelling, so I started composing articles on the side for some magazines, doing non-fiction pieces, and then moved into creating the concept for my Honor Series, which goes back 20 years, after I got some substantial encouragement to keep putting pen to paper. It’s been a long and fascinating journey. This year marks my thirty-first year of lecturing and twenty-second year of commercial writing.
Reading was big in my family growing up, as was sailing and travel. My dad was a civil engineer, but also had his pilot’s license and a small plane, so we did a lot of trips from as early as I can remember. He instilled in me a curiosity for exploration into different countries and into different cultures. That has stayed with me.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?
Honoring the Enemy is the 14th novel in my Honor Series of historical thrillers, which depict the personal life and global career of U.S. naval officer Peter Wake from 1863 to 1908. Real historical events, personalities, and places inspire the plots in my books. I illuminate significant events in American and world history through Peter Wake, my fictional protagonist. My 14th novel covers the Spanish-American War in Florida and Cuba, and took many years to research in both places. My 13th novel, An Honorable War, set the stage in its storyline for the U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War, and my 15th novel, “A Word of Honor,” which will be released in October 2020, will round out to the conclusion of the Spanish-American War, where readers will learn what’s yet to come for Peter Wake in the Honor Series.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?
For this last book, dealing with the ever-changing U.S. government travel restrictions to Cuba and the Cuban government’s paranoia about an American author researching inside Cuba have created constant challenges. But I persevered past the obstacles. A quick word, though, to clear up some recent confusion: you can still travel to Cuba with a licensed tour operator’s group, just not on a cruise ship. As you probably know, I’ve taken groups to Cuba (still do), mostly readers, and they are forever grateful that the team I put together to make it happen worked out beyond their best, imagined scenarios. Everyone comes home having learned that the Cuban people are delightful and some of the most hospitable people on earth. Happy to add that several, who have traveled to Cuba in my groups, have eagerly returned to Cuba with me for a second visit!

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?
Each time a reader expresses accolades for my work or a literary critic in the media gives me rave reviews, or when professional colleagues present me with an award, I still feel like they’re all “aha” moments. I don’t take those moments of validation for granted.
Otherwise, throughout my literary career, there are several, extra meaningful successes which I call “My Author Moments” but I’ll force myself to limit it to one. A few years ago, I was contacted by one of my readers who told me an unbelievable tale. She and her husband were home reading my book aloud to each other one evening when her husband had a very painful heart attack. While waiting for the first responders, then attended to by the medics, in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, and in the emergency room, the husband insisted his wife continue reading my book aloud to him because it took his mind away from the pain. Thankfully, he lived and recovered, and they still read my books aloud to each other in the evening. True story!

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
Major literary influences on me were C.S. Forester, George Macdonald Fraser, James Michener, Jack London, Mark Twain, James Jones, Edmund Morris, and Dan Brown. Since most of my reading relates to research, I don’t have much time to read for pleasure, but a few of those books I’ve enjoyed most in the last 2 years have been A Gentleman In Moscow, A Confederacy of Dunces, and The Woman Who Smashed Codes. I also just read The Patient Assassin by Anita Anand as a reviewer for the New York Journal of Books ~ an excellent read. The most impactful re-read of late has been It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis. For every novel I write, I read over 60 books, and keep track because I include a bibliography at the end of each of my books.

Do you write every day? Any writing rituals?
Yes, every day. I get up at 0545, have breakfast, walk 1.5 meditative miles through coconut palm groves, do some light stretching & lifting, then begin working no later than 0800. Creative writing is done in the mornings, when I’m freshest mentally. Editing, research for books, research for my lectures, media interviews, and admin stuff is done in the afternoons. Sometimes, if the research in the afternoon really ignites me, I’ll do some creative writing in the evenings.

What are your interests outside of writing?
My interests include my faith, sailing through the remote islands near where I live, and travel. I like cooking exotic cuisines from the locales in my books, and while cooking I listen to the indigenous, folk music related to the dish. Sharing time to enjoy my wife and her interests is always valuable because I learn from her constantly. Also, we enjoy watching documentaries and a variety of movies (classics and foreign films in particular), and we try to find time to hear live music in smaller listening venues when possible. Balancing my hectic work schedule with time to relax is easier said than done.

Share some tips for other authors or aspiring authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.
What would I have done differently? I would’ve started social media marketing early on with my first book, but, when I started my Honor Series, social media wasn’t what it is today. As social media grew as rapidly as it did, I wasn’t truly ready because I’m not that tech-savvy. It was too intimidating, and I didn’t ask for help. Now I have a little more help, and I’m relatively good at Facebook, but there’s room for me to grow, which is probably a common thread for many of your readers.
What would I do the same? Network, network, network – with enthusiastic kindness. It always reaps rewards and frequently leads to long, genuine friendships. Be ready to learn, adapt, and recognize your own limitations. I am constantly amazed at how networking opens up unanticipated opportunities for success.
Beneficial tips? Here are seven:
1) Stay organized and disciplined. Find what works for you. Since I have to focus on multiple book projects at one time, to keep each one accurate I use an old-fashioned storyboard (a 22 x 28 inch blank poster) for each project, on which I put the historical timeline, the story’s chapter timeline, imagery of important historical people in the story, maps, character lists (e.g., how again do I spell Kalākaua, king of Hawaii?), and sundry other trivia which is important for me to remember. The poster folds up and goes with me on my journeys because I work every day, no matter where I am. Over the years it takes for me to prep each novel, my storyboards are covered with scrawled notes, scratches, ink smears, wine stains, sweat (and occasionally blood) – all of which are separate memorable stories in themselves! With a storyboard, the batteries will never run down, and it works even when the electricity doesn’t.
2) Be different. Create a new niche in an established genre. Write on a topic nobody else is, but one most people would be curious about when they learn of it. Let that drive your brand.
3) Make friends with your readers. Stay in contact with them and give them enjoyable experiences beyond your book. My readers’ enthusiasm energizes me. Maybe those interested can get a few ideas if they friend me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/robert.macomber.750, or sign up for my Quarterly Newsletter, where there are examples of the other ways I engage my readers with opportunities to meet me. It’s simple to sign up on my website http://www.RobertMacomber.com.
4) Give presentations on your subject(s). Become known for being well-versed and confident as a storyteller. Your presentations can be symbiotic with your literary projects and add another revenue stream. I am a specialist in Victorian-Edwardian world history and lecture on 62 different topics. My lectures and books help feed parallel interest(s) and cross promote sales.
5) Ask for help. Put the word out you need assistance on a subject, place, event, skill, etc…. People have surprising knowledge or contacts, and often love being a part of a book project.
6) Always say thank you to anyone who helps you along the way: readers, authors, researchers, editors, booksellers, media critics, librarians, literacy groups, support staff and family. Thank them in the book’s acknowledgments, at public events, on Social Media, in your newsletter, or on your website. Let them bask in the satisfaction of a completed book project too. They deserve it, and it builds community!
7) Have sincere appreciation for your chosen profession. Yes, there are hassles and frustrations, but smell the frangipani blossoms, my friends. We’re writers and storytellers – the chroniclers of human life! Your journey will lead you to wonderful places, people, and experiences you can’t even imagine right now.
Onward & Upward!

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an author interview, email her at rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com.

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Keeping loved ones close

Tags

cremation, death, inspiration, Life, loss, love

“I need your help.”
Kathy’s voice quavered on the phone – not unusual for a woman whose husband recently died.
I arrived at her home to find her holding a silver bracelet with a hidden compartment for ashes, a filling kit and a tiny screwdriver. Her hands shook.
Following the cremation of a loved one, many people like Kathy aren’t sure of the best way to store the ashes. Rather than placing all of the cremains in one large urn, cremation jewelry is a way to share the ashes with family (who may want to keep a small portion) or simply to keep a loved one close. [See: “Remembering Mom,” May 4, 2014]
My sister opted for a glass pendant that was made using a small amount of our mother’s ashes. I chose a gold teardrop charm, which I’ve worn to weddings, graduations and birthday celebrations. (My mother loved a good party.)
No one knows who/what I am wearing, just as no one admiring Kathy’s bracelet will suspect its contents. Yet, the simple act of wearing these items helps us cope with the loss of someone we loved.
Indeed, jewelry offers such a splendid form of therapy.

Renee interviews author Amy Sweezey

Tags

author, books, children, inspiration, Michigan, weather, writing

You may recognize Amy Sweezey as the broadcast meteorologist who works for WESH-2 in Florida. But she’s also written an award-winning, nonfiction children’s book that discusses weather forecasting in great detail.

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.

I grew up in Michigan (for the most part). I was born in the Upper Peninsula (which makes me a Yooper) and then lived south of Ann Arbor for many of my childhood years. I moved to Central Florida in 2002 for the job at WESH. After college graduation from Loyola University Chicago, I worked in South Bend Indiana and West Michigan before moving to Orlando with my husband. Our 3 kids were all born in Florida and are now in 10th, 8th and 6th grades. I homeschool them part-time which works out great with my wacky work hours. Since I wake up at 2 AM, having my kids home 2 days a week allows me to see them more.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?

For many years as part of my TV job, I have spoken to school kids about weather. It often comes with the territory of being a meteorologist — Teachers call the local weather expert to share with their students. I don’t know how the tradition first started but, for me personally, I speak at about 30-40 schools each year. Writing books about weather was a natural transition from homeschooling my own kids along with teaching other school-age kids about weather. My first book was conceived when my Florida-born children were learning about the seasons, but didn’t understand words like “snow” “blizzard” or “ice” when reading about winter. I decided Florida kids needed their own winter weather story, so I wrote It Never, Ever Snows in Florida about a little boy named AJ who had never seen snow. My second book, Let’s Talk Weather,TV Forecasting: Behind the Scenes is nonfiction and focuses on how I do my job. It’s all about the tools and instruments I use for forecasting. It explains the science behind the weather to 3rd-5th graders.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

Knowing HOW to get a book published has been the biggest challenge. I chose to self-publish both of my books, but there are many pros and cons to traditional publishing versus self-publishing. It’s much easier to get a book published when you do it yourself — but it also raises a lot of challenges when you don’t know what you are doing or where to start!

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?

I was pleased to win a gold medal from the Florida Authors & Publishers Association in 2018 for Let’s Talk Weather. I’m not sure if it qualifies as an “aha” moment but now that my book has been published for almost 2 years I ask myself, “What took so long?” I wish I had published years ago.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

I absolutely love to read! I used to devour anything I could get my hands on, especially fiction and historical fiction. Now that I have 3 kids and wake up at 2 AM for work, I have a really tough time finding the time to read. If I have time, I don’t always have the energy. Audio books and podcasts are in my wheelhouse now — which I can do while driving and not fall asleep! I still love fiction books, but I enjoy non fiction inspirational and motivational books more now than I ever have: Quiet by Susan Cain (I’m an introvert); The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates; anything by Brene Brown. I also read a lot of children’s books — not just about weather. I believe you need to stay immersed in your genre if you want to successfully emulate it.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?

I tend to write every day — but usually it’s for work, not for fun. I write a lot of social media posts and website updates. My daily writing is forecast based. My blog posts are much more fun to write — but I usually take a long time putting those together. I write and re-write and write again, then fix and change, and write some more. Even a blog post that’s only a few paragraphs long can take me days or weeks to polish. Part of it is because I’m a perfectionist, part is because I’m a grammar fanatic, and part is because I try to catch and change anything that might be worded controversially. Being in the public eye, specifically in a journalism/media field, requires a certain amount of care in being politically correct. Everyone always has a problem with SOMETHING you say or write, so I try to head off as many of those comments and criticisms right from the start.

What are your interests outside of writing?

With three kids, part-time homeschooling, a 2 AM job start, and two books under my belt, I don’t have much time for anything else. I enjoy the beach and sunshine (hence the move to Florida). I love meaningful conversation with true friends about things that matter. I like watching movies with my husband and I enjoy good food. Exploring new restaurants with my family, rather than always visiting the same place every time, makes for a fun, yet simple, adventure.

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.

Everyone says, “write what you know.” I agree wholeheartedly. The best writing comes from the heart. It’s real and authentic. Don’t just self-publish your book because YOU think it’s good. Get some feedback. Ask for critiques. Pay for professional editing from someone who has written books of their own (which you have read and admire). If you want your book to be successful and be something that people want to read, take the time to get it right. Don’t rush to the printer too soon. Once it’s done, it’s done.

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an interview, email her at rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com

Renee interviews author Cara Cobb

Tags

author, Culture, inspiration, Religion, Writer

Cara Cobb is a resident of Cassadaga, Florida, a small community known for having a large number of psychics and mediums. She’s written a memoir about her life in a religious cult.

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.

My mother, a wealthy young Hungarian, was engaged to be married to a Nazi officer after WWII. Unfortunately for her, after the Allies won the war, the Americans allowed the Russians to first enter the cities that had been sympathetic to the Nazi cause. As our then allies barged through these marked cities, they plundered, raped and murdered the innocent populace.
My grandfather sent my mother and her two sisters out of Budapest ahead of the onslaught. They eventually trekked their way into Southern Germany, where they settled in a refugee camp high in the Bavarian Alps.
At the foot of the mountain was an American base, temporarily commandeered by a sergeant, an imposing New York Jew with a big heart, my father.
The Hungarians were hungry, cold and lacking in water and milk for their children. They needed help but were afraid to approach the Russian allies camped below. No young men were available to solicit the Americans, so the decision was made to send a beautiful woman with a big mouth.
My mother walked into the American camp— The rest is history.
I was born in Germany (February 14, 1952) and raised in the military. As we traveled, my mother insisted that we learn the language, participate in the culture and eat the foods of each locale.
After graduating from Berlin American High School in 1969, I married a GI from Hollywood, Florida. We returned to the states and settled in South Florida, where our first child was born in 1973 and I obtained an AA in Elementary Education.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?
My father-in-law was a founder of a worldwide religious organization. My husband and I became very involved with the group and migrated to Fitzgerald, Georgia, to establish a community of “like believers” in 1978. Due to marital issues, I left my husband and the community in 2009.
My book, We Walk on Water, is a memoire of my 30+ years in the Move. My life there was unique, interesting and fulfilling. We gardened together, raised animals, birthed our babies at home, taught our own children and lived apart from the “world.” I left with no documented work experience to begin a new life at age 57.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?
After leaving the Move, I learned of sexual, physical and financial abuse within the group that had been covered up. After my in-laws and mother passed, I decided to document my own experiences with candor, humor and love as an expose of this little-known, world-wide group.
The Move is the subject of a recent People’s Discovery Investigates Cult series for which I was interviewed. It is presently available on Amazon Prime Video and other venues.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?
My biggest “aha” moment was when the UPS man delivered six boxes of my book to my door-step. I measure any success by the reactions of my readers, some of whom are former students from whom I have not heard in decades calling or writing to tell me how much my book means to them or how I have positively impacted their lives.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
Books that have influenced me….. hmmmm, starting as a child with Edgar Allen Poe, Inspector Maigret and most recently, Educated by Tara Westover and The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff. And I love Bible stories, especially the ones they don’t read in Sunday school.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?
I do not write every single day. I keep an electric typewriter open to type quick thoughts or reminders of things to add to stories later into my laptop. When I do serious writing, I usually go in spurts, having to stop every so often to “clear my palate” with housekeeping, errands, phone calls and such.

What are your interests outside of writing?

Outside of writing, we are very social and enjoy entertaining friends. My partner and I are yard-sale and thrift-store junkies. He owns several properties (three of which we use, the others are rentals) and we fill them with found art and unique furniture pieces. Oh, we also have a mannequin population in our Cassadaga home that I enjoy posing and dressing. In addition, I have three children and six grands (although, I see only one regularly).

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.

If you are a writer, you know you are a writer. Write!!!! Keep a journal, write little stories. When I went into the religious group, I burned much of my youthful writings. I do regret that, although I have retrieved much from memory.
Yesterday, a writer friend gave me a profound insight. “Pretend you and I were driving to Winn Dixie together. What would you see? Cars, stop signs, street corners. Now pretend we are walking the same route to the store. What would you see? Perhaps a dead bird on the side of the road, perhaps a lost shoe, maybe an abandoned kitten. Write as if you are walking.”

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers.

Taking care of the caregiver

Tags

Family, inspiration, Life, relationships, Support, Writer

While being a caregiver for an elderly loved one can be deeply rewarding, it can also be extremely stressful. During those moments when my nerves are frayed and my patience is wearing thin, I’ve discovered some helpful techniques to remove myself from the situation and calm down.

How do I keep strong feelings from getting the best of me? I remember to “take five.” Best of all, my little mantra can take many different forms:

1. You could take five (literal) steps back from the situation if your loved one with dementia has become belligerent.

2. Count to five before you answer if you’re stuck in a cycle of repeated questions or comments.

3. Take five whole minutes to yourself (set a timer!) if you’re just worn out. While you relax, put on a calming television program or hand the person with dementia a favorite snack and leave the room.

4. In the evening, of course, you can always try five sips of wine…

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. She is currently writing the sequel.

Conversations with strangers

Tags

Conversation, inspiration, Life, read, Writer

A reporter’s notebook is a license to talk to interesting people.

Ever since I declared journalism as my college major, I’ve been striking up conversations with strangers. The notebook gives me a reason—and permission—to do it without feeling intrusive. Since my first reporting job at The Tampa Tribune, I’ve interviewed architects, designers, chefs, inventors, entrepreneurs, authors, activists – even a fashion designer (who paused during our conversation to give me tailoring tips for my suit.)

The interviews I conduct still challenge, inspire, and move me.

A reporter’s notebook is also a ticket to interesting places. Readers want to be taken somewhere, and, as their surrogate, I have “stomped the divots” at polo tournaments, broken speed records in an offshore power boat, drifted over Florida in a hot air balloon, watched the filming of “This Old House” for PBS and sashayed into Playboy Bunny tryouts. The key to bringing these experiences to life, is to convey the details.

Funny how my notebook – such a low-tech device – is the only thing I need to capture the sights, smells, sounds, and excitement of our world.

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers.

Memorial Day

Tags

Family, Holiday, inspiration, Life, Memorial Day, relationships

I won’t be spending Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery this year and I feel a little guilty about it. As a child growing up in New England, I remember my family’s tradition of gathering at the cemetery to honor our relatives by straightening tombstones, clearing brush and debris, and finally decorating the graves with fresh flowers. We said prayers for the dearly departed before eating “dinner on the grounds” (quite literally, on a blanket.)

It was a family reunion of sorts – between both dead and living relatives. I never considered it strange that we were picnicking atop the graves of our ancestors. It was simply a peaceful, all-day event, which included sharing stories and laughter.

Today, I live too far away to continue the tradition, but part of my heart will be in Washington DC and Brookline, Massachusetts, on this holiday.

May they all rest in peace.

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers.

No dressing room needed

Tags

author, clothing, entertainment, fashion, Humor, inspiration, Life, vacation

During my tenure as fashion editor of The Tampa Tribune, I met a woman who ran a clothing store in a nudist resort.
“Nudists love clothes,” she insisted and I nodded as though the statement made perfect sense. Still, journalistic curiosity got the better of me when she invited me to visit her shop.
Driving through the security gate, I realized I hadn’t considered the potential awkwardness of my situation. I was wearing a linen suit and carrying a reporter’s notebook, which stood out in a sea of nakedness. As a parochial school grad, I admit experiencing initial shock the sight of a mixed doubles game of tennis. (The sight of so many objects bouncing on the court still haunts me.)
However, I now feel qualified to offer a few tips to anyone considering a clothing-optional experience this summer:
– Nude resorts understand it’s natural to look at people. What is not OK, however, is to stare. Like me, if you’re not used to engaging in eye-contact and conversation with someone who’s totally exposed, keep your sunglasses on.
– Nude resort etiquette calls for guests to sit on a towel. Resorts will have them at the ready, but bringing your own beach towel is a great way to easily identify your seat. Grabbing someone else’s towel by mistake isn’t something you want to do at a clothing-optional pool or beach.
– Clothing-optional resorts take great care to ensure their patrons feel safe and comfortable. That’s why many have strict policies around photography, some completely ban smartphones. Seize the opportunity to unplug from technology and relax. Bring a great book to read.

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers.

Renee interviews author Tabitha Young

Tags

author, books, inspiration, Writer, writing

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.
I grew up in Virginia, outside of Washington D.C., but moved to Orlando to attend UCF (Go Knights!) where I received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. It was five years ago when I met my husband, who is a graduate from Deland High, and two years ago, we moved back to Deland. During this time, I have fallen in love with the town and community.
Currently, I’m an active alumna of Kappa Alpha Theta and serve on the Advisory Board as the Facility Management Advisor for the Epsilon Theta Chapter at Stetson University. During my free time, I love being with my family (although we are usually working on our small family farm) traveling, and of course, watching college football.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?
The idea for The Burden of Trust was literally a dream. This dream was different than my others because even after I woke, it continued to replay in my mind. A co-worker suggested that I write it down, and as I began writing the dream started to expand. What started as a doodle has turned into a full trilogy.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?
My biggest challenge has been learning how to write. Writing a novel is completely different than composing an email or an essay. You have to learn how to tap into character’s feelings and emotions, and transport the reader into their world.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?
Most people don’t know that I initially had self published The Burden of Trust back in 2014. I sent it off to a reviewer and got a life lesson in criticism. She had explained that while the story was good, the writing was horrible. I was devastated. I remember sitting in a hotel room (because I was traveling with my husband) sobbing. It felt as though it had all fallen apart. Twenty minutes later and some support from my husband, I made the decision to start over. It was now or never, and I was determined to write a successful novel.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
I tend to read what I’m writing. If it’s romance, I’m reading a Nicholas Sparks or Kristin Hannah. When I find that I’m lacking for descriptive language, I always turn back to Gone with the Wind, my all time favorite.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?
I try to write every day, but sometimes life tends to interrupt that. When the mood or motivation strikes, I sit down and write…even if it’s a napkin at a restaurant.

 What are your interests outside of writing?
First of all, I love college football! My family has a small farm, just a few cows, chickens and ducks and I enjoy going out in the mornings with my husband to take care of them. I love traveling to off-the beaten path places, meeting locals and learning about their culture.

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.
If you are writing your first novel, I would suggest hold off on publishing until it’s been edited by a professional and tested by a few reviewers. Don’t rely on friends and family for critical feedback. I learned a lot writing The Burden of Trust and one of the biggest things that I helped me was to read my book out loud. It’s amazing all the little errors you find. Always remember writing a novel is 10% writing and 90% editing!

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an author interview, email her at rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com.

Bark & Breakfast

Tags

author, dogs, Family, Home, inspiration, Life

My favorite houseguests have fur.

My own beloved pooch died one month short of her seventeenth birthday and left a void in my life that nothing could fill. When a neighbor asked if I might help with her dog-sitting business, I happily agreed. With a few stipulations – pets must be non-shedding and under 30 pounds – I’ve played hostess to a number of furry houseguests when their parents go on vacation.

Each time they arrive, they run to me, tails wagging, crying with joy, covering my face with kisses. They are ecstatic to spend time with me.

My own children never greeted me with such enthusiasm.

(Full disclosure: They greet anyone we meet on our walks with the same exuberance, but I am not a jealous person. I can share the love.)

Dogs love to lounge in my lap or sleep at my feet as I tap at my computer keyboard. They make eager editorial assistants and never criticize my work. For a few magical days, they are my biggest fans, my new best friends.

I’m sad, of course, when they leave and my house feels empty again. But I know they’ll probably return for another visit…the best houseguests usually do.

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of “The Anchor Clankers.”