Read an excerpt from my new book

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author, books, ebook, entertainment, Family, Humor, Life, relationships, writing

Suzette ran into Dougie, a midshipman who was the same age as she was, although his small frame made him look a lot younger. Many of the other boys teased Dougie about getting into the movies for the price of a twelve-and-under kids’ ticket. She remembered the night he got stuck in the ductwork above her bathroom, last year. Some older boys had forced him to sneak down with a camera to get photos of the commandant’s daughter in the shower. Fortunately, she heard him first.

“Hey there,” Dougie said with a shy smile.

“Congratulations on surviving to sophomore status,” Suzette said. “I bet it feels good to have a whole class of freshmen midshipmen starting below you.”

“Yeah,” he nodded. “It does. How’s life at the convent?

Suzette laughed. “Off to a great start. I’ve got two projects due next week, including one on finding a universal definition of spirituality. I guess I’ll have to go to the library because I know zero about it.”

Dougie raised his eyebrows. “I might be able to help you out. I’ve got a couple of books in my room about spirituality.”

Seeing Suzette’s puzzled expression, he shrugged. “My parents are extremely religious— church every Sunday. They packed a lot of reading material for me— not that I’ll ever use it. C’mon up to my room and I’ll dig through the stuff in my trunk until I find it.”

“Women aren’t allowed above decks,” Suzette stopped in her tracks.

“So? You’re not a woman,” Dougie said, over his shoulder. “Hurry up. My door is right at the top of the stairs.”

She glanced at her father’s office and noticed that it remained empty—no faculty and no secretaries in sight. Suzette took the wooden steps two at a time and was relieved to see the corridor was clear when she reached the second floor. She found Dougie rifling through a large metal trunk at the foot of his bunk, scattering books on the floor.

Suzette stood with her back against the dorm door, but instinctively turned to open it when she heard a knock.

“Hey Dougie, my fake I.D. worked! Let’s celebrate.”

She heard the sound of a pop top on a can and felt a chilly mist spray over her. Foam dripped from the end of Suzette’s nose and landed on her T-shirt, which was enough to make her reek of beer.

Dougie sat frozen on the floor, too horrified to move, while two midshipmen stood in the doorway, clutching aluminum cans.

“Shit, I am so sorry. Oh no. Oh, my God.”

Suzette wiped her face. “Are you guys crazy? What are you doing with beer, for heaven’s sake? That’s totally illegal, in case you didn’t know. I can’t walk into my parents’ place like this. What am I going to do?”

Dougie grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the bathroom.

“You’re going to rinse off.”

“Oh, a great idea. And what possible explanation will I have for being soaking wet?”

“Maybe you fell in the swimming pool…?”

Standing in the porcelain tub and arguing with Dougie, Suzette failed to notice another boy turn the nozzle. Hot water from the shower head hit her with such force that she screamed. And then, she screamed again.

“No, stop it, right now. Turn off the water,” she sputtered.

Seconds later Mike McGrath burst through the door. A senior and the second highest-ranking officer in the school, Big Mac gaped at the scene in the bathroom.

“I heard screams and I…”

He was looking at Suzette, who stood dripping wet and furious. The outer edges of his mouth twitched slightly but he fought to keep from laughing. “Um, you know ladies aren’t allowed above decks,” he said

“No kidding?” she replied. “I can see why.”

She turned to Dougie and glared. “Get me a towel.”

“You two.” Big Mac nodded toward the boys with the dripping beer cans. “Sit down.”

He peered into the hallway and closed the door.

“We’ve got to get you out of here before evening inspection. You can’t go down the main stairway because you’ll run into some of the faculty.”

Dougie scratched his head. “What about the fire escape?”

Big Mac counted the number of doors between Dougie’s room and the end of the hallway on his fingers. There were only six. “It might work.”

Big Mac stood with his hand on the doorknob and waited as Suzette toweled off. Her rubber sneakers squeaked along the hardwood floors as she slid between the beer-can boys who surrounded her like an invisibility cloak. When the hallway was clear, he opened the door and stepped out, extending his arms to block the view. At six-feet-four, Big Mac stood taller than most of the senior class and wider, too.

The others scurried toward the fire escape, leaving a watery trail on the wooden floorboards. Big Mac ordered several guys to towel the floor dry before the Captain arrived for evening inspection.

“We’ll go down with you,” Dougie said. “If anyone is watching from a window, they’ll just see our gray uniforms.”

Suzette frowned at him.

“And don’t worry. I’ll bring the religion books by your apartment later,” he added.

 

Anchored Together is now available on Amazon.com

 

 

Renee interviews author Bruce Ballister

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author, Awards, books, Florida, Health, inspiration, writing

Author Bruce Ballister won two medals in the 2020 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Book Awards: The Gold was for a non-fiction project, Welcome to the Zipper Club, while The Bronze medal was for Room for Tomorrow. 

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’m a Tallahassean, not by birth, but I’ve been in this city since elementary school and only left to join the Army during the Vietnam war. I also left in my 30s to seek higher wages in Texas to repay the hospital debt for my preemie daughter. I now have three daughters in or nearing their 40s, and I sometimes have to stop and count that there are six grands. Being a North Floridian affected my writing early on as I experimented with short stories that began to bubble out in my 50s. My first novel, Dreamland Diaries, is set on the coast just south of Tallahassee and is a Sci-Fi – coming-of-age thriller. My most recent novel, Room for Tomorrow, is set in California but its MC’s roots are here in North Florida and the plot takes us to the remote pine woods of the panhandle.

My first degree was in commercial art, not a lucrative profession I found. I translated into construction drafting, then moved into civil engineering design and project management for municipal infrastructure projects and private developments. My second degree in Urban and Regional Planning got me into a slot as County Planning Director and finally as a grant manager for community development projects.

With my education split between left brain and right brain activities, heavy in the arts, and then the sciences, science fiction with a strong dose of humanist character development comes naturally. I’m currently working on finishing the last of a four-part series begun with Dreamland Diaries. Meanwhile, the plot thickeners for a completely new work simmer on the back burner.

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

I’ll answer this for Room for Tomorrow. My last job had me on the road a lot serving rural communities across the panhandle and I became an audiobook devotee. Several of these had a strong influence on my environmental awareness. Room for Tomorrow’s plot, includes time travelers from the future who have survived the Last Day, the day that our atmosphere boiled in nuclear death. On a mission from the new world capital in New Zealand, they are in an abandoned time capsule built before the holocaust. Their mission is to mine technological secrets from a cloud storage facility in southern California so they can recapture lost technology.

My main character is from the present, but she literally falls into their portal to their time gate and becomes an agent for change. She has seen a future in which humanity destroys itself over diminishing resources amid an environmental collapse. With the help of her partner and the time travelers, she creates a new agency for change. The agency, Room for Tomorrow,infuses future energy efficiency technologies into the present to forestall many of the shortages that led to the Last Day.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

Consistency. My attention seems to jump from project to project. For instance, the fourth installment of Dreamland Diaries went on hold for two years while I worked on Room for Tomorrow. Even now, as I work on that project, the next one threatens to take my attention. Sigh.

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

Well, winning a gold and a bronze in this year’s FAPA President’s Book Awards was certainly satisfying. The Gold was for a non-fiction project, Welcome to the Zipper Club. This proved that I have the chops to write and create a successful project. The Bronze was for Room for Tomorrow. I’m happy that it placed, it’s a tough crowd.

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

Frank Herbert, Jerry Pournelle, Isaac Azimov, and Arthur Clarke are all noted sci-fi writers. Frank Herbert, especially affected my sense that a fiction story can have at its roots an environmental back story. But equally important are Michael Connelly, John le Carré, and Patrick O’brian. Three very different writers whose craft, style, and attention to detail influence my need to tell a story fully with strong central characters. Albee’s The Monkey Wrench Gang, and Miller’s A Canticle for Liebowitz are direct inspirations for Room for Tomorrow as are several climate change non-fiction works.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals? 

No, unfortunately, I do not write every day. See next Question…

What are your interests outside of writing?

I am an unsuccessful retiree. I never quite learned the power of the word no. When asked to join the board of the Tallahassee Writers Association, I said yes. Then found myself on the track to that group’s presidency while fostering two conferences. I have just given up a five year track as the managing editor of the TWA’s Seven Hills Review. A contest similar to FAPAs, but limits entries to the first 3,000 words of larger works, short stories, plays, and includes poetry and haiku. I produced five anthologies which publishes the winners in the several categories. Finishing that involvement, I found myself, not saying no to being involved in FAPA’s book awards and now chair that committee.

Hmm… Outside of writing. I love to kayak the rivers and lakes of north Florida. I am presently in training to do the Apalachicola RiverTrek in October. That will be a five day, 103 mile paddle from the Georgia line to the Gulf. At seventy, I don’t have the stamina I once had, but have found that I still am an avid DIYer and a few hours a day in the open air keep me vital. I’m presently building from the bare dirt up, a storage shed to relieve my garage of some of its tools and equipment.

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.

Keep at it. Start now, you never know what complication life is going to throw at you. My brush with cardiac disease resulted in a gold medal work. And pay attention to the minutia in life. Putting your observations into the mind of your main character makes that person believable and real to your readers. And remember, your main character has to get into trouble. As John Lewis said, get into ‘good trouble’. Save the world, rescue a forsaken child, right wrongs. Let your writing speak, educate, make a difference, and above all, entertain.

 

 

Master bedroom madness

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author, books, business, Design, Home, Life, lifestyle, writing

The Houston Association of REALTORS® announced it will no longer sanction the use of “master bedroom” or “master bathroom” in its MLS descriptions.

According to Realtor Magazine, “The decision to remove the term comes after a group of real estate professionals said the term ‘master’ on property description represents a potential stigma.”

In addition to Houston, Chicago realtors and builders like David Weekley have announced they will also refrain from using terminology like “master bedroom” and “master suite.” (David Weekley Homes now refers to the space as the “owner’s retreat” instead.)

Many argue that the term has no actual relationship to racism – neither does the term Master’s Degree. “Master bedroom” first appeared in the early 20th century to denote that the room was reserved for the master of the household, who almost always was a man. Why not the “mistress bedroom?” (Okay, that has another weird connotation.) Or the “biggest bedroom?” (Not very exciting.) Maybe the “significant sleeping space?”

Anyone have a better suggestion?

 

 

Award-winning author Renee Garrison will release her new book, Anchored Together, in September

 

Renee interviews author Malcolm John Baker

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author, books, business, entertainment, inspiration, 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 am a British citizen but have a permanent residency in the United States. They call me a resident alien. I think I must be a small green man from out of space, which is appropriate as my current book is to be called ‘Annabelle’ and she goes on a trip to Saturn with NASA with disastrous results.

However, I am 75 years old, although I do not feel it. I retired many years ago from business in the UK where I was a chartered surveyor. You don’t have the equivalent over here, but basically I dealt with Property Management.

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

I live now in Sarasota, Florida, in a golf club community named Lakewood Ranch. This is my paradise. I was married until five years ago, and after that I thought I needed something to occupy myself, so I took up writing fiction. All my stories are based on either my personal experiences, history or current affairs. I have always loved travel and have seen much of the world.

Every day I see things that are of interest and those incidents go into my books with amendments to make the adventure realistic.

My first book was Revenge is Mine, it is a story of ISIS, two generals’ families are killed in a cruise missile attack, and they set out to kill the President of the US. The story revolves around how they gained access to the country and the escapades with the FBI. He book is about love, adventure and intrigue. One of the ladies then goes to Syria with ISIS, but it does not turn out how she expected.

The next two books are FBI type books involving drug smuggling, treasure hunting in Mexico’s underground caverns. That is From a Jack to a king.Both these books would make good movie material.

The third book Daylight Robbery is as its name suggests, and I am the executive producer of a film that is made for the film festivals which are to take place when the current virus situation clears.

I have always had an interest in the legends of King Arthur and Robin Hood, so I wrote a series of four books about Merlin. There is no magic in my books, although I must say J. K. Rowling was an influence in my writing. My Merlin is a time traveler who goes back to Arthurian days with the ghost of the Lady of the Lake, Viviane, the first book is called Merlin’s Secret.He takes back information from today and they think he is a wizard. Three books have so far been published and they are all full of adventure through the ages, culminating at the end of World War II. I am working with two movie companies at the moment for the series to be made films. I found it interesting making conversations with William Shakespeare!

The last book to be published is Which is the Clone?About a young U.S. president who clones himself to come back as president later in life. Needless to say, the results are disastrous.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?

 I write most days, but not more than three hours at a time, but I spend all the time when I am out collecting ideas of events and people characters. I have always self-published, but I now publish the books myself and all are available on my website http://www.malcolmjohnbaker.us

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

As strange as it might seem by biggest obstacle is grammar. I was hopeless at school, but I have to say that when I question people why do they like my books? I am told because they are readable, without having to look up the meaning of every other word.  I think many more writers should go along that route This is particularly relevant if English is not your native language.

 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.

To any aspiring writers I would say be careful once you get to the publication stage. There are many companies out there who are only interested in getting their income not yours.

New book, new cover

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Doing less, being more

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author, books, Dementia, Family, inspiration, Life, relationships

 

The pandemic taught us that we’re all caregivers, for ourselves and each other. However, I was thrust into the role several years ago, when my mother-in-law’s descent into dementia accelerated.

Today as we celebrate her 95^th birthday, it seems like a good time to reflect on the lessons this retired school teacher has imparted to our family. I learned that care giving is an act which nurtures our best traits while healing our worst. She has taught me that communication involves more listening than speaking.

At its best, care giving is not a fight. It’s a practice…that never ends. It is not political and it transcends skin color, nationality, wealth, gender, and age. Care giving should not destroy, since discarding the flawed would mean discarding all of us. Finally, caring for someone often means doing less, but being more.

I realize that many of the kindest gestures we’ll ever make, and the most important things we’ll ever do, won’t come easy and will never be seen publicly.

Let’s do them anyway.

 

 

 

 

Award-winning author Renee Garrison has completed her second novel, “Anchored Together,” which will be released in the fall.

Renee interviews author Diane Harper

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author, books, inspiration, publishers, 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 was born and raised in the small historic town of Lockport, New York. I lived and worked in the area for twenty-three years until I began my career as a flight attendant for a major airline. Flying is where I met my husband, Ron, who is a pilot. We married and moved to Jacksonville, Florida. After seventeen years of flying, I retired from the airlines in 2000 to stay at home with my two young children. I became a devoted PTA volunteer at my children’s elementary school. While my kids were in school during the day, I obtained a part-time job as a Beverage Cart Administrator at a semi-private country club. I worked for the golf course for ten years. During that time, I also took up painting. I’ve painted about thirty murals, selling several. I also have an online Etsy account, DWRockDesigns, where I sell an assortment of natural and painted rocks. I continue promoting and marketing my books, as well.

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

I began writing eight years ago. I was going through a very troubling situation with my oldest sister, and the stress was making me physically ill. A professional advised me to write down my thoughts and feelings instead of keeping it all bottled up inside. So, I began writing in a journal that I carried with me everywhere. It helped, I found myself writing all the time. Gradually, I turned the devastating situation into a story. I began my story in the early 1900s when my grandparents met, and their exciting story started. I added some of my childhood experiences and brought the saga into the present day. I wrote the book as a semi-autobiographical fiction mystery. (You don’t see that category very often.) I changed the names to protect the innocent and wrote the book to expose the guilty.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

The biggest challenge for me was getting my first completed manuscript published. I had no idea what to do with my book, but I was determined to get it published. I wasn’t a writer, and I had no idea what the industry entailed. I saw an ad in the paper about a book seminar called Get Book Savvy at the Beach. Two local authors, Jane Wood and Frances Keiser, were holding an all-day session to teach aspiring authors about writing, publishing, and marketing. So, I signed up. That session motivated me to start my own Independent Publishing Company, HayMarBooks, LLC and publish my book. I knew it would be a big undertaking, but I was ready to move forward. I want to thank Jane R. Wood for all the advice and experience she’s extended to me these past eight years. Jane helped me become the award-winning author I am today. She’s been an incredible mentor.

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

My three sisters and their families still live in the Lockport area, so every year, I visit Western NY in June. While I’m there, I coordinate book signings, school visits, and set up a booth at The Lockport Arts and Craft Festival. My visit this particular year was coming to an end. I was out to dinner with my family at one of my favorite restaurants. We noticed a lot of commotion going on at a few tables. The people kept looking at our table. A woman got up from her seat and came over to our table. She introduced herself and said, “You were the author that spoke at my sons’ school the other day. He bought all your books and is looking forward to reading them.” I thanked her. By that time, most of the room was listening, (It’s a small dining room, there’s not much social distancing at this restaurant.) Another woman held up her hand from across the room and shouted, “you should read her wonderful mystery novels. They’re set right here in Lockport.” I was shocked. I blushed and I thanked them again. My nephew nudged me and said, “look at you… you’re famous.”

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

Growing up, I read many of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Mystery Stories. I’ve also read a lot of famous authors, John Grisham, Danielle Steele, Steven King, and many more. Several years ago, I read a book by an author named Kate White. White has written fourteen suspense novels. I would say her writing has influenced the most. I like the simplicity in the way she writes her mystery stories. I like to read Independent author’s books. Authors I’ve met through FAPA (Florida Authors & Publishers Association.)

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?

I do not write every day. I haven’t written in a while. For me, it takes a lot of time and concentration when I write. With everything going on right now, it’s been hard for me to focus. I have written five award-winning books, two Mystery Novels, and three children’s chapter books (I draw the simple black and white illustrations for my Jace Adventure series.) My last children’s book, published in 2019, is the most recent publication. Eventually, I will get back to writing. I will have to finish my third novel. It’s the final sequel to my first two books, Love, Greed and Lie$, and The Lost Twin.

What are your interests outside of writing?

I like to garden, travel, and I enjoy painting rocks. I make and sell portable tic-tac-toe games online. I have an online account at Etsy, where I sell my rock art under the name DWRockDesigns. This November, I’m selling my rock art at The Christmas Made in the South here in Jacksonville. I have diligently been painting and designing my rock art to have enough inventory for the three-day weekend event. I will also be able to sell my books. I was clever enough to have coordinated rock designs to go with my kid’s books.

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.

I honestly wouldn’t do a whole lot different. I attended many conferences to learn. This industry changes rapidly. I’m glad I started my own independent publishing company and didn’t use a traditional publisher.  I like that I have full control in every aspect of designing and publishing my books. One tip I’ve learned and recommend the purchasing of my ISBNs. If you go with a publisher or someone that assists with your publication, I recommend purchasing your own. I also recommend attending conferences. I always learn something new.

Under Cover

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arts, author, books, Design, inspiration, Writer

The ideal book cover gives away just enough to persuade the reader and capture the story inside – without revealing too much. It’s the reason you pick up a book from the shelf (or order it online.)

During the pandemic, I’ve been working with a terrific artist at Babski Creative Studios, who also designed the cover of my award-winning first book, The Anchor Clankers. (Some of the first idea boards for the new book appear above.)

I know it’s important to make a good first impression on potential readers, who often assume that a poorly-designed cover indicates a poorly-written book. The design is one of the most important aspects of marketing, because we’re all drawn to items that are attractive. Wish me luck!

The art of writing

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author, books, inspiration, lifestyle, writing

I’ve always believed that no writer knows precisely what he or she is doing. We test a thought, write it down, read it again and think. I sit down at a desktop computer, surrounded by pictures, notebooks, mementos and a few quotes. I stare at a blank screen, review my notes and go. I agree with the Hemmingway’s philosophy. (See above.)

You may have heard the term, “The words flow,” but that rarely happens to me. In my work, they lurch out and usually are corrected. Sometimes I listen to music – always instrumental – with occasional new-age ocean sounds included. (Lyrics urge me to sing along, which doesn’t help my writing.) Long before earbuds became popular, I inserted ear plugs to obliterate noise in The Tampa Tribune newsroom whenever I filed a story on deadline.

Sometimes I’m asked the difference between writing for a newspaper and writing a book. The quickest answer is space limitations. You have a limited number of words in a newspaper story (unless you’re writing a series of articles) but books provide hundreds of pages to express your ideas.

In either case, when you get it right, when you educate or entertain your reader, the job is satisfying in a way that is hard to explain. You try to make a difference and, when you do, it’s wonderful.

 

Renee Garrison is currently writing the sequel to her award-winning book, The Anchor Clankers.

Renee Interviews Author Mary Flynn

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author, books, entertainment, inspiration, Life, writing

Mary Flynn is the author of “Disney’s Secret Sauce–the little known factor behind the business world’s most legendary leadership, which took honors in the 2019 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Her recent book, Wishbones and Other Short Stories, is an eclectic and imaginative mix of humor, pathos and irony that explores the human experience -usually with a surprising twist.

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. 

Born and raised in Brooklyn. Irish, Italian Catholic. Those values, cultural aspects and neighborhood settings show up in my novels, which take place in the fifties. I like to write about times before technology when people could not easily or quickly reach each other. I believe it offers more opportunity for tension and suspense. Did you even notice in many dramas or comedies how the lead character somehow manages to lose or destroy their cell phone – out the window, down the toilet. They know something. They know that tension really heightens when there are no bars.

I traveled extensively and lived in Turkey years back as an Air Force officer’s wife. Great and wonderful experience, which dribbles into my writing. In one of our locales, Kansas City, I managed to land a full-time job at Hallmark writing greeting cards, a gratifying and extremely useful experience that has stayed with me. A great training ground living the creative life day in and day out.

Many years later, I believe that experience made me a better writer and speaker in my role as an international conference speaker for Disney Institute, where I presented Disney’s approach to leadership and service excellence. I now do speaking engagements on the business side, as well as my humorous “Confessions of a Hallmark Greeting Card Writer,” both of which have proven to be excellent ways to promote my writing.

It’s been an interesting life journey straddling the fence between business and creative positions. I was on editorial staff of the leading publisher of guided reading materials used in the U.S. public school system; became a senior staff consultant with the two largest companies, respectively, who conducted downsizing and career transition programs for more than sixty industries; became certified in Neuro-linguistic Programming by that methodologies creator, Richard Bandler, who was Tony Robbins instructor; became a certified phobia counseling aide.. I now do a live radio show for Salem.

I believe this eclectic mix shows up in my writing, a hop, skip and jump across genres – children’s rhymed and illustrated, middle grade novella, novels, non-fiction business, poetry and just recently the release of my book of short stories. I love to write and to coach newer writers…and I really enjoy my associations with others in our vibrant writing organizations and culture.

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

Unlike longer forms, short stories satisfy in me those “little” ideas that tickle around in the imagination. Unlike the driving force behind a novel, short stories typically come from what I call the little dodgy thoughts that can be so easily overlooked.

That early Hallmark experience taught me on a daily basis not to overlook any idea…but to drill into it. So, it becomes truly a what if game—what if a thug finds a new way to settle an old score? What if the harried looking shopper whom the good-hearted woman gives a ride to is not what she seems? And, like O’Henry’s delicious tales, what if there’s a twist at the end? Ha.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle? 

My biggest obstacle over the years was trying to do serious writing while maintaining a full-time job. Unlike J.K. Rowling, I am not the kind of person who can sit in a coffee shop with, let’s say, a child in a stroller and write an epic novel. Then, of course, husband and kids must come first. So, before long, years go by.

One of the very first stories that I wrote then I retired from Disney seven years ago was “Jeremiah’s Orchard.” I had told that story to my father…the idea, that is. He died in 1978. So, that whole time, this story-to-be sat in a folder on a shelf. I’m so gratified to say that story, which is in my latest release of short stories, first appeared in the Saturday Evening Post’s 2014 Anthology of Great Fiction.

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

A little hard to say. Definitely, having “Jeremiah’s Orchard” selected for that Saturday Evening Post anthology. I mean – that’s where Hemingway and Scott Fitzgerald were published. But then, I recall how dazzled I was when an observational humor essay I submitted to The New York Times appeared on their Sunday Lifestyle cover page. Yikes. Then again, I truly was blown away when my debut novel Margaret Ferry took home the gold medal in Fiction, the silver medal in Christian Writing, and the silver medal in Religious writing…even though it’s mainstream fiction. Hard to pick one.

What people or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing? 

I credit my mother, first and foremost, who read to me every single night when I was a child. Then…I’m Irish, after all…my Aunt Katie would hold me spellbound with the oddest, most delightful story-telling. She was quirky and funny, and I know I carry that inspiration with me to this day. Also, importantly, I attended Catholic School where, by God (literally, I think), the nuns wouldn’t have it any other way but that every child would speak and write well. When I entered public high school at the age of thirteen, I didn’t know what an atom was, but I could write for The New York Times.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals? 

Yes, every single day. But “writing” for me doesn’t mean necessarily sitting at the computer or with a pad in my lap. I abide John Hersey approach: he liked to go fishing to do his back-of-the-head work. I don’t go fishing, but I definitely do a lot of back-of-the-head work. I wouldn’t dream of sitting down to a blank page to “create.” I believe this is where the concept of writer’s block comes from. People sit down to that blank sheet of paper and get frustrated trying to make something up. I make it up elsewhere…until I actually get into the writing of it.

What are your interests outside of writing? 

People, friends, faith, food, going out, staying in—I have no trouble spending time alone—a true blessing from God. I favor the woods over the ocean, small gatherings over large groups (imagine a Disney retiree not liking crowds. Ha.). I’m a big movie buff. I learn from movies—how much or little a character uses to express an idea or emotion teaches me something about writing and about character. My all-time favorite movie is the original King Kong—the special effects for that time are astounding. I think silent films are brilliant.

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. 

Allow me, please, a little list:

1. Stop letting the idea that you’re not good enough keep you from writing.  Nobody is quite good enough in the beginning. By the way, that’s what good editors are for. Without Max Perkins, Hemingway and Fitzgerald might not have gotten into print.
2. Find the industry. May sound odd, but writing is a complex industry with vast resources, and there is much to learn. Join a critique group. If it doesn’t nourish you with respect and encouragement, find another that does. Take the feedback; it’s a gift.
3. Pay attention to the tiniest of ideas, drill down, ask what if. If it’s a common, everyday kind of thought, look at it from every angle. Imagine if you could think one brand new thought every day.
4. Please don’t follow the advice of writers who think self-publishing or indie publishing means you don’t need outside professional help. To be perfectly candid, if you’re planning to publish, it’s going to cost money. It doesn’t matter that you taught English, you cannot edit or proof your own work. And the tragedy is that a reader who catches your mistakes in those first pages or chapters will never buy another one of your books.
5. Don’t buy into the idea that you should only write what you know. It’s all about what you can know. That’s what research is for. Otherwise, how could Shelley have created Frankenstein’s monster? How would Moby Dick have come about? Get comfortable making stuff up…but do it the smartly.
6. Get used to research…even for things you assume to be true. Authenticity is paramount. I was writing a story in which a grove had to catch fire. I called a grower to ask a question and was shocked when he said the grove would not burn—the trees are fresh. “Burn something else,” was his advice. I’m glad I did.
7. Get in the habit of entering contests. They are a great proving ground. Plus, if you happen to win, place or show, it will be a good way of beginning to build your platform. Agents, editors and publishers…even festival coordinators…want to see what you’ve done. First chance you have to brag on paper, do it.
8. Skip the long descriptive openings. Get your reader right into the action.
9. Skip the long passages of backstory. It slows the pace and bores people.
10. Don’t be afraid to say, he said or she said, instead of silly things like, he cajoled, she bemoaned.