1 - How did your first book change your life? How does your most recent work compare to your previous? How does it feel different?
Little Spoons is my first and only novel for now. Before writing it, I wrote screenplays and short stories. A novel is a very different beast in comparison; it takes much more time, planning, and editing. The process was challenging but incredibly enjoyable. I also feel that my perspective as a reader has changed as a result of writing my first book because I'm picking up on things I never considered before until I did it myself.
2 - How did you come to fiction first, as opposed to, say, poetry or non-fiction?
My favorite type of book to read is one that has an addictive quality, whether that be romance or thriller. I knew when I decided to write a book that I wanted to invoke that same feeling in my reader that I felt from my favorite books. That feeling where you tell yourself, "One more chapter," then the next thing you know, you've read the whole thing. Fiction made sense for this reason.
3 - How long does it take to start any particular writing project? Does your writing initially come quickly, or is it a slow process? Do first drafts appear looking close to their final shape, or does your work come out of copious notes?
Starting is easy; it's finishing that's the hard part. I consider myself a very creative person and I get my ideas through reading or lived experiences. As my ideas come to me I will either begin straight into writing or map them out, the process is incredibly quick. The issue I struggle with is execution and my own self-doubt. It's very normal for me to get halfway through a project, then decide to shelve it because I no longer enjoy how it's progressing. The first draft is exactly that, and there is still an opportunity to fine-tune it and change things, for this reason my first and final drafts are very different but that's comforting for me to remember. The hardest part is completing your first draft of any project.
4 - Where does a work of prose usually begin for you? Are you an author of short pieces that end up combining into a larger project, or are you working on a "book" from the very beginning?
I know exactly what my goal is when I sit down to write, often taking time to map out the story so that it's paced well and has a good storyline. Sometimes though if an idea feels good, I'll just start writing then let my characters decide where they want to go.
5 - Are public readings part of or counter to your creative process? Are you the sort of writer who enjoys doing readings?
I really enjoy interacting with my community, meeting people and hearing their stories or feedback is very encouraging. Reading my own work isn't something I get much value from, however when I have discussions or answer questions with readers, I find that to be very productive.
6 - Do you have any theoretical concerns behind your writing? What kinds of questions are you trying to answer with your work? What do you even think the current questions are?
I'm a simple gal and I like writing stories for the purpose of enjoyment. I appreciate literature that is introspective, inspirational or educational but I'm not writing to shift perspectives or anything. As a reader, I turn to books for comfort and enjoyment, as a writer I want to offer that escape to my reader. A book doesn't always need to be life-changing or challenge the way you think; sometimes, a book is just a thing you pick up because you want to shut your brain off and escape. That's what I want my writing to provide, an enjoyable escape.
7 – What do you see the current role of the writer being in larger culture? Do they even have one? What do you think the role of the writer should be?
Writing has always had a role in culture, I personally am a huge proponent of reading as I believe it helps to expand your ability to think critically, creatively and have a more enhanced worldview. Writers have the ability to introduce the reader to new thoughts, perspectives and circumstances, all of which helps an individual to become more well-rounded, and understanding. The role of a writer is to be honest, even in fiction, to deliver to the reader something real which they can take with them into their own day-to-day lives.
8 - Do you find the process of working with an outside editor difficult or essential (or both)?
Working with an editor is absolutely essential. It's scary to share your work with someone and trust them, but as a writer, it's easy to get too invested in your story. An outside perspective is essential to fine-tuning the work.
9 - What is the best piece of advice you've heard (not necessarily given to you directly)?
"Just do the thing."
10 - How easy has it been for you to move between genres (fiction to essays)? What do you see as the appeal?
Essays are challenging in their own way as you try to pack a lot of information into a short piece, and fiction is challenging as you attempt to pace the story in such a way to maintain attention without ending too early. The two have their own appeal, but jumping from one to the other is challenging as the writer's mindset needs to shift.
11 - What kind of writing routine do you tend to keep, or do you even have one? How does a typical day (for you) begin?
I personally refer to writing as my "Night job", I have a day job which keeps me busy. I am a heavily routine person so it never feels difficult or forced, when I was editing my book I would work til 4, exercise, eat, then write from 6-8 pm and maintain that schedule Monday to Friday. Treating writing like its a job ensures you show up, clock in and get your work done. This is the mentality that has worked for me.
12 - When your writing gets stalled, where do you turn or return for (for lack of a better word) inspiration?
Books. I always find inspiration in books.
13 - What fragrance reminds you of home?
I grew up on a farm in the Bay of Islands, so unfortunately, home smells like manure, dirt and dried salt fish.
14 - David W. McFadden once said that books come from books, but are there any other forms that influence your work, whether nature, music, science or visual art?
I've always been incredibly influenced by nature. I love how it shapes places and people; for this reason nature or landscapes are a common theme in my work.
15 - What other writers or writings are important for your work, or simply your life outside of your work?
I believe that stories come from experiences, but they don't necessarily need to be your own. It would be somewhat narcissistic to believe that I could write solely from my own life and expect others to be heard and seen. Meeting people and asking questions is a way that I am able to expand my worldview and create work that is more welcoming and understanding.
16 - What would you like to do that you haven't yet done?
I'd love to write a biography of someone inspirational to me. I've been interested in the idea of a biography of Emile Benoit, I love his work so much and he's the most iconic person from my home region. I love sharing stories, I feel he would have a really good one.
17 - If you could pick any other occupation to attempt, what would it be? Or, alternately, what do you think you would have ended up doing had you not been a writer?
I'm very happy with my career outside of writing; up until this point, writing has been a hobby, a creative outlet. If I never publish another book, I'd be ok with that, but I'll always enjoy writing.
18 - What made you write, as opposed to doing something else?
I like books :)
19 - What was the last great book you read? What was the last great film?
The best book I've read lately has been Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I was a huge fan of the show so after 8 seasons of watching it, I picked up the first novel. I will always champion that books make great film and television, the book always being the better of the two.
20 - What are you currently working on?
A laptop.
12 or 20 (second series) questions;
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