Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Oh my gosh, where to start? To keep this short, I have lived and visited many parts of the US as well as Central America and Europe. I have always written and been a creative person. I am becoming an Elder and I want to share parts of my thoughts, my heart through sharing my writing with others. Stepping into my inner world. There are many types of writers, and other forms of creative expressions that have the power to touch us through exposing their courage by being vulnerable.
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Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II”?
Letting go of “Should I?” and “What will people think?” It takes a leap of faith to trust there is sympatico among human beings. I believe this and shared my vulnerability through my stories. Everyone has life stories to share.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Harper Lee, Rumi, Barbara Wood, Wayne Muller, JD Salinger, Mary Oliver, Frederico Lorca. So many, it depends on what I am in the mood for.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Favorite anything is not an easy word I can use…favorites work better: Valley Forge Park, Chicago, Grand Canyon, Pacific Grove…….A drive in the Autumn…Blue Ridge Mountains.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II’?
I had written the original; Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts during the very beginning of the Pandemic. It was a tragic and magical time. This was a wake-up call for me in many ways. I decided to publish that book and my photographs. This new book is volume ll. It seemed right. There are always thoughts and musings we all have. I wanted to continue sharing mine. I wrote another book in between. A different type than Outpourings. It is called; Tiny Stories.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II’?
I spent about a year writing, editing and publishing.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
On all platforms, Amazon, B&N. Kobo. Google, Apple…all of them. Paper Books, E-books, Audio is coming out shortly. Because of the type of writing, I decided to have it translated into Spanish. Working on that with someone now. I’d like to make it available to as many as I can.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II’?
I love photography, creating collage cards, and doodling. The cover photo was taken in Ireland. It just seemed to say outpourings.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I re-read and I find I have a rhythm of editing and sometimes deleting what doesn’t click with me any longer. A writer needs to be able to wear different hats. Becoming the reader was something I learned from a wonderful teacher that I still engage with. To read our writing out loud is even more revealing in what it says and staying fresh.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
To keep at it. Don’t think, “This has been done before,” or, “Who will read it?’
Just enjoy and write what comes. Put your inner critic in the back seat and tell it to be quiet.
Buy Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II on Amazon
Sassy Reviews 