Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hi, I am Louise and I am a very happy writer of literary fiction. I have 5 adult children and 5 adult granddaughters and 5 adorable great grandchildren. I have been a fiction lover all my life and it seemed natural to just pick up a pencil and start writing fiction of my own. There was no such thing as personal computers at that time. I did write with a pencil, then typed my manuscripts on a typewriter and sent them through the mail with a self addressed stamped envelope. I was selling short stories and poems while raising 3, then 4, then 5 babies, in my twenties and thirties. I quit writing for a few years when life got in the way and I got overwhelmed. My husband died about 5 1/2 years ago. About 3 years ago I started writing again. I think this is the perfect way to spend this last part of my life. I love writing and it makes me happy.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Secret of Surviving In The Sea”?
A2. I really didn’t face any challenges. The story practically wrote itself. It was in my head every day and night. I finally sat down and started writing it on my iPad.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. That’s hard to say. I’ve been a big reader but I can’t remember many of the books I read. I did read a lot of Kristin Hannah and I see my book as somewhat like hers, in its saga-like plot. I read The Book Thief and many others of that quality. Also Stephen King and Dean Koontz though I never tried to follow in their footsteps.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. In 2023 I went on a 30 day road trip from the beginning of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca all the way to the Gulf of Mexico north of New Orleans. I loved everything about that trip and would love to go back to New Orleans. It was more exciting and fascinating with entirely different looks, sounds and vibe than I had ever experienced in the USA. ,
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Secret of Surviving In The Sea’?
A5. I can’t say what actually inspired me. It just started, then grew in my mind like a persistent kudzu plant that wouldn’t quit till I got it down.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Secret of Surviving In The Sea’?
A6. Surprisingly, only about 3 months. But then it took about 2 years to go back and forth between my editor and myself rewrites and polishing.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Right now it is available online in paperback and e-book through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. But it will be available soon in all major bookstores and hopefully some not so major ones as well.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Secret of Surviving In The Sea’?
A8. The book cover was easy because the sea in all of its amazing colors is mentioned so much in the book, then along with the title it was natural. The title is the last line of the character Tracy’s poem in the book. And throughout the book the theme of surviving through pain, loss and grief is brought about often, though subtly.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I love the characters and their story as if they were dear friends of mine, though they bear no resemblance to anyone I know. My writing stayed fresh because I was so invested in what happened to my characters.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. I think the most valuable lesson learned way back in high school creative writing class and still the most important today is show, don’t tell.
Buy The Secret of Surviving In The Sea on Amazon
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