10 Questions a #Blogger Asked Me About Writing. #Author

1. Why do you write?
I wrote a small series of quotes last year after I was asked to write a few reflections about writing to accompany and article about my work. I ended up writing a few quotes about my ideas on the purpose of stories. I discovered one quote was the main reason why I write. It actually was a really great reflection exercise.

2. How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I work through self-doubt with positive self-talk. I face fear as it comes, day by day, with courage and hard work. The more confident you are at doing something the less fear you will experience. The fear of something may always be there but I focus on something more powerful than fear. The feeling of accomplishment when I’ve completed something.

3. Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
Yes, that’s correct. How a writer measures success is ultimately up to the individual. I would say when I have written a book that finds a place in the memory of many people. In years to come if people are still reading it that would be success for me.

4. Do you have any advice for writers?

The advice would depend heavily on the writer’s reason for writing. Whether they are writing for healing, to tell a personal story, to live the creative dream, to share information or perhaps to share self-help advice. I could say what writers always say, just write, but that’s not really me. So I would say, you all have to begin somewhere, either knowing, or not knowing what you are doing when we start. But you must start. And if you don’t know where to begin, draw a picture, listen to music, look at photos or just listen to your inner voice. The things you don’t think are going to work are often the most powerful of creative work.

5. What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Persistence. Just recently at a school presentation a student asked me. “Have you ever thought about giving up?” My answer. I would never give up on what feels right. Trust your gut feeling and keeping moving forward.

6. What do you hope your obituary will say about you?

Interesting question. I’ve never really thought about it. Hmmm. Maybe something along these lines.
Enriched the world with characters and helped the human community to consider things from another point of view.

7. What is hardest — getting published, writing or marketing?
It’s all hard work. Period. Anything truly worth doing is worth putting in the effort. When I climb a mountain I don’t expect it to be easy, neither do I expect writing a book, getting published or doing the marketing to be any easier. If you want to become an author expect to work hard to achieve that goal. Don’t roll your eyes or make excuses because that won’t get the job done. Learn about getting published and marketing. But most importantly, write.

8. How do you feel about social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter? Are they a good thing?
I’ve answered this question many times and I’ve found that each author has a different opinion. In fact a friend at, Social Media & You brings you immediate insight into fellow users’ views and interests, in regards to the online world and its use. Here’s my answers to her questions on this subject. Interview found here.

9. What social issues interest you the most?
I’m very passionate about homelessness, mental health and addiction. I have volunteered for most of my life for different support services. These days I’m passionate about supporting our socially marginalized in our communities. Especially those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. I also believe in another community service that supports vulnerable individuals in the nightclub precincts. I have and do volunteer on support services on a regular basis. One of my key values is to work on the frontline so I can understand and experience the issues first hand.

10. Are you a city slicker or a country lover?
I adore both for different reasons. The country played a huge part in my life growing up. Horses, cows, the bush, campfires and all the fresh air a girl could want was around me in my early years. In married life we had a hobby farm with our own animals in the country. Yes, I even milked a cow every morning and made butter from the cream. Then we moved to the city. While the experiences of living in different cities, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth were challenging at times each city experience has been valuable to me as a writer. Some days I miss the country life, my horses, but I choose to live in a city by the sea and I love where I am at this time in my life.

So until next time. Be brave and bold in your chosen field of creativity. And never be afraid to explore new techniques.