With my recent publication, I have found another passion – encouraging other writers! As I hear from more and morewriters and would-be writers via email, I realize the importance of one writer encouraging another writer. The internet is full of writers attacking other writers – for being an Indie writer, for signing with a traditional publisher, for walking away from a traditional publisher, and sometimes it appears – just for being successful. And every time I read such an attack, one word comes to mind – Why?
As a writer, another writer’s success should encourage and inspire you. I don’t care how you publish your words (indie, traditional, or a combination) – I am just excited for you! Your books are being published and readers arereading your words. Hurray! I know, like me, you once picked up a pencil, a pen, or a laptop, and struggled to weave words on into a story. And now you are published. Now your books are sitting on bookshelves or in electronic files on someone’s eReader. Life is good. I celebrate with you. I encourage you.
I may not like your style of writing, your genre, or even your subject matter, but I encourage you as a writer. If you are a writer, I believe you were given that gift for a reason. And, ultimately, that reason, that purpose, will shine.
So, in that spirit, from time to time I will be featuring interviews in this blog with other writers. I also created the Twitter hash tag #WritersEncouragingWriters to highlight positive exchanges between writers. If you are a writer, I encourage you to join in the celebration – encourage and support your fellow writers.
My first interview is with Valerie Maarten. Her most recent novel is entitled Second Chances. In Valerie’s own words…
I have been writing ever since I discovered that letters made sounds and a combination of letters made words. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to share my work with the public at large. It’s true what people say about writers, “they don’t write for fame, fortune and glory…they write for the love of writing and sharing.” I’m sure most of my fellow writers know what I’m talking about. I know I’m not the only one that invested in
Rubbermaid storage bins to store your earlier, written work (before the laptop), just in case you decided to go public. The only thing I love more than writing, besides the obvious (God, family, life and country), is reading.
How did you get the idea for your novel?
I generally write about real-life issues, so my ideas come from observing things that are going on around me…life.
Who are your favorite writers and why?
I have many favorite writers for many different reasons, but if I had to choose one it would be Maya Angelou. I grew up reading her books and she has had a long lasting impact on me from her writing style and message.
How old were you when you made the decision to become a writer?
I feel like I was always a writer, something that was inherent in me. I have been writing literally all of my life. I used to entertain myself by writing short stories, poems then, as I
got older, I started writing full length novels.
What prompted the decision to publish?
It wasn’t until recently that I decided to publish my writing. It was my
son that prompted the decision. He actually challenged me to publish one of my books and gave me a deadline. I took him up on it…and here I am.
How do you write – long hand, desktop, laptop, etc.?
I’m old school when it comes to my writing technique. I have a gazillion
pads where I write notes, outlines and I literally write each chapter in long
hand before I convert it to my laptop. I tend to draw a blank if I’m staring at the computer or get distracted by the mechanics of typing. My mind tends to flow better when I’m writing.
Thank you Valerie! Valerie’s books may be found on the links below. Be sure to also check her out on Facebook and Twitter!
Website – http://thewriteworld.webs.com/
Blogspot – http://vmaaarten.blogspot.com/
Amazon Kindle – The Gift of Joy
Amazon Kindle – Second Chances
Amazon Paperback – The Gift of Joy https://www.createspace.com/3591115
Amazon Paperback – Second Chances https://www.createspace.com/3593538
Barnes & Noble Nook – The Gift of Joy
Barnes & Noble Nook –Second Chances
Smashwords – The Gift of Joy http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/26818
Smashwords – Second Chances http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/29245
Twitter – http://twitter.com/ValMaarten
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IndieAuthorsUnite
Love your idea…once again you take a bad experience and use it for good!
There are always two sides – light and dark. I choose light. 🙂
Thanks for your comment!