Tell us about yourself.:
I am the author of five adult books: Into Africa: A Personal Journey; Will That Be Cash or Cuffs? Into Africa: The Return, College Life of a Retired Senior, and my debut novel, The Ambition. I have also published three children’s picture books: Nosey Charlie Comes to Town; Nosey Charlie Goes to Court; and Nosey Charlie Chokes on a Wiener. I’m an award-winning short-story writer and have contributed stories to several anthologies, including Human Kindness; Canadian Voices, and Wordscape. I’ve published articles in More of Our Canada; Adelaide; InTouch, and Green Print magazines. I love movies and own a collection of most of the Oscar-winning Best Pictures, starting from 1927!
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in rural Jamaica where I learn to observe and love nature-trees, flowers, and animals. I love to include nature subjects in my descriptions.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t say that I do. I used to write late at night into the wee hours of the morning, but since retirement I write more during the days.
What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in rural Jamaica where I learn to observe and love nature-trees, flowers, and animals. I love to include nature subjects in my descriptions.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would advise new authors to pursue their dreams whatever they may be. If writing is your dream, keep plugging away. Remember, no writer becomes famous or wealthy overnight!
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
It is important to learn about the book industry, especially the marketing aspect before you try to publish your book.
What are you reading now?
I tend to read more than one book at a time. I started reading Anna Karenina some time ago, read several books in between, and am also reading A Promised Land.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Weakness? What is that? I know we all have them. Maybe I am too much of a perfectionist?
What is your favorite book of all time?
I read books from several genres, so I can’t say that I have a favorite book of all times; however, 3 of my favorite books are Heart of a Woman, The English Patient, and The Call of the Wild.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I read, watch movies, and play word games to keep my brain cells active.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I have been reading books since age four, so I don’t remember the first story I ever read; however, I do remember how some of the fairy tales made me experience wonder. In my teenage years I read the Hardy Boys books and they impressed me with their ability to figure things out.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
My writing style is my own. It flows naturally, so I do not try to imitate anyone. I do like the down-to-earth way Maya Angelou writes and maybe that has influenced me a bit.
What are you working on now?
I have just published my debut novel and am busy promoting it. I am not working on a book right now, but have a few ideas about potential books percolating in my mind.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
I have utilized several methods to promote my books depending on the different stages in a book’s cycle. When I published my first book in 2000, social media was not as popular as it is today. I threw a big launch event with speeches and food and sold hundreds of books there. I also gave speeches at many community events and sold hundreds of books that way. Today, we rely a lot on social media in one form or another. My favorite method for promoting my books today is by bookstacking promotions using five of six sites simultaneously. I see results almost immediately.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep writing books, articles, short stories. I simply enjoy writing.
How well do you work under pressure?
Thank goodness, I do not depend on my writing to pay my bills! I never work under pressure. Writing for me is a joy and I do it at my own pace. I write what I want and when I want.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I select a tone depending on the target audience. If the audience is children, naturally I chose atone that they can relate to. If the audience is educated, knowledgeable readers, I chose a tone that will resonate with them. It is all about the target audience.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
I have lived a single life for thirty-eight years and have enjoyed every moment of it.
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