Did you always picture yourself writing a book?
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No. English and literature were my worst subjects in school. Math, science, and computers are my happy place. Six years ago, I was reading 3-4 books a week and thought —I can write a book too. My first attempts showed me just how hard it was to write. Point of view, goal, motivation, conflict, sentence structure, and commas! So many missing commas. I spent much of the last six years learning how to write. I joined writer’s groups, took online classes, and found fantastic blog sites that have helped me learn how to craft a story. The first group I joined was the Blank Page at the Goffstown Library. They pointed out my grammar flaws and I took it as a challenge to learn everything there was to learn about writing. The second was the RWA and NHRWA (Romance Writers of America). RWA provides amazing support with education, and also bouncing ideas or commiserating with fellow authors."
What advice would you give to other writers?
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Self-doubt is the biggest obstruction to moving ahead. If you have stories to tell, then write them. Worry about the craft later. Words on a page can be edited. Join writer’s groups. The hardest thing is to let go and let your work be read by others.
The second hardest thing is accepting that your writing will need work to be better. Find online resources to help with writing craft. http://blog.janicehardy.com/ is my favorite.
Never pay huge amounts to someone to publish/market your book. Online blogs on writing craft are free. Research every company you are compelled to give your hard-earned money too and make sure they are legit. Unfortunately, there are many who prey upon those that want their books published."
When I'm not writing you can find me...
"On the trail hiking with my girls—my two yellow labs. Keeping up with unending yard work and then enjoying a swim with my girls on a hot day."
Any favorite Library memories?
"My junior high had a wonderful library. We could take study periods in there and I would thumb through books on astronomy and space exploration. When I moved to NH, my apartment was near the Merrimack River in Manchester. I was curious about the pillars in the water and what happened to the missing bridges. I found my answer at the Manchester Library in their historical photos section. I spent a lot of time looking at the history of Manchester through those photos."
