FAQs
- When do you write?
- What is the best part of writing?
- What is the hardest part of writing?
- How long did it take to write Finding the Way Home?
- How did you know about horse back riding and head injuries?
- Is this a woman’s book?
- Who are your favorite authors?
- Have you always been a writer?
- How did you get started, then?
- Are you writing another book?
- Can I buy your book at a book store?
In the afternoons and on weekends. I am low on brain cells after 7:30 pm.
When a character veers from the outline and does or says something I didn’t expect.
Not writing. Having to get my chores done.
Finding the Way Home has been with me since 1990. I wrote on and off, mostly off, over 17 years then got stuck in the editing. It sat dormant for another 2 years until October 2009. Then I sharpened my pencil and rewrote it, changing from third person to first. And that was a ball!
Both of my daughters were horseback riders so I purposely chose something familiar. I knew nothing about head injuries before writing. In the original version, the story began at the time of the accident and went into detail about Blair’s injuries and recovery. I borrowed a textbook from a friend who is a doctor, and then went to the Medical College of Virginia and read and read.
I don’t think of it that way. I think it appeals to anyone who likes stories that go deep into the hearts of the characters.
Sharon Kay Penman, Chaim Potok, Jodi Picoult, Maeve Binchy, Marcia Willett, D.E. Stevenson. Stevenson’s books are hard to find but treasures when you do.
I’ve been a faithful journal writer for many years but never fancied myself a writer. It was only after I completed Finding the Way Home (the second time) that I felt like I could call myself that out loud. I learned what I know about writing from pleasure reading, being self-taught and soaking up the critiques and suggestions from my editors.
With a whoosh, I had characters, a title and a plot. I just started putting down what was in my head.
I am planning to begin the sequel to Finding the Way Home this fall.
So far it’s only available online. But we’re hoping…
