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What inspired you to start writing?
The need to express myself because my voice had been stifled for years.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Time Measured Out!: Navigating Life's Journey Through Poetry is the second book in a five-book poetry series. I wrote the poems from 2000-2003, a tumultuous time in my life with relationship issues yet a celebration of travel and nature. I have not rewritten these poems because I want the readers to see my evolution as a writer from 1986 (the first book) to 2025 and beyond (the last one).
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How do you create your characters?
I write mostly nonfiction, but in the historical fiction I wrote, the characters came to me as I used a story I had repeatedly as a child and I fictionalized it. Maria, the protagonist is a strong, Mexican child and woman.
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What does your typical writing day look like?
I write in the mid-morning and early afternoon.
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What has been the most rewarding part of being an indie author?
I love having full control over my book from desktop design to revising a manuscript back from my editor. I collaborate with the book cover designer to arrive at the best. What a rich experience to say I did it all!
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What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your writing journey?
Marketing
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Do you have any favorite writing tools or apps?
I love Scrivener to write in and organize everything in one place. I also love Vellum for the layout. I also have used ProWritingAid for years. It helps me find overused words and more.
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What advice would you give to new or aspiring indie authors?
I wrote two books and let them sit in my computer for 30+ years. Don't do that! Go after your writing dream!
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How do you handle book promotion as an indie author?
I use Written Word Media, but book promotion/marketing is hard for me!
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What’s next for you? Are you working on a new book?
Yes, I am finishing the layout of my second book in a five-book poetry series entitled, Time Measured Out!: Navigating Life's Journey Through Poetry. Then I will revise an autofiction that is revelant to today's needs—I fictionalized my incest experience and the book focuses on the healing of three other people in relationship to the protagonist who heals! It's a compelling story for today!
