Writing Books/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer questions about writing fiction, creating characters and re-writing. I cannot answer homework questions.

Experience in the area

I am a published author, writer of Secret Sins of the Mothers, published in 1999, Coyotes of Creek Crossing, 2004 and The Eighth Evil, published in 2006. The fourth is in re-write stage. Organizations belong to: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, California Dressage Society, Santa Clarita Valley Chapter. Review of my novels appears in The Book Reader, Barnes & Noble Review Magazine, online at B&N and also online at Amazon.com. Awards and Honors: I am listed in Who's Who of American Woman, Who's Who in The World, Who's Who in America.

What do you like about this subject?

I like to help people find the courage to write and to discover their talent. There are many stories that go unwritten because people do not know that their first effort does not have to be a finished product. Knowing this seems to break the dam in their minds.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I want to encourage people to develope their ideas into finished products of creative writing and to foster the art of story telling and fiction writing. There are several more stories in my head waiting to find their existance on the printed page.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

It is not necessary for the first draft of a piece of creative writing to be perfect. The re-writing process is where we attempt to perfect our work. After at least ten rewrites, we may be approaching our dreamed-of result. Then, when you think it is perfect, READ IT OUT LOUD.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

It is often believed that formal training in creative writing is the only route to writing a good book. Not so. Intelligence, diligence, patience and a willingness to learn, combined with natural creativity is much more important. A bit of courage helps also.