Happy New Year! This year I’ve decided to reinstate the Author Interviews on my blog. I cut them for some unknown reason. I enjoy reading other people’s author interviews, however, so I decided to revive them. I’m starting with ACFW member Deborah Piccurelli. Enjoy!
Tell us a little about yourself – why did you start writing, how did you do it?
I’m married with two grown sons, and live in South Jersey. Although I thought nothing of it at the time, I began writing a couple books when I was a kid. No one really knew, and so there was no encouragement, and it went by the wayside. As I got older and went through my school years, I did enjoy writing other things (i.e., school papers, poems), but didn’t get interested in writing books again until I was in my mid-thirties. I guess I had a lot of living to do before starting.
How did you select your genre?
Although I like reading many different genres, romantic suspense is my favorite, so that’s what I like to write, too.
What is your writing day like?
Very stop-and-start. I have to work it in between many other things. Then, later at night, when everyone’s settled in, I have some time to do a little more, but for a short, straight run. I’m not one of those late night writers, but I will stay up to finish a scene.
How do you organize your writing? (outlines/note cards/post-its)
Not very well. I’m a “seat-of-the-pants” writer, so I might start with a stark outline which consists of a list of things I know will happen in the story. Then I’ll create a synopsis from that. From there, I begin writing the story. Of course, before writing that outline, the characters and some of the scenes have been living in my head for some time.
What’s the most surprising thing a character has told you?
That she had a child she’d been hiding from its father.
Do you have a list of characters that you’re saving for future use? What kind of information do you keep on these characters?
No, I have story ideas and scenes on file, but, except for my current book, Hush, Little Baby, I usually come up with the characters to match a story line.
What does your work space/office look like?
I hate to admit it, but it’s messy. There are just too many things I need to have in front of me so I don’t forget to take care of them.
What is your go-to snack when writing?
I don’t usually eat while writing. I’m afraid I’ll get food on the keyboard.
If you could only recommend one NOVEL, what would it be? Why?
House Rules by Jodi Picoult (hope I spelled that correctly). I thought it was clever, unique, and haunting.
If you could only recommend one CRAFT book (writing, no crocheting), what would it be? Why?
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas. It’s the one that taught me the most.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes. I’d like to let your visitors know that my novel, Hush, Little Baby has a charitable connection. I am donating 10% of the proceeds to Life Dynamics, a pro-life organization that, among other things, fights to stop fetal harvesting, which is the subject of my book.
Hello Karin! I want to thank you for hosting me on your blog today. I look forward to interacting with some of your visitors.