Have I mentioned recently how much I hate writing intros? They really are a thorn in my side, and I can’t really explain why. With that in mind, here’s this month’s featured author, Bonnie Doran.
Hi, and thanks for your willingness to appear on my blog! I’m looking forward to sharing your knowledge and advice with the rest of the world (at least with the small portion of it that follows my blog). Please, tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Pasadena, California. I worked for 35 years as a secretary and bookkeeper before “retiring,” although a writer never retires. My hubby and I married 31 years ago and live in Denver. We have two Siamese cats. Besides writing, I enjoy cooking, knitting, reading, and solving Sukodu puzzles.
Why did you start writing?
I felt God called me to write. At the time, I thought that meant a career as a journalist because the newspaper industry needed a Christian voice.
How did you start writing?
I started with being on staff of school papers. Then I asked the editor of a local weekly newspaper if I could write devotionals for him. I worked as a short-term missionary with the Far East Company on Okinawa, Japan, where I wrote inspirational pieces for use on the air as well as devotionals for a local weekly paper. When I returned, I wrote a few magazine articles and a bunch of devotionals for editors I met at writers conferences. A workshop leader challenged me to write novels.
How did you select your genre?
I’ve always enjoyed reading science fiction. I felt the secular market needed stories with a Christian worldview. That’s where I’m aiming for my next novel.
What is your writing day like?
Chaotic. I have a weekly write-out with a couple of friends, a weekly critique group, a monthly critique group, and two monthly ACFW chapter meetings. I fit in my writing time wherever I can, although I prefer late morning.
How do you organize your writing (outlines/note cards/post-its)?
I use the Snowflake software by Randy Ingermanson. I have my scenes and character charts on it as well as a synopsis.
What’s the most surprising thing a character has “told you?”
In my first novel, one of my POV characters wore a red tie—the only one he wore. He didn’t tell me why. I had to Google it. A red tie signifies sin. Think The Scarlet Letter. It also signifies the blood of Christ and forgiveness. That red tie confirmed to my character that God had forgiven him.
Do you have a list of characters that you’re saving for future use? What kind of information do you keep on these characters?
If I make my current WIP into a series, I’ll keep the POV character, an agoraphobic linguist. I don’t have any new characters in mind.
What does your work space/office look like?
My desk has two file drawers, two supplies drawers, and a regular-sized desktop computer. I usually have a to-do pile of papers to one side. My other desk is a laptop, either on the dining table or at a coffee shop. Someday soon I’ll merge the two computers so I don’t continue my double life.
What is your go-to snack when writing?
Lately it’s been mostly 100-calorie packs of something crunchy.
Pelican Book Group buy link: http://pelink.us/1fzRErC
If you could only recommend one NOVEL, what would it be? Why?
One of my favorites is Lucifer’s Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. It’s an epic, end-of-the-world story with a plausible plot and well-drawn characters.
If you could only recommend one CRAFT book (writing, no crocheting), what would it be? Why?
Story by Robert McKee. Rather than a how-to book, it gives great insight into what makes a great story.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for letting me participate.
Thank you so much for appearing on my blog! Have a blessed day!
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