Q. Do you think we will see, in our lifetime, the total demise of paper books?
DA. No, I don’t think so. While digital books are usually cheaper and easier to store and buy, I think a lot of people still enjoy the way a paper book smells and feels. It’s more of an emotional experience. I receive a lot of messages from readers who want to know how to get hold of my books in physical form.
Q. What makes a writer great?
DA. For me anyone who can transport me from everyday life into a different world and make me lose myself is a great writer. Bringing people and situations to life on the page is a kind of magic.
Q. and the all-important: What does the process of going from “no book” to “finished book” look like for you?
DA. I begin my novel by brainstorming the types of people I want in my story, what do they want, conflicts they might encounter and what do they need to learn?
Then I come up with a ‘hook’ or something that will draw readers in. I create ‘books’ of information about my stories which include pictures of my characters, location photographs (I find this helps me to really picture my setting and helps to make it real). I use a website call Pacemaker to plan my writing schedule ie when the deadline is, how many words I need to write each day to get the first draft completed on time. I generally write my first draft in three months, once I’m happy with it I deliver it to my editor.
Usually after a week I receive structural edits. These involve adding scenes/removing scenes/deepening conflict and addressing anything my editor things doesn’t work in the story. This tends to be the most major part of the editorial process. Sometimes my edits take a few days, but they can take up to a month. It all depends on how much work the book needs. After the structural edits are okay’d I work on line edits, then copy edits and then a proof read. The final stage of the process involves me reading through the final files before the book is created. Publication day is the end of the process – this involves promotion on social media, in newsletters and thanking people for support. I tend to end the day with a glass of something fizzy!
Q. How has your life experiences influenced your writing?
DA. Because my books are character driven, I think everyone I meet or speak to and everything that has happened to me influences my writing. I tap into
experiences when I’m dealing with heartbreak or conflict in my novels. It’s not always the exact same experience, but the feelings are the same.
Q. Do you have children? If yes, how do you carve out ‘writing time’?
DA. This is how I keep my two lovely teenagers from disturbing me mid flow (in truth: it doesn’t work and they still barge in). Seriously, I wouldn’t be without them. I can get a bit obsessive about my writing and end up stuck at my desk for hours so it does me good to have some company and distraction!
Q. What’s your down time look like?
DA. I read a lot, enjoy swimm
ing, walking and classes at my local gym. I love networking with other writers and spending time with family and friends.
Q. Have you or do you want to write in another genre`?
DA. I love romance and don’t plan to change to another genre.
Q. Note to Self: (a life lesson you’ve learned.)
DA. If you want something in life, behave as if you already have it.
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Coming soon! August: Author, Jay Hartlove
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BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
