Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started artistically late in life. My parents cautioned me to stay away from art related careers. They advised me to pursue a serious occupation that would lead to a “real job and a stable career,” which I did by becoming a metrologist (yes, that is spelled correctly. Metrology is the art and science of measurement.) When thirty years later, a pesky thing called ethics got in the way of my career (I have them,) I decided to try my hand at writing.
“The Science of Loving,” published in August is my first attempt. And, although I may have made a few missteps along the way (if you follow my blog http://candaceviannawrites.tumblr.com you know what I mean,) I really had fun writing it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
What inspired The Science of Loving? Poverty? The characters were based on people I know. The science is based on seven years of providing onsite service to the various biotech and academic research labs in San Diego, California. Some of the anecdotes are from my personal life (the date from hell happened to me… My first marriage proposal…sigh.)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Define unusual…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many… both good and bad. I wish I could say something profound and impressive, but I’m much better being profane and silly.
Stephen King is great when it comes to setting up a scene and creating mood. He’s great a master at crafting symbolism using every day objects.
Ray Bradbury, when it comes to descriptive writing… “Dark they were and golden eyed.” Six words was all he needed; the way their ordered is almost melodic. It’s a beautiful example of linguistic rhythm that makes the words stick in your mind (I read those words almost 40 years ago in middle school, and I’ve never forgotten them.)
Kalil Gibran’s “The Prophet” is a great example of using juxtaposition to enhance a point.
The Onion published an essay they attributed to Jimmy Carter (Yes that Jimmy Carter, but if you are familiar with this publication then you know it’s a spoof,) titled “I got what America needs right here.” Do not read it if profanity is something you find offensive. But for me it raises the profane to fine art. I have never come across a better example of artfully used foul language. (It’s really, really profane in the best sense of the word. I’d sure like to know who wrote it.)
I learned just as much from authors and books I hated, but rather than naming names… I’ll just point out the lessons learned:
When you run out of things to say you’re done, stop writing.
Read all your reviews, listen to your readers, learn from your mistakes and be grateful they took the time to help you.
There will always be typos, if you can afford a copy-editor use one (God, I wish I could afford one.) If you are fortunate enough to have one, learn from them. They are specialized professional readers (and no matter how good you think you are, you cannot do their job as well as they can.)
Positive is more fun to read, so use angst sparingly.
No one likes whiny characters.
I could go on all day…
What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing a novella that takes place in North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains, titled “Dead Dwight: a dark comedy.” I plan to publish it under the pen name E.V. Iverson (after my paternal grandmother Evelyn Iverson) since this work is not in the romance genre.
I’ve also just started the next book in the “Science of Loving” series. And I’m play around with a Scifi, action adventure series with a strong female protagonist.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m so new to this that I don’t think I can give an informed answer. It’s difficult to determine how effect marketing efforts are. Amazon doesn’t provide data on how many page views your book gets or click through rates. So you can’t determine if your customers find you from within their site or are being referred from an outside source.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Friends Lie!!! Just because they say your book is great and ready for publication, doesn’t mean it is. Find someone or someones who won’t shy away from pointing out your mistakes. Accept their criticism gracefully, (even when you don’t agree) and fix your manuscript.
The other bit of advice, no word is too important not to be edited out. Don’t be so in love with your voice that you bore your readers. Cut, cut and when you think you’re done, cut some more.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Friends lie!!!!” Max Branscomb, journalism professor and playwright at Southwestern Community College– Chula Vista, Ca.
What are you reading now?
The Language of Sparrows by Rachel Phifer
What’s next for you as a writer?
Homelessness if I don’t start selling more books.
What is your favorite book of all time?
There is no way I can choose just one… But “Tank Girl” is my favorite movie.
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