The Member Of The Month For Nov. Is
Congrats !!
Get to know all about her right now!
1. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Toronto, Ontario. My parents brought me and my brother with them when they made the move from the West Indies to Canada. I was 3 years old so I am totally Canadianized!
2. What is the first thing you remember that perked your interest in writing?
I loved to read, especially science fiction and fantasy. Throughout middle school, I realized I had a crazy imagination for retelling stories. That's when I started writing my own.
3. Did you go to college/university?
I went to Humber College and George Brown College.
4. If so, what was your major?
I started in Office Administration, then changed to Business, then to Computers, but it was so hard to decide because I wanted to experience everything. I ended up completing an Administrative Asistant certificate and a Certificate in the Study of Human Behaviour.
5. Outside of college, how have you educated yourself beyond secondary school?
I am currently back in night school working towards a writing degree and a diploma in Web Design. I have also taken several workshops in Customer Service, Assertiveness Training, Computers and Marketing. I am a member of the I.A.A.P. (Int'l Assoc. of Admin. Assistants) and a member of The Romance Writers of America. Being a member of a group, helps to keep me informed.
6. How’s the weather?
The weather in Ontario is unpredicatable. Lately when it should be cold, it's quite warm for this time of year.
7. What’s your favorite color?
My favorite color is purple.
8. Food?
My favorite food is pasta, seafood and steak.
9. Pastime?
Reading and Writing.
10. Music?
I like all kinds of music but I haven't found my appreciation for Jazz and Classical.
11. Writer?
Robert Jordan, David Eddings, Terry Brooks, Nora Roberts...to name a few. I also like to try the work of new writers.
12. TV show?
Chuck, Heroes, Reaper, America's Next Top Model, Ugly Betty, Supernatural, Californification, Big Love
13. Movie?
It's too hard to decide. I love superhero movies, action, fantasy, science fiction such as Underworld, The Matrix, Transformers, Lord of the Rings, the list goes on.
14. Book?
The Wheel of Time series, Shannara series, Anita Blake series (books 1-5) - off the top of my head. I have two bookshelves at home full of fictional books.
15. Poem?
Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll and The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe.
Info about your writing :
1. When did you first begin to write?
It was in the seventh grade and I wrote a superhero comic book in art class. It was an
assignment and I loved creating it so much I continued to write.
2. Do you prefer to write poetry or prose?
I prefer to write prose.
3. Fiction or non-fiction?
I have written both fiction and non-fiction but my passion lies in fiction. Particularly,
fantasy, paranormal, science fiction and romance.
4. Have you published anything?
I have published non-fiction articles on several websites, on the topics of dating and relationships. I sold my first fictional paranormal romance in 2006. I also created my own website in 2006 - a free monthly women's ezine where several writers contribute.
5. When are you most likely to have a great writing idea?
I have writing ideas all throughout the day. There have been several times when I wake up in the middle of the night and have to write an idea down. I always keep a pad of paper and
a pen beside my bed. Sometimes, it's crazy but I can't sleep until I transfer it from my
head to paper.
6. What is your reaction when the muse visits? Drop everything and write it down or tuck it away in memory and write it later?
I drop everything and write it down. I have a small notebook in my purse and because I work
as an Administrative Assistant during the day, I have my computer or writing pad to grab at any time.
7. Do you consider yourself a spontaneous writer or do you tend to plan things out in advance?
I do a little of both. When I have an idea, I write down the main points - plot, main characters, setting and genre. When I notice that a particular website is looking for a submission, then I gear my story to their guidelines.
8. How does reading other authors affect your writing skills?
When I read the works of other authors, it gives me confidence to know that I can succeed as he or she has succeeded. It also gives me a little insight into the genres I work in and which are popular. I get excited when I read a story I enjoy and I bring that excitement to my own work.
9. When you sit down to write something is it fun or work?
It is most definitely fun. I like to see where my characters will end up after I put them through hardship.
10. How do you get past writers block?
Sometimes I surf the net and find writer's websites to help. Lately, I have been commenting on the stories at Storywrite and entering contests. They really help because it forces you to take the idea requested and put it down on paper, hoping your story will win a trophy. I have been amazed at what I could produce at 1am when I couldn't stop writing.
11. What feeds your desire to continue writing?
I enjoy receiving comments on my work. I like to know that someone out there enjoyed my
piece of writing and that makes me want to write even more.
12. Who are your influences?
My friends and my sister because they have always wanted to see what kind of wacky tale I would come up with next. They have been my biggest supporters.
13. How do you know when your story is finished?
It's hard to tell. Usually by word count! If I create what I believe to be a great character, I would like to see him or her get into other adventures.
General things about you :
1. Hobbies?
Writing, collecting fantasy figures, drawing, reading, dancing and hiking
2. Pets?
None
3. Talents?
Typing at 80 wpm and I've been told that I am very creative.
4. Jobs?
Currently, I work as an Administrative Assistant and I freelance as a Book Reviewer. As an aspiring writer, I am always looking for websites to submit my stories. I am currently working on a novel in hopes of submitting it
to an e-book publisher in the new year.
5. What advice would you give to growing writers?
- Follow your passion no matter what. There was a time I set my writing aside
because I thought it would go nowhere but I realized it was who I was and what I wanted to
do.
- Whether it is good or bad, listen to the comments from your readers. You're not going to please everyone but any advice is helpful. You may need to edit your grammar, spelling or dialogue and hearing the words from others makes a difference.
- Try other genres. I didn't realize I enjoyed writing romance until recently. It's good to try something new.
- Don't give up. As a writer, rejection will be nothing new but someone will be there to
love your work.
- Research. Read books on writing, read writing magazines and info on websites and keep
up-to-date with the industry.
6. Anything else you can think of
Writing is a solitary business. Don't forget to leave your house and live. Spending time
with friends, family and getting out in the world will provide a lot of material for your
writing. Life experiences can add meat and depth to your work. Enjoy, have fun and write!
Her most recent write is :
If you would like for someone to be member of the month please send me a im of why you think that they should become one.
Adding your comment:
*curses other responsibilities*
