Oh, snap: “In America only the successful writer is important, in France all writers are important, in England no writer is important, and in Australia you have to explain what a writer is.” –Geoffrey Cottrell
…and here’s the continuation of the Deborah Bouziden interview:
DB: When you speak at conferences, workshops, etc., what one question can you always count on being asked? How do you respond to it?
SW: Q: “How old are you and how much money do you make?”
A: “Very, and a lot.”
Also, many questions relate to pretty much all the stuff in this interview, not that I’m complaining. I’m also asked: “Where do you get your ideas?” And “How long does it take to write a book?”
A: “Ideas come from an emotional place inside me. When I have a powerful reaction to something, I start looking for a story to hang it on. Writing a story helps me sort things out. I take anywhere from six months to a year to write a book. The first draft comes out fast–in a matter of a few months–and then the Great Revision Slog takes the rest of the time.”
Writers are remarkably consistent in what they’re dying to know about each other. And the longtime published authors are no different. Put us together at a cocktail party, and you’ll hear us asking the same things–How long does it take you to write a book? Do you do a lot of revisions? How did you find your publisher/agent/publicist/husband….?
How about you? What do people ask you about your writing? What do you wish they’d ask? What would you like to ask other writers?
0 Responses
That quote is what I needed to jump start my day!!! I almost lost my coffee!!! And just to add to the list…Mexico is right there along with Australia!
I also wanted to say thank you for the wealth of knowledge you are passing along. It is worth its weight in gold!
Have a grand day!
That quote is what I needed to jump start my day!!! I almost lost my coffee!!! And just to add to the list…Mexico is right there along with Australia!
I also wanted to say thank you for the wealth of knowledge you are passing along. It is worth its weight in gold!
Have a grand day!
Well, as an Australian who’s visited all the countries mentioned, I’m afraid I can’t agree with Geoffrey Cottrell’s stereotypes. But I’ve loved your interview answers, Susan, and I’m loving reading Fireside right now.
Well, as an Australian who’s visited all the countries mentioned, I’m afraid I can’t agree with Geoffrey Cottrell’s stereotypes. But I’ve loved your interview answers, Susan, and I’m loving reading Fireside right now.
I’m with you, Barbara! Just read THE BROKEN SHORE by Peter Temple and it was amazing. There’s no way he can be anything but an Aussie–that voice and use of language is so spot-on. Nancy Pearl recommended it on her radio show.
I’m with you, Barbara! Just read THE BROKEN SHORE by Peter Temple and it was amazing. There’s no way he can be anything but an Aussie–that voice and use of language is so spot-on. Nancy Pearl recommended it on her radio show.