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Question: How did you become a writer?
L.V.: I've been writing all my life--letters and journals, mostly, but every time something was hard for me to understand, I'd write it down and try to make it easier for myself. I was an elementary school teacher for 28 years, and I'd always write out new information before presenting it to kids. I love to explain complex ideas in simple ways.
Question: What authors do you like to read? Have any books influenced you or your writing?
L.V.: I love to read mysteries, or romances that take place in exotic places. I love books that teach me things, like William Sarabande's books about prehistoric people, and the Gears' exciting PEOPLE series. I love history, and Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series combines many elements that appeal to me. I read all kinds of children's books. I like the way James Cross Giblin writes non-fiction, and I've been particularly influenced by Judy Blume, Francess Lantz, Jackie French Koller, Holling Clancy Holling, and Eve Bunting.
Question: Describe the everyday mechanics of writing: How many hours a day do you work? Do you write a rough draft on paper or at a computer? Do you have a favorite place or time for writing? What do you do about distractions?
L.V.: When the writing bug bites me with a new idea, I have to grab anything to use as scratch paper to get it all down. I usually outline an idea first, or write down descriptive words or phrases that I want to use. I walk my dog every morning at dawn, and I do most of the pre-writing then, in my head. It's sometimes hard for me to actually get started putting things down on paper, but I trust myself and let the thinking happen for as long as it takes before starting. When I do sit down to write at my computer, things happen very quickly. I have a wonderful chocolate lab named Hannah, and she does interrupt me often, but I don't mind. If she didn't, I'd never get any exercise!
Question: Where do you usually meet your readers?
L.V.: I do a lot of school visits as an author, and teacher in-services about teaching writing, and that's where I usually meet my readers.
Question: When and how did you start using the internet?
L.V.: I was a "dinosaur" about computers for many years, but now I use my PC all the time. A computer makes it easy to work on a manuscript. I communicate with other authors through e-mail, and I do a lot of research online, too. I love research!
Readers can reach me at Linda@eltree.com.
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