| editor@ | Mary Wilson |
|---|---|
| When did you start writing and why do you write? | |
| I'll answer the second part of this question first because it's so much simpler -- I write because I have to. Writing keeps me sane. I started writing when I was about seven years old. I used to come up with plot lines for my Barbie dolls. Eventually, I spent more time writing out the "soap operas" of their fictional lives, than I spent time playing with them. My friends knew when they came to my house that Barbie play for them, would mean a lengthy session of post-writing for me. | |
| What inspires you to write? | |
| I am sensitive to everything around me. However, my children initially were my inspiration. I wrote children’s stories around events when they were small. | |
| What techniques have you used to overcome writer's block in the past? | |
| Getting away from my daily routine and environment. Traveling and actually getting a sense of what I'm contemplating writing about, this can really pull me back from a slump. | |
| Do you follow conventional wisdom and always carry a notepad around with you? | |
| A notebook is a must for me. Ever since I was a little girl, I kept notebooks and scraps of paper about everything my parents would tell me, about their lives. That's how “Colorless Soul” came to fruition. I've had - have thoughts time-to-time that I know may escape my memory. So, I jot my ideas down for poetry or as material for a future book. I find my thoughts come quickly when I am relaxed, riding in a car, at the beauty shop or in situations like that. I've also started carrying a handheld tape recorder around with me. | |
| What and who has influenced you as a writer? | |
| Life and being sensitive to the world are great influences. A writer does not just see a tree as a tree, but an opportunity to explain the beauty of its branches, the strength of its roots, the magnitude of its longevity, and wonder, “If this tree could only talk!” I listen to people. And, it's not just their words I hear, but their souls, their hearts. I look at someone who's hurting and their face tells a special story. A smiling person with sad eyes can take you on a journey as well. I enjoy reading books of all genres. I really don't have a favorite author. I just find it interesting the way writers put their thoughts together in words. | |
| Which two books have had a particular impact on you and why? | |
| The Bible of course. The greatest stories ever told are in that book. I have read it three times and
each time I read or study the Bible, it's always new to me. Nothing else I've ever read has been so powerful. Other books, I did read a book called, Secrets Of Gingerbread Men (by Valorie Taylor), and was totally impressed. She was on point with many life situations. |
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| Is there any advice or are there any tips you could share with up and coming writers? | |
| Never give up on your dream. Rejection-slips used to be a deterrent for me, but self-publishing is a great option these days. Some great writers like T.D. Jakes started out self-publishing. Remember though, once you are published, you have opened yourself up for criticism as well as kudos. Take it all in your stride, learn from it and keep on pushing. I have learned that you need to give your work your best efforts. Treat it like your child. Nurture it and give it the best grooming before letting it go out in public. Nobody is perfect, but make sure you have your work proofed well before you let it go. With all the criticism that you will get, don’t let "full of errors", be one of them. Colorless Soul had to be printed twice. The first version wasn't proofed properly and some obvious mistakes appeared in the manuscript, and so there are actually 2 copies out there. Don’t let this happen to you. |
I think that last piece of advice is very telling and extremely useful. Thanks Mary for taking the time to speak to Unheardwords.
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