Here are my 28 questions and answers about writing and being a writer…
1. Do you call yourself a Writer (capital W) and, if so, when and how did the transformation from being someone who writes to becoming a Writer occur?
In grad school I realized I was being taken seriously because every paper I wrote came back saying it had exceeded the expectations of the grad program.
2. Do you write in more than one form (i.e. short fiction, poetry, essay, novel) and, if so, how is the process different one to another?
Writing for a blog or internet is usually more concise and smaller paragraphs and, rarely with an outline. All academic papers have research, bibliography, outline and several drafts. Fiction and poetry I rarely write. Magazine and newspaper articles I sometimes outline, usually do some research and do many edits.
3. What Writers have been the biggest influence on you?
Paul Laurence Dunbar, Zora Neale Hurston, Wole Soyinka, Don L. Lee, Margaret Walker, Gwendolyn Brooks (all writers of fiction or poetry)
4. Would you rather be commercially famous or admired by other writers?
I never have thought about commercial fame on any level because I don’t think financial fame is the highest level or honor an artist or writer can strive to attain.
5. What is your successful image of a Writer. If you become successful what will (or does) that look like to you?
A successful writer is one that can live off their earnings. Success for me means having my writing published both nationally and internationally.
6. Does it matter to you if people interpret your work in ways you never intended?
That happens to everyone.
7. How honestly do you critique the writing of others?
I do it as honestly as I can, from the intellect and the heart.
8. Do you worry about plagiarism when you write creatively on-line?
I don’t worry about plagiarism however, I am aware of it and know that doing so can cost me my teaching job and will cost me respect among my peers.
9. Can writing be taught? How important is a formal education to making the writer?
Yes, it can be taught. I think constant reading as important as formal education because I have heard many writers say they don’t have formal education without formal education.
10. Writing Workshops: What is your opinion of them? Have you ever been to one?
I have never been to a workshop although, I think they are probably very good.
11. Inspiration or perspiration?
A little bit of both.
12. What form(s) do you prefer – past, present, future, genre, time period, style?
I use a bit of all that at various times even with non-fiction.
13. When writing, do you outline first or just begin and see where it takes you?
Both, see above.
14. How do you develop your characters? Settings? Plot?
Research.
15. How much do you take from real life and does a writer have the right to tell the stories of people they know?
Everything I write comes from real life.
16. What kind of research do you do for your writing?
Whatever is required. Libraries are my friends.
17. Do you have a process for re-writing?
Edit as often as necessary. I have a re-write to do right now that I’ve put off too long.
18. What is your writing schedule?
I don’t have a schedule, I write when I’m motivated.
19. What are your writing weaknesses and strengths?
Weaknesses: poetry (although I’ve had a couple poems published)
20. Who, if anyone, do you let edit your work?
Nobody edits my writing.
21. Are there any writing taboos for you (for instance, swearing or graphic sex)?
Writing taboos depend on the type of writing.
22. How do you avoid stereotypes in your writing and do you feel you are able to capture the truth in characters who are of a different gender or ethnicity?
Avoiding stereotypes, though usually are problematic, are sometimes necessary to include if a point needs to be made.
23. Are there stories that are so close to you or others near you that you won’t write them? If so, why won’t you?
I do have stories that are very close to me yet I’ve not gathered my thoughts enough to write them because they are very sensitive in nature.
24. How has your writing improved with time?
Yes. I got on-the-job traing with an arts newletter I published for three years.
25. Do you feel that you have found your voice?
Absolutely.
26. What is the most important advice you can give to other writers in 5 words or less?
Do it often as possible.
27. Would you keep writing if you knew that no one else would ever read what you wrote?
Absolutely. Most of my writing nobody has seen.
28. Is there a question that wasn’t asked that you’d like to be asked about your writing, writing in general, or writers?
No.