World of Writing, interview

We are honored to have Donna Fletcher Crow, author of 40 books (mostly novels dealing with British history) join us for a World of Writing interview.  The award-winning Glastonbury, A Novel of the Holy Grail, an Arthurian grail search epic covering 15 centuries of English history, is her best-known work.  She is also the author of The Monastery Murders: A Very Private Grave  and A Darkly Hidden Truth, as well as the Lord Danvers series of Victorian true-crime novels and the romantic suspense series The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries. Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho.  They have 4 adult children and 11 grandchildren. She is an enthusiastic gardener. 

To read more about all of Donna’s books and see pictures from her garden and research trips go to: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/  

You can follow her on Facebook at: http://ning.it/OHi0MY

And find her on Amazon at: http://ning.it/QoDjUp

-- World of Writing, Interview --

I am delighted to be a guest today on the Brummet's Conscious Blog and I want everyone to know that Lillian was likewise, a guest on my blog “Deeds of Darkness; Deeds of Light” on Saturday (Dec 1st), talking about

Her dynamite book Jump Start for Writers: Http://ning.it/dhRSDI?

 *click on hyperlinks above to find Lillian's interview on Donna's Blog, Dec 3rd.

Lillian and I met as fellow contributors to the brand new e-book 25 Years in the Rearview Mirror, 52 Authors Look Back. If you enjoy magazine columns and Chicken Soup for the Soul books, then you're sure to enjoy our collection of essays, designed to warm your heart, raise your spirits and compel you to examine your own life. Read about school days, quirky jobs, romance, raising a family, hard times, the writing journey, and find out what makes your favorite characters tick. Get a full listing of authors, essay titles and retailers here: http://ning.it/OknwVR

Lillian asked me about my motivation as a writer. We all know how hard keeping at it can be, so I hope some of my answers might help you in your journey in this exciting and exasperating business.

Q: What motivates you to write?

My stories drive me. Although I write novels, British history is my passion. I am inspired by the stories of people who have gone long before us and made a difference in the way we live today. I love sharing their stories.

Q: How do you spend your writing time?

Having a regular schedule is essential for me. I go to my computer right after breakfast and stay there until tea time. I do a bit of correspondence and marketing first, then on to the story. My goal is to write 5 pages a day.

Q: What is your favorite genre of writing?

Mysteries with an edge of thriller. And always with a British background. My Monastery Murders are contemporary clerical mysteries with a lot of history in the background. Just my cup of tea.

Q: Do you write only nonfiction? Or fiction?

I write what I love to read— fiction. I write the kind of stories I love to read and hope my readers will love them, too.

Q: What keeps you writing while getting rejection letters or struggling with writer's block?

Research is always the key. I especially love to do onsite research and do a great deal of my writing based on my research experiences. When I began writing I always called the research librarian at the Boise Public Library when I got stuck. Now I use Google for something I failed to dig out when I was on a research trip or from the history books.

Q: Do you use certain tricks that help prevent you from straying from your goal?

On days when I feel “dry” I tell myself it's okay to write tripe. That’s why God made delete keys. I also tell myself I only to have to write a sentence. I know the rest will follow if I just get started.

Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!