Loading ...Interview And Contest With Author Shirley Damsgaard
Exclusive Bitten by Books
Interview with Author Shirley Damsgaard
A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN one of the TEN great prizes being offered up. The contest runs until 3:00 pm Eastern time 2/14/09. Open to readers worldwide!
NOTE: this is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 8:00 am PST. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and comments.
Interview:
Hi Shirley!
Welcome to Bitten by Books, we are excited to have you here today!
I would like to thank you taking the time to join us for the question and answer session with our readers. It has been very interesting to get to know more about you and what makes you tick as a writer! Readers, if you haven’t done so already please stop by and get your copy of Shirley’s recent release The Witch’s Grave
BBB: What do you find the most challenging aspect of writing?
SD: Finding a balance between “life” and writing!! Like a lot of authors, I have “day” job…mine is with the United States Postal Service. Then throw in four kids, five grandchildren, friends, and trying to achieve at least some type of social life…and it can get a bit complicated trying to juggle everything! I guess that’s why a normal day for me starts at 4:30 in the morning!
BBB: What is the most rewarding aspect of writing for you?
SD: That’s an easy question! 
The biggest reward for me as an author is hearing from the readers! I’m an avid reader myself and it’s always been a very important part of my life. My favorite authors have made me laugh, taught me about other worlds, and given me a break when I needed it. Now as an author, when I receive a message from a reader telling me that one of my books has done the same for them…well, it just doesn’t get any better than that! Those messages can take a bad day and make it good!
BBB: What or who was your muse that got you started writing?
SD: Ever since I was a child, I’d thought about writing. There’s a lot of creativity on my dad’s side of the family, and one of his sisters wrote from the age of sixteen until her death at the age of ninety-two. But even though I saw that as a real inspiration, I was also afraid to try my hand at writing myself. I thought people would laugh! I’d always heard you should write what you know and after all what did I know? I’ve lived in a small town all my life, raised a family, worked for the Postal Service for twenty nine years…nothing too exciting to write about there! ;). It was when my late husband was hospitalized that I began to seriously think about giving writing a go. I was spending a lot of time driving back and forth from the hospital and I found myself making up stories in my head to pass the time.
In the process, I learned something—you do write what you know, but it’s not the external—where you’ve lived, what you’ve done—that matters so much. It’s what you’ve experienced on the inside that counts…how it feels to love, to suffer sadness, to experience joy; how you relate to your family and friends; how you see the world. If you can use those feelings to create your characters, then you’re half-way there!
BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2
SD: That’s a tough one—obviously they save on natural resources—trees—but I’m a little old school. I love books—I love holding them in my hands—I even enjoy the way a new book smells! And I would hate to see them disappear.
BBB: What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?
SD: Oh, I think they’re definitely going to have an impact, especially with the way the economy has been. E-books are cheaper both to buy and produce; they’re convenient…the reader has numerous book stored on their e-readers; and I think they’re going to encourage young adults, like my youngest daughter who’s grown up with all this technology, to read. On the negative side? Unfortunately, new technology has a tendency to put people out of work. I would imagine, depending on just how popular they become, they’ll affect jobs in both retail stores and in the publishing houses.
But what’s the bottom line for authors? I don’t know…my agent once pointed out that the authors who manage stay in the publishing industry are the ones who roll with the punches. So that’s my plan—roll with it! As long as the readers are reading—whether it’s a hardcover, a paperback, or a Kindle
BBB: Do you consider your work more paranormal romance or urban fantasy and what do you like about your chosen genre over the other?
SD: I consider it more paranormal romance/mystery than any other genre. When I hear the word “urban” I always associate that with cities, and Ophelia and Abby definitely take place in rural settings! But to be honest, I have a bit of a problem with tagging any book with a specific label. When Ophelia and Abby first came out four years ago, the most common label was “cozy.” About that same time, I learned that in Canada, they call “cozies,” “fluffies,” and the paranormal is referred to as “woo-woo.” So the truth? I usually tell people I’m a “fluffy woo-woo writer!” That at least appeals to my somewhat twisted sense of humor! LOL.
BBB: Which of your characters in your Ophelia and Abby series is your favorite?
SD: (Grin) That’s like asking a mother which kid she loves best! But there are things that I enjoy and identify with in each of the characters (well, not my villains! 
) I enjoy Abby’s balance and I like Ophelia’s journey to discover herself. And Darci??? She’s a fun character to write! There is much more to her than what appears on the surface and that’s fun to explore. Having raised two daughters myself and going through all the drama of the teenage years, I love doing scenes between Ophelia and Tink. And Aunt Dot? That character is loosely based on my own Aunt Dot who passed away a few years ago, so it’s been a pleasure writing that character.
BBB: Can you tell us what your next release (s) will be? And do you have stand alone titles forthcoming? And of course we would love to know how many more books are scheduled in your Ophelia and Abby
series!
SD: Book 7 right now is in the editing process and will be released around the first of 2010. It is the last book on the contract with Avon, but is the series finished? I would say that really depends on its popularity. If sales go well, then another contract might be offered. These things truly are in the hands of the readers. Each time someone buys a book, they’re increasing the chances that the publisher will want more.
For me personally, Ophelia and Abby have been such an important part of my life for several years now, and it would be hard to walk away from them permanently, so even if I do take a break and work on other projects, I imagine they’ll be back at some point!
And as far as stand alones? I do have plans to write one and will be starting on it as soon as I finish up the edit on Book 7. I’ve also thought about beginning a new series. My mind seems to be a busy place, so I’ve lots of ideas!! I just need to get them on paper!!!
BBB: Do you plan on basing any more books based on Abby’s relatives in the Appalachian mountains?
SD: In fact, Book 7 takes place in Appalachia! Ophelia, Abby, and Tink return to Abby’s childhood home for Great Aunt Mary’s 100th birthday celebration. Aunt Dot makes another appearance and the readers get to meet various other Southern relatives. It was great fun to write and gave me the opportunity to go deeper into folk magick.
BBB: Why did you choose to have one of your main characters be a librarian?
SD: As I mentioned, my day job is with the Postal Service as Postmaster. And in my opinion, a librarian and a small town Postmaster have a lot of things in common—we’re both in front of the public day in and day out, we serve the community, and if someone has a beef, we’re the ones who get to handle it.
BBB: Who are your favorite authors in both the mystery and paranormal/urban fantasy genres?
SD: I have so many and I would hate to try and even name my favorites! A few, in no particular order: Charlaine Harris, Angie Fox, Casey Daniels, Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Donna Andrews (mystery), Jo Dereske (mystery), Joanna Campbell Slan (mystery).
BBB: What do you like to do in between all the time you spend writing?
SD: What time??? Lol! All kidding aside, I do needlepoint, read, watch old movies (like Ophelia, THE THIN MAN series is one of my favorites). I also do fun “stuff” with my family and my friends, not as often as I would like sometimes, but I try to get out and about now and again instead of spending all my free time chained to the keyboard!
BBB: What did you do before you became a writer? Do you write full time?
SD: What did I do before becoming a writer?? A lot…I didn’t start writing until the tender age of forty-eight, so we’re talking about quite a few years there!! (See…that just proves it’s never too late to follow your dream!) But to answer the question—like a lot of women, those years were busy for me raising children, working outside the home, and managing a household.
And even though I don’t write full time, as I said my day starts at 4:30. The house is quiet; it’s just me, my dog, and the computer. And for some reason, it’s my most creative time. I usually write for a couple of hours, more on the weekends.
BBB: Hairy scary werewolf or sultry succubus? If you HAD to become one of these creatures, which one and why?
SD: Definitely a sultry succubus! Why? At my age, the idea of being anything “sultry” is quite appealing!!
BBB: What is your favorite quote of all time?
SD: I love quotes and have several favorites, but I’ve found the one that probably best describes my life to this point… “It seemed like a good idea at the time!”
Readers, learn more about Shirley Damsgaard here:
Read reviews of her work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
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Questions and Contest: Now, I am going to open up the internet floor so to speak and let our readers ask Shirley some questions. Feel free to post as many questions or comments as you like. She will be popping in and out today and tomorrow to answer them.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do ONE or ALL of these things, and each one will give you additional entries at a chance to win. TEN lucky participants will win a copy of The Witch’s Grave
Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
1. Ask Shirley some questions. Ask as many questions as you like, you can also start a stimulating discussion about today’s topic.
2. SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter here on the right hand side of the site. This is for new subscribers only.
3. Post the link to the interview here today (http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=4438) at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group (any group where it is appropriate) and you will be given TEN additional entries for a chance to win for every link you post. BUT you MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread. The more places you post the event, the more entries you get, so spread the word! NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day. Good for 10 entries per place you post the link to this event.
4. Purchase copies of Shirley’s awesome books TODAY or TOMORROW from AMAZON using the links below and send us a copy of the receipt VIA email (sorry no faxes) for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for TWENTY additional entries. You get TWENTY entries for each one you purchase. Not valid on past purchases. Click these links below to buy her most recent books.
Books in the Ophelia and Abby series in the order they should be read:
Witch Way to Murder
Charmed to Death
The Trouble with Witches
Witch Hunt
The Witch Is Dead
The Witch’s Grave
Or buy ANYTHING from Amazon today by using the Amazon search box to your right hand side on our site. We will know if you used the box to search and buy, so please be sure to use it or your entries won’t count. Send me a copy of the receipt VIA email (sorry no faxes) for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 20 entries per item purchased.
5. Add us as your friend on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bittenbybooks
Add us as your friend on Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=614064436
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BittenbyBooks be SURE to tweet us after you follow so we can count your entry! @BittenbyBooks
Be sure to mention that you are friending us for this contest so we know to enter you! Good for 5 entries per place you friend us.
6. Stumble, Digg or share the post with any social networking sites. There is a button right at the end of this post that says “Share” that you can use. Good for 5 entries.
7. Twitter and ask your friends to re-tweet the URL for this event be SURE to include us in your tweet @BittenbyBooks http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=4438. Good for 10 entries.
8. Add Shirley’s blog to your blog roll or links page: http://www.shirleydamsgaard.com/blog/ Good for 5 entries for each one you add.
9. Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is so we can give you your entry! Good for 10 entries.
10. Email ALL of your friends and invite them to come by today! If your fiends come and post here and say you sent them, they get TWO entries and you get FOUR entries! They have to tell us who you are so we know who to give the entries to. You can invite as many people as you want and get all the extra entries!
11. Join the The Blood Bank the Bitten by Books Community! here: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/ then come back here and tell us your username. Be sure to post something about yourself on your blog there. Good for 10 entries
GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION:
The contests end on 2/14/09 at 3:00 pm EST and the winner will be contacted the following week. You will receive your prize directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.
IMPORTANT CONTEST RULES:
1. If you aren’t interested in receiving the prize, offered please do not enter the contest.
2. You have THREE days from the day the I contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re- award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. We have the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers worldwide. The prize is shipped directly from the author.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry.
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Hi Shirley!
Welcome to BBB. How exciting!
My question for you: If you were immortal, where would you want to start your immortality. Also, of all the paranormal creatures, which one would you prefer to be?
Thanks!
(Rachel-twittered, posted to Mark and Dakota’s and posted all over the book blogs ning)
[Reply]
Awesome interview, I love reading about my favorite authors, thanks!!!!
I have posted a link on my facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=756499277&ref=profile#/profile.php?id=756499277&ref=profile&pub=2915120374
Also, I have added Shirley Damsgaard’s blog to my blog roll, and this blog is already on there!!!
Those can be found on my blog: http://melsysplace.blogspot.com/
Thanks again for the terrific interview and the awesome contest!!
[Reply]
I have been reading Shirley Damsgaard’s books since they first come out. I love them and have recommended them to several friends who in turn have become fans.
I have posted the link to this interview on my Facebook as my status. Jeanette is reading an interview with one of my favorite authors, check it out here http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=4438
[Reply]
Hi Shirley, Thank You for the great interview. I just add your books to the must get list. My question is what paranormal creature would you want to be stuck in an elevator with?
[Reply]
Hi Shirley,
I really enjoyed your interview and the info about your books. This is the first I’ve heard of this series but love the sound of it. I’m going to check them out and also recommend them to my sister who loves mysteries and the touch of the unusual.
[Reply]
Welcome to Bitten by Books.
I love quotes too. One of my faves is
” The cure for boredom is curiosity, the challenge is to stop the curiosity from becoming nosiness.”
Now I have to head over to your website and check out your books.
[Reply]
Thanks this has been great. I look forward to reading your books.
[Reply]
Hi Shirley!
My question is, what is your first sale story? What was it like when you first got “the call” that you had sold a manuscript?
—-
2. Already a subscriber.
3. http://free-books-and-other-contests.blogspot.com/2009/02/bitten-by-books-contest-shirley.html
5. MySpace and Facebook, already done.
6. Posted a Bulletin on MySpace.
9. On my blog roll on the blog linked to my name as well as the one I posted to above.
[Reply]
You start your writing day at 4:30–how much time do you spend writing, editing, etc? Do you edit as you go or wait till the end?
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I love your books! Your mysteries are so good and I love your characters. Keep up the great work!
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Shirley, I adore your books, and love the “fluffy woo-woo” tag!
Do you think the crossing of paranormal and mystery will continue? Do you see it waning in the next 3-5 years? (Since I also write what I call paranormal mystery romance, I’m espicially curious what you see developing.)
Thanks for beng here, Shirley, and thanks, Rachel, for hosting Shriley. All continued success to you both!
Light,
Nancy Haddock
La Vida Vampire
Last Vampire Standing
[Reply]
[...] Shirley Damsgaard, author of the Ophelia & Abby series, by Bitten by Books - HUGE CONTEST ALERT [...]
I’m looking forward to your latest book, Shirley! And thanks for the giggle about the “fluffy woo-woo.”
[Reply]
I snorted out water at “fluffy woo-woo”… What can I say, I must be easily amused! Shirley, how on earth do you find enough time in a day to do all that you do? I’m starting to feel a little disorganized, not to mention lazy, for not being up at 4:30 in the morning! Aargh!!!
You’re on my blogroll. & this giveaway is posted on my giveaways page.
[Reply]
I also like the “fluffy woo-woo” genre descriptor.
But speaking of those–do you find that the “urban fantasy” genre is pretty urban dominated? I remember a livejournal thread not too long ago about how there are too few contemporary fantasy novels being written in rural areas–possibly because the “contemporary fantasy” descriptor is a thing of the past.
[Reply]
Great interview. I havent had a chance yet to read the latest book in the series but I loved all the ones before and highly recommend them. The term “fluffy woo-woo writer” is great.
# 2, 5, 11 previously done.
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‘Fluffy woo-woo writer’ (dies laughing) Thanks so much for your take on the ‘write what you know’ statement. I think so many writers misconstrue that and it keeps them from following their dream! Fantastic interview.
Ah lets see, my question for you is if you could pick any actresses to play Opheila and Abby in a movie, who would you choose?
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Hi Just wanted to stop by and take a look at your series. I love the paranormal and urban fantasy books. Thanks to Bitten I have found some really great authors and I will for sure be checking yours out!!!! As a Mom of 4 too, although thankfully too young for grandkids, where do you find the time to write and work out of the home? I have stories chunking around in my brain and never find the time to write them down.
[Reply]
Hi Shirley! I love the series. I was wondering will Ophelia ever find a guy to settle down with?
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Bitten by Books is in my blogroll, which is here:
http://confessionsofaromancebookaddict.wordpress.com/
[Reply]
HI Shirley. Thanks for joining us today.
I’m sure that working in a p.o. has given you lots of fodder for characters, exchanges, etc. Are any of your recurring characters based upon someone you met through your job?
[Reply]
Wow Shirley - you really sound BUSY! Great interview! Do you set yourself a goal on number of pages or words to get done per week? And do you start with characters or the plot?
[Reply]
Thanks for all your questions!! A lot of good ones here so let’s get started!
~ If you were immortal, where would you want to start your immortality?~
That’s a really good question and the first thing that pops to mind is that it would need to have been in a society where women were at least semi-respected!! (My late husband, after reading about the proper demeanor for a Victorian lady, once pointed out that I’d never have made it back then…actually his words were “god, Damsgaard, they’d have hanged you!” ‘Course if I were immortal, they wouldn’t have gotten the job done! LOL) So probably my answer would be ancient Egypt—I’m not an expert on the culture, but from what I’ve read and heard, women were respected, marriage was an honorable institution, and families were valued. Plus they had indoor plumbing and bathed with some regularity!! And wouldn’t it be cool to know how the Pyramids were really built!!!
~ Also, of all the paranormal creatures, which one would you prefer to be?~
Definitely a shapeshifter! And it would be either a wolf, or a horse, or some kind of bird. Why? They have the freedom to run or to soar!
~What paranormal creature would you want to be stuck in an elevator with?~
Most assuredly not a vampire, even one as sexy as Charlaine Harris’s Bill or Eric! Probably a fairy—they’re very clever and could figure out a way to get us unstuck.
~What was your first sale story?~
The first year that I began writing, I decided to attend a writer’s workshop over in Dubuque, Iowa to learn more about the craft of writing and to meet other writers. This workshop had a deal where you could submit a short story for a writer’s contest, and even if you didn’t win, you’d receive a critique. Since I was greener than grass at this, I thought it would be a really good idea to get a professional’s opinion on a piece of my work. I wrote a story featuring Ophelia and Abby (it was the first time they ever appeared on paper!) and sent it in. Much to my surprise, it won! (In fact, my knees were knocking so bad as I walked to the stage that I didn’t know if I’d make it!) I received $100 and publication in a regional magazine, “Julien’s Journal.” That really was the beginning of my career as an author.
~What was it like when you first got “the call” that you had sold a manuscript?~
Believe it or not, I was shopping at K-Mart!! My cell phone rang and it was my agent, calling to tell me that we had a three book deal on the table from Avon and asking me if I was interested! (Was she kidding, or what???) At that point I started crying, and the other shoppers started giving me weird looks as they steered their carts away from my vicinity! Regardless of the other shoppers’ reactions, it truly was one of the high points of my life!
~How much time do you spend writing, editing, etc? Do you edit as you go or wait till the end?~
It depends on where I’m at in the process—if I’m just starting a manuscript, I’ll write for a couple hours before getting ready for work, then write longer on the weekends. But if my back’s against the wall and a deadline is staring me in the face (which seems to happen to me more often than not!) I might take a week of vacation time and spend it at the keyboard. During that time, if I’m on a roll, the stars are aligned, the phone doesn’t ring, and my characters are talking to me, I can write two to three chapters a day.
And do I edit? Usually as I go. And since I’m a pantser and never have the plot totally laid out, things will happen as I go along. Then I always need to go back and add bits and pieces to the previous chapters in order to tie things together.
Thanks again for the questions!! I’ll be back later with more answers!!
Best,
Shirley
[Reply]
Hi Shirley!
I’m a big fan of the Ophelia & Abby Mysteries. Along with the mystery aspects of the novels, I love the relationship between the female characters. Which brings me to my question, when is Ophelia going to find love?
Thanks
~ Popin
[Reply]
fabulous interview i have not had the pleasure of reading any of the books yet but after the interview will make a concerted effort to do so
[Reply]
I’m back to answer some more terrific questions!!
~Do you think the crossing of paranormal and mystery will continue? Do you see it waning in the next 3-5 years?~
Boy, Nancy, I wish I knew the answer to that one!! Every publisher and agent wishes they knew, too!! I guess the best way to answer that would be everything goes in cycles and how long this cycle will last is hard to say. Mystery combined with the paranormal has always been around—for example some of the terrific books by Barbara Micheals and Shirley Jackson spring to mind—and I really don’t see it ever going away. But how long will it be as popular as it is now? It’s anyone’s guess. I did have someone tell me once that whenever society is in crisis, interest in the paranormal goes on the rise. And if you look back at history, you can actually see that pattern. (Spiritualism was really big right after the Civil War; The Golden Dawn became popular during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s in Europe.)
Which brings me around what I see developing—books are getting “darker” that’s for sure. And I think we’re seeing more internal conflicts in the protagonists rather than external. Our heroes have more flaws…THE LACE READER, I think, is a good example of this. And I think you’re going to see more genre bending books…ones that are difficult to place in any specific category. Me? Someday I think I’m going to write a Sci/Fi, fantasy, paranormal, romantic, suspense! Let’s see what box they’d try and put that one in! LOL!
~How on earth do you find enough time in a day to do all that you do? I’m starting to feel a little disorganized, not to mention lazy, for not being up at 4:30 in the morning! Aargh!!!~
Drey, I had to smile at the above comment…you see before you one of the most disorganized people on the face of the Earth!! I try…I really do…but it just doesn’t come easy to me! And how do I find the time? Some days I don’t!!! I’m usually five minutes late to everything and there are days when I have to work my tail off to make up for lost time. Oh, and I forgot to mention…yeah, I get up at 4:30, but I’m usually asleep by 9! And on the weekends, I’m a firm believer in the restorative powers of an afternoon nap!!!
~My question for you is if you could pick any actresses to play Ophelia and Abby in a movie, who would you choose?~
Ophelia is easy—as I was writing WITCH WAY TO MURDER, I pictured Sandra Bullock. (Btw—George Clooney came to mind as I was creating Rick! *sigh*) Abby is a little tougher—maybe Ellen Burstyn, but she’s really not old enough. The late Jessica Tandy would’ve been a good fit. I don’t know—who would you choose???
~Where do you find the time to write and work out of the home?~
If I had young children, I honestly don’t know if I would find the time!! (However, my bud, Angie Fox does! A tip from her—she writes while her two little ones are either at pre-school, or napping. And, hey, she managed to turn out a New York Times best seller!!! Now that’s an accomplishment!)
What really works for me is just training myself to write at the same time everyday—and for me, my most creative time is early in the morning. I’ve tried writing after work, but I’ve learned that’s not the best time for me. What usually happens is my characters don’t shut up when it’s time to go to bed! So instead of going to sleep, I lie there tossing and turning as they explain to me what’s going to happen next!!!
The other thing that I’ve learned is not to beat myself up if I don’t get any writing done!! I believe in the Scarlett O’Hara school of philosophy…“Tomorrow is another day!”
~Will Ophelia ever find a guy to settle down with?~
Yes, Paige, she will, but you’re going to have to read Book 7 to find out who!!
That’s it for now—I’ll be back later. But before I go, I’d like to thank everyone for their kind comments about the series!! I can’t tell you how much your support means to me! It really does keep me going!!!
Best,
Shirley
[Reply]
The interview was terrific as always here. I look forward to reading some of Shirley’s books. I find the fluffy woo woo analogy hilarious. I’ve decided that instead of spending $40 on a show, I’m going to B&N for books. That’s money better spent I think! Thanks for giving me a new series to get started on!
[Reply]
did you read to your children when they were young and if so what did you read?
[Reply]
Hi Shirley,
I can’t wait to read your book! I myself have wanted to write but am still the same as you, what do I know? How could I possibly write a book? I have always wanted to ask a postal worker, “Did you ever go postal?” i do all the time and I don’t even work for a Postal service! lol
[Reply]
wow,great interview!!great books always nice to get a sneek peek into a creative mind!!
ok question time…
*whats your favourite book of all time?
*whats your favourite film??
*whats your favourite type of music,does it play a role in your writing??
keep up the exellent work
toodles
becca (uk)
[Reply]
Hi Shirley, I’ve only read 2 in the series so far but I really enjoyed them. I’m just wondering why you made Ophelia a librarian?
[Reply]
Interesting to read all of this
Too bad I managed to come first now though.
Maybe I have time to put in a quick question
Q: What do you do when you feel that your inspiration is drained?
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These types of books are becoming really popular now, glad to see others as interested in them as me
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Hello Shirley!
First of all, congratulations on achieving your dream! I know many of us avid readers think about transitioning to writing, but don’t have the guts to try!
I was just wondering if Darci is based on a real person? I would be friends with someone like her, and I always look forward to seeing what she will be up to in your books!
Also, when you picture Ophelia, which celebrity would play her in a movie?
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I have read the 1st 2 book in trhe series and absolutely love them..they are awesome and haard to put down to do anything else. I am looking forward to reading all the others. I also joined The Blood Bank..
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What genre do you want to try to write?
What genre is your favorite to read?
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how does writing and your outside life, work?
and do you seperate them? or are you constantly thinking about twist and items for your book?
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I was in Transylvania all day yesterday. Somebody’s in for a bite since I missed this. lol!
Shirley, I would have loved to win your book but alas it’s too late. Perhaps you’d send me a copy?
Ahhhh, a Postmaster. Why do postage rates keep going up but the survice is worse?
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I am sorry I missed the deadline….but it was a great interview.
I have added your books to my wishlist. Have you ever considered writing in a different genre?
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Each of these participants won a copy of Shirley’s recent release The Witch’s Grave. Winners have been notified via email Congrats!
Melanie
Beet
Lori T.
Draculissa
Erin S.
Kaye
Carol M.
Nancy
Chris
Lindsay
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Congradulations everyone! Great going!
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