Interview with Oshun Publications, LLC
Published 2016-07-25.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Growing up, I wasn't much of a reader. When I was in fifth grade, my teacher basically said at the beginning of the year that we had to read a certain amount of books for the school year. I think it was fifty. Trying to get out of it, I read the easiest and shortest books. She said every two would count as one. Did I mention that I hated to read? She handed me a Nancy Drew book saying that she thought I would like it. I started with "The Hidden Staircase" and was hooked. I read every one. Sometimes one a day, more on the weekend. You know, I didn't even mind that I could only count two books in a series for the school year.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The first story I every wrote was "The Flightless Birds of New Zealand." I was twelve. It was published in an Archie publication.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
The top three are the first three books of the Wings in the Night series by Maggie Shayne. I first read them when there was a Silhouette Shadows imprint. She can spin a story. A person could sneak up on me when I was reading.Plus, I have had a thing for Vampires since they were on screen in black and white.
The next would be The Dark Half by Stephen King. I read in one sitting. I've always loved his work. Thinner was another that I read in a sitting (which is about two hours).
Even though I've already mentioned five, I can't leave out The Bad Place by Dean Koontz. All I have to say is that I was totally freaked out at the end.
What is your writing process?
I try to outline as much as possible, but sometimes it may go its on way. If it's a non fiction, I bullet my topics and go from there.
How do you approach cover design?
My biggest problem is I will see a cover and think it's perfect for a project. 50% of the time I will keep it. It's as if I see it in my mind and go from there. If I haven't completed my book before I see a design, it might get changed.
What do you read for pleasure?
When I do read at night, that has nothing to do with writing, I'm either reading about computers or a paranormal romance. I'm usually the one to fix the computers for everyone in the house, except for my son. I basically taught myself how to build and program computers and he did the same the thing. Sometimes I go to him for questions.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
If I'm downstairs or on the road, I have a Galaxy Note I read from. Upstairs I use my Galaxy tablet.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
The motivation behind me becoming an indie author is the fact that I always wrote. I also worked many hours. When I decided to quit my job one day, I asked myself what was I going to do? Write of course. I just happened to stumble on a YouTube video about self publishing and thought, "I already have manuscripts waiting to be edited, might as well put them to work." Funny thing is that I used to work 10 hours a day, sometimes two week straight without a day off. Now I probably work 10 to 15 hours a day four days a week. Not really, because writing is like breathing, so I do it everyday.
Describe your desk
I have an L shape desk, which right now is too small for me. I use a desktop and laptop. I plan on building a larger desk, but it's Summer right now and 80 degrees by 8 am.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I actually get out of the bed to feed our five cats who wait not so patiently with our two Chocolate Labs, for their breakfast. But I think the most important thing is the fact my husband totally supported me when I decided to quit my job and focus on the one thing that I've always wanted to do. Now if we can only get to that new desk.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
When I'm not writing, I'm usually working in the yard, on my DVD collection or on a computer. For the Summer, my husband and I spend Mondays at the beach.
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