About Babette Wilson:
Babette: From Campus Crime Reporter to Author of Compelling Narratives
Babette's journey into the world of writing began during her college years, where she pursued a minor in journalism and actively contributed articles to the University Newspaper. Focusing on campus crimes, she developed a keen eye for detail and honed her investigative skills, laying a solid foundation for a future career in reporting.
Upon graduating, driven by her passion for storytelling and uncovering the truth, Babette embarked on a career in freelance writing. Her versatile writing style and genuine interest in diverse subjects allowed her to contribute to a wide array of newspapers and magazines. Her articles quickly gained recognition for their engaging prose and thought-provoking perspectives.
Among her works, "Quiet Suffering: The Tangled Web of a Functional Addict" stands out as her most popular release. This piece resonated deeply with readers, offering a raw and poignant exploration of addiction and the resilience of the human spirit. It showcased Babette's ability to delve into complex and sensitive topics with empathy and insight.
Beyond her fiction, Babette has also made a noteworthy contribution to nonfiction literature with her book, "Breaking the Cycle: Understanding and Escaping Financial Abuse." This enlightening guide sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of financial abuse, providing readers with valuable insights and practical strategies to recognize, address, and ultimately overcome it. This work solidifies her commitment to using her writing to empower and inform.
Further showcasing her talent, Babette has independently published her debut novel, "Chameleon's Gambit." This thrilling story plunges readers into a world of shadows and secrets, where lines between right and wrong are blurred. The narrative follows Nikki, a woman living a double life as a master of disguise and a deadly assassin. Caught in a web of deceit and betrayal, Nikki's journey forces her to confront demons both within herself and the world around her.
"Chameleon's Gambit" promises a tale of survival, loyalty, and redemption, pushing the boundaries of human endurance. It is a story designed for those who crave adrenaline-fueled action, morally complex characters, and unexpected twists of fate. Readers are invited to buckle up and prepare for a suspenseful ride that will linger long after the final page is turned, further establishing Babette as a writer to watch.
What inspires you to write?
What I Love Most About My Writing: Unveiling the Labyrinth of the Human Heart
As a writer, I'm often asked about my process, my inspirations, and the challenges I face. But rarely am I asked what I truly love about writing. And that, my friends, is a question I could happily answer all day.
For me, the heart of writing lies in crafting characters. Not just characters that fill a role, but characters that live and breathe on the page, with all their glorious imperfections and surprising complexities. It's about building intricate personalities that readers can connect with, even if they don't always agree with their choices.
What thrills me is the possibility of creating characters that keep you guessing. I want you to be unsure of their motivations, surprised by their actions, and constantly questioning their true nature. I want to build layers upon layers, a labyrinth of personality traits, past experiences, and hidden desires that slowly unravel as the story unfolds.
Why this obsession with complexity? Because, let's face it, real people aren't simple. We all have our contradictions, our blind spots, and those moments where we act in ways that even we don't understand. By mirroring this reality in my characters, I hope to create something that rings true, something that resonates with the reader on a deeper level.
Furthermore, I believe in the power of perspective. Through my characters, I have the opportunity to open my readers' minds to different viewpoints, different experiences, and different ways of seeing the world. Even if a character holds beliefs that are vastly different from your own, I want you to be able to understand where they're coming from, to empathize with their struggles, and perhaps even question your own assumptions.
Ultimately, what I love most about writing is the chance to explore the vast and often contradictory landscape of the human heart. It's about diving into the messy, complicated truth of what it means to be human and sharing that experience with my readers. It's a privilege, a challenge, and a joy that I wouldn't trade for anything.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Confessions of a Bookworm: My Literary Love Affair with the Dark Side (and a Little Bit of Dog)
Alright, listen up, fellow bibliophiles. Let's get real. We all have our authors, the ones we cling to like a favorite blanket on a stormy night. The ones whose words just get us. And while I appreciate a good Jane Austen adaptation as much as the next person (hello, Colin Firth!), my heart truly belongs to the masters of the macabre, the champions of chilling suspense. So, let me unveil the secrets of my bookshelf and confess my undying affection for two authors who consistently deliver the thrills: Ann Rule and Dean Koontz.
First up, let's talk about Ann Rule. Now, I know what you're thinking: true crime? Seriously? But hear me out. Rule wasn't just regurgitating crime scene details; she was a master storyteller, weaving intricate narratives that delved into the darkest corners of the human psyche. She had this uncanny ability to humanize the victims, to paint vivid portraits of their lives, making their loss all the more poignant. And the killers? Forget the Hollywood caricature of a mustache-twirling villain. Rule explored the banality of evil, showing how seemingly normal people could be capable of unimaginable acts. She made you question everything you thought you knew about the people in your own life, and let's be honest, that's the kind of unsettling brilliance I crave. I've spent countless nights wide awake, slightly terrified but utterly captivated by her meticulous research and gripping prose. She held the pen like a scalpel, dissecting the underbelly of society with a chilling precision that kept me coming back for more. Consider me a devoted disciple of her darkly glamorous world.
Then there's Dean Koontz. Ah, Dean. Where do I even begin? He's like the literary equivalent of a rollercoaster – you know you're in for a wild ride, full of twists, turns, and moments that will leave you gasping for breath. But here's the thing about Koontz: he doesn't just rely on cheap thrills and jump scares. He masterfully blends suspense, science fiction, and even a touch of the supernatural to create worlds that are both terrifying and strangely comforting. Plus, and this is crucial, he has a thing for dogs. Smart, loyal, ridiculously brave dogs who often save the day. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good dog story?
Koontz's writing is witty, fast-paced, and often injects a healthy dose of humor into the darkness. He explores the complexities of good versus evil, often blurring the lines in ways that make you question your own moral compass. He tackles big themes – fate, destiny, the nature of consciousness – all while keeping you on the edge of your seat. I've lost count of the nights I've stayed up way too late, promising myself "just one more chapter," only to find myself bleary-eyed and reaching for the coffee pot at dawn. His books are addictive, and I'm not even a little bit ashamed to admit it.
So there you have it. A peek into my literary soul (and a glimpse at my slightly skewed taste). Ann Rule and Dean Koontz. Two authors who consistently deliver the chills, the thrills, and the occasional philosophical quandary. Now, I want to know: who are YOUR favorite authors? What books keep you up at night? Spill the beans! Let's share our literary obsessions and maybe, just maybe, add a few more titles to my already overflowing bookshelf. After all, a bookworm never has enough to read, right?
Tell us about your writing process.
Babette Wilson: My Writing Process
Hello there! Today, I’m excited to take you behind the scenes of my writing process. As a writer, I have my own unique methods and stages that guide me from that first spark of an idea to the moment I hit “publish.” It’s a journey I truly cherish, and I hope sharing it with you might inspire your own writing adventures!
Prewriting: The Foundation of Creativity
Every piece of writing begins with prewriting, a phase that is all about exploration. This is where the magic starts! I dive into brainstorming, jotting down all sorts of ideas, questions, and arguments related to my topic. It’s a bit like opening a treasure chest of possibilities—sometimes, the most unexpected thoughts can lead to the best insights!
Once I have a pool of ideas, I switch gears and start researching. I dig deep into books, articles, and reputable online sources to gather information that can support my arguments. This stage is crucial because it adds depth and credibility to my writing. With my research in hand, I outline my thoughts. I organize everything into a logical structure, creating a roadmap that will guide me as I write.
Drafting: Letting the Ideas Flow
Next up is the drafting phase, which is where the real fun begins! This is my chance to write the first version of my piece. I focus on getting my ideas down on paper without worrying too much about grammar or structure. It’s a liberating experience! The key here is to concentrate on content—capturing my thoughts and information as they come.
I remind myself not to overthink it. Writing is meant to be a creative process, and sometimes that means embracing the messiness of it all. I allow my thoughts to flow freely, and I trust that I can tidy things up later.
Revising: The Art of Refinement
After I’ve got my first draft, it’s time to revisit my work in the revising stage. This is where I put on my critical thinking hat. I read through my piece with a discerning eye, examining it for clarity, organization, and flow. It’s amazing how much a piece can evolve during this stage!
I look for areas that might need improvement—whether it’s adding more information, moving sections around, or even deleting parts that don’t serve the overall message. The goal is to refine my writing and ensure it resonates with my readers.
Editing: Polishing My Words
Once I feel good about the content, I move on to editing. This is the nitty-gritty part of the process, where I focus on correcting any errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style. I’m a big fan of using proofreading tools to help catch any mistakes I might have missed. They can be a lifesaver!
After running my piece through those tools, I go through it one last time with a careful eye. This step ensures that my work is polished, clear, and ready to shine.
Publishing: Sharing My Work with the World
The final step in my writing journey is publishing. This is where everything comes together! I determine the medium for my work—whether it’s a blog post, an email, a report, or a book. Each platform has its nuances, and I enjoy tailoring my content to fit the format.
After my piece is published, I take a moment to reflect on the outcome. How did my audience react? Did my words resonate with them? This reflection helps me grow as a writer and fine-tune my approach for future projects.
In Closing: The Joy of Writing
And there you have it! My writing process, from brainstorming to publishing. It’s a journey filled with creativity, revision, and the thrill of sharing ideas. I hope my insights inspire you to embrace your own writing process, whatever that may look like. Remember, every writer has their own path—so find yours and enjoy the ride! Happy writing!
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
For Fiction Writers: Do You Listen To, or Talk To, Your Characters? (Confession: I Do Both)
Let's be honest, being a fiction writer is a little bit mad. We conjure entire worlds and populate them with people who, technically, don't exist. But for us, they're as real as the coffee slowly cooling next to our keyboards. And the relationship we have with these figments of our imagination? Well, that's where things get really interesting.
My characters? They're not just puppets I dangle from the strings of plot. They're complex individuals, born from the dust of my imagination, each with their own quirks, desires, and that one incredibly annoying habit that always seems to derail my carefully crafted scenes. I treat them like actual people, and that, I believe, is key to bringing them to life on the page.
Now, the question is: how do you interact with these imaginary folks? Do you dictate their every action, a puppeteer pulling the strings to your desired end? Or do you, like me, find yourself listening to them?
I'll admit it: I do both.
There are times when I have a specific plot point in mind, a narrative arc that demands a certain action. In those moments, I'm the benevolent dictator, guiding my characters towards their destiny (or, you know, throwing them in the deep end of a conflict just to see if they can swim).
But the real magic happens when I listen. When I let them tell me who they are, what they want, and how they would react to a given situation. It's like having a conversation with someone in your head (which, okay, maybe is a little bit mad, but bear with me).
I might start a scene with a clear idea of where I want it to go, but then a character will surprise me. They'll say something I didn't expect, react in a way I hadn't envisioned, and suddenly, the whole scene shifts. It's like they're taking the reins, steering the narrative in a direction I never would have considered.
Sometimes, it's frustrating. I'll have painstakingly planned out a plot twist, only to have a character stubbornly refuse to cooperate. "I wouldn't do that," they seem to say, "It's not in my nature." And then I have to wrestle with them, try to understand their motivation, and perhaps even rewrite the entire thing.
But more often than not, listening to my characters leads to moments of unexpected brilliance. It's in those moments that their personalities truly shine, when they transcend the page and become something more than just words on a screen.
So, fellow fiction writers, I urge you: experiment. Don't be afraid to talk to your characters, to guide them, to push them. But more importantly, listen to them. They might just surprise you. They might just hold the key to a story far more compelling than anything you could have imagined on your own.
And if anyone asks, just tell them you're "method writing." They'll never know the truth… that you're just slightly bonkers.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
My Publishing Journey: From Self-Published to Hybrid Author
As a new author, the world of publishing felt like a vast, uncharted ocean. Navigating it was both exciting and daunting. Initially, I chose the path of self-publishing. I wasn't sure how readers would react to my work, and the independence and control that self-publishing offered felt like the right fit. It allowed me to dip my toes in the water, learn the ropes, and connect directly with readers.
Self-publishing was a fantastic learning experience. I learned about editing, cover design, marketing, and all the other aspects that go into bringing a book to life. It was challenging, but also incredibly rewarding to see my book out in the world, reaching readers.
However, my journey didn't end there. Recently, I received an offer for a hybrid publishing contract with a New York publisher. This felt like a significant step forward, offering the best of both worlds: the support and resources of a traditional publisher combined with a degree of creative control.
Making this transition, however, comes with its own set of costs and challenges. To help me reach my goal of working with this New York publisher and bringing my book to a wider audience, I've launched a Kickstarter campaign.
If you're interested in supporting my journey and helping me bring my next book to life, please check out my Kickstarter campaign for more details and to donate. Every contribution, big or small, makes a huge difference!
Thank you for your support!
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Embarking on a Publishing Partnership to Share My Story with the World
I'm thrilled to share that I'm currently working towards a publishing deal that I believe will be a game-changer for one of my books. This particular story, born from personal reflection and a deep desire to connect with others, deserves a global audience. To that end, I'm actively pursuing a business partnership with a New York-based hybrid publisher.
This collaboration represents a pivotal moment, a crucial leap in amplifying the story's reach and maximizing its impact. I truly believe in the power of storytelling to effect positive change, and this partnership offers the perfect platform to achieve that. The hybrid publishing model, with its blend of traditional and self-publishing advantages, provides the necessary resources and expertise to effectively target and engage readers across the globe.
Why is this so important to me? Because the heart of this story beats with a vital message, one that I feel compelled to share. With this expanded reach, I believe this book promises to serve as a powerful tool for:
Raising Awareness: Bringing the often-hidden realities of functional addiction to the forefront of public consciousness. Functional addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition, and shedding light on its nuances is crucial.
Fostering Empathy: Encouraging understanding and, crucially, compassion towards individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones. Judgment and stigma often prevent people from seeking help, and empathy is the first step towards breaking down those barriers.
Inspiring Hope: Providing a message of hope and recovery for those battling addiction. Addiction can feel isolating and overwhelming, and it's imperative that those struggling know they are not alone and that recovery is possible.
Facilitating Dialogue: Sparking conversations about addiction, its profound impact, and the vital importance of seeking help. Open and honest dialogue is essential for breaking the cycle of silence and shame surrounding addiction.
I am incredibly optimistic about this partnership and the potential impact of this story. It's more than just a book to me; it's a message of hope, a call for understanding, and a testament to the power of resilience. I'm excited to embark on this journey and share it with the world.
What genres do you write?: Thriller, Drama, Suspense, Mystery, Non Fiction, Fiction
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
Babette Wilson Home Page Link
Link To Babette Wilson Page On Amazon
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
