Author Bio:
Deborah M. Prum is author of Fatty in the Back Seat, a young adult novel. First Kiss and Other Cautionary Tales, is her audio book of humorous essays which have aired on NPR-member stations and have appeared in the Washington Post and Daily Progress. Her iBooks include Czars and Czarinas (on Russian history) and Back Talking on the Mountain of God (anthology of the work of four poets). Her award-winning short fiction has appeared in The Virginia Quarterly Review and many other places. Her articles on writing have been published in Writer Magazine, The Writer’s Handbook and the SCBWI magazine.
What inspires you to write?
My observation of life events that occur around me inspires me to write. I’ll overhear a conversation in a locker room or watch a couple argue at a restaurant or notice the particular way dust motes float through a ray of light. I love the process of putting thoughts on paper. I like to create characters and set them in motion.
Tell us about your writing process.
I loosely outline when writing non-fiction, but always leave room to include the unexpected and take little side trips. I rarely outline when writing fiction. I’d rather develop a character in great detail and then see where he or she takes me.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I do both. I try to establish my main characters in great detail, especially paying attention to what motivates them. Then I imagine what they would say. Sometimes, I’ll write one thing and the next day realize that my character would not do or say what I imagined–that’s the character talking to me. Then, I re-write.
What advice would you give other writers?
Keep writing. Keep reading-nourish your mind with good books. Make sure you have honest, intelligent first readers. Don’t be afraid to revise.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
Each book was different. With some, it made sense to work with traditional publishers. With my iBooks, it made sense to work with my own company, Still Mountain Bookworks.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I have no idea. I guess I’m hedging my bets: continuing to release print books, but also releasing eBooks, iBooks and audio books.
What do you use?
Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers, All of the above 🙂
What genres do you write?
Adult Fiction, Humorous Essays, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult History
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print, Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Deborah Prum Home Page Link
Link To Deborah Prum Page On Amazon
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