Author Bio:
After working her way through college and working in the manufacturing world for several years, Rebecca moved south and became a marine travel writer. Using her college training and experience in her dad’s small engine shop, she also works as a marine mechanic. Based out of South Florida, she enjoys being out on the water and participating in the community ashore. When not working or boating, she tries to find time for the creative arts, making small paintings to donate toward local fundraisers.
What inspires you to write?
Years ago, a high school teacher encouraged me to keep a journal, so I did on and off from then on. She also passed on her interest in creative writing and that stuck with me. When I started sailing to other shores, people would always ask me what it was like and what my experiences were. It was so much fun to share these sea stories and I had a handy resource thanks to all those journal entries (and photos too). It started with writing articles for boating magazines. Readers and editors were wonderfully encouraging. One editor in particular, Steve Morrell, encouraged me so much that I wrote my first book.
Tell us about your writing process.
Material for my nonfiction boating stories begins by writing details, including what people say, in that good old journal. Ahead of time, I’ll ask if it’s okay to write about someone and their experience and sometimes I’ll interview people and get their permission. I also take lots of photos, which are great for referring to later when polishing an article about the related event. I write the outline for a finished piece with simple pen and paper, then transfer it to Microsoft Word on a laptop powered by solar panels on a boat. Yes- things stay dry! Also yes, the laptop works at night as the solar panels charge batteries which power the computer when the sun goes down.
What advice would you give other writers?
I’ll repeat what my teacher told me: just keep writing, keep a journal. Keep writing materials by your bed and write interesting ideas that come to you in dreams or while thinking and trying to sleep. Value honest, constructive criticism, and ignore the weenies who just want to make you feel bad for no sensible reason.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
The book is self-published. I’ve had lots of training in graphic design in college and that helped. I could not afford any other method but self publishing. After research, it seemed to be the way to go instead of a traditional publishing house with all the time delays, the wait and the limited royalties.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
People are really getting into the digital books. Though I doubt the hardcopy will ever disappear.
What genres do you write?
Nonfiction
What formats are your books in?
Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Rebecca Burg Home Page Link
Link To Rebecca Burg Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22666705-sail-with-me?from_search=true
