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Exclusive Interview with

Annette Bower

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When did you start writing?

I've written for a long time. I believed I was a writer in the early 2000s.

Annette Bower
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What makes writing your passion?

If I was a painter, I'd have lots of canvases stacked up around my home. If I was a knitter, I'd have many blankets and hats to give away. If I was a potter, I'd make cups and bowls. As a writer, I have backed up files in the cloud, and of course lots of paper I can't get rid of. I like to explore relationships and writing allows me to do that.

Annette Bower
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How long have you been writing?

I have been many things, a student, both as a child, teenager and adult. I trained to be a nurse and used that knowledge in many areas of my life. I trained to be an administrator, and used those skills as well. I am a mother and grandmother, and all that goes with coming from a large family. However, my first book was published about 2010 and I've had about 100 short stories published too. My fifth novel will release shortly.

Annette Bower
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What was the feeling when you published your first book?

Amazement. But more so, the acceptance and a contract from a publisher. Then working through the edits to polish the story. The challenge of suggesting what the story is about for a cover designer. I enjoy all of the stages.

Annette Bower
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What’s the story behind your choice of characters?

I usually find a heroine and then want to learn where she is in her life and what she needs to share with the world. Then I find a hero who is going in a similar direction toward love.

Annette Bower
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What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?

The need to learn so very much about marketing and then actually do the things I've learned.

Annette Bower
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How do you get over the “writer’s block”?

Write 100 words a day. Think about the story, but your goal should be at least 100 words a day.

Annette Bower
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We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?

Join a supportive group of writers. They do no have to be in your genre but they do have to understand all the ups and downs. Don't use that group as a critique group. Have a separate one for critiques if you need one.

Annette Bower
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If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?

Keep having adventures and taking chances. You'll be okay.

Annette Bower
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Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?

Yes, I read reviews when I remember to. In this day and age of review algorithms, it is necessary to have reviews. Depending on my mood, I will consider what the reviewer said. Perhaps they have a point I should consider.

Annette Bower
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What is the feeling when you get a good review?

I feel humbled and thankful a reader took the time to share their thoughts and feelings about my story.

Annette Bower
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Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?

Yes, it is difficult not to include real life situations. I may have been a participant but more than likely I was an observer.

Annette Bower
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Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?

In my own stories. None. No, I do not base my characters on me. There are much more interesting opportunities out in the wide world to draw from and meld together into a fictional character.

Annette Bower
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What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?

Yes, the cover tells the story in an image. A talented book cover designer can work miracles to entice a reader to open the pages and explore the book.

Annette Bower
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Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?

I love having chats with readers, especially after a reading.

Annette Bower
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How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?

Amazing. Honored. Shy. I remind myself to accept the compliment with grace.

Annette Bower
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Who is your favorite author? Why?

I read too widely to chose one author. They each bring me something for comfort and joy.

Annette Bower
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What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?

As big as I become.

Annette Bower
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Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?

I have re-edited one book. My novel, Moving On was published by a small publisher who went out of business. My present publisher agreed to publish it. I had a new editor and she made a few suggestions. As a wise author once told me, previous stories reflect who we were when we wrote them.

Annette Bower
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If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?