Exclusive Interview with

Dawn Greenfield Ireland

When did you start writing?

I started writing way back in 1979 -- I didn't know what I was doing, but I muddled through my first sci-fi novel, Prophecy of Thol, and finally finished the first draft in 1984. It truly was awful. My main character cried through 85% of the book.

What makes writing your passion?

I create worlds and characters. Who else writes down their fantasies and sees them in print?

How long have you been writing?

Since 1979.

What was the feeling when you published your first book?

Glorious!

The first book I published was a nonfiction dog book: The Puppy Baby Book. It's a fill-in-the-blanks baby book for anyone who adopts a puppy. This is a hardcover, full color book that I consider a coffee table book. It's beautiful.

This was the beginning of my career. Now, in 2022, that book has been selling for over 20 years!

What’s the story behind your choice of characters?

Not your run of the mill characters.

What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?

How damn difficult and expensive it its to market books!

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

Never experienced it. I think that's a cop-out, but hey, what do I know? I have so many projects zooming around in my head I don't have time for writer's block.

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

Never, ever give up on your dream. I don't care if you have to cut off or divorce family or friends. If they don't support your writing endeavor, dump them!

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

Learn about marketing, you'll need it!

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

Everyone has an opinion. There's no point in fretting over someone's opinion.

What is the feeling when you get a good review?

I appreciate everyone who reads my work and leaves a great review. They're the best!

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

I'll never tell...

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

All my female characters are a part of me in some small way. You, as the reader, just have to know enough about me to discover those nuggets.

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

Yes. If you decide on a crap cover, what does that say about the guts between the front and back cover?

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 to connect with readers in any way possible.

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

I feel blessed!

Who is your favorite author? Why?

There are too many to list. I read 2-6 books a week in between writing, publishing, housework, and pet care.

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

JK Rowling, of course.

Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?

I'm always tweaking something. I read my books and correct errors.

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

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