Exclusive Interview with
Barbara Daniels Dena
When did you start writing?
I have been scribbling words since I picked up a crayon. I always thought of the 'what if' in my mind and enjoyed fashioning a scene from those thoughts. While others moaned about essays and term papers, I savored them. It was another chance to write. I enjoy writing.
What makes writing your passion?
Being able to take my thoughts and construct a story around them.
How long have you been writing?
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I was in awe. I sat in front of my computer and stared at my book cover on Amazon all day.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I make them up from my imaginary friends. Or often, I will take one of my real-life friends and construct a fiction story around their personality and life. I only write short stories. I praise those who write complete novels. My mind races too quickly to stay on one story that long. I have too many to write.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The hurdles one must cross in the marketing arena.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I don't have it.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I love to write and there is always a new topic for me to write about. The advice I would give new writers is to take as many writing classes as possible and read, read, and read many genres and authors to gain a feel for words. Always use a thesaurus.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Write more, sooner.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes. It is the nature of the beast.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I am delighted and so thankful a reader enjoyed it.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes, many of my stories are indeed about my adventures in my life.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
Yes, and I used first-person POV so there was no doubt.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I always chat with my readers.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I am pleased and most willing to talk about my book if the individual has questions.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
What would you say to your readers?
I am grateful to you.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Illinois, close to the Mississippi River. I have two grown children who both shake their heads at my writing as often, they are the focus of a story.
What is your day job if you have one?
Chasing my ornery Yorkie, Zoe.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Knitting for charities and oil painting.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
One is in the works right now. It is the second one in the Soul series of short stories.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Emphasis on trade school education and the trades in high school. I was a Home Economics teacher by training but took another path once I saw the futility of the school systems as they began eliminating the trades and training for everyday living. I also believe trade school education after high school should be given more credence.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
I like all music. My son is a musician and I have listened to it all over the years so I cannot pinpoint a favorite. I do enjoy a good classical guitar though.
Share a secret with us 🙂
A secret is a secret, no sharing.