Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
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Exclusive Interview with
Tricia McGill
When did you start writing?
Probably as soon as I learned to read. But I didn't start to write full time until I took early retirement years ago.
What makes writing your passion?
I guess it is just an urge to get the stories down that whirl around in my head. Passion is certainly the right word to explain that urge that makes us keep on writing despite many setbacks. I love creating characters and situations.
How long have you been writing?
I began writing full time about 1986, and my first publication arrived in 2000
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Amazing. Only an author can possibly explain that euphoria of seeing a book that you created reach publication stage be it in paperback or e-book.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
My characters always seem to come first. Their names are very important to me. Next I work on the setting and where each character stands in the story. I think there is a lot of my father in most of my heroes. I love strong men who can be gentle and kind.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The few reviewers who take delight in putting a book down. My mother always taught me that if you cannot say something nice then keep your views to yourself. We spend hours poring over our work. I understand that not everyone will enjoy my books but why must the trolls be so nasty?
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
By doing some research on the period the book will be set in. I don't really suffer from writers block as such, simply have a breather at times before moving on.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Well, that old time advice is really the only way to go if you want to see your work published. Keep at it and try to improve as you go along. Be aware that not everyone is going to love your stories but aim to please those who do.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Try to be patient. Life is never a bed of roses whatever path you take. Do what you enjoy doing.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Of course we all love to read the good reviews, I now ignore the trolls who are intent on abusing the work of others. Everyone is entitled to an opinion but try to be kind with it.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Amazing. It tells me that not everyone but someone out there has enjoyed by work.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Oh yes, more than once, especially some of the hilarious events.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
Never based a character on myself.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes, I have been lucky to have an amazing graphic designer work on my covers and so far have loved them all.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
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?
I changed publishers some years ago and consequently reworked and rewrote all my books. It was a gratifying experience as we learn as we go along and can always improve.
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.
I have already voiced my opinion of trolls. To me they are the scum of the publication world. If only they would realise how much time, blood sweat and tears goes into a book perhaps they would be kinder, and keep their insults to themselves. I don't love every book I open but there is such a thing as keeping your opinion to yourself.
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you for taking the time to read my work and to those who tell me how much they enjoy my stories, bless you.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I am a widow-have been for quite some time. Never had a family unfortunately but my dogs have been my kids. I cannot recall a time when I have not had a dog cat or horse to share my life with. I live in Australia but was born in London, England.
What is your day job if you have one?
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Walk the dog, potter about in my garden and share time with friends and family. I also do community work where I have been a volunteer for over twenty years.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, a wonderful childhood where I was free to do as I liked more or less. I come from a large family and we had great parents who taught us to be strong and tolerant.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
Easy one to answer. Country--and specifically anything by Alan Jackson.
Share a secret with us 🙂
Nope.