A.C.E. Writers

1. Tell us something about yourself.

I was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Brooklyn and Queens. I lived in New York state for most of my life and now live in Westchester, NY. I taught for 17 years in both elementary and middle school, and I have my Masters in Reading and Writing K-12 with certification in Reading. I started writing seriously when I was in graduate school and soon after I completed my first YA novel. I have a children’s story published online http://viatouch.com/learn/storystation/stories/troublefollowleader.jsp, and I am in the middle of my second YA novel.

2. What is your muse? Can you tell us about your muse and how it came to exist?

Writing comes to me when I feel something deeply. I first began writing poetry because I had such strong feelings that they had to come out in writing. When I have a strong emotion I might just write something at the moment or it might have to percolate a little and then when I have some time alone it probably will erupt as a poem or a short story. Recently an acquaintance of mine had a benefit for her husband who was suffering from cancer. As I heard all of the accolades for this man and knowing how much I liked his wife, the emotions caused me to write a poem for him at the moment.

3. Tell us about your writing space – do you have a special place where you write?

No, I can write anywhere. Mostly, I use my laptop, which is a Mac, and I write there. However, if I have a piece of paper of any kind and a pen I can write. Writing outdoors sometimes is very inspiring, because you can observe nature and it gives you a starting point for writing.

4. Explain to your audience what you believe is your purpose of writing?

As I’ve said many times when asked this same question, I didn’t choose to write. Writing chose me. I could no more live without writing than I could without breathing. When the urge comes to write I must write. The words form in my head and they must be recorded somewhere so they can grow and blossom into a finished work. Many times I’ll start with one sentence and not know where it is going. But the words will continue to come through my fingers as they are doing now.

5. Do you have a specific mission or group of people you’d like to reach with your writing?

When I wrote my first YA novel I was hoping to appeal to girls who needed to feel better about their bodies. The idea of body image is one that is just now being addressed for girls, but it is probably one of the most important aspects of a teenage girl’s life. I am also hoping to bring back a story about kids who live in families that consist of two parents where there are no vampires or rapes or suicides.

6. Tell us about your current project in the works.

My current novel is based on my own experience when my husband had a heart attack and bypass surgery. It is told in the point of view of a 15 year old girl whose only thoughts before that night were about the Mets and their winning the pennant. It shows how gradually she begins to change and the effect of what is happening on her entire life. It is called WHEN MY LIFE CHANGED.

7. Who are your favorite authors?

I have so many authors that I love. Here are some: Hemingway, Edith Wharton, Shakespeare, John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Stephen King, Dennis Lehane, Paula Danziger.

8. What do you do besides write?

At the moment I am an insurance agent for Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Company selling health insurance to senior citizens and life insurance as well as long term care and home health care to younger people.

9. Is there one piece of advise you would give to other writers as they try to learn their craft?

I would teach them how to spell advice; Seriously, the best thing you can do if you want to be a better writer is to keep writing and let people read the pieces you like. The more you write and get comments on your writing the more you will see what your strengths and weaknesses are and how you can enhance your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Writing is an extremely individual thing, so if someone doesn’t like what you’ve written you might try showing it to someone else. Also, if you send out your work, be prepared for a lot of rejections. I know someone who used her rejection notices to wallpaper her office.

(NOTE from Jan: If I spelled everything right, you’d wonder if I wrote it!)

Another good thing is to join a society for writers of your genre. I am a member of SCBWI, The Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. I have met some amazing people through going to their conventions and workshops. Taking a workshop helps hone your skills. It also helps you to understand where your own writing is going.

10. What is the one thing you want to accomplish with your writing?

I would love to have my first novel published. It has been sent out a number of times and rejected, but I have revised it again and I think it is ready. Also, I would like to finish my present novel and send it out too.