Author Spotlight – Tiffany Prochera

 

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Where Did Your Writing Journey Begin?

Gosh, I have been writing as long as I can remember – poems, songs, stories. There was one Christmas as a child where I regaled family and friends with an illustrated story about how Santa Claus and the elves would be affected by the then-impending Free Trade Agreement.

What Do You Like To Do When You’re Not Writing?

Music is my soul, so I’m often practicing, composing, or recording. I also have fun hosting a weekly radio show, and I have developed a love of the early morning walk in nature.

Are There Any Rituals You Must Perform Before You Can Start Writing?

Not really. I suppose I might have a cup of coffee with me but even that’s not a rule. I just sit and do, whether it’s on the couch, on the patio, or in a coffee shop!

What Has Influenced You Most As A Writer?

I think the desire to inspire and teach is the biggest driver for me. I’m not really concerned with self-expressions or whether people understand me as a individual, but if I can help people understand the world or themselves in some way (hopefully while making them laugh in the process), I’m a happy camper! I can’t say I have any role models, per se, but, come on. Who wouldn’t want to write the next Harry Potter series? 🙂

Do You Have Any Advice For Other Writers?

Just spend time writing. Don’t worry about what actually comes out of you or judge it as good or bad. You can sort things out later on. Try not to censor yourself and just write!

Where Can People Find You Online?

Website: http://www.tiffanyprochera.com

or leave Tiffany a message:

     

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    Author Spotlight – Lary Haynes

    The Silver Veil, New Novel by Lary Haynes. Click for full details.

     

    Lary Haynes - Headshot

    Where Did Your Writing Journey Begin?

    I began writing detailed accounts of the trips my wife and I took throughout Europe, Indonesia, USA. I also wrote stories of things that occurred at our camp at Redditt, ON. I’d say I started to look at writing in the mid-1980’s.

    What Do You Like To Do When You’re Not Writing?

    I write, revise, re-read and write from 9:00 am to 12:30pm, have lunch, take the dogs out for an hour and a half. I’ll see what else needs doing: groceries, haircut–you name it. Most days, after the walk, I write from 3:30pm to about 6:00pm. I read every evening. Limited TV. Sleep. Fun guy, eh?

    Are There Any Rituals You Must Perform Before You Can Start Writing?

    The only ritual that counts to me is DOING IT. I treat writing as a job I love, regardless of any success. I can only speak for myself when I say it requires me to show up on time and adhere to a disciplined routine, seven days per week. This is my ritual.

    What Has Influenced You Most As A Writer?

    The fact that I can. Learning to accept myself–we are absolutely our own worst enemies. We can only create what we create–no more, no less. But we can improve–it’s up to the individual. Earlier, I found it difficult, seeing the incredible writing talents all around me. Canada has some terrific writers. I’ve learned not to compare. Now, I concentrate on seeing a project through to completion, which, to me, implies knowing the difference between a “pencil sketch” and a revised product/story. (I call a first draft a “pencil sketch. It was fun creating it–now the real work begins). I’d have to say my biggest influence was, and is, other writers.

    Do You Have Any Advice For Other Writers?

    What does “writing” mean to you? What are your goals? What do you wish to accomplish? The person you see in the mirror every morning is the only person who stands in your way. Being a coal miner is the only thing I can think of that’s tougher than being a writer. And for God’s sake, don’t allow yourself to “dis” anyone’s work. If you need a dose of “humility”, or a “reality check”, read, or re-read, “A Tale of Two Cities”. To me, the most important thing about “art”–what will stay with you the longest–is how it made you feel when you read it; when you viewed it, or when you heard it. Have fun!

    Where Can People Find You Online?

       

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      Author Spotlight – Tania Stephanson

      Where Did Your Writing Journey Begin?

      In 2009 I was on maternity leave with my first child. I was enjoying watching the Lord of the Rings movies and it sparked a wave of creativity. I began to dream of this new world of my own. My husband suggested I start writing it down, so I did. Then my mother in law suggested I attend the Selkirk Library writer’s workshop. After that, my writing journey took flight!

      What Do You Like To Do When You’re Not Writing?

      I work full time in manufacturing as a Production Planner. In my personal time I am a hockey mom, which normally takes up most of my time. But I miss the days of song-writing, singing and baking cakes.

      Are There Any Rituals You Must Perform Before You Can Start Writing?

      If earlier in the day, I make sure I have a tea and snacks. If it’s dark (early morning or later evening) I turn on my Beauty and the Beast rose lamp and light a candle before I start.

      What Has Influenced You Most As A Writer?

      My biggest influences for developing my skills as a writer, would include reading other published authors, playing video games and learning from more experienced writers. For example Tyra Masters-Heinrichs and Ishbel Moore.

      Do You Have Any Advice For Other Writers?

      Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and write your truth, no matter how others may view it. Or how shocking it may sound when you read it aloud.

      Where Can People Find You Online?

      https://www.facebook.com/TaniaStephanson/

       

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      Author Spotlight Announcement Website Slider - Don Schaeffer

      Author Spotlight – Don Schaeffer

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      Where Did Your Writing Journey Begin?

      I became a poet by default. I was writing aphorisms in college like my idol Franz Kafka. Poems are like aphorisms. I called them poems.

      What Do You Like To Do When You’re Not Writing?

      I’m retired. I diddle around. I paint, take photographs, make videos, visit my kids and grandchildren (2 here 2 in BC)

      Are There Any Rituals You Must Perform Before You Can Start Writing?

      The poems usually occur to me in the middle of the night or some inconvenient time. I have to grab my tablet and get them written before they vanish.

      What Has Influenced You Most As A Writer?

      I am a trained social psychologist–so I observe. The poetry started when I joined on-line poetry forums. I also write blogs for money.

      Do You Have Any Advice For Other Writers?

      Be adventurous. Tell the truth even if it is not pleasant.

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      Author Spotlight Announcement Website Slider - Debbie Okun Hill

      Author Spotlight – Debbie Okun Hill

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      Photo courtesy Melissa Upfold for The Calculated Colour Co.

      Where Did Your Writing Journey Begin?

      My interest in literature and reading began with Dick and Jane, Sally and Spot, the main characters in the basal readers that taught me how to read. I always loved school and books so working with words and writing letters and essays were a natural progression for me. However, it was my appointment as the newspaper editor for the Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive High School that planted the seed that eventually grew into a writing career that branched out into a variety of genres from journalism to public relations to freelance writing to creating fiction to poetry to blogging.

      What Do You Like To Do When You’re Not Writing?

      That’s a tough question as I seem to always be writing or thinking about writing! Even when I park myself in front of a Netflix show I am analyzing the script and if I watch a DVD, I am often more interested in the special features than the actual movie. However, as I get older, I’m making more time for such quiet pursuits such as reading, gardening, exploring nature, art, photography, and crafts.

      Are There Any Rituals You Must Perform Before You Can Start Writing?

      Yes! Turn on the computer.

      Seriously, if I have a writers’ block, I just write/type words free fall until the ideas and words flow.

      If I get frustrated, I turn off the computer, take a walk outside, and try again later.

      Almost all of my rough drafts are composed onscreen, although I’ve read that writers are more creative if they write long hand. One day I may try that!

      What Has Influenced You Most As A Writer?

      Margaret Atwood’s earliest novels The Edible Woman and Surfacing. These books introduced me to symbolism, metaphors, and other literary devices.

      Do You Have Any Advice For Other Writers?

      Give yourself permission to be yourself. Motivational speaker Leo Buscaglia once wrote, “You are the only you . . . You are the best you. You will always be the second best anyone else.” So if you want to write, just do it, and stop comparing yourself with others. Even famous writers, like Margaret Atwood, have both fans and critics. Trust the magic (your spiritual essence) to take you where you need to be.

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      Author Spotlight – Jeanne Gougeon

      Jeanne Gougeon Spotlight PhotoWhere Did Your Writing Journey Begin?

      My name Jeanne Gougeon and I have published a children’s book, Be Brave which was later translated in French. This month, I launched my second book, Le fruit de la haine, which is a murder mystery taking place in rural Manitoba in the sixties. It was published by a firm from Saskatchewan, Les éditions de la Nouvelle plume under my pen name, Margot Joli.

      I am a teacher and my writing journey started in the classroom. When I could not find a story on a specific theme, I wrote my own. However, I did not spend much time writing since I was quite busy with teaching, raising my own children and taking courses at the university.

      What Do You Like To Do When You’re Not Writing?

      When I retired, I found time to play with words and concoct stories. It took a while to develop my skills. I am thankful to the Lake Winnipeg Writers’ Group for mentoring me. Sharing sessions with a small group of writers in my area was the most beneficial.

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      Are There Any Rituals You Must Perform Before You Can Start Writing?

      I prefer silence or the sounds of nature when I write. My best time to write is in the afternoon, when the daily chores are done, or later at night. Sometimes the muse keeps me up late with great ideas I need to put down before I forget them.

      What Has Influenced You Most As A Writer?

      I am a lover of the classics and they have greatly influenced my writing. As a child, I always had a book in my hands. Aside from the classics I read adventures. I devoured all the Bob Morane books on the shelves of my high school library. As an adult, I ventured into murder mysteries because they give the reader a puzzle to solve and I am a big fan of puzzles.

      Do You Have Any Advice For Other Writers?

      If I were to give any advice to other writers it would be to read voraciously, since it is the best way to develop vocabulary. It is also important to get feedback from fellow writers. Critique is sometimes difficult to take, but always helpful, depending on how well we can step back emotionally from our work and see it through a reader’s point of view. We must remember that we are writing, not for ourselves, but for our readers. We must never forget who our intended audience is.

      The most important quality a writer needs is persistence. Do not give up, even when your work is rejected by publishers. Not everybody will like your work, but if you keep sending it out, one day you will find someone who loves it. It takes time and patience.

      Good luck in your writing adventures. And, keep writing.

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