18Q Carol McPhee

Carol McPhee

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

I guess it chose me. I couldn’t get a story out of my head so I thought by writing it down it would vanish. Instead it led to my thoughts dwelling on other stories

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

University science degree. Dietitian in four different hospitals.

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

When I met published writers at an RWA conference and felt their enthusiasm.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

Generally seat of the pants writing. I like to let the characters have their way within a loose plot framework.

5. What is your writing process?

I start writing about 4 am every morning but seldom spend more than an hour and a half on the actual writing since I’ve been published. The rest of my day is spent in research, critiquing manuscripts, analyzing suggestions from those who critique my work, and revising.

6. What was your path to publication?

An online emagazine ran my first story as a series. I joined writers groups, learned enough about presentation of a good story and got published by one of the better small presses.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

I like to sell my books at upscale craft markets.

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?

My biggest surprise is how much people like to chat with authors. Other surprises include that I never know what might crop up next by the way of direct contact or startling requests.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

I try to stay deeply immersed in my characters heads to work out what is best for them. My creativity comes from my vivid imagination and from a critique group that I belong to.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

My proudest moment is always when someone tells me how much they enjoy my stories.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

To keep at it.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

Turning down requests to speak.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

I hate keeping records. My hubby handles that end.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

Persistence in writing what I enjoy will bring its own rewards.

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?

Woodland walks, biking, canoing, cross-country-skiing, traveling New England and Nova Scotia.