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Deb Lambert |
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Deb’s 18Q |
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The Eighteen Questions |
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18Q |
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http://shutterbugonknightspond.blogspot.com/ http://www.helium.com/user/show/15580 (I write on a variety of topics) http://www.corlissbros.com (click on “Corliss Clips,” for my monthly newsletter) |
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1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you? It chose me, at the tender age of six, when I penned my first short story for my own amusement. I have been grasping that pen like grim death, ever since.
2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.) Horticultural Consultant. Over thirty years in the “green industry.” Radio talk show host/weekly garden program. Hosted local cable TV garden show. Instructor of horticulture/several local colleges. Garden Club lecturer. Published author of various freelance garden articles. Garden columnist/locally syndicated. Currently, online author of a garden newsletter. Author/creator of garden and photography blogs.
3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer? My first real inkling was in high school, when my English instructor had me writing poetry and essays. I’m not sure how enthused my classmates were about the “readings,” but I certainly enjoyed myself. When I broke out in print, as a freelancer, I received my confirmation.
4. How would you describe your style of writing? At times, idiosyncratic. Eclectic, both in choice of genre and writing style. Down-to-earth and logical, with a well-defined writer’s voice, when approaching serious topics. Almost always, a dash of humor or dry wit is employed. I enjoy soaring to the heights of creativity, a well-turned phrase and teetering, just short of the brink of verbosity.
5. What is your writing process? Conquering the blank page, with pen or keyboard, each and every day. Occasionally, writing must be squeezed into the crevices of daily life. Most days are filled with the joy of creativity, often until late in the evening.
6. What was your path to publication? After scrutinizing local media outlets, I mounted a three-pronged attack. There was a dearth of garden programming on local radio, television and in newspapers. I approached each entity, regarding this glaring need, which resulted in success. Ten years with my own garden talk show, five years as host of a cable TV garden program and five years as a weekly garden columnist, was my reward. Lots of effort and tenacity? You bet - especially as I performed all these feats, while working full time at a local garden center.
7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea? My garden blog and its “sister” photography blog. Current postings and archived articles display my plant profile series, garden information, essays, poetry and other genres in which I write - a good tool for presenting my written wares, to potential publishers. I have had several queries, thus far. Sidebars are utilized for links to my writing on other online venues, such as “Helium.”
8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer? I’m always pleasantly surprised at the reception of my written word, whether in print or online. Several online writing courses have led to the discovery of “hidden” talents as a short story writer and humorist. I intend to pursue both, with great alacrity.
9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity? Observations of human nature and Mother Nature. Listening to speech, savoring the mouth-feel of language and specific word combinations. Lessons learned from the natural world, as applied to the human condition, continue to inspire.
10. What is your proudest writer moment? Winning over that newspaper editor, getting the garden column gig and actually reading my first published column.
11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing? From author/instructor Eva Shaw, to continue reading and writing in your chosen genres. With such constant observation and polishing, do you hone your skills. From my English teacher/Public Speaking coach, the tenacity to keep writing and the persistence to seek suitable venues for my work.
12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment? I guess it’s yet to come. Although, there was that one time I misunderstood a writing assignment... Well, “water under the dam,” as the misquote goes.
13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer? Money, or lack thereof. The empty-pocket syndrome continues to plague me, to this day. There exists a history of mutual attraction between myself, nonpaying and low-paying enterprises. It takes a boatload of agricultural pursuits, horticultural teaching, broadcasting and writing (at least, so far), to keep the wolf from the door. However, the winds of change currently blow from a favorable direction and I maintain a positive outlook, while remaining industrious. I am a work in progress.
14. What is your writer life philosophy? Write and let write. It’s a big tent - big enough for all of us. It’s up o each writer to find their own distinctive voice and rise above the fray. I intend to pursue this challenge, as my writer’s voice continues to evolve.
15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun? Sit on my garden bench, next to my faithful dog. With eyes closed, I listen to the music of nature and wax poetic, without uttering a sound. Alternatively, I observe the birds and backyard wildlife, tend my gardens, play with the dog and read.
16. Who do you like to read? Thomas Wolfe. In his 38-year life span, he left us with four finished novels. I’ve read and re-read these books, savoring his descriptive prose, delighting in his unique voice. In a time when adjectives are widely eschewed, I look back with envy, to a time when readers were enthralled with a style of storytelling that bordered on essay. A time when readers were up to the challenge. A time when writers were not encouraged to write to a sixth grade comprehension level. But that was then and this is now. We must present highfalutin’ phrases in a modern, updated context... if we wish to remain viable - a marketable entity. Shakespeare, Barbara Kingsolver, Dr. Michael Dirr, C.S. Forester, Harper Lee, Louisa May Alcott, Charles Dickens, Lucy Maude Montgomery, James Joyce, Frank McCourt, Leo Tolstoy, Byron, Keats and Shelley are some of my favorites.
17. What’s your advice for new writers? Keep at it, daily. Write everyday, even when life intervenes, seeming to conspire against the writer’s schedule. Fan your creative spark into flame and continue feeding that fire... pursue leisure activities that renew and refresh you, in mind and spirit. Do not give up. Take rejection slips as critiques, an opportunity to improve and hone your craft. In marketing yourself, be assertive, not aggressive. Use some of that innate creativity to open closed doors, to carve out a niche for yourself and your unique voice. And never, ever, give up on those dreams.
18. What are you currently working on? A comprehensive garden book, gardener’s newsletter, children’s books, memoirs, essays, poetry, humor writing, my garden blog and photographic blog.
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