18Q Fran Shaff

Fran Shaff

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

Either a person is a writer, or she is not. And if she is a writer, she must write. Writing chooses the writers, not the other way around.

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

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. I taught high school in the past.

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

I wrote my first poem when I was about 8 years old, and I’ve had an interest in writing ever since.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

I write with a great deal of emotion, whether I’m writing comedy or drama. Readers often tell me they can really feel what my characters are feeling.

5. What is your writing process?

Get an idea, decide whether or not the idea is worth developing, do necessary research, lay out the plot and sketch the characters, (this step sometimes fills in at this spot--pre-sell the book to an editor) write the first draft, do rewrites, polish the manuscript and turn it in to my editor.

6. What was your path to publication?

I studied writing books, wrote thousands and thousands of words, bad stories and good ones, and then began to sell books.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

I haven’t hit on a favorite yet.

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

How hard it is to sell books once they are published.

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

Taking time to relax always sparks creativity.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

The minute I opened the box of my first books. I was in awe of that box of MONTANA MATCH books. They were so beautiful--hardcover, lovely book jacket. Seeing those books was the most profound moment of my writing life. Even for a writer, the way I felt cannot be put into words, but I know other writers understand what I mean.

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

My cousin David, a clergyman, told me that if God gives a person a talent, she must use it. That statement changed my whole writing life. Writing was no longer a hobby to enjoy. I suddenly had a duty to try to be the best writer I could be.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

Don’t have one, and if I did, I probably wouldn’t tell you. :-)

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

[Not answered]

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

Do the best you can do and never give up.

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

I love to quilt and indulge in various craft projects as well as read.

16. Who do you like to read?

I have never read a particular “who.” I like to read from many genres, fiction and non-fiction.

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

Learn everything you can about writing, take this knowledge to heart as you write and incorporate it into your work. Know that writing is hard, demanding work. Never give up.

18. What are you currently working on?

I am currently writing the third book of my “Heart Junction Series” for Mundania Press.

Fran’s 18Q