18Q Marcia Passos Duffy

Marcia Passos Duffy

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

It chose me. I started writing books as a young child -- I’m just sorry these little books got lost somewhere over the years!

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

B.A. in psychology with a minor in English. I started as a public relations writer in NYC in the 1980s. I had a wonderful office overlooking the Empire State Building, but was miserable at my work. I eventually got married, left the PR job, moved to New Hampshire and got my journalism experience as a beat reporter at The Keene Sentinel, a local daily newspaper. It was there I got my writing legs and covered all kinds of small town news, then became the business writer, then the feature writer. Eventually left to freelance full-time which is what I am still doing; I am also a book author and publisher of an online lifestyle magazine about New England.

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

When I became a journalist and had to write on deadline.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

I write clearly and directly. I write like I talk, mostly.

5. What is your writing process?

Research, interview, type up notes, write the story.

6. What was your path to publication?

Through the newspaper, then magazines, then books.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

Not sure I have one! Maybe its creating an online magazine about all the things I love -- New England, travel, food, gardening. It has opened doors for me that I could never have imagined.

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

That writing assignments come from unexpected places when you least expect it. I recently got a wonderful assignment as a New England “style editor” because the publisher Googled “New England” and got my online magazine. Assignments that come to you without any effort on your part are very sweet.

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

Life inspires me -- the news, what I read, things I see. I get a lot of story ideas from the Internet as well as through blogs, news items, business sites, newsletters and being on various listservs. I also get a lot of inspiration from, believe it or not, my pets:I have a dog and three cats and they are my “staff” here in my home office. They are source of comfort and continuity for me as I go through my day. I also take a lot of walks with my dog, which is where I get a lot of ideas. My kids also are an inspiration to me because they believe anything is possible (and they are right!)

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

Winning The New England Press Association award for my work at The Keene Sentinel.

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

Write like you are writing a letter to your best friend.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

Chewing gum loudly and nervously while doing my very first interview as a reporter -- and not even realizing how obnoxious I was being until the person told me to stop!

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

I realize that you should not put all your eggs in one basket -- just depend on your income from one source (a client, magazine, newspaper), because that can go away in a blink of an eye. I have learned to diversify.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

Writing is like any other business. It is like dentistry, carpentry or farming because your money depends on the work you churn out. How many cavities you fill, how many chairs you make, the rows of corn you plant. Same thing -- how many articles you write depends on your income. I have also realized that as time goes on, writers NEED to charge what they are worth. I am so grateful that I have a talent I can use to make a living. Writing is a very noble endeavor...then again, I feel that every profession can be noble and can be done either sloppily or with love and mindfulness.

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

Garden, cook, play my violin, walk my dog, spend time with our kids, and read.

16. Who do you like to read?

I love New England writers, books on parenting (and general “how to”) books. LOVE Doris “Granny D” Haddock. Just finished her book, “Walking Across America in my 90th Year.” Highly recommend that book.

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

Don’t get caught up in the aura of being a “writer” -- it will distract you endlessly and you will never become one. Just look at writing as a talent you have, like any other kind of talent -- I love to equate writing to being a carpenter. Draw up your plans (do some kind of an outline of what you’re going to write), get all your wood and nails together (do all your research, interviewing), then get going to build that house (write that article, that book, whatever!).

18. What are you currently working on?

Just finished my second book, “Farm Stays - Northern New England. Your Guide to an Unforgettable Farm Vacation in Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont.” Starting on 3rd book, “A Good Move - New Hampshire. How to Happily Relocate to the Granite State” and a 4th about the grand hotels in northern New England. Also working on various articles about business, parenting, farming and travel.

Marcia’s 18Q