Congratulations, Marilynn, on your Story of the Month - "My G.I." Now we'd like to learn more about you. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I started out writing flash fiction pieces and I have published sixteen. Most of those stories are around 1000 words or less. I am currently working on a novella that I am very excited about. The main character, a woman, is a 9/11 survivor with severe survivor guilt and depression. Through a series of events she is able to heal and return to New York and rebuild her life. I have another novella, Childish Things, that is completed and is looking for a home. No web site yet. Working on that now.
Q. What would you like our readers to know about you?
I want people to know that I am just a normal gal who works very hard to communicate and inspire with what I write.
Q. How long have you been writing? What made you put that first story down on paper?
I've been writing all of my life in one-way or another. I’ve only been seriously writing for five years. I don't know about that first short story. I think I got aggravated at my son and wrote "What To Do About Momma." That's a funny story about a grandma who fools her family and instead of going to a nursing home, runs away and gets married in Vegas.
Q. Do you write in a particular genre?
I don't write in any particular genre. I suppose it could be called "mainstream."
Q. Who’s your favorite author and why?
My favorite author is Hemingway. At first I was smitten with him as an adventurous. Then later, I realized his style was fantastic. He says so much in so few words. He can paint a picture of a character by coaxing you to decide what the person is really like on your own.
Q. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
The most important elements of good writing has been studied and talked about forever. It may be a different answer tomorrow than I give today. That being said, today I would have to say: determination, hard work, courage, and a sprinkle of luck.
Q. How do you develop your plots and characters?
I have always been an observer of human nature, people, and all that goes into what they do. Sometimes a seemingly normal person can do a horrendous thing. Sometimes a horrendous person can do an exceptionally kind thing. I suppose the answer is I read and observe a lot. I also have a good imagination. A story is sort of like a stew. You take a bit of beef or chicken, add other things, taste it, add more and "bingo", you have a meal.
Q. What is most frustrating about writing?
The most frustrating thing about writing is staying on track. If you have several ideas going it's difficult to decide what takes priority.
Q. What is the most rewarding?
The most rewarding thing about writing is, of course, praise. The feedback that I get is very important.
Q. What do you do to unwind and relax?
My great grandson lives in the same city as I do. I enjoy being with him. We try to go to the library and get books, to movies, etc. I also work on altered books. That's sort of a new craft project that my friend introduced me to.
Q. Is your family supportive?
My family is supportive. However, they usually try to find themselves in the characters I write about. I never use my children's lives when I write. My characters are a hodge-podge of different personalities. But, my kids support me in everything from the simplest task of reading to children at the library or the most complex, getting a novel published.
Q. Any last comments?
I would like to add that Long Story Short editors have been most gracious and kind to me. They always have an encouraging word to send my way. It really helps.
