This week we're giving you a little glimpse of who we all are. We're kicking off with an interview with D'Ann Linscott Dunham:
What do you love about writing? Hate about it?
I love creating a world with people I can relate to. I love losing myself when the world around me isn't always so easy. I don't hate much about writing. Forcing the words when they don't want to come is sometimes hard. Working with carpal tunnel is difficult at times.
Where do you come up with your character names? Once you’ve nailed the names, what comes next?
Because I tend to write stores that are western in theme or tone, I like my character's names that sound western. Zane. Sam. Garret. Usually because I "see" a scene, the setting is already in place. The characters and their names come later.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Like most people, time is always a challenge. I work only part time, but we have a lot of animals, and they take up a lot of my day. The longer I go without a contract, the harder it gets to stay excited. I have been at this a long, long time! However, I have tried to quit a couple of times and I will never be without my stories. They're always in my head.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Almost twenty years ago I took a non-credit class with Superromance author, Margot Early. I have always loved romance, but that class sealed it. She introduced me to RWA and all that goes with it. I began my first manuscript in that class. I still have it and I laugh when I think of it.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Depends. A cata, 50-60K words, takes about three months if I buckle down. I used to be able to do it in a month, but with the carpal I just can't do it anymore. A single title takes longer. Around six months, more for edits and polish.
Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?
Not often. I'm hard of hearing in my right ear and music is often distracting and/or annoying. But sometimes I listen to old rock or old county. I also love blues and some jazz. I don't like pop, hip-hop or rap. I like to have the TV on in the background, but low or on mute.
What is your writing schedule like?
Really erratic. One day I will write eight straight hours (like yesterday!) then not write for a week. Or sometimes I write for a few minutes before we do the feeding. I'm not very structured any more. Sometimes it depends on how many crits I owe, or how my arms feel.
If the world was going to end within the next 5 days, what 3 things would you HAVE to do before everyone perished?
Oh, my. I guess try to set things right with my mom. That would top the list. Pray a lot. Spend as much time as possible with my daughter. She's my shining light. A beacon.
What do you love about writing? Hate about it?
I love creating a world with people I can relate to. I love losing myself when the world around me isn't always so easy. I don't hate much about writing. Forcing the words when they don't want to come is sometimes hard. Working with carpal tunnel is difficult at times.
Where do you come up with your character names? Once you’ve nailed the names, what comes next?
Because I tend to write stores that are western in theme or tone, I like my character's names that sound western. Zane. Sam. Garret. Usually because I "see" a scene, the setting is already in place. The characters and their names come later.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Like most people, time is always a challenge. I work only part time, but we have a lot of animals, and they take up a lot of my day. The longer I go without a contract, the harder it gets to stay excited. I have been at this a long, long time! However, I have tried to quit a couple of times and I will never be without my stories. They're always in my head.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Almost twenty years ago I took a non-credit class with Superromance author, Margot Early. I have always loved romance, but that class sealed it. She introduced me to RWA and all that goes with it. I began my first manuscript in that class. I still have it and I laugh when I think of it.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Depends. A cata, 50-60K words, takes about three months if I buckle down. I used to be able to do it in a month, but with the carpal I just can't do it anymore. A single title takes longer. Around six months, more for edits and polish.
Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?
Not often. I'm hard of hearing in my right ear and music is often distracting and/or annoying. But sometimes I listen to old rock or old county. I also love blues and some jazz. I don't like pop, hip-hop or rap. I like to have the TV on in the background, but low or on mute.
What is your writing schedule like?
Really erratic. One day I will write eight straight hours (like yesterday!) then not write for a week. Or sometimes I write for a few minutes before we do the feeding. I'm not very structured any more. Sometimes it depends on how many crits I owe, or how my arms feel.
If the world was going to end within the next 5 days, what 3 things would you HAVE to do before everyone perished?
Oh, my. I guess try to set things right with my mom. That would top the list. Pray a lot. Spend as much time as possible with my daughter. She's my shining light. A beacon.
Nice interview. Your life sounds very full. I know how much time looking after animals takes, and sometimes when all the chores are done, you have no energy left to write--at least that happens with me.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I'm looking forward to this series so I can get to know you all a little bit better :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview D!
ReplyDeleteThe chores are never ending when it comes to livestock and animals. I don't know how you do it with the carpel tunnel, D'Ann. That stuff HURTS! I loved your interview and have no idea how I would of answered that last question myself. You did so with your usual grace.
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ReplyDeleteGreat interview. There's never enough time in the day. Glad you make time to write and crit.
ReplyDeleteGood grief D'Ann, you're a busy woman! Kudo's to you.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview!! I learned a lot about you D. Wishing you many blessings!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview!! I learned a lot about you D. Wishing you many blessings!
ReplyDeletegreat interview. you sound like a busy lady. and writing for 8 hours straight, i think qualifies as a marathon! nicely done!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, D'Ann. Finding time to write is always a challenge, but it seems like you have several tough hurdles to get over before you can settle down to it. Kudos to you for the great work you turn out despite it all.
ReplyDeleteYour challenge is mine, too. Finding time -- with a business and a kiddo and a husband, writing sometimes falls to last place. And then the guilts start in...
ReplyDeleteLovely interview, D'Ann...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christi, for interviewing me. Thank you all for coming by! I felt like a celeb seeing all these nice comments.
ReplyDeleteThat's an excellent interview, D'Ann. Like you, time is my challenge. That's why I'm late. lol Have a great week everyone.
ReplyDeleteGood interview on both your parts!
ReplyDelete