Working with spouses is tough. So tough that Donald Trump insists that it helped break up his first marriage.
Working with editors is tough. Their entire job is to pick up (and make better) your precious writing.
So when I heard that Carol McPhee, author of Something About That Lady and Alaskan Magic, had her husband do the pre-edit of her novels, I knew I had to interview her.
I remember reading that your hubby gives you first feedback on your
novels. What advice can you give writers and businesspeople working with their
spouses?
Great question and one I've not been asked before. If the spouse is interested enough to read your work expect he/she will be your most vocal critic and your most honest one. Be open to any comments and suggestions because the spouse is looking at the story from a different point of view... one that wants you to be the best you can be. Willing spouses are worth their weight in gold.
Writing a novel is a huge undertaking. Could you share with us your time management tips?
I firmly believe in writing something everyday. The length doesn't matter, nor even the quality. What does matter is that you set yourself in another mindset fully prepared to let your imagination run rampant for the length of time you have available. I start writing at 4am anywhere I happen to be and try to get in at least an hour of fresh writing while there are no interruptions. That accomplished, the rest of my day is generally spent on critiquing other writers' works, promoting my novels and taking workshops to improve my skills.
4am? Yowsers, I thought I was good with my 6am start.
With Carol being a dietitian, I couldn't resist a question on health.
If you could give one piece of advice on diet and nutrition, what would it be?
Haha! Eat lean and mean, then go treat yourself to extra dark chocolate.
Hear that? Eat chocolate. Carol says so.
For more info on Carol's fab romances, hop on over to http://www.geocities.com/carolmcphee2003/