1. Does writing exhaust you?
Yes with my newest book, it did exhaust me because of all the research and due to the fact I have a vision problem.
2. How many writing groups do you attend? How does it help your writing?
I am currently with several writing groups. The Inspiring Writers, Authors in the News, and Christian Ebook Writers. Each group is very helpful to me and have helped out a lot by giving me good advice and it has saved me a lot money.
3. Do you want each book to stand alone, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
My last book, Tales from a Closet has to stand alone because it is fiction and the content is different from my latest book, which is The Legacy of Christ. In turn this book will be linked to a following one.
4. How long have you been writing?
I began in high school but then continued in college although I questioned my ability as I lacked experience. However, after attending a creative writing class, my tutor encouraged me to submit several poems to a contest. I won an award, was named poet of the year and invited to California to read them.
5. What does literary success look like to you?
For me it isn’t just about money but getting myself out there and my message in helping the Westminster Church of Detroit. And hopefully donating to the church.
6. Which is harder to write fiction or non-fiction?
Since I am a fiction writer, I find this easier as non-fiction books can be challenging. That is why it took me eight months to research and write The Legacy of Christ. I feel I was commissioned to write the book.
7. What do your plans for future projects include?
I do plan to write another book but will have to research a lot for it and also to save in order to get it published.
8. What was your hardest scene to write?
For me it was the telling of Christ’s life.
9. How many hours a day/week do you write?
It depends on the story and what information I need but mostly I can write for hours. If I’m working on an ebook it can take up a whole day at a time.
10. How do you select the names of your characters?
When it comes to naming character I go with past experiences, such as ex boy friends.
11. What inspires you?
Life is what inspires me. I love to see the words come to life on paper.
life is what inspires me I love to see the words come to life on papper .
12. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
I feel like it would be a kitten, or baby bird because they grow to be great bird flying high. I think my work can soar too.
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Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 