(1) You have written two romance novels and a children’s middle grade novel. I notice that one of the novels is set following the Vietnam War, the children’s novel is about Butch Cassidy, and the third novel involves AIDs. What inspired these topics? What kind of research did you do for appropriate background? Who are your target readers?
These three novels transpired over a period of ten years. MEMORIES,
a romance, was the very first novel I wrote. The main male character in that
novel is a Vietnam Veteran who, when he first meets the female character, is
still struggling with returning from the war. The Vietnam War ended when I was
a teenager, so it was common to know at least a few men who fought in that war.
As I grew older, I became very interested in learning more about the Vietnam
War and began reading autobiographies by soldiers of their experiences. Their
stories hit a cord with me, and I began creating MEMORIES. Even though MEMORIES is a romance at heart and is targeted toward women, I wanted to make sure my
facts and characterization of the war veteran in the story were as accurate as
possible, so I did a lot of research before writing this novel.
WIDOW, VIRGIN, WHORE started out as a novel about the
relationship between sisters and best friends and morphed into a story about
struggling with AIDS. I never intended for AIDS to be the focus of the novel,
but as I continued writing it, that is what happened. The more research I did
on AIDS and the people who suffered from it, the angrier I became over the fact
that no one really talks about it. And of course, no publisher wanted this
novel – it was too controversial. However, deep down, this is still a story
about best friends and sisters, and is therefore targeted toward women.
OUTLAW HEROES is just plain fun! I have always been
interested in the old west and outlaws, and the characters of Butch Cassidy,
The Sundance Kid and Etta Place intrigued me most because no one knows for
certain what became of them. So, I have read practically every book ever
written on these characters. One day when I was watching my kids play cowboys,
the idea of placing a 12-year-old boy in with the outlaws came to me. I enjoyed
every minute of writing Outlaw Heroes and I think that shows in the novel.
(2) How do you create your characters? Are they based on
real people? What do you do to make then engaging and compelling?
Except for OUTLAW HEROES, which is based on real-life
people, my other two novels are characters I've created from a montage of
people I've known, met or read about. I am a people watcher – always have been.
I notice details and characteristics in people that other people miss. In my
mind, I'm always analyzing why people do the things that they do, what drives
them to be the way that they are. Another strange thing is that people are
drawn to me and tell me all about themselves. I can be standing in line at the
grocery store and a stranger will start telling me their life story. This has
happened since I was a child. So, the catalog in my head of people and their
unique characteristics is quite large.
When writing a novel, I draw from that catalog to create my
characters. I try to give them interesting backgrounds that readers can relate
to, flaws, strengths and weaknesses. When creating a character, I want the
reader to be able to say, "I know that person" or "I understand
what that person is going through".
(3) You have had a successful career as a contributing
writer to a variety of newspapers and blogs. How did you transition to become a
writer of novels? Were you able to leverage your business writing experience
for your novels?
Actually, I was writing novels before I began writing
articles for newspapers, magazines and websites. I started writing for regional
magazines and local newspapers to earn money doing something I enjoyed. Since I
love to research, this worked out well for me. Eventually, I started writing
for blogs and websites. I've sold hundreds of articles on the internet and had
a nice career doing so. But my first love has always been novel writing, so
last year I took the plunge and self-published my novels. What I brought with
me from my earlier writing experience is the ability to promote myself across
the internet. Without promotion, the best novel in the world will not sell.
Luckily, I enjoy doing this aspect of the business too.
(4) Why did you decide to self-publish? What self-publishing
tips would you offer other authors?
In all honesty, I decided to self-publish after receiving
hundreds of rejection letters from book agents and publishers. Many of the
rejection letters were personal and encouraging, but that didn't get me any
closer to a publishing contract. I haven't regretted one second of self-publishing
though. The ability to self-publish has opened a door to me that wasn't
previously open and has given me the opportunity to share my novels with the
public. And the readers have been so kind and encouraging, I couldn't ask for
anything better.
My tip to other authors who are thinking of self-publishing
is to not rush getting your novel out there, but to take the time to proofread
and edit your novel. Readers catch everything, so make sure it's as perfect as
possible before publishing.
(5) I noticed that you wrote your novels while
simultaneously rearing two children. What do you recommend to busy moms who
want to become authors?
I was lucky in that I only worked part-time outside of the
home and was home with my children the rest of the time. Some days I would
drive the kids to school, go home and write for 3-4 hours and then run to get
the kids. I also spent many late nights writing when the kids were asleep. And
of course, I carried my writing with me everywhere (in those days I hand-wrote my
books in notebooks and then transferred them to the computer when I was home).
I wrote in the mini-van and I wrote while sitting at baseball practices.
My tip to busy moms: You can write a lot in 15 minutes – so take every moment you have and make the most of it.
My tip to busy moms: You can write a lot in 15 minutes – so take every moment you have and make the most of it.
(6) Are you working on another
novel? Can you share the topic?
I am currently working on a
Women's Fiction/Romance novel. At this point, trying to explain it will only
confuse people, so I'll just say that this one may not make you cry, but you
might get a few goosebumps when you read it. I am hoping to have it published
in paperback and ebook in December 2012.
Deanna Lynn Sletten's Favorites
Authors
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F. Scott Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Buchan, Janet Evanovich,
Stephen King, Alle Wells and Ann Swann
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Books
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The Great Gatsby, Jane Eyre
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Movies
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Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, Beaches, The Way We
Were, Casablanca, The African Queen, The Help
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Fun activity
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Hiking
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Hobby
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Writing!
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Celebrity
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Katharine Hepburn
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Deanna Lynn Sletten LINKS
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaLSletten
Hi Joyce,
ReplyDeleteThis looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing my interview with your readers. :)