Partner on the Path--WJ Smith

In the time since this lovely Partner on the Path agreed to an interview, she's gotten herself published. You'll find the links to her novel, Where To Belong, below. Congratulations, Wendy!

What resources have you found most helpful on your writing path?

The best self-help book I found so far is “Writing Fiction for Dummies” by Randy Ingermanson & Peter Economy. Writers' blogs have been a treasure trove of information.  Web-casts have also been informational.

What’s the most encouraging thing you’ve experienced along the way?

The first big help I had from a writing community was with NaNoWriMo. The folks organizing and taking part in the program were very positive. Since then, conversations with writers on Twitter have been supportive. Taking part in programs like Row80 has given me the push I need to keep moving with my writing.

Favorite children’s books? Authors?

My favorite book as a kid was Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.

What keeps you going when you feel like giving up?

I don't like leaving things unfinished. I've had times where I get mad or frustrated with writing projects, and I have to walk away. But, so far, I've always come back to them because I need to see them completed.

That and the support and encouragement from the family and friends who know of my hobby. They're good at keeping tabs on me.

If you could choose to live any place on the planet, where would it be?

I would be one of those people with two homes. One for the summers in upstate New York near the lakes. A small cottage in the country or tiny town. The second would be on the beaches of South Padre Island in Texas. For the winters, of course. The problem would be shipping my Jeep back and forth between the two ...

Describe your fantasy writing space?

I've discovered the beauty of a massive monitor, so that would be a given. I need a stack of post-its for quick thoughts. There would probably be a mini fridge and microwave within reach.  Endless supply of iced tea and V8 Splash. Music. Lots and lots of music.  Oh, and an air-fresher to make it smell like Starbucks. 

What obstacles have you overcome in order to keep writing?

My biggest obstacle is myself. While I said earlier that I don't like to leave things unfinished, I am my own worst enemy when it comes to writing. I can easily convince myself that I am wasting my time and to hide my work away for no one to see. I have called it quits three times. In those three times, I deleted and threw out every word I had written. I some how come back to it and start over. Now I have my work saved in multiple places and I would probably exhaust myself before I could manage to delete it all. 

What one word describes your writing process?

Constant

What do you appreciate the most about being part of the writers community?

I am reminded that I am not the only one out there working to get a story out of my head.  Every writer out there knows the ups and downs of the writing, rewriting, editing, critiquing and submitting process. Always some one there to celebrate with and vent to.

Best writing advice you’ve been given?

Don't look back at what you've written. Once you have a segment finished, move on.  Breathe and take some time before you look it over. You have to be removed to be able to see where to make improvements.

What do you like to keep in mind while drafting a story?

I have to remind myself that it is only a draft. I shouldn't expect it to be perfect the first time around. The goal is to build the base of the manuscript. Don't sweat the little things.

How will you celebrate the publication of your first book?

Probably something small and quiet. Somewhere along the lines of sitting at the corner table in the local coffee shop with a few friends and family.

And now we can help her celebrate and buy that book here:

Smashwords
CreateSpace

Social media presence? 

Twitter

Blog