Interview Eleanor Cocreham

By

Sharon Poppin for Shirley K. Wolford

Eleanor,

Shirley Wolford was assigned to interview you. She has developed some eye problems and can no longer use the computer. She has asked me to work with Wings ePress to meet her obligations to get her latest book into print and that includes doing the author interview she was assigned.

So, having been interviewed awhile back for an ezine, I used my experience as a model. These are some of those questions that were asked of me. I hope they are what Wings ePress is looking for. Here they are:

1) Eleanor, would you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in Texas but have lived in Louisiana long enough to be considered a native. Met my husband right out of High School on a blind date. He was just out of the Navy and we both attended LSU, married 4 yrs later and now have 2 sons, twin daughters, 5 grandchildren and a long happily married life.

2) What would you like our readers to know about you?

I am never bored. Sharing experiences with wonderful friends and family fills my life with joy.

3) How long have you been writing? What made you put that first story on paper?

Twenty years… on and off. I got started late in life. My first story was written as the result of a recurring dream. Just had to get it down on paper and wrote obsessively until I did.

4) What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Learning the basics of writing--grammar, punctuation, POV--which I have the hardest time with since I want to know what everyone is thinking all the way thru a story.

5) How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?

No set formula. I’m more character driven, so plots develop along with the story I want to tell. Of course, we all know how those characters can rebel and take off to do their own thing. I usually have the characters and a beginning and end in mind. It’s those middles that undo me.

6) What do you do to unwind and relax?

I am an avid reader and am never without a novel. My retired husband likes to cook, entertain and travel so we do a lot of that.

7) What inspires you? Who inspires you?

Observing the way peoples live. My writer’s group, best friends, daughters and granddaughters.

8) Are you working on any projects right now?

Yes. Heart Breakers--the last of the trilogy which includes Choice Makers--in February, and Risk Takers in May.

9) How do you handle Writer’s Block?

Brainstorming with the critique group I’ve had for 10 years who keep me on a straight path, and meditation.

10) What is most frustrating about writing? Most rewarding?

Most frustrating--The loss of time. I edit and edit as I write. Wish I could finish the story first since there’s always additional editing. Most rewarding? Having the story come together then receiving approval from writers and readers unfamiliar with the plot line.

11) Do you have any kind of writing schedule?

Not really. I usually read e-mails in the morn, write most afternoons and nights.

12) What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given as a writer? What’s the worst?

Best?--Don’t give up, you have a nice style. Worst?--void all adverbs like the plague. (I love adverbs!)

13) What advice would you give to writers just starting out?

Join a writing group for support, a critique group for inspiration, take a writing class, go to conferences . Read, read, read, and don’t be afraid to expose your work to others.

14) Any last comments or advice?

Love what you do.