Interview Tricia McGill

by

Mallary Mitchell

1) How long have you been writing?

I've been writing most of my life, but only full-time for the past 18/19 years.

2) When did you know you wanted to become a writer?

After my early enforced retirement I just began to scribble one day and before I knew it the dreamed of full length novel began to take shape. I'd never touched a typewriter till then and so my husband went out and bought me an old second hand one. I got myself a book on touch typing, taught myself and once I got going then I knew that this is what I had been wanting to do all my life.

3) Is there a book or writer that inspired you to write?

My first few attempts were aimed at short category romances, but then I realized I preferred to write longer novels to bring in more characters, have numerous points of view, and kill off the odd villain. About then I read my first LaVyrle Spencer novel and I guess I was so impressed by her writing that she was one of the first authors who inspired me to aim for that sort of perfection.

4) Do you have a specific schedule or routine?

Not really. I never write in the mornings. I realized long ago that my muse doesn't wake up till after lunch. I check my emails then and do any other writing related tasks. My involvement with a community program as a volunteer takes up a great deal of my spare time. I always switch the PC on after my evening meal and often work until bed time.

5) Do you outline your novels or go with the moment?

Once I have my characters pretty much mapped out in my head I make a rough outline of the plot, make a detailed time-line if I'm working on a time travel or historical, then just let my characters take over and take me where they will. Other minor characters join in the fun as I go along.

6) What is your best way to beat writer’s block?

Personally I don't believe there is such a thing. I have periods where I don't write regularly and other things take precedence in my life, but once I get down to writing again I find the best thing is to just write, and then the words seem to get there on the page. I used to get uptight if I didn't get a certain amount of words down on the page each day but nowadays I don't get stressed about it. I'm much more fatalistic-and let that good lady Fate take care of things. She's always helped me out in the past so I have great faith in her to point me in the right direction.

7) What is/was your favorite children's book?

The library was a place of wonder to me when I was a child. I loved Alice in Wonderland and Enid Blyton's books such as the Faraway Tree series. I think perhaps that's why I love time-travels--I'm fascinated by this moving into another dimension thing. I can recall a particular favorite about a group of children at a riding school who walked through a wall of one of the horse stalls into a wonderful world populated by magnificent ponies. I guess you've gathered that I was horse mad from an early age.

8) Currently who are your favorite authors?

LaVyrle Spencer will remain one of my all-time favorites. I love Sandra Hill for her Desperado and Frankly My Dear, and I've read stacks of Johanna Lindsey. I don't get as much time as I'd like these days to read. I'm currently reading Jennifer Macaire's Alexander Series.

9) Where do you see yourself in a decade in the writing world?

I don't look that far ahead. I just worry about tomorrow, and let Fate take care of the future.

10) Do you write in any other genre?

My books are all romances, but I've written in just about every sub-genre; futuristic, historical, mainstream, suspense, contemporary and time-travel.

11) What are your other interests besides writing?

I line-dance at least twice a week for the company, exercise and great music. I bike ride nearly every day, walk my dog every day, and that just about takes care of all my spare time. I do Sudoku puzzles as a mind relaxer before sleep claims me. I take a creative writing class at the local University of the Third Age (for mature folk) and we are currently producing a magazine type newsletter which hopefully will end up with a readership beyond the USA. I do most of the printing for my community group as well as help the disabled in their home with our loaned equipment and internet access. I'm the voice recognition teacher for people who have lost the use of their hands so rely on their voice activated program. I usually read ebooks on my laptop while eating my evening meal.

Thank You Tricia for a wonderful interview.

Mallary Mitchell