Today, we have author Pamela Thibodeaux joining us to talk about her writing life. Thanks for joining us, Pamela! Let’s get started…
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
I normally don’t do a lot of brainstorming. Usually the characters will step up and start talking. Occasionally I’ll get a scene or some thought will cause a flurry of questions and I’ll just sit down and write until the answers come. For instance, in my novel The Inheritance (© 2007 Publisher: The Wild Rose Press ISBN# 1-60154-055-8), I had this thought….. They say life begins at forty but for Rebecca Sinclair that’s far from the truth. There I had the heroine and the conflict – sketchy of course but as I asked Rebecca why that was far from the truth for her – the story unfolded. Another example is my book, Tempered Dreams (© 2005 Publisher: ComStar Media ISBN# 0-9769960-3-0) – One day I wrote a scene of an automobile accident. The drunk driver and how the woman reacted. I simply put that scene aside for future use. Then along comes Dr. Scott Hensley in Tempered Hearts (© 2005 Publisher: ComStar Media ISBN# 0-9769960-2-2) and I somehow just knew he would be involved in that accident – I pulled out the scene and let the story come to life.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
Up until this year a typical work week day consisted of writing in my “spare” time. I’d always maintained a full-time job and had a husband and family to take care of. My children are all grown and my husband passed away in August (2009). Now I’m home full-time pursuing all the aspects of my writing (editing, promoting, signings, sales, speaking engagements, etc) and hoping to bring it to the next level.
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
Nearly 30 yrs ago and pregnant with my second child, I read one-too-many disappointing books and decided I could do better. A mite arrogant as it turns out that writing and writing well are on totally opposite ends of the spectrum LOL!
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Don’t quit, never give up. Keep honing your craft. Keep learning, stretching, and growing. Writing is a talent and a gift from God – don’t bury your talent or hide your gift.
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
Right now I have several works in progress – editing/revising a gift book to resubmit, three stories in various stages of completion, two novels looking for a home and numerous ideas waiting to be developed. I’m also embarking on a couple of non-fiction books and will continue to search for opportunities to express my faith through writing.
That sounds great, Pamela! We look forward to reading more books from you in the future. For those of you who want to read more about Pamela, check out her website here. Thanks for joining us and stay tuned for next week’s Writers on Writing!
Writers on Writing: Pamela Thibodeaux
2 Responses to “Writers on Writing: Pamela Thibodeaux”
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Great interview. I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing Pam for years. I have watched her grow as a writer and become the success she is today. Pam’s “Tempered Hearts” series is fantastic. Loved “The Inheritance.” Wish I could impart to those who read this interview and Pam’s books and short stories the impact they have on a readers heart. Pam’s knowledge of writing comes from hard work and constantly educating herself.
I’m a writer, working on becoming better at the craft and on overcoming some of my fears. Pam helps me with those things and, I know, with her cheerleading and help I will succeed as well.
Good job, Tess.
Winona Cross
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