Interview With the Greats

UC: What got you interested/started in writing?

KR: Having always had an imagination, I used to make up stories in poetry form when I learned how to read and write. With encouragement at home and in school, I continued writing poetry and some short stories. However, I put writing on the back burner until after my children were raised and I pursued my number one love – a singing career.

UC: How long have you been writing?

KR: Writing for fun, started when I was somewhere around six years old. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that I started getting my poetry published. So, if I answer your questions in years, that would be giving away how old I am! Lol! Let’s just say, I’ve been writing for fifty-plus years.

UC: What advice would you give to writers just starting out?

KR: It is very difficult for me to give others advice. We all have our own dreams, and go about them in different ways. I will say, whether it takes a short time, or a better part of your lifetime, do not give up. There is so much competition in the writing world, today, that you need to persevere if you want your writing dreams (or any dreams) to become a reality.

UC: Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?

KR: Fortunately, no, I don’t suffer from writer’s block. That’s not to say it won’t happen in the future. I cannot really say, at this time, what I will do if that happens.

UC: Who is your favorite author and why?

KR: Okay, here’s an ego blast. My favorite author is my husband, Bobby. Maybe because I gave him the information for his first book and it was written in very clear, easy to read language. There is nothing worse (to me) than trying to read a book full of vocabulary I don’t comprehend. I suffer from dyslexia, which makes reading difficult to begin with. Also, having to enlist the aid of a dictionary while reading, is not what I call the joy of reading.

UC: How did you deal with rejection letters, if you received any?

KR: I have never received a rejection letter on my poetry. As for novel writing, we (Bobby and I) never approached a large publishing house with our manuscript. If I ever do receive a rejection letter for a book, I don’t think I would let that keep me from submitting to other publishers.

UC: What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

KR: To me, a good fiction book is like an octopus: every leg is important. When I write, I feel the most important elements are: a hook to pull in the reader; a good storyline; strong, believable characters; realistic conversations; and, adding realism to the story so the reader feels as though they are reading non-fiction, not fiction.

UC: How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?

KR: As strange as it sounds, plots come to me in vivid dreams. When it comes to characters, I write a brief description about the characters I vision in the plot. From there, Bobby and I sit down and ‘barn storm’ on a list of names. Once we have the names of our characters, and what role they will play in the storyline, we (each) write down how we envision each character: hair coloring, age, weight, how they dress, quirks or habits, background, etc. Then we get together and compare notes. As we talk about them, selecting each characteristic that seems suitable, the characters begin to take form. Once the character becomes ‘alive’, I make up index cards for each one, so I have easy reference while writing about them in the storyline.

UC: What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted/when you first saw the cover of the finished product?

KR: Complete awe! As much as I enjoy writing, I went through a few phases of depression along the way. "Was I writing for my own pleasure, or would my story really see the reality of becoming a published novel?" Even when I knew the book was being published, it still didn’t sink in until I held the book in my hand. Many say having a book published is like having a baby. You know you have created something wonderful. But, not until you see that creation, and hold it in your hands, do you actually believe what you have given birth to.

UC: What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?

KR: Years ago, when I was writing poetry for publication, I got in the habit of carrying around a couple of ballpoint pens, a stenographer’s notepad, and a tape recorder. That way, whenever a thought came to me, I could keep notes. Back then, I had to have a typewriter. Today, even though the small legal pads have replaced the steno pad, I still carry around a pad of paper and pens. I think the tape recorder is excellent, especially if you’re driving a car. You can keep your eyes on the road and still record your thoughts. However, I can no longer use the tape recorder. Even though I can (believe it or not) chew gum and walk at the same time, I find when I open my mouth, my thoughts get lost. It was much easier for me to just allow my thoughts to flow through my fingertips.

Some people still like typewriters. For me, I wouldn’t be without a computer. As much of a pain as they are, or can be at times, they are heads and tails above using carbon paper and whiteout.

UC: What do you do to unwind and relax?

KR: No matter what is going on in our lives, Bobby and I make time for each other. We turn the television off, play background music, and enjoy a bottle of the bubbly and great conversation. The greatest pleasure I have in the day-to-day grind, is knowing that I have a partner who is my best friend, loving and caring for one another, and growing old together.

UC: Tell us a bit about your family. Your adoring public would like to know!

KR: I’m sure by now, everyone knows about my husband, Bobby, the love of my life. Bobby and I have four daughters and five grandchildren (3 girls and 2 boys). They are all scattered from Colorado to Idaho and all the way to Pennsylvania. Because we live in Nebraska, we feel fortunate to see some of them once a year. Others, we haven’t seen in person in years. Because of my husband living on oxygen, and my degenerative arthritis, neither of us travel well. So, we can only sit at home in anticipation of a next visit from any of them. However, we keep in constant contact by phone and through emails. My father is still living, so we try to see him at least once a month.

UC: what dreams have been realized as a result of your writing? Any special memories that you would like to share...please, oh, please?

KR: There are a few people, in my life, who always have a way of putting me down. When I was younger, it was because I was over-weight and not pretty; had no talent; and, would never make anything of myself, especially becoming a writer. I attained my first goal when I got over my inferior complex, and took stock in what I wanted out of life. Hence, I became a model for fashion designer clothes. I went on to become a professional singer, then went straight into getting my poetry into writing. Today, I have proved to those people that I have accomplished everything I have ever hoped for, including being a published novelist. I actually thank those disbelievers because they gave me the courage I needed to take pride in myself and prove them wrong about me.

UC: Any recent appearances that you would like to share with us about/any upcoming ones?

KR: Due to our health, we are not planning any public appearances, such as book signings. If we do in the future, I will certainly keep you informed.

UC: If you could leave your readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?

KR: Don’t let others get you down. Turn their negativity in positive thoughts and results. There is always the possibility that you may never get those negative people in your life to pat you on the back for what you accomplish, but, so what. Be proud of you! If you have a dream, don’t just sit and think about it. Do it! If I could leave one legacy, that would be it. Be proud of you!

UC: Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Kam. Your words will be help and an inspiration to writers everywhere.

KR: Lynette, thank you for the wonderful interview and a chance to let your readers learn a little about my background.