FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How did you manage to write so many books?

I work actively on five to six book projects at the same time; each project is in a different stage of development. While some of my projects are still in research and development, I am writing on deadline to complete others and get them to the publisher. Certainly, my books overlap one another. The ability to work on so many projects at a time is due to a disciplined work schedule.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Though it certainly depends on the subject, I have taken years to investigate, research and develop several of my books prior to publication while other titles can be completed within a year, sometimes less.

How can I get a copy of one of your books?

My books are widely available from chain and independent bookstores, online booksellers and gift shops. You can visit http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, http://www.prince-books.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/textureofghent to purchase my in-print titles.

What is your favorite book?

A writer’s books are like her children; I can’t play favorites!

What advice can you give to someone who wants to be a writer?

First, find time each day—no exceptions—to write; for me, except during peak spring/summer gardening, it is a four-hour block in the morning, and, often late evening. It is very important to set this schedule—it is the discipline that’s absolutely necessary to be a successful writer. I’m a narrative non-fiction writer so my second piece of advice is to research, research, research. As an experienced and intuitive investigator I know that I need to wrap the ends of the story; in writer’s parlance, it has to have a compelling beginning, middle and end and that means knowing everything I can about my subject and perhaps many different moving parts to my subject. ; Thirdly, you need to develop the “who you are” as a writer—find your platform. Build on your background with the subject about which you now feel the need to write. Fourthly, depending on what kind of writer you hope to be, read up on your genre and know the market for it. My next piece of advice is tied to the fourth: make certain that you know who the audience will be for your work; there are several ways to go about finding that information but it is important to have this data for any publisher interested in your work. And, finally, my last suggestion for you, for now, is that if you require a literary agent to be published, understand that choosing one is like a good marriage; it is a partnership and you must be able to work with your agent closely to place your work successfully. Finding the right partnership is often a time consuming and frustrating task but worth the effort.