When author R.J. Keller first queried us to write an essay on her book, Waiting for Spring, back in 2009, we sadly turned her down. However, her book began getting so much attention, I decided to revisit it and bought a copy for myself. Since then, R. J. and I have become great online friends through Facebook, Twitter, and other blogs. I have a lot of respect for her as a writer. So, last year I asked R.J. for an interview. She gladly accepted. But to make things fun and interesting for us and for our readers, we decided to do the interview via Twitter. So, our questions and her answers had to be 142 characters or less. Enjoy! LLBR: Let me start by congratulating you on the Amazon Encore acquisition of W.S. What are you excited about the most with the upcoming release? RJK: Knowing that it has the potential to reach a bigger audience. I try to write stuff that connects with people…the more people the better. LLBR: Did they request any changes, other than the cover, to be made to Waiting for Spring? RJK: It got a very thorough (and very welcome) copy edit. I’m happy to say there were no major cuts. Plot-wise, there’s only one minor change. LLBR: Tell us where this story came from when you first wrote it. What inspired you to write this book? Is it personal? RJK: It’s personal, but not autobiographical. I wanted to explore the dichotomy between what we say out loud as opposed to what we think & feel. LLBR: Tell us who you were as a writer BEFORE you wrote this book. RJK: In terms of style I’m the same kind of writer now as then. I do outline a LOT more now, though. I didn’t outline at all for WFS. LLBR: Are there any well known or famous writers (living or dead) that have influenced your style? If so, how? RJK: Australian author/poet Luke Davies. His prose is gorgeous, but his stories are gritty as hell. He made me realize that blend was possible. LLBR: Who (or what) else are you reading these days? RJK: Three most recent: 33 AD – David McAfee. Pictures of You – Caroline Leavitt. Harry Potter series. I like a little bit of everything. LLBR: What’s the one book, or Great American Novel, you wish you’d written? RJK: Honestly, The Princess Bride. It might be the most perfect book I’ve ever read. It’s entertaining and funny, but it’s smart, too. LLBR: What are you working on now? Will you self-publish it or are you seeking representation? RJK: Currently working on The Wendy House, a follow up to WFS (not exactly a sequel). Encore has first dibs and I see no reason to go elsewhere. LLBR: On being a writer or author, what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? And who gave it? RJK: ‘If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.’ – Toni Morrison LLBR: What advice would you give for new authors considering self-publishing? RJK: Have your book well edited. Research ALL your publishing options. Be patient. Overnight success is rare. Success takes lots of hard work. Thanks, R.J.!
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