We had a chance to visit with Ginny McMorrow, an author and teacher in the Long Story Short School of Writing. Ginny, please tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been a writer? What made you put that first story/poem down on paper?
A. I've been writing for 15 years, but only "seriously" for about 8years. The reason I first started is simple: I had all these funcharacters in my head, and I wanted to share them!
Q. What types of stories/poems do you write?
A. I write a little of everything. I have four fantasy novels published as well as a handful of mystery short stories. I also write mystery and mainstream novels, not yet published. Most of my work revolves around relationships -- family, friends, lovers.
Q. What do your family/friends think about your writing? Are they supportive?
A. I'm very fortunate in that my family and friends are immensely supportive and my biggest fans.
Q. For you, what is most frustrating about writing? Most rewarding?
A. Most frustrating, I think, is getting the first draft down. I get antsy, and I'm not happy until that horrible, skeletal first draft (mostly dialogue) is written down. Only then, can I start to play. I'm in heaven when I'm revising a novel. The most rewarding aspect for me is to have someone tell me that they were touched in some way (even if that means that they laughed) by what I've written.
Q. Do you read much? What kinds of books inspire you to write- if any? Favorite authors?
A. I read constantly. I am humbled by the number of beautiful writers out there, and inspired when a book makes me want to write that well; whether it's women's literature or fantasy, a beautiful story is a beautiful story. Some (too many to mention) of my favorite authors in fantasy are Melanie Rawn, Jennifer Roberson, CJ Cherryh, and Mary Gentle; in mystery: JD Robb, Laurie King. Women's books: Carol Shields, Sue Monk Kidd. And so many more....
Q. Do you take most of your ideas from life? Or your imagination? A mix? (Do you hate when people ask this?)
A. Nah, I think it's a legitimate question, especially for people who don't write. My themes come from real life, since I write about relationships. Even in fantasy, reality intrudes. My characters come from my head. They're people I enjoy being with, which is important if you want to write a series.
Q. Do you have days when the words won’t flow? What do you do?
A. I think every writer has those days. I've learned not to push myself and take a break. Creativity comes in waves, and I know that when it returns, I'll be moving at light speed. When I'm not writing, I'm reading.
Q. Do you have a ‘golden rule’ of writing that almost always works for you?
A. Absolutely! Write from the heart, because if you don't, it will show.
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as a writer? What’s the worst?
A. Even if you're not published, you're still a writer. It took me awhile to get there mentally, but when I made that emotional commitment, it changed my whole perspective. The worst advice -- for me, anyway -- is that you have to write x number of words a day even if you don't feel like it.
Q. Can you tell us what classes you’ll be teaching and something about them?
A. I'm teaching Creating Unforgettable Characters because without characters to whom the reader can relate, the story -- for me -- doesn't come alive. And it's not only the good guys who need development, it's the bad ones, too.
Q. How long have you been teaching? What’s most rewarding for you about being a teacher? Have you ever taught in a forum situation before?
A. I've been teaching online for only a few months, but I've teaching adult education in my neighborhood for a few years now. The most rewarding aspect of teaching writing is when someone comes up to me and says, "I was afraid, or hesitant, or whatever....but your enthusiasm got me excited. Now I'm writing and can't stop!"
Q. Did we forget anything? What would you like to add? Any upcoming publications or links for our readers? Current projects we should watch for?
A. I hope to have my second young adult fantasy, Firewing's Shadow, out sometime this fall by Archebooks Publishing. And more important, thanks for the opportunity to have my say, and if you're unsure about writing, don't be. Find your own voice and your own story
