March 31, 2011

Q&A Thursday - Interview with Irene Peterson




I'm attempting to start a few weekly series posts on my blog and one of my friends graciously agreed to be #1! It's only fitting. I met Irene in 2005 at a street fair and she became my first official writer friend. I even Myspace'd her back then! Anyone still using that? Eh, that's a different post all together.

Enjoy & Comment!


What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn or know it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

I wrote a fantasy trilogy, each book 125K words, on a Brother electric typewriter back in the early 80s. It may be dreck, but may be salvageable. Only problem is, it is hard copy only....There are magic people, dragons, wars, horses...all to hide the sorrow of three miscarriages. It worked.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to go professional?
I started writing because I had to write. I've written nearly every day since I was 15. I tried to go pro in 1973 when I lost my teaching
job. Finally made it in 2006. How's that for persistence?

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

I write romance, women's fiction and fantasy. I really like mysteries, but I am not good with crimes. I'd make a terrible crook. Women's fiction is probably best for me.

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre or something different?

Sometimes I read other's books, most of the time when I am writing, I only read research material. During breaks in writing, I read anything I can get my hands on. I enjoy "funny" stories most.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

Easiest part is the writing. Hardest part is selling myself. I love signing my books, though. That's the coolest part of all.

If you could have the same type of career as any author currently publishing who would it be and why?

Anybody who writes one book a year and gets paid for it would be my ideal. Who does that? Anybody we know?

Author’s Biography: Irene Peterson has lived in a make believe world almost her entire life. She hails from Central Jersey where all the pools are above ground and all the front doors come from Home Depot. She is currently working on getting her kids out of university and a story about Long Beach Island during the week before the end of WWII.

You can find Irene online:
www.irenepeterson.com
http://peachette48.livejournal.com

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Irene, you are persistent, funny and brave! Holla to Jersey Girls! Thanks, Jenn for bringing Irene to the Blog.

KM Fawcett said...

What's a typewriter? ;)

Good interview. I'd be interested in reading your fantasy trilogy.

Kathy

Jenn Nixon said...

@Vikki, you're my #1 commenter, you know that! *hugs* You're awesome. Thanks for coming by!

@KM LOL I started on an electric one in HS! My times have changed.

Paty Jager said...

I've decided one third of what you need to get published is persistence. Then one third talent and the last third craft.

Good interview!

www.patyjager.net

M.Flagg said...

Hi Irene! Hi Jenn! I stopped here the other day and forgot to leave a comment. What a week!
That was a great interview, Irene. Loved the mention of the old typewriter. I had a portable Remington. Such fun!
Prayers to you, Irene!
~Mickey