FAQ for Readers
Welcome to my FAQ for Readers. It's a work-in-progress, so feel free to send questions you'd like to see answered, and I will do my best to keep it up-to-date. For now, let’s pour ourselves a glass of wine or tea, sit back, and chat.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?
I’m not so sure one becomes a writer. I was born a writer…who happen to hit her stride at thirty-something. I wrote my first novel when I was ten. It was about unicorns. Very cliché. I have a countless number of diaries. My first literary rejection letter came when I was fifteen. The editors at Berkley were very nice and encouraged me to keep writing. I wrote in college, and read a lot. I believe inspiration took the ‘slowly marinated’ route to me, and I am utterly grateful. Mostly, reading inspired me.
YOUR BOOKS ARE FANTASTICAL, YET ROOTED IN MODERN-DAY REALITY. HOW DO YOU CRAM CREATIVITY AND REALISM INTO ONE?
I write what I love to read, and I love being thrown for a loop, but am quick to disbelieve. A scene has got to be crazy enough to get my blood pumping, while remaining realistic enough for me to think it’s entirely plausible. Same goes for characters. I love them ‘otherworldly,’ but their motivations have to be relatable, or I just don’t feel it. It’s a fine balance…but what fun to write!
DO YOU PLAN TO WRITE OTHER BOOKS?
Yes, I hope to be writing for a good long time. In the near future, I will take on book 2 of The Keeper’s series and book 2 of the GOT series. Both are stories I’m itching to tell, with characters just waiting for my attention. Currently, I’m writing No Apology For Being, a ghost story I started almost two years ago and cannot shake. Visit often and I’ll keep you updated on my progress.
WILL YOUR BOOKS BE MADE INTO MOVIE OR TV SERIES?
You never know. I've been told my books are cinematic and would make great movies. Keep your fingers crossed!
WHERE DO YOU COME UP WITH YOUR IDEAS? WHAT STEPS DO YOU TAKE TO LAUNCH AN IDEA AND MAKE A NOVEL OUT OF IT?
Great questions. I find ideas everywhere, and if I keep my eyes open, I’ll catch them passing on a breeze. The smallest thing can spur my curiosity, making me wonder why, how, or what. If 33% of the world believes in a Catholic God, what does the remaining 67% believe? How did dinosaurs jump from imaginary to real in less than a generation? What if the automobile was never invented? The possibilities are endless. The key is spotting an idea that really strikes my interest, enough to make me dive deep, uncovering a character’s secrets. Juicy stuff.
HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE YOU TO WRITE A FULL LENGTH (80,000+ WORD) NOVEL?
My first book, A Keeper’s Truth, took 10 weeks to write. I was seized with an idea and the characters were relentless. It happened at a time in my life (family death and illness) I needed an escape, and writing provided an outlet. Don’t be impressed. A Keeper’s Truth took over two years to edit. Writing is one thing. Writing well is another. And I had a lot to learn.
My second series, GOT, took 9 months to write. Only this time, I had more tricks up my sleeve, and by the time I wrote ‘the end,’ I was many edits closer to done. Among other things, I’d learned how to plan better, plot better, and edit as I go.
MY BOOK CLUB IS READING ONE OF YOUR BOOKS. WILL YOU VISIT, SKYPE, OR CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR BOOK WITH US?
Of course! The only thing more fun than reading and writing is talking about reading and writing. You can contact me at dee@deewillson.com or through my publisher, Driven Press. If we can find a mutually agreeable time, it would be my pleasure to speak with your book club.
I AM A BOOK BLOGGER, AND WOULD LIKE TO REVIEW ONE OF YOUR BOOKS. CAN I GET AN ARC, REVIEW COPY, OR REQUEST AN INTERVIEW?
Absolutely. Please contact my publisher, Driven Press, and we’ll get you everything you need for an honest review. You may also contact me through my agent, Hilary McMahon of Westwood Creative Artists, or directly, at dee@deewillson.com
WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN DONATING MONEY OR A SIGNED BOOK TO MY CHARITY?
I appreciate anyone involved in raisingawareness and money for charity. It is a noble cause. I am also involved in charities close to my heart, and donate both time and money on a regular basis. Although it’s not possible for me to donate money or books to everyone, and I prefer to donate to charities of personal interest, I want to thank you for asking, and for showing support in a charity you believe in. The world needs more people like you.
HOW CAN I GET A PERSONALIZED AND / OR SIGNED COPY OF YOUR BOOK(S)?
Join me at a workshop, conference, or signing, and I’ll be more than happy to sign your book for you. Please take a moment to check out my news/blog, to see when I’m at an event near you.
WOULD YOU ATTEND AND / OR SPEAK AT MY EVENT?
It’s possible – I love events – but I only budget for a few per year, and focus on events that allow me to learn more about the craft of writing. Please contact my publisher, Driven Press, or my agent, Hilary McMahon of Westwood Creative Artists, for speaking requests.
