What is the best thing that I love about my work? What I love best about being an author is the magic of creating. I love getting to know my characters and then taking the journey of discovery with them. I miss them when the story is complete. And of course, I love it when readers love them as much as I do.
What is my idea of perfect happiness? For me, perfect happiness is when I am with my family. But when my real family is not around, my fictional family keeps me company. They take me on grand adventures and—this is the best part—I don’t have to leave my house (I’m a hermit).
What is my greatest fear? Well, in my real world, I am afraid of bears. Lol But in my writing, my greatest fear is when I start a book, that it will be THE book I’m not able to finish and then I won’t be able to finish anymore books. I am an “into the mist” writer, so when I start, I’m literally feeling my way through the story and finding the characters in the dark. There is always a point where I panic and have to remind myself that I’ve finished books and short stories and I can finish this one.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Being timid. I wish I were as bold and brave as my characters.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? I would say that the “living persons” are a collective of bold and brave indie women who are publishing their books and going around obstacles to reach their dreams. They help others, share knowledge and lift colleagues when they can. I’ve learned to much from these brave women and I try to pass on what I learn.
What is my greatest extravagance? Technology. I love having new technology. I’m like Gollum with the One Ring when I get a new tablet. And then one of my grandchildren gives me an imploring look and I hand it to them to play a game (and I learn new features from watching them. They knew more about my stuff when they were two. Yes, it is embarrassing.)
On what occasion would I lie? I don’t lie. If I can’t be truthful with someone, then I change the subject. Lying…no.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I used to hate doing the business of publishing and I still don’t love it. But I’m learning a lot. As for my work, I don’t know that I dislike anything in my work, well, I dislike my bad guys. I sometimes wish I wrote grander stories that would endure after I die. But I write to entertain, to help people escape when the world gets tough, because that is what I like to read. So I don’t expect my work will outlast me (other than to cause my heirs problems).
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I think I was the happiest when my first book suddenly broke into a gallop and carried me along to the ending. It was exhilarating and heady and amazing. Twenty-plus books later, I am thrilled when a book takes off. It is grand, but it’s not quite the same as that first time.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I would be taller. And more patient. But I can work on being patient. I can’t get taller and will probably get shorter as I age.
What is my greatest achievement in work? For me, my greatest achievement is finishing. I’ve had some lovely accolades and awards, but starting something new and finishing is an achievement each time (see fears above).
Where would I most like to live? Where I am. In Wyoming. Home. I wandered in other places for thirty-four years and being home makes my heart happy.
What is my most treasured possession? My family.
What is my most marked characteristic? Goodreads says I died in 1999, so…being a zombie writing while dead?
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? Heart Mountain. I’ve only written one story set in Wyoming, but that is going to have to change now that I’m home. For now, being here, seeing Heart Mountain (all “my” mountains really) fills my soul with peace and refills my creative well.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? That is difficult to answer. I’ve lived in New Orleans and Houston, TX, both places with truly amazing food. I didn’t return to Wyoming for the food. Lol However, a chef from Louisiana has opened a restaurant called Bliss. It is in a fish camp outside of town, operating in a converted barn. The tables are in the former stalls and the very delicious food sweeps me back to New Orleans.
What books influenced my life and how? I would have to say the book that helped me most as a writer and author is Dorothea Brande’s Becoming a Writer. It isn’t a “how to” write book, but it is just what the title says. It helps you become a writer. I had to check it out of the library over and over, and was thrilled when a new edition was released and I could own it.
Who are my favorite writers? Georgette Heyer, Alastair Maclean, Mary Stewart, Elizabeth Cadell, Helen MacInnes…from these authors I learned to write. I have favorite present day authors, but I’d get in trouble if I only mentioned one or two, so I’ll refer you to my comment about amazing women breaking barriers.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Well, if I’d known I was going to die in 1999, I would have liked to be listening to Amazing Grace or perhaps “Come Thou Fount.” I was probably listening to some vintage rock’n roll, however, like “Woolly Bully.”
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? I did mention I read to escape, right? I’d have to say Harry and Hermione from Harry Potter books or Frodo and Sam from Lord of the Rings. There are a lot of good lessons to be learned from these books.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My mom and dad were. My dad was in Korea, once in a major battle, and his battalion received a citation for bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. When things get hard, I think, “Well, at least no one is shooting at me.” And I watched my mom die. She was so brave, there are not words. I hope, when my time comes, I can be that brave.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Once? But I watch and rewatch movies that inspire me. Sigh. If you’re going to make me pick one, if someone could only watch one, I would suggest it be The Finest Hours. It is based on a true story of real heroes, of the greatest small boat rescue in US Coast Guard history. It is a great reminder that ordinary people can be brave and that real problem solving is about what hasn’t been done yet.
What role plays art in my life and work? I surround myself with things that inspire me. Not great art, but things that make me happy. Often these things filter into my writing, like my flamingo kitsch. But my favorite thing to have around me are my books (if I can’t have my grandkids, of course).
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? It is a toss up between my husband and my sister (though my sister would be the partner in crime. We buy flamingo kitsch together). My husband has been my personal paparazzi and hug giver since I told him I wanted to be a writer some day.
Whom would I like to work with in 2017? I’ll dream big here. I’d like to work with someone who could put one of my books onto the silver screen (big or small).
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017? I feel like I “meet” amazing people all the time. Granted, this is not a face-to-face meeting, but I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the most innovative people in self-publishing. Also, I’m a hermit, so not being face-to-face with people while still being able to learn from them is great.
What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on? My friend, Veronica Scott and I, are in the process of releasing our second Pets in Space anthology. It’s been an honor and privilege to work with the amazing authors, and our charity, Hero-Dogs.org. It will release in Oct, 2017 and it is my hope that we will be able to do another one in 2018.
Where can you see me or my work in 2018? I would like have a year without real life drama so that I can tick off each item on my publishing schedule. It’s not as grand as hoping to hit a bestseller list or win an award, but I’ve had enough real life drama to fuel a lot of writing for a quite a while to come. And just writing is where I heal.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? It means that I’ll keep writing stories until I die (for real this time) or my brain shuts down. Even if no one ever read anything that I write, I would keep putting one word after the other. It is what keeps me sane when life gets crazy.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? I think Veronica Scott and S.E. Smith each have inspiring personal stories. Oh my, there are a lot of authors I know who are struggling to feel like their stories matter. Stephanie (S.J.) Pajonas. Greta Van Der Rol. Laurie A. Green. Donna Frelick.
How can you contact me?
Readers can always find me on my website: www.paulinebjones.com
The Heroine's Journey 