tell us about you and your books
How did you
do in English as a kid?
I did great in English, from the first grade until
the last day of Senior English. Since I’m one of those people who tend to
disappear into the woodwork—you know, the girl the third from the end whose
name you can’t remember—I loved being good in English. I was a little
embarrassed about it, too, but when I started writing when I was in the fifth
grade, I was grateful. Grammar and spelling came so easily that all I had to do
was come up with a story. And a plot. And a voice…
When did you decide to become an
author?
Decide? You mean there are people for whom that is a
conscious decision? Seriously, it may have been that I was an unhappy kid who
enjoyed creating worlds for herself where money was no problem, the heroine had
good hair, and her siblings didn’t think she was a pain in the neck. It grew
from that, of course, but I think that was the basis for the “decision.”
Is there
anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
When I was young, I wrote quickly. If I had to take
out a bunch of stuff I never worried about it because replacing it would take
no time at all. Nowadays, I write so slowly that I have trouble keeping up with
the story. I have to check and re-check make sure I have eye color right, last
names right, personality points in the right person. I get very impatient with
myself.
How do you
get to know your story characters better?
By writing them, which admittedly is a clumsy way of
doing it, because I might realize that the person on page 154 isn’t at all the
same one I introduced on page two, which means going back and inserting things
and taking things out to give the person cohesion. I’ve never had a cohesive
moment in my life, so I’m not sure why it’s necessary that my people do, but it
is.
and for something fun
Do you have a favorite quote?
Yes. From A. A. Milne. “‘What day is it?’ asked
Pooh. ‘It’s today,’ squeaked Piglet. ‘My favorite day,’ said Pooh.” Thanks to
Mr. Milne, I make it a point to have as many “favorite days” as I possibly can.
Do you have any hobbies?
I sew. I don’t do it particularly well, but I do it
a lot. I make quilts mostly, and projects where there is need. I hardly ever
watch TV, but I have it on while I sew, and the combination puts me in a nice,
peaceful place.
Have you ever found true love?
If it’s love, it’s true, right? The fact that my
first love didn’t end well didn’t make it any less true. I say that, but the
fact that my last love is still the beginning and ending of my every day after
50 years—I guess maybe that’s my ultimate truth. So, yeah, I have, and I’m
everlastingly grateful.
What is your favorite time of year and
why?
Other than February, every time is my favorite. Even
February has Valentine’s Day and my younger son’s birthday. I’ve always
thought, even more now that I’m…of a certain age, that the journey is so much
more fun and exciting than the destination. Therefore, every single time of the
year is part of a journey and I like it. Except for February.
where can we find out more?
Discover The Healing
Summer on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Summer-Liz-Flaherty-ebook/dp/B07X8DGPM6
Liz, I enjoyed your interview so much! I can relate to the image of you sewing with the TV on. I started "watching" hockey because it soothed me while I did embroidery. I got hooked--but alas, no playoffs this year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. I've watched the Anne of Green Gables series of movies soooo many times.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyable interview, Liz! Love your favourite quote. That little bear certainly has some wise words. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHI Liz: Nice getting to learn more about you. And glad to know there is another slow writer out there. Good quote. Can't go wrong with the Pooh bear.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your interview! Loved your quote.
ReplyDelete