Tell us a little bit about yourself (a quick blurb of the kind of books you like to write)
I was born to be a poet. So, the majority of the books I have self-published are either pure poetry or heavily laced with poetry. As I have found self-help books to be useful in my life, I also enjoy writing books of that nature as well.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since I was a small child, being published in a literary magazine at the age of 14 gave me the encouragement to continue writing. Throughout my adult life, I have been lucky enough to hold many positions where writing was an integral part of the job.
What motivates you to write? How do you begin writing?
I set goals for myself on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. Sometimes I am enticed to enter writing challenges and contests, and they are fun. Sometimes the idea of the piece sparks the beginning and other times it is the title of the piece that calls forth the content.
Do you have a writing routine? If so, what’s a typical day like for you?
At this time I do not have an established writing routine. I can turn anything into an excuse to NOT work on my writing. However, even if it is merely a poem I am posting on my blog or sending to someone as a gift, I DO write SOMETHING daily. If I am working on my monthly pieces for the magazine (The Magic Happens) I may work a bit, here and there on the several pieces I submit each month. Yet, there are other days, I bang everything out one right after another. Guess that qualifies me as a pantser.
How did you decide to self-publish instead of going to a traditional company?
Easy, I wanted it to look exactly as I wanted it to look, so when someone told me about self-publishing, I thought that would be the best route to take.
What was the self-publishing process like? How long did it take?
My first book was laid out rather “artsy-fartsy” because I had vision of creating a piece that not only shared my poetry, prose and photography, but in a way that was unique and original. My goodness, when I got the first proof copy, it was a train wreck. There was so much more I had to learn and I must admit I did a lot with gritted teeth. Eventually, I understood what was required of me and what their capabilities were and we met on common ground. That process took me a year. Then, I switched self-publishers and continued to learn from them. The biggest difference between that first time and those that followed, was I went into them with the attitude that I was learning and not like I knew everything.
Are you currently working on anything new?
YES! I am working on a sequel to BooKu: Halloween Haiku, titled Son of BooKu which is scheduled for released in autumn of 2019. Also, I have a book of Tanka poetry due out in February of 2019. I have titled this book Think Tanka: vision in verse. And there are at least 10 other ideas in various stages of development.
If you weren’t a writer, what would your career be?
Wow, I always imagined I would be a stage character actress. Actually, that is where I thought my life was headed for many years. There is nothing like being able to become a character and entertain audiences. It always lifted my spirits and helped me learn that I had worth, after growing up being told I was worthless. It has been many years since I have been in a show and who knows what the future holds. Maybe I’ll write a play in which I can perform!
Rachel, thank you for the invitation to connect with your audience. I appreciate you!
About Annette
Learning to read, opened up world of acceptance and creativity, Annette found irresistible. Learning to write, made that world come alive inside Annette. Publishing books, allowed Annette to share herself with the world.
To date, Annette has self-published 12 books in the categories of poetry, self-help, spirituality and inspiration. A Haiku Perspective 2018 became a #1 Amazon Kindle Best Seller within 3 days of release. Her television commercial copy writing, garnered her an Emmy nomination and a children’s coloring book she designed, won a national marketing award for her, then, employer, United Artist’s Entertainment.
Currently, Annette is the Copy Editor for the digital magazine, The Magic Happens.
Blog | The Magic Happens | Amazon
Tanka is a form of traditional Japanese lyric poetry that uses 31 syllables spread over 5 lines to convey it’s message. The word “tanka” translates to “short song.” This book elevates what may be considered average, to a new level of appreciation by connecting imagination and emotion. Those wishing to be inspired, uplifted or who are curious about poetry, will LOVE A Tanka Picture Book.
