Clancy Tucker's Blog: 10 November 2012 - Monica Euen

10 November 2012 - Monica Euen - Guest Author

Miguel de Cervantes

Quote of the day:

'Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.'

Henry J Kaiser

Monica Euen - Guest Author

G'day guys,

Today I am pleased to welcome my first author from Spain - Monica Euen. Welcome, Monica. Tell us more about your life as a writer ...

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.

Well, it’s actually a rather short journey. I have always loved reading –that’s something I must thank my parents for-, and I’d made attempts at writing, of course ( I guess all readers do), but I’d never managed to write anything I would have liked to read. This changed when I wrote my first novella, Bed & Breakfast next to the Pink Roses Hotel. For the first time, I’d written something long enough to be considered a novella and good enough for me as a reader. Writing it was really a wonderful experience, which encouraged me to try again. So, I wrote my second novella, In Red, and published them together in a single book.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?

Getting to know my characters. I start with an idea, but then, as the story develops, I feel like they become alive and make their own decisions. When I write, I feel like a reader, waiting to know what they will say or how they will react. I don’t feel I have the power over them, which is very unexpected. I never thought writing fiction would be like that for me.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?

Trying not to take it too seriously. It wasn’t until I decided I would write for ME and not for other people, that I was able to actually write something. So that’s what I try to do: not to think that I need to sell books, or that I need other people to like it (although it’s so great when someone does...), but just enjoy the process. It sounds easy, but in such a competitive world that we live in, where success is measured by the money you earn or the prizes you win, it is not easy to find the patience to spend so much time (writing is time-consuming) just for the pleasure of doing it, with no goals in mind (which could become big disappointments if things don’t turn out as you had expected).

WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME A WRITER?

A waitress, a shop-assistant, a teacher and a translator. But, although I feel flattered by your assumption, I don’t think considering myself a writer would be accurate enough (not yet, at least). For the moment, I am a person who writes, among other activities, and who tries to be as happy as possible.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?

I began to write a third novella. But I can’t seem to find the inspiration... so it’s going slowly.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Many things. Experiences mostly, I think. And dreams (sometimes nightmares), wishes, other people...

WHAT GENRE DO YOU WRITE?

I’d like to think it’s romance with a little mystery.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?

Oh, no. I am a new writer myself. I am the one who needs tips.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK?

Yes, I do. It’s terrible, because my first impulse is to throw away what I’ve already managed to write, believing I won’t be able to finish it. And then, when I get new ideas again, I think: “Oh, I’m glad I kept it.”

DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED WRITING SCHEDULE?

I like writing in the morning.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE WRITING PLACE?

No. Any quiet and sunny place will do.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?

L.M. Montgomery. Reading her books is such a pleasure for me. She’s been my favourite writer since I was about nine years old.

WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER?

“I couldn’t stop reading until the story was finished and, even then, I didn’t want it to end.” It made me so happy to hear that.

WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT FROM A READER?

That they’d almost fallen asleep while reading my book.

WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?

Yes. I’m sure there are many things about me in my stories, which I may not even be aware of.

OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?

I like films very much. For me, watching a movie and reading a book are quite similar experiences. I also love travelling. That’s something I’ve inherited from my parents too. By the way, I lived as a child for two years in Queensland, so Australia really has a special place in my heart.

IF YOU HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THE ENTIRE WORLD, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

Please don’t make anyone suffer (and that includes animals too).

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

A day with no worries.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST ASSETS AS A WRITER?

I am a very sensitive person, which is usually a handicap, but I think it is not so bad for writing.