REBECCA FORSTER
- Guest Author -
G'day folks,
Welcome to an interview with a very successful author from the USA who has been in this business for a long time.
Welcome, Rebecca ...
1.TELL US A
LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.
Unlike most writers, I didn't dream of
being a writer. I never kept journals or wrote poetry. I was a student. I earned
my B.A. and MBA and embarked a business career - fashion and travel were my
specialty. I went to China for my client
in 1983 and that trip turned me into a travelholic. In November 2014 I lived in Tirana, Albania
for five weeks while my husband taught at the Tirana Law School as a Fulbright
Specialist. My husband is a superior court judge here in Los Angeles and I'm a
mom to two grown son: one is an incredible playwright and novelist; the other
is a businessman, his company is The Green Room Talent Management Agency in
Hollywood. Dinner parties are my favourite form of entertainment. Pretty much
I'll try everything once except bungee jumping or skydiving. Every single
experience I have had, every tangent I've taken, has prepared me for this
writing career. Now I am working on my thirtieth book in 30 years and each one
is as exciting as the last.
2.
WHEN AND
HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?
I
published my first book 30 years ago. At the time, I had a client who preferred
that I bring my team to his home for meetings. His wife would often come in and
out of the room to ask him questions. In my frustration one evening I asked my
secretary, "Who does that woman think she is?" To which my secretary replied, "That's Danielle
Steel." I didn't know who Danielle Steel was, but I learned quickly. When I
made a flip remark that "I could write a book", my secretary dared me
to do it. The challenge was on. No one was more surprised than me when my very
first book was published. That was the
beginning of a journey during which I found my true passion. However, I actually
became a 'writer' years later. I had a lot to learn about the craft. I'm sure I
still do.
3.WHAT TYPE OF
PREPARATION DO YOU DO FOR A MANUSCRIPT? DO YOU PLAN EVERYTHING FIRST OR JUST
SHOOT FROM THE HIP?
A little of both. I must have
a title before I begin because that drives the theme and plot. The Witness
Series books are especially intricate with dual story lines, sometimes moving
back and forth between time periods, so I will often make notes to keep
continuity on track. But I always know down to the last piece of dialogue how
the book opens and closes. It's like seeing a movie in my head. I also do a lot
of research especially in terms of the law and politics. I want my stories to
be as spot-on-realistic as possible. I think it makes a novel more exciting if
readers ask themselves 'does that really happen?'
4.WHAT DO YOU
ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
I
love the challenge of putting all the pieces together: characterization,
pacing, plotting, story. I don't want the reader to see the building blocks,
the tape and glue that hold the book together. It's like finishing a big puzzle
- sky and everything. The craft is exhilarating.
5.WHAT IS THE
HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
That
people think it's easy.
6.WHAT WERE YOU
IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME A WRITER?
I was an advertising
executive at a time when few women were on the business end of things. Most
women were in the creative departments but I found marketing fascinating. I have also been a counter girl at Kentucky
Fried Chicken, a bar maid in a Chicago dive, a secretary, a seamstress, worked
in a pet shop and a wig store, and have been a writing instructor at the UCLA
Writers Program. I've been working since I was 15 and every job I've ever held influenced
my writing.
7.WHAT IS YOUR
GREATEST WRITING ACHIEVEMENT?
The
creation of The Witness Series. I wasn't sure I could write three books when
Penguin Putnam suggested that Josie Bates was a worthy series character. Now
there are 7 books. I think following the characters' lives instead of
continually creating courtroom dramas has made this unique in the genre and
that is satisfying.
8.WHAT ARE YOU
WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT.
Two
new series. The first will be a police procedural and the lead novel is Severed Relations. The second is a step
out of my comfort zone - humor. I can't wait to see how those books are
received. I laughed while I was writing them, but I'm not sure that counts.
9.WHAT INSPIRES
YOU?
My
husband. He worked his way through law school as a moving man - he can still
pack a mean truck. As an attorney, he was a federal prosecutor specializing in
organized crime and terrorism. He was one of the youngest judges appointed to
the California bench and handled some very high profile criminal and civil
cases. He was presiding judge of the largest court in the world (L.A.). He is
nice and funny and smart. He inspires me everyday to be curious about the world
and to never ever make judgements until I hear both sides of a story. I think
that counsel is reflected in my books. I try to have a character to voice all aspects
of the theme I choose to write about.
10.WHAT GENRE DO
YOU WRITE?
I
write legal and political thrillers for the most part. I am fascinated by our
exquisite and yet exquisitely flawed systems. They are rich backgrounds to a
character's story and provide ethical and moral dilemmas I find fascinating.
11.DO YOU HAVE ANY
TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?
Your
fourth draft of a book might be ready to send to publishers. I learned the hard
way that editing is where the good writing happens.
12.DO YOU SUFFER
FROM WRITER’S BLOCK?
I
sometimes make things harder than they need to be so I'm not sure if that's
writer's block or simply building my own wall to ram my head into. I fight it
by doing something physical: playing tennis, taking a hike, cleaning the house,
sewing, quilting. The best cure for writer's block is travel - doesn't have to
be exotic or expensive - but it works. When I'm at conferences I love to talk
about Creative Travel for writers because it's worked so well for me.
13.DO YOU HAVE A
PREFERRED WRITING SCHEDULE?
I
work like I did when I was a corporate maven. I start work about 7:30 a.m. and
work until about 2:00 p.m. Then I do my errands and chores. I'm usually back to
work answering emails, attending to social media and editing until 9:00 or
10:00. I do some sort of work seven days a week. I'm one of those people who
need a disciplined schedule.
14.DO YOU HAVE A
FAVOURITE WRITING PLACE?
For
15 years I have been going to a local coffee shop, Coffee Cartel, to write. The
baristas will take messages for me and there are regulars who inquire how the
new book is going. It's an eclectic place so I also get lots of character
inspiration. If I stay home I'll clean the house or raid the fridge. Best to
get away.
15.WHAT IS YOUR
GREATEST JOY IN WRITING?
Getting
an email or a letter from a reader. I still write to my first fan. We've been
pen pals for 29 years. Her grandkids and my kids grew up on the pages of our
snail mail letters and then our emails.
16.WHO IS YOUR
FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?
There
is no one favourite author. I like Stephen King's early work. He is superb at
characterization. Wilkie Collins' Woman
In White, considered the first legal thriller, inspired me greatly. Recently, I read a book called I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. After 800
pages I wanted more. His style, dialogue, characterization were fantastic. His story was seamless. Independent authors
who have become favourites are David Wisehart who wrote Devil's Lair. David is one
of the smartest writers I've read and he changed my mind about Indies. And, of
course, Eric Czuleger, Immortal L.A. Eric
is my son but he is an exceptionally talented novelist and playwright. Both
these Indies brought me into the world of Magical Realism with intricate
history laced books. Their unique use of the language is just like a four
course meal with a decadent desert.
17.WHAT’S THE
GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER?
"Even
without the cover, I would know I was reading one of your books." That
comment told me I had finally found my true writing voice.
18.WHAT WAS THE WORST
COMMENT FROM A READER?
Early
in my career an editor once sent a rejection letter saying that it was "a
pity Ms. Forster was not as intelligent on the page as she was in person".
Ouch.
19.WRITERS ARE
SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?
Yes.
Always.
20.OTHER THAN
WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?
Travel,
travel, travel. Traveling with my family. Traveling to speaking engagements.
Traveling just because. Adventures. I spent two days on the USS Nimitz and
landed by tail hook on the deck of the carrier. Very cool. Cooking, sewing,
tennis, reading, movies. Throwing dinner parties - one side of the table judges
and lawyers, the other side creative types. It is always lively around our
table.
21.DID YOU HAVE
YOUR BOOK / BOOKS PROFESSIONALLY EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?
Yes.
I've worked with Jenny Jensen for years. I credit her with pushing me to ever
more sophisticated story levels. Line editing is important, but content editing
is critical. She worked on Keeping
Counsel and that book became a USA Today Bestseller. She guided me through
the Witness Series and those books
were on the Amazon U.S. and U.K. top ten lists for two years. She's awesome.
22.DESCRIBE YOUR
PERFECT DAY.
Tennis
early in the morning (I play on a competitive team), fitting into my favourite
jeans, getting my favourite table at Coffee Cartel, writing 4,000 words without
flinching, having my husband email and ask me on a dinner date where we'll have
Chinese food and I'll get a great fortune in my cookie. Oh, and then my sons
would surprise me with a visit. Eric would bring a new book idea to discuss and
Alex would bring my grand dog Tucker. Perfect day.
23.IF YOU WERE
STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND WITH ONE PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE? WHY?
My
husband. We've been married 38 years. I know I could count on him to get
coconuts, make a fire, be funny and I would never be afraid even when it got
really dark.
24.WHAT WOULD YOU
SAY IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO SPEAK TO WORLD LEADERS?
When
you speak, please actually say something.
25.WHAT ARE YOUR
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
Always
more writing. I have a movie script - a romantic comedy - with wonderful
attachments. I would love to see that produced so if you know anyone with a
million dollars send him (or her) my way. I will spend time with my mom who is
90 and still carries her own suitcase at the airport when she travels. Write
some more. Travel some more. Be curious.
26.WHAT FIVE BOOKS
WOULD YOU TAKE TO HEAVEN?
I
love these questions! The Jambalaya Cookbook, Eyewitness (can I take one of my
own?), a letter my grandfather wrote (not a book but a great story), Goodnight
Moon, Immortal L.A.
27.DO YOU SEE
YOURSELF IN ANY OF YOUR CHARACTERS?
I
hear myself in each of my characters, including villains.
28.DOES THE
PUBLISHING INDUSTRY FRUSTRATE YOU?
I
get that publishing is a business and, truthfully, that part of the indusry is
interesting to me. Many writers see only the creative side but I can't be too
frustrated when I understand there are bottom lines to be met, distribution
channels to maintain, incredible overhead, etc. What I find frustrating is my
inability to make calculated professional decisions because of market whims and
fashions. There is that magical, fairy dust thing going on that an author can
never predict. Think of 50 Shades of Grey
- who saw that coming? I do have a pet
peeve that I suppose you could call a frustration and that is the celebrity
advance. I have seen so many multi-million dollar deals for celebrity books
that, once published, don't sell through. I'd like to see more reasonable
advances to celebrities and then have publishers fund 10 new authors with
potential. By that I mean publishers should identify potential in every genre,
not just literary fiction. That would be a win/win for authors, readers,
publishers and even the celebrities.
29.DID YOU EVER
THINK OF QUITTING?
Yes,
but not for the reason you think. After I read I Am Pilgrim and Gone Girl,
I thought the great commercial books have now been written. Then I thought
again. Why can't I top those? I started writing on a dare so daring myself to
be a better writer seems an appropriate challenge. Those two books are the ones
to beat in my mind.
30.WHAT WAS YOUR
FAVOURITE MANUSCRIPT TO WRITE? WHY?
I've
grown as an author, so I am proud of improving with each book. I do have a few
that are close to my heart. Before Her Eyes
is very personal. Both my father and father-in-law passed within three months
of one another after long illnesses. In the last weeks I was privy to their
perception of the world they were leaving. It was both fascinating and unsettling
and strangely comforting. This book is a traditional police procedural in third
person and a fantasy in first person. I am very proud that each section
dovetails into the next by utilizing the senses - sight, scent, and sound - and
that the very last page has been such a surprise to readers. It truly is the
book of my heart. The next one was Eyewitness.
That book was inspired by my first trip to Albania to visit my son in the
Peace Corps. Combining history and modern day and finding common ground between
ancient law and modern justice was an incredible - and incredibly satisfying -
challenge.
31.HOW WOULD YOU
DEFINE ‘SUCCESS’ AS A WRITER.
Each
year of my writing life has had success markers: starting a book, finishing a
book, my first contract, seeing my book in a bookstore, a signing, finding my
book on the USA Today bestseller list, recovering and continuing to write when
another didn't do well, eventually making a living as a writer. Each day an
artist or writer plies their craft - puts pen to paper or brush to canvas - they
experience a success. Many will say what they want to write a book but only a
few will actually do it. That is success. Moving forward is success. Learning
the business and applying it is success.
32.WHAT SHOULD
READERS WALK AWAY FROM YOUR BOOKS KNOWING? HOW SHOULD THEY FEEL?
I hope
my stories will stick with my readers long after they have finished reading the
last page. I choose topics that I think I want to explore: father's rights, mind-control
experiments our government conducted in the 50s, parental responsibility. I
want readers to feel breathless after reading my books and maybe a little
uneasy with the questions each story raises. That's the way I feel after I
write one.
33.HOW MUCH THOUGHT
GOES INTO DESIGNING A BOOK COVER?
So much! I'm just relaunched The Witness Series, Before Her Eyes and
Character Witness with brand new covers that I think are beautiful and
definitive. It was a long process.
34.WHAT’S YOUR
ULTIMATE DREAM?
I dream
of being read internationally. Currently Hostile Witness has been translated
into French and German, so I'm making headway. To be honest, though, I'm pretty
sure I am living the dream right now. I write everyday, I write about what is
important to me, and I talk to readers and other authors from all over the
world thanks to the Internet. When I wrote my first book on a typewriter my
dream was typing a page without a typo. Who knew dreams come true?
35.WRITING IS ONE
THING. WHAT ABOUT MARKETING YOU, YOUR BOOKS AND YOUR BRAND? ANY THOUGHTS?
The
marketing I do is very personal. I like to connect one person at a time and as
often as possible. It makes me smile when people are surprised that I write back
when they send me a message. They expect an automated response. For me that
connection is a huge joy. I have to honor that kind of support by writing the
best books I can. I do a lot of speaking engagements both to entertain
philanthropic groups or bar associations or teach at conferences. I was a
keynote at the Civil Judges Conference recently and to sit in the courts formal
courtroom and speak to a gathering of judges about the law and inspiration was
so cool. I love going to book groups. Bottom line I think my natural gregariousness
serves to build a platform.
36.ARE YOUR BOOKS
SELF-PUBLISHED?
I was
traditionally published for 25 years. I've been an Indie for the last five. I
do
have an
agent who handles foreign and film rights.
37.DESCRIBE
YOURSELF IN FIVE WORDS.
Wife,
mom, curious, hardworking, happy.
38.WHAT PISSES YOU
OFF MOST?
Rudeness.
Arrogance.
39.WHAT IS THE
TITLE OF THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? GOOD ONE?
Broken April by Ismail Kadare.
He is an Albanian author who wrote about blood feud (Albanian blood feud inspired
my book, Eyewitness) and it was interesting to see how he handled the subject.
40.WHAT WOULD BE
THE VERY LAST SENTENCE YOU’D WRITE?
Life is
what you make it; make it interesting.
41.WHAT WOULD MAKE
YOU HAPPIER THAN YOU ARE NOW? CARE TO SHARE?
Nothing
could make me more content than I am now. I won't tempt the fates by asking for
more. Then again, I wouldn't turn more down if it came my way.
42.ANYTHING YOU’D
LIKE TO ADD?
You
pretty much covered everything with these great questions, so how about thank
you to every reader who gives my work a go. That is always appreciated.
Website: http:/www.rebeccaforster.com
Clancy's comment: Thank you, Rebecca, for such detailed answers. Well, folks, yet again, another top-selling author has been presented. Check out Rebecca's books.
I'm ...
No comments:
Post a Comment