1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?
I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember. As a child I’d write poems and stories. Most of them I kept to myself, some I’d share with close friends and family members. Most of them I still have packed away somewhere.
One of the things I love the most about writing is reader connections. I’ve lived a long life and learned a lot of lessons. It makes me happy when a reader shares how the story resonates with him or her. We all have a story to tell. Writing has allowed me to connect with people I may not have otherwise met.
I’m frustrated when there’s a whole story in my head and I can’t get it on paper fast enough. It’s a good problem to have and I’m grateful. There are useful techniques to help people like me. Outlining and mind mapping are two techniques I use to help me to combat becoming overwhelmed and to keep my thoughts on tracks.
2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?
My books are faith-based stories of redemption and forgiveness. I’ve lived a long life and experienced a lot of things. My characters have similar experiences. They are flawed people who have made bad decisions (could be any one of us). My books can be found on Amazon https://amzn.to/2UuIR6w or on my website at www.wmasondunn.com.
3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?
My inspiration is drawn from a multitude of sources including the Scriptures, family and friends, personal experiences, dreams, the arts and so much more. I guess you could say it comes from anywhere and everywhere.
4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?
I work best in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee. But I have been known to wake up in the middle of the night, grab a journal and write down something that has come to me in a dream. By far, most of my creativity is accomplished before the clock strikes noon.
Yes, I use an outline. My outline is like a GPS, it keeps me pointed in the right directions. Inevitably I will get off course. Characters insert their thoughts, plot twist pop up when I least expect it, etc. But the outline basically gets me to my destination.
It takes me about a year to complete a novel from start-to-finish. That includes creating the outline, writing the first draft, numerous re-writes, several editor reviews, proofreading and publishing. It is a long and arduous process. But each step is important.
I’m working on another romance novel. Based on reader feedback from “Keeping Receipts,” it will include some familiar characters. My outline is done and the first draft is rapidly moving forward. If things go according to plan, it should be ready for publishing early 2025.
5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?
It’s difficult to remember very first book that moved me emotionally. But I recall feeling a connection with the Judy Blume stories as well as the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. Today, I have too many favorites to name. However, I find myself returning to anything written by Pat Simmons. I just finished reading “Free From Guilt” part of the Jamieson Legacy series.
6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
I consider writing “More Than Sisters” to be my most significant achievement. It is a story about a young girl, Dani, whose mother died when she was 18-month-old and whose father died when she was 9 years old. She was raised by Olivia, her oldest sister, and her husband. It is based on my life story and is dedicated to my sister, Viola and her husband, Henry. I consider it to be an achievement because it was my way of letting them know I understand and appreciate the sacrifices they made on my behalf.
In five years, I hope to be a better writer than I am today. I hope to have written many more books, and touched the lives of many more people. I hope to have made a difference in the lives of my readers and in some way pointed them Christ.
7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?
I consider my writing to be my ministry. God gave me the gift of writing. And the gift is not for me. It is for someone else and not everyone else. My books will get into the hands of those who are meant to read them. They were never meant for those who reject them.
I advise all writers to learn the craft of writing. Study the skill and technique of putting together a narrative to convey a message. Learn both the traditional and self-publishing process. It’s a cliché but it is true that the more you know, the more you will grow.
8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?
At times it can be difficult to juggle the creative side of writing with the business side of writing. I like to schedule dedicated time for creative writing and blocks of time for handling business. Of course I outsource certain tasks like editing, graphic design and promoting to the professionals like you. This allows me more time to focus on what I love to do, creative writing.
Building my platform has been as easy as engaging with readers and as difficult as finding new readers. Utilizing social media, creating, and maintaining an email list, attending industry events and collaboration are things I enjoy. However, the difficulty is finding time to do utilize those critical platform building techniques.
9) What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
I use my faith in God, life experiences and emotions to infuse authenticity into my writing. I’m a born-again believer who has traveled the country as a military spouse and mother. I ‘ve seen a lot of things and met a lot of people. And I’ve experienced a wide range of emotions. All those things resonate throughout my writing.
As a Christian I have been tasked with the ministry of reconciliation. Writing novels has allowed me to reach people I would not have otherwise met. When they read a book by W Mason Dunn, they are reading stories of reconciliation and forgives. My hope is that a seed will be planted and the reader will want to know more about Christ.
10) How can readers find you and your books?
My books can be found on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2UuIR6w or on my website at www.wmasondunn.com
Social Media Handles:
Facebook: @walettadunn
Facebook Author Page @wmasondunn
Instagram: @walettadunnauthor
Author Website: www.wmasondunn.com
