Author Interview | Questions Answered by Fran Lewis!

I have always loved to write even before becoming an author. But, professionally it took a dare from my sister to write my first book when I retired from my job with the NYC Public School System when my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Someone had to care for her full time. My sister dared to become a couch potato or review a book. I reviewed a cookbook and I don’t know one knob of a stove from another. The review was filled with humor, fun quotes and much more. The author is still laughing and made sure it was read all over the Internet. My sister dared to write a book and I chose to write about our antics growing up in the South Bronx creating my Bertha Series with the first book titled My Name is Bertha. I have not stopped writing, reviewing ever since. I even created a magazine, MJ magazine in my sister’s memory and would welcome more contributors.

-Where is your favorite place to write?

My favorite place to write is at my computer in my small room. I never write I only type.

Before deciding on what to write about in my first book I compiled a list of things that I was interested in writing about or I wanted to learn more about. I decided to begin with what I know and that’s growing up and dealing with bullying, being overweight, dancing lessons that I hated and my first attempt at going to dance with a friend from school. From there I decided to write more Bertha stories until I created my Faces Behind the Stone series which required researching on the many areas that the main characters were involved in: Sorority Parties that went south, Teen drinking, Bullying in school and other topics. New writers have to have faith in what they are writing about, make sure that your work is edited the right way even if you have more than one editor. Make sure your cover fits the title and when asking for reviews ask people that have been reviewing for a long time and don’t be discouraged when some write negative reviews.

 

Writer’s Block does happen to everyone or most everyone. I take a walk, I step back from the book or whatever I am writing, I reread and then I have a cappuccino and then I move on to writing.

I love to take long walks. I love reading the work of other authors. I love shopping for clothes, shoes or just browsing. I love watching positive programs on television that make me smile and I love helping my nieces and nephews with their schoolwork if they need my expertise.