9.SR: What do you know now about the writing profession that you wish you knew when you first began writing?
WO: Well, since I work in a library, I read every book published about writing when I began. And then kept reading new books as they came out. (The books today are much better than the ones I read.) I quickly learned about rejection being a way of life. Being online with writers helped me learn how to negotiate contracts. But the thing everyone has to learn first hand is -- publishers SAY they reply in 3 months, but that never actually happens. The waiting time is more like 4 months to a year or more. So everyone has to learn to send their ms. out and forget about it. Begin work on something else. Don't do like I did the first year. I kept expecting a reply (acceptance, naturally) withing a month or two. Newspaper and magazine work is much faster.
10.SR: What is the best writing advice you have ever received?
WO: Patricia Wrede says, "Editors don't make house calls. You gotta send it out." I tell people that it's not that I'm more talented than other people. I'm just more stubborn. I kept sending things out to the next publisher and the next.
11.SR: What advice can you give to newbies trying to break into the writing profession?
WO: Expect and plan for rejection. REmember, they are not rejecting YOU. They're not saying that you can't write. They really mean it when they say that it doesn't suit their needs. Keep writing. Eventually something will sell.
12.SR: Do you have an agent?
WO: NO.
13.SR: What are you reading right now? (Children's and or adult books)
WO: I'm in an escapist reading mood. I"m reading Regency Romances. I can't stand bodice-rippers or long historicals with too much sex and not much story. (hmmm, must be the children's librarian/ children's book author in me) I like fantasy such as Harry Potter and Regency Romances. (yes, I consider them 'fantasy.' There simply aren't that many Dukes in the world to populate all the Regencies written.)
14.SR: Please finish this sentence:
WO: I believe the only thing you can do is to do the best you can and try to live a good life.
