INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR

CAROLYN R. SCHEIDIES

Q: When did you start Writing?

A. I was always writing. Even before I could read, I tried to make letters. Before I entered school, I kept bugging my dad to show me how to write this word or that. I soon knew all the three letter words that rhymed with cat and would make endless lists of rhymes. I loved the sound and rhythm of words.

Q: When did you begin writing stories?

A. In third grade several of us began a writing project. My story was titled THE THREE GOLDEN APPLES. I don’t recall much about the story, but I fell in love with writing. From then on I began writing in earnest. I also began to entertain my younger brother with made up stories.

Q: When did you decide to become a writer?

A. Very early on. I loved reading both fiction and non-fiction, loved the smell and feel of books. I probably always had a passion to write, but it wasn’t until elementary school I realized I wanted this to be my life’s work.

Q: Why did you decide to write fiction?

A. I always loved a good story. Even now, I am in awe of the skill of some authors to draw in the reader, then again, I read other books and think, “I can do better than that.” Quite frankly, once an idea starts spinning around in my mind, I feel compelled to write down the story as it unfolded.

Q: What mentor’s have you had?

A. When I was in high school, my father took a church in Iowa. There was a published writer in the congregation who kindly took me under her wing. She taught me how to format, edit my own writing, and market. It was through Margaret Freeman my first stories were accepted and published. Best of all, I got PAID! And I hadn’t even graduated from high school.

Q: Who are your favorite authors?

A. That’s tough. I’m a very eclectic reader and like many different types of writing from classic to contemporary, from literary to romance. Some of the authors I loved as a child were Walter Farley--the black stallion series (I loved anything having to do with horses.), Aristotle, Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney and Mary Stewart all come to mind.

     I kept adding “favorite” authors along the way. Now I devour Brandilyn Collins, and Dee Henderson. I also like  Francine Rivers, Robin Lee Hatcher, Tracie Peterson, JoAnn Grote, Irene Brand,  B.J. Hoff and too many others to count. I have books I read over and over again, and would not give up.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A. That one’s easy. The Bible. It has more variety of writing, more practical living tips and has the best story of all...the story of a loving God embracing his creation through the sacrifice of his son Jesus.

Q: How did you prepare for a writing career?

A. By getting a comprehensive degree in journalism. Writing for the media teaches you to work under deadline, to work within space limitations (most print publishers have word length restrictions), and not to waste words. This is great preparation for any kind of writing from picture books to novels. Basically, I learned to make every word count.

Q: Do you prefer writing fiction or non-fiction?

A. I have no preference. I write both. I love interviewing and writing about real people, because I believe everyone has a unique story to tell. I've written both fiction and non-fiction for all ages,  and have contributed to several non-fiction books. While I write articles for a variety of publications, I also enjoy writing fiction. There’s nothing quite like creating characters that take on a life of their own as they tell their story. And I like endings that end with hope.

Q: I noticed you have physical limitations, how has this influenced your writing?

A. Write what you know. Many of my characters also suffer some physical problem with which they must deal.

    As for me, I do tire easily and surgery sometimes short-circuits my writing schedule. I have learned to schedule around my limitations. I also appreciate the time I do have, and use it to its fullest. I hate wasting time. I have my PDA in which to jot ideas whenever they strike, whether that’s in a doctor’s office or the middle of the night.

Q: How does your writing affect your family?

A. My son is married and has three children, and my daughter is a counselor. When our children were young, I wrote whenever I could, whenever I had the energy, and whenever I was wide awake enough to concentrate...even for a few minutes.

Q: Where do you see your writing going from here?

A. I write a regular column for the Kearney Hub that I enjoy very much.

I  have had over two dozen books published and am working on several other projects.

I plan to continue writing both fiction and non-fiction, romance, suspense, articles, childrens....wherever the ideas, and the Lord, lead.