Hi, Robin! Welcome to the other side of the author interview table. We’ll try to be as nice as you’ve been to us ;) Tell us what’s going on with you!
What’s going on with me? I’m trying to find my brain! (I didn’t leave it with ya’ll over in the Alley, did I?) The Long Shadows of Summer, Book 1 in my new series, Seasons, releases in ONE WEEK!
And the million-dollar question: What’s your story about?
Identity. My main character, Mercedes, discovers some things that totally change her life—and her perspective of who she is.
What do you want readers to take away most from your book?
We are who God made us to be, no matter our life or circumstance.
Can you tell us a little about your journey to publication?
I jumped in without a clue. Did everything totally backward! LOL! I published my debut novel, Tessa, for Kindle in March 2014. Then started blogging. Then started following other blogs and sharing—and learning. And then published in print and had book signing events.
I was asked about a sequel, and lo and behold, two places in Tessa pointed right to the second book. And then there was book 3! Thought I’d take a break after that, but NOOOOO, Mercedes started chattering in my head and Seasons was underway without missing a beat!
What was the hardest thing about writing this book?
There are a lot of difficult scenes, but the one that really gets me is when the truth of who she is--who God says she is--really begins to penetrate her psyche.
Can you point to one thing that helped you get it finished and to this point?
Determination? My tight release schedule for one, but mostly because I want to honor God in what I’m doing. When I ask Him what He wants me to do Kingdom-wise, He says write. Serious. I don’t “feel” like I’m doing His work, but if my stories touch one heart, then that’s what it’s about.
What would you tell yourself five years ago (or when you started)?
I’d like to say slow down, think ahead, and have a plan. But my brain doesn’t work that way. For all my (OCD) planning, I still tend to barrel on through…
I would advocate for networking earlier on, I suppose. Attend conferences and writer’s groups—and follow writer blogs. ;-)
Now for some lighter questions! What are you currently reading?
Just did start A Time to Laugh by Marion Ueckermann (Love at First Laugh). And I gotta say, closing in on 60 myself, I CANNOT EVEN imagine!!!
What’s your favorite writing fuel?
Chocolate of course! Also keep cashews or almonds on hand. And I drink tea, iced and unsweet (sorry, Pepper) 24/7. Coffee in the mornings, cinnamon hazelnut, also not sweet.
Do you listen to music when you write?
Nope. Can’t. I start singing and/or bopping along and can’t concentrate on the voices—I mean the characters and story. :)
How do you reward yourself when you reach a writing goal?
Apparently, I just start a new story. That’s been the way of it thus far!
What’s the weirdest thing in your bag?
Oh dear… I have a weird obsession for paper products. I always take more napkins than necessary (when eating out) and stash ridiculous gobs of them in my purse. I don’t understand this need.
Thanks so much for joining us, Robin! We are looking forward to reading The Long Shadows of Summer!
About Robin: Robin E. Mason has been writing since 1995 and began working in earnest on her debut novel, Tessa, in 2013. Meanwhile, she cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned her BFA in Interior Design. Ms. Mason lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; she didn’t want to be who she was and struggled with her own identity for many years. Her characters face many of these same demons.
What’s going on with me? I’m trying to find my brain! (I didn’t leave it with ya’ll over in the Alley, did I?) The Long Shadows of Summer, Book 1 in my new series, Seasons, releases in ONE WEEK!
And the million-dollar question: What’s your story about?
Identity. My main character, Mercedes, discovers some things that totally change her life—and her perspective of who she is.
What do you want readers to take away most from your book?
We are who God made us to be, no matter our life or circumstance.
Can you tell us a little about your journey to publication?
I jumped in without a clue. Did everything totally backward! LOL! I published my debut novel, Tessa, for Kindle in March 2014. Then started blogging. Then started following other blogs and sharing—and learning. And then published in print and had book signing events.
I was asked about a sequel, and lo and behold, two places in Tessa pointed right to the second book. And then there was book 3! Thought I’d take a break after that, but NOOOOO, Mercedes started chattering in my head and Seasons was underway without missing a beat!
What was the hardest thing about writing this book?
There are a lot of difficult scenes, but the one that really gets me is when the truth of who she is--who God says she is--really begins to penetrate her psyche.
Can you point to one thing that helped you get it finished and to this point?
Determination? My tight release schedule for one, but mostly because I want to honor God in what I’m doing. When I ask Him what He wants me to do Kingdom-wise, He says write. Serious. I don’t “feel” like I’m doing His work, but if my stories touch one heart, then that’s what it’s about.
What would you tell yourself five years ago (or when you started)?
I’d like to say slow down, think ahead, and have a plan. But my brain doesn’t work that way. For all my (OCD) planning, I still tend to barrel on through…
I would advocate for networking earlier on, I suppose. Attend conferences and writer’s groups—and follow writer blogs. ;-)
Now for some lighter questions! What are you currently reading?
Just did start A Time to Laugh by Marion Ueckermann (Love at First Laugh). And I gotta say, closing in on 60 myself, I CANNOT EVEN imagine!!!
What’s your favorite writing fuel?
Chocolate of course! Also keep cashews or almonds on hand. And I drink tea, iced and unsweet (sorry, Pepper) 24/7. Coffee in the mornings, cinnamon hazelnut, also not sweet.
Do you listen to music when you write?
Nope. Can’t. I start singing and/or bopping along and can’t concentrate on the voices—I mean the characters and story. :)
How do you reward yourself when you reach a writing goal?
Apparently, I just start a new story. That’s been the way of it thus far!
What’s the weirdest thing in your bag?
Oh dear… I have a weird obsession for paper products. I always take more napkins than necessary (when eating out) and stash ridiculous gobs of them in my purse. I don’t understand this need.
Thanks so much for joining us, Robin! We are looking forward to reading The Long Shadows of Summer!
About Robin: Robin E. Mason has been writing since 1995 and began working in earnest on her debut novel, Tessa, in 2013. Meanwhile, she cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned her BFA in Interior Design. Ms. Mason lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; she didn’t want to be who she was and struggled with her own identity for many years. Her characters face many of these same demons.
She also writes stories of identity conflict. Her characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I really?” Readers who have ever wondered who they are or why they're here will be touched in a very real and deep way. “I know," Mason says. "I write from experience.”
In addition to her August release, The Long Shadows of Summer, her three novels, Tessa, Clara Bess, and Cissy, are available on Amazon, both for Kindle and in print. Mason also has several poems featured in Where Dreams and Visions Live (Anthologies of the Heart Book 1) and a short story titled "Sarafina’s Light" in the Blood Moon anthology. Book Two in her Seasons series, The Tilting Leaves of Autumn, is slated for release in November.
2 comments:
It's so nice to see Robin here! She's been a huge encouragement to many of us over the years. Great interview. We love you, Robin!
Thanks ever so much for having me today!! I really do feel like family over here! <3 and Keely, your words bless me - totally made my day!! MUAH
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