Interview with Rosa Sophia

How did you end up becoming a writer?

You don't “become” a writer.  You already are a writer.  Even people who don't start writing until later in their life.  They were already writers, they just didn't know it yet. 

I grew up around books.  We weren't allowed to watch TV.  My mother, Ruby Lynn, worked full time, which meant that my brother and I were often at our Grandma Polly's house.  I drew a lot of inspiration from that house.  It was dark and cozy.  I was haunted by words, among other things; at a very young age, I loved Shakespeare and would read the big thick books that my grandma had in her living room.  As a young girl, my career of choice was “famous author.” 

What inspired “Taking 1960”?

Across the creek from my mama's house is an old farmstead that sits on a hill, hidden behind some trees.  Mama told me stories about the house and the people that used to live there.  My mother's stories about that house were a huge inspiration.  Many other aspects of the book are based on stories I heard, or people in my family.

Are you nervous about how the book will be received?

Extremely.  It is now the tenth, and my first book talk is this Friday, the thirteenth.  I want the book to do well, and everyone keeps telling me that it will, but it's harder for me to believe it.  I don't want to be the center of attention (I'm terrified about this book talk), but I also want to make money doing something that I love.  In order to succeed, you have to take risks.  In my mind, this is a huge risk, because I am exposing something that means a lot to me and I will have to accept whatever comes of it.

How do you relax after a successful writing day?

I don't.  I haven't had a particularly successful writing day in a long time.  I had one the other day, when I wrote five pages, but nothing compares to how I used to write.  I wrote Taking 1960 in three months during the summer of 2005.  I don't know what has changed, but I get very frustrated when I go long months without writing a single word.  For me, when I can actually get “on a roll,” there is nothing more relaxing than writing.  Terry Pratchett, one of my favorite authors, said: “Writing is the most fun a person can have by themselves.”  That's the relaxing part.  The stressful part is when I have to stop.

Do you like to read? If so, what are your favorite genres and authors?

I met a writer who didn't like to read once.  Incidentally, he wasn't a very good writer.  I think that writers should try to read all different sorts of things—from fiction to nonfiction—in order to diversify their own writing and broaden their perspectives.  I enjoy reading everything.  P.G. Wodehouse is one of my favorite writers.  My favorite mystery authors are Jeff Markowitz and Bill Crider.  And of course, one of my most favorite authors is J.W. Coffey.  If you get a chance, check them all out sometime. 

Are there any projects that you are currently working on?

My “writing-partner-in-crime” and I are working on a novel together, some of which can be found on the Pagan Writers website.  Look for it under the Columns and Serials menu; it is called Traces.  I am continually working on numerous projects, including the third book in the Dead series, A Message for the Dead.  That series remains unpublished, but I hope to publish it in the near future, beginning with A Siren for the Dead.  Also, Rev. David P. Smith (my agent) and I, plan on collaborating on a novel in the very near future, so we will see how that goes.

How can our readers pick up their copy of “Taking 1960”?

It will be available through the publisher, Dreamz-Work Publications, at the website www.dreamz-work.com.  I plan on eventually selling signed copies through my website, www.rosewrites.webs.com.  It should also be available through Amazon and other booksellers.  Anyone with questions in the future can contact me through my website.

Rosa is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Pagan Writers Community.  Be sure to stop by and wish her luck with her first novel, "Taking 1960."