And now we have the fabulous Lori Pollard-Johnson!
Lori Pollard-Johnson
Facebook and Amazon Pages, No Website
Books: The Truth Test (mid-grade novel); Recipe for a Rebel (mid-grade novel); Toxic Torte (adult cozy mystery); The Lie (edgy YA).
Current Project: Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage, a cozy mystery featuring two newly divorced women who attempt to make a living flipping houses in this economy. On the very first day of demolition, they discover a body floating in a homemade aquarium embedded in a closet.
A question I'd prefer never to be asked again is how I gave birth. My babies were big: 9 11 1/2 and 10 5, and people naturally assume I want to discuss my hoo-hah's experience (or not) in it. It's really no one's business. Furthermore, the way in which one's child is delivered is of little import to what you do for the next 18, 22, 35 years. If the child is healthy, you succeeded.
One piece of advice I wish someone had taught me long ago is "Let go." Don't worry about hurting other people's feelings; they're responsible for their own feelings. More importantly, I am responsible for my own feelings, and anything anyone says/does to me becomes a choice as to how to respond, if I respond at all.
One book I really loved that I read in the past year is ROOM by Emma Donaghue. Rarely do I read a book that insists that I stay up late and suffer the fatigue at work the next day. ROOM did. It was terrifying and real, thought-provoking and satisfying. Truly a great read.
An obscure book that I heartily recommend is Colleen McCullough (Of Thorn Birds fame) book, THE LADIES OF MISSALONGHI. Fantastic story, well-written, with elements of coming of age and romance. The surprise ending is truly a surprise, and I don't surprise easily.
I think publishing will continue to diverge into many variations/hybrids of traditional and self-publishing. There will be books for keeps--perhaps leather-bound, singly printed titles that will be passed down through generations, and there will be great, disposable beach reads--perhaps printed on rice paper. I believe ereaders will continue to grow--they're just too easy to pack along. I also believe that the short story will make a strong comeback and that novellas will be considered the new length. Perhaps books will be advertised on cell phones and other electronic devices with short video clips of scenes, much like movie trailers today.
A question no one has ever asked me is "What about your background prepared you best to be a writer?" The truth: my typing class in high school. I learned how to type quickly and efficiently on an old selectric (electric typewriter). This was pre-computer days.
Another great interview! If you'd like to be featured in Five (plus one) Questions, email me at pirategirljack at gmail dot com, and we'll see what we can do!
