Interview Barbara Wright

by

Linda M. Orlando

1. Barbara, how long have you been writing, and have you always written in this genre? Did you know from childhood that writing was your purpose in life, or was your writing something that you discovered later?

I’m a “late bloomer”….very late in fact. It was not until I was in the second half of my fifties that I even thought about writing.

2. What would you like to share with us that will help us get to know Barbara Wilson Wright better?

I consider myself a good example of “you’re never too old to try something”. In my fifties after a career in teaching and guidance counseling, I left and went to nursing school. I was the oldest graduate in the Arapahoe Community College School of Nursing where I studied. In fact one time while doing a practicum, a floor nurse came charging up to me and demanded to know if I was the instructor for all “these student nurses”. She was stunned to learn that I was “one of those student nurses”. My first book, “ A Life Hidden”, was published when I was 64. See… you can do anything!

3. What do you enjoy most about writing, is there one part of the process that really excites you?

Yes, putting a plot and characters, especially characters, together in my mind for the first time is exciting.

4. What was the inspiration for your story, La Sorellanza (The Sisterhood), if there was something in particular?

A friend asked me to see the movie, “The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood”. When I got out I thought I’d like to write about a sisterhood. By the way I have no brothers or sisters.

5. What are the characteristics of an unforgettable character from your point of view?

I think an unforgettable character is one which you yourself would like to be.

6. Do you have a favorite character in your book?

No, not really because my book has five heroines and there is in each of them a part which I admire.

7. Do you write every day? If so, how many hours a day? Do you have a favorite time of day or a special place to write?

I’m very undisciplined! I write when the mood and ideas seize me. I prefer the evening however after a walk during which time I set up the next chapter. I talk to myself as I walk. Thankfully the neighbors understand and are not alarmed.

8. Do you have a ‘day job’?

No. I’m semi-retired from teaching and nursing.

9. Do you use an outline to write or do you let the story guide you?

I outline rather haphazardly and as the story grows it guides me along.

10. Do you have a role model, a writer who inspired you, or some other person who encouraged you along the way?

I would have to say my Mother had the greatest influence on me as she was a believer that if you were willing to work hard… anything was achievable.