Interview Evanell

by

Shiloh Walker

1) What is your favorite genre to write in and why?

Romance, both historical and mainstream. I think love is some kind of magic and I love reading and writing about it. I don't know why except that I'm a romantic at heart.

2) Were you nosey as a child?

Curious, but also a little shy. I think I blossomed after I discovered how friendly and wonderful so many people in the world are.

3) Who was the number one influence for you and why?

First it was my sister, Kathy, who listened to me make up stories and tell them at night. Later it was friends, who listened to me read creative school assignments. Then my husband, who encourages me and always makes sure my computer is working. My younger brother, Jim, who also writes, has also encouraged me not to give up.

4) How did you start writing?

When I moved to England, I retired and finally had the time. Writing is something I've always wanted to do because I've always had characters in my head telling me their stories. I went out and bought an electronic Brother typewriter that only printed four lines at a time and had to use special paper. (The power in England is 220, not 110). I still have that first 750 page MS somewhere. Maybe someday I'll turn it into three different novels.

5) How many hours a day do you write?

As many as possible. Mostly I write when I don't have something else I HAVE to do. Sometimes when I sit down to watch TV with my husband, my characters are more entertaining than what's on TV so I leave the TV and go back to work.

6) Where do you write? In an office? Dining room table?

I write in our computer room/office. It's at the other end of the house from the TV, kitchen, family room, bedroom, etc. When I travel, I usually have a notebook handy so I can jot down things as they come to me. Now I have a Laptop, so I can use it in the car or anywhere I go.

7) What was the idea behind Glimpse Of Forever?

I had the idea of writing about Kacy's friend (the heroine in my first story, Glimpse of Eternity), and then I read about Queen Victoria's Saucerman, and decided to use him as my greedy wizard.

8) What is your favorite time of day to write... evening, morning...???

I like mornings best because that's when I'm fresh and full of new ideas and enthusiasm, but I write anytime I can.

9) Who are some of your favorite writers?

Judith McNaught is my favorite. I like LaVerl Spencer too and regret that she gave up writing. I also like Linda Lael Miller, Penny Jordan, Pat Warren, Jude Devereaux, Joanna Lindsay. The list is probably too long to write. I loved The DaVincci Code. It was a fun read, but I've heard his other stories aren't as good.

10) And... your favorite movie... is????

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER with Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant. I like all good romantic movies, mostly those that were made during the 1950's and 60's, although there have been a few good ones since then. I'm thinking about "OUT OF AFRICA", with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. Mostly I guess I like the actors and actresses and I trust them to play in good roles, and not disappoint me. I loved the two with Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman, ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS and MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION, as well as GIANT, with Elizabeth Taylor.

I also like the Harry Potter movies as well as "FRODO" and the "TRILOGY OF THE RING". I read THE HOBBIT and the TRILOGY to my sons when they were young. All three of my sons are avid readers.

11) Are you married? A Significant Other? If so... what does this person think of your writing?

I'm married and have been for 25 years. My husband is very supportive, and proud that I finally got something published. In retrospect, we both think I should have enrolled in writing classes. The people I've met through RWA Writing Groups have all been extremely helpful, but learning the craft was a long, slow process.

12) Got anything else in mind you'd like to share? Works In Progress?

I'm currently working on a mainstream titled PAPER MARRIAGE. It's about a girl who grew up in Utah who marries her best friend, not expecting the marriage to last, although she wishes it would.