Interview Lorraine MacNamera

by

Carol McPhee

1) What inspired you to write this type of story? Have you written others in the same vein?

I have always enjoyed mystery/suspense stories, and when my fifth child was a toddler, I decided to try my hand at writing. After the birth of my sixth (and unexpected) child at age 40, I was simply too busy to continue, and it was only a few years ago that I finally decided to get back to writing. Initially I simply wanted to write for fun, but as this story developed it became more than just entertainment. I had done a couple of short "suspense" stories, but this was my first real effort at writing a novel.

2) Many people say they intend to write a book, but only a small percentage actually do. When did you first know you wanted to write a novel and what was the driving force that kept you at it?

I must confess that I am not a compulsive writer, but I think, like most authors, I did want to express myself in a worthwhile way.

3) How long did it take you to see this story through to "The End" of the manuscript?

That is a hard one to answer, because I actually started this story some thirty years ago. It sat gathering dust, incomplete, for many years, and about three years ago I picked it up and decided it was worth finishing. I tend to be a very cut-and-dried writer, not much into descriptive writing, and the first draft was not nearly long enough. I was also busy with other endeavors.

4) Do you belong to any writers' groups, critique groups or associations that help you with your writing?

For a short period of time I attended a writer's group at the Oshawa Library, before it was disbanded. The lady who was in charge, Linda Manning, provided invaluable critiques.

5) Some writers find their relatives and friends aren't interested in make believe. Do you have interested family support? If so, who is the most supportive?

I have good family support for my writing, and they are all proud that my book is being published (if perhaps somewhat surprised!), but I do not feel, except for a couple of daughters, that most of them are particularly interested in the story. That will change!

6) What do you like most about the hero and heroine in Naught For Satan?

I tried to make both of them genuine, good-living people, and if they seem a bit too good to be true, so what? Frankly, I am tired of reading mystery stories where the "hero" is anything but likable.

7) What other interests do you have besides writing?

I still work out of the home as a legal secretary at least twice a week, I am secretary of a local federal riding association, and for a number of years I have been involved with REAL Women of Canada, a "conservative, family-values" women's organization. (www.realwomenca.com) As one can no doubt see from my book, my religion plays a major role in my life and that of my family.

8) Do you do much research and if so where do you get your information?

Over the years I have done a fair bit of research with respect to issues which affect the family. In the past I would obtain information from the library, but of course the internet now provides all kinds of information. I am also something of a newspaper junkie.

9) Are you working on something new for us?

I have started a sequel to "Naught for Satan", entitled "The PTA Poisonings", but this is still in the early stages.

10) What is the thing you most enjoy about writing?

I expect it is the opportunity to entertain others, while still promoting what I believe are good values.

11) If you and your hero were stranded on a deserted island, what three traits would you most want him to have?

Trust in God, consideration for others, and a lot of survival skills!