Terry Overton Interview

 

 Interview with Author Terry Overton 

This is a reprint from a previous interview . . . 

What’s your writing work schedule like?

 My previous writing schedule including writing in long spurts and several days of time off in between. My writing nowadays is mostly in short spurts due to spending more time as a caregiver.

 

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?

 If so, what is it?

 I am not sure if it is a quirk, but some of my ideas seem to begin out of the blue. I might be awakened at 3:00 AM and will get up and begin writing. I believe this is a gift provided to me. Often I am awakened because my “characters” are awake and talking to each other! 🤣 

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

 Hands down hearing from readers! Love to chat on Facebook, get Christmas cards, and meet them at book signings. I try to stay in touch with as many readers as possible.

 

Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?

 Maybe not a dark moment but frustrating moments happen during self-publishing. I first had to learn various platforms and how to work within parameters.

 

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection?

 How did they shape you? 

I have not counted rejections but have had many. Rejections are often form letters or emails. After a rejection, I submit again elsewhere.

 

Where do you get your ideas?

 Some creative ideas begin, in the middle of the night. Other ideas for characters or plot twists, might come from observations or be based in part on people I know. Some ideas are based on my own life experiences. A story of a near-death experience was based upon my own near-death experience after complications during surgery.

 

Who is your favorite author to read?

 I have many authors whose work I enjoy. I read books written by my Christian author friends as well as authors like John Grisham, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

 

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded? Don’t  

wait until you retire to start writing! If you are a writer, write every chance you can.

 

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?  

In reviewing books by new authors, I have seen some amazing books. I have also read many books with editing mistakes and others with character or plot inconsistencies. Be careful and let others read your work before you submit or self-publish.

 

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market? 

 If you cannot find an agent or publisher, hire experts (editors, cover designers, etc.) and publish it on your own.  Over thirty percent of all ebooks sold are self-published and the numbers continue to increase.