Interview with D.L. Finn
I recently read D.L. Finn’s novel, This Second Chance and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a story of forgiveness, redemption and a little bit of the supernatural. She’s a member of the RRBC book club and a proud fellow RWISA member.
What inspired you to write your latest work? What is special about it?
Not to give away too much, but I was ready to see our world get a better deal. I also had the image of a cabin my husband and I used to rent on vacation years ago. Those two things blended into my idea for “This Last Chance.”
Which character in your books are you most like?
I would say there is a tiny piece of me in each of my main female characters.
How long have you been writing? Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
Since a teen. I always loved the written word and doing written projects in school. I branched out in a creative writing class and just kept writing after that.
Tell us about your writing process. What is the journey from idea to a published piece?
A lot of times, I will wake up with an idea. I will write it down and usually have the first paragraph. Then I keep adding to it until it feels right. It’s a long process that changes as ideas come. Then I edit until I can’t look at it anymore. From there, it goes to beta readers, an editor, and formatter, while I work on some of those little details.
It’s always great when the ideas come to you like that. Do you plot out your entire story, or have the characters drive it?
I have tried to do that, but the characters always take over and go in a different direction. So now I let them.
What helps you most when it comes to writing?
I need quiet to write novels, short stories, or nonfiction, including blogs. No distractions. Poetry I can write around distractions if they aren’t directed at me.
I have a hard time writing when my family is home. Somedays I take a day off to limit the distractions. Where do you write?
I have a small office that I hardly ever use for writing. I end up lying on my bed with my laptop or on the couch. Sometimes I will work on my main computer, but sitting a long time disagrees with me. I’m more creative in my writing places with poetry, which I will try to write anywhere, including on the back of a Harley.
Wow! A Harley! Which books have had the most impact on you? Why?
That would have to be a “Wrinkle in Time” or “The Hobbit.” Each one left a lasting impression on me as a child and brought me into wondrous worlds. Where saving a loved one or a quest to save the world showed me that anything is possible.
What’s the best piece of writing advice that someone has given you?
To read much as you can and never stop trying to improve.
Stephen King said in the book On Writing that “if you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.” Learning what others are doing with story, structure and craft is so important. Do you have a favorite review of your books?
I don’t think I have a favorite review of a book unless it was the very first one I received. Each review gives me new insight into how readers interpret my words, so I appreciate each one good or bad.
What are you working on now?
“This Last Chance” is a book I’ve been working on for a while. I’ve struggled to finish this one more than past books. It’s with beta readers now, and I hope to get it released this late spring. It’s the final book of the angel/evildwel series, or that’s my plan right now. I also have a short story collection I’m working on with a paranormal twist, a new poetry book, and a kid’s short story collection with a tree fairy theme.
What else do you like to do besides writing?
I love to be in nature, whether it is hiking or riding on the back of a Harley. The rest of the time, I enjoy spending with my family and taking lots of photographs.
Thanks for spending time with us today! We’re looking forward to reading This Last Chance.
Connect with D.L. Finn:
Purchase Links:
Bio: D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
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