Felicia Watson Interview

Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer?

Ans. I started making up stories in my head before I could even write, way back when it was my parents reading the books to me - I'm a born storyteller. My favorite way to imbibe stories is through reading, so I started writing stories as soon as they handed me a pencil in first grade. I'm especially drawn to character-driven tales, where we see people we recognize, people who struggle with their mistakes and shortcomings, acknowledge them, and use that knowledge to grow into wiser human beings.

Q. What genre(s) do you primarily write in, and what draws you to that particular genre?

Ans. I am a multi-genre author because what matters most to me are the characters I create. I chose whatever genre would best showcase them and their story. So far, I have written romance, sci-fi, and mystery because those are the genres I read the most.

Q. What is your favorite book, and what about it resonates with you the most?

Ans. 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K Le Guin I love this novel because Le Guin creates a world that is unique and totally foreign, peopled by a race that is entirely alien and yet uses that setting to explore enduring themes about the duality of human nature, gender, and truth. It is an unforgettable tale of endurance, love, and sacrifice.

Q. Who is your favorite author, and how have they influenced your writing?

Ans. I'm going to cheat and pick two. Ursula K. Le Guin and Jane Austen. From Austen, I learned the power and poetry of word choice and that attention to detail, coupled with biting humor, can illuminate character better than pages of back-story. From Le Guin, I learned that a compelling story resonates from compelling characters and that asking big questions through your storytelling can lead you to great places.

Q. How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life, such as work, family, or hobbies?

Ans. Writing is my happy place. When I have a great story to tell, I will actually fight to find the time to write it all out

Q. How do you show appreciation and love to your followers and readers? Do you actively engage with them on social media or through other means?

Ans. I love nothing better than to discuss my works with readers. I'm happy to engage with them on social media

Q. What do you enjoy most about being an author, and what keeps you motivated to continue writing?

Ans. I love it when people tell me that one of my novels resonated with them, that they saw themselves or their struggle in one of my characters. I'm a born storyteller, and the drive to tell my stories will keep me writing forever.

Q. Have you ever faced writer's block, and if so, how do you overcome it?

Ans. Whenever I'm blocked, I find that it's because I'm trying to force something - either I'm telling a story that hasn't quite gelled yet, or using a character like a puppet to propel the plot without having fleshed them out sufficiently. Therefore, when I'm blacked, I have to ask myself - is this story ready to tell? Is this character I've created authentic? What's missing here that's preventing me from proceeding?

Q. Can you share any interesting or funny anecdotes from your writing journey?

Ans. My dogs love to interrupt me when I'm working: demanding my attention, wanting to go out, or in, or play. I always yell at them, "This is why Jane Austen didn't have dogs!" I don't even know if that's true, but then again, neither do they.

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?

Ans. There is no universal truth when it comes to how to write. You will need to find your own style, follow your own path, but I believe the best way to learn to write is to read, read, read, then write, write, write. And be open to criticism, it's how we all learn.

Q. Do you have any upcoming projects or works in progress that you'd like to share with your readers?

Ans. I am putting the finishing touches on the sequel to my award-winning murder mystery, 'Where No One Will See.' It features my unforgettable P. I character, Lucia Scafetti, and it is entitled 'Worse than Any Bullet.' I know any reader who loved the first book will love this one, too

Q. Finally, what are your goals and aspirations as a writer? Where do you see yourself and your writing career in the future?

Ans. I want to keep turning out quality works and finding readers in new places