Today we are pleased to have visit with us Kiki Howell, author of What are you afraid of?

Rhodes Review: What inspired you to write What are you afraid of?

 Kiki Howell: Actually, it was a lot of little things that came together from the need to write a book dealing with kids fears (having been a fearful child myself), to research my husband was doing finding a link between creativity and compassion (knowing we often damage the creative mind when dealing with fears), to  noticing my hundred pound dog was afraid of children in costumes…it just all came together finally to form my story.

 Rhodes Review:When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

 Kiki Howell:Not sure really, but I was really young. I realized early on that when I didn’t like a story that I re-wrote it in my head the way I wanted it to go. LOL

 Rhodes Review:How did you start writing?

 Kiki Howell:I have written since I could put pen to paper really, but off and on as life allowed.

 Rhodes Review:What would your ideal career be, if you couldn’t be a writer?

 Kiki Howell:Hmmm, not sure really. I have often joked about not knowing what I want to be when I grow up. I have a degree to teach Secondary English Education, but can’t imagine going back into a classroom now. I am crafty and I love helping others, but not sure what career would let me do both!

 Rhodes Review:How long does it take you to write a book?

 Kiki Howell:A few months usually at novel length, but only because I become obsessed until it is done  

 Rhodes Review:What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

 Kiki Howell:I write from the time my kids get on the bus till the time they get off the bus, roughly seven to three each day. I always say I am going to take an hour to exercise, but often write right through it

 Rhodes Review:What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Kiki Howell:I spend way too much time staring at a sentence sometimes just playing with the words until I think they fall together just right. 

Rhodes Review:What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Kiki Howell:Spend time with my family, knitting, drawing, etc.

Rhodes Review:What are your favorite authors/books?

Kiki Howell:Wow, couldn’t possibly say. I read in as many, if not more genres than I write in *giggles*

Rhodes Review:If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Kiki Howell:Jane Austen. Preferably, I would like to go back in a time machine and have that meal in Regency England as well! 

Rhodes Review:Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

 Kiki Howell:Only to stay true to your story. Don’t question it. Don’t write it wondering what others will think.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 2nd, 2012 at 1:25 pm and is filed under Children, Interview. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.