When did you start writing?
I always dabbled in it, but didn't make it a fulltime job until I quit teaching school in 1992.
When crafting a novel, what do you find most difficult?
Beginnings. Finding the precise spot in the story where readers can latch onto character, setting, and the main conflict – and care enough to keep reading!
Would you like to tell our readers about your latest release, GHOSTLY TALES FROM AMERICA'S JAILS? What's it about?
Those mighty fortress-looking buildings where some of the spirits are still doing time, some since the 1600s.
What prompted you to edit this ghost anthology?
I was already researching a book for a university publisher, limited to my own state, Just Visitin' Old Texas Jails, when Atriad Press asked me to collect stories from across the United States and target the haunted aspect of them. Hence: Ghostly Tales from America's Jails.
Why jails?
It's one angle into the fascinating history of outlaws, their victims, and lawmen whose views on justice were sterner than they are today.
Tell us about your monthly column, “Demystifying Writers' Demons”. It sure has a catchy title. What's its focus and how may readers subscribe to it?
Most of us have demons that bedevil our grip on spelling, grammar, etc. As the “Demystifier,” I explain each typical problem on a three by five card with tips for remembering it.
http://www.joanuptonhall.com/books.htm. Also for “Ask the Book Doctor” issues, scroll past the book covers and click “Ask Doc” Q&A's.
Writers' newsletters may subscribe to them free by contacting me at jmuhall@aol.com.
You're also the author of ARTURO EL REY, a suspenseful fantasy. Is this your favourite genre?
Yes, and also “soft” sci-fi – the kind that focuses more on the characters than the technology or “magic” that put them into their unique situations.
What's this novel about?
What if King Arthur and company were reincarnated into today's world, beset with terrorists?
Was it hard for you to have a lead male as the protagonist?
I love to “become” my characters and play all the roles. The Guinivere counterpart carries almost as much of the novel as Arturo does.
What was your inspiration for this work?
King Arthur promised to return when the world needs him. I always wondered, how bad does it have to get?
For you, what is the most rewarding aspect of being an author?
Playing the roles of each character one at a time.
Is there anything about the writing life that you dislike?
Bookkeeping and some parts of marketing can be quite frustrating.
Do you have any writer's quirks?
Is lucid dreaming a quirk? People seem to think it's weird to get story ideas that way. I'm just glad my subconscious is smarter than I am.
What's your schedule like?
Flexible, because getting to my story is a reward for taking care of drudgery like bookkeeping. I'm addicted to writing, and sometimes can't turn it off and get some sleep.
You seem to be a frequent speaker at groups, libraries and organizations. What would you advise to those shy authors who are terrified of public speaking?
I was painfully bashful as a kid. But as a teacher, I found that if I had something to say, I could forget my shyness. For me that was talking about great books, plays, stories, and poems. Drawing kids into these wonders was my aim.
Do you have a website where readers may learn more about you and your work?
You betcha! Visit me at http://www.joanuptonhall.com/books.htm.
What is your advice to aspiring authors?
If you can't quit, then have fun with it. Write what you're passionate about instead of what you think will sell. Then even if you never get rich at it, you will have succeeded.
Note: This interview previously appeared in The Voice in the Dark Newsletter.
