When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Writing has been intrinsic to my life from an early age—it’s part of me. I started journaling daily as a freshman in high school. And my mother was a wonderful writer of long, colorful letters that I’d read at her typewriter when she was off cooking or something. Through her many letters, I saw how much fun she had writing and how creative it could be. Plus she made me take typing at summer school at age 15, then gave me a gorgeous, moss-green, compact, portable typewriter that Christmas. That skill and that machine really propelled me forward. But I always knew that getting published was a critical step I’d somehow have to engineer.

Who were the authors that influenced you as a youth and in what ways?

I’ve always admired anyone who not only lived a great adventure but wrote about it so well that I got to experience it with all the thrills. As a young person, I recall ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Gone With the Wind’ as unforgettable reading, as well as ‘The Little House on the Prairie’ books even earlier. In my early 20’s I got into Lao Tzu and the I Ching, philosophy more than pleasure reading, but amazing books that influenced me greatly.

How did it feel when you got to hold your very first advanced copy of your book?

Pretty amazing. I design all my own book covers (5 so far), so getting that first physical copy is always a real trophy of the whole job completed. However, my first copy usually bears a few imperfections that need adjusting. But each new book is a glorious milestone for an author. And I put so much work and time into my books that it’s always unbelievable when a book is truly finished.

What was the inspiration behind your books?

To record a life of adventure, romance, and spirit; to tell fun stories; plus my devotion to the written word. My motivation in sharing poetry is mainly to encourage and allow the deepest feelings in other people.

What was your publishing journey like?

At 8 years in, I’m elated to say it has finally become easier. The first 4-5 years were torture—among the top 3 most strenuous undertakings of my life. (And I’ve hardly lived a cream-puff existence.) Producing a book involves deep solitude and a liberal dollop of disillusion. What carried me was having a vast body of work to begin with, thus knowing I was good for probably 10+ books. Therefore, figuring out the technology and developing realistic expectations would probably ultimately be worth the time and effort.

What advice do you have for aspiring young novelists?

Since I write non-fiction, not novels, I can give only ‘general’ writing advice; and I’d offer it to aspiring writers of all ages:

1) Edit your brains out.

2) Don’t rush to publish — keep editing.

3) Keep your day job forever.

4) Have fun.

5) Don’t emulate.

6) Over-write, then over-edit — i.e., write too much, then hack away too much — and you’ll end up with the true essence of your message.

If you could have any super power, which would you choose?

That we could all eat pizza and drink chocolate shakes without gaining weight. That we could return to life without cell phones. And that I could’ve known my mother would die young so I wouldn’t have been such a bratty teenager.

Where is your favorite traveling destination?

Where I live, Hawai’i. But I’m jonesin’ for a road trip around the Austrian Alps and Northern Italy, to name one of many enticements. The Greek Islands hold a very special place in my heart, and many of the poems in “Silence of Islands” were written there. My most recent trips, aside from visiting family on the Mainland, have been three 2000-mile road trips around the American West.

When you’re not writing, what are your favorite hobbies?

I’m a lifelong yogi. A lifelong photographer. I adore animals, especially my cat and rooster. I sell organic lemons, mangos, and grapefruits from my trees. I tend my stunning tropical garden. And I constantly explore new, faraway places. I’ve always been huge on natural health—which takes focus; and on financial health, that requires dedication. Finally, I love color and design, so I have fun doing all my own book covers. (My next one, “Nicaragua Story—Back Roads of the Contra War,” could be my best cover yet.)

Where can people find you?

In Hawai’i. : ) Or at “WendyRaebeck.com“. They can email me at ‘wmraebeck@gmail.com,’ can order all my books absolutely anywhere—on line or through book stores, or ask libraries to stock them. All my books are available in paperback and ebook (all formats), and audio is in the works. I’d love readers of your blog to join my email list! I send out messages every 2-3 months with updates about my new books, and occasional exclusive offers just for my list. I hope your readers love my poetry, and I can’t wait to read their reviews!!

Thank you for joining me for Writer Wednesdays!

If you are a writer/author of any genre and would like to pitch yourself for an interview, please email me at info@alexismariechute.com

Catch you next week!

Happy writing,

   –   Alexis Marie Chute