Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures.com is honored to have as our guest, Martha Morning Todd, author of Losing Hope. Martha is the author of Losing Hope, her first novel, published by IUniverse. Martha also writes children's books.

 Thank you Martha for agreeing to participate in our interview.

Norm: 

Losing Hope is your first novel, what inspired you to write the book?

Martha:  

Parts of the book are actual experiences and parts are fantasy.  Fortunately for me, the experiences include travel to the Caribbean and living in Central Illinois.  I have wanted to write from childhood, but have not had the time to do serious writing until I stopped working.  My inspiration came from by desire to put something I felt meaningful on paper.

Norm: 

   Could you tell our readers some of the obstacles you

   incurred when writing the book? How did you overcome them?

   Martha:  

It was difficult to write everyday.  Sometimes I went for a month without writing. If I was in the mood to write, I would write several chapters at a time.  I sometimes had to push myself hard to finish a thought.  It takes discipline and I learned how to pace myself.

   Norm:  

  Did anyone encourage you to write and what keeps you going?

  Martha:  

I love to write.  My mind is always thinking up new plotlines and stories.  My husband Dan has been very encouraging. He did a lot of the editing for Losing Hope and had some really great ideas on how to take my storyline a step further. My daughter Christina was also a cheerleader.  When I would drag my feet she would give me a push.

  Norm: 

  Do you feel there are any devices that one can use to improve upon their writing skills, and if so, which ones have you used?

Martha: 

 I have a degree in accounting and just took the basic English classes required in college, so I have never done any of the creative exercises that a lot of writers carry out. I am in a writers group though and just having their feedback is important to me.  I also think you need a good editor, regardless of how well versed you are in grammar.  A good editor is key to good writing.

Norm: 

How do you exhaust the emotion? Is it only a matter of thinking about the story over a period of time or are there other considerations?

Martha: 

 I had an overall story that had a beginning, middle and an end. I had the storyline thought out, but the plot changed as I went on. It didn't go in an opposite direction from the original script, but it did change. I didn't know the ending until I wrote it.  I had a few scenarios that I toyed with but the ending came when I wrote it.

Norm: 

Do you read a great deal, and how much of other authors impacted on your writing style?

Martha:  

I think my writing style is somewhat like Mary Higgins Clark.  I read a lot of her works when I was younger. I read a wide variety of books, mostly non-fiction now, but about 1/3 of the books I've read lately are fiction.  I cannot say that I like one style or genre. When I start reading a book, I usually finish it quickly because I am not a patient person and I have to find out what happens!

Norm: 

Was Losing Hope organized in your head before you began to write it or did it unfold, surprising you as you went along? 

Martha:

 It was organized, but it changed as I wrote it. 

Norm:

Will there be a sequel to Losing Hope, as I was left with the impression that there is more to come?

Martha: 

A lot of readers have asked me that.  Maybe!

Norm:

Are you more concerned with creating plot than creating characters?

Martha:

 Both. The characters and the plot have to be interesting.

Norm:

Do you believe that writers are born with talent or can it be developed?

Martha:

 I think everyone has a book inside of them.  Some writers are born with the talent. Editors help out those who develop their talent.

Norm:

What is next for Martha Morning Todd?

Martha:

 I am working on a couple of children’s books and I have a children’s book Sock-a-nina! By Marti Whitaker coming out by the end of May 2005. I am also writing a novel that is completely different from “Losing Hope.” This one is more about experiences than where I have been. But I may start the sequel if I get enough pressure!

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?

Martha:

 I love to hear from readers so feel free to visit my website and send me your questions and comments.

Thanks once again Martha and good luck with all of your future endeavors.