AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Robyn Buttars

Yes, this is coming to you early, but let's just say the interview needed to happen today. Expect the next author interview, Monday, October 14.

How does Robyn come up with her characters? What does she think about marketing? And what does she think new and established writers need to do to improve their writing?

Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing?

Robyn Buttars

I have been creating original music and poetry as long as I can remember. When I was in college a teacher asked what secret goal we wanted to achieve. A fellow student said she wanted to write a novel. I remember wondering why anyone would want to do that. When the desire to write a novel hit me I was surprised but found it thrilling to see how a story develops in my own mind.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing freehand?

I must write on a computer because I write so fast by hand when ideas are coming I can’t read what I have written. After writing a number of novels and going through the many revisions I am increasingly grateful for computers.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

My favorite part about writing is having the ideas come and feeling the excitement of getting those ideas on paper. It is a thrill for me to read what I wrote from day to day—if I have been able to write what I was trying to say.  My least favorite part about writing is searching for a market so I can share what I write.

How do you come up with your characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?

My characters and the stories come together. Often, they are based on my observations about people and the way individuals relate to each other. I like to write about true to life people who have the kind of challenges and happiness that most people can relate to.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?
When my book Christmas Rose was published by Shadow Mountain

To purchase Christmas Rose

 

I had the privilege of interviewing on a TV program and several radio programs. I was also able to be a guest speaker at the Literary Luminaries program at the Salt Lake Library. Shadow Mountain was very helpful to work with by getting my book into stores and promoting it in publications.  I find promoting on my own is a challenge and I am learning to make contacts through speaking engagements, blog tours and social media.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

I like to write in the morning, especially if fresh ideas have kept me awake. I don’t schedule writing but I take each opportunity I can to write. When I am not at a computer I am often bouncing ideas in my head.

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

 

I am working on a number of picture book stories and 2-3 novels. I have just revised two manuscripts which I plan to have out next year. My young adult novel, Country Tied, is now available. 

 

 

To purchase Country Tied

From a lush valley in the country to a fast-paced city under the California sun, Jenny’s story is a true to life adventure. Mature and disciplined with a competitive spirit, Jenny enjoys working alongside her father. However, problems arise when her father is injured and she is responsible for the care of the family farm. Matters of the heart become an issue when David captures her attention. After he seemingly drops out of her life as suddenly as he had appeared, Jenny is puzzled and hurt. She heads off to California for a visit and meets the intriguing, handsome Mic. Stepping into Mic’s upper-class social scene is an ego boost for Jenny until her background and dreams are mocked. Feeling alone in the crowd, Jenny faces choices that could change the course of her life.

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I always have a number of projects in my mind and on the computer. The one I have had to put off until fall is a story about the continued relationship of Rosie and Ina that began in Christmas Rose. It is a story about friendship for all ages.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

I would say at this point you may not have what you need to get a book published. However, you can learn. After writing for many years and having two books published I have finally started attending writer’s groups and conferences and I have learned so much. I would encourage anyone who writes to find a group who will give you honest evaluations so you can learn and improve your writing. This will help you increase your chances of having the opportunity to share what you have written through publication.

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 Thank you, Robyn!