Topic: Author Interview
Kerrie Spencer the person:
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
This is a really tough question because not too many people think of themselves through the eyes of others. Arrrrgh! Here goes: loyal to a fault, highly intuitive, hard working
2. How do you think others would describe you?
I think they would use words like best friend when you need some to stand up for you, good in a crisis, highly creative and good at what she does no matter what.
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
Oh this one is at least easy to answer ' ANIMALS and writing, then computers and learning new things. Always learning new things. I grew up with a Dad who always said never let a day go by without learning some thing new – it keeps you humble and interested in the world around you.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
LOL do I have pets? Yes, 22 of them. Two horses, one 30 yrs old and one about to be 7 yrs old. Yes I used to ride, but since cracking two ribs, that hasn't been in the cards. Nonetheless I still care for them and spend time with them. I have five dogs – a sissy but gorgeous Weim called Ghost, a joyful noise Dalmatian girlie named Deija Vue, a fur brat also called Madame Meltdown for her fits – a Jack Russell Terrier called Jackie Barker, a Blue Heeler/Red Heeler mix named Rip with a lovely disposition who came to me as a rescue who was beaten to bits and a Heeler/Shepherd with a 'tude called Chirp – why Chirp? Because he lies under the couch and literally "chirps" at the rest to play with him. Isn't that just the longest run on sentence you have ever seen? I also have 18 cats, eight who share the indoors with me. Most of them are rescues. In fact more than half of my animals, including one horse is a rescue. They are often the source of some really funny Tail Tales.
5. What is your most precious memory?
My first dog a delightful girl Doberman named Echo who forever set the bar on loving dogs and how they give without end.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
Continually answering the phone and hanging up on a phone number that looked like it was a telemarketer – and – who turned out to be the Member of Parliament for my riding. Oh boy!!!!
7. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
Working with animals or computers or a lawyer or corrections person, or still in the media.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Gone to walk with those she loved, honored and respected. A heart that wept for things gone wrong, a smile that lit up people's lives, a hand that held the hearts of animals when they needed to cross the Bridge. A friend whose time will never really end because she is IN our hearts.
Kerrie Spencer the writer:9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a “real” writer?
Actually no I can't, because I always did write from the time I was in high school until now. It was like breathing – a part of me.
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
I'm a freelance writer, ghostwriter. There actually is a difference, although some think not. Ghostwriting is in the trenches, 24/7/365, emergencies, short turn around times, very little guidance in some cases, and clients from the HOT place. Ok this sounds like regular writing too – and it is, but in most cases you don't get the credit for it, someone else does. BUT, it pays and it is good work for those who love a real challenge. You don't often specialize and you do often get things you would NEVER take on if you were looking for an assignment. Never dull, you learn things you never knew even existed – from weight loss with "natural" drugs (no such thing) to neuro-linguistic programming or from holistic dog medicine to affiliate marketing. You also learn how to work fast and work smart and research cleverly.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
More ghostwriting as it pays the bills. I have thought about doing a recipe book of dog biscuits and in fact have a rough draft. I also have a rough draft of a romance/mystery novel…..sitting in the dusty corners of my bookcase. Will I try to work on it? I might if I could recall where I was going to go with it in the first place.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
Anywhere from 8 to 12 hours and up to 4,000 words. Could consist of 52 smaller to longer articles, a full chapter in an e book (often up to 5 thousand words), or any other projects that come up. Including key word articles, web site content, magazine articles, e-books, e-mail campaigns, etc. Sky is the limit.
13. Why do you write?
I HAVE to and I think those reading this will understand that. It's a part of who we are and how we express ourselves. And, I write the way I talk. LOL…not always perfect grammar, but the meaning gets through and is persuasive.
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
Patricia Cornwell because she is SO accomplished, has marvelous detail in her books, great dialogue and a plot to kill for. Whoops – did I say that out loud?
15. How do you define your writing?
Essential, like breathing.
16. In one sentence—what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
Reads well, makes sense, is funny and it makes them THINK! I actually do have a wicked sense of humor when I write (and am allowed to use it in articles) not to mention a sharp sense of justice for others.
Kerrie Spencer the details17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
No actually I can't because the life of a ghostwriter is that our material is NOT seen as being written by US and we often do not know where the work ultimately ends up. Not unless we stumble across it at some point. At least this is how it is with me. I get assignments and don't know WHO the client is or where it will go. The client really doesn't matter in this instance, just the content does.
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
Sure, kspencer@sasktel.net
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
No, again because they are/were ghostwritten and the titles may have changed and I have no idea where they went. I do keep copies for my records though. So I do know what I DID write.
20. For new readers—what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
Information, good solid information in an easy to read manner done with humor. And, solid research, I cross reference the heck out of my material. Something they can actually USE.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers—what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
Basically that writing is my second soul that keeps me sane. What I do will reflect how I feel about the material and it is done care and respect. I may not like the subject or the content or the assignment, but the client deserves my best – always. I keep going no matter what gets in the way and that includes computer crashes and no Internet service when you desperately need it to research. I live in the boonies (in the country) and running to the library isn't an option as the nearest one is an hour away. And me? Try me you'll like me --- kidding! I am loyal, like people, like to laugh, like to write, love animals and will do anything for them (I run a small animal rescue outfit here too and a memorial garden for pets), will give without thought to someone who needs something, and I don't expect much in return but an honest smile. Okay I am done here. J This has been quite the exercise. LOL Thanks for the great opportunity
