1. Do you have an inspirational picture, photo or saying that you look to when you are depressed or have a terminal case of ‘writer’s block’?
Back eons ago, before I’d even purchased a computer, I’d go to the computer at my public library and pull up the database listing my books. Then I would tell myself, “See, you *are* a real writer...there’s your name, there are your books. You’ve done it before and you can do it again.” Now when that happens, I go to my personal website, plus the scores of other Internet sites that feature/sell my books—a sure case for the blues or even writer’s block.
2. What gets your creative juices flowing?
What works best for me is listening to romantic music and reading, especially if I’m reading romance novels. But “general” reading helps as well, and sometimes I come across those serendipitous moments when an idea just jumps out at me. For instance, before I wrote my first published novel, Merry Christmas Marcie, I read an article about two teens aerialists, a guy and a gal, who were part of a circus family. The guy stated that he was cautious about forming friendships with any other teens he’d meet in the various places they traveled, because he realized he’d soon be moving on.
Voila! The perfect core conflict for a teen romance, I decided. And so I started researching and writing...
3. What will stop your creative muse the quickest?
Interruptions and life’s obligations. Those don’t necessarily kill my muse, but they are a real frustration to me. Still, I realize we all have a “life” outside of our writing. The trick is finding the right balance.
4. If you could be anything other than a writer, what would your second choice be?
I honestly can’t think of anything else I’d rather be. For the past 12 years, I’ve combined my personal writing with my job as a writing instructor for a long-distance learning program. I love doing both jobs!
5. If you could be anything other than a human, what would you be and why?
A cat! I love a cat’s beauty, grace, coziness, and ability to purr!
6. Imagine your fairy godmother were to wave her magic wand and bestow a million dollars in your bank account. What would you do with the money?
First, I’d pay off my son’s student loans and then book a cruise for my husband and myself. Next I’d donate money to starving children in third world countries. Finally, I’d hold onto the remainder of the money, given the current economic climate.
7. If you were, for some reason, to lose the ability to write, what would you do with all the creative instincts you could no longer use?
Perhaps I’d study interior design, flower arrangement—anything that would still allow me to create objects of beauty. Or maybe I’d take up photography or pottery.
8. Who would you love most to meet “in person” and why?
The first person would be Yanni. He’s my ideal of the perfectly gifted, sensitive, romantic, and handsome entertainer. Secondly, I’d love to meet Nicholas Sparks, a truly gifted and sensitive writer.
9. Finally, name the one thing in life you do not at this moment possess, but wish to have with all your heart.
If you mean by “thing,” a physical object or possession, then I would have to say I’m pretty contented with what I already have. But if you’re referring to accomplishments and desires, then I would love to have a book on the NY Times Best Selling list! If that were ever to happen, I would indeed consider myself an accomplished writer!
Sydell’s website is
www.sydellvoeller.com . She’d love to have you stop by, look it over, and sign her guest book. Her most recent novel, a young adult romance, is Sandcastles of Love, published by
bwlpp.com
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