Wednesday, March 8, 2023

INTERVIEW: Historical Fiction Author Doreen McGettigan

 
Doreen McGettigan
Delaware County 
Pennsylvania
USA


 

Good morning, Doreen, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the site for art and authors and those who love them. Can you tell us a little about what you’ve written?

I started my career as a journalist. When my brother was murdered in a road rage attack I journaled (which is what I always did when pain was overwhelming) and that journal became my first book, Bristol boyz Stomp. That book is being republished fall 2023. My second book is the true story of an 80-year-old homeless woman my husband brought home one night. She lived with us for three years. My third book is Realize Your Writing Dreams, Actionable Tips on Writing, Publishing and Marketing. I’ve also ghostwritten seven.



What is your favorite genre to write?

My dream is to finish a historical fiction family saga I started 20 years ago. I also finished a sweet romance that a publisher asked me to give two of the characters more depth. Hoping to work on that this winter.



Favorite food.

I was diagnosed with colon cancer last February. After a few major surgeries, chemo and another surgery coming up in a few weeks, my diet has been so restrictive. I can eat cheese pizza, and pasta but am constantly craving salads and veggies.



Tea or coffee?

Tea. British Blend black tea.



Pizza or ice cream?

Pizza these days😊



Wine or beer or soda?

I’m being denied alcohol but can drink flat ginger ale. I cheated on Christmas Eve and had a half glass of sparkling wine, my favorite.



Where would you like to visit?

Greece



Favorite musical artist.  Do you listen to music when you write?  What?

My favorite artist changes often. I like all music but love Country. Right 

now, I’m loving Zac Brown Band. They are amazing live! I listen to music 

or talk radio while writing. Sometimes Christian music, sometimes rap but mostly country.



What makes you laugh?

Silly little kid jokes and the show Ridiculousness.



Favorite work of art or sculpture.

My father was a talented artist and known for his lighthouse watercolors. I love them.




How old were you when you started writing?

Ten years old. I would rewrite my favorite chapter books, changing the characters names, and the endings. 



Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I am an outliner and often write a proposal before or while writing the book.





Describe your perfect evening.

Lately it binge watching a series with my husband.



Where do you get your inspiration?

From my grandkids. I have sixteen of them. They are my toughest critics and my biggest fans. They think I’m a rockstar!



What do you do when you get a writer's block?

I take walk through my neighborhood if the weather is nice or a mall. I will sit on a bench and people watch. If it’s a serious block I take a drive to the shore and walk on the beach and/or people watch on the boardwalk. Sometimes watching a movie helps.


Who is your favorite author?

All of them. Writing and publishing isn’t easy. 



That’s the sweetest answer I’ve had to that question in ten years! 🥰 As a fellow author, I thank you. Best book you ever read.

I would say Animal Farm by George Orwell has haunted me the most, since I was a preteen.



Last book you read.
Jared Kushner’s memoir. I covered politics as a journalist so I’m always curious about what goes on behind the scenes. This one was well done.



What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?

I wanted to be an architect but am awful with numbers so couldn’t cut it. I’d most likely work as a psychologist.




Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

My husband. I couldn’t write a better male main character. 



If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

My brother in Heaven. 



What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

To read Realize Your Writing Dreams (lol) but really that’s what I say.






Links to follow Doreen: 

http://www.instagram.com/DoreenMcGettigan

http://www.facebook.com/doreenmcgettigan

http://www.twitter.com/doreenb8

 

The Stranger in my Recliner: An intimate look at the homelessness and mental health crisis: McGettigan, Doreen: 9781647197162: Amazon.com: Books

 

REALIZE YOUR WRITING DREAMS: Actionable Tips on Writing, Publishing and Marketing: McGettigan, Doreen: 9781647181758: Amazon.com: Books

 

The kindle version of The Stranger in My Recliner is now $3.99.











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