Ask the Author: Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Answered Questions (52)
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Jon, I'd be honored to answer your questions!
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
I did not image myself as one of these characters, but I have in other stories I have written.
I chose cancer, because I have lost several close family members to cancer. It's a horrible disease and one most people can relate to in one way or another. It seems we all know someone who has suffered with a form of cancer.
Chasing Sunsets was the result of a writing prompt on an online writing site that I once belonged to. The only real inspiration for the story was the plane ride I mentioned.
Thanks so much for your interview. I hope my answers were helpful!
Rhodora
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
I did not image myself as one of these characters, but I have in other stories I have written.
I chose cancer, because I have lost several close family members to cancer. It's a horrible disease and one most people can relate to in one way or another. It seems we all know someone who has suffered with a form of cancer.
Chasing Sunsets was the result of a writing prompt on an online writing site that I once belonged to. The only real inspiration for the story was the plane ride I mentioned.
Thanks so much for your interview. I hope my answers were helpful!
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Nicole!
I'm honored that you chose to interview me.
I've always had an interest in writing. I'm much better with the written word than I am verbally, so writing has always been a great outlet for me.
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
I wrote the story 'in my head' while I was on the plane, but then when we returned home from our vacation I put it to paper.
As a teenager I loved writing poetry, but I didn't start seriously writing stories until I was about 40 years old. I am inspired by all people, things, places and events around me.
Everyone has stories within them... my advice? Pay attention to the world around you, use the things you see, hear, taste and smell. Share your experiences, and always write it in your own unique style. Listening to constructive criticism is always a good thing, but it's also important to always tell your story in YOUR own way.
I hope I have answered your questions satisfactorily,
Thanks again for your interest in Chasing Sunsets!
Rhodora
I'm honored that you chose to interview me.
I've always had an interest in writing. I'm much better with the written word than I am verbally, so writing has always been a great outlet for me.
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
I wrote the story 'in my head' while I was on the plane, but then when we returned home from our vacation I put it to paper.
As a teenager I loved writing poetry, but I didn't start seriously writing stories until I was about 40 years old. I am inspired by all people, things, places and events around me.
Everyone has stories within them... my advice? Pay attention to the world around you, use the things you see, hear, taste and smell. Share your experiences, and always write it in your own unique style. Listening to constructive criticism is always a good thing, but it's also important to always tell your story in YOUR own way.
I hope I have answered your questions satisfactorily,
Thanks again for your interest in Chasing Sunsets!
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Alwyn,
Yes, you may go ahead with your questions!
Yes, you may go ahead with your questions!
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Angelley,
Thanks for your interest in Chasing Sunsets. The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
Staying motivated to write is something I struggle with. I really need to be in the right mood to write. But, when people start asking if I'm writing, or what I'm working on... that inspires me to get back to writing again.
I'm sorry I really don't know of any new authors to recommend. Good luck in your writing endeavors!
Rhodora
Thanks for your interest in Chasing Sunsets. The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
Staying motivated to write is something I struggle with. I really need to be in the right mood to write. But, when people start asking if I'm writing, or what I'm working on... that inspires me to get back to writing again.
I'm sorry I really don't know of any new authors to recommend. Good luck in your writing endeavors!
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Jenibelle,
Your questions are very thought provoking!
I chose cancer, because unfortunately I've known many people with this horrible disease... and most of them have died because of the cancer.
If Catherine had survived the cancer, then the message of the story would not have been the same. We all live... and We all will die. The 'sunset' was meant to represent death. In my opinion, there is a certain peace that comes with death.
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final 'sunset'. This is how the story was born!
I hope this answered your questions.
Thanks again for your interest in Chasing Sunsets!
Rhodora
Your questions are very thought provoking!
I chose cancer, because unfortunately I've known many people with this horrible disease... and most of them have died because of the cancer.
If Catherine had survived the cancer, then the message of the story would not have been the same. We all live... and We all will die. The 'sunset' was meant to represent death. In my opinion, there is a certain peace that comes with death.
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final 'sunset'. This is how the story was born!
I hope this answered your questions.
Thanks again for your interest in Chasing Sunsets!
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Earla,
Your first question is very interesting and thought provoking. My answer to this question is Yes, most of the time. It helps to put yourself in the midst of the story and I actually try to put myself a little bit into all of the characters. It helps to make them real.
2) I have written a middle grad series that you might enjoy. It's an adventure story of 4 kids visiting the land of imagination. The first book in the series is called "Willow Crossing" and the second book is called "Quest for the Glow". I am currently editing the third and final book, "Nameless Nickels".
3) I was inspired to write Chasing Sunsets while on a plane heading west. The sun was setting as we flew, which made the sunset last a very long time. I remember thinking how life and death resemble the rising and setting of the sun.... and the idea for Chasing Sunsets just came to me.
4)Everyone has stories within them... my advice? Pay attention to the world around you, use the things you see, hear, taste and smell. Share your experiences, and always write it in your own unique style. Constructive criticism is always a good thing, but it's also important to always tell your story in YOUR own way.
Thanks for your questions!
Your first question is very interesting and thought provoking. My answer to this question is Yes, most of the time. It helps to put yourself in the midst of the story and I actually try to put myself a little bit into all of the characters. It helps to make them real.
2) I have written a middle grad series that you might enjoy. It's an adventure story of 4 kids visiting the land of imagination. The first book in the series is called "Willow Crossing" and the second book is called "Quest for the Glow". I am currently editing the third and final book, "Nameless Nickels".
3) I was inspired to write Chasing Sunsets while on a plane heading west. The sun was setting as we flew, which made the sunset last a very long time. I remember thinking how life and death resemble the rising and setting of the sun.... and the idea for Chasing Sunsets just came to me.
4)Everyone has stories within them... my advice? Pay attention to the world around you, use the things you see, hear, taste and smell. Share your experiences, and always write it in your own unique style. Constructive criticism is always a good thing, but it's also important to always tell your story in YOUR own way.
Thanks for your questions!
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Yes Janna, I'd be happy to answer your questions!
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi again Heather!
My inspirations come from things, places, people and events all around me. I love writing creative stories.
Everyone has stories within them... my advice? Pay attention to the world around you, use the things you see, hear, taste and smell. Share your experiences, and always write it in your own unique style. Constructive criticism is always a good thing, but it's also important to always tell your story in YOUR own way.
The greatest advantage? Interesting question. I'm not very good at verbally expressing myself, so I guess the biggest advantage to being an author is having a way to express myself.
Thanks for your thought provoking questions!
Rhodora
My inspirations come from things, places, people and events all around me. I love writing creative stories.
Everyone has stories within them... my advice? Pay attention to the world around you, use the things you see, hear, taste and smell. Share your experiences, and always write it in your own unique style. Constructive criticism is always a good thing, but it's also important to always tell your story in YOUR own way.
The greatest advantage? Interesting question. I'm not very good at verbally expressing myself, so I guess the biggest advantage to being an author is having a way to express myself.
Thanks for your thought provoking questions!
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Karl,
I have always loved writing. I'm not sure why. It's just the creative side of being me. Some people paint, some sing, some dance, some act.... I write. It's a joyful experience and allows me to be creative.
Chasing Sunsets...
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
Goals. Ah, I'm not very good at making and meeting goals. I write when I feel like it and sometimes I have to push myself to get back into it after I've neglected my writing for a long time.
How does writing change or affect my outlook on life? That's a very interesting question! I guess, because I like to write imaginative characters, it helps me to see life in a light-hearted way... OR maybe I write 'imaginatively' because I already see life this way. I'm not sure which! :)
Thanks for your questions!
Rhodora Fitzgerald
I have always loved writing. I'm not sure why. It's just the creative side of being me. Some people paint, some sing, some dance, some act.... I write. It's a joyful experience and allows me to be creative.
Chasing Sunsets...
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
Goals. Ah, I'm not very good at making and meeting goals. I write when I feel like it and sometimes I have to push myself to get back into it after I've neglected my writing for a long time.
How does writing change or affect my outlook on life? That's a very interesting question! I guess, because I like to write imaginative characters, it helps me to see life in a light-hearted way... OR maybe I write 'imaginatively' because I already see life this way. I'm not sure which! :)
Thanks for your questions!
Rhodora Fitzgerald
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Stephen,
Thank you for your kind words about my story Chasing Sunsets!
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
Everyone has stories within them... my advice? Pay attention to the world around you, use the things you see, hear, taste and smell. Share your experiences, and always write it in your own unique style. Constructive criticism is always a good thing, but it's also important to always tell your story in YOUR own way.
Thanks again for asking!
Rhodora
Thank you for your kind words about my story Chasing Sunsets!
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
Everyone has stories within them... my advice? Pay attention to the world around you, use the things you see, hear, taste and smell. Share your experiences, and always write it in your own unique style. Constructive criticism is always a good thing, but it's also important to always tell your story in YOUR own way.
Thanks again for asking!
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi again Russel,
1) Chasing Sunsets! The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
2) I 'wrote' the story in my head on the plane... and then it only took me about 2 days to complete it. It's a short story.
3) I wrote poetry and creative stories from the time I was a teenager, but I didn't start publishing books until I was about 40 years old.
4) Yes! I am currently editing the third (and final) book in my Willow Crossing series. It's a middle grade book about kids visiting the land of imagination. The first book is called Willow Crossing. The second book is Quest for the Glow. And the third book will be Nameless Nickels.
Thanks again for your interest!
Rhodora Fitzgerald
1) Chasing Sunsets! The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
2) I 'wrote' the story in my head on the plane... and then it only took me about 2 days to complete it. It's a short story.
3) I wrote poetry and creative stories from the time I was a teenager, but I didn't start publishing books until I was about 40 years old.
4) Yes! I am currently editing the third (and final) book in my Willow Crossing series. It's a middle grade book about kids visiting the land of imagination. The first book is called Willow Crossing. The second book is Quest for the Glow. And the third book will be Nameless Nickels.
Thanks again for your interest!
Rhodora Fitzgerald
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Earla,
Yes, you may ask me some questions. I'd be honored to answer as best I can.
Rhodora
Yes, you may ask me some questions. I'd be honored to answer as best I can.
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Kristel,
Thanks for your interest in my story, Chasing Sunsets!
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
I don't think there was anyone that inspired this particular story, but some of my favorite writers and inspirations are C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling. They were both inspirations for my children's series called Willow Crossing.
Thanks again for your questions,
Rhodora
Thanks for your interest in my story, Chasing Sunsets!
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
I don't think there was anyone that inspired this particular story, but some of my favorite writers and inspirations are C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling. They were both inspirations for my children's series called Willow Crossing.
Thanks again for your questions,
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Heather,
Yes, you may ask me some questions! Go ahead when ready.
Rhodora Fitzgerald
Yes, you may ask me some questions! Go ahead when ready.
Rhodora Fitzgerald
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hello DreaBelle,
Thank you so much for your kind words about Chasing Sunsets!
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
I think when a story touches your heart.. and makes you feel something for the characters, that's what makes it worth reading.
Have a good day.. and thanks again!
Rhodora
Thank you so much for your kind words about Chasing Sunsets!
The idea for this story came to me when I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting. As we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. I remember thinking about how life is this way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
I think when a story touches your heart.. and makes you feel something for the characters, that's what makes it worth reading.
Have a good day.. and thanks again!
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Belle,
Thanks for your interest in Chasing Sunsets. Yes, you may ask questions. Go ahead when you are ready.
Rhodora
Thanks for your interest in Chasing Sunsets. Yes, you may ask questions. Go ahead when you are ready.
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Brent, Good to hear from you!
I assume you are talking about my story Chasing Sunsets? This is how the idea came to me... I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting... and as we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. As we flew I thought about how life is that way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
Currently, I'm working on editing the third and final book of my Willow Crossing series. It's a chapter book for young teens about a group of kids that visit the land of imagination.
Thanks so much for your interest in my stories!
Rhodora
I assume you are talking about my story Chasing Sunsets? This is how the idea came to me... I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting... and as we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. As we flew I thought about how life is that way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
Currently, I'm working on editing the third and final book of my Willow Crossing series. It's a chapter book for young teens about a group of kids that visit the land of imagination.
Thanks so much for your interest in my stories!
Rhodora
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi again Russel,
1) My ideas come from all sorts of places... people, things and events around me. Some of my best 'thinking' time happens when I'm driving to and from places... and thoughts or ideas come to me then. 2) My love for writing started at a very young age. In high school I took as many creative writing courses I could. Originally, I was mostly interested in writing poetry, but when I was about 40 years old I started writing children's books. 3) I honestly don't remember the first story I ever wrote, but the first one I published is called Willow Crossing. It's a book intended for 10-12 year olds. It's a very animated story about some kids visiting the land of imagination. 4) I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting... and as we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. As we flew I thought about how life is that way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
1) My ideas come from all sorts of places... people, things and events around me. Some of my best 'thinking' time happens when I'm driving to and from places... and thoughts or ideas come to me then. 2) My love for writing started at a very young age. In high school I took as many creative writing courses I could. Originally, I was mostly interested in writing poetry, but when I was about 40 years old I started writing children's books. 3) I honestly don't remember the first story I ever wrote, but the first one I published is called Willow Crossing. It's a book intended for 10-12 year olds. It's a very animated story about some kids visiting the land of imagination. 4) I was on a plane heading west, and the sun was setting... and as we flew west, we chased the sunset... which made it last the entire flight. As we flew I thought about how life is that way... we 'chase' our whole lives towards our final sunset. Thus, the story was born!
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Theotejano,
I'm honored that you called me a 'famous author'... I really am not famous. I have only written a few small stories. Thanks so much for your interest in my story Chasing Sunsets! I would be happy to answer any questions you have. Remember, we have quite the time difference, but I will answer as quickly as I can.
Thanks again,
Rhodora Fitzgerald
I'm honored that you called me a 'famous author'... I really am not famous. I have only written a few small stories. Thanks so much for your interest in my story Chasing Sunsets! I would be happy to answer any questions you have. Remember, we have quite the time difference, but I will answer as quickly as I can.
Thanks again,
Rhodora Fitzgerald
Rhodora M. Fitzgerald
Hi Faye! Thank you for your interest in my story Chasing Sunsets. Where do I get these idea? Sometimes they just 'pop' into my head... but many times ideas are inspired by people, things and events around me. My current project is called Nameless Nickels and it's the third, and final, book in my Willow Crossings series. The book is complete, but I am procrastinating on the editing process. I really need to get serious about finishing it soon! My advice for young writers is to just keep writing... don't procrastinate...lol If you have ideas, write them down because you get busy and then easily forget your thoughts. I hope this answers your questions. Thanks again for asking!
Rhodora Fitzgerald
Rhodora Fitzgerald
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