Ask the Author: Janet McLaughlin
Answered Questions (6)
Janet McLaughlin
DIFFERENT, the book that is do out shortly, was a most difficult novel for me to write. It's about the challenges of growing up and dealing with the neurological disorder Tourette Syndrome. I wanted to write it in a way that would convey, with pathos and humor, what I saw my granddaughter go through. I waited a decade to write it so it wouldn't embarrass her and so I would have some distance in order to write with honesty and less pain. Though it has been the hardest thing I've done in my writing career, it has also been the most gratifying. My hope is that it will help others understand what TS really is (not the Hollywood version) and bring some empathy for those dealing with it in the home and schools.
Janet McLaughlin
I draw inspiration from my life interests. I am fascinated by people with extrasensory abilities. I've interviewed many and have become friends with several. I love sports, especially those that involve family members. And I love mysteries. The Soul Sight Mysteries are a combination of all of that. A psychic cheerleader who has to solve mysteries that seem to fall in her path. The books are for that wonderful in-between MG and YA age, 12 to 15 ish. They are clean teen novels, meant to entertain and maybe educate a little. They also seem to appeal to the older reluctant reader.
Janet McLaughlin
Ummmm. Well, remember that question above about writer's block? I had started the third book in my Soul Sight Mysteries several months ago. Then I got so caught up in the book that is about to be released that I put it aside. I haven't found the urge to start up again. BUT, I'm going on a cruise soon. :)
Janet McLaughlin
Never give up, especially when your first "masterpiece" is rejected. To become an "overnight success" usually take years of writing, workshops, and rejections. Yes, there are exceptions. But they are rare. Also join writers' organizations and critique groups. Writing is a solitary profession. We need contact with an outside world that understand the inside world of writing. Or at least, I do.
Janet McLaughlin
I don't know how to answer that. It's not so much a choice as a need to write. But I'm not anal about it. So I guess in part the answer is the freedom to pursue doing what I love to do without the pressure of having to do it. I also cherish my writer friends. We've grown together, helped one another, rejoiced in the successes and given solace in the face of rejections. I've found the children's writing community to be a caring and generous one.
Janet McLaughlin
Mostly I walk away from the computer for a while. A couple of hours...sometimes a couple of months. One time a couple of years. But that was for a specific book. When I came back to it, I had rethought the whole idea and the book was the better for it. The absolute best way for me to overcome writer's block is to go on a cruise. Seriously. Since I live in Florida, that's not hard to do. My husband and I go on an itinerary we've done before. While others go on tours, I find a quiet place to write and he finds a different quiet place to read. It peaceful and far away from the madding crowd. It always works. :)
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