An Interview with Karin Ficke Cook

Karin Ficke Cook is a published mystery author. She has published four books all part of a series that deals with historical 1883 to present day. Karin Ficke Cook comes from a family of authors including her husband. She has written many short stories and claims a lot of her inspiration comes from the years of travelling as a child, and living with her husband in Great Britain.

How did you get into writing? At what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I've always wanted to be a writer - probably from age 5, so I scribbled in crayon, wrote some of those adorable childhood poems Mom kept on the fridge, then wrote for the college newspaper and yearbook...I majored in English in college...then forgot about it. I actually started writing professionally at age 55, as I have a neuro-muscular degenerative disease (Post Polio Syndrome) and knew I wouldn't be able to maintain a regular career for much longer.

What was your first book or story that you completed? Did you ever get it published?

I had lots of business articles published, but those were mostly boring and I threw them away! Now I wish I had them for my CV! My first novel, Northwoods Forest Mystery was published three years ago, with three successive books published from 2006-2009, the most recent and the last of the series just released. I started out with a series - go figure! (But I don't recommend this.) After Northwoods came Death Across the Pond, The 'Ghost' in Bolton Hall and finally Murder and Pasta Don't Mix. All are available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, our web site and at thousands of brick and mortar stores worldwide (and also through the publisher) in paperback, hard cover and large print.

How did you finally get published? When were you able to write on a full time basis? Please explain your success story?

I've been writing on a full-time basis for six years now (plus held down a part-time job in the interim). I'm afraid I haven't hit success yet! I searched for a publisher for over three years and received over 300 rejections. It taught me a great lesson and that is to believe in yourself and never give up the quest. I'm still searching for the right publisher. Sometimes it just isn't the right fit and often it's trial and error until you find the right agent and/or publisher.

How do you stay motivated to finish a novel? How do you stay focused?

Being focused on the task has never been a problem. I have a goal which I set in the very beginning and decide how long my research will be and how long the book will be..the story line dictates my focus...I let the book write itself.

What is your writing schedule like? Do you write in the mornings, evenings, and for how long?

My writing schedule is 10-14 hours a day, mostly 7 days a week. Because my husband is employed, this allows me to focus on my work. I get up in the middle of the night (or morning) and write down my ideas when they come to me. Otherwise, I simply come in, re-read the last chapter of what I've written the previous day and let the story take me to the next segment. Write what you know best.

How do you get your ideas? What is your method for remembering them?

My stories come from my dreams and/or from daily life. I was a travel agent and have been all over the world. This also helps me zero in on favourite places I've visited or lived, so I usually include very detailed descriptions of my locations. Much of my writing is about England, Ireland or Europe, with some here in the US. My memory is like a two foot-thick vault...I remember everything! I also keep a notebook filled with character ideas and descriptions of those people, down to the last freckle! Detail, detail, detail! I never thought I would be writing mysteries and crime dramas, but that's how this all began. Now I am writing poetry, comedies and even a romance. Screenplays are next. I have two new novels in production, six completed stories, a book of prose/poetry about Ireland and four more books on the back burner, including an illustrated children's book.

How do you get over writer's block?

I back away, read another author's work. I do housework, watch a movie that might jump start my creativity. Often I work at hobbies for a short while. All it takes is one tiny trigger and I'm back to my story line. But I have had periods of time which have lasted weeks - even months without writing a thing. Then all of a sudden, I can't stop!

What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a writer? What is a good starting point for them?

When you decide to be a writer, be prepared. Know your subject. Do your research. Be technically correct in every aspect of your work - grammar, spelling, syntax. Be ready for rejection. Believe me, it's there and you must deal with it. Do some freelance work. Write blogs. Keep a journal. Maintain a web site for your writing. Join writers' groups, both on the Internet and locally. Get feedback from others in your genre and get your name out there. This is an invaluable tool. Learn how to make your work cross over into other areas of media. Publishing is costly - be ready for that. (With advertising and appearance costs, promotional expenses, in addition to publishing costs.) And it has changed dramatically in the last few years with digital publishing, publishing on demand, self-publishing, etc. Know what you are looking at. Learn how to read contracts. Don't be deceived by agents or publishers who sound too good to be true...because they aren't. Get background on agents and publishers. What's their track record? Gone are the days of the fat advances and royalty checks. You EARN that money!!

Professional writing is a business, not a hobby. Stay in school and get as much education and life experience as you can. Get advice from those who have "been there and done that" and never, ever give up on your dreams. These days you won't get rich or famous, but people will enjoy your work and you will be able to leave a legacy for others to enjoy for years to come. Above all - believe in yourself.

To learn more about Karin Ficke Cook and her published work, check outthe Karin Ficke Cook official website.