In the first of our new series of Writer Interviews,Margot Kinberg talks about her writing career.  

Our series of writer interviews is intended to show the wide variety of work involved in being a writer, as well as the highs and lows of the writing life.  I also hope that these interviews will help to dispell many of the preconceptions and myths that some new writers hold, only to have lead to disappointment later when reality hits home. 

What is your primary type of writing?

I write murder mystery novels. In fact, my novel B-Very Flat has just been released.  I also do some academic writing.

Is writing your primary source of income?

Not yet. I’ve only been writing fiction for three years, so I’m still “breaking into” the business.

What is your biggest day to day challenge as a writer?

My greatest challenge is making the time to write. I have a full-time “day job,” so sometimes my life gets hectic. I’m working on ways to focus my energies on my writing as well as my other work, and that’s not always easy.

When did you start writing?

I’ve been writing in one form or another since I was a child. I started writing novels a few years ago after about twenty years of writing non-fiction books and articles, and I love it!

Why do you love writing?

That’s a difficult question, because there are several reasons I love to write. I think the main one is that I have stories to tell – or, should I say, my characters do – and writing gives me the chance to tell them. I really get satisfaction out of sharing those stories.

Can you share one of your milestone moments from your writing journey?

For me, a real milestone was when my first novel, Publish or Perish, was released. That was such validation for me that I could be a writer.

Do you keep a set writing schedule?

I wish I could. I try to write at more or less the same time every day, but my schedule doesn’t always permit that. I do make sure I write at least something every day.

Have you ever faced a situation that almost caused you to give up on being a writer?

 I think most writers have that experience. Writing is hard work. Even successful writers face lot of challenges, and they can seem overwhelming. That’s especially true if one’s got a “day job,” and has to balance those responsibilities with writing. I think the key is perseverance. That’s a lot easier to say than it is to do, but it is an important quality. Very few writers enjoy immense success “overnight.”

Is your writing career how you envisioned it?

That’s a difficult question to answer, because I tried not to have too many expectations when I began to write fiction. So far, I’ve been honoured that my first two novels have been published; that worked out the way I’d hoped and I’m very excited about it.

What big writing goals do you still want to accomplish?

I’d like to be able to write full-time. That, I would say, is something I would truly like to accomplish. As far as specific writing plans, I’d like to continue the mystery series I’m writing. I’ve got another series in mind, too, but that’s a little further in the future. 

Read Margot's Wise Words to writers tomorrow.

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