April Showers by Anne Maisy Scott

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was inspired when I was in the sixth grade after winning a writing

contest amongst my peers.  I wrote mainly poetry in my teen years,

but I decided to try my luck at writing a novel after I wrote an essay

about my husband’s grandfather, which was later read and distributed

at his funeral.  Inspiration can be found in the least expected places!

How long did it take you to write April Showers?

As for April Showers, the storyline itself took me a few months to write. 

However, it took me one and a half years to tweak it enough to where I

was satisfied with the end result.

What inspired you to write April Showers?

I wanted to pose the question of "How will you be remembered?" after

you are gone.  How will people speak of "us" when we are gone?  

What memories will we leave behind?  I wrote this story as a wake-up

call to the world to make ammends when and where we can before it's

too late. 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I need to be “in the mood” to write.  I write when my schedule permits me

to do so.  Sometimes I am inspired late in the evening or in the middle of

the check-out lane at the grocery store.  It is unpredictable.  While at work,

I may jot down ideas that may randomly spring into my mind.  I am

fortunate to work for a school, which allows me to write over summer break. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My interesting writing quirk would be that I have to have music to keep me in

a certain frame of mind.  For example, I listened to Evanescence’s CD Fallen

to keep me focused enough on keeping my main character, April, in character. 

That CD makes me think of the highs and lows of my mother, which was a real

tool for me to use.  Some days I had to write something sad while I was in a

bubbly mood, which the music helped me pull it off!  Music was a real asset

for me.

How do books get published?

It takes lots of time and patience finding the right publishing house.  Initially, I tried

finding literary agents to represent me, but I was rejected by each one because I

was a first-time author.  It was difficult at times dealing with rejection, but I’ve learned

that a positive attitude and perseverance helps toughen the thin skin.  I did write a query

letter to PublishAmerica, which is a publishing house in Maryland.  They asked for my

manuscript and then they sent me a letter of acceptance.  There are a series of steps

that are taken before the manuscript becomes a book.  I am very pleased with the route

I chose with my publisher.  This had been a wonderful and exciting experience so far.

Why did you go through PublishAmerica?

They like dealing with first-time authors.  They actually gave my manuscript a chance

and I was not discriminated against  for being new to the business.  In fact, they made

me feel welcomed.  I did check into self-publishing, but there was no way I could afford

those prices!  With PublishAmerica, there is no cost to ever be paid by the author.  

They put up the money to print my book.  It feels great to know that a publisher thought

my story was decent enough to support. 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your book(s)?

I am always thinking up wacky scenarios or looking at life in general.  I keep

my eyes and ears open for inspiration.  Sometimes it can come from a song.

April Showers is a book of fiction, but some of it comes from my own childhood.  I try

to send a message to my readers with hopes to inspire them in some positive way. 

Life can be very hard, but no matter how bad it can get; it is so important to never give

up hope. 

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

When I was in college, my husband and I just celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary,

I wrote little stories for my three children.  I never had them published, but one day I hope

to do something with them for my future grandchildren.  I am thrilled that I published my

first book before I reached 40.  I feel that to be a real milestone for me. 

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I enjoy spending time with my family.  We all enjoy a hardy belly laugh!  If it is not from

a comedy on the tube, it comes from one of our random, wacky outbursts in the privacy

of our own home.  We create our own laughter in order to help keep us all in check!  We

seem to spend most of our time catching up at the dinner table.  My kids are growing

up fast and their daily lives are busy with work, sports, or school functions.  We try to

capture the laughter when we can. 

What does your family think of your writing?

My husband and children are very supportive.  My sister had been encouraging me to

write all of my life.  I was surprised at the support I received from relatives and friends. 

My parents believe that I have a way of reaching people with my stories.  However, my

father said that I have always had a “flowery” imagination with my excuses and stories

as a child.  I took that as a great compliment.  After all, he is the master of “flowery!” 

We joke around in fun. 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book(s)?

As I mentioned earlier, I started writing poetry when I was in my teens.  As I wrote short

stories or English essays, I noticed that my writing had a rhythm to it.  I suppose that can

be viewed as my writing signature.  I strive to be unique in my style of writing. 

Did a college degree help you become a published author in any way? 

I attended college at Indiana University of Kokomo and Indiana Purdue University of

Fort Wayne.  I did not have the opportunity to finish college due to moving to Michigan

for work related reasons.  I majored in nursing, but I changed my mind and competed for

a spot in the dental hygiene program in Fort Wayne.  I was thrilled when I got it because

it was very competitive to be accepted.  However, my prerequisite English classes helped

me brush up on what I had forgotten over the years from high school.  I suppose that I

became a writer because that had always been my passion and it was meant to be.  I

have student loans and dental instruments, but no college degree.  Maybe one day I will

go back to school, but for now I hope to write another book or two while my children are

in school. 

Did you attend many writer’s conferences?  If so, where all did you attend?

I attended one writer’s conference at Ohio State, which I remember keeping one valuable

piece of advice.  A fellow author asked me if I was an avid reader, which I was not at that

time.  I told her that I found many books to be bland because of their lack of humor or

negativity that leaves the reader uninspired.  This stranger smiled at me and said, “Well,

it seems to me that you have your angle on standing out.  Write about what you would like

to read.  That is where you will find your niche.”  This woman was absolutely correct!  I

wish I took her advice to heart ten years ago.  My husband purchased some Native

American artwork while I was at the conference.  I think of that advice every time I look at

it sitting on my mantel.  

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

So far, April Showers.  This is my first novel and I hope that there will be more to follow.

what are they?

My advice to becoming a better writer is to read, read, and read some more.  It is

wise to see which writing styles work for other authors.  There is always room for

learning something different.   

Do you like to create books for adults?

I prefer to write for adults because I have room to exercise humor, which may not be

suitable for young readers.  One day, I would like to publish children’s books with the

help from the creative minds of my children.  I have always wanted to do that. 

What do you think makes a good story?

I believe that what makes a good story is being realistic, if at all possible.  It is important

to stay in character.  It is just as important not to insult the readers’ intelligence.  I look

for an interesting storyline that flows smoothly and holds my attention.  I give an author a

five-star rating if they can surprise me in the ending.  I like a book that I can talk about to

my friends for days.  A book that leaves a lasting impression is a book worth reading.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a wife, a mother of three children, and a published author.   I

suppose that dreams really do come true!  My advice is to keep a positive attitude

and stay focused on your goals.  Always keep the faith!