Welcome to Indie Publishing Group Wendy L Scott-Hawkins, and welcome to our author interviews! If you could start by introducing yourself to everyone, let them know where you’re from and some of your interests and hobbies.
Hello readers and writers, my name is Wendy L. Scott-Hawkins, and I’m a newly retired Educational Assistant/Personal Support Worker. My two adult children both live close by, so I’m fortunate to have them at hand when needed. I’m married and live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, but size doesn’t matter. Petrolia is known for its rich oil history, theatre and the Fairbanks mansion featured in the movie Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark. To keep busy, I help people with their pets, either by walking their dogs or pet sitting when they are on holiday. Since I have no pets of my own, I get to love these up and then go home. When I’m not busy writing or pet sitting, I enjoy a good long walk (especially in nature), knitting, crocheting, reading memoirs and thrillers, playing Scrabble and Words With Friends, and spending time with family and friends.
What inspired you to start writing?
I knew I had a great story to tell, one that could help others find loved ones. Perseverance, hope and peace are the main themes I wanted to resonate with my readers when I wrote my memoir. Along with my belief in God and that He can do great things for those who believe in Him, I was also quite open and honest about my struggles with depression and anxiety. The writing process and the search for my half-sibling both enabled me to be the person I am today.
What is your preferred genre to write in?
I have self-published in two genres, and my next book will be in a different one, too. I have an idea rolling around in my brain for a thriller, so that will be genre number four. I have yet to decide which one is best to write in at this time, and honestly, I like change! I do question myself whether my readers will appreciate this or want me to write in the same genres.
What is one thing you wish you knew now that you didn’t know when you started writing?
I hadn’t realized that the writing part was the easy part and that the real struggle would come from marketing and selling my book. Marketing has now become a big part of my life, thinking of new ways to interact with my readers and producing different angles to make it fresh again is a daily activity.
If you use a pen name, why and how did you come up with it?
My real name is Wendy Scott, but when I looked that name up on the internet, it was quite common, and there was already an author by that name. I thought it would be difficult for readers to find me and my books if this were the case. My Facebook profile was already Wendy L. Scott-Hawkins, so it was appropriate to make this my pen name, as it was already established on social media.
How do you handle a bad review?
At first, I do get discouraged and wonder why I received such a poor review, but then I come to terms with the fact that it’s that person’s opinion, and they have the right to feel that way. It’s also a review, so it means that somebody read my book!
What’s next for you as an author?
I belong to a local writer’s group, and during one of our sessions, we were asked to write something about any one of the pictures displayed on the table. The one I chose has inspired me to start a new children’s chapter book that could develop into a series. I hope this book will take them on a wild adventure into the mind of my new character. This will be another new genre for me, and our children need plenty more opportunities to discover that reading can be fun. I am hoping to add lots of humour and adventure to this series, making it a fun read designed for children or any age that may find it interesting.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
I used to dream about flying like a bird, just above the treetops. In my dreams, I felt so free and unfettered with no cares in the world. Those dreams are few and far between now that I’m getting older and of senior age. Maybe I should stay lower to the ground, where the fall isn’t so far.
Where is your ultimate holiday destination?
I don’t have a specific ultimate holiday destination because there are too many to choose from. My theory is that any holiday away from home is going to be a good one if you go into it with a great attitude. But most importantly, it really relies on who you are travelling with.
What are some of the items on your bucket list?
Visiting a place, hopefully not too cold, to see the Northern Lights with the naked eye is something I want to experience. I would also love to see the Grand Canyon and feel the magnitude of that crater in the ground. This last one may sound simple, but when I’ve seen pictures of this, I know it’s something I have to do: feed a chickadee from my hand. The experience of a wild bird trusting me enough to land on my hand and know that I’m not going to hurt them is a feeling that cannot be explained until it happens.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview, Wendy L Scott-Hawkins!
Check out where you can buy Wendy’s books below and how to follow Wendy L Scott-Hawkins on social media. If you would like to do an author interview or have questions about our author features, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
******
Author Name: Wendy L Scott-Hawkins
Genre/s: Memoir and Children’s Books
Author Website: https://www.facebook.com/WendyLScottHawkinsAuthor/
Social Media Links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Amazon Author Central.
Best Link to Where People Can Buy Your Book:
Searching For a Stranger and Finding Myself: A Memoir
******
At Indie Publishing Group, we’re proud to support Canadian self-published and traditionally published authors across all genres.
If you are writing a book and need any assistance with paperback or ebook formatting, cover design, professional editing, uploading to self-publishing sites such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, or Amazon KDP keyword and category research, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer children’s book illustrations and formatting services.
For Canadian authors still considering whether or not Amazon KDP is the best self-publishing platform for them, check out The Complete Guide to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for Canadian Authors, where we cover everything you’ll need to know about getting started on Amazon KDP for the first time.
2 Responses
It was my pleasure to be considered for an author interview spot and I truly appreciate a place on your social media pages. Thank you Indie Publishing for helping indie authors stand out and for supporting our work.
Hi Wendy, it was a pleasure having you for an author interview and learning more about you as an author and writer, and your books. We are always happy to help support and promote Canadian authors as they undertake their journey into the self-publishing world!