Monday, June 26, 2006

FEATURED AUTHOR: Anita Bunkley

SORMAG: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Anita Bunkley:
I live in Houston Texas, have been writing full-time for fifteen years and have had nine novels published. Before I began writing I worked in the fields of education as a foreign language teacher, and as a director with several non-profit organizations. In addition to writing, I work with aspiring authors, revising and editing their work to prepare their manuscripts for publication. I have been married for nineteen years and enjoy travel, gardening, craft sewing and was granted a U.S. Patent for one of my craft designs. Working with textiles in a creative way is very satisfying and inspiring. I have two grown daughters and two beautiful grand children.

SORMAG: Tell us about your current book?

BUNKLEY:
SILENT WAGER - is a contemporary drama about a family in crisis. When my main character, Camille Granville, is suddenly widowed, she soon discovers secrets about her deceased husband that not only disappoint her and complicate her life, but put her in grave danger. And while trying to survive the aftermath of two life-changing disasters, she has to deal with a spoiled, self-centered daughter, who blames Camille for everything that has gone wrong in their lives. It's a romance, a mystery, and a family drama all rolled into one.

SORMAG: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

BUNKLEY:
I hope that my readers have a good time with the characters, become engrossed in the story and leave the book feeling as if they have been on a wonderful journey with people they will remember after they close the book.

SORMAG: How did it feel to reach your publishing goal?

BUNKLEY:
As I complete each new novel, I am still amazed that I have made it to the end of another story and done it again. The writing process is always challenging, surprising, and rewarding. Each new book is different, each one has a life of its own. I am grateful for the support and feedback from my fans who have stuck with me over the years.

SORMAG: Any advice for those striving for the same goal?

BUNKLEY:
Just write the best story that you can, listen to the professionals, and stick to your goal. Study the markets and learn your craft. It is not an easy road, but it is one you can travel if you want to badly enough.

SORMAG: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

BUNKLEY:
A good book takes time to produce. As soon as a new book comes out, I am often asked about the next one. Whew!! I work as fast as I can, but I refuse to put out a
product that I cannot feel proud of, and know that I have done the best that I can

SORMAG: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?

BUNKLEY:
Don't be shy! Tell everyone about your book and keep your antennae up for promotional opportunities. They are everywhere. You don't need to spend a lot of money, but you do need to spend a lot of time on promotion.

SORMAG: What is a favorite book from your childhood?

BUNKLEY:
While growing up, I had a set of books called WORLD'S CHILDREN SERIES, from Encyclopedia Britannica. There were twelve small books, with stories about children from Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, Europe, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. I read them from cover to cover and knew them by heart. I am sure they influenced my deep love of international travel ( and I majored in foreign languages in college!) When I left home as an adult, I took them with me and they remain on my bookshelf today.

SORMAG: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

BUNKLEY:
The DaVinci Code.

SORMAG: What resources do you use on the net?

BUNKLEY:
Everything!!! I Google all the time and turn to the net for all of my research. I don't have a lot of time for chat rooms or blogs, as I am usually writing on a deadline, but I love the Internet and its ability to connect people so easily with the resources that they need.

SORMAG: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)\par}

BUNKLEY:
Readers can reach me at P.O. Box 821248 Houston, TX 77282-1248. Or http://www.anitabunkley.com/ or e-mail arbun@sbcglobal.net

2 comments:

LaShaunda said...

Anita,

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.

I agree with you that writing a book takes time. We readers sometimes forget this. We love our books and authors. We forget that books aren’t like fast food. You can’t just drive thru and pick up a new copy. We have to let them cook first. I miss the one book a year, now there are three or four books and you hear the readers complaining about the quality of the book. It’s our fault, because we have the “I want it now” mentality. We’re rushing the writer to put out new books and then complain when they do and it’s not up to our standards. I vote for the one book a year because I know I’m getting the best for my money.


p.s. I loved the encyclopedias too. I wanted to see the world too, one of the reasons I joined the Navy.

Anonymous said...

Anita,
This book sounds intriquing and a must to add to the too read list.

Can you tell me the names of your other books. I think I read one of your first books and was throughly entertained.

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