Writing is a form of stress relief for me - Barbara Watkins

Barbara Watkins resides in Missouri with her husband and loyal boxweiler, Hooch.

Ms. Watkins loves to evoke a false sense of security and expectations as she leads her reader into a world of the unknown. Her articles on various subjects, short stories, and poetry are listed in the 2008 New York Skyline Review, and several on-line publications. 

In 2010, Watkins collaborated with New Zealand director, Dimi Nakov, on a screenplay for a short movie entitled, BlindSide. Her name appears in the films end credits for voice-over monologue. Her haunting novella, Thorns of an Innocent Soul, has been optioned to the New Zealand Film Production Company (Zodiac Entertainment) for screenplay adaptation to film.  

Barbara Watkins

 Her charitable contributions include supporting the Partner in Hope program through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

 

1.What do you write?

I primarily write, paranormal suspense/psychological thrillers/horror, but have been known to dabble in romance – with a touch of paranormal of course…

2.       Why do you write?

Writing is a form of stress relief for me. I’ve always enjoyed the art of storytelling – breathing life into a character, for me, is as thrilling as taking that first plunge on a roller coaster ride.   

3. For whom do you write?

I write for all who love to be entertained, for those who hunger to read a thrilling suspense with a surprising twist – for those who want to take a break from the usual to venture into a world of the unknown while never having to leave the safety of their reading chair.   

4. By whom are you inspired?

I have had my work compared to, M.P. McDonald, Andrew E. Kaufman and Alfred Hitchcock – an honor indeed. The world around me, the wonderful, and not so wonderful people that occupy its space inspire me.

  

5 Your Future plan About writing?

At the moment I’m working on a paranormal/suspense novel entitled, ‘Fruit of the Dead’ - A young mother happily expecting the birth of her first child is viciously murdered and the killer is never brought to justice. The infant baby girl miraculously survives, only later to be plagued with premonitions of her mother’s killer.

  

6. Give five pieces of advice to a new writer?

1.     Read, read, and then read some more.

2.      If at all possible write a little every day.

3.      Write and worry about the errors later.

4.      Don’t over think what you write – write in the moment.

5.      Put pen to paper, or fingertips to keys, and never look back.   

6.     Give five pieces of advice to a reader?

1.     Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the work by an unknown author – even the greats had to start somewhere.

2.     Don’t shut down a book just because of a few minor errors – minor errors can be found in almost every book written.

3.     When reading, set aside a time when you can give the book your full attention.

4.     By all means give praise where praise is due. If you loved the book shout it out to the world – if not, be honest about your opinions but do so without malice.

5.     Try stepping out of your comfort zone and read a genre that you ordinarily wouldn’t choose – you just might be pleasantly surprised!    

Website: http://www.barbarawatkins.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/watkinsfanpage

Twitter: @paranormawriter 

Books: Publications: Thorns of an Innocent Soul - Mortal Abomination – Awaken Spirit – Hollowing Screams – Six-Pack of Blood (co-author, Betty Dravis) Six-Pack of Fear (co-author, Betty Dravis) Anthologies include, Hope Whispers (compiled by Lynn C. Johnston) Live Life: The Daydreamer’s Journal (compiled by Sir Ricky McGentleman) Satan’s Holiday, an anthology of scary stories (compiled by Yvonne Mason) Welcome to Your Nightmare (compiled by Yvonne Mason) Tales by The Tree, an anthology of Holiday Flash Fiction, and Writing Tips From Authors (compiled by Patti Roberts.) Her article on SUDC (Sudden Unexplainable Death in Children) ‘Levi’s Story’ appears in the second edition of MJ Magazine (editor and creator, Fran Lewis) fall of 2013.  

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Watkins/e/B002FZQ5B6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1400556964&sr=1-2-ent