Welcome, Dotti. Thank you for joining me here for an interview .
AF - What inspired you to be a writer?
DE - I was quite the romantic when I was younger. Writing was expression, and I had a knack for it. After having children I discovered my love for children's stories and books. I just took it from there.
AF - Can you tell us about your latest book release?
DE - My latest is a picture book called Grandpa for Sale, which I co-authored with my friend, Vicki Sansum. This is my time working with Flashlight Press, which is a small, but phenomenal publisher! I've found that Shari, my editor, has more insight than anyone I've ever worked with. And the illustrations by T. Kyle Gentry are fantastic. I am so proud of this book.
AF - What prompted you to write your books? Are they based on true life or are they completely fiction?
DE - I think there's a little "true life" in every fiction book. I've have sixteen books in print and four more on the way. They all were inspired by various means. It would take me all day to elaborate.
AF - Would you take us through your typical writing day?
DE - I never have a typical writing day. For the most part, I sleep in, eat breakfast, read, run on the treadmill, take a shower, run errands, then write. And I don't write every day. I try, but I'm human.
AF - Do you think about your readers when you write a book?
DE - Yes. Mostly I think about my characters, but when I'm trying to pen that perfect sentence, it's for the readers' benefit. I'd never want to cheat them.
AF - What sort of things do you do when you're not writing?
DE - Usually reading. But I'm a big-time movie fan. And I'm particularly partial to horror films. Even the cheesy B films. I love going on Saturday night about 8:00 because 99% of the audience is high school kids. They react to every little thing. And then there's always a couple of guys who yell back at the screen. It's so much fun!
AF - What are some of your favorite things?
DE - Collecting action figures of my favorite characters, hanging out with my two daughters, eating vanilla yogurt with frozen blueberries, traveling alone.
AF - Many writers speak about writer's block. Do you ever have that, and if so what are some things you do to get over it?
DE - Oh yeah, I do get it occasionally. I don't force myself to write. Instead I talk online to other writers who also have writer's block. We have a Writer's Block Party. Sometimes it gets pretty rowdy.
AF - If you could say one thing to a new writer what would it be?
DE - Be patient! Publishing is actually slower than the government. And read, read, read! It's important to keep up with what's being published, even though you're not chasing trends.
AF - If you could say one thing to the children reading your books what would that be?
DE - Thank you. I get fan mail from kids, and they're the most sincere of readers. I love being a children's author.
AF - When it comes to writing what's next for you?
DE - I'm working on a paranormal YA with five main characters. It's tough for me since I have such a one-track mind. I love what I'm writing, but I'm also looking forward to working on a novel with just one character to worry about.
AF - Are you available for signings, school visits and writing workshops?
DE - Absolutely! You can learn more about my programs at my website http://www.dottienderle.com/ or contact me at enderle4@earthlink.net
