INTERVIEW

OK guys today I'm interviewing, Terri G Long,

Terri Giuliano Long

Terri Giuliano Long grew up in the company of stories both of her own making and as written by others. Books offer her a zest for life’s highs and comfort in its lows. She’s all-too-happy to share this love with others as a novelist and as a lecturer at Boston College.

Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, traveling to far-flung places, and meeting interesting people. True to her Italian-American heritage, she’s an enthusiastic cook and she loves fine wine and good food. In an alternate reality, she could have been very happy as an international food writer.

Terri loves meeting and connecting with people who share her passions. Visit her on  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tglongwrites or Twitter: @tglong

SATIN-  Well I'd like to start off by saying thank you for taking the time to chat with little old me. Now for anyone out there who doesn't know who you are, could you tell us a little bit about your self?

TERRI- I’m a wife and mom. I enjoy nothing more than hanging out with my family. They make me laugh, they bring tremendous joy and teach me so much! I also love to walk, hike, climb. For an amateur, I can hold my own in the kitchen. Everyone in our family loves to travel. My bio says that in another life I might have been an international food writer – that really is true.

Professionally, I lecture at Boston College, where I’ve taught creative and nonfiction writing for 15 years. I’ve also written copy for marketing, advertising and public relations, edited technical articles for trade journals, and edited a small trade magazine. In Leah’s Wake is my first novel. These days, other than teaching, or doing occasional marketing or editing work, I spend my time writing. I’m currently at work on a second novel.

Fun facts: I’m addicted to chocolate and shoes, and I have absolutely no sense of direction


SATIN-. Now then, what was the spark behind this book? What inspired you into writing this great piece of work?

TERRI- Years ago, I wrote a series of feature articles about families with drug and alcohol-addicted teens. The moms talked candidly about their children, their heartbreaking struggles. Those stories stayed with me. 

My husband and I have four daughters. Most families struggle during their children's teenage years. We’re no different - though, thank goodness, we experienced nothing remotely akin to the problems and challenges the Tylers face in the book. As a parent, I knew how it felt to be scared, concerned for your children’s welfare and future. These were the primary forces driving me to write this story.

My work with families, my personal experiences and core beliefs – all thesthings played on my conscious and subconscious mind, and ultimately emerged as this book. 

SATIN- What was your favourite part of this book, and did you find any of it really hard to write

TERRI- I wrote the first draft as my MFA thesis. I was under the gun. I finished the first draft in three months and the writing was dreadful, but it was a breathy process; when I finished, I knew the characters and the book had a general shape. I spent the next few years immersed in revisions. I spent all day in this fictional place, and the Tyler family took over my dreams. I almost believed they were alive, that Cortland, the imaginary town, was a real place. It was an adventure, and I loved every minute.

The hardest thing wasn’t writing, it was sustaining confidence through publication.

 

SATIN- OK from speaking to some of my other author friends, i know some of them have a routine when they are writing. Do you have a routine and can you tell us what it is?



TERRI- I probably should have a routine – I’m sure it would help - but I don’t. The only thing I routinely bring to my desk is a jug or bottle of water. This is embarrassing to admit (please don’t tell anyone, OK?) - I’m easily distracted. I need to write in a small space, with no Internet access. When I first sit, the nasty editors on my shoulders often heckle me - A writer? Seriously? Usually, I ignore it and dig in; the writing may be choppy, but eventually I gain fluidity. When the demons get too loud to ignore, I read. Reading sends me to my happy place, provides an escape. For some writers, walking, meditating, or listening to music helps. For me, those activities turn into distractions – even with reading, I have to be sure I don’t fall into a rabbit hole. Sitting alone, in a quiet, isolated space - and just going at it – works best for me



SATIN- When writing your books, what normally comes first, the characters or the idea of the novel?



TERRI -  I’ve written one book and I’m working on a second. In both cases, the idea came first. I had general ideas about the characters, but their backgrounds, personalities and motivations evolved as I wrote.



SATIN- OK my followers know I like to ask a random question, But for you, you lucky girl, you get two. lol.


a, If you could take anyone out for a meal (dead or alive) who would it be and why.



TERRI - Jesus. Religion aside, I think he was an amazing human being. Like all of us, he was sometimes frightened and he carried tremendous weight on his shoulders. But he cared deeply about people and he forgave even the worst transgressions. He set an impossible standard. I’d love to ask him how he trusted people, even though they often betrayed him, and how maintained his abiding faith




b, Ok one of my favourite questions, all the girls who follow me and most of the female authors have a favorite book guy, so do you have a favorite book guy, whether its out of your book or someone else’s.


TERRI-  In my novel, In Leah’s Wake, the only non-family member with a voice is Jerry Johnson, the policeman. I see him as the connecting force in the novel and for this family. Though flawed, like all of us, he takes his responsibility for others to heart. I very much see police this way – as the connecting force in communities. My epigraph, from The Grand Inquisitor, says: “everyone is really responsible to all men for all men and for everything.” Jerry not only understands this, he lives by it.

The father in The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, is similar. He accepts responsibility, and puts the needs of others – in the novel, his son – before his own. I admire this in both men.

 SATIN- Lastly have you got any thing else you would like to add for my followers

TERRI - First, Sue, thank you so very much for giving me the opportunity to reach out and connect with your readers. And thank you – all of you - for your interest in my book. Time is precious. With the millions of rich, entertaining, beautiful books to choose among, I feel honored that you’d spend this time with me, reading about mine.

***********************************************




So there you have it guys, Terri Long. I hope you enjoyed this interview because  i really enjoyed talking to Terri, Now I have a little question for you.


Do you enjoy literary fiction? Why or why not?