Interview S. E. Schenkel

By

Kay Bailey

Shirley, as a fellow author I would like to know more about you and also I would enjoy learning of your writing.

1) If you could start your life over what character from your book would you become?

Now that's a question that takes some thought... I suppose I would be Annie. She's a recent addition to "the gang", but I like her wisdom and the fact that she's a retired sheriff.

2) Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?x

My favorite quote is from Teihard de Chardin. "...These flashes of light that enable us to see and understand... get them down on paper... It is then that little by little the cast our Lord seeks to give to our soul gradually takes shape. In blacker moments we hold on to (these) words..."

3) Did you write as a child or start when you were an adult?

I was just shy of fifty when I found out I liked to play with words.

4) What is your favorite good read? I would love to know the experience also. Cup of coffee, tea?

John D. McDonald has always been my all time favorite. As for when and where and with what "trinkets", I love to just lean back, close my eyes and listen to books on tape.

5) What's on your reading list now?

Anything I can find by Michael Connelly, T.J.Parker and the works of many other authors--as long as they are available as an audio book.

6) What cartoon character best represents you right now, such as Winnie the Pooh, Daffy Duck, etc.?

The Roadrunner. When you are in your seventieth year, you need to get a move on...

7) What sparked you to become an author?

Sitting down, writing a short story and finding it the most enjoyable thing I'd ever done.

8) What inspired you to write Dead Man's Reach? Was it a scene or event?

I'm not sure where the idea came from. Whenever something comes to mind for a new mystery, I write it down and file it. When I'm ready to start another book, I look through my files and go with whatever strikes my fancy.

9) What is your writing style? structured or free-for-all?

I'm basically self-taught and write the way I want to.

10) In the process of writing this book or others, is there something particular that you struggled with?

My main struggle has been to get a foot in the door of the publishing world. That's why I'm so very thankful for Wings ePress.

Thanks for sharing with us. Hopefully we will all strengthen each other through this exciting time.

You're welcome, Janet. And thank you for such thought-provoking questions.