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Q: Your website has a fascinating array of information, why did you choose to concentrate on the many areas of your life instead of picking just one theme, as many writers do?
A: I realize that people who become 'experts' are sought out. Obviously, I want to have status as someone who is a research scholar too; I just didn't want to write about the same thing over and over. I believe the best writing is driven from passion. When you have a curiosity about finding out how something works or are determined in getting an answer to a question, you throw yourself into your quest. I have just always followed my interests and, consequently, they have led me to different fields of wonder.
Q: You have a sign posted on your computer that seems to sum up your life:
'To create the life you deserve, you have to go after it. The universe you inhabit flows from you--you don't flow from it. Whatever steps you need to take to create the universe of your choice, you will have to push past predictable feelings of shyness and fear to take them. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from going after what you want. It's absolutely self-defeating. The worst that can happen is that you get rejected by one person--so what? You have other frontiers, other territory to conquer. Keep the big picture in mind. You know that you're worthy, and that's all that really counts.' - Georgette Mosbacher What brought you to this point in your life?
A: I found this at a time when I needed inspiration. My life was at one of those plateaus that required change, and change is hard. I had just had four years of reconstructive surgery on my jaw and was feeling sorry for myself. Then, at one doctor's appointment, some kids had been brought over from Russia to have surgery too. They had congenital birth defects of huge proportion. One girl had an eye in the left half of her forehead, one little boy had four nostril holes but no real cartilage or what you would call a nose on top of them, and another baby had a huge proboscis on the end of his nose--and there were others. My self-pity felt stupid, so I changed.
Q: If someone were searching for his or her purpose in life, what would you say?
A: Try some outreach. I have come upon the best things by trying to help another person, or cause. Try some introspection. Through journal writing (I have a book on journal writing called Your Corner of the Universe reprinted by iUniverse), or inner thoughts you can find a plan for yourself. Once you stop trying to make excuses for why you haven't done something, maybe more opportunities will present themselves because your eyes will finally be open. If you're always trying to cover your ass, nothing happens.
Q: You have a strong passion for criminology, ballistics, and forensics, what brought you to this particular field of study?
A: It seemed to me to be another frontier. I got interested in it before it was popular. I actually got turned on to forensic science by learning a discipline called graphology, or handwriting analysis. Now graphology is not an 'accepted' science, and has a reputation as being a kind of cult-thing, no better than a horoscope reader. No matter. I still like it (and horoscopes too), and it introduced me to the American College of Forensic Examiners many years ago. Now I am a diplomat and Fellow with them--and they have some very good scientists as members.
Q: When and how do you use this knowledge in your everyday life?
A: Well, I use forensic science in teaching online classes for both Romance Writers of America's Kiss of Death chapter, and Painted Rock Writers and Readers Colony. Plus, I continue to attend workshops and seminars offered through professional organizations. For example, last year I got to work at the Miami Dade investigative training village with other forensic scientists in order to solve crimes at the Intermediate level. And, one day, when I have a career pause, I hope to work on a mystery or two.
Q: Who is Ziggy?
A: Ziggy is my little girl, but she is also a non-human primate--a capuchin monkey! She was born on Discovery Island in Walt Disney world. I got her at five week's old, and raised her for an organization called Helping Hands. Ziggy will be a helper/companion to a quadriplegic--someone who lives in a wheelchair and cannot use their arms or legs. Ziggy just left February 26 to go to college for training, after THIRTEEN years of being my monk-kid.
Q: How did you get started in Helping Hands (http://www.helpinghandsmonkeys.org)?
A: In the beginning of my writing career, I wrote for career magazines (guidance counselors and career advisors use them in high school). I have written about some interesting folks: a sheet metal worker, a crane operator, an FBI agent, a jewelry designer, one of the engravers at the Bureau of Printing and Engraving in Washington, DC, and a chimney sweep, among others. One day when I was trolling for ideas, I saw a story about the woman who founded a nonprofit organization using monkeys. (And this was at a time when women were under what the media dubbed, 'a glass ceiling.') I called her up, got a 45-minute interview and story, and the offshoot was me signing up to be a foster mom for a monkey.
Q: Can just anyone volunteer to raise a monkey or are there specific requirements?
A: There are certain characteristics you must have, a few criteria to be met and different levels of application. I used to help HH with screening. Monkeys are primates like us, so they are high maintenance creatures. Think of it as raising a child, not like a dog or cat. Anyone can certainly inquire--check out their web site first.
Q: When did you begin writing and when did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
A: Well, I was recuperating from all those surgeries I told you about previously, and driving to Dallas every six weeks for two and a half years, so that left out any reasonable employment. I wanted to do something from home; I first thought I might sell art or crafts, but I wound up giving things away to people who admired them. I really had a love for children's picture books and thought I might like to try one. I went to the Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop in Chautauqua, NY, met Lois Lowry, Eve Bunting, James Giblin, and others. In fact, I have a dear friend today in Lawrence Pringle, who has written almost 90 children's books. It was very inspiring.
Q: I understand that you have been a columnist for many different publications, how did you get started in writing a column?
A: A man came to a writer's group I founded in my community, and said he was going to start a newspaper and would like contributions. That was an opportunity begging to be filled.
Q: What advice would you give other writers that wanted to start a career as a columnist?
A: Start small. Think local. I just got a friend started as a contributor to a section in the Sunday Arkansas Democrat Gazette, our big state paper. I urged her to write a story about me and Ziggy (and Ziggy's departure). Ann is a Simian Society member and has a couple caps herself and she cried when she wrote it. Then I gave her the email address of the supplement's editor, and now she has done several stories for them and hopes to continue. She also takes the photos that accompany the stories. And they are hometown stories about people who do something different or interesting. You just have to be open to ideas. Interview the local clown you see in all the parades; talk to the man who has sold hot dogs in the park for twenty years; write about the experience of the foreign exchange student in America for the first time. In the beginning you will do it on 'spec'--but if the story is purchased, you have an in.
Q: Does a writer need an agent and how should one go about finding one?
A: I have sold all my books except one without an agent. BUT, if you write fiction, I'm afraid it must be represented. And nonfiction is going that way more and more, although the smaller publishers don't care a whit if you're represented or not, they can afford to take on things that the big guys won't handle. If you are content with making small advances and selling books that are different but still cool, a small publisher is your market. And if you love the area you live-in, you should check out the ' regional' bookmakers catalogs. Each sale will make you more confident to try others.
If you have dreams of big advances, need someone to negotiate complicated contracts, or are looking for a chance with one of the gargantuan New York houses, you have to have an agent. The days when editors and agents nurtured a beginning writer are long gone. Today your work must be top-notch, near publication ready, and vetted by a representative to sell to Dell, Random House, or Simon & Schuster, etc.
Q: You have a book out titled, 'Perfect Party Games,' where did you come up with so many wonderful ideas?
A: I was in a woman's organization that had parties, rush meetings, and holiday events so that we were celebrating all the time. Of course, I was on the social committee and always on the lookout for things that weren't same-old, same-old. I got good at finding games, explaining games, and planning parties. And, I used my old sorority sisters, and then my foreign exchange kids as guinea pigs when I tried new things. If you can get a teenager from a non-English speaking country to get up and do things with strangers, you can handle any game.
Q: I have never seen a party book so jam packed with fun things to do, why did you decide to write such a book?
A: In my search for new games, I found that the children's game market was well covered, but there was nothing for us older folks. I thought that void needed to be filled. (And that brings me to another writer's hint: Look for an area of life that is underrepresented.) My first games/party book, Great Games for Great Parties, has been selling for over eleven years and was reprinted in several languages, just recently in Cyrillic--a Russian version. I call it my little perennial. Like that pink bunny with a drum, it just keeps going and going.
Q: What is your favorite game and why?
A: This is tough. Probably the game from Great Games (see below) because it is fast, gets everyone involved, and presents some funny pictures.
Name of game: People String Along
# of players: Teams of five or six players
Type: Relay
Supplies: One ball of string, with a spoon tied to the end-for each team.
Formation: Single-file line-up for each team.
Object of the game: To complete the team race first.
Play Action: On 'Go,' the first player passes the spoon down the front of his shirt and through his pants and lets it come out his pants' leg. The spoon is then passed on to the next player, all the while with more string being released. As soon as the spoon has reached the end and all players are connected, the last player pulls the spoon back and the process is reversed, with the first player winding in a little string each time the spoon travels up the person and thus up the line. The winners are the first team to have the spoon travel down and back up the line, ending up with the string wound back in a ball, and the team signaling its completion by sitting down.
Hints and tips: Obviously players should be wearing sports clothes. Broken string disqualifies. Great holiday stress defuser.
In the new book Perfect Party Games it is Barnyard, Competition (but you should be an experienced games leader before you attempt this one--it calls for some acting.)
Name of the game: Barnyard Competition
# of players: One victim at a time, large party
Type: Stunt
Supplies: 4 chairs, a hard-boiled egg, and a practiced M.C.*
Formation: Send about 4 people out of the room, they are to enter singly when called for. Place two chairs side by side, a Miss X seated at one, and a third and fourth several feet away, facing.
Object of the game: For the amusement of all.
Play action: When the first victim is called, ask her to be seated next to Miss X, and advise her that this is a competition to find out: 'Who is best at imitating farm animals.' Next, our victim is asked by the M.C. to make a noise like a pig. She does this. 'Very good. Now a cow.' (Motivate with drama, M.C-make guests believe this is a viable contest.)'Good, a cat.' (wait for performance.) 'Okay, a farm dog. Yes, quite good.' (Make sure that the audience responds favorably to the sounds, solicit their enthusiasm.) 'Now, make a noise of a hen when she is laying an egg.' The victim does this and you ask her to try again, or if it's done exceptionally well, say, 'Thank you, that's all. Now you can go over and sit in that chair,' indicating the single chair across from the others.
*While the victim is walking away, Miss X places an egg on the seat that the victim has just vacated. The victim will sit and, after a moment or two, her eyes will fall upon the egg left on her previous seat.
Hints and tips: I have played this numerous times and it is the best! You, the leader may act as the M.C. (*Master of Ceremonies) and, of course, while the victims are sent to the other room, Miss X will be told her duty of placing the egg, so as not to alert the victim. This is an extremely funny event that is good for about 4 repetitions and you'll find that, nobody minds laying an egg!'
Q: So many times, adults gather simply to converse, but your book seems to be saying, 'Life's a party, enjoy it!' What would you suggest to couples who would like to invite other couples over to do more than talk?
A: Start out with the simple games, games that call for less prep and supplies. Then, when you find out that your choices went over well, you will gain confidence and will try out several more. If they make you laugh out loud when you read them, that is the next one you should try--because you're predisposed to make it happen.
Both books have sections on how to be a 'games leader'--that is probably a very good section to read and have down pat. Also, ask hubby or a friend to be your assistant (an assistant passes out things, collects answers, demonstrates moves, etc.). When the other guests see some participation, they will feel more free about joining in.
Q: What is the toughest part about working for yourself?
A: I get lots of positive feedback from readers, family and friends; and I'm very disciplined, so, I guess I would say, having a book project turned down is difficult. (But, that doesn't mean I won't try it again later!)
Q: If you could leave one sentence that would inspire others to follow their dreams, what would it be?
A: Learn to deal with ups and downs because there are no straight paths to anything worthwhile.
I have a free, bi-monthly author's newsletter called 'Soup's On' If readers send me an email, I will add them to the subscription list: campbell@arkansas.net (Put 'newsletter' in the subject line so it will get attention.) The mailing has ideas for writers, news about the industry, some forensic stuff every once in a while, my traveling schedule, and other tips. I will not sell anyone's name or address, and they can unsubscribe if it's not right for them.
Thanks, Alyice.
*** Perfect Party Games is a fantastic book full of great party ideas for adults and children alike! I highly recommend it to anyone looking to entertain the next house guest!
Andrea Campbell: Author, Forensic Science Teacher, and adoptive parent of Ziggy
http://www.andreacampbell.com/
All materials copyrighted 2000-2002Alyice Edrich |
