Debut Author Interviews

What career would you pursue if you weren't a writer?

• Paula Chase on...Other Careers
• Melissa Marr on...Other Careers
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• Carrie Jones on...Other Careers
• Sarah Aronson on...Other Careers
• Stephanie Hale on...Other Careers
• A.C.E. Bauer on...Other Careers
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• Tiffany Trent on...Other Careers
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• Judy Gregerson on...Other Careers
• Joni Sensel on...Other Careers
• Greg R. Fishbone on...Other Careers
• S.A. Harazin on...Other Careers
• Sarah Beth Durst on...Other Careers

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

Warning! sappy cliche ahead - I didn’t pursue writing, it chose me.

I’ve always written stories. I took writing more seriously in high school and went on to declare journalism my major, freshman year in college. However, I changed course to public relations, the very next year.

I changed course, because as a 19 year old I had a very narrow view of journalism. It didn’t strike me, at the time, that I could eventually be an author or write for magazines (which I do now and love). I kept thinking journalism was more newspaper writing. It didn’t appeal to me.

But after 15 years in PR, the fact that I came back to writing is sign enough for me that I was meant to be a writer all along. And my PR background will be a great asset when it comes to book promotion.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

Until now, I taught university literature, so writing is my second career. If I didn’t write, that career would be the one I’d continue to pursue. I’m tempted some days to get another degree, but I have time still to try that later if writing doesn’t work out. History & Anthropology (so I can work digs) is my next big interest.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

I spent most of my adult life working in the animation industry as a story artist. I love art and it has always been my “first” occupation and career. If I never wrote again, I would return to drawing, but hopefully, I will be able to combine the two at some point, and illustrate as well as write.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

This is a hard question.

Why?

Because what I really really want to be is a writer.

I could be a newspaper editor again. But would I pursue it? No.

A newspaper reporter again?

Nope.

Poetry editor? City councilor?

Nope. Done it. Not for me.

When I was little I always wanted to be a human rights attorney and hopefully get assassinated while bringing peace to Northern Ireland or El Salvador. My death would, of course, inspire the entire world to love each other, shake hands and sing “Imagine.”

Yep.

Obviously, I have some major complexes going on.

But if I could do anything? I guess that would be it. Not the martyr part, but I’d work for Amnesty International in any capacity, really. Is that silly?

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

My father claims that I have a knack for pursuing low paying jobs that require a huge amount of time and service to the community.

With that in mind…

I have always wanted to run for public office!

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

I’d probably be a CPA. But I like working with words a lot more than numbers so I’m hoping writing will be my lifelong career! :)

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

I’d probably go back to being an attorney—although I’ve always thought I might be happier as a teacher. But I don’t really want to do either, at the moment. Writing is what I love the most.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

I always wanted to write and illustrate in a cartoony style for a big audience.

I didn’t realize I could make a living at doing kids’ books, so I went into advertising, using my design, copywriting, and illustration skills. I did that for 25+ years, ever since my first year of college.

I always figured if I couldn’t draw or write I would go into embryology or law.
But this is what I love most.

I figured it out when I was working on a kids’ cookbook for a local hospital’s centennial. I was doing it almost for free (very low honorarium), yet I couldn’t wait to get to it in the morning, and couldn’t put it down at night. That’s how I knew kids’ books was the right path for me.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

I’ve been so many things already while wanting to be a writer all along—technical editor, grant proposal writer, museum curator, environmental educator, senior editor for a wildlife conservation organization, bookseller, university instructor—that all I really just want to be right now (as I have since age 9) is a full-time writer.

If I had chosen to fully pursue any of those other career paths, I would probably be a biologist or environmental educator; I enjoyed those jobs when I worked them and loved giving programs once upon a time at the Roanoke Island Aquarium. I especially loved taking care of animals and learning to build exhibits that made animals more comfortable by mimicking their native habitats. And, it was always fun to see people’s expressions when I walked around the museum with a snake wrapped around my waist… ;)

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

It would have to be book-related! Fortunately, I worked in book distribution for many years, and saw that there were a lot of cool jobs in this industry. And not only in New York, which was a hard sell for this California girl! Independent publishers, especially regional and specialty ones, have strong niches of their own.

I liked working trade shows and putting together catalogs, so maybe I’d be lobbying one of our client publishers for a job in their sales or marketing departments. Or as a rep—it was always a treat to talk shop with the ones who called on me.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

I have always worked in some form of sales and marketing and I really enjoy it. I don’t write full time anymore because I like being out and about and especially like working with the public. If I could combine my knowledge of the publishing business with my sales and marketing experience, my dream job would be as a book publicist.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

Well, I hope to be reincarnated someday as a Cirque du Soleil performer, a professional football player (defensive line), and an actor, not necessarily in that order. The body I was assigned this time around is better suited to writing.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

I’d be President of the United States. Much less criticism and responsibility.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

When I was a teen my mother would tell me I needed a day job so I’d always be able to support myself. I went to nursing school and then worked many years as a RN. I loved my job. I am glad I pursued that career first. If I had not done that I would not have the first hand experience to write what I write.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t a writer?

If I wasn’t a writer, I would want to be a cat.

Specifically, I would pursue the career of housecat. No alley cat life for me, thank you very much. Think about it: you sit in the sun all day. Nice people pet you. Meals are served to you. Once in a while, if you choose, you can chase a stray moth, an errant paperclip, or your own tail.

I would probably still write, though. Maybe etch stories with my claws in the furniture.