“Spinning a story in my mind” is exciting to Barbara Grovner!
What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book EVEN NUMBERS is a story I wrote for a dear friend. She is a survivor of child molestation and child rape and I wanted to help her cope a bit.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I love to hand write in a notebook and have several notebooks around (even in my purse…just in case I think of something). Then I type what I’ve written, so this way I can do some of the editings as I go along.
How did you come up with the title?
The title EVEN NUMBERS came about when I created the card game in the book that the predator used to get the young girl to do the things he likes.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
With EVEN NUMBERS there most certainly a serious message. I want to keep the subject of child molestation and child rape on the minds of everyone. It happens a lot and in the Black community it is hidden as ‘the family secret’. I want women to be more cautious about the men they bring home to be in the company of their children…and I want them to make conscious good choices when it comes to their lives and the lives of their children.
What books have most influenced your life most?
I love THE ADVENTURERS by HAROLD ROBBINS. It’s a very old book and has a bit of everything in it. It’s a great read that touches every emotion in ways that made me learn more about myself.
What book are you reading now?
I love MARY MONROE’S style and try to mimic sometimes, loll! She is an awesome writer. I’ve just begun to read Persia Walker’s mysteries and she is a fantastic writer. Her style is one that I like to mimic as well. Right now I am reading MUDBOUND by Hillary Jordan. What an awesome read!
What are your current projects?
I have completed COLD SERIAL. Just a bit of tweaking and it will be ready for the editor. Hopefully, I will have it on the shelves by the end of the year.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Writing the end of a book can be challenging for me. It can sometimes be difficult or tricky to make the story not have the feel of being rushed. I’m working hard on that.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
While writing EVEN NUMBERS, I found I had to walk away from it at times because of the content. It’s a tough subject and such a real one too.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned that I can actually reach out to people through my reading and would love to continue to write books that excite readers and touch on every emotion.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
For other writers, the lesson I learned the hard way is patience. Don’t rush into getting published without first learning the business. Do tons of research so your book is believable and interesting…and above everything else…get a great editor? It makes all the difference!
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
To my readers…thanks so much. Many of you have touched my heart with your awesome reviews and kind words. When I was at a book signing for EVEN NUMBERS I met many survivors of child molestation and child rape and they made me so proud, not just for reading my book but for sharing their struggle.
You can find Barbara Grovner’s books at Amazon – Even Numbers
