APW: DIY Interview – Myrna Beth Haskell

Name: Myrna Beth Haskell

Email Address: myrnahaskell@hvc.rr.com

What is your website URL? www.myrnahaskell.com

What is your contact information?
http://www.facebook.com/myrna.haskell.7
http://www.linkedin.com/in/myrnahaskell

Where and/or when were you born?
Fort Monroe, VA – 1964

What schools did you attend? 
What was your course of study?
MA in English – SUNY, New Paltz, NY
BA in English – SUNY, Albany, NY
Kingston High School, Kingston, NY

When and how did you discover you wanted to be a writer/author?
I discovered around the 2nd grade that manipulating sentences was really fun for me.  I actually enjoyed revisions of my work in elementary school when everyone else would groan.  I was writing fairly lengthy short stories by the 4th grade (science fiction genre).

Are you a published author? Yes

Please list your published material, with dates?

• LIONS and TIGERS and TEENS: Expert advice and support for the conscientious parent just like you (Unlimited Publishing LLC, March 2012).  This is my first book.
• Lions and Tigers and Teens is also the title of my syndicated column which publishes in several parenting magazines across the US.
• I’m also a feature writer.  I’ve had work published in Better Homes & Gardens, PARENTS Magazine and American fitness as well as over 150 regional publications.

If these materials are books, are they still available, and from where?
My book is available on Amazon.com and at the publisher’s website at: http://www.unlimitedpublishing.com/haskell/

Please tell about your first publication – what was it and when.
My first publication was in 1987.  It was a book review for the Art Times (an international art journal).
My first consumer magazine publication was for a parenting magazine (Kids VT in 1997) titled, “Preparing Your Preschooler for an Operation or Hospital Stay.”

Please tell about the most memorable moment in your writing career.
One of my most exciting moments – besides finding a publisher for my first book – was when I answered the telephone to hear the managing editor of PARENTS Magazine tell me she wanted to publish my “Garage Sale Savvy” piece as a feature story.  I had queried her on a whim because I was fond of the publication and had read it often.  So this was very exciting for me.

What problems have you encountered in your career and how did you deal with them?
The most frustrating thing for me as a freelancer is having to keep track of an inordinate amount of rights, invoices and billing cycles because I work with so many different editors.  This can become a paperwork nightmare at times.  I think I’ve gotten better at it, but it keeps me from doing what I love to do the most – WRITE!

Did an established writer mentor you in your early days?  If yes, how did the mentor help you?
I’ve had two lifelong mentors:

• Eugene Mirabelli, PhD – my favorite professor as an undergrad who also happens to be an extraordinary writer.
• Mary Leonard – my AP English teacher in high school who also happens to be a poet.

Both have been mentors and have been so supportive of my work.

What genre do you most often write?
Parenting and adolescent and children’s development

What other genres have you written?
Women’s health and development

Who are the authors who most influenced your writing career?
I have so many favorites.  I read Stephen King throughout my teen years.  Toni Morrison and Faulkner were my favorites in college.  I’ve since enjoyed a variety of authors, including Frank McCourt and  Arthur Golden.

Please list the conferences/courses/webinars/workshops/seminars you have attended during the past year?
I attended Dr. Tony Attwood’s conference on Asperger’s Syndrome in Albany, NY in October 2011.  He is a renowned author of many books on the subject.

What advice would you give to all up-and-coming writers?
Don’t give up on your writing.  Don’t be afraid to share your work.  Refine your editing skills.

Please tell about your community activities.
I’ve dedicated countless hours to the local schools my children attend.  I am a former middle school PTA president.  Currently, I’m the president of the Hyde Park Art Parents Assoc. (a non-profit group supporting the arts).

What is the name of your current project?
I am always working on my monthly column,  ‘Lions and Tigers and Teens.’  I also continually write feature pieces for various parenting magazine editors whom I’ve worked with for years.

Please provide details of your upcoming appearances.
I was recently the guest speaker at the Taconic Region PTA Spring Conference in Poughkeepsie, NY.  I am currently booking additional appearances, including freshman orientation at FDR High School in Hyde Park, NY, and I’m conducting a parent seminar at the Pleasant Valley Free Library (on 9/12/12). You can find information about appearances, seminars, and book signings on my website at:  www.myrnahaskell.com

Do you have any projects planned for the future? Yes

Please provide some details of the project(s).
I would like to do a sequel to ‘LIONS and TIGERS and TEENS’ in the future.  I also have an idea for another column.  I continue to work on feature pieces and plan to write more on children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

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I’d like to thank Myrna for a great interview.  You can do your own interview, too.  Just go to the DIY Interviews Submission page and follow the instructions.  While I’m taking a break from the blog, I am still preparing and posting interviews, so keep them coming!!  Thanks.

Julie

Janelle’s Time is NOW AVAILABLE – http://amzn.to/JanellesTime 
Right now, it’s just the print book, but the e-book versions
(Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook) will be available soon.
Watch the Amazon and Barnes & Noble sites for availability.
Other sources will be available soon!

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the  Wedding Chapter – Final  from my adult historical romance ‘Janelle’s Time.’  You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor, from Muileach Castle, Scotland (he crashes the wedding) from ‘Logan’s Time,’ Book 4.   He’s also in ‘Moria’s Time,’ Book 2.

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Available Now at Amazon
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP
Clarissa’s Time – Planned

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