It’s time for the next subject for my 2018 author interview series. Author interviews are posted every Friday throughout the year.
I am honored to continue this series with Maine author, artist Bette A. Stevens
You can catch up with all of my past author interviews (nearly 200) on my Author Directory page.
If you’re an author interested in being interviewed in this series, I still have limited spots available for 2018. You can email me at don@donmassenzio.com
Now, please enjoy this interview with Bette A. Stevens:
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I’m a writer inspired by nature and human nature and tend to write stories and poems about those things that touch my heart and soul. You might say that I write initially for enjoyment and personal satisfaction. However, whether it comes to poetry, children’s books or adult fiction, I definitely write for my readers—hoping to share the things that inspire me and the lessons I have learned in life, without focusing on what readers want to hear.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
First of all, keep a journal and write about all of those things that inspire you, even if only in a small way. Next, talk (Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?) to relatives about ancestors and about their own lives—jot down notes about these family stories.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
One of my recommended favorites is Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee (published posthumously/2015). To date, the 5-star ratings are at 32 percent on Amazon. Here is an excerpt from my review:
Powerful, Relevant & Thought-provoking!
I’ve read both of Harper Lee’s novels and loved them! Mockingbird three times over four decades. Watchman last week… In my opinion, Watchman is as relevant and controversial today as it would have been when it was written. Atticus Finch has not evolved into a demon/hypocrite; he’s just become human like the rest of us. Well-written, thought-provoking and timely.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
You bet! Reviews are gifts from readers. Although most of the reviews for my books are excellent, I appreciate the less than outstanding ones as well. After all, not every reader is going to enjoy everything that every writer publishes. Critical reviews help me take a closer look at what I’ve written and discover how certain aspects of the story or of my writing affect my readers. They’ve inspired me to take a closer look at my writing. Book reviewers rock!
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Secrets in books? Sure, secrets are part of the mystery and magic of storytelling. You know, it’s that show-don’t tell tool that writers use to draw readers into the story and keep them turning the pages—the magic that makes readers want more even after the story ends. Those secrets are as varied as the readers who find them. After all, most of the books I’ve read are full of hidden secrets.
Do you Google yourself?
In 2010, I Googled my name before self-publishing my first book. Know what I found? To my surprise, The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too! by Bette Stevens (Windswept House Publishing/1997) was on Amazon as an out-of-print book. I had no clue that it was even listed on Amazon. I also discovered that there was another author by the name of Bette Stevens and decided right then that I would use Bette A. Stevens to distinguish myself when publishing my own books. Since that time, I Google my name a couple of times a year. Every now and then, I find an article on line that I didn’t know existed (sometimes even a review)—one that I can reblog on my website or use in marketing. So dear writers, don’t be shy. Google yourself every now and then!
What is your favorite childhood book?
Hands-down—The Real Mother Goose’s Nursery Rhymes is top on my list. The pages of this book held treasures that lured me into the world of words. The playful rhythms, the delightful rhymes, the silliness of it all, made me fall in love. And, once I fell in love with words, I never fell out of it.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I was a shy child and teen and spent a lot of time reading and checking out books at the local library. Knowing what I do now, I would have joined the year book staff and the newspaper staff in high school. I also would have kept a personal journal during my teen years and entered a writing contest or two.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Generally, it takes about six months to complete the first draft of a book. I would add another six months for beta reader input, revisions and editing before sending a finalized draft off to a professional editor. Meanwhile, I reread chapter by chapter, making notes on the print manuscript to compare with the editor’s notes/suggestions before making final edits—then, rereading once again and having a literary friend (one who has not yet seen the manuscript) read it before publishing.
About Bette:
Inspired by nature and human nature, author Bette A. Stevens is a retired elementary and middle school teacher, a wife, mother of two and grandmother of five. Stevens lives in Central Maine with her husband on their 37-acre farmstead where she enjoys reading, writing, gardening, walking and reveling in the beauty of nature. She advocates for children and families, for childhood literacy and for the conservation of monarch butterflies—an endangered species (and for milkweed, the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat).
Stevens is the author of AMAZING MATILDA, an award-winning picture book; The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too!, a home/school resource incorporating hands-on math and writing; and PURE TRASH, the short story prequel to her début novel, DOG BONE SOUP—coming-of-age story and family drama set in 1950s and 60s New England.
Find out more about the author and her books at http://viewauthor.at/BetteAStevens
Connect with Bette:
WEBSITE/BLOG http://www.4writersandreaders.com
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE http://www.amazon.com/author/betteastevens
FB FAN PAGE https://www.facebook.com/authorbetteastevens.officialfanpage?ref=hl
Bette’s Books:
“A writer inspired by Nature and human nature!”
Bette A. Stevens
AMAZING MATILDA, A Monarch’s Tale (Children’s Literature/ages 5-11)
“This story about a monarch butterfly is a true gem and will inspire children for years to come.”
THE TANGRAM ZOO and WORD PUZZLES TOO!
Integrates Math and Language Arts (Elementary-Middle School)
“Awesome and Creative!”
PURE TRASH (Short story adventure/MG-Adult)
“Filled with images and flavor only better provided by and ice cream cone”
DOG BONE SOUP (New England coming-of-age) MG-Adult)
“A fascinating literary study of poverty and family dysfunctional in the 1950 & 1960s… adventures and misadventures to the likes of Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry”
Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
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Thanks for sharing this, Charles
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Charles! 🙂
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You’re welcome
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Wonderful, dear Don!
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Thanks, Maria
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Reblogged this on Anna Dobritt — Author.
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Thanks for sharing this, Anna
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Thanks so much, Anna!
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A great interview Bette. I so agree with keeping a journal and writing about things that inspire you, even small things. I recently visited a school and gave the students that very same advice. The teachers liked that too.
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Thanks for stopping by, Darlene.
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Thank so much, Darlene. I’m right there with you–teaching kids to treasure the people, places and things around them by writing their thoughts down and helping them recognize the wonder,and beauty of the words they write. I had the opportunity to do just that at our Annual Family Reading Carnival sponsored by the Lyons Club a few weeks ago. A sheer delight!
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Hi Don. It’s nice to learn a little about Bette. …”hoping to share the things that inspire me and the lessons I have learned in life, without focusing on what readers want to hear.” is such a great answer. TGIF hugs to you both.
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Thanks Teagan.
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Hi, Teagan. Thanks so much for chiming in with your lovely comments! ❤
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This is a wonderful interview with Bette! I have two of her books on my Kindle and Dog Bone Soup just won an International Literary Award for her. Great to see her here, Don!
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So glad you stopped by, Jan. Thanks so much for the shout-out! ❤
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Thanks for stopping by and for your great comments.
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It’s great to find out more about one of my favorite authors! Thank you, Don 🙂
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Thank you, Nicholas! xo
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Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by, Nicholas.
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Thanks so much for featuring me on your blog today, Don. I really enjoyed our chat and hope your readers enjoy it too! 🙂
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It was my pleasure. I hope you are happy with the outcome.
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Happy as a Monarch butterfly on milkweed… 🙂 Thanks so much!
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I love Bette more for her ever inspiring Haikus though she has written those wonderful books! Thank you for featuring her Don.
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Thanks so much for your support and encouragement, dear Balroop! ❤ xo
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It was my pleasure. Thanks for stopping by.
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Reblogged this on Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author and commented:
Come join us…
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Thanks for sharing this with your followers, Bette. Sorry I wasn’t around more this weekend to respond to comments. We were on a short family vacation in Miami.
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Hope your vacation was lovely, Don. Nothing like enjoying time away with family! 🙂 Thanks so much for having me on your blog. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you and your readers. xo
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Fabulous interview, Don and Bette!
Bette, I love what you would tell your younger writing self. I wish I had talked more with my relatives about ancestors and their own lives. In high school I was on the newspaper and yearbook staffs, which really helped develop my writing skills and love of writing. I also appreciate that you Google yourself and read your reviews. You’re such an inspiration!
Thanks so much for this series, Don.
Hugs to both of you ❤❤
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Thanks so much for your thoughtful note and encouraging words, Tina. ❤ Hugs and blessings every day… xo
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Thanks for stopping by, Tina.
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Welcome, Don. It’s a great series ❤
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Wonderful review, Don and Bette. I love the recommendation to your younger self to ask for family stories and write them down. What a wealth of knowledge and experience. A wonderful author whose books I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. 🙂
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Hi, Diana! Thanks so much for stopping by to chat. Your visit made my day… Blessings and love! ❤
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My pleasure 🙂
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Thank you.
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Nice to see Bette here, Don. Lovely interview of a fabulous lady and talented author. I love Bette and her books. Hugs to you both!
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Thanks so much for your thoughtful note, Janice! ❤ Sending lots of love your way… xo
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💕
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Thanks for stopping by Janice.
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Lovely interview Don, nice to find out more about Bette. 🙂
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Marje! 🙂
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My pleasure Bette. 🙂
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Thank you Marje.
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Thank you Don for doing this excellent interview with Bette.
Bette, it is wonderful to hear you talk about your background, shyness, what you wished you had done and now how and what you love doing.
I feel a warm connection with you as I recognise the shy girl and today draw on nature and events I come across daily. A newspaper story, a tale I overhear at a surgery, children walking to school.
Life itself, just as you.
Loved your last books and read them with relish.
Miriam
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Thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Wonderful interview, Don.
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Thank you.
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Reblogged this on BrewNSpew and commented:
Sharing interview featuring Bette A. Stevens
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Ever thanks for your awesome support, Eugenia! ❤ Hugs, my friend.
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You’re welcome, Bette.
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Thanks for sharing this.
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You’re welcome.
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Wonderful interview. Bette’s sweet nature comes through clearly, as does her creativity. It’s interesting to think about what we might tell our younger self. Thank you for the visit. 🙂
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Thanks so much for your sweet and thoughtful note, Gwen. ❤ Sending lots of love and wishing you a most lovely weekend. xo
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Excellent, Don. I just love Bette and it was nice to see her here. Congrats, Bette.
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Thanks for your lovely note, John. Delighted to have you stop by for a visit, my talented author friend. ❤
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Thanks for stopping by, John.
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😀
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Fantastic interview you two! I was pretty shy as a kid too, but did join the Yearbook staff all three years of high school and the newspaper staff in junior high. It’s amazing how the things we loved as kids carried over into our adult lives. Bette’s love for writing and also inspiring others shines through in this candid “behind the scenes look.” Loved it!
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Thanks for chiming in, Mae! 🙂 xo
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Thanks, Mae.
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Fun to get to know you better and learning from your writing process. There is another author with my name and I never thought of adding my middle initial. What a great idea and so obvious now that I’ve learned it from you! Many blessings to you, my Maine friend.
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Thanks so much for stopping by to join the conversation, Molly! 🙂 As a writer, I still have so much to learn–it’s an exciting journey we’re on. Happy trail! xo
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Me, too, Bette. And it is an exciting learning adventure!
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Fabulous to see Bette featured here, Don. I have read, and loved, two of her books. I also like nursery rhymes.
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Thanks, Robbie! ❤ Happy writing and baking, my talented friend. xo
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Thanks for stopping by, Robbie.
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I loved your ‘Dog Bone Soup’ and really enjoyed this interview!
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Thanks so much for your support, AC, and for your encouraging note! ::) Have a lovely week! xo
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You too, Bette. 🙂
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Thanks, Don and Bette, for this wonderful and enlightening interview. It is always a pleasure to learn more about Bette’s writing life. I loved Pure Trash and Dog Bone Soup.
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Thanks for stopping by. Bette was a pleasure to have on my site as a guest.
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Bette is always a pleasure no matter where she appears.
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Thank you! I’m preparing a short promotional collection of children’s poems for my readers as I work on other projects. This was great! Thanks!
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