Who’s That Indie Author? Dorothy A. Winsor

~ Book Club Mom

Author name: Dorothy A. Winsor

Genre: Young Adult and Middle Grade fantasy

Books: The Wysman (Inspired Quill, June 2020), The Wind Reader (Inspired Quill, 2018), Deep as a Tomb (Loose Leaves, 2016), Finders Keepers (Zharmae, 2015)

What’s your story and how did you become a writer? I’m a former English professor who decided that writing YA and MG fantasy was more fun. My first ventures into writing fiction came in the form of Tolkien fanfiction. I didn’t want the story to end, so I wrote more of it myself. I’d read that writers produce a million words of bad stuff before they write well. One of the sites I posted on kept track of your word count and when I hit a million, I figured I was there! So I switched to writing my own stuff.

How do you balance your work with other demands?  I schedule my writing time and usually leave my house to do it so I’m not tempted to do something else.

Name one of the happiest moments in your life:  The birth of my son

What’s your approach to writing? Are you a “pantser” or a planner?  I’m a planner. Having a plan is reassuring, though I feel free to change it once I get to know my characters better and see if my plan will work.

Could you write in a café with people around?  That’s where I usually write. As long as the music isn’t too loud, I’m good.

Have you ever written dialogue in a second language? If so, how did you do it?  No. Sounds tricky.

What’s your favorite book and what are you reading now?  I’m currently reading Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto, which came highly recommended. My favorite book varies. Right now it’s probably Turner’s Queen’s Thief series.

What’s your favorite way to read a book: hardcover, paperback, eReader?  It really makes no difference to me. Whatever’s at hand.

Do you think print books will always be around?  Absolutely.

Would you ever read a book on your phone?  No. The screen is too small.

What’s your go-to device? iPhone, Android or something else?  Android

How long could you go without checking your phone?  An hour or two, probably.

Do you listen to audiobooks? If you do, what do you do while you’re listening?  I listen while I drive.

Do you like using social media to promote yourself and your book? If so, what’s your favorite platform?  I use both Facebook and Twitter. Facebook is mostly old friends and family. Twitter is where I make connections and meet new people.

Website and social media links:
Facebook: Dorothy Winsor
Twitter: @dorothywinsor
Blog: dawinsor.com

Are you an indie or self-published author?  Do you want to build your author network? Get your name out on Who’s That Indie Author!

Email bvitelli2009@gmail.com for a bio template and other details.

37 thoughts on “Who’s That Indie Author? Dorothy A. Winsor”

    1. I couldn’t believe it either. And if my English Department chair had known about it, he’d have been surprised too! But I was just caught up in it. It was so much fun.

    2. Planning can be good – I’m a planner in my everyday life, but when I try to write, it’s pants all the time. Thanks for stopping by to meet Dorothy, Darlene!

      1. Me too! It´s so odd. I organize parties, holidays, outings, meetings, you name it, but when it comes to writing I can´t do it. Maybe I become rebellious when I write.

  5. I enjoyed this interview, Dorothy and Barbara! It’s clever to leave the home to write so you wouldn’t be temped to do your regular things at home. I did my study at a cafe when going to school. The talking became white noise to me and it’s better than complete quietness.

    1. Exactly, Miriam. What’s more I used the café in a bookstore (back when we would go into bookstores), so when I needed a break, I could visit the books!

      2. Yes, Dorothy, I think bookstore and library are ideal for that. We’re down to one Barns and Noble in our neighborhood large enough to hang around!

    2. Hi Miriam – thanks for visiting and for reading Dorothy’s interview. White noise can be a great background. I have the most trouble concentrating when it’s just one or two people talking in the background. Too hard not to listen!

      1. I know how it goes, Barbara! I experienced that also. I haven’t tried headphone to listen to music in the public areas, but it maybe a good idea it I were doing some work.

      2. Not too long ago, I was at the car dealer getting my car serviced and I brought work with me. I had forgotten my headphones and breathed a sigh of relief when the tv in the room was not blaring. Then a guy got on his cell and had a long discussion with his cell service provider about setting up a family plan. Super loud and I got nothing done! Oh well… 🙂

      3. They didn’t know they were entertaining the people around them. On one to before leaving, a lady talked to her boyfriend making the sexy flirting. I tried not to look at her. 😀 The public noises and voices are interesting. 🤗

  6. Nice. So many YA fantasy writers out there. It bodes well that this is such a strong market. The up-and-coming generation seems to be one that values art, literature, and critical thinking. Cheers!

  7. Like you, I’m an English professor too, but turned to memoir, not young adult fantasy. With 4 grand-chlldren, I could find some material for young adults, I suppose.

    Generally, I like Ann Patchett’s books, but I didn’t fall in love with Bel Canto, as I recall.
    Best wishes in your book promotion, Dorothy, and thank you, Barbara, for featuring her today. 🙂

    2. Hi Miriam – thanks for visiting and reading Dorothy’s interview! As you may know, I’m a big Ann Patchett fan. Bel Canto was the first of her books I read. 4 grandchildren must be fun!

Comments are closed.