After a hectic Sunday morning and early afternoon, I sat down at my computer to begin this Ozarks Maven post and decided to check my email first. I’m so glad I did. Ozarks Writers League (OWL) published their newsletter, and I’m one of the featured authors.
I gave them the interview several months ago and thought they’d decided not to use it. Those types of things happen all the time, so I wasn’t too worried about it. The timing couldn’t be better for me, though. It was one year ago this month that my book, Moonbeams and Ashes, was published. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my book’s birthday than with an author interview in the OWL newsletter.
I decided to share the interview with you, my dear readers. Some of you may know all of these things about me, but others may learn something new about me.
Fall OWL Member Spotlight! MARGARITE STEVER
Margarite has been a stalwart member of OWL since 2016 and served as board president in 2018-2019. She’s a blogger, nana, country cook, gardener, pecan farmer, preserver of nature’s bounty, author AND has a full-time job. Whew!
Share something interesting or unusual about yourself. I’m descended from German candy makers. I’ve been making my own homemade Christmas candy since I could reach the kitchen table. My friends and family love it.
What do you write? I write romance, paranormal romance, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and nonfiction. I also write a lot of ghost stories.
Do you have any weird or unusual writing rituals? I enjoy listening to Celtic, Irish folk, and Native American music while I write. I listen to heavy metal music if I’m writing violent scenes.
What’s your drink or snack of choice while writing? I usually drink Diet Coke, coffee, or iced herbal tea. I like to snack on popcorn, cheese, or trail mix. Then there are times when only chocolate will do the trick.
What authors influenced you? Lori Foster, Janet Evanovich, Christine Feehan, James Patterson, Madeleine L’Engle, Terry McDermid, and Larry Wood are some of the authors who’ve influenced me.
When did you start writing? I wrote my first book in 3rd grade as an assignment. I began writing for pleasure at age 12.
Do you have a day job or a past job? I work full-time for a Southwest Missouri community action agency.
How do you fit writing into your busy life? I write in the evenings after work and on the weekends before my husband gets out of bed. I attend the Women’s Get-away Writers Retreat twice a year, which gives me the opportunity to concentrate on my writing for four glorious days in which I have no other responsibilities.
Do you have any hobbies or interests aside from writing? I enjoy reading, painting, and making pottery. I also grow and preserve some of my own food. I practice the age-old art of canning.
Are you writing more or less during COVID? My office was shut down for six weeks during 2020 due to COVID, and I wrote a lot during that time. Otherwise, I’m writing the same amount of time as normal.
What do you enjoy most about OWL? I love the educational presentations meant to improve our writing, editing, and marketing skills. I also love spending time with other OWL members.
Do you belong to other writers organizations? I belong to five writers groups – OWL, Ozarks Romance Authors, Sleuths’ Ink Mystery Writers, Joplin Writers’ Guild, and Missouri Writers’ Guild.
What advice would you give to beginning writers? Take the time to nurture your craft. Write as often as possible. Don’t ever believe you know everything because there’s always something new to learn. Where can members find you on the web? I blog at ozarksmaven.com. I can be found on Facebook at Margarite R. Stever Author | Facebook. My book, Moonbeams and Ashes: Tales of Mystery, Love, and the Paranormal, can be found at Amazon.com/dp/1951772989.
You can also visit my website at http://margaritestever.com/.
Happy Birthday to Moonbeams and Ashes!
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