Interview Elaine Cantrell

by Dilys Francis

1) With 'The Welcome Inn' did you start with a character, and build around it, or did you start with a theme?

Actually, my father is the one who inspired me to write The Welcome Inn. After his retirement he worked part time as a desk clerk at a local motel, and the stories he told about the people who came there were fascinating. So, I guess I started with a theme.

2) Do you find yourself 'living' your characters, and writing accordingly?

To a certain extent I think most authors do. Personally, I’d like to be a little more like my heroine, Julianna Martin. Julianna’s very outspoken and dynamic, and sometimes I’m too laid back for my own good.

3) Does the end work itself out, or do you already know the end when you start to write the story?

I always know the end before I start. I don’t know exactly how I’m going to get there, but I do know where I’m going. I’m not one of those people who write detailed outlines and plots, but I don’t totally fly by the seat of my pants either.

4) Is writing a pleasant hobby for you, or is it a compulsion?

I started writing after my kids grew up and left home. At first it was a pleasant hobby, but it soon became a compulsion. I even took my computer on vacation this year.

5) Do you have set times for writing?

I do. When I’m not working I get up, and after breakfast I’ll work until lunch time. Then I’ll clean, do errands, etc. Depending on what I’ve got going I’ll probably get back to it after dinner. If I’m working I have to find time for it when I can, usually at lunch and for a couple of hours after I get home from work.

6) Do you do a lot of rewriting, or do you check and 'repair' as you go along, day by day?

Both. I always think I’ve polished the manuscript to the best of my ability, but after I’ve been away from it for awhile I always see glaring mistakes that I need to fix.

7) Do you read the dialogue aloud to see if it runs smoothly?

Absolutely. I’ve found this to be one of the major ways I catch problems. My husband usually reads aloud for me, and I close my eyes and just listen.

8) What is your favorite genre to write and read?

I like contemporary romance, but I’m working on a science fiction/fantasy novel right now. I’m finding that I like creating new worlds.

9) Titles are important. Do you find it easy to find the best one for your story?

I usually do. I’ve had one or two that gave me trouble, but usually there’ll be some theme or symbol in the story that jumps out at me. That’s what I use to get the title. 

10) Who are your three favorite authors?

Wow, that’s tough. I like so many of them! I think Barbara Michaels is great. She also writes as Elizabeth Peters, and I love her Amelia Peabody series. Larry McMurtry is another favorite of mine, and I also read Danielle Steele. The list goes on and on, some mainstream writers, some genre writers.