Jodie Pierce's Ink Slinger's Blog: Author Tina Frisco & Gabby and the Quads

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Tina Frisco to my blog today!

Author Interview:

What is your name? Do you use a pen name (if so, why?)?

Thank you for hosting me on your blog, Jodie. My name is Tina Frisco. I don’t use a pen name.

Tell me a bit about yourself:

Aside from being an author, I’m also a singer-songwriter, RN, activist, and shaman apprentice. Like many authors, I began writing at an early age. My sister and I composed little ditties that we sang to our parents. I received my first guitar at age 14 and began performing publicly in high school. As an RN I’ve worked in the areas of med-surg, hemodialysis, psychiatry, geriatrics, clinics, and with the California State Dept. of Health Services. I did stints with Amnesty International and Friends of the Earth, which ushered me into activism. I began working with a medicine woman in the early 1980s and maintain a solid spiritual practice.

What type of genre do you write?

My novel ~ Plateau: Beyond the Trees, Beyond 2012 ~ is mystery and adventure fiction for young adults to adults. Gabby and the Quads is a children’s book for ages 2-7, although older children and adults will enjoy it as well.

What genre to you personally read?

I have a special fondness for mysteries, metaphysics, spirituality, and natural health books. However, I read books in many different genres when writing book reviews.

Tell me about your latest?

My newest book is Gabby and the Quads. Gabby is an only child who is about to become big sister to quadruplets! How will she handle this? Her parents decide on a unique approach to introduce her to and help her accept this awesome experience, as she learns all about babies and the joy of loving.

I was inspired to write it when my niece had quadruplets. I wanted to write a children’s book that was not only traditionally educational, but ethically educational as well. For example, Gabby’s family includes two pit bulls. So I explain that pit bulls are gentle by nature and become mean only when mistreated. The story is loosely based on my niece and her family, and I include photos of them at the end of the book so kids can see the real Gabby.

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?

I’ve always been a storyteller. As a child, I would delight in making up stories to entertain my friends. And I was especially pleased if I could scare their socks off! When my oldest nephew was little, he would nestle close to me on the couch and say, “Tell me another story, Aunt Tina.” I’ve always loved reading. I attended parochial schools, and the nuns were expert in fostering this in their students.

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?

Lynn Andrews’ Medicine Woman moved me to embark on a solid spiritual journey. I apprenticed with her for many years.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

The underlying message in Plateau is that if we keep our hearts open and act from love instead of reacting from fear – if we practice gratitude and compassion within every moment and with every breath – we’ll raise our vibratory rate and help elevate the human species to a higher consciousness, facilitating personal and global peace.

What challenges have you faced in your writing career?

The biggest challenge for me as an independent author has been marketing and promotion. It’s endless! And as I’m sure you know, even traditionally published authors are now expected to market their own books, with little help from the publisher. Another challenge is earmarking specific time periods for writing. Promotional work, due to its ongoing nature, can consume all of your time if you let it. I’ve heard many authors say, “I have to get back to my writing!” Writer’s block can also be stifling, but I’ve been fortunate not to have encountered it very often.

What has been your best moment as a writer?

Holding my first published book in my hands and seeing it in print. That was totally awesome.

Who is your author idol?

I don’t have one. I’m an eclectic being and an optimist by nature. I tend to glean the best from everything and disregard the rest. There are so many good authors who have written so many superb literary works that’s it’s almost impossible to name a favorite.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

I see many aspects of myself in W’Hyani, the protagonist in Plateau. She’s willful, resourceful, generous, and tenacious. She also has a wonderful sense of humor, one of my more endearing qualities.

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?

My dream of being a published author has come true. My dreams of being a well-known author and of achieving spiritual enlightenment are in process. But I believe I do see them on the horizon!

What does your workspace look like?

My workspace is a desk, a laptop, a dictionary, a thesaurus, and a cup of coffee. There’s also a telephone nearby, but I tend to mute it when I’m writing.

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?

Haven’t we all? I’m reminded of that fabulous scene from the movie Julia where Lillian Hellman - played by Jane Fonda - has a cigarette hanging from her mouth while madly typing, and then becomes so frustrated that she picks up the typewriter and throws it out the window! Yes – I, too, have had days like that.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I enjoy playing my guitar, singing, listening to music, dancing, arts and crafts, exploring nature, and getting lost in working crossword puzzles – to name a few.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Tenacity; optimism; learning from constructive criticism and disregarding what doesn’t apply; taking copious notes from the world around you; and taking breaks. A walk in nature always resuscitates and refuels me.

Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer?

Not really. I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember. A pencil and paper were always cherished items. What better than a blank piece of paper to stir creative juices.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Listen to yourself. Your intuition is your best guide. Don’t be disheartened if you encounter writer’s block. Just put down your pen for a period of time. Take a walk. Listen to music. Visit with friends. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you return to your writing. Sometimes we have to take a step back in order to gain perspective and momentum to move forward. And whatever you do, don’t listen to critics unless their criticism is constructive. If it is, learn from it. If it isn’t, turn a deaf ear and continue writing. Above all, follow your passion. It will lead you to your heart’s desire.

After this book, what is next?

I’ve decided to try my hand at writing a novel in a popular genre and one that I’ve yet to explore as an author. I’m not revealing the particulars just yet; I’m waiting until most of the book is written.

Your website?

Tina Frisco or Website

Your blog?

My blog is part of my website.

Other websites?