Exclusive Interview with
Dawn Greenfield Ireland
When did you start writing?
I started writing way back in 1979 -- I didn't know what I was doing, but I muddled through my first sci-fi novel, Prophecy of Thol, and finally finished the first draft in 1984. It truly was awful. My main character cried through 85% of the book.
What makes writing your passion?
I create worlds and characters. Who else writes down their fantasies and sees them in print?
How long have you been writing?
Since 1979.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Glorious!
The first book I published was a nonfiction dog book: The Puppy Baby Book. It's a fill-in-the-blanks baby book for anyone who adopts a puppy. This is a hardcover, full color book that I consider a coffee table book. It's beautiful.
This was the beginning of my career. Now, in 2022, that book has been selling for over 20 years!
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
Not your run of the mill characters.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
How damn difficult and expensive it its to market books!
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Never experienced it. I think that's a cop-out, but hey, what do I know? I have so many projects zooming around in my head I don't have time for writer's block.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Never, ever give up on your dream. I don't care if you have to cut off or divorce family or friends. If they don't support your writing endeavor, dump them!
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Learn about marketing, you'll need it!
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Everyone has an opinion. There's no point in fretting over someone's opinion.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I appreciate everyone who reads my work and leaves a great review. They're the best!
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
I'll never tell...
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
All my female characters are a part of me in some small way. You, as the reader, just have to know enough about me to discover those nuggets.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes. If you decide on a crap cover, what does that say about the guts between the front and back cover?
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I love to connect with readers in any way possible.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I feel blessed!
Who is your favorite author? Why?
There are too many to list. I read 2-6 books a week in between writing, publishing, housework, and pet care.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
JK Rowling, of course.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I'm always tweaking something. I read my books and correct errors.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Get a life and leave everyone else alone.
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you so much for your support of my work. You are appreciated more than you will ever know. Now, please leave a review! Spread the word about my work to your peeps!
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I lived in Houston, TX for 45 years, then took off for the Catskill Mountains in NY for 4 years. Almost froze my a** off, so returned to TX.
My kids are grown adults, and I've been single since the late 80s. Who'd of thought?
What is your day job if you have one?
My day job used to be technical writing, but now it's full time writing: novels, nonfiction, online courses. My publishing company is Artistic Origins. I edit, format and publish books -- mine, and for other writers.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Read, cook, bake, write.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes. I grew up on a farm.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I had a long commute and basically daydreamed my first novel, Prophecy of Thol.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
There's no point leaving a book unpublished.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
How much time do you have? This is a sore subject. Would someone explain why cursive is no longer taught? Do these kids just make a big X to sign their name?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
1. Beautiful house and property paid in full.
2. Books produced for TV series and movies.
3. Tools, Education & Necessities for my family members.
What is your favorite music?
Share a secret with us 🙂
I would love to have a great house & property so I can have a writers retreat 2-3 times a year to include up to 6 people.