What
would you say is the most favorite part of being an author?
The
process of creating a cast of characters and sending them off on some sort of
adventure is fun and exciting as well as satisfying. That’s true whether I’m
writing a novel or a short story.
Do
you stick to one kind of book? Mystery, suspense, thriller, romance?
My publisher categorizes my works as
Contemporary/Inspirational. I try to tell a good story with compelling
characters. I don’t worry about having it fit a specific genre. I would describe
my writing as family drama with mystery and suspense elements, as well as a
dash of romance.
If you had to tell new writers
something important about becoming an author what would it be?
Don’t
quit your day job! Write because you need to write; because you’ve got a story
to tell or something important to say; write because you feel like you’ll
explode if you don’t. Don’t fear rejection and don’t dwell on it. Keep writing
and keep submitting. Getting published is not a quick or easy process. Don’t
give up.
Out of all your books do you favor
one over another? If so why?
I don’t really have a favorite. They
are all set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where I grew up, so I feel
very connected to the stories. I really enjoyed writing “Deep Water,” the first
of three Salem Matthews novels. “Winter Songs” and the sequel, “Haven,” are
very special to me. I love the Howard family.
How do you come up with your
stories?
I
let my mind wander. I don’t force it. My muse takes frequent vacations and I
have to wait for it to return! I keep a legal pad on my writing desk where I
jot down plot notes and storyline ideas. It’s not something that is set in
stone. The story will evolve, maybe even change significantly, as I write it.
If I’m having trouble coming up with a story idea I’ll approach it from a
different direction by creating a group of characters and building a story
around them.
Do you base your characters from
people you know or are they completely fictional?
The characters are entirely
fictional but some of them have been inspired by real people. My daughter was
the inspiration for “Winter Songs” and the character of Emma. There are a few
composites but the majority of my characters come entirely from my imagination
with no connection to people I know or have met throughout my life.
Besides writing what would you say
is your most favorite thing to do?
Probably reading. I guess that goes
without saying; I’ve never heard of a writer who doesn’t love to read. I also
love the ocean and enjoy walking or jogging, and I have a cat that demands my
attention.
What do you want to accomplish in
writing books?
Well,
I’m certainly not James Patterson or Stephen King but I would like to create a
body of work for readers and people in my life to enjoy. I guess we all want to
leave a footprint behind, however modest, that will survive our passing. Beyond
that, I would like to sell a lot of books and would dearly love to sell the
film rights to one of my novels. I think “Winter Songs” would make a great
Hallmark channel movie.
How
would you define Ronald Paxton?
Ronald
is a kind-hearted family man who married his high school sweetheart 43 years
ago. He’s quiet but passionate, opinionated, judgmental, and occasionally
irreverent, and his sense of humor is pretty warped. There is nothing more
important to him than being a good husband and father.
*** Links
where people can find you ***
People can
find me here:
I also have
an author’s page at:
The following are the links to my novels on Amazon:
I love
hearing from readers and welcome e-mails at:
So I hope you have enjoyed learning a little bit about Ronald Paxton. I have read Winter Songs and it is definitely a MUST READ. If you are looking for a loving story about family and trials and how to pull together when times are threatening. Then you should read Winter Songs. As far as Deep Water well it's definitely on my "To Read List". Good Luck Ronald, you have great talent ! !
Till Next time my peeps, Happy Reading :)
AJ
