Photo: Courtesy of Terri Fields
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I was a teacher who loved reading and wanted my students to love it too. I wanted students to see how much a book could give them a new perspective, take them on interesting journeys, and provide entertainment. Unfortunately, way too many students didn’t like to read. Thus, when I write, I always keep that very reluctant reader in my mind and heart and try to write so that they will want to turn the next page and keep reading.
What inspired you to become an author?
I wrote for many magazines and wrote a non-fiction book for adults. I had won several awards for my published writing when my six-year-old son asked,“Mommy, when are you going to stop writing all that boring stuff and write something good?“ Taken aback, I asked what that might be, and he informed me that I shoulld be writing books for him and his friends. Then I would be a good writer. I was reluctant, but he begged. So, you might say I was guilted into writing for children. However, once I started, I loved it! I never went back to writing for adults. One delightful benefit is that children have enjoyed my books enough to garner invitations to me for author visits to schools throughout the United States and even other countries.
Where and when do you write? Do you have a writing routine?
When I was still teaching, I wrote late at night after I’d graded all the student papers and after my children were asleep. I was very disciplined! Now, I have much more time, and I confess that I use it much less wisely.
How long does it take you to finish a novel?
It does not take much time to write a first draft. However, it can take several years and many revisions before I submit a novel for publication.
Which authors can we find in your library?
There are way too many authors I love to begin to list them!
What advice would you give an aspiring author?
I think the three most important pieces of advice would be
1. Write from your heart rather than worrying about a trend. However, some writing from your heart is really just for you.
2. Being an author is NOT about writing. It is about rewriting and rewriting and rewriting. When you look back at the draft you thought was pretty good, you’ll be amazed at how much better it has become.
3. When you’ve finished writing something and someone else reads it and likes it, you are an author. Becoming a published author is very difficult. There are far more rejections than acceptances. Don’t give up.
Where can our readers purchase your books?
I have had twenty-nine books published. Most have won awards. Here are a few of them. All can be purchased on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
Picture books: And That’s the Tooth, The Most Dangerous, Burro’s Tortillas, The Tornado Tamer (Arbordale Publishing or Amazon) One Good Deed (This book won the national award for a picture book that “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.”)
Middle Grade Novels: Danger in the Desert (selected as children’s favourite book in three states, Missing in the Mountains (Both written under the name T.S. Fields)
YA: After the Death of Anna Gonzales
On which Social Media channels can our readers connect with you?
Facebook: authorterrifields
Website: www.terrifields.com
Photos: Courtesy of Terri Fields
