Please introduce yourself and your book(s)!
My author name is TD Cooper. I write young adult fantasy. My website and Amazon Author page: https://amazon.com/author/tdcooper
http://www.tdcooperbooks.com. You can find my books and links to my books there. (2nd Chances: A Book of Choices, 2nd Chances: A Book of Treasures, Magic House, Junior’s Journey Through Yellowstone, and Strewn Shoes)
What is/are the real-life story(ies) behind your book(s)?
2nd Chances: A Book of Choices and A Book of Treasures, along with Magic House, are all out of my imagination. Junior’s Journey Through Yellowstone was a result of our trip to Yellowstone National Park and written for my young grandchildren. Strewn Shoes is based on my daughter, who is legally blind. The story is fictional, but the challenges were from our real-life experiences.
What inspires/inspired your creativity?
The first story I wrote, 2nd Chances: A Book of Choices, was written when I broke my leg and I couldn’t go anywhere. Okay, this is dumb, but the computer could spell. I’d imagined the story my whole life. Every other book I’ve written is because I love the outlet of writing down the thoughts that constantly fill my mind.
How do you deal with creative block?
I haven’t had to deal with creative block. I have had slow times in my writing, but I find if I write anything, it clears my thoughts of clutter and helps me focus.
What are the biggest mistakes you can make in a book?
Spelling, grammar, and formatting errors seem to be the biggest turnoff to readers.
Do you have tips on choosing titles and covers?
I do not. I’m still struggling with these two things.
How do bad reviews and negative feedback affect you and how do you deal with them?
I love constructive feedback. I’ve never had negative reviews, but if I get them, I’ll weigh the response and file it in the proper file.
How has your creation process improved over time?
I’ve read that older writers hold back and are afraid to write the cutting edge stuff that attracts young readers. I let my imagination soar and don’t hold back.
What were the best, worst and most surprising things you encountered during the entire process of completing your book(s)?
The first book I wrote was so bad that it took six years to get it out. I read everything I could about writing from scenes, dialog, and plots. I even paid someone to critique it and give me suggestions. When it was finished, I put it out there and bared my soul.
Do you tend towards personal satisfaction or aim to serve your readers? Do you balance the two and how?
I want to think I do both. I believe balance is the key to all life, so I try to write what interests me, and then hopefully, my stories are entertaining to my audience.
What role do emotions play in creativity?
Important! When you are motivated or feel passionate, then you are more likely to transfer that to the page or canvas.
Do you have any creativity tricks?
Write something every day, even if it is only a line.
What are your plans for future books?
I plan on making 2nd Chances, a three-book trilogy, and Magic House a three-book trilogy. I’ve also written more than 250 short stories from writing prompts. Practice. I want to take some of those and turn them into a book.
Tell us some quirky facts about yourself
I’m a grandmother, high school swim coach, and I love Nascar’s, Kevin Harvick. I haven’t missed a single race since he took over for Dale Earnhardt. I was motivated to write my first book because of Stephanie Meyer. (weird, huh?) And I talk out storylines to my Great Dane. I’ve had many experiences that most haven’t, I was the first female EMT hired in my hometown in 1976, my daughter and grandson both have visual issues, and my active imagination got me into trouble as a kid growing up. I use it all to create my art.