Today in the Library we have Eva Pasco, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.
You are very welcome, Eva, please introduce yourself:
Undergoing a midlife renaissance, I rekindled my passion for storytelling by composing Contemporary Women’s Fiction that taps into significant issues affecting the lives of women over-forty. My character-driven novels host personas who plunge the depths of despair in their darkest hours prior to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel through redemption and empowerment.
Did you read much as a child? Are you an avid reader now? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?
Living in a rural area as an only child until the age of 7, until my sister came along, I always had my nose in a book. While my leisure reading plummeted during my adult writing craze, it’s recently picked up at a frenetic pace through my eagerness to read and review books written by kindred Indie authors in my author support groups.
While I prefer books in my own genre of Contemporary Women’s Fiction, I’ve happily branched out to reading other genres which has broadened my horizons.
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
I’m a self-published author who used the services of an indie publisher for technical support: interior book design, implementing my custom-cover design, ISBN, copyright, print-on-demand fulfilment, sales and distribution.
Which genre do you write in and why?
I write Women’s Fiction because the genre enables me to develop realistic plots by exploring the gamut of: inner conflicts; convention vs. rebellion; fate vs. free will; loyalty vs. betrayal; love vs. sacrifice; death—inevitable or tragic?
Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?
Much credit goes to author, Anne Lamott. In the author’s own words, “I try to write the books I would love to come upon, that are honest, concerned with real lives, human hearts, spiritual transformation, families, secrets, wonders, craziness—and that can make me laugh.”
She epitomized this viewpoint in her novel, Blue Shoe, which I’d read shortly after I retired. This inspired me to revive my dormant flair for writing and follow through with my own thematic ambition to compose fiction that elevates the lives of everyday, ordinary/ extraordinary, flawed and feisty women over forty.
Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?
Absolutely. A lifelong native of Rhode Island, a northeastern New England state in the US, local setting is an integral part of my novels where I incorporate geographic entities, historic references, and cultural idiosyncrasies.
What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?
The glare from all that white space on a blank page at the start of a new chapter unnerves me. I overcome this hurdle by first typing in the chapter designation which may or may not be engraved in stone, depending on my decision to restructure later on. Then, I let the chips fly where they may through free-association. I type anything that enters my mind pertaining to the scene without a care in the world about sentence formation, grammar, spelling, or coherence.
Then, I step away from the mumbo jumbo and tend to a neglected household chore. Mind over matter prevails where I mentally connect the dots which enables me to arrange my random thoughts sequentially and cohesively.
Do you have a favourite time of day to write?
While I would like to write as soon as I rise and shine before daybreak, writing is relegated to afternoons. If I’m hot to trot, my session will spill into the evening. I know it’s time to stop when I begin slurring my printed words like a drunken sot.
What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?
For me, the best thing about being an author, especially an indie author, is the freedom to say and do as I please through character dialogue and action. I also have the license to kill if and when I see fit.
On the flipside, the worst aspect of being an author is the vigilance required to market and promote one’s published work to increase visibility in the public eye.
Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?
An essential chore! The lyrics to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” spring to mind: Tumble out of bed and I stumble to the kitchen – Pour myself a cup of ambition – Yawn and stretch and try to come to alive!
As for forum preference, I primarily navigate Facebook. The enjoyment factor seeps in through my author support groups—Marketing for Creatives, one of two, where I’m an active member. The comradery among Indie authors, along with everyone’s contributions, mutual support, and encouragement strengthen my resolve to persevere.
If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?
Knitting! Ever the ambitious gal who can’t get away from spinning yarns, I envision myself creating cable-knit cardigans and coatigans rivaling the knitwear of Tara Irish Clothing.
It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?
If indeed I’d be reading in the midst of a cataclysm, you’d find me misty-eyed leafing through a tattered copy of The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.
Please tell us about your latest published work.
My latest published work is An Enlightening Quiche (officially released on September 20, 2016):
An heirloom quiche recipe and baking rivalry turn up the heat in northern Rhode Island’s French-Canadian mill town of Beauchemins, rife with secrets and scandals, fractured friendships, dysfunctional families, romantic rifts, misdeeds and mishaps.
If you would like to know more about Eva and her work please see the links below:
Amazon: myBook.to/AnEQuiche
Authors Den (where US residents can directly order a signed/personalized copy):https://www.authorsden.com/buybook.asp?bookid=70875
Pam Lecky Books 
Pam, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in your interview.
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Thanks for taking part. It is always interesting to learn about other authors, their ups and downs and what makes them tick. Best of luck with the book.
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