Featured Interview With Florence Osmund
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
After a long career in the corporate world, I retired to write novels–something I knew from an early age I wanted to do. I strive to write literary fiction and endeavor to craft stories that challenge readers to survey their own beliefs and values. I made many writing mistakes along the way and now help new authors avoid the same ones. My website www.florenceosmund.com, which offers substantial writing and marketing advice, helps me do this. I currently live on a small, tranquil lake in northern Illinois where I continue to write novels.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I didn’t publish my first novel until the age of sixty-two, but I had gathered thoughts about story lines, characters, and plots for many years before then. When I was finally ready to write, I had a shoe box filled with thoughts, and after weeding through them, I had enough material for five books. My first book took three years to write. Since then, I have been able to publish one book a year.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like Dennis Lehane and Margaret Atwood for their ability to develop compelling plots and complex story lines. Charles Dickens was a master at characterization.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
In “Nineteen Hundred Days, “Twelve-year-old Ben panics when his parents don’t come home from work. Having been raised to believe that the police and CPS are the enemy, he will do anything to avoid foster homes for him and his sister. Unfortunately, their incredible journey to evade the authorities brings them into contact with people who may not have their best interests at heart.
It typically takes me five months or so to write a first draft of a book that is worthy of sending to my editor. This one took me five weeks, and it required the least amount of revision compared to my other books. I can’t explain it.
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