Sunday, February 5, 2012

Meet Our Writers Week 31: Belva Staples


Tell us about yourself:

I am a lobster fisherperson from a secluded island off the coast of Maine. I am also a wife, mother of two, and a devoted grandmother of five lovely grandchildren with one more on the way. 

I have always had a great love of words and used to write poetry years ago, but never seriously, until about a year and a half ago, when I began writing my first fantasy novel: The Kriterion Saga: The World Between. Since that time, I have found myself writing almost every day even on Christmas for crying out loud. 

Tell me about your blog(s), name(s), what does it mean to you? 

You can find my blog at www.mainelymugups.blogspot.com. I have named my blog Mainely Mug Ups for a couple of reasons. 

1. I like to showcase the lovely, scenic state of Maine. It is where I live and I love it here. 

2. The term: Mug up is an old downeast Maine term and it means a snack involving food and a mug of something steaming hot, such as tea or coffee. Growing up, some of my favorite memories are of having mug ups with my Dad to discuss religion and politics. So by naming my blog Mainely Mug Ups, I like to think of it as a place for people to stop by, have a cup of coffee, and visit with me as I present whatever happens to be on my heart and mind that day in the form of a poem or short story. I hope folks will enjoy the homey atmosphere I have tried to create.

When have you started blogging?

I have been blogging for about a year now and I enjoy it. I have found it to be a wonderful way to meet like-minded people and to exercise my creative muscles a little.

What's the theme(s) of your blog(s)? What do you write most? poetry, fiction or novel, or short stories?

 I write poems, short stories and right now I am doing a continuing mystery/suspense story that I hope might grow into a novel. It is called: Myrtle Watson’s Secret Admirer. I have been having more fun with it than should be allowed by law.  

What are the inspirations of your writing?

 I know this will sound crazy to some, but I firmly believe my inspiration comes from God. He has given me a gift and I know it is entirely up to me to develop it, but more often than not, He floats me great ideas.

You are involved with Bluebell Books Short Story Slam writing challenge? How do you feel about it so far? What's the benefits of it?

 I enjoy writing for the Bluebell Books Short Story Slam. I was honored to receive the story of the week award for one of my submissions recently. It made my day. It is fun to participate and I like getting feedback from other writers. I think it is important to interact with your peers. I always try to read as many of everyone else’s submissions as I have time for and I like to leave encouraging comments, too. We all need encouragement. Another great benefit of participating is that it gets your work out to a wider audience.

Do you have a favorite blogging friend(s) to share? Tell us about his/her blog link and the writing in it!

I have many great blogging friends, but the one that comes most to mind is my own daughter. She is a dedicated home school mom of three and she has a wonderful blog. You can take a look at it at www.Castingpearls.blogspot.com. She has stunning photography and well written pieces to share with her readers. It would be worth your while to visit.

Do you have a favorite book or author? I like so many authors that I couldn’t possibly pick one. 

Any tips for those who started blogging and wish to become successful in it.

I would advise posting often, but post only your best work. You never know who will be looking at what you do, so being sloppy should not be an option to be considered. Speak from your heart. People respond well to authenticity and can see through phoniness in a nanosecond. Be yourself, your best self.

What's your writing plans in the near future?

My first novel is due to be released on March 27th, 2012, but you can obtain a signed, pre-release copy of my book by ordering at www.belvaraestaples.com. I have even thrown in free shipping! It is not only my first novel, but the first in the series. I have finished book two and have begun giving it a final polish before sending it off to a publisher. Book three in the series is underway and I am excited about that one, too. I have a couple of other projects in the works and of course, I will continue my blogging addiction. 

God bless you and thanks so much for inviting me to answer your interview questions! As always, it is a pleasure to participate here at Bluebell Books!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

I so enjoy your interview, Belva, way to go,

good luck on your book.

Gigi Ann said...

Enjoyed the interview. Congratulations on the new book. Will be watching for it.

Belva Rae Staples said...

Thanks! I appreciate the opportunity to do the interview.