The following interview with West Virginian writer Janet Furst highlights the journey a writer takes in publishing his or her work. Describing the publication of her first novel, Everyday Truth of a Rainbow Woman, Ms. Furst shares the both the difficulty and the satisfaction a published writer encounters.
The interviewer, Cassie Ball, spoke with Ms. Furst over the telephone, taking notes on her responses to the questions asked. The interview was not recorded; the information below consists of summarized responses derived from the interviewer’s notes rather than Ms. Furst’s verbatim answers. This interview occurred on October, 27, 2016, at 6:00 p.m.
1.) Is there any specific time or place in your life during which you knew you wanted to be a writer?
Yes. I was working in the office of a school in Braxton County during the late 1990s, writing and filing information into the school’s computer systems. In my spare time, I began to write creative fiction and poetry. As I became more involved with my creative work, I left my job with the school to devote myself as a writer.
2.) What influences did you have early on in life that may have led you to pursue writing?
Writing letters to correspond with my family was one influence which led me to writing stories. I have always loved reading as well, particularly women’s literature. Women writers such as Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, and Isabel Allende are my “she-roes” and have inspired me in my own writing.
3.) How would you describe your experience in publishing your first novel, and what were any challenges you faced?
I finished writing the book fourteen years before I began seriously editing it last winter for publication. Because the book so closely reflects my own life, gathering the courage to publish it was difficult. Much of the thoughts and struggles that the protagonist faces are my own, costing me a great deal of emotional energy to print the book. Another challenge I face is marketing my work and “putting myself out there.” Since I am an introvert, I find it hard to place myself in the public eye.
4.) How has publishing your work benefited you in ways you did not expect?
Foremost, I feel a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I did not anticipate the doors that have opened for me and the connections my writing has allowed me to make. One day while I was in a book store, I was able to introduce myself to two women and share my book with them. The reviews I have received for my book have been generally positive, affirming me in my pursuit as a writer.
5.) Would you say that these challenges or benefits are unique to your situation or that they are typical among newly published writers?
I would say typical for writers like myself who are introverted and write from life experiences. Writers who are better at promoting themselves, however, may be different.
6.) If you were to publish another book, what would you approach differently?
I have actually written a sequel to my book and am in the process of editing and publishing it soon. For me, I will try being unattached from my stories. As I prepare to publish my sequel, I will focus on the story’s importance rather than the emotional attachment.
