10 Questions with Lela Marie De La Garza
Lela Marie De La Garza has had work published in “Behind Closed Doors”, “Pound of Flash”, “ChickLit”, “Daily Romance”, “Creepy Gnome,” and “Mad March Hare”. She was born in Denver, CO. in 1943 while her father was serving in WWII. She currently resides in San Antonio, TX. with three and a half cats, some stray kittens, and a visiting raccoon.
How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I have been writing for over 60 years, I started my my third grade teacher asked us to write a Christmas story. I’d been reading since I was four and somehow had the idea that every thing I read had really happened and that someone had written it down. But when my teacher gave us that assignment, I realized that stories could be made up, and that I could do it.
What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
Send out as much work as you can. Keep it circulating. I try to send out a story every day.
What is the worst piece of advice you have heard for new writers?
“Worst” advice is a bit convoluted; however I would say don’t take rejections personally. An editor has nothing against you or your work; it just isn’t right for him.
What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
I read so much and so many types ot fiction that I can’t point to a favorite. My favorite author at the moment is Stephen King. But I also like old writers no one ever heard of, such as Florence Barclay and Elizabeth Von Arnim.
What tips do you have for finding time to write?
Make sure you keep paper and pencil, or a recording device, or something with you at all times, so you can write wherever you are. A laptop would be good too; I don’t have one of those.
Do you prefer to outline a story in advance or write on the fly? Why?
I write my stories in my head before I commit them to anything else. My novels are only sketched out, but my stories are detailed. This works for me.
How do you deal with rejections?
I say “Oh bother!” and file them.
What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
To have at least one novel published.
For the next five years?
To have at least two novels published. And, of course, as many short stories as possible.
Is there anything you’d like to plug? Feel free to share a link.
“Pure Fantasy and Science Fiction II” has several of my stories in it, as well as other good stories. It just came out on Amazon. “Pure Fantasy and Science Fiction I” is also available.
