Friday, June 4, 2010

Triple Play Interview with Nancy Lepri

Since embarking on my writing career in 2007 I have developed the love of interviewing fellow authors. Nancy is another “angel” I met through Guardian Angel Publishing. Her illustrious career is one of author, illustrator, and editor. Read about Nancy’s fascinating life and career through this insightful interview.

DMc: You have led quite the adventurous life moving many times. What did you find to be the most difficult once settled in your new location to get your creative groove back?

NL: It was difficult moving, but I guess my husband doesn’t like to get any moss under his feet. Anyway, I’ve always been more or less a solitary type who loves to read and create. The first thing I always did upon moving was find the closest library. Now, thanks to the Internet, and the fact that I have TONS of books yet to be read, that’s not necessary. I like to hole up in my office and visualize what I want to write or draw. When I know what that is, I sit down at the computer and type, type, type, which I know many authors say you should not do, but I have tried writing from an outline and find I always seem to deviate from them. Unfortunately, I tend to write like I talk…too much! So, I end up going through what I’ve written and cut, cut, cut. I’ve found it much easier to cut than add. When it comes to drawing, I love to sit quietly and envision what I want to do, but I’m my own worst critic and usually my finished illustrations do not come out as I see them in my head.

DMc: What can a writer expect when collaborating on a book with you?


NL: I’m very easy to get along with. I love hearing new ideas and suggestions and working with talented people.

DMc: Your children’s chapter book, Tiny Angel was released in November 2009, please share with us your inspiration behind this delightful story.


NL: First off, thank you for saying it’s delightful! My inspiration behind this book comes from the fact that as a child I was a bookworm, very shy and wore glasses, which causes me to be the brunt of the class bully. I was very insecure and felt like I never fit in. My strong belief in guardian angels helped me through some tough times and my own personal angel is named Jody, same as Macy’s in the book. Many times I was lonely and when I got older, I learned I was not the only kid who felt that way. I thought by putting a little of my childhood angst into this book it would show other children they are not alone.

DMc: Do you find it difficult to switch from writer/illustrator to editor?


NL: I started writing almost twenty years ago. I was working as an editorial assistant for a publisher and realized my love of writing and editing. My first credits were with local newspapers and when we moved to NC, I wrote for the “Wilmington Magazine”. I had started writing “Tiny Angel” earlier, but had put it aside. Next I wrote for national and international food-industry trade magazines which paid very well, but I was not able to use my creativity with non-fiction, so I gave that up. Then I got assigned to illustrate several children’s books and with the urging (really nagging!) of my critique group, I got back to “Tiny Angel”. Meanwhile, to keep diversified, I got certified as an editor through Cape Fear Community College in 2006 and have had many freelance jobs. I also review books for New York Journal of Books and ReaderToReader.com. This way I’m never bored!

DMc: What can we expect from you in the future?


NL: I am working on a sequel to “Tiny Angel” and have started Tommy’s story. After that, I hope to write two more books in the series, the last being the bully’s story. I believe every child has insecurities or fears, and so many feel alone because of them. I hope my books will show kids there are others going through the same feeling and they are not alone.

DMc: A signature request I like to ask every author, illustrator, editor, etc., I interview is for the individual to share with us a tidbit from their lives that the reader will find either humorous or surprising. Nancy, can you please share one with us?


NL: I lead rather a boring life and don’t know if I can impart anything humorous or surprising about my work. I guess I could say what surprises me most is that I cannot read anything just for the pleasure of reading. I am always finding errors or making corrections, so it seems I’m always in the editor mode. Though I do have to say, the more I read, the more I learn, which I hope will help me become a better author.

To learn more about Nancy visit: http://nancycl.webs.com/  

19 comments:

  1. Hey, Cape Fear CC and Wilmington? She was in my neck of the woods for a while.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for sharing, very nice interview. I look forward to hearing more about her books.

    ReplyDelete
  3. To Nancy,

    I visit Oak Island, which isn't far from Wilmington, two months out of the year, and it's wonderful by the ocean. I like your comment about you leading a "boring life." My wife sometimes wonders how I can have so much fun (just) writing. I have a story about a pencil waiting at the Gates of Heaven who has lived a full life and she meets up with three angels that eventually prove to her that she is worthy of Heaven. Any suggestions where I might send it?...Thanks for your time and sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Diane, Terri, and Joe...thanks for stopping by today and visiting with Nancy. Your ongoing support is much appreciated.

    Warm regards,
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  5. How wonderful to read an interview with Nancy today. I loved Tiny Angel and have been fortunate to catch a glimpse of her current WIP. It will be just as delightful as the first book.

    Keep up the great work, Nancy.

    Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
  6. Moving is a pain--I moved 6 times as an adult. And, boring is usually peaceful.

    It's nice to learn about Nancy. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for sharing the lovely interview, Donna and Nancy. I'm enjoying learning more about my fellow "angels"!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you all for your wonderful comments and thank you Donna for honoring me with an interview! It's been a lot of fun and I so enjoy hearing from other authors, published or not. Keep striving and good things will happen.

    L. Diane and Joe...nice you know the Cape Fear area. Gotta love the beaches there! And, Joe...your story sounds totally delightful! You really should think abou submitting it to Guardian Angel Publishing...a great publisher with a slew of very talented, compassionate and supportive authors.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nice interview Donna.

    I know how you feel, Nancy. I wore glasses as a kid, still do, but fortunately I wasn't bullied, as best I recall. As a teacher I saw the way some kids treated others, and it was sad. Your book is needed to help children through those trying years.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I also want to add a thank you to my dear friend and critique partner Cheryl for her kind words!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh Bev, how sad you went through bullying also. Kids can be cruel, but it's funny that as a child, you feel different and alone, only to learn after you've grown up that many of the other kids...even the ones considered "cool" had insecurities too! If I make only one child feel less alone and better about themself, then my book will have served my purpose!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great interview ladies. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for sharing this nice interview. Nancy is a one talented writer and illustrator. One to watch, as she is a rising star. Her big heart and sweetness as a person comes though in her writing of children's books. I'm sure her quick wit and intelligence will shine through in her adult novels that I'm sure won't be far behind.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kristi, Cheryl, Karen, Connie, Bev, Kathy, and Colleen...thank you very much for stopping by today and visiting with Nancy. She certainly is a very talented lady.

    Nancy...it's been a pleasure having you today.

    Warm regards,
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, Colleen, what sweet things you've said about me. Don't tell anyone I've paid you to say them!!! LOL Honestly, you've been one of my biggest and staunchest supporters and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Donna, thank you again! I don't think I'm talented at all. I owe my accomplishments to my wonderful mother, who suggested the title for "Tiny Angel" and whom I loved with my whole being, and my dear, supportive friends who never let me give up! Love you all...

    ReplyDelete
  17. Nancy...how lovely about your mom. It's been a pleasure having you!

    Warm regards,
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks Donna...there wasn't a person on earth who didn't love my mom. She was so happy when she learned my book was getting published and I'm sure she's smiling down on me now from Heaven!

    ReplyDelete

Thank for you taking the time out to visit with me and to learn about my writing career.

Please be sure to leave your blog address so I can reciprocate.

I look forward to visiting you too.