Jeannie Walker
Name of book: ” Fighting the Devil ” – A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
Book genre: True Crime
Date Published: June 2010
Publisher: iUniverse
What is your day job?
I am retired, but my day job is being an author, busily promoting my book the best I can.
What is your book about (in a few sentences)?
A Texas millionaire discovers his wife and bookkeeper have stolen thousands of dollars from him. After he demands the money back, he suddenly dies from a mysterious illness. The millionaire’s ex-wife becomes a sleuth to help solve the murder.
Most challenging part of the writing process?
The most challenging part for me was the research needed for my true crime story.
What motivates you to write?
What motivated me to write my true crime story was the horrific and painful way my ex-husband died from arsenic poison that was continually fed to him by two women, who pretended to be his caregivers.
Did you experience writer’s block? If so, how did you overcome it?
Yes, I did have temporary writer’s block. I believe writers always experience writer’s block at one time or another. The best way for me to overcome it was to put the project on the back burner until the thoughts began to flow again. Then I did not stray far from my keyboard.
How long did it take you to write this book?
It took me 20 years to write this book. Since it was a true crime, I wanted to have a good ending with the culprits being apprehended and punished. But, true life doesn’t always turn out that way. My book is a true story, depicted the way it really happened. I am hoping it doesn’t take that long for my next true crime story, which I am researching at this time.
Why did you decide to self-publish this book?
I wanted full control of my book and my rights. And, I did not want to wait until a traditional publisher thought it was good enough to publish. It was a personal decision for me, however very costly.
What is the biggest misconception about writing a book?
That it is easy. Writing a book is anything, but easy. It takes a lot of hard work, effort, time and sometimes tears to write a book, whether it is fiction or non-fiction.
What was your favorite aspect of the writing process for this book?
Finally seeing my work in print and holding the published book in my hands.
What tools/methods have you employed to promote your book?
I have used every tool that other authors have told me about. I have joined author/writers sites, book sites, book blogs.
What advice would you give to writers regarding promotion?
Not ever stop promoting your project. The more you give, the more you receive.
I’m a writer – if I stop writing, I am nothing. Wilbur Smith Is this true?
No, this is not true. Everyone needs to take a breather from time to time. But writing is a talent, like many other God given talents. And the more a person writes, the easier it becomes.
Inspiration is the act of drawing up a chair to the writing desk. Anon How do you feel about this statement?
I cannot put my words down on paper unless I am sitting. It takes a physical and mental effort to do put the thoughts from my head onto paper. But, the final product is well worth it, if I have done the best I can.
My debut novel was picked as a ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards Finalist in the True Crime Genre. It also received a Five Star Review from ForeWord Clarion Reviews and is Reader’s Choice and earned Editor’s Choice Award.