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Author Interview

Janet Smith Interviews Dorice Nelson

Dorice Nelson taught English in secondary schools for 17 years, never thinking she would write a novel. After an early retirement from teaching, she moved to the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York and discovered the world of novel writing.

Dorice received rave reviews for her first book, The Gunn of Killearnan, published in 2001. This historical romance is a quick-paced adventure of danger and love. Her second book, Unlawful, which made its debut in January 2002 to more rave reviews and brisk sales, is another historical romantic adventure set in Irish medieval times. Her third published novel to date, 1863 Saratoga Summer, is the beginning of a series about the Irish O'Malley brothers. Released earlier this year, the book centers on a horseman named Connor who leaves Ireland to arrive in America at the onset of the Civil War draft riots.

All three of Dorice's above-mentioned novels are available in print and electronic formats at: www.novelbooksinc.com.

Dorice is an active member of numerous writing organizations including, the Romance Writers of America, the World Romance Writers and the International Woman’s Writing Guild.

I have known Dorice for the past three years and had the privilege to witness her exceptional writing talents and accomplishments. Everyone at Writers’ Village University is justly proud of Dorice, who is a lifetime member.

It was my pleasure to interview Dorice for T-Zero readers.

T-Zero: What was it that motivated you to write after your move from Albany, NY to the Adirondacks?

Dorice: Living in Albany, NY, teaching, and caring for and showing my thoroughbred gelding didn’t allow much time for writing. I did a lot of research for a novel, which is still in a drawer waiting to be written––about an 1826 murder in Albany. My annoyance at another author’s take on the lives of women in those days was the thing that motivated me to write a novel. Once I got to the Adirondacks and had the time, writing fit the bill––and I’ve been doing it ever since.

T-Zero: When you start a new story, how much do you know about the characters in advance?

Dorice: I do extensive character work on the main characters: heroine, hero and villain. I follow a system started by Alice Orr, a wonderful teacher, author and agent. I do a fair amount of digging into minor characters as well, depending on their importance to the story.

Dorice: People I’ve met and ideals I have.

Dorice: I’m not sure what inspires me, but I do know I don’t want to stop. I try to write each and every day––on something.

Dorice: The wonderful fan letters I received and the fact that so many folks are enjoying the books.

Dorice: WVU was the catalyst that started me on my writing every single day. Every study group I’ve been in has helped me tremendously, and once I’ve moved into our new house in October of this year, I hope to have a course ready to present to the powers-that-be at WVU. I have found a wonderful new and exciting way to do my own critiquing.

Dorice: Obviously, the research––fortunately, something I love to do. But, it can feed upon itself and keep you from writing. That’s where WVU helped me. It forced me to write continuously.

Dorice: Right now, my schedule is off, due to the move to a new area of the state. My usual writing starts in the morning, goes through the afternoon and I piddle around with it a bit in the evening. I always set up a schedule of how much writing needs to get done on a particular day, wrap it around the other things I must do, then work until I accomplish some goal in it. I find that if you’re not goal-oriented, it’s harder to do.

Dorice: His original book was a legal book on zoning. I started writing fiction and he has just recently joined the fiction-writing effort. I tend to do most of the mentoring––or should I say, sending his materials off to the publisher as he’s not too computer-savvy. We each work in our different areas and try desperately to stay out of each other’s head while writing.

Dorice: Most of my books tend to be historical and adventurous with a bit of romance tossed in. I am not strictly what one would call a romance writer. I have several things waiting for the big move to another place. I have a suspense, which I’m hoping to turn into more of a thriller––‘cause that’s what I like to read. I have the sequel in the Saratoga series to complete. I have another idea for a paranormal and, possibly, an erotica.

Dorice: Enjoy my animals and read, read, read! I also like the outdoors.