Rose Ann's Bio:
Rose Ann Sinay collects threads of memories from family, friends and strangers to tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten or discarded. When not revising her historical novel in progress, she records the minutia as well as the special moments in which she lives.
As a freelance writer, Rose Ann’s articles, essays and fiction have been published in The Carolinas Today (and other regional publications) and The Oddville Press. She has been a contributing writer for Sasee Magazine for almost eight years.
The past year has taken Rose Ann and her husband from the beaches of North Carolina to the snow belt of the Northeast where her family has finally settled. She plans to don her hat, buy a shovel, and then weave all those loose threads together.
If you haven't done so already, check out Rose Ann's relate able and insightful story Just Like Bogie and Bacall and then return here for a chat with the author.
WOW: Congratulations again Rose Ann and thank you for taking time to chat with us today! Let's dig right in:
Where do you write? What does your space look like?
Rose Ann: My writing space is a bit of a guilty pleasure. I carved out an office in our home complete with the perfect antique desk, motivational pictures and a wall full of my favorite books. It’s quiet and comfortable, but I only sit there when I’m writing my book. I write my essays wherever I happen to be at the time: at my crumb covered kitchen table, in the comfy corner of my couch, or in the doctor’s office waiting for an appointment.
WOW: I keep telling my children that once they are grown, one of their large bedrooms is going to become my writing space - complete with quotes and a comfy chair. You give me hope as I sit at my own crumb covered table (seated next to a toddler).
Who is your favorite author and why?
Rose Ann: My favorite author—I can’t pick just one: Jose Saramago (Blindness), Jeffrey Archer (Honor Among Thieves), Margaret Atwell (who isn’t captivated by The Handmaid’s Tale?) are among my favorites. Stephen King, however, has always dazzled me with his ability to make the reader feel present in all senses with descriptions of seemingly simple moments that morph into the unexpected. In reality, it’s not at all simple to make the reader feel, taste, smell and see the abstract.
WOW: You hit the nail on the head - it can sometimes be very difficult as a reader to be drawn in (and as a writer to do the drawing).
How has your writing been therapeutic; what advice would you give to others?
Rose Ann: As part of a military family, my childhood was always changing--sometimes so fast that experiences could be forgotten in the getting there. Leaving friends and family made me hyper-aware of my surroundings in an attempt to never forget. Now, a word or picture can trigger a memory that is crystal clear. When I write non-fiction I have no outline, just a stream of consciousness that needs to be sculpted into shape.
Writing is a personal skill. One size does not fit all. It’s okay to write in a quiet room with no distractions, or in a public space surrounded by the daily buzz. My advice is to find your own comfort zone and just write!
WOW: That's very sound advice!
What’s next for you? What are your writing goals for 2019 and beyond?
Rose Ann: Recently, when my daughter read a piece of my non-fiction published in a women’s magazine, she called me surprised by a story I wrote about our family. It hadn’t occurred to me that some of our history had never been discussed. Writing personal essays provides a print history that my family can look back on and relate to our past. I will always record the important, as well as, the unimportant moments in our lives.
I am, also, writing a post-Civil War novel that I’ve been working on for longer than I like to admit. The characters feel like family and are continually evolving. One day they (I) will have to commit and call it a life (book).
WOW: And last but not least, as a mini-driving mama with car seats, stains, spills, and the stick of life with young children...
What might be your next vehicle? Do you think hubby will turn in his truck for something else? Why or why not?
Rose Ann: I believe the sports car and the truck will be with us for the rest of our days! While the truck keeps us grounded in reality (hauling wood and picking up flea market finds), the Camaro reminds us of our care-free youth and all the adventures—and stories—yet to come.
WOW: Well thank you again and I must tell readers that Rose Ann told me the following about parenting and grandparenting:
...our car seats still have ice cream melted into the seams
--grandchildren, lol. It never goes away!
I have a feeling we will be hearing from Rose Ann again as her book takes on a life of it's own - stay tuned for a possible blog tour!
Interviewed by Crystal Otto who just keeps on keeping on!
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I always enjoy reading Rose Ann stories. Avid reader and fan of Sasse. Her stories make be smile and recall similar experiences in my life.
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