Interview with Sara Wilke
Author of Bantering With Herself Book 4
SJ Wilke has spent a lifetime or two in the world of IT and Psychology. She’s traveled the physical world and explored the psyche of herself and those around her. She likes to create stories that make you lose time, fall into another place, and leave eality.
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How would you describe Bantering With Herself to a new reader?
- Bantering With Herself is a continuation of the Banter series as we follow her through life, solving cases.
What was the inspiration behind 'Bantering With Herself?
- I wrote Bantering With Murder and my step-daughter, Jenelle, said I had to write a series. Well she gets what she asks for.
Which authors do you admire? How have they influenced your writing style?
- Most writers are influenced by other writers. However, I rarely read other books other than my own. I don't watch televisions and rarely go to movies. I have an overactive imagination and I use my own life experiences with a little twist of insanity (okay, a whole lot of a twist) .
Can you tell us a little about the locations in your book?
- Bantering With Murder occurs in a large metropolis that I do not identify. I let the reader use their own imagination.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
- You are a story teller. A story needs to develop. You can no rush into it. Also remember as the character goes through the story that life happens - yes, they may need to solve a mystery, but they still need to eat, use the bathroom, and pay the bills.
What's your writing process?
- I usually get a cover made first out of the idea I have. Once the cover is complete, that is my cue to write the book.I know what I want to happen. I start with the first chapter which always introduces the main character, then I write the ending. All that is left is to fill in the middle.
Which character in Bantering With Herself has had the greatest impact on readers?
- Considering what Banter does for a living, she is a well-balanced individual who has no problems sticking up for herself and barging into a situation. She learns quickly and knows how to keep herself safe.
If 'insert title' were to be adapted for TV or film, who would you see in the lead role? Who did you have in your mind’s eye when you wrote him/her?
- Banter is such a lovely character. I would be so keen to see who a director would pick. I'd really like to see how other people see the character and what they would do to bring her to life.
How have readers responded to Bantering With Herself?
- Some people have a love/hate relationship with Banter. She is so competent that she makes everyone else, including the reader feel a little inadequate.
Where next? What are you working on now?
- I continue to work on my Bitten and Banter series with a few other books thrown in to mix things up.
