A Great Amigo - Interview with Robyn Campbell

Have you met Robyn Campbell? She is one of the writing community's greatest treasures. Robyn is one smart writer, blogger, and all around good friend. 

Her writing credits and interests include short stories, picture books, and YA fiction. I knew this Good Friends Old & New 5th Blogoversary celebration would not be complete without an informative and fun interview with this faithful amigo. :) 

(Speaking of the blogoversary, check out the giveaway below when you're done reading the interview.)




Welcome Robyn! So excited to have you visit! When did you know you were a writer?

Oh gosh amigo. I knew I was a writer after penning my best seller (or so I thought, at age 8) titled, THE DOG WHO RAN AWAY. I have a fond regard for that story. But alas, my teacher was NOT impressed.  It did set me on the road I travel down now though. It told the story of (you guessed it) a dog who ran away. Like that title? Creative, eh? Yeah man!

Wow, that is some title! You were one very clever 8 year old. I can't imagine why that teacher wasn't impressed. :) In addition to being a fabulous blogger, you write for children and young adults. What are you working on now?

I have several irons in the fire. (That word ‘fabulous’ kinda got me right here! Points to heart.) *ahem* I just finished a two book series (picture book). And I am redoing my middle grade. I’m turning it into a YA. I just have a feeling this is what I'm supposed to do with my story. So of course, most everything must change from voice to plot. Fabulous? Gonna tell the family about this.

Yes, you should tell the family. And let me know if you need me to write a note saying how fabulous you are. I could get a petition together if your family still doesn't believe me.  Tell us, what are some of the benefits you've gained from the writing community?

I have gained so much and feel like I've given so little. Really. The writers who have helped me through my son Christopher's health problems and have taken the time to email me and to stop by the blog to check on him mean so much to me. They didn't have to do that. Our writing community is the best anywhere! These people are genuine and warmhearted and I owe them so very much. You are one of those writers, Karen!

Well Robyn, I am one of many who love you bunches and pray for you and your family. :) I'd have to say though, that you give much more to the writing and blogging community than you think. For real. Now before we get all mushy and need tissues, how about telling us what your must-have writing snacks are?

Er, I thought there was only one must-have. Why Hershey's Bliss, of course! I could eat an entire bag of them. (Shhh. Don't tell, but I'm the one who sneaks a couple out of each Christmas stocking.) Oh alright! It's more than a couple. I actually leave them a couple. *wink*

Well, someone has to be in charge of Hershey's Bliss quality control, you know? What writing accomplishments do you dream of? Fame? Fortune? A writing retreat with three writing amigos?

The three writing amigos retreat sounds perfect. Our amigo gang would be nice. If we could get Shannon to come, or we could just do the two amigos. :-) Okey dokey? 

(A little background - The amigo thing originated when Robyn, writer Shannon O'Donnell, and I adapted the nickname The Three Amigos. A story for another day perhaps.)

I don't think of fame and all of that. I do think about kids of all ages enjoying my stories. Best ever feeling! "Writers don’t write to get published. They write simply to write." -Madeleine L’Engle  Isn’t that the truth?

It sure is! What advice would you now give to your newbie writer self?

Oh man. First, I would tell Self that the first manuscript I wrote was really stinky. I was shocked at the first rejection I received. Every day I would race down to the mailbox and THAT day I saw the piece of mail with THAT return address I was so happy. By the time I reached the front door, I had already spent the thousands of dollars I knew my story was worth. As I opened the envelope, the air was sucked out of my balloon. How could they NOT want my perfectly written story? I finally looked back over that gem and realized it.

I would also tell me that this was going to be a mountain and I'd better be prepared to climb a little and slide back down, climb a bit and slip back down. But there would come a time when I would reach the top and gaze back down at writers trying to join me on the top. I would remind me that I should encourage those writers as much as possible. I would also tell me that I should develop crocodile skin. I was such a dummy. I really thought that my very first story would be published. I also dreamed about that first story being made into a Nickelodeon cartoon and a movie on the big screen. *shakes head at Self*

Wow, that's some good advice! But I wouldn't say you were a dummy. You were just green and had some things to learn, like we all do. Live and learn, right? I know you are an avid horsewoman. How does this influence your writing?

Horsewoman, YES! It influences my entire writing self. It's when I get the best ideas. It's also how I fix my story problems. I just saddle up and go for a ride. All my answers are on the riding trail. As a matter of fact, I've found that the answers to most life problems are on that trail. But actually being outside in the fresh air with Mr. Ed or any of our other horses gives me a clean perspective on my writing. That's why I have invited you to come and ride with me when you visit your sister. That is a MUST DO for you. Make a public statement right now that you will, okay? *wink* *wink* 


I can see where a ride would not only be therapeutic, but helpful to untangle those writing knots in your head. So yes, when I am able to visit, I will! 

Thank you for inviting me over today, Karen. It's been fun!

It was great fun, Robyn! Thanks so much for stopping by today! :) Find the amazing Robyn here: 

Her Blog

Twitter
Facebook

Goodreads

Giveaway

To celebrate my 5th Blogoversary, I am giving away an ecopy of The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. This book is great for writers of all genres, fiction and non fiction.

You can still enter if you don't have an ereader; simply download the Free Kindle PC Reader for your computer here. 

Find the Giveaway details in the Rafflecopter box below.





Do you have any questions for Robyn? What would you tell your newbie writer self?

Happy writing,

Karen

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