3/12 (Ed: The Winner of the random drawing for Georgia’s latest, 96 Hours will be announced at noon Friday 3/3. There’s still time…)
I don’t’ think I need to provide much more of an introduction. If you are one of the three people unfamiliar with this talented writer, feel free to check out Georgia Beers site for ‘everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask’. Her blog will also feature my responses to questions and a giveaway to a random commentor.
As I have mentioned before, publicly, my very tall friend Georgia has been instrumental in the launch of my fledgling career and I’m very grateful for her advice.
~If you had the chance to do it over with one book, what changes would you make and which book would you choose?
That’s a tough one. Though I don’t go back and read my older stuff because there would inevitably be things I wish I’d done differently, I think I’d prefer to leave them all alone. Each one is a step in my growth as a writer and if I hadn’t written each of them exactly the way I did, I wouldn’t have evolved into the writer I am now.
~From the publication of your first manuscript to the recent release of 96 hours, can you 
pick three of your proudest moments?
Well, the first one is definitely holding my very first book in my hands. There’s no bigger thrill for a writer, in my opinion. Number two would be winning the Lambda Literary Award for Fresh Tracks in 2007. Third would be having Starting from Scratch short-listed for a Lammy, something I didn’t think would happen because I went a different publishing route than most. That was utter validation of my career. [ed note: it went on to win 2 Goldies]
~What are you working on now?
My next book is a new venture for me. It’s a collection of short stories, each of which is connected to the next in some way. So far, I’m really enjoying it. As a bonus, I will have a dozen or more characters to choose from if I want to expand on any of their stories, so that’s a fun aspect as well.
~What inspired you to write your first book?
My soon-to-be wife, Bonnie. I was reading a not-very-good lesbian novel and when I finished it, I said with irritation, “I could have written a better book than that.” And Bonnie looked at me and said, “What’s the difference between you and that author?” I gave her a sheepish grin and replied, “She actually took the time to write hers?” So I took the challenge and wrote Turning the Page.
~Do you purposely try to some kind of message or lesson with your books?
Purposely? No. I just do my best to make my characters realistic and relatable. If they end up doing or feeling something that projects some sort of message or lesson, that’s like icing on the cake. But the only goal I have when I begin is to write a compelling, touching story about two women that any of my readers might know (or be).
~What do you find challenging about writing?
How long do you have? LOL. I find it challenging because I don’t always know where things are going. I have an idea, but oftentimes, my idea is a mere suggestion and things go in a completely different direction. That’s challenging as well as thrilling. I also find it challenging to do the actual writing because the creative side of my brain doesn’t always want to function when I have the time. I have never done a marathon writing session, as so many writers do. I just don’t think my brain works that way and I wish it did. I’d be much more prolific, that’s for sure.
~Do you have any advice for writers?
My best, simplest advice is to just do it. Keep writing. Always continue to learn. You will never plateau. You will never learn all there is to learn about your craft. Keep writing and keep learning. Always.
Thanks, Georgia! …and my unsolicited advice for you, Keep writing, Please.
As promised, a random commentor will receive a signed copy of Georgia’s latest book “96 Hours” or go to Bywater Books
Her other books are listed on her site.
Words of Barrett 
Excellent interview with an excellent author! Thanks.
Thanks, Joy! Glad you stopped by.
What a coup — well done! Very interesting interview.
Thanks for popping in. Yeah, Georgia was tough to wrangle, but worth it 😉
How goes it with your latest?
Barrett, another informative and entertaining Blog, thank you.
Georgia, you are and continue to write books that ‘touch’ me.
This interview again gives us access to the inner workings of Georgia Beers, the author. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with your fans.
You both rock.
Thanks, Devlyn, I always enjoy pulling back the curtain a bit. Writing can seem like a mysterious process–even to those of us who practice this demon-art.
I’ve read and reread Georgia’s books since coming back to lesfic a couple of years ago. Love that the characters are so real and the awesome pets they have!
and who doesn’t love the furbabies? I’m inspired to add one to my next book! thanls for stopping by.
LOL! I can’t imagine my life without my pets, so I find it almost necessary to add them to my stories. I can’t help it!
One of the first lesbian novels I ever bought, was ‘Turning the Page’. I loved the charactrers, the story & the ending. 🙂
I have been a fan of Georgia’s ever since. Each book afterwards gets better. One of the few writers that yes, does get better with each novel. I can’t wait to buy 96 hours and add it to my Beers collection.
Thanks for interviewing her & posting. Fascinating to get a little peek behind the scenes of her writing habits.
Hi Chris, thanks for commenting. Don’t run out and buy it yet…you may win it!
Hey Barrett, thanks for having Georgia as a guest blogger. I hope not to embarrass her, but she is one of my all time favorite authors. Not only because she is a fantastic storyteller, but because she is a classy down to earth really nice person. The first time I met her was at the 2010 GCLS when I was in the process of finishing My Soldier Too and considering different publishing options. She was gracious enough to give me a little of her time to talk about writing and books. Getting advice from such a talented genuine person was one of the highlights of the GCLS for me. I am definitely a Georgia Beers fan and very much enjoyed this blog. Thanks, ladies!
Hi Bev, How funny we were both being coached by Georgia that year. How come we didn’t meet? We both must have been Con Virgins…
Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, I was a con virgin that year. I was the quiet short girl who faded into the background of all the GCLS fun. Take care.
I like to keep all my Con Virgins separate from each other. It prevents jealousy and catfights. 😉
Great blog entry! Yes, Georgia did win 2 Goldies for Starting from Scratch…I was so excited that I got to present one of those to her. Added bonus: A big Georgia Beers hug and a kiss on the cheek. I swooned. I SWOONED!
Excellent stuff here! Thanks so much for sharing. And, yes, keep writing.
Thanks, Carleen. Lucky You!
Thanks for the interesting guest blog, it’s always fun to learn how writers approach their work.
Hi Beth, I agree, the behind the scenes look is informative and for me, helpful.
Thanks.
“I find it challenging because I don’t always know where things are going.”
Georgia, it seems we’re both pantsers. What fun to hear we have this in common. 🙂 As a writer who always wants to learn, I really, really tried outlining my latest WIP. But now that I have the outline complete, I’m having trouble regenerating enthusiasm for writing the story. Have you ever tried outlining? Do you think maybe the outlining took away the challenge you speak of?
Thanks for doing this interview, Georgia. And thanks to Jeanne for arranging for it and posting it.
Thanks for your comment and your insight, Nann. Nice to hear from you. I can’t use an outline, like you, the initial enthusiasm carries the story line for me.
I’ve never been able to do a full, complete outline, Nann. I’ve tried. But like you, I’m usually so antsy to get writing, that I find the outline to end up feeling like a tedious chore and it annoys me. Now, I tend to do note cards, just a few here and there to remind me of key events or lines (since I can’t seem to remember squat anymore). That’s been working for me lately.
Really enjoyed this interview, Barrett and Georgia. These interviews add both enjoyable and helpful information about authors and writing. And Georgia, I agree with C.P.: your characters are always realistic and relatable. Great stories!
Thanks for your comment, Anita. I agree that Georgia’s ability to create characters is incredible.
yes, please DO keep on writing and good interview…also, your characters are always realistic and relatable
Thanks for stopping by, C.P.