Paul Rance interviews American writer Danielle "L"
Christine & Richard Bruness interview Sondra C interview
I recently sent some questions for all round good egg, and one of the most interesting writers on Associated Content, Danielle "L", and her answers are below. I will be looking to interview a few more people when time permits, and it's not just talent I'm interested in. Only kind hearts - to people and animals - need apply! Thanks to Danielle "L" for sparing the time.
Q: How long have you been an antiques dealer, and what's the most unusual item you've come across in your work?
Danielle "L": I’ve been an antiques dealer since the summer of 2000. Prior to that, I was a Reliability and Safety Engineer for 14 years! My favorite engineering job was working on the U.S. Space Suit Program. I wanted to be an astronaut since first grade, but my eyes are too bad!
The most unusual item I’ve come across so far was a handmade, beaded bag from the 1830s. What was unusual about it was that the lady who made it beaded her name and town into the pattern! I was able to research her genealogy to pinpoint roughly when she made the bag. A renowned antique purse collector purchased the bag from me with the information included! She will be featuring it in an upcoming book.
Q: You've written about a pretty diverse list of things for Associated Content. What article have you found the most interesting to write?
Danielle "L": That’s a hard question to answer because I really have enjoyed writing so many of the articles I have on AC. Anytime I get to research and write about fascinating and curious things I didn’t know before, I really enjoy it! I did enjoy writing and researching the Civil War submarine article on the H. L. Hunley a lot, and the article on how a deep sea diver saved Winchester Cathedral!
Q: Who are your favorite creative people, and the creative people who've inspired you?
Danielle "L": Another tough question, since I’ve only been freelance writing since December. I would have to say I am a huge fan of anything by Edgar Allan Poe from childhood. My mother would read Poe out loud to us for hours, as well as Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I am also a huge Ray Bradbury fan, especially of The Martian Chronicles. I think these writers have influenced me the most, because I find myself reading them over and over again at different points in my life.
Q: As a lover of history, what is your favorite period of history and some of your favorite characters?
Danielle "L": I have to say anything Victorian resonates with me! I would have loved to have known Mark Twain and some of the ingenious inventors of the time!
Q: If you had a choice, would you rather live now, or some other time in the past - or even in the future?
Danielle "L": I like my life in the here and now, but it would be fun to have a time machine and go back to Victorian times once in awhile for a visit!
Q: What other interests do you have, and what creative skill would you love to be able to master?
Danielle "L": Well, I would love to brush up on my German from high school. The older I get, the harder it is to retain the language! I love languages, though. I would love to train to be a linguist!
Q: What advice would you give to any creative soul struggling to get recognition?
Danielle "L": Never, ever give up. Success is built upon multiple failures with an iron will to just keep trying!
Q: What do you think is the best thing about Associated Content, and how do you think it could be improved?
Danielle "L": I love that AC is an open content website! People with all kinds of talent can display it here, like you with your magical artwork and Dan Reveal with his amazing poetry.
I wish they could work out the bugs so that when content producers published content, they were guaranteed that notices would go out to their family and friends. But no system is perfect and I fully support and am thankful for AC.
Q: What ambitions do you still have re your work, and how would you define success?
Danielle "L": Well, I have a children’s book on the back boiler and a few collections (like of my weird dreams). When I was in engineering, I defined success as climbing the corporate ladder and keeping up with the Joneses. Now, I view all that as a stifling cage. Success to me is being able to love my work, which I am finding through writing. I strive everyday to do what I love and I firmly believe the money will follow!
Q: If you lived on a desert island, which three things would you want to take with you (should mention, no hunting and fishing allowed on this island!)?
Danielle "L": A laptop, my kitties, and plenty of pens and paper! (Oops-that’s four!) I guess I’d take the paper over the pens - I could make ink from berries!
Q: If you could change five things in the world what would they be?
Danielle "L": If I could, I would:
1. End world poverty/hunger through self-sufficiency
2. End animal cruelty and abuse
3. End all wars and violent conflicts
4. Stop global warming
5. Save all endangered species on the planet
© Copyright Danielle "L", 2009.
 |
This website is designed by booksmusicfilmstv.com.