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What software products do you use when you’re writing?
There are so many different products available these days! I’ve read up on quite a few of them, but at the end of the day, I use Word. I worked for many years as a word processor at law firms, so I’m really comfortable with Word—it’s user-friendly and has great features.
That said, I’m open to the possibility of one day using other software. It might be a steep learning curve at the beginning, but it would be worth the effort if it benefits my writing. I try to keep the door open to new technology, so we’ll see!
Has your method of writing changed over the years?
I was born in 1962, so my first method of writing was by hand. I used to write several drafts by hand, and once I felt my novel or short story was in good shape, I would type up the book on a typewriter. Then I marked up the typed version, and once again retyped the entire text. Very labor-intensive, but that was the only option back then!
As the years went on, I started writing fewer drafts by hand, and I moved to the typing step much earlier. I eventually changed from a typewriter to a standalone computer, and then to a laptop when they became affordable. Nowadays, I write my initial notes by hand in a notebook, and I type the first draft directly onto my laptop.
Do you think that changing methods has altered your writing?
My wonderful college writing teacher B. J. Chute used to say that she liked retyping her work, because it made the words come alive again under her fingers. I can agree with this; it’s a deeper kind of rewriting that feels closer to the text.
That’s perhaps something I’ve lost by using computers, but I’ve definitely gained efficiency. As with so many technological advances, you gain something and you lose something.
How do you feel about AI? Do you use AI in your writing?
I think every writer needs to find their comfort level with AI. That could range from not using AI at all to letting AI write their first drafts. It’s a choice every writer has to make for themselves.
I tend to use AI as a copyeditor, and by that I mean using it to sharpen my text. I always write the first few drafts myself, and then when I feel I could use some input, I upload my chapters one at a time to ChatGPT and ask it to suggest small tweaks to improve the writing.
AI is still in its infancy, and at the moment I find that AI’s suggestions break into three categories. Some suggestions don’t align with my style or feel outdated, so I don’t use them. Others are identical to the original text, so I ignore them. But sometimes AI offers a word or a tweak that’s clearly an improvement, so I incorporate those.
I would never ask AI to write my first draft or subsequent drafts, because that’s my favorite part of writing! Sitting and creating in my own little bubble is my version of heaven, and I have no desire to give that over to anyone or anything else.
Many writers find marketing difficult. Do you like marketing your work?
I think it’s important to find a balance between creative work and marketing. I write in the mornings, and that time is sacred for me. I never allow marketing tasks to bleed into those quiet hours.
That said, I’ve actually come to enjoy the marketing process. What I love most is connecting with other people, whether it’s readers, reviewers, or other writers. Instagram is my happy place—I’ve gotten to know so many kindred spirits there.
I also enjoy discovering new ways to promote my books. For example, this Q&A is part of a blog tour, which is something I’ve never tried before. The woman who set up the tour is both knowledgeable and efficient, and thanks to her I’ve connected with a whole new group of readers and reviewers. Including anyone who’s just read this interview!
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publication Date: January 5, 2025
Estimated Page Count: 316
Blurb:
A cozy mystery with a dash of romance set in the vibrant world of jazz.
During an interview with reclusive jazz singer Betty Brown, journalist Virginia Farrell is shown priceless tapes from the iconic 1957 Thelonious Monk-John Coltrane gig at the Five Spot. When Betty is found murdered, Virginia is determined to recover the tapes and uncover the truth behind Betty’s death.
In the spirit of Nancy Drew, Virginia teams up with her six-foot blonde roommate to investigate the various suspects. Detective Robert Smith from the Hoboken Police Department joins the case, quickly becoming absorbed by an unsolved murder possibly linked to Betty Brown’s death, as well as an undeniable attraction to Virginia.
Dashiki is a cozy mystery laced with romance, immersing readers in the captivating world of jazz, where musicians, journalists, scholars, and enthusiasts intersect in an entertaining whodunit.
Purchase Links
Author Bio – Florence Wetzel was born 1962 in Brooklyn, NY. Her novels include the thriller The Woman Who Went Overboard and the Swedish mystery The Grand Man. She has also authored horror short stories, a book of poems and memoir essays, and co-authored jazz clarinettist Perry Robinson’s autobiography. In July 2024, she published Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss.
Social Media Links – Facebook
Florence Wetzel (@florencewetzel108) • Instagram profile
(1) Florence Wetzel | LinkedIn
Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of Dashiki by Florence Wetzel (Open to UK / US / Canada only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK / US & Canada entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
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Hello Heather! Many thanks for publishing this Q&A. I really enjoyed answering your questions.
Thrilled to have you!