The Crystal Key – An Interview with T. L. Howard

By: Kevin Flanagan (kevin@becreative.ie.)

Flanagan has published two bestsellers: Maximum Points – Minimum Panic and Everyday Genius. He is the MD of the BecreativeMediaGroup which has created supplements for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and The Sunday Times. 

 

 

What’s The Story?

Bestselling writer and journalist Kevin Flanagan interviews exciting new voices in the world of publishing. This week it is T. L. Howard

T. L. Howard is fascinated with the “what-ifs” in life. She was born and educated in the state of Nebraska and currently resides there where she is employed at the university. The Crystal Key is her first novel.

 

Destiny appears to play a central role in your work T. L. – how would you define it?

Destiny is that to which we were born, as an artist is born to paint, a musician to make music. It is something we can ignore if we choose to accept the consequences. It differs from Fate, which is something we cannot control, or change.

 

What inspired you to write your book?

I’ve always wondered what the world would be like if, despite free will, humanity’s fate rested solely on the shoulders of one man and one woman.

 

The hardest part of writing is . . .

Keeping focused, tuning out the inevitable distractions.

 

Where do you like to write – what is your routine?

I have a quiet corner in my basement. I gather some popcorn and coke after the families taken care of and head down to write until my eyes give out.

 

How long did it take you to write your latest book?

It took me 3 years to write my second book; ten years for the first.

 

What do you do when you are not writing – do you have a day job?

I work full time at the state university. When not writing, I enjoy needlework, a good walk, or a movie.

 

Do you work with an outline or just write?

A combination of both; I use an outline to keep me on track with the plot and dissemination of information.

 

How important is marketing and social media?

Extremely important. In today’s world, if you want anyone to know your work is out there, you simply must market it. Social media is an excellent tool to reach people you may otherwise not be able too. 

 

What advice would you have for other writers?  

Keep at it, but don’t focus on being rich and famous. Write because you love it.

 

What’s your next step? 

I plan on continuing to take advantage of excellent opportunities such as this to get the word out about my first book while I continue working on my third.