Author's Interview with Rita Baker

Tell us a bit about yourself – something that we will not find in the official author’s bio?

As a small child/6 years old--I wanted to be a pianist like my mother who attended a special school for prodegy's sent there by her second cousin- Jascha Heifetz. Unfortunately, she died due to my birth and the only time I touched a piano was when, at age 6, I crept into the darkened room where her piano stood and miracle of miracles, with one finger, I was able to play a little tune. But then, in fear of being heard, I snapped shut the lid and ran from the room. I never touched a piano again. At this moment, I have tears in my eyes recalling that day so very, very long ago.

Do you remember what was your first story (article, essay, or poem) about and when did you write it?

Poetry has been taking over my mind since childhood. Small rhymes at first, that I would recite to my grandfather while sitting cross legged on the floor in front of him, his face beaming. I never stopped writing poetry since then and my first grown-up poem came along with the great love i experienced for Harry, my husband--I called it simply TO HARRY, which is one of the poems in my first book of poetry ON LOVE.

What is the title of your latest book and what inspired it?

Apart from my first book of poetry ON LOVE, my last book was a novel MY DEAR COUSIN SADIE about the run up to WW2, the war, the years after, and a great journey to South Africa abroad the liner Athlone Castle a 25,00 toner. It was a dream experience both aboard the ship and the county S A if sad for the native population at that time.

How long did it take you to write your latest work and how fast do you write (how many words daily)?

The length of time it takes depends on the amount of words written or pages at a time. I must have complete quiet from those around me when writing, although I can have music blaring at the same time--It is the talking that upsets my mood. I get grumpy when that happens and can never get back the words that entered my head, as if by magic, afterward.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

No, just the usual absolute quiet from anyone around me. to be disturbed is to lose your ongoing thoughts

Is writing the only form of artistic expression that you utilize, or is there more to your creativity than just writing?

Dancing. Although never taught to dance, like writing, it comes naturally to me and I have danced with professionals, who, when losing a partner for a while, have asked me to dance with them when in front of an audience. Then music, dancing, poetry all these wonderful gifts are, in reality, a part of a person's creative ability.

Authors and books that have influenced your writings?

The great poets--Milton-Wordsworth-Shelley-Keats-Tennyson-Bronte-Yeats plus a number of contemporary poets. Books, so many great writers today, But, I must admit Shakespeare has had the most influence on my writing. His works are magnificent, and his understanding of people's nature, is unbelievably accurate in every sense.

What are you working on right now? Is anything new cooking in the wordsmith’s kitchen?

While poetry is always on my mind, I find I can shut it off when thinking about a new novel, which I am working on at the moment.

Did you ever think about the profile of your readers? What do you think – who reads and who should read your books?

Like in everything, people's tastes differ and I can but hope my writing finds its rightful home in the minds of those who love literature of all kinds.

Do you have any advice for new writers/authors?

Always follow your heart and never give up, and that is an important key NEVER TO GIVE UP.

What is the best advice (about writing) you have ever heard?

Always write from the heart and only listen to that little voice inside your head--not to what people might say. You are in control.

How many books you read annually and what are you reading now? What is your favorite literary genre?

I used to read at least a dozen books in a year. reading is the lifeblood of a writer. It always was and still is important.

What do you deem the most relevant about your writing? What is the most important to be remembered by readers?

I love reading, I adore writing, I love the wonder and feelings inside me when I have created a work, whether poetry or a novel I feel as though I am living on top of the world.

What is your opinion about the publishing industry today and about the ways authors can best fit into the new trends?

The publishing industry has always been difficult for a writer, no matter how good they are, to find the right home, any home, for their work. Write your work straight from the heart, believe in yourself, and never, never give up, no matter how long it may take. Trends differ from year to to year, but good writing fits into any new trend.

Thank you Rita for your time and your words.

Books by Rita Baker published by Adelaide Books.