WRITERS ASSEMBLED
PROFILE INTERVIEW III - IRENE BARON
www.irenebaron.com
QUESTIONS:
1. Name your favorite books and/or authors
2. Who/what are your strongest influences as a writer?
3. What draws you to the type of work you do (genre, etc.)
1. Favorite books and/or authors:
The only novel I’ve read 5-6 times is the excellent fiction, Atlas Shrugged, by genius Ayn Rand. Even though it is over 50-years old, the philosophy she wrote is still relevant.
Fiction authors I have enjoyed include: David Baldacci, Robert Crais, Clive Cussler, Rob MacGregor, and other adventure novelists. I have enjoyed science fiction, forensics and paranormal books. As an artist, I sincerely appreciate the engineering that went into the complex Robert Sabuda pop-up books. Although his Frank Lloyd Wright book is phenomenal, his Twelve Days of Christmas astounds everyone who picks it up. I collect the pop-up books but pass fiction books to non-profit organizations or send boxes to American military hospitals overseas.
Ninety percent of my library contains nonfiction reference books, primarily of science. Right now they include many books on subjects I needed to know more about for my MINDREACHER series such as martial arts, weapons, terrorists, etc. I have corresponded with authors and others such as the Shaolin Temple monks of martial arts fame and enjoyed their help and comments. My library is divided into book collections in the fields of art, international cookbooks, building construction, pop-up, religion, geography, government publications, Earth science, forensics, and environmental issues.
2. Who/what are your strongest influences as a writer?
Central Ohio Fiction Writers (COFW) is the organization which created the most vertical learning curve when I began writing. Members of that organization, many of whom are published authors, were courteous and helpful to everyone. I encourage beginning writers to join a good authors organization and attend as many educational writing conferences as possible. Reading ‘how to’ books is secondary. By reading popular and classic books I learned how the best authors wrote and organized their stories. I learn every day how to improve my writing.
3. What draws you to the type of work you do (genre, etc.)
I did not realize I was preparing background knowledge for writing my nonfiction book during my early life until the book was completed. Every major life decision made by myself or others (parents/educators/businesses) created training and background perfect for being the author of Unraveling the Christmas Star Mystery. As I look back on the “preparation” for writing that book, I sincerely believe I have been guided throughout my life. That guidance allowed perfect situations for me during which to gain necessary knowledge required for writing that book.
The speculative fiction adventure series I have been completing also uses knowledge gained throughout my lifetime. I have experienced this Earth in ways most persons would never conceive. National Science Foundation fellowships in the sciences, flight instruction, education, athleticism, art training, travel experiences, being an information specialist, and other endeavors all created excitement and love of life which I use to enrich my readers. Readers eyes will be opened to unusual experiences and knowledge which they would have never even thought to dream about.
I am drawn to write the paranormal aspect of the adventures for the excitement it creates and the fact that telepathy may be common in the future. In my books readers will have a difficult time distinguishing between fact and fiction!