Author & Illustrator Deirdra Eden Koppel
CRW: When did you begin to write?
Deirdra: I wrote the lyrics to my first song when I was four. I was standing on top of a playground slide so I was high enough I could look over a fence and see the sunset. It was so beautiful I just started singing. I felt inspired to write the song down. Later in my life that song was recognized and published. When I was fourteen one of my songs, “The Song of Freedom” was used as the theme song for a musical.CRW: How wonderful. Sunsets inspire you to write. What else?
Deirdra: Everything … especially trials. When life’s disasters happen now I just think “This would make a great scene.” A lot of times I work though my real life problems as my characters are working through theirs.
CRW: Do you try to write daily, and if so, do you set a goal of a certain number of words?
Deirdra: I write when I can. On my “normal” schedule I have eight hours a day blocked out for writing or illustrating. I have to be flexible because “normal” days are hard to come by. Sometimes I have to start my day at 4:00 A.M. to get my eight hours in. I don’t set word goals, I find myself checking how many words I’ve written instead of just writing.
CRW: What gets in your way of writing?
Deridra: Life. When I start to get down on myself or stressed I can’t write properly.
CRW: How do you get past it?
Deridra: I read my scriptures, workout, sing and take vitamin B12. My husband is good about taking care of our kid so I can have “thinking time” where I sit and do nothing but think.
CRW: What makes you CRAZY about writing? Crazy good and crazy bad?
Deirdra: The creative fairies whisper into my ear and keep me going. Unfortunately because they are fairies they don’t understand that I have to eat, sleep and maintain relationships with other humans.
CRW: I have triplet fairies flying around me all the time right now, so I know what you mean. Where is the strangest place you have ever worked on your book?
Deirdra: I’ve written in a tree house, bath tub, quiet roof top and a medieval theme park.
CRW: How long does it take you to complete a book?
Deirdra: It takes me three months to write a book. The first month I just write the raw story. The second month I go through and add more detail, fix POV and expand scenes. The third month I focus on editing and add things as I feel inspired. It takes me another three months to illustrate a book.
CRW: How wonderful that you have the talent to illustrate as well as write. Please tell us more about where you get your ideas?
Deirdra: They strike me like how some people get struck with seizures. I could be looking at a jar of peanut butter in the store then suddenly a scene flashes across my mind and I start hearing dialogue. I get some of my ideas from dreams and from ancient scriptures, especially the Old Testament and Book of Revelations.
CRW: Where do you get your character’s names?
Deirdra: Usually the Bible. Sometimes I will Google names and meanings. I will match a character to a name based on the meaning. I like to use a lot of symbolism.
CRW: What is your favorite writing food?
Deirdra: Chocolate truffles. LOL. I love this question. Only another writer would ask me that.
CRW: So true. Okay, here comes the big question. Why are you a writer?
Deirdra: I have to be. I can’t stop. If I stop I will start to die a slow and miserable death. I also feel that it is my own personal mission.
CRW: Agreed. Writing and creating in one way or another are in the blood. What do you think would be the best complement you could receive from a reader?
Deirdra: I just hope the books I write will inspire people to do great things and help them as they face “Real Life” challenges.
CRW: I had the opportunity to read a draft of your "Knight of Light." The unique cover was illustrated by you as well. Were there really women Knights?
Deridra: Yes, Scotlyn, the Knightess in "Knight of Light" is based on a real Lady Knight. Her story is fascinating.
CRW: What is the name of the next project you are currently working on?
Deirdra: I’m on my second re-write of “Battle of the Twelve Tribes”.
CRW: Please tell us more about it.
Deirdra: This book is an epic allegory about preparedness, patients, humility, courage and friendship. There is a dragon, pixie and army of other magical creatures that come to the aid of a young man who is destined to be a king.
CRW: I know you are available to do illustrations for books and other artwork. What else do you do?
Deirdra: I create the art for book covers. I also create the artwork for children's coloring books that go along with authors books.
CRW: What' are your website and blog addies?
Deirdra: http://www.knightess.com/ and http://www.astorybookworld.blogspot.com/
CRW: What a pleasure to visit with you and get to know you better. Good luck on your writing and your artwork.
Deirdra: Thank you for this opportunity, Cindy.
