Barbara Woster

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Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I am an author, which is my passion. I also own and operate a state-registered daycare. My day job. It is my dream, as with many authors, to be able to write full time.

When and why did you start writing books?

When I was 21. As of early 2022, I've written 22 titles but there are many more to come.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

A friend shattered my knee when I was a teenager. Before that happened, I was an avid runner. Never much cared for reading. During my period of recuperation, my dad brought me a book to read that really nabbed my interest. That day I fell in love with the written word and decided that I wanted to entertain people in the same way.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

My first novel, Dreamer of Destiny. It came to me in a dream and the rough draft wrote itself in a day. Of course, from there it took nearly two years to re-write and edit it for publication.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

All of my books can create frustration for me, especially when I encounter that dreaded 'this is getting too predictable' phase. It's always my intent, when writing, to ensure that a reader will declare 'I didn't see that coming' when reading one of my works. So, in that aspect, all of my work can stretch my patience as a writer. If I can't break away from the predicable path, I will do one of two things: put it aside and revisit it later or get in touch with one of my children and ask their thoughts. With Desires of a Deceiver, it was my second oldest who game me an idea that enabled me to finish writing that novel. Had she not, it very well could have been placed aside and not completed.

Who is your favourite author and book?

I have a few that I've read throughout my life that I will sometimes revisit. Two are Clive Cussler and Diana Gabaldon

What book are you reading right now?

Between working and writing, I don't have much time to read anymore.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

From events in my own life, which I then transform into fictional stories. That's the primary place. My family will often give me ideas that they think will make a good story also. That's where 36 Hours came from, an idea by my eldest daughter.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I really enjoy getting in the car and driving, especially when that road trip takes me somewhere I've not visited before.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Quite a few. I'm currently working on some books for middle-grade readers. The first is a series entitled I Am Proud of Who I Am. This is a 15-book series introducing students to cultures and people from around the world. Currently I've completed 10 of those books. Another book, that will be releasing summer or fall of 2022, is The Purple Christmas Tree.