Name Wendy J Reber
Age 55 in 24 dayz, but who’s counting?
Where are you from Chemung, NY
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
Oldest of four daughters; 23 years in the ophthalmology industry prior to becoming a writer
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I just had my debut novel “A Long Legged Life” released April 3, 2017. It is the first of 3 books I have completed in my Legs of Life series
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I started in 2001 after watching Oprah. 9/11 happened and I dropped ‘everything…’ I began again 1/5/16 while recovering from neck disc fusion surgery. My baby sister said, “you ought to write a book.” I said, “You’re right. I will.”
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
12/2/16 when Fifth Ink Publishing, LLC wanted my books
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My childhood and grade school friends, and then later in life abusive situations I feel are all too common. I knew I would connect with others too ashamed or embarrassed to share their stories, but who could relate to mine. My first book brings up many issues like domestic violence, verbal and physical abuse, and sexual harassment in the workplace.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Omni-present, autobiographical first person
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
I have always been told I have long legs
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Everyone deserves a second and maybe a third chance. Transformation is good, and when given the gift to reinvent or regenerate, take the plunge, and don’t ever sell yourself short.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
More than half of book #1; a lot more
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?
The Pillars of the Earth
The Book Thief
The Kite Runner
Light Between Oceans
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
The Other Side of the Mountain
The Girl on the Train
Maya Angelou—wonderful mentor and we can all hear her voice just by seeing her name
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Ken Follett is the one I have read the most stories from, consecutively. I just found them so interesting. Anybody that can make you wish you could taste hard bread and sip mead is a damn good author
I love the research Ken Follett and Diana Gabaldon have in all their books—the very specialized subject detail is immense. I love Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief as it should be more than poignant for all authors. The description of the cold, dank lighthouse, the weather, and Tom’s war with solitude and truth amazed me in M.L. Stedman’s Light Between Oceans—I loved that I could smell odors in The Kite Runner—just darn good writing.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My Girls Night Out ladies group. There are a dozen of us that eat dinner every Wednesday at each other’s houses—we take turns—they lift up all ventures and we routinely support each other—we don’t always agree with one another, and that is what makes it fun and keeps the wine flowing
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
If you want to work your ass off. I see it as a DIY winter sport for me personally
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Hens with Pens writing group 2009
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Crispy yellow crust sticks her upper lash line to her lower lid, and Deirdre struggles to get to the bathroom for a warm washcloth.
“Damn it, pink eye!” She is disgusted at the hot, red, itchy left cornea while noticing it is pouring down rain outside this early morning adding to the ‘humph.’
She waits what seems five minutes for the water out of the vintage 1967 faucet to get hot enough. The bulbous stand-alone porcelain sink in an unflattering lavatory in her parents, the Mengers’ house in Bangor, Maine needs a good cleaning.
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Tense and editing. I feel a novel is never, ever finished
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
No
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Adobe stock photos selected and doctored since my publisher would not let me use my own photography—in the end it did work out better
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Editing to suit the publisher, but frankly if I wanted to be an editor I would have been one…
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Strength and perseverance from youth to now—9 lives
Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead
Book #1, Jessica Chastain Book #2, Jamie Alexander Book #3, Gwyneth Paltrow
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Self-publishing is a good thing—don’t knock it; do it to get your work out there in a timely manner. It is a cut-throat industry, like most in our world today—plan on hard work and lots of it
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you. Thank you for taking a walk in Eva’s shoes. Thank you for empathizing with Eunice, and thank you for not judging Renee.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Jonathan Livingston Seagull followed closely by The Other Side of the Mountain (I was and am a skier…)
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
Anything animal related; rescue stories; health traumas they overcome; unconditional love and those eyes—those eyes
Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?
Maternal grandmother—she died when my mom was just 17
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?
She gave a voice to those who had none
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Dog walking, kayaking, hiking, biking, walking
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Foodie shows
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Biscuits n gravy emerald green Clutch/Megadeth/Hole
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Be an optometrist
https://www.amazon.com/author/wendyjreber
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authorsinterviews 
Thank you very much, Fiona. This was fun and I plan to use my answers to be an outline for book club presentations.