Introduction
Arlene and I have a mutual friend, Joanna Celeste. Joanna suggested I send Arlene a copy of Bitter Sweet when it was first published. I did and since then, Arlene and I have been in contact. Her story is interesting and I hope you enjoy reading her tales as much as I do.
Aneeta: Arlene, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Let’s start with something about you. Where were you born? Where did you grow up? Where do you live now and what do you do for a living?
Arlene: Hi Aneeta. I was born and lived most of my life in Chicago, Illinois. I now live in San Diego, California, where one of my two sons lives. They have an adorable 7-year-old and we decided we want to be close to where he lives. I was an elementary school teacher for a number of years, and I am a professional editor www.uslander.net and a writer so those things keep me pretty busy.
Aneeta: No doubt, we both love dogs. So, please tell me a story that comes to mind about one of your pets.
Arlene: I had 4 wonderful dogs in my lifetime—not as a child, but once my husband and I had children. And I had the dogs one at a time: a Cocker Spaniel; two Brittany Spaniels, and a Collie who looked just like Lassie.. One of the Cocker Sspaniels loved a TV commercial that had music playing and every time she heard it, she would get all excited and try to sing and dance.
Aneeta: I understand you’ve written a few books. Can you please describe each one for me?
Arlene: Aneera, I have had 16 books published. I can’t describe each one, other than to say that they are all non-fiction. Some were on child development, some were on healthy eating. but my two favorites happen to be my two most recent books: The Mystery of Fate: Common Coincidence or Divine Intervention? It is an anthology of true, amazing stories about the profound effect “fate” or what other people call a higher power has had on people’s lives. It won several distinguished awards - www.thefatesite.com
My other favorite is a book a just had published called That’s What Grandparents Are For www.thatswhatgrandparentsarefor.com. It is an illustrated book of verse with wonderful illustrations celebrating the very special bond between most children and grandparents.
Aneeta: I see, also, that you’ve been a professional editor in the past. Can you tell me, please, what’s your most memorable experience editing a piece of work?
Arlene: I still am a professional editor and work very hard at it. I am always thrilled when one of my clients has his or her book that I edited published. Oh, Aneeta, there have been so many. I have been editing for 20 years. But I think of all the books I have edited, one called A Ghostly Gray Shade of Pale is my favorite. Merle Temple, the author, is a great storyteller writing to all of your senses. Ghostly is a crime story as literature, a story so detailed and complex, yet beautifully sinister. .
Aneeta: As you know, this website caters to storytellers. What advice would you give to those who would like to venture into storytelling?
Arlene: To keep reading the stories your website and to try to learn from them. !
Aneeta:Arlene, this is all I have to ask. Is there anything you’d like to add?
Arlene: Thank you for interviewing me. I am anxious to read more of the stories on your website.
Aneeta: Thank you, Arlene.
This piece may NOT be freely reprinted. Please contact editor @ howtotellagreatstory.com for reprint rights. Click here to return to the index of interviews on 'Blow Your Own Trumpet!'
