What is a fun/unusual/unexpected fact about yourself that has nothing to do with writing?
I’m a cat woman.
Planner, Pantser, or Plantser (in the middle)?
More of pantser than anything. A premise (problem) comes to me, then I create a main character(s) and plop them into a particular setting. They take it from there to solve the problem. I keep adding to their misery by setting more roadblocks in their path along the way.
What is your writerly ‘crutch’ or ‘tic’?
I just so very much love to use words that are really repetitive and unnecessary just to get my point across, just in case people don’t understand just exactly what I’m trying to say.
What are five things you need in order to write (like a laptop, music, notebook and pen, coffee, etc.)?
I must have my laptop, a plug-in, and internet access for research. My writing chair is an essential (although I can work anywhere) as is my window view. My cats keep me company, and my husband helps with ideas and editing.
Where is your favorite place to write?
Although I write in my living room, I am inspired by the lake and nature. Ideas come during walks or trips to places I love.
What is your favorite outlet for creativity outside of writing?
I love the beach. Is beach bum a creative outlet? Also, I love flowers (but don’t like digging in the mud and getting my hands dirty) and try to grow some around the house even though I don’t have a green thumb.
Where is your favorite place to set a story? Have you ever been there?
I use places I know or have visited in my writing and fictionalize them. So, my books are mainly set in Canada. Also, I use places I would like to go but haven’t been. These I research. An example of this is Dubrovnik.
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
One of the more memorable ones is Little Women, although I loved reading mysteries as well.
Did you have any other jobs before becoming a writer?
I was an elementary school teacher for many years and loved my job!
Did you face any rejection when you began to write?
Rejection is a part of being a writer, so yes. Lots of rejection. But perseverance led to success, which led to confidence in myself despite the rejections that continue as long as new work is submitted for publication.
Writing group or book club?
I took part in an online book club before I started writing. Now, I belong to several online groups of writers and a local in-person group. I love making connections with other readers and writers.
How do you like to connect with readers?
https://www.facebook.com/ivankafearauthor
https://www.instagram.com/ivankawrites/
Brief Bio
Ivanka Fear is a Slovenian-born Canadian author. She lives in Ontario with her family and feline companions. Ivanka earned her B.A. and B.Ed. in English and French at Western University. After retiring from teaching, she wrote poetry and short stories for various literary journals. Ivanka is the author of the Blue Water Mystery series and the Jake and Mallory Thriller series. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, and Vocamus Writers Community. When not reading and writing, Ivanka enjoys watching mystery series and romance movies, gardening, going for walks, and watching the waves roll in at the lake.
