Pondering the Writer’s Process with Sandra Cox
It’s the fourth episode of Pondering Prose: An Author Interview Series, and host April Stults is chatting with Author, Sandra Cox, about writing a new story idea and the process that goes with plotting and developing your characters.
As Sandra mentions in her interview: “I want to be a plotter… I can’t do it… I always have my beginning and my end and then there’s that middle that stretches to infinity from one pole to the next…”
Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify now.
About Sandra Cox
Sandra, who also writes as S. Cox, is a vegetarian, animal lover, and avid gardener. She lives with her husband, their dog and cats in sunny North Carolina.
An award-winning author, her stories consist of all things Western and more.
Foodie Facts:
She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.
Pineapple is a must-have on pizza, along with black olives and onions.
She loves pumpkin waffles. Pumpkin cream cheese, not so much.
Read Sandra’s Books
Sandra has published about thirty stories, with a concentration on the Western genre. Here’s a list of some of her most popular books:
Geller's Find: a Time Travel Western Romance
Keeper Tyree: Western
ThunderTree: Western
Gwen Slade Bounty Hunter: Western Romance
TumbleStar: Western Romance
Silverhills: Western Romance
Sundial: Time Travel Western
Montana Shootists: Time Travel Western
Mateo's Law: Paranormal Western
Mateo's Blood Brother: Paranormal Western
Follow Her on Social Media
Twitter: Sandra_Cox
Website: sandracoxwriter.com
Pondering Creativity with Sandra Cox
Each week, we ask the authors we interview a series of prompted questions about their creative journey. Their responses are not edited and they intend to continue the conversation about what it means to live and write creatively.
What does the word "creativity" mean in your world?
For me, creativity is imagination, ideas, and expression. It can take the form of writing, painting, singing, and even our day-to-day job. Our go-to guy for repairs and remodeling is one of the most creative people I know. He studies every project and makes suggestions that make whatever the project is pop: color, design, etc. When I mentioned I wanted the ceiling white, he asked me what shade of white and informed me there were forty-three shades. I think there are actually more, but that's my idea of creativity.
Define your version of "success" in writing and pursuing creativity.
As long as I get words on paper, I am pursuing my creativity.
Success takes so many different forms. You can't ignore sales. For most of us, that is a constant struggle. Today most of us have to be our own CEOs, marketers, editors, and writers. It takes time, effort, and heart. And most of the genres are saturated. If someone doesn't like our writing, there're plenty of other authors to choose from. But that aside, every warm or kind word, every five-star rating or review is a success. But above all, if you keep writing, keep creating, and don't quit or give up no matter how difficult things get, then to me that makes you a success.
What is the biggest thing that keeps you from your creative goals?
Lack of inspiration. Some days the scenes flow like water. Sometimes there's barely a trickle. When that happens, I concentrate on the physical scene and surroundings and hopefully write my way out of it.
About Pondering Prose
Pondering Prose is an author interview series hosted by April Stults cultivating conscious conversations about the challenges and triumphs around pursuing the creative writing craft. It’s not about the book, but the process by which we create—or don’t.
You can watch the series on YouTube, listen on Spotify, or follow our Blog for exclusive interviews with various women authors. Learn more about our host, April Stults.
Our Galaxy Publishing is a New York City-based, women-owned, and operated independent press with a nationwide team serving aspiring authors the tools to write and publish. Our seamless publishing experience focuses on action-based tools and resources to publish, exploration of all core storytelling elements, and empowering an entrepreneurial mindset. Whether seeking to self-publish a book or find a traditional publisher, work with us for book publishing, book editing, book marketing, and writing mentorship to publish a successful book.