Sharon Van Meter is a student at LCCC majoring in communications. She is a gifted writer who has not yet been discovered.
howl!:
Do you consider yourself a writer or is it something you do as a hobby?
Van Meter:
I consider myself to be an aspiring writer. It first began as a hobby, however I find tremendous satisfaction in writing and therefore I hope to pursue it professionally.
howl!:
When did you discover your talent as a writer?
Van Meter:
I have always loved to write. When I was about eleven years old I would write little plays, short stories, and songs. In high school, my English teacher asked me to read a short story I had written to the other English classes. She seemed to think it was good, but I have always been very critical of my work. I have kind of put writing on hold over the years while raising a family and have only recently started to write again.
howl!:
Do you write poetry?
Van Meter:
Yes I dabbled as teenager, but began writing a lot of poetry about five years ago.
howl!:
What other works have you written?
Van Meter:
I have written a few other short stories and a whole lot of poems, one of which was actually developed into a song.
howl!:
Which of your works is your favorite?
Van Meter:
Well I like “Take My Breath Away” but I am also excited about two other stories I am currently working on. Most of my poetry also holds sentimental meaning for me.
howl!:
Are you currently working on other short stories?
Van Meter:
Yes. I am presently working on a biography of my father as well as a work of fiction which is a love story set off the coast of Italy featuring a modern day pirate. I am really excited about both of them.
howl!:
Howl long does it take you to complete a story?
Van Meter: It depends. I actually wrote “Take My Breath Away” in one sitting. Others I have had to go back to several times, and there are two which I am currently working on, both of which will probably take a while to finish. However, I generally write a poem in one sitting.
howl!:
How often do you write?
Van Meter:
I write almost every day now.
howl!:
Where do you like to be when writing? Do you like peace and quiet when writing? Or can you write in any environment?
Van Meter:
I like to write in my bedroom. I prefer peace and quiet, although I also enjoy listening to mood music, depending on the setting of the story I am currently working on. I also like writing at the beach or any other quiet and inspirational place; I have done this in the past. If I get an idea for something, usually a poem, I will jot the notes down wherever I happen to be since poetry requires more precision. However, with a story, I usually just store the ideas in my head until I can get back to my computer and sort them out.
howl!: Let’s talk about your short story Take My Breath Away. What inspired you to write this story?
Van Meter: Actually, I was going by an assignment for creative writing class and had no idea where the story was even headed. I initially used the prompts and then just kind of let it flow naturally.
howl!: Are there some real life events in this story? Or is it 100% fiction?
Van Meter: I think all writers always call on some type pf past experiences when creating any work. But “Take My Breath Away” if entirely fictional. The story and characters are fiction.
howl!: Will there be a sequel to Take My Breath Away?
Van Meter: I would love to either write a sequel to the story or else formulate it into a full length novel. I am not quite sure yet. But I do intend to continue the story.
howl: What are your goals as a writer? How far will you take this talent?
Van Meter: I would like to continue writing in some area. As I said I am currently working on a piece of fiction as well as a biography. I also would like to someday publish a book of my poetry. I love music and would enjoy collaborating my lyrics into songs. I suppose I will go wherever my writing may lead me. My dream is to become a playwright or script writer.
howl!: Will you aim to write as a professional someday? For example being a writer for As the World Turn or the sequel to Friends.
Van Meter: I would love to write professionally for a television show such as Friends or a soap opera, and one of my favorites is General Hospital. I think that would be thrilling since I have always wanted to work in theatrical arts in some aspect. I am a huge fan of the silver screen; I guess you could say I was “star-struck” at an early age.
howl!: Who is your favorite writer?
Van Meter: My favorite writer of all time has to be Victoria Holt. I have everything she has ever written. I love vintage mystery romance novels and I consider her to be queen of that genre. Of the current writers, I like Nora Roberts and Danielle Steele. I also love to read Margaret Atwood, the Bronte sisters, as well as Flannery O’Conner, Faulkner and Hemmingway. My favorite poet and playwright is William Shakespeare. Other poets that I love reading are Shelley, Dickinson, Browning, Millay and Neruda, to name a few.
howl!: What writing contests have you entered?
Van Meter: I have submitted several of my poems in the International Library of Poetry contest and have won two Editor’s Choice Awards. I have also won three awards for my poems on the ILP online live “poetry bash” contest. I really haven’t entered any other contests.
Sharon Van Meter
