Interview with Robyn VanDerSys, Author of 75 Miles

What can you tell us about your new release, 75 Miles?

75 MILES is really about becoming your own hero.  The main character goes from care-free and sort of self-centered, to becoming a survivor and even a hero.  I wanted my readers to grow along with her; and to realize that everyone has it in them to do amazing things; whether it’s pushing yourself in your interests and hobbies or stepping up in a dangerous situation to help someone.  I share the Calamity Jane quote a couple of times in the book, “I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should just go ahead and be one”.  And this is 75 MILES in a nutshell.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I started getting noticed for my writing in 5th grade.  I had several teachers who told me I had a knack for writing, but I never really did anything with it; I always thought it would be cool to write a book but I shoved it onto the back burner.  About two years ago I started writing again and decided to check it off my bucket list.  Author G. Michael Hopf, who also happens to be my publisher, had just put out a string of videos encouraging new writers.  He simplified things down to “Just tell your story.  You can edit and proofread and research later when you’re done, but for now, just tell your story and worry about the rest later”.  I took his advice and just told my story, and for the first time I had actually completed a book!  For the heck of it, I submitted my book to Doomsday Press and they decided to publish it.  It’s been an awesome ride so far!

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

One Second After by William R. Forstchen

One True Thing by Greg Matthews

Power in the Blood by Greg Matthews

The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

I’d invite a handful of new or aspiring authors onto my show.  I’ve already had several people approach me to tell me they’ve always wanted to write, and I give them the same advice that G. Michael Hopf gave me.  I love helping others and hearing new and fresh ideas from other authors!

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Using my imagination to create whatever story I want to!  I’m in control and I can do whatever I want with my characters, and shape their personalities how I see fit.  There’s a lot of joy in that for me.

What is a typical day like for you?

Living in the Black Hills, I get outside as much as I can.  I love hiking and seeing all of the amazing views the Black Hills has to offer, and my family also loves to ride the off-road trails.  I am still in the work force as well, so I enjoy my job as a chiropractic tech and connecting with people from all walks of life there.

What scene from 75 Miles was your favorite to write?

I got a little emotional when writing the scene about my main character meeting the three older people in Three Forks.  I actually named the three characters after my late grandparents as well as my husband’s late grandfather.  I didn’t get too detailed into their individual personalities but pictured them as I wrote, and it brought back a lot of laughter as well as tears, remembering them.   So that was definitely a favorite scene for me to write.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Yes I do!  I truly believe we’re not meant to just pay bills and die.  We’re meant to live a life of adventure- to push ourselves and to live every day with purpose and joy and inspire others if we can, to do the same thing.  Find your “thing”, write your bucket list, and go book the trip, run the marathon, race that race, write that book; whatever you need to do to live a full life and be a legend!

Robyn VanDerSys is the author of the new book 75 Miles

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