Interview with Carrie Torgersen
Author Carrie (Fenna) Torgersen is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict and the University of Minnesota Medical School. Her lifelong passion for reading and literature, as well as for animals, was the inspiration for this book. Carrie lives in River Falls, Wisconsin, with her family (and one very rascally dog) and works as a family physician and a hospital medical director. She acknowledges gratefully that her complex life works due to an amazing support team of family and friends.
Tell me more about your latest book
This book evolved out of constant stories about my dog Magnus. He is forever getting in trouble and there are endless stories that are begging to be told. We were laughing about Magnus and the picnic lunch at my twin’s birthday party and this story started to take shape in my mind . I love the over arching themes of forgiveness and redemption . It is also very fun visually to watch Magnus destroy lunch and come back to apologize.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
Writing this book was not the challenge for me. It rolled around in my mind for a few months and then suddenly appeared completely written and illustrated. The challenge was figuring out the publishing and marketing processes as my background is in medicine and administration.
What is your normal procedure to get your books published?
This is my first book. I wrote it out and put it in a drop box and sent it out to multiple publishers. I chose the publisher that felt most comfortable. I was also able to choose an illustrator through them that I really loved.
Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
I feel that writing connects me to my past self . It tapped back into a skill set that I had honed as a young adult and had essentially forgotten . It was a spiritual experience to reconnect with that person again.
How many books have you written so far?
This is my first. I have written another Magnus story titled Magnus the Naughty Dog Gets a Kitten but it is very early in the publishing process.
What’s the best way to market your books?
I’m still figuring that out . I’ve been building up my relationships on social media and that has been successful in terms of marketing.
How hard or easy is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
I think like anything else it takes a lot of work and tenacity . It’s definitely a leap of faith and for me is driven by a passion for books.
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Believe in yourself and press on.
Visit Author Carrie Torgersen book links:-
@cjtorgersen
Magnus the Naughty Dog Steals Lunch
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