So who is Pam Lazos?
Let’s find out!
Pam Lazos is an environmental lawyer and the author of the eco thriller, “Oil and Water”, about oil spills and green technology, and of a collection of novellas, “Six Sisters”, about family, dysfunction and the ties that bind us; creator of the literary and eco blog http://www.greenlifebluewater.wordpress.com; a blogger for the Global Water Alliance (GWA) in Philadelphia; on the Board of Advisors for the wH2O Journal, the Journal of Gender and Water (University of Pennsylvania); a former correspondent for her local newspaper (Lancaster Intelligencer Journal); a literary magazine contributor (Rapportage); an editor and ghostwriter; the author of a children’s book (“Into the Land of the Loud”); and, because it’s cool, a beekeeper’s apprentice. She practices laughter daily.
Pam is also one of our wonderful authors in this year’s Mystery Thriller Week celebration beginning Feb. 12-22nd. Don’t miss out on all the fun!
You’re a writer so what’s your story? Or what inspired you?
I think it’s less about inspiration for me and more about need. I need to write. It’s either that or spend copious amounts of money on therapy! I actually went to my first writing class because a friend dragged me along. I went and never looked back. That was 20 years ago. One of my first classes was a screenwriting class. I think visually and it carries over into my writing so that class was a perfect fit for me.
The need to write is a great thing to have. Sometimes I sense an urge to write, but oftentimes not. But if I keep writing the need to write increases. Yay!!
What’s your GOAL in becoming a writer?
I think we’re all writers at heart. We all have stories we want to tell. Some of us are better orators than writers, but we’re all storytellers. Beyond that, though, I have this burning desire to educate people about the need to care for the environment and I often use my writing to get some of these environmental issues out there across a greater spectrum. I do my best not to be preachy which is why I like thrillers because I can hide the information I’m hoping to convey inside the action.
It’s good that you have a specific passion to write about. That’s wonderful. A great topic too!
What 3 things have hindered you from completing your projects? (CONFLICT)
Oh, a full time job, my volunteer work, and, of course, familial obligations. I have to either stay up really late or get up really early to get anything done. I’ve been trying to dedicate blocks of time on the weekends, but we have a busy household so it’s not easy.
I salute you for writing books with so many responsibilities! It can be done!
What keeps you motivated in achieving your dream? (DESIRE)
That’s a good question and I don’t really know the answer. I don’t think it’s simply the desire to be a rich and famous best-selling author. I think it’s more visceral than that. Writing helps me sort out the messiness of my life. It’s almost as if I need to write to make sense of things.
YES. I LOVE THAT. I think deep down I feel the same way. Visceral.
What’s your ANTAGONIST? What’s in the way?
It used to be me. I got in the way, either because of my inexperience, my lack of confidence, my lack of faith in myself and my ability. But I’ve been working at this writing thing for almost 20 years now and I feel as though I’ve really hit the tipping point. I’ve put the hours in and I feel as though I could write anything anyone asks of me.
Wow. I love hearing your experience on this. It’s very inspiring for us newbies.
Why do writer’s give up, quit, or never complete their work?
Hmmm, not sure. You definitely need a tough exterior, have to listen to “no” about a thousand times, and yet still keep at it. Tenacity is key. A lot of people want instant gratification, but unless you’re incredibly lucky, the business of writing is a long game.
That’s right! It’s definitely not a sprint but a marathon.
What would you say to a struggling writer who has given up?
You’ve got to write for yourself first and if you’re not doing that, then it’s probably a good idea to give up. If you’re already writing for yourself, it’s likely that you’re still in this thing and that you’ll be in it for the long haul.
Well put.
BONUS: What else do you have coming down the pike?
I’m currently working on a psychological thriller about the pharmaceutical industry and a vaccine gone bad.
OH! I love that. Please keep me in the loop for that one. A possible ARC? Would love to help.
Thanks Pam!!
Connect with Pam Lazos
Amazon | Goodreads | Blog
The earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth.-Chief Seattle
The Writing Train: Join the locomotion 