Interview with the author of "The Spirit of Imhotep" Maria Isabel Pita

Take a look at our interview with author Maria Isabel Pita, author of "The Spirit of Imhotep"

• What is your favourite genre to write? Why?
  • Romance. It's my favourite because it's about love, which covers everything, not just the relationship between a man and a woman. Our relationship with the gift of Creation is a romance between our soul and God, full of mystery and wonder, and a drawing ever nearer to the ultimate desire of being with Him forever. Creation itself is a Gift overflowing with little presents at every moment. Love is the only reality, and therefore the only thing worth writing about, in any form – the romance of being beloved and created souls.
• Do you model characters after real people?
  • Yes, and no. Some characters are inspired by my love for certain people, but as I write, they become uniquely themselves, developing a mysterious life of their own. And sometimes a main character is inspired directly by the Holy Spirit, and these characters are, I feel, the most intriguing, and writing about them feels like having a real relationship with someone.
• What does your writing process look like? Did it take you a while to develop?
  • When I begin a novel, I begin writing before breakfast, and write all morning, and sometimes into the afternoon, depending on if I'm in the middle of a scene. But usually the afternoon is reserved for a quick first edit of what I wrote in the morning. And I keep this up until I'm finished with the book.
• What does your editing process look like? Do you allow others to read your writing?
  • After quick edits while writing the book, the real gruelling work of editing begins. I do the first two edits on my computer, then I transfer the file to my Kindle and read and edit it on there at least two times, usually three. Then I create the print book, and while reading that version, do the final edit. Editing for me is like removing all the dirt around the diamond and cutting and shaping it until it shines as brightly and beautifully as humanly possible.
• Do you take criticism hard or do you have a thick skin? Have you ever received criticisms that you felt were unjustified or too harsh? Are you your worst critic?
• When you're in love with someone, do you like it when people criticize them and point out all their flaws? I love my books because I wrote them in love and for Love. With that said, I know that no book is perfect, and then there is the matter of individual tastes. You cannot please everyone. I seek to please God first and foremost, and I know those with similar soul-tastes to mind will also enjoy the journey. Constructive criticism is welcome, for we all must continue to grow as people and therefore as writers. However, there is a form of criticism that is not positive which stems from an opinion about something that has nothing to do with the actual book. For example, criticizing my book simply because you don't believe God speaks to us through dreams anymore. And yes, I am definitely my worst critic. That's why I spend so much time polishing my work.    

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