Ask a writer what it takes to be successful and you’ll probably get as many different answers as the number of people you ask. Most will probably tell you that perseverance, believing in yourself, being true to the written word, and writing about what inspires you are four fundamental traits a person must possess in order to become an accomplished writer.
For author Pamela Bauer Mueller, all these were certainly true. Pamela’s writing career began when she wrote a trilogy of stories centered on a brother and sister cat who moved from Mexico to San Diego, and then later to Georgia, encountering challenges and adventures along the way (The Bumpedy Road, Rain City Cats, Eight Paws to Georgia). After the success of these popular children’s tales, Pamela wrote several other stories which not only helped establish her as an accomplished writer, but which also earned her the Georgia Author of the Year award in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Pamela’s last two books fall into the historical genre, with the first called Splendid Isolation: The Jekyll Island Millionaires Club and her most recent effort, Water to My Soul: The Story of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, which tells the story of a seventeen year-old girl living in pre-Revolutionary War South Carolina, who single-handedly manages to introduce indigo as a cash crop to her area.
Pamela credits her success to several factors, beginning with a wonderful family who encouraged her storytelling as a child and a father who taught her she could do anything as long as she believed in herself. Later in life Pamela found inspiration for her first book from her two daughters, who supported her decision to begin a new life as a single mom, when she moved the three of them from their home in Mexico to the United States. Continuing to write stories for the next twelve years, it was her second husband who Pamela gives credit for helping her make the decision to quit her Customs Inspection job and pursue her dreams of becoming a full-time author.
One of the traits Pamela is most admired for is her commitment to the accuracy of the historical characters in her books. Although it would be much easier to take shortcuts and include information with little or no historical accuracy, Pamela feels a sense of duty to her readers and always tries to represent the subject matter as historically accurate as she possibly can. As Pamela puts it: “Writing brings a sense of connection for both writer and reader, and the offering of the story is my reward.”
Probably the most amazing thing about Pamela is her belief in giving back by freely sharing her experience and knowledge with other aspiring authors. Believing that “paying it forward” is a vital and honorable quality all artists should endeavor towards, Pamela regularly provides workshops for aspiring writers and participates in mentoring programs whenever and wherever she’s needed. Perhaps the most important thing Pamela has taught is that success is not measured in terms of recognition or popularity, but in the amount of service a person gives back, and the level of appreciation and creativity one inspires in others. Words we can all live by!
Artful Vision is thrilled that Pamela has been a part of our vision of giving back since 2010, and happy to share her answers to the questions we asked:
What does being an artist mean to you? I often feel a sense of amazement that I get to write for a living. With that said, I also feel an enormous responsibility to the readers. I write to the emotional center of my works and must always be available, vulnerable and truthful. My historical characters were real living people, and I am committed to write their stories as accurately as I possibly can, with forthrightness and honesty. Writing brings a sense of connection for both reader and writer, and the offering of the story is my reward.
How did you get started? I began writing twelve years ago while living in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, working on an assignment for the U.S. Customs Service. I intended to write one short book—The Bumpedy Road—as a tribute to my daughters. Two years later I wrote the third book in the Kiska Trilogy (The Bumpedy Road was the first), resigned from Customs and became a full time author.
What inspires you the most? I am inspired by integrity, honesty and beauty in all forms of art and writing. I’m inspired by writers I’ve read and enjoyed, and by those who have passed on knowledge through researching their writing. I present workshops, programs and mentor new writers when my assistance is requested. “Paying it forward” is a vital and honorable quality we artists should strive to achieve.
In Pamela’s own words: I am very excited to be involved with Artful Vision because I believe in sharing our talents and giving back. As Maxine Gardner stated, “economic recovery comes when we buy products made in the USA, and the creative sector has to be a part of the solution.” As entrepreneurs, we have the responsibility to learn, teach and give back to our nation.
Pamela thank you for being such an inspiration to others. To purchase Water to My Soul, and Pamela’s other books – The Angry Drum Echoed, Neptune’s Honor, Splendid Isolation and more visit Pinata Publishing or Artful Vision. Contact Pamela at kiska@kiskalore.com.
