Meadowlark: What inspired you to write the young adult nonfiction book The Holocaust Survivors?

Tabatha Yeatts: The publisher actually asked me to write a book for their Holocaust Remembered Series. I chose the survivors and aftermath of the Holocaust to write about because I hoped it might be less traumatic to cover than some of the other aspects. And I suppose it was, but you can't really get away from the horror of it.

M: Did you query publishers before you wrote your book?

TY: I contacted the publishers first and told them I'd like to write for them -- about any topic. I just happened to send along a sample of my writing that was about the Holocaust, and since they were putting together the Holocaust Remembered Series, they bit!

M: What process did you go through once you'd placed the book with Enslow Publishers?

TY: After the first draft was completed, it went through extensive reviewing and editing. I made changes based on the five (!) sets of comments I received. Then, once it was laid out, I did the index. It was a long process.

M: You have two upcoming books, one on forensics and one on Mae West. How much easier was it for you find homes for these books since you already had one book published?

TY: I think it does help, but, if I remember correctly, I got those placed on the basis of sample chapters, and I'm not sure I even mentioned my other book! The forensics book is coming out in 2000 and the Mae West book needs a new home. The publisher for that one cancelled a number of contracts, including mine. Writing can be a rough business.

About her fiction----

M: How has your experience with writing nonfiction helped your fiction writing?

TY: I've gotten a lot of practice, which can only help your writing.

M: After having success as a nonfiction writer, what encouraged you to write fiction?

TY: I've always written fiction off-and-on. I was prompted to begin again in December 1997 when a friend of mine was very ill and I couldn't think of anything to give her except a story.

M: Your short story "One 'Up' Day" is in Ladybug Press' book on tape Mystery, Atlanta Style. How is submitting to an audio book press different that submitting to a print publisher?

TY: With that one, I had e-met the publisher and I just ran the idea past her. It seems there are many different ways to reach publishers -- they all can work but they require willingness to risk disappointment. I know and hear of people who fear rejection to the point where they don't submit anything anywhere. I try not to let it get to me.

About being a writer----

M: What writing techniques have benefitted you the most as a writer?

TY: Techniques? What are those? I like the book Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King.

M: You have Bachelor degree in English and a Masters in Communications. How important do you think it is for writers to have some formal education s writing?

TY: I don't know that it is important, but I certainly enjoyed them both! I would encourage anyone who loves words to study them with like-minded people.

M: What writing goals did you set for yourself when you first began, and do you feel you've reached those goals?

TY: I had no writing goals when I began -- I started just wanting to tell people about interesting, inspiring women in Atlanta and discovered later that I had a writing portfolio. I did achieve that first desire to showcase fascinating individuals.

M: What are your goals now?

TY: My goal today is to complete a novel. I have begun the research on it, but have no idea how long it will take. I'm home with two young children, so I have to grab time in spots.

About being a teacher and editor----

M: You facilitate on-line poetry classes for Kennesaw State University, have you taught any other writing classes or workshops?

TY: I led a "Making a Difference in your Community" workshop a couple of years ago. I love community service.

M: What inspired you to founded Eye on Women to spotlight Atlanta women who were making a difference in their communities?

TY: I was new to Atlanta and wanted to find out what was going on in town. It was a truly wonderful experience for me. It was very gratifying to share all those stories and help people that way.

M: You've interned with The Other Side magazine and worked in both theater and radio. How has those experiences affected your writing?

TY: Well, I like to think of myself as a pretty well-rounded person. I have a lot of interests -- I think that helps writers to create a variety of people and situations in their work.

M: How did you come to edit Holocaust survivor Alex Gross' memoirs?

TY: I interviewed Alex for my book & later he asked me to edit his memoirs. To be honest, I wanted a break from thinking about the Holocaust, but I couldn't say no to Alex.

M: Has working on the editorial side of a manuscript changed anything about the way you write or make submissions?

TY: My favorite quote from someone whose story I helped edit is "Hey, I'm not married to it!" I thought that was a great attitude. The idea is to create the best possible work, which is why I regard editors as tremendous allies. There have been times when I've thought their ideas were inappropriate, but more often than not they spot something I wasn't sure about myself and I think, "They caught me!"

M: Thank you for allowing me to interview you for the Out of the Slush writer's site.

Feel free to stop by the writer's forum with your comments and questions.

Visit Tabatha Yeatts' home page.

Buy The Holocaust Survivors for young adults, July 1998 (Enslow Publishers) From The Publisher: The Holocaust Survivors details the harsh stories of those who lived through the Holocaust. For most survivors, life continued to be bleak after the war since they had neither homes nor families to which they could return. Yeatts not only concentrates on the aftermath''s effect on survivors, but on the fate of those responsible for the Holocaust as well.

E-mail Tabatha Yeatts.

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