Page 36 - Cindy Salas Murphy San Diego Woman Magazine

Women of Distinction

Isabella few writers that I have come upon subplots. It is just as amazing to me
Isabella is probably one of the
how she plays viola, violin, piano and
after decades of running a magazine
and a writing academy, who can so cello. I can't carry a tune in a bucket.”
Isabella is full of creative energy
seamlessly maneuver through multi- which is seen not only within the
ple genres. She manages to succeed pages of her books, but she is a phe-
whether her stories are formed purely nomenal stained glass artist, incor-
from her imagination or focused on porating her work throughout their
some real time events. Even the real beautiful home. Isabella also raises
time events are taken to levels that few Koi fish in their backyard pond and is
can imagine. a gifted gardener. It is hard to imagine
No stranger to obstacles one that one person can possess so much
faces, Isabella has faced many in her talent and creativity, but Isabella
young life. At the age of 17 an illness certainly does.
would change her life forever. “I suf- Many authors study the art of
fered from throat cancer in my vocal writing for years before undertaking
cords. I had no voice after the surgery the daunting task of sitting down
and I have not taken to signing. So and creating a masterpiece on paper;
writing became even more important in Isabella’s case she is self taught.
STEEL general.” Isabella was writing while class. “I took a creative writing course
for my books and communicating in
Recently she decided to take a formal
to see what, if anything, I was missing.
recuperating in the hospital and has
I have actually learned more about
gone on to be a prolific writer since.
Isabella is so thankful for her
formal classes. My instructors said
family and friends and particular- writing from other authors than
By Judith A. Habert ly one person, the love of her life I "took" to writing minus the gram-
who has helped her get through mar.” Avid readers of her books have
her illness and has been a constant voiced their feeling saying that her
source of support and inspiration books follow in the traditions of Anne
to her. “Bonnie and I were a couple McCaffery and JRR Tolkien. Isabella
Sometimes we select our di- in high school. We met at a Dairy views this as a great honor to be com-
rection in life and other times the Queen in Oceanside. She was short pared to such literary icons.
direction is chosen for us. When a quarter, and I gave it to her citing Many writers suffer from writer’s
Isabella Steel started writing a novel, one requirement. I told her she would block and feel the frustration of won-
she didn’t know that it would be just have to take my phone number. She dering from where their next (or even
her first of many to come. She soon called me a week later and we have first) great idea will come. Isabella
realized that this was her calling and been together ever since.” It was her has no shortage of ideas and is always
her first book became two, then three, love and support that has gotten her working on her next book project. “I
and at present count she is up to five through some hard times. “ When I am always looking for ideas, doo-
novels. An impressive accomplish- got sick with cancer we got married dling and scratching down notes.
ment for such a young woman. I with our parents' permission.” As if Most recently, I watched a show
asked how she felt when she held her the loss of her voice was not traumatic about satellites and came up with a
first published book in her hand. “It enough Isabella faced the loss of her storyline about how all the satellites
was THRILLING. I was so happy to parents to an auto accident shortly around earth are destroyed and the
be able to hold it in my hand. I went after her surgery. Through all of this consequences for everyone.” Lookout,
a little nuts and ordered a hundred Bonnie has been by her side, “She is that may be the plot of an upcoming
copies for myself to pass out and send my rock, a cellist and so creative. Dad novel!
out to reviewers.” took excellent care of me (and her) I asked Isabella What advice she
One of the most unique qualities financially, allowing both of us to pur- would give to someone who wants to
that Isabella possesses is the ability sue our passions.” Their relationship follow a similar career path? “Write
to write in multi-genres. Though she is one full of love and support. I asked for yourself. Pay attention to your
admits, “I have the most fun writing Isabella how Bonnie feels about her craft, there is a lot to learn in getting
fantasy and Political thrillers. The career choice. “She loves the fact I am that story out of your head and on
fantasy genre is of greatest interest. doing something I love. It is amazing pages for readers. Use grammar tool
My book, False Dragons, was a ton of to her that I can focus for so long, bal- such as ProWriting Aid. Talk to other
fun and labor of love.” ancing the characters, storylines and authors, they have tricks and info

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