Make-Believe Monday with Emily Erdlin

Today on Make-Believe Mondays our guest is Emma Sinclair.

Emma, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Emma: A few months ago I was driving to my local RWA Chapter meeting and a hero popped into my head. His name was Harold Satanski, and he informed me he was the devil and wanted a story.

His story seems to be evolving quite a bit, and wouldn't ya know it, he has a bunch of manly hero material brothers. I have a feeling they could keep me busy for quite a while. But it promises to be quite a ride!

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Emma: Honestly, I don't think I'm in danger of my creative well ever running dry. There's just too much stuff rattling around in that brain of mine. Especially, with reading, people watching, that just adds to the well and it's stuff that I can't not do.

The bigger problem for me is (to keep going with the well analogy) the crank that moves the bucket and brings the water to the surface. The well is always full, but it's not always easy to get the words on paper. Especially, as Bradbury said, letting only the beautiful stuff out. There's usually a lot of extra crap to go along with the beauty!

Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

Emma: I make up words all the time, lol!!! Of course, it's usually because the word that I actually want is just right there on the tip of my brain, but I can't come up with it. And I like to take words and make them into different parts of speech (NaNoliscious is one I used frequently during November.)

So I don't necessarily do it to be creative, or because I'm playing with language. I do it because I'm forgetful, lol!

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Emma: I think as authors we get asked this question a lot, and EVERY time I'm asked about a book from my childhood, one book instantly pops into my head. It was a book called Hester in the Wild by Sandra Boynton (she draws cards and books and lots of other stuff today still). The thing was, I HATED this book, and it totally traumatized me.

Hester was a boy going on a camping trip. First, he got a hole in his canoe, so he cut a hole in his tent to patch it. But then that night, it started to rain and water came in the hole. So he flipped the tent over, but the gophers came and took over his tent. He somehow tricked the gophers into leaving, but then they got their friend the bear to come and avenge them and the bear kicked another hole in Hester's canoe.

Hello?

That was a kids book?

Maybe that's waht inspired my extreme need for Happily Ever After?

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Emma: Honestly, I'm not sure I'd write anything differently than I am now.

When I write, I'm not out to make a statement, or change the world, that's fine and dandy if people want to do that, but really, all I want to do is tell a good story.

I don't really care if readers remember the nitty gritty details of my book, heck, I don't even really care if they remember the hero and the heroines names. But I want readers, when they hear my name, or the name of one of my books, to smile and say, "hey, I read that, and it was an enjoyable few hours of my life."

That may change in the future, it probably will as things in my life change, I'm sure. But right now, I'm not trying to help anyone or touch anyone or make anyone think. I'm just trying to entertain.

Visit Emma at http://www.emmasinclair.com
and http://www.emmasinclair.com/blog

Emman, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Make-Believe Monday with Jane Beckenham

Today on Make-Believe Mondays I pleased to introduce Jane Beckenham. Jane writes for Treble Heart Books.

Jane, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Jane: Hi there, Right now I’m working on a Regency set in 1815, just before the battle of Waterloo. This is a real departure for me, as although I’ve written time travel/romances and contemporary romances, the Regency period is something quite new. But I’m loving it. I started it as a chapter for the Avon Regency chapter competition online and it’s grown into a story all its own.

Debra: Quite a few authors participated in the Avon competition. It will be interesting to see what stories come out of that.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Jane: Sleep! Really. Sometimes I find the best answers to writing quandaries and new ideas come just at about 5 a.m. when I’m starting to wake up. I love to think of characters and their names and dream up book blurbs and often a story evolves simply from that.

Debra: I'm convinced our subconscious works as we sleep, creating and planning. This time of year we all get less sleep than usual, with the holiday parties and extra things on our to do lists. Writers find it harder to write during the holiday season and this is a great remiinder to remember to get enough sleep. Thanks, Jane. I needed that reminder.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Jane: Usually by about chapter three. I’ve got to know them, and particularly the heroes I find by then I’m starting to fall for them big time.

Debra: There is something about chapter three. Several other authors I know experience the same thing (myself included)

Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

Jane: Yes I did this in a manuscript – as yet unsold set in a make believe island off the Mediterranean, a mixture of an Arabic world and Spanish culture. Perfume was a big ‘industry’ for the island and so the research was great fun. So too was creating the country’s history and flavour etc.

Debra: Fascinating! I hope to read this one day.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Jane: My recent release – Always A Bridesmaid (www.trebleheartbooks.com) began as a dream at the Romance Writers Conference here in New Zealand, I dreamt of the hero in his cupid boxer shorts rescuing the heroine from a hotel fire, I could see him so well. He made my toes curl!

Debra: Mmmm. I can just see this.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Jane: Only a story about Tina the talking doll. I loved my dolls.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Jane: Probably a time-travel going back to the past, but of course with a great romance in it, one where the true test of belief and love everlasting is tested to the limits, but of course will always come true. Think of the harshest thing a person might have to go through and life, and think of them succeeding, overcoming everything all because they absolutely love the other person so much, they couldn’t live without them.

Debra: Then, Jane, you must write that book.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Jane: I’ve always been a great daydreamer, thinking of myself in different situations, places. Dreams are free, they give us freedom to wander the world and be whoever we want to be just for this moment in time. Isn’t that a wonderful thing we have the chance to do, and as often as we want to.

Happy reading everyone.
Jane Beckenham

Visit my web site at: www.janebeckenham.com
Receive my newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RomanceauthorJaneBeckenham/

Always a Bridesmaid - by Jane Beckenham
Be My Valentine - by Jane Beckenham
Woman of Valor - by Janelle Benham
Available through Treble Heart Books
www.trebleheartbooks.com
Coming soon: Leap of Faith - by Janelle Benham

Jane Beckenham lives 'down-under' in New Zealand, a land also known as Aotearoa. As a mother to two daughters (teenagers!!) and wife to Neil, life is a round of playing mum's taxi service, hoping she can conjure up a gourmet delight for the evening meal and scraping every moment at the computer, all the while wondering what her hero and heroine are up to behind her back!

Jane, thank you for visiting us here on Make-Believe Mondays to share a bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Make-Believe Monday with Jenna Bayley-Burke

Today on Make-Believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Jenna Bayley-Burke. Jenna writes for Harlequin Mills & Boon.

Jenna, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Jenna: Egad. Right now? I’m in the last throws of a story I wrote for pure decadence – Her Cinderella Complex. I hope my editor likes it, but I did it without a plan so she has no idea that a runaway bride gets to have her honeymoon anyway story is coming her way. I have to finish it this week. I’m writing a new book for NaNoWriMo (www.nanowrimo.org)

Debra: Well, if she chances upon this blog, your secret is out! It sounds like an intriguing story.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Jenna: Reading. Reading is my favorite thing. It really recharges me. As does taking walks with my kids. We have gorgeous nature parks near by and running them through the trails wears them out, so I can write while they nap.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Jenna: Absolutely. Sometimes it happens right away, other times it takes a few chapters. When it takes a bit, I find I wind up starting the book where the characters came in and throwing away those first pages.

Debra: Yes. Because in those early pages, they weren't alive yet.

Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

Jenna: My heroine in Cooking Up A Storm plays with words. I don’t. It was strange writing her, she had the strangest way of putting things. Most of her musings were cut by my editor who doesn’t think I am as funny as I think I am. Lauren, the heroine, had a fresh take on most things – calling parties a social swirl, boring party guests were socially stunted, and terming people who monopolize discussions conversational masturbaters. She was one of those witty people you see on TV, and she lived in my head.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Jenna: John Dennis Fitzgerald’s The Great Brain (and all the rest in that series).

Debra: Jenna, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Visit Jenna at http://www.jennabayleyburke.bravehost.com/

Make-Believe Monday with Becky Motew

Today on Make-Believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Becky Motew.

Becky, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Becky: It’s about three women who shop at the same grocery store. Well, it’s about other things too, including lottery theft, treacherous boyfriends, and academic intrigue.

Very soon I plan to write a book called DALLIANCE WOMAN, about a woman who dates three married guys at the same time. It’s not me, I promise!!!

Debra: Well I should hope not!

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Becky: That’s a very good question. It’s a combination of what you let into your brain, including books, TV, regular life (whatever that means for you—for me it’s teaching, for someone else it’s log rolling), and what kind of program or schedule you have for letting all that out onto the page. If you only sit down to write once every six weeks, you’re going to be filled way up with creative ideas (probably), but some of them are buried underneath by then and you won’t remember them. The brain is a big saucepan and you provide the spoon, stirring up ideas.

Debra: Oh, I like that image, creativity being like a stew rich with flavors. And no soup or stew ever tastes the same unless you follow a recipe.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Becky: Definitely. I think that happens for me when I write their dialogue. That’s when they seem most real. “HEY! IT’S ME!!! DON’T KILL ME OFF!!! PAY ATTENTION BECAUSE I’M A REAL PERSON!!!”

Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

Becky: Mostly I think I stay in the realm of the real, so I don’t think I have created places that no one has ever heard of. The places I create are places we have all been. But I do adore names. I think names say everything, for instance Jane Austen’s gossipy character Fanny Assingham. Sometimes I go overboard on that, I know I do, but I can’t help it. Names are such an opportunity—they’re like titles in that regard. I named a character in COUPON GIRL, the big boss from the corporate headquarters, Lou Lambaster. It seemed right.

Debra: That's a great name! Dickens is another author who used great names. Tiny Tim and Scrooge. So fitting.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Becky: No, but a couple of nightmare dates have.

Debra: You realize I'll be pestering you for those stories at the next RT convention.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Becky: Many many books pulled me in as a child. LITTLE WOMEN was one. The Enid Blyton mysteries were favorites. NANCY DREW of course and all the girl detective sagas. My father took me to the library every Friday night while my mother went to the grocery, so I had the leisure of working my way through the stacks. I’m sure my mother appreciated the peace and quiet. Little did she know I would eventually write a grocery store book, haha.

Debra: What a wonderful father daughter outing!

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Becky: I think I would still write in a realistic context. The wildest imaginary plots are sitting right beside us in church, or on the bus, or next door. You’ve heard the saying “truth is stranger than fiction”? It is.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Becky: What would life be like without imagination and dreams? They are two of the privileges we get as humans, aren’t they? They make life better because we can escape from the humdrum and see something new and different shining in the distance, even if it’s only Harvey the imaginary rabbit, and worse because we can’t sustain it or make it last or stay there as long as we would like. A writer doesn’t give up, though. A writer tries to capture this world and make it last, at least on paper. Don’t forget, I have no idea what I’m talking about.

Debra: Oh, but you know more than you think you know. We all do.

Thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Becky: Thank you for having me, Debra.

Debra: You're quite welcome.

Visit Becky at www.beckymotew.com

Make-Believe Mondays With Shobhan Bantwal

Technically today is Tuesday, but I'm hoping you'll all forgive me for running a day late. I was on deadline to get a manuscript to my agent and when that happens everything else goes on hold. (Yes, even sleep.) But this is what it takes to have a career in publishing. This is a hurry up and wait kind of business. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Today our guest is Shobhan Bantwal. I'm not going to try to categorize her books because they are unusual. So I'll let Shobhan tell you herself.

Shobhan, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Shobhan: My manuscript, The Dowry Bride, is set in India and the theme is woven around India’s notoriously offensive dowry system. Yes, sadly the custom still exists. This project is the first of a two-book deal, and is slated for release by Kensington Books in Sept. 2007.

It’s the tale of a young Indian bride whose parents can’t afford to pay a dowry, hence she’s about to be killed by her husband and mother-in-law. She accidentally discovers their evil plot just in time and escapes a potentially gruesome death. She seeks asylum from a man who not only protects her but helps heal her broken heart.

Debra: Already this young bride tugs at my heart.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Shobhan: My creativity is constantly fueled by reading other authors, seeing news items that capture my interest, by talking to people from all walks of life, and even day-to-day experiences.

Recently, my husband and I were on a cruise of the Greek Isles and the airline lost our luggage before we boarded the ship. We managed to make do with two sets of clothes for several days. Despite the aggravation of it I saw a story in there somewhere. There’s always a story in every event, be it good or bad, dramatic or mundane.

Debra: How true! Whether in an exotic location or a small town, there are stories just brimming all around us.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Shobhan: My characters seem to take shape and come alive in my mind even before I start writing a story. They’re the ones that usually form the framework of my books. I then build up the plot around their personalities. I use as many elements of my Indian culture as possible to make the characters unique and the story richer and more intriguing.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Shobhan: My nightmares certainly play a role in my plots. I’m especially terrified of snakes and they feature in my stories often. In the Hindu religion, the cobra has religious significance and it is alluded to in this first book. An entire scene is devoted to the protagonist’s evil mother-in-law becoming obsessed with a cobra getting killed in her home and the possibility of a curse befalling her and her family.

Debra: Fascinating!

Shobhan: Naturally, like me, the character’s screaming bloody murder when she sees a reptile slithering into her kitchen.

Debra: I'd be screaming too. (I can't even watch them on TV. I have to close my eyes during the snake scenes.)

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Shobhan: Growing up in India, I loved reading Enid Blyton and an illustrated British series called Schoolgirls’ Picture Library. Both of them had a tremendous influence on me. They made a fictional world come alive for someone who grew up in a small, rural town in India, and where reading was just about the only source of entertainment.

Debra: But what a rich source of entertainment it is.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Shobhan: Funny you should ask that, because most of my stories fit into the no-genre, no-category area. I just write what interests me, i.e. a little romance, a bit of mystery, and a sprinkling of various other elements.

I wasn’t sure if there would be a market for my kind of writing, but thank goodness, a few agents liked what I wrote and then Kensington has an editor who feels very passionate about it. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed that a wide audience will like it enough to buy it and spread the word as well.

I sure hope you’ll read my books too, Debra.

Debra: I will definately be reading them. And I'll suggest them for the bellydance book group I belong to. (They are just finishing the Dancing Girls of Lahore.)

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Shobhan: A wild imagination is what a fiction writer thrives on. I used to suppress that creative portion of my brain, until I decided to become a writer. Now I let my mind roam as it pleases. I try to take notes when something interesting comes to mind.

My message for readers is this: Keep an open mind when you pick up a book, any book, especially one that deals with a different culture. You not only derive entertainment but learn so many interesting things about people around the world.

I hope everyone who reads your blog will visit my web site and read my short stories and articles. The site is: http://www.shobhanbantwal.com/

I love feedback, so feel free to post it on the web site.

Thank you, Debra, for your kind invitation. I’ve enjoyed doing the interview and sharing my thoughts.

Debra: Shobhan, thank you for joining us here on Make-believe Mondays to share a bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Make-Believe Mondays With Alice Brilmayer

Today on Make-believe Mondays our author is Alice Brilmayer, who is celebrating her birthday in two days. Happy Birthday Alice! Alice has written for Red Sage and Cerridwen.

Alice, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Alice: I’m working on a historical English erotic romance. For some reason lately, fantasies of kidnapping a handsome man for purposes of hot sex have intrigued me. I had to figure out what would justify a woman doing that, so I thought I’d make her (mistakenly) believe that he’d stolen her sister’s virtue. As her sister was the family’s hope for moving up in society, her parents then married her off to an older and sadistic nobleman who treated her as little more than a prostitute for him and his lecherous friends. My heroine plans to make the hero pay for his seduction of her sister. When he protests his innocence, she doesn’t believe him. It doesn’t help that he has a well-deserved reputation for being a rake (although he doesn’t mess with virgins for practical reasons and on general principle).
The book has been requested by a New York house, but it hasn’t been sold yet. We shall see.

Debra: Fingers crossed for you Alice. It sounds like a good one.

Alice: I also just finished an erotic shapeshifter novella for www.changelingpress.com. My hero can change from human to motorcycle and back. That was a trip.

Debra: How unusual!

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Alice: I love dreams for inspiration. Often, they get changed substantially before they make it into the book. My second novella for Red Sage (Secrets, Volume 6) “The Education of Miss Felicity Wells,” was the result of a dream in which I was two different women on a barge floating down a river. One of the women was an adult teaching a young man how to pleasure a woman. The other was a young woman being schooled by an adult man in her own sexual response. The second story got translated to Victorian Boston in which Miss Felicity Wells approaches a well-known hedonist to teach her how to satisfy her husband in bed. Needless to say, they end up together.

I have a fantasy coming out from Cerridwen (Child of Balance) that started as a dream. I was watching the birth of a remarkable child. She was much too mature for a newborn and emerged within the sac. When she tore through the sac, she made instant eye and emotional contact with me while her parents were oblivious to what was going on. I also used some other sequences from my own dreams in that book.

Debra: What a fascinating dream!

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Alice: C. S. Lewis! The Narnia Chronicles and the Space Trilogy (Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, That Hideous Strength). What magnificent fantasies. Even as a child, I wanted to be able to recreate that kind of world – at least for myself, but ideally for other people, too. I haven’t yet achieved anything close, but I’m hoping my fantasy from Cerridwen starts taking me in that direction.

So far, I’ve been extremely disappointed that romance hasn’t done much in the way of fantasy. It appeared there would more overlap, but I don’t think that’s coming to be. What a shame. Specifically, I’d like to see fantasy romance other than unicorns, fairies, and dragons. I don’t have anything against unicorns, fairies, and dragons, but I think we should do even more fanciful stories that come completely from our imaginations, not out of pre-existing folklore. Child of Balance contains a romance in part of the book, and the hero and heroine are united in the end, but it isn’t a romance. If I do a sequel, I think I’ll make it more of a romance within the world I’ve created. I’m afraid I’m no C. S. Lewis, though. Sigh.

Debra: He was a master. Few that have come after him even come close. But maybe one day...

Alice: For romance, I fell in love with Mr. Rochester and Rhett Butler. What girl hasn’t?
And then, Shakespeare. There’s no one else in the English language like Shakespeare.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Alice: See my answer above. Romance, love, and sex in a world like the ones C. S. Lewis could create. I hope to live another 30 years. Maybe I’ll get a little closer to that in my lifetime. Maybe not, too.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Alice: I should add that I was a child of television. I watched TV, including old movies, the whole time I was growing up. It did great things for my imagination. Television – even things that aren’t particularly “cultural” can expand minds. I’d avoid violence for kids, though.

Old movies are great, too. Some of the best movies ever made were from the 30’s. All the screwball comedies – Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, the Marx Brothers, W. C. Fields. What great fun and really good for kids. Everyone should see Harvey at least once in their lives. I watch it at least once a year.

Debra: Alice, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Visit Alice at http://home.pacbell.net/halice

Make-Believe Mondays With Kim Amburn

Today on Make-believe Mondays I'm pleased to introduce my friend from RWAonline, Kim Amburn. Kim sold her first book to Triskelion this year and we're all very excited for her. (Have you noticed how many of my author friends have come from this writing chapter?)

Kim, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Kim: A divorced housewife desperate for money takes a job with a private investigator uncovering suburban secrets and stumbles across a dead body, a missing socialite and the love of her life.

Debra: It sounds like an intriguing story!

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Kim: Mainly by reading all different types of genres. I not only try to read all the subgenres of romance, I read outside romance as well - mystery, horror, YA. My love of reading is why I became a writer and it helps stimulate my imagination.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Kim: Absolutely. About seventy-five pages in, the characters start to take over. I've tried to plot extensively before I start the book but have found that the characters tend to come up with better scenarios themselves so I've learned to let them take over and my manuscripts are much better for it.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Kim: Funny you should ask. Dreams, which will be released by Triskelion Publishing in April of next year, arose from a dream, or rather a nightmare I had. The final book didn't resemble the dream, but the basic plot stemmed from the image I awoke with in the middle of the night.

Debra: Fascinating! I can't wait to read it.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Kim: Growing up, I read just about anything I could get my hands on, but, even then, I loved a book with a mystery. I still have several Trixie Belden's and Nancy Drew's which I plan to pass on to my daughter.

Debra: What a treasure, to be able to pass that joy along to your daughter.

Kim, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Visit Kim at http://kimamburn.blogspot.com/ and watch for her book in April!

Make-Believe Mondays With Wayne Jordan

Today on Make-believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Wayne Jordan, one of my friends from RWAonline. Wayne writes for Harlequin Kimani Romance and BET/Arabesque.

Wayne, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Wayne: I’m working on, ONE GENTLE KNIGHT, the first book of a trilogy called, THE KNIGHTS OF BARBADOS. The story features hero, Shayne Knight, who has a “No Strings Attached” liaison with a visitor to the island. Three months later, she turns up at his home, pregnant. Shayne still doesn’t want any complications in his life, but the sparks begin to fly and he starts to dream of forevers.

Debra: This story sounds intriguing and Barbados is the perfect setting for romance!

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Wayne: I don’t usually need to do anything to help my creative juices from. I just sit to write and the juice. It’s some crazy thing going on inside my head that I have no control over. Days will pass when I can’t write anything and then one day I’ll sit and turn out pages of my story.

Debra: The process is a bit mysterious, isn't it? This is one of the things that fascinates me.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Wayne: I see and hear them before I start writing my story. They start to speak to me from the time the idea comes to me in the still of the morning hours just after I wake. And they refuse to stop speaking until I write THE END.

Debra: So they are always with you waiting to tell their stories.

Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

Wayne: Sorry, I don’t. At least not yet. Ironically, I’m a linguist by academic qualification and I’m fascinated by the way individuals speak. I believe that your speech patterns are a strong part of who you are as an individual. When my characters start to speak to me, I easily figure out how I want them to speak.

Debra: Fascinating! I wouldn't be surprised if you began to play with words in some way down the road.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Wayne: Oh, yeah. Too often to count. But yes, sometimes a scene comes as an image in my mind. Maybe, it’s because when I’m writing that story, the characters and plot are already rooted my subconscious even if I’m not sitting writing.

Debra: I'm convinced the subconscious works even as we sleep and I suspect it's key to tapping into our full creative abilities.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Wayne: I loved a series of books featuring a hero called Biggles and written by Captain W.E Johns. Biggles was a fighter pilot in World War II. I wanted to be just like him – strong, brave and heroic.

Debra: Wonderful! I'm planning to create a list of recommended books for parents to buy as Christmas gifts and post it here on my blog in Dec. So if you have other good recommendations for boys, let me know. I've had more than one parent tell me its hard to find good books for boys.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Wayne: Wow! That’s a hard one. Let me think. It’d probably be a story that includes the elements of the links of stories I enjoy right now. Romance, suspense, mystery and action. Maybe, I’ll bring Biggles into the future, give him a mystery to solve, of course there will be plenty of action and he’d fall in love and live happily every after.

Debra: Oh, Wayne, you are the man to write that story!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Wayne: One of my favorite poets, Keats, believed in the power of the imagination when it related to artistic composition. I believe that any good writers must have a vivid (crazy) imagination and the ability to allow that imagination to guide them where ever it wants to go. And dream? Yeah, dreams are an essential part of the imagination. They definitely go hand in hand.

Final message – don’t put any limitations on your imagination, listen to those voices and let them tell their story. All you have to do is write it down.

Debra: Wayne, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

You can visit Wayne at http://www.WayneJordan.com/ and http://thoughtsandreflections.blogspot.com/

Make-Believe Mondays With Jenna Peterson

Today on Make-believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Jenna Petersen. Jenna writes for historical romance for Avon and erotic romance as Jess Michaels.

Welcome Jenna, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Jenna: I just finished the first draft of an erotic romance for Avon Red that will come out next fall under my Jess Michaels name. It’s about a voyeuristic young lady, her very naughty neighbor and the bargain they strike to save her family.

Debra: Now that sounds intriguing!

Jenna: AND I also just turned in the manuscript for my third Lady Spies book, which will also be out next fall. This is Emily’s book. She’s a very strong character and she’s paired with an equally strong hero in spy Grant Ashbury. And once the two of them stop chasing each other, they’ll have to foil a plot that might very well involve the assassination of the Prince Regent.

Debra: Ooh, exciting!

Jenna: So I’m a bit in between, but I’m very excited about both these books!

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Jenna: Wow, that’s a great question. I think I do tend to let my well (or my cup) go dry by over-exerting myself. When I do, I let myself have breaks. A weekend spent with my husband doing something fun or reading a great book or even playing a video game can give me enough relaxation to get back to business. But I have to tell you, writing is really what turns me on. Most of the time, writing itself fills up my cup.



Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Jenna: I rarely see or hear them, but they always come alive enough that they change the story. LOL I’m a plotter, but there always comes some time when my hero turns left instead of right or my heroine makes an offer I never expected. Those are great moments! Scary, but great.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Jenna: I have dreamed books, but I don’t think I’ve ever written what I’ve dreamed. I seem to dream outside my chosen genre and I love writing Regency-era historical romance too much to go into the realm my dreams take. I figure my dreams are stories for my entertainment alone.

Debra: Now we'll all be wondering what you dream about, but a little bit of mystery is always good.

As a child, did any particualr book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Jenna: L.M. Montgomery most definately in all her books, but especially Anne Shirley's world of Avonlea and Green Gables. I so wanted to live there. Later on, it was Tolkien (when I was in high school). Who wouldn't want to visit the charming Shire or, uh, maybe go pass some time with Aragorn... oh sorry, I was distracted.

Debra: And what a wonderful distraction he is!

Jenna, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.


You can visit Jenna at http://www.JennaPetersen.com and at http://avonfanlit.com
Jenna also runs a wonderful website called the Passionate Pen
http://www.thepassionatepen.com

Make-Believe Mondays With Charlotte Hubbard

Today on Make-Believe Mondays I'm pleased to introduce Charlotte Hubbard. Charlotte writes historical inspirationals and she writes erotica as Melissa MacNeal.

Charlotte, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Charlotte: Since I write historical inspirationals as Charlotte Hubbard and erotica for Kensington’s Aphrodisia line as Melissa MacNeal, I always have a story perking these days! Just turned in #3 of my “Angels of Mercy” series, a heart-tugger where Billy Bristol reunites with his long-lost twin (now an outlaw!) and reclaims his family’s horse ranch and home.

Debra: Now that sounds intriguing!

Charlotte: So now I get to spend my next 6 months as Melissa, writing a private island/pirate adventure! HOT FOR IT is about Cat Gamble winning the Powerball jackpot and buying her own little Caribbean island—complete with a yacht, lovely villa, a pair of very randy caretakers, and of course all that gorgeous blue water where she can watch the dolphins play from her bedroom balcony.

Debra: Wow! Wouldn't we all love to trade places with her!

Charlotte: But as we all know, even that $158 million jackpot can’t buy happiness, and Cat sends out an online personal ad to find a playmate: Captain Jack to the rescue! (yes, he looks like Johnny Depp! Jack owns a fleet of those pirate ships where cruise ship passengers love to party, but he also offers a special package which includes a pirate kidnapping onto his ship where you become a love slave for a week. Of course, Cat signs on! Trouble is, she gets abducted by REAL pirates before Jack shows up to kidnap her.

Debra: Oho! When fantasies turn real anything can happen! I've been on one of those pirate ships off the island of Grand Cayman and even walked the plank! (It was great fun, but they weren't real pirates.)

Charlotte: This one’s going to be a LOT of fun to write, and is already presenting me with some little surprises which spice up the story even more. I love it when that happens!

Debra: It sounds like fun! There's nothing like a pirate....

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Charlotte: I’ve learned that refilling that cup is VERY important, and letting my Inner Kid out to play several times every week is a must for me. This might mean I allow myself to wander through Barnes and Noble or Hobby Lobby just looking and fingering—and when something jumps out at me, I listen to that call.

debra: What a wonderful idea, and so multi-sensory.

Charlotte: I’ve recently bought a how-to kit for beginning to paint with watercolors; I went to a really fun lecture on Sears catalog homes last spring that I know will be a springboard in a future story; I’ve indulged myself in some new, really fun ragtime band CD’s, sensing this musical genre will figure in somewhere with those Sears houses.

I love to tour historical homes when we’re on vacation, and then I load up on little local history books they sell in their gift shops.

For my Angels series, I’ve become an avid reader of angel resources and I’ve begun meditating with Doreen Virtue’s Archangels oracle deck—and that got its boost from when I taught myself to read Tarot cards a few years ago as research for a story character.

Last year I had this yen to learn the accordion (yeah, go figure!) so I bought one and some how-to books, partly as research for a Cajun hero I was writing, but also because learning a new instrument gives your brain cells a little extra muscle!

Debra: It's fascinating how multi-talented authors are. Painting and playing the accordion and writing in two genres. Wow. These are such great ideas for other writers to try.

Charlotte: And I’ve learned that quiet time, and self-care, and time away for vacations and family gatherings are just as important. My motto is: “they don’t pay me enough to miss out on Real Life” and I’m stickin’ to it!

Debra: I agree. There's writing about life and then there's living it.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Charlotte: When I first began writing historical romances in the early ‘90s, I saw characters and scenes very vividly before I wrote them. Over the years that’s changed, and I’m not sure why. Now, while I start from a fairly detailed synopsis—as I did back then—the characters and their activities don’t usually unfold until I’m sitting at the Mac (or the AlphaSmart) actually composing the main draft.

I now make collages of faces from magazines to represent my characters, so I can look at the bulletin board beside my desk and call them up as I need to. I sometimes do a spread or two with my Gilded Tarot deck—SO beautifully illustrated and provocative of character—when I need a boost or ideas for habits and motivations.

This is true even for my “Angels” series, which is the most character-driven work I’ve ever written. I’m guessing my process has evolved, so I don’t stress about it! My characters always seem to spring forth when I need them to, and my readers compliment them highly, so I keep trusting my Muse to kick in when I need her.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Charlotte: I wish it were that easy! I wish I could recall my dreams—or have dreams that actually made enough sense to use as parts of stories! These days I’m just thankful when I get a good, uninterrupted night’s sleep! (which doesn’t sound like an erotica author talking, does it?!)

debra: Well, no. Unless you're having erotic dreams.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Charlotte: No doubt I’d write a historical adventure of some type, probably set in the West or on a pirate ship! Lots of action and plot twists and surprises. Actually, my early historicals tended to be that way anyway, because the market would support that kind of story then.

Debra: Historical adventures are my favorite romances, so I'll be waiting for the day you can write that story!

Charlotte: My early erotica, which Melissa wrote for Black Lace, was wildly imaginative, too, because the veil of history allowed you some sexual leeway without having to include that obligatory condom scene. While I’m enjoying Melissa’s fresh new contemporary voice, I felt less limited by reality (especially by technology) when I wrote historicals.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Charlotte: Where would any of us be without our imaginations?! As an only child I depended upon mine to entertain me—and now as a writer I still crave that escape from reality. In my mind, I’ve been a concert pianist, a night club torch singer, and married to WAY too many men over the years! Not to mention being a beloved member of the Cartwright family when “Bonanza” was big on TV!

Fantasy and imagination—deliberate daydreams rather than those uncontrollable night dreams—have always been great fodder for stories, as well as a way to visualize goals I wanted to attain or phobias/foibles I hoped to overcome. Lord help me if I ever get Alzheimer’s and lose this ability to see things clearly—as I WANT to see them—in my mind’s eye!

For more about my stories—proof positive of what happens inside this crazy head!—click on www.charlottehubbard.com or www.melissamacneal.com. I love to hear from readers and writers!

Debra: Charlotte, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Charlotte: Thanks for this interview opp! I enjoyed it!

Debra: It was such a pleasure having you here!

Make-Believe Mondays With Nikki Poppen

Today on Make-believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Nikki Poppen. Nikki writes regency romance for Avalon. (Nikki also happens to be married to my agent, Scott Eagan.)

Nikki, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Nikki: I have four projects going now. I have a three book series that I hope will become a follow up to the three book series I have at Avalon. The first series was a regency era series. This next series is set in the 1880s. The first book is currently entitled “Newport Summer” and it’s a ‘reverse’ of the usual American heiress goes abroad to bag a title. It’s about an earl, Gannon Maddox, fourth Earl of Camberly. He needs a bride with money fast so he auctions off everything of worth from his home (like the Earl of Marlborough) and sets sail for Newport and one final gamble to save Camberly from bankruptcy.

I really like the idea of doing the story from the male-being-on-the-quest standpoint. I think that’s rather fresh. I know I like books that are a bit more hero focused. His big tag line in the synopsis is “Gannon Maddox had looks and a title. He just needed the fortune to go with it.” I also like the idea of telling most of the story with the American Victorian setting. I get to show off some different Victorian research that doesn’t get highlighted so much in the English Victorians.

The second book is “The Madcap” and it is about an American heiress out of San Francisco—her name is Marianne and she’s hilarious and daring. Her big tag line in the synopsis is “She wasn’t the type one brought home to mother. No wonder he loved her so much.” The Third book is about Gemma (she doesn’t have a last name yet)called “The Carlton Caper.” It focuses on a woman masquerading as a man who infiltrates the sacred bastion of The Carlton Club.

OK, that’s a great project, but here’s a super important project to me that will take awhile to get done but I am very committed to it. I am working on a historical fiction piece called ‘Freedom’s Mistress’ about the Union spy Elizabeth Van Lew. She was a southerner, living in Richmond during the war and she spied for the Union. An amazing story. My academic background is in southern history and rhetoric so this is very dear to me.

Debra: They all sound wonderful!

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Nikki: Tolkien!! Does everyone say this?

Debra: Well, not everyone, but quite a few do. From the responses I've had, I'd list it in the top ten.

Nikki: I absolutely loved Lord of the Rings. I’ve been in love with it since the fourth grade. I had posters and even bed sheets with Lord of the Rings characters on them. I can honestly say I’ve slept with Aragorn.

Debra: Oh what dreams you must have had!

Nikki: Viggo Mortenson looks just like the Aragorn on my bedsheets. I was very sad when they finally wore out when I went to college.

I loved the world of Middle Earth, but mostly I loved the characters. I recognized early (no kidding) that each of the 9 in the Fellowship represented one of the choices anyone might make in the face of world altering events. It was fun to think about who was I most like. I’ll leave it there since I could go on for ages. Anyone into that discussion can e-mail me and we can continue from there.

Debra: I might just have to take you up on that.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Nikki: I would write about women who travel through time and participate in history. Sort of like the American Girl series only with time travel. I would write about a history professor who travels back to the late 1850s and has the opportunity to stop the Civil War or at least postpone it for ten yearsShe’d be Jewish, she’d fall in love with a handsome plantation owner’s son, who the local villain has a homosexual fetish for, they’d make a marriage of (she and the planter’s son) convenience to keep him out of jail for aiding escaping slaves, and take things from there. I might even make a three book series out of that.

Oh wait—I have written this book. Oh wait, it has won awards but alas there is no genre for this. It’s not time travelly enough for the science fiction people. It’s not paranormal enough for the paranormal people. It’s not historical enough for the history people because a) it’s not set in England b) there’s no kilts in it c) it’s not on a dusty wagon train where we eat nothing but beans and biscuits for months on end with half breeds.

Debra: We just need more publishers who are willing to publish fresh and unsual stories.

Nikki: I do mean that in good fun. We’ve all got at least one of those manuscripts under our beds. It’s my favorite book out of all the manuscripts I’ve written and I have not given up on this gem. Someday it will have a place and when it does—whooee watch out world.

It just goes to show that writing is about passion and one should never give up on their passion. It keeps us alive.

Debra: Absolutely!

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Nikki: If you need to write, do it and don’t worry about what anyone thinks, unless you want it published. Publishing is all about audience analysis. But good writers can be good writers without a big commercial contract. Write for your friends, write for your family. Write for yourself and vanity press it. It’s all good if you feel good. Don’t be pressured into thinking commercial publishing is the only way to go or let that be the only standard of judging your success as a writer.

Debra: Nikki, thank you for joining us on this Make-believe Monday to share a bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

You can visit Nikki at http://nikkipoppen.homestead.com/

Make-Believe Mondays With Deidre Knight

Today on Make-believe Mondays, I'm pleased to introduce Deidre Knight, one of my friends from RWAonline. Many of you know Deidre as a literary agent, but she also writes for NAL and her book hits the bookstores tomorrow!

Deidre, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Deidre: Without spoiling anything about PARALLEL HEAT, I’ll just be coy and say that PARALLEL SEDUCTION—the one I’m knee-deep in at the moment—completely continues the Parallel world. The great thing about this series is that there is a wealth of stories to tell, so much to explore. I think the first book may have been a little frustrating for some readers who wanted all the loose ends tied up, but what they will discover as they plow farther and farther into the overall series, is that they will get their answers. It’s like I’m an evil executive in charge of “Lost,” telling fans, “You’ll get to know! The hatch does lead somewhere.”

Debra: So, like all good books, we'll have to read on to get those answers. I'm looking forward to reading it!

Mark Twain said, “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” How do you fill your creative well to keep your imagination in focus?

Deidre: Honestly, it’s a lot about making time for myself. As a mother and literary agent, I don’t have as much “mental play time” as I might want or crave as a creative individual. So I make sure to carve that time out, doing things that fill my well back up. Whether I get a massage, or take a few days at a hotel alone, I just work in that “alone” time—sometimes it might even just be in the shower.

These are the places where I’m refreshed and I re-tank. Driving time used to be serious “head time,” but once I had children, that ceased to be the font of creativity it had once been. Now, I carve out the solitary moments that are necessary to build my writing world, even if it means taking a long walk alone. Still, I balance all of those creative impulses with my driving needs as a mother—and as a literary agent. It’s all a great high-wire act!

It is tough to be juggling all those roles, but you handle it so well. It's so important for women to take that time for themselves. So I ask all you readers and authors reading this - how long has it been since you took time for yourselves? Doesn't a massage sound wonderful? Deidre, you've inspired me. I'm calling today to schedule one.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Deidre: I used to disdain the idea that characters assumed a life of their own. To me, it seemed a bit pretentious. Well, that was long, long ago! The more I’ve spent time writing, the more I’ve simply come to accept that sometimes characters put themselves in the drivers’ seat. I have definitely found myself writing, feeling relatively assured of a certain direction, only to hear my characters chattering, making their own paths known. To me, that’s become the beauty of writing. I’m not one to do big character sketches ahead of time: I find that the most important moments between me and my characters happen on the fly. They simply assert themselves, and I hear what’s happening, become a translator of sorts. Characterization is probably my favorite element of writing.

Birthing “people” and letting them be heard.

Debra: I love this idea so much that I'm jotting this one down right now to add to my list of quotes and inspirational messages.

Deidre: There’s no easy method, I find; it’s more a matter of listening and translating what’s being whispered inside my head.

Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

Deidre: It’s amazing that you ask this because I just posted on my Amazon blog about a word we have in our family, a made up one called “secloistered.” It’s a joking malapropism that grew out of a combo of sequestered and cloistered. In my books, I do have a whole dictionary because, in fact, I’m writing about aliens. They have extremely “foreign” names, as well, but they use their human aliases. I think in writing this genre it’s important to keep the characters accessible while still being realistic that, hey, back on Refaria nobody was going to name S’Skautsa, “Scott Dillon.” So he’s got his home name, and his Earth name.

Similarly, I think it adds authenticity to the world to occasionally have them stray from English and use a word from their native language. I would say that the Refarian language I am using is a kind of Eastern European blend with a tad of French. For instances, “meshdki” is basically what the French call “merde.” (stinky stuff that we have a basic cuss word: s**t. Well, hey, I don’t have to use the real word, can have them call it meshdki and the reader gets it in context. Plus, let’s face, cursing is pretty darn universal.

Deidre: Fascinating! As a reader I tend to read through those words I don't know, letting the context allow me to guess at their meaning. But I do like the idea of a dictionary for checking those words later, just to be sure.

And you're right. If a man hits his thumb with a hammer, some kind of curse is going to come out, whatever his language or world.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Deidre: This is absolutely true for me. My dreams tend to be particularly vivid, and often a bit frightening. For instance, in the past five years I often have nightmares about terrorist attacks (ever since 9/11). In the book I’m writing now (PARALLEL SEDUCTION) I even drew on that fact, creating a dreamscape for my characters that was riddled by alien terrorist imagery.

Debra: Deidre, I hope your nightmares fade away soon and your dreams become more of a comfort. I'm convinced that our dreams are where our subconscious works out problems and plans for the future. They also provide a vivid canvas for our creativity to flourish. Perhaps it is those very dreams that allowed you to create such a vivid world in your fiction.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Deidre: I was a “latch-key” kid, back in the 1970’s when the term was quite in currency. I had much older siblings, a mother who worked, and spent a great deal of time alone. Looking back, it was no accident that I connected strongly with Scott O’Dell’s ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS, about a young girl who is marooned alone on an island. I passed many hours alone in the woods around my home, pretending that I was the marooned one, and had to find a way to survive. I guess you could call it a truly literary game: I had recast myself in the lead role of that novel, and spent many a day playing alone figuring out my own way of the proverbial island.

Debra: Oh, how that book remains vivid in my mind. It's been years since I read it, but I can still close my eyes and picture the setting.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Deidre: I am so grateful because I’m writing that series now with NAL. They have given me a ton of freedom to push the envelope, take a ton of chances, and truly write outside the usual bounds. My series is about parallel worlds, and that’s not necessarily the most mainstream of romance novel subjects. I feel incredibly thankful that my publisher has allowed me to explore the outer-edges of my creative landscape.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Deidre: Recently my seven-year-old completed a questionnaire at school. One of the items was, “What do you enjoy the most?” Her answer was sleeping because dreaming was like watching a movie. Her reply embodied my own take on dreams… I may not always mine them for my books, but that wealth of imagination is such a wellspring that we harken back to as writers. For many years I kept a dream journal because I was fascinated with what my subconscious might do without me. To this day, I find that there are book concepts, or small story ideas in my own dreams. It’s like watching a movie, as my daughter so succinctly said. The trick as becoming a translator to that fact.

Debra: A dream journal is an excellent idea for authors. Sometimes we have just minutes to capture those images after waking.

Deidre, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

You can visit Deidre at www.deidreknight.com or www.DeidreKnightBooks.com or http://deidreknight.blogspot.com or http://parrallelseries.blogspot.com

Make-Believe Mondays With Beth Ciotta

Today on Makebelieve Mondays I'm pleased to introduce Beth Ciotta. Beth writes for Medallion Press and HQN. (And today is a special day for her as its her wedding anniversary.) So happy anniversary, Beth and thank you for joining us!

Beth: Thank you for having me, Debra. I’m thrilled to be here for Make-Believe Monday.

Debra: Beth, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Beth: I’m currently working on a new series for HQN. THE CHAMELEON CHRONICLES features a divorced and forcibly retired 41-year-old showbiz veteran who rediscovers passion and purpose when she unwittingly teams up with reformed grifter and a government operative in their mission to expose nefarious scams.

I enjoy writing romantic comedies with a twist of suspense and that’s exactly what these stories are. Tackling the colorful lives and worlds of Evie Parish and these two men, Arch Duvall and Milo Beckett, has been a pleasure and a thrill. I’m presently doing revisions on the first book, ALL ABOUT EVIE, which will be released in May 2007. After that, I plunge right into book two.

I’m also writing historical westerns (also humorous suspense… Is that a sub-genre?) for Medallion Press. ROMANCING THE WEST hits shelves July 2007. Bouncing between writing contemporaries and historicals has been interesting. Fun, but challenging. What time period am I in today?

Debra: Sounds like you're a bit of a time traveler when you write. What fun!

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Beth: I typically feel connected to the heroine right off the bat, although she does always evolve as the story goes on. At first, she’s the one speaking loudest in my head, driving the story forward. It usually takes me a while to get a grip on the hero. (That didn’t sound right, did it?)

Debra: Well, that all depends on what kind of a story you're writing!

Beth: In fact, it’s not unusual for me to be a third of the way through the story before I’ll understand who this guy is and what he’s really about. Suddenly, it’ll just click. On ROMANCING THE WEST, for the first time ever, it happened the other way around. I was in bed with the hero (Okay. That definitely didn’t sound right.) from page one.

Debra: Hmm, that is part of the fantasy isn't it?

Beth: I didn’t connect with my heroine for a good three months. Frustrating, but when I finally got her—bam!—magic. She’s one of my favorite heroines to date. Well, aside from Evie, and Afia, and Lulu…. Well, shoot. Anyway, once I connect, I see them and hear them clearly even in my sleep.

Debra: Which leads me to our next question.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Beth: Dreams? No. Daydreams? Absolutely. Once the premise and characters are cemented in my brain, I become pretty obsessed. I write even when I’m not at the computer. I see scenes, hear dialogue in my head while doing the most mundane things. Some of my best ideas occur in the shower—not sure why—and when I’m almost asleep but not quite.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Beth: Cinderella. Aside from Charlotte’s Web, it was the story that stamped itself on my heart forever.

Debra: Beth, is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Beth: Our imagination is powerful and a gift not to be wasted. You can go anywhere, be anyone, do anything. My motto? Dream big and reach for the stars. Anything is possible.

To learn more about me and my books visit my website at www.bethciotta.com
For a daily peek into my chaotic life and a bit of lively discussuion visit my website http://bethciotta.blogspot.com/

Make-Believe Mondays With Marly Mathews

Today, on Make-believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Marly Mathews, my friend from RWAonline. Marly writes for The Wild Rose Press and New Concepts Publishing.

Marly, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Marly: Right now, I’m working on about four books…yep, I’m known as a multi-tasking kind of writer. I’m working on a late regency titled Taming The Groom, a futuristic paranormal set in an alternate universe titled The Trinity Key, and I’m revising a fantasy paranormal called Lady Luck and a regency paranormal titled The Iron Maiden.

I’ve also just been offered a contract from The Wild Rose Press for a short Christmas Story titled The Promise. It’s a heartwarming contemporary paranormal. If you love holiday stories, it will be your cup of tea.

Debra: Wow! Multitasking is right!

Mark Twain said, “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” How do you fill your creative well to keep your imagination in focus?

Marly: I sleep. LOL Seriously though, my imagination is hardly ever out of focus…I’m one of those people that’s always thinking…so much so that it sometimes is hard for me to shut my imagination off and just get some rest!

Debra: I wouldn't be surprised if your subconscious was writing in your sleep.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Marly: I’d have to say my characters are fully realized from the get go. The story idea just pops into my head…and along with the idea comes the characters. I visualize them like a movie.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Marly: Wow…there’s so many authors that pulled me into their world as a child. I was a literal bookworm. I just devoured books…anything I could get my hands on. One of my favorite gifts was a book…or books. LOL
Lucy Maud Montgomery was a big favorite of mine…and not just for her Anne Of Green Gables books…I’ve read everything she’s ever had published. I just loved her writing. Then, of course there was Louisa May Alcott, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Janet Lunn, Kit Pearson, and when I was very young, Robert Munsch. And that’s not all, there were many, many other authors that I loved. J

Debra: Oh, I loved the Anne of Green Gables books!

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Marly: I think that dreams can impact not only our writing but also our daily lives. If you have a dream that seems remarkably life like than I’d say listen to it and try to learn from it. I also think that if you have a healthy imagination…there’s literally no limit to what you can write…after all, we as writers can sit down and travel anywhere!

Marly, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Marly: Thanks for inviting me, Debra.

Debra: You're quite welcome!

Look for Marly's upcoming books:

Twilight’s Kiss-A Fantasy Paranormal Contemporary Romance, Coming Soon from The Wild Rose Press
The Promise-A contemporary holiday paranormal romance story, Coming Soon from The Wild Rose Press
www.thewildrosepress.com

I’ll Be Yours-A Pirate Regency Adventure Romance- Coming Soon from New Concepts Publishing.
www.newconceptspublishing.com

(I'll update this blog for Marly once we have publication dates.)

In the meantime, check out Marlys website www.marlymathews.com and her blog,
www.marlymathews.blogspot.com

Make-Believe Mondays With Cindy Cruciger

Today on Make-Believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Cindy Cruciger. Cindy writes for TOR and she also writes her Path to Publishing column for RT magazine each month.

Cindy, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you're working on now.

Cindy: I am working on two manuscripts right now. The first is a sequel to Revenge Gifts. The second is a snark overload set in the Reality TV recapping world of Big Brother. I practice over at _www.HamsterTime.net_ (http://www.hamstertime.net/) as FerfeLabat. Very fun. Most people look at that style of writing and have no clue what they are looking at so the book has been a challenge of style and clarity. I don't expect it to be universal in appeal. Revenge Gifts wasn't for everyone either. This is a kinder and gentler snark than what you might see on the live feed websites. It's weird. But I'm not exactly normal.

Debra: Oh, but why be normal? We like you just the way you are.

Ray Bradbury said, "We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out." How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Cindy: The key for me is to keep life interesting. I am always watching the world around me and really seeing it in all its strange glory. From the attack lizards in the commons by my office to the nutcases on the train pretending to have a Bluetooth Cell phone when (in fact) they have no phone and are talking to the voices in their head, I keep it all in a diary for future reference.

Debra: Attack lizards, oh my!
(Now of course you know everyone is going to want to read your diary. Hide it. Hide it well.)

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Cindy: Yes and no. I've heard of writers who have entire conversations with their characters. I don't quite go to that extreme. But in this second book I think I know them a lot better.

Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

Cindy: No. I set weird people in real places. That is far more fun to me than setting normal people in weird places. The idea that one of my characters could be at the dinner table next to you on vacation should be enough to freak any reader out.

Debra: Yes, but what interesting dinner converstations might ensue.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Cindy: I have vivid dreams but I've never written about them or used them in fiction.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Cindy: Oh I was a romance freak after reading Forever Amber. I loved the mix of history and romance and have been an addict ever since.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Cindy: I already did in Revenge Gifts. My thinking was, no one in their right mind would ever publish it, so I threw in everything but the kitchen sink and had fun with it. I figured I would get back to "real" writing later.

Debra: It's a wonderful thing when you can combine work with fun or in your case when your fun becomes your work.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Cindy: You need to just get lost in the world you create to the point that the real world goes completely missing for hours at a time. When you get to that point in your writing life, then you know your imagination is getting out onto the page.

Debra: Yes. And what a wild trip it can be.

Cindy, thank you for visiting us here on Make-believe Mondays to share a the magic of writing with our readers.

You can visit Cindy at www.cindycruciger.com

Make-Believe Mondays With Cindy Holby

Today is Labor Day, and though I've taken the day off work to read and relax (as I hope you've been able to do) we also have an author who was willing to visit for a Make-believe Monday interview.

Cindy Holby writes for Dorchester and she also writes as Colby Hodge and Kassy Taylor.

Cindy, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Cindy: Right now I’m working on Phoenix, the third book in my Colby Hodge Star series. This book has turned out to be extremely complicated because of the plot and impossible to concentrate on because of life stuff. I will be very happy when I get this book done.

Debra: I hope the writing and life smooth out for you soon.

Mark Twain said, “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” How do you keep your imagination in focus?

Cindy: My imagination is usually pretty full of stuff. It’s the real world that’s a problem. And I think as a woman, we always have to make sure everyone else is taken care of before we are. My problem is learning how to focus on the work instead of the other stories roaming around inside.

Debra: It's hard when the stories are calling to you on one side and family is calling on the other. Life becomes a huge balancing act which leaves little time for the writer to rest. (Of course even when we're resting, those stories are always running through our minds.)

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Cindy: I usually can’t focus on a character until they have a name and I know in my head what they look like. Then they take over the story telling. Once I get them established in my head, they come alive on the paper.

Debra: Yes, knowing what they look like is key. Otherwise they're just an idea, not flesh.

Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

Cindy: With my futuristics. It was fun making up new words for things. My favorite is Gank, which means Brat or Prat. Kind of a futuristic teen slang.

Debra: That's a good one.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Cindy: Always. My college room-mate remarked when I told her I had sold a book that she wasn’t surprised since I always had the most interesting dreams.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Cindy: The Black Stallion books were always my favorite. And one called The Forgotten Door. And of course, Lord Of The Rings.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Cindy: I think I already have with my first historical, Chase The Wind. I didn’t know the rules when I wrote it so I set no limits on the possibilities.

Debra: Writing without limits opens up so many possibilities.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Cindy: If you think about the characters after you’ve closed the book then I’ve achieved my goal.

Debra: Yes. Then the characters live on forever.

Cindy, thank you for joining us here on this Labor Day Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

You can visit Cindy at www.cindyholby.com

Make-Believe Mondays With Linda Ford

We're a bit late with Make-believe Mondays because my scheduled author never showed up. But luckily, Linda Ford, one of my RWAonline friends, jumped in literally at the last minute, saving you from having to read a ranting blog from me on the importance of keeping deadlines.

Linda writes inspirational romance for Steeple Hill. (Is it any wonder she's such a sweetheart?)

Linda, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Linda: Right now I am working on an historical placed somewhere in South Dakota, set during the dirty 30s. I'm loving this story. My characters are strong people facing incredibly difficult circumstances. This will be the second depression era story written for the new Steeple Hill historical line—Love Inspired Historicals. I'm planning a trip to the Dakotas next week to research background and setting, which is going to be a lot of fun.

Debra: There are very few writers who write about the depression era. It's wonderful when authors are allowed to branch out to give us fresh new stories. And your trip sounds wonderful!

Mark Twain said, “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” How do you fill your creative well to keep your imagination in focus?

Linda: I need to constantly refill my well as Julia Cameron says in her book "The Artists Way." The reseach trip I mentioned is one way but it doesn't have to be something to refresh my soul. Other things that work for me and are much more accessible are reading a good book, Bible scenery, a visit to a quilt shop or art store just to flood my senses with color and texture, coffee with a friend, sitting outside to work, knitting, scrapbooking - I could go on and on. And if that sounds airy fairy . . . well, it probably is but nevertheless, it works for me.

Debra: Flooding all the senses, like total immersion. I'll have to try that.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Linda: Oh yes. Always. Usually by the time I get the first three chapters done; sometimes earlier. One character usually comes readily, eagerly as if he/she can't wait for me to write down his or her story. The other is usually a little more reluctant. Oh, wait. These characters are imaginary, aren't they? Sometimes I have to remind myself of that.

Debra: Yes, and that's such a good thing. Though if they start to argue, you might wish they would go away.

Linda, I know we're pressed for time, but it there anything else you would like to add?

Linda: My website and blog can be found at www.lindaford.org.

I try and blog something new at least once a week - things about my life, my family or my writing. Come and visit. Drop me a line and tell me what you think about some of the subjects I mention.

Debra: Be sure to stop by and visit Linda this week, before she heads off to South Dakota. She's a sweetheart for jumping in so last minute.

Make-Believe Mondays With Cathryn Fox

Today on Make-believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Cathryn Fox. Cathryn writes erotic romance for Avon and Ellora's Cave.

Cathryn, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Cathryn: I just finished writing my Pleasure Game trilogy for Avon Red. These stores are light, humorous, sexy contemporaries. So after working on these for the last year I thought it was time to jump into something a bit darker. I am now working on a new trilogy called, The Soul Game. I absolutely love writing dark so I’m having so much fun with this. My first story, Soul Man, is about video game designer who suddenly finds herself trapped inside her own game. She, along with her computer generated character Sever, must battle ‘other world beings’ in order to save her soul or run the risk of losing it in the alternate universe forever. Here’s the website page I have set up for it. http://www.cathrynfox.com/soul_man/index.html

Debra: Fascinating. I'll be watching for this one!

Mark Twain said, “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” How do you fill your creative well to keep your imagination in focus?

Cathryn: Sometimes in order for me to fill the refill the creative well I have to change focus from light contemporary, to dark paranormal. This helps me immensely. I also like to do other creative things like gardening, painting, baking with my daughter, playing soccer with my son, or having a movie marathon weekend with my hubby!

Debra: Changing from one genre to another allows us a chance to step away while still keeping that writing muscle in tune. It's amazing how quick answers come when you try that.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Cathryn: Yes, and it’s so good to know this happens to other people. For awhile there I thought psychiatric help was in order. )

Debra: You're in good company. Many writers I know have this experience.

Cathryn: When I’m deep into a story my characters are always with me, always in me. They are always speaking to me, telling me what THEY want to do next instead of me telling them what I want next. When I’m finished a book I really miss my characters. I love to go back and reread, to revisit my old friends. (You’re not calling the psyc ward are you?)

Debra: Oh, no. Never. I understand this feeling. They become friends and its hard to let them go.

Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

Cathryn: In my dark paranormal stories I’ve created places and alternate universes and have made up names of towns and characters. Sometimes a name will just come to me, other times I struggle to get the right word to fit the character or the universe I’ve created.

Debra: Names can be tricky sometimes and they are so important.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Cathryn: I have the most vivid dreams. My husband and children will no longer listen to me. When I get up in the morning and tell them that I had the coolest dream last night, all I hear are groans. I do dream about my characters and what is really amazing is when I’m having trouble with a scene, really wracking my brain to figure out what is wrong, I can sometimes solve the issue when dreaming. It’s fascinating when the subconscious takes over.

Debra: There's a whole world waiting for us when we sleep, isn't there? The subconscious keeps on creating, even while we are resting. Though learning to listen to that subconscious sometimes takes practice.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Cathryn: I read Stephen King long before I ever should have. At a young age I would sneak the books from my parents pile and read them in a quiet place. I used to scare the bejesus out of myself, but I LOVED the worlds and characters he created.

Debra: So those vivid dreams were probably present at an early age! King is such a vivid author.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Cathryn: I have never really written horror before, even though I read it voraciously as a child. So for this book, Soul Man, I wanted to try my hand at horror. I dug deep to create a story with many elements such as: Paranormal, Erotic, Romance, horror, suspense. I definitely think it’s outside the box!

Debra: It sounds like it! Outside the box is a good place for an author to be. So many good stories have come about when the author dared to take a chance.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Cathryn: Nothing is too out there, nothing is too wild. Go with it, trust yourself and you’ll be amazed at the where your imagination can take you.

Debra: Yes! Imagination is limitless if we let go and allow it.

Cathryn, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Cathryn: Thank you so much for having me here today.

Debra: You're quite welcome.

To learn more about Cathryn, visit http://www.cathrynfox.com

Make-Believe Mondays With Terri Garey

Today on Make-believe Mondays, I am pleased to introduce my friend from RWAonline, Terri Garey. Terri writes paranormal romance for Avon.

Terri, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Terri: The book I’m working on now is a quirky contemporary paranormal entitled IF YOU GOT IT, HAUNT IT. It’s the third in a series for Avon Books (DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY will be released in July 2007, and WHERE THE GHOULS ARE in April 2008) about a hip young woman named Nicki Styx who dies and returns to life with the ability to see and hear spirits. If becoming a reluctant ‘ghoulfriend’ to the dead isn’t enough to turn the pink streaks in Nicki’s hair to white, she has a vintage clothing store to run and secrets to keep from the emergency room hottie who’s doing some ‘digging’ of his own. It’s dark humor with a Southern slant - the angst of a young woman on the edge, a healthy dash of sex and voodoo, a sprinkling of spookiness.

Debra: Ooh, that sounds spooky and intriguing. I can't wait to read it!

Mark Twain said, “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” How do you fill your creative well to keep your imagination in focus?

Terri: I used to be a very ‘left-brained’ person - I worked in the computer field, which is one of logic. I considered myself one of the least ‘creative’ people out there, until my husband pointed out the beauty of my garden, the cheerful needlepoints I’d framed and given to loved ones, the dried flower arrangements and seasonal wreaths I’d made for our home, even the colors I’d painted the walls and the way I arranged the furniture. My current favorite hobby is making beaded jewelry; necklaces, earrings, bracelets. Creativity is all around us - we need to recognize it within ourselves and nurture it, whatever the medium. Some people are fabulous cooks (I’m terrible at it, though I haven’t given anyone food poisoning yet , others paint, play an instrument, sculpt, or knit. Find something you like to do and keep doing it.

Debra: I'm always impressed by the many ways authors find to use their creativity. When nurtured, it explodes into everything they touch.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Terri: Oh, absolutely. It’s usually somewhere in the first chapter - how can I make my characters come alive for the reader if they’re not alive for me? Nicki Styx is a bit of a smart-aleck, and often surprises me with what she says and does… I wish I could be as ‘cool’ and witty in real life as she is! My agent said to me recently, “She’s really alive in your head, isn’t she?” As weird as that may seem, she was right.

Debra: Don't you you love it when they talk back to you? That's when surprising things happen. What a wild ride writing can be.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Terri: Being female, I guess I should say Judy Blume or Georgette Heyer, but it was actually Charles Dickens in DAVID COPPERFIELD. I remember reading that book over and over, and I still love a good, old-fashioned historical. As a paranormal author, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t influenced by Edgar Allen Poe - THE TELLTALE HEART and THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM still amaze me with their ability to give the reader the shivers. And let’s not forget that it was a woman, Mary Shelley, who wrote the classic, FRANKENSTEIN.

Debra: Dickens is also one of my favorites, even today. So much so that I spent a summer reading biographies of him. He used to speak to his characters and also performed his stories, taking the part of each character. No wonder his characters seem so alive. And Poe, there's no one else quite like him. Hurray for Mary Shelley for showing the boys how it is done.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Terri: Dreams are important,but I think it’s the ‘waking’ ones that really count. That dream of becoming a writer? Don’t give it up. That dream of making the New York Times bestseller list? Don’t give it up. Imagine yourself receiving a Lifetime Achievement award. Imagine yourself churning out bestsellers while still in your pajamas. Imagine yourself at the Hollywood premiere of the movie they just made from one of your books.

Imagine. Dream. Then do what you can to make those dreams a reality.

Debra: I couldn't have said it better.

Terri, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers

You can visit Terri at www.tgarey.com or www.tgarey.blogspot.com

Make-Believe Mondays With Rowena Cherry

The author I had originally scheduled to visit had a computer accident so I've had to juggle the schedule a bit.

Now, let me introduce my friend Rowena Cherry who writes romantic science fiction. I met Rowena on Daytona Beach while attending the RT convention where we spoke of sand crabs (fascinating creatures), holidays and writing.

Rowena, thank you for jumping in at the last minute. Tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

Rowena: I’m working on INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL, which will be released by Dorchester’s LoveSpell imprint in February 2007. It is a sequel to FORCED MATE (another chess-titled romance), and continues the antagonist’s story moments after the brutal duel at the end of FORCED MATE.

The hero and heroine are forcibly marooned on a desert island, and left to sink or swim.

I was fortunate enough to be able to consult the Science Channel’s SURVIVORMAN, Les Stroud on my survival research and scenes.

He made some helpful suggestions which I am now adding to the manuscript… such as that moss plus absorbent fabric cut from an ejector seat would make a better sanitary pad than either one alone.

Also that, if one is on a naturally occurring island, the best idea is to try and find a spring of fresh water in the most overgrown area of any forest, rather than digging a beach well. As it happens, the island that my hero and heroine are shot down on in INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL is not naturally occurring.

Once I’m happy with my edits (and my editor is, too), I shall start writing chapters for the next full length novel.

Mark Twain said, “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” How do you fill your creative well to keep your imagination in focus?

Rowena: Sometimes I don’t! There’s also a popular song with lyrics “If it don’t fit, don’t force it, just relax and let it go …” I’m not sure what the context of that song was supposed to be.

Sometimes, if I’ve nothing inspired to write, I simply don’t write. It’s a bit like my Grandmother’s advice about gossip!

All too often, when I think I am inspired, I amuse myself a little too much, and write scenes that have to be deleted later. I call such scenes Gorilla Testicles, because there is too little content to be worth showing them to anyone else. I have been known to post out-takes on the Out damned Story blog.

Debra: What fun! Sort of like the out takes or deleted scenes from the movies. I shall have to pay the blog a visit.

Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?

Rowena: This is acutely embarrassing to admit, but I prefer to be able to dream about my characters —especially my heroes-- before I start to tell their stories, yes.

Debra: One of the things I've learned through these interviews is how active a role dreams take during the creative process. How romantic that your heroes show up first in your dreams.

Rowena: There’s one character -–the god-Emperor Djohn-Kronos of MATING NET—- who was most unwilling to let me end his story. He “wants” another crack at love…. Or maybe I simply want to tell more of his story. I think he is the most powerful and fascinating of all my characters.

When I wrote Tarrant-Arragon, I never thought I’d say that of anyone but Tarrant-Arragon.

I am not the sort of person who would ever use the F-word in my own conversation, so I was profoundly shocked when the hero of INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL insisted on using it both as an expletive and as a verb. That is his voice coming through.

Debra: A strong and insistent voice I would guess.

Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

Rowena: Yes. It seems logical, if the hero is an alien, that he would not speak perfect English. The supremely arrogant hero of FORCED MATE, Tarrant-Arragon grasped that we use various prefixes to make a negative (in- ; un- ; im- ; dis- ; non- … etc) He follows the rule, approximately, but pleases himself which prefix he uses. So “nonsense” becomes “unsense” when he deigns to speak English.

I had a bit of trouble with a copy editor over that!

You wouldn’t expect an alien to use the same words for his genitals that we do. Various authors have introduced alien terms, especially if their equipment works on different physical principles or looks very different.

I suppose you know that our so-proper and clinical word “penis” comes from the Latin word for a tail?
How silly! You’ll never look at one in the same way, will you?

Debra: No, I don't suppose I will.

For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?

Rowena: All the time. I like to dream-load a scene I want to write, and dream it repeatedly until the scene achieves a certain inevitability (or thusness).

Debra: Oh, I like this idea.

Rowena: A psychic, it wasn’t John Edwards, but it was someone who knows a lot about “Channeling” and talking to people from the other side, once told me that I channel my characters, and that their stories really took place in a parallel world.

Debra: Fascinating.

Rowena: I am skeptical about that, actually. I like to think I have a bit more creative control over the process, and that I am rather more than a cosmic Dictaphone.

Debra: Yes, I agree. We do have free will.

As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?

Rowena: I remember “Waggon Train”, which you might think of as an Earthbound “Battlestar Galactica”. As a child growing up in England, the American frontier seemed so far off that it might as well have been an alien world.

When I was thirteen, my mother introduced me to Georgette Heyer’s Georgian and Regency romances, and to this day I love her articulate and well-bred heroes.

Debra: She set the standard and paved the way, I believe.

If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Rowena: Isn’t that what’s called The Book of One’s Heart? I guess I did that when I started to write about my alien djinn gods from outer space, about 12 years ago, when no one was touching that sort of fiction.

I’m sorry, that came across as a smartass comment. On the other hand, if I had a story such as you describe in my head, I think I’d want to write it, sell it, and copyright it before I gave away the premise.

Debra: No worries. I understand completely. (And there are many authors who refuse to discuss story ideas before they are written down as it tends to reduce the impetus to write them.)

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Rowena: What makes any story unique is the angle -—or slant-- and voice and technique of the author. There are only so many plots… some say there are 5, others say there are almost 30.

You might say that telling a story is a bit like making pastry. How many sorts of pastry are there? Rough puff, water-crust, flakey, pie crust, short-crust … I forget, but I once knew them all. Normally I’d look up the variants, but I put all my cookery books away because I needed more kitchen cabinet space, and I can’t remember where I put the books.

All cooks use flour, water, fat according to the recipe, yet some cooks make better pastry than others. It might be the coldness of their hands, or the lightness of their touch, or their technique with the cutting-in knife, or whether they warmed or chilled the bowl, or how well their oven keeps temperature. Not to mention their sense of timing. And then, there is the magical “I don’t know what”…. Luck, I should say. Or vision.

I’ve strayed a bit from imagination and dreams, though. Imagine trying to make pastry romantic! On the other hand, that’s the sort of intellectual challenge I love. If someone were to dare me to make a canderu romantic, I’d do it!

Debra: It is a bit like pastry making isn't it? I like the analogy. (Though I have to admit you are making me hungry for the blueberries I froze a few weeks ago. Mmm, blueberry pie for dessert tonight. My husband will thank you.)

Rowena: If I may, I’d also like to advertise where readers can find more of my burblings.

Debra: Certainly.

Rowena: I’m lucky enough to blog:
At Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A3VL7IG9CB3QQ5/ref=cm_ad_25/102-3237572-0297757

At Alien romances (a group blog I share with Susan Kearney, Linnea Sinclair, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Cindy Holby and Margaret L Carter) http://www.aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com

At my yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rowenacherrynewsletter/

At Rowena Cherry Remarks
http://www.rowenacherry.blogspot.com

At Out, damned story
http://outdamnedstory.blogspot.com

I also publish a newsletter from my website www.rowenacherry.com/newsletter

If you like fooling around with bare-chested hunks, there are some interactive jigsaws at www.rowenacherry.com/puzzle

Also at survival-romance http://www.survival-romance.blogspot.com

Rowena, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Rowena: Thank you, Debra!

Debra: You're quite welcome.