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/
Monday, September 25, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
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
Monday, September 11, 2006
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
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
Monday, September 04, 2006
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
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
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