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.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, December 04, 2006
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/
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/
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