Monday, January 29, 2007

Make-Believe Monday with Jacquelyn Frank

Today on Make-Believe Mondays our visiting author is Jacquelyn Frank. Jacquelyn writes for Kensington.



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

Jacquelyn: Actually, I am not working on anything at the moment. I have decided to take off from work to focus on my little girl and recovering from surgery. I was working on an angels universe, but then read Meljean Brook’s excerpt from Demon Angel and scrapped it. It was just too close and she was doing a much better job of it! I prefer to be more out of step with anyone else.

Debra: I hope you are fully recovered soon, rested and ready to write again.

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?

Jacquelyn: Well, wow, neat question. Basically, the answer is: I sleep. I get most of my best stuff from my freaky little dreams. The worst thing to happen to me was falling victim to sleep apnea and fibromyalgia. Together they robbed me of dream time almost completely. Now that I have been diagnosed it is much, much better and back to normal! Boy, you can complain about the weird stuff you dream all you like, but I really missed it when it was gone. The opening scene of Jacob, leaping from pole to pole and that perspective of looking down on the world like some kind of superhero, that was the dream I’d had initially for that book. So glad I wrote it down!

Debra: I'm glad you did too! It's fascinating how rich our dreams can be and what stories they contain.

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

Jacquelyn: Oh yeah. Most definitely. Which is very handy, especially when they are running throughout several stories. Isabella, for instance, the heroine from Jacob…she has a significant amount of sass and vitality. She really has never cared what people think of her and can’t stand that Jacob does care what his people think of him…and cares deeply. She tells me so. In her voice and body language. I hear Bella’s NY accent in my head, reminding me that she grew up in the Bronx around a mix of ethnicities and cultures and strong attitudes. Coming across another race is nothing to her. She’s lived in a thick mix of cultures all her life. What’s one more?

Debra: 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?

Jacqueyn: I think that’s obvious if you read Jacob and as we progress throughout the series. I use capitalizations that are inappropriate in the English language to convey the societal importance and the difference in esteem the words hold in Demon culture. I believe this is much to the dismay of the copyeditor. Poor thing. I make up my own rules as I go. My own words. For example…in our language the proper use and spelling is summonsing. I call it Summoning when a Demon is summoned. (summonsed). Ack. I can’t look at that too long or it hurts my brain. Councillor is another. Even capping every instance of the word King--when made in Demon reference. Later in the series I just plain make up my own language. But it has rules, I swear it does! Who knows, maybe one day someone will figure them all out and it’ll be like the Klingon language. I just don’t have that much time on my hands!

Debra: Oh but just think, someone may map out what you are creating instinctively. (Kind of like a musician who plays by ear.) That's pretty cool.

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?

Jacquelyn: Umm. I think I answered that already.

Debra: Yes, you did. Very well I might add.

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

Jacquelyn: These are such awesome questions. Refreshing. Let’s see…Nancy Drew was always a favorite. I started reading her when I was very, very young (long story as to why) and I used to devour the books. Usually I was looking to see how Nancy and Ned made out…back then, they never did! I got tired of Nan never putting out for poor Ned. Heh. Then on to romances I went!

Debra: Thank you! These are the kinds of questions I would ask if we were sitting around having a glass of wine. :) Nancy Drew was one of my favorites too. Poor Ned. LOL

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?

Jacquelyn: That story exists. It’s right here on my laptop. No story I create will ever lack romance or sex. They are so integral to our human drives, so I always imagine them to be integral to every humanoid species. Kate Duffy, my editor, doesn’t put limitations on me. I don’t write thinking what is popular or expected of me…I've only edited that way (before Kate and Kensington told me I could do whatever I wanted) in anticipation of submission. Sometimes people get freaked if you are too radical. I know some authors who are shunned for walking out of step and that’s as good as crushing creativity at its inception. The more I work with Kensington the more I spin out of the mainstream. I expect people won’t like that. I expect others will love it. We’ll see.

Debra: So much of the advice authors hear is about writing to the market and it makes me cringe. How many good stories are shuffled away out of fear? Kate sounds like an awesome editor to work with. I hope your stories spin as far as you want to take 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?

Jacquelyn: Yes. Think of literacy, art and schooling. This is where we learn to use imagination and to either think freely or become automatons. Every year more and more arts programs are being shredded away and science and math are becoming a central focus. We are also imbedding our fears into our kids and stunting their imaginations. For example, my sister once punished my nephew severely for tying a towel around his neck and running around playing Superman. C’mon…who didn’t pretend to be a superhero when we were young? When I protested she said something to the effect of “I don’t need him running around thinking he can jump off stuff and fly!” I realize she thought he was going to get hurt, but I guess I saw more damage in the way she was suppressing his natural imagination. There has to be a better way, a way of meeting the two in the middle. Safety vs. imagination. Math vs. English. Arts vs. Practicality. If we used our imaginations, we could figure that out…don’t you think?

Debra: Oh how sad. My boys used to jump off the furniture playing "soup man". It was so cute. Yes, I think if we used our imaginations to the fullest and without fear we could figure out how to change many things.

Jacquelyn, 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, January 22, 2007

Make-Believe Monday with Sonya Kate


Make-Believe Mondays is a day late because I just got back from a week in the Caribbean and yesterday Blogger wouldn't let me in. It should have been a quick publish but sometimes the simple things aren't so simple.

So without further delay, here is Sonya Kate!

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

Sonya: I would love to share the new manuscript with all of you, but I’m very secretive about my writing. Not one person sees it until the novel is ready for editing. My husband isn’t even privy to my work, no matter how much he pesters me for a peek.
What I can tell you is that the next book is also a contemporary women’s fiction novel, set in the south. People in the industry have dubbed me the “Queen of Angst.” I can assure you the next book will be filled with more of the same.

Debra: Ah, a woman of mystery. There's nothing wrong with that. I've found the more I talk about a work in progress, the more it takes away from the momentum of actually writing it. There is much to be said for keeping the work behind a curtain until it is ready.

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?

Sonya: My creative cup stays filled by watching every day events, people and circumstances. Traveling to different states, countries and environments also helps keep my reflection on reality genuine.

I believe this is why I connect so well with country music, its artists and fans. This entire genre of music was founded on the simplicities of life mostly derived from rural or small-town America – these are places I take comfort in most.

Probably the most important factor is that I’ve been diagnosed with Lupus, Anti-Phospholipid Disease, suffered a stroke and was told six years ago that seven to ten “good” years was about all I had left. I didn’t ask the doctors whether that terminology meant “here on this earth” or “quality of life.” Therefore, not one person, amount of time or situation in my existence is taken for granted. Each day is truly lived to its fullest and considered a gift.

When someone is diagnosed with something so horrible, they tend to notice the smaller or simpler things and be thankful for the little favors that God allows them to experience. Therefore, my cup is replenished daily.

Debra: Such a beautiful message and how often we rush past the little things on the way to something we think is important.

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

Sonya: While my characters are born in my dreams, they start to come to life as each new chapter unfolds. Then, during the editing process the characters really start to shine and gain emotional momentum.

I find it exciting to edit because characteristics, a sense of self fulfillment out of angst and tragedies can be layered and layered until the final version is reached. This is what I believe adds that extra flavor and really tugs at the heartstrings of my readers.
No matter how many times editing is done, there is always some element that can be added or improved upon to allow depth and growth to any of the characters. Therefore, can we say any manuscript is truly finished?

Debra: Stories are a bit like people who are works in progress and I've always believed the best works are those in which we can come back again and again learning something we hadn't before. Little nuances we didn't notice the first time.

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?

Sonya: Yes, all of my books come from dreams. When I fall asleep, it’s like turning on a television set to the Lifetime Network or illuminating a movie screen. What’s odd is that I can wake up, lay back down and pick up the dream where it was interrupted.

In the mornings, I always remember what I’ve dreamt and type it. If I’m unable to write for a few days often times I can remember the dream and write it at a later time.

“Tides of Time” came to me in a dream several years before I actually wrote it. I literally carried the story around in my head for years until it was finally time to put thoughts to paper.

For me, sleep allows time to turn off all logic and allow original fiction to come to light in an uninhibited way.

Debra: What a gift to be able to remember those dreams and how wonderful to be able to share that gift with your readers.

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

Sonya: Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone With the Wind.” I’ve read “Gone With the Wind” more times than I can count.

Debra: 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?

Sonya: It’s come to my attention recently that most readers secretly want to become writers/authors, but all too frequently find themselves too busy with life to do so.

If anyone can learn anything from me, it’s that no matter what obstacles stand in your way, if you have the urge to write – just do it. Can you imagine what it would be like if all the authors you love to read were too busy and never published their work – what wonderful stories we would’ve missed out on?

Having your work published is truly the most rewarding experience you can have as a person. When you see the delight on someone’s face that has enjoyed something you’ve written from a dream – it makes everything you’ve sacrificed to write that novel worth while.

I welcome friend requests and e-mails. Please feel free to write me with any questions or comments you may have.

SonyaKateChilders/MySpace.com

SonyaKateChilders.net

RomanticTimes.com

Monday, January 15, 2007

Make-Believe Mondays With Jade Lee

Jade Lee is visiting with us today on Make-Believe Mondays. Jade gave an excellent workshop at the Romance Writers of America conference last year, where I met her for the first time. I'm happy to have her with us today.

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



Jade: I’m working on the final revisions for Tempted Tigress, my June 2007 book. It’s probably the last of the Tigress series for a while. I need a break from dark Asian sensuality! (I’m thinking of wandering into funny, contemporary Asian sensuality!). Anyway, Tempted Tigress is a little different from the other tigress books. It’s still about a form of Tantrism (sex leading to the ultimate religious experience) but this time it’s more of an adventure story. A white woman is trying to escape China only to run afoul of the Imperial Enforcer! (yes I made up that name, but it’s still fun!) He’s the man appointed by the Emperor to get rid of opium in China. No small task. And what else would a white woman be doing in the middle of China but running drugs? Hmmm…well, she might be learning about her sexuality with a sexy Chinese cop!

Debra: That is fun! I can't wait to read it!

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?

Jade: I read. I rollerblade. I daydream. But mostly I watch tv and read.

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

Jade: About the time Stephen Spielberg calls and says he wants to make a movie from my book and has already got Jet Li to play my hero. No, actually, very early. Before I even start, I have to have a good idea of who the people are. I’m not always so sure what they’re going to DO, but I do know who they are.

Debra: Oh, I hope you get that call! That would be awesome!

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?

Jade: Something always gives me the beginning of the story. A long time ago, I had the idea of my hero and heroine making out behind a couch (in secret) when another couple comes into the room to make out. It ended up in No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle (my other, older pseudonym).

And of course, there’s my famous acupuncture scene that begins Burning Tigress. My heroine speeds around a corner after her young brother who has just stormed into the hero’s bedroom (hero is their First Boy servant). And the hero—Ken Jin—has done acupuncture on his male organ. Charlotte’s first thought is: What an enormous penis! Her second thought is: Why is he sticking needles into his enormous penis? That scene just cracked me up and so I built a story from there.

Debra: That cracks me up too. :) Puts acupuncture in a whole new light!

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

Jade: ALWAYS! I loved the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. I wrote my undergraduate thesis on the books. LOVE NARNIA!! It was my Harry Potter. Read the books over and over and over. Made up stories and animals to play with there. Had hundreds of daydream hours in Narnia.

Debra: Narnia was one of my favorites 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?

Jade: Take time out to be quiet, to settle with your own thoughts, and to daydream. Who knows what you might discover lurking right there in your own head!

Finally, make sure to visit my website: www.jadeleeauthor.com (I’ve got the author part in there to distinguish me from jade lee the porn star.) Yes, there really is one!

Debra: I can just imagine the email inquiries you get!

Jade: And look for my latest 2 books, both just came out in January. Cornered Tigress by Jade Lee and then for you fans of Crimson City, I have a novella in the new Shards of Crimson anthology. I hope both stories feed the tigress in you!

Debra: Jade, 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, January 08, 2007

Make-Believe Mondays With Renee Russell

Today on Make-believe Mondays I'm pleased to introduce a very dear friend of mine who writes under the name Renee Russell. Renee's first book, Kate's Pride sold to Wings and I'm thrilled for her.

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

Renee: “Kate’s Pride” goes on sale this month. I’m really excited that this book made it into print. It’s a Southern Gothic historical in the tradition of Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner – although I certainly don’t consider myself in the same league as those two giants!

Debra: I feel priviledged to have been one of the few to read the manuscript before you sold it and I can say that your voice is your own unique, Southern style. I'm counting the days until my copy arrives in the mail.


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

Renee: I start with a “What if?” and the characters grow from there. I have the broad strokes of the story in my head before I begin and the characters come alive within the first chapter. That’s usually when they tell me their names and reveal their personalities.

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

Renee: I loved the Boxcar stories and the Trixie Belden stories. I wanted to be Trixie when I grew up. Later when I read Gone With the Wind I wanted to be Scarlett O’Hara

Debra: The Boxcar Children were some of my favorites as well.

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

To learn more about Renee visit
http://www.reneerussell.com/

Monday, January 01, 2007

Make-Believe Mondays with Gerri Russell

First I'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year! It's hard to believe it's been a whole year since I started Make-believe Mondays. Your response has been so strong that I have decided to continue this blog for many years to come. Monday is always a difficult day of the week, returning to work after an enjoyable weekend and it is my hope that this blog brings a smile and a good start to your work week. Thank you for making us a part of your Monday.

Today is also a very special Monday because today my friend and ATII sister Gerri Russell, winner of the American Title II contest is here with us on Make-believe Mondays. This is a day all the ATII sisters have been waiting for and I'm thrilled to be able to announce that Gerri's book The Warrior Trainer hits the bookstores tomorrow!



Gerri, 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?

Gerri: The kind of dreams that play a role in creating fiction for me are not the kind you have while you're asleep. I'm an active dreamer. One thing I have always been grateful for is that my mother, and other very influential people in my life, never set limits for me. I was never told I had to be any certain thing--only my own dreams could hold me back. So I grew up dreaming big dreams. And definitely one of those dreams was to become an author.

I feel that it is our dreams that give our lives focus and drive. I've had the desire to become an author for so many years, and have actively pursued that goal for the past thirteen. Finally seeing that dream become reality with the publication of my first book, The Warrior Trainer, has been one of the most amazing moments of my life.

Many people have asked me lately, "where will you go from here? What's your next dream?" I would have to say, the next big dream is to have a career as an author and to keep writing stories that touch people's hearts, fill their lives with joy, or bring them hope during difficult situations.

Debra: Gerri, you're an inspiration. You've achieved a dream and your story will motivate hundreds of authors to follow their dreams of being an author. I'm sure you'll achieve every one of your goals.

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

Gerri: I grew up reading everything and anything I could get my hands on. Favorites of mine will always be the classics: J.R.R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, but also when I was younger I used to devour mysteries featuring Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I'd say my reading tastes now are very eclectic at best! I'll read science fiction, and romance, and murder mysteries, and autobiographies with the same passion.

Debra: 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?

Gerri: If there were no rules but those dictated by the imagination, I'd probably be writing what it is I write now. As a writer, I've evolved over the years to write about characters who are trying to figure out who they are. Mix that with a bit of the mystical and a bit of legend and a bit of fantasy, and that's the kind of story you'll get from me.

Debra: And that is a story I can't wait to read. I'll be first in line at my local independant book store tomorrow!

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

You can find Gerri on the web at www.gerrirussell.net or at www.blogspot.titlewave.com