Debra: 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?
FJ: I actually am very active in "filling my cups" :) I call it input and output (I'm a web geek) and I'm very conscious of keeping the ratio at an equilibrium.
I'm an avid reader which is a constant source of inspiration. I'm also a huge fan of NETFLIX - which is terrific not only for ideas but also for research. I gorge on all sorts of things - from documentaries about priceless art which disappeared in WWII to my current fascination with The Tudors.
Debra: Input and output. I like that. :-)
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
FJ: Yes - very much so! This usually happens at the end of the first draft - just in time for revisions! (This is sometimes hard because those same characters try to take over and deviate from the plot - and the control freak in me, well, freaks!
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?
FJ: I have - though I cheat:) Being bilingual in English and Russian, I often combine Russian translations of words into new ways to come up with a new word. This really helps when naming planets or ships or technology parts or not-yet-discovered metal ores.
Debra: Oh yes, it would. How fascinating!
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
FJ: My parents were very clever in getting me to read - they read aloud the Wizard Of Oz until they got to the middle of the book and then told me to read the rest myself. The Russian version of the Wizard of Oz is actually part of a series of books (the last one being about Aliens coming to kingdom) and I absolutely loved the fantasy world that the author had created. I consistently re-read those books as I grew up - in fact I still have them in my library:)
FJ: My parents were very clever in getting me to read - they read aloud the Wizard Of Oz until they got to the middle of the book and then told me to read the rest myself. The Russian version of the Wizard of Oz is actually part of a series of books (the last one being about Aliens coming to kingdom) and I absolutely loved the fantasy world that the author had created. I consistently re-read those books as I grew up - in fact I still have them in my library:)
Debra: Now I'm wishing I could read Russian so I could read those as well.
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?
FJ: I think dreams and imagination is really only 50 percent in creating fiction. I know a number of people who are wildly imaginative, insanely creative - but who don't really get things done. Creativity and talent is one thing, but discipline is really what ends up making good fiction. The "Butt in seat" syndrome:)
Debra: Yes, so very true. Otherwise we'd all be staring out the windows daydreaming instead of sitting in front of our computers. :-)
Fiona Jayde, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Readers please visit www.fionajayde.com
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Debra's News/Debra is Watching:
It's been a busy week and this week promises to be busy as well with remodeling of the livingroom almost done. This is the part I do, the furniture and window coverings, lighting and decorations. I'm loving the new hardwood floors and wondering why anyone would want carpet in the main rooms. Going with a more open, less cluttered look. Clean, open, airy and organized. I'm getting organized in many areas of my life, including my writing as well. I believe I'll be more productive that way.
The agent search continues. I have a partial out with one agent and plan to send out more very soon.
Authors of fiction who wish to be interviewed on Make-Believe Mondays please use the form on my website
Authors of fiction who wish to be interviewed on Make-Believe Mondays please use the form on my website
or email me.
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2 comments:
What a terrific interview ladies. One of the best I've read in a while, sorry I'm late getting here. Debra--I love the Bradbury opening. Adore that man.
Fi--we'll have to talk Frank Baum sometime. Was it his writing, the alien thing? Or did a Russian author take it over? He was very esoteric...all this occult stuff runs through Oz.
I enjoyed ladies! Thanks!
Lovely post. I am so envious, Fiona, of your being bilingual. I have been trying to learn Spanish, but haven't become a conversationalist yet. I live in Texas, and Spanish is helpful here.
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