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.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
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
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
Monday, August 14, 2006
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
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
Monday, August 07, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Evangeline Anderson
Today on Make-Believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Evangeline Anderson. Evangeline writes paranormal romance, science fiction and erotica.
Evangeline, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Evangeline: Well, I just finished a novel so I’ll tell you about that. It’s a paranormal romantic comedy called Wishful Thinking and it’s about three sisters who have just enough fairy blood to rate having a fairy godmother to grant them wishes on their birthday. Unfortunately, she’s kind of a bitch is always screwing up their wishes. My heroine is the oldest sister, Phil, who is so sweet tempered she can’t stand up for herself—something that changes quickly when she accidentally makes a wish to be able to speak her mind. Suddenly she’s telling everyone off for the first time in her life. It was a blast to write and if it sells, I’d like to do books about Phil’s two younger sisters, Cass and Rory, as well. Here’s a blurb to give you a feel for the book:
Philomena Swann has it tough. She has a fiancé that seems to have lost interest in their love life, a rotten job with a boss that ought to be the poster boy for sexual harassment, and a temperament so mild she can’t stand up for herself. And to make matters worse, her twenty-fifth birthday is coming up and she has to think up a wish. Why? Because Phil and her sisters are one eighth fairy—not enough to give them magical powers but sufficient to rate them a fairy godmother from hell so reckless with her wand they all live in fear of their birthday wishes.
All Phil wants is to make a wish so small and insignificant it won’t mess up her life. But after a horrible day, she accidentally shouts out a wish to speak her mind…and then finds she can’t stop. Between telling everyone exactly what she thinks and trying to deal with her eccentric grandmother who’s been brewing botched love potions to catch herself a man, Phil has her hands full.
When she starts finding out some startling things about the people in her life—such as how her hot and hunky co-worker and best friend Josh really feels about her—Phil knows she’s made a wish that will change her world forever. If it doesn’t ruin her life first.
Wishful Thinking was kind of a departure for me since I usually write mostly erotica. I have to say that the sex in WT is still pretty hot and may have to be toned down—we’ll see. In fact, I have a book of science fiction erotica called Take Two coming out from Kensington’s Aphrodisia line of books this October 31st. Yup—Halloween, isn’t that a great release date? Anyway, it’s a ménage a trois novel with one heroine and two heroes and it was a ton of fun to write. You can find it in most any bookstore in the erotica section this coming October and you can get a sneak peek at the first chapter and some juicy excerpts in the erotica coming soon section of my site www.evangelineanderson.com
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?
Evangeline: This is a question that a friend of mine and I talk about a lot. I do believe that there is a part of you, a creative well as you called it, that can run dry if you don’t take time for yourself to refill it. I love to read, of course, but I also like to recharge my imagination’s battery by watching science fiction, action adventure movies. I often get ideas by seeing other people’s creativity on the big screen. Seeing great special effects and weird situations makes me say, ‘what if?’ and before I know it, there’s a whole new novel spinning itself out inside my head.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Evangeline: I have to say that the author who most influence over my childhood was C.S. Lewis and his Chronicles of Narnia series. I know the first book has been made into a movie now, which I think is great, but for me, there’s no substitute for the books. I read and re-read them constantly (my favorite is The Magician’s Nephew) and I think I spent my entire childhood expecting to open a door that led into another world. Even today if I opened my closet door and saw another land where my scrubs ought to be hanging, I don’t think I’d be too surprised. I’d just walk right in and make myself at home. : )
Debra: I loved Narnia as a child (and still do) so if you ever find the door, tell me where it is so I can join you!
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?
Evangeline: I know I’m only supposed to answer three of these but I just have to say that I enjoy and appreciate reader feedback. Writing is such a solitary occupation that I think sometimes we forget that our words get carried over the internet or through a book to a reader somewhere. So if you have enjoyed something I have written, I would love to hear from you. Also, if you have an on-line blog with loyal readers, I would be willing to send you a copy of one of my books for free as long as you agree to review it on your site. I’m such a publicity whore. : ) Visit me at www.evangelineanderson.com or friend me on MySpace at www.myspace.com/evangelineanderson or just write me at vangiekitty@aol.com I’d love to hear what you have to say! - Evangeline Anderson
Evangeline, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Evangeline, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Evangeline: Well, I just finished a novel so I’ll tell you about that. It’s a paranormal romantic comedy called Wishful Thinking and it’s about three sisters who have just enough fairy blood to rate having a fairy godmother to grant them wishes on their birthday. Unfortunately, she’s kind of a bitch is always screwing up their wishes. My heroine is the oldest sister, Phil, who is so sweet tempered she can’t stand up for herself—something that changes quickly when she accidentally makes a wish to be able to speak her mind. Suddenly she’s telling everyone off for the first time in her life. It was a blast to write and if it sells, I’d like to do books about Phil’s two younger sisters, Cass and Rory, as well. Here’s a blurb to give you a feel for the book:
Philomena Swann has it tough. She has a fiancé that seems to have lost interest in their love life, a rotten job with a boss that ought to be the poster boy for sexual harassment, and a temperament so mild she can’t stand up for herself. And to make matters worse, her twenty-fifth birthday is coming up and she has to think up a wish. Why? Because Phil and her sisters are one eighth fairy—not enough to give them magical powers but sufficient to rate them a fairy godmother from hell so reckless with her wand they all live in fear of their birthday wishes.
All Phil wants is to make a wish so small and insignificant it won’t mess up her life. But after a horrible day, she accidentally shouts out a wish to speak her mind…and then finds she can’t stop. Between telling everyone exactly what she thinks and trying to deal with her eccentric grandmother who’s been brewing botched love potions to catch herself a man, Phil has her hands full.
When she starts finding out some startling things about the people in her life—such as how her hot and hunky co-worker and best friend Josh really feels about her—Phil knows she’s made a wish that will change her world forever. If it doesn’t ruin her life first.
Wishful Thinking was kind of a departure for me since I usually write mostly erotica. I have to say that the sex in WT is still pretty hot and may have to be toned down—we’ll see. In fact, I have a book of science fiction erotica called Take Two coming out from Kensington’s Aphrodisia line of books this October 31st. Yup—Halloween, isn’t that a great release date? Anyway, it’s a ménage a trois novel with one heroine and two heroes and it was a ton of fun to write. You can find it in most any bookstore in the erotica section this coming October and you can get a sneak peek at the first chapter and some juicy excerpts in the erotica coming soon section of my site www.evangelineanderson.com
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?
Evangeline: This is a question that a friend of mine and I talk about a lot. I do believe that there is a part of you, a creative well as you called it, that can run dry if you don’t take time for yourself to refill it. I love to read, of course, but I also like to recharge my imagination’s battery by watching science fiction, action adventure movies. I often get ideas by seeing other people’s creativity on the big screen. Seeing great special effects and weird situations makes me say, ‘what if?’ and before I know it, there’s a whole new novel spinning itself out inside my head.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Evangeline: I have to say that the author who most influence over my childhood was C.S. Lewis and his Chronicles of Narnia series. I know the first book has been made into a movie now, which I think is great, but for me, there’s no substitute for the books. I read and re-read them constantly (my favorite is The Magician’s Nephew) and I think I spent my entire childhood expecting to open a door that led into another world. Even today if I opened my closet door and saw another land where my scrubs ought to be hanging, I don’t think I’d be too surprised. I’d just walk right in and make myself at home. : )
Debra: I loved Narnia as a child (and still do) so if you ever find the door, tell me where it is so I can join you!
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?
Evangeline: I know I’m only supposed to answer three of these but I just have to say that I enjoy and appreciate reader feedback. Writing is such a solitary occupation that I think sometimes we forget that our words get carried over the internet or through a book to a reader somewhere. So if you have enjoyed something I have written, I would love to hear from you. Also, if you have an on-line blog with loyal readers, I would be willing to send you a copy of one of my books for free as long as you agree to review it on your site. I’m such a publicity whore. : ) Visit me at www.evangelineanderson.com or friend me on MySpace at www.myspace.com/evangelineanderson or just write me at vangiekitty@aol.com I’d love to hear what you have to say! - Evangeline Anderson
Evangeline, 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, July 24, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Cathy Clamp
Today on Make-believe Mondays I'm pleased to introduce Cathy Clamp, one of my friends from RWAonline. Cathy writes paranormal romance for TOR.
Cathy, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Cathy: Well, writing is a little different with co-authors. Cie and I work on two different books at the same time. Presently, she just finished the sequel to our USA Today bestseller, Touch of Evil. It’s called Touch of Madness and is the second in what we think will be a trilogy. Of course, it might be a four-part too. Hard to say…LOL! The heroine from the first book, Kate Reilly, returns and if you thought her life was tough in the FIRST book, whoa baby! Hold onto your seats!
My book is called Moon’s Fury and is the next book in our Sazi shapeshifter world. It’s set right here in Texas and will feature mostly new characters with a few favorites from other books. I’m still writing it, so it’s sort of fluid right now. Heh.
Debra: Fluid is good. It's a wonderful thing when the story is flowing.
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?
Cathy: Wow! This is pretty deep. I guess, for me, I spend time getting to know the characters. That requires long spells of what my DH refers to as ”staring at the walls." I can just look into space for hours (sometimes forgetting to BLINK! No kidding!) thinking about the plot and how the characters I’ve created will respond to the events.
Debra: Yes, I understand completely. Sometimes we need to pause and listen for the story. It may look like we're doing nothing but there's a lot going on inside.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Cathy: Not so much for me, but for Cie--definitely! I’m more of the ”puppetmaster” type. My characters will do what I tell them and I’ll change their background to fit the events. But Cie can’t do that (one of the reasons we don’t write on the same book at the same time!)
Debra: I would think it would be difficult to work on the same book at the same time. It sounds as if your differences balance together well in a yin/yang kind of way.
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?
Cathy: It depends. I really enjoy working in the real world, because there’s so many cool things here. But in order to avoid legal issues, sometimes it’s best to create your own space for your people to play. In the book Cie just finished, it’s in an alternate reality, but the elements of the city (Denver) is identical to the one that’s really there. For my book, I’ve created a small town in a fictional county, so I could have my characters play in politics without stepping on toes (the county I created is carved out of several surrounding counties in an uninhabited section of the state.)
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?
Cathy: Hmm… Not really. I do come up with SOLUTIONS to plot problems in that ”twilight time” between sleep and awake. But I really can’t say I dream about them.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Cathy: Oh, absolutely! I read voraciously as a child. But only ONE book? I loved all the children’s mysteries--from Nancy Drew to the Hardy Boys and Trixie Belden. I read old fairy tales and really loved Mother Westwind’s Children (I still have a copy on my shelf.) Lots and lots of other classics too. I started reading at 4, and have never stopped!
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?
Cathy: Probably what I write right now. We really don’t fit anywhere as it is! LOL! I mean, c’mon! A Mafia hitman who’s also a werewolf, written in first person male…as a ROMANCE?!
Debra: Yes, when I read the first page of Hunters Moon I had to stop for a minute and sit back. I thought about how unusual the point of view was and it lent an excitement to the read - a sense of wonder about what you would do with it. Then the story pulled me in.
Bravo to TOR for publishing outside the box. I wish there was more of that in the industry.
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?
Cathy: The biggest thing that Cie and I do is ask ”What if?" What if werewolves were real--in today’s world? What would have to change if people found out? How would they stay invisible if nobody knew? Would they catch diseases? How is it transmitted. Etc., etc. Every ”what if?" is then followed by a ”why?" and ”how do we fix it?" The fun part of imagining impossible things is coming up with the reason it’s so simple--so commonplace that readers can relate to it. If you make things TOO impossible, people can’t identify or get lost in the story. Above all, reality must follow RULES. If you make the rules, you’ll have to answer for breaking them. But that’s the fun part…
Debra: Oh to be a fly on the wall when you are having those discussions. It sounds like so much fun!
Cathy, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Cathy: Thank you, Debra! It’s been a lot of fun!
Visit Cathy at http://wwwciecatrunpubs.com and if you'd like to read the interview with Cie, Cathy's writing partner, you'll find it here in the archives on Jan. 30th.
Cathy, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Cathy: Well, writing is a little different with co-authors. Cie and I work on two different books at the same time. Presently, she just finished the sequel to our USA Today bestseller, Touch of Evil. It’s called Touch of Madness and is the second in what we think will be a trilogy. Of course, it might be a four-part too. Hard to say…LOL! The heroine from the first book, Kate Reilly, returns and if you thought her life was tough in the FIRST book, whoa baby! Hold onto your seats!
My book is called Moon’s Fury and is the next book in our Sazi shapeshifter world. It’s set right here in Texas and will feature mostly new characters with a few favorites from other books. I’m still writing it, so it’s sort of fluid right now. Heh.
Debra: Fluid is good. It's a wonderful thing when the story is flowing.
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?
Cathy: Wow! This is pretty deep. I guess, for me, I spend time getting to know the characters. That requires long spells of what my DH refers to as ”staring at the walls." I can just look into space for hours (sometimes forgetting to BLINK! No kidding!) thinking about the plot and how the characters I’ve created will respond to the events.
Debra: Yes, I understand completely. Sometimes we need to pause and listen for the story. It may look like we're doing nothing but there's a lot going on inside.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Cathy: Not so much for me, but for Cie--definitely! I’m more of the ”puppetmaster” type. My characters will do what I tell them and I’ll change their background to fit the events. But Cie can’t do that (one of the reasons we don’t write on the same book at the same time!
Debra: I would think it would be difficult to work on the same book at the same time. It sounds as if your differences balance together well in a yin/yang kind of way.
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?
Cathy: It depends. I really enjoy working in the real world, because there’s so many cool things here. But in order to avoid legal issues, sometimes it’s best to create your own space for your people to play. In the book Cie just finished, it’s in an alternate reality, but the elements of the city (Denver) is identical to the one that’s really there. For my book, I’ve created a small town in a fictional county, so I could have my characters play in politics without stepping on toes (the county I created is carved out of several surrounding counties in an uninhabited section of the state.)
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?
Cathy: Hmm… Not really. I do come up with SOLUTIONS to plot problems in that ”twilight time” between sleep and awake. But I really can’t say I dream about them.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Cathy: Oh, absolutely! I read voraciously as a child. But only ONE book? I loved all the children’s mysteries--from Nancy Drew to the Hardy Boys and Trixie Belden. I read old fairy tales and really loved Mother Westwind’s Children (I still have a copy on my shelf.) Lots and lots of other classics too. I started reading at 4, and have never stopped!
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?
Cathy: Probably what I write right now. We really don’t fit anywhere as it is! LOL! I mean, c’mon! A Mafia hitman who’s also a werewolf, written in first person male…as a ROMANCE?!
Debra: Yes, when I read the first page of Hunters Moon I had to stop for a minute and sit back. I thought about how unusual the point of view was and it lent an excitement to the read - a sense of wonder about what you would do with it. Then the story pulled me in.
Bravo to TOR for publishing outside the box. I wish there was more of that in the industry.
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?
Cathy: The biggest thing that Cie and I do is ask ”What if?" What if werewolves were real--in today’s world? What would have to change if people found out? How would they stay invisible if nobody knew? Would they catch diseases? How is it transmitted. Etc., etc. Every ”what if?" is then followed by a ”why?" and ”how do we fix it?" The fun part of imagining impossible things is coming up with the reason it’s so simple--so commonplace that readers can relate to it. If you make things TOO impossible, people can’t identify or get lost in the story. Above all, reality must follow RULES. If you make the rules, you’ll have to answer for breaking them. But that’s the fun part…
Debra: Oh to be a fly on the wall when you are having those discussions. It sounds like so much fun!
Cathy, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Cathy: Thank you, Debra! It’s been a lot of fun!
Visit Cathy at http://wwwciecatrunpubs.com and if you'd like to read the interview with Cie, Cathy's writing partner, you'll find it here in the archives on Jan. 30th.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Barbara Ferrer
This morning on Make-believe Mondays I'm pleased to introduce Barbara Ferrer, one of my friends from RWAonline. Barbara also writes as Caridad Ferrer for Pocket/MTV Books and her first YA novel, Adios To My Old Life, just hit the bookstores on July 4th.
Barbara, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Barbara: It's kind of the ultimate case of make-believe actually. It's about a girl who, when she goes off to college, decides to try to pass herself off as a Cuban girl because she thinks it'll make her appear more exotic and interesting. It takes the reinventing yourself for college scenario to a bit of an extreme.
Debra: I'm intrigued and wondering if she will be able to pull it off.
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?
Barbara: For me it's music. A song or piece of music will often act as a trigger which will bring scenes to me whole cloth. Music evokes in me such intense emotion and imagery, that I can't begin to imagine my writing process without it. Whether or not I'm actively working on a manuscript, I'm always on the lookout for music or simply listening to old favorites.
Debra: It's interesting how many authors listen to music when they write. The cadence or rhythm in some writing is very strong.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Barbara: Absolutely. And it's usually about that point that I start losing sleep, because they Won't. Shut. Up.
Debra: That must be exhausting!
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Barbara: To this day, Ruth Sawyer's "ROLLER SKATES" transports me to 1890s New York City. Rarely has a book ever made me laugh, cry, and want to BE a character, more than "ROLLER SKATES" made me want to be Lucinda. I think it's where my fascination with creating worlds that are based on "real" worlds comes from. I admire tremendously the people who can create whole worlds and cultures and civilizations, but I much prefer playing games of "What if?" with the known.
"What if" is the best game of all. Anything can happen!
Barbara, 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 visist Barbara at http://barbaraferrer.com and at http://www.caridadferrer.com
Barbara, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Barbara: It's kind of the ultimate case of make-believe actually. It's about a girl who, when she goes off to college, decides to try to pass herself off as a Cuban girl because she thinks it'll make her appear more exotic and interesting. It takes the reinventing yourself for college scenario to a bit of an extreme.
Debra: I'm intrigued and wondering if she will be able to pull it off.
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?
Barbara: For me it's music. A song or piece of music will often act as a trigger which will bring scenes to me whole cloth. Music evokes in me such intense emotion and imagery, that I can't begin to imagine my writing process without it. Whether or not I'm actively working on a manuscript, I'm always on the lookout for music or simply listening to old favorites.
Debra: It's interesting how many authors listen to music when they write. The cadence or rhythm in some writing is very strong.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Barbara: Absolutely. And it's usually about that point that I start losing sleep, because they Won't. Shut. Up.
Debra: That must be exhausting!
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Barbara: To this day, Ruth Sawyer's "ROLLER SKATES" transports me to 1890s New York City. Rarely has a book ever made me laugh, cry, and want to BE a character, more than "ROLLER SKATES" made me want to be Lucinda. I think it's where my fascination with creating worlds that are based on "real" worlds comes from. I admire tremendously the people who can create whole worlds and cultures and civilizations, but I much prefer playing games of "What if?" with the known.
"What if" is the best game of all. Anything can happen!
Barbara, 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 visist Barbara at http://barbaraferrer.com and at http://www.caridadferrer.com
Monday, July 10, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Shelley Bradley
Today on Make-believe Mondays I would like to introduce Shelley Bradley. You may know Shelley as a historical romance author, but she also writes contemporary erotic romance for Berkley.
Shelley, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Shelley: DANGEROUS AND DELICIOUS is second of my erotic romances for Berkley Heat under my Shayla Black pseudonym. It’s a ménage book with two sexy heroes, both with deep emotional issues to overcome, and a heroine who, despite her inexperience, will teach them both about what’s important. It’s a lot of fun to sink down into this candied fantasy world and romp with these three characters!
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?
Shelley: MUSIC!! I’m not a visual creature, so when I write, I feel my stories. Music, for me, helps me channel my feelings and put them down on the page. Different characters and stories have different songs. For instance, DANGEROUS AND DELICIOUS has a hero who is sure that this three-way relationship in the book is a HUGE mistake. His feelings are so perfectly reflected in Depeche Mode’s “Precious.”
Special and fragile things
Need special handling
My God, what have we done to you?
We always tried to share
The tenderest of care
Now look what we have put you through…
In all sorts of music, I find inspiration, help in describing emotion, understanding of characters and their growth. I’m always trying new music and when something hits me in the heart and in the gut, it goes on my iPod. I’ll find a future use for it.
We hear so much about the visual, but music can be just as solid a path into imagination.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Shelley: Almost from the word “go.” Characters wander into my head and start telling me their stories. Plot comes later, slower. That’s really a much more difficult process for me. But characters are there and alive. They also tell me their names, and sometimes I don’t even like them. But they’re not negotiable.
I have a theory about story, at least when it comes to me telling it: It’s all in my sub-conscious. I just have to get out of the way long enough for the story to come out. So, once I know the plot, I just start typing. The characters, whether I like their names or not, are driving the bus. I simply try to strap on a seatbelt and go for the ride.
Debra: Yes. It's about being open to the imagination. What trust it takes to strap on that seatbelt, but what a wonderful ride!
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?
Shelley: Occasionally. I don’t think it’s an exactly remembered dream, except in rare instances. It’s more like my sub-conscious using dreams to work through different scenarios and possibilities in my head so that when I wake up, I know what to do. That’s a great feeling, especially when I wasn’t sure what to do with the story the previous night. Also, I think dreams relax me enough to tune out daily stresses and tune in to what my characters are saying to me.
Debra: I think you're right. Our characters can speak to us in dreams and maybe we're more receptive during that dream state.
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?
Shelley: Honestly? Pretty much what I’m doing now. I love the blend of erotic and romance, of human issues and character growth, with a little suspense, a little comedy, and a lot of attitude thrown in. I LOVE what I’m doing!
Shelley, 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 Shelley at http://www.shelleybradley.com
Shelley, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Shelley: DANGEROUS AND DELICIOUS is second of my erotic romances for Berkley Heat under my Shayla Black pseudonym. It’s a ménage book with two sexy heroes, both with deep emotional issues to overcome, and a heroine who, despite her inexperience, will teach them both about what’s important. It’s a lot of fun to sink down into this candied fantasy world and romp with these three characters!
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?
Shelley: MUSIC!! I’m not a visual creature, so when I write, I feel my stories. Music, for me, helps me channel my feelings and put them down on the page. Different characters and stories have different songs. For instance, DANGEROUS AND DELICIOUS has a hero who is sure that this three-way relationship in the book is a HUGE mistake. His feelings are so perfectly reflected in Depeche Mode’s “Precious.”
Special and fragile things
Need special handling
My God, what have we done to you?
We always tried to share
The tenderest of care
Now look what we have put you through…
In all sorts of music, I find inspiration, help in describing emotion, understanding of characters and their growth. I’m always trying new music and when something hits me in the heart and in the gut, it goes on my iPod. I’ll find a future use for it.
We hear so much about the visual, but music can be just as solid a path into imagination.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Shelley: Almost from the word “go.” Characters wander into my head and start telling me their stories. Plot comes later, slower. That’s really a much more difficult process for me. But characters are there and alive. They also tell me their names, and sometimes I don’t even like them. But they’re not negotiable.
I have a theory about story, at least when it comes to me telling it: It’s all in my sub-conscious. I just have to get out of the way long enough for the story to come out. So, once I know the plot, I just start typing. The characters, whether I like their names or not, are driving the bus. I simply try to strap on a seatbelt and go for the ride.
Debra: Yes. It's about being open to the imagination. What trust it takes to strap on that seatbelt, but what a wonderful ride!
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?
Shelley: Occasionally. I don’t think it’s an exactly remembered dream, except in rare instances. It’s more like my sub-conscious using dreams to work through different scenarios and possibilities in my head so that when I wake up, I know what to do. That’s a great feeling, especially when I wasn’t sure what to do with the story the previous night. Also, I think dreams relax me enough to tune out daily stresses and tune in to what my characters are saying to me.
Debra: I think you're right. Our characters can speak to us in dreams and maybe we're more receptive during that dream state.
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?
Shelley: Honestly? Pretty much what I’m doing now. I love the blend of erotic and romance, of human issues and character growth, with a little suspense, a little comedy, and a lot of attitude thrown in. I LOVE what I’m doing!
Shelley, 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 Shelley at http://www.shelleybradley.com
Monday, June 26, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Kate Pearce
Today on Make-believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Kate Duggan, another of my RWAonline friends. Kate writes erotic romance as Kate Pearce.
Kate, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Kate: Well, first off my new e-book, Planet Mail a futuristic erotic romance comes out from Ellora’s Cave on July 5th!
I’m currently working on three others. The first is a proposal for my next Virgin Cheek book-three chapters and a synopsis. At the moment I’m stuck waiting for some feedback about sports injuries and rehab which will dictate the pace and time scale of the whole story.
I’m editing a companion book to my Ellora’s Cave ebook, “Eden’s Pleasure” which is about the second of the Harcourt twins. It’s due to my editor by the end of June.
The third is a new gothic erotic paranormal set in Georgian England which I am having a blast writing, probably because no one has contracted 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?
Kate: It’s hard. I tend to have a very tight focus on my writing and being productive and successful. I have to remember to get out and sniff the flowers, ride my horse, play with my 4 year old daughter and forget to stare at a computer screen. If I don’t, I can’t write.
Debra: It is a balance of sorts isn't it? Too much writing or too much play will tip that balance. I imagine that with a four year old the pull to write and the pull to your daughter could be equally as strong at times.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Kate: Absolutely. I keep a page from one of the drafts of a Regency historical I wrote when the couple were supposed to indulge in some steamy lovemaking. I’m trying to type what I think should happen and somehow my fingers get taken over by them having a row. In caps I have typed WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING??? They carried on arguing for days in my head before I finally gave in and let them have their way.
Debra: When characters come alive they can be very strong willed. It is after all their story.
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?
Kate: I experimented with a couple of made up words and creatures in my new book Planet Mail which is set on another planet in the future. It was quite liberating!
Debra: Oh, what fun! Creatures! Now I'm intrigued. Just 9 more days until the book is out!
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?
Kate: All the time. The moments between waking and sleeping seem to produce some of my best ideas and scenes-it’s as if a piece of my subconscious peaks outs just in time to give me a visual, a scent or the answer to a plot question that has been plaguing me.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Kate: I loved a British historical writer called Rosemary Sutcliff. She wrote bitter-sweet children’s books about many different historical periods and her research was immaculate. One of her books about the Romans in Britain gave me the germ of the idea for the first book I ever wrote.
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?
Kate: I’m lucky enough to work with a publisher who already allows me to write that kind of story. My first published book was an erotic Regency romance but my editor didn’t turn a hair when I next presented her with a racy romp about intergalactic Vikings set in the future.
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?
Kate: I think you have to push the envelope and let yourself explore emotions and places in your writing where you never thought you could go. We all have unique experiences and insights so use them to enhance and develop your voice.
Kate, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Kate: You are welcome!
Visit Kate at www.katepearce.com
Kate, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Kate: Well, first off my new e-book, Planet Mail a futuristic erotic romance comes out from Ellora’s Cave on July 5th!
I’m currently working on three others. The first is a proposal for my next Virgin Cheek book-three chapters and a synopsis. At the moment I’m stuck waiting for some feedback about sports injuries and rehab which will dictate the pace and time scale of the whole story.
I’m editing a companion book to my Ellora’s Cave ebook, “Eden’s Pleasure” which is about the second of the Harcourt twins. It’s due to my editor by the end of June.
The third is a new gothic erotic paranormal set in Georgian England which I am having a blast writing, probably because no one has contracted 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?
Kate: It’s hard. I tend to have a very tight focus on my writing and being productive and successful. I have to remember to get out and sniff the flowers, ride my horse, play with my 4 year old daughter and forget to stare at a computer screen. If I don’t, I can’t write.
Debra: It is a balance of sorts isn't it? Too much writing or too much play will tip that balance. I imagine that with a four year old the pull to write and the pull to your daughter could be equally as strong at times.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Kate: Absolutely. I keep a page from one of the drafts of a Regency historical I wrote when the couple were supposed to indulge in some steamy lovemaking. I’m trying to type what I think should happen and somehow my fingers get taken over by them having a row. In caps I have typed WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING??? They carried on arguing for days in my head before I finally gave in and let them have their way.
Debra: When characters come alive they can be very strong willed. It is after all their story.
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?
Kate: I experimented with a couple of made up words and creatures in my new book Planet Mail which is set on another planet in the future. It was quite liberating!
Debra: Oh, what fun! Creatures! Now I'm intrigued. Just 9 more days until the book is out!
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?
Kate: All the time. The moments between waking and sleeping seem to produce some of my best ideas and scenes-it’s as if a piece of my subconscious peaks outs just in time to give me a visual, a scent or the answer to a plot question that has been plaguing me.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Kate: I loved a British historical writer called Rosemary Sutcliff. She wrote bitter-sweet children’s books about many different historical periods and her research was immaculate. One of her books about the Romans in Britain gave me the germ of the idea for the first book I ever wrote.
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?
Kate: I’m lucky enough to work with a publisher who already allows me to write that kind of story. My first published book was an erotic Regency romance but my editor didn’t turn a hair when I next presented her with a racy romp about intergalactic Vikings set in the future.
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?
Kate: I think you have to push the envelope and let yourself explore emotions and places in your writing where you never thought you could go. We all have unique experiences and insights so use them to enhance and develop your voice.
Kate, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Kate: You are welcome!
Visit Kate at www.katepearce.com
Monday, June 19, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Celia May Hart
Today on Make-Believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Celia May Hart. Celia writes historical sensual romance set in the regency period (1800 to 1830) and her first book SHOW ME just came out from Kensingtons new erotic line, Aphrodisia.
Celia, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you're working on now.
Celia: I’m working on another Aphrodisia book, also a Regency-set historical, but this one has everything in it but the kitchen sink. (I almost gave it the title of “KITCHEN SINK” because I never get to keep titles anyway. Ok, I have once, so far.) It has time travel, adventure, paranormal elements in the form of Greek mythology coming to life.... And it’s just going to be a crazy, bantering, sexy yarn. If I finish it on time (I’ve just started it), it should be out in Summer 2007.
Debra: If I ever see a book titled KITCHEN SINK I'll think of you. It sounds like your work in progress will be great fun to write! And to read.
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?
Celia: Absolutely! I rely heavily on dreams or in that state just before you fall completely asleep to help me get through a book. I set myself what I think the characters need to do next, and then hopefully in the morning, I have some new pages to write. There is a scene in my upcoming novella in THE HAREM that was completely taken from a dream. I’m not going to include any spoilers, but there’s a fountain involved. Everything: the character emotions, the sound of the water, the colors, came in that dream and I think I managed to get it all down.
Debra: Oh, that's wonderful! So in a way the readers will be able to enter your dream with you.
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?
Celia: Um, I think I’m writing that book right now. There are so many “different” category elements in it, that it just might fit that bill. The wildest works of imagination usually find themselves in fantasy or literary fiction, for what it’s worth. *smile*
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?
Celia: I’ve written stories for as long as I can remember, so the imagination has always been there. Sometimes, I think I’m not imaginative enough. For example, when the hero of my current work informs me (through the story) that the family has a legend, but that granny had garbled it into a riddle. So now I have to think of a riddle. Thanks a lot, Myles.
Debra: It's a bit like talking to the Cheshire cat, then isn't it? What fun!
Celia, thank you for joining us here on Make-Believe Mondays to share a bit of the magic of creating fiction with our readers.
Celia: Thanks Debra, for these questions. They were fun!
You can visit Celia at www.celiamayhart.com
Celia, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you're working on now.
Celia: I’m working on another Aphrodisia book, also a Regency-set historical, but this one has everything in it but the kitchen sink. (I almost gave it the title of “KITCHEN SINK” because I never get to keep titles anyway. Ok, I have once, so far.) It has time travel, adventure, paranormal elements in the form of Greek mythology coming to life.... And it’s just going to be a crazy, bantering, sexy yarn. If I finish it on time (I’ve just started it), it should be out in Summer 2007.
Debra: If I ever see a book titled KITCHEN SINK I'll think of you. It sounds like your work in progress will be great fun to write! And to read.
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?
Celia: Absolutely! I rely heavily on dreams or in that state just before you fall completely asleep to help me get through a book. I set myself what I think the characters need to do next, and then hopefully in the morning, I have some new pages to write. There is a scene in my upcoming novella in THE HAREM that was completely taken from a dream. I’m not going to include any spoilers, but there’s a fountain involved. Everything: the character emotions, the sound of the water, the colors, came in that dream and I think I managed to get it all down.
Debra: Oh, that's wonderful! So in a way the readers will be able to enter your dream with you.
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?
Celia: Um, I think I’m writing that book right now. There are so many “different” category elements in it, that it just might fit that bill. The wildest works of imagination usually find themselves in fantasy or literary fiction, for what it’s worth. *smile*
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?
Celia: I’ve written stories for as long as I can remember, so the imagination has always been there. Sometimes, I think I’m not imaginative enough. For example, when the hero of my current work informs me (through the story) that the family has a legend, but that granny had garbled it into a riddle. So now I have to think of a riddle. Thanks a lot, Myles.
Debra: It's a bit like talking to the Cheshire cat, then isn't it? What fun!
Celia, thank you for joining us here on Make-Believe Mondays to share a bit of the magic of creating fiction with our readers.
Celia: Thanks Debra, for these questions. They were fun!
You can visit Celia at www.celiamayhart.com
Monday, June 12, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Ann Macela
This morning on Make-believe Mondays, I'm pleased to introduce Ann Macela, (Fredericka Meiners) one of my RWAonline friends. Ann writes paranormal romance for Medallion Press.
First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Ann: Right now I’m working on “Magic3.” Magic1 is The Oldest Kind Of Magic, which was published in October 2005. Medallion Press, my publisher, is looking at Magic2, tentatively titled “Do You Believe In Magic?” Magic3 has no title yet—I haven’t come up with its “true name” yet. Magic1 was the story of Daria Morgan. Magic2 is her brother Clay’s story. Magic3 completes the trilogy with sister Gloriana.
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?
Ann: I read, especially mysteries and sci-fi/fantasy. I also tell myself stories before I fall asleep each night. These stories have nothing or little to do with my WIP. I have done this since I was a small child. When my mind is thinking about another story, ideas about the WIP just seem to come. I used this technique to work out a number of the aspects of my magic system.
Debra: What a fascinating way to put yourself to sleep! And it sure beats counting sheep.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Ann: I think they’re alive from the first for me. However, I don’t know all about them. I’m a pantser for the most part, so I don’t do elaborate character sheets and outlines to begin with. So writing the story is an investigation into the H/H’s characters. I just realized an aspect of my hero’s character the other day, for example. Never would have thought it, but it really fits. Now to go back and make sure that aspect is “seeded” throughout the ms.
Debra: Most seat of the pants writers (including myself) enjoy those little surprises the characters can toss us even though it means rewriting. It's like getting to know a new friend.
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?
Ann: Although I write paranormals and read lots of it and fantasy/sci-fi, I have not done this. I have created people and places, but I’m using plain old English to describe and explain my “magic practitioners” and their magic. If my story location was on another planet, then I might make up words—I’m thinking of the Darkover series as examples, but there are many others.
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?
Ann: I pay attention to my dreams, as I have found they tell me how I’m feeling—when everything’s going well, I fly in my dreams, like Superman. I haven’t consciously used any of my dreams in my stories, though. I do know there have been times when I wish I could have remembered what I was dreaming, because I woke up with the feeling of having a complete story in my head, but then, poof!, it was gone.
Debra: What a great dream to be flying! But oh, how sad to feel you had lost a story. I hope you can discover a way to keep them long enough to write them down.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Ann: What I remember most is reading Sherlock Holmes and other mysteries. I don’t remember any particular book. What I do remember is being a voracious reader who was always riding my bike to the library.
Debra: Those wonderful days of summer once school was out and you could read whatever you wanted, loading up that library card to the limit. Ah.....
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?
Ann: Probably what I’m writing now—lots of magic and hot sex! I do have a couple of ideas for stories set on another planet, but first I want to explore all the manifestations of my magic practitioners and the soulmate imperative.
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?
Ann: Ask yourself, “What if . . . ?” and go from there. Nothing is too fanciful, too outrageous, too complicated. In fact, I prefer complication, not only in my plot, but also in the “world” of the book. When I first had the idea for Magic1, I had no idea the world of my magic practitioners would grow so complicated, so rich in detail and organization. I finally had to write it all down—see “A Theory of Magic” on my website.
Also, pay attention to your dreams. You may get a story out of them, you may not, but they will tell you how you are.
Debra: Excellent advice. Thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Ann: Thanks, it’s been fun.
Visit Ann at http://www.annmacela.com
First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Ann: Right now I’m working on “Magic3.” Magic1 is The Oldest Kind Of Magic, which was published in October 2005. Medallion Press, my publisher, is looking at Magic2, tentatively titled “Do You Believe In Magic?” Magic3 has no title yet—I haven’t come up with its “true name” yet. Magic1 was the story of Daria Morgan. Magic2 is her brother Clay’s story. Magic3 completes the trilogy with sister Gloriana.
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?
Ann: I read, especially mysteries and sci-fi/fantasy. I also tell myself stories before I fall asleep each night. These stories have nothing or little to do with my WIP. I have done this since I was a small child. When my mind is thinking about another story, ideas about the WIP just seem to come. I used this technique to work out a number of the aspects of my magic system.
Debra: What a fascinating way to put yourself to sleep! And it sure beats counting sheep.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Ann: I think they’re alive from the first for me. However, I don’t know all about them. I’m a pantser for the most part, so I don’t do elaborate character sheets and outlines to begin with. So writing the story is an investigation into the H/H’s characters. I just realized an aspect of my hero’s character the other day, for example. Never would have thought it, but it really fits. Now to go back and make sure that aspect is “seeded” throughout the ms.
Debra: Most seat of the pants writers (including myself) enjoy those little surprises the characters can toss us even though it means rewriting. It's like getting to know a new friend.
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?
Ann: Although I write paranormals and read lots of it and fantasy/sci-fi, I have not done this. I have created people and places, but I’m using plain old English to describe and explain my “magic practitioners” and their magic. If my story location was on another planet, then I might make up words—I’m thinking of the Darkover series as examples, but there are many others.
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?
Ann: I pay attention to my dreams, as I have found they tell me how I’m feeling—when everything’s going well, I fly in my dreams, like Superman. I haven’t consciously used any of my dreams in my stories, though. I do know there have been times when I wish I could have remembered what I was dreaming, because I woke up with the feeling of having a complete story in my head, but then, poof!, it was gone.
Debra: What a great dream to be flying! But oh, how sad to feel you had lost a story. I hope you can discover a way to keep them long enough to write them down.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Ann: What I remember most is reading Sherlock Holmes and other mysteries. I don’t remember any particular book. What I do remember is being a voracious reader who was always riding my bike to the library.
Debra: Those wonderful days of summer once school was out and you could read whatever you wanted, loading up that library card to the limit. Ah.....
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?
Ann: Probably what I’m writing now—lots of magic and hot sex! I do have a couple of ideas for stories set on another planet, but first I want to explore all the manifestations of my magic practitioners and the soulmate imperative.
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?
Ann: Ask yourself, “What if . . . ?” and go from there. Nothing is too fanciful, too outrageous, too complicated. In fact, I prefer complication, not only in my plot, but also in the “world” of the book. When I first had the idea for Magic1, I had no idea the world of my magic practitioners would grow so complicated, so rich in detail and organization. I finally had to write it all down—see “A Theory of Magic” on my website.
Also, pay attention to your dreams. You may get a story out of them, you may not, but they will tell you how you are.
Debra: Excellent advice. Thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Ann: Thanks, it’s been fun.
Visit Ann at http://www.annmacela.com
Monday, June 05, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Michele Ann Young
It gives me a great thrill on this Make-Believe Monday to introduce one of my American Title II sisters. Michele Ann Young is the first of our group to have sold a book, just months after finalling in the contest. Pistols At Dawn is a June 2006 release and I can't wait to read it.
Now let's chat with Michele.
First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Michele: I am working on two novels at the moment. One is historical fiction, set in 1809 and my British heroine is deeply involved the war with Napoleon. It is probably what would be described as a bombshell. Because the story revolves around historical events, it requires a substantial amount of detailed research.
The other novel is a romance, set in Kent in the Regency, but it deals with a woman at risk, the same kinds of risks women face today. What interests me, is how women have always had the same issues to deal with and how different generations have handled them. Obviously, women had a lot less freedom in the 1800’s than we do today, but ssurprisingly many of them managed to take control of their lives, nevertheless.
Debra: Women have strengths they often don't realize until put to the test. This is one of the wonderful things about historical fiction. That theme of strong women.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Michele: It always starts with a character in one scene and moves from there. My characters come alive to me the minute they walk on stage. Translating the vision into words that create the same or similar picture for the reader is the challenge. I do find that my characters don’t fully develop for me until most of the story is done. Quite often I learn things about them at the end, that I did not know at the beginning. This can be wonderful and amazing but it usually means a lot of revisions.
Debra: So you get to know your characters as you go along. I've met many writers who find that to be true for them as well.
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?
Michele: I have been working on a fantasy, more for fun than as a serious work. It is a world with its own culture and names for things, and creatures that do not exist in our world. It has it’s own set of rules and some magical elements. It’s lots of fun, and I keep a glossary or dictionary as I go along. I also have a map to keep track of locations of continents and oceans. For each word or name I write a brief definition and sometimes a description, particularly if it is an animal or a race of people, that way I have it fixed in my head. It is a quest story so it has lots of adventure, but there is a strong romantic element. I usually write it when I am at the beach and my imagination is free to wander without interruption..
Debra: What fun! And isn't it lovely to be able to write at the beach!
Michele, 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 Michele at http://www.micheleannyoung.com/
Monday, May 15, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Jan Conwell
Today on Make-believe Mondays I'm happy to introduce Jan Conwell, my friend from RWAonline. Jan and I share a love of the medieval through our involvement in the SCA, a group which recreates the middle ages. Jan writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense and has her first book coming out soon.
Jan, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Jan: I just finished a romantic suspense, (possibly the first in a series of three) called Tequila Mockingbird. But this month (drumroll? Pretty please?) my first book, a contemporary romance called Lucky Break, comes out with Triskelion Publishing, first in electronic format and then in print through Amazon. It’s about a flighty neo-hippy who ends up with a job teaching Aircraft Fuel Systems for the Air Force (it can happen, I promise) and the poor sap who gets stuck trying to train her.
Debra: Excellent news Jan. And worthy of more than just a drum roll.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Jan: Yes, but since I’ve only completed two books so far, I don’t have much experience with this. With Tequila Mockingbird, I discovered about halfway in that my heroine was very much like Janeane Garofalo—short, dark, dumpy in a tall blonde skinny world, and highly pissed about it. It took her a long time to let herself believe Gabe could love her just the way she was.
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?
Jan: LOL! Yes. One of my favorite authors is Tom Robbins. He writes with this insane sort of excess, like an artist who just throws tons of bright paint on the canvas, but he does it with a voice that is identifiable to anyone who’s ever read him. I tried to imitate that reckless excess in a scene in Lucky Break. Everyone who read it said “Um, this bit…it’s just too…much.” So it’s true what they say: you must kill your darlings. I had to cut that part out. But one of these days, I’m going to try it again, on a short story, something…because it’s like learning a new art medium.
Debra: Experimenting like this is a great way to grow as an author. I like the idea of feeling free enough in your craft to throw the words out like paint on a canvas then stepping back to see what you have.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Jan: Without doubt, Dr. Seuss. The way he could be silly and serious at the same time, not to mention the fun drawings of bizarre plants and creatures, loved that. It was like having permission to be ridiculous.
Debra: Yes, I loved Dr. Seuss also! And when I started reading his books to my children, I discovered he also wrote for adults. He was a genius who really knew how to play with language.
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?
Jan: I want to write fantasy one of these days—I know that’s a category, but it’s one I haven’t given myself permission to dabble in very deeply yet. First, and for a while after this, I’ll stick with contemporary romance, maybe with some paranormal or suspense. Reader expectation, branding, editor preference, call it what you will. But I have this medieval fantasy brewing, and it will not let me go. I call it Woldryn’s Star, and I’m in love with the characters. Someday, even if I have to use a pen name, I’m going to write this.
Debra: With your love of the medieval and the experience you've had playing at SCA events I'm sure you could bring a story like that to life! Sadly it is true that authors have to stick with one category for a while to meet reader expectation. I sometimes wonder if an author is prolific and writes many different things, how many names that author could write under.
Thank you Jan, for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Jan: Glad to be here. One of these days, readers, look for Debra Parmley’s interview on Starfish and Coffee: she's headed for big things!
You can visit Jan at www.janconwell.com or her blog, Starfish and Coffee at http://jbdconwell.livejournal.com where she interviews industry professionals.
Jan, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Jan: I just finished a romantic suspense, (possibly the first in a series of three) called Tequila Mockingbird. But this month (drumroll? Pretty please?) my first book, a contemporary romance called Lucky Break, comes out with Triskelion Publishing, first in electronic format and then in print through Amazon. It’s about a flighty neo-hippy who ends up with a job teaching Aircraft Fuel Systems for the Air Force (it can happen, I promise) and the poor sap who gets stuck trying to train her.
Debra: Excellent news Jan. And worthy of more than just a drum roll.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Jan: Yes, but since I’ve only completed two books so far, I don’t have much experience with this. With Tequila Mockingbird, I discovered about halfway in that my heroine was very much like Janeane Garofalo—short, dark, dumpy in a tall blonde skinny world, and highly pissed about it. It took her a long time to let herself believe Gabe could love her just the way she was.
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?
Jan: LOL! Yes. One of my favorite authors is Tom Robbins. He writes with this insane sort of excess, like an artist who just throws tons of bright paint on the canvas, but he does it with a voice that is identifiable to anyone who’s ever read him. I tried to imitate that reckless excess in a scene in Lucky Break. Everyone who read it said “Um, this bit…it’s just too…much.” So it’s true what they say: you must kill your darlings. I had to cut that part out. But one of these days, I’m going to try it again, on a short story, something…because it’s like learning a new art medium.
Debra: Experimenting like this is a great way to grow as an author. I like the idea of feeling free enough in your craft to throw the words out like paint on a canvas then stepping back to see what you have.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Jan: Without doubt, Dr. Seuss. The way he could be silly and serious at the same time, not to mention the fun drawings of bizarre plants and creatures, loved that. It was like having permission to be ridiculous.
Debra: Yes, I loved Dr. Seuss also! And when I started reading his books to my children, I discovered he also wrote for adults. He was a genius who really knew how to play with language.
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?
Jan: I want to write fantasy one of these days—I know that’s a category, but it’s one I haven’t given myself permission to dabble in very deeply yet. First, and for a while after this, I’ll stick with contemporary romance, maybe with some paranormal or suspense. Reader expectation, branding, editor preference, call it what you will. But I have this medieval fantasy brewing, and it will not let me go. I call it Woldryn’s Star, and I’m in love with the characters. Someday, even if I have to use a pen name, I’m going to write this.
Debra: With your love of the medieval and the experience you've had playing at SCA events I'm sure you could bring a story like that to life! Sadly it is true that authors have to stick with one category for a while to meet reader expectation. I sometimes wonder if an author is prolific and writes many different things, how many names that author could write under.
Thank you Jan, for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Jan: Glad to be here. One of these days, readers, look for Debra Parmley’s interview on Starfish and Coffee: she's headed for big things!
You can visit Jan at www.janconwell.com or her blog, Starfish and Coffee at http://jbdconwell.livejournal.com where she interviews industry professionals.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Claire Delacroix
Today on Make-believe Mondays I'm pleased to introduce Claire Delacroix my friend from RWAonline. Claire writes historical medieval romance as Claire Delacroix and she also writes contemporary romance under the name Claire Cross.
Claire, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Claire: Right now, I'm writing ALL OR NOTHING, the fourth and final book in the Coxwell siblings series, a Claire Cross contemporary romance for Berkley Sensation.
(The earlier titles were THIRD TIME LUCKY, starring Philippa Coxwell;
DOUBLE TROUBLE, James Coxwell's story; and ONE MORE TIME, Matt Coxwell's book, which will be out in October.) The hero is Zach Coxwell, the youngest son and resident troublemaker. He's funny, which makes him entertaining to write about, even if he is a bit of a challenge. (Unpredictable, impulsive, reliant upon his considerable charm - you know the type.) The heroine, Jennifer, thinks he's a rich kid who doesn't take anything seriously, but is enchanted by him all the same - mostly because he keeps surprising her. I'm enjoying it: the two strike sparks off each other every time I put them together and they push each other, which I like a lot.
Debra: This sounds like a fun read. I can't wait!
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?
Claire: It sounds as if you have also read Julia Cameron's THE ARTISTS' WAY - I think the well metaphor is hers. She has a lot of good advice, mostly about being kind to your inner artist so that you can continue to create. I've found her book to be very useful and still do my morning pages.
Debra: Yes, it may be one of hers. Actually you were the one who recommended it to me about a year ago. Thank you Claire. I found it to be very uplifting. Its the kind of book I can return to and always get something more out of it.
Claire: It's important to remember that writing books is not the same as producing widgets - it requires more energy and more mental stimulation. So, over the years, I've gotten better at being kind to myself and have struck a balance: I work a limited number of hours per day and deliberately spend time doing things that I know my inner artist likes - mostly pursuing color. I go to art galleries and museums, visit gardens, prowl through knitting wool and quilting stores. I knit and quilt and garden myself, all of which are activities with a repetitive routine. This kind of repetition lets stories take shape in my mind while I'm not paying attention - much like dreaming. My subconscious gets bored and wanders off to find something else to do.
Like fix my plot. Bingo! I'll be up to my knees in uprooted periwinkle and suddenly know exactly what comes next. It's like magic.
Debra: I can just picture you in your garden amid the periwinkle, daydreaming a new story.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Claire: Sometime in the first 100 pages of a manuscript, I'll start to hear the characters talking. This is usually when they seize the plot and run in a different direction than the one I'd anticipated.
Debra: Oh, don't you just love it when that happens?
Claire: I tend to think of my imagination as a rental apartment: with each new book, I choose the new tenants, then give them time to settle in and arrange their things. When they start talking to each other, I start eavesdropping, like a nosy landlady, and that's when the book comes to life. They get evicted when the book is done, but not all of them depart quietly. Those ones come back for cameo appearances in subsequent books.
Or they just haunt me, as Darg and Isabella are doing now. Too bad the fairy Darg doesn't know enough about sex (or anything, really) to satisfy Isabella's curiosity. Then they could solve everything without me.
Debra: Darg is such a fun and unpredictable character. She would likely solve things in a very unexpected way!
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?
Claire: Well, I've made up fictional locations for my historicals, but probably everybody does that.
I've also just finished the first book in a mystery series set in the future, and that was an interesting challenge with language. In this fictional world, there was technology that we don't have (yet) which needed to be named. I didn't want there to be a language barrier, so I nudged words that already exist toward new meanings. I think that people are more likely to adapt existing words to name new technology and ideas, at least colloquially. That makes my fictional world both familiar and not, which was a lot of fun.
Debra: Fascinating. I like the idea of finding new meanings for words we already know. So you're trying something quite new!
Claire: (Keep your fingers crossed for Lilia's story, please - it's in New York, even as we speak.)
Debra: Oh yes, I'll cross fingers and toes.
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?
Claire: Actually, I use dreaming as a writing technique. I tend to paint my characters into corners (metaphorically speaking) and whenever I can't figure out the answer, I try to dream it. This isn't as nutty as it sounds - the subconscious is really good at solving problems. Before going to sleep, I focus on the issue in the book and review all the facets of it that I can recall. It's quite common that I awaken in the morning with the answer in my head, either the dialogue of the new scene running or a dream still in my mind's eye providing the answer. I've seen other authors give credit to this technique, too, which is reassuring as it sounds a bit crazy.
Debra: I've always suspected dreams play a larger role in the creation of fiction than most people realize. It's definitely something to try.
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?
Claire: Well, some people might argue that I don't think enough about the market! I tend to follow my characters and my muse, and don't worry about marketing when I'm excited about a story. When I do think a lot about the romance market, I come to different conclusions about it than everyone else. For example, I believe that the genre has suffered in the last decade from too much determination - on the part of both editors and writers - to make books "safe". There's a uniformity in the genre that wasn't there even ten years ago, and especially not twenty years ago. And I think that this insistence upon alpha heroes and feisty heroines, for example, on protagonists that are always sympathetic has disappointed a number of readers. Do all historicals have to be set in Scotland? Why can't we have a real character arc, and show a protagonist being changed by the power of love? Readers who savor diversity and unpredictability in their fiction - according to my theory, at least - have left the romance section, which is why romance genre sales are dropping.
Debra: Claire, it is so good to hear you say this. I think writers need to hear this and they need to be willing to be a bit more daring with their fiction so that we have more diversity and more choices as readers.
Claire: For this reason and for the creative challenge, I decided about five years ago to write romances that pushed the boundaries of expectations. I thought, actually, that the romance market was ready for some fresh thinking. For Claire Delacroix these included:
• THE ROGUE, an historical romance written in first person from the heroine's point of view in which she's uncertain of the hero's motives, like those Gothics we used to love;
• THE SCOUNDREL, an historical romance written in first person, half of the book from the hero's point of view and half from the heroine's, in which the hero who is the eponymous scoundrel is reformed by love;
• THE WARRIOR, an historical romance with a reincarnation element to the story, in which the heroine has dreams, the hero has visions of their past together and they both think they're losing their jellybeans.
Claire Cross, of course, has the Coxwell family series, which also defy conventions of the romance genre with their ChickLit tone and exploration of taboos.
• ONE MORE TIME (October 2006) is about a married couple, Matt and Leslie, who split up at the beginning of the book. Even worse, Matt goes to stay with an old girlfriend, but Leslie still wants to save their marriage.
• In ALL OR NOTHING, Zach has a history of encounters with law enforcement officials. Does that mean he can't grow up and become an adult, fall in love and make something of himself? I think that loving Jen can prompt him to do so, and I'm going to prove it!These books are about real characters, not about fantasized archetypes, and I think that makes them more compelling and more interesting. All of these stories are about love redeeming characters, which is the fundamental premise of a romance but one that seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle. If we believe that love can and does conquer all, shouldn't we as writers give love a real challenge? It's not much of a triumph if love only conquers a misunderstanding!
Debra: Yes!
Claire: I believe that love really does reshape lives and I want to show its power at work in my books. I want to give it something to fix - because really, I'm only going to believe that the protagonists of a romance have built a relationship that can go the distance if I get to watch them face a very serious challenge.
• For example, Jen, the heroine in ALL OR NOTHING, is a breast cancer survivor. You will guess, then, that the root of her fear is that Zach will only hang around for the good times and that if she has a recurrence, he'll bail (like her last boyfriend did). So, guess what happens near the end of the book? Zach has to face that test, that twist has to happen, so that Jen and all of us know that he's the hero for her. It's not a lot of fun to put your characters through the wringer, but I need to know (and all readers need to know) that Jen and Zach really will be happy ever after.
I've never thought these books were that risky - and still don't - in fact, I think they're necessary. Writers are the creative party in the publishing triumvirate (agent, editor, author) and it's our responsibility to find new stories to tell and new ways of telling them.
Debra: Yes!
Claire: I do know that these have been the most satisfying books creatively that I've ever written: they challenged me and are my best work to date. Isn't that why we're writers in the first place? To tell our stories in the most compelling way possible? That's certainly why I signed up for this dream job. Otherwise, we might as well all be delivering pizza.
Debra: It is a dream job, isn't it? Claire, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Claire: Thanks for inviting me, Debra. It's been fun.
Debra: I'm so glad!
You can visit Claire at http://www.delacroix.net
Monday, May 01, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Lori Devoti
Today on Make-believe Mondays I'm pleased to introduce Lori Devoti, one of my friends from RWAonline. Lori writes romantic comedy set in the Missouri Ozarks. If you enjoy comedy, you'll enjoy her latest book, Love is All Around.
Lori, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Lori: Well, I just finished a proposal for a dark paranormal totally different than either of my published books. I also have proposals out for a paranormal mom lit, a hen lit, and a couple romantic comedies. I’m researching a paranormal female adventure type story now.
Debra: Wow! you have been busy.
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?
Lori: A friend told me a shoot out ideas like gumballs out of a vending machine. I thought that was funny. And while I prefer it to struggling for ideas, it can be difficult to. You can begin to feel a tad haunted. Usually though, one idea somehow manages to bubble to the top.
Debra: Gumballs out of a vending machine. That's a good one.
Lori: I also have a book I keep working on in downtime. Meaning when I don’t have another driving idea. I go back to it to refill I guess. It’s nice to have something I feel I can just take my time with and enjoy writing or researching. I am very deadline driven so that is a real weakness of mine—feeling I need to be pounding something out all the time.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Lori: My characters are always alive. What I do find sometimes though is that there are aspects that aren’t as focused as others, especially if it is a growth area for that character. For example in my dark paranormal, my heroine is a strong person, but doesn’t see herself that way. Thus the book starts with her seeing herself weak but will end with her being much stronger. It took a few passes to get that figured out in the beginning chapters.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Lori: I had a ton of favorite writers/books. I loved Zane Grey, the Anne of Green Gables series, Alexander Dumas, Black Like Me, and A Little Princess. I think I read A Little Princess twenty times. I still remember where it was shelved in our library. The same goes for the Zane Grey books—I went back over and over to get new ones, ordered them direct from the publisher and read old ones my mother had. LOVED them!
Debra: That's the true test of which stories children love. When they return to them again and again.
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?
Lori: Books with strong women, that could be funny, but didn’t have to be. So a mix of serious and funny—but definitely strong female characters, and maybe a pet. I have a weakness for pets. ;-)
Debra: Yes, your pet pig toadstool comes to mind. (Readers can see a picture of Lori with her pet pig by visiting her website at www.LoriDevoti.com) She also had a duck named Spud and a pony named Wishbone.
Lori, thanks for visiting here on Make-believe Mondays.
Lori, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Lori: Well, I just finished a proposal for a dark paranormal totally different than either of my published books. I also have proposals out for a paranormal mom lit, a hen lit, and a couple romantic comedies. I’m researching a paranormal female adventure type story now.
Debra: Wow! you have been busy.
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?
Lori: A friend told me a shoot out ideas like gumballs out of a vending machine. I thought that was funny. And while I prefer it to struggling for ideas, it can be difficult to. You can begin to feel a tad haunted. Usually though, one idea somehow manages to bubble to the top.
Debra: Gumballs out of a vending machine. That's a good one.
Lori: I also have a book I keep working on in downtime. Meaning when I don’t have another driving idea. I go back to it to refill I guess. It’s nice to have something I feel I can just take my time with and enjoy writing or researching. I am very deadline driven so that is a real weakness of mine—feeling I need to be pounding something out all the time.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Lori: My characters are always alive. What I do find sometimes though is that there are aspects that aren’t as focused as others, especially if it is a growth area for that character. For example in my dark paranormal, my heroine is a strong person, but doesn’t see herself that way. Thus the book starts with her seeing herself weak but will end with her being much stronger. It took a few passes to get that figured out in the beginning chapters.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Lori: I had a ton of favorite writers/books. I loved Zane Grey, the Anne of Green Gables series, Alexander Dumas, Black Like Me, and A Little Princess. I think I read A Little Princess twenty times. I still remember where it was shelved in our library. The same goes for the Zane Grey books—I went back over and over to get new ones, ordered them direct from the publisher and read old ones my mother had. LOVED them!
Debra: That's the true test of which stories children love. When they return to them again and again.
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?
Lori: Books with strong women, that could be funny, but didn’t have to be. So a mix of serious and funny—but definitely strong female characters, and maybe a pet. I have a weakness for pets. ;-)
Debra: Yes, your pet pig toadstool comes to mind. (Readers can see a picture of Lori with her pet pig by visiting her website at www.LoriDevoti.com) She also had a duck named Spud and a pony named Wishbone.
Lori, thanks for visiting here on Make-believe Mondays.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Make-Believe Monday With Lois Winston
Today on Make-believe Mondays we have Lois Winston. Lois was first runner up in the American Title contest last year. It's such a thrill to see how the careers of last years finalists have taken off.
Lois, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Lois: Because my publisher is looking for romantic suspense, I’ve gone back to some of my older manuscripts (I started out writing r/s) and am rewriting them. I still believe in the stories and the characters I created and would love to see them published eventually. However, I cringed when I first reread them after so many years. I now see why they didn’t sell at the time and can also see how much I’ve matured as a writer. It’s actually a really good feeling.
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?
Lois: I get quite a bit of my inspiration from reading the newspaper, especially the human interest stories and the letters to Dear Abby. I keep a file of anything that interests me. When my muse takes a holiday and my imagination become uncooperative, I sit down with that file and start reading. Before I’ve gotten very far, the muse returns and my imagination stops putting up a fight.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Lois: Oh yes! All the time. And sometimes at the most inopportune moments. I remember an episode of Bewitched years ago where Samantha is writing a play. The characters come alive in her living room and begin talking to her, helping her write the script. Sometimes I feel like that’s happening to me. It gets a bit awkward on occasion, though, especially when it happens in an aisle of the supermarket or during a doctor’s appointment!
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?
Lois: I don’t make up words, but I love onomatopoeia. So I often play with phrasing. I also like to put a different spin on common phrases to make them fresh and a bit out of the ordinary. I also love to choose character names and settings for my stories that have a bit of double-entendre to them or a Dickensian nature. For instance, the father in Talk Gertie To Me is Earnest Stedworth. And he certainly is!
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?
Lois: You have no idea how apropos this question is for me! I began writing because of a recurring dream that kept growing. Each night another chapter played out. When the dream began taking over my daytime thoughts, I knew it was time to get it down on paper. That dream became my first manuscript. I also find that I often can’t fall asleep at night until I puzzle out the next scene in my current manuscript. If something is giving me problems, and I’ve written myself into a corner, I need to find a solution before I can shut down my brain and go to sleep at night.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Lois: In grammar school I devoured the Cherry Ames series. For several years I wanted to become a nurse because of the influence the books had on me. By junior high I had very eclectic taste. One summer I read The Hobbit and the complete Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gone with the Wind, Marjorie Morningstar, and Peyton Place (the last two on the sly.)
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?
Lois: One that lands me on the NY Times best-seller list? Truthfully, this is a very difficult question to answer. I write in several genres and also write cross-genre. It really depends on the story that’s burning within me at any given moment. I write what I want to write. I don’t write to the market because the market is always changing. It’s far better to be a trend-setter than a trend-follower. I’m just hoping that one of these days one of my books does trigger a trend. After all, who wouldn’t want to be the next J.K. Rowling or Dan Brown?
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?
Lois: The one thing I’d like to stress is that if you have a passion to write, don’t stop. Keep writing, no matter how many rejection letters you receive, no matter how many obstacles are thrown your way. I know it sounds cliché, but you won’t succeed at something if you allow defeatism to rule your life. It took me 10 years from the time I wrote down that dream until I sold my first book. Some dreams just take a bit longer than others to come true.
Lois, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday. Visit www.loiswinston.com
Lois, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Lois: Because my publisher is looking for romantic suspense, I’ve gone back to some of my older manuscripts (I started out writing r/s) and am rewriting them. I still believe in the stories and the characters I created and would love to see them published eventually. However, I cringed when I first reread them after so many years. I now see why they didn’t sell at the time and can also see how much I’ve matured as a writer. It’s actually a really good feeling.
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?
Lois: I get quite a bit of my inspiration from reading the newspaper, especially the human interest stories and the letters to Dear Abby. I keep a file of anything that interests me. When my muse takes a holiday and my imagination become uncooperative, I sit down with that file and start reading. Before I’ve gotten very far, the muse returns and my imagination stops putting up a fight.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Lois: Oh yes! All the time. And sometimes at the most inopportune moments. I remember an episode of Bewitched years ago where Samantha is writing a play. The characters come alive in her living room and begin talking to her, helping her write the script. Sometimes I feel like that’s happening to me. It gets a bit awkward on occasion, though, especially when it happens in an aisle of the supermarket or during a doctor’s appointment!
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?
Lois: I don’t make up words, but I love onomatopoeia. So I often play with phrasing. I also like to put a different spin on common phrases to make them fresh and a bit out of the ordinary. I also love to choose character names and settings for my stories that have a bit of double-entendre to them or a Dickensian nature. For instance, the father in Talk Gertie To Me is Earnest Stedworth. And he certainly is!
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?
Lois: You have no idea how apropos this question is for me! I began writing because of a recurring dream that kept growing. Each night another chapter played out. When the dream began taking over my daytime thoughts, I knew it was time to get it down on paper. That dream became my first manuscript. I also find that I often can’t fall asleep at night until I puzzle out the next scene in my current manuscript. If something is giving me problems, and I’ve written myself into a corner, I need to find a solution before I can shut down my brain and go to sleep at night.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Lois: In grammar school I devoured the Cherry Ames series. For several years I wanted to become a nurse because of the influence the books had on me. By junior high I had very eclectic taste. One summer I read The Hobbit and the complete Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gone with the Wind, Marjorie Morningstar, and Peyton Place (the last two on the sly.)
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?
Lois: One that lands me on the NY Times best-seller list? Truthfully, this is a very difficult question to answer. I write in several genres and also write cross-genre. It really depends on the story that’s burning within me at any given moment. I write what I want to write. I don’t write to the market because the market is always changing. It’s far better to be a trend-setter than a trend-follower. I’m just hoping that one of these days one of my books does trigger a trend. After all, who wouldn’t want to be the next J.K. Rowling or Dan Brown?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?
Lois: The one thing I’d like to stress is that if you have a passion to write, don’t stop. Keep writing, no matter how many rejection letters you receive, no matter how many obstacles are thrown your way. I know it sounds cliché, but you won’t succeed at something if you allow defeatism to rule your life. It took me 10 years from the time I wrote down that dream until I sold my first book. Some dreams just take a bit longer than others to come true.
Lois, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday. Visit www.loiswinston.com
Monday, April 03, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Janice Lynn
On this Make-believe Monday morning I'm pleased to introduce Janice Lynn. Janice won the American Title I contest last year with JANE MILLIONARE which came out just a few months ago and she has been a source of great inspiration and support to all of the finalists this year as she mentored us through our finalist loop.
First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Janice: I just finished a manuscript a few weeks ago that my agent has sent out. I’m excited as it’s my first real submission in more than a year. I have also turned in the sequel to JANE MILLIONAIRE to Dorchester. It’s tentatively titled CAUSING A COMMOTION & is Jessie’s story. As Jill’s sister in JANE MILLIONAIRE, Jessie was a fun secondary character, but turning her into a heroine a reader could empathize with took some work. I’d never intended to give her a story of her own, but got many requests for her story and realized she did deserve to have her tale told.
Debra: I'm glad you wrote Jessie's story and I'm looking forward to reading this one. The title is intriguing.
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?
Janice: I used to push myself through and just keep writing, even if it was total crap. After completing more than 10 manuscripts, I now trust that if my imagination is out of focus, it’s a temporary thing and it’ll come back with a strong burn to put butt in chair and write. Some things that inspire me are my hubby, funny movies, Matthew McConaughey—hey, that man inspires!, and lots of other artsy kind of things from drawing, painting, to scrap-booking with my kids.
Debra: Um, Matthew McConaughey, yes he certainly does inspire! It also sounds like you are moved by visual images as many of us are. I'm always amazed at how one media can inspire the other as with painting and writing.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Janice: Yes. My characters are like people I know and it’s always a bit sad to finish a book and know that these ‘people’ aren’t going to be such a dominate part of my life any more.
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?
Janice: I’ve written one light paranormal & I made up a few words to add flavor to my heroine’s vocabulary.
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?
Janice: Yes. Usually those dreams involve Matthew McConnaughey, me, and a weekend get-away. What? Not buying that? Hey, this is my dreams we’re talking about. Okay, although Matthew is as dreamy as he is inspiring, I can’t honestly say that I’ve ever had a dream about him—not one while asleep at any rate. But sometimes characters are so strong in my head when I go to bed that scenes will play out in my dreams. Mostly ones I’ve already written and it’s like watching a movie of it, but occasionally dreams with new scenes, too.
Debra: The imagery in dreams and the imagery in writing so many times are interconnected. It's a thread that shows up again and again when I talk to other writers.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Janice: I loved to read any book, any author. Beverly Cleary always made me smile. At around 12 I started sneaking and reading my mom’s Harlequin’s, Second Chance at Love’s, and Silhouette’s.
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?
Janice: Great question. Wish I had a great answer for it. The book my agent currently has is a pretty far stretch of my imagination. I pushed myself and my writing in it further than I thought I could. Did I mention that my heroine is BAD? I mean, like really bad, but I adore her and had a blast writing her story.
Debra: It's exciting to hear you've been stretching your imagination with the new work. The best books always have that element of playing without too many boundaries where the imagination is free to roam.
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?
Janice: For writers and readers alike, always let your imaginations guide you. Don’t let others stifle your imagination with the short-sightedness of their own imaginations. Believe in yourself and in your dreams always.
Debra: Yes, allowing our imaginations to run free is so important!
Janice, thank you for joining us here to share a bit of the writers life of dreams, imagination and creating fiction. To learn more about Janice visit www.janicelynn.net
First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Janice: I just finished a manuscript a few weeks ago that my agent has sent out. I’m excited as it’s my first real submission in more than a year. I have also turned in the sequel to JANE MILLIONAIRE to Dorchester. It’s tentatively titled CAUSING A COMMOTION & is Jessie’s story. As Jill’s sister in JANE MILLIONAIRE, Jessie was a fun secondary character, but turning her into a heroine a reader could empathize with took some work. I’d never intended to give her a story of her own, but got many requests for her story and realized she did deserve to have her tale told.
Debra: I'm glad you wrote Jessie's story and I'm looking forward to reading this one. The title is intriguing.
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?
Janice: I used to push myself through and just keep writing, even if it was total crap. After completing more than 10 manuscripts, I now trust that if my imagination is out of focus, it’s a temporary thing and it’ll come back with a strong burn to put butt in chair and write. Some things that inspire me are my hubby, funny movies, Matthew McConaughey—hey, that man inspires!, and lots of other artsy kind of things from drawing, painting, to scrap-booking with my kids.
Debra: Um, Matthew McConaughey, yes he certainly does inspire! It also sounds like you are moved by visual images as many of us are. I'm always amazed at how one media can inspire the other as with painting and writing.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Janice: Yes. My characters are like people I know and it’s always a bit sad to finish a book and know that these ‘people’ aren’t going to be such a dominate part of my life any more.
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?
Janice: I’ve written one light paranormal & I made up a few words to add flavor to my heroine’s vocabulary.
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?
Janice: Yes. Usually those dreams involve Matthew McConnaughey, me, and a weekend get-away. What? Not buying that? Hey, this is my dreams we’re talking about. Okay, although Matthew is as dreamy as he is inspiring, I can’t honestly say that I’ve ever had a dream about him—not one while asleep at any rate. But sometimes characters are so strong in my head when I go to bed that scenes will play out in my dreams. Mostly ones I’ve already written and it’s like watching a movie of it, but occasionally dreams with new scenes, too.
Debra: The imagery in dreams and the imagery in writing so many times are interconnected. It's a thread that shows up again and again when I talk to other writers.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Janice: I loved to read any book, any author. Beverly Cleary always made me smile. At around 12 I started sneaking and reading my mom’s Harlequin’s, Second Chance at Love’s, and Silhouette’s.
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?
Janice: Great question. Wish I had a great answer for it. The book my agent currently has is a pretty far stretch of my imagination. I pushed myself and my writing in it further than I thought I could. Did I mention that my heroine is BAD? I mean, like really bad, but I adore her and had a blast writing her story.
Debra: It's exciting to hear you've been stretching your imagination with the new work. The best books always have that element of playing without too many boundaries where the imagination is free to roam.
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?
Janice: For writers and readers alike, always let your imaginations guide you. Don’t let others stifle your imagination with the short-sightedness of their own imaginations. Believe in yourself and in your dreams always.
Debra: Yes, allowing our imaginations to run free is so important!
Janice, thank you for joining us here to share a bit of the writers life of dreams, imagination and creating fiction. To learn more about Janice visit www.janicelynn.net
Monday, March 27, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Teresa Bodwell
Last week Make-believe Mondays was pushed back while I dealt with the flu, but today I am well and happy to be able to introduce Teresa Bodwell, my friend from RWAonline. For those of you who've emailed saying you wished there were more western romances out there, Teresa writes western historical romance for Kensington. I don't believe I've mentioned this previously, but as with all of my published friends from RWAonline, you may purchase signed copies through their website on my links page. Now lets hear from Teresa.
First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Teresa: I'm trying something new--a sexy contemporary. The working title is "Hot Lips" named for the hero, a jazz trombonist with great lips and a nimble tongue. When the heroine meets him, she tells him that she's always wanted to kiss a trombone player. He fulfills her fantasy in more ways than one.
What an interesting way to begin!
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?
Teresa: Creating and enjoying creative works go hand in hand. That means reading books, watching good movies and spending time with the greatest creation of all--nature.
There is nothing like being outdoors--feeling sun on your shoulders, walking through snow, running along a sandy beach, watching powerful river surging over rocks. These things all spark my imagination.
Debra: In westerns the lansdcape is so much a part of the story and you have an appreciation for the outdoors which really shines through.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Teresa: Yes. It varies with each story when that magic occurs, but it does always happen. After the characters become friends who will confide in me, I may have to go back and revise parts that I had written before I really knew the characters.
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?
Teresa: Yes. As a matter of fact it was a very powerful dream image that gave me an essential scene in "Moonlight Whispers", my story in the anthology, MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COWBOYS. I dreamed of snow falling on a moonlit night. Unlike rain that will wake you with its sound, snow falls silently with no warning. A bright full moon on new fallen snow will make the night shine almost as bright as day. I've sometimes been awakened during the night, thinking I'd overslept because it was so bright only to find that it was the moonlight reflecting off of snow. That was my dream--a bright light waking a woman. As she stands gazing at the light, a man comes up behind her, wraps her in a blanket and whispers to her. That scene comes in the middle of the story, but it is a key to the whole relationship.
Debra: How amazing that a strong visual image can lie at the core of a story, spreading out as if it were a seed planted. For many of us dreams are a powerful aid to creating and what a gift they are when they stay with us in such a strong way!
Teresa, thank you for visiting with us to share a glimpse into how dreams and imagination come together in an authors life. To learn more about Teresa and her books visit http://www.tbodwell.com/
First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Teresa: I'm trying something new--a sexy contemporary. The working title is "Hot Lips" named for the hero, a jazz trombonist with great lips and a nimble tongue. When the heroine meets him, she tells him that she's always wanted to kiss a trombone player. He fulfills her fantasy in more ways than one.
What an interesting way to begin!
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?
Teresa: Creating and enjoying creative works go hand in hand. That means reading books, watching good movies and spending time with the greatest creation of all--nature.
There is nothing like being outdoors--feeling sun on your shoulders, walking through snow, running along a sandy beach, watching powerful river surging over rocks. These things all spark my imagination.
Debra: In westerns the lansdcape is so much a part of the story and you have an appreciation for the outdoors which really shines through.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Teresa: Yes. It varies with each story when that magic occurs, but it does always happen. After the characters become friends who will confide in me, I may have to go back and revise parts that I had written before I really knew the characters.
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?
Teresa: Yes. As a matter of fact it was a very powerful dream image that gave me an essential scene in "Moonlight Whispers", my story in the anthology, MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COWBOYS. I dreamed of snow falling on a moonlit night. Unlike rain that will wake you with its sound, snow falls silently with no warning. A bright full moon on new fallen snow will make the night shine almost as bright as day. I've sometimes been awakened during the night, thinking I'd overslept because it was so bright only to find that it was the moonlight reflecting off of snow. That was my dream--a bright light waking a woman. As she stands gazing at the light, a man comes up behind her, wraps her in a blanket and whispers to her. That scene comes in the middle of the story, but it is a key to the whole relationship.
Debra: How amazing that a strong visual image can lie at the core of a story, spreading out as if it were a seed planted. For many of us dreams are a powerful aid to creating and what a gift they are when they stay with us in such a strong way!
Teresa, thank you for visiting with us to share a glimpse into how dreams and imagination come together in an authors life. To learn more about Teresa and her books visit http://www.tbodwell.com/
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Monica Burns
Today on Make-Believe Mondays allow me to introduce my friend Monica Burns. We met through RWA online and Monica sold me my first ebook last year at the RT convention, opening up a whole world and way of reading for me. Monica writes sensual historical romance and though she began her publishing career in ebooks, her award winning work has now found its way into the bookstores.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Monica: Sometimes. It depends on the book. Some of my characters are more open than others. Devlyn from Love’s Revenge (in the Forbidden Pleasures anthology) has been the most outspoken of all my heroes. Probably because he’s an in-your-face alpha. He doesn’t care what people think about him. Morgan from Love’s Portrait was a bit more reserved, but he too showed up to speak his mind just the other day. I was reviewing sample bookmarks from my vendor, and they were so totally unhappy with the design they were growling like two bears. Usually, the characters don’t show to comment on my marketing items, but these two guys were unbelievable. One of them growled that he wasn’t a zebra (there were white swirls on black for the first design). Then Morgan complained about the color background and how it was too reddish brown. These two hammered away at me and my vendor until I opened up the final sample and it was like having a freaking orgasm. The guys were shouting with lots of gusto and I was drooling. So yes, my characters do come alive, and they stay with me. There’s no one certain point in time that it happens. At least not that I can tell. It’s sort of like a one day they’re not there and then the next day, poof! There they are.
Oh, I simply love this. Characters do care what happens to them, yet I'd never considered they might be concerned with their own marketing. How interesting.
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?
Monica: Most of my stories are from my dreams. In truth, I believe I’m seeing scenes from past lives I’ve lived or that I’m tapping into the thoughts of others in the universe when I dream. I’m very lucky that I remember most of my dreams. Not everyone has that. I still remember a dream I had when I was about 14 or 15. It ran for two nights straight, took place in the late 1800s on a train with a villain shooting the hero. Really potent stuff. *grin* I still haven’t written that dream yet, but I’m betting it’s coming.
How wonderful to remember your dreams. They can be such slippery wisps at times.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Monica: Well, I was a pretty unique kid. Not many 12-year-olds read Edgar Cayce for pleasure reading. LOL But I did read a lot of the classics, thanks to my wonderful maternal grandmother. The woman gave us books for presents and they were all the great classics. She’s the one who got me hooked on the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Three Musketeers. Great romantic adventures.
She sounds like an absolutely wonderful Grandmother! We should raise our glasses to the Grandmothers of the world who encourage stories and imagination!
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?
Monica: Dream it, believe it, achieve it. That’s one of my mottos. It means that whatever I imagine, as long as I believe in it, I can achieve it. There are no limits. The universe might be shrinking in on itself, but the final collapse is so far away as to be almost infinite, so holding back is of no value to anyone, especially ones self. Imagine yourself a bird flying over a couple walking along a beach. Imagine what they’re saying to each other. Imagine what will happen when drop your load on them. LOL Just imagine it, and you’ll do it.
Monica, that is such a lovely motto and one to post by our computers as we write. Thank you for joining us here to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers. To learn more visit www.monicaburns.com
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Monica: Sometimes. It depends on the book. Some of my characters are more open than others. Devlyn from Love’s Revenge (in the Forbidden Pleasures anthology) has been the most outspoken of all my heroes. Probably because he’s an in-your-face alpha. He doesn’t care what people think about him. Morgan from Love’s Portrait was a bit more reserved, but he too showed up to speak his mind just the other day. I was reviewing sample bookmarks from my vendor, and they were so totally unhappy with the design they were growling like two bears. Usually, the characters don’t show to comment on my marketing items, but these two guys were unbelievable. One of them growled that he wasn’t a zebra (there were white swirls on black for the first design). Then Morgan complained about the color background and how it was too reddish brown. These two hammered away at me and my vendor until I opened up the final sample and it was like having a freaking orgasm. The guys were shouting with lots of gusto and I was drooling. So yes, my characters do come alive, and they stay with me. There’s no one certain point in time that it happens. At least not that I can tell. It’s sort of like a one day they’re not there and then the next day, poof! There they are.
Oh, I simply love this. Characters do care what happens to them, yet I'd never considered they might be concerned with their own marketing. How interesting.
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?
Monica: Most of my stories are from my dreams. In truth, I believe I’m seeing scenes from past lives I’ve lived or that I’m tapping into the thoughts of others in the universe when I dream. I’m very lucky that I remember most of my dreams. Not everyone has that. I still remember a dream I had when I was about 14 or 15. It ran for two nights straight, took place in the late 1800s on a train with a villain shooting the hero. Really potent stuff. *grin* I still haven’t written that dream yet, but I’m betting it’s coming.
How wonderful to remember your dreams. They can be such slippery wisps at times.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Monica: Well, I was a pretty unique kid. Not many 12-year-olds read Edgar Cayce for pleasure reading. LOL But I did read a lot of the classics, thanks to my wonderful maternal grandmother. The woman gave us books for presents and they were all the great classics. She’s the one who got me hooked on the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Three Musketeers. Great romantic adventures.
She sounds like an absolutely wonderful Grandmother! We should raise our glasses to the Grandmothers of the world who encourage stories and imagination!
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?
Monica: Dream it, believe it, achieve it. That’s one of my mottos. It means that whatever I imagine, as long as I believe in it, I can achieve it. There are no limits. The universe might be shrinking in on itself, but the final collapse is so far away as to be almost infinite, so holding back is of no value to anyone, especially ones self. Imagine yourself a bird flying over a couple walking along a beach. Imagine what they’re saying to each other. Imagine what will happen when drop your load on them. LOL Just imagine it, and you’ll do it.
Monica, that is such a lovely motto and one to post by our computers as we write. Thank you for joining us here to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers. To learn more visit www.monicaburns.com
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