Make Believe Mondays With Alison Mackie

Today on Make-Believe Mondays, my guest is Alison Mackie. Alison writes tales about the Gypsies, or Romani.

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

Alison: It’s a continuation of The Gypsy Chronicles, entitled ‘The Big Trick’ and its a cautionary tale warning of the dangers of pornography. The tales are related with a folksy raised brow, old world charm and in the same spirit of innocence as The Gypsy Chronicles but because of the subject matter I am introducing a few unsavory characters… Senor Balderamo is the village purveyor of porn and his leading lady, Roxana el Rojo, the most immoral woman alive on Earth. Balderamo is determined to acquire one of Tzigany’s charmed Matrimonial beds but of course Tzigany does not sell to demented sex fiends; to do so would diminish the currency of his imagination. For no sum of money will he sell his charmed Matrimonial beds to anybody except for those for whom they were created: Newlyweds.

“Now that I have seen it, I shall not soon forget! I must have that bed!” cries Balderamo, and it is not long before Balderamo steals Tzigany and Gitana’s own Matrimonial bed. The Big Trick centers around getting the bed back. In the process, my Gypsies have a very important lesson to teach Balderamo and Roxana el Rojo about the true nature of love, and the dangers of abusing ones ‘creativity.’

Debra: I can't wait to read this one! Such an intriguing tale!

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Alison: I listen to great Gypsy music! Works like a charm. I watched the Spanish Sequence of Tony Gatlif’s musical documentary Latcho Drom hundreds of times whilst writing The Gypsy Chronicles. Like magic, the music charmed my words, deepening their meaning. Some of the characters leaped from the film right into the pages of my tales! With The Big Trick, I find myself listening a lot to the great Gypsy musicians featured in my top friends on Myspace. Each one inspires my words.

Debra: Thank you for sharing the Gypsy music on your MySpace page. I have enjoyed listening and dancing to it (as you know I also belly dance) and I find it is such a passionate music.

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

Alison: I feel them long before I see or hear them. The waggle of Tzigany’s brow and his swaggering playfulness delights me, and it is always the sensation I wish to convey. The rest (physical attributes) are details. Upon the silver screen of my imagination I see Tzigany as Benecio del Toro and Gitana as Catherine Zeta Jones.

Debra: Alison, you are the first author to have mentioned feeling your characters first. This is fascinating.

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?

Alison: All the time. But invented words are very tricky to use. Once I invented a charming euphemism for a man’s dangly bits: His himminess! I treasured the word for its originality and was very dear to me, this word. I never used it however, because it called too much attention to itself. Like a speed bump, a wrong word can stick out in such a way that it interrupts the reader’s attention. Invented words are fun, but tricky to pull off.

Debra: Yes, they are tricky. And any euphemism for a man's "dangly bits" is a bit tricky to pull off as well. ;-)

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?

Alison: It happens at 4:00 a.m., dream gazing at the computer screen. Words and rich ideas find me in this state and create within me a wholly satisfying writing experience. By six a.m. I am fully awake, in a different state of mind, and the writing reflects this.

Debra: For me it is 3:00 a.m. If I'm to receive any sort of message, or creative surge in the wee hours, that would be it. If it is strong enough, it will wake me. There is something about those early morning hours....

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

Alison: Pippi Longstocking. I was massively impressed by indifference to conventionality. I wore braids in honor of Pippi and slept with my feet on the pillow too!

Debra: What fun! I loved Pippi. Poured over that story 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?

Alison: Oscar Wilde once remarked “Nothing succeeds like excess” and I keep this firmly in mind as I write. I rise to the occasion of my imagination, but always with a desire to please the reader. If I could be as wild as I please perhaps I would add to my book holographic images instead of plain illustrations or scratch and sniff areas enabling readers to smell the perfume worn by the characters. Things to deepen the sensory experience.

I invite you to enjoy the Gypsy musicians on my Myspace page:

www.myspace.com/lacafedealegria

Debra: I love the idea of adding sensory experiences to the reading.

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

Readers, you may enjoy the gypsy music on Alisons site as much as I do. Be sure to visit and say hello.
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Debra's News/Debra is watching:

Lately one of the things I have been watching is the countdown on my MySpace page to celebrate the release of my first novel. Today though, I returned home from a holiday weekend away to realize the counter has a problem. So I'll have to straighten that out if I can. Final line edits approval should happen any day now. My new web designer is working on the website. I am planning a few online events to celebrate the release of the book.

A Desperate Journey will be available July 22, 2008. Not long now!

Make-Believe Mondays With Mandy Roth

Today on Make-Believe Mondays my guest is Mandy Roth.

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

Mandy: Sadly, from inception. I’d see a doctor but really, where is the fun in that? If I can’t automatically see and hear the characters in my mind, I don’t even bother bringing them to life on the page. I have to form an instant connection with them or nothing moves.

Debra: Oh, that would be no fun at all. No, there's no point wasting time with characters who refuse to tell you their story, any more than there would be going on a second date with a person who wouldn't talk. Better to move on.

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?

Mandy: All the time. I love mixing languages such as Latin, Italian, French and English, to come up with a word that fits what I need it for. I love to flavor up a document, giving it a certain unique quality—something all its own. Creating words is a perfect way to do it. For example, in Last Call, I have OMNIMORPHELEONS.
Origin: from the scary depths of Mandy Roth's mind. She (okay, I… but third person sounds so official) was sick of using creatures everyone had already heard of so I mixed the words omni+morph +Chameleon.

Meaning: Demons that can change shape at will, Omnimorpheleons are closely related to weres and vampires. They are a blending of the two—a superb race of supernaturals if you will. That is why they are often called the guardians or masters. They say The Powers That Be created them to keep the supernatural population in check.

Debra: Fascinating.

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

Mandy: Stephen King was a huge influence in my life. I’d devour his works and couldn’t get enough of them. Clive Barker was another favorite, followed closely by Anne Rice.

Debra: If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Mandy: Exactly what I’m doing now. I tend to ignore the categories and the genres and do whatever feels right for the book. This hurts me as far as NY goes but I don’t mind so long as the readers are happy. My newest release, Bella Mia: Daughter of Darkness Book III (June 2008) is an example of blending vampires, faeries, werewolves, romance, paranormal, urban fantasy, suspense and just about anything else I can toss in. The Daughter of Darkness Series has afforded me a chance to do what feels natural and I really love writing them.

Debra: I'm always pleased to hear an author say they are writing what they love and allowing free range of the imagination.

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

Mandy: Thank you for having me!

Visit Mandy M. Roth at:

Web: www.mandyroth.com

Blog: www.mandyroth.com/blog

Raven: www.ravenhappyhour.com


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Debra's News/Debra is watching:

This week I'm planning changes to my website, A Desperate Journey is with the final line editor, and my dad is here visiting. And as the book will be released July 22nd, I am planning several things for that week. One is my own interview here on the Make-Believe Mondays blog, July 21st!

Wishing everyone a happy 4th of July! May it be full of joy.

Make-Believe Mondays With Karen Wiesner

Today on Make-Believe Mondays our guest is Karen Wiesner.

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

Karen: I’m never working on one thing at a time. I think a writer is always fresher when working on manuscripts in stages. Plus, I’m always working six months to a year ahead of releases so I’m never rushed and can always be working on new projects.

This month, I’m writing the third book in my Family Heirlooms Series (inspirational romances), Foolish Games, which features characters from the first book, Baby, Baby (to be released in electronic formats on June 24, 2008; trade paperback early 2009) and the second, Shadow Boxing (coming January 2009 electronically; later in 2009 in trade paperback). Kimberly Wolfe was one of Peter Samuels’ late wife’s best friends. He’s the man she’s loved from afar for as long as she can remember. Falling in love could take simply letting go of their fears...or a miracle. For more information about this series, visit http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/fiction9.html.

Book 2 of my Kaleidoscope Series (contemporary romances), “Behind Amethyst Eyes” (to be released September 2009 in Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume V, A Jewels of the Quill Anthology) has been written and will be revised this month. For more information about this series, visit http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/fiction9.html.

Finally, I’ll be outlining Book 8 of my Incognito Series (action/adventure romantic suspenses) at the end of this month in preparation for the March 2009 release date. More about the Incognito Series can be found here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/fiction9.html.

Debra: I'm always happy with more than one manuscript in the works too. If I get stuck on one I can always work on another one.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Karen: Many different ways. First, I write in basically every genre conceivable except historical, Regency, Young adult, and science fiction/fantasy. An author really has to be creative to spread herself out so much, so to speak. Discipline is my key to staying creative. I mentioned working in stages. The way I see it, there are several, very distinct stages in writing a book. They include:

1) Brainstorming
2) Outlining
3) Setting the outline aside
4) Writing the story
5) Setting the novel aside
6) Editing and polishing the story

Working in stages is essential for keeping my creativity at its peak. Brainstorming occurs, most ideally, over a period of years before I have enough details accumulated to begin an outline. Once the outline is completed, allowing it to sit for a couple of weeks—or even months—before writing the first draft is, again, absolutely essential. The next time I pick up my outline, I want to have a fresh perspective so I can evaluate if it really is as solid as I believed it was when I finished it. I also see more of those connections that make my story infinitely cohesive after I’ve had a rest.

Another reason for setting projects aside between stages is I, like most writers, always reach a point where my motivation runs out and I simply want to get away from it as fast as I can. With every single book, I get to rock bottom and I’m convinced that if I ever see it again, I’ll tear it to shreds. Setting it aside between the various stages the project goes through really gives me back my motivation for it and creativity (and love!) in spades. I’m always amazed at how much better I can face the project again when I haven’t seen it for a week or even a month or two. I fall in love with it again. The next stage in the process becomes easier, too, and that helps my writing to be much better.

Also, the more books I have contracted (17 at present), the more I seem to need these breaks in-between stages, or even when I feel a project isn’t working. If I put it on a back burner for an extended period of time (as long as I can possibly allow and still meet my deadlines), amazing things happen over a low flame. By the time I return to it, I find myself bursting with new ways to fix the problems I couldn’t pinpoint when I was too close to and sick of it.

I honestly don’t know how a career author could do anything else and still meet deadlines without constantly burning out or facing writer’s block.

Debra: Thank you for sharing such a thorough glimpse into the life of a working author. It truly requires all sorts of juggling and multi-tasking.

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

Karen: Funny that you ask. I was just recently talking about something similar with a critique partner, who asked me what the different is between a book that practically writes itself and one that comes hard. I think the answer to that comes down to characters. Even if I don’t have a book sitting in my head, brewing on a back burner for a long time, if I connect with the characters, I can write them as if I’m just following a movie those same characters are showing in my head. The writing of the book is simplicity itself then.

But when characters are hiding and won’t show me their internal workings, it’s harder to write a story. When characters hide, I do a lot of character sketches. I also believe that there’s a vital need for cohesive characters, settings and plots, and that’s part of what makes a book work and what makes one complicated to unknot. My September 2008 Writer’s Digest Book, From First Draft to Finished Novel {A Writer’s Guide to Cohesive Story Building} goes in-depth into this vital need for a cohesive trinity with these elements. For more information about this book and to pre-order a copy, visit http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/nonfiction3.html.

When the characters come to life like that—so I can see them, hear them, know exactly what they’d say, do and think in every single situation—is different for every project, and I wish I could pinpoint why some characters wait so long to come out and reveal themselves. It would make each project so much easier.

Debra: It would be nice if they showed up on the front porch on day one one, page one and said, "Here I am, you just type away and I'll dictate." But as you said, characters seem to have their own timing.

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?

Karen: Dreams are huge in my fiction writing. My police procedural novel, Degrees of Separation (Book 1 of the Falcon’s Bend Series I write with Chris Spindler), started with an amazingly vivid dream I’d had—years before Chris and I started thinking about writing together. After I woke up from that dream, I wrote down everything I remembered from the dream, and much of it formed the basis for the novel. “Blind Revenge” (Falcon’s Bend Case Files, Volume I) began just as I was about to drop off to sleep one night. In my mind, I saw a woman walking down a hall. I saw a man ahead of her. The woman kept walking past him, then she looked back at the door, and he was looking at her, too. The woman went outside, got in her convertible, and a second later the passenger door opened and the man got in. At that moment, my subconscious mind turned creepy. Suddenly this woman was blindly kissing her stranger like it was the end of the world. I knew that, for her, it was the end of the world when she said the witch was coming for her eyes. “Fixated” (also in FBCF, Volume I) was based on a dream I had about a woman who was being stalked by someone. “Retribution” (which will be in Falcon’s Bend Case Files, Volume II) is based on a dream I had about a scantily clad woman temporarily inhabiting a property and lurking in the backyard. When I woke, I was in a Falcon’s Bend mindset, and quickly worked this dream into the idea that the subdivision Lieutenants Pete Shasta and Danny Vincent live in becomes home to a very hot young mama…and their wives Lisa and Melody aren’t too happy about all the men in the neighborhood moonlighting as Peeping Toms. But it isn’t until the woman disappears, leaving her two children alone, that Lisa realizes crime is firmly afoot.

Anyway, I think using dreams to craft fiction is brilliant. Is it a little...well, disturbing? Sometimes it is, but writers can always make lemonade out of lemons.

Debra: I am fascinated by dreams and the subconscious as it affects writers and their works. For me it's part of the mystery, the magic of writing.

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

Ruth Chew was my J.K. Rowling when I was a child. I loved immersing myself in the world of kids who always seemed to find a witch lurking nearby.

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

Readers can visit Karen at:
http://www.karenwiesner.com
http://www.firstdraftin30days.com
http://www.falconsbend.com
http://www.JewelsoftheQuill.com
http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/karen-wiesner
If you would like to receive Karen’s free e-mail newsletter, Karen’s Quill, and become eligible to win her monthly book giveaways, send a blank e-mail to
KarensQuill-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

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Debra's news/Debra is watching:

This week I am working on my second manuscript and looking forward to a visit from my Dad this weekend.

Over on Title Wave, the blog of the American Title II sisters, we have changed the format and content. Gina is blogging today. Hop on over and see what is up!
Title Wave

Authors who would like to be interviewed on Make-Believe Mondays may email me at debra@debraparmley.com

Make-Believe Mondays With Michelle Pillow

Today on Make-Believe Mondays my guest is Michelle Pillow

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

MP: I just finished my fall release for Virgin Books/Random House called Degrees of Passion (Coming in Trade Paperback, November 25, 2008). {Preorder Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Degrees-Passion-Michelle-M-Pillow/dp/0352345004?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210466136&sr=1-14 }
Breaking up with her high society boyfriend, a distraught Sasha finds comfort in the arms of moody, hard working Kevin Merchant whose cuteness is overshadowed by his know-it-all attitude. But, one drunken night of passion is hardly the start of a relationship and when her boyfriend wants them to get back together she has some choices to make.

Debra: Ah, the choice between two lovers. Difficult at best.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

MP: Whenever I feel myself starting to get stagnant, I try to switch gears and work on something else. A lot of the time I’ll take a break from writing and focus on marketing and promotions. I’ll create book videos or answer email—anything that isn’t the story. Often, just taking the break helps my brain reset itself and I can get back into it.

I also do a lot of research and research reading. Since I love history, many great story ideas come from studying different cultures and pasts. Even my futuristic novels are based of historical ideas and places. It’s a way for me to incorporate my love of the past with my daydreams of the future.

Debra: I think sometimes we try too hard, like trying to think of someone's name and it won't come until your mind switches to something else. So I tend to do the same things as you and usually that's when inspiration strikes again.

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

MP: Ideally, it happens in every book. That’s when the flow is really going and you know you’re onto something good. I love it when the brain seems to shut off and the words just flow onto the screen.

Debra: Oh yes. Me too. There is no feeling in the world quite like it.

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?

MP: I create words all the time. I make up towns, planets, solar systems, races of aliens, vampire clans. Most of the time I base the word of a historical term no longer in use. Other times, I take normal everyday words and turn them into futuristic swearing, like when my cat-shifting Lords of the Var curse, “Sacred Cats!”

Debra: Sacred Cats. :-) Love it.

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?

MP: Just let your imaginations flow. Set aside the time to relax and daydream. Stories and ideas can be in everything and anything.

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

Thank you so much for having me! Readers are welcome to contact me through my website or hang out at my blog. You can check out my latest contemporary romance, Recipe for Disaster, now for sale at Amazon. {Buy link:

http://www.amazon.com/Recipe-Disaster-Michelle-M-Pillow/dp/0352341777?ie=UTF8 }

Website - www.michellepillow.com
Blog - www.michellepillow.com/blog
Raven – Free Story/Radio Show – www.ravenhappyhour.com

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Debra's news/Debra is watching

Now that final line edit approvals are in I'm back to working on my second manuscript. This week I also had to select two excerpts from my book. One for the publishers website and the other to go in the back of similar books for promo.

Make-Believe Mondays With Vonna Harper

Today on Make-Believe Mondays our guest is Vonna Harper.

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

Vonna: A BIT OF BACKGROUND BEFORE I ANSWER THAT. I HAVE A MULTI-BOOK CONTRACT WITH KENSINGTON TO WRITE EROTICA FOR THE APHRODISIA LINE WHICH IS WHY I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF AN 80,000 WORD STORY. GOOD OR BAD, I DIDN'T OUTLINE MUCH BEFORE PLOWING INTO UNTAMED. I'VE SPRINKLED IN EQUAL PARTS SHAPE-SHIFTING, BONDAGE, PSYCHIC POWERS AND THROWN MY CHARACTERS INTO A STARK, REMOTE ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE ANCIENT ANASAZI ONCE LIVED. OTHER THAN KNOWING HOK'EE AND KAI WILL SURVIVE, I'M NOT SURE OF ANYTHING.

Debra: Well, that's writing by the seat of your pants!

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

Vonna: I WAS A HUGE FAN OF TARZAN SO EDWARD RICE BURROWS TURNED MY CRANK. NO WIMPY GIRLY BOOKS FOR ME, GIVE ME KILLER SNAKES AND A HUNK WITH A KNIFE.

Debra: You can keep the snakes. Though the hunk would be nice. ;-)

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?

Vonna: HANDS DOWN IT WOULD BE A MAN (OR WOMAN) AGAINST NATURE STORY. ONE OF THOSE, YOU'RE GONNA LIVE ONLY IF YOU MAKE IT THROUGH THE STORM, EARTHQUAKE, FIRE, WHATEVER, TALES.

Debra: Life and death. It doesn't get much more dramatic than that.

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?

Vonna: I REVEAL ALL AT WWW.VONNAHARPER.COM AND BLOG AT WWW.THEBRADFORDBUNCH.COM

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

Vonna: THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY.

Debra: My pleasure.

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Debra's news/Debra is watching:

This weekend I attended the Heartland Writers Conference in MO. It's a one day conference, only three hours from where I live, but I went up a day early to have dinner with friends. My husband came along, and Saturday we celebrated my birthday. The conference had excellent speakers and I enjoyed making new friends. I took along my laptop to work on line edit approvals which had a deadline of the 10th.

The editing process on your first book is such a learning experience. One of my issues was eye color changes. Bobbi Smith gave me a great idea to prevent that problem in the future. 3 x 5 cards by the computer with those details to refer to. This is going to be really helpful because I usually have more than one book going at a time and I sometimes switch from working on one to working on the other. So it is easy to mix up the people in my books when it comes to eye color.

One nice thing about working with an editor is you start to see where your problem areas are. So I'm sure the more experience with this, the cleaner your writing will get. It's such a wonderful and exciting experience all around.

Now that I've been all the way through the process I can safely say I love working with an editor on my books. And my editor, Beth is awesome.

Make-Believe Mondays With Rebecca Goings

Today on Make-Believe Mondays our guest is Rebecca Goings.

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

Rebecca: Right now, I’m working on a book for Champagne Books, one of their Orphan Train series. My contribution is entitled ONCE A DREAMER, and takes place in Dodge City, KS as well as Topeka and the wilds of the Kansas prairie. Doc Holliday makes a cameo in this book, and it was so much fun to write him after all the research I did, not only on what he’d done, but the content his character as well. I can only hope he comes across as believable!

Debra: Oh, yes. Doc Holiday was a fascinating person. You have me intrigued already.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Rebecca: Well, I read a lot of the kind of books I like to write. I study how other authors handle different situations, and sometimes my creativity stems from an idea I read about or watched on TV. My creativity is also sparked by daydreams or questions I ask myself about my own life. It’s fun to explore those situations I think of.

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

Rebecca: I daydream about my characters all the time, so in that way, I suppose you could say I “see” and “hear” them. But I’ve never had “conversations” with them… :P Might be a little creepy if that ever happens. Heh.

Debra: LOL Well if you ever did, you'd be in good company. Dickens had conversations with his characters all the time. ;-)

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?

Rebecca: Yes I have. In my fantasy series, The Legends of Mynos from Samhain Publishing, a lot of the original names are made up of two mundane, everyday words. All I did was look around the room, find two things, then put their syllables together and they actually sounded pretty good!

An example would be this: I currently see a vase and a curtain in my dining room. So, I could make names such as Vascur, Setai, Taina, Urvas, Asecu… And I’m not even mixing up the letters. If I mix up the letters, I could get Esuai, Raiva, Nesruva, Ceinta, and the list goes on. It’s pretty fun. You should try it!

Debra: Yes, I will try that! Thank you. It's so much fun to play with words.

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?

Rebecca: YES! I actually dreamed the beginning sequence of my first shifter novel, THE B*E*A*S*T* WITHIN from Champagne Books. In my dream, I was on the run with a man who could shift into a Bengal tiger. We were in the mountains in the snow, and it was pretty darn urgent that we get outta Dodge. I woke up and thought, “There’s gotta be plot in there somewhere!”

So immediately, I began plotting, asking the who, what, where, when, why questions. Well, I thought the “on the run with a shifter” angle was too good to pass up. So he’s running from…a secret agency who wants him back. Why? Because he’s a secret experiment. Who is this agency? The B*E*A*S*T* agency. I wanted a cool acronym, and what better than B*E*A*S*T* for a shifter? (Which stands for “Bio-Engineering to Attain Shift Transformation” – quite the mouthful, I know.)

Of course, when I did the whole secret agency/experiment route, I knew there couldn’t just be ONE guy they experimented on, otherwise, it wouldn’t be an “agency”. So, my shifter series was born. Currently, there are only three books in the series, with a promise of more to come. J

Debra: Fascinating! I love these stories of how a story can arise from dreams.

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

Rebecca: Yes, C.S. Lewis. I loved the world of Narnia so much, one of my childhood friends and I actually “looked” for the entrance in her attic. Looking back now, I’m surprised we didn’t kill ourselves trying to get up there. But he’s one of the “Big Guys” who turned me on to fantasy.

Debra: Oh, I can just see you looking for the entrance. C.S. Lewis is wonderful.

Rebecca: Another one of my favorite authors from childhood was David Eddings because I loved his fantasy stories. I loved fantasy long before I loved romance.

Debra: If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?

Rebecca: I’d probably write some kick-ass Firefly fan fiction. I’ve always wanted to do a “space opera” of sorts, and I LOVE Firefly, so why not? I might hop on the Stargate fan fic as well. Mmm, Daniel Jackson…

I know, I know, that’s not “wild”, but hey, for me, it would be letting my hair down.

Debra: So, let your hair down, lady. Let it flow free and wild. ;-)

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?

Rebecca: Don’t ever think your ideas are too weird or don’t fit into a “box” within the genre you’re going for. There’s a publishing house for every kind of story. Never give up. Never let anyone tell you that you “can’t” do it. If I’d listened to my family about the odds of getting published and how I probably would never BE published, I’d never be where I am today.

Never stop learning your craft. Writing is a mixture of talent and skill. If you have a great daydream that could make a good plot, write it down. If your dreams at night are haunting you, write it down! If you think of a different way you would write a certain plot, write it down!

Creativity can come from anywhere, even a random picture in a magazine. Always keep your eyes and ears open. You never know when a book idea will spring forth!

Debra: Well said, Rebecca. Thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

Rebecca: Thank you for having me. I thoroughly enjoyed myself!
My website addy is: http://www.rebeccagoings.com
My blog addy is: http://beckasbabble.blogspot.com






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Debra's news/Debra is watching:

This week I am approving the changes from my line editor while preparing to attend the Heartland Writers Conference in Cape Gerardeau, MO on Saturday. I'm headed up on Friday night, going to dinner with friends and as Saturday also happens to be my birthday, I'll be celebrating that as well.

Have a lovely weekend!

Debra

Make-Believe Mondays With David Schwartz

On this Make-Believe Monday I am pleased to introduce David Schwartz.

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

David: Currently I'm gearing up to do revisions on a novel I'm calling Succession, which is sort of a cross between War and Peace and Ellen Kushner's Swordspoint, with a bit of the French Revolution thrown into the mix. It's got a lot of characters, a lot of story, a lot of world-building; wars and romance and political intrigue.

While I'm working on that I'll be working on short stories, and figuring out what the next novel will be. I love working in both forms, but I definitely need a break of a few months between novels, because they sort of take over my life. That can be a good thing--it's really helpful to have those characters and their story always in the back of your head, even when you're making dinner, or watching a band--but it's also pretty exhausting, after a while. I like short stories because you can work on them really intensely for a few days or weeks, and then they're done. Novels take a long time to feel done.

Debra: Yes, they certainly do. It's been a long while since I wrote a short story, but that's how I started with fiction. Maybe I should take it up again. The people in my novels do start to take things over.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Debra: In ways that I suspect most writers do; traveling (when I can afford it), socializing, watching DVDs, listening to music, and reading, reading, reading. I read as widely as I can manage: contemporary stuff and classics, fiction and nonfiction, kid's books, graphic novels, the news. I find a lot of ideas in history books; there are dozens of overlooked historical figures who could easily carry a book.

Another thing is that, for me, an important ingredient in the "creative cup" (to go with Ray's metaphor) is anger. I'm not saying that I write screeds--I think my fiction is humanistic and (most of the time) optimistic. But there are plenty of things to get ticked off about in the world, whether they are political or cultural or personal. I feel compelled to confront those things in some way, although I'm careful not to let that get in the way of a good story. When you get to that point, you might as well write opinion pieces!

Debra: I think emotion is at the heart of all good fiction, because its what moves us and what a writer feels passionate about is then transferred into the writing. So it is very interesting to hear you say that. Anger creates action. Well, most emotion does, actually, unless we bottle it up.

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

David: It's interesting; while in my normal everyday life I'm very visually oriented, I don't really "see" scenes as I'm writing them. Or rather, I'm very aware of what the characters are doing, but less focused on their surroundings, or what they're wearing, or even what they look like. I always have to go back in and flesh out descriptions, because that's not where my attention is. I suppose I'd say that my experience of stories and novels is closer to that of a play than a film; sometimes with plays all you have is a stage and two actors, and what they do and say is all you need for a story.

That's not to say that my characters don't come alive for me. It's always the characters that drive my stories; even when I know where a book or a story is headed (and I often don't), I'm relying on my characters to get me there. I know that some writers see characters as servicing the plot, but I see it the other way. If I can't make a piece of the story work because I'm finding that it goes against character, I'll throw it out. I've done it before, and I'll do it again!

Debra: Yes and with plays dialog and action drive the story, while settings may be black and almost empty. Though I've always felt that place, or setting can also sometimes be like a character.

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?

David: I've used dreams as templates for short stories, but most of the time it hasn't worked for me. I think the trick may be to use the dream only as a departure point, and not try to transcribe what happened as if it's going to make sense. They call it dream logic for a reason; what we find affecting or unsettling in a dream will often seem banal or gratuitously surreal on the page. Maybe this is something like the old saw about truth being stranger than fiction. On the other side of the coin, I'm probably guilty of over-using dreams as a narrative device. They can be great shorthand for revealing character anxieties. They're also a great opportunity for humor, and for going over-the-top in a way that the core story may not allow me to.

Debra: Yes, and dreams can be so hard to capture on the page, so trying to copy them exactly would difficult and I suspect, frustrating. Using dreams as a device in a story can be tricky to handle, but I love it when its down well.

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?

David: I'd actually like to think that's what I'm doing right now. Part of what keeps me writing is that I always want to know how things turn out; if what I'm writing is not something I'd want to read myself, it all falls apart. I've been lucky enough to have sold a first novel with some fantasy elements to a mostly-mainstream imprint, and I'd like to be one of those people who can work across the lines between those strange categories we call "genres." As an author I'm resigned to being categorized in some ways--by marketers, at least--but as a reader I rebel constantly against being told what I'm going to like. I can love Jane Austen and William Gibson both, darn it! And I want to write books that omnivorous readers like me will love.

Debra: Yes, you can darn it! I wish more men would read Jane Austin!
Is there anything else you'd like to add or share with our readers?

David:
Visit my website at http://www.snurri.com, or come over to my blog at http://snurri.livejournal.com, where I post book news, talk about what I'm reading/watching, make silly polls, and tell weird stories with photographs.

Thanks for having me!

Debra: You're quite welcome, David. It's been a pleasure.

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Debra's news/Debra is watching:

This week my book cover is posted on my publishers website, my MySpace and my Facebook. Soon it will be up on my website along with other changes.

I am hard at work on revisions to my second manuscript so it can go out and A Desperate Journey is currently with the line editor and should be done any day now.

Soon I'll be setting up a Yahoo group for my readers as well as planning some promotions.

Over on my MySpace page there is a countdown to the release of the book while I heartily enjoy checking just to see it getting closer.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Make-Believe Mondays With Diane Craver

Today on Make-Believe Mondays our guest is Diane Craver.

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

Diane: I’m writing an inspirational romance right now. I don’t have a title yet, so I just call it my Mallory book. The main character Mallory is divorced and wants to get her ex-husband back. She never wanted a divorce in the first place and was crushed when it happened. She does something drastic in hopes he will want to marry her again. She has two good friends and I have plans to write a book about each girlfriend.

A publisher just requested a full manuscript of my book, Whitney in Charge so I’m hoping to have good news about that soon. It’s about three sisters starting a business. Also two sisters will stop at nothing to get their widowed sister dating again.

Debra: Fingers crossed that you'll hear good news soon.

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

Diane: My characters become real to me quickly. My books are character-driven so I’m constantly thinking about the characters as I start a new book and what big scenes I want them to have in the book. They inject dialogue and ideas to me while I’m in the shower, driving, cooking, or right before I fall asleep. I jot down their thoughts and dialogue on paper so I have my notes when I get time to type on my computer. I’ve learned I can’t rely on my memory to remember everything.

Also when I write it’s neat how the characters take over and the story line I have in mind changes. In my Whitney book, a new character popped in to become a main romantic interest for the one sister.

Debra: Don't you love it when you get great dialog or scenes while in the shower? I sometimes wish I had a bar of soap that could write on the shower wall so I wouldn't lose them before I get done washing my hair. :-)

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?

Diane: I’m usually thinking of my wip when I fall to sleep, so I do seem to dream about the characters and use these ideas in my writing. Bits of my dreams have wound up in my books. The funny thing is I’ve noticed I have some interesting dreams if I eat ice cream before I go to bed. Okay, I do have a weakness for Dutch chocolate almond or cherry cordial ice cream, but eating ice cream in the evening does inspire some great dreams for me. :)

Debra: Oh, I'll have to try that one night. I wonder what kind of dreams mint chocolate chip would lead to? :-)

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

Diane: As a child I read Nancy Drew books, so was thrilled when I saw my chick-lit mystery, A Fiery Secret, listed on the same page with Nancy Drew books on different online sites. I also remember loving Black Beauty and it definitely drew me into the whole world of cruel masters vs. the kind owners. The summer after 7th grade I was bored and read my sister’s copy of Gone With The Wind. It made a big impact on me and my desire to write.

Debra: Oh, that had to be extremely thrilling. Nancy Drew was one of my favorites too.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

Diane: Please visit my website at www.dianecraver.com
and my blog at www.dianecraver.com/blog. I have excerpts of my three books published by Samhain. I also have book trailers, review quotes, recipes, website contests and monthly blog contests, and giveaways.

Debra, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to tell about my books and writing. It was fun.

Debra: Thank you, Diane, for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers. It's been a pleasure.

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Debra's news/Debra is watching

I'm very excited this week because my book cover just went up on the Samhain website! Now I'll be able to post it on my website and blog, so stay tuned for it to appear here next week.

Make-Believe Mondays With Kelly McDonough

Today our guest on Make-Believe Mondays is Kelly McDonough.

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

Kelly: Well the working title is IT Girl. It’s about the owner and publisher of a wildly and worldly successful men’s magazine (not Playboy, think GQ). He happens to look at some photos his ace photographer shot for one of their clients in their amusement park. While looking at the photographs, he sees HER. He zeroes in on this incredibly beautiful woman in the background of the shot. It’s a totally candid shot and he’s amazed by her natural beauty and smile that would put Julia Roberts’ smile to shame. That’s when he decides he has to have her as his August IT Girl. It’s a feature the magazine runs every month. He hand selects each girl, but at the end of the year, the male readers get to pick the IT Girl of the Year. That girl gets to travel with him and his photographer from Paris to Hawaii. He takes out a full-page ad with the photo in America Today hoping for her to “turn herself in,” or a friend to do the same.

The heroine could care less though her interest is peaked. She’s too busy running Naughty & Nice Clothes for him and for clubbing – extremely successful among the famous models and actresses. And she’s engaged to an extremely wealthy developer that she doesn’t truly love. It’s her best friend who turns her in to what she considers an absolutely knock-out guy with a heart to match. Perfect for her best friend….I have to leave the rest to your imagination or I’ll give away the whole story! Let’s just say it’s a fun and sexy romp without being erotic. It’s an extremely sensual read that probes the characters deeply and has them living all sorts of lives that most people only dream of.

Debra: Love at first sight stories are among my favorites. I love this scene you've painted of him seeing her for the first time and just knowing she's the one.

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

Kelly: Absolutely. The book I’m working right now is completely controlled by the characters – not me! I always say whatever I write, it’s just the angels beneath my fingertips. Most of the time, I don’t know where the characters are going to take me. But, in this book I’m working on now? I know exactly where I’m going. Just a little funny aside: While working on Love’s Magic Spell, that crazy, unconventional, wise-cracking fairy-godmother kept talking to me in my sleep and waking me up. Finally, I said to myself, I have to get this down on paper so she’ll leave me alone already! I’m very fortunate in that all of my stories came to me very easily. Writing each was fun not work.

Debra: And you know you're on the right path when work is fun. It's the most wonderful feeling.

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

Kelly: Oh, God, there were so many authors I loved in childhood including Dr. Seuss. But, I have to say it was Janet Daily that made me want to write romance. I was only eleven and even then knew what I wanted to do with part of my life. I say part because I knew there were too many other things out there to do. And I’ve done them all including raising a family.

Debra: I still love Dr. Seuss. LOL The utter playfulness in his work. Around the time my best friend and I were devouring the Nancy Drew books I dreamed of being a writer. But then I married straight out of high school and had babies right away. So I know exactly what you mean about there being so many other things to do.

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?

Kelly: I’d just like my readers to know that I hope to take them away to a different world than their own so they can revel in the fantasies that actually could come true for some! Even if they only come true for them for a couple of hours… I’m a believer in happy endings. I’m also a realist and know the real world is tough which is why I’ve chosen to write happily-ever-afters.

You can check out my website at kellymcdonough.com Feel free to leave me a note on my Vistor’s Page or enter my contests…I’m always running one! Thank you all for reading this and to Debra who has been most gracious enough to include me in her Make-Believe Mondays.

Debra: Thank you, Kelly. It has been a pleasure.

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Debra's news/Debra is watching:

This week I'm making arrangements to attend the Heartland Writers Guild Writing Conference in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, June 7th, which also happens to fall on my birthday. So I'm doubly looking forward to that and to spending it with friends.

And I'm anxiously watching the Samhain Publishing website for my book cover to post because once it does, I'll be able to share it with you.

In the meantime it's back to work on the revisions of my second novel and getting those proposals ready.

One of the things I love about spring is all the colorful flowers. The plus side of all this rain we've been having is that everything will be lush and green and vivid with blooms. I have some beautiful pink roses on my kitchen table for Mothers Day and they are just starting to open. They smell so good.

Enjoy the beautiful spring day!

Make-Believe Mondays With Gail Barrett

Today on Make-Believe Mondays, my guest is Gail Barrett.

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

Gail: I’m currently writing a miniseries for Silhouette Romantic Suspense. It’s called The Crusaders: Chasing legends, capturing hearts, and I am extremely excited about it. The series begins when a legendary, eleventh-century artifact shows up in a Spanish bank vault -- sparking murders and resurrecting rumors of an ancient curse. Each story takes place in a different country, and I’ve had a fabulous time doing the research -- I’ve gone to Spain and Peru so far.

Debra: Oh, yes, research in foreign places is one of my favorite things to do. How exciting!

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Gail: It’s hard to pinpoint where my creative inspiration comes from, but I know I’m very influenced by setting. I love to study the interplay of light and color on leaves and trees, for example, or watch a flock of birds twisting and expanding in the sky. There are so many beautiful subtleties in our world, and I find it inspiring to really sit back and see what’s around me. I also love to listen to music. I do some of my best brainstorming while I’m driving in the car with the music on (I’m a Celtic music fanatic). Another thing I like to do is travel. Going to a foreign location can be uncomfortable, even grueling, but it yanks me out of my comfort zone, and forces me to grow and experience new things -- essential for creativity.

Debra: I couldn't agree more.

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

Gail: Absolutely, but it’s not something I can plan or predict. It happens at different points in my work for different characters. For example, in the second book of my current miniseries (To Protect a Princess, October SRS), as soon as my hero began to talk -- out came a very sexy Texan drawl. That totally threw me because I had no idea how a Texan ended up in the mountains of Peru. I had to go back and figure that out. (It was hard, but no way was he losing that accent because it was exactly right for him.) In Heart of a Thief, the hero came alive as soon as he spotted the heroine, the woman who once betrayed him, across the room -- and man, was he was furious! As a writer, I’ve found that it’s vital to watch for those moments because they make all the difference in the book.

Debra: And what a magical moment it is, when they come alive.

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?

Gail: I’ve never invented words, but sometimes when I’m writing, I’ll think of the perfect word in Spanish (I used to live in Spain and know the language). That’s particularly frustrating because I can’t insert Spanish in an English sentence, even if it’s exactly the word I need.

Debra: Yes, and so many times there is no word which in translation carries exactly the same meaning and connotation.

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?

Gail: That’s a great question. I’ve never actually dreamed a scene -- my dreams are always long and convoluted, usually involving me flying through the air or engaging in other bizarre acts. But I do have a lot of recurring dreams set in fascinating buildings that are just begging to show up in my books. One is a beautiful house on a cliff overlooking the ocean in San Diego. The view is amazing, the house has lovely, sun-filled porches and rooms -- but a dead body in the basement (very scary). Another is what seems to be an abandoned palace in Spain. The marble floors are cracking, the ancient pillars sinking, but every time I enter that place, I feel a huge excitement, an urgent need to discover what secrets it holds.

Debra: Thank you, Gail. I believe our dreams can point us in the right direction, if we listen to them. So I hope some day to be reading about this abandoned palace one day.

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?

Gail: Yes. Allow yourself to daydream. Turn off the television and just let yourself think. I firmly believe that creativity occurs when we are forced to delve into ourselves for amusement. If we are too busy reacting to the world around us, we stifle our creativity. I cringe when I see children whose parents schedule every second of their days. I think it’s so important that kids be left alone to simply play. When my own boys were little we had a policy of no television during the week -- no computers, no Game Boys, nothing. The lack of stimulation forced them to read and play creatively, to invent characters and games. That’s where it all starts, I think. I was a huge daydreamer as a kid. I spent hours grinding glittering rocks into “fairy dust,” convincing my friends we were coyotes (and running all over the hills howling at the moon) -- and curling up with a good book when it rained, of course!

Debra: Yes, and we are surrounded by constant noise, which makes it harder to find that quiet time to think and daydream. Sometimes its nice when a storm knocks the power out because then the board games and books and candles come out.

Gail, thank you for visiting Make-Believe Mondays. It's been a pleasure.

Readers may visit Gail at
www.gailbarrett.com

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Debra's news/Debra is watching:

It was wonderful to attend the RT convention in Pittsburgh to meet up with old friends and make new ones. This is the event I look forward to all year and I haven't missed one since I first attended four years ago. I hope I never will. For all who were aware I'd hurt my foot that last day, it is almost mended and I'll be back to dancing at the end of this week. It's quite an adventure being wheeled through the airport in a wheelchair. Everything looks different from that vantage point.

One good thing about being off my feet for two weeks is that I was able to finish second round edits of my manuscript early and what a good feeling that is.

Now I have partials to prepare and send to the editors who requested them, and I'm back to the revisions of my second novel. It's rather interesting here, how my routine is working out. Our sons border collie has come to live with us and I have a new laptop, so I can now sit on the deck, throw the Frisbee, write a few lines and throw the Frisbee again. It's spring here in the Memphis area, everything lush and green and the birds singing.

Not a bad way to set up office, doing my dream job.
Spring is here! Enjoy the day!

And if you're rained in, my photos are posted of the RT convention on my MySpace page.

Make-Believe Mondays On Hiatus

Make-Believe Mondays will be on Hiatus while I attend the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Pittsburgh, PA.

If you're attending, be sure to look for me at the eBook signing on Wed, Club RT on Thursday and the Samhain Publishing party on Sunday.

Make-Believe Mondays With Susan Lyons

Today on Make-Believe Mondays I'm pleased to introduce Susan Lyons.

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

Susan: I’m working on three projects – all very spicy, and none of which has been contracted yet. (So if you know of an editor who’d be interested, be sure to let me and my agent know!) One’s called Wild Ride, and is a 3-novella sexy anthology about three single sisters traveling home to their baby sister’s wedding. Each meets a guy on the way and has a wild ride – one by plane, one by train, and one by battered van – and finds love on the journey.

The second is Red Garters, a 3-book series set in gold rush days. The minister of a boom town decides to import marriageable young women (i.e., brides), hoping to civilize the miners, but three of the girls aren’t exactly the sweet innocents he had in mind.

In the third project, Going Down, the heroine, who comes from a background of poverty and neglect, has reinvented herself and is working her way up the management ladder in a ritzy hotel chain – so she accepts a job in Whistler (the ski resort) even though she hates winter sports. There, she’s torn between two men. One’s wealthy and successful and seems a perfect match for her reinvented self. The other’s a ski instructor who encourages her to come to terms with her past, to play, and to take risks – on the ski slope and with her heart.

Debra: I certainly will. They all sound intriguing.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Susan: I do all the usual things such as brainstorming, chatting with friends, reading, watching movies and TV, going some place different, listening to music. But the most important aspect for me is, I need to keep my imagination/muse alive. This is hard to explain, but it seems like my brain can work in one of two ways. Maybe that’s because I have a very logical, analytical side as well as a creative side. Anyhow, when I’m in one frame of mind, I’m practical and efficient; when I’m in the other, I’m full of ideas. I guess in one frame of mind my muse is sleeping and in the other she’s wide awake and wanting to play.

When she’s awake, I’m very open to ideas that come along. Brainstorming is so exciting when I’m in that state of mind! Even a boring article in the newspaper can trigger an idea without me putting any conscious thought to it. But when my muse is asleep, I have to consciously try to wake her up. It’s like I poke at her and say, “Hey, I’m a writer, I’m supposed to have ideas. That’s your job so would you haul butt and get at it? Here I am, trying to brainstorm about a new story, and I need you!” She may be a little grudging at first but usually once I’ve dragged her out of bed and told her I need her, the energy begins to build and we start having fun.

Debra: How dare that muse think she can lounge about all day sleeping! :-) If only they would be somewhat predictable. Mine picks the oddest moments to decide to play.

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

Susan: Yes, absolutely. I don’t plot my books, so in the beginning it takes me a while to really know my characters and figure out what’s going on with them. I’ll write in little bursts as they reveal things about themselves, then I’ll get stalled and not know what happens next, which usually happens because I don’t know the characters well enough. So I use a variety of techniques to get in better touch with my characters. For example, brainstorm with other writers or with non-writer friends, read through Heroes & Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes, go for a walk and muse (or maybe that should be, go for a walk with my muse!), talk to my characters in my head. As they become more clear to me, then they start taking over the keyboard. I love it when that happens.

Occasionally I’ll even argue with them because I don’t agree with where they want to take the story, but in the end they’re usually right. That happened with my April release, She’s on Top. About 2/3 of the way through, I didn’t know how the book would end. The hero told me what was going to happen and I disagreed, but he won out and yes, he was right.

Debra: Yes, they can be stubborn that way. :-)

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

Susan: I’m an only child and spent much of my childhood alone with a book – or, rather, living in an imaginary world. Books were the best part of my life. I was a really bright, precocious child and read more widely as a child than I do as an adult. I kept winning book prizes at school and got some really odd books I’d never have picked up myself, but still I devoured them. Okay, here are some that I remember. I loved horses and read every horse book I could get my hands on. I fancied myself a detective and read Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden and the Hardy Boys. I read biographies, history, archaeology, etc., and I’m not sure I really distinguished fiction from non-fiction because the non-fiction also took me to new (or very old) worlds. The only books I didn’t enjoy were fairy tales – and even now I’m not much into paranormal, fantasy or science fiction. I love fiction but prefer fiction I can identify with – e.g., I could imagine myself being Nancy Drew and today I can imagine myself being a contemporary romance heroine, but I had trouble imagining being Alice down the rabbit-hole and now I have no desire to imagine falling in love with a vampire.

Debra: It's interesting to hear you say that. Non-fiction can transport if it is written in a voice that allows this. Some of the reading I did back when I owned the travel agency did exactly that. Allowed me to travel from the couch.

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?

Susan: For me, a story usually grows out of one or more “what if?” questions. There’s some initial trigger, be it a dream, a snippet of conversation, something I see on TV or read in the paper or in a book. The trigger is something that resonates with me. Something another person might think utterly boring, but it tweaks my imagination. That tweak wakes up my muse, who says, “Okay, that’s interesting, but what if . . .?” And then it’s kind of like she and I carry on an internal dialogue, playing with all the “what ifs” until the beginning of a story, or a character, emerges and I get excited and think this may turn into a book or novella or short story.

Debra: "What if" is the ultimate story generating question.

Susan: Visit my website at www.susanlyons.ca. I have excerpts, insights into my writing process for each book, trailers, review quotes, a monthly contest, give-aways, a newsletter and lots of other good stuff.

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

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Debra's news/Debra is watching:

This week I've been working on promotional items for the Romantic Times convention. My book cover isn't done yet, so I designed the bookmarks myself. My husband helped and as he is a perfectionist and I used to work in advertising, it was interesting working together on that project. I also ordered a promotional give away item for the 80 gift bags Samahain Publishing will hand out at their spotlight. So if you are headed to RT next week, you might want to pop in on that one. I'll be there from April 15th to the 21st, so there will be no Make-Believe Monday interview on the 21st. If you are going to RT you will find me at the eBook signing on Wed. and Samhain's party on Sunday. Be sure to come up and say hello!

Other exciting things this week: I received my first author quote for A Desperate Journey and what a thrill that was! And late last night I got a sneak peak of the first draft of my book cover! Exciting days here, celebrating all these firsts.

Over on Title Wave this week, I am blogging today, Gina is blogging on Wed. and Jeanmarie is blogging on Fri.

Make-Believe Mondays with Jim Hines

Today on Make-Believe Mondays, my guest is Jim Hines.

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

Jim: My publisher just released Goblin War, the third and final (for now) book in my goblin series. So I'm now working on a new series which is basically a mash-up of old fairy tales and Charlie's Angels. Fun stuff! DAW has bought three books in this series. The first one is done, and I'm currently chest-deep in revisions on the second.

Debra: Old fairy tales have always intrigued me, from the time I was small. (And I love this Goblin cover by the way.)

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Jim: Writing every day helps. I think creativity is like so many other things: the more you practice, the better you get.

The other trick is making sure you don't burn yourself out. With the latest book release, I've been spending a lot of time on publicity while also trying to write the next book. Add a pair of sick children, and my brain has gotten pretty fried for the past few weeks. I've needed to prioritize more and turn down a few events in order to have the mental and emotional energy to devote to the stories.

Debra: Yes, it's quite a juggling act, isn't it? I'm learning that publicity part right now as I prepare for the Romantic Times convention. It's a big brain switch from the world of story.

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

Jim: There's definitely a point where the characters click. Sometimes it takes longer than others. In my second goblin book, I had a warrior who was ... well, she was boring! Perfectly competent and workable, but dull as anything. It wasn't until the rewrite that she transformed from a dangerous warrior woman into a crotchety goblin who liked to whack people with her canes.

Debra: Oh, my! LOL She reminds me of my great grandmother who lived to be 106 and could have whacked you with her cane if she wanted to. Now I'm going to have to get my hands on that second book.

Jim: Jig the goblin, on the other hand, was a delightful little coward from day one. It's unusual for a character to spring fully-formed into my brain, but every once in a while I get lucky.

Debra: It would be lovely if we had a magical formula for making that happen.

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?

Jim: You know, I'd like to think they'd be the same kind of stories I'm writing now. For starters, fantasy isn't exactly the most lucrative genre -- especially humorous fantasy -- but it's what I enjoy. I love my quirky goblins and their adventures. I've just been fortunate that a fair number of readers seem to feel the same way.
If I were writing full-time, I might have to pay more attention to market demands. But I have a day job which pays the bills, and that gives me a little more freedom to write what I want without worrying about whether it has "Potential Bestseller" stamped all over the manuscript.

Debra: That freedom to write is so very important. And I enjoy your quirky characters too.

Jim, thanks for joining us here on this Make-Believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of creation with our readers.

Readers who wish to visit Jim and his quirky characters can find him at:

Website: http://www.jimchines.com
Blog: http://jimhines.livejournal.com

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Debra's news/Debra is watching:

Just last week I received my ISBN number and I was as thrilled about that as the day I received my contract! My editor has been working with me on the cover blurb which was another woo-hoo moment. Everyone talks about getting the call, and that is a very exciting day in the life of an author, but there are also the sequential joys along the road to production, all those little firsts which ought to be celebrated.

This week I am working on getting bookmarks together in time for the Romantic Times convention in Pittsburgh. I'll be there from April 15th to the 21st and I can't wait to meet up with old friends.

Over on Title Wave this week, I'm blogging today, Ruth is blogging Wednesday, and Lois is blogging Friday.

Watch for A DESPERATE JOURNEY to be released July, 2008 as an eBook. Print edition will be out in 2009.

Make-Believe Mondays With Marilyn Campbell

Today on Make-Believe Mondays I'm excited to be able to introduce Marilyn Campbell.

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

Marilyn: As you may know, for the past year, all of my time has been spent establishing and developing The Lotus Circle publishing imprint. As part of that effort I completed three non-fiction metaphysical books – “Metaphysical Fitness, Ten Commandments for Spiritual Being”, “Tarot of The Lotus Circle” and “Numerology To Go” – as well as a psychic fiction novel, “Dreams of You”, which was co-authored with my daughter, Joie del Rio, under the pseudonym Campbell del Rio.

If you check out the site, www.thelotuscircle.com, you’ll see that we now have a very nice selection of books, and there are a lot more in “the queue”.
Joie and I also co-wrote an erotic thriller, “Eye Witness”, under the pseudonym Kennedy Vance, which was released in e-book through TLC’s sister imprint Cerridwen Press.

Personally, I have been getting a lot of nudges, both from readers and my spirit guides, to do another futuristic or time-travel romance. In order to decide which book to write next, I’ve added a Reader’s Survey onto my site. I’d love to get some more opinions! (www.marilyncampbell.com)

Debra: Yes, you have been busy! The Lotus Circle is a unique website. I enjoy visiting. And I'd be happy to take your survey.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Marilyn: Whenever I feel empty, I take a weekend off from my routine and do one of two things – I go see four or five new movies in a theater plus at least that many more on video at home or I head for a theme park, ride roller coasters and play like I’m 8 years old again. For me, either activity works like sherbet between courses of a heavy meal. (Btw, speaking of food, junk food consumption plays a vital part in my re-inspiring-myself process.)

Debra: Oh, it's been years since I rode a roller coaster since there are none nearby. I grew up not far from Kings Island and we used to have season passes. What fun!

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

Marilyn: Actually, for me, the characters are usually in existence before I start writing. In most cases, they tap me on the shoulder because they have a story they want me to tell for them. And woe is me if I don’t pay attention!

Debra: How wonderful to be so in tune. Mine whisper and I'm never entirely sure who they are until I'm almost at the end of the book.

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?

Marilyn: In my Innerworld series of futuristic romances, I had the thoroughly enjoyable opportunity to make up names, places and words. The complete lack of any requirements to be realistic or politically correct according to current Earth standards was incredibly liberating…and one of the reasons I am seriously considering revisiting that sub-genre.

Debra: How freeing it is to play with language. Many of the best authors I've known have played with it in some way.

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?

Marilyn: Dreams have played a major role in creating several of my fiction novels. The premise of the first book I wrote, “Pyramid of Dreams”, came from a very clear dream about the hijacking of a yacht in the Bermuda Triangle. Another time I dreamed that I woke up naked and fully sated but the man lying next to me was a complete stranger. That book became the bestselling novel “Pretty Maids in a Row”. And most recently, “Dreams of You”, is about a lucid dreamer who works with the police.

Debra: Somehow I suspected they would. Lucid dreaming is a fascinating subject.

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?

Marilyn: It has been my habit to write what I feel compelled to write, when the compulsion hits, regardless of the market at that time. In fact, my futuristic romances were originally rejected dozens of times by editors and agents, because they were convinced that no one wanted books that combined two different genres! Within two years of all those rejections, an auction was held to determine which house would get to publish that series. I have now been published in every sub-genre I ever wanted to write in. On the opposite side, I avoid writing a particular type of story just because it is popular. For instance, I have no interest in vampires, thus I would never attempt to write about them.

Debra: It is good to hear you say this, because I think new writers need to hear this. It can take years to be published and it is important to believe in your work, to have that persistence rather than chasing market trends.

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?

Marilyn: It is good to remember that the imagination is your direct connection to the Universal Consciousness, but you need to be open to receiving the inspiration and train your mind to be quiet enough to hear the messages. When your awake time is too full of noise and busy-ness, your dream time is all that’s left. If you know you dream but can’t remember them in the morning, you may just need to work at it a bit. Start by ordering yourself to remember all your dreams right before going to sleep. Keep a notepad by the bed and the instant you awaken, write down any images or words that come to you before they fade away. It takes some practice but it could be worth it!

Debra: Oh, this is so important. Quiet time is very hard to come by in this modern society and perhaps it is the thing most needed. This year I started my first dream journal and I am slowly training my myself to remember my dreams. It does get easier with practice.

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

Make-Believe Mondays With Barb Meyers

Happy St. Patricks Day from Make-Believe Mondays! Barb Meyers is our guest today.

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

Barb: I recently completed work on my romantic comedy A MONTH FROM MIAMI which is scheduled for release as an eBook from Samhain Publishing in March 2008. They said it was only for a month--trading car repair for babysitting. But when Rick discovers stolen gems hidden in Kaylee’s car, he has to wonder: Is she the woman he thinks she is or is she taking him for a ride?

My Samhain editor is considering another manuscript entitled NOT QUITE HEAVEN. It’s anything but a romantic comedy. More of a dark, complex romance. It’s about a best-selling author whose career is flailing and a woman from his past who might be able to help him get back on top. At the beginning of every chapter, there’s a snippet of his current work in progress featuring a hero who is his alter ego.
Sitting on the back burner (which means I’m doing the hard work of figuring out a story in my head before I start to write it) is a sequel to A MONTH FROM MIAMI. I’m toying with idea of giving the hero of that story a twin brother and a story of his own.

Debra: That's an interesting format, having the work in progress of the main character highlighted. I find it quite intriguing.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

Barb: The best way for me to keep my creative cup filled is to do things non-writing related. I’ve learned, perhaps too late in life, to be kind to myself. Although I guess it’s never too late. Have you ever noticed, many of us do not treat ourselves very well? We feel guilty if we indulge ourselves. I think sometimes we are nicer to strangers than we are to ourselves.
So, I indulge. That might mean a massage or a pedicure. It might mean spending an afternoon window shopping or a morning meandering the beach. If I want to curl up in the afternoon and read and take a nap, I do it. Recently, I’ve begun to meditate, which is as simple as taking a cup of coffee and sitting in the swing overlooking my swimming pool. In the early morning I listen to the birds singing and watch the squirrels race up and down the trees. Or I simply sit and appreciate my surroundings. Being good to yourself doesn’t have to cost a thing.

Debra: Yes, this is very true. Thank you, Barb. That's a message we don't hear often. It's important to learn to be kind to ourselves.

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

Barb: That’s a good question. It’s hard to answer. For me, I think I almost always see the hero first. I know what he’s about and I know what he needs from the heroine. For some reason, the female protagonist is always harder for me to get a handle on. But there’s definitely a point where the characters become who they are. They aren’t even the writer’s creation. They are very much their own persons. What’s interesting is how characters can do something you didn’t expect them to do, but it’s right for them. At that point, the story’s out of your hands. It’s up to them to tell it.

Debra: It's so interesting to hear you say that, because for me the heroine always appears first. What an experience it is when they come to life and then take over.

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

Barb: Oh, my. I read avidly as a child. I loved The Boxcar Children and the Little House on the Prairie series. I remember the wonderful discovery of reading a book I loved and realizing there were more of them for me to read. Little Women was a Christmas gift and I read it over and over because we didn’t own very many books. I loved the Rapunzel fairy tale. Imagine having hair that long!
As a high school freshman, our English classed was “forced” to read Jane Eyre. Far from complaining like my fellow students, I zipped through it way ahead of schedule. I loved that book.

Debra: The Boxcar Children was one of my favorites.

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?

Barb: I think I’m already doing this, even though I don’t write fantasy and I don’t make up fictional worlds. I deal in fantasy within our own reality. The fantasy of romance is that love exists, that it can last, that two people can be happy together in a committed relationship for a lifetime. I want to believe it and I want my readers to believe it, given that there’s so much evidence to the contrary in the world in which we live. I want readers to believe it’s possible for them, if it hasn’t already happened in their lives.

I’m not saying we should all live in a romance novel. But in all our lives, there can be that seed of passion, a connection with a significant other, someone who thinks you’re the best thing in the world. It can happen. It does happen.
(In case your readers think I’m a complete lunatic, my 28th wedding anniversary is fast approaching.)

Debra: Congratulations and happy anniversary (if a bit early)

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?

Barb: I admit it. I’m a sucker for happy endings. I don’t like books that bring me down, make me sad or depressed. When I read I want to be entertained. If I want something to make me feel bad or cause me stress, I can turn on the news any night of the week.

Reading fiction should take you out of your circumstances for just a little bit. It should be something you enjoy, maybe something that uplifts or makes you smile. Something that comforts you or gives you hope. That’s my dream as a fiction writer. That’s the experience I want to give my readers.

Debra: Oh, Barb, I agree. It's lovely when a book can sweep you away to new lands, to the world of the story.

Readers may visit Barb at:

Samhain Author Page:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/barbara-meyers
Web Site: www.barbmeyers.com
URL: http://www.myspace.com/barbmeyers
Blog URL: http://blog.myspace.com/barbmeyers

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

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Debra's News/Debra is Watching:

Last week was my editing deadline, and I'm pleased I was able to bring it in a day early. One particular scene was giving me fits and took the longest, so last week everything went on hold so I could give all my attention to it. (Yes Make-Believe Mondays went on hold, in fact I wasn't on the internet at all.) I think that first editing is a real learning experience and I expect like anything else, the more you do it the faster and better at it you become.

Now I can turn my attention to the upcoming Romantic Times convention which I will be attending from April 15th to April 21st. If you are attending, you can find me at the Samhain party on Sunday and the ebook signing. Be sure to come up and say hello! I love meeting new people. Stay tuned for more details.

I'll also be working hard to finish up another manuscript before the conference, but I can't talk about it yet. (I'm a little superstitious about that.) There are several manuscripts in the works, so I had to choose one to focus on.

Over on Title Wave this week, I'm blogging today, Theresa is blogging Wed. and Maria is blogging Friday.

Next week on Make-Believe Mondays I'll be interviewing Marilyn Campbell (March 24th) and on the 31st our guest is Jim Hines.

Make-Believe Mondays With Lyndi Lamont

Today on Make-Believe Mondays my guest is Lyndi Lamont.

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

LL: Debra, first let me say thanks for asking me here. It was great to meet you at last year’s RT Convention.

I’m just starting a new manuscript, ALLIANCE: COSMIC SDANDAL, an erotic futuristic romance. It’s part of my Alliance series in which the people of two very different worlds come together to fight space raiders who are attacking their merchant vessels.

The hero of this story is Prince Myrek of the planet Zigan who is now acting ambassador to planet Mhajav. Myrek is a widower with one son who suffers from a blood disease. He hopes the Mhajavi scientists will be able to help his son. The heroine, Khira, is a Mhajavi genetic researcher with whom he falls in love.

The obstacles in their way are both genetic and legal. Their two races are genetically incompatible, meaning Khira can’t give him children. Legally, as heir to the throne, Myrek must marry a virgin. Though Khira still a virgin, Mhajavi law prohibits virgins from marrying.

Afraid his only son will not survive childhood, Myrek knows he must wed again, but Khira is the only woman he wants. In order to have her, he will defy convention, break the laws of two planets, and cause a Cosmic Scandal that will threaten the alliance between their two worlds.

Debra: Lyndi, it was lovely meeting you at the RT convention. I can't wait for this years convention. RT is such a wonderful place to meet new friends. Your new novel sounds fascinating and I am wondering how they will overcome genetic obstacle. That's a a tough one.

Ray Bradbury said, “We are cups, constantly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” How do you keep your creative cup filled?

LL: The story ideas never stop coming, but periodically I do run out of steam, and words to put the ideas to paper. Music helps me to keep focused on my story. I write to sound tracks or New Age-type music, instrumental, no words. I usually do a short meditation and affirmations before starting to write to get myself into the right state of mind to let the ideas flow more freely.

Debra: Interesting that you should mention that, as I am looking into tapes which stimulate creativity, much the way a hypnosis tape puts you into a certain state. It's important to be able to clear that busy mind.

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

LL: Yes, but don’t ask for more details. Each story is different.

Debra: Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?

LL: I didn’t do much of that until I started to write futuristic romance. In creating my two worlds, I’ve taken liberties with both names and words, often changing the spelling. Creating the imaginary worlds was a lot of fun, esp. the “social engineering” of a traditional society teaming up with one that is much more socially and sexually open.

Debra: 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?

LL: I wish. My dreams seem to be odd and rarely, if ever, have anything to do with my writing. Day dreaming is a different story. That works much better for me.

Debra: Daydreams are very important for creativity. I've always suspected that the authors I've met were the children who daydreamed out the window when they were in school. I know I was. ;-)

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

LL: As a child, I had a number of favorite books. I can’t remember how many times I re-read LITTLE WOMEN, and cried every time. Another favorite was THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND by Elizabeth Speare. It was after reading her book that I decided I wanted to be a writer. I ended up a librarian instead. My dream was postponed until I was in my 40’s, but I eventually started writing.

Debra: THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND. I haven't thought of that one in years. :-) Thank you for reminding me of another one of my favorites.

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?

LL: I’ve kind of done that with my futuristic stories for the Alliance series. I’ve always felt that science fiction and fantasy were the most imaginative genres, and I’ve always admired people who could create whole worlds from scratch. I’m learning that it’s not easy to do, but can be very rewarding. I didn’t know how readers would take to my futuristic stories, but I’ve been happy with the sales.

Being able to take chances like this is one of the nice things about writing for a small e-publisher like Amber Quill Press. They put very few restrictions on their authors, and if something new comes up, the editorial director creates a new category on the website. J

Debra: Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?

LL: Imagination is a wonderful thing, and the world would be a depressing place without storytellers in it. I suspect that people who read are happier than those who don’t. A good book can take you away from your problems for a short while. Reading keeps us sane and emotionally healthy, in my opinion.

Debra: Oh, I so agree, Lyndi. Thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.

LL: Thank you, Debra. Congratulations on your upcoming book. I hope it’s a big success for you. J

Debra: Thanks, Lyndi. All my fingers and toes are crossed. ;-)

Readers may visit Lyndi at
http://www.lyndilamont.com
http://www.myspace.com/lyndi.lamont

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Debra's News/Debra is watching:

I'm just back from a great weekend in Hot Springs Arkansas (celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary) and ready to get back to work on the first round edits of A Desperate Journey. Its been a challenge getting this post up today as we've had lightning and thunder all day and the internet has been up and down.

Over on Title Wave this week, I'm blogging today, Ruth is blogging on Wed, and on Friday, Lois is blogging on ladies riding side saddle in history and when it is appropriate to use it in your own writing.

Watch for the E-book version of A Desperate Journey coming in July, 2008 from Samhain publishing. The print version will be released ten months later.