Make-Believe Mondays With Dana Marie Bell

Today on Make-Believe Mondays our guest is Dana Marie Bell.

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

Dana: My current manuscript is book four of the Halle Puma series, entitled Bella Luna. It’s about a woman who, by rights, should have been a hero in Halle, but instead was shunned by all but the most important members of her Pride. She leaves Halle to be with the man who’s declared that she’s his mate. There’s only one problem: He’s a Wolf, and the Alpha of his Pack, and not all of the Wolves are happy about a Puma as their Luna.

Belle’s been through so much, her tolerance for foolishness is, on a scale of one to ten, roughly zero. She puts the Wolves in their place and proves she has every right to stand by their Alpha’s side as their Luna.

I’m a little over half-way done. I gave my husband a sneak-peek at a scene in it, and he laughed out loud in three places. To me, that means I’m heading in the right direction.

Debra: Yes, that does sound like you're headed in the right direction. How nice that you have a husband who appreciates your work that 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?

Dana: With the three R’s: Reading, wRiting, and Rugrats. I read just about anything I can lay my hands on, from romance to sci-fi, and let it percolate. I write, because when you don’t use a muscle, even if it’s a mental one, it atrophies.

Debra: Yes, it certainly does.

Dana: And my Rugrats, my kids, who keep the wonder alive for me even as they drive me demented.
Have you ever sat down and watched TV with a child, and asked them what they thought of it? Or talked about a book they’ve read? Or when they play a make-believe game, the ideas they come up with?
It’s scary, but incredible.

Debra: My two sons are grown, in their twenties now, but yes, I remember. I've been visiting with my two year old nephew this week and having a blast. Their little minds are so active, so unfettered and full of wonder. We can learn so much by spending time with children. They understand pure joy.

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

Dana: If they aren’t “speaking” to me before I put my fingers on the keyboard, they don’t get written. I need to hear them telling me their story as I do the outline, or it just doesn’t work for me. Trying to force characters to be or do something they aren’t meant to frustrates them. Have you ever heard Pumas singing Kumbaya off-key? Trust me: it ain’t pretty.

Debra: Kumbaya off-key sounds pretty awful. But pumas singing might be interesting. :-)

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?

Dana: Oh, yes! In The Wallflower, Emma is the Curana, or female ruler, of the Halle Puma Pride. Curana is a play on the Portuguese word for cougar: çuçuarana.

Debra: Fascinating. I love knowing the history of a word. Where it comes from, how it changes.

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?

Dana: I actually dreamed the entire plot of book 5 of the Halle Pumas. It wouldn’t stop until I got up at six-thirty on a Sunday morning (my one and only day to sleep in) and typed the outline into my PDA. Once I was done Gabe and Sarah shut up long enough for me to go back to sleep!

Debra: Lucky for you that you got it all down before the dream drifted away. I wish there was some sure fire way to capture that.

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

Dana: Isaac Asimov was my hero, as was Ray Bradbury and Robert A. Heinlien. Then I discovered JRR Tolkien, and thought, “Oh, that’s what I want to do.” I must have read The Lord of the Rings at least ten times. (I even managed to finish The Silmarillion!)

Now my parents wonder what the heck happened to “I want to be Isaac Asimov when I grow up.”

Debra: Ah, maybe you discovered it was better to be Dana Marie Bell. ;-)

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?

Dana: Pretty much what I do now. I take my imagination and allow it to have flight. For instance, I just recently submitted a story about how Loki got a bum rap, and two people are the key to saving him. Sometimes the story works out, and other times it doesn’t. But I won’t know until those voices start talking and I set fingers to keyboard.

Debra: Story telling is such a great adventure. Like life, you just never know if one story or another will work out.

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?

Don’t ever give up following that dream. It may not happen when you want it or how you want it (hello? ex-Isaac Asimov wanna-be here!), but if you keep on trying you’ll eventually succeed!

Debra: Dana, 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 am in Ohio visiting family and talking to local bookstores around my home about doing book signings in the spring after the print edition of my book comes out. Since I will be driving back to TN on Monday, I'm posting this interview a little bit earlier than usual.

I have a calendar on my website,
www.debraparmley.com
where you'll be able to keep up with events once I get them listed.

And I'm really looking forward to picking up my mail when I get home, as a friend emailed that I'm mentioned in Flavia's column in the latest Romantic Times Booklovers magazine. It's like Christmas......the anticipation is building....and building.
(So if you've read it, don't tell me yet! I prefer the joy of surprises to peeking,)
;-)

Make-Believe Mondays With Jenna Bayley-Burke

Today on Make-Believe Mondays my guest is Jenna Bayley-Burke.

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

Jenna: Right now I'm working on getting my not-quite three-month-old to sleep through the night. In the stolen bits of time I find, I'm roughing out a story about two lawyers who meet again following a one-night stand at a wedding. Kind of like Laws of Attraction, but without the fantastical Irish wedding plot line.

Debra: Oh, those stolen bits of time. They're like little gifts from heaven. Sounds like an interesting beginning for a story. I am impressed that you are finding time to write. (Kind of like breath though, isn't it? We authors need to write.) Congratulations by the way. I want to see photos. ;-)

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

Jenna: That goes beyond seeing the glass half full, doesn't it! Sleep seems to be necessary for my work to be worth reading. Beyond the basics of life, I think reading does it for me. I love a story well told. It gives me something to enjoy and aspire to.

Debra: Yes, it does. I never did like either/or ways of thinking. It boxes us in. I've always loved that quote because it reminds me of how full and joyful our lives can be. Yes, sleep is a requirement, I suspect. And I'll bet you are celebrating every little bit you get these days and nights. :-)

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

Jenna: Oh yes, right at the point when I think I know what is going on in their story, they pop up and steer me in their direction instead of my own. In

Par For The Course

I really struggled to keep an aspect of Jillian's past on her terms, reveal her struggle with an eating disorder in a way she would be comfortable with. It would have been much easier to do it my way, but I think it comes across more believable because I let her drive.

Debra: Such an excellent way to put it. Let them drive, yes.

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?

Jenna: You mean no word count, no publisher guidelines?

Debra: Yes, exactly. All those parameters.

Jenna: I don't really get fenced in. I think because I read so much, my stories naturally flow with the expected. How's that for exciting?

Debra: Natural flow is very exciting, because those are the stories that are real and have life. They aren't cardboard cutouts.

Jenna, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers. And I hope everyone in your house is soon sleeping through the night.

Jenna: Thank you for having me!

Debra: It's been a pleasure.

Please visit Jenna Bayley-Burke at:
Web: http://www.jennabayleyburke.com/
Blog: http://www.jennabayley-burke.blogspot.com/

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Debra's News/Debra is watching:

This week I am working on my second novel, getting it ready for submissions. It's a contemporary romance. I will also be visiting my family, in Springfield, Ohio, my home town. Sending in my registration for the RT convention in Orlando next year, so if you are planning to attend, I'll see you there!
I've got a calendar on my website where you can keep up with my comings and goings and I'm just starting to fill it in.

I have been watching Gerri Russell's blog as she travels through Scotland. It brings back memories of last August when I escorted a group to Scotland for nine days. Oh, the heather spreading across the hills, sailing on the Loch, the morning and evening mists in the highlands, tea and scones....

Make-Believe Mondays With Cassie Ryan

Today on Make-Believe Mondays our guest is Cassie Ryan.

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

Cassie: Actually I just finished Triangle of Seduction, which is the third book in my Seduction Series. My current WIP is under my other pen name, Tina Gerow, and is an Urban Fantasy. As Tina I’ve written paranormal romance, but never Urban Fantasy, so I’m excited to try my hand at something new.

Debra: I can't wait to see what you do with urban fantasy. It's a genre that is new to me as a reader.

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?

Cassie: I think keeping balance in your life overall is a big key to keeping my creative cup filled. When I’m on a deadline and my days revolve around my WIP and nothing but writing, then my creative well gets a bit low and I have to take time to recharge. However, I prefer not to get to that point if I can help it. I like to write every day, but also spend time with my family, friends, critique group, read books I love, hang out in the pool, see movies or whatever else comes along. If I keep everything in balance, my creativity seems to continue to flow well.

Debra: There is flow to our lives when everything is in balance, isn't there? I think sometimes when a writer is on deadline and everything else gets puts on hold it's doubly important to remember to get enough exercise, sleep and healthy food. Maintaining that balance isn't always easy.

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

Cassie: Absolutely. Since most of my book ideas have started with an overall idea and then turned into characters inside my head, my characters start chattering even before I’ve started writing the book. But putting them through their paces as I write the scenes is like watching your child grow up.

Debra: It's very much like that, isn't it? Then soon they are fully grown and go into into the big wide world.

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?

Cassie: In the Seduction Series, since part of the story takes place on Earth and part on the fictional world of Tador, I did come up with some words/things just for my world. For example, balda is the native white stone of the world that has pink crystals running through it. The pink crystals help with the conduction of the power and energy created through sexual interaction. I also had ponga, which looks like a fuzzy purple peach with whipped-cream like meat. It smells like lavender and has an aphrodisiac quality when spread on the skin or ingested. There are more, but that will give you an idea.

Debra: How fascinating and how intricate to create a world down to the details of stone and fruit. Perhaps these examples will help readers understand why it takes so long to create some of our fiction, especially when it requires world building.

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?

Cassie: When I’m deep into writing a book I do start to dream about it, and often scenes that spill out into my dreams do end up in the final book. I also have several book ideas in my idea file that were from dreams—especially those that repeat for several nights in a row. In those instances I think the Universe is trying to tell me something!

Debra: Oh, yes, those repeating dreams are a determined tap on the shoulder. A signal to pay attention.

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

Cassie: I’ve devoured so many authors’ books over the years that I’ve lost count. But a few that stand out from when I was younger were Anne McCaffrey and Piers Anthony. I could spend hours lost in the worlds they created, until I felt like they were real places I could actually visit.

Debra: I've lost count too. It's quite fun for me when an author lists one here that I've forgotten about. There is nothing quite like the joy of being swept away into the world residing within a book. And I'll make note of the ones I hadn't read before. Piers Anthony is going on that list.

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?

Cassie: Luckily I think I already do that. In the Seduction Series, I took a four-letter word that everyone in the world cringes at (The ‘C’ word) and turned it into the name of a race of witches who betrayed the throne of their home planet and were banished to Earth. So over time, the name of their race became synonymous with “traitor”. There were many people who told me I would never be able to sell a story like that, but the three-book deal with Kensington blew that out of the water. I usually write what I love or what I want and then worry about selling it after the fact.

Debra: It is so encouraging to me and to other authors I know to see this happening. There are so many naysayers in the world, and to know that we can write what we love and it can sell, helps us to carry on. Thank you for sharing this. I am tempted to bold your last two sentences and put them in caps.

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?

Cassie: My best advice to writers is to let your imagination out to play. Don’t censor yourself, don’t worry about what people will think of you, just write! You can worry about all that other stuff later. And you can always tone it down if needed, but you’ll probably be surprised when people accept it without batting an eye!

And as a big thanks for spending some time reading my interview, I’d like to give away a signed copy of my newest release—Vision of Seduction, which is the second book in my Seduction Series. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and I’ll draw a random winner from everyone who comments!

Thanks! Cassie
cassieryan.com
tinagerow.com
butterscotchmartinigirls.com

Debra: Cassie, 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, be sure to get in on the contest! This is the first time we've offered a contest on Make-Believe Mondays, and I thank Cassie for her generosity and for the great idea!

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Debra's News/Debra is watching:

Next week, our guest is Jenna Bayley-Burke.

Just as Cassie said, it is important for an author to learn to find balance. This is one of the things every new author must learn. And there are so many things to balance. So many things to learn.

We must balance all the activities that come along with the publication of a first novel. Announcing the news is great fun and that falls under PR and marketing your book. If you've never had to opportunity to do any PR or marketing it's a great big learning curve. What works? What doesn't? Where do you put your marketing funds? How do you promote your book? The fact is, most publishers expect you to be actively promoting your book these days. This is why it is doubly important to write stories we believe in, stories we feel strongly about.

This week I am shifting back to working on new stories while continuing to market my first novel, A Desperate Journey. It is a balancing act, and I must work on the plans centering around the print release in March. Already I have an ad set to run in the October issue of RT magazine. They offer a special section for new authors with special pricing, and they have been a pleasure to work with. It will be exciting to see that issue come out. It wasn't all that long ago that I was in the American Title II contest and would search eagerly through each issue to find the contest pages. This will be exciting in a whole new way. Another first.

So many things to look forward to. But now I must get back to the root of all these good things, back to the source. I must get back to writing my stories and the reason that I write. The reason is simply this. It brings me great joy.

And here is a wish for all my readers:
May you find things that bring you great joy this week.

Until next week,
Debra

debraparmley.com

Make-Believe Mondays With Melissa Lopez

Today on Make-Believe Mondays, my guest is Melissa Lopez.

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

Melissa: Right now, I’m under deadline to Loose Id. The story is called Gamer Love. It’s a hot, modern story centered on role-play.

Debra: Now that is intriguing. There are so many different role-playing games on the market now.

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

Melissa: Oh yeah, as soon as they spark to life. They’re real to me. Some are louder than others, but from the moment I first hear them they exist for me.

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

Melissa: Actually, no. Not as a child. Instead of being read children’s books I was raised listening to things like Sammy Terry. And horror films of the times.

Debra: Fascinating. Kind of the opposite of not allowing children to watch horror films. Who better to write horror stories then?

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?

Melissa: I believe I’d still be writing what I do now. Besides contemporary romance I write dark edgy paranormal romance. So I’d still weave my Netherworld full of horror, fantasy, and paranormal elements.

nether-world.net

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

Melissa: Thanks so much for having me Debra. I enjoyed visiting.

Debra: It's been my pleasure.

Please visit Melissa Lopez at

melissa-lopez.com

JOURNEYS OF LOVE every woman needs to take.

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Debra's News/Debra is watching:

On Friday I received my very first review and I was ecstatic! (Another milestone to celebrate and one worthy of breaking out the champagne again.) It is such a wonderful review I decided to share it here. Future reviews will be posted on my website. www.debraparmley.com

A Desperate Journey
Debra Parmley
Historical romance
Available from Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 1605040746
July 2008

Through dangerous days and nights, Sally Wheeler and Rob Truman would learn that life is full of unexpected trials and horrors. But sometimes fate lends a helping hand so that we could continue onward with a little bit of happiness mixed in. Having her bigamist husband steal her son, Sally joined up with Rob Truman who was bent on revenge against the man who had caused him to spend time in prison. Along the way to find her son, they found themselves dodging bullets and trying to stay alive against their enemies.

As she struggles to keep her tears at bay over the loss of her home, Sally Wheeler felt as if the world was on her shoulders. With her loser husband gone with her son, she tried to be strong for her daughter, Carolyn. Finding the strength to go on was so hard that she wondered just how much more she could take. Missing her son Mathew, with the ache only a mom could have at the disappearance of a child, almost brought Sally to her knees.

With a very heavy heart, she set out to find her son resolving that nothing would keep her from her mission. Meeting Rob Truman, Sally immediately knew that trouble was brewing, along of course, with the instant attraction between them. Rob Truman, had nothing but burning vengeance in his heart for the man who had taken over five years of his life away. Meeting Sally Wheeler was bringing him closer to finally accomplishing his one goal. Only problem was, that the instant attraction that flared between them kept getting in the way. Determined to ignore it, both Sally Wheeler and Rob Truman forgot that sometimes fate plays a hand and it was up to each of us what we do with that hand.

A desperate journey is a well-written, historical romance set in the middle of the nineteenth century when cowboys ruled this land. I felt Sally’s pain and anguish at the lost of her son Mathew and cheered her on when she wouldn't let anything stop her from finding her him, no matter what others said or thought. Rob, was a man with a lot of hurt and anger deep inside. After what Sally had endured at the hands of her husband, these two souls deserve some happiness. And I’m glad to say, that this story has a happy ending.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Margo Arthur
July 30, 2008

Make-Believe Mondays With Angie Fox

Today on Make-Believe Mondays, my guest is Angie Fox.

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

Angie: I just finished the second book in The Accidental Demon Slayer series. It’s tentatively titled The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers, after the popular book, The Dangerous Book for Boys. My heroine is desperate to learn how to be a better demon slayer and let’s just say things get out of hand rather quickly.

Debra: I imagine it would. Like the ghost busters there probably aren't many people lined up for that job.

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?

Angie: I read as much or more as I write. My favorite genres are paranormal, historicals, light contemporaries and cozy mysteries. I think appreciating the work of other writers helps me realize that maybe a particular scene or character that I’m having trouble with isn’t such a huge deal in the grand scheme of things. After all, I’m sure these authors have had to battle with a character or two and look how well their books have turned out!

Debra: Yes, I so agree. And it helps to talk to other authors as well, to see that we aren't alone in our challenges.

Angie: I also have two small children and spend a lot of time outside with them, appreciating crumpled up leaves and various blades of grass, chasing down rollie-pollies and wondering why the sky is blue and how come trees grow in dirt instead of on the sidewalk. I’ve yet to satisfy my daughter with an answer on that last question.

Debra: There's something about seeing the world from a child's eye view that brings everything into focus, isn't there? Somehow adults lose that, unless they go looking for it again.

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

Angie: Yes. I’m a big believer in following my story in new directions, because if I’m enjoying the surprise, chances are my readers will too. When I sat down to write The Accidental Demon Slayer, I had no notes about a sidekick for my heroine. But in the second chapter, when she’d learned she was a demon slayer and all hell was after her, she took comfort in her dog. As I was writing, I thought, “This is a sweet moment. How do I throw her off?” Simple. I made the dog say something to her. Nothing big. After all, he’s only after the fettuccine from last week. And he knows exactly where my heroine can find it (back of the fridge, to the left of the lettuce crisper, behind the mustard). It amused me, so I did it. Thanks to her unholy powers, my heroine can now understand her smart-mouthed Jack Russell Terrier. I had fun with it. In fact, I suspect Pirate the dog is my editor’s favorite character. I wouldn’t have been at all surprised if Pirate helped talk my editor into buying The Accidental Demon Slayer.

Debra: As a dog lover I am now doubly intrigued. Wouldn't it be fun to have a talking dog?

Angie: 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?

Debra: Not exactly dreamed, but I did think of the idea for this book at about 3:30 a.m. as I fed my infant son. I was the only one awake in the house (he promptly fell asleep as he ate) and since he was a newborn and I was waking up with him every 2-3 hours, I’d say my world felt a bit hazy at that time.

Debra: Hmm, maybe there is something about that haze which was similar to a dream state?

Angie: I’d do a lot of thinking about books I’d read or books I’d like to write. When I had an idea, I’d jot it down for the morning. Usually, when I woke up the next day, I wouldn’t be able to make heads or tails of my notes. But then one morning, I saw this idea: “What about a preschool teacher who is forced to run off with a gang of geriatric biker witches?” And I thought, “Hey, now that might be fun!” Five months later, I had the completed manuscript for The Accidental Demon Slayer.

Debra: Fascinating.

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

Angie: I think I’ve read every Nancy Drew book at least once. I also loved Encyclopedia Brown and a series called The Mad Scientists’ Club.

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?

Angie: I think I’d write the paranormals I’m writing right now. I just love creating new worlds and the characters that inhabit them. I can’t think of a better way to go.

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?

Angie: My characters had to take bigger chances, have more to risk and lose. It’s easy to say, but a hard thing for a writer to do. It’s a vulnerable, risky place to be. I knew my story was big enough to sell when instead of ending my writing sessions thinking, “I hope that’s good enough to impress an editor.” I ended them thinking, “No. I did not just write that. I did not just make my character defend herself with a toilet brush and a can of Purple Prairie Clover air freshener.”

So my advice to other writers would be to write big, dream big and enjoy the ride.

Debra: Excellent advice.

Angie, 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 like a dream (well actually it was a dream come true) with the release of my first novel, A Desperate Journey, from Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

It is now available in eBook form and will be out in print March 31, 2009.

buy my book here

visit my website

Make-Believe Mondays Announces The Release Of Debra's First Novel

Today I am thrilled to announce the release of my first novel, A Desperate Journey, published by Samhain Publishing on July 22, 2008.

A DESPERATE JOURNEY
ISBN: 1-60504-074-6
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: July 22, 2008
Cover art by Angela Waters

Sometimes a journey of the heart is the most dangerous journey of all.

Sally Wheeler learned the hard way that men aren’t always what they seem. Now she will stop at nothing to track down the bigamist husband who stole her child and abandoned her on their failing Kansas farm. Even if it means traveling with a handsome maverick who could change her mind about men.

Free after spending seven years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Rob Truman aims to balance the scales of justice on the man who sent him there—Luke Wheeler. His quest doesn’t include falling for the one woman who will lead him to his quarry, but Sally’s courage in the face of her fear touches his soul.

Through dangerous days and nights on the trail, neither Sally nor Rob can ignore their growing feelings for each other. Yet both are haunted by the poor judgment that, in the past, led them down the wrong road. Love—and trust—are luxuries neither of them can afford.

But as the bullets start flying, love may be all that saves them—and Sally’s son.

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Today, Tuesday, July 22nd 2008

I am blogging over on
Samhain Weblog

and celebrating the book launch in a live internet book launch over at
the Samhain Cafe

from 10:00 to 1:00 am Eastern
and again from 3:00 to 5:00 pm Eastern
and 7:30 to 12:00 pm Eastern

Come and join me!

*************************

I have a new website
www.debraprmley.com

My publisher is
Samhain Publishing

And this is where you can purchase my book
My Books And More

Make-Believe Mondays With Debra Parmley

Today on Make-Believe Mondays, I am simply introducing myself. My first novel, A Desperate Journey, is being released July 22 by Samhain Publishing as an eBook.

Next week, instead of an author interview, I will provide links to my new website (which will be up soon), my publisher, and the site where you can purchase the book. Then we will return to the regular schedule of author interviews. But this week, I simply want to answer the same questions I've been asking my author friends for the last three years. Everyone receives the same questions, yet each interview is as unique as a fingerprint. It's one of the reasons I so enjoy hosting this blog.

Since I am interviewing myself, I'll simply list the questions and answer them.

1.) First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.

I'm polishing a contemporary romance which is almost ready for submission. It's the story of a widow whose husband is killed by a random act of violence. She cocoons herself, allowing her world to shrink in upon her in order to feel safe. Then she wins a Caribbean cruise and meets a man who is a hell fighter. (The men who put out fires on oil rigs. There is also a John Wayne movie by this name.) The last thing she wants is to fall in love with a man who lives so dangerously. Yet she does and he teaches her to face her fears. He sees the woman she really is, deep inside.

This was actually a story I wrote some time ago, but I have found that having gone through the editing process to prepare my first novel for release, I learned so much that all the previous manuscripts now need some fine tuning.

I also have seven other manuscripts in various stages of development. Historical romance, paranormal romance, contemporary romance and a fantasy.

2.) 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?

I am constantly filling my cup with experiences. I am a world traveler, not a tourist. I like to eat where the taxi driver takes his family, to listen to local musicians, hear or read the folk tales, visit the historic sites, understand the people to the best of my ability. I want to see the local artwork, not the gift shops. I want to experience life, not simply observe. Though I have closed my travel consulting business I will always be a world traveler, a life traveler.

Nature fills my creative cup. I like to watch clouds, to wiggle my toes in the sand as the ocean washes over them, to snorkle above a coral reef, to listen to birds singing in the trees. I love the scent of the Tiare flower of Tahiti as it drifts on the breeze. Every sense fills my creative well.

I also like to play the "what if" game of imagination and to play with words. Play is an integral part of staying creative. I dance. I read widely, across genre. I listen to music of all kinds, I enjoy theatre and art museums. Sometimes I color with crayons. I blow bubbles. I enjoy being silly, and I look for the joy in each day.

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

I am a character driven author rather than a plot driven author and always begin with the heroine. She is in a situation and something changes for her. As I write, just around chapter three, I start to get a real good picture of who she is and will usually begin to hear her and know what she would and wouldn't do, and how she will react to people and events. Usually this means my first three chapters will either be entirely re-written or scrapped. This is what happened with my first novel, A Desperate Journey, once Bobbi Smith told me the story really began in chapter three. I revised it, entered it in the American Title II contest and Dorchester Publishing selected me as a finalist. If I had not carved those first chapters out, this story would never have made it to publication. After writing the second novel, I realized this three chapter mark was my process. It has held true for every story I have written so far.

4.) 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?

I love to play with words. For the fantasy I am working on I have created a world and fantasy creatures which needed their own unique words. This is where I am most playful with language and one of the things I enjoy about writing fantasy.

5.) 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?

For the past three years I have been fascinated with dreams and the subconscious. Many times something I dream will end up in my fiction. I now keep a dream journal by my bed to try to capture the imagery down before it flits away, but this is tricky as so often I can't remember everything.

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

As a child I devoured books, even took them out to the playground at recess. I read quickly so I would get my work done and then open a book and read while the rest of the class caught up. Favorites were Nancy Drew, Alice in Wonderland, Anne of Green Gables, The Boxcar Children, Pippi Longstocking, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Robinson Crusoe, fairy tales both Grimms and Hans Christian Anderson. Sleeping Beauty was a favorite fairy tale and I named all my dolls Aurora.

7.) 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?

I am playing with the idea of a poem-story where the story is made up of a series of poems. I also am working with an unusual structure to my fantasy novel but as it is not finished yet, I'm unable to explain it here.

8.) 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?

Just this. Our dreams come from deep within, and we must follow them. We must guard them from those who would tug on them and hold us and the dream down. We must take risks and try again and again when we fail. And we must never give up. Dreams do come true, we can reach those mountain tops that seem so far away at first and when we do, the view from the top is simply stunning. The feeling is beyond wonderful. The joy is indescribable.

Next Tue I will be celebrating the release of my first book from yet another mountain top with great joy and a bit of the bubbly. Perhaps you might hear the echo of the champagne popping from far away.

I would like to thank each of you for joining me on Make-believe Mondays to share a little bit of the magic of writing.

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!