Strands of Pattern: Interview

Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts

Thursday, August 16, 2012

I'll Be a Star...Someday

Charlie Holmberg

I really didn't want to interrupt all the awesome interaction going on here, but there comes a time a man must simply acquiesce. The awesome Charlie Holmberg featured me in her "Someday Stars" spot today.

I strongly urge you to rush over there and check out her awesome Myself as Written blog. Yeah, you can read a little about me if you like, but her blog is worth a longer visit.

She's quite awesome!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

August is Awesome Because of Caprice Hokstad

I have very few autographed novels on my bookshelf, but I have one by this awesome guest!

Caprice and I met some years ago. Being the awesome host that I am, I'll not tell you just how many years ago that was. She and I were part of a small group of writers that met every Friday night on AOL to discuss writing, critique and have a jolly good time. (Yes, a Southern boy can say 'jolly good' too.)

Caprice has a heart of gold and a wonderful spirit. And she agreed to let me interview her.

Please give her a big welcome!

Tell us about yourself, Caprice.

Your tagline says, "When this world doesn't suit you, write a world that does." That's what I spend most of my time doing--dreaming up other worlds in which to live vicariously. I spent a good half-million words on the fantasy setting of Byntar (where my published Ascendancy Trilogy novels are set). I've spent at least as many words in the undersea future setting of "SeaQuest DSV" fanfiction, my current obsession.

I'm very drawn to the ocean and I try to keep up with marine conservation issues, both to make my fiction realistic and because I'm intensely interested in it. Did you know there is a group of people building a REAL undersea colony right now off the coast of Florida? I want to be part of that colony so badly it hurts.

I have two older teens and a nine-year-old son living at home, along with my husband, a cat, a dog, and a tankful of guppies. I also have an older married daughter with one grandson and a second due literally any day. (Update: Caprice informed me that her 8lb 15oz grandson arrived Saturday!)

At what point in your life did you know you were a writer?

I guess when I finished my first novel, that rather clinched it. That was back in 1998, I think.

When you were writing The Duke’s Handmaid, did you know all along that it was going to be a trilogy?
Not all along, no. It just got too big for one novel and then I had to figure out how to make three self-contained books when it was still really one story to me.

Was there something that inspired you to write this particular series of books?

Lots of little spurs. I was in an online roleplay group that did nothing else but write collaborative stories (no dice, no GM). When that group disbanded, I missed it so much that I started writing on my own. The hero, Vahn, was heavily based on an online roleplay character someone else created. (I offered that creator byline credit, but he felt I changed it enough that it was all mine.) Another spur was my feeling that too much modern fantasy didn't ever let women be strong unless they became some kind of warrior. I wanted to show a female heroine who doesn’t have to act like men, wield a sword, or play the seduction game to be strong. In a way, it's a backlash against Xena.

How long does it take you on average to complete a book? Do you spend more time drafting or revising and editing?
They have varied. Book 1 took four months on the first draft, but I spent YEARS editing, tweaking, rewriting, learning craft, and rewriting AGAIN. The second book took a while longer for the first draft, but I don't remember clearly how long. I had other things going on that sucked up my time. I know it got edited/revised much faster. The third book took five months for the first draft and about 2 months in editing, and most of that was waiting for my critique partners to do their thing.

I’ve read many of the “The Ascendancy Trilogy” reviews on Amazon. How does receiving so many glowing reviews feel? (We unpublished can only imagine.)

Of course I love the glowing reviews. I should say that up-front and unequivocally. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to review and yes, the positive remarks feel great and help with sales. However, I think I've just been lucky so far and not had enough total readers to start getting the less-glowing type. Not even JK Rowling gets only five-star reviews. I'm sure the other kind are inevitable.

As an author, how (or for what) would you most like to be remembered?

I'd like to be known for unique stories that are different and for rich, immersive prose that makes readers feel they have gone to another world and lived there.

And as an individual?
Being a good mom and grandma. I'd also like to be known as someone who cared about the ocean and its creatures and did everything I could to preserve and restore them.

Can you reveal a “secret” about yourself that almost no one else knows?

I once gave an impromptu, totally unrehearsed, a capella performance of “Just You Wait” from “My Fair Lady” to a very long line of people stuck in a Blockbuster, waiting for checkout. I worked there for a while and, while I am sure they would rather I just got behind the counter to help the line go faster, Blockbuster forced us to have someone out on the floor. We were required to ask certain questions, and when I got such lackluster enthusiasm from people waiting in line, I threatened them if they didn’t talk to me, that I would sing.

They called my bluff. I sang. Guess what, they talked after that!

Favorites:

Color: Green
Number: Don't have one.
Season: Summer
Food and/or beverage: Chocolate, Iced Tea.
Song: "Happy Together" by The Turtles
Movie: I am still rather enamored with The Avengers. Also loved Megamind (Dreamworks)
Book: All-time favorite is still The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis, but I liked the Harry Potter books too.

What advice or recommendations do you have for writers who aspire to be published?

Don't quit your day job.
Start building your "platform" now. Public speaking is especially useful.
Make sure your manuscript is professionally edited before you shop for an agent or publisher.
Self-publishing should be last resort, but it doesn't have to be permanent.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Interview with Jaq D. Hawkins, Author of The Goblin Series

Jaq is one busy soul with many irons in many fires. She's published a number of books and dropped by to tell us a little about herself, her books and offer a few words of advice to writers seeking publication.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Jaq D. Hawkins

I've always been a writer. It became a serious life goal in high school, when I was 14. I started learning about the writing business then, but I had a fairly mobile life that has had me living in more than one country so I spent many of my 'practice' years having adventures that would eventually add to my experiences to draw on for my fiction.

When were you first published?
I settled down and started serious writing in the late 1980's. I started with articles for occult magazines as an editor asked me to write something specific, then had my first book ready for publication in 1994. It would be two more years before I found the right publisher for it. After that I churned out several more books including the Spirits of the Elements series which formed much of my early reputation. Then the first goblin novel assaulted me and demanded to be written in 2004, which distracted me from my other writing. I've been writing fiction ever since, with a small hiatus for filmmaking which I blame on the goblins.

You’ve produced a fair number of books over the years. Do you find yourself gravitating to any particular themes in your books?
Somehow Alchemy has a way of getting into my books as well as film scripts. There are few exceptions, it didn't get into my first Steampunk book, although it may well sneak into the sequel.

At what point in writing a novel do you know that it’s a stand-alone story never to be revisited versus a book that will have sequels?
Within the first two chapters. When I started writing Dance of the Goblins, I had no specific plan. Then I started taking notes for the sequels, and by chapter four I knew it had to become a film. The Wake of the Dragon (Steampunk) demanded just one sequel. The Chase For Choronzon which is an unfinished Fantasy book will be stand alone. Technically all my books are stand alone as each provides a full story that can be read individually, but the sequels start their stories at some time after previous books in the series and use some of the same characters.

What do you find is your primary motivation for writing? Is it different than your motivation for publishing?
As I said, I've always been a writer. I started my first autobiography on notepaper with a pencil when I was six. It's just part of who I am. Publishing is a two-fold motivation. I like to share my stories, and I would like to make at least a meagre living from it so that I don't have to interrupt my writing time with a day job.

When writing a novel, what comes easiest to you and what is the most difficult?
Until recently, fight scenes were a bit of a struggle. I seem to have cracked that with the battle in Demoniac Dance (first sequel to Dance of the Goblins). The rest is fairly easy. I sit down to write in the morning and the next part of the story just comes.

How long, on average, does it take for you to go from idea to completed manuscript and what is the process like for you?
It varies. Dance of the Goblins took me over and I kept adding to it every morning before work and every afternoon when I got home for four months, then it was done. Wake of the Dragon was similar although it fit into the once a day writing slot I've established. Demoniac Dance and Chase For Choronzon were both about six chapters in when something else required my attention, then I went back to finish them. I would say four to six months active writing time goes into each book.

What is the highest praise you could hear from one of your readers?
Simply that they enjoyed it enough to want more. I love going back to my goblin world. Like Count Anton, I'd love to be able to stay there, but we cannot.

Is there a book you’d love to write, but know you never will?
Not really, I take notes when ideas occur and keep writing, even if filmmaking slows the process.

What’s next on your plate?
Having just finished Demoniac Dance, I'll be putting some serious time into film editing which is needed but I will be slowly working on a book of short stories related to the Goblin Series which I can use for freebies and introducing new readers to that world. I will also make slow progress of The Chase for Choronzon for a while as the third goblin book nags at me. Eventually it will win.

Can we expect anything more from you this year or next?

Demoniac Dance will be available in April, the publisher is only waiting for the cover art now. Wake of the Dragon should also be out within the next couple of months. Meat for the Storytelling, a book of short stories related to the Goblin Series will be finished and released by August and The Chase For Choronzon should be out by the end of the year. Power of the Dance and the sequel to Wake of the Dragon are still in early stages, but I would certainly expect them to be finished and released by sometime in 2013.

Who has had the biggest influence on your writing?
The two authors most responsible for my need to have a Fantasy world of my own are Marion Zimmer Bradley because of her Darkover books and Roger Zelazny, author of the Amber series. Anne McCaffrey added to that with her Dragonriders books.

Can you reveal a "secret" about yourself that almost no one else knows?
I'm a Scorpio, I don't give away my secrets any more than the goblins do. ;)

Favorites:

Color: Deep wine red
Number: 11
Season: Autumn
Food and/or beverage: Mexican!
Song: I have broad musical tastes, but I'll choose "Airship Pirates" by Abney Park as that inspired my Steampunk novel.
Movie: Yellow Submarine
Book: Besides my own? ;) David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Do you have any recommendations or advice for writers who aspire to be published?
Study the business side of writing and develop a thick skin. Most of all though, make sure you've got a perfect manuscript format and edit out all those typos and other anomalies. Get someone else to read specifically for them. If you're lazy, get another job, this isn't an easy ride.

Where can we find your books?
The easy way is to go to my own website but current outlet links are:
Smashwords
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
Hard copy

For my Mind, Body Spirit books:
Chaos Magic Series
Spirits of the Elements Series

There will be some new links soon as Paganarchy Press is about to re-issue Dance of the Goblins and will release Demoniac Dance in both hard copy and electronic formats, but the Smashwords link above will lead to the E-books and any other information will appear on my website.

How can we follow you?
Author Website
My Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Thank-you Jaq for stopping by and chatting!

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Interview with "Daughter of Hauk" author, KateMarie Collins

Strands Of Pattern welcomes KateMarie Collins who is no doubt still happy dancing over her newly published debut novel. She dropped by to tell us a little about her book, herself and more. Please welcome KateMarie.

The obvious first question: What's Daughter of Hauk about?

Redemption, accountability, forgiveness. The main character, Arwenna, has been set up to help a demon lord gain a foothold in her world. Only she doesn’t know it until she’s executed and memories that had been hidden from her for most of her life come through. She’s able to return and tries to stop the very thing she helped let loose onto the world.

And for those of us who find this tantalizing, when and where can we get it?

It’s available for sale via my publisher’s (Solstice Publishing) website, and also on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.

Is there a sequel in the future?

I’m still on the first draft of the sequel, but it is in the works.

What inspired you to write this story?

Many of the characters originated in a Dungeons and Dragons game that ended badly. My character from that game, Arwenna, was resurrected in a different game. There wasn’t any way to describe what happened in the game itself, so I wrote a short story about it and sent it off to my friends. Everyone, including me, started wondering about what happened next. Two and a half months later, the first draft was finished.

What about this book did you find most unsettling or difficult, and how did you come to terms with it?

Some of the things that happen to Arwenna that she can’t prevent weren’t easy to write. Not necessarily because it was hard to describe, but because I’d been in similar situations in my life. While therapeutic in some ways, it wasn’t easy to do to the character.

Considering everything you've endured working on this project, from idea germination to publishing, would you do it all again?

Absolutely. The highs of getting a scene just right, having a contract offered to you, seeing your cover art for the first time, are all infinitely more satisfying than any of the lows were. Sure, I got turned down by publishers before Solstice said yes. But I’d rather keep working towards the yes than give up.

If Daughter of Hauk were made into a movie, who would you cast for the primary roles?

Arwenna – Ashley Green

Hauk – Liam Neeson

Senyan – Tom Felton

Joss – Taylor Kitsch

Barek – Jason Momoa

Lexi – Emma Watson

Bohrs – Johnny Depp

Y’Durkie – Jennifer Garner

Keep in mind, this is very much a dream cast. Some of the characters have some quirks about them that may only be found during casting…and in unlikely people.

What other writing have you done and where can we find it?

I’ve had short stories in both issues of Winters Night magazine and in the first three issues of LQQK magazine. I’d like to continue working with LQQK magazine as time allows, as the staff is wonderful.

Are you working on any other projects at the moment?

I’ve got three different novels in various stages of a first draft. One is the sequel to ‘Daughter of Hauk’, the second is more of a YA fantasy novel, and the third is an expansion on a story that appeared in the first issue of Winters Night.

Is there a book you'd love to write, but know you never will? If so, tell us about it.

I like a good mystery, but I doubt I’d ever write one. You really need to have a clear idea of not only who did it, but why and where to put out a clue or a red herring for the detective (reader) to follow. I’m simply not that well organized.

Are you a "discovery writer" or an "outliner" (or somewhere in the middle?)

I write by the seat of my pants. I have a starting point and an ending in mind and have great fun finding out what’s going to happen in between. I live for a ‘what if’ moment that can take the story into a completely new direction. I had someone compliment me on being able to hide and reveal things to my reader at just the right time. When you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen on the next page, it makes it easier for the reader to remain in the dark as well.

Which authors do you most admire and does it show in your writing?

I loved David Eddings and the way he inserted a sense of reality/normality into his characters. They actually behaved and talked like most people, stressed over being in positions to do great things, and doubted they could. Nick Pollotta is another of my favorite writers. He injects a tremendous sense of humor into his writing. He’s one of the few authors that will make me laugh aloud.

As an author, what is the legacy for which you'd most like to be remembered?

As an author who created stories you remember, characters that stay with you.

And as an individual?

That I faced my own fears and self doubt and didn’t give up after the first rejection.

Can you reveal a "secret" about yourself that almost no one else knows?

I’m a terrible critic of my writing and would stop every third word to correct something if I watched myself type. To combat this, I type with my eyes closed and let my fingers find the words for the picture in my head. I write about 90% of my stories this way.

Favorites:

Color: Jewel tones, anything but pastels
Number: 112595 (no, I’m not explaining why)
Season: I don’t think I have a favorite season, but I’m most comfortable on an overcast day, slight breeze, around 65 for a high.
Food and/or beverage: Stuffed mushrooms, spiced cider
Song: “Into the West” from LOTR: RotK by Annie Lennox
Movie: LOTR trilogy. Especially the last one.
Book: Anything by Nick Pollotta, David Eddings, Patricia Kennelly Morrison, or Stephen Boyett.

What advice do you have for writers who want to see their work published?

Don’t give up. Polish left and right. Find friends you know will actually tell you the truth (over saying “it’s great” when it’s not) to give you feedback. Be patient. The internet has made submissions easier, but it still takes time. Be polite. Yes, it may be 6 weeks past the initial ‘we’ll get back to you’ date, but you should still be nice when you inquire where your manuscript is in the queue.

Do you have a blog, website, twitter-feed, etc. where your fan base can learn all you're willing to share?

I’ve got a Facebook Fan Page that I keep updated with blog interviews, appearances, and such.
On Twitter, I’m @DaughterHauk. I just got started with it, though, so it’ll be a while before I update it as often as I do Facebook.
I have a brand new Blog: KateMarieCollins
You can also request a Kindlegraph from me!

So everyone, now that you have (hopefully) filed those dreaded tax forms and (hopefully) have a refund coming, consider taking a few bucks of it and adding KateMarie's Daughter of Hauk to your reading queue. And be sure to drop her a note in the comments!

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