Ask the Author: Lorel Clayton
Answered Questions (8)
Lorel Clayton
Family history is always a source of great mystery plots I think. There's a legend in my family about my great grandmother who raised me. She came from "back East" somewhere, forced to bear a child for her sister, married an alcoholic and moved across the country to escape them, and she danced on her husband's grave when he died. Where did she come from? What was her family name? How did she escape them ... and how did her husband really die?
Lorel Clayton
For Eva Thorne Book 3, which is coming out soon, it was mostly a continuation of an overall story arc we have in mind, but the plot within the book was loosely inspired by The Maltese Falcon. I was interested in an object that everyone wanted, that people would kill, die and betray for. The object isn't as significant as how people respond differently to it.
Lorel Clayton
Everything inspires me. I wrote my first book when I was seven, and ever since then I continually think about stories, make up stories or rewrite the books I read and movies I watched. I have a deep love of storytelling and what stories give us - a window on ourselves and the world that helps us make sense of it all. And sometimes just an escape, pure fun.
Lorel Clayton
If you're talking about all fiction, it's impossible to name one favorite couple. Romeo and Juliet? Rohan and Sioned in the Melanie Rawn series ...? The list goes on. Generally, I prefer when the man and woman (or other combination) are equally strong and complement one another, not the stories where one person is pining for another or one is more dominant than another. I don't think that's realistic. Great loves share everything equally. I cannot tell you who's my fave in the Eva series, because they haven't gotten together yet :)
Lorel Clayton
Eva Thorne Book 2 and a new two book sci-fi series... Trying not to give anything away.
Lorel Clayton
Learn the craft and take yourself seriously. I could have been a published author much sooner if I hadn't treated it as a hobby. I had a lot to learn - and do - but there are essentials of the craft you need to master, and there are no shortcuts.
Lorel Clayton
Creating stories. I love it! It's the best joy, and knowing people share in those stories is even better. If I can add to anyone's experience, or open their imaginations just a bit, then I've really accomplished something worthwhile.
Lorel Clayton
I don't believe in it. A 'block' means you need to work out something in the story, to think on things. I admit, I used to futz around with my writing, not getting anywhere, sometimes not writing for years, but then I learned it was all because I didn't know what to do next. I needed to learn plot, character development, researching... There's so much you can do besides futzing around that actually helps your book even when you're not ready to write it yet. Now I've developed more of a process and work on several books at a time - and I have less time with my son so I need to be organized! - and that keeps me always busy.
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