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Stuart Aken's Blog, page 342
October 24, 2010
Author Interview with Tracey Alley
Tracey Alley has degrees in Ancient History and in Comparative Religion, however, she describes herself as simply a seeker of the truth, a lover of Jesus and someone who tries to live a Christian life. She's also an author of fantasy fiction, which she says some may see as a contradiction. However, she believes God blessed her with an active (perhaps over active – her words) imagination and that is one way she chooses to use it. She also writes moral tales for small children, although these have yet to be published. She didn't start out life as a Christian, but believes God began calling her in her early twenties and, she believes, has never let go. She doesn't promote any particular denomination or church and encourages all people to find their own personal faith.
Tell us about Erich's Plea in a few sentences.Erich's Plea is high fantasy, set in the world of Kaynos. The basic premise of the book is the introduction to Kaynos of a new and deadly form of magic. The story begins with the kidnapping of High King Erich of Vestland and his son Slade's efforts to find and free his father. The underlying theme is the question of how far would you go for someone you love, whether it's love of parent, country, friend, lover etc
What qualities do you need to be a successful writer?
I think a certain amount of talent or imagination goes a long way but the true qualities of a successful writer today are hard work, perseverance and an ability to be able to sell yourself and your work in a way that's engaging and not obnoxious.
What is your working method?
Usually for me the first step is the concept, I'll get an idea that just starts nagging at me. From there it's a matter of filling in background, characters, reasons – it's critical to me that my characters have reasons to behave the way they do even if it's not immediately apparent it will have to make sense in the end. Then comes the hard slog of putting words on paper, rewriting, editing, polishing – all the not so fun stuff.
What is the single biggest mistake made by beginners to writing?
Probably not starting. I know of many people who say they'd love to write a book but they never even try, unless you give it a go you'll never know if you can actually do it or not. After that is probably assuming that you're the greatest writer since Shakespeare or that you've written a masterpiece, both of which are highly unlikely for a first timer.
How did you come to write this particular book?
I'd been writing for many years, novels, short stories, poetry etc but this book came partly out of a role-playing game I'd been playing with some friends and partly out of watching an old Robin Hood movie – the two ideas just sort of jelled in my mind and The Witchcraft Wars was born.
If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?
Most writers will tell you it's hard to pick a favourite, obviously because we created them all but I'll confess that I do have a favourite – Trunk. He's a Knight of Ilmater who's been transformed into a grotesque half-ogre, half-troll and I love the amount of room I have to develop his story. The temptation to write his whole story, as opposed to being a supporting player, is huge.
How can people buy your books?
I'm on Amazon, both US and UK as well as Smashwords and will very soon be available in print versions as well as e-books.
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?
During the first draft I don't pay a lot of attention to the mechanics of writing as I'm totally into the story. During the editing and polishing stage however, I believe it's pretty critical. They may only be small things but readers do notice and it creates a jarring effect while reading. That's not to say that all my work is perfect, I'm human and I'm certain I've missed some things.
How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off?
In all honesty possibly not as much as I should but I do give it several drafts and ask the opinions of beta readers and try to present the most professional work I possibly can. Sending sloppy work is a recipe for disaster.
Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?
My novels are set in a medieval style fantasy world. I wanted to write fantasy primarily due to the almost unlimited amount of choice it offers, however, it would also be fun to use a 'real world' setting with all the constraints that implies as well.
To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?
In the traditional world of publishing I think genre is probably the be all and end all of everything – I get the impression their first question is 'does it fit so and so mould?' Fortunately as an Indie author genre's not quite as important and you have the freedom to tell the story you want to tell and the sales results – I'm speaking generally here – have proven there's many readers who don't mind reading something that's not quite so formulaic. (SA _ Traditional publishers, please note)
What are your writing habits?
I usually tend to write at night, it's quieter with less distractions but I'll also write any time I find that inspiration strikes. I'm not as disciplined as perhaps I should be but when I do sit down to write I usually achieve a great deal.
How do you know where to begin any given story?
Personally I like to begin a story with a problem or a conflict – that allows me to spend the rest of the work solving the problem or conflict. I'd like to think that my books read as though the characters had a life before page one and will continue to have a life after The End.
What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?
Not a lot if I'm feeling inspired but sickness or other personal stuff can get in the way. Right now my biggest distraction is usually the fascinating conversations on Goodreads or KindleBoards.
Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?
I don't have a writing group but I am a member of Queensland's Writer's Guild who are always happy to help and I've been extremely blessed with a highly intelligent and bluntly critical best friend. My husband is also a help and will tell me honestly if what I've written is rubbish – that kind of honest feedback is critical for any writer. My family are very supportive but they tend to think anything I've written is great, they're a little biased J
Is presentation of the MS as important as most agents and publishers suggest?
From my personal experiences – absolutely. An agent or publisher won't even look at a poorly presented MS so if you don't get it right, don't bother.
How long does it normally take you to write a novel?
That totally depends on the novel. Erich's Plea took over a year to write, while the follow up Ursula's Quest was ready to go within 4 months. Writing the first draft is not the hard part, getting it ready for publication is the hard part.What are your inspirations?
Absolutely everything around me. I'm a huge people watcher and always find myself wondering about their back story or future story. I warn all my friends and family to be careful what they say or they may find it twisted into one of my novels J
If there's a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?
Writing I adore – no frustrations there. Marketing on the other hand, not so much. I tend to be, in real life, a little shy and that doesn't make for a great sales person but I'm learning.
Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?
I can only speak for myself but I could no more stop writing than stop breathing, however, writing well is a skill that you learn along the way.
What are you writing now?
I have three current WIP's – one, obviously, is Slade's Destiny, the final in the Witchcraft Wars trilogy. I'm also working on a non-fiction piece about the history and development of religion as a whole and I'm loving both the researching and the writing of that project. Lastly is a series of children's books, aimed at the under 6-7 market which will hopefully be ready to go before Christmas.
Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?
From getting the idea to putting the words on paper – I love all of that. Once I get to editing and polishing it's more work than love but still needs to be done.
Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?
No website yet, still working on that but I have a Facebook page devoted to the Witchcraft Wars and other associated short stories - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracey-Alley-The-World-of-Kaynos/127959000550782 I also have a blog that related to my non-fiction work - http://traceyalley-whitehorse.blogspot.com/ and I have a more generic blog on Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4076601.Tracey_Alley/blog
Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?
Actually I'm kind of spoilt because I think I already have the ideal environment – great study with all my bookcases for references around in easy reach.
Where do you actually write?
Always in my study, everything is set up exactly as I need it, it's quiet and I have all my resources easily to hand.
October 23, 2010
Review of They F*** You Up by Oliver James
Oliver James, in They F*** You Up, cites the lives of Prince Charles, Image via WikipediaJames explains in great detail how personality traits are formed, and describes how early brain patterning can and does form individuals into certain types of adults. Whilst some of the damage done by inappropriate parenting can be modified, alleviated and even repaired, a great deal cannot be changed without huge effort.What James is calling for with this book is nothing less than a complete overhaul of the way society treats children. That nurture, rather than nature (genes), is the driving force behind personality disorders, depression, disassociation, weak conscience, criminality and madness is no longer disputed by those who understand these matters thoroughly. Those who blame genes, and use this argument as a basis for social discrimination, are both fraudulent and hypocritical.James suggests a different strategy for dealing with society's problems and forecasts that a failure to adjust to such a system will inevitably increase the rates of violence, crime, injustice and insanity in our world. I am convinced by his cogent arguments and find myself looking at my fellow human beings with much greater respect, tolerance and understanding.Alain De Botton urges all prospective parents to read They F*** You Up BEFORE embarking on the hazardous voyage of parenthood. I can only agree with this injunction.If you are thinking of having children, please, for the sake of your offspring and the future of the human race, read this book FIRST. And, if you have already had your children, or wonder about your own early life and its effect on your personality, read this book as a way of understanding why you are who you are and your friends are who they are. It is a cathartic experience.
October 22, 2010
Interview with Author, Andy Frankham-Allen
Stephen King wrote, 'Writing controlled fiction is called "plotting". Buckling your seatbelt and letting the story take over, however... that is called "storytelling". Storytelling is as natural as breathing; plotting is the literary version of artificial respiration'. That more or less sums up Andy's brand of writing. His stories have plots that evolve from the characters and develop as the characters do once a key idea is conceived.
Tell us about your current book titles in a few sentences.I have two current eBooks; both short stories published by Untreed Reads. 'Off Flesh' is a story about a very normal bloke who goes to his very normal work conference, where he meets Mr Wyndham, who promptly goes missing. Mr Jensen foolishly decides to investigate, and discovers a very dark secret at the heart of the conference. The second story is 'One Mistake', about a man named Robert who lives a very dull life under his mother's ever watchful eye. He comes across a notice for lessons in astral projection. He's introduced to Bernard, an old broken man living in an old broken house. The lesson takes on a very sinister turn when Robert learns how to remove himself out of his body.
What qualities do you need to be a successful writer?
Lack of ego. Everyone has ego, and you absolutely have to believe in what it is you're trying to achieve with your writing, and that belief includes thinking that your story is the best of its kind. Or at least the best you can do. However. Once the story is written, you must check the ego at the door, since it will be seen and read by agents, proofreaders, editors, all kinds of people, all of whom will have comments to make, suggestions for changes, and so forth. That's where ego gets in the way. If you're not willing to accept constructive, and often brutally honest, criticism then you really ought not to be writing.
What is the single biggest mistake made by beginners to writing?
Too many ideas. I have this friend who has remarkable potential, and he often starts working on a story. He begins with one idea, but along the way all these other ideas pop up, ideas which he feels compelled to include into his story. Unfortunately, a lot of these idea conflict, and so he ends up with a story that has far too many ideas, leaving the story without any strong direction. This is a mistake new authors often make; putting into too many ideas. They need to single out the most relevant ideas and focus on them, integrate them together into a cohesive whole. And then there's a lack of understanding of the basic rules of grammar. But I'll not get into that, or I'll be here all day. ;)
If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?
Of the two current stories, Robert Hoard from 'One Mistake' is possibly my favourite. At first he seems almost whimsical, stuck in this rut with his mother controlling his life, but he takes it with good humour and doesn't seem too bothered with changing his circumstances. Yet at the same time there's this curiosity about him, which leads him directly into the troubling situation at the heart of 'One Mistake'. Of course, by the end of the story, he's made a few decisions that will forever change his life and, by extension, that of his mother. How this pans out... well, you'll need to read the story to find out.
How can people buy your books?
Both of my Untreed Reads eBooks can be purchased at pretty much any online retailer that sells eBooks. Untreed Reads has the single-best electronic distribution of any eBook publisher, with their titles available in practically every single eRetailer out there. My forthcoming novel, 'Seeker' (Book One of The Garden), can be pre-ordered from Hirst Books (www.hirstpublishing.com) at the moment (for those interested in such things, it's a new breed of vampires for a new decade – go on, get your teeth into it!). My Doctor Who short stories, published as part of Big Finish's official range of Short Trips (in 'Repercussions', 'The Solar System', 'Snap Shots', and 'Re: Collections'), are unfortunately now out of print, although they can still be tracked down on eBay and various specialist shops. The same goes for my audio drama, 'Space 1889: The Lunar Inheritance'.
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?
They're essential. Editors/Agents will not accept a piece of work that is badly written, and by badly written I mean full of grammatical errors and typos. You could be writing the best novel ever, but with bad grammar and spelling no one will be interested in reading it. Within the space of a page (or less), the prospective agent/editor will dump it on the rejection pile. So it is imperative that new authors brush up on their understanding of written English. The English language, both in written and oral form, is the most flexible language out there. It is constantly changing, developing and evolving, but you absolutely have to have an appreciation of it as it stands today. Don't play with grammar rules until you've proven you know how to use the ones in place.
How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off?
Endless. I'm constantly revising and editing. This is why deadlines are a good thing; I get to a point where I have to stop and send the story off. If not for deadlines I could, potentially, be there forever fixing perceived imperfections in the story, the characters, the prose, and so on.
Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?
Both of the current stories are set in very generic contemporary places. There's no specification of location in either story, since in these two cases the location is not important. Setting 'Off Flesh' in a hotel, however, was necessary since it begins at a work conference and such things are often held in hotels. Plus, they're great places to meet new people and engage in an illicit rendezvous. And we know how well such things work out in fiction, right?
To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?
To the extent where it helps the publisher target the stories when selling them. I suppose it helps an author, too, since each genre brings with it certain rules and ethos, but personally I like to cross the lines of genre, create new sub-genre. Not that I'm the first person to do, of course, since there seems to be a new sub-genre created almost every week. Which I love, since it opens the scope and allow authors to play in new sandpits.
What are your writing habits?
While working on a given project I tend to read material pertaining to it; novels of the same genre, factual books relating to the themes, etc, all to keep my mind on track. I also carry a note pad on me, so I can jot down ideas as and when they pop into my head. For the actual writing I tend to write progressively from scene one to final scene. I'm not the kind to dip in and out; it has to be sequential for me. I always, and I mean ALWAYS, have music on when I'm writing. Again, as with reading, the music will more often than not convey the mood of the project I'm working on. If it's something dark then I'm likely to be listening to metal and rock. I like to write at least 3,000 words a day when working on a book, but sometimes this is not possible. If I did so every single day of the project I would undoubtedly lose touch with life as it continues around me. Not a good thing for a writer to do.
How do you know where to begin any given story?
Instinct. Most of my longer works tend to start with a dramatic scene set some way into the story; start at a turning point in the story so you drag the reader in. Then you backtrack to the beginning and introduce your reader to the key players. It also works for me, since then I also want to know how the story got to that mid-point.
What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?
Everything! Seriously, it's part of the package of being an author. We are notorious for finding things to distract us. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, since there are times when you just can't sit down and actually write. For me personally it's about getting in the zone, and to do so I need to, at first, be distracted. So I resort to dancing, burning CDs for my day job, faffing around on Facebook, watching DVDs, nattering away to friends on IM, taking random photos, and going for walks.
Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?
No writing group per se. Never ever got into the whole writing group thing, but I do have an awful lot of author friends and they are always supportive of me, and vice versa. My family also offer me endless support, that is when they're not trying to work out how I manage to get all these ideas to actually write! Friends, too. Quite a few people read the beta version of my forthcoming novel, and gave me wonderful feedback.
Is presentation of the MS as important as most agents and publishers suggest?
Absolutely. As I said above about grammar, an agent/editor is not going to spend time on a badly presented MS. By giving them the best presented piece of work you can, you're showing them how much you have invested in the project. Sending them a sloppy piece of work will just scream that you don't really care about the project.
How long does it normally take you to write a novel?
A novel will take me three months to write, from beginning to end. That's the easy part; it's the revisions, etc, that take longer.
What are your inspirations?
If you'll excuse the pretention; life! Sounds a cliché, but it also happens to very true. I watch life go on around me, spend hours talking to people. There is no better inspiration.
If there's a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?
The waiting. Once the story is complete, and it's sent off, you're stuck waiting to hear back. And once you do hear back, sign the contract, etc, you're left waiting for the release. I'm not an impatient person... well, okay, yes I am!
Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?
It can be both. I think there is out there those to whom writing is a gift, as natural as breathing. It's what they were born to do. They wake up thinking about writing, and they fall asleep thinking about writing. I am one such person. As far back as I can remember I've only ever wanted to write. It's very instinctive for me. On the flip side you can learn to write just as you can learn any other skill. But, for my money, you can tell the difference between someone who's been taught the skill of writing and someone who's born to write.
What are you writing now?
I'm working on several projects as I do this interview. I'm one third of a way through my second novel, Book Two of The Garden, which shall hopefully be out towards the end of 2011 (Book One is being published simultaneously in print and electronic formats, by Hirst Publishing and Untreed Reads Publishing respectively, late Feb/early March 2011). And I'm working on various short stories/novellas for eventual publishing down the line. After Luna and Garden 2, I'll be starting work on a novel called 'As If You Were a Woman', but I'm saying nothing about that one yet. I'm also putting together a charity anthology for Hirst Publishing, due for release early next year, that features some of Hirst's best authors, and I'm working on a story for that anthology. Plus, still neck-deep in a secret project, of which I can't talk more about. Yet.
Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?
Research! No, it's true. There was a time when I hated the research, but now I just love it. There's so much to learn, new things to discover every day, and being a writer just gives you the excuse to do so. Through writing I get to meet some interesting people, too. When someone learns you're a writer it's amazing how many stories you hear. Like the old adage says, everyone has a story to tell. I also love creating new characters, and seeing how they take over and dictate to me how they ought to be. That's always fun. They soon take over the story, and I pretty much just type what they tell me. I don't think there's any aspect of writing I truly dislike. I can be a pretty solitary person, so I don't even mind the alone-ness of writing.
Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?
They can find me on Facebook by simply typing my name into the search bar. Early next year I shall be developing my own website, but until then my author page on Facebook will keep them up to date.
Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?
A private study, surrounded by shelves and shelves of books, a nice sound system constantly playing my music, and a large window opening out to a wonderful vista of life.
Where do you actually write?
It varies. With a laptop I can write almost anywhere. On trains, in the garden, or sitting on my bed. I take the laptop with me and write wherever, and whenever, the mood takes me.
Tell us about your current book titles in a few sentences.I have two current eBooks; both short stories published by Untreed Reads. 'Off Flesh' is a story about a very normal bloke who goes to his very normal work conference, where he meets Mr Wyndham, who promptly goes missing. Mr Jensen foolishly decides to investigate, and discovers a very dark secret at the heart of the conference. The second story is 'One Mistake', about a man named Robert who lives a very dull life under his mother's ever watchful eye. He comes across a notice for lessons in astral projection. He's introduced to Bernard, an old broken man living in an old broken house. The lesson takes on a very sinister turn when Robert learns how to remove himself out of his body.
What qualities do you need to be a successful writer?
Lack of ego. Everyone has ego, and you absolutely have to believe in what it is you're trying to achieve with your writing, and that belief includes thinking that your story is the best of its kind. Or at least the best you can do. However. Once the story is written, you must check the ego at the door, since it will be seen and read by agents, proofreaders, editors, all kinds of people, all of whom will have comments to make, suggestions for changes, and so forth. That's where ego gets in the way. If you're not willing to accept constructive, and often brutally honest, criticism then you really ought not to be writing.
What is the single biggest mistake made by beginners to writing?
Too many ideas. I have this friend who has remarkable potential, and he often starts working on a story. He begins with one idea, but along the way all these other ideas pop up, ideas which he feels compelled to include into his story. Unfortunately, a lot of these idea conflict, and so he ends up with a story that has far too many ideas, leaving the story without any strong direction. This is a mistake new authors often make; putting into too many ideas. They need to single out the most relevant ideas and focus on them, integrate them together into a cohesive whole. And then there's a lack of understanding of the basic rules of grammar. But I'll not get into that, or I'll be here all day. ;)
If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?
Of the two current stories, Robert Hoard from 'One Mistake' is possibly my favourite. At first he seems almost whimsical, stuck in this rut with his mother controlling his life, but he takes it with good humour and doesn't seem too bothered with changing his circumstances. Yet at the same time there's this curiosity about him, which leads him directly into the troubling situation at the heart of 'One Mistake'. Of course, by the end of the story, he's made a few decisions that will forever change his life and, by extension, that of his mother. How this pans out... well, you'll need to read the story to find out.How can people buy your books?
Both of my Untreed Reads eBooks can be purchased at pretty much any online retailer that sells eBooks. Untreed Reads has the single-best electronic distribution of any eBook publisher, with their titles available in practically every single eRetailer out there. My forthcoming novel, 'Seeker' (Book One of The Garden), can be pre-ordered from Hirst Books (www.hirstpublishing.com) at the moment (for those interested in such things, it's a new breed of vampires for a new decade – go on, get your teeth into it!). My Doctor Who short stories, published as part of Big Finish's official range of Short Trips (in 'Repercussions', 'The Solar System', 'Snap Shots', and 'Re: Collections'), are unfortunately now out of print, although they can still be tracked down on eBay and various specialist shops. The same goes for my audio drama, 'Space 1889: The Lunar Inheritance'.
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?They're essential. Editors/Agents will not accept a piece of work that is badly written, and by badly written I mean full of grammatical errors and typos. You could be writing the best novel ever, but with bad grammar and spelling no one will be interested in reading it. Within the space of a page (or less), the prospective agent/editor will dump it on the rejection pile. So it is imperative that new authors brush up on their understanding of written English. The English language, both in written and oral form, is the most flexible language out there. It is constantly changing, developing and evolving, but you absolutely have to have an appreciation of it as it stands today. Don't play with grammar rules until you've proven you know how to use the ones in place.
How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off?
Endless. I'm constantly revising and editing. This is why deadlines are a good thing; I get to a point where I have to stop and send the story off. If not for deadlines I could, potentially, be there forever fixing perceived imperfections in the story, the characters, the prose, and so on.
Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?
Both of the current stories are set in very generic contemporary places. There's no specification of location in either story, since in these two cases the location is not important. Setting 'Off Flesh' in a hotel, however, was necessary since it begins at a work conference and such things are often held in hotels. Plus, they're great places to meet new people and engage in an illicit rendezvous. And we know how well such things work out in fiction, right?
To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?
To the extent where it helps the publisher target the stories when selling them. I suppose it helps an author, too, since each genre brings with it certain rules and ethos, but personally I like to cross the lines of genre, create new sub-genre. Not that I'm the first person to do, of course, since there seems to be a new sub-genre created almost every week. Which I love, since it opens the scope and allow authors to play in new sandpits.
What are your writing habits?
While working on a given project I tend to read material pertaining to it; novels of the same genre, factual books relating to the themes, etc, all to keep my mind on track. I also carry a note pad on me, so I can jot down ideas as and when they pop into my head. For the actual writing I tend to write progressively from scene one to final scene. I'm not the kind to dip in and out; it has to be sequential for me. I always, and I mean ALWAYS, have music on when I'm writing. Again, as with reading, the music will more often than not convey the mood of the project I'm working on. If it's something dark then I'm likely to be listening to metal and rock. I like to write at least 3,000 words a day when working on a book, but sometimes this is not possible. If I did so every single day of the project I would undoubtedly lose touch with life as it continues around me. Not a good thing for a writer to do.
How do you know where to begin any given story?
Instinct. Most of my longer works tend to start with a dramatic scene set some way into the story; start at a turning point in the story so you drag the reader in. Then you backtrack to the beginning and introduce your reader to the key players. It also works for me, since then I also want to know how the story got to that mid-point.
What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?
Everything! Seriously, it's part of the package of being an author. We are notorious for finding things to distract us. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, since there are times when you just can't sit down and actually write. For me personally it's about getting in the zone, and to do so I need to, at first, be distracted. So I resort to dancing, burning CDs for my day job, faffing around on Facebook, watching DVDs, nattering away to friends on IM, taking random photos, and going for walks.
Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?
No writing group per se. Never ever got into the whole writing group thing, but I do have an awful lot of author friends and they are always supportive of me, and vice versa. My family also offer me endless support, that is when they're not trying to work out how I manage to get all these ideas to actually write! Friends, too. Quite a few people read the beta version of my forthcoming novel, and gave me wonderful feedback.
Is presentation of the MS as important as most agents and publishers suggest?
Absolutely. As I said above about grammar, an agent/editor is not going to spend time on a badly presented MS. By giving them the best presented piece of work you can, you're showing them how much you have invested in the project. Sending them a sloppy piece of work will just scream that you don't really care about the project.
How long does it normally take you to write a novel?
A novel will take me three months to write, from beginning to end. That's the easy part; it's the revisions, etc, that take longer.
What are your inspirations?
If you'll excuse the pretention; life! Sounds a cliché, but it also happens to very true. I watch life go on around me, spend hours talking to people. There is no better inspiration.
If there's a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?
The waiting. Once the story is complete, and it's sent off, you're stuck waiting to hear back. And once you do hear back, sign the contract, etc, you're left waiting for the release. I'm not an impatient person... well, okay, yes I am!
Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?
It can be both. I think there is out there those to whom writing is a gift, as natural as breathing. It's what they were born to do. They wake up thinking about writing, and they fall asleep thinking about writing. I am one such person. As far back as I can remember I've only ever wanted to write. It's very instinctive for me. On the flip side you can learn to write just as you can learn any other skill. But, for my money, you can tell the difference between someone who's been taught the skill of writing and someone who's born to write.
What are you writing now?
I'm working on several projects as I do this interview. I'm one third of a way through my second novel, Book Two of The Garden, which shall hopefully be out towards the end of 2011 (Book One is being published simultaneously in print and electronic formats, by Hirst Publishing and Untreed Reads Publishing respectively, late Feb/early March 2011). And I'm working on various short stories/novellas for eventual publishing down the line. After Luna and Garden 2, I'll be starting work on a novel called 'As If You Were a Woman', but I'm saying nothing about that one yet. I'm also putting together a charity anthology for Hirst Publishing, due for release early next year, that features some of Hirst's best authors, and I'm working on a story for that anthology. Plus, still neck-deep in a secret project, of which I can't talk more about. Yet.
Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?
Research! No, it's true. There was a time when I hated the research, but now I just love it. There's so much to learn, new things to discover every day, and being a writer just gives you the excuse to do so. Through writing I get to meet some interesting people, too. When someone learns you're a writer it's amazing how many stories you hear. Like the old adage says, everyone has a story to tell. I also love creating new characters, and seeing how they take over and dictate to me how they ought to be. That's always fun. They soon take over the story, and I pretty much just type what they tell me. I don't think there's any aspect of writing I truly dislike. I can be a pretty solitary person, so I don't even mind the alone-ness of writing.
Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?
They can find me on Facebook by simply typing my name into the search bar. Early next year I shall be developing my own website, but until then my author page on Facebook will keep them up to date.
Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?
A private study, surrounded by shelves and shelves of books, a nice sound system constantly playing my music, and a large window opening out to a wonderful vista of life.
Where do you actually write?
It varies. With a laptop I can write almost anywhere. On trains, in the garden, or sitting on my bed. I take the laptop with me and write wherever, and whenever, the mood takes me.
October 21, 2010
stuartaken.co.uk
stuartaken.co.uk
Updated, with lots of items of interest to writers and readers. Over 320 links to other websites.
Updated, with lots of items of interest to writers and readers. Over 320 links to other websites.
Review of Hostage of the Heart by Linda Acaster
As a man, Hostage of the Heart is not the sort of novel I would normally pick up. But, having read Linda's other books, I knew what a good writer she is and was therefore prepared to give this a go.Though clearly intended for the women's market, this is a love story with so much more than mere romance going on right from the start. It is no surprise to me that the novel is fast paced, full of tension, both emotional and sexual, and tells a great story. The research has been done thoroughly so that the reader is easily lost in the medieval world of the Welsh border country around the time of the Battle of Hastings, when so much was happening. The sense of threat felt by the heroine, Dena, is palpable and her confusion, heightened by her imaginings combined with misinformation, is always understandable. She is a courageous woman, whose faults arise from her upbringing and circumstances. Her emotions are portrayed with great subtlety and flair so that it is easy to empathise with her as one injustice is piled on another and she faces doubt and danger in a world that is rapidly falling apart around her. The sexual tension between her and the hero, Rhodri, is very real as she journeys through fear, despair, loathing, terror, treachery and humiliation on the road to love. The passion is wonderfully expressed through the understated intimacy experienced by the lovers on their ride to self discovery.Surrounded by lies and the politics of the age, Dena is forced to grow up very quickly as she suffers kidnap, betrayal, the blackening of her name, the threat of rape and death. Rhodri, a fighting man as much as he is a lover, will find a place in the hearts of women readers with his strength, recklessness, courage and sheer male magnetism. Those who enjoy historical romance will find this book easy to pick up and difficult to put down.
Having previously interviewed Linda and reviewed her brilliant new novel, Torc of Moonlight, as the first review on this blog, I decided to ask her a few questions about this earlier book.
Tell us about Hostage of the Heart in a few sentences. Hostage of the Heart is an historical romance set on the English/Welsh borderlands of 1066. The English fyrd (militia) has been raised to counter the threat from Harald Hardrada of Norway marching on York – one of the three decisive battles in October 1066 – so allowing the balance of power to shift between the English and Welsh. A local Welsh nobleman decides to retrieve land that is rightfully his, but the plan doesn't quite go according to plan when he's saddled with an English battle hostage whose kin consider her expendable and refuse to pay a ransom. It's a novel about integrity.
How did you come to write this particular book?I was selling a lot of short fiction, mostly to women's markets, but didn't know if I had it in me to write a longer length. I needed feedback. The Romantic Novelists' Association http://www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org/ in the UK runs the New Writers' Scheme which offers just that, as long as a romantic novel is submitted, which meant I had to write one. I was not, and still aren't, an enthusiastic reader of contemporary romance, but I like historicals as there always seems to be so much more plot, and Mediaevals offer plenty of room for adventure. I never did receive the critique I was after; the RNA passed it to a publisher. I got a contract and won that year's award. Suddenly I was writing romance, which came as a bit of a shock.
If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?Mildthryth. She's a wise-woman, a herbalist, and a bit of a… well, I'd be giving the storyline away if I said any more. She's the essence of a walk-on character who burst into a major role during the writing – not the sort of thing I allow to happen these days, at least not to that extent. The odd thing is, it's not just me who has a soft spot for her. Not long ago I met a reader of the paperback who was keen to tell me the same. Now the novel is finding a new audience as an ebook I'm in conversation with a reader eager for me to write a prequel based on a short scene where Rhodri, the Welsh hero, castigates all women for an incident that happened to him while he was a battle hostage in the court of King Edward. Am I going to? Let's say the idea is on the back-burner. I've more than enough to do at present. But I am tempted.
Buying & sample links:Hostage of the Heart - ISBN 978-1452325828– Amazon US Kindle page http://tinyurl.com/3a2dyz5– Amazon UK Kindle page http://tinyurl.com/24xbekn– Smashwords page https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/14120 (for Sony, I-Pad, etc)
First Chapter available to read on http://lindaacaster.blogspot.com
Having previously interviewed Linda and reviewed her brilliant new novel, Torc of Moonlight, as the first review on this blog, I decided to ask her a few questions about this earlier book.
Tell us about Hostage of the Heart in a few sentences. Hostage of the Heart is an historical romance set on the English/Welsh borderlands of 1066. The English fyrd (militia) has been raised to counter the threat from Harald Hardrada of Norway marching on York – one of the three decisive battles in October 1066 – so allowing the balance of power to shift between the English and Welsh. A local Welsh nobleman decides to retrieve land that is rightfully his, but the plan doesn't quite go according to plan when he's saddled with an English battle hostage whose kin consider her expendable and refuse to pay a ransom. It's a novel about integrity.
How did you come to write this particular book?I was selling a lot of short fiction, mostly to women's markets, but didn't know if I had it in me to write a longer length. I needed feedback. The Romantic Novelists' Association http://www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org/ in the UK runs the New Writers' Scheme which offers just that, as long as a romantic novel is submitted, which meant I had to write one. I was not, and still aren't, an enthusiastic reader of contemporary romance, but I like historicals as there always seems to be so much more plot, and Mediaevals offer plenty of room for adventure. I never did receive the critique I was after; the RNA passed it to a publisher. I got a contract and won that year's award. Suddenly I was writing romance, which came as a bit of a shock.
If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?Mildthryth. She's a wise-woman, a herbalist, and a bit of a… well, I'd be giving the storyline away if I said any more. She's the essence of a walk-on character who burst into a major role during the writing – not the sort of thing I allow to happen these days, at least not to that extent. The odd thing is, it's not just me who has a soft spot for her. Not long ago I met a reader of the paperback who was keen to tell me the same. Now the novel is finding a new audience as an ebook I'm in conversation with a reader eager for me to write a prequel based on a short scene where Rhodri, the Welsh hero, castigates all women for an incident that happened to him while he was a battle hostage in the court of King Edward. Am I going to? Let's say the idea is on the back-burner. I've more than enough to do at present. But I am tempted.
Buying & sample links:Hostage of the Heart - ISBN 978-1452325828– Amazon US Kindle page http://tinyurl.com/3a2dyz5– Amazon UK Kindle page http://tinyurl.com/24xbekn– Smashwords page https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/14120 (for Sony, I-Pad, etc)
First Chapter available to read on http://lindaacaster.blogspot.com
October 20, 2010
Rudolf Kerkhoven (& Daniel Pitts, by proxy), Authors, Interviewed.
"The Adventures of Whatley Tupper: A Choose Your Own…" By Rudolf Kerkhoven & Daniel Pitts. Before the interview, I checked out http://kerkhoven.wordpress.com/test/ and found some amazing reviews of the book, one by the well-known J.A. Konrath. No bio for this one, as the information is in the body of the answers to the questions.
Tell us about The Adventures of Whatley Tupper in a few sentences.
The Adventures of Whatley Tupper is about a middle-aged, Magnum P.I. obsessed janitor working at a university. It's a choose your own adventure style for adults, and so from there the reader decides where the plot goes next, ranging from silly (taking on a mysterious group of rogue custodians), to inane (taming a troglodytes murderer who lurks in the disused campus network of tunnels), to absolutely ridiculous (travelling into parallel universes that include other plot-lines from the story). So, yeah, it's a comedy.
What qualities do you need to be a successful writer?
While I can't call myself successful in terms of writing, I would think the following qualities have definitely benefited me:A love of coffee or other liquid stimulants.An ability to type quickly.The assumption that if I just don't give, then eventually something good may come of this before I die.An ability to shrug off rejection letters.
What is your working method?
Well, The Adventures of Whatley Tupper is not typical of my writing. It's the only collaboration I've worked on, as well as being the only piece of comedy I've written. So, the method for this book was quite unique.
My friend, Daniel Pitts, and I decided way back in the summer of 2003 to try an experiment. Together, we agreed on a single character (a middle-aged janitor), his name (Whatley Tupper), and a basic setting (a university), pretty much in that order. We wrote the first page together, and then Daniel took it home with him (he lives about 1000 km away in Calgary, while I live in Vancouver), where he'd finish a section, give a few choices, and then email it back to me. I'd then carry on from one or two choices, write another few sections with new choices, and then email it back to him. Back and forth, we kept this up for three years, never really knowing where the story was going until it was emailed back to us. What this all lead to was a wild variety of different plots that quickly veer off into insane places, as well as a strangely complex book for something so silly.
After the draft was finished, we then spent two years editing the manuscript, again emailing it back and forth, which was itself a daunting task. Since we each made up the story as we went along, there was a great need to tighten up the entire manuscript. After that we tried getting it published the old fashioned way all to no avail. And then this summer I discovered Amazon's self-publishing program and rejigged the manuscript to work on a Kindle.
What is the single biggest mistake made by beginners to writing?
Assuming that there aren't another million people out there doing the exact same thing, all trying to get published, all inundating publishers and agents with their manuscripts.
If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?
The character of Robert Nudge, who is the head of campus security. He's an absolute stock character—the overweight, slovenly trigger-happy cop wannabe—but every scene with him was a joy to write. He's just so vile and repugnant. And he always refers to himself as "The Nudge." It makes me smile just writing this.
How can people buy your book(s)?
It's only available as an ebook through the following sites:
Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Whatley-Tupper-Choose-ebook/dp/B00408ASO6
Amazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00408ASO6
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22598
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?
A great extent, especially when self-publishing. It annoys me greatly when I find typos in my work after it's released, although with ebooks it really is easy to update versions online. When I look at other people's self-published books and I see typos on the first or second page, I have to say I make pretty quick judgments about the book, and I know most people do the same.
How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off?
Usually I try to do at least 8-10 revisions. With The Adventures of Whatley Tupper it was a little more difficult because some plots are hard to find, and therefore when editing they weren't read as often. In getting it ready for the Kindle, I really noticed a ton of errors in some sections that I thought were thoroughly edited.
What are your writing habits?
I go in phases. I'm a teacher, so some days I'm terribly tired and find it really hard to write after work. However, the summers are wonderful and I usually try to write as much as possible. If I'm writing something new, I usually can't write more than a couple of hours (usually in the morning), but if I'm editing, I can do this for hours and hours. I actually quite enjoy the editing process.
When I started writing, some 12 years ago, I used to be able to write much more at once, but looking back I also realize that I was just writing for the sake of writing. I try to be much more succinct now, perhaps because I appreciate how much I tend to cut out in the editing process.
What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?
Damn you, Google.
How long does it normally take you to write a novel?
This varies greatly. The Adventures of Whatley Tupper was an exception in every way for me. Like I said, it took three years to write the first draft. When working on my own, I used to be able to write a first draft in a matter of a few months. Now, probably a year for the first draft, but I've become much more picky about what I write. I used to give myself a rule that I had to get x number of pages done a day. But then I'd end up writing filler and cut it out later. Now, I just try to write something I think I'll like, even if it's just a paragraph.
And I must say, when I was single I would write much more. But then again, I was also bored much more.
Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?
I love the entire process, from just daydreaming ideas and characters and plots, to slogging through the draft, to editing over and over again. The very act of creating something never ceases to feel enlightening. Writing gives me purpose, it makes me happy, even if it will never be published. It's as simple as that.
Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?
Anyone Can Write (a Blog): Self/Indie Publishing with Amazon's Kindlehttp://kerkhoven.wordpress.com/
Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?
I'd buy a cool condo in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, which is full of an assortment of unique coffee shops, my absolute favourite being Benny's Café on Broadway. I'd wake up every morning, go for a jog, then walk to Benny's, take up a table up on the mezzanine, and write for several hours, enjoying one of the last remaining places on Earth that still offers decently priced refills. I could do that for a long, long time.
Unfortunately, the Kitsilano community of Vancouver is one of the most expensive places in the world to live, and so…
Where do you actually write?
…usually these days I write at the local Starbucks just a few blocks from my place (there are no independent coffee houses within walking distance). I can write at home, but I've always found it much more inspirational to get out of the house and sit somewhere with a coffee. I need the bustle of people, I need the clamour of voices and cascade of passing strangers. I've never yearned for a secluded cabin in the middle of nowhere, not for writing at least.
The Amazon page is here:
http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Whatley-Tupper-Choose-ebook/dp/B00408ASO6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1282541132&sr=8-1-catcorr
and the Amazon UK page is here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00408ASO6
Tell us about The Adventures of Whatley Tupper in a few sentences.The Adventures of Whatley Tupper is about a middle-aged, Magnum P.I. obsessed janitor working at a university. It's a choose your own adventure style for adults, and so from there the reader decides where the plot goes next, ranging from silly (taking on a mysterious group of rogue custodians), to inane (taming a troglodytes murderer who lurks in the disused campus network of tunnels), to absolutely ridiculous (travelling into parallel universes that include other plot-lines from the story). So, yeah, it's a comedy.
What qualities do you need to be a successful writer?
While I can't call myself successful in terms of writing, I would think the following qualities have definitely benefited me:A love of coffee or other liquid stimulants.An ability to type quickly.The assumption that if I just don't give, then eventually something good may come of this before I die.An ability to shrug off rejection letters.
What is your working method?
Well, The Adventures of Whatley Tupper is not typical of my writing. It's the only collaboration I've worked on, as well as being the only piece of comedy I've written. So, the method for this book was quite unique.
My friend, Daniel Pitts, and I decided way back in the summer of 2003 to try an experiment. Together, we agreed on a single character (a middle-aged janitor), his name (Whatley Tupper), and a basic setting (a university), pretty much in that order. We wrote the first page together, and then Daniel took it home with him (he lives about 1000 km away in Calgary, while I live in Vancouver), where he'd finish a section, give a few choices, and then email it back to me. I'd then carry on from one or two choices, write another few sections with new choices, and then email it back to him. Back and forth, we kept this up for three years, never really knowing where the story was going until it was emailed back to us. What this all lead to was a wild variety of different plots that quickly veer off into insane places, as well as a strangely complex book for something so silly.
After the draft was finished, we then spent two years editing the manuscript, again emailing it back and forth, which was itself a daunting task. Since we each made up the story as we went along, there was a great need to tighten up the entire manuscript. After that we tried getting it published the old fashioned way all to no avail. And then this summer I discovered Amazon's self-publishing program and rejigged the manuscript to work on a Kindle.
What is the single biggest mistake made by beginners to writing?
Assuming that there aren't another million people out there doing the exact same thing, all trying to get published, all inundating publishers and agents with their manuscripts.
If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?
The character of Robert Nudge, who is the head of campus security. He's an absolute stock character—the overweight, slovenly trigger-happy cop wannabe—but every scene with him was a joy to write. He's just so vile and repugnant. And he always refers to himself as "The Nudge." It makes me smile just writing this.
How can people buy your book(s)?
It's only available as an ebook through the following sites:
Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Whatley-Tupper-Choose-ebook/dp/B00408ASO6
Amazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00408ASO6
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22598
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?
A great extent, especially when self-publishing. It annoys me greatly when I find typos in my work after it's released, although with ebooks it really is easy to update versions online. When I look at other people's self-published books and I see typos on the first or second page, I have to say I make pretty quick judgments about the book, and I know most people do the same.
How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off?
Usually I try to do at least 8-10 revisions. With The Adventures of Whatley Tupper it was a little more difficult because some plots are hard to find, and therefore when editing they weren't read as often. In getting it ready for the Kindle, I really noticed a ton of errors in some sections that I thought were thoroughly edited.
What are your writing habits?
I go in phases. I'm a teacher, so some days I'm terribly tired and find it really hard to write after work. However, the summers are wonderful and I usually try to write as much as possible. If I'm writing something new, I usually can't write more than a couple of hours (usually in the morning), but if I'm editing, I can do this for hours and hours. I actually quite enjoy the editing process.
When I started writing, some 12 years ago, I used to be able to write much more at once, but looking back I also realize that I was just writing for the sake of writing. I try to be much more succinct now, perhaps because I appreciate how much I tend to cut out in the editing process.
What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?
Damn you, Google.
How long does it normally take you to write a novel?
This varies greatly. The Adventures of Whatley Tupper was an exception in every way for me. Like I said, it took three years to write the first draft. When working on my own, I used to be able to write a first draft in a matter of a few months. Now, probably a year for the first draft, but I've become much more picky about what I write. I used to give myself a rule that I had to get x number of pages done a day. But then I'd end up writing filler and cut it out later. Now, I just try to write something I think I'll like, even if it's just a paragraph.
And I must say, when I was single I would write much more. But then again, I was also bored much more.
Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?
I love the entire process, from just daydreaming ideas and characters and plots, to slogging through the draft, to editing over and over again. The very act of creating something never ceases to feel enlightening. Writing gives me purpose, it makes me happy, even if it will never be published. It's as simple as that.
Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?
Anyone Can Write (a Blog): Self/Indie Publishing with Amazon's Kindlehttp://kerkhoven.wordpress.com/
Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?
I'd buy a cool condo in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, which is full of an assortment of unique coffee shops, my absolute favourite being Benny's Café on Broadway. I'd wake up every morning, go for a jog, then walk to Benny's, take up a table up on the mezzanine, and write for several hours, enjoying one of the last remaining places on Earth that still offers decently priced refills. I could do that for a long, long time.
Unfortunately, the Kitsilano community of Vancouver is one of the most expensive places in the world to live, and so…
Where do you actually write?
…usually these days I write at the local Starbucks just a few blocks from my place (there are no independent coffee houses within walking distance). I can write at home, but I've always found it much more inspirational to get out of the house and sit somewhere with a coffee. I need the bustle of people, I need the clamour of voices and cascade of passing strangers. I've never yearned for a secluded cabin in the middle of nowhere, not for writing at least.
The Amazon page is here:
http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Whatley-Tupper-Choose-ebook/dp/B00408ASO6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1282541132&sr=8-1-catcorr
and the Amazon UK page is here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00408ASO6
October 19, 2010
An Interview with me, on Anne Holly's Blog
Just for a change, I'm interviewed on the blog of another writer. Take a look at Anne Holly's blog from the post title or through this link http://anneholly.blogspot.com/2010/10/author-interview-with-stuart-aken.html
Review of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce.
I suppose it must be me: I can't agree with all the hype and overblown praise I've seen for this piece of puerile meandering.This review is based on a partial reading of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man because I really couldn't force myself to read more than the first 25 pages (and page 99, to see if it had improved). I decided there were better things to do with my life than spend any more time on it. In spite of its literary reputation, this was not a book I cared to read to its conclusion. Obviously the 'stream of consciousness' approach removes any prospect of plot, structure, story or timeframe. However, the sheer banality of these early pages, the repetitions, use of simple language mixed with unexplained Irish terms without meaning for this reader, and simple failure to care about what the reader wants from a book made this a piece of work I was not prepared to waste more time 'discovering'. I found it impossible to sympathise, let alone empathise, with the viewpoint character.Whilst I have no doubt that it was startling in its originality at the time of first publication, such novelty alone is insufficient incentive to attract my time and effort when the rewards are so few.Touted variously as a poet and great novelist, Joyce is perhaps the victim of the inability of the critics to tell the truth when they come across something they feel they should admire but which they do not really understand. To inflate a reputation beyond the point where the work can sustain such opinion does no favours to its creator. I would liken this novel to the much lauded works of artists such as Jackson Pollock and Damien Hirst. Pollock's infantile dribbling of random colours onto canvass and Hirst's presentation of anatomical specimens in preservative as works of art do nothing for art beyond decreasing its credibility with the general audience. The critics, those commentators who generally lack the ability to create for themselves, elevate such works to greatness, initially from a desire to be heard above the crowd and thought erudite. Once such opinions of worth and value have been attached to art works, of any sort, it becomes the critics' job to ensure they remain there. Otherwise, the critics' reputations are damaged when the truth is told. Failure to follow the lead in such matters is seen as a betrayal of the trade and any outspoken observations are quickly suppressed, trashed or vilified so that the initial opinion, no matter how flawed and mistaken, becomes accepted as mainstream and valid. In fact, the critics' views take on the mantle of 'gospel truth' and become almost impossible to deny.
Image via WikipediaSo, when I describe this book as puerile, uninteresting drivel, my words will be taken as heresy and consigned to the bin of ill-informed, unworthy or malicious gossip, much as the religious bigot would condemn the rational historian for pointing out the multitude of inconsistencies that pepper all so-called Holy texts.Nevertheless, I will label this work a piece of undeserving experimentation that doubtlessly pleased the immature mind that created it and that fooled readers and critics all too willing to find substance and worth in the Emperor's new clothes no matter how nakedly he continues to travel the world. To buy from Amazon UKTo buy from Amazon USATo buy from Book Depository with free postage
Image via WikipediaSo, when I describe this book as puerile, uninteresting drivel, my words will be taken as heresy and consigned to the bin of ill-informed, unworthy or malicious gossip, much as the religious bigot would condemn the rational historian for pointing out the multitude of inconsistencies that pepper all so-called Holy texts.Nevertheless, I will label this work a piece of undeserving experimentation that doubtlessly pleased the immature mind that created it and that fooled readers and critics all too willing to find substance and worth in the Emperor's new clothes no matter how nakedly he continues to travel the world. To buy from Amazon UKTo buy from Amazon USATo buy from Book Depository with free postage
October 18, 2010
Rodolfo Peña, Author Interview
Rodolfo Peña's "day job" is translation of texts from English into Spanish; between translations he writes crime fiction. A native of Mexico, he married his French wife four years ago and is now "forced" to live in the beautiful Basque Country of southern France. Rodolfo has had varied and interesting jobs throughout his life. He has written for television, managed a science and technology museum, and has written software for expert systems. Having lived in several countries and a dozen cities, he has met and has been associated with very interesting people who now populate his books and stories. When he has a bit of time, he also dabbles in painting--mostly watercolours or oil on paper.Tell us about "An Inconsequential Murder" in a few sentences.A few years ago, in Monterrey, Mexico, the cousin of a friend was brutally murdered and his body was left on the railroad tracks to be mangled by a freight train in the early morning hours. The perpetrator or perpetrators were never found (or very actively sought by the police) because this was at the start of the so-called "drug wars" and the police were more concerned with the many shootings between the rival cartels. Later on, I was approached by the judicial police, who were trying to track down a fugitive that was known to be sending emails to his sister (I was known then as a very knowledgeable computer hacker). I had also known the DEA associates of Enrique Camarena, one of the first DEA agents to die at the hands of a drug cartel. I put all of these elements together, along with some historical facts about the cartels and corruption in the Mexican government, and that was the basis of this novel.What qualities do you need to be a successful writer?Imagination, knowledge of the language, and a heart of stone when editing your own work. Imagination is paramount because you have to be able to "see" in your mind the events you are writing about and to "hear" the characters speak. I often say that a good writer really transcribes what he is seeing his characters do and hearing his characters say as they go about their business. But, in order to transmit the action and the dialog in a clear and interesting way, you have to know your chosen language. I write both is English and Spanish. A story written in English changes substantially when I rewrite it in Spanish. Notice I did not say "translate it into Spanish" but rather rewrite it in Spanish.What is your working method?I write a complete, chapter by chapter, outline of the story. I do this as a table with columns for Chapter headings, main action, specific plot points, and timeline. This gives me an idea of how the story will develop and how the characters interact with each other. It also helps me keep my timeline in check because my chapters often do not happen in chronological succession but rather go forward and then retreat to earlier time periods.I also do a lot of research. For example, the latest novel happens in Paris, a city I know quite well so I can place the action accurately; but, the central character, Inspector Guillermo Lombardo will be working with the French Judiciary Police so I had to research their methods. Luckily, I met a relative of my wife's who works for the police and he has been a source of information about how a foreign police officer goes about working with his French colleagues. What is the single biggest mistake made by beginners to writing?Not using your own voice and trying to "sound" like one of these hack writers that start a novel by saying something like "the doll walked into my office looking like a million bucks stuffed into a small bag". Also, an ambiguous point of view is a mistake. One has to decide "who" is telling the story. Is it in a first person voice? Does one of the characters tell the story? Do you need a "Marlow" like Conrad or a "Nick" like Fitzgerald who tell the story of someone they knew? Is it a god-like narrator who can tell us what the characters are thinking? I think that deciding "who tell the story" is the most important decision one makes when starting a novel.How did you come to write this particular book?I always felt angry that the death of that young man, a computer engineer, had never been explained, or his murderer sought. The injustice and the unexplained cause of his demise bothered me. Then, I met a policeman who was of the old school: never leave a case unsolved, always do the right thing, a case is never closed or so cold it is forgotten. That gave me two things: an incident on which to build the story and a main character.How can people buy your book?It is, of course, available for download from my publisher Untreed Reads (http://www.untreedreads.com/?s=An+Inconsequential+Murder) and from dozens of other ebook distributors such as Amazon, Smashwords, Apple iStore, etc. A long list of them is available at the Untreed Reads site. It is also available in the UK from sites there, such as Amazon UK and other major distributors. Soon it will be available in Spanish because I have just completed the rewrite/translation of it.
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?I always explain it to young writers this way: if you work in a specialized field, say medicine or physics, you may be speaking in English but if the person listening is not familiar with the meaning of the words, syntax, context, etc. he or she will not understand you. Writing is a specialized form of language usage. It is different from spoken language. This does not mean it is necessarily more complex, or "high brow"; it means that grammar and spelling are of outmost importance. You have to be clear and concise yet interesting and even artistic. The combination of art and precision is what differentiates literature from common writing, such as a business letter.So, having said that, it is important that a writer find a good editor/publisher to tell her or him when he is lapsing from one into the other, and to correct that unavoidable mistakes one makes when forging ahead to finish a story. When I finished the Spanish version of "An Inconsequential Murder" I looked for an editor to help me put it into publishing form and to ferret out mistakes in both usage and grammar. How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off?A lot. First there is spellchecking, both automatic and then by re-reading the text. Next is grammar and style. Then comes checking facts, time sequence, names of characters and places, etc. Lastly, weeding out and eliminating truly unnecessary words, sentences, paragraphs, even whole chapters. Lastly, reading and editing by a professional or by a knowledgeable "other" with "track changes" on so you can review his or her comments and suggestions. But, there is never enough. I hate reading the published text because I always find things I would change.Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?"An Inconsequential Murder" is set in Mexico and most of the action happens in two cities, Monterrey and Mexico City. There are scenes set in near-by San Antonio, Texas, and an Epilogue that is set in France, but the heart of the matter is in Mexico. Why? Because the model characters and situations I used are Mexican and because I wanted to comment on the causes and consequences of the so-called "drug wars", and those are happening in Mexico.To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?In today's world where we are bombarded by information at every turn there is a need for classification as never before. We don't want to navigate through 10,000 books to come to that mystery novel that intrigues us. Unfortunately there is also a negative side to this. I would hesitate to classify "An Inconsequential Murder" as a mystery/thriller/detective fiction. I think that the genre is growing into more than that. The social and historical comment necessary for novels like "An Inconsequential Murder" make it more than just a "thriller" or a "mystery" novel. I have tried to make the reader understand the social, economic, and political circumstances that have lead to the present terrible situation in Mexico; but, I have tried to do it without being heavy-handed or preachy.What are your writing habits?If I have no translations to do, which is how my wife and I earn our bread and butter, I write between 1500 and 2000 words a day when the going is good. I try to keep up a steady pace so the storyline does not grow cold and I can hear the character's voices clearly. If circumstances keep me from writing, I revise, review, and rewrite (my three "r's").How do you know where to begin any given story?I think of an "establishing shot" in a movie: what would tell the reader not only "what, where, when, and who" but also engage him or her and create interest in the story. Remember those wonderful establishing shots in those black and white movies where the camera would track through a city to tell us where it is, then a street sign or plaque to establish location, and then fly in through a window where a detective is standing over a victim? That's the sort of thing I like but without being to obvious or dogmatic about it. Then there is the type of scene that establishes a "historical" precedence: in the novel I am presently writing, the round-up of Jewish French citizens on the 17th and 18th of July, 1942 in Paris, establishes a motive for what is going to happen in present-day Paris, so the novel starts with German soldiers and French collaborators coming to arrest a family in the early morning hours of the 18th of July.What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?Mostly email and, of course, having to do translations to earn my keep. Also, we live in a wonderful part of the world, Biarritz, France, so the sea is near-by, a wonderful golf course is just a block away, and there are friends and family that drop-by or invite us out. But the worst is television and movie houses. I am a film freak so I have to watch at least one movie a day. I don't care for series or game shows or anything like that, but movies are a must. I also like to watch good documentaries. I also read a lot: The New Yorker, French newspapers, and novels, of course.Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?No, my one and most solid support is my wife. When I have no translation work, she takes up the slack most handily. She also encourages me not to "shilly-shally" or waste my time.Is presentation of the MS as important as most agents and publishers suggest?Yes, absolutely. Even today when anyone can "publish" an ebook, presentation is important, not only to interest a publisher or agent, but also the reader. With so much material available, why would anyone slog through a book full of typos, misspelled words, and badly constructed or awkward sentences? How long does it normally take you to write a novel?About six months for the first draft, about three months of revisions and rewriting, and about a month of fact and style checking. That does not include the research and outline construction.What are your inspirations?People I have met, things I have seen, experiences I have had. My wife says I start too many conversations with, "In 1986, when I was working in Madrid I met a man who..." and similar phrases. Also, movies: my idea is to write a book in such a way that the reader can "see" the action and "hear" the characters. It wouldn't take much to turn my novels into film scripts.If there's a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?The worst thing is re-reading the thing over and over. It gets to the point where you get sick of it and want to go do something else. I wish I were one of those rich, successful writers with a staff that could check facts, name consistency, time line consistency, etc.Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?A mixture of both: there has to be a part of you that needs to write, tell stories, excite someone else with what you know. But, as Henry James said in his prefaces, writing is a skill that has to be learned and honed and perfected, just as any other.What are you writing now?Guillermo Lombardo, the Inspector that is introduced in "An Inconsequential Murder" travels to France and is involved in a murder case there. He is both an investigator and a suspect of the murder. It involves something I am very interested in: the art that was stolen and confiscated by the Nazis in WWII and which has been variously claimed and restored to their proper owners, although not in the numbers one would hope. European museums are full of the art that was taken from victims of the Holocaust. Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?Yes, the description of things I love and know well. In my present novel, I describe the nooks and crannies of Paris which have some sort of meaning for me and which I remember with fondness. I usually go there and write the description while I sip a beer or coffee.Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?I am working on getting one up soon. There is a distraction for you.Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?Strangely enough, Neil White in this blog describes where I live. " [near] sea on the French coast, close to the Spanish border", and we do have a nicely filled "wine rack". My problem is not that, it is having to dedicate time to other pursuits such as translating. Where do you actually write?In our small studio, back to back with my wife who quietly goes about her business of translating. We live in a very quiet street and the studio is comfortable and cheery with a large window that provides plenty of light.
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?I always explain it to young writers this way: if you work in a specialized field, say medicine or physics, you may be speaking in English but if the person listening is not familiar with the meaning of the words, syntax, context, etc. he or she will not understand you. Writing is a specialized form of language usage. It is different from spoken language. This does not mean it is necessarily more complex, or "high brow"; it means that grammar and spelling are of outmost importance. You have to be clear and concise yet interesting and even artistic. The combination of art and precision is what differentiates literature from common writing, such as a business letter.So, having said that, it is important that a writer find a good editor/publisher to tell her or him when he is lapsing from one into the other, and to correct that unavoidable mistakes one makes when forging ahead to finish a story. When I finished the Spanish version of "An Inconsequential Murder" I looked for an editor to help me put it into publishing form and to ferret out mistakes in both usage and grammar. How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off?A lot. First there is spellchecking, both automatic and then by re-reading the text. Next is grammar and style. Then comes checking facts, time sequence, names of characters and places, etc. Lastly, weeding out and eliminating truly unnecessary words, sentences, paragraphs, even whole chapters. Lastly, reading and editing by a professional or by a knowledgeable "other" with "track changes" on so you can review his or her comments and suggestions. But, there is never enough. I hate reading the published text because I always find things I would change.Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?"An Inconsequential Murder" is set in Mexico and most of the action happens in two cities, Monterrey and Mexico City. There are scenes set in near-by San Antonio, Texas, and an Epilogue that is set in France, but the heart of the matter is in Mexico. Why? Because the model characters and situations I used are Mexican and because I wanted to comment on the causes and consequences of the so-called "drug wars", and those are happening in Mexico.To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?In today's world where we are bombarded by information at every turn there is a need for classification as never before. We don't want to navigate through 10,000 books to come to that mystery novel that intrigues us. Unfortunately there is also a negative side to this. I would hesitate to classify "An Inconsequential Murder" as a mystery/thriller/detective fiction. I think that the genre is growing into more than that. The social and historical comment necessary for novels like "An Inconsequential Murder" make it more than just a "thriller" or a "mystery" novel. I have tried to make the reader understand the social, economic, and political circumstances that have lead to the present terrible situation in Mexico; but, I have tried to do it without being heavy-handed or preachy.What are your writing habits?If I have no translations to do, which is how my wife and I earn our bread and butter, I write between 1500 and 2000 words a day when the going is good. I try to keep up a steady pace so the storyline does not grow cold and I can hear the character's voices clearly. If circumstances keep me from writing, I revise, review, and rewrite (my three "r's").How do you know where to begin any given story?I think of an "establishing shot" in a movie: what would tell the reader not only "what, where, when, and who" but also engage him or her and create interest in the story. Remember those wonderful establishing shots in those black and white movies where the camera would track through a city to tell us where it is, then a street sign or plaque to establish location, and then fly in through a window where a detective is standing over a victim? That's the sort of thing I like but without being to obvious or dogmatic about it. Then there is the type of scene that establishes a "historical" precedence: in the novel I am presently writing, the round-up of Jewish French citizens on the 17th and 18th of July, 1942 in Paris, establishes a motive for what is going to happen in present-day Paris, so the novel starts with German soldiers and French collaborators coming to arrest a family in the early morning hours of the 18th of July.What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?Mostly email and, of course, having to do translations to earn my keep. Also, we live in a wonderful part of the world, Biarritz, France, so the sea is near-by, a wonderful golf course is just a block away, and there are friends and family that drop-by or invite us out. But the worst is television and movie houses. I am a film freak so I have to watch at least one movie a day. I don't care for series or game shows or anything like that, but movies are a must. I also like to watch good documentaries. I also read a lot: The New Yorker, French newspapers, and novels, of course.Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?No, my one and most solid support is my wife. When I have no translation work, she takes up the slack most handily. She also encourages me not to "shilly-shally" or waste my time.Is presentation of the MS as important as most agents and publishers suggest?Yes, absolutely. Even today when anyone can "publish" an ebook, presentation is important, not only to interest a publisher or agent, but also the reader. With so much material available, why would anyone slog through a book full of typos, misspelled words, and badly constructed or awkward sentences? How long does it normally take you to write a novel?About six months for the first draft, about three months of revisions and rewriting, and about a month of fact and style checking. That does not include the research and outline construction.What are your inspirations?People I have met, things I have seen, experiences I have had. My wife says I start too many conversations with, "In 1986, when I was working in Madrid I met a man who..." and similar phrases. Also, movies: my idea is to write a book in such a way that the reader can "see" the action and "hear" the characters. It wouldn't take much to turn my novels into film scripts.If there's a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?The worst thing is re-reading the thing over and over. It gets to the point where you get sick of it and want to go do something else. I wish I were one of those rich, successful writers with a staff that could check facts, name consistency, time line consistency, etc.Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?A mixture of both: there has to be a part of you that needs to write, tell stories, excite someone else with what you know. But, as Henry James said in his prefaces, writing is a skill that has to be learned and honed and perfected, just as any other.What are you writing now?Guillermo Lombardo, the Inspector that is introduced in "An Inconsequential Murder" travels to France and is involved in a murder case there. He is both an investigator and a suspect of the murder. It involves something I am very interested in: the art that was stolen and confiscated by the Nazis in WWII and which has been variously claimed and restored to their proper owners, although not in the numbers one would hope. European museums are full of the art that was taken from victims of the Holocaust. Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?Yes, the description of things I love and know well. In my present novel, I describe the nooks and crannies of Paris which have some sort of meaning for me and which I remember with fondness. I usually go there and write the description while I sip a beer or coffee.Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?I am working on getting one up soon. There is a distraction for you.Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?Strangely enough, Neil White in this blog describes where I live. " [near] sea on the French coast, close to the Spanish border", and we do have a nicely filled "wine rack". My problem is not that, it is having to dedicate time to other pursuits such as translating. Where do you actually write?In our small studio, back to back with my wife who quietly goes about her business of translating. We live in a very quiet street and the studio is comfortable and cheery with a large window that provides plenty of light.
October 17, 2010
Review of The Doll Makers by Penny Grubb
The Doll Makers is published by Robert HaleI met the wonderfully idiosyncratic heroine, Annie Raymond, in Penny's first detective novel, Like False Money, and enjoyed her doubts, courage and intelligence there. In The Doll Makers, Annie travels from her new post in London to visit her father in Scotland and Penny Grubb highlights the contrasts between the noise and claustrophobia of the capital and the space and relative peace of a small Scottish loch-side town. The story holds the reader's interest from the start and keeps a tight grip on it to the last word. Penny has a way of getting inside the heads and hearts of her characters to bring them to life. Even her villains carry characteristics that make the reader care what happens. But it is Annie who we really empathise with, in spite of her faults, irritabilities, occasional snap judgements and chaotic domestic lifestyle, or maybe because of these. Her quick wits, intelligence, bravery and determination drive the story, with its multiple threads, racing us from chapter to chapter, anxious to know what happens next and eager to identify the real villains amongst the panoply of potential candidates.There are surprises, shocks and moments of sudden illumination in the twists and turns of the plot so that it becomes difficult to put the book down. I was forced by circumstances to read the book in two sessions but would have read from beginning to end without interruption had it been possible. Such is the developing pace of the story that the reader becomes emotionally engaged in the ever more complex puzzles that lead Annie into great peril. The reader is given clues denied the detective and this makes for tension as we see her stepping toward dangers we know of but to which she is blind. Clues are scattered throughout the narrative for the reader to solve the puzzles, but the solution is not easy and I was surprised by the denouement, though it was, in the end, the only possible outcome.Penny handles scenes of danger particularly well, injecting feelings of fear, anxiety and doubt into the story so that the reader is drawn into the created world. Her meticulous research takes us inside real buildings with Annie, along real streets and into real woodland with her, to perilous drops where we hold our breath and into peaceful glades, where we rest for a while as she ruminates.
The Doll Makers is not simply a damned good read, it is an experience shared with the indomitable Annie as she moves through curiosity, incomprehension, disappointment, betrayal and growing enlightenment to a conclusion that is scary, intense and inevitable. If you enjoy your crime spiced with a mixture of gritty realism, humour, human failings and intelligence, this is definitely a book for you. I don't generally read crime fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it. Buy from Amazon UKBuy from Amazon USA
The Doll Makers is not simply a damned good read, it is an experience shared with the indomitable Annie as she moves through curiosity, incomprehension, disappointment, betrayal and growing enlightenment to a conclusion that is scary, intense and inevitable. If you enjoy your crime spiced with a mixture of gritty realism, humour, human failings and intelligence, this is definitely a book for you. I don't generally read crime fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it. Buy from Amazon UKBuy from Amazon USA
