Colleen’s Comments (group member since Apr 21, 2014)

Colleen’s comments from the Colleen Houck Book Club group.

Marissa wrote: "When there isn't a fairy-tale name I can use for inspiration, I'll often use baby naming web sites and try to search for names that fit a certain meaning that I might have in mind for the character.."

I do the same thing. BabyNames.com and then look for something meaningful in the correct culture.

Marissa wrote: "Of course, many readers have noticed the similarities now between Flynn and Captain Thorne, but I feel like the more suave thieves we have to swoon over, the better. ;) "

I absolutely agree!

Marissa wrote: "Shara wrote: "Do you love all sci-fi like Star Wars and Star Trek, or is it just a twist on the traditional fairy tale stories for you?"

Oh yes, I grew up on Star Wars! Han Solo was pretty much my..."

LOVE Firefly too! I was originally a Luke fan but now its Han Solo all the way. And I think I kinda like Lando a little. If he kissed my hand, I'd giggle.

Marissa wrote: "Oh yes, I'd say I share something in common with almost every character, but easily the character I'm most like is Cress. She and I both share that crazy overactive imagination! (Which I assume most writers can associate with - Colleen?) "

Absolutely. I think you lend little bits and pieces of yourself to each character. It's how we relate to them.

Marissa wrote: "But luckily my publisher is awesome and saw the potential in including it with the books!"

They did a fantastic job with it too. I love the cover!

Marissa wrote: "Mostly I was fascinated by the idea that a woman would place so much value on her beauty and being "Fairest of them all" that I wanted to expand her into a full-fledged character with a backstory and motivations... and Levana is what came out of that."

I love this idea so much!

Karli wrote: "hey Colleen! I got to meet you a couple years back at one of your signings in Arizona. you said my name reminded you of Kelsey's and I thought that was the most awesome thing in the entire world! S..."

No problem! Hope to get back to AZ at some point again.

Karli wrote: "what are some traditions or rules you follow when writing? I have to be in my bed with a can if Dr pepper while listening to the backstreet boys. haha"

I always write at home and light a candle. I can't listen to music or have noise of any kind and I have a mini fridge full of drinks and snacks.

Karli wrote: "do you have any interest in writing a contemporary novel? Or do you think you'll stick with mythology and paranormal stories?"

My interest in contemporary is akin to my interest in vacuuming. When I finish a novel I'm often happy with the result but it's not the first thing on my list of fun things to do.

Trudy wrote: "What do you do when you struggle with writers block?"

I don't really struggle with writer's block. I struggle with being lazy or being distracted. Once I turn on the computer and put my hands on the keys, I'm good.

I heard you speak at Powell's about your inspiration for the series. Can you share with readers how the Lunar Chronicles came to be?

Love the cover! All the covers actually, but this one provokes such an emotional response in me. Can you tell us about it?

Any more novellas to look forward to in the Lunar Chronicles?

How far in the future do you imagine this story taking place?

So were the Lunars colonists from Earth at one time and now they've created their own society or are they alien in nature?

How much of Levana's story was in your mind as you wrote Cinder, Scarlett, and Cress?

So to become a shell, is that a genetic anomaly or is the Lunar power fading out over time?

So was Levana "damaged" mentally by mind control at an early age? How does that work?

Marissa, this book is Ah-Ma-Zing! Couldn't put it down. What inspired you to write Levana's story? I read at the end that you just started writing it one day.

Trudy wrote: "Are you already working on Recreated? Which is your favorite type of mythology to write about?"

Recreated is done! The novella is done. Starting on book three now. So excited to reveal the Recreated cover on the fall YASH! I love all mythologies. I wouldn't say I have a favorite, though I do gravitate more towards Asia since they incorporate dragons ;)