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

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

And our hour is up. Thanks so much to Tera Lynn for joining us and for just being plain awesome! I now have another novella to buy and the guilt of not having five projects going at the same time. Thank you guys for taking part! I'll leave the chat open for a few days so Tera can answer any last questions at her leisure so feel free to check back later on if you're question was missed.

The winner of the Tera Lynn Childs live chat prize pack is...Rose Tyler! Congrats! I will msg your Goodreads account to get a mailing address. Thanks everyone!

Tera wrote: "I've always been fascinated by other mythologies (Egyptian, Roman, Norse, Pre-Columbian) but I would have to do a lot more research to get started since I'm not as familiar with them.
i>

Yeah, Egypt mythology is pretty much kicking my butt. Luckily I can make some stuff up. Reading the Book of the Dead was a...challenge.

Tera wrote: "Megan wrote: "What are you currently working on?"

So many things...

A secret, as-yet-unannounced project I'm writing with Tracy Deebs called Powerless. (*cough* out next summer *cough*).

The thi..."

How is it working with another author? Did you jump right in? What do you like about it?

Tera wrote: "Rose Tyler wrote: "Do you have any advice for writers?"

1. Read as much as you can. Anything and everything. Reading teaches you how other writers use words to convey emotion.

2. Write as much as..."

I ditto all that. Reading is the number one piece of advice I give.

Valerie wrote: "ha! i think any sport where you totally exhaust yourself is good material to pull from. and yes, it worked very well. :) i>

See? And I felt like I was getting a workout just from reading the book. Maybe you should include a sticker promising a runner's high from reading. ;)

Rose Tyler wrote: "Is it surreal to meet other authors?"

It's been so cool to meet authors I admired before I got into the business. Authors like Orson Scott Card, Jude Deveraux, Catherine Coulter, and Chris Paolini. If I haven't read them before but meet them first, then I get to know them as a person before a writer and its a little less intimidating.

Tera wrote: "Tiegangrills wrote: "What is your favourite character????????????"

My favorite that I've written?!? Oh that's not fair. If I choose favorites, then the characters start to rebel and won't do what ..."

I like Gretchen too, though I'm nothing like her either.

Tera wrote: "Samantha wrote: "If you could be any character from any YA book who would it be and why?"

That's a HARD question. Um... I would have to say Katniss Everdeen. Because... Gale."

Yeah? See? I'm team Gale too. Was never thrilled about Peta.

Tera wrote: "I take my Alphasmart (a kind of word processor that has, sadly, been discontinued), jam earbuds in my ears, start the playlist du jour, and write.
i>

I've heard of an Alphasmart. Have you tried Scrivener? I can't get into it. I'm a very linear writer. What about you? Also different...I need absolute quiet when I write. I get easily distracted.

Tera wrote: "Yes! And so is the Forgive My Fins series. I've written a super short story (I have to find out where I filed that) which is a crossover between Medusa Girls and Fins. And I'm toying with the idea of a story that crosses over between all three....i>

Wow! My mind is blowing majorly. I've been saying that my Egypt and Tiger worlds could possibly overlap but I've never thought of writing a cross over. That is awesome! You have to pub that.

Tera wrote: "Colleen wrote: "I was really hoping Troy would find love with one of Phoebe's friends. Do you think that will happen?"

Hmmmm.... *points at the Goddess In Time enovella* Hmmmmm......."

Shakes fist, darn you novellas! Now I have to hunt that down.

Tera wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Have you actually tried any of these Greek baked goods you mention in the book and if so where can I get them?"

Om, nom nom! So yummy. I've only tried a few. Dolmades definitely (y..."

Yep that's the one I want to try. Whole foods, huh? I think there's one in Salem. Checking now...

My brother, Mel, asks, "What got you into writing?"

Other than the mermaids, your other two YA series are based on Greek mythology. Who is your favorite Greek god?

Tera wrote: "But dark curly hair. Yes. That. O.O i>

With ya there sister. I think all my heroes have dark hair. I've never written a blond hero or a red head though I do have a soft spot for Edward. ;)

Tera wrote: "Sadly, no! I'm a huge travel dreamer and I literally want to go everywhere (EVERYwhere) but I haven't had the time/means to do much exploring yet. Some day. Some day! i>

I'm thinking we need to an author "research" trip to Greece.

My niece, Madelyn, is here with me and she says, "Are you going to make more OH.My.Gods series books?"

Tera wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Now that you have written several series. Which one is your favorite?"

Oh that's not a fair question! (But it's the Sweet Venom series. Shhhh, don't tell my other books, but I just..."

You should be a twin or a triplet. Just say'n. Think of all the books you could write.

Tera wrote: "Colleen wrote: "My first question is about the cover. Tennis shoes or David with the convenient ribbon title placed just so, which is your favorite?"

Well, there was the whole controversy over the..."

Ah as much as I like rugged torsos I think I'm with you on the shoes cover. It really does fit.

Hello everyone! Are you ready for the chat? Tera Lynn Childs is one of my favorite people and I'm so excited to be hosting her tonight.