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Illuminating Gracie
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1. I'm a strange writer, for sure. I spend weeks never touching a pen or paper - just thinking. I watch tv - talk to people - read other books - and listen to music, all of which helps me formulate my story. THEN I finally sit down and start writing - which I do, usually, late at night. I write with a pen on legal pads (the lawyer in me) and once I get a few chapters down - I type it into my Apple!
2. All of the characters were in someway inspired by my life. Gracie and I share many personality traits. I was blessed to have many friends growing up in Montgomery, Alabama; however, I was definitely a bit of a "wild child." I always scored very high on aptitude tests, but refused to put any real effort into my work. I - like Gracie - had a very low self-esteem and though I was never truly obese (I could have lost 10lbs. in high school and I was too thin in college) - I obsessed over my weight and looks constantly. Many of Gracie's thoughts about her weight and looks come directly from my own memories about myself! Other characters were also inspired by close friends and family. The characters of Locke and Sara were taken directly from a very close couple in my life that have helped me immensely over the years and especially with my father's death. While the gentleman that inspired Locke does not share Locke's negative qualities - I used his name and the fact that in the end, Lochedus (and Sara), were in Gracie's mind, "fighting in her and through her." This couple - along with my best friend - carried me through the death of my father and so in that way, Locke and Sara were inspired by these friends. I wanted to honor their friendship. I hope that makes sense!
My son inspires me in everything I do, Jordan - he is that kind of young man! As far as specifically - yes he did inspire me, but, maybe not in the way you would think. Locke's looks perhaps in a small way were taken from Temp's, because my son is blonde haired and blue eyed - but even more than that, Gracie's sense of humor was inspired by Temp. My son is one of the funniest people I've ever known - and many times I would run parts of Gracie's inner dialogue past him. If he liked it - I kept it. He also has a light inside of him that is almost blinding. He is happy all the time and is a constant champion for the underdog. (can you tell I'm a proud Mama?!)
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As strange as this sounds, the writing process I described in the beginning of this comment is what I use now. When I wrote "Illuminating Gracie," I wrote straight without stopping or erasing or changing anything (obviously, I had to stop to sleep, eat, etc. - the point I'm making is that I didn't have to think about what I wrote - it was already in my head). I believe strongly that the Lord put the story on my heart, because I never had to really think about what I was going to say. Naturally, I had it copy-edited for typos, grammatical errors, etc. - but, I did not edit other than that. What I wrote is what you read. I did send it to one editor that wanted to change the demons and angels to vampires!!! And he wanted me to cut the book in half!! He thought I needed to take the "religiosity" out of it. I told him thank you very much. Please send my book back - untouched!
Thank you so much for your questions, Jordan. I hope I answered them to your satisfaction. If you have any more, just drop me a line!
Thank you for such a long and well thought out response!!You put a great story together!! Nothing wrong with being a proud momma, lots of work goes into it! :)
This story would have no meaning with vampires, I'm glad you stayed true to yourself!!!I LOVE/ADORE the message. It's so true. I was obsessed with weight when I was in high school, swearing I was fat like Gracie, but looking at my pictures (after having a baby- I'm not so fit lol) I was unhealthily skinny. I love that this story shows a person is more than that too.
Perfect answers! Thank you so much.
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Our society places such an unfair burden on women through media and it has created a tremendous issue in our culture. Girls think if they aren't a size four, they are fat. Weight is a HUGE issue that just destroys self-esteem - it certainly hurt mine in my younger years. True beauty shines from within. I have the extraordinary honor of knowing some truly gorgeous women that just radiate strength, love, faith and goodness. I will use these women as models for Gracie as she develops in later books.
You are a beautiful young mother and I'm very proud to have you as a reader, Jordan. Please keep in touch with me. I would love to see baby pictures!
Can I ask a question now? Oh, I'll do it anyway...
Mrs. Temple, Do you have traditions while you write?
Which aspects of the characters were inspired by your own life.
Your son was this age not to long ago, right? Were any of the male characters inspired by him?
Which character do you relate the most to?
When you went and reread your novel before it was published, did you have to take some of it out (did you write more than was actually needed) or did you have to add some things in?
And yes, you can answer these questions in more than one comment. Ha! :) Thank you!!