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Anne Tenino
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June Author: **Anne Tenino** Turning Tricks interview questions up
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LOL! So, so true.
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I am so proud of Colorado. It has gone from a red state that passed the horrible Amendment Two[1], to purply-blue. Still no gay marriage, but partnership rights will likely pass next year unless the elections go seriously awry.
[1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romer_v....
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Here is a picture of the 2008 map by state (though I think you said some states were carved up). I assume Florida is in the red half in the TFI world. The corridor connects through Mexico? I did read Turning Tricks but I was reading to fast to absorb such details.
It's interesting, a lot of western state (like eastern Oregon) voted mostly Republican in the recent past, but since I know people there I don't predict it will last. Most of these people are more concerned about economics than the restricted moral values that lead me to separate the US into Red and Blue in the future. I see that happening lots of places, like Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, etc. Not so much Utah and Idaho, though. Sorry. :-/
Oh, I forgot to pimp this—if anyone's interested, there's an interview I did with Miz Horse up on Joyfully Jay today. http://www.joyfullyjay.com/2012/06/gu...Also, I'm giving away one copy of Turning Tricks. But you all want to find out what Miz Horse has to say, don't you?
Thanks for that interview with Miz Horse, Anne! Totally made me laugh. I can't help but love that horse and her attitude.
Charming wrote: "Here is a picture of the 2008 map by state (though I think you said some states were carved up). I assume Florida is in the red half in the TFI world. The corridor connects through Mexico? I d..."
The corridor extends down to Mexico, and used to go up to Denver, but Denver and Boulder fell to the Red just before 18% Gray started. It starts just north of Taos after that, and the Blue will always expend a ton of effort maintaining that corridor because of White Sands and Spaceport America. http://www.spaceportamerica.com/ In the Iota world, Spaceport America is owned by the Blue gov't and is an extremely important transfer point for both polar and equatorial (I feel like that's the wrong word...) low earth orbit routes.
Weimer is also an important transfer for orbits, but maybe not as much as New Mexico.
Jordan wrote: "Thanks for that interview with Miz Horse, Anne! Totally made me laugh. I can't help but love that horse and her attitude."You're welcome! She's pretty snotty, isn't she? LOL
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The red is going to be sorry they ever took on Boulder and Denver!
Charming wrote: "Anne wrote: "The corridor extends down to Mexico, and used to go up to Denver, but Denver and Boulder fell to the Red just before 18% Gray started. "The red is going to be sorry they ever took on..."
Shhh! You're giving away secrets in future books.
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1) How likely do you think it is that a civil war over some of these equality issues could really happen? Do you think that a civil war is inevitable?
2) Are there any specific real-life news events that inspired you to write about this idea?
3) What other influences did you pull from while writing the Task Force Iota series?
4) Is it true that women's and gay men's corpus callosum is larger than straight men's brains? If so, where did you come across this fact? If not, how did you decide on the corpus callosum?
5) In your version of psychic powers, does ability manifest only because of the chip? Or are the brains of those chosen already closer to developing psychic powers than the average?
6) Do you think of Matt being a little bit like a 'cyberman'?
7) Did you intend for Miz Horse to become a high profile character? Or did she just push her way through? :) Is she based on any real animal friends of yours?
I look forward to seeing your responses here and to reading Turning Tricks in the next few days!
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You write the best questions, Meghan.
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Actually, I might as well add, what the heck is the "corpus callosum"? :)
Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: "...Actually, I might as well add, what the heck is the "corpus callosum"? :)"It is a gigantic bundle of nerve fibers connecting the 2 hemispheres of the brain, so one side can talk to the other. Do a google image search to see a picture.
Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: "1) How likely do you think it is that a civil war over some of these equality issues could really happen? Do you think that a civil war is inevitable?"Hi Meghan— I'll answer your questions one by one. This first one is easy (well, kind of).
I think it's entirely possible that a civil war could erupt over issues that essentially boil down to separation of church and state. I don't think it's likely, though. One side or the other would have to suddenly go "to far." Right now we're in this pattern where one side or the other sort of creeps closer to their goal line, and the other side sees what's going on and reacts accordingly. I really have no idea whether it's ever going to erupt. I guess I prefer to think we'll achieve balance as a society eventually.
So in other words, no, I don't think it's inevitable. :-)
Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: " Are there any specific real-life news events that inspired you to write about this idea? "This one's difficult—yes, there are a series of specific events that led me to the idea, but I don't remember what they were. I know they happened between spring and fall 2010, and all of them were news stories, some having to do with gay rights. All I can remember is being in my car and yelling at the radio, then the idea popped into my head...
Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: "What other influences did you pull from while writing the Task Force Iota series?"My husband had a lot of influence. He's one of those guys who follows politics as a hobby, and he has an understanding of global economics that's mind-boggling (to me). I don't really always understand it, but I use his knowledge shamelessly. LOL
Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: " Is it true that women's and gay men's corpus callosum is larger than straight men's brains? If so, where did you come across this fact? If not, how did you decide on the corpus callosum? "Yep, it's true, or at least there's some evidence showing that result. Gay men and straight women have more connections between the two hemispheres of the brain than straight men (and I *think* lesbian women, but I can't remember for sure). There are lots of other differences. This is a pretty decent, easy to follow article on some of the differences: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/ne...
Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: "In your version of psychic powers, does ability manifest only because of the chip? Or are the brains of those chosen already closer to developing psychic powers than the average?"Neither, actually. Or rather, in my version, everyone has the ability to use them, some people just develop the ability naturally or have more inborn talent. The chip affects different people differently as we'll see. And now, a series spoiler: (view spoiler)
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Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: "Do you think of Matt being a little bit like a 'cyberman'?"Um... who? Is cyberman someone I should know of? I'm sorry, I'm kind of a pop culture moron.
Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: "Did you intend for Miz Horse to become a high profile character? Or did she just push her way through? :) Is she based on any real animal friends of yours?"I had no intention whatsoever for Miz Horse to be a real character. They just needed a horse. Next thing I knew, James needed to communicate with her to calm her down after killing her rider (not that she was really worked up about it...). Next thing I knew, she was strikingly like Miz T, the horse my daughter learned to ride on.
Miz T is dead, now. I like to think she lives on a little in Miz Horse. Especially when Miz Horse drools green, grassy spit.
Kernos wrote: "Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: "...Actually, I might as well add, what the heck is the "corpus callosum"? :)"It is a gigantic bundle of nerve fibers connecting the 2 hemispheres of the brain, so one si..."
What Kernos said.
Anne wrote: "...I think it's entirely possible that a civil war could erupt over issues that essentially boil down to separation of church and state. I don't think it's likely, though. One side or the other would have to suddenly go "to far."..."Like a "slippery slope" into theocracy. I'm finding the current religion as politics very scary.
Anne wrote: "Charming wrote: "Anne wrote: "My real weakness is Star Wars. Why? Because it's got not one, but two good love stories."Do tell!"
Well, there's Anakin and Padme, and then Leia and Han. When I was..."
I have read all but the most recent novels in the expanded universe. There are a bunch more romances, marriages and kids. Luke and Mara jade is one of the better and most tragic, though their son i wonderful. The solo kids have had varying relationships some happy, some tragic. Even Chewie gets some action :-)
Kernos wrote: "Anne wrote: "...I think it's entirely possible that a civil war could erupt over issues that essentially boil down to separation of church and state. I don't think it's likely, though. One side or ..."I was thinking exactly that—the slower the slide, the easier it is to convince yourself you can halt it.
Kernos wrote: "Anne wrote: "Charming wrote: "Anne wrote: "My real weakness is Star Wars. Why? Because it's got not one, but two good love stories."Do tell!"
Well, there's Anakin and Padme, and then Leia and Ha..."
Chewie does? Sheesh, I might have to read some of those. I've actually never read any of the books.
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Um... who? Is cyberman someone I should know of? I'm sorry, I'm kind of a pop culture moron."
'Cyberman' is a twist on cyborg. The plural 'Cybermen' is specifically used in Doctor Who for the name of one of the main villains. Normally I wouldn't think of the replacement of one limb to be enough to call someone a cyborg, but with all the things his leg can do, I was just wondering. :)
Charming wrote: "[image] "
Thanks Charming!
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Kernos I agree. I feel like our country is moving further and further to the Red/Right. The Blue/Left just keeps readjusting and moving further Right, because they let the center move Right. Meanwhile, the Red/Right is no longer about economics; they're about implementing a theocracy. We still have a ways to go, but I'm not sure where the tipping point is when people say, "That's it. It's time to start the Crazy storm."
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Gay issues hardly need discussing here, but just briefly: gay marriage is legal in several states and several more are considering it. Gays can serve openly in the military. Support for gay rights increases as age decreases, so support goes up every year even without anyone changing their own attitude (which is also happening).
The Catholic church has been having fits lately about slut-shaming and the evils of birth control. It is certainly causing a lot of headlines and ire, but are they convincing anyone? Are people my kids' age going to be even a little interested in being scolded for using birth control?
The only reasons the fundies have had any success lately are:
(1) Inertia. The majority of people have tended to vote against gay marriage because it is a change and they don't feel ready. Once it is their reality, only the true believers will want to try to change it back.
(2) Common cause with fiscal "conservatives". Plenty of conservatives vote for politicians who follow the religious right party line because they also promise them low taxes. They aren't going to expend any effort to prevent evolution from being taught in schools because they don't care one way or another.
(3) The South. Hey, I'm back on topic! There are more true believers there, but also the south culturally defines itself in opposition to the rest of the country. But even that region eventually gets there, though with much foot-dragging and complaining. They don't want to keep African Americans from voting or women from working anymore.
I hope you're right Charming. Two things to consider: States vs Federal and government by corporation or $$. I find it egregious that gay marriage is a state right as are other social issues, except for woman and black rights of course. I also think our democracy is failing horribly and wonder if we should not go back to an Athenian type democracy.
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This is true so far, but if previous civil rights arcs hold true, gay marriage will become a federal right at some point.
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THis part of your story reminds me of Tamara Pierce books where the MC can communicate with animals, and they are affected by the communication to become more person-like. Which makes sense, because using language changes your brain.
Charming wrote: "This is true so far, but if previous civil rights arcs hold true, gay marriage will become a federal right at some point. "I'm hoping for this much sooner, rather than later.
Paws wrote: "Charming wrote: "This is true so far, but if previous civil rights arcs hold true, gay marriage will become a federal right at some point. "I'm hoping for this much sooner, rather than later."
Me too. I'm getting to an age that I wonder how many years I have left. So we've taken other steps.
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That makes a lot of sense. There's a little bit of anthropomorphizing of animals by people normally. So if animals concisely communicate and are aware they are doing that, it would make sense they might start "thinking like a human".
Kernos wrote: "Paws wrote: "Charming wrote: "This is true so far, but if previous civil rights arcs hold true, gay marriage will become a federal right at some point. "
I'm hoping for this much sooner, rather th..."
As for equal civil rites, I really WANT it to be sooner than later. I'm not holding my breath. The loudest get attention the soonest, which would be the minority of the religious fundamentalists. But on the other hand, maybe our US legal courts will keep chipping away at DOMA. As long as there is continued progress, I hope it will be ok.
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WASHINGTON—Last summer, gays in the military dared not admit their sexual orientation. This summer, the Pentagon will salute them, marking June as gay pride month just as it has marked other celebrations honoring racial or ethnic groups.
In the latest remarkable sign of change since the military repealed the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, the Defense Department will soon hold its first event to recognize gay and lesbian troops. It comes nine months after repeal of the policy that had banned gay troops from serving openly and forced more than 13,500 service members out of the armed forces.
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I hope you don't mind if I ask you random questions.
You obviously put a huge amount of thought into your world, but in other interviews I've read you also mention being a seat of the pants writer (I am too-high five). Did you plan out everything about the world beforehand, or did you just kind of write and things fell into place?
What made you decide to give Matt an artificial leg?
Do you have more stories planned for this world?
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(1) I loved the character called Djinn (avoiding large spoilers), but it took some concentration and patience to figure out what was going on there. Have you gotten flack for this? Did you ask too much of your readers? Or was the payoff good enough that you were forgiven?
(2) I am sensing a story arc here. Like Ravon, I am wondering if you have given up some of your "seat of the pants" style for longterm planning. True?
(3) Even though James is going through such a scary time, this really feels like Matt's book. I felt like he had to grow up. Is this how you see it? Will Matt's family be able to see and adjust to these changes? How about James?
(4) Logan! This isn't a question so much as an exclamation. I am so intrigued and surprised. Did he surprise you when you were writing TT, or did you know about his mysterious past from the beginning?
(5) Just to confirm, the next book really is Logan/Lazlo, right? And it is still on track for the end of the year? I can't say you ended TT on a cliffhanger, exactly, but I am really feeling the wait here.
Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: "Anne wrote: "Meghan (mm_reads) wrote: "Do you think of Matt being a little bit like a 'cyberman'?"Um... who? Is cyberman someone I should know of? I'm sorry, I'm kind of a pop culture moron."
'C..."
In it's wisdom, GR stopped sending me notifications from this thread...
Well, when you put it that way, no I wouldn't say Matt is Cyberman, at least not if I'm understanding it right. He's more like just a guy with an advanced prosthetic, I guess.
Charming wrote: "I disagree with you all. :-) I think the religious right noise and heat is in large part a reaction to the fact that they have lost the culture war. It is the spasms of a very large dinosaur dyi..."I like your analysis. The truth is I think it's unlikely that the religious right will "win" in the long run. It's more about them having all the flash-bang grenades right now, but that doesn't mean they're actually inflicting that much damage.
Charming wrote: "Anne wrote: "I had no intention whatsoever for Miz Horse to be a real character. They just needed a horse. Next thing I knew, James needed to communicate with her to calm her down after killing her..."Another author I've never read. I'll have to look her up—but yeah, it totally makes sense that they become more person-like. I model a lot of her behavior on the way it appears to James and/or Matt once they know she can communicate. Horses do a lot of things we can anthropomorphize if we have that bent, so it seemed possible that she would actually be communicating through body language once she is through the mind connection. I hope that made sense...
Paws wrote: "Charming wrote: "This is true so far, but if previous civil rights arcs hold true, gay marriage will become a federal right at some point. "I'm hoping for this much sooner, rather than later."
So am I. Maybe part of me wrote this series just so I could have a place where it is legal.
Ravon wrote: "You obviously put a huge amount of thought into your world, but in other interviews I've read you also mention being a seat of the pants writer (I am too-high five). Did you plan out everything about the world beforehand, or did you just kind of write and things fell into place?"Hi Ravon-
I don't mind at all—ask away. :-)
I'm a hybrid pantser, but I have the world more or less worked out. Actually, the biggest problem is when I'm writing along and I changed some detail while I was writing but now I want to keep it, so I have to figure out how it fits into the world.
By "Hybrid Pantser" I mean I know where I'm going and where I started, and other than I a few points along the way I know I want to visit, I don't always know the route. Maybe that's why I like maps so much, because they give me something concrete to work with.
The interesting thing is that when I started 18% Gray, it was supposed to end where Turning Tricks did. I thought I could get away with ending it where I did, but it didn't work out, obviously. *weak laughter*
I've learned a lot about editing since then...
Ravon wrote: "What made you decide to give Matt an artificial leg?Well, I needed a place to hide the technology. That's how it started at least. But have you all noticed Matt's insecurities? He has a lot of them. In a way that leg is a physical representation of them all. But it's also something that makes him unique and special, but as with the other things he's insecure about, he can't see that.
But yeah, it started with needing a hidy-hole, not to mention a reason why he used to be in the military but was discharged.
Do you have more stories planned for this world?"
I have three more novels (all long enough for print, happily) and one more novella planned. There's always the possibility of more, but right now I don't have any plans for more. None of the other books will feature repeat couples (famous last words).
(1) I loved the character called Djinn (avoiding large spoilers), but it took some concentration and patience to figure out what was going on there. Have you gotten flack for this? Did you ask too much of your readers? Or was the payoff good enough that you were forgiven?If this gets answered twice it's because Goodreads is messing with me.
So far, everyone loves Djinn, which is good. I was actually afraid I gave too much away about him too early, but no one has complained about that, either (keep in mind I don't read all of my reader reviews—it's better for my peace of mind—I have someone that gives me a report on things she sees mentioned repeatedly).
If it starts turning out that a lot of people dislike Djinn, that's going to be a problem, because we're going to see a lot more of him in this series.
Charming wrote: "(2) I am sensing a story arc here. Like Ravon, I am wondering if you have given up some of your "seat of the pants" style for longterm planning. True?"True. I had to. One of the weakest elements of 18% was the villain, and I hated not having a well-thought out one. That's part of what took me so long to finish TT. I've got a series arc, now, and it's general and loose, so I can still be a sort-of-pantser, but the concept is solid.
I gotta say, it's a bitch switching to being more of a plotter, though. The good news is it's possible, at least in my case. Nearly everything starts out as me sitting down because something came to me out of the blue—the beginning of Laslo & Logan's book is no exception.
Charming wrote: "(3) Even though James is going through such a scary time, this really feels like Matt's book. I felt like he had to grow up. Is this how you see it? Will Matt's family be able to see and adjust to these changes? How about James?"It's such a relief to me when people see that. It really was that way—Matt had to man up—and it started out that way. I got tired of his whining and always wanting the attention in my head (seriously, he's annoying as hell sometimes) and I made him face the fact that James is the one with the real world needs. Not that Matt's aren't real, but they aren't necessarily pressing, and Matt can deal.
Laslo will see this and be impressed, and so will Matt's mother and his Grampa Sid, but the others are all pretty self-involved. Laslo is self-involved, but he has a special place in the family, as you'll see in his book.
ETA: Oops, forgot to add: James is fully aware of Matt's self-indulgences and he accepted it from the beginning. He's happy Matt got it together, but he wasn't aiming for it. I think he thought all along that no matter what, they'd deal with the situation at hand somehow. He's relieved when Matt does his job well in New Mexico, though.
Gay Science Fiction
Books mentioned in this topic
Turning Tricks (other topics)Turning Tricks (other topics)
18% Gray (other topics)
Games of Command (other topics)
Contact (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Linnea Sinclair (other topics)Susan Grant (other topics)
Anne Tenino (other topics)
Okely dokely, let's see... this is a good map
This is actually a 2004 map of the election, but it's free to use and share. I use a 2008 version and later stuff in general. Notice—for Turning Tricks—the blue areas of New Mexico and Colorado, that's the "Taos-Mexico Corridor" in TT.