The Definition of Art & The Story based Artist with J.N. Garrett

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

Everybody Please Welcome 

Artist & Illustrator & Writer

J.N. Garrett

 

 

Welcome Jennifer!

 

 

 

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Here’s Jennifer in digital format…

 

 

 

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Jennifer is a story-inspired artist from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. When she’s not making art, she loves reading, writing, being out in nature, and drinking rather copious quantities of tea.

 

 

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~Art is not what you see but what you make others see -Degas

 

 

Let the games begin

 

 

*I’m assuming you drink Starbucks? 

Haha! This strikes me as an interesting way to phrase this question. Is this assumption just because so many people do drink Starbucks, or because I said something that made it sound like I drink Starbucks? O.o Haha! 🙂 Actually, I’m not a big coffee drinker, so I only go there occasionally. Most of the time, I’m much happier with a proper cup of black tea with cream and sugar. 🙂

Hah! Just wondered. Most people from the Pacific Northwest are hardcore Starbucks fans. I like black tea as well minus the cream and sugar. Earl grey to specific. 

 

 

 

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You gotta love that cup of tea

 

 

 

*Your profile says you’re a story-inspired artist, can you elaborate?

The short answer or the long one? 😉 If I were to sum it up, I would tell you that I greatly prefer to create art that is based on stories, or has a sense of story to it than working in real-life subjects for their own sake. I can enjoy still life, portraiture, landscape, and figure art to a point, and there are many wonderful artists who work in these genres that I positively love, but ultimately, I’m more interested in how those things can be used to tell stories than I am in those subjects for themselves.

Ok, here’s a more elaborate answer if you want one:

Stories have always had a special place in my life. I jumped from learning to read “Bob Books” at the age of five to devouring the entire Narnia series at the age of six. I can still remember a surprising amount of detail about how it felt to visit some of the different places and events in Lewis’ fantasy world for that first time, despite the fact I was that young.

My love for art started early as well. My mom has frequently recalled that I was about two when I started carefully drawing circles with features that were recognizable as faces, and I could easily spend hours playing with crayons or play dough, even at such a young age. I suppose I heard that story often enough to not feel much wonder in it. I talked, read, and drew “early”. That was just me. Now, watching my nephew and two nieces beginning to grow, I’ve realized that for a two year old to draw anything recognizable or to have the patience and interest to invest that much time in one project really is somewhat of an unusual thing.

I continued to devour books as I got older. “Little Women”, “The Princess and the Goblin”, the “American Girl” series, “Treasure Island”, “The Wind in the Willows”, “The Lord of the Rings”, – I was constantly surrounded by beautiful story worlds. We won’t talk much here about what a struggle math was for me all through school, but my reading comprehension was quite high from the get go, and it stayed that way. I was that weird kid who read a short, illustrated adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and liked it so much I decided to read the original play – at the age of 12. I was also the kid that would critique “terrible” jobs at casting in book-to-film adaptations when it was obvious to me that no attempt had been made to match the descriptions of the characters in the books. (“How could they cast a BLOND in that role when the book CLEARLY said they had DARK hair?!” Oh the horror.)

I think it was this knack for reading comprehension that made the idea of combining my love for stories and my love for art such a natural concept for me. Even as a child, I drew pictures based on stories I read and loved. I particularly remember a long season filled with drawings of Tolkien’s characters. I also wanted to write my own books and illustrate them. For years, I said I wanted to be a “writer and illustrator”. I remember an attempt to create an illustrated story as early as kindergarten, and although that attempt didn’t really get too far, it is interesting to look back that far and realize how much of an inkling I had even then of what I wanted to do.

At some point in early adulthood, I dropped the “writer” from my quick comeback when people asked “What do you want to be?”. Insecurity may have been the wretched imp that launched the decision to “shelve” the writing-related part of my dream (“There’s so many people out there who write better than I do”), and practicality was likely the culprit that sealed that decision (“How many art forms do you think you have time to master anyway?”). Together, they whispered something along the lines of, “Better just focus on your drawing and painting, and then you can illustrate other people’s books”. I bought it, and so fiction-writing and I largely parted ways for a while.

After high school, I attended a classical fine arts atelier. I am beyond grateful for the foundational things I learned there, but at the end of four years of painting still life, landscape, figure studies, and plaster casts of famous statues, one thing could not have been clearer to me – I had very little love and passion for those things in and of themselves; I was interested in them mainly for how they could help me to tell stories visually. Around the time I graduated art school, I was also forced to take a fresh look at my attempt to “stuff” the idea of being a writer. What called it into question for me was the jealousy I felt spring up when someone I knew made the simple statement that they were writing something. I was not jealous of their story or ideas – those were their own to explore, and I was happy they had that – no, I was only jealous of the fact that they were writing at all. That feeling was an indicator for me, and I began to realize that I really couldn’t walk away from that old desire. I landed on an idea I decided to pursue as a story, and it was a joy to “un-shelve” that part of myself again. At first, I thought I would do an illustrated novel, but that left me with the problem of having to muscle through an entire book before I could also draw the characters I was longing to portray visually as well as through words. I began to see graphic novels and comics being done in styles that varied widely off the “Marvel” model I had always associated with comics, and I realized that telling my story in a sequential art format like that would allow me to fully indulge both my writing and illustrating.

Wow! You’re quite a unique individual. I’ve never heard anyone say this before. Story based art is something new and fascinating to me. I’m starting to see a connection with stories we read and appreciate with a pattern of imitation. Many times children do this by imitating or pretending to be characters in their books. Their imagination attempts to recreate what they’ve apprehended in a story.  With you, it’s a ruthless desire to create story based art. That’s so cool!

 

 

 

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By J.N. Garrett

 

 

 

 

*What were your influences early in life towards art?

I would sum this up quickly by saying the stories that sparked my imagination, and my mom, who taught me the first things I learned in art, and who has supported me in my artistic pursuits for my entire life.

That’s so sweet!  In no particular order; you gotta love stories, the imagination and moms. 

 

 

 

*What are your favorite mediums to use? Painting, drawing, writing, photography?At the rest of sounding slightly crazy…ALL OF THEM!!! 😀 SOOOOO many kinds of media! 😀

I’ve actually been trying to come up with a short, descriptive phrase to sum up how I work, because I tend to interconnect and flow between different media. I sometimes start a drawing in digital media and transition to finishing it in a traditional media, or vice versa, or I may mix a couple traditional media, such as watercolor with color pencil. I don’t want to just draw or write, I want to interweave the two. I’ve even wondered recently if I could take my hobby pianist skills and create a soundtrack for the webcomic I’m writing. (That would be an adventure!) More recently, I’ve been looking at using photos as a base for digitally painted backgrounds in my story too. There’s so many amazing possibilities out there!

That’s great, have at it! Sounds like you’re having a lot of fun.

 

 

 

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By J.N. Garrett

 

 

 

*Your Facebook profile says after highschool you attended Atelier Maui art school where I received a….? 

I am a story-inspired artist from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. After graduating high school, I attended Atelier Maui (formerly Ashland Academy of Art), where I received a Certificate of Completion of Four Years. I have also received training as an artist through the Masterpiece Christian Fine Arts Foundation, and I continue to study to improve my craft through self-teaching and other opportunities. I am currently writing/illustrating a graphic novel and teaching art classes though Grumbacher at Michaels Arts and Crafts. I am available for online and/or in-person art tutoring, and I also do commission/freelance work. If you have any questions about working with me, feel free to contact me at jngarrettart@gmail.com.

Don’t miss Jennifer’s epic website at J.N. Garrett Art. 

 

 

 

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By J.N. Garrett

 

 

 

 

*What made you chose art school?

Well, I knew I wanted to be an artist, and the idea of spending four years in a traditional college where I would be forced to re-hash general education subjects felt like a stifling waste of time to me. I also knew a lot of former students of the teacher I studied with, and I loved the quality of the work they did, so that really influenced my choice to go to that specific school. It also happened to be right in my backyard, so to speak, so that was a huge plus too. I love the perspective of an artist who chose to mentor me for a number of years, that an artist should be a perpetual student. I may have finished school, but there is always more to learn, and the bar is always being raised for the standard of what I want to achieve. I think that’s such a huge part of what I love about art – there is no “peak”, no ultimate mountain top or end of the road. There are always new ways to try things, new levels of ability to push toward.

That’s what I love about art. It’s a continual journey of discovery. What an adventure! 

 

 

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By J.N. Garrett

 

 

 

*You’re an Art instructor where do you teach?

I am currently certified with Grumbacher to teach drawing and painting courses at our local Michaels store. I love the opportunity to connect with people in meaningful ways through teaching, whether it’s pouring into a particularly passionate student, or just begin to able to encourage someone who needs it.

I like it. Connecting with others in meaningful ways through teaching. An you do sound very passionate about it. I think passion begets passion in my book. 

 

 

*Some people say art can’t be taught, is that true?

Muahahahaha! Are you sure you want to get me started on this topic? It might cause a very long rant that wanders into other areas that I see as being connected to this issue. 😉

Honestly, that is one of the most frustrating  perspectives I encounter as an artist. Do I believe people can have a natural inclination or bent toward being good at something in a specific area? Sure. In that sense, I do believe in talent, which is the thing inside you, and no, I would say that can’t be taught, because I think that God gives us each areas that he wires us to naturally gravitate toward. HOWEVER, art is just like any subject out there. Just because I’m not a math genius doesn’t mean I can’t learn my times tables and algebra. Just because I don’t enjoy writing chemistry equations doesn’t mean a teacher can’t help me wrap my head around the basics. Just because someone isn’t a “natural” artist doesn’t mean that they can’t be taught how to draw. I have a problem with the “art is talent that you either just have or don’t” perspective, because every artist I know who is any good put in a lot of work to get there, and people don’t talk like that about any other skilled craft I know of. A doctor is not just “talented” – everyone knows he worked his tail off to get through school and learn how to do what he does. A businesswoman isn’t just “gifted” or “lucky” – she learned how to observe and work with the structures and systems in place in order to make smart decisions that would help her make the most of the opportunities that came along.

There are a couple other issues that I see as being related to this. First, there’s the view of art being the “easy class”, that art class is a way for students who don’t want to work hard to get an easy credit. This is a devaluing statement to the students who are there because they DO want to work hard and get better at their craft, and who, if they succeed in any degree, will hear it again as adults in the forms of “Ok, you’re an artist, but what’s your REAL job?”, and every kind of variation on, “Why should you get paid to do something you enjoy?” I feel it also allows a skewed perspective of the arts to start forming for people at a very early age. If students were being taught construction drawing, and having to wrestle through all the complexities of learning form, tone, and color from an early age, I can’t help but feel that art would be taken a bit more seriously by adults who had taken those kinds of classes as children, and therefore understood the inherent work involved in becoming a good artist, even if they weren’t artists themselves, any more than I can appreciate the talent, dedication, and work involved in someone becoming an engineer, because I had to take a certain amount of math and science in school.

Second, a more modern issue I see as being connected to this is the tendency to marginalize digital art as not being “real” art, or somehow taking less skill/talent/work than traditional media. Again, I think if more people were exposed to drawing digitally, it would help dispel some of the myths people have bought about this medium. No, the computer is not doing it for us. No, just because certain things are easier to fix than traditional media or there is more wiggle room to experiment in some ways, it still doesn’t mean it’s “easy” to do.

I don’t know. I get it that writers come up against things like this too, and that’s in spite of the fact that most people have had to take English classes, so I don’t think classroom education is the sole key to fixing problematic attitudes towards the arts and artists, but I can’t help feeling that better education on the subject would still be a great place to start in combating some of the misconception artist of all kinds – writers, photographers, painters and more – have to face throughout their lives, and I do feel that visual arts in particular suffer from a lot of these misconceptions.

EXCELLENT. Spoken like a true passionate person. I wasn’t aware of some of the misconceptions you mentioned. I find it hard to believe anyone would find art as *easy*. No art is easy in my mind, especially digital. To me, digital art is harder and more complicated with all of the technology involved. All the Adobe platforms, Wacom tablets, digital brushes, settings, layering, CS 6 etc. That stuff is definitely not a walk in the park.

 

 

 

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By J.N. Garrett

 

 

 

*According to your current understanding, what is art?

Wow, big question there! I like it though. It’s a “thinking cap question”. 🙂 I think art can be many, many things, but one of my favorite definitions of art that I’ve ever heard was from Madleine L’engle in the book “Walking on Water”. She describes art as something through which we get to bring order and beauty, or “cosmos”, into the chaos and destruction we see in the world, that the truest form of art as it reflects our Creator is in the creation of things that ultimately affirm what is true and lovely and real and alive. Seen in that way, art is a way we can make a little rightness in a world where there is so much wrong. That’s why, for me, I will never buy into the idea that art is merely “entertainment”. It can be very entertaining, and that is not a bad thing, but if it is creating that “cosmos in chaos” to any degree, then I feel it is also something more than entertainment.

I also like C.S. Lewis’ perspective on this, which comes out in this quote on friendship: “Friendship, like art, is unnecessary; it has no survival value. Rather, it is one of those things that gives value to survival.” It is interesting in light of this quote to consider some of the articles written in recent years that talk about the damaging physical effects of chronic loneliness, which some studies have claimed can be worse for our bodies even than smoking. You could make a strong case that the reality is that art, beauty, and meaningful connections are actually not only important, but actually ARE necessary, not only for the health of our psyche, but ultimately because what affects the heart and mind affects the body, and so those things are actually quite impactful on our physical well-being as well. There are reasons people like Hitler were hellbent on destroying art and the physical beauty of the land. I feel like that’s largely what Lewis is getting at in that quote – there are things that are necessary in other ways than in having immediate survival value.

Very beautiful. Your whole statement stands like a piece of art. Well put.

 

 

 

“Friendship, like art, is unnecessary; it has no survival value. Rather, it is one of those things that gives value to survival.” – C.S. Lewis

 

 

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~I begin with an idea, and then it becomes something else – Pablo Picasso

 

 

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“I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream.” -Vincent Van Gogh

 

 

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~Art is in continually in transit. From the miraculous conception of the imagination; unto the perception of the eye of the beholder. From the eye of the artist to the eye of the beholder. ~ Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned….

 

 

 

 

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain

Story of the Writer: Interview with Ian Townsend

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

Everyone Please Welcome 

Ian Townsend

 

 

 

 

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Welcome a fellow writer, blogger and Wordplayer from our Facebook group. Check out Ian’s blog over at The Town’s End Tribune .

 

 

Let the games begin

 

 

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“Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.” -Mark Twain

 

 

 

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* Were you born and raised in Texas?

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Despite not living in the state since I graduated high school (minus a 9 month period when I was stationed in Corpus Christi), it is still home to me. Hopefully, in the near future I will be moving back!

Awesome, I love Texas!  

 

 

*What did you read in your early years?

When I moved past children’s books, I started out reading the things that my parents had on the bookshelves. It was mostly sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction, mysteries, and horror. Some of the authors stuck with me, but I eventually branched out and found authors and stories that I liked. I read as often as I could, and I loved going to the used book stores to search for hidden or gently used treasures.

I always enjoy learning how others got started loving reading. 

 

 

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*Any particular stories that had a major impact on you?

The Bazil Broketail series by Christopher Rowley is, hands down, my favorite series of all time. It wasn’t all that popular during its time, and you can’t find it anywhere except in paperback, but no other story influenced my imagination as much as that one. There is also the Fuzzy Papers by H. Beam Piper. The simplicity of the story showed me that you don’t have to beat people over the head with details to tell a great story.

It’s fascinating how certain stories resonate with certain individuals and not with others. The other mystery is how these stories seem to ignite, inspire and influence our imagination.

 

 

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*Who are your favorite characters?

Bazil Broketail is #1 for me, because he is not only the namesake of my favorite series, but he is the heart and soul of everything great about the book. There would still be a good story without him, but he makes it extraordinary. Harry Dresden of the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher really got me interested in using magic in my stories. I also loved the humor and “Hard Luck Harry” feel about him. Aspar Whyte from the Kingdom of Thorn and Bone Series by Greg Keyes is a great everyman character. All he wants is to do is protect his forest and be left alone, but with the world going crazy all around him, he has to leave his comfort zone to protect people he has come to care about, and to try and help ease the madness that has gripped the world. He’s not a superhero, and he’s not your prototypical protagonist, but he will do anything to protect what he loves, and that makes him a hero in his own right.

Nice. It’s amazing how one character can make an impact on us. Now it’s our turn!

 

 

 

*Name your top 3-5 favorite authors.

I’ll start off with John Scalzi, who has written a lot of great sci-fi. His Star Trek spoof novel Redshirts was highly entertaining. Jim Butcher’s works influenced me to begin writing again, via his connection to Deborah Chester. When I got my hands on her writing book, I began seeking out other writing advice, and here I am now. Jim’s urban fantasy and new steampunk work are very good reads, and they are so immersive. I can always see exactly what the book is saying in my head. Then, of course, there is Christopher Rowley. I wish that he had written more of the stories in the world he created, but after the seventh book in the Broketail series, he moved to a different genre. That fantasy world is the one that I can’t help but return to for inspiration.

Inspiration is great isn’t it? Its contagious nature is powerful.

 

 

*In your opinion who are some of the top authors of the century?

To me, being a top author doesn’t have to correlate with the most successful one. Jim Butcher and John Scalzi are recognized in their fields, but they are not giants in the writing world. I still think they are top authors of the 21 st century, in my humblest of opinions. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child always put out compelling stories together in the mystery/thriller department that are far better than most of the well-known writers in the genre. There are so many more I could point out, but those four are the ones I have read most regularly over the past 16 years.

This is great. I’ve been asking different writers this question and enjoyed every answer. There’s definitely no shortage of talent among authors. 

 

 

 

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Summary of A Mage’s Fire (working title)

When the discovery of his extraordinary magical powers puts his family in danger, Cade embarks on an improbable journey to rescue them. Silas, an outcast mage, has set a trap to lure Cade in so that he may exact revenge and gain favor and glory he so desperately seeks. Cade must learn to control the potent magic flowing through him in time to save his loved ones and himself from the vicious enemies that lurk beyond the borders of the Ferrovathi Empire.

Cool! Sounds intriguing. 

 

 

 

There is no friend as loyal as a book  ~Ernest Hemingway

 

 

 

*You’re a writer; so what’s your story, or what inspired you?

When I was younger, I did a lot of reading. I would always imagine what if scenarios associated with the books I was reading, and my imagination was always full of ideas and stories. It was never really anything substantial or interesting until I learned how to harness my ability to write in college. I was talked in to joining the school newspaper and it took off from there. What was just an imaginary world in my head began to take shape on paper. Before I learned how to properly write, I had a lot of great ideas, but no understanding in how to expand upon those premises. I would get a fantastic thought, and it would die after the initial burst of creativity. In college, I learned about “going down the rabbit hole” to see where the story led. Journalism is a different world than fiction writing, but there are many similarities that I was able to apply to my desire to pursue being a fiction novelist.

Awesome. This also seems to be the ultimate fascination. How to translate what we see in our heads into stories on the page. 

 

 

 

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*What’s your GOAL in becoming a writer?

I want to make a living as a fiction novelist. I want to do something with my life that I can put my heart and soul in to, and this is my brass ring. Writing is a love that I have always had, and after college, it was a pursuit that has been who I am. I had to set it aside for a long time, but now I am going after it again harder than ever before.

Go after your dreams! I’m doing the same myself.

 

 

 

*What 3 things have hindered you from completing your projects? (CONFLICT)

The biggest hindrance for me has been my job in the military. After college, I was working for 2 newspapers and I was also working a part time job in retail. I loved my writing jobs, but I wasn’t making ends meet. I joined the Navy to follow family military tradition and to pay the bills. This didn’t really leave me time to write. I put it on the back burner to focus on the military, and I would take stabs at it when I could. Another thing that has hindered me is myself. I doubted my abilities to actually write something worth sharing with others. You are your biggest critic, and if you tell yourself you can’t do it, you won’t. The third thing that has hindered me from being productive is creative atrophy. If you don’t work your creative muscles, they will stop working. When I would try to work on things, I would hit walls because my creativity wasn’t in shape. I would get frustrated and give up, and my creativity would atrophy even farther.

I can totally relate to this. Trying to keep the drive alive so to speak, is difficult. 

 

 

*What keeps you motivated in achieving your dream? (DESIRE)

When I decided to really give writing another shot, it came with the realization that I didn’t want to spend 20 years in the military. My wife has been working on her Bachelor’s degree in music performance, and we always talked about her achieving her dreams of playing viola in a big time orchestra. She had times where she wanted to quit, but I always talked her through it, and told her to never give up on her dreams. I realized that it was time for me to start focusing on what I wanted. The military wasn’t it. My sports days were long over, and I was not going back to journalism. It was time for me to really focus on being a fiction writer. So I began working on it. Right now, I am just getting my skills back in shape and doing what I can to keep it in my life on a constant basis. Being a part of my wife’s pursuit of her dream has kick-started my chase. Setting my future goals is also helping my motivation, because now I have something to shoot for.

Seeing others go after their dreams is so invigorating and encouraging.

 

 

 

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If you can dream it

You can do it 

-Walt Disney

 

 

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*What’s your ANTAGONIST? What’s in the way?

The biggest antagonist I have is myself. I control what time I set aside to write and how much effort I put in to it. I am my own worst enemy, and the only way to beat me is to keep doing things in small doses. I have been taking my process in small increments, which has helped me space out the work. By doing this, I have been able to create a stable platform to work on and I keep myself from overloading. I also keep myself from creative starvation, because I am not doing everything all at once, and leaving nothing in the tank. You will constantly fight battles in your own head, and the only way to win is to find a way to work with yourself. (I realize I sound like someone with multiple personality disorder, but don’t all novelists suffer from this?)

I know this all to well. By the time the day is over whatever fuel writing is on fumes. 

 

 

 

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*Why do writers give up, quit or never complete their projects?

There are so many answers to this question. You could ask 100 different authors and get 100 different answers. I think the ultimate REASON is the writer. Whatever factor plays in, the writer is the common denominator. If the writer wants to get the book done, they will. If there is a will, there is a way. It can sometimes take years, but if they persevere, it will get done. If someone gives up, then ultimately, the writer is the reason that the book failed. Life is fluid and ever changing, so for a writer to completely give up on a project is for the writer to fail. I am guilty of this. I have thrown several projects in the trash, and that was a failure by myself as a writer. No idea is unsalvageable. Never give up on an idea. One day, many years later, you may finally be able to complete it, but not if you throw it out.

I believe writers are pretty resilient. You have to be in order to complete something like a novel. Thanks for sharing! 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by Ian!  Glad to have you on the Train!

 

 

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No one can stop a dreamer with wings  ~ Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

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Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain.com

 

Author Interview: Discussing Comedy with Ana Spoke

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

WELCOME BACK TO THE WRITING TRAIN FOLKS

ALL ABOARD!

 

 

Everybody please welcome

ANA SPOKE

 

I am a self-published author and an unbridled enthusiast, moonlighting as a middle manager. I started my blog with one purpose – to finish a novel. The good news is, that after almost two years of constant writing, editing, and more editing, I have finished one. It’s a comedy, and it is now available on Amazon. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing.

The sequel to Shizzle Inc, Indiot is now AVAILABLE. Ana also blogs about the book marketing game over at anaspoke.com . Have a look at the “book marketing” tab for lists of resources and my personal experiences testing various marketing gimmicks.

 

 

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Fo’ shizzle

 

Ana is also the founder of Comedy Book Week. An awesome event with an official website, over 60 participating authors and 111 books! It should be even more epic next year! If you’d like to sign up see the link above or contact Ana.

 

 

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LIVE 

LAUGH 

LEARN

REPEAT

 

 

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* What part of Australia are from? Were you born and raised there?

I live in Melbourne, Victoria, and it is currently the middle of winter here. I was born in Russia, but I’m technically Ukrainian, and I’ve lived in the US for 14 years. Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia but, arguably, the largest center for culture and arts.

Wow a world traveler! Melbourne sounds like a neat place.

 

*What’s Australia like?

It’s great, if you don’t mind the kangaroos, which are everywhere. Just kidding! Australia is more laid back than the US, but just like the US, it’s huge and varied in climate and local culture. In the US, I lived in Florida, so I still can’t get used to Melbourne’s crazy weather – it really can have “four seasons in one day.” Yesterday it was freezing and raining with hail (that’s the middle of winter for you), but today the sun is up and it’s warming up quickly. In summer, it’s not that unusual to have temperature drop by 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a space of an hour, when the wind changes direction and starts blowing from the Antarctica. To make me even more miserable, while I’m freezing here, I hear it’s almost 90 degrees in Darwin, Northern Territory.

One of the things I like best about Australia is its multi-cultured mix of people. In Melbourne, about 40% of residents were either born overseas or had at least one parent born outside of Australia. So, being a foreigner is not such a big deal, and I felt accepted from the very first day. Such a mix of people also means you can get any ethnic food you desire, and it would be authentic, too.

Another thing that’s different from the US is that in Australia, most people live in cities, so the rest of the country is barely populated. This means a lot of untouched, wild “bush” nature. It also means crazy property prices in the city, tiny apartments, and tiny backyards, if you are lucky enough to have one. I think most Americans would struggle with the size of an average family home here.

Sounds quite fascinating!  It’s good to experience different cultures. Thanks for sharing your experience. 

 

 

 

*Where did you go to school? What did you study?

I’ve gone to school on three continents! I’ve studied landscape architecture, microbiology, environmental science, and project management, and have 1.3 Ph.D.s to show for the total of 13 years of full- and part-time study. I’ve never studied literature or writing, but over the last 2 years I’ve put myself through a self-designed and managed Masters of Self-Publishing (sort of). I blame it all on a combination of curiosity, short attention span, and a life-long addiction to the endorphin rush that comes with achieving goals.

That’s quite a blend of academic studies. I do remember when you were agonizing over your debut comedy novel Shizzle Inc. in some blog posts. Now it’s out! Impressive.

 

 

 

* What was your career track before pursuing writing? You mentioned about being a middle manager on your blog.

Still doing that, although I am currently finishing up my five-month long service leave. I work in a government agency, managing a small group of people and putting together management strategies. Maybe that’s why I could not resist starting #ComedyBookWeek – I was missing the rush that comes from organizing something new and nurturing it to grow into something big.

That’s again very impressive. Especially since it’s something fairly new and grew so quickly. You’re hired!

 

 

* Do you have any major hobbies you enjoy?

Currently the only one, obsessive, and all-consuming hobby is writing and marketing. I’ve had others– from breeding rare fish to kiteboarding, but they tend to come and go (see the previous comment about short attention span and endorphin rush).

Ana, I have to say, you’re a very interesting individual. I’ve never heard of kiteboarding and organizing anything makes my eyes cross.

 

 

Young man with Work in progress mark over his head
My brain on organization

 

 

 

*What’s your genre and why? Will you branch out?

My life-long genre is humor. It’s in everything I do, so even if I ever write something different, it will be funny. Perhaps a hilarious erotica series?

I love it. Everybody needs a good laugh right? 

 

 

*Tell us about your upcoming book, the sequel to Shizzle.

Indiot follows Isa Maxwell to India, where she was supposed to help a mysterious prince win back his fortune. She also hopes to convince the prince to use his wealth to help the orphans, and maybe write a book about it. Needless to say, noting goes as planned. It’s a mad romp that goes from bad to worse, and then, just as she sighs with relief, it plunges her even deeper into trouble.

Sounds wildly entertaining! I’m finishing up Shizzle now and will press on to Indiot very shortly. 

 

 

 

Indiot for Kindle June 21 2016

INDIOT

(Isa Maxwell Escapades Book 2)

 

*What have you learned in your experience writing Shizzle?

I think the biggest lesson was to trust myself and to believe that somewhere in the world, there are people who would enjoy reading my books. I was so insecure about my ability to tell the story of Shizzle, Inc., that it took forever to finish it, and then even longer to get the balls to self-publish. Along the way, I just wanted someone to say, “Hey, this is not absolute garbage!” Now, thanks to my fans, I have an audience that’s eagerly awaiting Indiot’s release, and already asking about the third installment. It’s an amazing feeling, and a powerful fuel to keep going.

 

 

New Shizzle Kindle cover 21 June 2016

 

Shizzle, Inc (Isa Maxwell Escapades Book 1)

 

 

 

*Can you tell us about your experience in self-publishing and marketing your book?

I’m strange in the sense that I now love the experience of self-publishing, and even more so –marketing. I had a lot to learn – the launch of Shizzle, Inc. was basically me saying “Thank God, it’s finished” and pressing “publish.” It took me another three months to publish a paper copy and to figure out some of the basics of book marketing. This time around, I am better prepared. The ebook and paperback are available at the same time, I have some early reviews thanks to fans willing to review ARCs, there’s paid marketing, Goodreads and Amazon giveaways, and of course, #ComedyBookWeek. Fingers crossed, all that effort will pay off. More importantly, I am learning so much, I have no doubt that the third book will be even better.

 

 

 

 

*You’re a writer; so what’s your story? What inspired you to take this journey?

I think I was meant to be a comedian – books are just one of the outlets for my never-ending clowning around. I literally can’t put a lid on it, and keep my colleagues laughing at work, and my family at home. At one point, I was even a comedy actor but, unfortunately, you have to wait for someone else to give you a role and write your material. With books and my blog, I can channel my gags straight at the audience – no middle man necessary.

I wanted to be comedian when I was a kid. I can totally relate to you on this level. 

 

 

*Now that you’re published what’s your GOAL (S)? What’s the next step?

One of them is to continue writing the Isa Maxwell escapades series – I’m not finished yet or, rather, Isa is not finished. I trust she will tell me when she’s had enough. I also want to write a new book, and have a multitude of ideas noted down – it will be a matter of choosing one. It will definitely be funny, although it will have a different “flavor.”

I’m all too intrigued to see what you come up with next. You got me on my toes.

 

 

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*What 3 things have hindered you from completing your projects? (CONFLICT)

Lack of self-belief had to be the most significant one. I consider myself to be a confident person, but even so, it’s pretty scary to say to yourself, “Hey, I think I can write a whole novel, and make it worth someone’s time.” The second obstacle is time – my “regular” job is demanding, and it’s hard to be creative after a full day. And finally, lack of knowledge – with the first one, I had to study plotting, character development, and editing alongside of writing the actual novel. If anyone is writing their first book, I would highly recommend undertaking a self-designed Masters of Writing. There are so many books on writing to choose from, plus you may find local courses or online resources. And if you want Cliff Notes on self-publishing and marketing, then read my blog!

A lack of self-belief is a big one across the board for majority of writers. I can relate to the lack of time! Especially after work and kids. Writing is such an subjective process it can be overwhelming for new authors. Then the objective side of learning the monstrosity of putting together a complete novel is a large undertaking to say the least.

 

 

*What keeps you motivated in achieving your dream? (DESIRE)

A vision of myself as a full-time writer, plus the positive reviews on my books. I have read and re-read the reviews many times over, and each time I vividly imagine that person, laughing out loud on a train or “snorting tea everywhere.” That’s what keeps me going, especially after I get an occasional bad review. There are people out there, on the other side of the planet that have never met me, but have loved reading a story that I made up and published. It’s an amazing “head trip” for me.

YES. I’m so happy for you AND very jealous.  I’m also one of those far away peeps cracking up when everyone else is asleep.

 

 

 

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*What’s your main ANTAGONIST? What’s in the way of you accomplishing your goals?

Some unpublished writers think getting published is the only hurdle. Currently, I’m the boss of my antagonists and demons, and ploughing away every day. Again, this is thanks to the small successes along the way – positive reviews, supporters of my blog, and sales of my books. There have been times when I’ve questioned my investment of time and money, but I got up in the morning and kept going, and the Antagonist got weaker and weaker. I don’t think I will ever be completely free of self-doubt, but I’ve learned to manage it. Marketing your book is a much bigger hurdle than publishing. I hope writers understand and embrace it – and hey, it can even be fun! I would say that unpublished writers should have reasonable expectations of sales of their first book, and then continue working every day on improving their craft, as well as packaging, marketing, positioning, platform, and all that jazz. It’s a snowball, and it takes a long time of pushing it around before you start seeing it grow.

This is great info and inside scoop for us newbies looking to get out feet wet. Thanks Ana! I’m glad you keep going despite the hurdles you had to overcome. You must be good at track I suppose?

 

 

 

Overcome growing obstacles. Business concept. Render.

 

 

 

*Why do writers give up, quit or abandon their dream?

I have not studied this enough, but I would say self-doubt coupled with negative feedback could kill any dream. I would recommend striving for smaller, intermediate goals on your way to “success,” whatever that may mean to you. That way, there are bursts of positive energy all along the way that will keep you going.

Good practical advice here. That way we don’t set up ourselves for failure. 

 

 

*What would you say to a struggling writer who’s given up?

It’s a very personal issue, and this industry is not for the faint of heart, so I would ask them what it is they really want. It may not be writing – in my case, for example, it’s the desire to make people laugh. There are other outlets for it, such as acting or stand-up. If, however, the person truly wants to be a writer, I would tell them to stop acting like a victim, get it together, make a plan, and try again. What can I say, my Russian is showing.

This is good stuff here. I like your Russian.

 

 

*What else is coming down the pike for you?

Well, #ComedyBookWeek is shaping up to be quite a celebration. It’s hard to think it was just a vague idea six weeks ago, and now it’s an event with an official website, over 60 participating authors and 90 books. Based on the level of interest I’ve been getting over the last few weeks, the next year will be huge. Another sharp learning curve for me, and another blast of endorphins. Bring it on!

 

 

BRING ON THE LAUGHS!!!!

 

 

 

 

glassy-smiley-good

 

 

 

 

Stay connected with Ana! 

 

LINKS:

Shizzle, Inc: Isa Maxwell Escapades Book 1

Indiot: Isa Maxwell Escapades Book 2

Blog: anaspoke.com

#ComedyBookWeek: Comedybookweek.com

 

 

FAVORITE QUOTE

 

I thought about a few famous quotes, but decided to live the interview with a fresh one. My nephew-in- law has written a musical called “Einstein, Master of the Universe.” One quote from the play truly resonated with me:

 

“Pursue a problem, and it soon becomes a prize.” It worked for Einstein, and it would work for any of us.

 

 

Keep Writing

 

 

 

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain.com

 

Watch “The Author As A Start-Up And How To Give Books Away For Free With Damon J Courtney” on YouTube

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

Welcome to Television Tuesday

 

A must see interview with Joanna Penn & Damon J. Courtney about BookFunnel.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what did you learn? Tell me in the comments!

 

 

Benjamin Thomas

Interview: Author Anne Janzer on her book, The Writing Process Getting Your Brain in Gear

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

WELCOME EVERYONE 

 

 

Today we have a very special guest

Professional writer and author

Anne Janzer!

 

 

 

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Anne is the author of the stunning books, The Writer’s Process: Getting Your Brain in Gear and Subscription Marketing: Strategies for Nurturing Customers in a World of Churn.

 

 

 

“I am part of everything that I have read.” -Theodore Roosevelt

 

 

 

 

WELCOME ANNE

 

 

 

 

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Anne Janzer is a marketing consultant and professional writer with more than 20 years of experience working with high tech businesses. Her clients include software industry giants, fast-moving tech start-ups disrupting the status quo, and clean tech companies trying to change the world.

Anne has worked with over a hundred technology businesses, from industry giants to innovative start-ups, helping them articulate positioning and messaging in crowded markets. In her consulting career, she has collaborated with serial entrepreneurs, industry thought leaders, and technology pioneers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As a ghost-writer for corporate executives, her work has appeared in dozens of industry publications and blogs, including Wired.com and the Sand Hill blog.

In addition to her own blog on subscription and content marketing, she contributes guest posts to many many technology and marketing blogs, including Business2Community, Social Media Strategies Summit blog, Marketo and Zuora blogs, Crowded Ocean, and others. Anne has an established and growing author platform, including an email list, blog, and expansive social media presence. She is a graduate of Stanford University.

Connect with Anne on twitter @AnneJanzer, see her website at annejanzer.com, and follow her blog.

 

 

 

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Let the games begin

 

 

*What did you study in college?

I was an English literature major at Stanford.

Awesome! 

 

*Why did you choose that particular degree?

I chose the English major because, as a lifelong reader, I knew that would always, no matter what, want a literature class on my schedule every term. I realized that with careful planning, I could complete the English major, leaving myself open to explore other subjects. I almost did a double major in Human Biology, which at Stanford is an interdisciplinary major combining the hard and soft sciences. But after completing the core work, I ran out of steam in designing a personalized major. Instead I took classes in journalism, computer science, and psychology. I’m a strong believer in the value of a liberal arts education!

Wonderful. Education can shape us in so many ways.

 

*Who or what were your early influences that led to a writing career?

I come from a family of readers and writers. I had always imagined myself as a writer, since the time I was young.

Your imagination was right on target.

 

*After college why did you go into writing for tech companies and marketing? 

My first job out of college was at Stanford, working in the administrative computing group as a technical writer in a group of systems programmers. Being able to understand and write clearly about technology is a useful skill, particularly in Silicon Valley. Like many English majors, my career was more of a wandering journey than a clear linear path. I moved into product marketing at a startup, and then took off on my own as a marketing consultant/writer.

Nice. That would prove to a very useful skill in the silicon valley! 

 

*Give us a summary of your book and why you decided to write it.

The Writer’s Process is about the inner game of writing – matching the stage of the work to the way that your brain operates to be more productive and creative. I’ve spent many years as a professional writer figuring out the ways that I work best. Reading research about focus and creativity, suddenly those methods started making sense from a cognitive scientific standpoint. That inspired me to dig in and analyze the process. I wrote the book because I truly believe that a better understanding of the inner craft can help writers of all levels have more fun and success with their work.

Well, I’m certainly glad that you did. This book had a major impact me. On the seeking and understanding of my own process. It’s very easily one of my favorite craft books of all time. See, all your hard work paid off. Come to think of it, this book seems to be a culmination of years of writing experience. Now it’s in print and ready for consumption. Thanks!

 

 

 

Brain activity
You’re brain on writing…

 

 

 

Writing is the painting of voice. – Voltaire

 

 

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*What were your favorite parts in writing it?

I loved researching not only the science, but also the practices of other authors and writers. It’s fun to realize how much all writers have in common. Plus, there’s something very “meta” about writing a book about the writing; it gave me the opportunity to refine and tune my processes.

I think writing is both a collective and highly individualized art. We don’t exist or work in a vacuum. We’re influenced by those around us. The literary culture of our time leaves a remarkable footprint on society. Writers of every generation run, then pass the baton down to us.

The issue of their process, imagination and approach to writing leaves an indelible imprint on our souls. We seem to assimilate these ‘imprints’ into our own process, until we become a work of art ourselves. But when we learn, accumulate, express ourselves through our own process, we discover that it still bears a unique flavor. For when the flow strikes and flows through the artist, it takes on the sediment of the individual.

 

 

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….Then go edit them ~Benjamin Thomas

 

 

*What did you learn from writing it? Or has it affected your craft?

Writing the book has definitely made me more disciplined about my own process. For example, now I notice when I am tempted to skip a step and short-cut the full end-to-end writing “recipe” to save time. I’m more intentional about incubating ideas and problems. When I recognize the Imposter Syndrome or run into other problems, I have defenses ready.

This is great. I always enjoy how others have adapted their own process. Having an understanding is critical, however discipline seems to be largely underrated in my opinion.

Second, the fact that we can change and adapt this process tells me that it’s extremely malleable. Sounds like a special piece of clay doesn’t it? I know in pottery clay can take on many forms, possibly thousands. It all depends on the hands that shape them.

 

 

 

pottery-md

 

 

 

*Tell us about the relationship and potential collaboration between the Scribe and the Muse.

The book describes two different mental systems that all writers rely on. The Scribe is my name for the intentional and hard-working writer, while the Muse refers to intuitive, creative processes.

I love this! Scribe is a great name by the way. Thumbs up. The Scribe resembles a type A, control-freak-businessman, while the Muse is much like a mysterious laid-back teenager with a mind of its own. But the two must learn to work seamlessly together as a team.

 

 

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                                    No hard feelings, eh?

                             (photo credit Angelos Ntinas)

 

 

*In your book you label the Scribe and Muse in order to point out the intentional and intuitive mental processes. 

It’s a useful fiction, a way to frame the complexity of different inputs that go into writing. All writing depends on both systems; you need focus and discipline to work. But you also need the ability to summon thoughts and ideas and to make connections that bring your subject to life. Productive writers learn how to hand off the work between the two mental systems.

I think this statement sums up my enjoyment from the entire book actually. It’s extremely enlightening to realize that they’re two; but not diametrically opposed mental systems, and in order to be productive we must learn how to “hand off” the work between the two. Powerful.

 

 

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*Can you tell us more about open attention and focus and how they relate to our writing?

Focused attention is how we get the work done, blocking out distractions to write, research, or revise. In contrast, open attention is what happens when we do something that doesn’t require dedicated focus. We experience open attention when taking a walk or doing everyday tasks that are somewhat automatic.

Knowing about the nuances of attention is quite an eye opener. We must master both to tap into better productivity as writers. No wonder so many people get writer’s block. Too much dedicated focus and not enough open attention. The Scribe dominates the relationship and the Muse retreats to who knows where.

 

 

~Don’t bully the muse. Give it some room to fly high and mighty. -Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

*You said something very critical about moving between the two systems of Scribe and Muse by directing our attention. This seems to be a somewhat voluntary gateway; through which we can toggle back and forth between the two systems, or writing minds. 

Exactly! Using the metaphor of the two mental systems, the Scribe operates in a state of focused attention, while the Muse appears when we’re in open attention. Perhaps the Muse is always there, but we only hear it in states of open attention. To hand off work between these systems, you need to be able to focus intently, and then let go of focus. Spend time writing, then time “not-writing.”

This is amazing every time I hear it. The intentional mental process and the intuitive mental process. Then learning how to utilize the gateway between the two to get our best work done. 

 

 

 

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              open attention 

 

 

 

*Speak about the benefits of open attention.

When we’re in open attention, the Scribe is not managing our thoughts, and the Muse has a chance to contribute, to process unrelated thoughts and come up with interesting ideas.

In this section you tell us that we connect to the Muse through open attention. I’ve never heard this before. That’s so cool!

The cool thing is that this really works! When you need creative input on a problem, queue it up in your head, and then seek out a period of open attention. Here’s an example: a client was looking for a metaphor for a complex technical topic. I was drawing a blank. So I thought about it intentionally, then walked to the gym, worked out, and returned home. In the process, I kept bringing my thoughts back to the problem. I ended up with a number of creative approaches. The Muse is present in the background, ready to contribute when you invite its input.

This is AWESOME. “We connect to the Muse through OPEN ATTENTION. This is the key!

 

 

 

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*Speak to us about how to achieve a state of flow and what that means.

You marvelously explained how this is the result of the two writing selves working together in a fluid process, the productive and creative. 

 

Flow is that ideal writing state, when you lose yourself in the work. It makes the work fun and worthwhile.

Using the Scribe and the Muse analogy, the two are working together side-by- side in a state of flow.

You cannot force flow to happen, but you can set up an environment in which it is more likely to occur. The Muse is easily distracted, so remove potential distractions or interruptions. Find a place you can focus and start working. If you hear yourself criticizing or critiquing as you work, try to silence the inner critic. Think about the work, not yourself, and keep going.

This is the ultimate benefit. When we achieve a state of flow by the productive work between the two mental processes. One major takeaway for me is learning how to go from the focused intentional state to the open attention intuitive one by learning how to direct our attention. To me, this is the real key of achieving balance, utilization, and producing an ecstatic state of flow. EPIC. 

 

 

SOMEBODY BREAK THE DAM!

 

 

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This is your brain while writing in a state of flow…

 

 

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~But don’t feel bad when you have to turn off the faucet…Benjamin Thomas

 

 

*Bonus

Can you give a brief rundown of the 7 steps of the writing process?

 

Sure, these are my 7 steps. I try to schedule time for all of them. You might vary the steps, but the idea is to schedule for each phase, and bring the right system to the task at hand.

1. Research (both internal and external)

2. Incubate the ideas – give the Muse a chance to contribute

3. Outline or structure

4. Write the first draft – ideally finding a state of flow during drafting)

5. Rest before revising

6. Revise, edit and proofread

7. Publish!

 

Excellent, but in order to get the full affect please get the book!  The Writer’s Process: Getting Your Brain in Gear.

 

 

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~The WORST thing you write is BETTER than the BEST thing you DID NOT WRITE.-Unknown

 

 

 

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~I’ll write until the sky fails and the ink runs dry. But the sky is firm, and the heart’s well is deep. ~Benjamin Thomas

 

 

***************

 

Don’t hold back, take off your gloves and put up a fight.

 

 

***************

 

Every writer’s legacy resides in the written word. It comes alive when you read it.

 

 

 

SEE YA!

 

 

 

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain.com

 

Forensic Lenses: Interview with Voracious Reader, blogger and Reviewer Candace

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

FORENSIC LENSES

 

 

 

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********

 

 

Take the journey to enjoy the view -Jeffrey Benjamin

 

 

 

********

 

What is the actual experience of the reader? -Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

 

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Welcome back ladies and gentlemen for another edition of Forensic Lenses; an investigative and exploratory approach into minds of voracious readers. Somewhat recently I put my thinking cap on (Yes, I have one) and imagined viewing people in a different light. Not just as writers, but as readers. Reading is the fire that ignites the imagination in so many that have become authors. So we’re here trying to discover the vast wealth of the complete reader experience. Join me, as we embark on this journey.

 

 

Everybody please welcome Candace!

 

 

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Candace is a book fiend, a classic reviewer, excellent blogger, and the awesome mind behind Literary Dust.  You can find her on Twitter at @literarydust, on Facebook Literary Dust: A Bookish World, and on Instagram at Literarydust.

 

 

 

I’m so glad I had opportunity to connect with Candace, because she is an avid reader who consumes books by the minute. I wish I could read as fast as she does. Or perhaps, a second set of eyes could be helpful. Or it could prove to be more troublesome! Hah!

 

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*You’re a blogger, book reviewer and a reader.  Are you also a writer or artist?

Well I try to write, but haven’t gotten far enough where I could be called a writer. Hopefully one day I will finish a book. I also used to be really into photography, but I don’t have much time for that.  As for any other art form? I can’t draw a stick figure to save my life.

Hey, if you writing you’re a writer. There’s no set of rules to dictate the designation. You’re a writer when you call yourself one. This kind of struggle is fairly common actually. Myself included. It took me several months to call myself a writer. Try it, its fun!

 

 

*What did you study in school? 

I studied to be a teacher, but I didn’t finish that.

Never too late I suppose. You don’t necessarily need school to be a positive role model in someone’s life though.

 

 

*I saw that you are obsessed with books. What is it about books that you love?

I love the escape, and the opportunity to be in someone else’s mind for a moment. The fact that you can go almost anywhere whether it is a fictional world that is beautiful or dark without the worry of something dreadful actually happening to you yet getting to experience something incredible.

 

Candace, I utterly enjoy the escapism too. The last six years have been a complete nightmare. I plunged deep into depression without a way out. Just this morning while listening to an audiobook on the way to work was therapeutic. I take great pleasure being in someone else’s skin for a while. You know, there’s a lot of benefits to audiobooks that you don’t get by reading. The subtle intonation of voice, minor dramatic effects, and the different dialects of characters make a BIG difference. Actually I laughed pretty hard a few times because the way something was said. 

 

 

*What is your current occupation? 

I actually stay at home.  I suffer from hemiplegic migraines.

More time to read books!  Sometimes all I want to do is read and write. Put the world and everything in it on pause. 

 

 

 

Pause

 

 

Time to read…

 

 

 

 

*What were your favorite childhood books and why?

 

Strega Nona, Where the Wild Things Are, and The Giving Tree. I loved these books because they have meaning within them, and I feel they teach life lessons inside of their short pages, and the pictures inside are memorable and have stayed with me.

 

Those are the best. The stories that teach you something with theme and rich significance. You can’t beat it.

 

 

*You mentioned how you like to be in someone else’s mind when reading. Name your all time favorite characters and how you most relate to them.

 

I was always into reading when I was younger, but when I was in high school I read 1984, and that book opened a whole new world for me. Being in Winston’s head was interesting, and the whole thing was just intense.  I feel like if I were in that situation with the whole “Big Brother” type situation I would want to break the rules too.

Nice. It’s stunning, how one character can open up “worlds” for us when we read them on the page. Amazing.

 

 

*Name your top five fictional worlds

 

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by: Sarah J. Maas 

2. The Covenant series by: Jennifer L. Armentrout 

3. The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins

4. Angelfall by: Susan Ee

5. Shatter Me by: Tahereh Mafi

 

Don’t hate me, but I actually haven’t read any of these authors yet. I always enjoy seeing what others favs are though. Thanks for sharing. 

 

 

*If you had a one way ticket  to one of them, which would it be?

Most of these worlds would actually be pretty scary to live in, but I am going to go with A Court of Thorns and Roses because in Rhysand’s world I could spend an eternity.

 

Sounds intriguing!

 

 

 

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*Have you ever cried while reading? If so, why, and state what you were feeling at the moment.

I have cried while reading, but I don’t get hysterical.  It is mainly just tears sliding down my face, but it has been when characters I really have grown to love die, and it feels like a piece of your soul has been torn away.  It is weird how you can feel for these characters that aren’t even real, yet they feel so three dimensional.

 

This is the most amazing experience, when an author can make me cry. There’s only two books where I’ve almost cried, only because I was holding back. *he he he*   😉

 

 

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It’s good to cry, let those feelings out. 

 

You know in some countries if you burp that means the meal was good. Well, if and when there’s a tear streaking down your face, hats off to the author. 

 

 

 

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*Name your favorite YA books and what you love about them. 

The Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi, The Under the Never Sky series by: Veronica Rossi, The Precious Stone Trilogy by: Kerstin Gier, Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses by: Sarah J. Maas, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, The Falling Kingdoms series by: Morgan Rhodes, and The Blood of Eden series by: Julie Kagawa, and I could keep going on for a while. I love these mainly because most of them are just a whole different world, and these characters just all do things that normal people just don’t do, and I love that.

I can almost see your enjoyment here. Great!

 

 

AT THE SCENE OF THE CRIME….

 

*Name your top 5-10 pet peeves you hate when reading a book. 

1. Too much self loathing

2. When characters say someone “Let out a breath they didn’t know they were holding”. How is that possible?

3. If characters have kissing scene etc. and get interrupted too many times. Does that happen in real life?

4. Way too many point of views.

5. Names I can’t pronounce. Unless the author provides a page on how to sound out the names.

 

 

 

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Hold it right there, pal…

 

 

 

*What other genres do you read?

Fantasy, Paranormal, New Adult contemporary. I can’t do a lot of the “People with real problems” type books.

I hear you. Guess that could be rather depressing.

 

 

*What do you think of the current 5 star system for book reviews?

It is okay, but I know the 3 star area is different to some people. Some people say 3 stars is still a good book while others have 3 stars as thinking it wasn’t great, so it is all opinion pretty much.

I’ve heard the same thing. It think it serves a certain purpose while failing in others. Doesn’t capture the complete reader experience in my opinion. But eh, what do I know?

 

 

*When you rate a book, do you have specific criteria? Or does it depend on your subjective feeling?

If I am left really thinking about the book I give it a 5. I don’t really give books a 1 because those are ones that I wasn’t able to finish, but I feel bad about rating a book I don’t finish, so I just don’t rate it at all.

Same here. If I didn’t finish a book I wouldn’t be able to properly assess it.

 

 

*In your opinion, who are the top authors of the century and why?
Wow okay sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have something like Shakespeare or Poe. At the moment it has to be Sarah J. Maas. Her series are just so addicting and always has me yearning for the next book.
You just elicted the WOW factor!
Wow Surprised Word Astonished Surprising
Give credit to Sarah J. Maas
*Over the course of your life, how has reading affected you?
It has opened doors to all sorts of places where I now have an open mind and can see from others perspectives even if I don’t agree with their actions. I feel that that has helped me be a better person and can empathize with people in real life and understand the choices that some people make even if they are not the same choices I would choose. Everyone is different, and if we were all the same and thought the same then what a boring world this place would be.

 

Awesome! I read somewhere that reading literally changes your brain and how you think. Empathy was one thing the article mentioned. That’s so cool!

 

 

Thanks for joining us Candace!

 

 

 

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~Books fall open, you fall in. -David McCord

 

 

 

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“I was born with a reading list I will never finish.” -Maud Casey

 

 

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Never take for granted what you read -Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain.com

Watch “Plot Your Fiction Novel by Using Depth, Drama and Heart with Roz Morris” on YouTube

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

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WELCOME TO TUESDAY TELEVISION 

 

 

~Bringing you the best video for your writing journey~

Don’t miss this video with the talented Roz Morris & Lorna Faith

 

 

 

 

 

 

What did you learn? Tell me in the comments!

 

 

 

Interview: H.M. (Hannah) an avid reader, writer and blogger

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

WELCOME TO THE WRITING TRAIN

 

 

 

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Story of the Writer 

featuring H.M. Wilson 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Hannah!!!!

 

 

 

 

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Please Welcome  H.M. (Hannah) an avid reader, aspiring author, blogger, adjective lover, Big Sister, Sweater-wearer, Fangirl, Coffee drinker, Christ follower, and TEENAGER.  She has a very beautiful and impressive blog  over at Plottingertwist. Very impressive for a young person!  Here is a link to a recent post My Thoughts on J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Series.

 

Hannah and I first bumped elbows on Twitter and since have become blog-buddies. She’s a very impressive teenage writer, blogger and reader! I can see the talent literally pouring out of her hears, and as an INFJ, she’s also one of the rarest personality types on the planet.

 

 

So here’s a high five for being an awesome person

 

 

 

 

 

A high five between two persons that celebrate a success

 (I’m the blue guy by the way)

 

 

 

 

 

So where are you from?

~ I am from a tiny town in Texas. (Buffalo, TX if you need a specific one.)

I’ve been to Texas several times but I’ve never heard of Buffalo, TX.  A lot of Buffaloes must roam there eh?

 

 

 

 

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How did you come to love books so much?

~ I grew up in a book-loving family! My great grandmother collected books & she passed the tradition down.

That’s so sweet. I grew up in a TV-loving family,  I defected later. Books are much better. I find that family is always so instrumental in our early reading habits. I love how your grandmother collected books, what a good pattern. My grandmother helped us out a lot when we were wet behind the ears. And when our ears dried she was still tireless. Kind of like an older version of the Energizer Bunny. I miss her dearly. 

 

 

 

“Between the earth and the sky above, nothing can match a grandmother’s love.”

-Unknown

 

 

 

A grandmother is simply the practicality

of love at its best; 

burning forever true,

and never knows when to rest. 

 

~Benjamin Thomas

 

 

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Even though my grandmother passed some time ago, her love never entered the grave. It fervently lives before us; bright as coming day, tugging on our souls forevermore. 

 

 

 

 

What childhood experiences had a major impact on your writing?

~ I was homeschooled, so one of my favorite bookish memories is my mother teaching me to read. Along with that, my father used to read to me before bed every night. Together we went on many adventures with Doctor Doolittle, Mr. Popper’s penguins, & Ramona with her sister Beezus. 

It’s astounding that parents can give the gift of reading to a hungry child. 

 

 

 

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Favorite childhood books?

~ A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle & Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit were two of my favorites as a child. And even as an adult, I still continue to go back & reread my old favorites. There is something special to me about both stories!

YES we always come back to the classics! 

 

 

Who are your favorite authors today?

~ I enjoy reading the works of Charles Dickens, Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling, and Jane Austen. 

Nice. Uh, mine were probably Dr. Seuss and the incredible Hulk. I suppose they’d make a nice team. Lol!

 

 

What writing project are you currently working on?

~ I am currently working on several projects, but my primary one is called Polaroids + Postcards. It is a story about a serious guitar-player & a free-spirited travel blogger who cross paths and are forced to go on a road trip across America together. (It’s been an especially fun project thus far because I am uploading each chapter on Wattpad, so my blogging friends can read it & give me advice as I write.)

That sounds like a pretty interesting story premise. Haven’t used Wattpad before but I’ve heard of it several times. 

 

 

 

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You’re a writer; so what’s your story or what inspired you?

 

~ It all started with books. There was something almost magical about the moments when my mother would sit with me curled in her lap, reading my favorite picture-book for the thousandth time. And this feeling only grew when she took me to the library for the first time. And when she taught me to finally read on my own. I felt like I wielded some kind of super-power when all the words melded together into sentences, and that’s when the burning first began. I knew that I wanted to write a story of my own! And I finally did. And it was terrible. The cringe-worthy picture book was entitled Princess Butterfly. Oh, and let’s not forget to mention that I illustrated it myself! (Need I say more?)

Yet as bad as that little story of mine was, seeing my parents smile at my poor attempt at a masterpiece added fuel to the fire. I didn’t stop there, and my stories grew in depth & complexity. Now, at the age of 18, I’ve lost count of the number of stories I have penned, the notes I have scribbled, and the characters I have crafted. None can quite compare with my debut work, Princess Butterfly, but it’s safe to say that I am glad of that!

 

AMAZING STORY. I love it. You’ve definitely got the fire. I can almost see the smoke and embers.

 

 

 

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What’s your GOAL in becoming a writer?

~ My “surface goal” is to become a best-selling fiction author. But this is just scratching the top layer of my aspirations. In my journey to become an author, I dream of sharing my deepest thoughts & feelings through the written word. I hope to inspire others the way my favorite authors have inspired me. I want to not only entertain my readers, but also help them grow by writing stories that ask hard questions & make them think for themselves. And I desire to write something that will touch people & make them look at the world with a new perspective.

 

Impressive! You just elicited the WOW factor.

 

 

Wow Surprised Word Astonished Surprising

 

 

 

 

 

What 3 things have hindered you from completing your projects? (CONFLICT)

~ Time-management has ALWAYS been a challenge for me. Sometimes pulling away from one project to work on another is hard for me, because I like to give my everything to one specific thing at a time. But along with that, I also tend to be distracted quite easily. So you can imagine how quickly that can get out of hand… Lol! (Darn you, Twitter & Pinterest!)

I completely understand this one. The quicker you get a handle on this the better off you’ll be. You’re headed straight to the bestseller’s list one day kid…Tell em’ I sent ya. 

 

 

What keeps you motivated in achieving your dream? (DESIRE)

~ First of all, writing isn’t just a hobby for me—it is a calling. I truly feel like it is something God has planted in me, so I honestly think it would be impossible to completely stop writing. But at the same time, the idea of becoming someone’s favorite author & them being inspired by my work makes me want to work even harder at it!

I already know you’re a hard worker. It practically jumps out of your pores. But, HAVE FUN IN THE PROCESS. Don’t let pressure, stress, or even the work, take away the joy in writing.

 

 

 

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~The conscious mind is the editor, and the subconscious mind is the writer. And the joy of writing, when you’re writing from your subconscious, is beautiful – it’s thrilling. When you’re editing, which is your conscious mind, it’s like torture.~

Steve Martin

 

 

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Author Anne Janzer in her book, The Writer’s Process Getting Your Brain in Gear, speaks of balancing and utilizing both parts of your brain in the writing process. She points out knowing when to implement or inhibit, the editor and the muse in different phases of the process. I highly recommend it to any student of the craft. 

 

 

 

What’s your ANTAGONIST? What’s in the way?

~ Honestly, I think most of the time we are our own worst enemy. We allow ourselves to be discouraged, get bored, be lazy, be distracted, and it makes for a tough battle to win. So I would have to say that goes for myself as well. It’s an uphill climb! You live, you struggle, and you learn from your mistakes.

Are you sure you’re only 18? License and registration please. 

 

 

 

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Why do writers give up, quit or never complete their projects?

~ I know that for me, personally, this often happens due to my strange attention-span. I will have inspiration for stories at the oddest of times & feel the need to start working on it immediately, temporarily abandoning the unfinished project I was currently working on. (But I rarely work on ONLY one WIP at a time. I usually have several that I add to, which helps me to never let my brain completely shut down if I reach a dry spot on one story.)

But another reason I think writers do this is because of boredom. Sometimes we get discouraged after reading the same piece of writing over & over, and it just seems increasingly uninteresting, so we scrap the idea altogether. The key here is not allowing yourself to become discouraged. Remember, even the greatest authors of all time had first-drafts of their novels!

 

Yes. This brings to mind many thoughts. Many of us have the same experience trust me. *raises hand*  Having ideas is one thing, but being able to grasp and develop it into a compelling story, is craft. This is what I’m learning right now.  Here’s a profitable remedy for distracting story ideas:

New Story Ideas Distracting You From Your Book? Find Out What You Should Do

 

 

 

THANKS AGAIN HANNAH

COME BACK SOON

 

 

 

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~The Art of happiness is finding your joy in the PROCESS rather than the end RESULT.

–Jessica de la Davies

 

 

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Writing is all about the journey and how you got there, not so much about the destination. 

~Benjamin Thomas

 

 

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Greetings to all my siblings in the craft! (That’s you)

 

 

 

 

 

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain.com

Interview: Reading habits and the Classics with Bestselling Author KM Weiland

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

WELCOME

TO THE

WRITING TRAIN

 

 

 

 

 

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When you read a book, what do your eyes see? What do they perceive?

 

 

 

Writers extend to virtually every corner of the earth; east, west, south, north and arguably are the most fascinating people on the planet. Well if you ask me, they are the most fascinating people on the planet. It’s no great secret that I take great joy in interviewing them. To discover and share in their craft, learn how they tick, or don’t. Fascinating indeed.

I had a crazy thought of interviewing writers from a completely different perspective. Most writers began their journey as readers so why not get a view into this experience?  So here it is, the Forensic Lenses series. An investigative and exploratory approach into the minds of your favorite authors.

 

 

 

 

 

FORENSIC LENSES

SERIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Do you–follow the reader?

I do…

Her name is KM Weiland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Welcome Kate!

 

K.M. Weiland is an award-winning, butt-kicking, internationally published author of the bestselling Outlining Your Novel and Structuring Your Novel books. She writes speculative and historical fiction from imaginary lands. Her blog  helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com is regularly ranked in Writer’s Digest top 101 Best Websites For Writers every year, but is #1 in my book. She puts up with writers like me who don’t know grammar yet. Way to go Kate!

 

In the history of the blogosphere, there has never been such a defining moment until today. As a token of our appreciation we bestow upon you, KM Weiland, the ever noble…

 

 

 

 

Seal of Awesomeness

 

 

 

 

 

Awesome Gold Vintage Label

 

 

Wear it with dignity and honor.

*applause, standing ovation*

 

 

 

 

Alright, so let’s cut to the chase.

Was reading Scottish Chiefs by Jane Porter, the inciting Incident in your path of becoming a writer? You mentioned how this sparked your love of history, laid the groundwork for your book A man called Outlaw, influenced your novel Behold the Dawn and not to mention your desire to write historical fiction.

 

That’s an interesting way to look at it. The Scottish Chiefs was definitely a formative fiction experience for me as a child. But I think it was more of a “feeding” of my love for stories, than it was an inspiration to actually start writing. I didn’t start writing until several years later and certainly not with any intent to actually *be* a writer. I actually really like that I kind of slipped sideways into writing. It was never an ambition. It was more just an out-breathing of myself.

 

But Scottish Chiefs definitely influenced me, on at least a subconscious level, in regards to *what* I would end up writing: medieval-esque epic and heroic tales–what I call “blood and thunder” stories.

Never was my ambition either. Funny how that works huh? So it was more of a feeding your love for stories, great! How reading affects us on a subconscious level and fuels our imaginations is quite a mystery. Perhaps we should we call it, Fuelination? Whatever the term, early reading habits in children serve as the impetus for authorship later in life. Then all it takes is a small spark of inspiration to ignite the flame. BOOM. The passionate flame has been lit, begetting another writer. A particular breed of humanity.

petrol pump nozzle hold by hand with gasoline

 

 

 

How has your reading experience and love for stories evolved from childhood, teenage, to adulthood?

 

I have always loved stories. They have always been my language. But I was a very undisciplined reader as a child and teenager. My parents weren’t readers themselves and weren’t able to guide my reading choices. I read and loved and re-read (and re-read and re-read) a few classics like Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, The Black Stallion. But I also read a lot of highly forgettable children’s novels–and probably every book in the Star Wars Extended Universe that had been published to that point. It wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I started discovering better quality fiction and disciplining myself to read widely and broadly–especially in the classics. It’s my goal to read all the classics before I die. I’m working my way through the authors alphabetically. So far, I’m up to M.

 

 

I find it interesting, even though your family wasn’t a reading family, you still became a voracious reader and ultimately a writer. I’m wondering if you got your books from the library or bought them on allowance. It sounds like your learned that discipline through reading experience on your own. Versus someone telling you this is good, or that is bad. You had to cultivate it yourself. Which I think had a big role in making you who you are today. You’re probably more keen because of it. 

Woman reading inside a huge book
Reading the classics
How has being a writer affected your reading? Is it a killjoy because you have more of a critical eye? Or does it yield more appreciation for the story? Take us into your realm as a reader.

 

Most of my childhood reading was from the library. My grandparents and aunts bought me a lot of books as well. I tended to reread the books I owned a lot–hence the multiple visits to Anne of Green Gables and Co. As for writing affecting my reading… You hear a lot about authors who find that their own awareness of the principles of writing turns them into hypercritical readers and robs them of the joy of reading. But I’ve never really experienced that. Maybe because I’ve always been hypercritical! :p For me, writing has only enhanced my reading. Instead of *just* reading for pleasure, now I also read with a writer’s eye and get to explore and enjoy the psychology and craft of every new author’s work. It brings a whole new dimension to my appreciation of a good book.

 

I really appreciate this. Having a writer’s eye, exploring and enjoying the craft are all pluses!

 

 

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AT THE SCENE OF THE CRIME…

As a reader what are your 3-5 pet peeves and why?

 

 

  1. Flat narrative voices that “tell” instead of “show.”
  2. Self-indulgent authors, who are obviously too in love with their own story worlds and characters to be objective about the reader experience.
  3. Unnecessary prologues
  4. Repetitious dialogue
  5. Overuse of character names when addressing each other in dialogue

 

It’s good to be aware of these. Thanks!

 

 

 

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I’ve often heard you say you must read all the Classics before you die. It must be high on the bucket list!  So why this journey through the Classics and what impressions do you have?

 

 

For the purposes of challenging myself to read all the classics, I define a classic as any book published before 1966 with a title or author I recognize. I started the challenge really just as a way to get myself to read the important literature landmarks from history. It’s been an interesting journey–tedious at times, but, overall, definitely worth the effort. I feel like I’ve vastly broadened myself and my understanding of people, the world, and writing. It’s made me read books by authors I never would have touched otherwise–from so many time periods and countries and about so many different topics. I estimate I’m about halfway done (I’ve just reached the “M” authors). I’ve found it incredibly rewarding.

 

 

I’m looking forward to your response when you’re finished as well. I’ve been thinking a lot about the most influential authors of the century. How they left their footprint upon society and the craft of writing. 

 

 

 

 

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Every great writer has left their footprints in the craft. We gladly follow in their footsteps. But as we do, we don’t realize we begin to make our own.

~Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

 

BONUS:  Your mission should you choose to except it, would be to note the changes in the craft while reading the Classics.

 

 

The primary facets of good storytelling have remained the same over time: structure, character, and theme. I would cite two things in particular as the biggest changes over the years:

 

1) The visual style. Television, the movies, and the Internet have made the far corners of the world accessible to everyone. As a result, complex descriptions of foreign places and things are no longer necessary. Writers today need only a few vivid details to bring a scene to life for readers, who can then fill in the blanks for themselves. At the same time, however, due to the overwhelmingly visual nature of entertainment these days, authors also have to be much more evocative in their descriptions. Readers want to see a “movie” in their heads, which is why “showing” (instead of “telling”) has become such a touted technique.

 

2) The pacing is much tighter and faster these days, for the most part. Again, the culture in which we now live is faster-paced and more than a little distracted. Readers today aren’t as patient with long, flowing passages. They want to get to the point.

 

Excellent! Thanks so much for sharing.

 

 

 

Thanks KATE!

 

 

 

 

*Please see KM Weiland‘s Amazon author page and her award winning books!

*For further contact visit kmweiland.com and her award winning blog at helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com or on Twitter @KMWeiland. 

*Join the 2016 Reading book challenge on Goodreads! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Storming: A Dieselpunk Adventure Novel  One of my favorite reads of 2016!

 

 

 

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Dreamlander  Read the BRAG Medallion winner and NIEA finalist!

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Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success  Don’t miss this award-winning beauty! One of  personal favorites.

 

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Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story

An award winning blockbuster and must have writing book! One of  personal favorites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today a READER, 

tomorrow a LEADER.

-Margaret Fuller

 

 

 

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Never underestimate the power of a good book

~Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain.com

Interview: with Author Melanie Marttila

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

Story of the Writer

 

Everyone please welcome Melanie Marttila 

 

 

 

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Melanie is a science fiction & fantasy novelist-in-progress, a published poet and short story writer and all around awesome person. I first met Melanie through our awesome Facebook group entitled: THE WORDPLAYERS. Sounds cool huh? Because it is!

 

WELCOME ABOARD

 

 

Are you originally from Canada?

Well, this is an interesting story (but I may be biased). I was born right here, in Sudbury, Ontario, and when I was about a year and a half, my grandparents built themselves a new house. My parents decided to buy my grandparents’ old house, where my dad had grown up.

It gets better.

After I spent a few years away at university, I returned to Sudbury, married, and, once we both had stable employment, my husband and I bought the house from my parents 🙂

The land on which both houses stand was part of a farm that my grandfather had bought, back in the day, and to finance the building of their new house (which my parents eventually moved into after my grandparents passed) they sold off some of the land to the city.

So I live in the house in which three generations of Marttilas have lived, on the street that bears my family name. Beside my mom. My writing room was my bedroom growing up. How cool is that?

I mean, some people might think it’s BORING, but, you know. Cool. *smiles*

 

I keep meeting great writers from Canada, it’s wonderful! I seriously need to go there one day. Look out Canada!

 

 

 

 

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What’s it like?

Sudbury is a mining town in what most people consider northern Ontario. If you look at a map, we’re actually smack in the middle, about an hour and a half drive from Manitoulin Island in Georgian Bay, which is part of Lake Huron.

We’re the site of an ancient meteor impact, which is where all the stuff mined here came from and why Sudbury is called the nickel capitol.

Sudbury is also on pre-Cambrian shield, ancient mountains that have been ground down by glaciers. We have a chunk of it in our basement 🙂

When I was a kid, open pit smelting had blackened the rock and consumed most of the trees as fuel. In the 60’s, NASA came up here because the landscape, at the time, was very much what they expected to find on the moon . . .

The International Nickel Company (INCO) built the stack (to divert the sulfurous smog produced by smelting the nickel), changed their refining processes, and started to recover the landscape that had been ravaged by their previous practices. Now, we’re lovely and green again—in the summer, anyway. Winters here are pretty hellish.

Having said all that, my family was never involved in mining. Sudbury is the kind of place that gets into your blood, though. That’s why I came back and have made my life here, despite the winters.

Our area of Ontario is dotted with lakes that have formed in depressions in the pre-Cambrian shield. Outside the city, it’s considered prime cottage country.

 

Sounds like a memorable and scenic place. 

 

 

How long have you been writing?

Egad. Since I was seven years old.

 

 

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Wowsers!  I have a seven year boy right now. Writing is not his strong suit, its reading. But it’s amazing you were able to begin writing stories at such a young age. 

 

 

 

What was your career path?

I worked in retail from the age of thirteen through high school, had some interesting jobs in university—canine security patrol and video camera person and editor for a company that filmed show jumping and dressage shows across Canada and down into New York—and after graduation, I had an unreliable series of contracts in libraries and academia. My sister-in-law made me aware of an opportunity with her employer, and now I’ve been working with that same employer for fifteen years.

I’m currently in L&D, learning and development. Call me a corporate trainer. I’m a certified trainer (and certifiable, some would argue), but still working toward the goal of being able to leave my day job for my true passion, writing.

That’s an interesting mix of jobs there. I love how it always comes back to writing in the end. 

 

 

 

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I find everyone’s story so fascinating. Normally it starts early in childhood, then comes back full circle with a full blown passion of writing. 

AMAZING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“The journey, not the arrival matters.”

~Michel de Motaigne

 

 

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What did you study in college?

 

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BA in English Literature, rhetoric emphasis, cum laude, thankyouverymuch 😉 MA in English Literature and Creative Writing.

Ouch, that sounds difficult. But it does make me very curious. I’ve only had one creative writing class in college. Got an A. Makes me feel smart. 

 

 

 You’re a writer; so what’s your story, or what inspired you?

I was in grade three. I’d just gotten a puppy and wrote what might be called a “personal essay” about her. So I was already writing. I just hadn’t really caught the bug. Yet.

Then . . . IT happened. The students of the grade five class wrote and illustrated their own storybooks and were invited to present them to us.

One of the grade five students, a girl named Siobhan Riddell (isn’t that a lovely name?) did her own version of St. George and the Dragon. I didn’t even remember the rest of the stories. I wanted to take Siobhan’s home with me and read it and look at the pictures, over and over.

The thing you should know about Siobhan is that she was an awesome artist, even then. She grew up to become a professional artist and then, that bastard cancer took her from the world 😦

But that was the moment. I made my first submission—to CBC’s Pencil Box, a show that dramatized the stories of their young viewers—that year. I wrote the Christmas play for my class the next year.

And I’ve been in love with words ever since.

 

That’s such a lovely story! I often wonder what it is that ignites in some children to become writers and not others.  I suppose some just “catch the bug”. Love that expression.

 

 

 

 

 

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What’s your GOAL in becoming a writer?

To write. Pure and simple. Writing is (almost) everything to me. It’s my spiritual practice; my counsellor; my companion, and my comfort. I feel off when I can’t write for whatever reason. I have said that I’m going to write until age and infirmity—it’s going to take both of them because I’m not going down without a fight—rob me of the capacity.

My self-worth isn’t pinned to getting published, but I can’t see how I can justify quitting my day job unless I can make a decent living from my words. So, I’m doing the work to make that happen.

So far, I’ve had three sales of science fiction short stories, a handful of wins in local writing contests, and a bunch of poetry published in anthologies.

2015 was a year of near misses, long lists, short lists, second readings, and the like. And lots of rejections. I’m also querying an epic fantasy novel, without success. I like to reframe rejections: I’m one ‘no’ closer to ‘yes!’

I’m focused mostly on writing novels now, though, and most of those are fantasy of various shades.

YES. I love your attitude here. “one step closer to yes” is a great way to look at it. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. We wouldn’t mind seeing more of your poetic muscle too. 

 

 

 

What 3 things have hindered you from completing your projects? (CONFLICT)

I generally finish what I start. I’m diligent (and a bit compulsive) that way.

The three things that keep me from writing as much, or as quickly, as I’d like are:

The day job. It allows me to invest in my writing (conferences, courses, etc.) but—man—would I love to spend my days doing the thing I love.

Actually, it’s just the one thing (oopsie). *grins*

 

I like that you are DILIGENT. It’s an indispensable character trait necessary for every writer. Without it our stories go nowhere. Our characters go nowhere. Our careers go nowhere. Splendid. You don’t suppose you could lend me some of yours do you? Got an extra gallon or so lying around?

 

 

 

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Here’s a picture of Melanie’s desk

 

 

 

What keeps you motivated in achieving your dream? (DESIRE)

The writing itself. It is truly a way of life for me. I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

As one of my characters says, I want to be a part of the great voice that carries this age into the future.

Now that’s not arrogant at all, is it? 😛

 

Not at all. You are very clearly a writer to me. I love your laser-beam-like focus on writing.

 

 

 

What’s your ANTAGONIST? What’s in the way?

Um. Yeah. Day job.

Ah yes, the dreaded day job. The more I dive into the writing realm the less I like my day job. All I want to do is read and write. I’m not sure how that happened, but there it is.  

 

 

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Day Job: I hate you.

You:  I hate you too.

Day Job: I wish you’d quit and go write somewhere.

You: I will, you just wait…

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have given up your dream, why? 

I’ve never given up. The dream has lain dormant for periods of time (sometimes years), but even when I wasn’t writing, I was thinking about writing, journaling, daydreaming, and doing other creative stuff (sketching, gardening, cross stitch–yeah, that’s what I thought at first, too–and I was even in a musical for a local theatre company).

I discovered Joseph Campbell in my undergraduate years and I’ve really come to understand my creative journey in terms of the Hero’s Journey. It hasn’t been a straight line, or even a circle, as the Hero’s Journey is often presented.

It’s been more of a spiral, kind of like the end of C.S. Lewis’s The Last Battle, where the Pevensies, Scrubb, Pole, and the rest run through Narnia after Narnia, in Escher-esque fashion, Aslan urging them, “Further on! Further in!” until they reach their final destination.

My journey has been defined by my threshold guardians. The play I wrote in grade four? The teacher edited my work substantially without telling me or explaining why the changes were necessary. Even at that point, I knew it was wrong, and it seeded a deep distrust of authority.

In grade five, a former friend appeared to offer an olive branch, bury the hatchet, what have you, but only did so long enough to gain my trust and ask to ready my stories . . . to which she took an entire bottle of white out, returning my exercise book of obliterated words only when the teacher made her stop.

The big threshold guardian was my first advisor in my MA program, an icon of Canadian Literature. He questioned my presence in the program and accused me of “wasting his time.” That was the wound that wouldn’t heal, even after I returned to work with a different advisor and finish the collection of short stories that became my creative thesis.

After that, I internalized the lessons of my threshold guardians over the years and my internal editor became monstrous. It’s one thing when other people tear you or your work down, but when you start to tear yourself apart . . .

It wasn’t until another icon of Canadian Literature shared his own trials with threshold guardians that I found my way back to the page.

I’m happy to say I haven’t left it since.

 

Wow that’s a very touching story with devastating experiences along the way. But what I’m really seeing and enjoying, is your resilience through it all. 

 

 

 

Why do writers give up, quit or never complete their projects?

Fear.

The new writer is afraid to look silly or expose their relative level of craft to the scrutiny of others.

The experienced, but unpublished, or minimally published, writer is afraid that they can’t be as good as other publish authors, or that their stories have no value.

Even published writers fear that they can’t write another novel as good as their last.

You have to learn to put fear in its place, make it your friend, listen to the legitimate lessons it has to teach you, and then agree to disagree on the rest.

That’s the hard part.

 

Well said. Seems like fear must teach us many lessons along our journey. To step out there and expose ourselves to the world. For better or for worse. With this in mind, I found a Superhero guy to help us out a little. I call him….CAPTAIN NO FEAR.

 

 

 

 

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  Captain No Fear

 

 

 

Behold some of Melanie’s poetic muscle below.

 

 

A Poet’s Apprentice

 

learning the words;

noun and adjective,

verb and adverb.

Putting them together

in little sentences—

she won’t let me play

with the big ones yet—

But she’s left me alone

just for a minute

with this big cauldron

teeming with

letters

and other viscera.

Before she returns

I grab the ladle

and gulp,

burning my mouth

with the potent brew.

Then I run

me and my belly full of words,

out the Dutch-door,

through the muddied fields

of hay stubble,

to the tree with leaves of paper,

draw forth the quill–

stolen from a feather duster–

prick my thumb

for ink.

Then.

I write.

Lovely!  That’s great!  UGH I miss poetry so much. I haven’t written very much lately. You’ll have to come back and grace us with your poetic words. 

 

 

 

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*Tell us about your short stories

In “The Broken Places,” a doctor on board a generation ship headed for another galaxy tries to diagnose a strange plague affecting the ship’s crew/citizens. What she discovers in trying to find a cure for the blue skin, void-like eyes, and verbal non-sequiturs is something she never suspected, but if she doesn’t stop the condition from progressing, the crew, and their mission, are in jeopardy. That one was published in Bastion Science Fiction Magazine in June 2014.

“Downtime” is the story of Opus, an AI-borg who achieves sentience, and liberation from her creators, as she learns what it means to be human, and that she’ll never be one. The good people of On Spec Magazine, one of Canada’s most respected speculative fiction markets, published that in their Fall 2014 issue.

 

Something tells me one day you’re going to hit one out of the ball park. 

 

 

 

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*what has writing taught you over the years?

What has writing taught me? Who I am. That quote by Flannery O’Connor, “I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say,” is very true. The more I write, the better, the more authentic, a person I become. The rest is between me and the page 😉

 

Oh yes! I love that quote. I’m finding it to be very true in my own experience. Writing things out is a very tranquil experience. There’s no like it. 

 

 

 

THANK YOU MELANIE

THIS WAS A TRULY ENJOYABLE INTERVIEW

 

 

 

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Keep writing 

until the pen

runs dry

~Benjamin Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain.com