Interviews

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2022

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Interview below from Grey Sun Press:

When did you first start writing?
Technically, I was writing (and reading) at three, though I doubt I was writing anything of much interest. Mostly writing my name over and over again in block letters across the covers of other books (I know, gasp!). I wrote my first “serious” novel at age 12. It was 480-something pages of fantasy. (I still have it, though it’s buried deep in a file cabinet.) I’ve been writing my entire life, but I wasn’t writing professionally until 2005 or so, and not full-time for a living until 2012.

Describe your desk.
Do I have to? My desk alternates between a state of utter chaos (outlines, notes, diagrams, cats strewn across the keyboard, and old soda cans) to almost empty depending upon where I am in the writing process (drafting vs. revision) and whether or not I’ve been out writing at a coffee shop recently. Going out tends to unclutter my desk. My office is Doctor Who themed though and has killer views of trees.

What’s the story behind your latest book?
When I was growing up, I didn’t know my mother or my half-sisters. It wasn’t until I was in my early 30’s that my mother and half-sisters came into my life. Not to sound harsh, but in some ways, they were a family I didn’t want or need. I’d gotten along just fine without them for 30-something years, so why connect now? My exploration of that connection and what it means to be part of a family is what led to the themes in Amaskan’s Blood. Adelei thought she knew who she was and who her family was. Everything dissolves around her and while she’s struggling to define herself and her new family, she’s also fighting to save the world.
I didn’t realize how much I was doing the same thing when I gained my new family.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I do! It was called “The Fish and the Lion.” I wrote it when I was four, and it was published by the University of Florida Press as part of a case study on students and writing. I have a copy of the bound book somewhere…it was illustrated and everything!

What are you working on next?
Amaskan’s Blood is due out January 2015, so I’m currently working on the sequel to Amaskan’s Blood called Amaskan’s Honor. I’m also working on the sequel to The Silent Frontier, which is my sci-fi space opera due out summer of 2015.

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Being able to be different people in different places doing amazing things I never could do. It’s the ultimate fantasy.

Who are your favorite authors?
Connie Willis, Anne Bishop, Melanie Rawn, Ray Bradbury, and Anne McCaffrey.

What is your writing process?
That’s a fairly complicated answer. I’ve written an article on that here: https://www.ravenoak.net/writing-resources/the-process

What do you read for pleasure?
I read mostly speculative fiction (science fiction and fantasy), but I also enjoy mystery, thriller/suspense, horror, and historical fiction.

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
Gaming. I love gaming, be it tabletop, console, handheld, or PC. I’m also a huge Joss Whedon fan. Basically, anything geeky.

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