Thirteen Reasons why I love being a writer Thursday, December 13, 2007 Thirteen Things about being a writer In celebration of earning my ISBN, I’ve decided my Thursday Thirteen should be “13 reasons why I love being a writer.” 1. I get to tell stories. I honestly cannot remember a time when I wasn’t telling myself a story. I’d make up stories about my dolls being princess-spies, I’d make up adventures to get me to sleep…and I still do. Well….not the doll part. Unless the Sims count as dolls? 2. I get to make people happy. I can still remember how happy people were when they read the goofy stories I wrote when I was supposed to be taking notes in junior high. I’m from the life is very hard school of thought, and I love the idea that people can read my stories…anyone, not just my poor, beleaguered friends, and get something out of it. 3. I get to spend time with people I would like to know. I genuinely care about my characters, which sounds silly, but if I don’t craft people that I can care about, how can I possible expect you to want to spend time with them? One of the reasons why I enjoyed writing Blue Moon was that Zorovin and Alex were, in their own ways, men I could have serious crushes on. Sierra and Libby were both people going through things that I was going through, though of course, not in an obvious way. The book I last finished, The Chocolatier’s Wife, was partly inspired by what I thought would be the ultimate character for one of the British Actors I was crushing on. 4. LOC catalogued! I have worked as a librarian for several years, as a student and as an Interlibrary Loan lady. Knowing that I am an author in the Library of Congress system is a silly, but huge joy to me. There is just something about it that makes me feel like I really did accomplish something. 5. I get to explore worlds and do things I would never get to do. It’s true…I get these nifty ideas in my head of things that would be awesome to do, but not possible to actually get out there and accomplish. It’s fun to see how things would logically work. I loved trying to figure out interesting creatures, I enjoy trying to make it all logical and believable while keeping the wonder and fantastical nature of the story intact. For Blue Moon I had to split the world of magic from the world of technology, but as they come back together the magic things that slept during this time wake up again. I didn’t want to go with the common, twee things, so I made up things like vampiric butterflies to add color to the world. And in the book I’m working on now, I’m trying to logic out the mechanics of a completely underwater civilization. It’s the little things that make you stumble, like eating, drinking…but that’s the fun, too. 6. It’s really the only thing I feel I’m any good at. I mean, I can sew, and I’m a good secretary, but the fact is…it’s not really something I feel I can offer the world and make the world better for it. Ok, ok, fantasies and mysteries don’t really make the world that much better, but stories and books have incredible power, and as part of that, I think I can make a difference on individual levels. 7. Knowing that the story is working. There is no better feeling when you’re sitting there, writing, writing, every word comes out easy and clicks right into place. Everything is making sense and doing what it’s supposed to be. That is so much better than any drug. 8. Having an excuse to buy books. When I was writing Chocolatier’s Wife, I saw a chocolate grinding table that fit, technologically, in perfect with what William’s kitchen would be like. I also wanted to understand perfectly the preparation of chocolate, even though you see little of that research in the book. It gave me a reason to go an buy these beautiful books and read them…and, currently, since I’ve been re-writing fairy tales, this has given me an excuse to buy some Andrew Lang and world folk lore books…things I’ve always wanted, to read for research. My credit card hates it, but it gives me something to look forward to. Any excuse to buy a book is a good one, I think. 9. Because it makes me feel like my degree wasn’t a waste of time. I originally intended to become a librarian…I always meant to be a writer, but I have also always known that you couldn’t depend on it for an income. So, being a librarian would be perfect as a “real” job while I worked on becoming a (in)famous author. With that in mind, the best Bachelor’s to take was in English…I ended up taking so many creative writing courses that I had to change my concentration to Creative writing, and that’s the degree I graduated with: English: Creative Writing. 10. It gives me something to talk about. Good grief…if I didn’t have writing, my blog posts would be even worse, nothing but costuming and British Actors and typing memos. I wonder, though…I started blogging because I’m a writer – would I have bothered blogging without it? 11. Looking at the finished work. When I first opened the .pdf for my short story, “Every Word I Speak”, and saw my name on that beautiful cover, I was just so overwhelmed. It was so beautiful…and then I got to see “A Necklace of Rubies” right away. It was all of awe. 12. Meeting some really wonderful people. When I was a book reviewer, I became friends with some really wonderful people. My fellow authors at Zumaya and Drollerie are fantastic people. Some of the readers of my reviews have emailed me, and I had wonderful times talking to them. And…my editors deserve special thanks. I feel like I’ve made real friends, and I am so very grateful. I’m going to meet even more people as I go…how cool is that? 13. I was going to say “Because it makes the voices in my head go away” but I think I’ll say, instead, that there’s nothing like knowing who you are. People go through their lives wondering “Who am I? What’s my purpose in life? There has to be something more!” And if you really know me, you know that I am still striving to fulfill more than one purpose, that I am trying to make sure I live a full and decent life. But being a writer…and Author!...it gives me a sense of identity. I know who I am. I have a goal in life. That’s pretty wonderful, I think. Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants Permalink Cindy scribed this at 10:03 AM 6 comments

6 Comments:

Oh, how I love this list. I am blessed to be able to write a weekly column for Upper Deck, and your #2 is a big one for me. I love to remember the articles that made me get happy and burn with ideas, and I strive to return the favor to my audience.

Bravo.

By  Rian Fike, at 10:25 AM  

Thank you! It's so awesome that you have that same experiance, too.

And thank you, very much.

By  Cindy, at 11:21 AM  

Isn't it great! Telling stories is such a fun and rewarding thing to do with your life. :D

Congrats on the ISBN. Each little step such as these brings you closer to book release day.

Happy TT!
www.nicoleaustin.net

By  Nicole Austin, at 9:16 PM  

I can identify with all of that. I love being a writer to.

By  Nicholas, at 1:03 AM  

I'm not a published writer, but I love to write. Great list!
Thanks for visiting my best wishes TT.

By  Tink, at 2:45 PM  

Actually, "making the voices go away" is probably my #1 reason. Not that they go away, but at least they tell me a new story.

Karina Fabian
www.fabianspace.com

By  Karina Fabian, at 1:22 AM  

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Yesterday was the last day of work for one of my GA’s. Christi is doing her internship practicum next semester, so she won’t be able to work for me (since it’s a 40 hour a week job, this internship.) She’s in Councilor Ed right now, and she’s going to go on to her PhD. Sometimes you see people and just shake your head, because you feel bad for their future clients, but she’s going to be really amazing. She’s an excellent listener, sensible, and extremely responsible. All things that made her a great employee…and now, a wonderful friend. Good luck, Christi. May the path of life always be kind to you, and may you achieve all your dreams with very little trouble. She gave me a beautiful teapot as a thank you for everything and farewell gift. I thought I was going to get weepy, but I held myself together. In other news of a huge nature, I received my proof galley from Zumaya yesterday! I started reading it, and was surprised. I’ve not actually read this books since…2004? Maybe? More like 2002, 2003, and so it’s like reading it anew. I see some flaws (I use he at the beginning of sentences a bit much in some of the paragraphs, and have been cleaning that up…) but am often astonished that I actually accomplished the things that I was going for so far. In some ways, the novel is supposed to evoke very clearly certain feelings I’ve had – driving at night, a south western PA fall, and when I read the passages I feel the things I wanted my readers to feel. It could be because I used the things, of course, that key those feelings in me, or it could be because I did a half decent job writing. ;) I go with the latter. My editor’s divided up the front chapter a little…I wrote it as one whole chapter, introducing all the elements – I introduce us to all the people who are affected by the return of magic, and I’d written it as sort of a fable voice, going from person to person, not really going into anyone’s head. I’m clear about my changes, but I didn’t put in spaces to show the change of places…which she’s done. I am worried that it looks choppy, but I think she’s correct to make the divisions…it’s good to really delineate things. She’s a really awesome editor, as I go through the book, I see that…and I’m also trying to respect it when I see changes that I’m not sure of. Anyway, the cover page is beautiful. My name is on the top of every other page in gorgeous script. But do you want to know what made me really geek out? What made me get emotional and just all “OMG it’s real!”? This: That’s right. I have an ISBN. And I’m LOC catalogued. And look…there’s even a Dewy, though since that changes library to library that’s not as important. But…the LOC number, you can take to any US library, and go to that section, and if my book has been bought by that library (and if they use LOC, lol) then…yep. That’s where it’s at. OMG. I have an ISBN. I really am a real, honest to God author. Labels: friends, GA's are love, squeeing with joy, writing Permalink Cindy scribed this at 9:11 AM 0 comments

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I loved snow so much more when I was a hermit. Friday, December 07, 2007 It’s Friday. It’s Reading Day. Why the heck did I come in through all these crappy roads again? No one is here. Oh, that’s right. Because students need to make up tests. Yes. I also promised my workers they could make up hours, but since I could just have said screw it, and given them the hours as a reward for work done, that doesn’t really count. Another not-fun commute that does not look as if it will be improving in time for my 3:00 lunch break. (My awesome boss already told me that a 3:00 lunch break sounds “just perfect”…but I think I’ll be watching the weather with an eye for homeward bound. I honestly don’t know if I should be getting home before it gets worse, or waiting to see if they plow the damned roads. I’ll give the kidlets until noon to make up their tests. After, all bets off.) Yay, according to the forecast, it’s going to RAIN this afternoon. *sighs, because she has no idea what she should do…she doesn’t want to be a coward, or a fool….* Let’s not talk about the weather anymore. You’re all probably bored cross eyed. What should I talk about then? Nothing. I’m going to go write something nifty. Labels: weather, work Permalink Cindy scribed this at 10:02 AM 0 comments

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Guest Teresa Chaze Tuesday, December 04, 2007 Theresa Chaze author of the book, Awakening the Dragon, Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy has been described as a woman who has the courage to play with dragons. She is a Wiccan Priestess and Ordained Minister. In her fantasy world, magic, suspense, and karmic justice combine in tales of horror. Book Synopsis; To protect herself and her loved ones from the violent cult, Rachael risks everything by awakening the dragon spirit prematurely. As the dragon rises within her, the cult surround her home with the intent on killing the new witch who lives inside and burning the evidence of the murder of the previous owner. Today, at A Pen and Fire we have the main character from Awakening the Dragon. My name is Rachael Franklin. I moved to Coyote Springs after a lottery win gave me the means to open my Occult bookstore. I threw dart and it landed on the small Northern Michigan town. It was very close to the town where I grew up and to the dysfunctional family I had separated myself from. I tried to change the result, but the Goddess continued to direct the dart to the same destination. When my furkids and I arrived, the store location was quickly found. What I couldn’t find was a home--that is until the very proper real estate agent took me to a country cottage. It opened its doors and heart to me. Later I was to learn that it had barred entrance nearly every one but a few since the previous owner, Sara, was murdered within its walls. The agent said the cottage was cursed because Sara was a witch and the devil had come to collect her soul. Her grandson, Kevin, arrived. He angrily ordered us off the property until he realized that I was able to go inside. My first impression was that he was a spiritual man who had many secrets. But it wasn’t just his mystery that I found attractive, it was his eyes and cute behind. However, his anger and rapidly changing temperament was very confusing and frightening. Even though he was very sexually appealing, I refused to become entangled in his drama until Sara’s spirit appeared to me. She told me that she and I had long ago made an agreement to heal a karmic wound. She had done her best to prepare the way for me. Her death had been the beginning as it had been the ending before. By coming to Coyote Springs, I became the new guardian of the cottage and the catalyst of the many karmic balancing. For more about the book Website Labels: Guests, Teresa Chaze Permalink Cindy scribed this at 3:00 AM 9 comments

9 Comments:

Theresa, your MC sounds very interesting. I have a friend who is Wiccan, but I've never learned more about it, so this book sounds like a good read for me.

Best of luck on your tour. I hope Rachel behaves herself and doesn't get tempted by anyone's cute behind.

Cheryl M.

By  Cheryl, at 11:54 PM  

Thank you for your comment, Cheryl!

Rachel's way of finding her new home is really kind of appealing....has anyone else wished they could just throw a dart and go?

By  Cindy, at 8:47 AM  

I just absolutely love your books sister. Blessings and hugsss, WBH

By  Anonymous, at 12:04 PM  

Hi Cheryl, If you have any questions about Wicca, you are more welcome to contact me. I'll do my best to answer them. There is a great deal of information about Wicca and Paganism intertwined in the story. There are also some really good rituals that are very effective.

Cindy--Having the courage to have faith creates miracles in your life.

Thank you Melody. I'm glad you enjoy my work.

As for Rachael being tempte by a cut butt--you'll find out in the sequel, Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy.

Thank you for hosting me.

Theresa

By  Theresa Chaze, at 12:32 PM  

Great interview Theresa and thanks on behalf of myself, Rebecca, your tour coordinator and the blog hostess, Cindy for stopping by and sharing your novel with A Pen and Fire.

By  Rebecca , at 12:57 PM  

I'm enjoying discovering your blog - could do with a few more pictures though!

Love to know how you make out with learning to sword fight.

By  Roland Hulme, at 1:00 PM  

Theresa, you are quite right!

Roland, thank you! I should post more pictures, you're right...and I'll keep everyone posted on the sword fighting. :)

By  Cindy, at 1:39 PM  

I also like the way of choosing a place to live and the undercurrent that goes with it as well. I suspect I would enjoy your book, as mine is also suspenseful fantasy.

Another thing I appreciate is the hint at the back-story of your heroine. Some people who write fantasy create fanciful worlds but do not consider that their characters should have a history as difficult as anything that people experience "here" in the mundane world. You obviously do.

Thank you.

Cat Muldoon
author of Rue the day: The Undercover Heir, Book 1

By  Cat Muldoon, at 2:49 PM  

This sounds complex yet fascinating. I'm very impressed by the depth of your MC. Good luck with your series and with your tour! I'll be following along.

By  Jim Melvin, at 8:34 PM  

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