Author Interview with BRAD PARKS

When I wrote my original introduction to Brad Parks’ interview, I lauded his award-winning journalism career. Since then, however, I’ve “spoken” to him several times via e-mail, read numerous other interviews and blog posts, and changed my mind. You can read the scoop about his awards and his entrepreneurial spirit on his excellent website (that’s where I got the information).

What his website may or may not tell you--depending on your degree of astuteness--is that he’s a very funny man. Downright, hilarious, in fact. He also bears the burden of a humongous crush on Paris Hilton. If you’re good, I’ll give you the link to a guest blog post he wrote recently that shares a few lesser-known facts about the talented Miss Hilton and how they relate directly to writing. My fervent hope is that if Brad thinks I’m a halfway good interviewer, he’ll post a comment with links to some of his other funny stuff. I can use a good laugh…or four.

Tell us how your career in journalism prepared you to write mystery fiction.

Two ways: One, it honed my writing muscles. I was a sportswriter for many years. Sports tends to be a little less news-driven and therefore a little more entertainment-oriented. So the job of a sportswriter, every single day, is to find a story and tell a story. And, depending on the day and the deadline – and how many different editions of the paper you need to fill – you can end up writing 2,000 words or more on deadline. That’s marvelous training for a novelist, because it really teaches you how to remove that filter between the brain and the page and let your words flow (because sometimes you don’t have a choice!). The second thing journalism did for me, especially once I became a news writer, was to force me into close contact with my source material. As a reporter, I got to meet fascinating people, hang out in some of the best – and worst – places, see a range of human experience I’m not sure I would have gotten to witness in another line of work. By the time I sat down to write FACES OF THE GONE, I didn’t have to do a stitch of research: I had already lived it all. It was just a question of taking what was already in my head and giving it that little fictional twist to make it fit my story.

What are your most and least favorite things about writing.

My wife and I have this debate all the time: I say if we hit the lottery and didn’t need the money, I’d never write another word; she says if we hit the lottery, I’d probably take about two weeks off, grow bored and disgusted with myself for not writing, and pick up where I left off with the last story. Ultimately, she might be right. Because, sure, there are times when I absolutely abhor writing, when everything I write reads like a tax document, when I am convinced I will do humanity a great service if I never let myself type another word. Those are definitely my least favorite times. And they do happen: I’m convinced self-loathing is an essential, unavoidable part of the writing process. Otherwise? There’s just no greater high than writing well. I live for that high.

I’m sure you have definite opinions about deadlines and “writer’s block.” Care to share them?

First of all, let’s define our terms, because a journalist has a very different understanding of “deadline” than a novelist. In publishing, you say your deadline is “January.” I’m sorry, that’s not a deadline. That’s a month. To a journalist, a deadline is “9 o’clock for first edition, 10:15 for second edition,” and so on. And can I tell you? There’s nothing more euphoric than knowing it’s the eighth inning, the Yankees have just scored three runs that changed everything, and you’ve got about 20 minutes to re-write as much of your 800-word story as possible. I never feel more alive than in those moments. Sometimes I wish I could collect that feeling, bottle it, and save it for later (or sell it at writing conferences). Because in those moments of extreme deadline, something has to come out of you. It may not be Shakespeare. It may barely be English. But it will be something. And if it’s horrible, you always have that excuse, “Well, I was on deadline.” But sometimes what comes out is actually quite good. It’s a tremendous exercise and it teaches you what you’re capable of as a writer.

As for writer’s block? Well, it does happen. And, for me, the absolute last place I need to be when it hits is sitting in front of the computer. Lately, my solution to writer’s block is to get in the car and drive somewhere, preferably on a highway. I find that’s the optimal level of engagement for my brain, because it gets me a little distracted – if I don’t concentrate on driving, I’ll run off the road – yet still leaves enough headspace to work through a problem. I wrote the third book in my series this summer and solved the vast majority of the plotting problems during a six-hour drive from New Jersey to Virginia. For an alternate view on writer’s block, you can also consider some advice I once got from Mary Higgins Clark. She’s an absolute gem of a woman, and I had the pleasure of being introduced to her at Book Expo America. When she learned I was a writer she said, “Well, you know the secret for avoiding writer’s block, right?” I said, “No, Mary, what’s that?” She replied, “Think of the royalty check.” I’d probably rather think of her royalty check than mine. But that’s another subject.

What is the biggest challenge you face as a writer?

Is there a greater challenge for any writer than the blank page? You know: The one with that cursor sitting there in the upper left corner, blinking insistently, mocking your lack of progress. Once I type that first sentence – a first sentence I actually like, as opposed to one I feel like throwing in a nearby sewer – I’m generally okay. But, man, the blank page can intimidating.

What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

FACES OF THE GONE starts with four people being shot in the back of the head in a vacant lot in Newark, N.J. After this cheerful start, we meet Carter Ross, a dashing – or at least sometimes-dashing --investigative reporter for the Newark Eagle-Examiner. The victims seem to have nothing in common and there is no apparent motive for killing them. The cops are clueless, but the newspaper prints their wild (and erroneous) theory anyway, leaving Carter to find the killer. He enlists the aid of a colorful cast of characters – a gay Cuban intern, a smoking-hot city editor, a hooker, a grandma, a T-shirt salesman and others – and soon discovers there is a link between the victims after all. That puts him on the path of an ambitious killer, and then stuff starts blowing up.

You can find it (hopefully) wherever books are sold.

What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

The next installment in the Carter Ross series, EYES OF THE INNOCENT, is already written. And it will be available whenever my publisher, St. Martin’s Press, chooses to release it. (The writer is often the last to know!). As I said above, the third, as-yet-untitled Carter Ross novel is also written. And I hope it’ll be made available just as soon after the second one as possible.

Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

This may sound counterintuitive, but: Don’t be afraid to write dumb. If you find yourself trying to prove to people how smart you are, do particle physics instead; they’ll be much more impressed. Otherwise, just relax, don’t take yourself so seriously, and concentrate on your story instead of your ego. I see too many bright people get almost paralyzed by their need to show their genius to the world in what they write. That need to be brilliant stifles creativity and – worse – stifles productivity. Unless you’re Ann Frank and wrote a diary you hid from the Nazis, your unfinished manuscript is simply never going to be published.

Are you a member of any writer’s organizations? Why? Why not?

I’m a member of the Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. Someday I might join the Romance Writers of America and Sisters in Crime as well, if they’ll let a Y chromosome crash their party. Why? Lots of reasons. Community. Camaraderie. Support. Writing is a solitary act but no writer – or at least not this writer – can stand alone. I’ve really enjoyed the interactions I’ve had with fellow writers, the vast majority of whom I’ve found to be gracious, talented and fun. Oh, and can I just say: Margery Flax, MWA’s administrator extraordinaire? Love that doll! Knowing her is worth the price of the MWA membership alone.  [Interviewer Comment:  As a member of both RWA and SinC, I can attest to the fact that both organizations welcome Y chromosomes at the party.  In fact, a Y was once president of RWA--bet you didn't know that!]

Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

Lots, actually. It might be best to hit my website (http://www.bradparksbooks.com/scoop.php) or my Booktour.com page (http://www.booktour.com/author/brad_parks). I’m also in the nascent phases of planning a New England swing for February – because where better to be in February than New England? – so if you live up that way and think you can round up a bunch of people who want to hear more drivel like this, e-mail me at brad (at) bradparksbooks.com.

FUN QUESTION: What do you like better, hot dogs or hamburgers, and why?

I’m an unabashed carnivore who very much enjoys his spot atop the food chain. I suppose if I was trapped on a desert island and could only have one with me, I'd go with hot dogs -- but only because you can eat them raw without fear of getting sick.

What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

http://www.bradparksbooks.com/


[DRUM ROLL]  And now, as promised, the link to the hilarious and entertaining blog post I raved about.  Writers, remember:  you HAVE to deliver on your promises:  http://dosomedamage.blogspot.com/2009/12/faces-of-divas.html

Author Interview with LYNN FLEWELLING

Lynn Flewelling has, since the early 1980s, studied literature, veterinary medicine, and ancient Greek; she has worked as a necropsy technician, a house painter, an office worker, a freelance editor, a freelance journalist, an instructor of workshops, and a writer of fantasy novels that have received worldwide acclaim. She lives in Maine, USA with her husband.

Who is the one person who most encouraged or influenced you to be a writer—and why?

I'm afraid I must name two. Many years ago, back in junior high, Ray Bradbury's writing turned me from a reader to someone who wanted to write. That remained a dream I never thought could be realized for a long time, but I kept at it. The person who did and does most encourage me is my husband, Douglas. He's been there for me from the very start, encouraging, reading my stuff, commenting very honesty and sometimes pointedly. He had faith in my ability as a writer before I did. He's still my first reader, and the main person I bounce ideas around with.

How long have you been writing? You’ve written both fiction and non-fiction; what is your preference—and why?

I started telling myself and my friends stories when I was very young, organizing games of "let's pretend we're—" That was always my favorite form of play and I guess I'm still doing that as a writer. I wrote my first short story in seventh or eighth grade. We had a student teacher who taught a section on creative writing by putting up a list of titles and letting us choose one to create a story around. They were basically writing prompts. My first story was called "Three Days in an Ant Hill" and was science fiction. After that, however, there was very little creative writing taught, so I was on my own through high school. There was one creative writing class offered at the small university I attended, and it was taught by a gentle poet with leather patches on the elbows of his tweed jacket who really didn't get my science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories. At one point he called me into his office and kindly asked me if I was having emotional problems. It was a blow, but I got over it and began submitting stories here and there. I built up quite a pile of rejection letters, including one from Playboy, which every writer should have, or so I'm told. I'm really not a short story writer, though I have managed to sell a few over the years.

I started writing what became my first published fantasy novel, LUCK IN THE SHADOWS, in 1983, while I was interning with a veterinarian in DC (I wanted to be a vet at that point) and got fired for writing on the job. That, and my total lack of math skills indicated that I was probably on the wrong career path. After that, I stumbled into a proofreading job at an ad agency in Alexandria, Virginia, and when I mentioned that I'd done some writing, they made me a copywriter. That was quite exciting. Later we moved back to Maine and I landed a job, on the strength of my copywriting, doing home and garden articles for the statewide newspaper, and worked my way up to the arts and style section, where I interviewed people like Stephen King and Anne Rice. And all this time I was working on my novel. I finally got an agent in late 1994 and she sold LUCK IN THE SHADOWS and its sequel, STALKING DARKNESS, to Bantam Spectra within a few months. And that was the end of the day jobs for me. I've been a full time writer ever since.

To be honest, I like every type of writing I've done, and still do the occasional article on writing, and lots of blog essays. Each form has its own pleasures. But fiction writing is definitely my favorite. The fact that my eighth novel, THE WHITE ROAD, is coming out in May, 2010, attests to that. Writing fiction is like watching a movie in my head, but with all five or six senses engaged. I see the places and people in my mind's eye, hear their voices in my head, imagine what places smell like, what kinds of food they eat, what things feel like. It's like total sensory immersion. Perhaps that's what a drug trip is like for some people; I can't speak from experience on that one. I know I've had an especially good writing day when 1) things have happened in the story that I had no inkling of when I sat down to work and 2) I have trouble coming out of that altered mental state for an hour or so after I finish writing for the day.

Tell us about your cruise in May 2010.

I'm very excited about that! I was doing a book signing last year and a man walked up to me and asked if I'd like to teach a writing workshop on a cruise ship. I didn't really take him very seriously, and I was in the middle of a difficult writing project, so his business card gathered dust on my desk for a year. However, he called me up at few months ago and asked me again. I did some checking, found out he was a legitimate travel agent who sets up these theme tours, and said yes. Since then he'd taken me on a tour of a Royal Caribbean ship similar to the one I'll be on, and it's like a floating palace! I had no idea.

It's a seven-day cruise, with four days spent at different Caribbean ports of call, including St. Maartin's and St. Thomas, and three days at sea, when the workshop sessions will take place. There are three one-hour sessions per day, covering everything from character development to publishing, as well as evening salons for people to share their work. When I teach it's very interactive, with lots of time for Q & A. There will also be a cocktail party, and all sorts of shipboard entertainment that go with the cruise itself. I think it's going to be a really fun time, and a great opportunity for both budding writers and people with books in progress to get some valuable guidance and insight. More information can be found at my website. The price covers the workshop, the cruise, all meals, and many of the shipboard activities.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

Self doubt. Even after all the books I've written, it still crops up.

What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

My latest, SHADOWS RETURN (Bantam Spectra), came out in July, 2008. It's the fourth book in the Nightrunner Series and it embroils my heroes Seregil and Alec in slavery and alchemy. Both their pasts come back to haunt them in this one. You don't necessarily have to have read the rest of the series to understand the book, but it would certainly enhance the experience. This was my return to the series after a nine year hiatus, during which I wrote my Tamir Triad. It was also me keeping my promise that the series was not a trilogy. Although SHADOWS RETURN is a complete story, the new book coming out in May, THE WHITE ROAD, is sort of a sequel, which builds on that arc with a completely different sort of adventure. If you like your fantasy a little on the dark side, these are the books for you.      

What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I'm currently working on Nightrunner book Number Six. That is it's working title, and Number Seven is under contract, as well. I also have a new, unrelated series on the drawing board, but it's too soon to talk about that one.

Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

The short answer: Just do it. The longer answer: Don't fret and agonize and moan about wanting to write or not knowing if you're good enough. You're not. Not yet. And you'll never be good enough if you don't write and write and write to hone your craft. Because that's how you do it. Writing classes and groups and books on writing can certainly help, but the real work is in the writing. And in that I include editing. You have to be able to look at your work with a clear and dispassionate eye, see the good, let go of what doesn't advance the plot, and learn to tell the difference. That takes time and practice.

Are you a member of any writer’s organizations? Why? Why not?

I am a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) because they are such great advocates for writers in my genre. Their services are too numerous to mention here, but include legal services, scam alerts, and guidance for beginning writers. They have a great website and anyone thinking of being a SF or fantasy writer should check them out. http://www.sfwa.org

I belong to a feminist online writer's group called Broad Universe, for much the same reasons. We celebrate and promote women speculative fiction writers, and some feminist men writers, too. http://www.broaduniverse.org

I also belong to The Outer Alliance, an online organization that supports gay speculative fiction, and is made up of both gay and straight writers, readers, and friends. It was recently established in response to some very homophobic comments made by certain writers and editors in the field. http://blog.outeralliance.org

Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

I'm sort of between book releases at the moment. I'm doing a small reception at the Olive Ave. Market in Redlands, CA on December 5, I'll be a Guest of Honor at ConBust at Smith College March 27-29, and of course there's the cruise. I'll be lining up more signings and appearances for White Road, which will probably include the World Fantasy, World Science Fiction, and Comic Con conventions. All of those will be posted to my website, Live Journal, Face Book, and Twitter.

FUN QUESTION: What do you like better – the mountains or the ocean—and why?

That's a tough one. I've lived with both and love them both deeply. I get the bends if I'm not in sight of one or the other. And I'm a bit spoiled, growing up in Maine where you don't have one without the other. If I absolutely must choose one, then I'll go for the ocean because it is constantly in a state of rapid change, and also because I'm an inveterate beachcomber. I can't walk on any beach without coming home with heavy pockets, full of stones and shells. I even have an aspirin bottle full of sand from Bondi Beach in my office.

What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

Website: http://www.sff.net/people/Lynn.Flewelling
Live Journal: http://otterdance.livejournal.com/
Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynn-Flewelling/145593970532?ref=ts
Twitter Name: LynnFlewelling

   

Book Review: THE STING of JUSTICE by Cora Harrison

Set in the kingdom of the Burren in the west of Ireland in 1509, Mara, judge and professor of the law school, must solve the murder of the local silversmith.  Sorley Skerritt, a greedy and unpopular man, meets his demise when a swarm of bees stings him to death.  Mara investigates the crime, and the people of her kingdom, hoping to bring the sting of justice to a wiley killer.

I don't usually find myself engrossed in historical mysteries, however, this excellent book snatched my interest immediately and never released it.

Both the plot and the characters drew me in, as did the peculiarites of medieval Irish law.  Each chapter is prefaced with a short excerpt of law that foreshadows the plot without giving it away and explains the mores of the sixteen century in the Burren.  Harrison paints vivid characters and a tangible setting that comes alive with her description and characterization.

My rating: (4 Star) Read it in a couple of sittings, in between other IMPORTANT stuff I had to do. You’ll really enjoy it.


The Sting of Justince will be released in hardcover on December 1, 2009 by Minotaur Books.
ISBN 978-0-312-37269-9

Visit the author website at: http://www.coraharrison.com/ or contact Anne Gardner, St. Martin's/Minotaur at (646) 307-5553 or anne.gardner@stmartins.com.

Want 10 Really Good Writing Tips?

I read this blog post today and it's fanastic--regardless of what you write.  Check it out and let me know what you think!

Click here for Copyblogger's excellent  post

Author Interview with KATHLEEN KASKA

Kathleen Kaska is a writer of mysteries, trivia, travel, biography & poetry and lives in Texas.


When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing about twenty years ago, after I became confident about my teaching career and came to a point where I wasn’t spending all my spare time working on lesson plans and curricula. Before that, I read a lot and took creative writing workshops whenever possible.

You’ve published mystery trivia books and a mystery; you’ve also written several plays. Tell us about what motivated the variety and what you love most to write.

I always wanted to write mysteries. But it was important that I write as much as possible about anything. I was also interested in travel writing, and early on, I landed some small assignments, which lead to larger ones. Eventually, I became a staff writer for a monthly publication called AustinFit magazine.

After seventeen years of teaching, I took two years off to write. My husband and I moved to San Juan Island in Washington State. The island has an impressive group of writers, and an incredible community theatre. During those two years, I completed four novels, several short stories, and four plays that were produced by the theatre. It’s amazing what you can do when you don’t have a day job.

I love writing fiction. I just slip into another world and let my characters tell me their story. Non-fiction can be a struggle at times because I have to get everything correct—all the facts, names, dates, etc. When writing narrative nonfiction, which is what I am working on now, I have the added responsibility of staying in the true voice of my character, currently, a man whom I admire, but have never met because he died in 1963.

Do you have a writing schedule or any set rules that you follow?

I’m a morning person and do most my writing early in the day, sometimes as soon as I wake up. But right now my husband and I are traveling and promoting my latest book, so I write whenever I can catch a few minutes.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

Nowadays we all know that no matter what your publisher does for you, writers have to promote themselves. I’d much rather spend my time in my fantasy world of murder and mayhem, but I also realize that I need to show my face, engage in social networking, make phone calls, schedule book signings, and actively search out and involve myself in promotions.

What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

My first mystery in the Sydney Lockhart series, Murder at the Arlington, was released in June. It takes place in 1952. Reporter Sydney Lockhart checks into the historic Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Before she unpacks, she discovers the body of the hotel’s bookkeeper. What began as a simple travel-writing assignment now turns into a murder investigation. The bad news is that Sydney becomes a suspect. Determined to clear her name and prove herself a reporter deserving more than just travel assignments, Sydney gets embroiled in the underworld of gangsters and gamblers. In her fight for the truth, she soon faces a more urgent battle—saving her own skin.

Murder at the Arlington is most easily obtained online through Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. For the last five months, I’ve visited dozens of independent bookstores asking them to stock my book and they have been very accommodating. For booksellers, my mystery is available through Ingram and Baker and Taylor.

What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I’m working on the final draft of the third Sydney Lockhart mystery, Murder at the Galvez, as well as a separate mystery series about animal rights’ activist Kate Caraway. Plus the narrative nonfiction that I mentioned, which is about an endangered species.

Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

This may sound like a cliché, but it’s important to write everyday. Even if you have a very busy schedule, commit to at least fifteen minutes a day. Soon fifteen will turn into 30 and before you know it you’ll be putting down hundreds of words a day; and by the end of a year, you’ll have enough to revise into a viable manuscript.

And don’t get discouraged. I wrote an article about biking-trails on Nantucket Island and tried for two years to sell it to many magazines and newsletters. On a lark, I sent it to a national publication and it was accepted as a feature for the annual travel edition, a much more prestigious publication than the others I had queried.

You enjoy membership in several writers’ organizations. Share with us how membership has, or has not, helped your writing career.

Writer’s organizations can help in several ways. They give you the opportunity to connect with other writers, join writers’ critique groups, take classes, and mainly network. Get involved. A writer needs to learn and experience what is going on out there.

Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

I’ll be a featured author at the 10th Annual Pulpwood Queen Girlfriend and Timber Guys Book Club Weekend this coming January in Jefferson, Texas. This is a book club that was started by local author Kathy Patrick and has grown to become the largest book group in the county.

FUN QUESTION: Whatever gave you, or your webmaster, the idea for your home page? It’s TERRIFIC!

Thanks. I really like the way it turned out. My webmaster is Pam Herber, of Friday Harbor, Washington. She is a close friend, a talented artist, and a fellow writer. Pam has read through several drafts of my mysteries. Since this series is set in the 1950s and my protagonist, Sydney Lockhart, travels from one historic hotel to another, we decided that the postcard image would best set the mood for these stories.


What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

My web site is http://www.kathleenkaska.com/ and my blog is kathleenkaskawrites.blogspot.com. I also have web pages with Mystery Writers of American (http://www.mysterywriters.org/), http://www.goodreads.com/, http://www.librarything.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/.