Q & A Time!

Most frequently asked questions putting this author to the test!

It is so often that we author’s get asked questions by our readers. And today I am going to answer a couple of questions that I manage to fumble the answer to every time I am asked them…

Because fumbling words is what I do when I speak.

Ironic because… well, words are my ‘thing’

Anyway. *Sheepish look to the left*

The questions I am going to answer today are:

Q: What inspires you?

Ah, the many things that inspire me. *laughs maniacally*

So, I’m going to set a scene for you. You’re sitting at a café with a friend or family member and rather than actually speaking to the people you are with – no, I do not play with my phone, but as an author those around me have to be aware that I will drift into a whole other dimension and this happens at any time for any length of time.

It must be so frustrating for the people around me…

Anyway, so back to the lunch – the reason I usually am not speaking with those around me is because on the other side of the mall, leaning against the wall, one foot against it as he braces himself, his black fingernails tapping away at the keys on his phone as he texts someone, his black tee-shirt matching his stone washed black jeans and black boots, his long hair hanging forward covering one side of his face, the smile that stretches across his face as he receives a reply – This guy here. He inspires me.

Often, in the ‘author mind’ we see people and - I realised only shortly after becoming a writer - that very few people see other people the way that writers do. There is a special something in the way we see people. Not only do we pay attention to their outfits, hair, eye colour, body shape and all other physical attributes – but, we have this insane ability to come up with an entire life, personality and situation for the person who right now is looking at me with a very creeped out expression because let’s face it… author’s stare at people.

But don’t worry world – we are admiring you, not judging.

So, characters in our books more often than not reflect someone in the world that we once saw in the supermarket when we were ignoring our mothers, brothers, sisters, fathers, friends, and extended family – even business associates – because we were watching the people around us and drawing on their perfect and beautiful humanity.

Another thing that inspires me greatly – and this is something that also inspires much of my artwork as well as my writing – Music.

Without music I would not have written a dang word in all my life. Sure of it.

Music influences what I write so much so that for every character there is music that - inside my crazy mind - they like, and while I write about them I listen to their favourite bands. Fight scenes in my book are often comprised of Korn’s and Disturbed’s tunes. Sometimes – Lindsey Stirling. Depends on the book series and situation.

Daleina’s music is Fleetwood Mac mostly and The Smashing Pumpkins. Xander on the other hand is Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Disturbed.

Gavriel – the archangel – his music is Alice in Chains. You would be amazed the mixed reactions I get when I tell people this. Tell me though, why wouldn’t he listen to that? He’s a cool guy.

Another thing that inspires me sometimes is a piece of artwork that might touch something in my mind and excite my writing gears.

And finally – the environment around me, streets, places, trees, nature…

The key is, to draw everything in and write it in your mind. If it gives me chills, it goes in a book.

Q: What do you do when you aren’t writing?

Breathe…

I kid, I kid.

I do actually have hobbies. Contrary to popular belief. *laughing in dimwit*

My favourite thing to do when I am not writing is to be with my horses. I don’t have to ride, or really do anything with them – just being with them sets something within me at ease. I find it strange to learn when people don’t like horses because I can’t imagine such a thing. They say a dog is man’s best friend. Whoever said that never owned a horse.

Sometimes, when I am riding I like to pretend I am a Viking Warrior Princess riding into battle – which is why I’m often screaming angrily and galloping toward random people and jumps… with a toy sword.

*Did I say that out loud?*

I also, crochet awesome little amigurumi and other cool toys, like dragons and octopi.

I jump out behind my cat and scream “Ra!” just because it’s hilarious to watch her shoot three feet in the air and then look at me with a facial expression that screams, “Don’t do that, you bastard!”

I often tell my kids that they’ve slept all night when they have an afternoon nap… because I am that kind of mother.

Prepare for a zombie apocalypse… well, not really. But, it wouldn’t be a bad Idea. Can never be too safe, can we?

Painting and drawing is the one other thing that takes up all my time. Between the time I spend on art and the time I spend writing I’m sure my family think have I died in my office some days. But I’m still here, look a little more like a mushroom everyday but - still alive!

Q: What do I need to start writing?

Coffee.

Lots and lots of coffee…

And those caramel filled Tim Tams…

And wine…

No, seriously though, all you need is a pen, paper and an idea. Get into it! Another good thing to have – or gain – is a really great sense of grammar and… words. Lots of words. A dictionary and thesaurus couldn’t hurt.

Of course, if you’re up with the times and have a computer you won’t really need a pen or paper. But, if there is ever a massive EMP and you don’t have a pen or paper… well…

Just go and buy a notebook and a box of biros. Save yourself the emotional torment, grief and sense of loss when – or if – the world as we know it ends…

Of course, if there is a Zombie apocalypse instead of an EMP you can use those biros to stab the Zombies in the brain, so no matter what, they’re useful.

I, of course, will be riding into the throng of Zombies on my horse, screaming like a Viking Warrior Princess and stabbing at them, “Have at thee!”

Yep, too much wine…

Maybe take the wine off your list. Lest you end up like…

Me.