How did you get the idea for The Raie’Chaelia?
It just popped in my head like all my ideas do. I have no idea where they come from. Sometimes, I have a dream and I write ideas down. Other times, they just pop in my head, like the word Terravail did. I didn't know what that word meant until I was a quarter way into my novel. For the most part, I knew I wanted to write a story about a heroine but I don't want to give away too much right now about what Raie'Chaelia means. It's real meaning evolves through the novel, not being revealed until the end.
Was there any obstacle you had to overcome when writing Raie'Chaelia?
Yeah, there were some logical issues I had to work out in the story so that there were no contradictions. I'm actually still working on them for book 2. I think it is just part of the writing process. Once you lay down certain rules in your story, you have to follow those rules or your reader will notice.
Do you work with an outline, or just write?
I can't work with an outline. It takes too much of my logical brain to do and then when I go to write, the words are lifeless. I need the full capacity of my right brain which means I just sit and write and the story actually grows in the telling. Whenever the characters are surprised, I am surprised too because I didn't realize beforehand that that particular scene would happen. It's almost as if this world I am writing about exists somewhere on it's own and I am just peeking into it, writing down what I am seeing. It's a great journey!
Describe your book in only ten words.
Fast-paced, lively, captivating, complex, deep, new, romantic, funny and creative.
Can you tell us more about The Raie’Chaelia?
It is the first of a trilogy and part a larger plot that is revealed later on.
Do you have any other projects going on?
A ton - I am adapting a screenplay from my novel and working on book 2 and 3 of this trilogy, The Legend of the Raie'Chaelia. I also have notes already written for three other books I want to write after this project is done.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Write what you love. Don't write to the market. If you write what you love, your readers will be able to tell and they will love it too. Also, do a lot of research into how you want to publish once you have your first novel written. There are pros and cons to both traditional and indie publishing. I chose indie because it satsified my own personal characteristics.
Just For Fun Questions:
Why does the Easter bunny carry eggs?
I actually know the answer to this, at least the answer that most people believe. Rabbits and eggs are the symbols for fertility and new life. Originally, Easter was a pagan holiday named after the Saxon fertilty goddess "Eastre" where people celebrated the spring and new life after a long, dead winter.
Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
I think I know the answer to this one, too. =o) One of my favorite pastimes, besides writing, is cooking. Whenever I cook a pizza, I use a baking peel to remove it from the oven. In order to place a freshly-cooked pizza into a box with a baking peel, the box must be square or else you will never be able to slide the pizza in. It would never work with a round box.
Do you have a pet?
Yes, I have an English Coonhound. His name is Copper. He is quite a character.
Favourite drink
Wine.
Favourite book?
Whichever one I am currently reading. At this time, it happens to be the Hunger Games.
Favourite author?
Robert Jordan
Favourite…anything?
Writing, reading, cooking, and swimming.
Contest - Free e-reader or $100 gift certificate
Enter a drawing and win a free e-reader of your choice or a $100 gift certificate to your favorite store by answering the following question:
What is the name of Melissa's Pet?
To answer the question go to this link and fill in the information (place answer in Message field): http://melissadouthit.com/contact-me-2/ Contest ends September 10, 2011. Winner will be announced September 12th on Melissa Douthit's Blog.
"It's almost as if this world I am writing about exists somewhere on it's own"
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it is a second world that only you know about and now you are sharing it. Cool!
It's always great to hear how different authors come up with their stories. I sometimes get ideas from dreams as well :)
ReplyDelete