I’ve always wanted to write. The first story I remember writing was when I was five years old and since I couldn’t spell yet, I had to have my grandmother write it down for me. Believe it or not, the story was about a vampire! (I was a big Dark Shadows fan in pre-school!) In junior high and high school I wrote to amuse my friends, and I kept on writing in college and grad school. Some of what I wrote was fan fiction, and eventually I began to create my own worlds and characters. It was a long road after that, but it was worth the wait.
It is often said that good writers are avid readers. Do you agree and, if so, what are your reading habits/what do you read?
It’s certainly true for me. I read over 100 books last year, and that’s with a full schedule of writing and speaking. Since I write epic fantasy, I really don’t read much epic fantasy now, although I read a lot of it growing up. For a change of pace, I’ve been reading urban fantasy, some steampunk, and a good bit of paranormal mystery.
If you could meet any two individuals, the first a historical figure and the second being a fictional character, who would they be and why?
As for a historical character, I know it’s rather recent history, but Walt Disney is one of my heroes because of his creativity and imagination and the way he used his gifts to bring so much joy to people. As for a fictional character, I might not survive it, but I’d love to meet Lestat from Anne Rice’s series.
Thinking back to one or more of your English/Language Arts teachers, where were they on target in preparing you to be a writer and where might they have been a bit off?
I had a marvelous Folklore professor in college, the late Dr. Hilda Kring. She was a fantastic influence on me. To tell the truth, I tended to shy away from English and Language Arts because I wanted to write, not dissect how other writers wrote. And I figured I could read books for free on my own time with Cliff Notes rather than spend tuition money to read them. I was a History major in my undergraduate program. The teachers who made the biggest impact on me were my History professors.
What do you struggle with most as a writer and how do you overcome it?
Although I really don’t have a problem with focusing any other time, when I’m writing I have to fight the urge to be totally ADD. I’ll get stuck on a section of my writing, and suddenly want to jump out and Google something unrelated or check the news—anything for a distraction. There’s a story about a writer who kept finding ways to put off writing and finally told someone, “I should be writing but I have to floss my cat.” So when I find myself going ADD I just tell myself that it’s time to stop flossing the cat and get back to work.
Of your works in print (or coming into print) which bears your favorite cover and why? Which comes in second?
Besides reading and writing, what else occupies your time?
I have three kids, a husband and a dog, and I also own a marketing consulting firm and write non-fiction books on social media and related topics, and I do a lot of professional speaking. Once in a while I get to sleep.
As we’re coming to the end of our interview, is there anything you’d like to say or add?
I do a lot of conventions and I hope that some of your readers will connect with me at one of the cons. It’s great to meet readers and just talk with people who also love books and the characters in the books. And of course, if one of your readers hasn’t tried my books, I hope they’ll jump in and give it a shot. Thank you so much.
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Note: This interview is part of a larger internet event so, in addition to the interivew, check out the information below!
Welcome to the 2012 Hawthorn Moon Sneak Peek of The Dread!
Still reeling from plague and civil war, the Winter Kingdoms face an invasion force from across the Northern Sea led my a dark spirit mage in the name of ancient, vanquished gods. Summoner-King Martris Drayke and an untested generation of new rulers must stand against an unholy alliance of shadowy invaders. To prevail, Drayke must win the uncertain support of the Dread, spirit-beings that stand guard within the sacred barrows over an even more fearsome threat imprisoned within. In the balance lies not only the freedom of the Winter Kingdoms, but Drayke’s life and the soul of his young son, whose untested magic might be the biggest spoil of war.
The Dread will be available in stores and online world-wide in February, 2012. But you can read excerpts, see the amazing new cover art, get exclusive Q&A interviews and other online goodies by visiting my web page at http://www.chroniclesofthenecromancer.com/ and checking out the partner sites that have graciously agreed to post material and host book drawings.
Here’s where to find the goodies:
OrbitBooks.net —First look at the cover art for The Dread plus a Q&A with Tris Drayke.
SFSignal.com —Contest to win a free autographed copy of The Sworn plus an exclusive excerpt from The Dread and an exclusive excerpt from The Dread
BookLoons.com —Three times is a charm—get lucky and win a free autographed copy of The Sworn!
http://epheros.livejournal.com/ —Can a female author write a believable male character? Can a mortal write a believable undead, or shapeshifting creature? Read my exclusive blog post and find out!
Twitter.com/GailZMartin —Get the first look at Chapter 1 of The Dread on my Twitter feed before it posts to my web site
Facebook.com/WinterKingdoms —Another exclusive excerpt from The Dread plus an interview with Jonmarc Vahanian (Please “like” the page while you’re there!)
DisquietingVisions.com —Are magical objects a cheat? Find out what I think in my special blog post!
http://uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com/ –All-new Q&A with me talking about writing, passion and the love of magic.
GhostInTheMachinePodcast.com —Brand new audio of me reading an excerpt from The Dread
MySpace (GailZMartin) and my Chronicles of The Necromancer newsletter—an interview with Adaine, the Ghost Whore
And on my ChroniclesOfTheNecromancer.com web site, you’ll find the following “party favors”:
• An interview with Kiara, Queen of Margolan
• An all-new author video message with hints about the new series after The Dread!
Thank you for checking out my Hawthorn Moon sneak peek party. Enjoy!
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Oh, that is a beautiful cover! I am now going to employ the phrase "flossing the cat" on a regular basis. =) Great interview.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Love the cover of Dark Haven.
ReplyDeleteInteresting interview. Your series of author interviews provide encouragement and hope for those of us who are still struggling in the craft. In this one, I appreciate knowing that I'm not alone wrestling with writer-ADD, although I must say, I've never been tempted to floss a cat.
ReplyDelete