If you follow my Twitter feed (and if you don't, why aren't you?), you will probably have noticed a tweet I made yesterday, October 14, regarding a "mysterious email" I received. Naturally a few people on Twitter were curious to know what it said. At the time I couldn't say for a couple of reasons....
1. I needed time to think it over.
2. I needed time to check it out for legitimacy purposes.
3. I needed time to respond and receive confirmation of my response.
4. I wanted to build the suspense until it was palpable...until the tension was so tight that the slightest pressure would make it snap like a hundred dollar toy in the hands of a three-year-old on Christmas morning.
Well, the wait is over. All of my criteria have been met. Therefore I can spill the beans about the email:
I was contacted yesterday by the special events coordinator for the Mobile County library. She had a request from a local middle school teacher for an author to help with a special project for her 6th grade class. I was recommended for the project by my friend and mentor Carolyn Haines. After checking on the project and thinking it over, I gladly accepted the invitation.
What is this special project? I will be meeting with the 6th grade class and helping their teacher to judge entries for a "Make a Book" Contest. I'm both excited and honored to be asked to participate, even in a small way, with this event.
As the youngest child in a family of teachers, I believe education, creativity, and literacy are vital. The "Make a Book" Contest combines all three and any time I can give back to the community and encourage the next generation of authors and artists, I will gladly do so.
So there you have it. That's my "mysterious email." Pretty cool, huh?
Showing posts with label Carolyn Haines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carolyn Haines. Show all posts
Friday, October 15, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Delta Blues and Close Encounters of the Famous Kind
Forgetting for the moment that I'm under a crushing deadline to deliver the sequel to BLOOD LAW, I ran off to the Mississippi Delta for a weekend of debauchery with a bunch of writer friends.
The drive up was interesting in that Mark, my Official Marketing Genius (O.M.G.), and I were in
our new "tour bus." Yes, that is indeed a Smart car. In fact, it's Mark's every day, drive to work and putter around town car, but he had a special "wrap" applied just for me and BLOOD LAW. (Ain't he sweet? And, yes, that's the original book cover on the car. We'll swap for the new soon.) After making a few wrong turns, getting lost, and finding B.F. Egypt, MS (yes, there is a town in northwestern Mississippi named Egypt), we finally arrived at our destination: Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS.
GZBC played host to the DELTA BLUES mystery anthology launch party, aka Writer's Weekend of Debauchery. However, before the
real party started, Mark and I met up with our friends Michelle and Alexis for a birthday celebration dinner in Mark's honor on Friday night. We headed over to Madidi, a restuarant also owned by Morgan Freeman, (Are you sensing a theme here?) and had a great time with great food. If you ever have an opportunity to eat at Madidi, order the garden spinach and parmesan risotto with the tempura shrimp. Out...of...this...world...good!
Saturday was a day of walking around downtown Clarksdale and taking in the sights. Of course, some of the best sights were in GZBC itself. Where else will you see this sort of decor?
Yes, the patrons are encouraged to write on the tables, the walls, windows, blinds, curtains, and just about any other available surface. Thousands of people have left their names and notes behind. I even added my own name to the wall upstairs outside of the apartments.
Saturday was also the day the winners of the Delta Youth Writing Contest were announced. (Congrats to all of them!) On hand to extend his own congratulations to the winners was none other than Morgan Freeman! Squeee! Yes, I was in the same room as "god." Unfortunately, I wasn't able to actually meet him. (Photo of Mr. Freeman and Carolyn Haines with DELTA BLUES anthology snagged from Carolyn's Facebook page. Like I said, I wasn't able to get this close. He was long gone by the time I was able to get through the book sale line. *pout*) Following the awards ceremony, anthology contributors signed copies of the DELTA BLUES with $1 of all proceeds from the sale of DELTA BLUES benefiting the Rock River Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping the arts and literacy in the Delta. (Books are available in hardcover, paperback, and limited edition versions. If you were unable to make it to the launch party, please know that you can still help as $1 for each book sold will be donated.)
Saturday night began the true debauchery when the Blues Muse Band took the stage at GZBC. Made up of anthology contributors, the Blues Muse rocked the house. They even had groupies! Band members were:
Michael Utley—keyboard
Nathan Singer—guitar and vocals
Michael Lister—drums
Daniel Martine—guitar and vocals
David Sheffield—harmonica
Lynne Barrett—vocals
Charlaine Harris—back-up
Carolyn Haines—back-up
Alice Jackson—playing the box
Mary Saums—bass and vocals
Toni Kelner—vocals
The entire weekend was a blast! Thanks to Carolyn Haines for inviting me to come hang out with a bunch of great writers. It was much needed down time, and now it's back to work on the BLOOD LAW sequel! Wheeeeeee!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Carolyn Haines
Q: Let's start with a question you've most likely faced in the past. You've worked in multiple genres and published numerous books. To date, how many books have you published?
Close to 60. I write what I like to read, and I read a lot of different kinds of books.
Q: I love the Sarah Booth Delaney series, aka the "Bones" books. When and how did you first "come up with" the idea for Sarah Booth Delaney, Jitty, and all the wonderful characters who populate Zinnia, Mississippi?
I'd finished TOUCHED, and I had that luxury of thinking of a new project. I was sitting in my chair and I heard these two characters bickering. I listened and began to see the characters. It was Sarah Booth and Jitty. I wasn't sure what kind of book they might be in, but I knew I had to write about them.
Q: The "Bones" books are written in first person, from Sarah Booth's point of view. What made you decide to write her story in first person as opposed to third person?
I wish I could say I "chose" 1st person, but it just happened that way. I was in Sarah Booth's head. So the "I" was a natural choice.
Q: What advantages do you think first person POV gives an author and what are some of the disadvantages?
I think 1st person gives a writer a terrific platform for creating a unique and compelling voice. It allows to reader to share, intensely, the thoughts and feelings of the "I" character. In a mystery, particularly one with an amateur sleuth, the reader shares the exploration of evidence and events, so that the reader knows what the character knows. The disadvantage is that it's difficult to get in thoughts from other characters. It can be done, but it's more difficult to do well.
Q: Some of your books - PENUMBRA and FEVER MOON, for example - are written in third person. Do you find it difficult to switch between first and third person works? Do you have a preference for first or third person POV?
It depends on the book. Penumbra and Fever Moon would be totally different books if done in 1st person. To explore the issues and the characters the way I wanted to, I had to use third person. I love both, but I think perhaps 1st person is a more natural choice for me. I work harder for 3rd.
Q: Often the point of view affects the plot and vice versa. Some authors plot their stories out in advance while others prefer a more organic process. Do you plot out the major turning points or do you follow the organic philosophy and allow the story to evolve on its own?
In a mystery, it's smarter to plot out the major turning points. I do this, though I'm not very good at writing a synopsis. I prefer the organic approach, but that can get a writer in a lot of trouble, especially in a mystery or thriller.
Q: WISHBONES, the latest edition to Sarah Booth's adventures, is the eighth book in the series. As the series progresses, do you find it harder to sustain the character arc for Sarah Booth and her friends? Did you even have a set arc planned when you first began the series?
Because writers live or die by book sales, it's difficult to plan for a certain number of books in a series. I've been very fortunate with the Bones books. I'm working on the 9th one now. If my sales are good, I'll be offered another contract, and I already have ideas for future books. The characters in this series often surprise me with their personal growth and revelations. And sometimes they throw me for a loop. I think, like friends, these characters grow at their own pace.
Q: In addition to being a prolific writer, you also teach creative writing at the University of South Alabama. Other writers also have jobs outside of publishing. Do you find that the two often create conflicting schedules? If so, how do you manage your time so as not to "drop the ball" in either area?
It's probably going to sound corny, but I'm deeply invested in my students. Some of them (like you, Jeannie!) are greatly talented, and it's an honor to work with them as they learn how to craft their stories. Writing and teaching are both professions that require sacrifice. It does get complicated when I have students with thesis defenses coming up, and my own book deadlines conflict. But I juggle both duties and do my best to give my students the time and attention they deserve.
Q: You recently learned that you're a recipient of a 2009 Richard Wright Award in Literary Excellence. (Congratulations!) For readers who may not be aware of the Richard Wright Award, could you tell us a little something about how the recipients are chosen and who are some of the past recipients?
Writers are chosen for this award based on the body of work they've completed. Other winners are Eudora Welty, Willie Morris, Ellen Douglas, John Grisham (in fiction) Bill Minor (in journalism), among others.
Q: What was your initial reaction to learning the news?
Both Mississippi and Alabama have a strong hold on my heart. I write mostly about Mississippi, because my childhood is there, and I grew up wandering the fields and woods of that state. I was deeply honored by this award, which recognizes my work in my home state. To be included with such writers--writers that I'm in awe of--is exciting and terrifying.
Q: Who would you say was/is the greatest inspiration to you, as a writer, and why?
A writer I greatly admire, for his talent and his humanity, is James Lee Burke. Throughout my life, I've been fortunate to discover wonderful writers. I was a reader long before I decided to try to write. So my list would be extensive, from Carolyn Keene (multiple authors) who wrote the Nancy Drew mysteries to John Irving, Flannery O'Connor, Eudora Welty...my goodness, I could go on for days. And each for a different reason.
Q: What has been the single greatest piece of advice you've been given,regarding writing, and by whom?
Write everyday. Write whether you feel like it or not. Write because you can't stop yourself from writing. Because if you can stop, then find another profession.And this is a compilation of advice from numerous writers.
Q: Last question - Is there any parting wisdom or advice you'd like to give to aspiring authors?
The story is a gift to you. Honor it above all else. Hone your skills with language, but never let the language become more important than the story.
Close to 60. I write what I like to read, and I read a lot of different kinds of books.
Q: I love the Sarah Booth Delaney series, aka the "Bones" books. When and how did you first "come up with" the idea for Sarah Booth Delaney, Jitty, and all the wonderful characters who populate Zinnia, Mississippi?
I'd finished TOUCHED, and I had that luxury of thinking of a new project. I was sitting in my chair and I heard these two characters bickering. I listened and began to see the characters. It was Sarah Booth and Jitty. I wasn't sure what kind of book they might be in, but I knew I had to write about them.
Q: The "Bones" books are written in first person, from Sarah Booth's point of view. What made you decide to write her story in first person as opposed to third person?
I wish I could say I "chose" 1st person, but it just happened that way. I was in Sarah Booth's head. So the "I" was a natural choice.
Q: What advantages do you think first person POV gives an author and what are some of the disadvantages?
I think 1st person gives a writer a terrific platform for creating a unique and compelling voice. It allows to reader to share, intensely, the thoughts and feelings of the "I" character. In a mystery, particularly one with an amateur sleuth, the reader shares the exploration of evidence and events, so that the reader knows what the character knows. The disadvantage is that it's difficult to get in thoughts from other characters. It can be done, but it's more difficult to do well.
Q: Some of your books - PENUMBRA and FEVER MOON, for example - are written in third person. Do you find it difficult to switch between first and third person works? Do you have a preference for first or third person POV?
It depends on the book. Penumbra and Fever Moon would be totally different books if done in 1st person. To explore the issues and the characters the way I wanted to, I had to use third person. I love both, but I think perhaps 1st person is a more natural choice for me. I work harder for 3rd.
Q: Often the point of view affects the plot and vice versa. Some authors plot their stories out in advance while others prefer a more organic process. Do you plot out the major turning points or do you follow the organic philosophy and allow the story to evolve on its own?
In a mystery, it's smarter to plot out the major turning points. I do this, though I'm not very good at writing a synopsis. I prefer the organic approach, but that can get a writer in a lot of trouble, especially in a mystery or thriller.
Q: WISHBONES, the latest edition to Sarah Booth's adventures, is the eighth book in the series. As the series progresses, do you find it harder to sustain the character arc for Sarah Booth and her friends? Did you even have a set arc planned when you first began the series?
Because writers live or die by book sales, it's difficult to plan for a certain number of books in a series. I've been very fortunate with the Bones books. I'm working on the 9th one now. If my sales are good, I'll be offered another contract, and I already have ideas for future books. The characters in this series often surprise me with their personal growth and revelations. And sometimes they throw me for a loop. I think, like friends, these characters grow at their own pace.
Q: In addition to being a prolific writer, you also teach creative writing at the University of South Alabama. Other writers also have jobs outside of publishing. Do you find that the two often create conflicting schedules? If so, how do you manage your time so as not to "drop the ball" in either area?
It's probably going to sound corny, but I'm deeply invested in my students. Some of them (like you, Jeannie!) are greatly talented, and it's an honor to work with them as they learn how to craft their stories. Writing and teaching are both professions that require sacrifice. It does get complicated when I have students with thesis defenses coming up, and my own book deadlines conflict. But I juggle both duties and do my best to give my students the time and attention they deserve.
Q: You recently learned that you're a recipient of a 2009 Richard Wright Award in Literary Excellence. (Congratulations!) For readers who may not be aware of the Richard Wright Award, could you tell us a little something about how the recipients are chosen and who are some of the past recipients?
Writers are chosen for this award based on the body of work they've completed. Other winners are Eudora Welty, Willie Morris, Ellen Douglas, John Grisham (in fiction) Bill Minor (in journalism), among others.
Q: What was your initial reaction to learning the news?
Both Mississippi and Alabama have a strong hold on my heart. I write mostly about Mississippi, because my childhood is there, and I grew up wandering the fields and woods of that state. I was deeply honored by this award, which recognizes my work in my home state. To be included with such writers--writers that I'm in awe of--is exciting and terrifying.
Q: Who would you say was/is the greatest inspiration to you, as a writer, and why?
A writer I greatly admire, for his talent and his humanity, is James Lee Burke. Throughout my life, I've been fortunate to discover wonderful writers. I was a reader long before I decided to try to write. So my list would be extensive, from Carolyn Keene (multiple authors) who wrote the Nancy Drew mysteries to John Irving, Flannery O'Connor, Eudora Welty...my goodness, I could go on for days. And each for a different reason.
Q: What has been the single greatest piece of advice you've been given,regarding writing, and by whom?
Write everyday. Write whether you feel like it or not. Write because you can't stop yourself from writing. Because if you can stop, then find another profession.And this is a compilation of advice from numerous writers.
Q: Last question - Is there any parting wisdom or advice you'd like to give to aspiring authors?
The story is a gift to you. Honor it above all else. Hone your skills with language, but never let the language become more important than the story.
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