Today we have a special guest, Christee Gabour Atwood. Christee is a multi-talented creative woman whose attributes run a large gauntlet. Some of her professional titles are:
Radio and Television Host
Newspaper Columnist
Association Executive
Certified Corporate Trainer
Master Facilitator
Public Relations Director
College Faculty
Advertising Director
Universal Studios Tour Guide
Editor/Publisher
Lobbyist
Volunteer Coordinator
Stand-up comic
Convention Planner
Actress
Corporate & Non-profit Consultant
Festival Coordinator
Entertainer in the unemployment line
She likes to think of it as career-induced ADD.
EDBB: Welcome to my blog Christee. It's a pleasure to have you here.
CGA: Thanks! It’s a pleasure being ‘had’ here… Well, you know what I mean.
EDBB: You have so many creative attributes, how do you decide which to focus on and when?
CGA: Ack! You’ve hit upon my greatest challenge right there. I have difficulty narrowing my projects down to work on one thing at a time.
I’ve had to incorporate the system of hiding all other shiny objects from myself while I’m working on a project. I’ve even created a separate desktop on my computer so that I only have the one file I’m working on visible and all the other folders are neatly out of sight.
I believe if I were a little better focused, I’d be more successful, but having the attention span of an over-caffeinated gnat has kept life really interesting for me.
EDBB: What affect do all your projects have on your home life? Does your family support you in your multi-faceted career?
CGA: I don’t have any children, thank goodness. Those poor kids would never have a clean pair of underwear…
My husband and my pets support me whole-heartedly. And yes, I end up traveling quite a bit, so that my dog actually barked at me one time when I came home. The hard part is that husband always gets the “exhausted me”, while everyone else gets the “awake me”.
It also means that I have pet dust bunnies in my home, plastic containers in my refrigerator that I’m scared to open, and the artistic statement of “fur” on my ceiling fans.
But all of that is part of what makes me individual … an individual whose house no one comes to visit … but an interesting one nonetheless…
EDBB: Which of your hats do you enjoy wearing the most and why?
CGA: I love alternating between the solitude of writing and the exhilaration of performing. It’s the best of both worlds. I also get to see the immediate impact of my words and that helps me continue to develop my skills.
EDBB: Of your 19 plus careers, which do you spend the most time on? And why?
CGA: Right now, I spend the most time on seminars and training. It makes Mr. Electricity Bill very happy. It’s also really rewarding to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. I love helping people become stronger communicators.
But it’s funny how that has transferred into my writing career. My three books that are coming out right now are based on that training. They’re business and training books, Succession Planning Basics, Presentation Skills Training, and Manager Skills Training. And they are written from the experiences I’ve had working with people in those seminars.
EDBB: How did you breach the Radio and Television World to become a Host? A Newspaper Columnist, a Tour guide for Universal Studios?
CGA: I’ve got to tell you – radio is the best place to work on your communication skills. It teaches you to use the ABCs: Accurate, Brief, and Clear. It was that ability which allowed me to move into all the other careers that I’ve had.
In radio, I concentrated on the spoken word. In television, I was able to practice presentation skills. And those skills made me stronger in getting messages across. Every career I’ve had is just practicing that in different settings.
EDBB: Just how did you entertain all those out-of-work people in the unemployment line, and did the "powers that be" offer to pay you for your time?
CGA That was when I developed the first material for my stand-up comedy act. And I made almost as much money as I did in stand-up comedy.
In other words, I didn’t make a thing. Darn. But honestly, I’ll do anything for a captive audience. Don’t ever get stuck in an airplane seat next to me.
EDBB: The title(s) of your books are an inspiration. How did you come up with them?
CGA: Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis was actually a collaborative effort between the publisher and me. The editors there were all fans of the show “Six Feet Under”. However, the show was canceled at the same time my book came out.
I’ve always had good timing like that. My first humor book came out the week of September 11th. My second came out around the time of Hurricane Katrina. I don’t think my publisher wants me to put out another humor book. They’re scared of what might happen.
My titles always choose themselves. They usually include something that frustrates me and the twist that allows me to laugh at it. Like the upcoming sequel to Three Feet Under is In Celebration of Elastic Waistbands. It just represents where I am in my life.
EDBB: Can you tell us what your exact thoughts were at that moment in time when that blue-eyed young man called you "Ma'am"? Or, do you consider that information Top Secret?
CGA: No secrets here. I was heartbroken. I thought I was going to be “Mrs. Robinson” in The Graduate. Instead I was Mrs. Kravitz in Bewitched.
EDBB: How long did it take you to write this novel? And why did you decide to write this particular one?
CGA: It took 45 years. It was a conglomeration of thoughts and columns I had been writing for years. I actually sat down to write it after getting “spayed”. After my hysterectomy I had to sit still for a few weeks and was terribly bored, except for those moments of excitement and cursing that accompanied a sneeze. I put it together during that time. The book was even funnier to me while I was still taking the pain killers…
Why? I just liked the idea of embarrassing myself publicly and making people realize that it was okay to admit that we are a bundle of insecurities, a mass of conflicting thoughts, and more than a little confused. I enjoyed realizing that all the mistakes I’ve made in life have added up to me being the person I am today. And that person is not half-bad, so I guess they weren’t such terrible mistakes after all.
EDBB: Given your heavy schedule why did you decide to add writing to your resume?
CGA: I’ve been writing since childhood, when my parents owned a small weekly newspaper and I took my naps in the bottom drawer of the file cabinet. It’s been more natural to me than speaking ever since they gave me my first black cast iron Royal typewriter and I set up office in the hot water heater closet at home.
The written word is incredible. It allows us to create our own world where we decide the weather. It allows us to be the hero and the villain. It makes us think beyond what exists and ask, “What if?” And that “what if” is the best start to anything we’ll ever write.
EDBB: How much time do you spend writing your books? How does this adversely impact on your other professional careers?
CGA: I write a few hours every day. Some of it makes it into my books. The rest is filed away for future projects. There’s no such thing as wasted writing! And there’s no time for concepts like writer’s block. If you’re a taxi driver, you hit the road. If you’re a maid, you clean things. If you’re a writer, you throw words at a piece of paper. Some of them stick.
Quite often a lesson from my professional career makes it into my writing and vice versa, so these careers actually positively impact each other. And, with my short attention span, it works well for me to have a number of things to work on available to me at any given time.
Have you ever noticed that, when you have only one thing to do in a day, it takes all day to do it? If you have lots to do, you get each thing done more quickly? That principle works well works for me…
EDBB: If you weren't writing books, what would you prefer to be doing instead? Which of your many "hats" would you prefer to wear all the time?
CGA: I have to admit, I don’t want to do anything other than what I’m doing. I love writing and speaking with people. The opportunity to do those two things for a living is my dream life. Of course, I wouldn’t mind having a little financial security, but I feel that enjoying the basic four food groups and indoor plumbing are somewhat overrated in the big scheme of things.
EDBB: Thank you Christee for visiting my blog today. It was a pleasure getting to know you. Congratulations on your career, you are an inspiration to all of us.
CGA: Thanks so much. It’s been fun! And my career, which is just a work in progress, is better because I get to visit with people like you!
Showing posts with label Pump Up Your Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pump Up Your Books. Show all posts
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Nikki Leigh Guests on Elena Dorothy Bowman's Book Blog
Today, I would like to welcome my special guest Nikki Leigh, a very enterprising and talented woman, to my blog. Nikki is the author of Lady Lightkeeper, the second book in the Misty Cove Chronicles. Among other avenues she is engaged in, Nikki is also an astute business woman who has written several non-fiction books under her real name Shri Henkel.
EDBB: Welcome to the elenadorothybowmansbookblogspot.com Nikki. It's a pleasure to have you here.
Nikki: Thank you for inviting me.
EDBB: Would you like to tell us about yourself…I understand you have a myriad of interests and programs that keep you hopping.
Nikki: I’m a fulltime freelancer. This includes writing and promotional work for various clients. I handle bookkeeping for six businesses. I own one business and am a partner in a home improvement business (I’m also a licensed contractor in the state of Virginia). My 1st book was released in January 2006 and my 12th is scheduled for release later this year. The vast majority of those were written in the last two years. In addition, I just finished my seventh ghostwriting project. I’m also the founder of the Readers Station which is a website and message board where readers and authors can connect.
EDBB: Would you like to tell us about your book… Lady Lightkeeper and how it came about?
Nikki: Lady Lightkeeper is the second book in the historic Misty Cove Chronicles. It’s the continuation of Lizbeth Sullivan Kinsey’s story. But, each book can be read individually. The first book, Widow’s Walk, started with a story idea I got from a picture that hangs in my living room. That picture gave me the idea of starting the story on the widow’s walk and it gave me a rough idea for a time period. Originally, this was going to be one book, but the story grew and grew as I was brainstorming ideas. The main brainstorming happened on a trip from Virginia to Florida for my brother’s wedding. We actually were brainstorming so well, that I missed a turn and we went about 40 miles too far before getting back on track. Then two of us brainstormed by the hotel pool one evening. There was just so much more of Lizbeth’s story that I wanted to tell – and its not over.
EDBB: Where did you get the idea to write Lady Lightkeeper?
Nikki: I’ve done extensive research about Cape Ann and I got some great ideas when I read about the history of the area. When I was in Cape Ann, I took a picture of this -www.alamy.com/stock_photography/2/1/Charlie+Borland/A5EAAA.html. Then one day I discovered the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association (http://www.gfwa.org/) and the memorial. The first time I saw this (http://www.gfwa.org/memorial/statue.html) I immediately thought of Lizbeth and her children. I think people will understand the connection when they read the book. The women of Cape Ann had to be strong and the children faced a lot of loss in their young lives. I actually dedicated Lady Lightkeeper to these women. This is a quote from the dedication –
Lady Lightkeeper is dedicated to the strong women of the Cape Ann coast who supported their men and cared for their families and the community. I worked to create a character in Lizbeth Kinsey who reflects this spirit. I should also add that the characters in this story are not based on any specific individuals, but my hope is that they embody the spirit, resilience and determination of the Cape Ann community.
EDBB: What got you interested in writing about lighthouses and light keepers?
Nikki: I’ve been fascinated with lighthouses for years and I’ve always loved the ocean. My earliest memories of the beach were when I was three and hurricane Camille was nearing the coast. As I learned more about lighthouses, I started learning about the lifesaving service and my fascination continued to grow. History, the ocean, lighthouses and architecture are some of my favorite things and my stories incorporate all of those interests. More and more people have become interested in lighthouses, but I joke that I was into lighthouses before the masses got on board.
EDBB: You live in Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, yet your books the Misty Cove Chronicles are based on Cape Ann in Massachusetts? Why did you choose this setting instead of the mountains for your series?
Nikki: I knew people say we should write about the things we know, but I enjoy research. I’ve had the idea for the contemporary Misty Cove story for many years, but I couldn’t figure out where to set the story. Cape Cod seemed like a possibility, but after visiting the area, I knew that wouldn’t work. On the same trip, my brother and I took a day to visit Cape Ann. I heard about the area because The Perfect Storm came out that summer at the theatres and of course, I read the book. It sounded like an interesting area and I insisted that we visit while we were close. We got to Gloucester and I just felt like it was the right place for my first story. I incorporated a lot of my main character’s family history in that story and when Stormy View was finished, I got the idea to actually write the history of her family. Widow’s Walk began and it continues in Lady Lightkeeper. Besides, there aren’t any lighthouses in the mountains – I had to move my stories to the coast. (As a side note, my other fiction series is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and I know that area very well.)
EDBB: How many visits did you make to Cape Ann to flesh out your series?
Nikki: I’ve only been to Cape Ann once on a trip to Cape Cod with my brother in 2001. But, I’ve also done a lot of research and have an extensive Cape Ann and lighthouse library in my office.
EDBB: What was so fascinating about Lighthouses in Cape Ann, Massachusetts that caused you to use them as the setting for your stories?
Nikki: As I mentioned above the history of the area caught my imagination and the story took off from there.
EDBB: In this series, which of the characters did you find difficult to portray, the one easiest?
Nikki: I do a lot of work to create my characters before I start to write and I find this makes it easier to get into their mind. I actually have a couple of characters who narrate the story. Lizbeth tells the majority of the story from her point of view and her best friend and supporter, Sara, tells most of the remaining story. A couple of scenes are told from Abigail Westley’s point of view.
Lizbeth and Sara are very easy to write. Ida, the villain, is a lot of fun to write. Abigail is probably one character that I had difficulty writing. She is a good hearted person, but she has a lot of prejudices that come to the fore in various situations. Those attitudes also stir up trouble with Lizbeth on a regular basis.
EDBB: What advise would you give a fledgling writer? Why?
Nikki: Stick with your dream and work hard to stay positive. It’s a tough profession, but its worth all the work when you hold your books in your hand. Continue to work to hone your skills. I let my own doubts and the doubts of other people stop me from writing for years. Finally, I got past those concerns and I can’t imagine not writing.
EDBB: What was it that caused you to want to become a writer?
Nikki: I’m not sure I know the answer to that question. I started freelancing fulltime to earn money, but my fiction is more a labor of love. There have always been ideas for characters and stories in my mind – my writing gives me a chance to delve further into their stories and to share them with others.
EDBB: Thank you Nikki for visiting my blog. Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Nikki: Nikki has offered the following for all who join her in her tour.
Each person who buys a copy of Lady Lightkeeper, needs to email me a copy of their receipt. I just need a receipt that shows you bought a copy of Lady Lightkeeper and I'll enter you in the drawing for a copy of Widow's Walk. That seemed like a good giveaway since the story starts with Widow's Walk. However, if the winner already has a copy of Widow's Walk, I'll be happy to send a copy of Lilah and the Locket instead.
In addition, each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog stops will be entered in a separate giveaway. Each comment will be entered in the drawing and at the end of the month, one person will win a copy of Lady Lightkeeper. Again, if the winner bought the book already, I'll send them another book as a prize. Any questions, let me know. nikki-leigh@excite.com.
Note: Cape Ann is also the location my novels, the Sarah's Landing Series, is set in. It is amazing that two people who never met before and do not live anywhere near each other have used the same lighthouse for their books. It really is a small world. Elena Dorothy Bowman
EDBB: Welcome to the elenadorothybowmansbookblogspot.com Nikki. It's a pleasure to have you here.
Nikki: Thank you for inviting me.
EDBB: Would you like to tell us about yourself…I understand you have a myriad of interests and programs that keep you hopping.
Nikki: I’m a fulltime freelancer. This includes writing and promotional work for various clients. I handle bookkeeping for six businesses. I own one business and am a partner in a home improvement business (I’m also a licensed contractor in the state of Virginia). My 1st book was released in January 2006 and my 12th is scheduled for release later this year. The vast majority of those were written in the last two years. In addition, I just finished my seventh ghostwriting project. I’m also the founder of the Readers Station which is a website and message board where readers and authors can connect.
EDBB: Would you like to tell us about your book… Lady Lightkeeper and how it came about?
Nikki: Lady Lightkeeper is the second book in the historic Misty Cove Chronicles. It’s the continuation of Lizbeth Sullivan Kinsey’s story. But, each book can be read individually. The first book, Widow’s Walk, started with a story idea I got from a picture that hangs in my living room. That picture gave me the idea of starting the story on the widow’s walk and it gave me a rough idea for a time period. Originally, this was going to be one book, but the story grew and grew as I was brainstorming ideas. The main brainstorming happened on a trip from Virginia to Florida for my brother’s wedding. We actually were brainstorming so well, that I missed a turn and we went about 40 miles too far before getting back on track. Then two of us brainstormed by the hotel pool one evening. There was just so much more of Lizbeth’s story that I wanted to tell – and its not over.
EDBB: Where did you get the idea to write Lady Lightkeeper?
Nikki: I’ve done extensive research about Cape Ann and I got some great ideas when I read about the history of the area. When I was in Cape Ann, I took a picture of this -www.alamy.com/stock_photography/2/1/Charlie+Borland/A5EAAA.html. Then one day I discovered the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association (http://www.gfwa.org/) and the memorial. The first time I saw this (http://www.gfwa.org/memorial/statue.html) I immediately thought of Lizbeth and her children. I think people will understand the connection when they read the book. The women of Cape Ann had to be strong and the children faced a lot of loss in their young lives. I actually dedicated Lady Lightkeeper to these women. This is a quote from the dedication –
Lady Lightkeeper is dedicated to the strong women of the Cape Ann coast who supported their men and cared for their families and the community. I worked to create a character in Lizbeth Kinsey who reflects this spirit. I should also add that the characters in this story are not based on any specific individuals, but my hope is that they embody the spirit, resilience and determination of the Cape Ann community.
EDBB: What got you interested in writing about lighthouses and light keepers?
Nikki: I’ve been fascinated with lighthouses for years and I’ve always loved the ocean. My earliest memories of the beach were when I was three and hurricane Camille was nearing the coast. As I learned more about lighthouses, I started learning about the lifesaving service and my fascination continued to grow. History, the ocean, lighthouses and architecture are some of my favorite things and my stories incorporate all of those interests. More and more people have become interested in lighthouses, but I joke that I was into lighthouses before the masses got on board.
EDBB: You live in Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, yet your books the Misty Cove Chronicles are based on Cape Ann in Massachusetts? Why did you choose this setting instead of the mountains for your series?
Nikki: I knew people say we should write about the things we know, but I enjoy research. I’ve had the idea for the contemporary Misty Cove story for many years, but I couldn’t figure out where to set the story. Cape Cod seemed like a possibility, but after visiting the area, I knew that wouldn’t work. On the same trip, my brother and I took a day to visit Cape Ann. I heard about the area because The Perfect Storm came out that summer at the theatres and of course, I read the book. It sounded like an interesting area and I insisted that we visit while we were close. We got to Gloucester and I just felt like it was the right place for my first story. I incorporated a lot of my main character’s family history in that story and when Stormy View was finished, I got the idea to actually write the history of her family. Widow’s Walk began and it continues in Lady Lightkeeper. Besides, there aren’t any lighthouses in the mountains – I had to move my stories to the coast. (As a side note, my other fiction series is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and I know that area very well.)
EDBB: How many visits did you make to Cape Ann to flesh out your series?
Nikki: I’ve only been to Cape Ann once on a trip to Cape Cod with my brother in 2001. But, I’ve also done a lot of research and have an extensive Cape Ann and lighthouse library in my office.
EDBB: What was so fascinating about Lighthouses in Cape Ann, Massachusetts that caused you to use them as the setting for your stories?
Nikki: As I mentioned above the history of the area caught my imagination and the story took off from there.
EDBB: In this series, which of the characters did you find difficult to portray, the one easiest?
Nikki: I do a lot of work to create my characters before I start to write and I find this makes it easier to get into their mind. I actually have a couple of characters who narrate the story. Lizbeth tells the majority of the story from her point of view and her best friend and supporter, Sara, tells most of the remaining story. A couple of scenes are told from Abigail Westley’s point of view.
Lizbeth and Sara are very easy to write. Ida, the villain, is a lot of fun to write. Abigail is probably one character that I had difficulty writing. She is a good hearted person, but she has a lot of prejudices that come to the fore in various situations. Those attitudes also stir up trouble with Lizbeth on a regular basis.
EDBB: What advise would you give a fledgling writer? Why?
Nikki: Stick with your dream and work hard to stay positive. It’s a tough profession, but its worth all the work when you hold your books in your hand. Continue to work to hone your skills. I let my own doubts and the doubts of other people stop me from writing for years. Finally, I got past those concerns and I can’t imagine not writing.
EDBB: What was it that caused you to want to become a writer?
Nikki: I’m not sure I know the answer to that question. I started freelancing fulltime to earn money, but my fiction is more a labor of love. There have always been ideas for characters and stories in my mind – my writing gives me a chance to delve further into their stories and to share them with others.
EDBB: Thank you Nikki for visiting my blog. Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Nikki: Nikki has offered the following for all who join her in her tour.
Each person who buys a copy of Lady Lightkeeper, needs to email me a copy of their receipt. I just need a receipt that shows you bought a copy of Lady Lightkeeper and I'll enter you in the drawing for a copy of Widow's Walk. That seemed like a good giveaway since the story starts with Widow's Walk. However, if the winner already has a copy of Widow's Walk, I'll be happy to send a copy of Lilah and the Locket instead.
In addition, each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog stops will be entered in a separate giveaway. Each comment will be entered in the drawing and at the end of the month, one person will win a copy of Lady Lightkeeper. Again, if the winner bought the book already, I'll send them another book as a prize. Any questions, let me know. nikki-leigh@excite.com.
Note: Cape Ann is also the location my novels, the Sarah's Landing Series, is set in. It is amazing that two people who never met before and do not live anywhere near each other have used the same lighthouse for their books. It really is a small world. Elena Dorothy Bowman
Monday, August 13, 2007
KIm Baccellia Guests on Elena Dorothy Bowman's Book Blog
Today, I would like to welcome my special guest Kim Baccellia, a Young Adult Writer, to my blog. Kim is the author of Earrings of Ixtumea. A fascinating tale about a young girl who dismisses the legend about her Mexican grandmother's magical earrings as a silly fairytale...until the earrings thrust her into the parallel world of Ixtumea.
EDBB: Welcome to the elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com Kim. It's a pleasure to have you here.
Kim: Thanks for inviting me!
EDBB: Would you like to tell us about yourself…and about your book?
KIM: I’m the author of the YA multicultural fantasy, Earrings of Ixtumea.
Earrings of Ixtumea is a fast-paced fantasy featuring a young Latina who discovers ancient traditions in her family history that propel her to a magical civilization, where she struggles against evil forces that threaten her family, her heart, and her life.
EDBB: What book was it that made you want to be a writer? What was it about that book that piqued your interest?
Kim: I admit when I was in middle school I used to love reading Harlequin romances. I would write my own romances. Later, I loved such stories as The Far Pavillions and Clan of the Cave Bear and wanted to write books that would take the reader away to different worlds and time periods. I loved pure escapism. I even wrote my own fan fiction. I was a huge Star Trek and Star Wars fan. While in college I was introduced to such great fantasy writers as Orson Scott Card, Robert Jordan, and Terry Brooks. I was hooked.
EDBB: What did you do before you were an author or were you always a writer?
Kim: I was a bilingual teacher for eight years for South Whittier School District. I was a Sheltered English teacher for seven years for Tustin Unified School District. My favorite subject to teach? Writers Workshop, of course!
Before that I was a telemarketer, sales clerk, and I even worked at the BYU library while going to school. My favorite jobs involved being around books.
EDBB: Who publishes your books and what has your experience been with publishers? How long did it take you to get your first book published?
Kim: Virtual Tales is my publisher. They’ve been great and supportive. It took about two years to write Earrings. Another year or so to do revisions on my story and a year for it to come out in print. So over all, it took about four years.
EDBB: How did it feel when you first glimpse a copy of your first book with your name on it and held it in your hand?
Kim; Unbelievable at first. Then awesome!
EDBB: Are your stories based on real people, a combination of people, or are they all figments of your imagination?
KIM: They’re a combination of things. My imagination is huge. I remember being the storyteller of my neighborhood as a kid. I base my stories on a little of everything.
EDBB: Do you write a character chart for each of your characters, or do you imagine each one as your work progresses?
Kim: I use a character chart that lists the strengths, quirks, and traits. I also list the character’s faulty thinking and wound.
I cut out pictures from magazines of what I think my character looks like and post them in my writing room. My room changes to reflect what book I’m working on. Right now I have 1976 things and music in there as I’m working on my YA contemporary book, Bullets of Truth. I even have pictures of me during that time period and my father in the basement making bullets.
EDBB: What do you like the best or least about writing?
Kim: I love how you can bring your characters to life. I love it when people read my work and tell me how much my story affected them.
The least favorite thing is how long it takes to get published. It takes more than talent in this business. You need to be persistent and not to give up.
EDBB: How long have you been writing?
Kim: Since I can remember. I was on the high school newspaper staff. I wrote a horoscope column in middle school and my own poetry and gossip paper while in junior college. I also put together slide presentations based to my poetry. It seemed like I was always writing.
EDBB: Why did you want to become a writer?
Kim: It’s a part of me. My father used to tell me it was in my genes. I’m related to the author of Tarzan.
For a long time I put aside writing to have a more secure position, teaching. But the words wouldn’t leave me. I found myself attracted to writing programs for children. I ended up making writing a big part of my student’s experience. Then I thought why don’t I follow my advice to my students and write my own book?
Once I signed up for a creative writing class at UCI extension program, I was hooked. There was no turning back.
EDBB: Thank you Kim for being my guest for today.
Kim: Thank you for having me.
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
EDBB: Welcome to the elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com Kim. It's a pleasure to have you here.
Kim: Thanks for inviting me!
EDBB: Would you like to tell us about yourself…and about your book?
KIM: I’m the author of the YA multicultural fantasy, Earrings of Ixtumea.
Earrings of Ixtumea is a fast-paced fantasy featuring a young Latina who discovers ancient traditions in her family history that propel her to a magical civilization, where she struggles against evil forces that threaten her family, her heart, and her life.
EDBB: What book was it that made you want to be a writer? What was it about that book that piqued your interest?
Kim: I admit when I was in middle school I used to love reading Harlequin romances. I would write my own romances. Later, I loved such stories as The Far Pavillions and Clan of the Cave Bear and wanted to write books that would take the reader away to different worlds and time periods. I loved pure escapism. I even wrote my own fan fiction. I was a huge Star Trek and Star Wars fan. While in college I was introduced to such great fantasy writers as Orson Scott Card, Robert Jordan, and Terry Brooks. I was hooked.
EDBB: What did you do before you were an author or were you always a writer?
Kim: I was a bilingual teacher for eight years for South Whittier School District. I was a Sheltered English teacher for seven years for Tustin Unified School District. My favorite subject to teach? Writers Workshop, of course!
Before that I was a telemarketer, sales clerk, and I even worked at the BYU library while going to school. My favorite jobs involved being around books.
EDBB: Who publishes your books and what has your experience been with publishers? How long did it take you to get your first book published?
Kim: Virtual Tales is my publisher. They’ve been great and supportive. It took about two years to write Earrings. Another year or so to do revisions on my story and a year for it to come out in print. So over all, it took about four years.
EDBB: How did it feel when you first glimpse a copy of your first book with your name on it and held it in your hand?
Kim; Unbelievable at first. Then awesome!
EDBB: Are your stories based on real people, a combination of people, or are they all figments of your imagination?
KIM: They’re a combination of things. My imagination is huge. I remember being the storyteller of my neighborhood as a kid. I base my stories on a little of everything.
EDBB: Do you write a character chart for each of your characters, or do you imagine each one as your work progresses?
Kim: I use a character chart that lists the strengths, quirks, and traits. I also list the character’s faulty thinking and wound.
I cut out pictures from magazines of what I think my character looks like and post them in my writing room. My room changes to reflect what book I’m working on. Right now I have 1976 things and music in there as I’m working on my YA contemporary book, Bullets of Truth. I even have pictures of me during that time period and my father in the basement making bullets.
EDBB: What do you like the best or least about writing?
Kim: I love how you can bring your characters to life. I love it when people read my work and tell me how much my story affected them.
The least favorite thing is how long it takes to get published. It takes more than talent in this business. You need to be persistent and not to give up.
EDBB: How long have you been writing?
Kim: Since I can remember. I was on the high school newspaper staff. I wrote a horoscope column in middle school and my own poetry and gossip paper while in junior college. I also put together slide presentations based to my poetry. It seemed like I was always writing.
EDBB: Why did you want to become a writer?
Kim: It’s a part of me. My father used to tell me it was in my genes. I’m related to the author of Tarzan.
For a long time I put aside writing to have a more secure position, teaching. But the words wouldn’t leave me. I found myself attracted to writing programs for children. I ended up making writing a big part of my student’s experience. Then I thought why don’t I follow my advice to my students and write my own book?
Once I signed up for a creative writing class at UCI extension program, I was hooked. There was no turning back.
EDBB: Thank you Kim for being my guest for today.
Kim: Thank you for having me.
Elena Dorothy Bowman
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Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
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