Interviews

INTERVIEW WITH PETER JOSEPH SWANSON RE: STARSIGHT - 1/3/08

Below is an interview with Minnette Meador about her new book coming out in March, "Starsight" with Stonegarden.net Publishing (http://www.stonegarden.net). Interviewer: Peter Joseph Swanson.

Minnette Meador is an author to start watching. This year she'll have a boatload of books out. I'm going to ask her about her first release for 2008.

Q: What is the first book you'll have out? What is its blurb?

A: STARSIGHT. Trenara never thought she would have to guide a student she loved to become a messiah, but it is the only way this second trial Starguider can salvage her world. Torn between her devotion to Joshan and the fate of her kind, Trenara struggles against accusations of murder, the onset of war, and the loss of her faith in gods who have turned their backs on her. The only people she can trust to help them are two war-ravaged heroes; the boy's life-long trainer and an old sea captain everyone thought was a ghost. Their only weapon, a ten-year-old boy who wakes one morning to find his childhood gone and his hands filled with a power he couldn't possibly understand--or control. Together they must destroy a psychotic enemy and a religious order that has been running the Imperium for a thousand years; a system they have all taken blood vows to protect.

Q: When is your book coming out, how do we pre-order?

A: Starsight will be out on March 10, 2008, but you can pre-order it by going to www.stonegarden.net. After that, it will be available through Stonegarden, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, Borders and other book sites for ordering.

Q: What types of things inspire such fantasy out of you?

A: I am a fantasy fanatic and read everything I can get my hands on, including high, low, dark, comedy, or any other fantasy genre out there. I love the idea of magic, but more, I love the idea of what humans do with it and how those around them cope with what they do. That's always where the story is for me. I very closely watch people who have power thrust upon them, politicians, celebrities and, even lottery winners. It's kind of interesting to see what people do when their wildest dreams come true. It's not all fairy tales and happily ever afters! It's the old adage: "Be careful what you wish for." Even with imaginary wizards (er, uh...Starguiders, in my case - ~LOL~)

Q: Have any genre authors inspired what you write?

A: Definitely. I have many favorites, but Tolkien, Piers Anthony, Spider Robinson, Robert Heinlein, Mary Stewart, Anne McCaffrey, Terry Pratchett, and Douglass Adams are at the top of my list. Piers and Spider have always been my fantasy/sci-fi favorites; I love a book that makes me laugh! I'm a terrible punster, so have a deep respect for those who are not.

Q: How does your own spirituality affect your novels?

A: I am a firm believer that everyone has the ability to perform outrageous feats of magic...what they lack is the awareness. People are incredibly powerful, they just don't know it. It will be an interesting world one day when we all figure that out! I think my books demonstrate a truism I've lived by my whole life: You are ALWAYS responsible for your own condition, no matter what. It makes for interesting philosophical discussions over coffee, heated debates with other "spiritual types", and agonizing hours of writing at the computer. Human being just love a game, and will always stir things up when things are going "too well."

Q: When you write do you outline the plot and characters first, or do you make it (and them) up as you go along?

A: With Starsight, I had a general outline and character sketches...at least the 2nd time around. This went through a complete overhaul two years ago and I haven't looked back. On other books I write, especially historical pieces, I try to outline everything before I start...it saves a ton of time when I'm putting it together and keeps me on the path of the story---and more importantly, I don't miss plot points (always difficult to go back to add plot points and foreshadowing, let me tell you!). That way I can concentrate on style, wording, timing, etc. while I write - a little less editing, too, if I do it right. HOWEVER, those pesky characters ALWAYS have something else in mind; I can't tell you how often I've been sabotaged by a character who simply will not behave himself and runs off to do his own thing. But, between you and me, he is usually right. I've only recently starting using character sheets and I really like them, especially for secondary characters. I didn't always flesh them out before I start, choosing instead to concentrate on the main characters. What I've discovered is the secondaries are people, too. Trust me; they get pretty ticked off when they don't have any skin on their backs!

Q: Is this novel part of a series?

A: Yes. There is a second part of this coming out from Stonegarden in November (Volume II). I am also planning a third in the series and a prequel. There may be others.

Authors on Myspace - 01/12/2008

Author: Minnette Meador

How long have you been writing, and what influenced you to get into it? Seriously, for about two years. Not so seriously, about thirty. The gentle voices of Piers, Spider, Robert H., etc., etc....oh, and the screaming voice of the muse who tortures me on a regular basis. She's a strict one, that girl.

How many books have you published (you may also list your books and year of release)?

Starsight, Vol. I (epic fantasy), March 2008

Feature in Cup of Comfort for Single Moms, March 2008

The Centurion & The Celt (historical romance), April 2008

Starsight, Vol. II (epic fantasy), November 2008

Have any of them been national releases, if so through which publisher? All of them are national releases and will be available at Amazon, B&N, Borders, Target (Centurion), Fictionwise (Centurion), and most other book seller sites. They can also be ordered from bookstore - working on those brick and mortar releases to get them on the shelves:

Starsight Duology (~LOL~) - www.stonegarden.net

Cup of Comfort - www.adamsmedia.com

Centurion & Celt - www.resplendencepublishing.com

What current book/books are you promoting? I'm hitting Starsight pretty hard right now, but have been promoting Centurion as well, since it's coming out right on the heels of the other. Different genres so I feel like twins sometimes...

What projects do you have coming up in the future? I'm currently working on a sequel for Centurion and a sci-fi romance to come out (fingers crossed) also this year. My goal is to get five novels on the "shelves" in 2008. Then I've got an intricate paranormal called Wy'East I'll be concentrating on for 2009. In addition, I’m working on a ghost story, an erotic/humorous romance, and then a Starsight sequel and prequel. Short stories as they come to me and I have time.

What author/authors influenced you to start a writing career for yourself? Piers Anthony, Spider Robinson, Robert Heinlein, Fredrik Brown, Mary Stewart, Tolkien...the list goes on and on. Reading is my other passion.

Are you a member of a writing group/organization? Romance Writers of America (national and several other chapters), Willamette Writers Assoc., EPIC, and tons of fantasy, sci-fi, romance and other author groups (complete list on my website)

What are some of your favorite hobbies other than writing? Who has time for hobbies...oh, you mean, if I had time? Reading, cross stitch, writing music (god help me!), knitting, graphic design

Has “The Authors of Myspace”/or Myspace itself helped you out with sales or networking/friends? Lots. Actually, I’ve already sold a few books here and I steal friends from them all the time...but they have stolen William Shatner from me, so I figure we're even. I love to find out what other authors are writing and how they are promoting. I've met many, many wonderful friends on Myspace. I only wish there were more than twenty-four hours in the day so I could spend more time here. As it is, I'm here a lot. I've also received some fabulous advice, promotional ideas, website design ideas, cooking secrets...man! You can find anything on myspace, can't you?

What tips do you have for beginning writers? Remember, you asked:

1. Writing is 10% writing and 90% editing. Edit 'til you can't stand the thing, then do it three more times. Then have someone else edit it and then go through it three more times after that. You should be there when you start to change words BACK to what they used to be. Here’s a good example; I edited this email for three hours before I was almost satisfied. You know you’re a writer when...you edit your IMs and text messages...

2. Get yourself a critiquing partner and a set of beta readers (family does nicely, especially if you have older kids...they do owe you; friends and co-worker are always good). LISTEN to what they have to say and be prepared for criticism. That’s what you don’t pay them for. A critiquing partner is absolutely an imperative and there are lots of groups out there that can help you find one...www.critters.org comes readily to mind, but there are many out there. Check in your genre. Or join a writing class in your community...that’s where my fabulous, wonderful, adorable partner came from.

3. Take classes, join associations, join groups, get involved in the writer's community (it's huge) and contribute to it. Harder to do than you think, believe me.

4. Be prepared to spend every waking hour on your dream and even some of your sleeping ones. The muse doesn't rest...at least until you need her, which leads me to...

5. DON'T RELY ON THE MUSE TO HELP YOU. (S)he will always let you down when you need her/him most. Being a published writer does not take inspiration, it takes dedication. You cannot wait until the art moves you...art is a lazy, drunken sod sometimes and it’s up to you to move it along. Hardest thing to do as a writer is to keep going. There are lots of tips on how to break writer’s block out there. The best advice I ever received? Get off your ass and hit those keys (or move that pen, if you’re a purest) - who cares what you write, just write.

6. Be kind, be loving, live well, and treat others well. When you critique someone or even give them an opinion of their work, keep in mind yours is (or will be) in another's hands one day. Creation is a fragile thing and easily destroyed...look at an egg sometime. I know; I shelved writing for twenty years because of a criticism. I regret it to this day.

7. You must develop a thick skin for this business...the whole “slings & arrows” thing. Not everyone is going to like your work....not everyone appreciates the hours that went into its creation...not everyone is kind. A gentle grace is needed to be a writer, I think...swear and punch through walls when you get home, but keep in mind it’s only one person’s opinion. You can choose to agree...or not. Did I mention this profession takes a bit of ego, as well?

8. There is no reward without sacrifice. When you see your name in print, the paperback crushed in your trembling hands, I promise, it will be worth all the pain. All you have to do then is write the next one...

Leave your Myspace URL below:www.minnettemeador.com

Additional Comments: For continued musing on the muse, go to myspace blog and read “Kill me...kill me, now... I think I’ve said enough. Good luck everyone!