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Ask An Author #15


Renee Stevens

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Once again, a new month is here. It's hard to believe that it's already April, but with the new month, comes a monthly feature that I think everyone looks forward to. A big thank you goes out to Dark for taking the time to put together our "Ask An Author" feature. I hope you enjoy!

Ask an Author #15

 

Welcome back to another quirky question and answer session with your favorite authors!

 

In AtA #14, we had questions for authors Comicality, Stellar, and dkstories.

 

In AtA #15, we hear from authors CassieQ, James Savik, and Libby Drew.

 

For their protection, the members who asked these questions shall remain nameless (unless they choose to reveal themselves). :lol: Please note that all author replies are copied as is, spelling errors and grammar eccentricities original to the individual.

 

Our first author today, CassieQ, was one of the first authors interviewed for this blog series. That could be due to the popularity of Not the Sun. Since then, there’s been 2 more books and lots and lots of fans. In her spare time, Cassie enjoys her job as a “physical terrorist” (physical therapist) and somehow finds time to feed her NFL obsession. You can also find her in GA chat, where you can enjoy her lively humor and sunny disposition. Just don’t mention the Raiders.

To CassieQ: What’s the most valuable piece of feedback or writing advice someone on
GA
has given you?

 

This was a tough one. Any piece of feedback is valuable, but the best feedback I ever got on this site was from several authors who edited a piece of mine called Seasons of Love. What was so great about this feedback, was that they told me where I was weak with my writing, along with what they liked. It caused me to change a lot of things about how I wrote from that point forward and I think my writing now is stronger as a result of that.

 

Today’s next author is James Savik. He’s a long-time member (been around since 2005!) and is frequently seen about the forums. He’s a bit of a science geek and, being from Mississippi, laughs at all the rest of us when we complain about the weather. Although a professed cynic, James often finds time to greet and encourage new GA members. One of his latest writing projects is Operation Hammerhead, a rich sci-fi tale about protecting civilization from an invader.

To James Savik: Which story that you have written are you the most proud of? Why?

 

Operation Hammerhead
is my favorite novel and
the Place in Between
is my favorite short story.

 

Operation Hammerhead
is a bit of a misdirection. You think its about a war against a mysterious enemy out there but the really dangerous situation is going on at home. In the future genetic engineering technology has matured to the point to where it is possible to engineer human beings. While the goverenment tries to strictly regulate this technology to prevent abuses, there are people discovered to be the product of banned procedures. People are scared that they will be supermen and get bored with breeders (the naturally born). They are called illegals and they face quite a lot of discrimination. If I get any more allegorical, I think that I may be arrested.

 

the Place in Between
does something that I think is somewhat unique. It examines the cruising culture and, how many young people get caught up in it. Most of the time this sub-culture eats its own. It's terribly degrading and destructive for the people involved. This story examines the only way out of that culture that I know of. No one ever goes there intentionally. It's a side trip where people and souls get lost. Sometimes for just a while. Sometimes forever.

 

Today’s final author is Hosted (and published) Author Libby Drew. She has been with GA since 2007 and has over the last 2 years started publishing her stories. One of her stories unique to GA is fan favorite The Art of Walking in Snow, a story about a man who falls in love due to a curious incident with a tree. Libby’s full and interesting life helps supply her with endless story ideas and I for one look forward to reading the next right here on GA before it gets snapped up by another publisher!

To Libby Drew: When reading other fiction, what do you look for? What genres do you prefer to immerse yourself in?

 

I love stories where characters are pushed outside their comfort zone. Not in a humiliating, embarrassing way. I like to see their moral beliefs tested. I like to see them blown out of the water, actually. Dangerous, risky situations attract me. I could read hurt/comfort stories all day long, especially when they are M/M. Certain paranormals grab me, those dealing with ghosts or other unexplained phenomena in particular. If there’s a story out there with all these elements, it’s a guaranteed read for me (sometimes despite poor editing), but I tend to find my favorite books fall within the mystery or adventure genres.

 

That’s it for now! For more info on these authors, go check out their stories, post in their forums, and/or catch them in chat!

 

Coming next time: Menzoberranzen, Mark Arbour, and C James.

 

Want to ask your favorite author a question? Simply PM me (Dark).

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  • Site Administrator

I agree with Cassie on the feedback. Anything that teaches me how and when I'm doing something right for readers AND when I'm doing something wrong, makes my future writing stronger.

 

Thanks to James, for letting us know all about why his stories are just as 'unique' as he is. :D

 

Libby... ahh, hurt/comfort. When done right, it's an awesome, awesome plot element. I have to admit to being weak for those types of stories myself.

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Love getting a glimpse inside so many Authors.  I can't wait for the next installment :D

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