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Ask An Author #35

Renee Stevens

Entry posted by Renee Stevens in Author Interviews

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

 

In AtA #34, we had questions for authors Columbusguy, craftingmom, and pmdacey.

 

In AtA #35, we hear from authors Aditus, and Mark Arbour.

 

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.

 

To Aditus: What inspired the creation of Jonah from Red Running Shoes. Did the dove as a symbol play a role in his development?

 

Jonah was inspired by a real person. Someone you’d think has it all: He’s good looking, has a well-paid and interesting job, and a lot of nice friends. His issues, however, are what make him story-worthy.One reader very keenly concluded that Jonah has a typical INFP personality. For those who aren’t familiar with this, here are some facts: true idealist, always looking for the hint of good in even the worst of people, often a writer or poet. Add to this some quirks and baggage from the past that leads to a great fear of being betrayed, and you have an interesting character to write about. Those who read my stories know that my focus is usually on the characters of my stories, on their feelings, their reasoning, their reactions to obstacles life throws at them. You can see why I couldn’t resist Jonah.I like names and their meaning and read a lot about this topic. When Jonah’s character was shaping up, his name was suddenly there. I looked it up and found it strangely fitting. Doves stand for love, sacrifice, peace, and hope. I just had to use it. So, I guess the answer is no. The character was mostly finished before I named him, it’s nevertheless a very suitable symbol for Jonah’s personality.

 

Rounding out our authors today is the infamous Signature Author Mark Arbour. Does anyone have more likes or followers than this guy? C’mon, I mean, he’s only posted a chapter a week (on average) for the past, like, forever! (despite his little vanishing act last year, as if he has a life outside GA!) :P Mark is currently working on my favorite of his series, Brigemont #7, HMS Valiant and the eternal CAP series, with Black Widow. Can you tell that Mark’s a real fan of George W.? :lmao: Did you know that Mark Arbour has a Twitter page and a Pintrest site? Get connected so you won’t miss the very second that the next chapter gets posted. Plus, the uniforms posted on pintrest help give the Bridgemont series some extra depth and realism.

 

To Mark Arbour: Do your characters sometimes write their own stories, or are you always firmly in control?

 

My characters write their own stories. When I respond to reviews, I usually start with "I think.." which implies that I don't know for sure, and that's accurate. I define the field, set up the characters with their basic traits and personalities, and then let them drive the action. It's more fun that way, and it makes them live for me. I think for that reason, some of the toughest reviews I get are the ones that allege the characters in the story aren't acting in character, so to speak. Based on the way I write, that's a major criticism, and one that I take very seriously.

 

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!

 

See you next time, with authors Bill W., Robert Rex, and Sasha Distan!

 

I’m always in the market for new questions! Simply PM me (Dark).

 

Until next time!
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Timothy M.

Timothy M. 51,184
No Mood Set

Posted

I've never read any of Mark's stories yet, so I do have to get on the bandwagon. 

 

Take a couple of weeks off before you start on CAP. You won't be able to stop.

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Drew Espinosa

Drew Espinosa 159,112
Angelic

Posted

I've never read any of Mark's stories yet, so I do have to get on the bandwagon. :yes: I know he has a big following, and he's a great author, so wth am I waiting for? :lol:

You'll love CAP :yes: Reading it, I'm left in awe at Mark's abilities as a writer. He makes history come alive and every single character in the CAP Family are always memorable :)

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Lisa

Lisa 6,697
No Mood Set

Posted

Take a couple of weeks off before you start on CAP. You won't be able to stop.

I need more hours in the day! I still have YOUR story to finish, Tim! lol

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Lisa

Lisa 6,697
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Posted

You'll love CAP :yes: Reading it, I'm left in awe at Mark's abilities as a writer. He makes history come alive and every single character in the CAP Family are always memorable :)

I always like stories that make history less boring than what you learn in school! lol

Headstall

Headstall 324,408
Woot

Posted

Mark Arbour is beyond addictive. I have read everything he's posted on GA. He, Cia, and Sasha are the reasons I finally became a member, and Mark's forum was the first I ever posted on. CAP and/or Bridgemont Series... you can't go wrong....

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Drew Espinosa

Drew Espinosa 159,112
Angelic

Posted

I need more hours in the day! I still have YOUR story to finish, Tim! lol

Which one? :D Clueless Camping or Timothy's Terrible Prompt Stories? In any case, both are really great!

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Lisa

Lisa 6,697
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Posted

Which one? :D Clueless Camping or Timothy's Terrible Prompt Stories? In any case, both are really great!

Clueless Camping. lol I have sooooo many chapters to catch up on! :( I don't think I even read ANY of Tim's prompts!

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Timothy M.

Timothy M. 51,184
No Mood Set

Posted

Clueless Camping. lol I have sooooo many chapters to catch up on! :( I don't think I even read ANY of Tim's prompts!

 

Just to be sure: the prompt thing quickly became a continuous story, so don't make the mistake of reading random chapters. I wish I could change the story title, which is really :facepalm: now.

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