Interview with Best-Selling Author Lisa See

Today, EA: Creatively Creative has the privilege of speaking with a woman who is having a decorated career. She has wrote multiple books that has made the New York Times bestseller list, among being an honoree in the Chinese American community. I would like to introduce author, Lisa See.

EA: When was the beginning of your journey as an author?

LS: I knew three things about myself when I was growing up. I never wanted to get married, I didn’t want to have children, and I always wanted to live out of a suitcase. I took two years off from college to travel in Europe. The whole time I was wondering how I was going to make my life work the way I envisioned it and how I would be able to support myself. One morning, when I was living in Greece, I woke up and it was like a cartoon light bulb had gone off in my head. I thought, 'Oh, I could be a writer!' But clearly I didn’t know myself very well, because I also got married and had children.  I still spend an awful lot of time living out of a suitcase though!

EA: Who are the biggest influences on your life and career?

LS: I adored my paternal grandmother.  She probably was the greatest influence on my life.  She loved to travel. She wasn’t very conventional. (She married a Chinese man when it was still against the law.) My mom, Carolyn See, who was a writer, was also a huge influence on my life as a woman and a writer. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the writer I am if not for her. Bob Dylan has also been an influence, not that I know him or anything.  (Hey, Bob, if you’re reading this, give me a call!) Lastly, I’d have to say Wallace Stegner.  I used a line from Angle of Repose as the epigraph for On Gold Mountain: “Fooling around in the papers my grandparents, especially my grandmother, left behind, I get glimpses of lives close to mine, related to mine in ways I recognize but don’t comprehend. I’d like to live in their clothes a while.” I didn’t realize when I used those lines that the sentiment would continue to influence me and my writing to this day.

EA: What's the concept of The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane?

LS: The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane has three main elements:  the mother/daughter relationship, the history of tea, and the Akha ethnic minority of China. For the mother/daughter story, I wanted to write about a woman who gives up her baby for adoption in China, the woman in California who adopts her, and the girl herself. Tea --specifically Pu-er -- provides the historical backdrop. Tea is the second most popular drink in the world after water.  The people in China that I wrote about are Akha. They have truly unique customs that I wanted to hare with readers.

EA: What is your approach to engage readers?

LS: The two most important things, it seems to me, are relationships and emotions. Each of these relationships—friends for life, sister-wives, and actual sisters—is very different. At the same time, they are uniquely female. A woman will tell her best friend things she won’t tell her mother, husband, or children. That particular intimacy is wonderful and a true blessing, but it can also leave you open to betrayal and hurt. Women being married to the same man—whether in China or with Mormans or with whatever group anywhere in the world—is also unique and rife with jealousy and rivalries, but this relationship can also be the basis for great friendship and comfort. 

As for sisters, well, the sibling relationship is typically the longest we’ll have in our lifetimes. Our parents will die before we do, our children will outlive us, and often women outlive their husbands, right? A sister can be your closest friend, someone who is almost a stranger, or even an enemy. What’s the difference between sisters and women who say they are “closer than sisters”?  A sister is for life. I write about these relationships because I’m a woman, because I want to connect to women, and because women’s stories still need to be told.

EA: Would you say that writing a novel is easy?

LS: God no! It's very hard work, both physically and emotionally.

EA: Describe the feeling of being a New York Times best-selling author.

LS: This isn't something I ever imagined happening to me. When it did, I cried. It's strange when something you think is impossible -- that you aren't even working toward or have as a goal -- happens. All the books since Snow Flower and the Secret Fan have become NY Times bestsellers, which I find very humbling. But maybe even more miraculous was when On Gold Mountain went onto the New York Times bestseller list after 17 years! How crazy is that?

EA: You were honored as National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese-American Women in 2001; you received the Chinese-American Museum's History Makers Award in 2003, among other accolades. What do these accomplishments mean to you?

LS: I'm so glad you asked this, because my answer will help put my previous answer into perspective. The awards I've received from the Chinese American mean so much more to me than a bestseller list. They mean that my work is accurate and that I'm portraying Chinese and Chinese Americans in a truthful way. I would say that the greatest honors of my career were to be a judge in the Miss Chinatown Pageant and later to be the Grand Marshal of the Los Angeles Chinatown New Year's Parade. These things probably wouldn't mean anything to another writer, but I remembered when my uncle was a judge for the pageant and later a grand marshal. The entire family was proud of him. When I got to do these things, my family was proud of me too.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

LS: Write 1,000 words a day, five days a week, before you do anything else. At the end of a week, you’ll have twenty pages—a chapter. If you do it first thing in the morning, then you won’t get distracted by all the things that tempt you not to write.

So much of writing happens, I think, in the editing process. I tell aspiring writers that they should listen to criticism—whether it’s from a teacher or an editor—and then look at it three ways. About a third of all editing suggestions are right, a third are absolutely wrong, and a third are things you have to look at, consider, and play around with.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane is a must read.

Do you think it's right for an author to tell someone why her book is a must-read? I think it's better if someone else does that. What if instead I tell you about the initial inspiration for the novel?

I’d been thinking about writing about China’s One Child policy and transnational adoption for something like twenty years, but I hadn’t been able to figure out my way into the story. I was going to the movies with my husband and I saw up ahead of us an older white couple walking with their adopted, teenage, Chinese daughter between them. Her hair was up in a ponytail, and, as it swung back and forth, I had a vision of her as being like a fox spirit. In Chinese tradition, fox spirits can be naughty and mischievous. They’re always doing things like sneaking into a scholar’s study late at night, where he’s preparing for the Imperial Exams, and then having sex with him. See what I mean about naughty and mischievous? But in a fox spirit’s best moments, she has the ability to bring great love and help create families. 

So, when I saw that fox tail swinging back and forth, I thought, 'yes, this girl is like a fox spirit in the sense that through her presence she’d brought great love and helped create a family.' That was the moment when I knew what my next novel would be. It turned out, though, that the Akha ethnic minority doesn’t have fox spirits in their culture. That was a big disappointment! Everywhere I went, I kept asking Akha people if they had some type of spirit that had a long tail, but no. In the end, I could only carry the inspiration of that fox spirit in my heart.

Epilogue

To answer Lisa's question, of course, I think it's right. While I agree that it's better if someone else speaks highly of one's work, there's nothing wrong with confidently speaking of something that you gave your all to. So, the answer is yes. Very interesting and practical advice. I think writing first thing in the morning is a good strategy to prevent you from the distractions throughout the day that may cause you to procrastinate.

I thank Lisa for taking us on a journey on who inspires her and what motivates her to become the author that she is today, to her humbling acception of the awards and honors bestowed upon her over the years. 

Interview with Author Bridget Bundy

It's been a long time, or it sure seems that way. Due to undertaking various projects, I've been on a brief hiatus. Nevertheless, EA: Creatively Creative returns after a quiet December and (most of) January. She's the writer of books such as the Women of Privilege series, introducing author, Bridget Bundy.

EA: How did your journey as an author begin?

BB: As with most authors, my journey began with a dream. I wanted to be an author ever since I was a kid. I don't remember who exactly inspired me, but I knew that's what I wanted to do. My first book, Fragile but Strong, was published by Authorhouse in 2001. It was a pay-to-publish deal, not exactly what I wanted to do, but I was excited for the chance to finally have my book available for sale. I was really proud of that moment.

EA: Who would you say are the biggest influences in your life and career?

BB: My family has been so wonderful and supportive. My husband paid to have my first book published. He practically made my dreams come true. My daughter has read some of my books. She's very honest with her reviews, has great ideas, and I turn to her for ideas sometimes. My mom is my biggest champion. She's read all of my books and wants me to keep publishing. My sister is always asking what I've written lately and when will it be published. She gets more excited about what I write than I do. As you can tell, I've got plenty of cheerleaders and a solid foundation, and I'm grateful to them.

EA: Your Women of Privilege series caught my attention. Would you tell us the concept behind it?

BB: Women of Privilege is a soap-opera like series about wealthy women who live in an upscale neighborhood in Georgia. They're all neighbors and somewhat know each other. Told in first person, the stories are meant to fully bring you into their lives. Gia, the first book in the series, is after the man she always loved, and she does a lot of things to try to get him. She's also very dangerous, conniving, and hotheaded. In the second story, Rachel is a trapped woman in a loveless marriage, doing whatever it takes to survive. The next book is Joslyn. She's the homebody, the busybody, the want-to-be in control type of woman. Everything she does is for her family, but in her story, she runs a huge risk of losing it all. Her son was kidnapped. Her husband was almost killed. She risks a lot to save them.

Each story can be read as a standalone. I tried not to have any cliffhangers, but there are twists at the end of each book. Women of Privilege is one of my favorite series. I'm not sure if it's complete yet, but the women's individual story lines will not be continued.

EA: Do you think writing a novel is easy?

BB: Writing a novel can be daunting. Details are important. Keeping them straight is even more important. Homonyms can be tricky. Trying to stay consistent when it comes to past tense and present tense can make you a little crazy. Then there's keeping track of the little quirks of the characters, the scenery, the weather, time of day, time of year. The list is endless. I guess my answer is no, Edward, a novel is not easy to write, but I loooove it!

EA: What can readers expect next from Bridget Bundy? Are there any current or future projects?

BB: Great question! I'm excited to announce that I've completed my next story in the Seeker Series. It's a fantasy about an African American witch who searches for lost charms and solves mysteries. I won't announce the title yet. Expected release date will be July 1, 2018, unless I feel the manuscript isn't ready. Also, I plan on writing the final book to the Tanie Howard Series, working title will be The Last Stand. It'll bring closure to that series. I'm also thinking about writing under a new pen name and submitting my work to a vanity publisher, but that goal is farther down the road.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

BB: First things first. Travel, go to places you haven't been. It can be anywhere or any place. Paris. Egypt. Sydney, Australia. Visit a museum. Go to Disney World. Take a cruise. Go fly-fishing. Do some skydiving. In other words, get out there and discover what you can bring to the paper.

Read books you wouldn't normally read. Find those exceptional authors who knows how to pen a story. You'll know them when you read them.

Keep a notebook on you at all times and write down ideas and outlines. Then when you start writing, don't confine your work to that outline. Think outside the box.

Write. Write. Write. Read. Read. Read. Live and learn. Learn and live.

After you finish your book, edit your work. Re-edit your work. HIRE AN EDITOR. I have reviews where readers are angry because I didn't hire an editor. I know you're excited to get your brand new book out to the public and say you're a 'published author,' but you've got time, God willing. Just don't publish shotty work. BE PATIENT, BE VIGILANT. Readers can tell when your book is rushed. They can tell when it hasn't been edited. They can tell when you just want a quick buck. Take the time with your craft, and make sure it's your best before you publish it.

Find someone you trust, be it an editor or proofreader or beta reader, and ask them to read it and be completely honest about your writing. There are some who can't bear to say your work needs improvement. They love everything you do, no matter how many errors they've seen. Don't let them read your book before you publish. They're not helping. You need a reality check. Find someone who gives constructive criticism, not harmful or hateful critiques, and get back to work to improve your project.

Lastly, blaze your own path. Don't do what everyone else does. Don't write the same old story. Write smart. Write sassy. Find that something new under the sun that no one else has thought of.

 EA: Finally, tell the readers why the Women of Privilege series is a must-read.

BB: It's all about the ladies. In all their faults and triumphs, you get to see what makes them tick, what's important to them. Gia is about love and money. Rachel is about survival and learning self-worth. Joslyn's heart is family and fighting with every atom in her body to save them. Readers might identify with all of them or just one of them, but these ladies are all fighting for their lives, one way or another. And, like I wrote before, each story has a twist. I hope the readers won't be able to guess.

Epilogue

In-depth advice from Bridget. I absolutely agree; I've said in similar words myself that writers should blaze their own trail, instead of emulating other writers, or going with the trends. I do believe that if one takes the route of getting a test reader, it's important that it's someone who will give honest, fair critiques, not butter up the author, telling them what they want to hear, but not destructive, spiteful criticism either.

One should take their time when crafting their work. At some point, you want to be done with the project, so that you can relax and take a break, or move on to the next project, but my philosophy is creativity shouldn't be rushed.

I would like to thank Bridget for taking the time to speak with me. Here is the link to the entire series on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076H5W23W/ref=series_rw_dp_sw. (eBook only)

Interview with Author Shaquanda Dalton

For my second interview of 2018, EA: Creatively Creative sits down with romance novelist, Shaquanda Dalton.

EA: When did your love for writing begin?

SD: My love for writing started when I was nine years old. I saw a cartoon and decided to make my own version of the story on paper of what should have happened instead. It was about 9 pages long and was called ‘Little Miss Meane.’ I was really excited and told my whole family about it. Lol.

EA: What does it mean to you to be a writer?

SD: It means freedom. It means an entirely different world that I can create with just my mind. I could do anything. Say anything and anything could happen. It is freedom from the real world for a while. It’s my exact and my happy place.

EA: Who are the biggest influences on your life and career?

SD: My mom is the biggest influence on my life as a person and who I am today. In terms of my writing career, this amazing woman named Joanna Penn from the creativepenn.com has pretty much gave me the advice, the courage, and the knowledge to actually start publishing my books online and how to make it into a career for myself.

EA: What is the concept of Desires?

SD: Desires is a romance erotica novel. The main character Desires has sworn off relationships with men ever since her last relationship. Then she met her match when she meets another man who also appreciates the non-commitment sex life. The man is not like any she’s ever slept with so she must guard her heart from falling before she ends back down the wrong path again.

EA: Do you believe that writing a novel is easy?

SD: It is harder than anything I’ve ever done in my life. But it is a labor of love.

EA: Would you tell us more about your website, and what it has to offer?

SD: My website is Learnasyouwrite.com where I help new writers with dialogue, creativity, and character development. My goal is for new writers to have a good foundation when it comes to story telling especially when they are just starting out. Practice is everything, but having a few tips couldn’t hurt.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

SD: Never give up. I felt lost when I wasn’t writing and sometimes I would sit at my desk when I was in class and I wouldn’t know what to do with my hands. I realized that I just wanted a pen to feel relaxed. Writing no matter what genre gets easier the more you do it.

Another tip would be reading. You learn to write well by reading well-written stories. If you, as an aspiring writer, can fall into the world that another author has created it’s more likely that you’ll be able imitate that skill if you practice.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why Desires is a must buy.

SD: Desires is a must buy because it’s deeper than any erotica book with a love story twist. It goes into depth about relationships, what love is and how many forms it can take. It also mentions relationships that appear to be good from the outside, but unstable behind closed doors. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Epilogue

I'm sure other authors can relate to Shaquanda's statement about freedom in writing as well, but I can't stress enough how imperative it is for me to have creative freedom/control when I write. Creating stories where the characters pull the readers into their world, so to speak, is one of my major goals when writing. I share the same sentiments as an author.

I do see where reading the works of others can be beneficial to a writer. It can give you an idea of how you want to construct your story or create certain characters, particularly if the book is well written. I thank Shaqunda for speaking with me tonight. If you would like some tips on how to become a better writer, and create compelling characters/stories, visit Shaquanda's website at learnasyouwrite.com

Interview with International Best-Selling Author Willow Rose

My first interview of 2018-- my second straight with an author who either writes strictly or mostly horror-- is with one who is an Amazon #1 best selling Horror author, and an Amazon All-Star who has sold over two million books. EA: Creatively Creative introduces the "Queen of Scream," Willow Rose.

EA: When did your journey as an author begin? 

WR: I published my first book ten years ago. It took me two years to finish the first book. Now I write several books a year.

EA: What's your thinking when you write? In order words, what motivates you? 

WR: Anything and everything. People inspire me. And situations. The stories come to me when I least expect it. It always starts with what if… then when I sit down and write. I usually have the entire story ready in my mind and all I need is to write it down. To me writing isn’t a job. It is something I have to do because it makes me so happy.

EA: What is your approach to keeping readers intrigued? 

WR: Making likable characters. Too many protagonists are unlikable, and I believe people get tired of them quickly. I write about real people that you care about, and if you care about someone you will want to know what happens to them. No matter what it is. 

EA: Two of your titles, Umbrella Man, and Girl Divided caught my eye. What is the concepts of those books respectively? 

WR: Umbrella Man is the idea that what if dreams weren’t just dreams? What if we actually travel to a different universe, a parallel world where things are close to being the same but they aren’t really. And what if someone found a way to kill people through their dreams?

Girl Divided is a futuristic tale in a world divided into race. A girl is born who is neither black nor white. She’s both. She’s the daughter of an African god and a Finish goddess and her face and body's split in half, one part white, one part black. She is also the only one who can save the world. 

EA: Who are the biggest influences in your life and career?

WR: Stephen King and Anne Rice in my career as a writer. My husband in life. 

EA: Describe the feeling of being not only a best-selling author, but Amazon's #1 best-selling Horror author.

WR: It is amazing. Of course it is. I have dreamt of being able to live off my writing since I was a teenager. And now I am doing it. What’s not to love?

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

WR: Write every day. The more you write the better you get. And read as much as you write. Reading gives so much inspiration. And have patience. Nothing is slower than the publishing business. It’s a marathon not a sprint. 

EA: Finally, tell the readers why the Umbrella Man series, as well as Girl Divided are must buys.

WR: Umbrella Man will scare you… a lot, so if that’s your thing, then go for it. You might not be able to sleep again, ever.

Girl Divided is an important book. It is the scariest book I have ever written because it feels so real, so close.

Epilogue

Judging from the synopses and backstories of her titles and characters, I can definitely see where Stephen King has a great influence on her writing. The synopses in the titles I've mentioned in this interview jumped out at me like horror characters, so to speak. Girl Divided sounds very Stephen King-like, and would be a very controversial, but interesting movie. I wouldn't be surprised if that book makes the transition to the big screen in the future.

I can relate to anyone and anything being sources of inspiration of my writing. I've said for years that a creative individual can find creativity and inspiration from under a rock. I thought the advice was sound; to give an example from her statement of reading providing so much inspiration, there was a character in a book I read a few months ago that rekindled a story I had in mind a year or so ago, but was close to casting it by the wayside. I agree; success in this business, like life itself, is not a sprint, it's a marathon, so patience is of the essence.

Finally, I too have the same aspiration to make a living out of my writing, and Willow, among others, is living proof that it can happen. I want to thank Willow for speaking with me today. If you would like to try some of the Queen of Scream's selections, visit her author page in the hyperlink below.

Amazon: Willow Rose