Kimberly Raiser Answers Questions on "The Family Bones"
Author of "The Family Bones" (A Sci-Fi Thriller) and "Stranded"
1.) Why did you write this book?
Wow, why do I write anything for that matter?
It started out as a short story titled "Cat Tales". I was about three chapters
in and decided to shelf it for a while. After "Stranded" went to print I picked
it up to work on it and things just started flowing. From one moment to the next I never know what is really going to happen.
What initiated this particular burst of creativity?
Who knows! Sometimes things just pop into my thoughts. It's never expected,that's for sure.
2.) Does your story line develop organically or is it a gestalt before you
begin?
There are times where I have been sitting around thinking about a storyline for a long time before I put it to ink. For the most part the characters play a huge factor in where the story is going. When a character begins to come to life, things start to happen. That's when things get fun. So, to answer, there is really no organization in my process.
What comes out, comes out!
3.) Is your process to outline and then fill in the blanks or just sit down
and start to tell a story or ?
I never outline. There have been times where I know what the end is going to be like, and I work my way through to the ending,but for the most part it just comes to me as I write.
4.) Do you have a favorite character in the book and if so why?
I don't think I have a favorite character. If I had to choose, I would say Robert. He is intelligent, loyal, compassionate, and still questions things. (He's like "The Professor, Spock, and Indiana Jones all in one cute guy, kinda like my Geoffrey!) All in all every character has some quality that I like, even the villains.
5.) What do you like the most about writing?
I love to create situations. Building characters is probably the most fun. When building a really good character there is a part of me that gets attached to he or she, or it for that matter. It's like part of an extended family.
The biggest joy I get from writing though is building the story with my husband Geoffrey. His enthusiasm as the story progresses is like a drug. I feed on it. I love to be able to surprise him, shock him, and make him laugh. He is also my technical advisor. That's what he likes to call himself anyway. I write a chapter or five or six pages at a time and give them to him to read. I then get feedback, and sometimes a funny look. That is always amusing!
6.) Where do your new story ideas come from?
I have to laugh just thinking about that. No one really knows.
7.) What advice has helped the most in your writing?
Edit, Edit, Edit. Keep writing.
It's the one I haven't finished yet.
9.) Who is your favorite author and why?
There are so many great authors out there. I love to read Douglas Adams, because he will undoubtedly make me laugh. I adore P.S. Gifford, who happens to be a friend. He writes the best comical horror a person could write!!! I admire Stephen King's ability to capture the essence of the moment and surroundings of a story. He's really a brilliant writer.
10.) What advice would you give for the want to be writer?
Write all the time. No matter what it is. As long as you are writing, you are practicing.
Never give up. Edit, edit, and then edit more.
For myself starting with short stories was a blessing. There is some immediate gratification that can be satisfied in today's electronic world. The ability to get published has grown tremendously. The internet is a great tool. Submit to many many magazines, journals, and anthologies. Don't limit yourself to one genre. Play with everything, and enjoy what you are doing!!!!!
Kimberly Raiser
Author of "The Family Bones" (A Sci-Fi Thriller) and "Stranded"
Now available through amazon!!
Purchase your discounted copy through Kim's Books
http://www.kimberlyraiser.vpweb.com/
http://www.abluprius.blogspot.com/
Many, many thanks to Kimberly. as I know she is up to her tush in alligators, for her to take the time to be interviewed is truly gracious. Thank you Kimberly!
1 comment:
Great interview!
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