An Interview with YM Masson, author of When Paris Went Dark

Although written as a work of historical fiction, When Paris Was Dark is, at its core, a memoir of author Y.M. Masson’s early life. Born in Paris in the mid-1930s, he lived through the events of WWII and writes from Alain’s perspective with the authenticity and emotion that can only come from someone who experienced it firsthand. He knows what war does to people, especially to children, and draws his audience into their struggles for survival.

Everyone has a ‘first novel’, even if many of them are a rough draft relegated to the bottom and back of your desk drawer (or your external harddrive!). Have you been able to reshape yours, or have you abandoned it for good?

When Paris Was Dark, A Sliver of WWII History was started eight years ago. It was rewritten/ revised several times until it earned a literary award in the Florida Writers Association RPLA (Royal Palm Literary Award) last October.

Over the years, what would you say has improved significantly in your writing?

With the help of my fourteen-time-published mentor Joyce Sweeney, my writing teacher Marjetta Geerling, and my critic group I met with every Thursday for eight years, my writing improved in all aspects of the art, from structure, to plot, to grammar, to voice, to style, etc. I continue to attend seminars and workshops. I learn all the time in whatever I do.

Some authors are able to pump out a novel a year and still be filled with inspiration. Is this the case for you, or do you like to let an idea percolate for a couple of years in order to get a beautiful novel?

In addition to When Paris Was Dark, I have written two other books that need to be more polished before they are published. It takes me more than a year to complete a book; I have other ideas in mind, but I need to finish what I started.

I have heard of writers that could only write in one place – then that cafe closed down and they could no longer write! Where do you find yourself writing most often, and on what medium (pen/paper or digital)?

I mostly write on a desk-top computer and occasionally long-hand on paper. That happens mostly in revision mode.

Before going on to hire an editor, most authors use beta-readers. How do you recruit your beta-readers, and choose an editor? Are you lucky enough to have loving family members who can read and comment on your novel?

My beta-readers are mostly friends I met on writing conferences or workshops. I also have an editor friend who helps me. When I think my book is clean, I hire a professional editor. Actually I find that two are better than one.

I walk past bookshops and am drawn in by the smell of the books – ebooks simply don’t have the same attraction for me. Does this happen to you, and do you have a favourite bookshop? Or perhaps you are an e-reader fan… where do you source most of your material from?

My favorite bookshop is Barnes and Noble in FT Lauderdale where I live. It is the last of the breed; I go there often to touch and feel the books, see what is new and always end up with a bagful of tantalizing reads. I don’t read e-books; I spend enough time in front of my screen when I write. My stories are based on events I lived through. I use the internet to verify details of specific moments in time.

I used to find myself buying books in only one genre (fantasy) before I started writing this blog. What is your favourite genre, and have your tastes changed over time?

I used to read history books; I evolved to add historical fiction. I have added stories of survival (Mountain climbs, sailing trips, desert, long trails, and nature-based odysseys). I am now reading a lot about the lives and challenges of children around the world.

Social media is a big thing, much to my disgust! I never have enough time myself to do what I feel is a good job. What do you do?

Social media is a big thing, and that is my Achilles heel. The world is telling me I should be on face book. I know they are right, but I have not done it yet. So nobody is helping me with my profile or my platforms. I talk to groups of readers, send books to my friends to talk to their friends, try to get on radio/TV interviews, I must confess not very successfully yet. I hope you will post a positive review, I know you’ll love my book.

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An Interview with Alexis Marie Chute, author of The 8th Island Trilogy Book 2: Below the Moon

What is your education/career background?

My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design. I have my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Or what first inspired you to write?

I have been writing since as far back as I can remember—and even before I could hold a pen. As a child, I was very creative and cerebral. I was always coming up with stories and adventures. Fortunately, I didn’t lose that trait as I grew up. I find writing inspiration everywhere, at all times. My brain is a sponge for my environment and stimuli. Sometimes this is overwhelming, but most often I use this hyper-awareness to my advantage.

Where/When do you best like to write?

I like to write surrounded by candles and incense. I cannot have distractions or a busy desk. My music choice is typically classical, like Vivaldi or Mozart, and nothing with words as I find I begin typing what I am listening to. I like to write at my vintage style black wood desk by the window in my room. My actual work-desk in the office is too distracting for me. I don’t have a “best time” to write except when I am crunching a deadline. I love deadlines as external motivators.

Do you have any interesting writing habits or superstitions?

I am far too busy and productive to have useless superstitions about my writing. It has been valuable for me to be disciplined and approach my writing with bootcamp focus. I sit down and work. I love it, but if I only write when I feel like it, I will procrastinate till I’m dead.

When you are struggling to write, what are some ways that help you find your creative muse again?

Free writing is the best tool I have found to break out of writer’s block. I sit down and simply start typing, no matter what it is. Getting my fingers moving and the mental juices flowing always opens the floodgate eventually.

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story has characters that are simultaneously loveable and deplorable. The plot is unexpected and varied. There is a lot at stake, and the risks and rewards are always in flux. I can always tell a story is good when it keeps me up at night, lingers long after the last page, and I wish I had thought it up!

How does a new story idea come to you? Is it an event that sparks the plot or a character speaking to you?

I get new ideas all the time. From everywhere. From everyone. A new lightbulb is constantly illuminated above my head. My struggle is not in finding ideas, but choosing which ideas are worth my attention and which ideas should be the focus for right now.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I learned that books are so hard to make and yet so rewarding and fulfilling. Creating books, for me, is akin to getting tattoos. I am terrified of needles, and thus do not have a tattoo of my own (One day!!), but my friends who get tattoos always tell me it’s addictive. You can never only get one!

What is your greatest challenge in writing?

My greatest challenge in writing any book is getting my bum in the chair, overcoming that procrastination. Once I’ve gotten over the initial hump, and am in the flow, I’m good to go in that department. Then the next struggle is when to stop editing. I am a relentless, picky, and perfectionist kind of editor. There comes a point, however, when I need to hold back and declare a book, “FINISHED!!”

How do your spouse/significant other/friends/family feel about your writing career?

All the close family and friends in my life have realized I am quite eccentric and am going to do what I want no matter how they object, so they have defaulted to being amazing cheerleaders instead—which I am beyond grateful for!!

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An Interview with Emilie Knight, author of Dagger and Scythe

Emilie Knight is a constant writer, and author of her debut Era of Undying. After years of reading fantasy and horror she combines them together into her own dark fantasy writing. Using her BA in Classical Civilizations and fascination in Ancient Greek mythology she blends it well into her fiction. Other then reading in her spare time she plays video games quite often.

What is your favourite Dragon in literature?

Oh that’s hard. I’d probably have to go with the classic Smaug from The Hobbit. He knows what he wants, and he mainly just wants to be left alone.

I’m not going to be reviewing your newest novel, but from your other published novels, is there one that is your own personal favourite?

Dagger and Scythe is probably my favourite. It was a blast to write, and to really get to know these characters as people. They’re been in my head since high school, but I never had a proper story for them until now. I’m glad it turned out the way it did.

Everyone has a ‘first novel’, even if many of them are a rough draft relegated to the bottom and back of your desk drawer (or your external harddrive!). Have you been able to reshape yours, or have you abandoned it for good?

My first “novel” was in high school and it will never see the light of day. It was an important stepping stone for my writing in general, and I love it, but no one else will ever read it.

Over the years, what would you say has improved significantly in your writing?

Character development. In my first novel, Era of Undying, the main character Pen doesn’t change that much. Which isn’t a bad thing, it fit her perfectly for that story. But Dagger and Scythe do change in a way.

Some authors are able to pump out a novel a year and still be filled with inspiration. Is this the case for you, or do you like to let an idea percolate for a couple of years in order to get a beautiful novel?

A bit of both, if that makes sense. I have enough stories and a good writing style to have each one be roughly a year or a year and a half apart, but it takes time to make a novel. A lot of time, and I do like setting it aside for a month or so after a first draft. It lets the dust settle so I can look at it again with new eyes. They overlap too, which is what I mean by my writing style. I’ve got book 3 in its editing phase, so I started book 4 in its drafting phase.

I have heard of writers that could only write in one place – then that cafe closed down and they could no longer write! Where do you find yourself writing most often, and on what medium (pen/paper or digital)?

I can write almost anywhere, which is good because I mainly write at work. I have a day job in a car dealership call center, so on my lunch I get most of my writing done then. A lot of my coworkers even know and ask me how the book is going now and then. And it’s always pen and paper for the 1st draft, I love the feel of it.

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Before going on to hire an editor, most authors use beta-readers. How do you recruit your beta-readers, and choose an editor? Are you lucky enough to have loving family members who can read and comment on your novel?

I’ve got two awesome beta readers, one is my boss from work actually and the other is a lifelong friend. As for editors my criteria was how much will they charge. I checked up on their work of course, and I didn’t cheap out, but I had to go with two people I could afford.

I walk past bookshops and am drawn in by the smell of the books – ebooks simply don’t have the same attraction for me. Does this happen to you, and do you have a favourite bookshop? Or perhaps you are an e-reader fan… where do you source most of your material from?

I prefer physical books, but I’ve read a few in ebook form. There are a few bookshops in my city, the biggest one being Indigo now. There is a smaller local shop called Juniper Books which is adorable though. It has that perfect old book smell.

I used to find myself buying books in only one genre (fantasy) before I started writing this blog. What is your favourite genre, and have your tastes changed over time?

My favourites are also fantasy, but also horror and grimdark. I’ve wondered into the YA genre style now and then, but I always gravitate back to fantasy.

Social media is a big thing, much to my disgust! I never have enough time myself to do what I feel is a good job. What do you do? Does someone manage your profile for you?

Social Media is a big thing, and it’s like a necessary evil in a way. There are good aspects to it though. Like the writing community on Twitter are all good and supportive people. I haven’t chosen anyone to manage it, I do it all myself. I’m more in control that way, and it’s more personable for people.

I mainly use Facebook and Twitter, but I do have an updated Goodreads account. I have Instagram as well, but that wasn’t helping me as much. I spend maybe an hour or two a day, catching up on everything, updating what I need to. I don’t mind it though being an introvert it does get tiring sometimes. But like I said, it’s a necessary evil, and I do like talking to people through it.

Honestly, without social media I wouldn’t be able to promote anything.

Answering interview questions can often take a long time! Tell me, are you ever tempted to recycle your answers from one to the next?

I don’t think so, the last few about social media did blend together but that was about it. I do like to keep all answers separate and personable.

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