I can't really say welcome, since this is your blog, so how about I just jump right in. Tell us a little about yourself, Dorothy, and
your publishing journey.
I'm a Philipine-born American living in Germany with my
husband and two teens. I enjoy reading, writing, movies, takeout, chocolate,
and spending time with my family and friends. I tend to sing and crochet as
well.
I've been writing for as long as I can remember, but it
wasn't until about five years ago that I became serious about it. Probably the
age thing. I figured I better get one of my dreams realized before I got too old.
I'd written three books before My Sister's Reaper, but they didn't quite make
the cut in the eyes of agents. Luckily, the wonderful Georgia McBride found my
little story and helped me put it out in the world.
I'm so glad Georgia McBride found you! My Sister's Reaper deserves a place on the shelves. It's a fantastic story, filled with humor, heart, and a touch of horror. Tell us a bit about the story.
My Sister's Reaper is a young adult urban
fantasy/paranormal/horror about a girl who accidentally brings her sister back
to life, which peeves off a Reaper who is determined to claim the soul he
believes belongs to him.
Creepy. In My Sister's Reaper, you take witches and faeries, turn them upside down and force them
to have babies (literally). The result is the Vila, a half-breed race of
witch-fairies with the power to influence things like fire, water, air... and
death. What was your inspiration? Where did you come up with your unique ideas?
In the very beginning, I was toying with the idea of
witches. In particular, I imagined a girl who didn't know she was a witch but
had the power to control things. Somehow, the idea of faeries came into play,
and I created a mash-up. I hadn't seen the mix before and decided to run with it.
I'm not sure where my ideas come from, but the voices in my head tell me not to
worry about it too much. ;)
Many writers face challenges throughout their journey to
publication (insecurity, rejection, integrating real life with writing). What
challenges have you faced? How did you conquer them?
I think writers are naturally insecure. The funny thing is,
we probably have to have the thickest skin ever just to get by in the
publishing industry. I'm constantly doubting myself, wondering when someone's
going to call me out and say, "Hey, what makes you think you belong here
doing this writing gig?" At those times, I just have to force myself to
hold my head up and believe in myself. Even just a little.
At the moment, my biggest challenge is time. I do try to
manage my time between work, family, and writing. Oh, and sleep—whatever that
is. What would be really great (besides becoming a full-time writer) is to have
four extra hours in a day: two to write without interruption, and two to catch
a nap.
Time is always lacking! I started a campaign, a few months ago, to add three hours to each day. I keep hoping the Powers That Be will take me seriously someday. Now, on to the fun questions I bet you've been dying to
answer since you started this blog:
What must you have close by when you write?
Quiet. There can be faint noises in the background, like my
kids watching TV or playing video games, but I can't concentrate if there's too
much noise. That's why I don't write to music, even though I love music.
What is the strangest thing you've Googled?
It's not really strange, but I'm sure it would get me on
some watch list. It was whether or not a living person would sink or float if
they were thrown into a lake unconscious.
He-he... If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Mind control. Having two teens is reason enough, believe me.
But it would come in handy when there are long lines in the grocery store, or
if I was stuck behind an extremely slow driver, or if I really wanted hubby to
make dinner, or if I needed an extra day off of work or a raise.
Oh, I have two teens of my own. I know. Use the following words in a sentence: trellis, ginger,
oven
The pixie flitted around the rose trellis, making her way to
the open window, toward the inviting smell of gingerbread cookies toasting in
the oven.
Yum! Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm...
working, helping with homework, or avoiding housework.
Who would you like to thank for supporting you during
your journey to publication?
My husband and kids, most of all, for their support and
excitement. My extended family, for being so encouraging. All my wonderful
friends for cheering me on. You (Beth) and Sarah Howell for helping me shape my
stories. And Georgia McBride and the Month9Books family for being so awesome.
It's been my pleasure!
My Sister's Reaper is out NOW!!! in e-book form and will be in print June 18th! Congratulations, Dorothy! I am over the moon with excitement for you!
3 comments:
Ooh, peeving off a reaper....not good, by the sounds of it. LOL I've heard tons about Dorothy's book. She's a sweetie. Many congrats to her!!
Thanks!!! ^_^
Way to go Dorothy! Much deserved time in the spotlight and if I might say so myself, it's only just begun. ^_^ Bask in it my friend...it's all you.
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