Seems like it's "Boys Week" here on the blog. I have another male visitor today, and his name is Alan Nayes, author of GIRL BLUE.
Welcome, Alan. Tell us a bit about yourself.
First, thank you for hosting me today, Dorothy. I’m from Texas but live in Southern California and love the outdoors, reading and writing. My goal is to write stories that entertain and enthrall readers, and yes I’m still working at this. I own eighty acres of land in Texas and one day I plan to spend three or four months in a small house on this rural land and write the first draft of a novel that will become a future bestseller—or at least sell one or two copies to family members and friends. When I’m not writing, I’m thinking about what I’m writing.
How long have you been writing?
Dorothy, I’ve been writing stories for several decades now. After I moved to southern California in the 80’s I decided to take a creative writing class at a local community college. I’d written some music in college but when I realized I couldn’t sing real well—not at all actually—I switched to stories. After several failed attempts at breaking into the screenwriting business I decided I would have a better chance at novels. Not much better, but I am making progress. My mantra—every day write something.
Tell us about GIRL BLUE. What’s the story about?
Let me see, Girl Blue, in one word—bizarre. The story revolves around an extraordinarily talented sculptor named Jeremy Copper. His specialty is carving nude women in stone. Jeremy is one of the best in the world at creating his female erotic statues. But Jeremy is dying and he wants to make his last creation his legacy. Girl Blue will be carved from a rare block of blue granite. What Jeremy doesn’t realize is this rare block of granite is “haunted” by the vengeful spirit of a woman who lived in the 1920s. Girl Blue is an erotic supernatural tale about Jeremy’s quest for perfection. No matter how many more novels I write, I will never write another story as bizarre and sensual as Girl Blue.
How did the idea of the story come to you?
I was inspired by a friend who told me how he would go and get these sensual massages from sexy woman. This gave me an idea to write a story about a guy who gets addicted to erotic massages. But that idea wasn’t going anywhere until I read an article about Auguste Rodin, the great sculptor. Bam—I was hit with the idea of creating a character who sculpted nude women in stone. And then the rest just fell into place. I began “sculpting” GIRL BLUE that night!
What drew you to write horror?
I enjoy reading different genres—sci-fi, thrillers, adventure, and horror—so when I write, I try to write in different genres as well. Horror has always been a favorite genre of mine. Have always enjoyed watching a good scary movie( The Ring) every now and then, and also enjoy reading horror books. So it was only natural that I try my hand at creating a good horror story. GIRL BLUE is one of my attempts.
Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?
I have a couple of friends who occasionally look over my work, but for me I always hire a professional editor to edit the final manuscript. If I attempted to self-edit, it would be like trying to give myself a haircut—I’d end up with a mess.
Are you a planner or a pantser?
A little of both, I think, Dorothy. Before I start a novel, I know in general terms what direction the story is going to go, major plot points, and when they are supposed to happen. Having said this, however, the story never completely follows the broad outline—which is good I think—and there are always changes that spring up, either in character development or plot, that seem to take on a life of their own. That is the fun part of creating a story—fun only when it turns out to make the story better, of course. If the change becomes a deadend—well, that is what trash cans are for. I do a lot of cursing too when this happens.
What’s the hardest part of writing for you?
Dorothy, it’s always seems easy for me to come with ideas, however the actual sitting down and writing a whole novel is difficult. That’s where discipline comes in. Some days I just don’t seem “in the mood” to continue a story, and on those days I find it a real challenge to make myself write. Also, self promoting. If I wrote as bad as I promote, I’d never sell a book.
What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?
Several items—pen, paper, because I write my initial draft long hand. Also my computer so I can do some quick research if the need arises, which it does plenty. And something to drink—water or tea, usually, and also I snack a lot. Love Skittles.
Skittles rock! If you could have any super power, what would it be?
The power to complete a great novel that everybody would clamor for and I would write the entire manuscript in say…a weekend. Wow, that would be pretty cool. Also would love to be able to transport myself to different places on the planet instantaneously—this would be great for research. Oh did I mention I would also be able to do this invisibly?
What's the weirdest thing you've googled?
I presume you mean while researching a story. If you mean in general, well, we won’t go there. While writing a story I’d have to say I once googled the number of chromosomes in an orangutan. Weird, huh.
No, makes sense to me. ;) Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: absolution, antique, and arbitrary.
Alliteration is to writing what absolution is to sin, though both can seem arbitrary when involving a priest as old as an antique crucifix.
(Yeah, I’m trying to make sense out of this sentence, too.)
*stares for a while* *blinks* Okay, then. Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...
thinking about writing. Whoa, now that was original.
Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.
