Interview Questions for Blog Tour from Dee Carey

1. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil though I never really thought about writing for publication until way later in life simply because it was never deemed a reasonable idea from my families point of view. We always were encouraged to read and read widely. But the thought that we might actually become published authors, that was unrealistic. When I look back on it, it was funny because Mom was so supportive of our career efforts in the 9 – 5 type grind.

2. What do you now know that you wished you learned at the beginning of your career?
That anyone can be a writer – correct that, that any one can do whatever it is they want to do if they put enough effort and energy into it. I had no self-confidence and I was so lousy at English Grammar in school, who would have thought. Once I decided this was something I wanted to do, there is no stopping me. Too bad it took me darn near 50 years to know that.

3. Does your family support you and your work?
My husband Tom is very supportive. If it wasn’t for him I might still not be doing it. My twin sisters in law are great they buy everything I write {smile} My own daughters are starting to think that hey, maybe Mom does know something after all. You know how children are – when they are 18 they know everything and eventually they wonder how their parents got so smart so quickly. Not that I’m smart but they think I might be an author now. I guess it took getting a few books published before my family thought this was something more than a fluke. They still expect me to give them copies of anything if I want them to read it.

4. You write all types of books, do you have a favorite? Why?
I think I’ve said it before, but one life is just not enough for me. . . So I write in order to live a few different lives. I’ve always enjoyed trying new things and writing in different genres is no exception. I read widely, I guess that is why I think I want to try writing different things. There are a few things I haven’t tried like fantasy, Sci fi, horror, and a children’s picture book – though I might some day. Right now my favorite is mystery because I love exploring the unknown or the unanswered. What if? is my mantra, like the two year old with the “why”? I want to know, so I write about it.

5. What is the reason you write?
I like Isaac Asimov’s quote and I paraphrase it here —-I write for the same reason I breathe, for without it I would die.! I write because I can not NOT write. After a couple rejections (I’ve received way more then a couple) I thought that’s it I’m not writing any more. Well that lasted as long as it took me to file the rejection… I must write, it’s in my blood.

If you had a million dollars would you still write? Absolutely! I just love it. I love finding out how something is going to come out. I love designing characters and pitting them against the world, themselves and each other. I love to write to find out what I have to say.

6. What do you hope to leave as a legacy?
Inspiration, joy, entertainment, the thought that I contributed something of lasting value to my children, grandchildren, my family and the world, to me that would be the best legacy.

7. You have helped so many authors do you feel a sense of pride in the work of those you've assisted?
I love to watch others grow and if I can help in some small way, you bet it makes me feel good inside. I know it wasn’t me who did it. It was the person I may have encouraged or helped in some small way. It was their own decision to try, and try again until whatever it was moved so they could succeed. I am as proud as I can be when I see other authors that have brushed my life growing into what they might become. It’s rather like seeing a child you’ve nurtured go out into the world and succeed. We all increase each other’s worth by what we can give of ourselves. It’s the most amazing thing in the world to me.

Dee Thank you so much for your insightful and interesting questions. It was a joy to answer them and to visit your beautiful blog. Thanks also for sharing your blog space and your readers with me. I can’t wait to learn more about fox when you visit my blog in the very near future. Incredible creatures made more so by your extraordinary writing talent.
Ciao
Billie

The Fox Lady www.foxladycarey.com Visit Narnia on fox paws

cross genre

I think if you simply realize that all stories are love stories nothing actually crosses. The object of the love may change ie love of another person, love of a child, love of a pet, love of money, love of fame, even love of power all are the same and all are vastly different.

I write what many may consider cross genre. My tales have their base in love of a man and a woman, however in each story one of the lead characters has the ability to change from fox to human or the other way around. I also throw in some Arthurian legend and some Catholicism. Now what you want to call that is up to you. I call it fantasy romance, not romantic fantasy which is something all together different.

As long as a story has impact it is valid. The problem results when you try to approach larger houses which function only on the bottom line. They buy what sells. Of course they don't often factor in that people buy what is for sale. As authors it is up to us to approach things in such a fashion that it matters not who is the publisher, but what the story says.

Thank you for inviting me to join. I've been with Wings for some time now and never blogged with them. I write fantasy and find the reality of today far too convoluted for a sane person. I speak of stupid commercials on the TV that either mock family values or present disturbing images. For instance, a commercial for a cell phone company. In this the father presents each of the members of his family with a cell phone, telling them they are his number one. After he's lied to each of them he proceeds to walk out of the house and says, "Saving the best for numero uno," meaning himself. Where and when did living become only focus on self? The best commercial is one also a cell company that has the father on a business trip, opening his brief case he finds his daughters toy monkey. Using the phone he takes pictures of the monkey posed in several images, finally he sends a picture of the monkey in front of their house. The child rushes to see her daddy and he sweeps her up in his arms. That's what a daddy should be.