Do you recall how your interest in writing began?
I’ve been writing most of my life whether it be a diary, journal or dabbling in poetry when the mood struck me. In grammar school, I had a poem selected for publication in the school yearbook. I guess you could say it was my first published work.
Around age thirteen, I began a love story in a simple spiral notebook based on a picture I’d drawn depicting a couple, walking arm in arm. Quite the romantic at the time, I continued the story diligently, though, I have no idea what became of it.
Later, in high school, I took journalism and creative writing classes, which I absolutely loved. I always had a fruitful imagination and this allowed me to follow my muse.
What are your current projects?
I am in the process of writing Curse of the Marimé, a gothic mystery novel chock full of gypsy lore, wolves, and shape shifting. It is the first in a planned series.
I am also actively seeking publication of my first crime novel, Dancing on the Edge, and editing with E-Press Online.
Have you ever had an experience with wolves, or perhaps your dog in some odd way?
One of the premises of my work in progress, Curse of the Marimé, is telepathic communications with a wolf. Pita, the Protagonist, finds herself linked to a wolf that tells her secrets and protects her from things she does not yet understand.
I truly believe communication is possible at some level with the animal world if we, humans, would just open our minds to it. In this particular area, my expertise would be of the canine variety of our furry, four-legged friends.
I had many dogs in my childhood years. Since I married, I have had two wonderfully communicative Shelties. Kazzy, my first little guy, got sick and passed on five years ago.
As I said, canines speak to humans in so many ways. We are all too familiar with those soulful eyes gazing up at you when they want something or the titillating excited greeting we get when we come home, even if we’ve only been gone ten minutes. How about the slap of a paw when they want you to get something for them, or they just want your attention? These are all common communications.
Article comments
1 - DrPat
How did you happen to interview this author?
2 - parker
by email
3 - C. Novak
If this is satirical or, at best, some kind of joke, but could you in future PLEASE leave my people out of it? You're, for whatever reason, reinforcing the very stereotypes that our ancestors were raped and hanged and flogged and gassed for; stereotypes that were never true in the first place. We're not mysterious and we dress just like everybody else does. Yes, there are some aspects of the culture that we don't share with outsiders but, then again, do you really want to hear about how I do my laundry...? Because I don't want to hear how you do yours. Unfortunately the 'academia' regarding my people is woefully and laughably out of date and people like me (educated Romani) are trying to rectify that, as I'm doing here--regardless of the intent behind the whole thing--but we face people who refuse to believe that we're not magical, people who want to experience some romantic ideal of the bloody difficult way our ancestors lived (not, mind you, by choice) and then, on the other hand, people who believe to this day that we're subhuman filth not fit to breathe the air everybody else does.
I'm Romani (Sinti nation); I live in the year 2005, I drive a Toyota, I'm getting divorce and going back to university to finish my graphic design degree and I've got more than enough on my plate already without constantly having to refute this new age rubbish that makes us (the Romani) look worse than we already do and just attracts more hocus-pocus-crunchy-granola-aura-seeing idiots and hippies. I have a big problem with that 'Gypsy spirit' crap, and I can't for the life of me figure out why people who were 'Gypsy in a past life' have to ANNOY US SO MUCH IN THIS ONE, along with doing us a huge disservice by perpetuating this romantic, exotic garbage.
We're not exotic. We're not mysterious. We're plain and ordinary but we have to deal with this kind of thing and then, on the other hand, the media can get away with saying the things they couldn't say about any other race (and, yes, we're a race; we are not a lifestyle). We may be despised and misunderstood and hemmed in and constantly slandered but we are not MYSTERIOUS.
4 - Sharon
Dear C. Novak,
As a writer of fiction, I'd been inspired with Romania and its rich history. Having gotten caught up and indulged in my gothic fantasies, I, by no means, meant to cause you any distress. I sincerely apologize that I have.
Sincerely,
Sharon L Connors
5 - Amanda Dryna
As one of the critiquers of 'Curse of the Marimé and a friend, I really enjoyed reading this interview. Curse of the Marimé is one of my all time favorite novels that I have ever had the pleasure of critiquing. I'd would highly recommend everyone to keep a look out for it.
6 - Sharon L Connors
Thank you, Amanda.
Your enthusiasm for this story is much appreciated as well your critique and editing skills, not to mention your continued friendship and support.
Fondly,
Sharon L Connors