Extinction Blurb: Dr. Marcy Whites overcomes enormous genetic engineering obstacles to resurrect a prehistoric bacterium (V5) capable of creating renewable oil. On the other side of the world, people die by the millions when genetically-engineered beta-hemolytic streptococcus (BHS), a pathogen developed for bio-terrorism, is released by accident in Mecca. Carried by fanatical Ambulatory Infectious Agents seeking martyrdom, the flesh-eating disease spreads like wildfire with a 100% kill rate. Out of desperation, countries agree to sanitize the infectious outer perimeter of the kill zone with nuclear weapons. Dr. Whites joins a government team attempting to adapt V5 as a BHS antidote. Their deadline passes, and Operation Sanitize releases mankind’s most powerful weapons against its smallest enemy. Nuclear detonations temporarily halt expansion of the kill zone, but Dr. Whites continues antidote refinement knowing BHS-laden dust will someday settle to the surface.
What can we expect from you in the future?
The past year has been an exceptional one for me, with four new novels produced (Extinction, Beyond the Horizon, Infinity Quest, and A Brief History of Sin) and two new book covers developed and replaced on older novels (The Trophy Wife and Oh, Heavens, Miss Havana!). That is a difficult pace to maintain; it means I didn’t do anything but write, edit, and plot. The lawn grew long, dirty clothes piled up, mail was not opened, and cold cereal was the fare for dinner. Writing was my solace after my wife passed. I’m not sure if I can maintain that regiment. Everything is dependent on creation of new concepts for novel ideas. The writing is the fun part; new plots and creative ideas are difficult. So what’s next? I’m currently working on a paranormal comedy concerning Facebook “Friends.” Some aren’t what they post.
How do we find out about you and your books?
Everything about me and my novels is provided at cookinwithmisshavana.blogspot.com (no “g” on “cookin”). My book covers, back cover blurbs, and excerpts from all my novels are provided there, as well as blogs from other authors.
How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
I have been lucky enough to travel much of the world, work at some fantastic jobs, be married to an incredible wife, and receive a top-notch education. Every book I write includes elements of those things. I cannot stress enough how important it is to know love and romance in your own heart in order to write it down in a way that others might understand.
When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I know the day and the hour. It was 8:46 a.m. on 9/11/01 when AA flight 11 struck the North Tower. At first there were tears … and then there was anger. I used writing to quell my anger and, over time, eventually wrote my first book, Extinction. The book was full of venom and I knew I could never publish it. It took years to smooth the rough edges to make it acceptable. That 450 page novel was released by Solstice this year.
Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I write every day. I usually begin from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. and try to write until 2 p.m. Then I watch mindless movies.
What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
I am not surrounded by family like many writers are; however, life provides plenty of interruptions. Sometimes I just want to shut off my phone. Almost all my friends know not to visit until after 2 p.m. During my wife’s illness, I gave up writing completely so there would be no conflicts. Writing requires too much focus to try to do it while multitasking.
What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
Nothing beats a bourbon and coke as the sun sets over the lake behind the house, as long as it’s not too cold. Other than that, I love movies. I find them very relaxing, especially the really creative ones.
Where do your ideas come from?
All of my ideas have come to me during sleep. I used to keep a writing pad on the nightstand so I could take notes. Now I just use the “notes” application on my phone. It is much easier to talk to the phone in the dark than to turn on a light in order to write ideas down.
Do you feel humor is important in books and why?
Oh, yes. Writing comedy is vital. Including humor in suspense novels is also important. A good plot is vital, but it is made even better when humor is interspersed throughout the text.
What kind of research do you do?
For highly technical novels like Extinction, I spend lots of time on Wikipedia and surfing the Internet. That is especially true when trying to understand extremists. Sometimes I wonder if the next knock on my door will be the FBI. I have never gone to the local library for research. I have worked in technical disciplines all my life, so I generally have a good idea what direction to go in. Comedy research is much more fun. I love finding a new rude joke to insert into the flow of the story.
.
Please tell us about yourself.
My Ph.D. is in meteorology and my undergraduate major was chemistry. I have retired four times. I am 80 years old and widowed. I have led an exceptionally blessed life and have accomplished everything I dreamed as a youth. I have traveled the world, from near the North Pole to Australia, and that is the reason I know without question I live in paradise in central Texas overlooking Lake Belton. I love writing more than anything I have done, and currently have 10 novels with Solstice Publishing (Melissa Miller was one of my earliest advocates).
What are some of your favorite things to do?
I used to dance and play in the lake, but those things are for the young. Now I write, do minimal chores around the house, and party down with my great neighbors. I also love to cook when I can find time.
Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?
I enjoy Frank Herbert and believe I’ve read all his books at least once. I am currently reading Sea Stories by Admiral William McRaven (Retired).
What do you think of critique groups in general?
At my age criticism really doesn’t mean much. Thirty years ago, maybe, but now I only want to hear comments that will make my writing better. My neighbors are my usual critique group, especially after a few glasses of wine.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I am tempted to answer this question by stating, “dead.” But, who knows, I could last a little longer. I intend to use the remainder of my life preparing for my passing (building houses for kids and grandkids, for examples), ensuring my estate is in order, and writing as much as I can.
How many books have you written, how many have been published?
I currently have 10 novels with Solstice, but I have published with Eternal Press, XOXO Publishing, and a few more. Once I found Solstice, I stayed there. I don’t intend to leave unless they make me.
After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?
Always. I love collecting book covers and proudly display them on my office wall. Because most of my books are series, it is important to reread prior books just to make sure I don’t trip on some obscure fact mentioned in the past.
Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
Oh, yes. My hands-down favorite is Miss Havana. What a vixen. I have enjoyed her antics. While I write about her, it’s like she is living that life and I am just observing. Sometimes I laugh out loud at the dialogue. It’s like it comes from the characters and not from me. I believe my favorite book is The Training Bra. Lots of humor in that one.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Nil Whittington (Ordinary People; Extraordinary Lives) would say she hates writing but loves having been published. I enjoy both, but putting a new book cover on my wall is the most rewarding. It’s like collecting merit badges when I was a Boy Scout.
If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
That’s a scary question. I suppose then I’d have to clean the house, wash the windows, mow the lawn – all the things I really don’t like doing.
What is your greatest desire?
I would like lots of people to read my books, especially the comedies. There is not enough humor in this world.
Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
If you feel the “burning in the belly,” then you will succeed. It took many years before I began to consider myself a reasonable author. At first my rejections were weighty, but over time I learned a few things. I am an amateur grammar maven now, and I love reading texts (any text) without errors. I don’t submit anything for Solstice review without proof reading it at least six times.
No comments:
Post a Comment