Author Interview Mia Bishop

Today we welcome our own Mia Bishop! She is the author of Little Red Riding Hood. Here's the blurb: Once upon a time there was a girl in a long red cape… That is where one story ends and another adventure begins…


Seraphina is sent into the forest on the eve of her 18th birthday. This traditional rite of passage turns into something much more terrifying and exciting. She is stalked by a beast intent on devouring her and protected by a huntsman who has plans to do the same.


Can she find a way to soothe both the beast and the hunter and still manage to stay alive from another threat lurking in the forest?


1) What got you started on writing?

I’ve told stories for as long as I can remember. When I was little I used to go around to the campgrounds at my grandparents resort and tell all the visitor’s stories off the top of my head. When I got older I started writing in school and drawing instead of doing school work, in my early teens I started playing D&D, eventually becoming the DM for my adventuring group. Then life took over, I gave up, I was told to grow up and stop day dreaming all the time. A little over three years ago I did a simple search on Facebook to see if anyone was using the names of characters I liked from a series I was reading. I typed in: Acheron Parthenopaeus and my screen lit up. I was introduced to the world of Facebook Role Playing which ignited my love of writing all over again. From that experience I was given support and great friends who encouraged me to keep writing.

2) Are you non-writing friends and family supportive? Or do you get the "author/writer...yea... okay..." response?

In a nutshell, no I don’t get much support from my non-writing friends. I’ve mentioned my writing once and received little more than a raised eyebrow and a shrug. My mother doesn’t understand what I mean when I say I want to be a writer or that I am writing. My mother-in-law looks at me with a glazed over look in her eyes like I’ve just twisted my head around backwards, spoke in gibberish and spewed vomit on her silk table runner. My sister-in-laws all look at me with a mix of disgust and curiosity and ask things like “Oh are your trying to write a 50 Shades of Gray book?”

But my kids are uber supportive. They ask me every day, “How many words did you write today mom?” My husband was not supportive at all. For him, if he cannot see, taste, or smell it, and if it requires using your imagination he is not interested. For a few years it has caused some major friction between us, he is just now getting used to the idea and realizing that I’m not going to become famous, run off and marry my computer or something. He tries, now he tries and I give him credit for it but he still doesn’t understand why writing is so important to my mental wellbeing.

3) Why did you choose your particular story for the Fairy Tale Blog?

I love Little Red Riding Hood. The original is so dark and twisted and just flat out messed up that I already had an awesome platform to start from.

4) Why you took it in the direction you did?

Plain and simple. I like writing sex that will excite people. Not “let’s push the envelope and see how many people we can gross out with this sex scene” kind of sex (and trust me I’ve seen some pretty sick stuff done in the role playing forum, my sex scenes aren’t the kind that make you want to puke. At least I hope they are not!) I like to write romance and sex that makes the reader squeeze their thighs together as they are reading it. I hope one of these days I can write well enough to actually meet that goal. Plus who wouldn’t like to have two gorgeous men pining after you? Red is a lucky girl. And honestly it’s not just about the sex; I also love violence and blood. I might need therapy.

5) What elements are you going to keep the same as the classic version and why?

So much of the original version is dark and just down right Rob Zombie worthy and the Grimm Classic version is very watered down compared to that, I’ve decided to take elements from both. Look for some graphic scenes and possibly some cannibalism from the original, and some classic lines from the Grimm story. I will be leaving out the defecation scene as it is not something I am really that keen on writing.

6) Do you prefer to write in silence or with the TV going or with music?

Music or silence. If the TV is on I get too distracted. If a movie is on, forget about it, writing just won’t be happening.

7) What is your dream writing space?

A room with a key pad for password entry.  That is a must! A desk, two monitors, and an all Apple system. An awesome stereo system. The world’s most comfy chair. Chalkboard, dry erase and cork board on the walls. A bay window with cushions and pillows for when I want to sit in the window and write, the view will be cloudy and rainy with some thunderstorms and lightening every day, occasionally a day or two of snow. A coffee maker, snack dispenser, and a thermostat to keep it at my preferred temperature year-around. And a big pile of pillows and blankets in the corner for when I want to snuggle up and read something from one of the many book cases stuffed full of books from my favorite authors that take up an entire wall. Oh and it is self-cleaning, kid proof and sound proof. And has a magical portal that will take me to any destination I so desire in all of time and space.

I’m not asking for too much.

8) What do you do to put yourself in the mood for writing graphic scenes like sex, violence or debauchery?

I don’t need anything to put me in the mood to write violence, blood, torture or anything sad. It comes natural. I used to have no problem writing sex scenes either but over the last year or so it is getting increasingly harder for me so I really do struggle even though I enjoy the content, so usually I try music that reminds me of sex or that has a sexy vibe to it.

9) If your life was a novel, what would the title be and who would write it?

Journey to the Center of the Nerd: A tale of imagination, anime, video games and family by R.A. Salvatore, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Shelly Mazzanoble

10) Who helps you through this crazy journey of writing?

My writer friends. Every single one of them helps me, encourages me and supports me. I’ve learned a lot from each and every one of them. Most of them I’ve met through FB RP, some of them I have met through friends of friends. Some came into my life when I was first starting out, other came into it and changed it during one of the roughest patches life has thrown me. Some left, other came in, and others came back, but everyone I’ve met has helped me in one way, shape or form while I’ve been on this crazy journey. They all mean the world to me and I am very grateful for their support and encouragement and the laughs we share.

Find Mia:

Facebook

Google +

Twitter

Blog

Author Interview: Sara Galbraith

This week we bring you our interview with Sara Galbraith who is writing the story of Sleeping Beauty on Twisted Tales.

(From the Aurora page at Twisted Tales, click here to read)

Blurb: Aurora

The East Kingdom has been forced into a magical slumber, and an old evil has resurfaced. They must be saved, and the witch stopped before the darkness falls over the rest of the land. There is only one person who can be the hero or heroin, and that is Princess Aurora. Can a girl who has never been anything but pampered really save the entire land? She has only her determination to help her, hopefully that will be enough.

1) What got you started on writing?

Honestly, I have no idea. It was probably my mom reading to me as a little girl. I’ve been telling stories and writing for longer than I can remember. It’s always just been a part of who I am.

2) Are you non-writing friends and family supportive?  Or do you get the "author/writer...yea... okay..." response? 

They are all really supportive. They’re always telling me to keep writing because I have talent, and how proud they are of what I can do. It’s really nice how encouraging my family and friends are.

3) Why did you choose your particular story for the Fairy Tale Blog?

I don’t really know. I have always loved fairy tales in general, and Sleeping Beauty was one that was easy to come up with a new take on.

4) Why you took it in the direction you did?

I’m taking it in the direction that I am because I think that we need a female to be the hero. I love the idea that instead of a damsel in distress we have a man who needs to be saved. Also, I think that the character of Aurora needed to have more depth, and that’s what I’m trying to give her.

5) What elements are you going to keep the same as the classic version and why?

I’m keeping some of the name’s the same, simply because I liked them. Also, the evil Maleficent will still be responsible for the sleeping kingdom. And there will still be a love story in there because who doesn’t love a good romance?

6) Do you prefer to write in silence or with the TV going or with music?

I prefer to write with quiet music going, or silence, but that almost never happens. It’s pretty much impossible to find a moment of silence with my two year old running around.

7) What is your dream writing space?

A room with whiteboard walls, that I can draw on when I need a distraction, or have an idea. There would be a coffee maker with limitless coffee, and an endless supply of snacks. One whole wall would be a window, so that I could feel the sun shine through. There would be books everywhere, and my desk would clean itself. And there would be a lock on the door that only I can open, so that when I’m writing I wouldn’t be interrupted.

8) What do you do to put yourself in the mood for writing graphic scenes like sex, violence or debautchary?

I don’t do anything special to put me in the mood. Its more just it fits in the story, so I keep writing till it’s done. I write it the same way I write everything else.

9) If your life was a novel, what would the title be and who would write it?

I think it would be called Once Upon a Zombie, or something else equally as silly. I don’t know who would write it, but it would have to be someone who writes great comedy.

10) Who helps you through this crazy journey of writing?

My family helps me the most, but also a few of my friends. A lot of it is just having them support me, and give encouragement, which they are all great at. I couldn’t write if it wasn’t for the people I love, and that love me.

Click the links to follow Sara on Twisted Tales.

Author Interview: A.L. Kessler

Today we welcome A.L. Kessler, author of Beauty and the Beast on the Twisted Fairytale Blog as we continue our author interviews!

1) What got you started on writing?

         I really needed an escape outlet. I used to write fanfiction through middle school, but when I lost my mother I buried myself in my own worlds and started writing original stories and novels. That’s really when it took off, I spent high school more focused on my writing than school. That’s how I got started on writing.

2) Are you non-writing friends and family supportive?  Or do you get the "author/writer...yea... okay..." response?

         This always cracks me up because I get such mixed reactions and from people I don’t expect them from. My oldest sister thinks it’s fantastic that I’m writing and publishing. My other one is like, okay cool, “I’m not reading it because reading sex scenes my sister wrote is strange.” My father? Yeah he was convinced I wrote an article. Oops.

         My friends are all super supportive and want to be with me every step of the way. Many of them deal with my random, “I want to do this!” or “I need this!” even though they have no idea what I’m talking about. They really are my biggest support system in some way or another.  

3) Why did you choose your particular story for the Fairy Tale Blog.

         I chose Beauty and the Beast because it’s one of my favorites and in honor of my Minion. She’s been side by side with me (as have a few others) for much of this crazy journey. When I mentioned the idea of the blog she jumped and said, “You have to do Beauty and the Beast!” And from there the ideas just kind of started flowing.

4) Why you took it in the direction you did?

         I really wanted to mix a few different ideas together, and I kind of went with a dash of the book and a dash of the Disney movie, then mixed in my own spin on it all. I’m currently writing another series in Scotland so that just seemed like the perfect place to base it instead of France. I really needed the beast to be darker and do something to deserve his curse.

5) What elements are you going to keep the same as the classic version and why?

         Like I said above, I’m doing a bit from the book and a bit from the Disney movie. He’s still a wolf like creature, roses are going to play a big part and I kept Belle’s love for books. I felt that these were important aspects, especially the form of the beast. I have a special something I want to do with the fact that he is a wolf.

6) Do you prefer to write in silence or with the TV going or with music?

         I used to only be able to write with music or silence in the background. Now, out of necessity I can write with the TV going (normally Tangled, as it is currently my daughter’s favorite), video games (normally Skyrim, my husband’s current favorite), or music. Though my ideal condition is music, normally something that fits the character.

7) What is your dream writing space?

         I’d have to say that my perfect space would have the dual monitors and the mechanical keyboard in a room that had the single serve coffee maker. With a desk that is big enough to spread out on in a room with in wall or in ceiling speakers. *grins* I want a lock on the door so I can keep people out so they don’t disturb me. One wall would be made up of corkboard so I could pin stuff up and maybe a wall painted with white board paint, that would be awesome too.

8) What do you do to put yourself in the mood for writing graphic scenes like sex, violence or debautchary? 

         Music helps put me in the mood for most things. I put on my selection of ‘Angry’ music if I need the character to be angry, or if I need to write a scene that makes them angry. As for sex…that one is tough because no music makes me think sex…my approach for writing sex is to just get it all out and clean it up later. *looks back at that last sentence and shakes my head* no puns intended.  Violent scenes go back to the music, something that has to fit the mood. Violence to me is easier than writing sex.

9) If your life was a novel, what would the title be and who would write it?

         Confessions of a Stay at Home mom would be in the running of a title, or something like “The Darkness within” I would love Sherrilyn Kenyon to write it, but I don’t think that I would be worth of her writing it

10) Who helps you through this crazy journey of writing?

         Oh gosh, so many people help me through this. When I first decided to selfpublish I had no idea where to start. I hadn’t even considered covers until Jamie Wilson said something about a book mentioning it. Jamie did my cover for Midnight Symphony and for In the Light of the Moon. She helps me out with beta reading and midnight rants. Jennifer (Minon) is always right there when I needed her, even with her crazy schedule. Tiffany is amazing and helps me out any chance she gets. My husband is always supportive. Sara is always providing feedback and is there to bounce ideas on. Really there are too many people to name. To tell you the truth though, I wouldn’t be where I am without any of these people. They mean a lot to me, and I must give credit where it is due in that aspect. Thanks guys!

Find A.L. Kessler:

Website

Amazon

Goodreads

Smashwords

Author Interview: Phoebe Chase

Our next interview is with Phoebe Chase from the Twisted Tales blog. Phoebe is writing her futuristic retelling of Aladdin.
(From the Aladdin page at Twisted Tales: click here to read)
Blurb: Aladdin
Jasmine is a bored princess with secrets: some big, some little. When her father's adviser, Jafar, uses her boredom and a penchant for taking things that don't belong to her for his own nefarious purposes, Jasmine ends up in center court of a battle that could destroy the entire Middle East...and beyond.

Alád's code name is Diamond. When the agency's handlers found him on the streets of Marrakech picking pockets and stealing food, they coined him a diamond in the rough and it stuck. He's been tasked with finding something called "the lamp." Whatever it is, it has the potential to be the key to world peace, or all out war.

Set 50ish years in the future, Aladdin and Jasmine set out on a crash course that unites ancient magic and destiny with modern-day political intrigue.

1) What got you started on writing?

Honestly? A midlife crisis. I'm tired of watching my soul and creativity wither away in a cubicle. It's time to go after that brass ring.

2)Are you non-writing friends and family supportive?  Or do you get the "author/writer...yea... okay..." response? 

My husband is very supportive. He knows how much I want out of the 9-5 gig. The rest of my family is in the dark for now. I'm waiting to see how things go. My friends are super supportive and give me the push I need to sit down and get my stories on paper. It's like having my own little cheerleading squad.

3) Why did you choose your particular story for the Fairy Tale Blog.

Well, my first choice was taken. *grins* So I poked around to see what else piqued my interest and I kept coming back to Aladdin.

4) Why you took it in the direction you did?

I loved, loved, loved Cinder by Marissa Meyer. It's a futuristic take on Cinderella. I thought it was very clever so I wanted to try my hand at the same with Aladdin.

5) What elements are you going to keep the same as the classic version and why?

The setting. I love the history and culture of the Middle East/N. Africa region. And I always picture swarthy males when I think about it. Also, the lamp. Even in the future it's still the lamp that everyone is after.

6) Do you prefer to write in silence or with the TV going or with music?

I usually have the TV on in the background. But to something I'm not really interested in. I work better with white noise. Music takes my mind off of the writing, so I rarely play music while I'm working.

7) What is your dream writing space?

A nook up on the third floor of an old Victorian. Lots of sunshine and wooden floors that creak. If it had a drive-thru window to a Dunkin' Donuts, that would be awesome.

8) What do you do to put yourself in the mood for writing graphic scenes like sex, violence or debauchery?

I don't do anything in particular. I just start writing and eventually get into the proper head space if I wasn't there to begin with. I guess that's not very exciting is it?

9) If your life was a novel, what would the title be and who would write it?

Ugh, really? Ummm... Do Over by Kevin Hearne. (He knows how to make redheads hot.)

10) Who helps you through this crazy journey of writing?

My many friends and fellow writers who support me every day in whatever way they can. And Dunkin' Dontus Irish Creme coffee.

Click the links to follow Phoebe Chase on Facebook, Twitter, and on her blog "Phoebe Chase Writes"

Author Interview: Savannah Knight

As we continue our interview series of the authors on the Twisted Tales blog we welcome Savannah Knight! Savannah is writing the retelling of Cinderella, which you can find here.

1) What got you started on writing? 

Honestly, Facebook RP… I had never written anything except papers in school, which I always hated. After a couple of months of talking to some of the RPers, I was persuaded by a couple of dear friends to JUST DO IT. So, I created a character. And the rest, as they say, is history. I found out I could write, I was decent at it, and it was a much needed escape from my crazy busy real life as a mom and wife.

2) Are your non-writing friends and family supportive?  Or do you get the "author/writer...yea... okay..." response?  

My husband and teenage son are very supportive. My son loves to write and wants to write a story with me. But he did specify our book could not be “gross.” In other words no sex. I don’t think my husband realized just how long it took to write even 1,000 words. But he bears with me and reads them over and over again. He my first beta with every story I write. I haven’t really outed myself to rest of my family about writing yet. Still scared of what they might say. But the friends that know I write are very supportive.

3) Why did you choose your particular story for the Fairy Tale Blog? 

Cinderella was always my favorite childhood fairy tale. The Disney version, of course. The idea of a fairy godmother, beautiful carriage, Prince hunting the right girl down to fit her with the glass slipper…a true fairy tale in my eyes. As an adult, I know for a fact, the right shoes can change your life. ;)

4) Why you took it in the direction you did? 

One area I need to work on in my writing is plotting and planning…so why am I taking Cinderella in the direction I am, I can’t answer because I’m not sure. I have an idea but not sure how to get there yet. I want a balanced mixture of fantasy and real life. Present time and past. I love current pop culture but I want ball gowns and castles and dukes and earls and princesses and princes. Hopefully, I can mesh it all together and make it a great story.

5) What elements are you going to keep the same as the classic version and why? 

Oh, most definitely there will be a fairy godmother, of sorts…The step-sisters and step-monster will be wicked to the core. Elle will be their whipping post. And there will be indeed be a “slipper” although I’m not sure if it’ll be glass. There are also aspects from the Brothers Grimm version of the story I will be keeping. Because you can’t have a twisted tale without a little twisted and gory Grimm, IMO.

6) Do you prefer to write in silence or with the TV going or with music? 

Well, usually the TV’s on in the background because I write curled up in my recliner or at the kitchen table. But I prefer a quiet house with just music.

7) What is your dream writing space? 

A room with just my computer & desk completely stocked with everything I need all the time. A coffee maker that knows when my cup is low and refills it. One whole wall to be a window and the scene outside changes with my mood. Bright and sunny if I’m writing a happy romance. Dark and rainy if it’s a depressing scene and thunder storm if I’m killing someone off.

8) What do you do to put yourself in the mood for writing graphic scenes like sex, violence or debauchery?

 Music is always a great mood-setter for any scene I need to write.

9) If your life was a novel, what would the title be and who would write it? 

I would love for Sandra Brown or Jaycee Clark to write it. That I know for sure. They write crazy, evil villains and great heroes and heroines. But the title, I have no clue.

10) Who helps you through this crazy journey of writing? 

Along with my husband, my friends. Everyone on the Twisted Tales blog. I have written with Jacy and Phoebe since I started writing a couple years ago. They are a constant encouragement to me. 

Find Savannah Knight!
Facebook

Author Interview: Alexandra Webb

For the next couple of weeks we will be doing Author Interviews with the writers at the Twisted Tales Blog. The blog is contributed to by 7 authors, all giving their own takes on some classic fairy tales. The stories posted so far are Aladdin, Alice In Wonderland,  Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. New chapters are posted every other week for each tale. If you are interested in reading these twisted tales, please be advised that they may contain graphic content .

http://wickedlytwistedtales.blogspot.com/2013/02/welcome-to-twisted-tales.html

Today we interviewed Alexandra Webb creator of The Self-Publishing Experiment and who is also writing the tale of Alice In Wonderland at Twisted Tales.

(from The Alice Page at Twisted Tales)

Blurb: Alice

Alice falls down what she thought was a rabbit hole, only to end up in the world of the Fae, the place she calls Wonderland. Forget off with her head. Entangled with the curse that has come over the land, Alice has no choice but to face the Red King, the collector of hearts. Literally.

Interview:

1) What got you started on writing?

          I’ve been telling stories since I can remember. I used to tell mystery stories in grade school during recess. When my life hit a hard spot I started to put my stories onto paper. I spent the majority of my childhood grounded so the computer (when we had one) wasn’t an option. I fell in love with telling the stories of the characters that I had no choice but to continue with it.

2)Are you non-writing friends and family supportive?  Or do you get the "author/writer...yea... okay..." response?  

          Most of my family thinks that writing is simply a hobby for me. They don’t know about the things I write, nor do they ask about it. Some of them are to the point of judgmental that I won’t tell them when I publish something because I don’t want to deal with that. It’s just how I am.

          Friends on the other hand, they are all very supportive, even if they don’t like the type of writing that I do. (The BDSM aspect of it) They still encourage me and joke around about what we’ll do when I hit it big. I wouldn’t be anywhere without my friends on this adventure.

3) Why did you choose your particular story for the Fairy Tale Blog.

          Why did I chose Alice in Wonderland? I loved the world of the book, the possibilities of it, even though I feel that the book has no plot. (I know there are people out there who will argue with me on this), but the world is amazing. I wanted to be able to take that world and put my own twist on it and the characters.

4) Why you took it in the direction you did?

          The direction I plan on taking is one that I mulled over and over. In the end I decided to let the characters run amok and do whatever the fuck they wanted. I wanted Wonderland to be the Fae world because in my mind it was the only supernatural world that would have such wondrous and horrifying things in it. I love working with the world of the Fae because there are so many things that can be done within it.

5) What elements are you going to keep the same as the classic version and why?

          The wonder of discovery is something I’m going to keep the same, other than that I’m really taking some liberties with this. Alice’s curiosity is something in the book that I admire. I really want to portray this in my adult Alice.

6) Do you prefer to write in silence or with the TV going or with music?

          I can go either way. I like music that reminds me of the character or that inspired the scene. When I’m writing sex I need something without words and when I’m editing I need silence. There is no if ands or buts about that. No music while writing. The TV I can get away with having it on, but I get so distracted so work tends to go slower. Much slower.

7) What is your dream writing space?

          My dream writing space would be somewhere with two monitors for editing, a wireless keyboard so that I can sit cross legged without having to worry about wires. A window with a beautiful view, where it is warm, but not too hot to work, or that ‘I want to take a nap’ warm that can happen, that needs to be somewhere where I can see it. It needs to have endless coffee and snacks. Maybe a mini fridge for cold drinks. Or man servants to bring stuff to me. ;)

8) What do you do to put yourself in the mood for writing graphic scenes like sex, violence or debautchary? 

          Ahhh sex…that needs mood music, maybe some sexy pictures to inspire…with being a BDSM author I actually have to research things so that I don’t get hounded by the masses about things not being accurate. (Though things that are not lifestyle based I do take some liberties with.) A lot of time that alone will get me in the mood to write a scene for the characters. As for violence I need anger music. I pull upon the anger and urges in me to write them. You know those urges, the one that makes you want to punch the stupid people? Yeah those ones.

9) If your life was a novel, what would the title be and who would write it?

          This is a hard question. I’d have to say the title would be something like “Hidden Beneath” or “Beyond the Mask.” As for the author I’d have to stay Janet Evanovich. Yep pretty sure my life is a comedy of shenanigans.

10) Who helps you through this crazy journey of writing?

          As I mentioned before I wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of my friends. Most of them act as my beta readers where some cheer me on from the side. I’m taking this journey with Mia and I have to say it’s been great having someone side by side with me, struggling, researching, and writing. She knows exactly what I’m going through with this. Eventually I hope to have fans going on this journey with me.

…

Click the links to follow Alexandra Webb on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and at the Alice page on Twisted Tales for updates and chapters that will be added to Alice’s story.