May I Present...

Hello lovelies…

Below is an interview with a very cool and dynamic lady. She also happens to be a successfully published author. She’s recently been branching out into other genres, and I was interested in hearing her thoughts on that, and a few other things as well.

She graciously agreed to let me question her.

Here’s what I think is really great about this woman: she is incredibly smart, she is fun and has a fantastic sense of humor, she is open and accessible to her fans as well as with her fellow writers, and she also happens to be one of my favorite authors.

Her books capture me in a way that most others don’t. Her writing is real and raw. That is the best way I can describe it. If you’re like me, or most people, and didn’t have a picture perfect childhood or don’t live a Brady Bunch, cut out of cream cheese life as an adult, then her books will hit home for you. She has a style of writing that lets you peek into the life of someone else that is not a typical romance fairy-tale, but does have a happy ending.

She has a gift and I’m honored to know her.

Without further ado… May I present: Megan Hart.





1. Please give us a bit of a biography to start?

The short version is: I was born and I lived awhile. Then I did some stuff and things. Now I mostly write books. The long version is...boring.

2. When did you start writing?

The first story I remember writing was in kindergarten or maybe first grade. It was about vampires who captured ladies and put them in their underwear in a basement. I drew pictures. I saw it on the front of a comic book at the card shop, and I guess it captured my attention.

3. Was there a favorite writing teacher or mentor?

I did have a really tough English teacher in high school, I can’t say she was a favorite, but she definitely learned me mah bizness.

4. Are you an avid reader? Who are your favorite authors?

I am! Sadly, I don’t read for pleasure as much as I used to. There never seems to be enough time. I’d say my favorite authors are Jacqueline Carey, Robert McCammon, Clive Barker. I’ll always be a Stephen King fan. Love John Irving’s books, especially the earlier ones.

5. Do you have any writing rituals?

I listen to music. Often I’ll burn a specific scented candle, but mostly because I love the smell of it, not because it helps me write. I sit at my desk. I drink Coke Zero or sometimes coffee or tea. That’s about it. When I’m done with a book, as in completely finished, I do the “End of the Book Dance” which is...a sight.

6. How do you deal with the dreaded writer’s block?

I don’t get writer’s block, of the sort that leaves me without ideas. I definitely suffer from lack of motivation, and some days the words come easier than others. Some days I can’t wait to get to the story, others, I’d much, much, much rather do something else. But I just work through it. This is my job. When it wasn’t my job, it was still my job. You don’t get to be a writer by not writing. You have to put the words down. Otherwise you’re just a wanna-be.

7. What are the most difficult aspects of writing?

Sitting in one place for a long time. I’m getting older and my day is spent in front of the computer. I’m sedentary. My hands are starting to hurt. I’m starting to feel creaky. I need to force myself into activity, and it’s hard to write and be active because the nature of it is that you’re at the computer or with a laptop or at least a notebook. The other thing is that I don’t feel like I’m ever finished with anything, my work is never done, and so consequently I could really work all the time. ALL the time. And I still feel like I don’t work hard enough.

8. Most authors say their characters find them and suddenly begin telling their stories. Is that what happens with your characters?

Hmm. I don’t usually view my characters as people, they’re firmly made up and I’m firmly in control. But they do get revealed to me, piece by piece, as I think about them. Actually, I’d guess I’d say the idea for the story comes to me first, and then I figure out what sort of people would live through that story, and how they’d react.

9. Are your characters sometimes composites of people you know or knew?

Sometimes. Don’t piss me off. ;)

10. What genre(s) do you write in and which is your favorite?

I write erotic fiction, erotic romance, romance, mainstream, horror, young adult horror, science fiction, fantasy...umm...a little bit of most everything. My favorite has always been science fiction/fantasy but I love horror too. I do really enjoy writing a good, sexy story thought, obviously, since the bulk of my published work is erotic.

11. You’ve recently ventured into writing Horror, what inspired you to write in this genre?

I started writing horror. (Remember the vampire story in first grade?) Always been a fan. Love to read it. Love to watch it. Wanted to write it.

12. What about writing Horror intrigues you?

The same things that intrigue me with writing anything else: what’s going on with the people. Yes, blood and gore can be scary, ghosts, zombies, monsters. But at the heart of it, we are more scared when we care about the people that the scary things are happening to. Stephen King’s a master at writing horror novels that are on the surface about the big bad thing, but when you really take a look at it -- Pet Semetary is about the fear of losing a child. The Shining is about how alcoholism ruins a family. I want to write things that scare us but also are stories about people.

13. Who is the ideal reader for your books, Horror and Romance?

Well, I’d say that readers with open minds who aren’t looking for something specific...I guess? LOL! I don’t know. Smart people? Pretty people. Umm...people who smell good. They should read my books.

14.Will your regular audience be able to relate to this new endeavor into Horror?

Some will. Some won’t even look because they don’t like scary, and that’s fine. It’s a beautiful, big world with lots of room in it for things we love, there’s not a reason for someone to read books they don’t like. But I think readers who like my romance because of the characterization will find the same thing in the horror. I hope.

15. Do your Horror books have a romantic element to them?

Some do. The Resurrected has a romantic through-thread, with some upcoming parts definitely a little bit more on the romance side.

16. What made you decide to self-publish them versus traditional publishing?

I decided to go with self-publishing for The Resurrected because when I planned them, there wasn’t a good place that I knew of to put out a serial. One story a month, short horror. I also had a vision of how I wanted them to be released and the pricing of them -- the first part is as free as I can make it (except places where it won’t go up as free!) and the other pieces are .99 each. I want to be able to offer them for free to my newsletter subscribers and offer coupons and all that sort of stuff to generate interest. Also, I wanted to make sure I controlled the release dates so I could keep myself to a schedule that didn’t interfere with my bigger projects.

17. Where is the best place to find your Horror books?

Right now, The Resurrected parts 1-3, with part 4 making its debut soon, are available on Amazon.com, BN.com, Smashwords.com. Part one is free from my website, www.meganhart.com. They’ll be available in other places forthcoming as they get distributed. My future horror work is still in the works, but I hope it will be available everywhere!

18. How has Twitter been for you overall in attracting potential readers and meeting fellow writers?

I’m not sure how it is for attracting readers, since I don’t approach Twitter as a place to solely promote. I like to talk on Twitter. I like to meet people. It’s fantastic for connecting with my fellow writers and fans of things and strangers and whatever.

19. What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

Write. Write some more. Don’t do something just because it seems easy – self-publishing, for example. YES, of course you can bypass all those stinky pubs and editors that don’t see your genius, but...be honest with yourself. Look at your work with a super critical eye. Is your work really ready for publication? Maybe those editors are right. Or maybe self-publishing is the best venue for you, for one reason or another, but educate yourself first about whether or not that’s true. Work hard, write hard, revise, get critique, and don’t be afraid to cut words. Don’t be afraid, and this is the hard one, to put something away and say “this is not my best work.” Not every word you write is gold. Sometimes, you need to put it away.

20. If you were doing it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing.

21. Any last parting words?

Live long and prosper!

*****

Thank you again, Megan, for taking the time to answer my questions. I wish you great success with your career and I know, since I’ve also read “The Resurrected,” you will have even greater success with this new phase of your writing career.

You can find Megan on Twitter and Facebook:

@Megan_Hart

facebook.com/megan.hart

Take care, lovelies.
Wookies Girl

The Definition of Me

Guest post I wrote for @LidiaAnain's website.

Enjoy!

http://lidia-anain.com/what-makes-me-tick-seeking-our-own-truths.html

May I present....

The interview below is quite special to me and I am honored that I was given the opportunity to conduct it. It offers you a glimpse into the mind of a talented, published writer who works a full time day job, and also is employed as an editor for Lyrical Press. I was introduced to her by a very close friend this year and I just adore her. She is brilliantly talented and I value her opinion in regards to all things. She’s also a complete smart ass who makes me laugh on a daily basis.

May I present a wonderful friend and author, Nerine Dorman.

1. Please give us a bit of a biography to start?

It’s quite simple. By day I work for a newspaper as a sub-editor and writer. By night I write and edit fiction. I’m a full-time snark. You kinda have to be in this industry. I see many crimes against the English language daily.

2. Tell us about your day job(s)?

I work mainly with advertorial copy. It’s reached the point where the banality factor is so high I end up concocting bizarre tales to write for my own stories. There’s a reason why I write about vampires, death and despair. If I didn’t, I’d have gone sub-editor long ago and taken out my colleagues with an office chair or something.

3. When did you start writing?

I first figured out I was good at this writing business when I was about 11 or so. I’ve got a stockpile of journals I wrote during my teenage years I’m probably going to burn in a great big bonfire one day—mainly due to the embarrassing content.

4. Was there a favorite writing teacher or mentor?

Song lyrics. I’ve a few musicians I went ape about and knew most of the lyrics well enough. Yeah, so it was Queen, Nine Inch Nails and Type O Negative mostly. Bauhaus… And I'm obsessed with Poppy Z Brite and the original graphic novel, The Crow, by JO Barr. I think I over-identified with these folks’ words even though when I was younger I had absolutely no real reason to feel any angst. Now I just kinda laugh at these things. But they’ve definitely all influenced my style of writing.

Mentors? Right now I’m absolutely in awe of South African authors like Cat Hellisen and Arja Salafranca, who’ve done a lot to guide me and give me confidence. They’re good friends and mentors.

5. Are you an avid reader? Who are your favorite authors?

My only quibble is I don’t read enough anymore. My top authors include Poppy Z Brite, Neil Gaiman, Mary Gentle, Jacqueline Carey, Storm Constantine and CJ Cherryh. I can return to their books time and again.

6. How much time do you spend writing?

Not enough. But if you include emails, blogs, social networking and editorial, I probably spend about half my life writing.

7. What does the act of writing do for you?

I really struggle to talk to people. The written word acts as a barrier and allows me to think before I commit myself to words. Words, to me, are a form of magic. They not only relate stories but they expose readers to different ways of thinking. So, for me, writing is a way in which I can change reality.

8. What genre(s) do you write in and which is your favorite?

Most of the time I write dark/urban fantasy. These would definitely be my favorite. But of late I do find myself drawn to contemporary fiction without the supernatural elements. It totally depends on what my state of mind is and what story I have to tell.

9. How many books have you had published? Which genres?

This is the part where I have to count on my fingers, but I’ve got two novels out in my urban fantasy Khepera series. These follow the misadventures of my South African black magician, Jamie. Not really for the faint-hearted, these stories verge on splatterpunk.

I’m currently working on book three but it’s taking its sweet time because I’ve also got a bug up my arse with a work of contemporary fiction.

Then, writing as Therése von Willegen I have two contemporary erotic romances out. One is Tainted Love, which is a kind of reverse-Cinderella story about a woman who becomes a stripper. The other is Hell’s Music, which is about a bookshop owner who falls in with a bad-boy shock-rocker while dealing with her family issues.

There’s a novella out entitled The Namaqualand Book of the Dead that’s a bit of a murder-mystery about a young woman who travels to the arse-end of the South African West Coast to find out what happened to her supposedly dead boyfriend.

I’ve got two releases coming up. One is What Sweet Music They Make, a novella about a vampire who develops a fascination with a mortal musician.

Then there’s Inkarna, which is a novel involving an ancient Egyptian reincarnation cult. Both these are due for release in 2011.

10. Where can readers learn more about you and your current books?

Current urban fantasy titles: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=authors&authors_id=107&zenid=ue5bqr334dpi1ole6b4994a6a5

Hell’s Music: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=authors&authors_id=189&zenid=ue5bqr334dpi1ole6b4994a6a5

Tainted Love on your Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Tainted-Siren-Publishing-Classic-ebook/dp/B004I8WSFU

And if you’re looking for a free read, I’ve collaborated with Carrie Clevenger on a quirky urban fantasy short story, that combines my romance nom de plume with her rather tall, dark and looming vampire.

It’s a short story which has had some rave reviews. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/68457


11. How do you come up with your characters?

Usually I’ll be listening to music, or thinking about situations I’ve encountered—either by reading an interview with someone or some daft idea that comes crawling out of the recesses of my brain while I’m working or walking.

12. Most authors say their character find them and suddenly begin telling their stories, is that what happened with your characters?

I get visuals, sometimes quite vivid. I see people interacting and I ask myself, “How did they get here?” or “Where are they going to end up?” The rest sort of follows after that and the story grows organically. I feel like I’m living their experiences while I write.

13. Are your characters sometimes composites of people you know or knew?

They’re definitely inspired by people I’ve known or followed in the media, or situations I’ve been in. I’ve had some people screw me over badly, and that pain, although it dulls, never really goes away. Family. Lovers. Friends. I channel a lot of that anger into my writing at times.

14. What character point of view is your favorite to write from, male or female? Why?

I switch. So far I’ve had Jamie coming through as my main male voice, but Ashton, the protagonist in Inkarna, is pretty interesting ‘cos strictly speaking he’s a bit of both, but I’m not going to say anymore for fear of spoilers. I don’t really hang out with chicks, and one of my closest female friends self-identifies as male. It gets confusing sometimes, but I will write the character who’s most appropriate for telling the story.

15. You live in South Africa. Does this influence where your characters reside in their stories?

I’m most familiar with South Africa so the majority of my novels will be set in this country. There are so many subtle shades in storytelling and I like my settings to be real. While I’ve been overseas a few times, I’ve never stayed anywhere long enough to feel as though I could convincingly pull off an entire novel in a non-South African setting unless I worked with a writing partner who could coach me.
We’re used to living on a knife edge here, and I think it translates in my writing. I’ve dealt with being stabbed and targeted by criminals. It definitely adds an edge to the way I see life.

16. You mentioned the collaborative piece with Carrie Clevenger. Can you tell us a little about that and how it came about? Are there plans for more?

Carrie and me never intended to write such a long short story. Just My Blood Type was supposed to be a “mock” travel story and it kinda grew legs. The next thing we knew, we reached 9000 words and decided to finish it up properly as a freebie off Smashwords so readers could choose a range of download options.

We just found that our writing styles and approaches to the craft matched. She’s bloody amazing with dialogue and characterization, and looking for those little twists in a plot, while my stronger points are descriptive narrative and editing. Also, we’re pretty much on the same page when it comes to how the story must flow. There’s no competition and we tend to knock around the ideas until they feel right.

We’re currently finishing a longer work, which is a cross-over between her Crooked Fang and my Inkarna settings. We’re aiming to release Blood and Fire in February and are currently wrapping the first draft. We’re working with a professional illustrator on cover art—so there will be some great stuff happening.

17. What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

Read lots of books, not just your chosen genre. Read best-sellers, classics and indie-published titles. Evaluate what you like about their writing; what you don’t like. Play around with applying these thoughts to your own writing. Most importantly, build yourself a cabal of writing buddies who’re around the same level that you are. Critique each other’s work and don’t be precious about your words.

Some great resources can be found at www.absolutewrite.com/forums

Then go read Stephen King’s On Writing and look at Donald Maass’s resources.

Follow me on Twitter @nerinedorman or my blog http://nerinedorman.blogspot.com

Thank you, Nerine for taking the time to share a bit of yourself with me and others.

WookiesGirl

The Facts: @Boobiewed vs @Boobiewednesday

Lovelies, please read the post that I wrote for the @Boobiewed team on Twitter.

http://boobiewednesday.org/2011/09/the-facts-about-the-twitter-hype-of-boobiewednesday-vs-boobiewed/

Leave your comments and please RT or Share the post on Facebook.

Thanks,

WookiesGirl

Writing is… The hardest thing I’ve ever done.

I was tagged by Carrie Clevenger for this meme “Writing is…”

Writing has become like breathing for me. I have to write. HAVE to, but it’s also the hardest thing I have ever done.

Just under two years ago a few friends, personal and online, encouraged me to write. I was a big reader and I honestly thought they were completely and totally out of their minds.

I started with poetry mostly, which was an accident and finally, last year I graduated into writing short stories. The poems came as a result of a falling out with a friend. I didn’t plan to write in a poetic way, but that’s what bloomed from those first things that I wrote out. I am glad to say that the friend I mentioned, a brilliant writer, is still a friend. A very close one, in fact. I remember her telling me, when I admitted to her I had written those first posts because of our falling out, that she was honored and sad at the same time. I look back on it now and I’m glad it all happened, because it got me started.

So, why is it the hardest thing I’ve ever done? Well, I could probably list off a million reasons why, all of which make no difference in the grand scheme of things. I think what makes it so hard is, I want so badly to be better. I certainly don’t expect to be perfect, that’s not attainable, but I want to be good, great even. I want to grow and learn. I’m not afraid of feedback or criticism from fellow writers. I prefer you to tell me what I am doing wrong and then also offer suggestions on how to do it better. There are times however when I sit back and think to myself: what the hell am I doing? Can I even write? Am I a really a writer?

I’ve told many people that if they write, no matter what it is, they are a writer. I had someone tell me this exact thing almost two years ago. “You are a writer,” they said. I don’t know if I believed them because I couldn’t imagine how it was possible that I could be a writer. Now for the most part, I know and believe I am a writer and then, just last week that old feeling crept up on me again. Am I a writer?

What makes writing so hard? I do.

Here’s the thing, I am the one that decides what I am. I am the one that has to do the footwork and write the story. I am the one that has to reach out and ask for guidance and help. I am the one that has to put the tools and suggestions I am given into practice.

I’m lucky. Twitter has allowed me to meet and become friends with some incredible writers. These writers offer their experience freely and I try to soak it all up and learn. I also try to offer others what I have learned.

I want to be a great writer. Someday, I will be.



Love to you all.
WookiesGirl

I tag:

Nancy McGregor

WookieStyle

Megan Hart

Melissa Ecker

Shawna Thomas

I have boobs and I'm not afraid to use them!

Lovelies,

I posted a guest blog for the @boobiewed Twitter team. Please check it out.

http://boobiewednesday.org/2011/05/i-have-boobs-and-i%E2%80%99m-not-afraid-to-use-them/

Or you can read it here too!

Lovelies, I have some serious stuff to talk to you about.

*drags soap box over and steps up*

I have boobs and I’m not afraid to use them!

If you play on Twitter, then you may be aware of #boobiewednesday or #boobiewed. If you aren’t, then I’m happy to explain it.

Every Wednesday, women and men all over the world put up various avatars displaying either bare chests or cleavage. Some are actual pictures of the Twitter user, some are pictures of models they find attractive. Whichever picture they choose, its purpose is to capture your attention. The question is asked: What is #boobiewednesday? And that is when the awareness begins.

I have been putting up an avatar of my cleavage for almost two years now. I do this every week to assist the @boobiewed team in bringing awareness to the Twitter community. The whole purpose of Boobie Wednesday is to remind women and men to do their monthly self-breast exams and to have a yearly mammogram. In addition, they also invite cancer survivors, family members, and supporters to send in their stories to be posted on the site. It’s another wonderful way to help educate people.

It takes a lot of courage to post a picture of your cleavage or bare chest for hundreds, possibly thousands, to see. Some are fake breasts, some are real breasts. Some are the reconstructed breasts of cancer survivors who have had mastectomies. I commend the men and women who do this weekly. I am very proud of my breasts and I am happy to display my cleavage if it helps bring awareness.

However, not everyone approves of how Twitter users support #BoobieWed. And, ya know, that’s okay. There are, of course, people who put up avatars just to get attention for themselves, and that’s okay, too. What someone chooses to show publicly or on Twitter is their business. To each his or her own.

Here is what you need to know: The BoobieWed crew has never asked, nor required, their supporters to show their cleavage or bare chests. The one thing they have asked them to do is to use one of these hashtags: #boobiewed or #boobiewednesday. That’s it. It’s that simple.

Last week some things happened on Twitter that deeply disturbed me. When I signed on, I noticed that two of my Twitter friends and me were being harassed because of our cleavage avatars. A women that none of us knew approached all three of us at once and began shaking her electronic finger at us. She accused us of degrading and objectifying women because we chose to put up avatars displaying our cleavage. She said we had no self-respect, no standards, and that we were oppressing women everywhere. She called me a hussie, a twit, and a slut. And she has, of course, deleted those tweets. But here’s the thing: she did all of this in the name of “feminism.” She accused me of being a feminist who did nothing but support the status quo. She brought up issues of salary and the differences between men and women and then said that I shouldn’t complain about these things if I was just going to show my “tits” all over Twitter and objectify and oppress women everywhere. She also attacked the @boobiewed Twitter account.

Now, let me just say that when someone comes at me like this, I feed them to my tweet stream. So that is exactly what I did. And my followers ate her alive. I sat and watched the stream erupt and the fight went on for about three hours. This woman made a lot of people angry. Men and women. People were on fire over this, and I really can’t blame them.

My point in telling you this story is not to lambaste this woman again. My point is that a very important movement got twisted into something so wrong and ugly it made me take pause and wonder why. All in the name of feminism? Really? This is not the first time Boobiewed has taken hits from so-called feminists, but I have never seen it this bad before.

I have never claimed to be a feminist. I do however, claim that as a woman, as a citizen of the United States, and a Twitter user, have the right to show my cleavage if I choose to do so. And you have the right to not look and to not follow me on Twitter. You also have the right to disagree with my choice. But the minute you start being nasty and insulting, you’ve lost all credibility. If exercising my rights as a woman to show my body upsets you that much, then that is truly your problem. Telling me I’m wrong and shaking your finger at me and then telling me what I should or should not do seems an awful lot like telling me to get in the back of the bus or that I should hide my body because it’s shameful or that I don’t have a right to own my body. How, then, can you be a feminist claiming you support equal rights? Isn’t that the same thing as oppressing me?

Boobiewed is a wonderful cause. Every day, the team sends out information that helps educate the masses. It’s another way to support breast cancer awareness. The people that support it do so in the manner that they are comfortable with. I’ll tell you something else. Every week I get the typical “Hey nice avi” tweet from a man, I say, “Thank you.” Then I tell him why my cleavage is on display. I also ask him, “Did you know men get breast cancer too?” At least once a week, someone answers me back with, “I did not know that.” So please, do not tell me that this does not raise awareness. That it doesn’t serve as a reminder. Because I know it does. Women on Twitter tell me every week that if it was not for #boobiewed, they would forget to do their self-checks. This is good stuff, people, and I will continue to support the team for as long as I stay on Twitter.

Thank you to the @boobiewed team for what they do week after week. It’s not always easy when you have to deal with some of the negative backlash that comes when you stand on the front lines. I vow to stand with you always, though. And to the woman who went on a rampage last week: You’re in my prayers. It’s very clear to me that whatever you struggle with truly has nothing to do with my avatar or anyone else’s. Whatever it is, I hope you find peace with it.

*steps off soap box*

Much love to you all.
Wookies Girl

An Intimate View of Crooked Fang

Did you hear? Well, did you?

Let me tell you, in case you didn’t. Xan, also known as @CrookedFang, from Twitter, is about to be published! Yes, his very first novel is due out in August of 2012. Not too far off if you think of it.

His writer, Carrie Clevenger, is a brilliant woman. She hatched a plan not too long ago and it’s all coming to fruition. Xan is finally getting his story, and I’ll just say this: he’s not your typical vampire. No, Xan is quite different. In fact, the reason Carrie and I became friends is a direct result of Xan and how atypical he is. Today, Carrie is one of my closest friends. I’m proud to know her.

How is Xan different? For one thing, he’s not interested in typical vampy things. He’s not off hunting in the night, feeding off society, or seducing strong willed heroines. He’s a bassist and he’s got a band. He’d really be quite happy just hanging out, plucking on his bass guitar and sipping on a bottle of Jack. Toss in a cute chica, and he’s all set.

In fact… Xan is so normal, you tend to forget he’s a Vampire. Anyone that has read Xan’s blog or hung out on Twitter with him knows this. I know it on a deeper level.

For over two years now, Xan and I have been friends. Now, before you roll your eyes at me or start to form opinions on my state of mind, let me explain it to you. I mentioned Xan in my last blog post that covered writing, fictional characters, and Twitter. I talked about what he was like when I first got to know him. He’s very different now than he was then. Before, he was quiet and reserved. And although he responded differently to me than he had to others, he also didn’t quite know what to make of me. To be honest, neither did Carrie. At one time she had dubbed me “The Vampire Den Mother.” I have to say, it was very exciting, talking to a ”real live” fictional Vampire. Come on, wouldn’t you be excited?

Never mind the fact that Xan is just cooler-than-cool and hotter-than-hot!

A lot has changed for Xan in the past three years. He’s evolved, and with that, his story is nothing like what was originally planned for him. If you had told Carrie three years ago that this is where Xan would be and this is what would be happening, she would have said you were nuts. Xan is alive and strong in her mind, and as a result of that, he’s gotten his way. What is it that has made Xan capture my heart and imagination? I suppose it’s how real and true his heart is. He’s a genuinely nice guy. Although he’s struggled at times with balancing his Vampire nature with his human side, his integrity wins out, time and again.

Xan is a regular guy with a not-so-regular personality. He represents the bad boy we all love to chase, as well as the heart-felt romantic we’ve always wished for. He’s low maintenance and cannot stand to be nagged by a woman. Still a typical male in every way, but way cooler. How can you not fall in love? It’s damn hard to resist his humor, his charm and his inherent sweetness. I know I can’t, and I’d never want to even try.

Like I mentioned above, give Xan a bottle of Jack, his bass guitar, and let’s not forget a cigarette, too. He’s content to just hang in the bar area of Pale Rider, where he lives and plays with his band.

Close your eyes for me. Can you picture him? He’s leaning against one of the back walls in the shadows of the bar. He’s six feet, five inches tall, and lean, though not too lean. Long black hair, grey eyes, and yeah, fangs, though he won’t flash them all that often…Fangs! (Just sayin’, folks.)

Perfectly at ease with his electric blue bass, “Sasha,” at his side, the faint glow of his cigarette barely illuminates his face with each pull he takes.

This is where I find him tonight. Xan and I talk quite often, he’s expecting me tonight and knows that I have some questions for him. I’ve decided I’d share our conversation with you.

*************

WookiesGirl: *Enters in the back door of Pale Rider.* Hey there.

Xan : Ha, you found the place.

WookiesGirl: Of course. I think I need a hug or something…

Xan: Something huh?

WookiesGirl: Haha. Yes, of course.

Xan: C'mere girl.

WookiesGirl: *tackles you with a hug*

Xan: How you been? Heard you're all wanting to ask me questions. Mm you smell nice too.

WookiesGirl: Thanks. Yes, I do have questions. I had a crazy idea and your writer agreed. So, here we are. Plus it’s a chance to gush in print about how wonderful I think you are.

Xan: Cool, well I'm all yours baby.

WookiesGirl: Yes. This, I do know. Table?

Xan: Sure. I got a whiskey shot set-up at my usual table. Feeling strong?

WookiesGirl: Always… Either that or I'll get all glossy eyed and the interview will be forgotten in favor of other activities...*wink*

Xan: Hmm. Alright then. Works both ways for me!

WookiesGirl: Hehe... Me too. Alright so. I've got some questions and we'll just go one at a time if that’s cool. Yes?

Xan: Yeah I think I'm ready. Just let me know when you're recording. I'll clear my throat with some booze.

WookiesGirl: Take a sip now... I'll take notes as we go.

Xan: You look good tonight.

WookiesGirl: Aw…You think? Thanks sweetie.

Xan: Yeah you always do, even in those cute feetie PJs you do. Ha.

WookiesGirl: Haha... and... You always look good, in my opinion. Got me all smiley now.

Xan: Thanks, I just get dressed.

WookiesGirl: Ha. Okay, let's do this so we can have some you and me off the record time.

Xan: Rock 'n' roll.

WookiesGirl: Okay so... the book. Do you end up being in the spotlight with the band? How do you feel about that?

Xan: I think Charlie needs to up my whiskey rationing. I hate the spotlight. All those people looking at me. It's intimidating as fuck.

WookiesGirl: The whiskey helps I am sure. You prefer being in the background then?

Xan: I'm not really leadership material. I do best when given a job and am left alone to take care of it. In the band, I handle a lot of the business, including any external bookings because we have to be careful where we play. I like bass. It's a nice easy job, and I still get to do what I love to do, and that's play music.

WookiesGirl: In a way having your story written, puts you directly in the spotlight.

Xan: The book is from my point of view, sure. But I'd say the other people in it really make the story. I just kind of get myself in trouble a lot.

WookiesGirl: Haha. Yes, that you do, Xan. If Charlie won't up your whiskey rationing then I'll just have to bring you some, too. So, you said you handle the bookings? It makes me wonder how you balance being a vampire and yet having to be in the public eye with the band.

Xan: Oooh, that's a hard call. I generally play it off as fake, or a gimmick. Since my band is called Crooked Fang, it works well enough. My friends think I'm just some slacker that hates daylight and parties all night. Man, if they only knew the truth huh?

WookiesGirl: No kidding.

Xan: I still do stuff during the day, just stay in the shade.

WookiesGirl: Yes.. You and I figured that out a while ago. Rainy days work really well.

Xan: Still risky because the sun can peek out at really inopportune times. Heh.

WookiesGirl: Good thing my back porch provides ample coverage. Hey, ya know what’s funny? These questions I am asking you. I already know what your answers for many of them will be, but your fans don't so I figure, it’s cool to share with them the parts of you I get to see.

Xan: Fans? I don't have fans. I have people that are bored enough to read my shit.

WookiesGirl: Oh honey.. You have fans. Trust me.

Xan: ...I'll take your word for it.

WookiesGirl: Pfft.. Everyone loves you Xan. In fact, @divine_pk told me last night that she officially LOVES you.

Xan: Loves me? We haven't even gone on a second date!

WookiesGirl: There was a first date? Somethin’ you need to tell me?

Xan: ...No. [Shifts eyes]

WookiesGirl: Mmhmm… I see. Ahem… Okay, take another drink because you may not like this next question. Tell me about your sire please?

Xan: Hmm. She was a bitch? I mean when you see a hot girl at a bar and you hang out, only to wake up dead, that kind of fucks with you. To make matters worse, she was a little screwy in the brains. Turns out she's a Roman vampire, but she wanted all the other Roman vampires to be purebred, whatever the fuck that means. She exterminated all the ones she didn't make over the course of a few hundred years, or that's what she told me. [Shrugs] I just thought her ass looked good in red leather.

WookiesGirl: Haha. Fair enough. Do you ever see her now?

Xan: No. I got fed up with her six years ago and left. Surprisingly, she let me go. I don't know where she is anymore. She isn't at the old place. Maybe she just finally self-destructed.

WookiesGirl: Probably for the best I think.

Xan: Yeah, it is. She's a psycho in her finer form.

WookiesGirl: From what I remember knowing about her, I would totally agree with that assessment. So who is Jack?

Xan: Jack Pearson?

WookiesGirl: Yes.

Xan: Jack, or Jackie-boy, as I like to call him is head of the Nesferata vampires. He runs a black-market operation he calls the Core. I have no idea what kind of fruit it was before it rotted. [laughs] He's big tattooed-and-pierced motherfucker with a Creole accent and a penchant for treating women like property.

WookiesGirl: Sounds like some bikers I know. Ha!

Xan: From what I heard, he comes from the jungles where they do a ritual hunt to create new Nesferata, on religious grounds, of course. It's a weird system, but they get away with it. They are the only kind permitted to steal vampire blood.

WookiesGirl: WOW. So they are vampires too? But not the same as you, you said Nesferata? What does that mean?

Xan: Nesferata are sort of vampires, but they're still alive. So they're different. Technically they are dead and yet very much alive. It’s an interesting twist I suppose.

WookiesGirl: Interesting. Maybe we can explore that further another time.

Xan: Yeah. Best I can describe is I'm something else. Not alive, not dead, just something else.

WookiesGirl: I suppose it depends on who you ask. You're special. That's how I see you anyway. Always have.

Xan: [smirk] Thanks babe.

WookiesGirl: You know I love ya. So, tell me about Nin?

Xan: Nin...in this book I meet a woman that has it out for me. I won't go into specifics, but I will say that I didn't know there were Nesferata women. Jack's disrespect for the females won't allow it, but then again, she exists, so there's that. She comes in and helps me out a little I guess. Depends on what your definition of 'help' is. [laughs]

WookiesGirl: Haha. Helps you out? Hmm, but if she is Nesferata, based on what I know of you, you don't much like them. What makes her different?

Xan: She has a nice rack?

WookiesGirl: Hahaha! So do I but that's beside the point.. *wink*

Xan: No seriously. I end up meeting her fist-first. From her angle [rubs jaw] Ow.

WookiesGirl: Ah yes. Yet you go back for more. Why is that? Notice I'm not letting you off the hook on this one.

Xan: We're looking for the same thing and she keeps getting in my goddamned way.

WookiesGirl: Damn women!

Xan: You said it, not me. [Winks]

WookiesGirl: Well, I set myself apart I suppose. I think I'm the only female/human you tolerate for longer than 5 minutes.

Xan: You and Sasha, yeah.

WookiesGirl: I'll take that. Alright so, let’s see. Ah, yes. How do you manage feeding? I mean you've got a lot of groupies; do you just take your pick?

Xan: The care and feeding of a vampire? …I mean yes. I just borrow a little from here and there. Sometimes I vamp out unexpectedly and take more. Twenty seconds is bad for drinking. I usually do about ten-to-twelve.

WookiesGirl: Ha… Well, I mean, I know what you are and I'm always willing to supply, but most people don't know. How do you handle that?

Xan: If I'm bad and in public I'll take somebody in the bathroom. Nin makes fun of me for doing this in the story, but hey, it works.

WookiesGirl: You can't exactly start sucking on necks in the open. Although, I suppose in a dark bar it might just look like a hot and heavy session in a corner.

Xan: Sometimes yeah. Or I'll take from a hallway commitment. That's what I call the girls I like, but not quite crazy enough to take them upstairs to my room. But most vampires have a passive ability to stick victims in a trance. I think it’s called thrall.

WookiesGirl: Can you do that?

Xan: Yeah. It just comes naturally. It's not really something I can turn off.

WookiesGirl: Hmm… I don't think it's…Well… Have you used that on me? I'm gonna say no. Yeah, never mind, don’t answer that. I don’t think I want to know. Heh.

Xan: [smiles]

WookiesGirl: Why don’t you take them up to your room?

Xan: Hmm, why don't you take every man to your house? I mean it's like that. I really need to be into you (no pun intended) to trust you around my things, you know?

WookiesGirl: Yeah I get that. Sometimes it’s just a need and sometimes it’s a NEED and then some…

Xan: It's complicated.

WookiesGirl: Most things are.

Xan: I hate complications.

WookiesGirl: *shrug* Part of life.

Xan: I like it nice and easy. I mean, I'm easy. It's all easy. It can be easy, just people are full of drama sometimes. I don't want to invite that into my life more than necessary.

WookiesGirl: I agree. Sometimes shit’s unavoidable though.

Xan: [laughs] Tell me about it, especially in my life. I'm a shit's unavoidable-magnet.

WookiesGirl: Me too! Okay, so you said drinking for 20 seconds is bad. What happens? I mean obviously you can take a life right? Has that happened to you?

Xan: What do you think?

WookiesGirl: I think maybe, yes.

Xan: I used to do more than that though. Gained a slight reputation as somebody those little unwanted bastard vampires should look out for. Those I took out in droves. My sire was all about the nobility of our kind. It still gets me jobs, but I'm mostly retired from the extermination business.

WookiesGirl: Ah yes. I have to say I'm relieved that you're not as involved in that anymore.

Xan: I didn't like what I was turning into.

WookiesGirl: It hardened you.

Xan: A lot. I don't have much respect for my kind these days, probably partly because of that. But I've seen the living do some fucked-up shit too that makes me look downright cuddly at my worst moments.

WookiesGirl: Heh. Yeah, that is for damn sure. If I had to pick between some of the people I've crossed paths with? I'd choose you. Hands down. Every time. Good and bad exist in any race... or species, I suppose.

Xan: Definitely. But I'm not exactly friendly either. I don't really like socializing much. I have to because of my band, but I'm still a private person. If you came into Pale Rider I wouldn't really look very approachable. I mean if I didn't know you already.

WookiesGirl: Right, of course, unless they are like me. I'll approach anyone, for the most part, as you well know.

Xan: You're probably the most extroverted person I know aside from Serv.

WookiesGirl: You say that like it’s a bad thing.

Xan: I was meant to meet you. We'll leave it at that.

WookiesGirl: Agreed. We're almost done… just a few more questions. Tell me what you fear?

Xan: I guess I fear a few things. There's little things like spiders. I hate spiders. Then, there's big things like, worry for the future. I fear change, and I know eventually it'll come in a major way.

WookiesGirl: I think we all fear change, to one degree or another. Life is just life. Wonderful and scary, and a pain in the ass. Oh, and I hate spiders too.

Xan: Hairy little eight-legged bastards. Ick.

WookiesGirl: Yes GROSS. What about the future worries you?

Xan: Shit, the future in general. I'm not going to die anytime soon. Everything is just going on without me and here I am stuck in time, just like I was in 1985. My best friend Scott is fifty-one. He used to be younger than me. I think you can see where I'm going with this. It's not me, it's the rest of the world. I'm just in a fucking vacuum.

WookiesGirl: Yes, I understand. I don't like to look at it too closely though, so let’s move on from that subject. What about dreams, Xan? What are your dreams?

Xan: The difference for you is you're changing right along with the rest of the world.

WookiesGirl: Yes and sometimes I think I'd rather not. But that’s a different discussion all together. *smile*

Xan: Dreams? You mean future aspirations, or like when I sleep?

WookiesGirl: Future aspirations, and sleeping ones too, I suppose.

Xan: I don't dream often. When I do, they aren't good ones. Being reminded of life before this is painful. As far as future aspirations...here is where I'm happy, but I'll have to move on before long. I look like I'm twenty-seven, and ten years from now I'll look the same. People start questioning that eventually. I'll have to pull up roots and move someplace else and start over to live another life for a little while again, then move on. Rinse and repeat.

WookiesGirl: Hmm. I think that sucks. It's part of it all though, the life you live now.

Xan: Part of the fun of being immortal.

WookiesGirl: I'll have to get a bigger house. You can just come and live with me.

Xan: Probably would be safer.

WookiesGirl: Yep. I'd protect you. Fuck everyone else. Haha. Okay, let’s talk about Twitter.

Xan: Alright.

WookiesGirl: You've got quite the following. Everyone loves you. How do you feel about all of that?

Xan: Twitter is one of the coolest things out there. It's a soapbox, a megaphone, or a great big chat-room. Admittedly, I enjoy getting to know people on it.

WookiesGirl: It’s a playground.

Xan: Yeah, there you go. It's a hotbed of links, passive aggressive vague statements, jokes, feelings, and well when you follow enough people, it must be kind of what being God must feel like, just kicking back and reading all of these random thoughts, hopes and dreams as they flow by.

WookiesGirl: Don't forget the drama. And personally, I'm very glad you landed on twitter, else we'd not have met.

Xan: And the drama. It has caused a great deal of headaches during the time I've been on there.

WookiesGirl: For both of us.

Xan: Figuratively of course. I don't get headaches anymore. And yeah I met you on there, so it's been worth it.

WookiesGirl: Aw. Yes, totally worth it. Okay, last few questions. Let's talk about music for a minute. Crooked Fang being a cover band, what sort of songs are your favorites to play?

Xan: We play a variety of shit really. Sometimes we'll take requests. Serv has a range like I've never heard before and he knows about a zillion songs.

WookiesGirl: But, what are your favorites?

Xan: My favorites? As in what I like to play or my favorites in general?

WookiesGirl: Both I guess. You guys must play some that you love because they are your favorites in general.

Xan: Well yes and no. I'm into shit like Danzig, Type O Negative, Concrete Blonde and stuff. Serv likes to sing Def Leopard, Poison, Chevelle and other rock-type stuff.

WookiesGirl: Ahh. Does the band ever play the stuff you love?

Xan: Yeah, but I have to sing usually so I don't push the issue. I like all kinds of music, and we've done a full range from 50s doo-wop to Green Day.

WookiesGirl: Okay, and by the way, I love your singing. Okay, last question. You've got this new music thing going on. Sort of like a soundtrack for your books. Tell me about that?

Xan: Yeah, it's something Carrie Clevenger always wanted and somehow managed to get going. What can I say? It's music. I love music, so it works well I think.

WookiesGirl: I agree. I personally, am very excited. It’s good right, this new way to have your fans/readers hear you? They get to know you more. Like a little bonus piece of Crooked Fang to add to the world we live in.

WookiesGirl: She's a pretty smart lady. The guy she is working with is pretty creative and I see so many good things coming as a result of the collaboration. I see good things for you too.

Xan: It's been a lot of fun so far.

WookiesGirl: Well hell, if you can't have fun, what's the damn point then, right? So that’s it. The interview is over. We can now be officially off the record. You have anything else to say before I put my pen down?

Xan: I just want to thank everybody that's read, tweeted about, posted on Facebook about, or blogged about Crooked Fang. None of this would have been possible without them. I hope to live up to their expectations. Seriously people, thanks. I'm at a loss to tell you how much your emails and comments and friendship means to me.

WookiesGirl: Wonderful. Simply wonderful! Oh wait.. Damn, I do have one more question.

Xan: Alright.

WookiesGirl: Um... what do you think about my sparkly tank top? Haha.

Xan: [Laughs] VERY eye-catching. I found myself distracted. [Grin]

WookiesGirl: Hmm... Were you now? I do like being a distraction.

Xan: At least you're the one that sparkles. [Laughs]

WookiesGirl: Oh that’s for damn sure! Plus, you can bite me without killing me… sort of… Erm… you know what I mean.

*************

I stayed with Xan for a little while longer. Chatting and laughing as we usually do. Then, of course, I had to leave. I needed to get back to reality. Just so you know, this is Carrie Clevenger and me, kicking down the fourth wall; obliterating it, actually. What you’ve just read is fantasy. The fourth wall is what separates fantasy from reality in movies, books, etc. We love doing away with that pesky wall and inviting you into this amazing, creative world.

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I loved writing it.

Look for more things from my friend, Xan, coming soon. And please check out his Facebook page.

He's got a collaboration piece written with Nerine Dorman called "Just my Blood Type." It's a free download via a link on GoodReads. You can get it here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11810756-just-my-blood-type

Look for another collaboration piece between Carrie and Nerine, featuring Xan, coming soon.

Take care, lovelies.

Wookies Girl.