Interview Questions~
April 4 Interview and Review at Author's Corner
1} Did you always wish to become a Author?
Actually, I always thought that in order to become an author you had to pass this gruesome and grueling task of writing. I remember when I was younger and reading from Shakespeare, Hugo and thinking there was no way I could write amazing stories like they did, but I eventually learned of the niches in the world of literature and have been slowly carving out my own. The first few months when I actually had a story out, I learned the hard way just how amazing and tough it is to be an author. I had a wonderful publisher that helped me out and even now, I have people letting me know how things are done. I’m always grateful for people who are willing to help nudge (or even shake me) in the right direction.
2} Why did you choose this type of books to write?
This book has so many different elements of paranormal that in truth how could I not write such fun stories and put them together. That is the one thing I love about anthologies, you get a little taste of everything. At the end if you wish to have a little more, then you can go and find just precisely what you are wanting. I think Echoes and Illusion is just that right taste of a little bit for anyone wanting different stories about special styles of paranormal reading.
3} Is there any other type of books you would like to write?
Currently I write contemporary as well as paranormal but I would love to give my hand at a historical. There are periods of history which fascinate me to no end; the Elizabethan period (Queen Elizabeth I), Renaissance period, Egyptian Dynasties of the Pharaonic epoch and the Japanese pre-industrial time of the Samurai warrior. I’ll get the chance as I pan out my writing career but as of now that’s on my “one day” list.
4} What is your favorite book you have written?
Out of Echoes and Illusion I must say that it has to be Reel-to-Real. I never expected the story to unravel as it did but even as it did, I enjoyed the interplay between the main character Moira and her best friend Kasey. I can imagine having someone with her personality walking around in day-to-day life making the jokes, awareness and comments she so readily did. More so, Reel-to-Real came from the inspiration of an old theater that was being renovated within my town. I would go down to the historical district and sit outside the theater, looking at the building and seeing it as a living breathing entity. When restoration was completed, the old Hollywood style of such a breathtaking building was only fitting to be put into a book. I still visit that theater today to watch some great classic movies.
5} Who is your favorite character and why?
When I wrote the story Reel-to-Real I came to find myself drawn to the character of Toren as the tale developed. I tried to imagine what it would be like to be such a unique being knowing your other half was out there but having no idea where and suddenly she arrives with no recollection of your life together. I see Toren as the type of man that would go through any set back, accident or tragedy with the astounding style of strength that would let you know things would be alright, even if they do not seem that way at the moment.
6} Is there one thing you wish you could change about the way you write or your books being published?
The one thing I would change about the way I write particularly today is having more hours in the day. These past couple weeks I got really sick and had to go out of town so it’s now the overhaul to catch up and get ahead of everything. Its times like this when life severely intruded on my writing schedule. It’s very rare instance but I’ve come to find out that in having a hectic schedule, Murphy’s Law tends to have fun making a ruckus.
7} What one Author dead or alive is your favorite and what one question would you ask them if given the chance?
I personally would love to sit down and speak with Karen Marie Moning. I find her style of writing magnetic and dazzling; I would love to ask her how. How do the characters unfold within in her mind? She is a writer I truly admire.
8} What advice would you share with a new and upcoming writer?
There would be two big, heady statements of advice. First, do not give up! Secondly, go to a writers community or area specifically made for such like Writer’s Digest and absorb every single little bit of advice. It took me a little bit of time to finally get around to that and just spend a good portion of my time learning that. Even now, I’m still learning just how to maneuver. For instance, this is my very first virtual blog tour and I have been blessed with a brilliant tour coordinator who explains things as we go. Not many people will do that mind you, but if you are honest with yourself that you may have to learn at times the hard way, you will learn your craft.
9 What is one thing you would like to share with us that no one knows?
Goodness that is a very good question. I’d have to say that I have a secret love for the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Any chance I get I will watch the movie on NetFlix. Just the other day a dear friend told me that he was getting sick of hearing me play the movie as we study or hanging out. He honestly doesn’t understand what about the movie he loves so much. I don’t either but I do love the movie!
10 Tell us about where you live and your family, and pets.
Originally I am from Puerto Rico, but I live in the grand state of Texas (really it is huge) with my husband and I’m currently in school doing my doctorate in Chemistry. Most of my time is spent in a laboratory and I don’t really think you want me to describe my lab but I’ve grown to like the city of Lubbock. I do have to admit though, I used to live in the Dallas area and I have grown to miss Dallas, I can’t wait to go back. It could have been all the rain received there that reminds me of my home island of Puerto Rico, but I do like the area.
I have two adorable cats, Ashes and Newton. Ashes is 11 years old and she believes in the motto of sleeping all day long and letting me know when her delicacies are late. She is my rescue story, and I got her when she was two months old. Very much my baby, she is half Persian and half Himalayan. I lovingly call her my mound of fluff. She’s a gorgeous cat but she is my baby. My other little master of disaster is my husband’s cat named Newton. His full name is Sir Isaac Newton. He’s an all black kitty and the funniest cat I have had a pleasure of loving. Newton will talk to you, disagree with you, and play with you; even when you don’t want to play with him. His nickname is Godzilla because we’ve noticed he has a penchant to stand on his hind legs and go after you for any reason.
All about Mila
Mila was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At an early age she learned the valuable secrets books contained. It all started with the Lois Duncan book, “A Gift of Magic.” Mysterious worlds, far away places helped nourish different ideas and concepts of the real world. It was through this that she discovered a whole new realm of depth.
The books ranged, and as they did so did her love for different types. Starting with William Shakespeare, Mila went through all the literary bests; William Blake, Joseph Conrad, Anais Nin, Leo Tolstoy, Ayn Rand, Maya Angelou, Victor Hugo. Until one day she read a book that changed her life, her first true romance book where characters were real, came to life, and could be the person next door. From there the world expanded from Nora Roberts, Karen Marie Moning, JR Ward, and beyond. With these authors, her writing took a new turn to role group playing and writing in the paranormal scene. Through this, the stories had more vivid ideas and better yet were actually getting heard.
She currently working on her doctorate in Organic Chemistry and resides in Texas, with her husband, family, friends. Her favorite genres are: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Erotica and anything her mind concocts. Crazy and silly as the ideas she sometimes has, her heart is as true as gold and hopes her readers enjoy the stories she writes as much as she loves to write them.
Echoes & Illusions:
Reel-to-Real
A curious invitation mystifies acclaimed movie critic Moira Castle. In an industry where word of mouth is reality, Moira comes back home to the unexpected. Memories surge as an old movie reel and theater owner Toren McCann hold answers that have lain quiet for far too long.
Some stories are based on legend, some on rumor. Some stories are real. For a young woman her childhood book has something more than imagined. The book contains the story of a real hero facing an unimaginable evil that’s been after since she was a child.
In a world where duty and honor are binding and crucial Selene, a Coven Enforcer, has to choose between the life she knows and the life she yearns. On a dark and stormy night Selene learns that some rules are meant to be broken, even immortal ones.
Smoke & Mirrors
Dr. Ana Fiore has earned her reputation “Dr. Ice” by her solid work and rigid personality. Sent to a conference for determination of Chief of Staff, she is snowed in with rival and colleague Dr. Dakota Hastings. Face-to-face with Dakota, she learns she isn’t the only expert at illusion.
