To kick off Q&A day, Nalini has answered some of (what we think will be) the more common questions asked.
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Q: When is Hawke’s book coming out? Who is his heroine?
Hawke says I can’t tell you. Since I really don’t want to get on his bad side, I’m gonna do as he says, and leave you in suspense 😉
Q: Were you surprised at the success of the Psy-Changeling series?
I knew StS was special when I wrote it – I just felt it in my gut. This book sang. But I was wonderfully, wonderfully surprised by just how many other people felt the same way. You guys rock 🙂
Q: How many books will be in the series?
As many as it takes to complete the overall story arc. I know where it’s going, but I don’t know the exact number of books it’ll take.
Q: What’s your typical writing day like?There’s really no typical day, which is what I love about this job. Sometimes it’s writing all day, sometimes it’s editing. This week, prior to the release of MtP, I’m spending more time online, so it all depends. I really, really love that I can be flexible about how and when I do things.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Write. Seriously, just write. Practice is the best teacher. And believe in yourself, in your stories. It has to come first from you.
Q: Do you have a clear picture in your mind as you write of your characters? I.e. do you picture a certain celebrity, real life person, etc?
I tend to have a mental visual and I go off that. If I’m inspired by images, it’s generally not a well-known celebrity – I know too much about them. But if I see a picture of a model in an ad that speaks to me, I might cut it out and keep it.
Now onto some fun questions!
Q: What’s your favorite food?
Chocolate anything. I’m currently addicted to chocolate hot-cross buns. Sounds weird but they’re delicious!
Q: Coke or Pepsi?
Coke!
Q: What’s your biggest weakness (shoes, books, clothes, dessert)?
I have a giant sweet tooth. Candy, chocolate, mmmm…. I actually don’t like to shop, so I tend to have clothing issues LOL
Q: What is your dream vacation?
This depends on my mood, and today, I’m thinking somewhere exotic and warm, where I can laze about, look at the eye candy and generally relax.
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So that should get us started! Ask your questions in the comments and Nalini will be around later to answer…what she can. *g* Remember, she’s in New Zeland where it’s the middle of the night right now.
Nalini,
I want to thank you again for being with us this week. I think we had some great discussions and your topics were wonderful. 🙂
I do have a question, however (besides the ones I asked above, I mean..LOL):
Do you have a…let me think how to put this…formula, I suppose, you use for your characters? Well, maybe not formula, but a certain idea of how you want them to be, or even better, an idea of how you don’t want them to be?
The reason I ask is..IMO, there’s a fine line between interesting characters with baggage, and ones who just end up in Too Stupid To Live Ville. Yours haven’t crossed that line (not for me, anyway) and I wonder if you have a basis you work from. Like, she can’t do this, or that, or I wouldn’t want this to happen?
Is that even making sense? LOL I haven’t had enough coffee this morning.
I have a question that goes back to the ‘writing series’ post.
Do you have a set number of story arcs? Or does that change as the characters come to life for you?
For example, twice now Suzanne Brockmann has changed something because a character ‘refused to behave’ so she had to write something that she didn’t quite plan on writing: first, Gina Vitagliano refused to die in OTE (and decided she wanted Max too), and then Robin and Jules decided not to wait any longer for their own book (FoN).
Has this happened to you yet? and if so, how do you cope with it?
Mmmm … chocolate Hot Cross Buns. That’s it….I’m going to the bakery for breakfast!
Holly, I write very character-based books – that means I start with the character and go from there. I try to get into the head of the character. Given their background/experiences, would they do so and so? For me, they’re complex, multi-layered individuals – each one is unique.
Does that make sense?
Azteclady – oh yes LOL Character-based as my stories are, I have to follow their lead – what comes naturally. For example, at the very start, I didn’t think Judd would have a book. HA HA HA!! The instant he stepped onto the page, he was so compelling that I knew I’d be writing more about him.
Marg, you won’t regret it!!
George Clooney or Brad Pitt?
Tighty Whiteys or boxers?
🙂
Oh Chocolate hot cross buns sounds yummy!! I’ve never had any..sigh.. Is there a brand you buy from? I would love to buy some! Are you going to write a book on Serena?
LoL, Helen Gonzalez aka helenhikaru-myspace
Brad & Boxes *grin*
Hi Helen – it’s made by a bakery in New Zealand – I don’t know if it’s available elsewhere. If you can track some down, they’re delish.
And re the book – I’m thinking you mean Sienna? Ms. Sienna has a verrrrrry interesting future in front of her!
Hi Nalini, I love the series.
Quick question: Will we be seeing a full length story from any female heroines from the Dark River or any other cat clan?
Tamsyn has been the only one so far and her story was more of a short.
Thanks!
Hi Nalini, what time is it for you over there? But my real question is: can you reveal/have you decided whose story is next after Mercy? Can you say if two characters we’ve already met will end up together in a future book?(c’mon, I’m not asking for names 🙂 Thanks, and have a geat weekend everyone!
Brie – Mercy’s book is after Dorian’s 🙂
Allison – I’m still weighing up whose book comes after Mercy’s. It sort of depends on the events of her book as to what comes in naturally in terms of the next book.
Hi Ms. Nalini,
I second the Sienna (but I’ve already asked that ;p).
One thing I’m curious about is if it’s possible for different changelings to become mates? Like, wolf and leopard? Or eagle and deer?
On a lighter note, how did you come up with the names? Character names, Pack names, etc.?
Thanks~~~
Oh good! I didn’t know that Mercy had a book coming up.
Thanks, Nalini
Great questions! I think chocolate is the great equalizer among many of us women. LOL
Out of all the female characters, I think I’m most curious about Sienna. I can’t wait to see what your plans are for her!!
Did I miss something? When is Mercy’s book coming out?
That wasn’t my question though. *g* Is the Ghost going to have his own book or is he just going to be the Ghost throughout the series?
Thanks again for being with us, Nalini!
Alice, that’s a very interesting question about inter-changeling relationships. And it’s going to be addressed in an upcoming book!
Names – I actually don’t remember how and when I decided to use names like DarkRiver and SnowDancer. They just fit the story, so it seems like I’ve always known them if that makes sense. As for character names, I use baby name books/internet lists etc for brainstorming, but in the end, the name has to fit. Sometimes a character just doesn’t work until I get the name right!
Casee/Brie – this is a very recent decision. I wasn’t sure who I wanted to write about but after finishing Dorian’s book, I’m leaning very heavily toward Mercy. So there’s room for flexibility (otherwise known as me changing my mind *g*), but I have a very strong feeling that it’s Mercy’s turn to have a book.
Ames – definitely!!
Casee – yes, The Ghost is going to have a book later in the series. You’ll find out his real identity – that’s going to be a very explosive book.
Oh yay!!! *rubbing hands in anticipation*
Though I am curious about Sienna, I can’t wait for a female Changeling book!
Okay, one more question. Promise. LOL. Will we find out who The Ghost is before his book is out or will it be one of those things that cluless readers like me will no earthly idea that the book they just started is actually The Ghost?
Does that make sense? LOL
Oh that’s a great question, Casee!!!
*all ears*
Ok, wow, that is an interesting question. Hmmm, well, I think you’ll find out more about him beforehand – some clues. So though you might not “officially” know who he is, I think most readers will have guessed who he is by the time it gets to his book if that makes sense.
I think most readers will have guessed who he is by the time it gets to his book if that makes sense.
That excludes Casee, Nalini. She never figures it out. LOL
Don’t worry, Case, I’ll tell you who he is. 🙂
Casee, you’re in good company, Holly will have to tell me too 😉
Nalini – I just knew you’d love coke!! and chocolate and all things sweet!
CindyS
And me too! well I’ll probably be reading the end first, so I won’t need to guess.
Nalini – I love Sienna and I’m glad that Mercy is going to have a book… but what about Indigo?!?
Everyone has asked such awesome questions, that I don’t really know what to ask anymore LOL 😛
Nalini,
There is just something about the Psy Councilor Kaleb that I find so sexy! He doesn’t seem like a true bad guy to me. So… will he get his own story? *G*
I am a George type of gal but boxers on a man are so sexy!! 🙂
Ohh I almost forgot! Will you be coming to the US for any book signings or to visit in the future?
Hi Nalini,
Just popping by to say hi and….
Dorian!!!!!!!!
Of course. This is me we’re talking about, right? LOL.
Can you tell us anything about Kaleb (who might be second after Dorian in sexiness)?
LOL. I’m sure I’ll have questions later. It’s too early right now 😉
Hugs,
Kat
Holly,
I resent that remark…no matter how true it is. LOL
Nalini,
I wouldn’t be surprised if Holly already knew who The Ghost was. She’s weird like that. *g*
I have my suspicions, that’s for sure. LOL
Nalini, if I emailed you, would you tell me if I’m right? PLEASE??? LOL
Oh Thank You Nalini for the info on the buns and yes Sienna,arrggg This is why I shouldn’t try and blog while I am work and people are talking to me as I write…Oh well Thanks for the heads up and I hope you have a good one!!
LoL, Helen Gonzalez,aka helenhikaru myspace
Aw Casee, they’re so mean to you!
CindyS – do I detect another sweet tooth? 🙂
Nath – I think I’d like to write about Indigo. She’s a great character. But the story has to fit.
Katie/Kat – hey, Kaleb’s name starts with a K too! Maybe this is why you guys like him so much *grin* Alas my lips are sealed about Councilor Krychek.
Holly – LOL – it has to stay secret a bit longer 😉
Helen – hope you have a good weekend!
Great Q&A! I can’t wait for Hawkes story.