Ask the Author: Dana Chamblee Carpenter
Answered Questions (6)
Dana Chamblee Carpenter
I always saw it as a series. BOOK OF THE JUST, the last book in the trilogy, will be out this Fall.
Dana Chamblee Carpenter
They list it as a 2 book series because only two of them are out, not as indication that there will only be two books in the series. Confusing, huh?
Dana Chamblee Carpenter
Ah, I can't pick just one. Can you?
I'm a big Jane Austen fan and love the complex relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Their sparring shows them to be equals, and I like couples that aren't conventionally romantic. That never rings true to me. I think real love starts with friendship, a respect that comes of sharing ideas, of challenging each other, of changing and growing as a consequence of those challenges. Austen masters that.
Which is probably why I also like the relationship that evolves between Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. (You didn't specify that it had to be fictional characters in a book. ;) ) It's not often (ever?) roses and rings for them, but they are always there for each other. And I love that she does as much of the saving as he does. Real love is a partnership between equals.
How about you?
I'm a big Jane Austen fan and love the complex relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Their sparring shows them to be equals, and I like couples that aren't conventionally romantic. That never rings true to me. I think real love starts with friendship, a respect that comes of sharing ideas, of challenging each other, of changing and growing as a consequence of those challenges. Austen masters that.
Which is probably why I also like the relationship that evolves between Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. (You didn't specify that it had to be fictional characters in a book. ;) ) It's not often (ever?) roses and rings for them, but they are always there for each other. And I love that she does as much of the saving as he does. Real love is a partnership between equals.
How about you?
Dana Chamblee Carpenter
Nice question! :)
In no particular order:
Eudora Welty. Even though I write historical thrillers and she most certainly did not, the quality of the voice she creates in her fiction--its lyricism and authenticity--inspires me.
Neil Gaiman. He embraces magic in the everyday world with the abandon of a child while never flinching from the darkness that also lurks there. And he lives intentionally in a way that gives more back to the world than he ever takes.
Flannery O'Connor. This one surprises me. As a reader, I've always loved her work, but I've never thought of her as a direct influence--until now (so thanks for making me think!). I love the way she sees the world with the fantastic mingling with the mundane, the sacred with the profane, and mystery more compelling than any of our "realities."
Stephen King. Horror is real. And evil never looks like what we think it should.
Juliet Marillier. She showed me how to write kick-butt female protagonists without forfeiting their humanity and how to let characters suffer the consequences of their actions.
In no particular order:
Eudora Welty. Even though I write historical thrillers and she most certainly did not, the quality of the voice she creates in her fiction--its lyricism and authenticity--inspires me.
Neil Gaiman. He embraces magic in the everyday world with the abandon of a child while never flinching from the darkness that also lurks there. And he lives intentionally in a way that gives more back to the world than he ever takes.
Flannery O'Connor. This one surprises me. As a reader, I've always loved her work, but I've never thought of her as a direct influence--until now (so thanks for making me think!). I love the way she sees the world with the fantastic mingling with the mundane, the sacred with the profane, and mystery more compelling than any of our "realities."
Stephen King. Horror is real. And evil never looks like what we think it should.
Juliet Marillier. She showed me how to write kick-butt female protagonists without forfeiting their humanity and how to let characters suffer the consequences of their actions.
Dana Chamblee Carpenter
I am revising the sequel to BOHEMIAN GOSPEL.
Dana Chamblee Carpenter
Don't give up. But keep working on getting better. Ask for lots of constructive criticism by people you trust. Be open minded about what they tell you. And then--DON'T GIVE UP.
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