Ask the Author: Patricia Reding
Answered Questions (8)
Patricia Reding
Most of this information was shared in a recent blog post on my website (at http://www.oathtaker.com/patricias-bl... and also here on GRs)
I thought I would start with my main character, Mara. Mara is a young woman who, by and large, I did not describe in Oathtaker—with one notable exception. I mention that she has a spattering of freckles across her nose. Dixon finds them amusing—attractive. The “face” I chose for Mara on my cover is that of Mybelin Hernandez. She does not have freckles, but I imagine if she ever played the part of Mara, we could add them. Here is a pic of Mybelin reading Oathtaker:
See more of Mybelin at the following links: http://phatpuppyart.com/p162600982/h1... and
http://phatpuppyart.com/p698357328/h2... and
http://phatpuppyart.com/p698357328/h2... and
http://phatpuppyart.com/p698357328/h2... and
http://phatpuppyart.com/p698357328/h1... and
http://phatpuppyart.com/p698357328/h1....
I find Mybelin lovely and . . . versatile. In fact, when I look at her pics, I cannot tell they are of the same person from one to the next.
As to Dixon, I always imagined someone rather quiet and . . . intense. Interestingly, there are two actors who I find fit the bill. I appreciate their portrayals in sad and serious scenes. Their eyes tell it all. Yet, their expressions of joy are entirely carefree, making me want to know what all the fun is about! They are, Zac Effron and Chad Michael Murray.
For Zac, see:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ZacEfron... and
http://www.zefron.com/gallery/index.p....
Chad Michael Murray is at
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h....
Oh! Oh, oh, oh ! Here is another option for Dixon: James Maslow. (Does anyone know if he can act? I mean, he looks nice, but . . .)
I’m betting that many young women would agree with my choices here. Yes?
Readers: what do you think?
As I think on others to play other characters, I will note them here.
I thought I would start with my main character, Mara. Mara is a young woman who, by and large, I did not describe in Oathtaker—with one notable exception. I mention that she has a spattering of freckles across her nose. Dixon finds them amusing—attractive. The “face” I chose for Mara on my cover is that of Mybelin Hernandez. She does not have freckles, but I imagine if she ever played the part of Mara, we could add them. Here is a pic of Mybelin reading Oathtaker:
See more of Mybelin at the following links: http://phatpuppyart.com/p162600982/h1... and
http://phatpuppyart.com/p698357328/h2... and
http://phatpuppyart.com/p698357328/h2... and
http://phatpuppyart.com/p698357328/h2... and
http://phatpuppyart.com/p698357328/h1... and
http://phatpuppyart.com/p698357328/h1....
I find Mybelin lovely and . . . versatile. In fact, when I look at her pics, I cannot tell they are of the same person from one to the next.
As to Dixon, I always imagined someone rather quiet and . . . intense. Interestingly, there are two actors who I find fit the bill. I appreciate their portrayals in sad and serious scenes. Their eyes tell it all. Yet, their expressions of joy are entirely carefree, making me want to know what all the fun is about! They are, Zac Effron and Chad Michael Murray.
For Zac, see:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ZacEfron... and
http://www.zefron.com/gallery/index.p....
Chad Michael Murray is at
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h....
Oh! Oh, oh, oh ! Here is another option for Dixon: James Maslow. (Does anyone know if he can act? I mean, he looks nice, but . . .)
I’m betting that many young women would agree with my choices here. Yes?
Readers: what do you think?
As I think on others to play other characters, I will note them here.
Patricia Reding
The first sequel, Select, is underway. I do want to assure readers, however, that I did not leave "Oathtaker" on a "cliff." I think each book should be a complete story in itself. With Select, my current plan (if I can make it work) is to provide a quick synopsis of Volume One (Oathtaker) at the outset, so that a new reader could pick up the story with Volume Two if they so chose. Having said that, no summary would compare to going on the actual Oathtaker journey, so I do hope you will do just that.
As to what to expect with Select, suffice it to say that there are many obstacles people face in life and everyone must find their own calling in their own way. Select opens with Mara’s “charge” (or is it "charges"?) the twins, Reigna (pronounced, “Ray-Nah”) and Eden, now grown into young women. Will they, without Mara’s intervention, discover their calling and choose the path only they can follow? And what will become of Mara in light of . . .
As to what to expect with Select, suffice it to say that there are many obstacles people face in life and everyone must find their own calling in their own way. Select opens with Mara’s “charge” (or is it "charges"?) the twins, Reigna (pronounced, “Ray-Nah”) and Eden, now grown into young women. Will they, without Mara’s intervention, discover their calling and choose the path only they can follow? And what will become of Mara in light of . . .
Patricia Reding
My first work, "Oathtaker," takes a look at what it means to honor your word. The theme for my second work is - how do we know our calling? How do we discover it? "Select" gives me the opportunity to examine that issue more closely.
Patricia Reding
The world around me and everyone and everything in it is fodder for the writer. For the fantasy writer, there is the extra challenge - and benefit - of taking those things and tweaking them. When I see a problem in our world, it inspires me to think about ways to deal with it and the heroes I would like to see do so. Those things inspire me to keep going.
Patricia Reding
I am currently working on "Select," the first sequel to "Oathtaker."
Patricia Reding
Read, read, read, read, read . . .
Edit, edit, edit, edit, edit . . .
Cut, cut, cut, cut, cut . . .
- Above all, keep going, keep trying, keep seeking, keep writing. Everyone has a story. Some of us share our stories with others. Doing so puts us in a highly vulnerable place. Not everyone will like what we write - but some will.
There are many who say they want to write, but few who do so. If you are so inclined, take the plunge, but be prepared for both acceptance and rejection. The first can be a heady thing, the last can be hurtful - but we should embrace both, as it takes both to help us to hone our craft.
Edit, edit, edit, edit, edit . . .
Cut, cut, cut, cut, cut . . .
- Above all, keep going, keep trying, keep seeking, keep writing. Everyone has a story. Some of us share our stories with others. Doing so puts us in a highly vulnerable place. Not everyone will like what we write - but some will.
There are many who say they want to write, but few who do so. If you are so inclined, take the plunge, but be prepared for both acceptance and rejection. The first can be a heady thing, the last can be hurtful - but we should embrace both, as it takes both to help us to hone our craft.
Patricia Reding
This is an easy one! The best thing about being a writer is the euphoria that comes when I discover someone who has enjoyed my work. I have favorite lines from different reviews, lines that keep me going or that just make me smile. For example, one reviewer gave Mara and Dixon, the main characters in Oathtaker, the "ship" name "Mixon." Every time I think about that, I smile and when the writing gets difficult, those things keep me going.
Another thing I enjoy is the camaraderie with other writers. I have learned so much from them and they have been incredibly encouraging. Perhaps the best lesson another writer shared with me recently was that we each need to tell our own story and in our own way . . .
Another thing I enjoy is the camaraderie with other writers. I have learned so much from them and they have been incredibly encouraging. Perhaps the best lesson another writer shared with me recently was that we each need to tell our own story and in our own way . . .
Patricia Reding
How do I deal with writer's block? Not nearly as well as I wish I did! Procrastination is not recommended if one truly seeks to move forward . . .
I like to be surrounded by quiet when I write - or more accurately, I prefer not to have others around. I sometimes play music, often with a Celtic feel. Movie scores, such as those from Lord of the Rings are also favorites of mine. They can help to get the creative juices flowing.
I like to be surrounded by quiet when I write - or more accurately, I prefer not to have others around. I sometimes play music, often with a Celtic feel. Movie scores, such as those from Lord of the Rings are also favorites of mine. They can help to get the creative juices flowing.
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