Ask the Author: Mili Fay
Answered Questions (11)
Mili Fay
Marie hated those stupid dreams when she felt like a daemon was trying to push its way into her chest. Struggling, she peeled her eyelids back, opening her eyes wide, so she could tell the dream daemon to go back to Hell and let her sleep, but instead of the expected darkness, she saw dark blood dripping from a very toothy grin.
Mili Fay
My own, of course, the Land of Ardan. I created my world, because all other worlds were not quite good enough. In Ardan all of the magic from Earth, all the world Mythology, folklore and fairytales exist. Then, I added a few things of my own. It is my perfect land.
There are so many things to do in Ardan that I would want to spend my lifetime exploring it all. I love the idea of flying, so I may hop onto a magic carpet or a Unihorse (unicorn + pegasus) and see everything from the land. I would love to liste to the fairy music and go for an underwater swim in the Mermaid Lake. I would visit the phoenixes at the Volcanic Mountains and see the rare white and dark eggs — one that will destroy the world if the balance is tipped into evil, and the other to rebuild anew. I would breathe in the fresh air — unpolluted since there was never industry, only clean magical energy in Ardan — enjoy the fantastic flora and fauna. I would spend hours in the Empyreal Library. I would meet and learn about all the cultures... Of course I would get some elemental cocktail that would gift me long life and youth, so that I can explore everything before I die.
There are so many things to do in Ardan that I would want to spend my lifetime exploring it all. I love the idea of flying, so I may hop onto a magic carpet or a Unihorse (unicorn + pegasus) and see everything from the land. I would love to liste to the fairy music and go for an underwater swim in the Mermaid Lake. I would visit the phoenixes at the Volcanic Mountains and see the rare white and dark eggs — one that will destroy the world if the balance is tipped into evil, and the other to rebuild anew. I would breathe in the fresh air — unpolluted since there was never industry, only clean magical energy in Ardan — enjoy the fantastic flora and fauna. I would spend hours in the Empyreal Library. I would meet and learn about all the cultures... Of course I would get some elemental cocktail that would gift me long life and youth, so that I can explore everything before I die.
Mili Fay
My iPod is holding so many audiobooks, mostly historical/Regency romances, YA, fantasy, and some mystery. However, the ones I'm most looking forward to getting my hands on are: "Within the Sanctuary of Wings" by Marie Brennan, "Lord of Shadows" by Cassandra Clare, and "The Dark Prophecy" (The Trials of Apollo) by Rick Riordan. I'm on the waiting list for the first, but my library did not get the other two yet. 🙁
Mili Fay
A bright, brilliant artist, Mili Fay, wants to make the world a better place using her talents. Can she follow the clues in the industry and discover her audience in time to leverage their support in defeating the convicted murderers of Confidence, Fear and Doubt, before they catch her and kill her Optimistic Spirit? Read http://artofmili.ca/blog to find out!
Mili Fay
I thought about this question and I can honestly say I do not have one. I read a lot of romance, or books with romance in them (I'm assuming we are discussing romantic couples and not partners like Sherlock and Watson), but I cannot say I have ever come across a couple that I can put on a pedestal as "Favourite Fictional Couple".
In general, I do not have Favourites. The moment I want to classify something as my favourite thing, a bunch of other things crowd into my brain vying for the spot. :-)
I did find a fictional character I think would be my perfect match, but even there I'm open to suggestions.
In general, I do not have Favourites. The moment I want to classify something as my favourite thing, a bunch of other things crowd into my brain vying for the spot. :-)
I did find a fictional character I think would be my perfect match, but even there I'm open to suggestions.
Mili Fay
I have found that most authors answer this question by saying that the aspiring writers should read, and read, and then read some more. I believe that aspiring authors know what they they should do to improve their writing. Therefore, my answer is this:
1. Instead of getting a degree in English (or only English) get a degree in business and marketing. Unless you are born under a lucky star you will have to sell and market your own books. With the publishing world changing rapidly and book stores going the way of the Dodo, you may even have to publish your own books.
2. Pretend to be an extrovert until you learn to become one.
3. If you want something (such as having your book in a particular store) do not be afraid to go into it and ask what you need to do. The worst they can say is "No!" and you will be in exactly the same position.
4. Create your Author's Platform and use social media to build your Nation before publishing.
5. Join closed groups on Facebook and LinkedIn to interact with other serious authors, illustrators, etc.
My answer may change, but at the moment (October 2014) that is the top advice on my list.
1. Instead of getting a degree in English (or only English) get a degree in business and marketing. Unless you are born under a lucky star you will have to sell and market your own books. With the publishing world changing rapidly and book stores going the way of the Dodo, you may even have to publish your own books.
2. Pretend to be an extrovert until you learn to become one.
3. If you want something (such as having your book in a particular store) do not be afraid to go into it and ask what you need to do. The worst they can say is "No!" and you will be in exactly the same position.
4. Create your Author's Platform and use social media to build your Nation before publishing.
5. Join closed groups on Facebook and LinkedIn to interact with other serious authors, illustrators, etc.
My answer may change, but at the moment (October 2014) that is the top advice on my list.
Mili Fay
I'm fortunate enough that I have never known "writer's block". I had some "artists' blocks" in the past when the painting I wanted to create did not look like it did in my head. In that case I did lots of sketches, left it alone, talked to my friends...
I think it is important to get out of the house and meet with the world once in a while. You never know where you may stumble upon the solution to your problem.
I also believe that it is important to be open to receiving those solutions, instead of pushing something that just doesn't work. I try to not limit myself by the little thing we all know as "reality", but allow my mind to take me where it wants to go without censure (especially in the initial drafts). In the end, if need be, I can always pull myself back.
I think it is important to get out of the house and meet with the world once in a while. You never know where you may stumble upon the solution to your problem.
I also believe that it is important to be open to receiving those solutions, instead of pushing something that just doesn't work. I try to not limit myself by the little thing we all know as "reality", but allow my mind to take me where it wants to go without censure (especially in the initial drafts). In the end, if need be, I can always pull myself back.
Mili Fay
"Warriors of Virtue" is a fantasy novel that grew out of reading "The Lord of The Rings" when I was 14. It started out as a comic. I would draw myself, my sister, and my cousin as the heroes that joined up with the heroes of Middle Earth. Eventually, the story became my own. Now, years later I feel I am finally ready to share the world of Ardan with everyone. I hope to release the first part of this Kindle Series (my first Kindle series) soon.
I also want to illustrate the popular "Dream, Little Dreamer" lullaby. I wrote the lullaby as part of the Horsing Around Limited Edition Print of the same name. It is the bestselling print of the series, and many people have asked me if I would illustrate the whole lullaby. I'm partial to it myself, so--why not?!
"A dog, please?" Is going to be a picture book about a little girl (with a really long name, but everyone calls her Emma) who really wants a dog.
There are other novels and stories germinating in my mind, but those three will be the first to leave my head.
I also want to illustrate the popular "Dream, Little Dreamer" lullaby. I wrote the lullaby as part of the Horsing Around Limited Edition Print of the same name. It is the bestselling print of the series, and many people have asked me if I would illustrate the whole lullaby. I'm partial to it myself, so--why not?!
"A dog, please?" Is going to be a picture book about a little girl (with a really long name, but everyone calls her Emma) who really wants a dog.
There are other novels and stories germinating in my mind, but those three will be the first to leave my head.
Mili Fay
Life is an inspiration. I may read something, hear something, dream something... Showering, or the few moments just before I fall asleep, or just after I wake up, spark my creative gene.
I often feel that I am just a conduit for what ends up on paper. There is something outside of me that insists I create a specific work. When that happens, I just let it be.
This is the only way I can explain the mime in "Animals In My Hair". He is there, because Something would not let me get rid of him. :-)
I often feel that I am just a conduit for what ends up on paper. There is something outside of me that insists I create a specific work. When that happens, I just let it be.
This is the only way I can explain the mime in "Animals In My Hair". He is there, because Something would not let me get rid of him. :-)
Mili Fay
I overheard my mother tell my father that he should get a haircut, because: "Your hair is like a forest!"
I was doodling something in my sketchbook at the time, and the comment struck me. I started to wonder what would it be like if someone's hair really was a forest.
Well, surely there would be animals in there? But, why would the animals be in there?
Because their habitats were destroyed! That's why.
As I was working on this idea that refused to leave me alone even when I had other work I had to complete for my clients, I started to envision a book unlike any other.
It had to be a picture book, but I wanted a book that children of all ages would love, including their parents and/or guardians. (I was greatly inspired by a magazine, "Politikin Zabavnik", that was a weekly mish-mash of a little bit of everything--comics, life adventures, scientific discoveries, puzzles...)
Therefore, I wanted a book filled with fun activities, but I did not want it to be an activity book. I wanted to educate, but the book will not be educational. I wanted kids to discover different things reading the same story as they got older...
In the end, I ended up fusing what was best about picture books, traditional fine art, educational books, and activity books, into a fun story about a little boy who goes for his first haircut only to discover all of these endangered animals tumbling from his hair.
I was doodling something in my sketchbook at the time, and the comment struck me. I started to wonder what would it be like if someone's hair really was a forest.
Well, surely there would be animals in there? But, why would the animals be in there?
Because their habitats were destroyed! That's why.
As I was working on this idea that refused to leave me alone even when I had other work I had to complete for my clients, I started to envision a book unlike any other.
It had to be a picture book, but I wanted a book that children of all ages would love, including their parents and/or guardians. (I was greatly inspired by a magazine, "Politikin Zabavnik", that was a weekly mish-mash of a little bit of everything--comics, life adventures, scientific discoveries, puzzles...)
Therefore, I wanted a book filled with fun activities, but I did not want it to be an activity book. I wanted to educate, but the book will not be educational. I wanted kids to discover different things reading the same story as they got older...
In the end, I ended up fusing what was best about picture books, traditional fine art, educational books, and activity books, into a fun story about a little boy who goes for his first haircut only to discover all of these endangered animals tumbling from his hair.
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