The most fun? “Brand New World.” It’s a
science fiction spoof and I chuckled all the way through it. The main character
wakes up in the future, accompanied by a hologram of a rock star and a humanoid
cat. It sort of gets worse from there…
Lynette: How
about the people and/or animals you share space with. Do they know not to
bother you when you are writing, or are there constant interruptions?
Maria: Haha, no, there are constant interruptions. I
always have dogs climbing on me. My youngest doggie tries to stand on the
keyboard, and he very helpfully types things like, “lk;i0i0ko;k;l.” If Mike is
home, he always has the TV on and is usually talking. He’s a good sport though
– he never gets mad if I don’t answer, or if I answer something that’s
evidently wrong. Still, I’d much rather have company and be interrupted than be
more efficient and all alone. J
Lynette: What
do family members think of your writing? Do you ever ask him/her/them for
advice? Editing?
Maria: I have tried to make Mike read my books.
”Kidnapped” is even dedicated to him, but he refuses. I think he’s worried he
won’t like them. He’s an optimist though; he says, “Naah, I’ll watch the movie
when someone makes one.” His mom reads all my books though, and she has
valuable input. Lynette: Are you a member of any author group and how does that help your writing?
Maria: Yes, I am a member of Florida Writer’s
Association, but I don’t have time to go to the meetings, so it doesn’t help
all that much. I have promised myself that once life settles down a little I’ll
start going. Input from other writers is invaluable.
Lynette: Are
you in control of your characters or do they control you?
Maria: My characters take on lives of their own. I
sometimes say I have to go play with my imaginary friends so I can write their
stories… They pop up out of nowhere and insist on getting attention. Okay, that
doesn’t sound entirely sane, hahaha!
Lynette: Any
words of encouragement for unpublished writers.
Maria: There are times when everything is easy and
happy joy joy. When it’s not easy, just keep writing, and don’t be discouraged
if it feels up-hill and you get rejection letters from agents and publishers.
Try again. Sometimes you need to re-write and try again, but don’t give up.
Same thing if you get a bad review; if people hates what you’ve written, you’ve
somehow reached them and created an emotion. Remember, a reader might hate your
story line for other reasons than it being bad.
Website: http://www.hammarblad.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarbladBlog: http://www.scifiromance.info
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