Interview with Mandy Eve-Barnett

Mandy Eve-Barnett

Interview Date: 8/6/2012

Biography

I have lived on several continents in my life - because of this I have a deep sense of their varied spiritual, physical and emotional depths. My imagination draws from unconscious and remembered events and feelings giving my creativity a unique flavour. My children's book - Rumble's First Scare is now available to purchase.


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

My leap into writing began fairly recently, in fact 3 years 10 weeks to be precise. My family and I immigrated to Canada and with our new life I was determined to keep a promise to myself to find a creative outlet. I count myself extremely fortunate to have found an incredible writing group, one I will stay with until my bones turn to dust. Not only are the members support and encouraging but many have become very dear friends, a real bonus in a strange land. http://www.wfscsherwoodpark.com

Kev's response: Hmm, it sounds like you found some form of successful necromancy, there. I'd love to keep writing until my bones turn to dust too!


If you could have one superpower, what would it? (Assuming said power would be reasonbly powerful.)

Believe it or not I have pondered this question before and time travel is the one I would most like.

Kev's response: This one has some intriguing possibilities! (Not to mention, like any super-invention power, you could leap far into the future to try to obtain some unreal technology, such as something to prolong life, heal wounds, and type without fingers!


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

This is a difficult question there are so many to choose from as my favorites have changed as I have grown. I loved Flipper – yes the dolphin – but couldn’t watch Lassie as I cried as soon as the movie started! The original Batman & Robin was a real favorite as a kid but the modern day movie Batman appeals in a whole other realm.

Kev's response: Er ... that's a new choice for a superhero. The different Batman series had different intentions from the directors, I agree that they both appeal, but in entirely different ways.


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

Inspiration comes from everywhere – walks with my dog, a picture, a series of words (I actually post prompts every Saturday on my writers website). Now I have ‘found’ writing it is a necessity for me to write every day, if I don’t I feel ill. (Strange I know – maybe that’s my inspiration?


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

I am most certainly a ‘free flow’ writer – my ‘characters’ start talking and my fingers type furiously. Once the story is finished then I start the editing and revising.


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

I don’t really have a set schedule just as much as I can cram in between working, family and household commitments. If my muse is ‘resting’ all I need to do is type in prompts and off I go.


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

I don’t have a favorite genre to write or read, although I read every single Stephen King novel that comes out, he is my mountain top to reach for. His story telling is superb. I read chick-lit, horror and fantasy but in truth whatever appeals at the time I am browsing. So this is possibly why I write many genres. My children’s book, Rumble’s First Scare (http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca) flips the traditional scary monster story on it head. You will fall in love with Rumble! My fantasy, The Rython Kingdom, has a troubadour clashing with a witch with the help of a mysterious but luscious maiden. (Soon available on Smashwords). My other novels are slightly more difficult to ‘pigeon hole’ – Life in Slake Patch, a speculative fiction tale of a future reigned by women but seen through the eyes of a young man, whose part in drastic times is a surprise to all. My last novel, The Twesome Loop, began in my mind very differently to how it actually turned out. Now it is an erotic tale of reincarnation.

Kev's response: Hey, what's wrong with lovable monsters?


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

I love to be immersed in a world of my imagination, following my characters trials and tribulations.


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

Probably the same as most – editing and revision dull the creative spark but are necessary evils we all have to suffer through.


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

As a kid I was always curious and my Mother tells stories of me eating a cactus resulting in a rash, luckily nothing more because the doctor had no clue!

Kev's response: I know you can drink water out of some cacti, although I never thought about eating one. Very interesting.


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

I usually have one longer work at a time but I work on smaller ones to ‘refresh’ my mind.


In my evil plot to take over the world, what one animal type do you advise I use and why?

I think a large silverback would give you the muscle and the brains.

Kev's response: I saw a video of a very gentle silverback (gorilla) this weekend. Not sure if they would help take over that well...


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

Big question with a big IF…paper is esthetically pleasing but digital is more convenient for our modern fast paced world. However, IF the two could somehow live side by side we would have the best of both worlds. The traditional publishing houses need to realize digital technology is here to stay but the joy of turning a page, enjoying the texture and aroma of a book is something people still love. Maybe in the future books could have a pocket built in the back so you could read the paper version at home but take it with you when you travel?

Kev's response: An interesting combo product would be an entire (paper) book, made of e-ink technology, where you could carry as many electronic books as you wanted on it, but would turn actual pages. The pages would then be replaced by the text of whatever book you bring up at that time.


What are your current projects?

I am almost ready to submit my fantasy to Smashwords and then I can decide which novel to go back to for revisions. In November I will be participating in NaNoWriMo for the third time – which reminds me I need to think about a story for that.

Kev's response: Heck, NaNoMo is worth being a part of just for CreateSpace's bonus books they give, assuming they do it again next year.


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

As The Rython Kingdom, is my first venture into self publishing I do not count myself as a expert but will say that although it can be a very steep learning curve it is well worth the effort.


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

My blog is http://www.mandyevebarnett.com , where I share my writing journey and hope to inspire others.
My books are available through http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca and shortly through Smashwords. I am also on Twitter @mandyevebarnett , LinkedIn and Google+
I would like to thank you Kevin for giving me the opportunity to share a small part of my world with you and your followers.
Mandy Eve-Barnett

Kev's response: Mandy, thank you much for joining me. Good fortune on your first venture into self-pub!



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