A compilation of interview question and answer sessions with Darcy Abriel on the craft of writing and creating stories.
Cruel Memories is a very compelling book, the depth of emotion is very realistic, is it easy for you to write such deep emotional turmoil?
I think anytime an author deals with emotion with in a character, it takes a lot out of an author. Or it should. It requires tapping into some very uncomfortable personal emotion at times, and requires intense concentration and focus to listen and connect with the characters. Emotion is what brings characters to life and bringing to the page those internal, deep emotions and passions is very draining. In many cases it requires cutting below the surface and pulling from uncomfortable, dark places. Moments when a author says, “Can I really do this? Is this too far over the top?” And yet it is exhilarating when the veil is lifted into a character’s innermost thoughts. I can’t distance from that emotion and still create a realistic character and situation. It certainly is not easy to achieve.
What draws you to writing about scenarios that are not necessarily wine and roses?
I think we all have light and shadow in our lives. A Yin and Yang to personality. In high school my daughter once drew a picture of Yin and Yang personalities locked in combat. That image has remained with me. The ultimate battle is often inside us. How do we respond to those moments that position is at a forked path? My heroes and heroines are not always typically heroic because none of us are simple creatures.
I think all those facets are intriguing and I love delving into my characters’ psychological depths. Whether vampires and hunters such as in my paranormal story, Blood Bounty, or in a contemporary, such as Cruel Memories, the main characters are complicated. Sometimes we dig a deep hole to hide the shadow or to hide the good. I’ve always been curious about what’s hidden beneath the surface. The secrets my characters hold close.
Most of us must overcome some tragedy in our lives, what do we tap into in order to survive? Where does our strength come from? I’m contrary and I want to explore changed perceptions of good and evil, right and wrong, moral and immoral. The world isn’t black and white—there are so many shades of gray. And maybe I want you to convince you that black really is white.
What authors influenced you as a writer?
As well as being a writer, Ifve always been a voracious reader. Itfs hard to say or pin down just one author. Authors that I enjoyed reading early on included novels by Louisa May Alcott, poetry of Elizabeth Browning, as well as reading about her love affair with Robert Browning, short stories by Edgar Allen Poe. Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker. Later, I might include Edna Ferber, Georgette Heyer, the Bronte sisters, several Harlequin authors including Anne Mather, Charlotte Lamb were early reads. I could just keep naming them.
What is your favorite Quote?
There really isn't just one – I have a notebook that I keep and when I find something that particularly inspires me, I'll add it in.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes...”–Marcel Proust
“Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass...” --Anton Chekhov
Just a couple of my favorite quotes from the many I find inspiring.
Could you tell us a little about how you develop your characters? Who has been your favorite character to write? The most challenging?
Character creation is an evolution through the process of creating the story. Usually I have names for the major characters, birthdates, zodiac signs, certain elemental characteristics, descriptions. The names mean something, they aren’t just pulled from a hat. But I don’t fully know my character(s) until I start digging into the story. I’ve written so many stories, it’s difficult to say I have a favorite character. I’m very fond of my fallen angles in “Nightingale.” And I love their world. I also love the mythology of my shapeshifting characters in “Run To Ground.” I love worldbuilding. As to the most challenging character? I think I would have to say Silver, from my Humanotica series. Silver is intersex and emotional, as well as physically, a very complicated creature.
Do you have a strict writing schedule? How do you balance your personal and writing time?
I have some long days. I’m an early morning person and my best time for writing is usually around 6am. I usually take a break from the workday around noon, depending on how the morning went. Afternoons are usually a little slower, and all of this depends on publishing schedules and edits coming in from editors. Convention prep if I’m heading out to a convention. Sometimes I take a break around 2-3pm and then move on to finish up my day anywhere from 8-10pm, sometimes 11. I wear several different hats so I’m a big multi-tasker. Most of the creative writing part of the day does tend to be early morning though.
Where can readers find out what's new and how can they contact you?
Readers can find out more at www.darcyabriel.com or follow me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DarcyAbrielAuthor. I’m also on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Darcy_Abriel.
