Today I have the pleasure of introducing a special guest for my Writers on the Rise series of interviews: Caleb Fox, a fantasy author whose debut novel Zadayi Red comes out from Tor today. As always, feel free to check out his website and his book on Amazon. The premise of Zadayi Red intrigued me with its inspirations from Cherokee legend, and Caleb entertained me with his replies to my interview questions. Curious? Read on!
Hello, Caleb! Care to introduce yourself?
News flash! Caleb Fox is actually only a front name for me, his spirit animal, Quolodi. That’s the Cherokee word for bear. I dictated the novel Zadayi Red to Caleb, and I’m tired of him swiping the credit. Putting himself ahead of an Immortal, what effrontery!
Oh, you want me to be serious. I, the planetary Caleb, come from Arkansas, where my family was redneck on one side of the mountain and redskin (Cherokee) on the other. I rushed through college, grad school, professoring, and a great job as movie and theater critic of the big Hearst newspaper in Los Angeles. Then I slowed down enough to write movies and books, and meet my great wife Sarita, who is also a novelist. We live both on the edge of the Navajo rez near Monument Valley and in the wine country north of San Francisco. I love Sarita, our children, writing, playing music, and wild country. As a pipe carrier and pourer of the sweat lodge, I walk the good red road.
Can you tell us about your debut novel, Zadayi Red?
In Zadayi Red (which is the first book of the Spirit Flight series) I set out to create a world of mysticism and magic, the world most Americans don’t believe in (but I know is real). I saw an opportunity in the prehistoric peoples of this continent. Readers realize that those cultures were steeped in mysticism, and there they will accept animal guides, shape-shifters, spirit journeys to the world above, and so on. The story turned out to be something like the myths of the Greek gods, a human matrix where the gods play, help out, and cause mischief. I chose to write about the predecessors of the Cherokee people to honor my own ancestors. (Sorry, you Welsh and Irish ancestors, you’ll have to wait.)
I think Zadayi Red might be the first fantasy novel I have seen that draws on Native American legend. What was it like writing in this genre?
Fantasy is wonderful. It kicks down the palace of realism and lets the imagination fly. I couldn’t have written this novel as historical fiction if I wanted to–not enough is known about the Native peoples of that region at that time. So I took the hints that the record gives us about these prehistoric people and blew them up into a narrative reality. Or, since I think the world of imagination is as real as the world of convenience stores and cop cars, a narrative sur-reality.
How did you research for your novel, and what have you learned about the process?
A daunting job. First I learned all I could about the Cherokee people of historic times, since contact with the Spanish in the mid 1500s. Then, with the expert help of my friend Vince Wilcox, former curator of the American Indian Museum, I imagined it backward another millennium. First, this world needed to be much more magical than the one the Spanish reported, since their Christianity blinded them to the spirituality of Native people. Then, I needed to use the Cherokee language, Cherokee customs, Cherokee myths, and so on–and at the same time picture them in what might have been an earlier form. Because culture changes, language changes, ceremonies change, and so do the great stories and the ideas about the gods, or Immortals. In short, take reality and morph it backwards.
Then, having envisioned this lovely and terrifying world, I had to induce the reader to see and experience it, and tell a story in it. Though I wanted to honor the Cherokee, I sought to reach further into the past to their predecessors and to a more mystical world view. Difficult, but a lot of fun.
What has your path to publication been like so far?
My publisher, TOR Books, was kind enough to give me a good opportunity for this different sort of book by contracting for a series, not just a single title. Luckily, my editor is the sort who helps a writer become a bigger, better version of himself, rather than change him. Launching a series in this economy, though, scares the devil out of me.
What advice do you have for authors seeking to maintain an online presence?
I’m barely learning to do this. The Authors Guild has helped me create a nice web site, and I blog. Your readers could probably teach me about social networking.
Any other advice to share? Perhaps, the most valuable thing you have learned about writing?
You need the perfect writing hat. Each project requires one with just the right attitude.
Well, really, for me writing is a joy. Along with hanging out with Sarita, it is the emotional center of my life. It transports me the way listening to great music does. My advice is, if you feel the same way, you must write. Otherwise you betray yourself. If you don’t feel like that, do something else you love.
What are your inspirations?
My love of life, my sense of fun, Sarita, our kids, playing music, and reading. I love to read–Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Harper Lee, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Dean Koontz, Robert B. Parker–the whole cosmos of fiction. Within fantasy, I seek out urban fantasy.
What has been the best part of writing?
Getting lost in the day’s pages. Letting it flow. Creating something out of nothing. Love and creativity are the mortals’ taste of the divine.
And what has been the worst part?
Worrying. Which goes away when I write.
Where do you hope do be in a year?
Finished with the third book in the Spirit Flight series, writing something I haven’t dreamed of yet, playing music twice as often as I do, and spending more time relaxing with Sarita.
And here’s a teaser from Caleb’s Zadayi Red:
Sunoya woke up lying on a bed of soft grasses. She smiled at them because they were pink. Turquoise sedges lined the creek. Rhododendrons clumped out in spurts of wild hues, scarlet, cobalt, and canary yellow. The rocks of the hills glittered like gem stones. Above them the sky glowed a gentle salmon and gold that never changed, and the soft air was warm, always warm.
She stepped over to a stream, bent down, and took a drink of cool, orange water. In the Land beyond the Sky Arch no creatures ate–Immortals could not die, and they did not eat other beings–but everyone drank.
She wondered why she had dreaded this trip. She loved this world. She wished her people had never left here. A long time ago, before they came to Earth and the big expanse of land called Turtle Island, the Galayi and all other animals and plants lived in this country beyond the Sky Arch. They were the children of the Immortals, progeny of the models all creatures sprang from, shadows of the great Bear who was primogenitor of all other bears, offspring of the Raven who was the archetype of all ravens, and so on. At that time archetypes and descendants alike were immortal.
But they were crowded, bumping elbows and knees in a country that was too small. Looking down from on high, they saw a planet that seemed to be nothing but water and wondered whether they could find a place there to make lives. Several animals tried to find land, but only little Water Beetle succeeded. He dived to the bottom of that strange world and brought up dirt, and more dirt, and finally all the dirt that made Turtle Island. So the people migrated onto that muddy ground. They didn’t know the troubles they were in for. In Sunoya’s opinion you could sum up all of Earth’s problems in a single word, mortality.
Sunoya spoke in her mind to her guide Tsola. Are you with me?
Yes, said Tsola, but she volunteered nothing more.
If I call them, they’ll come, right?
Sunoya, you know that. Be your full self.
So she walked up the creek lazily. She could simply think of any one, or say his name, and he would appear. Or wouldn’t. Immortals were whimsical and not particularly interested in the doings on Earth. Occasionally, they were gone to Turtle Island, looking after their offspring planet. Sunoya thought of those shed met before and wanted to see again, and those she hadn’t gotten to meet. Very carefully, she did not think of the very last thing that happened here beyond the Sky Arch–the way Thunderbird had said goodbye to her.
Sunoya, you have nothing to be afraid of.
[As the scene goes on, Thunderbird grills Sunoya and then makes her a great gift, a spirit animal of her own.]
After a bit of a hiatus, I’m happy to present to you another Writers on the Rise interview with writer and illustrator Wendy Martin! Please give her a warm welcome and visit her website.
Hello, Wendy! Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am both writer and illustrator. As far back as I can remember I have been writing stories for my art and vice versa. My first “published” works all appeared in a Jr. High Arts & Literature Yearbook. All the students in the school were eligible to submit to the publication but only a couple of dozen students had their works included. I had both a poem (with someone else’s illustration on it.) and two line drawings included.
Do you still have some of the art and stories you created when you were a kid? Every once and a while I come across some of mine, and it can be amusing to see how similar (and different) they are from what I’m creating now.
I am an unrepentant pack rat. I have art and writing from as far back as elementary school. I also managed to accumulate some of my mother’s college and high school literary attempts.
I think my writing and style have matured over the years. Stylistically, there are certain themes that reappear throughout my fiction stories. I write what I read. I have always been drawn to fantasy and magic. Over the years, as what is acceptable in commercial fiction changes, my writing has changed to conform to the trends. One thing that still holds true today as it did yesterday is writing what you know. I use my experiences in life to fill out the lives of my characters. I am lucky to be able to eavesdrop on my teenager and friends when they are hanging out here. It has helped me capture a true MG and YA voice in my work.
What are you currently writing?
I am in the middle of several projects. A picture book in its bazillionth revision, I will also work on the art for this project. Two MG/YA fantasy thrillers, both in the early stages. And an adult non-fiction parenting book I am collaborating with another author. I also try and keep up the half a dozen blogs/newsletters I have committed myself to writing. Maybe I should be committed for thinking I can do all this and still find time to sleep and eat.
About how much time do you spend, on average, writing daily? Also, how do you find the time to write? I know this is a perennial problem among writers.
I am self employed at the moment. I had a part time job up until Feb 2008, but with touring, I got too busy to do my writing, my touring, taking care of my family AND dealing with an hour commute to a job I was terribly over-qualified for. So, after sending the husband and kid off for the day, I am at my computer and at work by 7:30 am every morning. I try to keep regular hours. I make a list before quitting for the day about my goals for the next day. And Sunday evenings, I make a weekly goal list. I “officially” stop work at 3 pm when my teenager arrives home from school. Sometimes, though, if I have a deadline looming or am having a particularly productive day, I’ll continue working until I can’t keep my eyes open. I try not to do that too often because the rest of my life rapidly deteriorates from neglect. It’s all about balance.
What else have you written?
I have written articles for non-fiction adult publications, crafts and stories for children’s e-zines, book reviews for other publications, as well as my own book review blog. Many times I also include art for the articles, crafts and recipes.
Where are you at on your path to publication?
My first picture book was published in 2005, the second and third came out last year. A fourth picture book came out in February, but I am only the illustrator on that one.
I’ve been bitten by the novel writing bug, (Actually, the characters came to me in my dreams and demanded I tell their stories.) so I feel like I am beginning all over again since the rules for picture books and novels are entirely different in many ways. I’ll never be bored, that’s for sure.
My characters only drop by my dreams occasionally, and I can’t say they have ever been so cooperative as to tell me their stories. What sort of dreams have you had, and how in particular have they inspired you?
That’s a hard question to answer. After all dreams are so often lost after the moment of waking up. I only know when I am stuck in a story my characters will invade my dreams and show me where they want to go. I only have to be strong enough to let go of the control of where the story is going. I never actually know where a story will go or where it will end up until it comes out of the keyboard.
I went to a lecture at a writing workshop where the presenter said the best stories come from the subconscious. The trick as a writer is to let go of our consciousness and let the sub conscious take over. It’s a learned skill like any other. Once I learned it, going along for the ride became a bit like riding on a roller coaster. Exhilarating and scary all at the same time. And sometimes at the end of the ride, I feel like I might need to throw up.
What advice do you have for writers?
Write everyday, even if you don’t feel like it. I really like the “Morning Pages” idea from the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Clears out the muck and monkey chatter so there is room in the brain to move forward on real projects. I have to confess though I don’t do the morning pages as much as I used to back before I was first published.
Good advice, though sometimes I have trouble sitting down and writing something every day. Do you think that writing while inspired comes out any differently than writing while not?
If I waited to write until the Muse hit me, I’d never sit down at the keyboard. I find if I sit down and start typing, even if I start out writing garbage, eventually the Muse will kick in and things will start to flow easier. It all goes back to getting out of my own way.
What has been the best part of writing?
Email from fans thanking me for what I’ve written and how it has helped them or their kids.
And what has been the worst part?
Dealing with the business end of things like contracts, royalty statements and setting up appearances as an unknown.
What advice do you have for authors who are planning appearances?
Be prepared for an empty room. Sad, but it happens to almost everyone.
Make sure you know what you plan to talk about and that it will fill the allotted time.
Figure out how you will deal with the inevitable wanna-be who asks about self-publishing. It never fails. Also, the newbie who wants you to “put a good word in with” you publisher, agent, publicist, etc.
Bring handouts like book marks for people to visit you later. A place where people can sign up to join a mailing list is also good, but not all venues are appropriate for that.
Remember to smile. Smile until it hurts. Smile even if you don’t feel like it, or your feet hurt or someone isn’t being nice.
I was lucky enough to have one of my first book signings with a fellow (experienced) author. He told me an event was a success if I spoke to one person or signed one book. Everything after that was bonus points. I’ve kept that in mind at all my other appearances. After the first one, I label the event a success and can relax and enjoy myself.
Where do you hope do be in a year?
I hope to finish one of my current projects and be picked up by an agent who will shop it to the well-known publishers who are closed to unagented materials. The picture book is the closest to being finished, but I may end up shopping my MG/YA first.
And here’s a teaser from Wendy’s Add a Pinch of Anger:
They edged round the teacher’s desk and Becca looked closely up and down the space besides the desk to find the spot she’d first seen the smoke. At first she saw nothing. Then a greenish glow caught her eye. She elbowed Sam and pointed. “There.”
Sam looked. “Where? I don’t see anything.”
“It’s right there, about the size of a dime! It’s floating there in the air.” How could he not see it? It was so obvious to her. She jabbed her finger in the direction of the glowing hole.
“What’s floating? I don’t see anything, Becca. Stop fooling around. We’ll get caught and get detention. Let’s get out of here.”
She grabbed his head and pushed it down to her eye level. Her finger so close it was almost touching the floating green spot in the air. “There, Sam, there! Don’t tell me you can’t see it. It’s so bright in this dark room. You have to see it!”
Sam looked where she pointed. He was scrunched over almost double to have his eyes at the same level as hers. He was about to straighten up when he thought he saw – what? – something. He closed his eyes and opened them again to get a good look. Becca was right. About 4 feet off the ground in the middle of the air there was a glowing green spot the size of a dime. Weird. He bent down further and got close to the spot. “Hey! You can look right into it like a window,” he exclaimed. He got on his knees to take a closer look. Putting his eye to the spot like it was a keyhole he looked inside. Then he jerked back and looked around the room. He moved to the other side of the green spot and looked around. Then he returned to the front and placed his eye on the spot again. He whistled softly in amazement.
“What? What is it?” She shoved at him to move aside but couldn’t budge him.
“It’s amazing, Becca. There’s a whole world in there. The most beautiful place I’ve ever seen in my life! And there’s this really hot chick wearing next to nothing. It looks like she’s gathering flowers or something. Only they can’t be flowers because she has to catch them because they are trying to fly away from her. But she’s stuffing them into a basket with a flap when she does catch ‘em and they aren’t trying to escape when she puts new ones in with the others.” He was silent for a time.
“Let me see!” Becca nudged him. He didn’t pay any attention. She glanced at the clock. “Come on, we’ve got to get out of here before the bell rings for next period.” She started to walk back to the door to unlock it and check that the hallway was clear. Sam screamed. Becca swung around in time to see Sam hitting the ground holding his eye with his hand. Tears were streaming down his face hidden behind his hand as he squirmed on the ground in pain. “What happened? Are you okay?” Becca raced to his side. Sam groaned.
“She saw me. She turned around and saw me watching. Then she poked me in the eye. Hard.” He wiped his leaking nose and eyes with the edge of his sweatshirt sleeve. “It was worth it though.” He made a lopsided grin. “She had the most amazing butt cheeks.” He ducked as Becca took a swing at him.
“You are such an idiot sometimes,” she said in disgust, “Let me see your eye.” She took his head in her hands and looked carefully at the tearing eye. It was all red and looked as if it might be starting to swell. “We’d better get you to the nurse and get an ice pack on this.” She helped him to his feet and worked her way with him toward the door. On the way, she glanced back at the green spot. It was gone, but there was a small puff of smoke where it had been. The smoke dissipated quickly. Then there was nothing. She unlocked the door and headed out into the hall once more filled with students.
For our eighth Writers on the Rise interview, please welcome Kim Baccellia! You can visit her website here and her blog here. I have one more interview lined up after this; if you are a writer still seeking an editor and/or agent, and are interested in being interviewed, please let me know and I will see what I can do.
Hello, Kim! Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a former first grade teacher that decided to finally write that novel I’d been talking about! I volunteer at my son’s school and library. I also review books and plan on doing more for Midwest Book Reviews. But first I need to concentrate on finishing my third story!
I’ve also been a Cybils-Children and YA book literary awards-panelist for the past three years. This year I helped judge over 126 nominated MG fiction books! Coming up with the finalists was fun.
After reading so many books, how do you apply your experience as an awards panelist to your own writing? What do you think makes a book a winner?
Wow, this is a great question! If anything my experience as a Cybils panelist has opened my eyes to how subjective this business really is. A book that I love might not be something others really care for.
The winning formula for a book is the million dollar question! But the books that seem to stand out are books that speak to the audience. For example Alvin Ho was a great example of a boy that relates to seven-year-old boys in the same way Junie B. Jones does for girls. We need more book like that!
Also, Twilight is another example of how some critics trash the book but teen girls love it. I remember one day asking a thirteen-year-old why she loved these books. “Edward. Duh, what else?”
What are you currently writing?
Tentative title is Step Stone Away. It’s a MG fantasy/mystery. I’m having fun writing it as it has a little of everything including an Egyptian love goddess. My sister, who’s studying to be an Egyptologist and did volunteer work at the British Museum, has been helping with the research to make sure I get that right.
Here’s the blurb: Thirteen-year-old Jordan Lake longs for the kind of romance her legendary Aunt Alice always experienced. When Jordan comes across an ancient bracelet that used to belong to Aunt Alice she figures that wearing it will help her have the romance of her dreams. More like a nightmare. Wearing it unleashes the curse of the love goddess Hathor who decides it’s fun to mess with the middle school social scene. Now Jordan has to figure out a way to vanquish Hathor and still get a date to the dance all while unraveling the mystery of where Aunt Alice has been for the last fifty years.
Having an Egyptologist-in-training for a sister sounds handy (and fun). Can you tell us more about the kind of research you have been doing for Step Stone Away? What tips do you have for writers of fiction with historical elements?
My sister has been going through her own research to help make sure I get the facts right with Step Stone Away. She steers me clear from the whole ‘Hollywood’ version of ancient Egypt. She’s also sent me incense from Egypt and right now I’m waiting for Hathor’s sistrum.
I think writers who do stories with historical elements need to do their research to make sure the facts are right. For example, in Step Stone Away, I have the father of my main character mention how the priests robbed the tombs. My sister caught me on that one! Also she corrected me on a stone I had in this one bracelet.
The Internet is great source to find material too. No longer does a writer have to go to a library to do research. I’ve found lots of info this way. I also went to the Bowers museum exhibit on ancient Egypt, which was fascinating.
What else have you written?
Earrings of Ixtumea and Crossed Out. Crossed Out will be coming out later this year. Here’s the blurb: Stephanie Stewart didn’t ask for the gift of guiding the deceased to the Other Side, but she’s stuck with it. Why can’t dead people just follow that bright light and leave her alone?When Mr. Undead wants to use her for his own evil purposes, her special ability becomes a major liability. Suddenly Stephanie finds herself faced with a choice–trust others with her ability or the world as she knows it will go to hell. Literally.
How did you go about getting your first two books published? Any words of wisdom to share about your experience?
I think it’s better to wait a little longer on accepting one of the first offers that comes your way. Do your research too. I also learned that writing the book is the easy part. It’s all the promotion that comes once your book is out that’s tough. Also make sure you know who your publisher’s distributor is. This info is important as most bookstores order from certain ones.
A big thing I’ve learned is to get out there and not be afraid to ask.
Where are you at on your path to publication?
I’ve been taking small steps that hopefully will lead to getting representation from an agent. A couple years ago I attended my regional SCBWI Agent’s Day conference and got to hear Laura Rennert of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency speak. I remember thinking, that’s what I want in an agent. Someone who not only knows the market but is passionate about each of her clients.
What advice do you have for writers?
First off, don’t submit anything unless it’s ready to go. Don’t get inpatient to get published. I found out the hard way that this doesn’t help with your writing career. Be careful on what you blog, especially any negative stuff. Yes, agents and editors do read that. And finally, join a critique group. Mine are awesome and helped so much.
I know what you mean about being impatient to submit. This usually happens to me when I know I should probably go fort at least one more draft, but I can’t wait to see what others will think. How do you deal with your impatience?
I think my experience with Earrings of Ixtumea has taught me that being impatient to submit only ruins any chances you might have with an agent and editors from more traditional houses. What I mean is if you submit something that isn’t totally done or is only a first draft, well, agents know that. And that blows any chance you might have had with them.
One of my words for this year is being disciplined. I really have to stop myself when I have that overwhelming urge to just submit. I’m really trying!
What are your inspirations?
A rejection from a publisher had me wondering if I should turn that recent lemon -rejection-into lemonade. So I spent a few days brainstorming a premise which involved romance, thirteen year olds, a bracelet, and of course, an Egyptian goddess who looks a lot like Angelina Jolie. Then I queried that same publisher with the premise and a couple chapters. They wanted more.
For Crossed Out, the idea that maybe someone had the job to make all those crosses you see on the sides of the highway came to me. A few years before that, my own sister had been murdered and an experience I had made me wonder if maybe not all the dead knew they were in fact dead. Add an undead hot guy who tries to change the rules.
What has been the best part of writing?
To be able to map out a story and see it come to life. Getting email fan letters has been cool too.
And what has been the worst part?
Comparing myself to other writers who have agents and get those big auction deals. I admit it makes me feel like I’m maybe not ‘good’ enough. But my online writing groups get me back on track!
Rejections are tough too. Especially when you read that others get agent interest after only a few. I try to look at rejections as a mini lesson. I also make sure to thank all editors and agents who took the time to read my work.
I know online writing groups help many writers stay on track and keep their spirits up, as well as providing invaluable feedback on their writing. How did you find your groups online, and what advice do you have for those looking?
I found my one on-line group through my association with Kelly Herold who’s the cofounder of the Cybils. I did some YA reviews for The Edge of the Forest, her on-line literary review site and when she had an opening in her group, she emailed me and asked if I was interested. Yes! This group has been wonderful!
My other on-line group I heard about from a writer friend. This same friend directed me to the fab Joyce Sweeney, who mentors YA writers in Florida.
If someone is looking for an on-line critique my advice is to check your local and regional SCBWI. Usually they post names of others who either are in a group or are looking to join one. Also check Verla Kay’s board. Some writers post opening there.
Where do you hope do be in a year?
Hmmm. In a year I hope to have interest in Step Stone Away. I would love to have an agent by then but I know that might not be a realistic goal.
I’m also hoping I don’t get too discouraged and to not give up. My biggest challenge is to be persistent even if it seems like it’s almost impossible to get that agent or traditional book deal.
And here’s a teaser from Kim’s Step Stone Away:
I stopped listening to Maddy. In our teacher’s hands was the most amazing bouquet of red roses. I could smell the sweet scent. Senorita Garza’s hair wasn’t pinned up but cascaded down her slim shoulders. Wow, she looked really pretty without her hair pulled back into an old lady hair style. Her eyes twinkled just like Audrey Hepburn’s in Roman Holiday. I couldn’t help but sense that love might be involved.
I glanced at Maddy, who had a dreamy expression on her face. Boy, if anyone saw her, they’d think she had something to do with our teacher’s sudden happiness and not a piece of metal that happened to be…
“Ouch!” I jumped up. A shock shot up my arm.
“Are you okay, Jordan?” Concern lined Senorita Garza’s otherwise smooth face. She put the roses on her desk and marched toward my seat.
“Ewwww!” One of Jessica’s friends screamed. “Ohmigod. Bugs!”
Screams filled the air. Chairs slammed against the walls. Girls and even a couple boys, jumped up on top of the tables.
I glanced over and saw beetle-like things climb out of the roses and scamper across the tile floor.
Oh, great. Not bugs again! Couldn’t Hathor be at least a little more original?
“Dude, check it out.” Nathan, one of the skateboarders Andrew hung with, pointed at a huge black and shiny bug. The beetle like bug must have been at least a couple inches long. Its shell reflected the florescent light.
“Clase!” Senorita Garza’s flushed face grew even redder while she tried to get order back in the classroom.
“Kill it, dude.” Another guy shouted.
Right at that moment, a sensation similar to needles shot through my wrist. I shook my arm to make the feeling stop, avoiding the bugs coming our way. I hopped on top of a chair.
