Transcript of Author Marjorie M Liu’s Appearance at Athena Isle in Second Life on August 4, 2009

Marjorie M Liu is the New York Times bestselling author of The Dirk & Steele Series of paranormal romantic thrillers and The Hunter Kiss Series of urban fantasy thrillers. The ninth book in the Dirk & Steele series, The Fire King, was recently released.

Cybergrrl Oh: First of all, thank you to Marjorie for being here - we're thrilled to have you!

Terry Lightfoot applauds

MarjorieMLiu India: I'm thrilled to be here. Thank you!

Cybergrrl Oh: Next, please know we will publish a transcript of this discussion on several blogs. If you do NOT want to be mentioned or quoted, you MUST let me know directly email me and we will delete all mention of you if that is your preference; otherwise, we will also take photos and post on blogs, sites, etc.

Cybergrrl Oh: The format today is roundtable

Cybergrrl Oh: We do have some questions prepared that were submitted by fans of Marjorie's and we want to start with those, however, we also want you to have the chance to speak directly with Marjorie but Alas and I will moderate.

Cybergrrl Oh: Please put QUESTION in front of your questions. Feel free to comment at will. If it becomes too confusing, then we'll resort to private IM questions to me.

Cybergrrl Oh: Now without any further ado...

Terry Lightfoot: (how bout a "Q")?

Cybergrrl Oh: Terry - good point - Q: then your question.

Cybergrrl Oh: Let me intro myself first.

Cybergrrl Oh: I'm Cybergrrl Oh, co-owner of Athena Isle and co-owner of Conversify social media marketing group.

Cybergrrl Oh: Alas, please introduce yourself and then our wonderful guest!

Alas Zerbino: I'm Alas Zerbino, co-owner of the Story Mountain Center for Writers here on Athena Isle. I also write the blog WRITERS IN THE (virtual) SKY about writing resources in Second Life.

Alas Zerbino: Welcome, Marjorie!

MarjorieMLiu India: Hello!

Jenny Bolero applauds :-)

Cybergrrl Oh applauds

Alas Zerbino: Marjorie is one of those amazing people I envy -- a fantastic, prolific author!

Amy305 Guardian: applauding Marjorie!

Alas Zerbino: and from my part of the world, even (I live in WI in RL)

MarjorieMLiu India: lol Thank you for having me here!

MarjorieMLiu India: WI? I love WI.

Terry Lightfoot: (Wisconsin, no?)

Alas Zerbino: Yes, Wisconsin.

Cybergrrl Oh: (yes, Wisconsin. Cheeseheads?)

Terry Lightfoot: lol

Alas Zerbino: LOL -- cheeseheads indeed

Moonshadow9 Blanco: LOL

Terry Lightfoot: /yay cheddar.

Cybergrrl Oh: Also, we need to set the stage for all of us who haven't yet read Marjorie's books (shame on me!)

Alas Zerbino: Marjorie M Liu is a NY Times best-selling author. She writes in various genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal romance -- often all in the same book.

MarjorieMLiu India: :-)

Alas Zerbino: She has written many novels, and in several series.

Terry Lightfoot: (x-men!)

Alas Zerbino: Her latest novel, The Fire King, has just been released. It's the latest in the Dirk & Steele paranormal romance series

Amy305 Guardian: loved it!!!!

About the Dirk & Steele Series

Cybergrrl Oh: Marjorie - why not tell us first about your Dirk & Steele series and bring us up to speed to The Fire King - then we can launch into the fan questions and then branch out to the group!

MarjorieMLiu India: Sure! The Dirk & Steele series is about what a group of individuals - psychics, gargoyles, mermen, shape-shifters -- creatures out of legend who work together to...well, make the world a better place.

Cybergrrl Oh: oooh mermen!

Alas Zerbino: I love it!

Amy305 Guardian: loved soul song too!

Cybergrrl Oh: (Amy is a tried & true fan! The rest of us are going to get sucked in...willingly)

MarjorieMLiu India: They hide in plain sight in this modern world, sometimes using magic, and get into all kinds of crazy trouble.

MarjorieMLiu India: Yay, Amy!

Amy305 Guardian: thanks!

Alas Zerbino: (I've been sucked in already)

Jenny Bolero: Totally sucked in :-)

Alas Zerbino: Is The Fire King the 8th or 9th in the series?

MarjorieMLiu India: The Fire King is the 9th.

Cybergrrl Oh: Now when we give you fan questions, Marjorie, you will have to explain a bit more to us newbies!

MarjorieMLiu India: They're thrillers, romances, adventures, etc.

Sufia Shepherd is getting interested if not sucked :))

Alas Zerbino: Great characters, amazing plots

Amy305 Guardian: :D

Cybergrrl Oh: So we can move to the fan questions first -- and of course they all know what is going on!

Alas Zerbino: Question from Holly: Why did you choose to write Soria with one arm? (Soria is the main female character in The Fire King)

MarjorieMLiu India: I had been hearing about a lot of soldiers coming home from war missing limbs, and it really...got me.

Darkling Elytis murmurs softly, nodding

Alas Zerbino: wow -- awesome -- wouldn't have thought of that

Amy305 Guardian: such an amazing woman btw!

MarjorieMLiu India: So when I started writing The Fire King, it seemed natural, part of her character, that she have this terrible injury that she had been living with. I wasn't trying to make a statement...it just fit the character, and what I was feeling at the time.

Alas Zerbino: It really adds to the novel, too.

MarjorieMLiu India: Thank you, I appreciate that.

Amy305 Guardian: I wanted to cry for her when she wouldn't

Cybergrrl Oh: ok, I'm breaking my rule and asking a Q now so everyone please do pipe in. I'll track.
Q: Does one-armed-ness play a key part in the action or just in her character development?

MarjorieMLiu India: It's just part of her character development, Cybergrrl.

Cybergrrl Oh: Got it, thanks! very interesting!

Amy305 Guardian: Soria was just so strong!

Alas Zerbino: Question from Lori: Do you have any idea of what your next Dirk and Steele book/ story will be about and when it will be out?

MarjorieMLiu India: The next one will be out in June 2010, and will be a pirate/merman/cryptozoologist/mass worldwide conspiracy story, taking place in the South China Seas.

Darkling Elytis: oh, fun!

Cybergrrl Oh: oooh, cryptozoologist! ;-)

MarjorieMLiu India: :-)

Sufia Shepherd: lol

Alas Zerbino: Ooh! Sounds incredible!

Amy305 Guardian: ooohhhh I likey that!

MarjorieMLiu India: I'm having a really good time writing it.

Cybergrrl Oh: Q from Moonshadow: Q, You are on the best sellers list, can her books be acquired from any book store?

MarjorieMLiu India: Moonshadow: Yes, I hope so!

Moonshadow9 Blanco: great I will be looking for your books at my local bookstore then ;)

Choosing Novel Locations & Characters

Alas Zerbino: Question from Samantha: I love the detail you go into when describing different countries. You manage to make it fit without sounding like a tourism advert. Do you pick the characters first, then the location or do you visit a location and then envision the characters there?

MarjorieMLiu India: I pick the characters first, and then think about location.

MarjorieMLiu India: As for placing my books in different places around the world, I love to travel, and it gives me an excuse to do research -- even if it's just by reading about a place.

Cybergrrl Oh: What is the location of The Fire King?

MarjorieMLiu India: The Fire King is set in Central Asia.

Sufia Shepherd: UK?

Sufia Shepherd: Asia more exotic

Amy305 Guardian: Q: ever think of visiting Canada? HEHE!

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: So where did you travel that inspired the locale for The Fire King?

MarjorieMLiu India: I've been up around Mongolia, and the history of the region, including the Silk Road, has fascinated me for years.

Amy305 Guardian: sounds amazing

MarjorieMLiu India: Thank you, Amy.

Amy305 Guardian: ;)

On Writing Open-Ended Series

Alas Zerbino: Another question from a fan... Question from Gail: Are you writing the series as an open-ended until the ideas run out thing or do you have an overall storyline that will end in a grand finale? If the answer is B, how many more books do we have to look forward to?

MarjorieMLiu India: The series is open-ended, though I will be dealing with tying up some loose ends, or at least, explaining some of the conspiracies, over the course of the next two books.

Amy305 Guardian: yay!

Cybergrrl Oh: Great question about series or open-ended. I always wonder about that with authors.

MarjorieMLiu India: I wish I was a better planner when it comes to my series, but I play things by ear!

Amy305 Guardian: sometimes that makes for the best stories

MarjorieMLiu India: Amy - I do like to write by the seat of my pants, that's for sure.

E-books versus Print Books

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: Are there audiobooks available? Kindle versions?

Jenny Bolero: I was wondering that.

MarjorieMLiu India: I don't think there are audiobooks available for Dirk & Steele (yes, for Hunter Kiss, though), but they are on Kindle...except for the latest.

Cybergrrl Oh: just like us geeky folks to want the digital formats!

MarjorieMLiu India: I love my Kindle. :-)

Amy305 Guardian: lol

Cybergrrl Oh is thinking of buying a Kindle.

Alas Zerbino: I know -- The Fire King is NOT on Kindle yet :(

Alas Zerbino: I LOVE my Kindle!

MarjorieMLiu India: I'm really shocked it's not on Kindle yet.

Alas Zerbino: me too

Jenny Bolero: Give us your publishers email, we'll spam them ;-)

Terry Lightfoot: lol

Alas Zerbino: Q: How do you see the world of books changing (if at all) due to e-books, the ubiquity of the Internet, social media, etc.?

Amy305 Guardian: give me real books any day over any digital version!

MarjorieMLiu India: Alas, good question - it's hard to say, really. I think there is room for both, and what I've found is that some NY Times Bestselling authors were discovered/first published by e-publishers.

Amy305 Guardian: I like to have my hands on a good juicy novel!

Jenny Bolero: Oh I don't know, 50 books in my pocket can be handy, but sure, print is king ;-)

MarjorieMLiu India: Personally, I love both e-versions and the physical books. When I travel, the Kindle can't be beat. But when I'm at home on a rainy day? Holding that book in my hand is wonderful.

Amy305 Guardian: ;) ya I got ya there Marjorie

Alas Zerbino: Q: Why do you write series? And why more than one series at a time?

MarjorieMLiu India: Alas - I love to tell different kinds of stories, which is why I write two series.

MarjorieMLiu India: And it's fun to play in various universes!

Alas Zerbino: Makes sense!

Amy305 Guardian: definitely

Jenny Bolero: That it is :-)

Social Media’s Impact on Reader Relationships

MarjorieMLiu India: Did Bart just ask a question that I missed?

Bart Kling: Q: Shame on me I did not read the book...but I would like to ask you how social media has changed the relation with your readers?

Alas Zerbino: Bart, good question about social media.

MarjorieMLiu India: Sorry I didn't catch that earlier, Bart. As for Social Media...I think it brings the author closer to the reader, certainly. And I love that, to be honest. I have the best readers, and my blog/twitter is a good way of keeping in touch with everyone.

MarjorieMLiu India: Not just advertising for the books, but talking about writing, life, etc.

Amy305 Guardian: yes, some of the blogs have been amazing

MarjorieMLiu India: Writing is an isolating business, to some degree, and it's nice to have 'contact' with the outside world!

Alas Zerbino: Yes! I totally agree, which is one of the great things about SL, too

Moonshadow9 Blanco: so true Marjorie

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: Speaking of writing as isolating, not to get too personal, but how does your writing affect your personal relationships? As I writer, I find it difficult to leave husband & 3yr old daughter just to WRITE.

MarjorieMLiu India: I have made wonderful friends that I wouldn't have, had I been doing something else with my life -- like practicing law. So in that sense, writing has been GREAT for my personal relationships!

Character ‘Bibles’, Outlines & Writing Process

Alas Zerbino: Here's another question submitted by one of your fans: Question from Cindy: All of your characters have such interesting names, how do you come up with them? Do you use a name book?

MarjorieMLiu India: Cindy - I don't use a name book, unless I'm really stuck. Usually the names just come to me as I think about the character.

Amy305 Guardian: amazing!

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: How about a character bible? I've not tried my hand at a fiction novel but seems to me it might be an interesting challenge to keep all the characters straight w/all their backstories.

MarjorieMLiu India: I tried to write a character bible, and a series bible, but lost them on my other computer. HA!

Darkling Elytis giggles behind her hand!

Amy305 Guardian: uh-oh!

Cybergrrl Oh: LOL. Perils of electronic book writing!

MarjorieMLiu India: It's easier just to rely on what's in my head.

Chepooka Laval: haha whoopsies

Darkling Elytis: technology can set us free... or delete our work in the wink of an eye ;)

Cybergrrl Oh: Darkling, so true so true

Amy305 Guardian: heh heh heh

MarjorieMLiu India: Not always that accurate, though -- so sometimes I have to re-read a previous book to remind myself of what's going on.

Chepooka Laval: :))

Amy305 Guardian: and gee like that is a hardship eh? LOL

Terry Lightfoot knocks on...plastic? at Darkling’s deletion comment

Cybergrrl Oh: Ah, the old fashioned "archive" method - reading past books of your own

Alas Zerbino: LOL, Cybergrrl!!

Alas Zerbino: Q: You keep talking about the ideas, characters, etc., just come to you. Do you write from an outline ever?

Cybergrrl Oh: great question Alas

MarjorieMLiu India: I try to write from an outline -- or rather, I have tried -- and usually I deviate completely within the first couple pages.

Amy305 Guardian: lol

MarjorieMLiu India: Outlines are extremely useful. I'm just REALLY bad at writing them.

Chepooka Laval: If you visit Marjorie's blog, she has some amazing articles on her writing process in recent archives

Sufia Shepherd: :))

Cybergrrl Oh is going to Amazon to buy herself a Kindle and the early Dirk & Steele books to catch up.

MarjorieMLiu India: lol!

Alas Zerbino: haha -- good!

Sufia Shepherd: bulk buy?

Moonshadow9 Blanco: hehe I’m right behind you Cybergrrl

Cybergrrl Oh: Chepooka, that is awesome. For all of us aspiring novelists, hearing about process is a revelation.

MarjorieMLiu India: Everyone has a different way of going about writing a book. It's so personal. :-)

Alas Zerbino: Yes, it is personal. And it's so valuable for a novice writer to realize that each writer's process is unique to them.

Alas Zerbino: Q: Do you ever think about where the ideas, names, etc., come from?

Cybergrrl Oh: Alas - maybe she is channeling something/someone? ;-)

Alas Zerbino: LOL, Cybergrrl!!

MarjorieMLiu India: Alas - just depends....I get ideas from the news, myths, non-fiction, poetry, etc.

MarjorieMLiu India: Yes, I'm channeling!!! :-)

Alas Zerbino: I was actually thinking of her background.... In a sense, all writing is channeling! :D

Terry Lightfoot: perhaps existence is channeling...

Alas Zerbino: good point, Terry!

Terry Lightfoot: constant rp...

Terry Lightfoot: ;-)

Cybergrrl Oh: yes terry, we are all channel something at one time or another!

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: Marjorie - do you know how beneficial it is to the author - financially - for us to buy Kindle versions vs. paper books? Should we buy both to support your work?

MarjorieMLiu India: Kindle vs. hardcopies...hard to say. E-books have a different royalty structure, usually, but that depends on your contract.

On Genre: ‘Love Writing All Kinds of Stories’

Bart Kling: Q: if one day you should decide to change complete the genre of novels you write, which one would you choose and why?

MarjorieMLiu India: I will be writing a mystery, and have plans for a YA. I love writing all kinds of stories.

Alas Zerbino: Oh wow, you are really versatile!

Cybergrrl Oh: YA = Young Adult?

MarjorieMLiu India: I get bored easily. :-)

MarjorieMLiu India: Yes, that's Young Adult.

Amy305 Guardian: well she is amazing alas!

Alas Zerbino: Thank goodness for us readers you get bored!

Amy305 Guardian: lol

Alas Zerbino: lol, Amy

MarjorieMLiu India: ha!

Amy305 Guardian: ;)

Alas Zerbino: Which relates to another question . . . Q: Your books, as well as others, are "genre-blending": sci-fi, romance, fantasy, action thriller, urban fantasy, shapeshifter romance, etc. Is this changing publishing & reading habits?

MarjorieMLiu India: I think so. Publishers have always been open to good stories, but now writing something that crosses genres is an asset, rather than a marketing nightmare. :-)

Alas Zerbino: So it seems.

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: How so? Because they can market to various channels? Or?

Terry Lightfoot: :-)

MarjorieMLiu India: I think, perhaps, because it makes books stand out from the crowd.

MarjorieMLiu India: The hardest thing, though, is still trying to decide where a book should be shelved in a store -- romance vs. fantasy, for example.

Terry Lightfoot: ahh..hmm...that would be a challenge. restricting them to one category seems a shame...

Alas Zerbino: yes, and there are new subgenres being added -- paranormal romance, urban fantasy, etc. Q: Do you think you'll ever write a "mainstream" novel that isn't a specific genre?

MarjorieMLiu India: Alas - I suspect I will. In fact, I'm pretty certain of it. :-)

Alas Zerbino: Cool!

Where the Cover Art Comes From

Bart Kling: Q: How do you choose the covers of your books?

MarjorieMLiu India: Nope, no choice over my covers. I've been lucky, though!

Cybergrrl Oh: Even NYT bestsellers don't get to choose covers?

MarjorieMLiu India: No!

Amy305 Guardian: love The Tiger Eye cover!

MarjorieMLiu India: Thank you! That was my first book, and when I saw that cover, I almost cried (because I liked it so much)!

Amy305 Guardian: :D

Chepooka Laval: :)

Cybergrrl Oh: Thank goodness!

MarjorieMLiu India: I recently found out that the cover model to The Tiger Eye is a friend of a friend.

Alas Zerbino: Oh wow! Small world!

MarjorieMLiu India: Tell me about it!

Amy305 Guardian: she looks exactly how I would have pictured Dela

Alas Zerbino: amazing

Bart Kling: Q: your answer leads to another question......do you always like the cover of your books?

MarjorieMLiu India: I don't always like the covers of my books, but for the most part, I've been extremely pleased.

Amy305 Guardian: Q: what ones are on the bottom of the list for you?

MarjorieMLiu India: Amy - as for covers...I had long discussions about the cover for The Last Twilight. It wasn't right in the beginning.

Amy305 Guardian: I like how it turned out though!

MarjorieMLiu India: Luckily I have some wonderful help in the online promo department. Ahem ' Chepooka' ahem.

Chepooka Laval: Aww *blushes*

Alas Zerbino: Yes, I love your website design, which Chepooka did.

Jenny Bolero: :-)

MarjorieMLiu India: Oh, man - I love that website!

Chepooka Laval: *bow* ty

MarjorieMLiu India: She's totally genius!

Cybergrrl Oh: Chepooka is a Goddess of design.

Alas Zerbino: that's for sure!

Chepooka Laval: stop lol okay next Q ;)

Amy305 Guardian: yay Chepooka!

Chepooka Laval: :))

On Balancing Writing & Marketing

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: You seem very active online interacting with fans and also running great book promotions. How much time is that taking you and how do you balance promoting and writing books?

Alas Zerbino: Great question, Cybergrrl

MarjorieMLiu India: You know, writing my blog and writing books still = writing. I love words. It's no burden.

Amy305 Guardian: lol

MarjorieMLiu India: Some days my blog is more thoughtful than others, though!

MarjorieMLiu India: And if I've got a deadline, I just don't post.

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: Some authors feel blogging is "giving away their writing for free" - how do you feel it helps/hurts what you do?

MarjorieMLiu India: I think it definitely helps! As for giving away writing for free...honestly, I think that's silly.

Chepooka Laval: :) lol

Alas Zerbino: Like someone would want to pay for my opinion!!

Winston Dufaux: any writer should be grateful for exposure

Alas Zerbino: lol

MarjorieMLiu India: Exactly!

Cybergrrl Oh: Hey, I'm the gal with 12 blogs. LOL.

Chepooka Laval: cybergrrl down to just 12? ;)

MarjorieMLiu India: 12 blogs? Dude.

Cybergrrl Oh: LOL. OK, I only tend to 6 regularly (semi).

(Ed. Note: Cybergrrl Oh Around Second Life is one of those blogs and describes her activities in SL.)

Alas Zerbino: Q: What value, besides entertainment, do you think novels provide for readers?

Chepooka Laval: whoa, heavy question Alas!

Alas Zerbino: lol (sorry - heehee)

Chepooka Laval: :)

MarjorieMLiu India: I can only speak for myself, but novels are an escape for me, a chance to experience and live another life -- say, in Victorian England, or the Old West, or Outer Space!

Chepooka Laval: sounds like SL! lol

Cybergrrl Oh: Novels are escape for reader - never thought they'd be escape for writer, too...!

MarjorieMLiu India: Writing books can be an escape, too. :-)

Winston Dufaux: some can even provide healing, personal growth

MarjorieMLiu India: An escape into INSANITY! Ha!

Cybergrrl Oh: good point Winston

Jenny Bolero: lol

Chepooka Laval: haha

Amy305 Guardian: I love "escaping" from my kids!

Winston Dufaux: seeing the world in new ways is always beneficial

Cybergrrl Oh: A reason to delve into insanity!

Terry Lightfoot: that sounds more like sanity to me.... ;-)

Alas Zerbino: A long time ago, in a universe far away (i.e., my college days), my lit profs used to say that reading novels is the best way to learn about people. Q: Do you think that's true?

MarjorieMLiu India: I do think that true -- when a book is done right, you can get peeks into the human condition that you might not normally experience.

Cybergrrl Oh: If you want to learn about mermen, gargoyles, etc... then it must be true!

MarjorieMLiu India: lol! Yes, I love those mermen.

Cybergrrl Oh: Hey, I'm all about the mermen. Can't wait to see how they compare to human men.

MarjorieMLiu India: Ironically, I hate swimming.

Alas Zerbino: I wonder if sometimes those "fantasy" characters don't shed more light on people's foibles than "human" characters.

Winston Dufaux: the fantasy characters are still created by a person's mind, so naturally they would reveal aspects of life

First Readers, Music, & Staring Into Space

Jenny Bolero: Q: I once worked with a friend who’s a writer, using role-play to develop characters and situations for her work. Have you ever tried this kinda method or anything like it.

Alas Zerbino: Good question, Jenny!!

MarjorieMLiu India: You know, I don't role-play as a means of developing characters, but I do stare in space a lot and listen to loud music.

Chepooka Laval: LOL

Darkling Elytis chuckles throatily.

Jenny Bolero: lol

MarjorieMLiu India: I can see that being a lot of fun, though! I start fires with my mind!

Terry Lightfoot: he-he

Chepooka Laval: Marjorie and I created a blip.fm channel for one of her characters - that was fun :)

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: Who are your trusted readers? And what music do you like?

Cybergrrl Oh: By READERS I mean the ones who read BEFORE you submit.

Alas Zerbino: ("beta" readers is the latest term for those)

Cybergrrl Oh: Beta Readers! LOL

MarjorieMLiu India: My mom is my first reader. :-)

Amy305 Guardian: sweet!

Jenny Bolero: That's cool :-)

MarjorieMLiu India: I know if she's bored, there's a problem.

Alas Zerbino: :D

Amy305 Guardian: ;

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: What music really inspires you? That you play really loud?

MarjorieMLiu India: I have a thing for 80's Power Ballads. And really moody alternative/electronica/vocals...like Darling Daughter or Imogen Heap, or Bjork.

Cybergrrl Oh: 80s Power Ballads like...?

MarjorieMLiu India: Steve Perry!

Cybergrrl Oh: Sister Christian was the first one that popped in my head.

MarjorieMLiu India: That, too!

Cybergrrl Oh: Ah, yes, 80's Journey!

Amy305 Guardian: woot woot!

Winston Dufaux: don't stop believin

MarjorieMLiu India: Tina Turner.

Amy305 Guardian: great vocalist there

Alas Zerbino: Q: What's the best thing about writing full-time? Worst thing?

MarjorieMLiu India: The best thing is that I'm always writing. The worst thing is that, well, I'm always writing.

MarjorieMLiu India: I'm at home, so I don't leave the job at the office. But that's pretty trivial, given that I love what I do.

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: What is the best TIME for you to write? Worst time of day?

Alas Zerbino: LOL!! I understand ... best & worst are the same.

MarjorieMLiu India: Best time? Morning, I'd say. And late evening.

Jenny Bolero: Thanks :-)

Bart Kling: Q: What about some '70 progressive rock as source of inspiration?

MarjorieMLiu India: Oh, the 70's....let's see...

Bart Kling: Q: I mean stuff like Gong, Faust or the first albums of Genesis...concept albums with an incredible story line....

Cybergrrl Oh: Oooh, first Genesis album!

Alas Zerbino: Another submitted fan question: Will we be seeing any of the old characters such as Dela, Hari, Elena, Artur, Dean and Blue?

Chepooka Laval: Marjorie just got disconnected

Cybergrrl Oh: Well, there you go! Thunderstorms finally got to her.

Chepooka Laval: the storms are pretty bad

Marjorie’s Social Media Links

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: For Chepooka, can you give us some more URLs & highlights of Marjorie's social media stuff since you're the Goddess of creating those things?

Chepooka Laval: Marjorie on Twitter: http://twitter.com/marjoriemliu

Chepooka Laval: Marjorie's Blog http://marjoriemliu.com/index.php?/blog/

Chepooka Laval: Dirk & Steele blog http://dirkandsteele.posterous.com/

Chepooka Laval: The Dirk & Steele Detective Agency on Facebook :) http://bit.ly/85kc9

Alas Zerbino: Marjorie’s Web site: http://marjoriemliu.com/

Chepooka Laval: This is a character from Marjorie's Hunter Kiss series, Grant Cooperon (*swoon*), the playlist is embedded near the bottom http://marjoriemliu.com/index.php?/GrantCooperon/index/

Chepooka Laval: for those of you still using MySpace http://www.myspace.com/marjorieliu

Chepooka Laval: Marjorie is also on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/32686909@N07/3168575463/

Alas Zerbino: Well, shoot, the hour's up already! This has been fabulously interesting.

Alas Zerbino: thank goodness she was able to hang in for the whole hour.

Cybergrrl Oh: Thanks for being here everyone! And thanks to Marjorie for her time and candor. Chepooka - tell her we loved having her!

Kghia Gherardi applauds

Hedda Hazelnut: Great presentation!! I am going to look for the books now.

Chepooka Laval: sorry guys, she wants to say thank you to everyone!!

Cybergrrl Oh: And I really did put the Kindle in my Amazon cart along with some of Marjorie's books BTW. Hitting Purchase in a moment.

Jenny Bolero: Yup, and you've got at least 2 new readers here. Thanks :-)

Kghia Gherardi: excellent event

Chepooka Laval: and she is really sorry that she can't get back on

Darkling Elytis applauds :)

Alas Zerbino: And if you haven't read any of her books --you're really missing out.

Terry Lightfoot applauds

Chepooka Laval: she had a great time!! :)

Liadona Rau: Thank her for us

Darkling Elytis: thank you so much for speaking with us, Marjorie

Hedda Hazelnut: Thanks very much to Marjorie!!!!!

Amy305 Guardian: Thank you!

Jenny Bolero: Ask her when she's going to open her own themed sim here ;-) That's be awesome.

Alas Zerbino: Yes, thank you Marjorie, from wherever you've teleported to right now!! :)

Alas Zerbino: That would be awesome, Jenny.

Cybergrrl Oh: Her own themed sim - right on!

Moonshadow9 Blanco: Thank you Marjorie, will be buying your books soon !!1

Terry Lightfoot: oooh now that sounds fun

Cybergrrl Oh: Thank you again for being here.

Alas Zerbino: Yes, it was great to spend this time with all of you.

Moonshadow9 Blanco: it was a good time, thanx for the invite

Sufia Shepherd: ty

Jenny Bolero: Thanks for organising this. Love author events like this :-)

Chepooka Laval: thanks from Marjorie again for coming

Note: This is a slightly edited version of the actual transcript, to make it more readable and easier to understand for those unable to attend the event. The dialogue is verbatim as typed in by each avatar (with corrections for typos), but the comments have been rearranged a bit so Marjorie’s answers fall immediately after the questions they pertain to.

Chat With Bestselling Author Carleen Brice in Second Life July 26

UPDATE: Time has been changed to 12:30 p.m. SLT!!

Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle will provide the venue for an appearance by bestselling author Carleen Brice, whose second novel, Children of the Waters, has just been released as A One World Trade Paperback Original by Ballantine.

Ms. Brice will discuss her work at the Story Mountain Lodge at 3:30 p.m. SLT (Pacific time zone) Sunday, July 26, 2009. Sponsoring her appearance is Connie Briscoe, author of five novels and SL resident Zillow Dejavu, who will interview Ms. Brice and facilitate an audience question-and-answer session.

All Second Life residents are warmly invited to attend this free event. Teleport directly to Story Mountain by clicking this SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Athena%20Isle/203/105/23/?title=Story%20Mountain%20Center%20for%20Writers.)

Carleen Brice’s first novel, Orange Mint and Honey, made many bestseller lists, was chosen as a Target “Bookmarked Break Out Book,” and has now been optioned by Lifetime TV for the Lifetime Movie Network, with Damon Lee ("This Christmas" and "Undercover Brother") producing.

For more details about Carleen Brice and Connie Briscoe and their writing, view this Story Mountain blog post.

Bestselling Novelist Michelle Richmond Shares Support & Writing Tips With Writers in SL

Transcript of August 13, 2008, Athena Isle
Writers Meeting in Second Life

Alas Zerbino: Welcome to this Athena Isle Writers meeting at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.

I'm honored now to introduce our guest today. Michelle Richmond's first book of fiction, a short story collection, won one of the major national writing awards in 2001. Her first novel, Dream of the Blue Room, was an award finalist. Then her second novel, The Year of Fog, did what every writer dreams of: it became a NY Times bestseller, as well as hitting many 2007 top-book lists. Now, her third novel, No One You Know, is just out -- and to stunning reviews!


Michelle Richmond (center, in pink dress) "talks" to the Athena Isle Writers meeting on Second Life on Aug. 20, 2008.

Alas Zerbino: Michelle is appearing in Second Life as the avatar Michelle Mefusula. Welcome to Athena Isle Writers, Michelle! Please add whatever you wish to introduce yourself.

Michelle Mefusula: It's great to be here. Thanks for inviting me, Alas. And thank you all for being here. Looking forward to hearing your questions.
Alas Zerbino: We're delighted you came! And you've been such a trooper about the weirdnesses of SL!
Michelle Mefusula: It is indeed weird, but wonderful! I could get lost in here.
Alas Zerbino: LOL -- we all do from time to time.

Michelle Mefusula: Are you all writers?
Alas Zerbino: I am
Chepooka Laval: I am not, but I'm a reader! :)
JMB Balogh: Me, I'm just a blogger but a fan of yours and a big reader too
Alas Zerbino: Great -- readers!!
Irisgrl Saphir: I am a writer --lol
Chepooka Laval: she is a writer.
Michelle Mefusula: Ah, yes, I've read your blog, Alas. Are you a fiction writer? Chepooka and JMB ... we writers need readers!
Irisgrl Saphir: yeah--write on!
Irisgrl Saphir: JMB's blog? where?
JMB Balogh: Nobody important is its name
Irisgrl Saphir: Fiction and non-fiction
Alas Zerbino: Yes, I write short fiction and novels -- only published short stories & some poems.
Michelle Mefusula: JMB...a fan..yay! Thank you. Oh, JMB, of course, I've read your blog before.
Michelle Mefusula: Alas...great! It's wonderful that you've published stories and poems. That's not easy to do.
JMB Balogh: You did, did you see my review of Year of Fog?
Alas Zerbino: What's the URL of your blog, JMB?
JMB Balogh: nobodyimportant-jmb.blogspot.com
Alas Zerbino: What a name!! Thanks!
JMB Balogh: YW
Michelle Mefusula: Yes, I did JMB... thank you!

On Publishing and Agents

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Your books have been far more successful than many of today's novelists. Why do you think that's so?
Michelle Mefusula: Alas: Well, The Year of Fog did achieve a level of commercial success that I never expected. It was my third book, and the first one that sold well. I think it was a combination of things--the story, the publisher's efforts, right time and place, etc.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: How did you find an agent?
Alas Zerbino: Good question!
Michelle Mefusula: I published my first two books without an agent. I'd tried very hard to find an agent for my story collection and for my first novel, to no avail. Dozens of rejections.
Michelle Mefusula: I ultimately found my agent while at the Sewanee Writers Conference. I was there as a fellow, and got to sit down with a NY couple who have an old and respected agency in NYC. We hit it off, and I sent them my new novel, The Year of Fog, when it was complete.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: if without an agent how did you find a publisher?
Michelle Mefusula: My first book was published as a result of the Associated Writing Programs contest. It's an annual contest for a story collection, and University of Massachusetts Press publishes the winner.
Michelle Mefusula: My second book was published by MacAdam/Cage, a small San Francisco literary publisher which, at that time, accepted unagented submissions. I'm not sure they do that anymore, though.

Alas Zerbino: So it's true that agents do sign up writers they meet at conferences?
Michelle Mefusula: Yes, I think agents do sometimes sign up authors they meet at conferences, although it definitely helped that I had two books under my belt at that point.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Can you elaborate more on "right time and place" (no need to elaborate on the story -- it's a great one!)
Michelle Mefusula: Hmmm, right time and place. Well, The Year of Fog is set in San Francisco, and I did a lot of events when it came out. I also wrote an essay about the inspiration for The Year of Fog which appeared in the San Fran Chronicle magazine, and the following week it was on the SF Chron bestseller list. When it made the list, my publisher took notice, and began to put more effort behind it. So I'd say the success of a book by an unknown writer is often the result of a slow-building avalanche of good publicity.
Alas Zerbino: Wow! Fascinating story!
Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION Is San Fran Chron article online?
Michelle Mefusula: Yes, the SF Chron article is online. May I post the link here, Alas?
Alas Zerbino: absolutely!!

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Have you started working on #5, or do you take a break after pub?
Michelle Mefusula: I've been on a break for about two months, working on events, guest blogging, and preparing for an interview I'm going to do next month with one of my favorite authors, Paul Auster. I'll begin working on number 5 in a couple of weeks.
Irisgrl Saphir: very helpful info on getting published

Unpublished Writers: Submit Short Fiction to Journals

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What's the most important thing an unpublished writer can do to move toward publication?
Michelle Mefusula: Most important thing an unpublished writer can do: I had my start publishing short stories in literary magazines, and I think that's a very good place to start. When you have a story that is polished and represents your best work, choose ten magazines you'd like to be published in, and send it to ALL of them. I'm a big believer in multiple submissions.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Did you ever worry that your fiction wouldn't "make it"?
Michelle Mefusula: Yes, I worried for years that my fiction wouldn't make it, and there were times when I became very discouraged, when I couldn't find a publisher for my books. But I just kept thinking "One day..."
Michelle Mefusula: I think it actually turned out to be a good thing for me that my first two books were not commercial successes. It made me able to manage my expectations. I know people who are discouraged if their first book doesn't make a huge splash, but I always feel fortunate to be able to publish and to write the story I want to write.
Alas Zerbino: That's so important for writing!

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: who do you get to read/edit your work before submission--lots of people?
Michelle Mefusula: My husband is my first editor, and the only person who sees my work before it goes to my agent or to my editor at the publishing house.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Do you have a blog?
Alas Zerbino: Michelle's blog: http://michellerichmond.com/sanserif/
Alas Zerbino: Her website: http://michellerichmond.com/
Michelle Mefusula: Thanks for posting my blog address, Alas. As for that article in the Chron, you can got to my website, click FOG, and then click "the story behind the book." (I couldn't paste the link.)
Alas Zerbino: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/29/CMGRJN7UTO1.DTL&hw=michelle+richmond&sn=001&sc=1000

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Do you write fast first drafts, or deliberate over each paragraph as you write it?
Michelle Mefusula: I deliberate, Alas! Do you deliberate over every paragraph? I did, however, write No One You Know in a year, which is very fast for me. It was the first time I was on deadline for a novel, and it helped.
Alas Zerbino: I do both -- which is why I'm curious. Sometimes I deliberate forever; other times I can't write fast enough.
Michelle Mefusula: Alas, don't you love those times when you're able to not deliberate and you "Can't write fast enough?"
Alas Zerbino: YES!!!!
Irisgrl Saphir: Plugged into the Muse--yeah!!
Michelle Mefusula: But back to what's important for unpublished or beginning writers: find a good reader for your work, someone who will be honest but encouraging. And once you believe something is ready to send out, just keep sending it and sending it until someone bites.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Are your stories "there" when you start or do they grow as you write?
Michelle Mefusula: Inrisgrl: my stories definitely grow as I write. With a novel, I always have an idea where it's going, but not outline. With a short story, it's pretty much a free-fall, and I love that.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Do you re-write a lot--revise for longer than it took to write?
Michelle Mefusula: Oh, yes, Irisgrl, I revise a TON. Every book goes through many rounds of revision.
Alas Zerbino: Sometimes I think I could revise forever.....
Michelle Mefusula: Sometimes it's difficult to know when to stop revising.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Did your editors at the publisher edit a lot or just barely?
Michelle Mefusula: My editor was very hands-on with The Year of Fog and made many, many suggestions, some of which I took and some of which I didn't. A good editor won't even want you to take ALL of her suggestions...my editor is wonderful. With No One You Know, she did less editing. Part of that was that we had less time, but part of it was that the early drafts of that book were less messy than The Year of Fog.

About Novel Settings

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Your settings are very "atmospheric" - almost dreamy at times. Do you do that consciously or does it come out in your writing process?
Michelle Mefusula: Can I just say it's so cool to have that big poster up over the fireplace?
Alas Zerbino: *big smile* Great!! I'll take a photo and send it to you.
Michelle Mefusula: I think the settings are a natural part of my writing process-it has a lot to do with the way I observe and process the world. I knew that, in The Year of Fog, I wanted San Francisco to be a character unto itself, just as I wanted China to be very present in Dream of the Blue Room.
Michelle Mefusula: When I read a book, I like to have a very strong impression of the place--the sights, smells, sounds, etc, so I think it's something that comes naturally to me when I write.
Alas Zerbino: Yes, I like it when the setting is a character -- especially when it's well done.
Michelle Mefusula: With San Francisco, that was kind of easy--the setting being a character. I live in the fog belt out by the ocean, by far the foggiest part of the city. It's been freezing most of this month!
Irisgrl Saphir: Like Alaska this summer--cold drizzly overcast--but no fog
Alas Zerbino: I know the area! We actually had intense fog here last night and this morning...maybe because I was going to be meeting you?!! :)
Michelle Mefusula: Are you in Alaska, Irisgrl? That's so cool and romantic! Alas...I love that the parameters of our virtual world are infringing upon your real life, bringing fog into your neighborhood.
Irisgrl Saphir: Yep--Alaska, with a sweater on
Alas Zerbino: Yes, and the more time I spend in SL, the thinner the separations seem to be!



Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTIONS: Do your stories come out of your life or are they mostly made-up?
Michelle Mefusula: Irisgrl, the events of my novels are entirely fictional, but the emotions, I'm sure, come partially from things I've experienced. In No One You Know, the narrator has lost a sister. That has never happend to me, but I do have two sisters and was able to emotionally connect with the character on that level.
Irisgrl Saphir: Cool--so many people around me write their life
Irisgrl Saphir: I can't wait to read Fog
Alas Zerbino: If I wrote my life, the stories would be intensely boring! lol
Michelle Mefusula: Me too!
Michelle Mefusula: I do write personal essays for fun, which I publish here and there-- my husband probably wishes I wouldn't!
Alas Zerbino: LOL!

About MFAs for Writers

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: How important is it for an apprentice writer to get an MFA?
Michelle Mefusula: Even though I've taught in MFA programs for years, I don't think anyone needs an MFA to be a writer. I think it's helpful to many people--for one thing, it provides a writer with deadlines and a community of like-minded persons. But there are more and more ways to connect with other writers these days, from virtual workshops to workshops in university extension programs. I think the degree is totally unnecessary. Of course,I'd like to hear an agent's take on that--they might disagree.
Alas Zerbino: Hmmm, I've heard agents say the MFA isn't essential....
Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Do you have an MFA?
Michelle Mefusula: I do have an MFA. The reason I decided to get one was that I knew I wanted to teach, because I felt that was a career that would give me time to write. Although I don't teach much anymore, and writing is my bread and butter, for many years teaching paid the bills while allowing me summers off to write.
Irisgrl Saphir: Imagine earning a living from your writing--my hat off to you!
Alas Zerbino: Mine, too!!
Michelle Mefusula: I also did my MFA in a very different time--1995. BAck then, the majority of the MFA programs were fully funded--meaning students did not pay tuition. I taught a couple of classes and received a living stipend. Many of the newer programs are expensive, and I don't think it's a good idea to go into debt for an MFA!
Alas Zerbino: Stipends -- WOW!
Irisgrl Saphir: The new low-residency ones are great, though.
Alas Zerbino: Irisgrl -- that's been my experience, too
Michelle Mefusula: Yes, I love the idea of the low-res program and actually think these may be worth the money, because you don't have to quit your day job and move across the country to attend.
Michelle Mefusula: As for earning a living as a writer--that only started happening about a year ago. Believe me, it came as a huge surprise!

Alas Zerbino: I was chatting with another writer (fantasizing maybe?) about setting up an unofficial, uncredited, but useful "MFA program" here in SL,
Michelle Mefusula: Oh, I like the idea of the unofficial MFA in SL--I bet it would be popular!

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What are your thoughts on whether literary fiction writing can be taught? (some say it can't...that writers are "born")
Irisgrl Saphir: Well, it can be honed, developed, with the right guidance and great feedback
Michelle Mefusula: I'm torn about whether literary fiction writing can be taught. I think the desire to write is something that can't be taught, and a writer has to have that. A certain degree of talent helps. But writers can learn certain things--about craft--that make them much better at what they do. Yes, it can be honed, developed.
Michelle Mefusula: And despite what I've said about MFA programs here, I have had the opportunity to watch my students grow and develop. But I've also seen them be discouraged by too much workshopping.
Irisgrl Saphir: That's where low-res is handy---more focus
Irisgrl Saphir: But you gotta want to tell a story......
Alas Zerbino: Yes, the desire to write -- that's essential -- otherwise why go through the pain?
Irisgrl Saphir: The desire to have written is big, too!
Michelle Mefusula: Ah, yes, the pain. The desire to have written--can you elaborate?
Irisgrl Saphir: Having a story and wanting to see it between hard covers, especially when it's not coming out well . . . ahhh

Michelle Mefusula: Is JMB still here?
Irisgrl Saphir: Left about 15 minutes ago, did JMB
Alas Zerbino: JMB seems to have left.
Alas Zerbino: (People come and go much more readily here than in first life.)
Michelle Mefusula: Coming and going more readily...ha!
Irisgrl Saphir: Like the Muse--who comes and goes a lot!
Alas Zerbino: LOL!!
Michelle Mefusula: Ah, yes, that muse does come and go!
Michelle Mefusula: Oh, I just found JMB's blog post about The Year of Fog. She did a very thoughtful write-up and links to another writer's website that focuses on missing persons, very interesting: http://nobodyimportant-jmb.blogspot.com/2008/04/year-of-fog.html
Alas Zerbino: Thanks for getting that, Michelle!

Michelle Mefusula: With low-res you get more one-on-one with the instructor, I think. In a traditional MFA program, a huge volume of the feedback you get is from your classmates--which can be very helpful, but sometimes all the different voices are daunting and confusing.
Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Workshopping is the biggest source of complaints & disillusionment from friends who've done an MFA. Do you think there are better ways to get feedback?
Michelle Mefusula: I think perhaps the best way to get feedback is to form a group of three or four writers who also happen to be excellent and avid readers. People who are really concerned with helping each other become better writers. Workshops are often just so big, and the people who talk the most are not necessarily the ones who are the most helpful.
Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Are the workshops required or can you skip some?
Michelle Mefusula: Usually you're required to do a workshop per semester. Frequently the final semester has "Thesis hours" instead of a workshop.

Most Useful Writing Advice

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What's the most useful piece of writing advice you can give to writers (other than "just write")?
Michelle Mefusula: Useful writing advice: Read widely and ecclectically. Some of my best passages have come about when I was just sitting reading a book and was suddenly inspired. For that, it's good to have a notebook in hand when your're writing. And reread! I have some books that I go back to over and over again. Do any of you have those books that speak to you in multiple readings?
Alas Zerbino: Yes, there are several I've re-read -- both for clues and for enjoyment.

Michelle Mefusula: My other writing advice: Know when to let a story go. Not every story is going to work out. Before I wrote No One You Know, I was three hundred pages into a novel that I just couldn't get a handle on. I finally abandoned it, and when I did so, the new novel just sort of came pouring out. I was liberated! So liberate yourself from failed stories.
Alas Zerbino: Great advice!!

Irisgrl Saphir: Thanks for coming, Michelle; I can't wait to read your work!
Michelle Mefusula: Thank you all! I can't believe the hour is over. This has been so much fun, I'm going to have to become a regular SLr now.
Alas Zerbino: That's super, Michelle!
Alas Zerbino: Thank you so VERY much for coming here!!
Michelle Mefusula: A book for all of you to read: The Death of a Beekeeper by Lars Gustafsson. I read it every year. It's amazing and inspiring.

Chepooka Laval: Michelle this was so great! I can't wait to read your work.
Chepooka Laval: I have subscribed to your blog as well
Michelle Mefusula: Thanks for subscribing to my blog, Chepooka! I frequently post writing exercises on my blog--just see the WRITING EXERCISE category if you're interested.

Alas Zerbino: You've given us so much information and advice -- and support!
Alas Zerbino: Chepooka, I'm halfway through No One You Know and can hardly put it down.
Michelle Mefusula: Alas, thank you for reading No One You Know, and thank you for the kind words!
Alas Zerbino: You've been wonderful Michelle!
Irisgrl Saphir: You sure have!
Irisgrl Saphir: Bye!

Michelle Mefusula: I've kind of grown fond of this dress and hate to take it off. Speaking of taking it off, last night as I was trying to figure out SL, I accidentally removed my shirt and couldn't figure out how to get it back on. I was afraid I'd have to appear topless.
Alas Zerbino: LOL! When you find yourself without a piece of clothing, open your inventory (lower right side), open the Clothing folder, find a shirt, right-click onit and choose "wear"
Michelle Mefusula: That's nice to know about the clothing. But now that you've informed me, I have no excuse for wandering around naked, which might have been kind of fun...something I'd never ever do in real life.

Alas Zerbino: Thanks to everyone for making this a great meeting, and I'll let you know when the transcript goes up.
Michelle Mefusula: Thanks Alas, Irisgrl, Chepooka, and everyone for your wonderful questions. This has been such a delight!
Alas Zerbino: Come back again!
Chepooka Laval: Absolutely Michelle!
Michelle Mefusula: Over and out, and I hope to run into you again soon.
Irisgrl Saphir: See you again!
Alas Zerbino: Perhaps you'd come in sometime for a voice reading
Michelle Mefusula: Would love to. Bye!

* * * * *

Editor's Note: Based on reader feedback, I've made some changes to how I post these transcripts. The words of each avatar are the same, but I've rearranged the comments a bit so Michelle's answers fall immediately after the questions they pertain to. Also, I've deleted the date/time stamps and some of the introductory logistics at the start of the meeting. I hope this makes the transcript easier to read if you weren't able to attend the event itself. Please add a comment to this post to let me if these changes work for you. Thanks! ~Alas Zerbino

Writing Wisdom & Advice of Vampire Huntress Author Leslie Banks: Transcript of Athena Isle Writers 7/30/08 Meeting

Best-selling paranormal/women's fiction/crime-suspense novelist Leslie Banks made a guest appearance in Second Life at the July 30 Athena Isle Writers meeting. She offered advice about writing and publishing with great warmth and supportive energy to the other writers attending. Following is the transcript of the meeting.


Novelist Leslie Banks reclines on the couch as Athena Isle Writers gather around the table, preparing for a Q&A session with the Vampire Huntress author.

Alas Zerbino: We'll all sit around the table by the fireplace, under the poster for Leslie.
Alas Zerbino: You can take a seat at the table by right-clicking on an empty chair and then choosing “Sit Here.” Another empty chair will automatically appear then.
BanksVamp Magic: Am I in the right grouping of chairs?
LOL... the VampHuntress just tried flying--that is so funny!
Alas Zerbino: Yes, Spellbound.
Sheryl Skytower: or we can all just grovel at her feet... :)
Spellbound Jorysch: haha
Misia Tigerpaw: Hehe
Alas Zerbino: LOL - very true!
Spellbound Jorysch: I can do that
Alas Zerbino: :)
Spellbound Jorysch: haha
BanksVamp Magic: BIG SMILE--this is really, really an awesome site!
Alas Zerbino: Yeah, I love it here!
Spellbound Jorysch: It's a cool place
Spellbound Jorysch: :)
Alas Zerbino: When anyone sits in that chair, another will rez
Spellbound Jorysch: ok?
Misia Tigerpaw: How cool :-)
Alas Zerbino: yeah, I call it my magic table!
Spellbound Jorysch: that is so cool
Sheryl Skytower: now if I could only do that in RL...
Spellbound Jorysch: haha
Misia Tigerpaw: lol too true
Alas Zerbino: wouldn't that be nice????!!!
Spellbound Jorysch: yes now THAT would be cool
Spellbound Jorysch: does it start at 12pm
Alas Zerbino: Yes, it does, and we should get started.
BanksVamp Magic: Yep... ready for questions whenever you guys are :)
Alas Zerbino: OK, then, I'll do my little spiel....
Spellbound Jorysch: ok

Alas Zerbino: Welcome to this Athena Isle Writers meeting at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.
Alas Zerbino: OK, I’m thrilled now to introduce our guest today.
Leslie Banks began writing novels in the 90s, after leaving her high-powered business career to take care of her daughter. Interesting that a fiction contest by Essence magazine prompted her to write her first book, and this year, more than a dozen years later, she was named Storyteller of the Year at Essence’s First Annual Literary Awards event.

She has written more than 30 novels and contributed to 10 novellas, in multiple genres under various renderings of her full name, Leslie Esdaile Banks. She’s particularly beloved by her readers for her popular Vampire Huntress Legends series of 12 books, of which the last two are yet to be published. She’s also published other paranormal novels, women’s fiction, crime/suspense novels, and novelizations of movies and TV series – among many others.

She is appearing in Second Life as the avatar BanksVamp Magic. Welcome to Athena Isle Writers, Leslie! Please add whatever you wish to introduce yourself.

Alas Zerbino: BanksVamp, anything you want to say to begin -- before the questions start? :)
BanksVamp Magic: BIG HUG to you and all... I'm honored to be here and love the avatar, BIG SMILE. The intro said more than enough--how's everyone?
Spellbound Jorysch: Hi
Storm Parx: great
Alas Zerbino: We're so delighted you're here!
Misia Tigerpaw: Great! and yourself? :-)
Spellbound Jorysch: how great to meet you
Misia Tigerpaw: Indeed

Misia Tigerpaw: QUESTION: How did you obtain a love for paranormals?
BanksVamp Magic: This is a fabulous group--are you writers, readers, or a combo of both? I ask because we can get into writing topics or book content stuff, whatever you all would like.
Spellbound Jorysch: I am a writer
Storm Parx: both
Misia Tigerpaw: Writer and reader yup
Sheryl Skytower: writer/reader
Alas Zerbino: I think the focus should be on writers -- that's what we primarily come here for.
Alas Zerbino: yes -- and readers, too!!

Paranormal was "normal" in Banks' life

BanksVamp Magic: Ah... the paranormal was sorta "normal" in my life. Grew up with old wives tales, superstitions about stuff--culturally it was a norm, LOL... then I LOVED every chiller flick out there, especially the B movies with killer tomatoes and ants, LOL!
Misia Tigerpaw: Lol awesome
Alas Zerbino: Jump in any time with comments or questions - anyone - just preface questions with QUESTION!

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION: do you see the market shrinking for paranormals with so much stuff out there? And where do you find such great ideas to write about and be fresh and original?
Alas Zerbino: BanksVamp, feel free to break the questions down and share as much as you want!
Alas Zerbino: We're here to learn from you!
BanksVamp Magic: I actually stumbled into the genre. When I wrote the piece that was going to be my short story contest entry, it was about star crossed lovers who'd died under a curse 500 years ago, reincarnated, and didn't know each other in the present--then began sharing the same dream as bad guys hunted them (protecting each other unwittingly.) This became a novel, the first one... from there, the rest is history--once you're pegged.
BanksVamp Magic: I don't see the market drying up in the least--there is a feeding frenzy going on right now for this genre, and I think it'll morph into other areas, just like romance did... paranormal romance, para suspence, para mystery, etc.
Spellbound Jorysch: No, I agree, there is a thirst for the paranormal

Spellbound Jorysch: QUESTION: I write and have had published 3 pieces of non fiction and am half way through my first non fiction. How do you find your inspiration?
BanksVamp Magic: Inspiration for the paranormal (herein after PN for short, smile) comes from the world news. OMG! What is on the news reads like sci-fi and horror daily... woman cuts baby out of another woman's stomach... need I say more? :)
Spellbound Jorysch: haha, that answers it
Sheryl Skytower: eep! no snacks, please!
Alas Zerbino: Hi Leslye, come on in and a seat

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Some descriptions make it sound like you “turned” to writing out of a need to put food on the table. But given the quality of your writing, I’m assuming there are other reasons why you write. True?
BanksVamp Magic: Yes, yes, so true Alas... need sent me in the direction of a latent talent. Let me be clear--I LOVE TO WRITE. It was never fully supported at home or as a kid, so it was my secret thing--I wrote stories in my head, never committed anything to paper--then when the need arose, the floodgates opened. Go figure :)

Which comes first: agent or sale?

Storm Parx: QUESTION: What was your secret to finding an agent?
BanksVamp Magic: The agent thing happened after I got a few solid books under my belt. Oddly, when I entered the market, there wasn't a thing called PN romance, so they shelved me in romance since sci-fi still had very clear lines of demarcation. Nobody wanted to rep a new romance writer... so I had to rep myself. Once the numbers started showing promise, then I literally went to conferences and found one there (RWA)
Spellbound Jorysch: That is so interesting

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION:so do you like being categorized or would you place yourself in any one genre?
BanksVamp Magic: While we all hate to be categorized, it's a reality of marketing and shelving at the bookstores. If I have to be shelved anywhere, my truest love is Paranormal... if they leave me there, I can express the creativity any way I want--smile... and that's cool.
Alas Zerbino: That's really cool -- that latent talent showing up.
BanksVamp Magic: Yep... and this is why I tell the new writer, don't be so hard on yourself. You've been using your writing talent for YEARS and didn't know it--every time you observe something, each conversation you rewrite in your head (you know those we all have--the "I should have said THIS not THAT!" conversation), you've been writing.
Alas Zerbino: Very true!

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: So before you had an agent, you went directly to the publishers?
Spellbound Jorysch: QUESTION: Nowadays, isn't it true that most publishers don't entertain any work without an agent on the scene?
BanksVamp Magic: Yes, I went direct to the publishers--and the best forums for that is going to the conferences and signing up for the pitch sessions... believe it or not, publishers really do scout for work and new talent at those events. RWA, RT, I know for sure have great sessions like that--and ALL the majors turn out to those conferences.
Spellbound Jorysch: In the UK, most publishers won't look at you unless you are represented
Spellbound Jorysch: The US is prolly different
Alas Zerbino: Yes, Spellbound, but some say you need a sale to get an agent, and others say you need an agent to get a sale...it's all case-based, I guess
BanksVamp Magic: Not all true, Spellbound... like I said, it is genre specific--but I know St. Martins and Tor don't require one, and they do major work in the sci-fi fantasy world, same with Kensington (they do Brandon Massey, Jonathan Mayberry)... so there are still open doors.
Leslye Writer: US from what I read says the following: To get an agent you need to be published and to be published you need an agent.
Spellbound Jorysch: That is interesting Leslye, I will take that on board
Alas Zerbino: LOL That's sometimes the vicious cycle I hear about!
BanksVamp Magic: True Leslye--BIG SMILE! Here's the thing... I would send in my manuscript to those houses that allow open submissions. Once you get a contract, shove that under an agent's nose--wait to sign it. That's what I did. I sold my first book, it was a two book deal... then went to an agent (who was at the same conference) and told her I had a sale. When the contracts came, I faxed them to her--instantly, LOL, I had an agent!
Spellbound Jorysch: haha, I might try that
Spellbound Jorysch: sounds good to me
Alas Zerbino: LOL Smart thinking!



Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION; how do you keep all your series and characters clear? do you have a master file of papers pinned up on a wall the size of Manhattan? :)
Alas Zerbino: / good question, Sheryl -- I was wondering that myself!
Spellbound Jorysch: me too :)
Alas Zerbino: and related to that one, QUESTION: How do you manage to be so *prolific*? :)
BanksVamp Magic: OMG! Yes! I have a white board and papers up on the wall with post-it notes and color pen sketches EVERYWHERE--my office looks like a mad scientist's lab... if it were equations, I could land the space shuttle, ha ha ha!
Sheryl Skytower: :D
Alas Zerbino: Hi Misia, welcome and have a seat

Spellbound Jorysch: QUESTION: I have an agent but she is way too nit picky, is this normal?
BanksVamp Magic: Your agent works for you--but she is trying to get the work saleable... if that is uncomfortable, tell her so--and tell her to send the damned book out, LOL! Seriously... they can jack with your work so much till you're feeling defeated, time is marching on, and there's no sale--only to get really mad and pissed off when it does go to a house and the EDITOR changes it to the way SHE/HE wants it. There's no reason an agent needs to be an editor. She's in the wrong profession trying to do that :)
Leslye Writer: interesting. wow
Spellbound Jorysch: I'm pleased you said that Banks because that's exactly how I feel.....lol
Alas Zerbino: Misia, jump in with a question any time -- I just ask that you type QUESTION before it so I can keep track.
Misia Tigerpaw: Okay :-)
Alas Zerbino: (and so Leslie can keep track, too, though it sounds like her organizational skills are extremely developed!!)
Misia Tigerpaw: :-D

How she "churns" out six books a year!

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION: do you have a routine, or just write when it "takes" you... or is it a case of Butt In Chair?
BanksVamp Magic: Oh, no, you can't churn 6 books a year writing as you "feel" like it. I club and wrestle my Muse to the ground daily--I keep an office routine... coffee and kid out the door... 8am, clear email till 10am, then edit the previous day's drivel, LOL, make it right (my day editor is the butcher), I put in 8-12 hours a day, 5 days a week--7 when on deadline.
Spellbound Jorysch: I understand that
Alas Zerbino: Wow!!
Spellbound Jorysch: I have been there last year.
Spellbound Jorysch: But 6 books a year......WOW
Alas Zerbino: I know -- one book in 6 years is a lot for *some* of us (which is probably why our careers are so sluggish...ha-ha)
BanksVamp Magic: Yeah, crazy, LOL--my hair should be white, LOL! 2 vampire novels, 2 werewolf novels, a romance and usually 3 anthologies (which equal a book all total)... insane :)
BanksVamp Magic: Oh, no, one book a year is reasonable--this is crazy... you guys are not sluggish career-wise. Better to get it down pat before you mass produce it, than to mass produce junk. It took 10 years to build the muscle to do this now, in the early days it was a book a year or less... truth.
Alas Zerbino: Ahh, that sounds more doable...
Spellbound Jorysch: I don't feel so bad now :-D
Misia Tigerpaw: I can tackle that now yeah hehe

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: If you weren't *born* with that kind of energy, what can a writer do to stay on task like that?
BanksVamp Magic: Energy-wise, it's like exercising--you don't jump up and run a marathon without passing out or killing yourself (smile.) Just try to set a consistent 2 hours a day aside to do nothing but write. That can be researching for the project, editing what you wrote earlier, or new prose, but make that time yours for your craft--then watch how it gets good to you and creeps into being 3 hours... then 4 hours... then 5 -- smile. It's a habit, or an addiction -- LOL!
Alas Zerbino: LOL -- that's so true!
Spellbound Jorysch: It's an addiction for me lol]

Spellbound Jorysch: QUESTION: Have you ever co- written a book? I have been asked to co -write a book for America with an established author
Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: You mention your daughter often – what role does she play in your writing career?
BanksVamp Magic: Quick 2 answers... I have co-written books--early years worked with a big name romance writer, and because we were and are buds, it was a hoot... but we wasted a lot of time playing, shopping, jawing about other stuff and had to really make ourselves focus--the hardest thing is if styles and mindsets don't blend. then it can be like a really bad marriage--ugh! But when it's sweet, it's really good :)
BanksVamp Magic: Now, the daughter... she runs for pizza, answers the phones, and keeps the wolves away from the door (family interrupters, ha ha ha), and collects mail--when I'm head's down writing, I forget to sleep, eat, and pay bills--she tells me, Mom, pay the electric bill so your tube doesn't shut down. LOL!
Spellbound Jorysch: Thank you for that. I am wondering whether it is the right thing to do and the marriage may not be as good as I initially thought. I know exactly what you mean
Spellbound Jorysch: :)
BanksVamp Magic: Choosing an agent, getting the right editor, and choosing a writing partner is no diff than a real marriage--seriously. If your values are different, outlooks on life don't jive, belief systems don't mesh, all of that intangible stuff, you will have issues with those folks. It also takes time, just like dating, to find that soul-mate agent, that special editor, and that ideal co-writer... so be gentle on yourself while you're looking.
Misia Tigerpaw: Lol I love that
Leslye Writer: I feel so much energy from you BVM, even in this conversation! I am so impressed!
Spellbound Jorysch: you are obviously very dedicated :)
Alas Zerbino: so do I!
Spellbound Jorysch: what a wonderful evening
Alas Zerbino: That makes a lot of sense.
BanksVamp Magic: BIG HUG, Leslye
Spellbound Jorysch: I have had seven years of difficulties finding the right marriage on all accounts. :0

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION; do you think that proper education, such as a MFA, helps writing or is it more a skill you have to cultivate on your own outside of the "higher institutions of learning"?
BanksVamp Magic: Special Forces training would help more than an MFA, LOL--seriously--life experience is what hones you, and conference workshops are more to the point than grad school. Here's the thing--it's a business and time to market is everything. Show then you are a Marine and can get more done by 5am than the normal person, they'll hire you to write their books, flaws and all--because those can be fixed--what cannot be fixed is a non-deliverable. They look at your baby (the book) as a product :)
Spellbound Jorysch: nods

Spellbound Jorysch: QUESTION: When you write do you have off days....writers block and all?
BanksVamp Magic: I have off days where I get stuck--and that's writer's block--when you are stuck... the only cure I've found is research... generally when you're stuck it's because you ran into something you didn't expect or don't have the answer for, so you don't know where to go next. Stop, drop, and roll, lol -- go back to research for a day or so and find out the answer to what's sticking in your craw. Yeah, we're all human and all have those days :) Uh huh!
Leslye Writer: Is this being logged or put somewhere so we can have access to it, this conversation?
Spellbound Jorysch: thanks you Banks :) making me feel better again......lol
BanksVamp Magic: HUGGGSSSS!
Spellbound Jorysch: you can copy and paste it Leslye
Misia Tigerpaw: Oh good question. I was wondering that as well. Would love a copy. (i got booted earlier and missed some of it)
Spellbound Jorysch: can you? not illegal?
Spellbound Jorysch: lol
Alas Zerbino: Yes, Leslye, I always put up the transcript on the Athena Isle Writers blog: http://athenaislewriters.blogspot.com/ a few days after
Spellbound Jorysch: ah there you go
Misia Tigerpaw: Great! Thanx :-D
BanksVamp Magic: LOL--writers--ah the copyright clause--BIG SMILE!
Spellbound Jorysch: HAHA
Alas Zerbino: This time doesn't work for some people, so they can only "attend" these meetings via the transcript on the blog.
Misia Tigerpaw: LOL
Leslye Writer is very encouraged by the energy and the quickness and the positive-ness of this meeting. It is like being cheer led. Thank you BVM.
Alas Zerbino: so true about that copyright concern! :)
BanksVamp Magic: I know things were scrolling fast--did I get everyone's question? Don't wanna miss anyone -- BIG HUG!
Spellbound Jorysch: omg....people are going to read what I write???????.......lol
Misia Tigerpaw: I agree this is awesome :-D

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Why did you start writing the Soul Food TV Series novels? (and other novelizations)
BanksVamp Magic: At the time, had a break in the action, and had (then) 4 kids that needed shoes, LOL!
Alas Zerbino: LOL Supporting the kids is always a great motivation, isn't it?
BanksVamp Magic: LOL--yes, the things we do for the kids---but heck yeah... if you can do novelizations and get into that end of the business, for sure. Many people have built steady careers doing just that.
Alas Zerbino: I thought so.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Would you recommend that as a way to get into publishing?
BanksVamp Magic: No, seriously (and yes, seriously) -- I love the silver screen... always wanted to do a film and TV series... one day. There wasn't a spot for me to do that just yet, but my agent is a crazy man and told me to backward engineer the stories for the opportunity that presented itself. There an MFA did help from being about to interpret visual data into narrative... the Scarface one was the most challenging.
Alas Zerbino: I can sure understand why!

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION: any movie deals on the horizon???
Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: So your agent looks at all possible opportunities for you?
BanksVamp Magic: Yes, my agent has no shame, LOL! If there's an opening to write sandwich boards, he'll pitch it to me, LOL!
Spellbound Jorysch: haha

Misia Tigerpaw: QUESTION: How did you get your agent, if I may ask? (I hope this wasn't answered but if it is I'll check the log later lol. Thanx!)
Alas Zerbino: LOL
Misia Tigerpaw: Lol
Alas Zerbino: (I don't know if she has more to say on that Misia, but she did address it earlier, so it'll be in the transcript.)
BanksVamp Magic: The current one I have came from a recommendation through another writer buddy. the first could I had happened from conference connections and on the spot hook-ups and networking... then they sold a few of my books, we did the dance, the marriages didn't work, and I bailed--smile. Then I met Manie Barron, who was actually a sales rep for Random House and had worked in all aspects of publishing, was an editor at one time, et al, and he was enroute to William Morris and just building his stable of authors there. timing, the cosmos--like I said, half of this stuff does boil down to timing.
Alas Zerbino: Well our hour is almost up -- it went so fast!!! You've been so awesome, BanksVamp

Second Life is "awesome community" for writers

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What do you think of Second Life so far, and how it can support writers?
Sheryl Skytower: *applause* y'all come back now, please?
BanksVamp Magic: BIG BIG HUG right back at you--I think Second Life is an awesome community! This was an absolute pleasure! I think links to author info, posting conferences, any of that helps writers. Also, SFWA and NWU has some good tips on agents. THANK YOU for having me and I'd be honored to return! Much Love!!!
Alas Zerbino: That would be super!!
Spellbound Jorysch: ah, well we are honoured to have you :)
Spellbound Jorysch: thank you so much for giving us your time and wonderful insight
Alas Zerbino: I hope you'll come back to SL -- and to Story Mountain!!
Leslye Writer: Thanks to all of you for making this happen
Alas Zerbino: Yes, what a great group of writers!
Spellbound Jorysch: a big thanks to you also Alas

BanksVamp Magic: Thank you all sooo much--we'll set it up and I'd love to come back soon... take care! Have a wonderful rest of the day, folks! :)
Alas Zerbino: Thank you, Spellbound!
Sheryl Skytower: best of the day to everyone!! and keep writing!!!
Misia Tigerpaw: Thanks so much for having this meeting and a big thanks to Ms Banks for coming to SL :-D
Alas Zerbino: BanksVamp, you've really made the week special!
Spellbound Jorysch: yes you certainly did
BanksVamp Magic: Thanks, all! Good luck on the writing! Keep the faith, ok!
Sheryl Skytower: now someone take her to the vampires! :)
Misia Tigerpaw: Lol
Alas Zerbino: We'd love to have you come back and maybe do a reading and do a voice event.
Alas Zerbino: LOL, Sheryl
Misia Tigerpaw: That'd be awesome :-D
BanksVamp Magic: Kewel! YEAH! OK! BIG SMILE!
Alas Zerbino: YAY!!!!!
Spellbound Jorysch: YAY!!!!
Spellbound Jorysch: APPLAUSE
Misia Tigerpaw: Wooo!

Prolific Novelist & Essence Storyteller of the Year L.A. Banks to Talk About Writing at July 30 Athena Isle Writers Meeting

L. A. Banks, author of the popular Vampire Huntress^TM series of novels and recipient of the 2008 Essence Storyteller of the Year award, will be the guest speaker at the Athena Isle Writers meeting on Wednesday, July 30, at 12 noon SLT (Pacific time), at Story Mountain Center for Writers in Second Life.

Banks, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program, and received a Master's in Fine Arts from Temple University, has written more than 30 novels and contributed to 10 novellas, thus far, in multiple genres under various pseudonyms.

As a writer, she mysteriously shape-shifts between the genres of romance, women's fiction, crime/suspense thrillers, and of course, paranormal lore. One never knows how or when this enigma will appear . . . her forms are many, her secrets of crossing genres vast, and she does this with her teenaged daughter and her black Lab from some remote, undisclosed lair in Philadelphia.

Her Vampire Huntress series has become so popular among young adults that a Teacher's Curriculum Guide for the first two books has been created. The Office of Accelerated Learning, School District of Philadelphia, developed the guide as a result of numerous requests from educators nationwide who wanted to know how to harness the fantastic positive energy young people had as avid fans of the series. Given that the major themes in the Vampire Huntress legend were in alignment with the themes that many educators wanted to promote, these educators said they were also looking for ways to standardize a teaching methodology around the body of literature.

She also writes crime/suspense novels as Leslie Esdaile Banks, of which the most recent is No Trust; the Soul Food TV series novels as Leslie E. Banks; and women's fiction, romance (most recently Better Than), and motivational non-fiction as Leslie Esdaile.

L.A. Banks' newest book is Bite the Bullet, a Crimson Moon Novel, to be released in October 2008 by St. Martin's Press/Griffin.

Come meet L.A. Banks and learn more about her successful writing career next Wednesday, July 30, at 12 noon SLT at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.

The meeting is free and open, and all SL residents are invited to attend.