I have a guest post interview from the lovely and talented author, Marian Allen. She is a sci fi, fantasy, sometimes horror writer who has a bucket of books published with just as many in the works. Check her out on Amazon.com for all of her works or http://www.marianallen.com
Marian, tell us about your upcoming book.
SAGE is a Taoist fairy tale, more than anything else. The ruler of a kingdom neglects her duties, which causes disorder. Her consort usurps her throne and orders her death and the death of any children she might have had hidden from him. But The Way tends to balance itself, given time and cooperation. Book 1, to be released in 2013, is about the disorder. Books 2 and 3 will be about the struggle between chaos and order, forcible control and correct leadership. (Yes, I’ve been reading the I Ching!)
When did you write your first book?
I was in middle school. It was a rotten book. Luckily for all, it was lost. My first not-rotten book was a paranormal suspense novel that’s been rewritten several times and is currently in submission.
What was the most challenging part of writing a book?
OUTLINING! There are so many possible ways for a story to go, I have to make a plan or I risk just sitting around daydreaming. But I outline, and I write, and another possibility seems better or a new one opens up, and then I have to OUTLINE IT AGAIN!
How many books have you written and which one is your favorite?
I’ve written eight, published three (this will make four, five, and six), and roughed out several more. My favorite is always the one I happen to be working on at the moment.
What do you think makes a good story?
I’ll forgive just about anything, if the characters and dialog are alive.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes: When you ask, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” the answer is, “Yes.”
What are some future projects you are working?
Books 2 and 3 of SAGE still need to be edited through the publisher’s editor. I have a series of humorous mysteries I have roughed out that need to be polished. I’m usually working on several short stories for anthologies.
Watch for SAGE to be released in 2013
Man Who Loves Crazy Talk 
Thanks for having me here today, Michael — loved your questions! 🙂
MA
Great interview! I’m looking forward to Sage — all three parts.
Thanks, T! You ARE working on books 2 and 3 of the Chicago Blues series, right?
I posted this once, but I’m not sure it made it through the filters. ANYWAY, what I said was that I’m looking forward to Chicago Blues and, I hope more books in the series!
Both 2&3 are in the can, but they’ll probably stay there for a bit. Miller and Peale are having to take a back seat to Katzen — and Sitehuti and Neffi.
Hi Marian. I really do not like to outline. Even though I know it’s the best way to stay on track. Sometimes going off track leads me to some interesting areas, but it also takes me to places and scenes that end up getting cut. I have a feeling you’re much more organized than I am.
Ooooh, Helen, I think not! 🙂 I HAD to do an outline and a timeline with this one, since I have so many storylines going at once. But it kept CHANGING on me! lol
I have made it my goal in life to read everything Marian Allen has written. She entertains like no other through her word paintings on paper (or e-book if that is one’s preferrence). Now, I eagerly await this trilogy for my future entertainment. Thank you, Marian Allen, for dreaming in technicolor.
Joanna, you are TOO kind! 🙂 I’m eagerly awaiting your memoir and the rousing finale of River Walk Chameleon!
I have made it my goal to read everything Marian Allen has written. She entertains like no other with her creative word painting techniques. Now, I am eager to read this new trilogy, Sage for it will surely entertain in technicolor! Thank you, Marian Allen, for your unique writing voice.
[…] G. Wallace surprised me by posting my interview on his classy blog yesterday! Read all about it: Guest Post: Marian Allen. It’s about SAGE. Here’s a bit: SAGE is a Taoist fairy tale, more than anything else. […]