World of Writing - Author Interview
Today we are happy to work with Denise Thompson again, by featuring one of her Absolute Love Publishing clients an author interview :) Join us for this discussion with Jean Brannon, author of Atlantis Splitting, the second book in The Highest Light Trilogy.
Jean Brannon is a licensed acupuncturist and the author of the epic fantasy series: The Highest Light Trilogy. Jean specializes in using metaphysical and Eastern mysticism concepts as tools to help people become more self-empowered. Her dream is to give ancient wisdom a voice in popular culture. Born in West Virginia, Jean now lives in the metro Atlanta area with her two dogs, Rosey and Connell.
Q: Hi Jean, it is great to have you as our guest today. My ears perked up when I saw you also have dogs - I just adore them. :) I have 2 of my own, but also dog sit occasionally - which protects my husband from constantly saying "no" every time I see another doggie needing a home. lol I get my extra-doggie fix every time I dog sit. (haha)
Many of our readers are interested in what it is like to be an author and they are very interested in learning about the author's personality. So let's start with sharing a few of your most interesting writing quirks, or habits...
A manual typewriter offers real ink, real paper, and no social media or email distractions. As someone who appreciates vintage aesthetics, I adore typewriters made at a time when they were crafted to be a work of functional art built to last a lifetime. I’m currently writing book #3 in the Highest Light series on my grandmother’s 1930 Smith Corona.
Q: That is so cool - I remember learning how to type on one of these. I find it very interesting that you enjoy this modem for writing. Having authored and published 3 books, so far, what has been the most surprising aspect that you encountered in this industry?
A: The most surprising thing I’ve learned from creating these books is how the story always takes twists and turns that I didn’t expect. I find I may have an idea about how a particular chapter is going to unfold, and then as I simply allow the writing to flow, a totally different idea emerges. For me, this kind of creative fluidity feels best, and it’s guided every piece of writingI’ve ever produced – often in very surprising ways!
Q: Any suggestions to help others become a better writer?
A: Get a manual typewriter. Seriously! It’s the ideal antidote for going into “worst critic” mode, which is what I think trips up a lot of writers.
While typing on a laptop lets us easily delete whatever we write, that convenience can foster paralysis; if we keep erasing and starting over, our confidence can falter as we keep staring at a blank page we’re not sure how to fill with some idealized notion of “the perfect words”.
I believe any writer can become better simply by letting the words flow without stopping and without judging. Typing on an old typewriter is an excellent way to practice the idea of “just keep going”. Think about typing without being able to delete the words.
Forget correction tape, too – simply typing an “X” through an error and going right on is wonderful practice for writing more freely and easily than ever before.
Q: Somehow you knew I was going to ask about correction tape or white out! I really appreciate that this tool prevents you from deleting or throwing out written material. That material is valuable! It might become a prequel or side story or end up branching off into a new, related series. It might even become a lead magnet or content for the newsletter or blog.
Let's go back to your youth for a moment... I'm curious if you had favorite books then that still resonate in your mind.
A: Charlotte’s Web was my favorite book as a child. I read it obsessively, sometimes starting over at the beginning as soon as I’d finished the last page. I was always reading lots of other books, too, but I always returned to Charlotte’s Web.
I felt so connected to Charlotte, to such a heroic friend who used words to help right a wrong. As an author, I do my best to use my words to uplift and inspire people and to promote positivity in this world – and Charlotte for sure was a huge inspiration, as I wanted very much to grow up to be like her.
Q: In keeping with the time line... What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I’ve always wanted to be a writer. As soon as I started reading novels, I was hooked on the idea that someday, some way, I’d be writing novels. Yet even as a child, I wanted to write books with meaning that would help uplift and inspire people. That’s exactly what the Highest Light Series books do. Atlantis Writhing and the newly released Atlantis Splitting are consciously created to empower as they entertain.
Q: What makes a good story?
A: I believe a good story is one that a storyteller shares from a place of authenticity. Speaking from one’s experiences or passions breathes life and feeling into the words. I find that when writers are being true to what lights them up, to what they feel strongly about, I’ll enjoy their stories no matter the genre. Tales told from the heart are always good!
Q: Most authors insert some memory, an experience or aspects of people they knew in their writings. Do you also insert aspects from your personal life experiences in the writings you produce?
A: To make my characters as real as possible, I tap into my own motivations, feelings, and ways of viewing the world in order to help them come alive. Yet I also insert characteristics I’ve observed in others, especially if I’ve witnessed a unique or memorable perspective or trait.
Truthfully? My characters also evolve from a mixture of qualities I appreciate in former teachers, old bosses, quirky neighbors, random grocery store folks, good friends, and my life’s past and present fur kids.
Thank you Denise & Jean :) for dropping into our blog
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