INTERVIEW
REGINA PAUL
author & artist
RP - I've been writing almost as long as I've been reading so that's a hard question to answer. I started out initially I think because I liked the ways words fit together, and it was a challenge to get them to fit together well and descriptively.
SF - Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?
RP - I get inspiration from a lot of places. Sometimes I go for walks and just let the old brain percolate and ideas will come to me. Sometimes a phrase or title will pop into my head from nowhere and I'll ask myself what story goes with that, and I'll go with it from there. My best ideas though seem to come from times when I'm meditating or dreaming. I got the idea for GETTING OUT ALIVE from a dream.
SF - Are there parts of you contained in your works?
RP - Of course, I think most writers put pieces of themselves into their characters. Although, I also pick traits that I definitely don't have as well, especially with my villains!
SF - Do you identify with any one particular character? If so how?
RP - I identify a lot with the character Molly in my book due out in Winter 2006 from THE KEEPERS OF ETERNITY. I think I identify with her because she's Native American like myself, and she's very spiritual which I also consider myself to be.
SF - What genre(s)/art form(s) are you most comfortable with?
+GETTING OUT ALIVE, or with fantasy as I'm doing with THE KEEPERS OF ETERNITY. As for art forms, I like to do Native American beading and I paint watercolors as well.
SF - Where do you hope to see your creative career go?
RP - Well, like most writers, I'd love to see my work on the New York Times Bestseller list. However, realistically I'd like to see my fictional works in the hands of those who also enjoy cross genre fiction, and be able to make a decent living with my writing. If I could quit my day job and just write and market my books, I would be very happy.
SF - Have your life experiences influenced your work? If so, how?
RP - Oh, definitely. Well, those that know my work know I tend to write about Native American characters, usually mixed bloods as I am. I use my writing to try and dispel some of the stereotypes people have about Native Americans. It's truly amazing to me how little the general public knows, and how there are even those out there who think there is no longer an active American Indian culture. I try to use my writing to dispel that myth, along with the one that we don't exist anymore.
SF - What, if anything, would you like to share about you, the person?
RP - I believe very strongly that what you put out into the universe is what you get back. I live by this idea, so I think it's important to do what you can for others, to be kind, helpful and loving as often as possible, especially with those who are not so to you.
SF - How has your transition to publication gone?
RP - I guess I'd have to say it's been like a roller coaster ride. I had no idea until I'd actually got into the process how much work it would be. It's been difficult at times, but also very rewarding. I've had the great good fortune to meet many people on the road to publication, some of whom have become like family to me. So, I'd say that despite the difficulties it has been more than worth it.
SF - What would you like to do differently the next time?
RP - I would edit my book a little more slowly, and carefully and give myself enough time to have a couple of other people do a read through as well.
SF - To whom do you seek advice and /or support from?
RP - My husband Vince, divinity, and my heart sister Valerie CJ McGee.
SF - When can your fans expect to enjoy your work again?
RP - 2006 is when tentatively I expect THE KEEPERS OF ETERNITY my next novel to be available. However, I'm writing a bi-monthly newsletter called Regina' s Universe which you can sign up for at my website, and I plan on releasing a novella sometime in the next few months or so.
SF - How can your fans reach you?
RP - Presently I can be reached at my e-mail address [email protected] and at my website http://www.reginapaul.bravehost.com While I am not always logged onto the messenger services, I can be reached on yahoo messenger and the AIM Messenger But please e-mail me first and set up a time to chat with me so I can be sure I'm logged in.
SF - Do you have any presently scheduled events for the next few months?
RP - Not at this time. I'm hoping to set some up soon though.
SF - What books/poetry/artwork have you read/seen lately that you would like to recommend?
RP - I haven't been doing much reading lately as I've been working on marketing GETTING OUT ALIVE. However, the last book I read was OCEANS OF FIRE by Christine Feehan, and I would definitely recommend any and all of her books to anyone who likes reading paranormal romance.
SF - What is your idea of fun?
RP - Sitting in a hot bubble bath reading a good book.
SF - What experiences do you hope to one day have?
RP - I would love to travel more.
SF - What places do you still wish to travel to?
RP - Ireland, Scotland and Greece.
SF - Do you have an agent and if not are you looking for one?
RP - No, I don't have an agent and I'm not presently looking for one. However, if one came along and I was impressed enough with the person, I would consider it.
SF - Are there any other professionals you are
seeking to enhance your career?
RP - Not really. My budget is kind of tight right now, and professionals have a tendency to be expensive. I've made it my policy to learn to wear different hats so I can be my own professional.
SF - How many not yet to be released works do you have keeping warm on the back burner?
RP - I'd have to say I have 8 on the back burner presently. I want to write at least 5 more books in the Other World Series of which GETTING OUT ALIVE is the first. THE KEEPERS OF ETERNITY will probably be the first of another series. I have at least three books one of which is completed there.
SF - Who did your cover illustrations for Getting Out Alive?
RP - The very talented artist Jerri Council. You can view
more of her work at _http://www.infinitespectrum.bravehost.com_
SF - Which scene is your favorite and why?
RP - I have several. But, I am probably going to pick the scene where Wolf, Angel's hybrid dog, decides he wants the code to Darek's door to include him, so he can bark and the door will open! It's very comical how he sends the picture to both Angel and Darek telepathically, and then to see their reactions.
SF - When and where / what type of environment are you most creative in?
RP - I'm most creative in the early morning planted in front of my computer in my home office. I like to play soft music in the background such as Enya or Native American flute music by artists Carlos Nakai or Kevin Locke.
SF - What other talents should everyone know you have?
RP - Well, as I said before in addition to writing I do Native American beading and watercolor painting. Also I create and design websites for other creative types. I designed the official websites of INFINITE SPECTRUM at
http://www.infinitespectrum.bravehost.com and Valerie CJ McGee at
_http://www.valeriecjmcgee.bravehost.com_ as well as my own website.
I also like to design marketing materials I can use for book promotion.
SF - Where would you like to see your life five years from now?
I'd like to see my books in bookstores, and me not working the traditional 9 to 5, but rather making a living off of my writing skills.
SF -Is there anyone out there you like to acknowledge?
My husband Vince for always believing in me no matter how hard this journey has been at times. My family without whom I would not be where I am today, my parents, brother, and his wife, and my in-laws who all have been extremely supportive. Valerie CJ McGee for being such a wonderful heart sister and supporter and for giving me a kick in the behind every so often when I need it. Beverly R. Jones, and Krista Braaten for writing such wonderful reviews for GETTING OUT ALIVE. Also, Jerri Council for her artistic endeavors on my behalf and for creating such a beautiful cover for GETTING OUT ALIVE. I can't thank you all enough, you are the best!
SF - I thank Regina Paul for taking time out of her very hectic schedule to allow her fans arare chance to become better acquainted with you. I discovered that the author is as fascinating as her literary characters.
Please vist Regina Paul's web site as I happen to know that she seems to always have some form of contest available. Don't forget to sign her guest book to let her know you stopped by and to join her mailing list
I enjoyed reading your debut novel Getting Out Alive and look forward to reading The Keepers of Eternity and any other books you write, I suspect you have had enough happen in your life that perhaps some day we can enjoy reading your autobiography as well.
web site : http://reginapaul.bravehost.com/
e-mail : [email protected]
ISBN: 1-4116-2975-2
$17.20 ,
April 24,2005
383 pages
