I'm Swedish originally, and came to the US late 2008. I live
in Florida today, with my husband Mike and a little gang of rescue dogs. (I volunteer
at Ewenity Farms Border Collie Haven.) I go to school, aiming for a Bachelor's
degree in business management, and I work part time at Pet Doors USA.
Skc Why did you
choose to write this book, Maria?
Maria That is an
interesting question, I've never thought about it that way. Theoretically, I
guess I could do something else, or write about something else, but when the
ideas come it's like a pressure building up inside, and I want to write it. Need to write it, even. It sounds a
little crazy in written words, but once I get an idea and get engulfed in the
project, it's the only thing I want to do. I don't think I would be happy if I
tried to ignore it.
Skc What would you
like readers to take away from your book?
Maria My books
don't come with an explicit message, but when I write, my view of the world
sneaks its way onto the pages. Few things in life are completely black or
white, and few people are completely good or bad. My heroine, Patricia, finds
kindness where she least expects it, and learns to see beneath the surface.
Skc What is something readers would be surprised
you do?
Maria I do a lot
of weird things. I decided many years ago that when my time comes to leave this
life, I don't want to look back at it wondering what it would have been like if
I had done this or that. This year it's been archery; I got a compound bow from
my husband for Christmas and it's fun to shoot at targets. I wouldn't go
hunting or anything, I don't even eat meat, but target practice is okay. I also
enjoy driving off-road, and I play the bass.
Skc What is the best
lesson you have learned from another writer?
Maria Oh, there
are so many. When it comes to writing itself, talented Christy Elkins taught me
to stop using the words "that" and "had" - I still have to
practice because they still sneak their way in, but I'm getting better at it.
Skc How do you plan
to reach new readers?
Maria I'm going
on a blog tour this summer, and I hope it will help make readers curious about
me and my books. I have also signed up for my first radio appearance. That will
be a little scary - I'm foreign and I have a funny accent - but I think it will
be fun too.
Skc Great idea; If you could ask
a new reader any question at a book signing what might your question be?
Maria I'd like to
know, "What is the one thing you dislike most in books?" I know one
should ask positive questions, but I'm curious about what irritates readers in
books, and I think the answers could be both interesting and unexpected.
Skc Now that's an intriguing question. Where can the
readers find you and what book would you like to donate today, Maria?
Maria I have a
website with information about myself and the books: http://www.hammarblad.com.
I also have a facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad , a blog,
http://www.scifiromance.info , and I am on Twitter,
http://www.twitter.com/mariahammarblad . I enjoy hearing from people, so do stop
by!I want to give away a copy of my new novel, Kidnapped. It's available as e-book in all sorts of formats.
Thanks again for being here with us. I look forward to seeing the answers to your question come in.
Thank you for having me, Shirley! I am thrilled to be here! =D
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of eliminating "that" and "had", but I'm going to keep an eye out for them in my writing. :) I always enjoy your interviews, Maria.
ReplyDeleteGood interview and good questions and answers. I think what irritates me most in a book is stilted dialogue that doesnt sound real, and every single character who seems too perfect. i don't mind seeing one who brings the other up but I love reading about the flaws too.
ReplyDeleteJanice ian
Patty, honestly, I wrote "had" everywhere and didn't even see it. I once got the critique that I wasn't good at staying in past tense, and I overcompensated with "had" to make sure I was doing it right. Once Christy pointed it out to me I started seeing it myself. Same thing with "that" - I used to have it everywhere. Learning every day... =D
ReplyDeleteJanice, thank you for stopping by! You bring up a couple of very good points. This kind of feedback is difficult to get, and very valuable. :-)
I Like most books that I readm christian or secular. but I don't like those that are full of swear words or get too steamy. I think it takes away from the story inside.
ReplyDeleteDiane Carter Boise
Diane, thank you for stopping by! Good comment! :-)
ReplyDeleteI have a writer friend who says the same thing about a scene getting into her head. If she doesn't get it down on paper it will just haunt her until she does...the muse waking her up at 2 in the morning to make sure it has her undivided attention.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Maria. And archery is really big this year: The Hunger Games, Brave, and now you! Take care.
ReplyDeleteJenn, that happens to me too. The idea will churn in my head until I can write it down, ignoring it makes no good...
ReplyDeleteL. James, Thank you! =D