Welcome back!
How's your Monday going?
You don't say!
Well, this may help improve things!
I'm back and talking to Huckleberry Rahr. Huckleberry Rahr is a mathematics instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She spent many years teaching math around the Midwest and in Papua New Guinea with the Peace Corps. Her parents instilled a love of reading from a young age.
She grew up with lesbian moms who had a huge collection of women authors with heroines as the protagonist. Her favorite genre was fantasy and science fiction, that is, until she discovered urban fantasy. What her mom’s library lacked were books with characters that looked like her family: diversity in background, gender identity, and sexuality. She decided if she couldn’t find that series, then she would write it.
Star Trek or Star Wars?
Star Trek. I like star wars, too, but I like the regularity of the shows for star trek more. I also like the variety of shows.
Reboots – a great idea or a lack of creativity?
Since they say there isn’t a new idea out there, reboots are just acknowledging what they’re doing. I think if they do it well it can be good, but I only sometimes enjoy it. I think in some cases, like the Flash, which keeps happening over and over, it can be over done.
A book you’re looking forward to release (by someone else)?
The next Dresden book. They used to come out once a year… now we wait!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When my friends explained to me that yes, I was in fact a writer. It was such a new thing to me since I started later in life. Now that I have 5, almost 6 books out (in my name, more under pen names) I have come to admit it’s true.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I like making things up. It brings me joy. My own ideas, brainstorming with others. I’ve always loved to come up with new ideas.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
I sit and tell myself a story, and type. Sometimes I do 15-minute sprints. It’s amazing how much more gets typed with a sprint. But mosty I just let the words flow. I’ve lucked out that so far this has worked for me.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Watch tv, talk with friends, play games, cook, bake, I used to knit and crochet, but I’ve lost the time to do that.
Is there a trope you find yourself going back to in multiple works? Or one you avoid?
I avoid memory loss. It isn’t my favorite to read, so I try not to write it.
What does your family think of your writing?
I started writing for my oldest son. For the most part they think I’m insane for the amount I write, but they are supportive.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written over thirty books. Picking a favorite book would be like picking a favorite child, you just don’t do that!
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I don’t, but I would love to. I think it would be neat.
Do you like to create books for adults?
I like that adults read my YA books. I created a pen name to be able to write for adults.
What do you think makes a good story?
I think a story has characters that are compelling, realistic dialogue, and a story that pulls readers in. In the end, the reader should want more.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
It usually energizes me.
What do you have coming next?
In July, Battlefield, book 6 of the Jade Stone Chronicles. Then I’ll be working on a getting my Phoenix shifter series out. I have two of the books written: Veiled Phoenix and Moonstone Phoenix. I’m also working on a Christmas special for the Jade Stone Chronicles called Pack Present.
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