~ What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
From my editors—none, really. Oh sure, they point out simple little mistakes I tend to make repeatedly and don’t catch, or tell me something needs to be expanded. That’s what they do. But so far, none of my editors have really come down on me. Sure, I’ve been handed less than glowing reviews. *Shrug* I’m learning that comes with the territory. I’ve had some readers say I should stick with nonhuman stories, lol. And nonhuman is where I’m most comfortable, but a little variety is nice also!
But the best compliment also comes from the same groups too. I’ve had editors tell me my stuff is well-written. That sure caused a glow, lol. And I’ve had readers send me emails telling me they are disabled, or a stay at home mom, or simply having a horrible day and reading a story from me helped get them through. And that is worth its weight in gold, let me let you.
~ Of all the modern conveniences, which one would you most likely say you couldn't live without?
With what I do??? LOL, the internet! Hands down, I couldn’t live without that. But, air conditioning comes in a *very* close second. When it’s a 110 degrees in the shade I get a little cranky if I can’t cool off, lol.
~How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
A lot. Oh man, a lot. There are all different sides to my personality that come out in my writing—like the snarky side so many of my characters have. Then there’s the cool, calm, and collected side. Some of the things my kids say shows up, or some of the silly things they do. My own wacky luck shows up often too, lol. J
~ What are your favorite TV shows?
Hmmm. I don’t watch much TV, but I like shows like Wipeout, DIY programs on HGTV, Hell’s Kitchen … most of them tend to be short programs, lol, notice that?
Oh! Football. OMG, I love football. When the season comes back around I’m there, dude! The standing joke is not to have any emergencies on Sunday, Monday night or Thursday’s night. LOL. I *will* scream the house down if you get between me and the TV!
Carved in Flesh- an anthology due out September 14th by Storm Moon Press is now available for pre-order!
People often say that the true perfection in the human form is in its imperfections. Scars are visceral reminders of a person's past, a sign of an event that can never fade. Whether it was gained in combat, a traumatic experience, or part of a ritual with a lover, scars are the ultimate labels. Carved in Flesh features short stories in which at least one character sports physical scars—visible to the naked eye, and prominent enough to spark a conversation.
Faded Love by M.A. Church
Excerpt:
“Will?” Ashley’s hand was gently held and pulled down. Why did Will’s voice sound so funny, like he was hoarse? “Will? What’s going on? Where am I? What’s on my face?”
“Listen to me. You’re in the hospital.”
“Hospital? Why the hell am I in the hospital?” Straining, he was finally able to make out the pale walls, and smell a scent he had always associated with hospitals: cleaners and sickness.
“You don’t remember… anything?” Will bent over Ashley, still holding his hands. God, Will’s skin was so warm, and his was so cold. “Tell me what you remember.”
“Was on my way home from that shoot. You called. I was going to call you back… Will?” Ashley’s voice rose and cracked. “Then, nothing until now. What—what… Will?”
One of Will’s strong hands managed to loosen itself from Ashley’s death grip and brushed Ashley’s hair back from his face. “You’re in the hospital. There was an accident, a bad accident. You were hit on the way home two days ago.”
“Fuck me! Two days ago?” Ashley bit his lip as pain spiked in his ribs. “How bad? Who hit me?”
“It was pretty bad. You have bruised ribs from the impact with the steering wheel, your arm is bruised—not broken—and more bruises over your body. I forgot the driver’s name. They hit you on the passenger side, slammed you into a street light. Two people in the other car died.”
“Died? Jesus.” Every time Ashley tried to lift his hand to his face, Will stopped him. “What’s wrong with my vision? Why can I only see out of one side?”
Gripping his hand, Will hesitated. “You were struck so hard your head hit the driver side window.”
Ashley gripped Will’s hand. There was more, he just knew it. What little he could make out of Will’s concerned face told him that. “And? Tell me, dammit!”
“The window busted. There was glass everywhere. Oh God, Ashley, I’m so sorry. You were cut. On your face… and—and… there’s going to be a scar.”
“A scar?” Ashley whispered, and then his voice gained in strength as horror stabbed at him. “A scar, on my face? My face? No! Oh my God, no! How bad, Will? How fucking bad?”
Tears soaked Will’s voice. “From the hair line to under your chin. Jesus, Ashley. I’m so sorry.”
The screams from Ashley’s room brought most of the nursing staff at a dead run.
~~~
Keep in mind I picked that excerpt. Storm Moon may use something else.
Where to find me:
Twitter @nomoretears00
Facebook: M.A. Church http://www.facebook.com/pages/MA-Chur...
Big thank you to Cia for letting me take over her blog once again lol!
~M
What a fun interview! Now we know all we have to do to torture M. is cut off her internet (and her AC). :D Thanks, Cia!
ReplyDeleteMmm... torture. Wait, no one will do that to me, right? Turnabout is not fairplay! :D
DeleteI've got my eye on you two... just fyi. o.0
ReplyDeleteLOL.
~M
Who, me? *bats innocent green eyes*
Delete.
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*snickers*