Megamax Let the Blood Flow By Rhani D’Chae

11/29/2019

Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Rhani D’Chae introduces us to her short story, “Megamax”; that is a prequel to a novel coming out next year:
In a future time, the greed and destructive nature of man has resulted in the fall of civilization as we know it today.

America is a wasteland, where the scattered cities that remain have become overcrowded havens for those who seek refuge behind protective walls.

In Seattle, where the Seahawks once played to the roar of the 12s, Century Link field stands quietly in the shadow of Megamax prison.

Impenetrable and inescapable, Megamax houses the worst of the worst: criminals whose heinous acts have condemned them to life in a place where blood flows like water, and an inmate's worth is determined solely by his or her performance in the Arena.

This story is the prequel to "The Vanguard", which will be out in 2020.

This story contains violence and adult language. It is not intended for young or easily offended readers.

I love this story! Not for the brutality and dystopian setting, though there is a lot that can be said for that. The author has captured the essence of people in desperate circumstances so well. It is so easy to find yourself cheering and hoping for the title character. He is caught in this situation by forces beyond his control.
The prose is nice and tight, the scene setting is more than enough, without being too much. Most of the dialogue is terse and fits the storyline perfectly.
This short story is a wonderful introduction to a story that will land somewhere between “Seven Samurai” directed by Kurosawa, the precursor to “Star Wars”; a hint of “Kelly’s Heroes” a movie set in world war 2, and a mashup between “Zombieland” and “World War Z”. It will be a wild ride, I am sure.
I award “Megamax” 5 stars! Darn good story and leaves me wanting more.

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/Megamax-Rhani-DChae-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/ebook/-megamax
www.amazon.co.uk/Megamax-Rhani-DChae-ebook

You can follow Rhani D’Chae:
https://twitter.com/rhanidchae
https://rhanidchae.wordpress.com/

Rhani and I have had three interviews previously, you can see them under these book reviews:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/one-dyke-cozy-by-rhani-dchae#comments
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/shadow-of-the-drill-by-rhani-dchae#comments
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/ive-always-loved-women-by-rhani-dchae#comments

Tags: prison, future, death, cage fight

Copyright © 2019 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction

111 Comments

Rhani D'Chae link

11/30/2019 09:29:10 pm

Hi, Mark. I'm excited to be visiting your blog again, and I'm looking forward to our discussion of Megamax. This story was a lot of fun to write, and I'm so glad you enjoyed reading it. 😃

Mark

11/30/2019 10:08:37 pm

I have been looking forward to our time also. I have some new questions floating around.
First question.
Please, tell us more about yourself. Perhaps something a little bit beyond your bio.

Rhani D'Chae

11/30/2019 10:24:08 pm

A little bit about me, that isn't in my bio. Wow, that opens up some interesting doors. I will try to keep this G rated. 😄
Ever since I could put words together, I have loved to read. It was always a thrill to fall into the world between a set of covers, meeting the characters and sharing their adventures.
I wrote my 1st complete novel when I was about 13, but I didn't publish anything until about 10 years ago.
I truly hope that the people who read my stuff enjoy it as much as I did-and still do- enjoy the books in my collection.

Mark

11/30/2019 10:37:58 pm

That was very G-rated. Well done.
We have a lot in common. I learned to read before the first grade and have always loved reading. That's it. I have never felt the urge to write a story.
There has always been another book to read. Now, with a million books being published each year on Amazon, alone. I will never catch up.
Writing your first novel at the age of 13 amazes me! I have so much respect for writers. I get a thrill by helping writers polish their work.
You have quite a few good reviews on many of your books.
New questions.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer?
What inspired you to write this book?
Why did you choose this genre, or do you feel the genre chose you?

Rhani D'Chae

12/1/2019 02:18:43 am

I'm very glad that you like reading so much, Mark. I am also glad that you are here to help some of us make our work better. I freely admit that I slept through every English class, so I know next to nothing about silly little things like grammar and sentence structure. Lol
I honestly don't know if I would classify as a fulll or a part-time writer, since I only write when the spirit moves me. I don't have a schedule, nor do I have a required word count to churn out each day. I write when I feel like it, and if I don't, my laptop us a great place to set my jar of cookie butter.
I entered a short story contest last summer, but none of the stories that I tried to write fell into place. I've been working on a series called The Vanguard, and I ended up writing Megamax as kind of a prequel to that book in that series. Because Megamax had a word count limitation, I wasn't able to put everything I wanted into it. So, I am going to expand it before it goes into the Vanguard.
I really don't choose any particular genre for any book that I have written. The stories come to me, and I write them as they want to be written. Most of my writing problems come when I try to take the stories s in a direction that they don't want to go. 😄

Mark

12/1/2019 09:30:28 am

You might be at the far end of the pantser scale, in terms of pantsers and plotters.
Megamax is begging for an expansion, there is room for so much more, but the story stands quite well as it is. I believe it's important to never explain everything in great detail. By leaving the commonest of things unsaid the reader will fill in the gaps, become invested in the story and want to never put it down.
New questions.
Who designed the cover of your book? Feel free to drop a link if appropriate.
What do the elements on the cover represent?
Was it hard to come up with the title?
What was the process?

Rhani D'Chae

12/1/2019 05:43:38 pm

Oh, I'm a total pantser! I do keep notes of things that will appear in a series just so I don't mess anything up. In the Drill series, I keep records of things like injuries, favorite weapons, distinguishing marks, etc. And, since I have several books in line for both the Drill and the Vanguard series, I have a list of titles with 1 or 2 sentences about each one. This is the extent of my plotting. Lol
I love being able to put in a plug for my friend, Ellie Douglas, who did the AMAZING cover for Megamax! She can be found on Twitter at @authorEllie, and she is awesome! She found the picture and I fell in love with it. She added the tattoo on his hand at my request because I just felt the hand needed something more. After the tattoo was added, I changed the name of the main character, as well as his hair color, to better fit the picture on the cover.
In Megamax prison, people fight for the amusement of the powers that be. So the guy on the cover is my main character, Maxx. He tattooed his name on his hand so that it would be the last thing his opponent saw before he went down. I had a friend, many years ago, who did the same thing and I loved that concept. I'm thinking that Maxx might start taking on some of his personality as he is developed in the series.
The title was fairly easy. I knew I wanted a prison setting, and I wanted a prison that was top of the line and housed the most vicious inmates. These are the people that are being recruited to join the Vanguard, which will leave the city in search of whatever might be found beyond those protective walls. I wanted a name that went beyond a Supermax prison, so Megamax just fell into place.
There was no process in coming up with the title, the cover, or the plot. I was very lucky and everything happened pretty naturally. I love it when it's that easy!

Mark

12/1/2019 05:57:21 pm

Ellie is very talented, no doubt.
You do a tiny bit of plotting, just enough to keep you out of trouble. Good idea.
I like the concept and everything so far. It bodes well for the series.
New questions.
Were the character names difficult to develop? How did you choose them?
Have you entered any writing contests?
Have you won awards of any kind for your writing?

Rhani D'Chae

12/1/2019 09:03:24 pm

Maxwell Drake's first name was originally Collin. I changed it to Maxx because of the tattoo on the hand. But I did put quite a bit of thought into the original name. I had a picture of him in my mind, and I wanted a name that would suit the man that I knew him to be. I spent quite a bit of time picking what I thought was the perfect name, only to change it when I wrote Megamax. 😄
The other names in the story came fairly easily. I have a tendency to base names on people that I know, or have known, with similar characteristics.
I have entered a few contests over the last 2 or 3 years and I enjoy them a great deal. Megamax was written for one of those contests.
I haven't won a contest yet, but I have placed a few times, which always thrills me. I like the contests because they push me out of whatever writer's block hell I may be wallowing in and force me to write. So far, I've been quite happy with all of the stories born from these events, but I do think Megamax is my favorite.

Mark

12/1/2019 09:18:15 pm

I have heard of quite a few authors doing very much the same thing. They spend a lot of time creating their characters and personalities. Some even create mood boards for each character with pictures they find that exemplify or look like the character they see in their head.
Rick Hall is a client and guest blogger, he has created a tool, that is free to use, to help build the personality of characters in books. It is very cool. Check the guest blogs elsewhere on my website, he wrote a post about it.
Your writing must be getting better, if you are placing in contests now. I hope you keep entering, you will win one of these days. That will be exciting.
New questions.
I noticed that Megamax is in Kindle Unlimited. How is that working out for you? How many books have you put in KU?
Have you ever gone through the query process, seeking an agent or submitting directly to publishers?

Rhani D'Chae

12/1/2019 10:27:26 pm

Thank you for the information about that tool. I will definitely check it out when I have a chance.
To be honest, I know nothing about marketing, which is why I'm always looking for a reasonably-priced marketer. I move my books in and out of KU, just to see how it goes. But, since I don't know how to properly use it, nothing much happens.
Ah...the dreaded query process. (Insert multiple profanities here) Shadow of the Drill was completed in 1999. By the time I finally handed it over to Xlibris , (insert EVERY word you mother would have washed your mouth out for saying) in 2013, I was completely burnt out from trying to find a traditional publisher. I stayed with Xlibris for about a year, and then I had a stroke. Now, I'm not saying that the two things are related, but...it sure wouldn't surprise me if they were. Lol
After the stroke, I decided to take matters, and my books, into my own hands and go Indie. It was a decision I've never regretted. I'm sure there are many authors out there who have much success with the query process and have entered into wonderful relationships with publishers, but I am much happier with the path I chose to walk.

Mark

12/1/2019 10:57:32 pm

You used the M word. The first rule about the M word is to not talk about the M word.
Seriously, marketing is the hardest nut to crack for authors. It makes pretty much every other part of writing and publishing a book seem easy.
I think the reason for that is the marketing never ends, you never get to put a "the end" on it. Unless you pull your book off the market. There is at least one good guest blog about marketing, Martin's post about getting your first 1000 readers. There are many links on my Highly Regarded Blogs page also. Marketing is something everyone talks about. There are so many different pieces and angles to marketing as well.
That is a lot of time spent in the query trenches. It's no wonder you felt so burned out. Judging from what I read in blogs and on Twitter, the percentage of writers getting a contract or even representation is very low. Frankly, I am not surprised. Amazon turned the publishing world upside down, there has been a great deal of contraction and publishers are struggling to turn a profit. They are hedging all their bets now and expecting authors to do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to marketing. Some publishers won't even talk to an author unless the author has a mailing list of a couple of thousand fans; those fans represent sales.
Many authors have chosen to self-publish or publish independently with a small publisher. The latter is okay as long as they don't try to grab your intellectual property rights. <climbing off my soapbox now>
New questions.
How did you pick your publisher or did they pick you?
There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?
How do you think your book compares to a book published by a major publisher?

Rhani D'Chae link

12/2/2019 11:20:31 am

Marketing is by far the hardest part of this game. It is especially difficult for me because of my lack of vision. Had I known how to do this before I lost my sight, I think I'd be OK. But reading is very hard for me now, and trying to study/learn from a page with words causes severe eyestrain and crippling headaches. Which leads to my ongoing search for a marketer.
I picked Xlibris because they had the most convincing line of BS with which to suck a new, inexperienced author into their steaming vat of poison.
You are right, there are many unethical things going on in the world of publishing. I could not begin to pick what I think is the worst. I guess I would have to say that any representation of services that is misleading, open to interpretation, or a flat-out lie Is completely unacceptable in my opinion. I also have a real problem with the attempt to gain even more money from an author through the purchase of expensive add-on marketing services. Basically, I find the whole situation shameful.
I had to laugh when I read your last question, and I will tell you why. First off, let me say that I have read some incredible books that were published by a major publisher and, while some of my work would most certainly not compare, some of my other books are as good, if not better. I say this because it is true, not because they are my books. I know when I have written something that is crap and I'm not afraid to admit it to myself. The 1st edition of #Shadow was TOTAL crap, and if you ever find a copy, I'm sure you will agree. The current version is so much better that it might as well be a different book.
Now, why your question made me laugh. Like everyone else, prior to e-books, I read paperbacks that were published by what was then the big 6. These were the prominent publishers, and one would expect anything that they turned out to be well written and worthy of the pieces of money that I traded for the privilege of reading it. One would expect such a thing, but one would be wrong.
Believe it or not, some of the worst writing that has ever crossed my path has come from traditional publishers. I'm not talking about a bad story line, because it could simply be that it wasn't for me. What I'm talking about is, bottom line, poor writing. Give a Crayon to a two-year-old, and the end result would be much better then what those authors somehow managed to get published. Even the 1st edition of #Shadow, which is so bad that it should be forced upon those who kick cats or mug old ladies, is better than those books. As for Megamax, I think it would hold up pretty well against any other short story in the same genre. 😁

Mark

12/2/2019 11:37:31 am

Great answers! While indie authors have a now mostly-undeserved reputation for poor writing, it certainly exists in the majors.
Vision issues certainly make things like learning requirements for marketing and promoting books difficult. Writing a book must be difficult also, I recall that you use Dragon Naturally Speaking dictation program to write your books. Does that program read websites aloud for you also?
There are a lot of scam publishers out there, I am grateful to bloggers such as Writer Beware for alerting authors to publishers to avoid. There are some hybrid publishers that have an ala carte set of services for authors, but they are upfront about their pricing. That open pricing allows for comparative shopping.
New questions.
Do you have a favorite book by another author or just favorite authors?
Did you have a favorite book as a child?
Which of your books is your favorite, and why?

Rhani D'Chae

12/2/2019 12:47:48 pm

I do use Dragon, but I don't know if it can read websites. I only know the basics of how to work it so there is still a lot to learn.
I don't really have a favorite book, but I am a huge fan of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's work, as well as James Clavell
Ken Follett. I also like Stephen King and Brian Lumley.
On the Indie side, there is a long list of incredible authors whose work I can't get enough of. Beem Weeks will probably always top that list, followed by Suzanne Burke, Bette Stevens, Jan Sikes and Vashti Q. Vega, to name just a few.
As a child, I read everything I could get a hold of. Lol No favorites, although I was quite fond of The Wizard of Oz.
Each of my books is special to me in its own way, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Shadow of the Drill. In my younger days, I spent a great deal of time on Decker's streets, and I'm quite familiar with his world. Working on the Drill series is nostalgic, and I enjoy taking those little walks down memory lane. I also love working with the characters in the Drill series, especially writing Decker's human side, as opposed to the machine that is the Drill.

Mark

12/2/2019 01:19:43 pm

Maybe you should ask the writing community about that feature in Dragon. I bet there is someone who could answer your question. Maybe Dragon has a Twitter account.
We were both ravenous readers as children. I grew up in a small town, less than 2,000 people. I loved summer, but it had a bittersweet tinge, because I lost access to the school library. I was very happy to get a library card from the public library. The librarian allowed me to check out more books than the limit because I read them so fast. It saved my mom trips into town.
New questions.
Does writing have a spiritual or healing component for you, does it energize you or make you feel tired?
Why is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?

Rhani D'Chae

12/2/2019 01:58:21 pm

I used to love going to the public library when I was a kid. I was especially excited when I got old enough to ride my bike there. Such freedom! Lol
I find writing to be very healing. I have some health issues so, on a bad day, I can put all of that negative energy onto the page and get it away from me. That's probably why my books have a fairly significant body count. 😄
I think it's important to tap into a character's emotions so that they can be properly written. If I can't relate to what my character is feeling, how can I express it in a way that will reach out and grab a reader?
I'm sure I'm not the only writer who feels that way. My favorite authors are able to suck me into the story through the character's emotions as well as their actions. I think it's all a part of making a character as three dimensional as possible.

Mark

12/2/2019 02:17:15 pm

I remember that freedom also. When I was allowed to ride my bike into town, 5 miles each way. The last mile and a quarter was all uphill!
Good line about the body count! That explains quite a bit. ;-)
Creating characters that are easy to relate to is every authors' goal. It makes quite the difference.
New questions.
Have you ever done NaNoWriMo, the National Novel Writing Month contest, why or why not?
What kind of preparation do you do before it starts?
Are you an under-writer or an over-writer? When the first draft is done, do you need to add more to it to flesh it out or do you have to cut material because there is too much there?

Rhani D'Chae

12/2/2019 02:35:20 pm

I've never done the NaNo thingie. I'm not sure why, but I guess it just never appealed to me. I have a friend who does it every year and has encouraged me to join in, but I haven't. Maybe I will at some point, but I don't see it in my near future.
I think I do a combination of under and over writing. I don't do one draft from start to finish and then go back and clean it up. Every few chapters, I go over what I've already written and fix what needs to be fixed. There are some areas that have to be filled out and just as many that have to be trimmed down. Right now, I am working on Winter of the Drill and struggling with the death scene of a character that I really liked. This scene was very under written because I didn't want to write it at all. I had put in the basics, but that was about it. Now, I am trying to build it up into something reasonably dramatic and maybe a little heart wrenching. Not to say I will succeed, but I'm doing my best.

Mark

12/2/2019 04:44:58 pm

That scene is going to be powerful! I just know it. You are quite a good writer. I am looking forward to reading that soon. Sooner rather than later; no pressure.
New questions.
Do you save the parts that didn't make it into the final version?
Did you cut mostly descriptions, action, dialogue or whole chapters?
Have you ever used yourself or other acquaintances as a character for a starting point in a story?
Would they recognize you or themselves in the story?

Rhani D'Chae

12/2/2019 05:14:56 pm

I don't know how powerful this death scene is going to be. At this point, I'm just trying to get it written. Lol
I often save some of the parts that get cut, especially if it's good stuff. I cut the entire original opening of Winter of the Drill because the book wanted to go in a different direction. I still have all of that text, and it will get used eventually.
It seems I usually end up cutting a section, be it action, dialog or whatever. Except for the beginning of Winter, I have never cut a complete chapter.
I am constantly using people that I know as the foundation for either characters or things that the characters do. My friends are aware that everything and everyone in my world is potential book fodder. 😁
I don't know if most of them have recognized themselves or not, but there is a character being introduced in Winter that my friend Kevin knows is based on him. Not that it would be hard for him to figure it out, since he did ask to be in the book. Lol So far, his character is still alive, but there's no telling what tomorrow will bring.

Mark

12/2/2019 06:16:12 pm

That sounds good. I am happy to know that Winter is coming.
I am also glad you have saved that material. That seems like a wise move to me. So much easier to save rather than try to reconstruct.
Your friend Kevin is brave, many characters don't live long or prosper in your writing.
New questions.
Which is more fun to write, the protagonist or the antagonist, and why?
What is one thing you hate about your protagonist and one thing you love about the antagonist?

Rhani D'Chae

12/2/2019 06:53:08 pm

I once watched a computer eat an entire file, right before my eyes. Every letter on the screen was replaced with Xs and O's, and I couldn't make it stop! It was horrible.
Kevin has been my friend for almost 30 years, which speaks volumes about his bravery! Lol If I had to guess, I would say that his character will be around for a while.
I think I like writing protagonists because my antagonists don't seem to live long. Lol Also, I see most of my books as a potential series, so my protagonist needs to have depth and character. The antagonist...not so much.
At this point, there's nothing I really hate about Maxx, in Megamax, nor is there anything I can find lovable about the warden. I'm sure that may change as I work on The Vanguard. Maxx may cheat on whatever woman he ends up with, and the warden may rescue a kitty. Time will tell. 😄

Mark

12/2/2019 07:28:20 pm

I don't think I have ever seen that, outside of a movie. That would be very scary!
Kevin sounds like a very good friend. Definitely worth protecting in print.
The comment about the warden rescuing a kitty made me laugh out loud! So funny.
New questions.
What is your writing routine when you sit down to write?
Do you write in a straight line or do you write whatever the muse provides for you at a given moment?

Rhani D'Chae

12/2/2019 09:43:53 pm

I think what irritated me the most when my computer ate that file was that I'd been working on it for quite a while and thought it was pretty close to perfect. I had to reconstruct it, and that was one of the most frustrating things I've ever had to do as a writer.
When I sit down to write, the TV is usually on. I can't work in a quiet room. If I am dealing with writer's block, there are things that I watch that will help jump start my muse, but otherwise, it doesn't matter what I watch.
I generally write in a straight line, but if I am having trouble with a scene, I will jump around a bit and then connect everything later.

Mark

12/2/2019 11:25:46 pm

Some writers thrive in a bustling environment, others need solitude and quiet. You land in the middle.
Watching TV is not a bad idea for getting your muse back, I have heard many different ideas. Doing housework, gardening, knitting, hiking, showering among others. The theme seems to be some kind of nearly mindless activity, something that requires little of the higher mental functions, releases the muse from constriction. I know it works for me. I get my best ideas in the shower. I know one writer who is woken frequently at around 2:30 in the morning, regularly. She keeps a pad and pen beside the bed.
Rick Hall wrote a great piece about non-linear writing in my Guest Blogs. It made a lot of sense to me. But I am not a writer, of course.
New questions.
Did your writing process change much from your early books to your current book or did it stay the same?
Now that your book is published, is there anything about it you would like to change?

Rhani D'Chae

12/2/2019 11:53:57 pm

I don't think my writing process has changed much over the years, if at all. If it aint broke, don't fix it. Lol
I wrote Megamax for a contest and there was a limit on the word count. Because of this, I wasn't able to expand on much outside of the arena. I want to add a lot more detail about what the world is like beyond the walls of the city and why the Vanguard is being formed in the first place. I'm also going to touch on Maxx's relationships within the prison. Megamax houses inmates of both genders, and allows full interaction between them. There were several things that the word count prevented me from writing about, so a lot will change before it is inserted into The Vanguard. I'm excited to see where this story, and Maxx, will go.

Mark

12/3/2019 12:04:18 pm

Those changes sound good. Lots of room for development. I am sure your fans, including me, are excited at the prospect.
New questions.
How do you think your book relates to the world we live in today?
What is the one thing you hope readers will remember from your book?
What else are you writing these days?

Rhani D'Chae

12/3/2019 01:04:11 pm

A few people have told me that they are looking forward to the expanded version of Megamax. I hope they are happy with the finished product.
Megamax was not intended to be symbolic, in any way. But, since you asked, I think people sometimes have to make choices that could very well be life changing. It's not always easy to tell which is the best way to go, especially if the choice is between the devil you know and one you don't.
I hope that readers will remember Maxx and the world that he lives in. The book doesn't really explain what happened beyond the walls of the city, but it does say that the destruction was caused by the human race. These days, it seems that Industry has very little regard for the damage it is causing, in the name of progress, and I worry about what we are leaving behind for our children. At this point, the future doesn't look very good for Mother Earth.
Right now, I am only working on one project: Winter of the Drill. This book has taken years to complete, and I'm not really sure why. I think I'm afraid, on some subconscious level, that it won't be as good as Shadow. There could be a million other reasons why the book isn't finished yet, but that would be my first guess.

Mark

12/3/2019 01:13:23 pm

Megamax is a good story, if nothing else. Entertainment for the sake of entertainment is perfectly fine, as far as I am concerned. Not everything has to be symbolic or a moral tale. At the same time, those kinds of things do tend to creep in as a reflection of our world view.
Your struggle with Winter may be exactly what you have a hunch about. First guesses are frequently the best. A lot of writers do struggle with that issue, fear of the sequel not measuring up to the first. I am confident it will be good, based on your other writings; My confidence in your ability and talent is high.
New questions.
Do you have a classical author or poet, you admire?
What popular modern authors have influenced you?

Rhani D'Chae

12/3/2019 02:11:50 pm

Thank you for your vote of confidence, I appreciate it!
I don't know if he qualifies as a "classical" author or not, but I have always admired Sade. I don't recommend his books to anyone because...well, it's Sade. Lol However, even though I don't agree with most of his beliefs, he wrote what and how he wanted to write, despite what anyone thought about it. Often imprisoned, he wrote several books while in custody. I'm sure that prisons back then were not the dainty little places that they are today. The fact that he kept writing under such horrible circumstances is something that I can respect and also admire.
As for modern authors, there are several who have influenced me. Stephen King comes to mind, as well as the others I mentioned earlier. When it comes to Indie authors, I would have to say Beem Weeks and Ellie Douglas. Beem, because he can do amazing things with words that result in some incredible works! His novel, Jazz Baby, is one of my all-time favorite reads. Ellie, because she throws caution to the wind! Her books are violent and brutally graphic, and I love that! So many authors build up to a vicious scene, and then...step away before it gets too bloody. Ellie doesn't do that. Many of her books take place in the zombieverse, and I don't know about you, but I've never heard of a zombie with a bib and proper table manners. Ellie does it right. 😄

Mark

12/3/2019 03:18:35 pm

Who is Sade? I am not aware of that author. Unless you are referring to the Marquis. I have heard about that guy. Not something I am likely to read.
Ellie is an amazing writer. I proofed her latest book, "Leech". A powerful story! You are right, she is not afraid of violence, earthly or otherwise.
New questions.
What software do you use to write and publish your books, and why do you use those?
How do you keep track of all the characters and events in your books?

Rhani D'Chae

12/3/2019 03:54:05 pm

I just got a copy of Leech and I can't wait to read it! I'm glad to read your comment on it.
I use Dragon software and dictate a lot of my work using that. I use it because I'm too blind to type any other way. Lol
All of my books are written using Microsoft Word, and I upload them straight to Amazon when they are done. I am familiar with Word and it's easy for me to use.
I am constantly editing, so therefore re-reading, my books as I write them. By the time I finish a book, there really isn't anything I can't instantly bring to mind about any character or event. If the book will be part of a series, I do keep notes of some of the significant things that are relevant to those characters, such as injuries or casual relationships that a character might have. These relationships might cover a very short time period, but might be mentioned in a future book. If they are, I want to make sure that everything is consistent from one book to another.

Mark

12/3/2019 04:31:27 pm

Her book is not available as an audio book, that I noticed. How do you read it? I know in word you can enlarge the type font by quite a bit. I find I am comfortable with a 12 point font at 120% enlargement. 10 point font goes up to 130%.
Going through your book like you do, writing, editing, rewriting, it's very easy to believe that it sticks in your mind quite well. Keeping a few notes like that makes a lot of sense for a multi-volume story.
New questions.
Action, dialogue, or narration; which is easiest to write?
Of the five senses which is the easiest to write and which is the hardest?

Rhani D'Chae link

12/3/2019 09:19:10 pm

I can't read paperbacks anymore, but I can fight my way through an Ebook. It takes me a long time to read a book because I have to stop often, but there is the only way I can read.
I love writing action, but I think dialog is easiest for me to write. I think it's because I am usually so in tune with my characters that I know how they feel and what they would say in any given situation.
I've never thought about which of the senses is hardest or easiest to write. I think sight is easiest for me because I have always been a very visual person.
I think smell would be the hardest. We perceive so much through our sense of smell, and I think writing the way that something smells so that the reader can fully experience it would be hard.

Mark

12/3/2019 09:30:23 pm

I am glad you can still read. Have you tried audio books?
I know you love writing action, you write it quite well.
Most of us are visually oriented, we live in a primarily visual world.
Smell would be hard to write about, depending on the scent. If it was a very common scent, such as fresh-baked bread or a pumpkin pie. Or a famous perfume. It could be done. Interestingly, smells are very powerful, they can trigger wonderful or intense memories, depending on the associated event or events.
New questions.
Have you ever participated in theater in some way?
What kind of marketing has worked the best and the least for you?
Why did you pick me to help promote your book?

Rhani D'Chae

12/3/2019 09:53:19 pm

I do have an Audible account, and I love it. Audio books are a wonderful thing and I would have a lot more of them if they weren't so expensive. Lol
I played around with theater in school, and have been a stage performer, in one way or another, for most of my adult life.
A couple of years ago I hired a firm called Publishing Push to do some marketing for Shadow of the Drill. They were very expensive and did absolutely nothing for me. I sold not even one book through their services. If there is a group that is even more disreputable than Xlibris, it is Publishing Push.
At the other end of the scale is Rave Reviews Book Club. I cannot recommend them highly enough! The support that I have received from them, along with the endless promotional opportunities, make it the best thing I have done for myself as an Indie author! If you are an author, you need to check them out. I have experienced nothing like them since I published my 1st book. I have been a member of a couple of other writers' groups, but everything else fell short of #REBC.
I picked you to help promote Megamax because working with you is a heck of a lot of fun! Anybody can tweet the link to my book and charge money to do so. It's very impersonal and doesn't really draw people into the book. These interviews with you take people behind the scenes of the book and also give them a look at me, as a writer. What you offer is unique, and also very personal. I like that. 😁

Mark

12/3/2019 10:31:27 pm

Doesn't Audible have a subscription plan like Kindle Unlimited? Maybe that would be cheaper in the long run.
I am happy to hear that the Rave Reviews Book Club has done well for you.
I have heard about Publishing Push. They were featured on Writers Beware blog, I think, it was nothing good. Much like your own experience.
Now, I am blushing, but I am also quite gratified because that was my plan with the interview. To make the author better known and hopefully sell a few books. I have not seen this interview format anywhere. I was not happy with the traditional format of emailing questions to the author and they email their answers back. With this live format anyone can join in, though very few do. Several dozen people have seen the review and interview already. I am confident we will have well over 100 views when the week is over on Monday.
New questions.
Do you think your experience in theater helps you as a writer?
Have you ever thought of adding music to your books, like what the characters listen to or they went to a concert, as a plot point?
I have seen some authors use music to flesh out the characters, they create a playlist for them. They publish the playlist in the back of the book. Or they use song titles as chapter headings.

Rhani D'Chae

12/3/2019 10:54:41 pm

Like most writers, I want to sell books. But that isn't really my goal when I try a promotion. What I really want to do is give readers information about me that will interest them so that they will give me and my books a closer look.
I'm so glad that people are already visiting the site and reading this interview. That makes me very happy.
Decker listens to music while he is working in his basement, and while in his car. I also added music to One Dyke Cozy and plan to add it into future books.
Music has always been a vital part of my life, and I love being able to include it in my work.
I have also started having my characters read some of the Indie books that I have read and liked. Not to say it will sell any books for those authors, but if it brings them any attention at all, I will be happy. The more we help each other, the more we all succeed. 😃

Mark

12/4/2019 09:43:36 am

That is a great perspective. No one can guarantee book sales, unless they are buying all the books themselves. My promotion efforts are about expanding and increasing exposure.
Right you are, the same tide lifts all boats. Having books in your books is an interesting idea. I love it.
New questions.
How do you know when a book is finished?
Did anything in the book come as a surprise while you were writing?
How long does the research process take before you start to write a book or do you do the research as you write the book?

Rhani D'Chae

12/4/2019 11:37:38 am

Megamax, and a couple of my other short stories, were written for a contest and had a word count limit. So they were done when they hit that limit. Lol As for the other books, what a great question. I don't think I've ever thought about how I knew that they were done. I just...did.
I am often surprised by what happens in my books. Lol I had not originally intended for Maxx to have a tattoo on his hand, but there it is.
Shadow of the Drill was supposed to be a singular book, not a series, and Decker was supposed to die at the end. But the book wanted to go a different way, and since I was just there to do the typing, Decker is now the star of a series.
You had to mention the R word! That question has a short answer: I don't do research. Lol Seriously, if I have to research it, I won't write it. 😁

Mark

12/4/2019 01:36:31 pm

So, Decker, or other unnamed sources strong armed you into writing a different book. I love it. You were faithful and wrote the story that needed to be told; and are still telling it. Excellent. I do like Decker's sense of justice and caring for those around him.
Sorry about the R word, I forgot how you don't like that word.
New questions.
How many drafts did you go through with Megamax to have a ready-to-publish manuscript?
Going back in time, did you do any kind of creative writing, even back in grade school?
How early was it that you realized how powerful words can be?

Rhani D'Chae

12/4/2019 02:09:11 pm

I don't actually have a problem with the word. It's the activity that gives me hives. Lol
Megamax had a fairly smooth flow, and didn'require much editing. I think I only had to go through it two or three times.
I started writing a soon as I could put words together on a page. My first attempts were silly "poems" that made no sense, but I thought they were wonderful.
I wrote my firstfull length novel when I was about 13. I found the typed manuscript about 10 years ago and kept it in my filing cabinet, but then we moved. It now resides in a box in the garage, also known as Hell's footlocker. 'Nuff said. 😄
I was fairly young when I learned the power of words. We had a collection of beautiful books that included Tom Sawyer, King Arthur, Robin Hood, and a collection of classic fairy tales. I read and re read those books more times than I could possibly count. I sure did love those books!

Mark

12/4/2019 04:12:14 pm

Finding that childhood manuscript had to be pretty cool.
I had a set of books, bound in dark-red covers with gold printing. The content was pretty much the same and I read those so many times.
New questions.
A lot of new authors struggle with finding beta readers. Because, after the first draft is done, fresh eyes and feedback become very important.
Do you have alpha-readers and/or beta-readers to help you smooth out a lot of wrinkles before publishing? If you don’t, why?

Rhani D'Chae

12/4/2019 05:29:40 pm

OK, this is too funny! Our books had dark red covers with gold print. I bet we had the same set. 😃
I don't technically have any Beta readers, mainly because my author friends don't have the time, and none of my non-author friends are really readers. My sister helps with the short stories, but I can't get her to read the novels.

Mark

12/4/2019 08:11:13 pm

I bet we did. It might have been popular with parents and grandparents.
I might have some help for you, on my Twitter home page I have lists of people who provide services to authors. One of those lists is for beta readers. I add to my lists as often as I can. There are bound to be a few who would be willing to help you. Take a look, help yourself.
New questions.
Do you have other writers you connect with, as in a critique group or support group?
What is the most important thing you learned from publishing your latest book?
What are three things, that you wish you knew before you wrote your first book?

Rhani D'Chae

12/4/2019 08:38:48 pm

I will definitely check out your list of Beta readers.
I was in a critique group for a while, but it seemed they were too harsh, too eager to tear each other down. I never did submit any of my work.
I greatly enjoy being a member of Rave Reviews Book Club. The input and support is all very positive and people are always willing to help.
I think the most important thing I learned from publishing Megamax is the importance of a good cover. Not that I didn't already know the value of a good cover, but the feedback I have gotten on this cover is just amazing! Much more than with any of my other books.
Three things... Hmm...
1. I really wish I had stayed awake in English class! 😄
2. Had I known I was going to end up writing E books, I would have learned more about marketing.
3. I REALLY wish I had known about the Authorhouse sleazebags and everyone else who preys on newbie authors. They do so much damage, in a very short time. It's just tragic!

Mark

12/4/2019 08:49:32 pm

I have heard that about critique groups before, not all or most, only a few. Most critique groups function correctly. A few, tragically, are usually caught under the sway of a literary svengali; this person lords it over everyone and offers biting criticism at the drop of a hat. You made the right choice. Getting out of there as fast as possible.
The old saw, "you can't judge a book by its cover" is true for so many things except books. We all judge a book by its cover. That is a very important lesson to learn.
I hate those scammers so much also. They do so much damage in a short amount of time. Then close up shop, disappear and reopen under a new name somewhere else.
New questions.
Do you have a hero, real or fictional?
Do you write notes by hand or on the computer?
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received from another writer?

Rhani D'Chae

12/4/2019 09:11:50 pm

A hero? No, I don't think so. I have met people who I respect and/or admire, but I don't think they are in the category of a hero.
I don't write anything by hand anymore. Since I really can't see what I'm doing, it's very hard to write legibly. I dictate then text notes to myself, and then I take screenshots of the texts. I have files in the photo gallery on my phone where I keep these screenshots. This way, they are easily accessible and I can't lose them. Lol
I think the most valuable piece of advice I ever got from another writer was that we are here to type the books, not dictate where they are going to go. I have definetly found that to be true.

Mark

12/4/2019 09:40:34 pm

I think people want a hero; someone larger than life, who charges in and saves the day. There are people who have heroic moments. There are occupations that require a certain amount of heroism. It's not the same thing as the mythic hero.
You can't lose them, unless you lose your phone. Do you back that stuff up in the cloud?
Many authors would agree with that advice.
More questions.
What are common traps for beginning writers?
Do you think a strong ego is an asset or liability for a writer and why?

Rhani D'Chae

12/4/2019 10:07:55 pm

I have learned to back everything up in the cloud. Lol
Common traps? I hear a lot about new writers getting sucked into various publishing, marketing and/or author services scams. But there are a lot of those out there and it's easy to fall into those traps.
I don't think there is anything wrong with knowing in your heart that you are beyond good at what you do. Writers have a ton of competition on the sales floor and a writer has to know, without a doubt, that their work is great enough to jump into that pool and make a splash. Otherwise, it's easy to get discouraged and wait until this, that, or the other thing falls into place, which usually doesn't happen. So a strong ego is an asset, in my opinion.
It can also be a liability. I think we need to be receptive to critique and other forms of input regarding our work. My goal is to be the best writer possible, but that won't happen if I'm not willing to hear about the areas where my work can be improved. If a person's ego is so strong that they are unable to accept, or even recognize their own weaknesses, then I think it becomes a liability.

Mark

12/5/2019 11:21:01 am

There are a lot of scams out there, they look so valid at first glance. I have linked to several blogs written by several writers called Writer Beware, very relevant stuff. Search the word Beware on my website to get the best results.
You answered the question about ego with a split answer. Very good, like so many things there are two sides to the coin and you covered both sides quite well.
New questions.
Do you have anything you consider to be your writing lucky charm?
Do you see an advantage of writing under a pseudonym, why or why not?
Are there any issues that are peculiar to writing this genre that might not apply to other genres?

Rhani D'Chae

12/5/2019 01:04:14 pm

A writing lucky charm? Tequila! Lol
I can think of a few advantages to using a pseudonym. The first that comes to mind is personal privacy. Also, I know a few authors who use different names for different genres. A pseudonym might also come in handy for a writer who feels their own name doesn't present the right image or just doesn't like it.

Books like Megamax/The Vanguard and Shadow of the Drill contain a lot of graphic violence. I've never been one to pussyfoot around unpleasantness, so if the book calls for violence, I'm going to put it in. This brings up a couple of things that I think are common in this genre.
1) When is the violence too much? I don't believe in writing simply for shock value, so I make it a point not to cross that line. There's nothing wrong with writing that way, and a lot of readers enjoy it. It just isn't my personal style.
2) Is the violence realistic? I came of age among men like Maxx and Decker, so I got a close-up view of how much damage a human body can take and still keep moving. Granted, these men were in top physical shape and well-schooled in the art of mind over matter, but so are the characters I put in those situations.
To me, realistic involves more than endurance. The action has to be right, as well. I'm not going to put my characters into a martial arts situation because I know nothing about those skills. I wouldn't be able to write them accurately, so I don't go there. I don't mind throwing in a roundhouse kick, because that's something a street fighter might know. Other than that, I stay away from martial arts.
Every genre has its own unique issues. As writers, I think we need to recognize and work with these issues instead of trying to dismiss or dominate them.

Mark

12/5/2019 01:23:02 pm

You are not the first writer to claim tequila as a lucky charm. Write drunk, edit sober is a phrase that comes to mind. It has been attributed to Hemingway many times, but that appears to be in error.
Those are good reasons for using a pen name.
We all have a personal limit for violence and such. I know I do. However, I accept a lot of violence when it's integral to the story. A lot of martial arts training is designed to teach endurance to pain, to work through it. I enjoy your depictions of violence in this book, Maxwell knows it is unavoidable and faces it with determination.
New questions.
If you branch out into a different genre, will you use a pen name, why or why not?
Do you think reading (listening to audio books), watching movies or listening to music help you be a better writer?

Rhani D'Chae link

12/5/2019 04:15:52 pm

Write drunk, edit sober Is familiar ground to me. Lol

I don't think I will ever use a pen name. First off, I have a memory like a sieve. I think it would be too hard for me to keep track of what name writes what books. 😄
Also, I want readers to be able to find me. Lol At this point, I only write for adults. I think adults are perfectly capable of deciding what they do or don't want to read. If a reader isn't comfortable with violence, I have other books to choose from. I think A Perilous Thirst is probably the only vampire book on the planet where NOBODY gets their blood sucked. Not even a little.
If I ever decide to write children's books, I may change my mind about a pen name. I wouldn't want a child to accidentally step into Decker's world. But then again, kids are very Tech savvy these days, and if they want to know whether or not an author has written other books, they can easily find that out.

I absolutely believe that reading, watching, and listening to stuff helps me to be a better writer. I learn so much about different types of people, different situations, and how best to bring them to life.

Mark

12/5/2019 04:22:44 pm

I think it could be hard to keep track of all of the variables when you have written a bunch of books under multiple names. One writer uses different pen names for different genres. She has a web address for each one that redirects to her main website where all the names and genres are gathered. I imagine she is hoping for crossover.
I enjoyed the Perilous Thirst. It reminded me a little bit of Edgar Allen Poe.
New questions.
What type of book is your favorite guilty pleasure to read or listen to for fun?
Have you ever read a book that changed the way you look at writing?

Rhani D'Chae

12/5/2019 05:10:39 pm

I'm so glad you liked #Thirst. It was sure a lot of fun to write. It's also kind of a unique little piece, and I'm quite proud of it.

My guilty pleasure is SO guilty, I can barely write the words. Lol I have recently become semi-addicted to #fanfiction. I touched on it many years ago, when it 1st started to be a thing, but the writing was generally very poor. But things have changed a great deal since then. I am often surprised by how good a fanfiction story is. Most of these people write under pen names associated with the show they are writing about, so I have no way of knowing if they've written any other books.
Don't get me wrong - some of these authors are absolute wackadoos. But most of them put out stuff that I think would hold up against anything currently on Amazon.

Yes, there is a book that changed how I look at writing. The book is called Last Watch of the Night, and it was written by one of my favorite authors, Paul Monette. This was the 1st time that I'd read a book that was a collection of essays. I was used to books that started at point A and then moved forward in a more or straight line and till the end. Last Watch affected me very strongly because of the subject matter and because of the intimacy between author and reader. Also, knowing that the author was aware of how little time he had left gave a poignancy to the book that I have rarely felt with any other.

Mark

12/5/2019 05:47:24 pm

Fan fiction can crossover into big business, sometimes. Look at the Star Wars franchise. There is an overwhelming amount of material, some of it started as fan fiction and they were brought into the fold, so to speak. My son has a bookcase that is at least half full of books in this franchise.
Monette's book sounds amazing. Now, I want to read it. We have been told, a person's last words are the truest.
New questions.
Would you agree or disagree with the statement: suffering is a requirement to be a good writer, and why?
Do you ever brainstorm with non-writers and if so, is it effective?
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer to enhance your career?

Rhani D'Chae

12/6/2019 09:25:40 am

I don't necessarily agree with that statement. I think it would depend a lot on what someone is writing about. I do agree with the statement that we should write what we know, and I think that kind of applies here. I have gone through a couple of incredibly traumatic breakups in my life, so if I was going to write a book about that sort of thing, I could tap into my own experiences and bring the character's anguish to the page.
On the other hand, some people are quite capable of writing powerfully about things they've never actually experienced.
I can see how personal suffering could bring depth to one's work, but I don't think it's a requirement.

I often brainstorm with non-writers, and it's usually very effective. Input and feedback are wonderful things, and I am quick to talk book with anyone who is willing. Some of the most productive conversations I've had were with non-writers. They couldn't tell me a thing about marketing, Amazon, or other such things, but they sure knew what they did and didn't like to read. Some of the best things in my books have come from conversations with people who don't write.
I know that this will come as no surprise to you, but the best money I ever spent to enhance my writing career was the membership fee to join Rave Reviews Book Club. Aside from the promotional and review opportunities that membership brings, my association with #RRBC has definitely made me a much better writer than I was before I joined. The encouragement and support that I have received is invaluable! I encourage anyone who is, or wants to be, a writer to look into this group.

Mark

12/6/2019 11:17:44 am

Most of us have had plenty of suffering in our lives, so the knowing allows the writing to be authentic. Many times a transference of emotions is required, because none of us have had to fight aliens in outer space. Large doses of imagination are required and that is not in short supply.
The Rave Reviews Book Club sounds like a wonderful group to join for an author.
New questions.
Have you ever created a throw-away character that developed into a major player?
Do you ever put a story aside and come back to it at a later date?
Why do most authors write in 3rd person POV instead of first and second POV?

Rhani D'Chae

12/6/2019 01:10:35 pm

Shadow of the Drill was originally supposed to be a singular novel, not part of a series. The character of JT was created as a minor character who had no real impact on the plot. However, as the writing progressed, JT took on a life of his own. He has become a major player in the Drill series, and I think he will be around for a while.

I often step away from a story that I am having trouble with and go back to it later. It's one of the ways I get past writer's block.

Will it comes to POV, I can only speak for myself. When I read a book, I like knowing what everyone is doing, saying, and thinking. 3rd person POV helps me to fall deeper into the book.
This is why 3rd person is my favorite POV to write in. I think it helps readers to more fully understand why some of the characters do what they do. To me, 1st person limits what the reader can experience. I have written a couple of things using that POV, but it's not my preferred way of writing.

Mark

12/6/2019 02:25:30 pm

Your experience mirrors that of many other writers. When a minor character steps up to center stage is a surprise to the author every time.
Many authors use that mechanism for beating writer's block. I have heard of other ideas, raking leaves, baking bread, taking a shower, going for a walk, among others. It varies by author, but the common theme seems to be some kind of activity that requires very little of the creative mind. I have also heard the other side of that coin, activating the creative mind on a separate project or a side story about the story in question.
POV is interesting, I love the intimacy of first person, seeing everything through one set of eyes and ears. As long as head hopping is avoided I am good.
New questions.
Were you a plotter or a pantster when you started writing?
Do you think you were born to write or did you have to learn the craft?
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Rhani D'Chae

12/6/2019 03:26:49 pm

I have always been a total pantster! Lol I may have a title and a sentence or two about the book's plot in place when I start a project, but that's about it. As often as my books change course during the writing process, plotting wouldn't do me a darn bit of good. 😄

I think I was born to write, in the sense that I have always loved doing it. People, places, anything that passes through my life can, and often does become book fodder.
That being said, I still had to learn the craft. And, in all honesty, I'm still learning it and probably always will be. We may know from birth that we want to pursue a certain occupation/craft/hobby, but that doesn't mean we'll be any good at it when we try. Anyone "can" do pretty much anything, but doing it well takes skill, practice, and the willingness to keep learning.

The most difficult part of my artistic process is getting the words onto my computer screen. I am a touch typist and can still type 60-75 WPM. However, my laptop is a demon from the darkest depths of hell and refuses to accept my superiority over it. It strikes back at me by bouncing the cursor all around the page. I will be typing merrily along but when I stop to take a look at the screen, I find that words and phrases are inserted randomly among what I have already typed.
The only way for me to fix this as it happens is to watch the screen while I type. However, my vision is so badd that I can't sit in the normal typing position and still see the screen. So I lean over the keyboard, with my face 2 or 3 inches from the screen. Try touch typing in that position, I dare you. Lol
Once I am in position, I do the hunt and peck thing with my right index finger, checking the screen after each word to make sure my cursor didn't bounce.
I don't always use Dragon when I write, because it has its own issues and can be very frustrating. But, even if I do use Dragon, the cursor still bounces, and I'm right back with my nose against the screen. This is a darned uncomfortable position to hold for any length of time.
I do rest my left elbow on the coffee table and prop my chin against the palm of my left hand. This helps take some of the pressure off of my neck and leaves my right hand free to type or hold a shot glass. 😁

Mark

12/6/2019 05:15:31 pm

I suspected you were a pantster. I wanted to give you the chance to brag about it.
Talent without training is the story of many unpublished books. The improvement of a skill never ends, we can always make it better.
I find my cursor jumps around quite a bit also. Maybe our laptop demons are related. Your writing position does sound uncomfortable. Have you ever thought about getting a bigger flat screen monitor, it's pretty easy to move the work onto the bigger screen.
New questions.
What is the easiest part of writing a book in general?
What did you buy with your first royalty check?
How did you celebrate when you published a book?

Rhani D'Chae

12/6/2019 09:01:12 pm

For me, the easiest part about writing a book is coming up with the basic plot line. Once the plot is set, I figure out what characters I will need to start out with and go from there. Everything else generally falls into place along the way.

My first royalty check? Oh my goodness! That would have been when I was with Xlibris, and the money was just rolling in.(NOT!) I decided to blow the whole thing so I took my sister and my seeing eye son to McDonald's for lunch. 😄

A book, or my first book? Two very different things. Lol
The 1st edition of Shadow of the Drill (my first published book) was self published, and I do mean SELF-published.
Once the book was complete, I bought a program called Pagemaker to convert the text into book format. What followed next was truly a descent into hell. First, we bought a laser jet printer and started cranking out pages. This may sound like it was a simple process, but it wasn't. The printer had a tendency to jam, and I spent a great deal of time lifting this and pulling out that, so that I could reach into the abyss and hopefully pull the offending page out in one piece. Sometimes I could, but often what I got was printed confetti.
Once the pages were done, we cut them with one of those manual paper cutters. NOT as easy as it sounds.
Then came the real fun. My sister and I assembled 1000 copies of the book on my living room floor. Try keeping track of that much paper when you live in a house with cats, ferrets, and a young boy. To this day, I'm amazed that someone didn't end up dead.
I had a friend who graciously agreed to pose for the cover. So I took pictures of him with a digital camera, one of the early ones, and somehow managed to make the the cover with whatever graphics program came with the computer.
I took the design to the printing store and had 1000 covers made, then schlepped the whole kit and caboodle up to Seattle for perfect binding.
When we left the bindery, the three of us stopped at the Spaghetti Factory to gorge ourselves on pasta and sourdough bread. It was more than we usually spent on dinner, but we deserved it.
These days, I don't really "celebrate" the completion of a book, but it is nice to relax for a minute or two before I start on the next project.

Mark

12/6/2019 09:17:56 pm

Wow, you make writing seem so easy. Maybe I should write a book. ;-)
That first royalty check was bittersweet.
You built 1,000 books by hand! That must have taken a ton of paper and gallons of glue. Not to mention all that time. Did you sell all those books?
Spaghetti Factory is a place I love too. Carbs rule.
New questions.
How many times did you rewrite the first page, the first chapter of this book?
Who are your favorite dead authors?
Who are your favorite living authors at this time?

Rhani D'Chae

12/6/2019 09:54:34 pm

I don't remember exactly how much that first royalty check was for, but I know that it was less than $10. Yes, bittersweet.

I sold quite a few of those books, and I still see them on Amazon and eBay from time to time. If I ever manage to make a name for myself, they might become collector's items. There aren't very many of them, and they are 1st editions, for whatever that's worth. They're also total crap, which is why there is now a 2nd edition, and I always tell people who ask about them not to read one if they find it. Lol

The first page of Megamax was easy. The first section (chapter), not so much. I don't know how many times I rewrote it, but it was a lot!

My favorite dead author by far is Paul Monette. Read anything of his, and you will know why.

There are many living authors who I am quite fond of.Several of them are Indie, which is mostly what I read these days, but I do love the work of Stephen King, Brian Lumley, James Clavell, and Ken Follet.

Mark

12/6/2019 10:16:54 pm

I will look for one of those books. I promise I won't read it.
A short story for a competition could easily demand a lot of rewriting. Every word has to pay its own way, move the story forward.
Of your four authors, I have read books by number three, a long time ago. I have started "On Writing" by King and not read anything by the other two. Most of my reading is now dictated by clients. My promotion list is nine months long. All indie authors and so many of them have great talent.
New questions.
Do you have a favorite filler word or two that you have to keep taking out of a story, like just or like like?
What was the earliest experience that made you realize that you could influence and change lives with the power of writing?
Do you have a hidden message in your writings for a particular person or group?

Rhani D'Chae

12/6/2019 10:43:49 pm

If you want one of those horrible books, I will send it to you. Just remember, you promised not to read it. Lol

I think "and" is a word I use when more than I should. There are others, but I can't think of which ones they are, right off.

After I wrote #Shadow, someone told me that they'd never seen any part of Decker's world here in Tacoma and didn't know it even existed outside of the movies. She said it made her very grateful for her stable, loving upbringing and appreciate her family even more.

If you are talking about an actual message, like save the planet or don't kick your cat, the answer is no. At least, not intentionally. But I have scattered a few Easter eggs, and there are people who might find them.

Mark

12/6/2019 11:19:59 pm

That's good, you know a filler word that you use too much.
That person had a sheltered life. Personally, I have seen only bits and pieces in the real world. But I know it exists and will continue to do so for a long time. It is the law of supply and demand.
Easter eggs can be interesting. I think some authors aren't even aware that bits of themselves have crept in, only a personal acquaintance will notice.
New questions.
Do you want to tell us about the Easter eggs or leave them as they are?
Some authors go to great lengths to get inside the heads of their characters. Some create a biography, find photos that match the picture in their head, fill out psychological profiles. What do you do in that regard, if anything?
Where would your work be if you didn't have real people to base characters in your writing?

Rhani D'Chae

12/6/2019 11:54:42 pm

Most of the Easter eggs are in Zombie Dawn and I've Always Loved Women, which are set in my own neighborhood.
There are a few in #Shadow and quite a few more in the upcoming Winter of the Drill.
Most of the eggs have to do with locations that some readers will recognize and probably get a kick out of.

There are a couple of actors who I see when I write the characters of Decker and Rudy in the Drill books, but it's really not necessary. I know everything about those two men, as clearly and as intimately as if they lived in my house. I may jot down an occasional note to keep small things consistent from book to book, but that's as far as it goes. I don't need anything else.
I keep a few more notes on other characters that I have written, but nothing to the degree of psychological profiles or biographies. Honestly, it's too much work and I don't find it necessary.

There's probably a little bit of someone I have known at one time or another in almost every character I've written. Without those people, I don't know how well-developed those characters would be. Especially characters like Decker, Rudy, and Maxx. Men like that are larger than life, and I don't know if I could have even begun to write them well, had I never known the men they're built from.

Mark

12/7/2019 11:23:52 am

Easter eggs like those that are location based are fun for those in the know. It's like watching TV shows that have been filmed in a town that you know well. Recognizing the locations even when names and signs have been changed adds to the pleasure and provides and insider feel.
Knowing those characters so well aids in good writing, I think. It prevents them from doing something out of character, keeps them organic.
New questions.
How do you balance the demands on your time as a writer with personal relationships?
Do you have any other passions or creative outlets to pursue if you didn't write?
Is there a cause you are passionate about?

Rhani D'Chae

12/7/2019 11:58:27 am

I don't have many personal relationships, so it's not really a problem for me. My gentleman friend lives a few hours south and is only able to come up once a month. When he's here, I spend the weekend with him so I get no writing done at all. Lol
My sister and my roommate both pretty much live in different parts of the house, and I don't spend a lot of time with either of them. My roomie is usually gone, and my sister has health issues that limit how often and how long she can be up and social.
All in all, I'm really the only one who distracts me from writing. 😁

If I didn't write, I would probably be involved in some form of theater. There is a playhouse not far from where I live, so I would probably focus my creative energy there.

I am very passionate about animals. The abuse and neglect of so-called "pets" infuriates me!
I am also staff to 10 furry little dictators and they have enriched my life beyond description. They are all rescues, and I am a firm advocate of #AdoptDontShop. A rescued animal knows that you have saved their life, and the love that they give in return is such a blessing! Just as I believe that there is a special place in hell for those who harm animals, I also believe that there are bennies in Heaven for those who protect and love them. 😸

Mark

12/7/2019 12:19:02 pm

Theater is a good outlet. I also think it helps writers with exploring different characters and situations.
I certainly agree with you about the benefit of having animals in our lives. You have 10 cats? Beware, Rhani, you are on the verge of becoming a cat lady. Actually, that is not such a bad thing. Cool.
The only type of person I detest more than an animal abuser is a child abuser.
New questions.
What type of scenes do you find hard to write and why?
What did your family say when you announced your desire to be a writer?
What do they think now?

Rhani D'Chae

12/7/2019 01:24:48 pm

I am absolutely a cat lady and proud of it! Lol

I refuse to write anything about the death of an animal that involves suffering or any graphic detail. If, for example, a dog has to be shot, I'm OK with that. However, the gun will fire, and the dog will drop without a sound. An animal's death may be necessary, but it doesn't need to be sensationalized.

When I told my parents I wanted to be a writer, they patted me on the head and told me to make sure I married a man who would support my hobby. Lol

To this day, no one in my family has read anything I've written, and I doubt they ever will. They are very religious people, for the most part, and the content of my books would probably send them to an early grave. 😄

Mark

12/7/2019 01:50:56 pm

I know men love cats also, but why is it you never hear about a cat man, it's always a cat lady. Just curious.
I think that's a good way to handle that sort of thing. I grew up on a farm and we always had pets as well. We still do.
Your parents wanted what they thought was the best for you, no doubt. It's a shame they haven't read your books. Everyone has a line they are comfortable with.
New questions.
How do you maintain the excitement for yourself? Your excitement will impact others around you.
Can you name one thing that you would give up to become a better writer?
What area of your writing has the greatest need for improvement at this time?

Rhani D'Chae

12/7/2019 02:18:04 pm

I mostly hear about cat ladies and dog guys. Lol

I've learned that in life we have to find the fun where we can. Sometimes, I sit down to write, and I just don't wanna. I'm bored, nothing is clicking, and I suddenly realize I need to shave my legs, clean the litterbox, or perm my nose hair. ANYTHING to get me away from the keyboard!
When this happens, I try to find the fun. Sometimes, I go back over a particularly dark section and try to lighten it up a little bit. Other times, I'll let my mind bounce and it will come up with a character or a situation that I can't wait to write about. It may not even be in the book that I'm working on, but the attitude and excitement can be applied to whatever piece is currently kicking my butt.

I think I would give up real-time social interaction to become a better writer. I don't really "need" to have people around me. I would be just fine alone in my house with nobody stopping by. Ever. Not to say I don't enjoy chatting with people on the phone or through social media, but I really would rather not have them underfoot. Lol

I don't know which part of my writing needs the most work right now. Every bit of it constantly needs improving, so I don't think I could pick just one area.

Mark

12/7/2019 03:03:40 pm

Looking for the fun in life is a good attitude. Perspective can change how we see everything. Our choices count.
Getting a new idea is a good way to keep the creative juices moving. Even if you need to jump between two or more WIPs.
New questions.
What non-writing skill could you learn that might prove to be useful for writing in the future?
Is there a skill you would like to have that might help you as an author?
What will you do differently with your next book, in terms of publishing?

Rhani D'Chae

12/7/2019 03:25:56 pm

A non-writing skill? I have often thought that properly learning meditation would be a great help to me. My mind tends to bounce constantly, and sometimes it is a distraction.

There is absolutely a skill I would love to have that would help me as a writer! MARKETING!!! 'Nuff said. 😄

I think for my next book, I will try to learn a little more about formatting. I've noticed that some of my stuff goes up on Amazon without paragraph indents and other things like that.
I can't afford to hire a professional to do it, but I am going to try to learn more about it on my own.

Mark

12/7/2019 07:11:25 pm

I know what you mean, my mind bounces around a lot also.
Marketing is the never-ending story for writers!
Formatting is a good idea. After that or perhaps part of that typography and layout. It is very doable. There are bound to be lots of videos on YouTube or podcasts. One of the categories on my Twitter lists is Formatters.
New questions.
Have you ever killed off a character unwillingly because it fits the plot?
With sequels, how do you handle the wishes of readers compared to your original ideas?

Rhani D'Chae

12/7/2019 10:37:41 pm

I haven't killed off anybody unwillingly in anything currently published, but I am killing off a character in Winter of the Drill that I had wanted to keep around. I had plans for her, but it's not going to happen. I will be sorry to see her go.

I love hearing from readers about my work. Sometimes, their input helps me to see that what I had planned isn't what needs to happen. Between what they want and what the book wants, I'm just the typist. 😄

Mark

12/7/2019 10:52:08 pm

I have heard other authors talk about problems like that. An unexpected plot twist and someone has to die, that was supposed to live. Are you sure she couldn't be called away suddenly by a family emergency across the country?
That's an excuse I have used before, don't shoot me, I am just the messenger.
New questions.
Have you read any fiction books that have changed your perception of that genre or style of writing?
You mentioned earlier that you sometimes put a WIP away for a time, when you are blocked. Do you have other ways to deal with a difficult section in a WIP?

Rhani D'Chae

12/7/2019 11:03:16 pm

I'm not a huge fan of romance novels. They tend to bore me. However, I read a book by Jan Sikes called fFowers and Stone that did change my opinion a bit about that genre.
Granted, the book was not 100% fiction. It is the 1st in a series about Jan and her husband,, but she fictionalized it.

Other ways to deal with a tough section? I swear, I drink, and I throw things. The cats have learned to duck. 😄

Mark

12/7/2019 11:13:00 pm

That's good to know. We can change. For the first fifty or so years of my life, I read only sci-fi and fantasy. When I got serious about my business, I read whatever the client sent me. I read some great books in genres I would never have touched. Cozy murders, romance, memoirs and others. Now, I am a fan of good writing, regardless of the genre, mostly.
So, the feline overlords are not always on the throne, I am glad to hear that.
New questions.
Do you use music or some other stimulus to cultivate a feeling within that will help you write certain types of scenes?
Do the reviews of your books make an impact on how you write subsequent books or volumes?

Rhani D'Chae

12/7/2019 11:34:39 pm

Oh no, the boys are always on the throne! Just ask them, they will tell you. Lol But they allow me my silly little fits of temper, as long as said fits don't prevent me from tending to them. I think they learned to duck because if they didn't, I would hit them with one of my rolled-sock projectiles. And, if I hit them, they would have to deal with me. They really don't have the time, or the interest, to do that.

I watch a lot of TV and it helps me with certain types of writing. I also go to the movies because there is something about sitting in the dark and letting my mind bounce that gets me through a lot of writing difficulties or helps tune me into a WIP.

I love reviews! I learn so much from them and I am always so grateful to hear a reader's input on something I've done. What they tell me definitely has an impact on future books and probably always will. I have an author friend who refuses to look at her reviews, and I think she's foolish. Writing is an on going education, and our readers/reviewers can teach us so much if we are willing to listen.

Mark

12/8/2019 09:03:31 am

Knowing cats, you seldom make contact with the sock roll unless they are sleeping. No issues there, most of the time.
I can see how partaking of the inspiration of others can be helpful to wake the muse within.
Even a bad review or two can be helpful, because they validate the good reviews, proving that it's not just the author's family, friends and cats that are posting the good reviews.
If a writer doesn't keep honing the craft, the risk of stale writing becomes very real.
New questions.
Is there a particular type of scene that is harder to write than the others?
Is there any particular time of the day that ideas usually hit you?
Is it hard or easy to connect with your muse, why do you think it is that way?

Rhani D'Chae

12/8/2019 11:16:53 am

Other than animal abuse or suffering, I don't think there is any type of scene that is hard for me to write. I don't write about abuse or disrespect toward elders but not because it's hard for me to write. Those things just irritate the crap out of me, and I won't waste the page space.

Ideas come at me constantly. It doesn't matter what time of day, where I am, or what I'm doing. Zombie Dawn came to me one night when I was taking a walk. I'm usually out between 10:00 p.m. and midnight, so the streets are fairly deserted. There is no light at the mouth of the alley behind my house, and my vision does not allow me to see very far in. There are often homeless people in the alley at night, heard but unseen, so it can be a little creepy.
I never thought that something as relaxing as my walk would lead to what will eventually be my 1st zombie series.

My mind is in a constant state of free bounce, so my muse is always close at hand. That is, unless I need help with a specific section or problem.
When that happens, my muse is generally off getting a haircut or shooting pool in the local muse bar. I don't know where he is, I just know that I'm museless in Tacoma. 😄

Mark

12/8/2019 11:53:42 am

Your Muse is either fickle, lazy or has ADHD. Which do you think it is?
New questions.
What books are you reading at present for your business and for pleasure?

Do you proofread and edit your own books or use a professional?

Rhani D'Chae

12/8/2019 12:12:07 pm

My muse is fickle, no doubt about it! Lol

I am currently reading stage 3 by Ken Stark. I love a good zombie book, and this one is a gem.
I also just started Leech by Ellie Douglas. I love her work, and this one looks like it's going to be a lot of fun.

My sister often proofreads my stuff, but I do my own editing. I hate doing it, but I can't afford to hire anyone.

Mark

12/8/2019 05:16:43 pm

Others have read Ken's books and recommended them also.
I really enjoyed Leech, even though I am not very fond of horror; it was creepy and good.
It's not easy to self-edit. It takes a certain mental rigor to be very successful at it. As you say, you do what you have to do.
New questions.
What are the main advantages of being self-published as opposed to getting a book deal?
Was it difficult to choose between self-publishing and traditional publishing?
Do you think independent publishers can produce a book as good as mainstream publishers?

Rhani D'Chae

12/8/2019 07:28:08 pm

I've never had a book deal, so I can't speak from experience. But I have heard that traditional publishing brings with it control issues that don't exist for self published authors. I enjoy writing whatever the heck I want, without having to worry about whether or not my publisher well except it. However, I am a real person with bills to pay and the desire to occasionaly eat food that does not come wrapped in paper. If I was offered a decent book deal, I would probably take it.

After Shadow of the Drill was completed, I spent several years trying to find a traditional publisher. I finally decided that I wasn't going to make any money while the book sat on my computer, so I contacted Xlibris. This did nothing to change the whole money making thing, but it did get me into the world of self-published authors.
I stayed with Xlibris for a year before deciding that I was too old to throw good time after bad. The decision to leave is one I've never regretted.
I don't know if this answers your question or not, but this is how it was for me.

All the aspects of publishing a quality book have become very accessible to anyone who wants to take the time to learn them.
Independent publishing has come a long way since it began. I think those books can absolutely stand up to anything put out by a mainstream publisher.

Mark

12/8/2019 07:44:14 pm

You are right, a great deal of control is lost when signing a contract. The publisher may wait a year or more, change the cover, the blurb, almost everything is up in the air. If an advance is offered, it is against future sales, no royalties until that is repaid. Some publishers want to take all of your intellectual property rights also. A book is only one form the story can take. There are audio books, streaming, comics, graphic books, plays, TV and movies. Plus there is potential for all of that in foreign countries. There are many foreign countries where English is spoken including China. Much of Europe and Africa use English also.
If a contract comes your way, get a lawyer familiar with IP rights and contract law.
Independent publishing is a big deal now. A few major authors have swung onto this side of the fence. They have learned where the real money is.
New questions.
What are the three most important considerations for an independent author to be certain of when self-publishing?
Is using Twitter and other social media part of your marketing strategy?
How do you convince readers to write a book review?

Rhani D'Chae

12/8/2019 08:50:09 pm

Self-publishing is a different journey for every author. The income can be very sporadic and some authors would rather hold out in hopes of a traditional publisher.
Marketing is an issue for an Indie author. Many authors, like me,, know next to nothing about marketing. Indie authors pretty much have to do their own marketing, or hire someone to do it for them. Marketers can be expensive.
Also, Indie authors are responsible for their own editing, formatting, and covers, among other things. Many authors hire someone to do those things, but they are usually included with a book deal so that is another thing to consider.

I love Twitter and I do use other forms of social media. It does sell a few books, but I think it is more about getting people to know who I am and building a following.

I usually put a small paragraph at the end of my books that mentions other books in the same genre that I think readers might like. I also ask them to please leave a review.
I am also a member of a book club that is comprised mostly of authors. We all know the importance of leaving a review when we read a book.

Mark

12/8/2019 09:27:26 pm

Absolutely, every author has an individual journey. At the same time, many of the major steps are similar, if not the same.
Marketing is the biggest issue for writers, because it never ends. With over a million titles being published on Amazon each year, it takes a lot of effort to stay afloat among so many books.
Being a member of the Rave Reviews Book Club seems to be very helpful for you and other authors.
New questions.
What are your thoughts on bad book reviews?
What marketing strategy has had an immediate impact on your daily sales?
Have you thought about doing a book trailer?

Rhani D'Chae

12/8/2019 09:49:54 pm

Badd reviews aren't as much fun as good ones, but they do have their benefits.
First off, as you mentioned earlier, they add validity to the good reviews.
They also show an author the weak spots in that book. I have learned a great deal from reviews, no matter the star count.

As a member of #RRBC, I have received occasional promotional perks that have immediately caused a rise in my sales. Nothing else that I have done I has sold books quite as quickly. I have gotten good results from other things, but the response has been slower.

I do have a book trailer for #Shadow. It was made by 4Wills Publishing. (@4willspub) They offer several different author services and are worth checking out. They have also done a couple of my covers.
Another group that does great work is Fresh Ink Group. (They can be contacted through @beemweeks) I don't have one of their trailers yet, but I will soon.

Mark

12/8/2019 10:14:28 pm

RRBC sounds better all the time.
Send me that video file and I will add it to the review of Shadow of The Drill, if you would like.
New questions.
Have you thought about doing an audio book?
Who would you pick to do the audio book?
Is your book on Kindle Unlimited and why or why not? If so, has it been profitable for you?

Rhani D'Chae

12/8/2019 10:22:40 pm

I will send you that file, thank you.

I have absolutely thought about doing an audio book for at least one of my books. So far, it is just in the thinking stage.

I don't know who I would like to have reading an audio book.I have listened to several audios and loved the voices, but I'm sure those people are out of my price range. Lol

I don't think I put Megamax into kindle unlimited. I have moved books in and out of there, but it has never really proven profitable for me. Probably because I don't know how to properly utilize it.

Mark

12/8/2019 10:45:14 pm

You might have a good voice for audio books. Go into a large closet and record a few chapters on your phone. Pretend it's not your voice when you listen. There are blogs, videos and podcasts galore, I am sure, about recording an audio book. I have a few of those blogs on my Highly Rated Blogs page.
If you and a few friends don't think your voice is appropriate, I have list of people who produce audio books on my Twitter home page. It's a place to start.
You probably didn't put Megamax on KU. I misinterpreted the advertisement for KU on the book page. I don't know how to use it either. I bet there is a podcast out there somewhere about it.
New questions.
What is your favorite motivational phrase that keeps you going?
What famous person, living or dead, would you like to meet? A famous author?
Is there a favorite novel that you wish your name was on?

Rhani D'Chae

12/8/2019 11:54:15 pm

My favorite motivational phrase would probably have to be "Sit up, you can't reach the chocolate from here." 😁

I would love to meet Joe Manganiello. He is currently the face I see when I write Decker, and I would love to see him in that role, should it ever be a film.

I would love to have written the novel Shogun. That is an incredible book, and I fell in love with the series because of it.

Mark

12/9/2019 11:21:27 am

I try to keep my chocolate close also. ;-)
Film, TV, streaming video. It's all good. I hope you start pitching the idea to producers at all levels. Joe has a good look.
That was an amazing book. I loved it also, as well as Taipan, King Rat was a little unsettling to me.
New questions.
What famous person, living or dead, would you like to meet? A famous author?
Have you ever thought about speaking to a college or high school writing class?
Have you ever contacted a book club and offered your book to them and also offered to speak to them?

Rhani D'Chae

12/9/2019 12:51:13 pm

I loved all of the books in the Asian saga, including King Rat. Yes, very unsettling but so much truth on those pages.

I would love to have an hour with Stephen King, just to sit and talk book. That would truly be the experience of a lifetime.

I would love to be able to talk to a high school writing class about self publishing. I'm sure there are many young authors who, even though they've bought Ebooks, don't realize that they can write and publish something on their own, without having to go through the whole rigamarole of trying to find an agent who will then hopefully get them a book deal. Self publishing wasn't a thing when I was in high school, but if it had been, I would have loved hearing about it from someone who had done it.

I have contacted a couple of local book clubs, but apparently, my work is a little rougher than what they are looking for. One group even told me that if I wrote something "nicer," they would be happy to consider it. I don't think we'll be talking anytime soon. 😄

Mark

12/9/2019 01:13:43 pm

Truth is not always pretty or delivered in a pretty package. It was a good survey of how broken people can be. We all have brokenness.
SK is an unsurprising choice, in my mind. His books are so popular. Years ago, I heard him in an interview, he said something like, he wrote until he scared himself to death. Then he knew he had it right.
I hope you contact teachers and make yourself available for a talk, another idea is to be interviewed for the high school or college paper. If they have a radio or CCTV station that is another opportunity.
Most book clubs are composed of women, not many are going to be interested, but I hope you keep asking.
New questions.
Have you ever done any beta reading for another author?
Have you ever felt like giving up or taking an extended break from writing?
What books do you think every author should read, and why?

Rhani D'Chae

12/9/2019 01:32:59 pm

I have done some Beta reading, but reading is so slow for me now that I don't really have time to do any extra. I did enjoy it, though.

I have often thought about giving up or taking an extended break. The act of writing is hard for me, very slow and often extremely frustrating. I'm not kidding when I say I throw things. Lol

Books, like everything else, affect different people differently. A book that I feel is vital for a writer might mean absolutely nothing to anyone else.
I think it's important to just read, in general. Read books both in and outside of your own genre. See how other authors do this, that, or the other thing. Learn from it all, and use it to become a better writer.

Mark

12/9/2019 02:09:37 pm

Your passion is strong, I suspect that you will never stop writing. But a break to recharge is not a bad thing.
Books are so individual, and every reader brings something different to the book. You give good advice.
New questions.
Do you write poetry?
Is there a genre you have secretly wanted to try your hand at, but haven’t?

Rhani D'Chae

12/9/2019 02:41:25 pm

I have written some poetry over the years, and some of it isn't too bad. Lol I actually put one of my earliest poems in the book, One Dyke Cozy.

I've always wanted to write something in the comedy genre, but I've never tried. I'm not a funny person, and I just don't think I'd be any good at it. But I'd love to write something like that. Life is often harsh, and I enjoy the escape that I get from books that make me laugh. I'd love to be able to do that for someone else.

Mark

12/9/2019 03:45:14 pm

Glad to hear that, maybe you will share more some day.
I love to find comedy in books, it is one of those things that can fit in any genre. You have had touches of comedy in everything I think I have read of yours. Not everyone can write comedy for the sake of comedy.
New questions.
What does poetry mean to you? Why is poetry important?
Have you ever gone on an organized writer's retreat? What benefitted you the most from that time?

Rhani D'Chae

12/9/2019 11:25:49 pm

Poetry is an artistic way to express oneself. I'm not a fan of modern poetry as much as I am the older styles. I don't read it often, but I do enjoy it from time to time

I went on a retreat once, many years ago. The only thing I really took away from it was the knowledge that I wasn't alone with my problems and issues. Loosely translated, I'm not the only one who throws stuff. 😄

Mark

12/9/2019 11:43:39 pm

Sometimes I connect with modern poetry, more often I don't. I don't feel like a poetic person, so I am always surprised when it does happen.
I think many of the issues that any one writer faces are common to many. That makes me wonder if all writers throw things.
Last questions.
If you could trade places with one of your characters in your book, which one, which scene, and why?
Do you have unpublished and half-finished books set aside that you may or may not get back to?
Have you had any experience with plagiarism and how did you deal with it?

Rhani D'Chae

12/10/2019 12:37:53 am

They were only a few characters in Megamax, and I don't think I'd like to trade places with any of them. Lol
It's a brutal world where physical violence is an almost daily thing. I lived in a world very similar to that when I was young, and I was quite glad to leave it behind.

I have a file with approximately thirty books in it that I may or may not finish. I'd say at least half of them are books that will be a part of the Drill series, and I will most likely finish those.

I don't think any of my books have ever been plagiarized, but I did once find three of my books for sale on a site I'd never heard of before.
Granted, I'm blind, senile, and sometimes a little drunk, but I'm pretty sure I didn't put them there. 😄
It took quite a while to get my books off of that site.
Since then, I've started doing random searches for my books on Google. So far, I haven't found them anywhere they shouldn't be.

Mark

12/10/2019 10:38:03 am

I am sure your fans are glad to hear that you have a lot of material yet to publish.
Yet one more way your intellectual property can be stolen, by selling your books without authorization. They weren't going to send you any royalties. You are wise to keep poking around for your books.
This has been a wonderful chat. I have another promotion about to start. Thank you so much for joining me this week. I and your other fans are excited your new book, Winter of the Drill.
Thank you, again.

Rhani D'Chae

12/10/2019 11:06:01 am

Thank you so much for this wonderful interview! I had a blast with you, as always. Hopefully, Winter of the Drill will be finished in time for its scheduled promotion in January. I can't wait to read your review of #Winter, and I'm excited to talk with you about it.
Thanks again for a wonderful week! 😃

Megamax Let the Blood Flow By Rhani D’Chae

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