Author Interview: Charity Bradford
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Mondays are for Author Interviews!! And guess what?! Today's a Monday! Ready to see who's next in line for an interview? Of course you are---so what are you waiting for? Scroll on!
*To see some of our past interviews, click here.*
Courtney: Hello all! Today on CritiqueThisWIP I have the pleasure of interviewing sci-fi novelist Charity Bradford! Welcome to CTW's Author Interview series, Charity! Thank you so much for being here (and suffering through all of our endless questions)! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Charity: I’m the mother of four wonderfully active children. Married for 14 years, I’ve been lucky enough to stay home with my children. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education that I have never used. My loves are writing (of course), reading, cooking, running and dancing.
My first polished novel SENDEK is ready to query. July found me possessed with a new idea that I’ve been playing with. It’s a new twist on the faerie idea and how they are connected with humanity. I write mostly science fiction, fantasy, or a mix of the two, but everything has a strong romance subplot. My goals in writing boil down to two things: write a book I would want to read, and write a book that sucks the reader in emotionally and take them on a fast paced ride. I read to escape and live in worlds different than my life, so I write the same way.
You can find me on twitter at @charitybradford, facebook (Charity Broeringmeyer Bradford), and my blog—My Writing Journey.
Courtney: Wowsers! Four little kids, huh? I won't even ask you how you manage to keep track of four kiddos AND write. But I will ask you a ton of other questions ;-P When did you start writing?
Charity: I’ve always written. There are files of story ‘bits’ from my high school days, and I’ve wanted to see my name on the cover of a book since I was 12. However, I became serious about getting published two and a half years ago.
Courtney: What’s your favorite genre to write?
Charity: That’s a funny question. I read mostly YA, so I thought that would be the kind of writer I would be, but when I started writing it didn’t turn out that way. The manuscript I am ready to query is an adult science fantasy novel with a heavy dose of romance. Everything needs romance, don’t you think? I do have a new idea that might work as a YA though.
Courtney: I’d have to agree with you there—I love a good romance =) What’s your favorite genre to read?
Charity: I love to read. PERIOD. I do read more science fiction and fantasy, but I enjoy just about any well written book with a fast paced story.
Courtney: How do you come up with your characters?
Charity: Each character has introduced themselves in different ways. Some have come to me in dreams, others while I people watch at the mall, and there are always those versions of my real life acquaintances that keep popping in to visit.
Courtney: Ohh, another “people-watcher” huh? Me too—I swear it’s actually a curse… Where have some of you best ideas come from? (dreams, real life, music, tv, books, etc…)
Charity: The ideas I get the most excited about have come from dreams. Early morning dreams to be specific. I don’t know if that means something, but I just realized that is the case. Music is also a huge influence on me and my mood. There have been some songs that just speak to me and say, “write the whole story.”
Courtney: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Charity: I’m a bit of both. Mostly pantser in the beginning until I find a story or character that grabs my attention. Once that happens, I stop to plot and research. I’m still looking for the happiest medium, but so far this is working for me.
Courtney: What project or projects are you working on now?
Charity: I just finished editing SENDEK my 84K word science fantasy. There are two short story ideas I’m working on that are strictly science fiction, but I’m the most excited about my modern faerie fantasy. I’m a little over 10K into it and the ideas just keep multiplying. This is great, but I should really be writing book 2 of the 4 book Sendek series. Oh, well, go where the muse takes us, right?
Courtney: Congratulations on the completion! I’d like to say that was the hard part, but I’d be lying. You still have querying to fight with… So tell me, which of your characters do you most relate with (please give a brief explanation of why you relate to him/her)?
Charity: There is part of me in all of them, but I want to be the most like Talia. She starts out alone because she wants to protect people from sharing her death, but as she learns to accept Landry’s help and then his love, she grows stronger and more confident in her abilities. I want to make everyone happy, often at my own expense. However, I know there are hidden talents waiting to shine if I will take the time to nurture them. These things will allow me to become more than I am, and more than I even dream I can be.
Courtney: Don’t you just love how little parts of ourselves find their way into our WIPs? It’s so amazing when you read something that you’ve written and think “hey! That’s totally something I would do! Oh wait—duh.”
What’s in a name? Do you spend much time finding your character’s names?
Charity: I learned that names are everything writing Sendek. I actually started writing it 8 years ago and met a dead end. Why? My character’s name was Elizabeth. This is my favorite girl’s name ever, but Elizabeth could not do what I wanted/needed her to do. The sound of a name conjures certain qualities and characteristics whether we know it or not. My book didn’t work until I found a stronger name to fit the character I needed. Don’t worry though, Elizabeth is starring in one of those short stories I mentioned.
Courtney: Do you have a writing playlist? Admit it—we all do it. What’s on yours?
Charity: My playlist changes for each emotion I want to convey. I have one for intense battle or chase scenes, and then for the quiet romantic moments. I also try to find a theme song for each character, but that’s really hard sometimes. I’m on Playlist as xsolstice1974x
Courtney: How many projects do you work on at once? Do you write one book at a time, or do you have a few going at once?
Charity: I try and concentrate on just one idea at a time, but we all know that isn’t always realistic. When a new idea screams at me long enough, I’ll pause to write a scene or two. Writing down the characters and the general idea usually allows me to calm those voices and return to the work in progress.
Courtney: What do you think about Blogfests? Do you participate? If so, do you write a new scene for the fests or do you use scenes from your WIPs?
Charity: I LOVE blogfests, and last spring did tons of them. Some were scenes from my WIP, and some were written just for the blogfest. I hope to jump back on the fest wagon this fall.
Courtney: Do you ever have trouble with writers-block?
Charity: Yes, and no. When I get blocked on one project, I simply write on another until the block dissolves. I believe writers block is our minds way of saying, “take a break.” So, I do, sort of.
Courtney: Most of us write part time. How do you spend your time when you aren’t writing?
Charity: Taking care of my family, cooking, teaching cooking, serving/teaching in my church, and editing our neighborhood newsletter. Oh, and I decorate cakes when the opportunity comes up.(http://cakesftheart.blogspot.com)
Courtney: Want to share a favorite line from one of your books?
Charity: This was hard! I have favorite scenes, but don’t know if I can pick one line. Here is a line or two that I love from Talia because it gives a glimpse of her personality.
“My hair was a soft brown with gold and copper highlights. I actually liked the color of my hair, but not the stigma that came with it… Even if I dyed my hair to blend in, I refuse to wear contacts to hide my eyes… Under the sunglasses, they sparkled with the same shades of violet as the crescent shaped amethyst necklace hanging around my neck. I touched its reassuring warmth with my fingertips. My mother bought it after my birth because it matched my eyes. She loved my eyes, and I did too. My shoulders squared and I felt my chin lift. Just because ninety-eight percent of Sendekians had brown eyes, did not mean I was cursed or a danger to society. I did not need their acceptance or companionship.”
Courtney: Amazing selection, Charity, and just enough to make me want to read more! You tease! Would you like to share anything else with the readers?
Charity: Whether I become a published author or not, I have found great joy in this writing journey. Writing has filled the holes in my life and made me a stronger person by allowing me to live out my greatest fantasies. I have met wonderful new friends and learned many valuable lessons. Because of this, I’ll keep moving forward, no regrets.
Courtney: Well put! I think that's something we writers need to remember. Just because one of our projects doesn't make it into the "completed pile" doesn't mean it wasn't worth the ride. Thank you so much to talking with me today, Charity! Good luck on you querying, and have fun along the way!
*To see some of our past interviews, click here.*
Courtney: Hello all! Today on CritiqueThisWIP I have the pleasure of interviewing sci-fi novelist Charity Bradford! Welcome to CTW's Author Interview series, Charity! Thank you so much for being here (and suffering through all of our endless questions)! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Charity: I’m the mother of four wonderfully active children. Married for 14 years, I’ve been lucky enough to stay home with my children. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education that I have never used. My loves are writing (of course), reading, cooking, running and dancing. My first polished novel SENDEK is ready to query. July found me possessed with a new idea that I’ve been playing with. It’s a new twist on the faerie idea and how they are connected with humanity. I write mostly science fiction, fantasy, or a mix of the two, but everything has a strong romance subplot. My goals in writing boil down to two things: write a book I would want to read, and write a book that sucks the reader in emotionally and take them on a fast paced ride. I read to escape and live in worlds different than my life, so I write the same way.
You can find me on twitter at @charitybradford, facebook (Charity Broeringmeyer Bradford), and my blog—My Writing Journey.
Courtney: Wowsers! Four little kids, huh? I won't even ask you how you manage to keep track of four kiddos AND write. But I will ask you a ton of other questions ;-P When did you start writing?
Charity: I’ve always written. There are files of story ‘bits’ from my high school days, and I’ve wanted to see my name on the cover of a book since I was 12. However, I became serious about getting published two and a half years ago.
Courtney: What’s your favorite genre to write?
Charity: That’s a funny question. I read mostly YA, so I thought that would be the kind of writer I would be, but when I started writing it didn’t turn out that way. The manuscript I am ready to query is an adult science fantasy novel with a heavy dose of romance. Everything needs romance, don’t you think? I do have a new idea that might work as a YA though.
Courtney: I’d have to agree with you there—I love a good romance =) What’s your favorite genre to read?
Charity: I love to read. PERIOD. I do read more science fiction and fantasy, but I enjoy just about any well written book with a fast paced story.
Courtney: How do you come up with your characters?
Charity: Each character has introduced themselves in different ways. Some have come to me in dreams, others while I people watch at the mall, and there are always those versions of my real life acquaintances that keep popping in to visit.
Courtney: Ohh, another “people-watcher” huh? Me too—I swear it’s actually a curse… Where have some of you best ideas come from? (dreams, real life, music, tv, books, etc…)
Charity: The ideas I get the most excited about have come from dreams. Early morning dreams to be specific. I don’t know if that means something, but I just realized that is the case. Music is also a huge influence on me and my mood. There have been some songs that just speak to me and say, “write the whole story.”
Courtney: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Charity: I’m a bit of both. Mostly pantser in the beginning until I find a story or character that grabs my attention. Once that happens, I stop to plot and research. I’m still looking for the happiest medium, but so far this is working for me.
Courtney: What project or projects are you working on now?
Charity: I just finished editing SENDEK my 84K word science fantasy. There are two short story ideas I’m working on that are strictly science fiction, but I’m the most excited about my modern faerie fantasy. I’m a little over 10K into it and the ideas just keep multiplying. This is great, but I should really be writing book 2 of the 4 book Sendek series. Oh, well, go where the muse takes us, right?
Courtney: Congratulations on the completion! I’d like to say that was the hard part, but I’d be lying. You still have querying to fight with… So tell me, which of your characters do you most relate with (please give a brief explanation of why you relate to him/her)?
Charity: There is part of me in all of them, but I want to be the most like Talia. She starts out alone because she wants to protect people from sharing her death, but as she learns to accept Landry’s help and then his love, she grows stronger and more confident in her abilities. I want to make everyone happy, often at my own expense. However, I know there are hidden talents waiting to shine if I will take the time to nurture them. These things will allow me to become more than I am, and more than I even dream I can be.
Courtney: Don’t you just love how little parts of ourselves find their way into our WIPs? It’s so amazing when you read something that you’ve written and think “hey! That’s totally something I would do! Oh wait—duh.”
What’s in a name? Do you spend much time finding your character’s names?
Charity: I learned that names are everything writing Sendek. I actually started writing it 8 years ago and met a dead end. Why? My character’s name was Elizabeth. This is my favorite girl’s name ever, but Elizabeth could not do what I wanted/needed her to do. The sound of a name conjures certain qualities and characteristics whether we know it or not. My book didn’t work until I found a stronger name to fit the character I needed. Don’t worry though, Elizabeth is starring in one of those short stories I mentioned.
Courtney: Do you have a writing playlist? Admit it—we all do it. What’s on yours?
Charity: My playlist changes for each emotion I want to convey. I have one for intense battle or chase scenes, and then for the quiet romantic moments. I also try to find a theme song for each character, but that’s really hard sometimes. I’m on Playlist as xsolstice1974x
Courtney: How many projects do you work on at once? Do you write one book at a time, or do you have a few going at once?
Charity: I try and concentrate on just one idea at a time, but we all know that isn’t always realistic. When a new idea screams at me long enough, I’ll pause to write a scene or two. Writing down the characters and the general idea usually allows me to calm those voices and return to the work in progress.
Courtney: What do you think about Blogfests? Do you participate? If so, do you write a new scene for the fests or do you use scenes from your WIPs?
Charity: I LOVE blogfests, and last spring did tons of them. Some were scenes from my WIP, and some were written just for the blogfest. I hope to jump back on the fest wagon this fall.
Courtney: Do you ever have trouble with writers-block?
Charity: Yes, and no. When I get blocked on one project, I simply write on another until the block dissolves. I believe writers block is our minds way of saying, “take a break.” So, I do, sort of.
Courtney: Most of us write part time. How do you spend your time when you aren’t writing?
Charity: Taking care of my family, cooking, teaching cooking, serving/teaching in my church, and editing our neighborhood newsletter. Oh, and I decorate cakes when the opportunity comes up.(http://cakesftheart.blogspot.com)
Courtney: Want to share a favorite line from one of your books?
Charity: This was hard! I have favorite scenes, but don’t know if I can pick one line. Here is a line or two that I love from Talia because it gives a glimpse of her personality.
“My hair was a soft brown with gold and copper highlights. I actually liked the color of my hair, but not the stigma that came with it… Even if I dyed my hair to blend in, I refuse to wear contacts to hide my eyes… Under the sunglasses, they sparkled with the same shades of violet as the crescent shaped amethyst necklace hanging around my neck. I touched its reassuring warmth with my fingertips. My mother bought it after my birth because it matched my eyes. She loved my eyes, and I did too. My shoulders squared and I felt my chin lift. Just because ninety-eight percent of Sendekians had brown eyes, did not mean I was cursed or a danger to society. I did not need their acceptance or companionship.”
Courtney: Amazing selection, Charity, and just enough to make me want to read more! You tease! Would you like to share anything else with the readers?
Charity: Whether I become a published author or not, I have found great joy in this writing journey. Writing has filled the holes in my life and made me a stronger person by allowing me to live out my greatest fantasies. I have met wonderful new friends and learned many valuable lessons. Because of this, I’ll keep moving forward, no regrets.
Courtney: Well put! I think that's something we writers need to remember. Just because one of our projects doesn't make it into the "completed pile" doesn't mean it wasn't worth the ride. Thank you so much to talking with me today, Charity! Good luck on you querying, and have fun along the way!
We love to talk shop with other writers. In fact, we have a series full of them--posted every Monday. If you'd like to be part of our Author Interview series, email us at critiquethiswip@gmail.com. We'd love to sit down and pick your brain =D
Great interview. I know exactly what Charity means with the morning dreams. Many of my novel ideas come from those. Good luck with the current novel and the new ideas.
Great interview, Courtney!
Great interview! Charity's favourite scene bits are perfect. I love them ;)
When I picked that bit, I thought of you Mia. The first time you commented on that section made my day. Thanks for all your support!
Good interview. Four kids? I have no excuses now.