Me -Hi Joyce, are you happy to answer some questions? They are unusual but reveal insight into a writer’s thoughts and process.



Joyce -Sure, I’d be happy to. 



Me - What every-day chore is really an excuse not to write?


Joyce- True chores never get in the way. I'm glad to let them slide! However, checking social media can distract me from my work in process.

Me- How I know that feeling, especially when a book has just been set free into the world.

Me - Which aspect of editing excites you?

Joyce - Cold-reading through a draft near its final stage, after it has sat and "aged" a while; seeing how it comes across to a reader. Sometimes I surprise myself: "I don't remember writing that..."

Me – I love that moment too, although more so when reading a first draft with all its faults and realising it’s not as bad as I thought. 

Me - How long does a story mature in your head before you begin writing?


Joyce - That depends entirely on the characters who sometimes pester and nag to be let out, but other times sulk in a dark corner, refusing to play.

Me – Ha, I have some characters who have lingered for years.

Me - How much of your book is on paper rather than on a computer?


Joyce - Early on: I jotted a sizzling first draft in a notebook while commuting by bus.
These days: 99% on computer. I love the undo function!

Me – Yes, it is very useful. 

Me - What distracts you most when you are in writing flow?


Joyce- When I'm in writing flow, I get most annoyed when the real world reminds me I have people waiting on me for in-person tasks or talk time.

Me- It is very hard to get back to the flow once pulled out, especially if it is someone who needs you. 

Me - How many books are waiting in the wings of your mind?


Joyce - One, to finish a trilogy. Finding myself lacking the energy to tackle a long work, several other potential novels have gotten demoted to short story.

Me – The short story can always grow when you have more time and energy.

Me -What is the strangest observation from the real world that has made it into one of your books?

 

Joyce –

Strange facts:

Goat pupils are sideways slits

If a horse trusts you, it might lean on you, forgetting you're much smaller
A maelstrom actually wells up rather than funneling down
Rams of one sheep breed in the viking age could have up to 6 horns
Illogical human behavior:

With some people, the more you try to warn them of impending disaster, the more stubbornly they head straight into danger. Their distrust and misplaced faith blinds them to reason. (Perihelion, Brigand's Blade)

Me- I love these strange facts and I agree people can be blinkered. 

Me - What aspect of your personality have you explored through writing?



Joyce- In Brigand's Blade, one passionate character seldom thinks through her course of action; another reclusive one analyzes every situation, sometimes to the point of paralysis. They both must learn a more even balance between passion and reason: a path of wisdom, the mindset of a wise woman. (Must admit I tend to the reclusive, hesitant nature.)

Me – I think many writers lean towards the reclusive lifestyle.

Me - Of all the stories you have written, which have you learnt the most from?


Joyce - In Troll and Trylleri, I learned, along with my hesitant main character, not to yield way to a dominant personality who wants to run the show even when less qualified to deal with a particular situation. I've learned to trust my own mastery in my own areas of expertise.

Me – wow, that’s a hard aspect to learn. 

Me – And the last question, for fun. What do you like to eat for breakfast?

Joyce- Oatmeal with blueberries and banana. For special occasions: alternate-flour waffles with blueberries and maple syrup.

Me – Those waffles sound mouth-wateringly delicious. Excuse me while I go and make some.

Me – Thank you Joyce for your interesting replies and your time. I hope you finish book three of Phoenix Afire soon, I’m wondering what will happen next.