Interview with Feather Stone
1. What works have you released? What are they about? My first and, so far, only creation is The Guardian’s Wildchild. I started writing the story in 2000. That first draft was finished in 2005. Then the rewrites began, then the editing. It was a long process, mostly because I was anal about every aspect of the story’s plot. My focus was to ensure a smooth flow of the story, which was a challenge as the point of view shifted between the main characters.
2. How did you get the idea for your work? What lured you to your topics? I had no ambitions to write a book. Writing was something I did for my own pleasure. That is until I had become so tortured by a vision that I thought that writing about it would stop the constant replay.
Though many might think I’m guilty of an over active imagination, I have to admit to having many paranormal experiences since childhood. No witches or vampires, but plenty of events that cannot be explained away through traditional scientific studies. I met my spirit guide when I was about seven – in the flesh! It’s a long story, but suffice to say that experience had a profound effect on the rest of my life. Later, when I was drowning in a lake, and losing consciousness, I again heard my guide say, “If you stand, you can breathe.” I had just enough resolve to do as he bid. Sure enough. My nose was just above the water.
While I’ve had many paranormal experiences, none have been as profound as the space/time travel that took place over ten years ago. In an attempt to steal the wind from the vision’s sails, I sat at my computer’s keyboard and excitedly told the story. I sought explanations of the who’s and where’s and how’s. Answers came spontaneously. Page after page, day after day the energy of the paranormal experience never dissipated. I became a slave to the disembodied narrator of the story.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “She’s exaggerating. She’s being very grandiose with a flair for the bizarre.” No, I’m not clairvoyant (chuckling). But I do understand your skepticism. This is truly why and how I wrote The Guardian’s Wildchild. I wrote for five years. What was puzzling was the passion I felt while writing. The energy was empowering, dazzling with creative juices I never before believed was possible.
3. In the event that your novel became a screenplay, who would you like to see included in the casting? Sidney Davenport and Captain Samaru Waterhouse are the two main characters. The actor to play Sidney Davenport is Kiera Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean). I searched for an actor to play Captain Waterhouse but only found a model (unknown name) that would fit the profile of an American/Japanese male. Noah Wylie would play Sidney’s brother, Danik Davenport. Gene Hackman to play Admiral Garland.
There’s a special place in my heart for Danik. I fell in love with him. His handsome face was nothing compared to his grand sense of fun and loyalty to his people. The problem is I’m too old to be even considered a ‘cougar’. The one character that I could easily spend the rest of my life with would be Greystone. I could use his wisdom and gentle guidance. This character could be easily played by Graham Greene.
5. How did you go about selecting your cover? Thank heavens for the wisdom of the Omnific Publishing marketing staff. When it came time to work on the front/back cover, Micha and her staff consulted me on my vision. They took my ideas and sorted through all the available images that fit the story. They gave me the opportunity to select my choice from a short list and, voila, the beautiful cover was created.
6. Do you have any upcoming projects? When can readers expect them? Next in store for my readers is “Cursed Angel”, a working title. It still involves the paranormal but the characters and setting is completely different from The Guardian’s Wildchild. In fact, I’ve gone from being on the ocean to travelling over the desert. Another difference is that the passion has been turned up several notches. And, again, the ending will be unpredictable. Below is an excerpt, a scene where in the dark street, the two main characters have just been in a battle against a killer - unedited.
Abdul-Muqtadir ran up and inspected the body of Captain Khizar. “Got him right between the eyes, Lizzy. Great shot!” he said grinning at her. She was kneeling on the pavement, vibrating with shock. “Course, I got him first right through the temple.”
The moment felt surreal. She had killed again. And Hashim, was he really dead? Abdul-Muqtadir helped her stand up. “You okay?” he asked.
The moment felt surreal. She had killed again. And Hashim, was he really dead? Abdul-Muqtadir helped her stand up. “You okay?” he asked.
She nodded, “I think, maybe.” She looked about, still trembling like a leaf. It felt like a nightmare, unreal. “Hashim?”
Abdul-Muqtadir ignored her and set about ordering the men to pull up the vehicles to their location. He returned to Captain Khizar’s body and gave it a nudge with the toe of his boot. “Yep, he’s good and dead.”
Eliza turned back to see where Hashim had fallen. Like a ghost in the night, he was standing a half block away from her. She could see his silhouette, a halo of light surrounding his head and shoulders. His face was dark, except for the sheen of sweat on his forehead. He straightened his shoulders and began walking in her direction clutching his AK47. She took a few steps toward him. The cool night air made her shiver. From the dampness of her clothes, she thought.
Finally, Hashim was standing in front of her. She crossed her arms, still holding her gun cradled in the crook of her arm. He held out his hand, “Give me the gun.”
She looked him over. His flak jacket was torn. Blood was flowing from his left arm and hand, along the barrel of his gun, and dripping onto the pavement.
“You need medical attention.”
“You need medical attention.”
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You worried I might shoot you? I did have some pretty nasty thoughts about you over the past couple of hours.”
“Nasty? I’ve just saved your butt again, Miss Eliza. Now hand over that piece.”
“Nasty? I’ve just saved your butt again, Miss Eliza. Now hand over that piece.”
“Or else?” She raised her eyebrows.
“I might have to get rough.”
“Promise,” she said with a sultry smile.
He shook his head. “You keep up that casual attitude and you’ll end up dead.”
“You’re the one that’s bleeding.”
He stepped into her space, put an arm around her waist and yanked hard. Her body was crushed against his. “Eliza,” he whispered. “Don’t you ever run off again! You hear me?”
She saw his eyes were mixed with anger and relief. “Uh huh. You stop being such a grouch and I’ll stand on my head for you.”
She saw his eyes were mixed with anger and relief. “Uh huh. You stop being such a grouch and I’ll stand on my head for you.”
A crooked smile slowly eased across his face and nodded. “That’s a deal.” He released her and stepped back.
7. What is the top cause you champion? My heart belongs to nature and, in particular, all the creatures that depend upon the natural environment for survival. I have immense concern about the encroachment of civilization on the wilderness, interference with waterways, and the overall pollution of air/land/water. Closer to home I’ve been involved in the rescue of abandoned and abused animals (cats, dogs, horses). My husband and I support our local animal shelters and are vocal advocates for the humane treatment of all animals.
8. If you could do anything (for a career), besides being a writer, what would do? I worked for the City of Edmonton as a paramedic for several years. In 2008 I retired and now enjoy the freedom of leisure. To read and write at my pace. Or do nothing but sit in silence and immerse myself in meditation.
9. Aside from writing, what are your hobbies? You name it, I’ve probably done it so long as it is legal and is for the higher good of my wellbeing. I play the piano, accordion, guitar; speak French, Spanish and a bit of Japanese; Reiki and Shaman practice; needlework; garden and landscape; photography and water color painting; walk my sheltie and cats. This list goes on and on.
Thanks for participating! So where can readers find you?
Comments
http://www.featherstoneauthor.blogspot.com
I can be emailed at:
featherstone.author@gmail.com
Thank you.
Feather