Popular Facebook site highlights Dana Taylor comedy
Breakout Books is Featuring "Devil Moon: A Mystic Romance" for Valentine's Day weekend. Here are my answers to their interview questions.
1. How long have you been writing?
It depends on who you ask. I once asked a psychic why I had this unrelenting drive to write. She smiled and replied, “Hello Sappho.” Upon Googling “Sappho” I discovered she was a poet in ancient Greece wh...o supported the arts and ran a school. She’s also associated with the Isle of Lesbo, (but I haven’t noticed those tendencies). Anyway, I’ve been making up stories since my mind could put thoughts together.
2. What, if anything, inspired this book?
The first line “It was hormone hell Saturday,” reflected personal experience with the lunar influence on my body. The moon does affect women’s cycles. Hospital delivery rooms are packed during full moons. My main character, Maddie, goes a little “loony” in the Prologue. Beyond that, much of the book was inspired by my years working in an Oklahoma divorce attorney law practice and seeing how people treated each other. The book touches on divorce, parent alienation, even drug abuse—all in a fun way!
3. How long did it take you to write this book?
About six months. But, in writing linear time is irrelevant.
4. Are any of the characters or scenes inspired by real life?
Upright Maddie who occasionally goes off the deep end definitely arose from part of my psyche. Her best friend, Randy, the gay drama teacher was inspired by my best friend in high school, who I thought for many years was dead. After “Devil Moon” was first published, we had a grand reunion after twenty-five years.
5. Who is your favorite author, and does he/she inspire you.
I don’t really have a favorite. I enjoy finding “gems”—writers who aren’t terribly well known, but can really tell a story in a unique way. Lately I’ve discovered Edward C. Patterson and Steve Kluger, both fabulous talents who also happen to be gay. They write with humor and with heart.
6. What is your favorite part of writing? Least favorite?
Sometimes a character completely takes over and I even feel physically changed for a few minutes. It’s very exciting connecting to somebody completely different than myself. I especially enjoyed writing Phil, the reformed alcoholic coach trying to make amends to his preteen daughter. He had a redeeming sense of humor and a great way to cut through the life’s BS.
Least favorite part of writing is line editing. So left brain.
7. Exciting news about the book, big or small.
Hmm. People are reading it! Edie Ramer wrote a lovely review that was posted in the Publisher’s Weekly Women’s Blog. I love the freedom and opportunity that the e-book revolution is giving to writers.
Thank you so much for featuring "Devil Moon". Happy Valentine's Day! Dana Taylor
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