Interview Rhobin Courtright

by

Rayne Forrest

Hi Rhobin. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me for the August Wings Press, Inc. interviews. This is the first time I’ve been asking the questions, so it’s fun for me, too. I’d also like to congratulate you on your release this month, Acceptance. That’s a great title, so I'll make that my first question.

1) Where did the title come from?

Acceptance is actually part of a double set, Change and Acceptance. Change was to be the first book. It is about half written, but the heroine in Acceptance seemed insistent. She nearly wrote the story by herself. As you might guess, it is the story of two sisters, one wanting change, the other acceptance.

2) When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I never dreamed about it until some stories started developing in my head and wouldn't leave me alone.

3) How long did it take you to become published?

My first manuscript was rejected. I reread it and looking at it with fresh eyes, saw the many errors. I went back to work, not only writing, but learning the mechanics of writing. So before my first manuscript was accepted, about ten years passed.

4) Where do you gather inspiration for your stories? What was your inspiration for Magic Aegis and Acceptance?

I had read many fantasy genre and wanted to try writing one. I wanted a story with a Renaissance flavor in an alternative Earth setting, but one that also contained a touch of science fiction behind the magic.

5) How long does it normally take for you to complete a manuscript?

I'm a slow writer, but I have many other interests, including work, demanding my time. When I can write undisturbed it takes a few months to write a first draft. Most of my stories go through multiple revisions. With Magic Aegis, it took time to develop a world and figure out its culture, religion, and history.

6) What’s your favorite part of the writing process, and why?

I love working out plot details. I love the if this happens, then this happens. But IF this happens instead, then something entirely different occurs.

7) What’s your least favorite part of the writing process, and why?

Sending in a manuscript and waiting for the answer. It's pure torture. It's one reason I love Wings. They tell you how much time it takes them to decide and you hear within that time frame.

8) What’s your normal writing schedule?

At least every night for a few hours. Because I set my own work schedule, some days I just take off and write.

9) What does your writing space look like?

Cramped and piled with papers. I have a small alcove where I write. Every two weeks or so, I take time to sort and file everything, but it looks exactly the same within a few hours. We have been building our own house, so some time in the next year, I hope to have a more spacious place.

10) Do you have any favorite hobbies or activities you like to do when you’re not writing?

Ha. Yes. Too many. Maybe I might have adult attention deficit. Painting. Crafts (jewerly, ceramics, calligraphy, quilting, crewel embroidery, needlepoint). Reading. Big into gardening. I've belonged to ten garden clubs in twenty years. I'm a nationally accredited flower show judge. I do volunteer work for the garden clubs, including caring for a very troubled municipal garden in Cadillac (droughty location with no water available). I write a weekly gardening article during the summer months. Did I mention we are building a house? I'm the electrician. I'm a believer in if you read about it, you can do it. Except maybe things like climbing Everest, flying a plane or the space shuttle, performing major surgery or finding an answer to crises like social security, national health care or the national deficit.

11) Who would you hate to be stuck in a room with?

Any politician or movie star, although I once sat in a Rolls Royce with Charleton Heston.

12) Who would you love to be stuck in an elevator with?

Someone who loved to talk and had interesting topics to talk about. How unromantic, huh?

13) What can we expect next from you?

I have a science fiction romance coming out in April 2006 followed by the first story in a hard science fiction trilogy coming out in June 2006. The trilogy has romance elements, but is more action oriented.

14) How can readers contact you?

Through email link at my web site or Wings, or through the Wings Readers Yahoo group.

Rhobin, thanks again for giving me the opportunity to be the interviewer for a change! Best of luck to you in the future.