ACK! Tagged again

Charity Bradford, author of The Magic Wakes, tagged me for a Q & A session. Her book is an amazing tale of sci-fi fantasy. She's working on the second in the series in between raising a family of four and helping anyone and everyone who needs her. With the precious few minutes she has left, (I think somewhere between 10:30 and 10:45 pm) she is writing a knockout YA also.

What are you working on right now?

Book Two of The Magic Withheld. As every writer knows, sometimes the characters take the reins and kick the horse into a different direction. I was shocked when Bert decided to go his own way and not follow my well-laid path.

How does it differ from other works in its genre?

No wands, charms, and spells in my magical world. Nothing made in a black kettle surrounded by witches. In fact, there are no witches or warlocks in my novels. They are wizards, mages, or adepts, male and female.

What experiences have influenced you?

The first book that caused the Wow Factor was Robert Heinlein’s Have Spacesuit Will Travel. Then I found the short story by Arthur C. Clarke called The Star. People, if you have an ounce of appreciation for science fiction, read this one. Even now, I get chills thinking of it. 

How does your writing process work?

Ideas come to me when my mind is clear. Driving down the road, half asleep, running on the treadmill. Unfortunately, none of those lends well to writing. I did install a shelf for my treadmill however. Works darn good.

What is the hardest part about writing?

I evolved from loathing dialogue to loving it more than narrative. The hardest part of writing is trying not to fall into research too thoroughly. The internet and all its minions is hard to ignore.

What would you like to try as a writer that you haven't yet?

YA. It seems only natural to dip my toe into those waters. After that, Sci-fi.

What scares you? 

Nothing. Most things run...if they show good sense. My sign on the front door says: 

Don’t worry about the dog. Beware of wife.