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Interview with Dorlanna Vann
Mar 30, 2008
Dorlana, it's really a pleasure to get the chance to sit down and chat with you! I've been to your website and it looks like you are very much into the supernatural. Share with the readers what attracted you to this specific genre?
I read somewhere that a writer should write what they like to read. As soon as I grasped that seemingly simple concept, I enjoyed writing so much more. From then on, 90 percent of my stories have been supernatural.
Can you tell us about your latest release?
Sure! “Jaclyn’s Ghost” represents the Death card in Tease Publication’s Dark Tarot series. After Jaclyn Jade is murdered, she has 48 hours to find the reason she didn’t make it into Heaven. When she meets Logan, a ghost who died in the 1920s, she thinks he is insufferable, but she needs him to teach her the rules of her new existence and to help her find her murderer. They ask a psychic, who can speak to the dead, for help. This mismatched trio set out to solve the mystery of Jaclyn’s murder in order to help her make the transformation needed. It’s a fun mix of mystery, paranormal and romantic comedy.
Where do you find the inspiration for your stories and your characters?
For my novels, I usually have a supernatural element in mind and go from there. I started out wanting “Jaclyn’s Ghost” to be this scary ghost story, but then the quirky characters took over.
Most of my short stories are inspired by fairy tales. It is really fun to use the themes, morals and characters from these classic tales to spark my imagination. Surprise, I also add a paranormal twist.
What influenced you to start writing?
Well, I think it has just always been there. I’ve written little short stories since I was in elementary.
What was your proudest moment as an author?
I think it was the first time someone, other than my family, read one of my stories and said, “That was really good!”
Who has been the greatest support for you throughout your writing career?
Oh my goodness, my family is so supportive. And they don’t sugarcoat their opinions either – which is helpful. You know, I think I write for my fifteen-year-old daughter’s approval. If she likes it, I know I wrote a good story!
If you could share a piece of advice with aspiring writers, what would it be?
Join a writing/critique group. As supportive as my family can be, there are times when they don’t want to hear about my latest plot idea. But really, I believe a group would benefit a writer, no matter their professional level. Other writers make great sounding boards, critiquers and motivators. I joined my writing group, Humble Fiction Café, over a year ago, and I hate to miss a meeting. By the way, our anthology, SPLIT, will be released any day now.
If you were washed up on a deserted paradise island what six items (can be people and pets) would you absolutely have to have with you?
Fun…Okay, I’ll say my family as one, (because if I took them individually the game would be over, and I can’t leave anyone behind.) my computer, a Café Mocha from Starbucks, a bottle of pinot grigio, my straightener (Tropical weather - My hair would be huge frizz-ball!) and my favorite novel “The picture of Dorian Gray.” I’d be set!
Do you have a website other than, www.dorlanavann.com/index.html , which you would like to share with your readers?
My blog: Supernatural Fairy Tales – www.dorlana.blogspot.com
Humble Fiction Café’s Story Circle- www.humblefictioncafe.blogspot.com
Tease Publication’s Dark Tarot – www.teasetarot.com
Thank you so much for sharing time with us today, Dorlana. Please check out Dorlana’s website to read more about her releases. While there, be sure to check out her supernatural fairy tales page, www.dorlanavann.com/fairytales.htm where you can read all of her short stories!
View Dorlana Vann's Author Page
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