Matt Bronleewe is a former member of Jars of Clay and a continuing successful music professional. His debut novel was a very intense and enjoyable read. You can read my review here! Following are some questions I had for Matt and his answers.
1. What inspired you to make the jump from music to writing?
I’ve always been an avid reader. I’ve always loved plunging into a story and completely losing myself in some other world. I suppose it was inevitable that I’d want to someday concoct my own unique universe for other people to lose themselves in. In the end, my inspiration was really my unquenchable desire to WRITE. I couldn’t help myself. I had a story inside me that had to get out!
2. Was is a hard transition?
It’s been less of a “transition” and more of a “burn-the-candle-at-both-ends”. I do both music and writing, splitting time between the two worlds. I spend most mornings working on the next novel, most afternoons working on music, and then, late at night, I jump back into novel-writing mode. It’s been tricky, but my obsession with “being creative” keeps me going. Plus a lot of coffee!
3. How long did it take you to write Illuminated?
About a year, though the idea was lingering in my mind for many years before the actual writing took place. There was a lot of research too, both before and during the writing phase. I had to bring on a research assistant to help dig into the stacks of books and pounds of paperwork…I exhausted every resource I could think of to find fresh facts that I felt would breathe new life into the text.
4. About how many edits did you have to do?
The whole “editing thing” scared me to death. In the end, it was really just a fear of the unknown, because I completely enjoyed the process. I had an awesome editor who really helped mentor me through the process, and challenged me to take the book to the next level. We went back and forth so much with different ideas…editing for me was less like a list of chores and more akin to an ongoing conversation, and one that was well worth having!
5. Who are your favorite authors?
My current favorites are Michael Chabon, Jonathan Lethem, and Dave Eggers. All three of them are at the bleeding edge of fiction, constantly pushing the boundaries. I also really enjoy Jonathan Safran Foer. And Kevin Brockmeier. And that’s just some of my favorite modern writers! I really should stop now…I could go on and on…
6. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
I never imagined having a novel on bookshelves. It still seems crazy to me. But if I can do it, anyone can do it! There’s nothing special about me. I don’t possess an extra brain or a third hand. I just sat down – like every writer before me – and stacked word upon word until my book was built. It’s 1% magic, and 99% hard work!
You can read more about Matt Bronleewe on his website here!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Monday, August 6, 2007
Kirsch
I didn't think I would post information about a company but this just seems to work for me for some reason! Following is information about the Kirsch company and the last 100 years. Enjoy!
KIRSCH WINDOW FASHIONS CELEBRATES 100 YEARS AS HOME DECOR TRENDSETTER AND INNOVATOR
1907 Charles W. Kirsch invents the first flat curtain rod and founds the Kirsch Company
High Point, NC (February 12, 2007) – Kirsch Window Fashions, the premier manufacturer of custom blinds, shades and drapery hardware, joins an elite group of companies this year who can celebrate 100 years of business success and industry leadership. For the past 100 years, Kirsch has set the standard for elegant designs and innovative window solutions to homeowners who demand only the best for their home décor.
Kirsch has been adorning homes of society’s elite since 1907, beginning with drapery hardware and evolving into a complete line of custom blinds, shades, and decorative and basic hardware. As the leading brand for fashion-forward window treatments, Kirsch specializes in blending design and innovation to enhance the windows of the greatest homes in America.
“For the past 100 years, Kirsch has remained committed to providing excellence in design and bringing it to our customers,” said Beverly Kastel, marketing communications director for Kirsch Window Fashions. “We are honored to be among the few companies to boast 100 years of continued growth and leadership within their industries.”
To mark this significant anniversary, Kirsch will release ‘Window Inspirations by Kirsch’, an inspirational book that both highlights Kirsch window décor throughout the past 100 years and offers ideas for today’s homeowners. Designed with a combination of beautiful photography and a historical overview of Kirsch product innovations, ‘Window Inspirations by Kirsch’ takes homeowners through the evolution of Kirsch, from 1930s wood slat Venetian blinds to today’s sophisticated remote control-operated shades. ‘Window Inspirations by Kirsch’ will be available in spring 2007 and sold at specialty retail locations, such as Kirsch dealers, fabricators and distributors.
100 Years of Kirsch
Since 1907, Kirsch Window Fashions, a Newell Rubbermaid company, has been setting the standard in innovation and design for home window treatments. The originator of fashion-forward decorative drapery hardware, Kirsch evolved to boast a broad leading line of custom blinds and shades to complement any home décor. Through 100 years of industry research and product innovation, Kirsch Window Fashions offers products that define elegance and offer uncompromising style and beauty. Kirsch products are sold at premier designer retail locations and select JCPenneys. For more information on Kirsch’s extensive line of timeless blinds, shades and basic and decorative drapery hardware, visit www.kirsch.com.Rebecca Lerwill
Relocating Mia was a very fun read for me. I hope to read more by Rebecca Lerwill soon! In the meantime, here's some information about her!
What inspired you to write?
My mind never stops. When I read a story or listen to someone talk I immediately visualize it, like a movie. So when Relocating Mia began to take form in my mind, I wrote down what I saw and the outcome was a feeling of relieve for me and a good story for reader. I likeed that, so I will keep doing it.
Who is your favorite author?
Tough question, there are so many very good writers. When I was young, I was into Agatha Christie and Edgar Ellen Poe. Today, I enjoy authors with unique stories, like I.C. Smith and Inside, but I’m always in the search of unknown authors who deserve recognition and a place on my ‘fave – list’.
Are your characters based upon real people?
Not really. Of course, a few close friends of mine had influence on my character’s personalities and habits. But that fact came apparent to me AFTER I was done with the story.
What inspired you to write?
My mind never stops. When I read a story or listen to someone talk I immediately visualize it, like a movie. So when Relocating Mia began to take form in my mind, I wrote down what I saw and the outcome was a feeling of relieve for me and a good story for reader. I likeed that, so I will keep doing it.
Who is your favorite author?
Tough question, there are so many very good writers. When I was young, I was into Agatha Christie and Edgar Ellen Poe. Today, I enjoy authors with unique stories, like I.C. Smith and Inside, but I’m always in the search of unknown authors who deserve recognition and a place on my ‘fave – list’.
Are your characters based upon real people?
Not really. Of course, a few close friends of mine had influence on my character’s personalities and habits. But that fact came apparent to me AFTER I was done with the story.
Tell us something unique thing about you.
If you’d look at a foreigner as being unique; I was born and raised in Germany. But I think my husband and my lifestyle is unique. We travel all over the U.S. due to his occupation as a rodeo entertainer. I believe that a few of my views on life are rather unique as well. I’m a very positive and outgoing person. Many people I meet are wrapped up in their daily chores and have a lot of negative things to say. If you’re not open to exploring new things and discover the ‘greenness’ of the other site, you miss out on a lot of positive experiences which will eventually enrich your life.
What do you want your fans to know about you?
That I believe that life is a gift, no matter what get’s thrown in your way. I really believe that and I live my days that way and I encourage everyone to have a similar attitude. Never take one day for granted and always show gratitude to someone, - every day.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get published?
I really didn’t have any. I was lucky with a nod of Bridgeway Books. They liked my manuscript and I was also blessed being able to support the work financially on my own.
What books have you published and do you have any sequels in the works? If so, give us all the juicy details!
So far, Relocating Mia is published since July 15th 2007. I am working on a sequel, called The Acronym. Juicy details…let’s see: If you like spy stuff, foreign agents and secret agencies, all American heroes and a spicy love story in the midst of it, The Acronym should be a good read for you.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Believe in your work and NEVER quit writing!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
