You’ve asked questions and we want to answer them for you so …
Q- How long have you two been writing together?
A- To be honest, almost from the day we met. I was a new student and Alisa and I became fast friends. Our first creations were slam books. If you don’t know what those were/are … you take paper and staple it together. Each person signs up to have a line number on each page. There is a new question atop each page. I remember most vividly every single person (Syndra, Joey, Troy, John John, Brenda, Tricia) answered the same to “Favorite Food” (pizza) and “Favorite Song” (Whip It- by Devo). Those were the days my friend.
Q- What are your favorite foods now?
A- Alisa is a failing (finally after twenty two years) vegetarian. She’s finally given into her greatest temptation, the Chicago style hot dog. She loves Indian, Vietnamese and a host of other vegetarian delights. Me? Hmmm. Pasta with red sauce, macaroni and cheese and nachos with beans and cheese.
Q- How do you deal with writer’s block?
A- That is easy for me, and since I do most of the creative aspect of the writing, Alisa probably has lack of motivation as opposed to blockage. I first go to www.soveryclever.com and rant about something that annoys me- there is never a shortage. If that doesn’t work, I write a long email to a friend I have not kept up with in recent weeks. It’s all about exercising my mind and getting into a groove. Beyond that, I read classic literature so I can get in touch with what I revere about the language. I’m delighted by haughty diction and adore formality- especially when I’m being condescending (gasp! never). If that fails to work- I read my favorite fiction writers, those whom I admire, principally, Greg Iles. Nothing flowing? Take a day off of creating anything meaningful. If I come back to a blinking cursor, I start all over again. My favorite things to do when I am taking that time off is to cook- creation in a different form helps. Music can transport me and I LOVE to drive. The things that cause writer’s block for me are fear, deadlines, lack of inspiration and feeling overwhelmed.