Wednesday, February 20, 2013

BONES: The answer to Everything! Well not really.


So I was procrastinating coming up with my blog topic because I am in a writing pickle myself. So whenever I get stuck I turn to one of my many series of crime dramas and begin watching them from season 1. Which brings me to what is currently in my DVD player.



BONES SEASON ONE 
and in my humble opinion, probably the best.

One of the reasons I love Bones is because it is produced by Kathy Reichs who is an American Crime Writer and a forensic anthropologist, just like her character Temperence Brennan. So I think she is living the ultimate dream. Kathy writes books about what she knows and also produces a show based on her books. 

So I will answer some of my most frequently asked questions, using direct quotes from Bones Season One.



So let's get on with the Interview....

How do you juggle your writing career with being a mom?

SEASON 1: 11
Stacey: How do you juggle twin careers as a best selling author and crime fighting scientist? 
Bones:
 Well I do one, then the other. 

ME: Many people know that I'm a mom of young twins who are almost 5 and they take a lot out of me and sometimes my brain feels like mush, but I'm also heavily involved in my church and run a kids choir and do huge musicals in the Spring. So I'm juggling being a mom, pastor's wife, choir director and best selling author. Well, like Bones said. You do one and then the other. Schedule time out of your busy day for yourself, for your kids, for your family and then for your writing career. If you can't do it each day then give yourself a few hours over the weekend. It is truly impossible to do it at the same time, you must do one then the other.


Can you give me writing advice?

SEASON 1:11
Stacey: Do you have any advice for budding authors out there?
Bones: Well the first thing they should have is an idea. And then...well first they need something to write with... uh they know that. Well, obviously you need a writing instrument. I'm just not sure.... which should come first?

ME: I think they go hand in hand. If you want to be a writer always carry around something to write with, a notebook, journel, iphone etc. For when you get those epiphany's in the middle of the shopping mall while pushing a stroller full of kids, diaper bags etc. I've lost many a great idea's, plot points and even character names, because I didn't have something to jot down my idea, then when I get home it's too late. I don't remember it. It's the same with dreams. I have the most awesome dreams but if I don't write it down in the morning...poof it's gone by midday.

What is the meaning behind the color of this....Did you choose that location because of the signifigance of.....etc. etc. etc.

SEASON 1:12
Goodman: All writers reveal more of themselves then they intend on their page. 
Booth: You know, I’ve gotta tell you, I never bought all that English 101 stuff. Sometimes a river is just a river.


ME: Yeah, um I write for relaxation and to release creative energy. Sometimes something someone is wearing or a place that a scene takes place is just that. I'll get some really deep technological question about how the Fae planes work in my book or how is travel possible exactly...and truthfully that is what magic is for...the unexplained. A river is just a river.

What is your favorite writing snack?

SEASON 1:10
Zack: I have something for you.
Angela: (sighs) Is it chocolate? 
Zack: No. 
Angela: Then I find my interest has flagged.


ME: Chocolate and coffee are my habit of choice. So much so...that I think I need to go to a coffee-aholic anonymous group.

Who do you base your characters on?

SEASON 1:5
Booth: I have a question regarding the FBI in your book. Who do you base brilliant and insightful Special Agent Andy Lister on? 
Dr. Goodman: Oh, for God's sake.
Booth: 'Cause, you know, I'm pretty sure it was me.


ME: Yes, I do base some characters off of people in real life...but not like you think. I love taking the names from reality tv characters and putting them in my books. Sometimes if I can't think of a teachers name or someone for a certain profession. I will use the name of a friend or one of my high school teachers. So far I have names and villains from the Bachelor, Criminal Minds, My Dad and Uncle, and a few friends. But they are not based on the people in real life, just the name.

Can I get an advance copy and read your book? I promise not to tell anyone about it?

SEASON 1:22
Booth: Can I read your book?
Bones: After it comes out.
Booth: Not before?
Bones: No.
Booth: I let you drive.

ME: Sometimes authors do need Beta Readers, but they usually have a select few that are trusted friends or fans that have been with them from the beginning of a project. Usually it's anywhere from 3-5. I have 3, and it will be awhile before I grow it to more.


So that was fun and it was all from Bones Season 1.  I could spend all day answering questions from my favorite shows, because in reality that is where we get inspiration. And will help me get through a writers block. Maybe next time I will pick a different show and a different season.But now back to Bones...


I really only loved the show until my favorite King of the Lab- Intern Zack Addy left. As much as I love  Booth and Brennen and the other Squints it's just not the same.  Though I still watch it, but only after there is nothing left in my tivo, and only if i'm still having a terrible writers block.






Chanda Hahn is the author of the popular Unfortunate Fairy Tale Series which includes UnEnchanted and Fairest which have topped the ebook charts in 5 countries. She also has a passion for writing YA epic fantasy. She's been a children's librarian, children's pastor and costume mascot. She lives in the beautiful but rainy northwest that is Portland Oregon with her husband and twin children.

4 comments:

  1. I am so amused right now. I love bones and feel the same way. I need Zack back. That fact that you are able to answer questions all the while using bones for inspiration just show you ingenious you really are!

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  2. I miss Zack too. It's funny you say that because I was just thinking that during the episode where Bones is shot in the lab.

    This is a great post. I really enjoyed reading it.

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  3. Nice interview. I don't watch Bones. But I do make time to watch the Walking Dead.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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  4. I agree with you on how it wasn't as good when Zack left. I didn't even watch last season or this current season. I kinda just started losing interest. I did like a lot of season 5 though. I read Kathy Reich's first book in the Temperance Brennan series, but I don't think I'll get to the rest of them any time soon. It was a long read! Although very interesting. Great post!! :)

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