10Qs for McVladie. Is it McVladie or, is it Carlota? And who is Vilhelm? This author is as mysterious as her avatar. Her website is in the making so the only things we have now are bits and pieces that I found around the blogosphere.
Carlota L McNally-McDougall was born November 16, 1962 in Dallas, Texas. She attended Rich Mountain University and the Fujitsu Academy in Kawasaki, Japan. A third generation auctioneer and authority on Prince Vlad Dracula III, she published her first short story at age 12. Carlota has published short stories in Mena Star, written articles for Guatemalan voice, and for Gravediggers local. She is currently awaiting the publication of her Chronicles of Vlad. She lives in Texas, with her husband, two children, and … Vilhelm.
Questions:
1: Are your books a continuous story such as Harry Potter or, are they stand alone books featuring the same characters? Do any story elements continue in another book?
In the past my stories had always been short and with different characters. It wasn’t until I started to do in-depth research on the historical figure Prince Vlad Dracula III that I thought of writing a book and continuing with my characters. Vlad just won’t go away … now for example he is staring over my shoulder. I am kidding of course or am I?
2: Lately a lot of prequels have popped up on both the book and movie market. Have you ever considered writing one?
Currently working on such a project but will leave it at that. I am a bit superstitious about it. Not that I believe anyone would run with the idea but because the characters have not finished swinging from the noose.
3: Have you ever considered writing a teen book?
My children are outstanding writers and have tortured me about such a request. Just need to find that proper mix of bubble gum and blood.
4: When you start your research for a book, do you use pen & paper to jot down thoughts or do you use a computer?
I am old school from the word go. Pen and paper to start with then transfer to computer. Depends on where I am at the time when the muse hits. I also jot down notes on a zillion kinds of paper. Computer paper, post its, grocery receipts, toilet paper…just kidding or am I?
5: Do you have any specific writing rituals?
In the beginning, sounds ominous doesn’t it? Sorry I digress. When I start with a story I usually prefer complete silence then I work my way up with back ground music. I have found music extremely helpful for character development and even writers block. For example I was having difficulty finding a voice for a very aggressive character and I put on a CD of U2 and when the song Vertigo started to play it was like a dam broke. I wrote for six hours straight.
6: Movies based on a book can be great to visualize the story but they can also be a disappointment. What movie based on a book disappointed you?
I would say ALL of Stephen King’s books were butchered when they were made into movies. I stopped watching his movies long ago. Now I only read his books. Huge fan.
7: Have you ever used characteristics from someone you know in one of your books?
A resounding HELL YES! Some have been dear friends and others have been people who due to murder being illegal, I can only kill with words … you know who are. I am kidding or am I?
8: What inspires you most to write? Breaking news? Nature? People? History?
All of the above.
9: What was your favourite subject in school?
History hands down.
10: A billionaire gives you a million dollars on the condition that you may spend it but not gain any assets (like in the Richard Pryor movie “Brewster’s Millions.” How will you spend your million?
Okay well since I can’t keep it … can I? For I would live a life of unbridled merriment.
Seriously I would give the entire million dollars to The Stew Pot. Check there for more details and if you would like to donate. It is a homeless shelter that relies heavily on community support. The good they do is immeasurable. They not only offer hot meals and clothing but also help with dental needs etc. I became aware of their wonderful deeds years ago when I was helping with a food and clothing drive for the homeless.
I went to The Stew Pot in person to see for myself and was blown away by the compassion and dignity that they offer to all that cross their threshold. I asked what else I could give and found out that hand lotion and chap stick were severely needed. At first I thought the man was kidding and then when he explained that people on the streets are subjected to wind burn, sun burn, and frost bite. I immediately called a friend who was a Mary Kay Rep and we donated hundreds boxes of lotion etc. It reminds me everyday not to take little things for granted.