Author Interview with Carol Ann Kauffman

Author Interview

Carol Ann Kauffman

Niles, Ohio

What have you written?

     I've written four full-length novels and a novella in the TIME AFTER TIME series: Blue Lake, Belterra, The Baslicato, and Bentley Square, and Waiting for Richard, and a serial, Charming Deception.

What is your favorite genre to write?

     Romantic science fiction adventure stories, or 'rom-scifi-ture'.

How old were you when you started to write?

     I got my first writing award at thirteen, but I think I might have been about ten when I discovered I liked stringing words together to form mental paintings.

Favorite food.

     Pasta.  Anything I cook.  I like my own cooking.  It's not too. (Not too spicy, not too greasy, not too bland.)

Where would you like to visit?

     Scotland

Favorite musical artist.

     Adele, Michael Buble', Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra

Where do you get your inspiration?

     Life.  My emotional reaction to what happens to me, to my loved ones, to my friends, to total strangers.

What do you do when you get writer's block?

     Never had one.  I have the opposite; massive jumbled idea overload.  And red wine and chocolate fix that.

Who is your favorite author?

     MC Beaton, Janet Evanovich, Dan Brown, Michael Connelly, Patricia Cornwell, Jude Deveraux.

Best book you ever read.

     One?  That's hard.  Dan Brown's Deception Point, Digital Fortress, DaVinci Code, Angels and Demons and MC Beaton's Hamish MacBeth series, Agatha Raisin series.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

     My father.  Why?  Because he taught me you can accomplish whatever you want to in life.  It's your heart, your fire, and your wilingness to work toward your goal that matter, not your gender.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

     Thomas Jefferson.  I've always found him fascinating.  He was a real out-of-the-box thinker.  His ideas on architecture and agriculture were simply amazing.  I loved visiting Monticello.

What advice would you give to someone who aspired to be an author?

     Start today.  Sit down and write.  It doesn't matter if you think it's good or bad.  Just keep writing.  Write every day.  I started with a travel journal.  Every time we went somewhere, I journaled that night before bed.  I later used those notes in writing the travel parts in my novels.
     "Start writing, no matter what.  The water does not flow until         
      the faucet is turned on."
                                           - Louis L'Amour

     

FOOD ART

                             Fiberglass food busts, "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter"  by Phillip Haas


I came across an interesting piece in New York magazine's current issue.  It referenced Giuseppe Arcimboldo's masterful portraits of produce arrangements and how artist Phillip Haas took things one step further, consturcting 15 ft tall fiberglass busts, replicating Arcimboldo's  painting,   "Four Seasons".  Pictured above, clockwise from top left,  "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter", are Haas's sculptures.  They are currently on display at the New York Botanical Gardens through the summer.                     

Charming Deception

Good Morning!
     I have posted the first thirty pages of my new novel, CHARMING DECEPTION, exclusively here on Vision and Verse.  And because I have chosen to offer it here, this one is not available on amazon.com like the rest of my novels and novellas, because of their exclusivity requirements.  The response, however, has been rather lacking.  If you would like to read more of CHARMING DECEPTION free here on Vision and Verse, leave a comment below.  Just a Yes or OK will be enough.  You don't need to be wordy or write a book review.  Or if you'd rather, drop us an email at
                                artstory2013@att.net

     I could review the works of other writers, post excerpts from my other five published works, or an inspirational quote of the day.  We could do a guest interview of an artist or an author we know. 
     And remember, any comment will also put you in the running to win one of Parker's beautiful original art cards in our very special six weeks anniversary online celebration event.  The deadline for that in May 28.  Drawing will be May 29.  Feeling lucky?
                                                                       Hugs,
                                                                       Carol

ART TRIVIA

Did you know....?

Leonardo da Vinci spent 12 years painting the Mona Lisa's lips.

The world famous Louve Museum and Art Gallery in Paris, France was built in 1190 and was used as a fortress.

Monet's father disapproved of his painting, he wanted him to be a grocer.

Henri Matisse's painting, "La Bateau"  hung upside down for 46 days in the Museum of Modern Art, New York, before being noticed and turned right side up.

There is a portrait or silhouette of Salvador Dali in every one of his paintings.

In 1961, Georges Braque was the first living artist to have his work exhibited in the Louve.

Pablo Picasso loved animals.  Through his adult life he owned a pet monkey, an owl, a goat, a turtle, and packs of dogs and cats.  He was known to leave his studio windows open and to paint the pigeons that flew through.

Leonardo da Vinci invented high heels.

People have been painting things for 20,000 years, but it wasn't until 1880 that you could purchase ready mixed paints.

An Excerpt from BELTERRA

“My People, it is my pleasure to have you all gathered together to welcome my lovely Neeka to our clan.  I feel very fortunate she agreed to come live with us.  It is also the first time in ten years we have had a medicine woman.  I am sure we will all keep her busy.

On a more serious note, please remember to keep ever vigilant.   Northford and Southland are always ready to devour each other.  We must remember that Belterra must be kept in balance.  We are like legs of a table; all four must remain strong, not allowing one to take over.  Keep strong.  Be vigilant.  Keep on the lookout for trouble.  Stay ready.  Thank you.”

 

Then they ate.  It was heavier cuisine than she was used to, and very salty.  Her people ate mostly plants.  After dinner as he refilled his wine cup, she panicked.  She smelled something   She looked at him and noticed a faint blueness around his lower lip.  As he raised the glass to his lips, she reached for his hand and held it away from his lips.  She stroked his hair and his earlobe with her other hand and got very close to him.

“Lord Braedon, listen to me carefully,” she smiled and whispered to him very quietly.  “Do not show reaction in your face.  Do not drink.  Pretend to drink.  Get a little on your lower lip. Then kiss me so that I may taste it to be sure.  I think it is poison,” she whispered in his ear.  She brushed her lips up against his ear. 

“Your people already?  They are fast!”   He kissed her.  She hung onto his lower lip.  He kissed her again, holding her tightly in his arm.  “Am I going to die?” he whispered.

“Yes, My Love, but not today.”  She kissed him again, this time just to kiss him.

For more, go to amazon.com

SURREALISM

                             "JOURNEY"  by Parker Kaufman

The dictionary defines SURREALISM as;  "pure psychic automatism, by which one proposes to express the real functioning of thought.  Dictation of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason, outside of all aesthetic and moral perception"

That's a heavy definition.

As a cultural shift, Surrealism began in the early 1920's and is most noted for it's writings and visual art.  Andre Breton led the movement which aimed at blurring the line between dreams and reality.  Paris was the epicenter and the cultural phenomenon quickly spread world-wide.

Surrealists painted shocking, illogical scenes, using revolutionary painting techniques, the element of surprise and stark juxtapositions to bring the unconcious self to full expression.

The idea of using contradictory objects within the same frame is best explained in a quote from an essay by poet Pierre Reverdy which reads; "a juxtaposition of two more or less distant realities.  The more the relationship between the two juxtaposed realities is distant and true, the stronger the image will be -- the greater it's emotional power and poetic reality".

I find this form of artistic expression very exciting and challenging.  It is the perfect metaphor for all the traffic in my head.  There is no requirement that it be pretty or make sense, but simply that it speaks to the full range of one's imagination.

"JOURNEY"  by Parker Kaufman, seen above was inspired by the works of Salvador Dali.

Episode Thirty Vegas, Elvis, and Twinkies

Episode Thirty   Vegas, Elvis, and Twinkies  

    “Isabella!  No!” her father shouted in shock.

    “Yes, Father, and you cannot refuse a request for asylum made to you by another member of the Robesson Royal Family.”  The king left the room in a huff.

    “Please release my husband, so that we may go to our room.  We are very tired.  Thank you.”

    “Sam, the King will not take this well,” whispered Justin as he helped them to her room.  “He’s been bragging about Tarek Ikari’s capture.  He wants still photos, vid-clips, and flyers circulated all around the kingdom about the capture, torture, and imminent death of this particular Galt tracker.  And then there’s the head on the stick thing.  I’m worried about you and him.”

    “Thanks, Justin, we appreciate it.  But don’t worry about us, if we’re together we’ll be okay.”  Justin nodded and left them alone in her room.

    “Sam, I...  Nobody’s ever stood up for me like that before in my whole life.  Thank you.  Why did you do it, save me from the king, and request asylum for me?”

    “Because I love you.”  He hugged her and pressed a gentle kiss on her head.

    “But many of those accusations were true, I did deceive you.  I misrepresented myself to you.  I was ordered by High Council to track and kill you.  I broke into your apartment, I went through your things, I fingered your…”

    “Stop!  I get it.  You violated my privacy.  You stalked me.  It’s creepy and smacks of perversion.  Aren’t there laws against that?”

    ”Yes, there certainly are on Earth, but not on this planet.  I am truly sorry.  Please don’t be angry, I was just trying to figure out who you were.  It was before I got to know you. And when I finally did get to know you, I...  Please, Love, forgive me.”

    “Yes, yes, I understand. I forgive you.”   She hugged him gently and got him seated comfortably.  “Now, are you okay?”

    “Yes, don’t worry about me.  I’m tougher than I look.”

    “What can we get you?  Food?  Water?”  He shook his head no.      “How about some wine?”

    “Okay.”  Cora left the room.  Sam cuddled up next to Jaks.   

    “I don’t believe this is my real home world, Jaks.  I’m much more comfortable with Vegas, Elvis, Martha Stewart, Star Trek, and Twinkies than all this medieval crap.  And now I’m highly suspicious of mirrors.  I want to go home.  Did we somehow get catapulted back in time?”

    “No, Love.  All of these worlds are all concurrent.”

    “Was I born here?  Am I really Isabella Robesson?”

    “One of you must have been born here.”

    “ONE of me?  How many of me are there?”

    “I don’t really know.  Are we free to walk around outside?”

    “I am, but not you.  I wouldn’t venture outside this room without me if I were you until we know how the king’s going to react to my request for asylum.  And still then, we have no idea what he might do.  Order a secret pistol shot?  An errant arrow?  Poison dart maybe?  He’s a man who’s very used to getting his own way.  Why do you ask?”

    “We have to find the portal back to Earth.  Do you know where the doorway is here?”

    “No, I’m sorry.  I was so disoriented when I was dragged through, I can’t really remember very much but hands and soldiers.  And then, the king, who I recognized immediately as my father.  Steps.  We went up steps.  That’s all remember.”

    “Okay.  Then can we get to Galtari?”

    “NO!  Your people want me dead.  Remember?  I’m ‘Nasty Girl.’  I can’t go to Galtari.  And if you went without me, you’d have to travel all the way through Robesson country alone to get there.  It would be terribly unsafe for you.  Why?  What did you have in mind?”

WIN A V&V SUNRISE!!!

                                                           Artcard  "SUNRISE"  by Parker Kaufman

Hello Everyone!  We're having another give-a-way!  Starting tomorrow, May 21, through May 28, you have the chance to win the artcard pictured above.  All you have to do is comment on your favorite post(s) to become eligible.  We'll keep track of who comments, have a random drawing, and announce the winner on Wed, May 29.

If you like our new header, then this is for you.  The artcard is an original work by Parker Kaufman.  The composition is 51/2" x 81/2", of multiple layered cardstock, and comes with an envelope.

Happy commenting and Good Luck!!!

Novella Writera

Can You Find The Covers of Carol Ann Kauffman's Six Books in This Beautiful Display?

    I am pleased and honored to be included in this talented group of novel and novella writers.  Included in the May Collection are:

Blue Lake, Belterra, The Baslicato, Bentley Square, Waiting for Richard, (The TIME AFTER TIME series) and Charming Deception.

Episode Twenty-Nine

Episode Twenty-Nine   Charley, the Cat

    “It wasn’t personal, My Princess, it was just part of my ongoing investigation.  I was looking for a reason to dislike you, to find in you this nasty, vicious person they said you were.  I was looking for…”

    “A whip and handcuffs in my underwear drawer?”

    “Oh, really?  I never found those.  Never found even the smallest…”

    “This all sounds very personal to me, but.  Go on.”   

    “The cat.”

    “The cat?  You know about the cat?  Charley?”

    “Did you know that old gray cat never had a home, or any attention?  Did you know you were the only person to ever feed him, or pet him, or love him?”

    “My landlord told me I couldn’t keep him or even let him inside the apartment.  But I fed him on the back porch.  I brought a big box home from work to use as a bed with some of my old clothes.  I scratched his head and his ears, and told him… things.”

    “I know.  I watched.  You told him he was very special and smart and handsome.  You told him he was a good boy.  And that you would find a safe place for him before the heavy snows came, even if it meant hiding him at the trucking company.  And he believed you.”

    “That cat was my only friend.”  She blinked back tears when she thought of sweet Charley.

    “He loved you, too.  You made a big difference in his life, Sam, I mean, My Princess.  You made him happy.  You made him feel like he mattered to someone.”

    “And that’s why you didn’t kill me?  Because of the cat?  Because I gave the stray cat a purpose in life?”

    “No.  I knew if I found you that easily, someone else might find you, too.  The Galtari National High Council would certainly send someone else to finish the job.  That’s when I started looking for another doorway, a portal to a place where we could go and live safely and happily together.”

    “Ah, Jaks!  But how did you know I would agree to that?”

    “The cat told me,” he grinned.  “He told me… you were a truly wonderful woman, and that if you could find something worth loving in him, you could love me.”  She shook her head and laughed some more.  “Well?  Do you?” he smiled shyly, already knowing the answer.

    “Yes, Jaks, I do.”

    “See?  Always trust the cat.”

    “Oh!  Good Lord!  How long am I to sit here listening to this gooey, Galt insanity-induced drivel, Daughter?  A talking cat?  Nonsense!  And what does all this mean?  Apartment?  Glitsy?  Magazine?  What code talk is this?  Let me at this bag of bones and I’ll get him to talk sense.”

    “Don’t worry, Jaks.  I won’t let him hurt you.  I’m getting you out of here.  Right now.”  She turned to the king.  “Father, this man is my husband, Jakson Blake.  I ask that you respect that.”

    “Daughter, what the hell is the matter with you?  This is the Galt tracker, Tarek Ikari, and I intend to kill him and mount his head on a pole outside the castle to strike fear in the hearts of the rest of those damn crazy Galtari Nationals.  Do you realize how valuable this is?  We captured their best tracker!  We need to use this lucky break to its fullest tactical advantage!”

    “No.  Father, this man may have followed me to Demby, but he didn’t kill me or attack me or hurt me.  He took care of me.  He protected me.  And now, I will protect him.”  She stood in front of Jakson and looked at her father.  “I invoke the right to request asylum for this man.  And I stand as his sponsor.”

POINTILLISM

Pointillism is a painting technique whereby small dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image.  It was developed in 1886 by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac as a variation of Impressionism.  In the beginning the term was used by critics to mock these artists, but today does not carry the derrogatory connotation.

In traditional painting, colors are blended on a palette before application.  To the contrary with pointillism, pure color dots are painted in close proximity, forcing the eye and the mind to merge them into a fuller tonal range. 

The focus of pointillism is on the specific style of brushstroke used to apply the paint.  Few artists use this technique today.  Artists most noted for this style are Seurat and Signac and by Andy Warhol in some of his early works.

Pictured above is a well known work by Georges Seurat titled "Saturday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte".

INSPIRED BY...

This work, titled "BEAGLE" by Parker Kaufman, was inspired by a painting technique that is little used today, that being pointillism.  As a visually challenged artist, the "dot" method of painting was not a technique I could use.  I had to devise a way to acheive a similar effect.   I employed various "weights" of designs to accomplish the tonal differences.  Thin, delicate elements were used to depict lighter areas and bolder, thicker designs formed the darker segments.

In this piece, hundreds of designs were printed on cardstock, individually cut and glued into place.  The overlapping of the minute pieces added a unique tactile feature to the piece.  The approximate dimensions of the work are 8 x 8 inches and the model was my dog, Lily.

NEW LOOK

Dear Readers,

You may have noticed we have a new look.  Carol and I, on the advice of some of our readers, decided to spice things up a bit, add a little more color, freshen our look.  We hope you like it and be assured that we strive to make our content just as fresh and colorful.  Let us know what you think.

Header artwork, "SUNRISE"  by Parker Kaufman