[Interview_3] Gail McFarland

Gail McFarland writes contemporary romance.

Her novels include Doing Big Things (Lulu, 2012); Wayward Dreams (Genesis Press, 2008); and, Dream Keeper (Genesis Press, 2009). In addition to that, her romantic confessions and short stories have been featured in a number of magazines as well as in the anthologies, Bouquet (Pinnacle Books, 1998) and Can a Sistah Get Some Love? (Lady Leo Publishing, 2010).

Her work is available in both print and e-format.

In this interview, Gail McFarland talks about her experience of e-books, the future of the book and about her short stories:

How much of your work is available in print form and in e-format?

My novel-length work is currently available in print form and available for order and purchase in both online and brick-and-mortar-bookstores. In e-format, readers can find a dozen different stories everywhere from Amazon.com and B&N.com, to the ibookstore, Kobo, Diesel, Sony, and Smashwords.

Of the two formats, as a reader and then as a writer, which do you prefer?

This is a great question! As a reader who grew up pre-ebook, I absolutely love the feel of a book in my hands. I love experiencing the turning of the pages and the whole holding-my-breath as I wait to see what awaits me on the next page thing. But I am at heart a reader. Truth be told, I will read just about anything, so I am reading ebooks.

In my everyday real life, I work in Wellness and Fitness and for me, that is where e-books take the full advantage. They are easy to carry in my gym bag and I can read on the treadmill or while cranking out miles on a stationary bike. E-books are unmatched for downloading manuals and having ready reference available for my classes and clients.

I still love a real paper book, but I guess I’m just a woman of my times and a good e-book works for me.

In your view, what is the future of the book going to be like?

The ease of reading and the portability of e-readers is impressive. Additionally, the opening of the market to indie authors is allowing an unprecedented rise to free and open thought that was often lost among traditional publishers. This leads me to think that more people are reading – a good thing. It also leads me to think that more ideas are being more easily exchanged and that our society, as a whole, is expanding and reshaping itself accordingly – another good thing.

So ultimately, I think that both traditional and indie authors are going to have to step up our game to keep pace with this future, and that we owe this effort to our readers, ourselves, and the ongoing integrity of books.

You have an impressive number of your stories that have been published in a variety of anthologies. How did this happen?

One of the nicest things about writing for publication is that you are able to make contact with people whose hearts sing the same songs as your own. When that happens, how can you say, ‘no’?

I have been fortunate to find myself in the company of a number of lovely ladies for the Arabesque Bouquet Mother’s Day anthology, and the Lady Leo Can a Sistah Get Some Love anthology. Additionally, a number of my short confessions (27 of them!) appeared in collections for the Sterling/MacFadden Jive, Bronze Thrills, and Black Romance magazines.

In each case, I was invited to submit an idea and a subsequent story for the collection.

I was very happy and enjoyed doing it.

And here’s a little bit of a 'scoop' for you and your readers: I will be included in a new anthology featuring the GA Peach Authors in 2013. The anthology will include work from Jean Holloway, Marissa Monteilh (Pynk), Electa Rome-Parks, and me. As authors, we write across a wide variety of genres that include everything from erotica, murder, romance, and mainstream fiction, so this one promises to be big fun.

How have the stories been received?

Anthologies are nice little “samplers” of style and content. A reader may choose the book because they are partial to a particular writer or style, but in the reading, there are always little unexpected and surprising “jewels” to be found, giving the reader something fun and unexpected – a lot of bang for your reading buck!

I have been fortunate to be included in well-planned, well-thought out collections where the writers shared a similar vision and direction. This, combined with skilled editing results in entertaining, often dream-worthy collections of well-developed prose.

Each of the anthologies I have been involved with has generated a series of really nice reviews, lots of email, and even a few new fans of the individual writers.

All of the stories and their associated collections have been well-received, and readers often want to see fully-developed novels that will follow the characters forward.

Related books:

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Related articles:

• Gail McFarland [Interview], by LaShaunda Hoffman, Odinhouse Fantasy, July 14, 2012
• Gail McFarland [Interview_2], Conversations with Writers, April 5, 2010
• Gail McFarland [Interview_1], Conversations with Writers, June 2, 2008

[Interview_2] Gail McFarland

African-American contemporary romance author, Gail McFarland has written and published seven novels, among them, Lady Killer (Domhan Books, 2003); All For Love (Lulu.com, 2006); and Dream Runner (Genesis Press, 2008).

Her work has also been featured in the anthologies, Bouquet (Pinnacle Books, 1998) and Can a Sistah Get Some Love? (Lady Leo Publishing, 2010) and includes the ebook, If Ever (Lady Leo Publishing, 2009).

In this interview, Gail McFarland talks about her latest novel, Dream Keeper (Genesis Press, 2009):

What motivated you to start working on the novel?

I have to say that it was a combination of love for the characters and curiosity.

I had barely written the last words of Dream Runner before I began wondering about the rest of the story -- well, that and the characters started to “haunt” me.

I also got tons of emails and letters asking (actually demanding!) to know about Rissa and Dench.

How would you describe Dream Keeper?

Here’s hoping that I did an absolutely brilliant job on Dream Runner, and readers will remember Rissa and Dench …

Dream Keeper begins about five years later, and we find that Rissa and Dench are now married and enjoy a nearly perfect marriage. Though neither of them would ask for more in a mate, Dench was raised by an aunt and has no other family, while Rissa had both parents and her much loved brother. Knowing that the connection of family has always been one of Dench’s deep desires, Rissa wants a baby for them, and when she finds herself pregnant she is sure that their dreams are about to be fulfilled.

But when she loses the baby, she’s faced with anger, depression, and obsession. Dench has always been the man for her, and he is the man who would walk through fire for her, but is he man enough to hold on to her? And will a baby ever make three?

How did the idea behind Dream Keeper come about?

Oddly, it just sort of slipped up and ambushed me.

Rissa and Dench are secondary characters in Dream Runner, and I thought that was where they would stay, but they had other ideas, and thoughts of Dream Keeper were born. In writing, they grew and began to develop themselves in my thoughts and I liked them and their connection enough to know that they would have a story of their own.

As for the loss of a child and infertility issues, I work in wellness/fitness and have had to follow clients through somewhat similar circumstances, and it was something I wanted to view more intimately. In my thoughts, Rissa and Dench had the kind of connection that would help a couple survive and thrive through that kind of situation -- and Dream Keeper is the result.

How would you describe the process that went into creating and producing the novel?

Because I am a traditionally published author, one of my biggest issues could have been convincing a publisher that Dream Keeper was worthy of the money and effort that would go into producing it. Happily, my publisher (Genesis Press) loved the story as much as I did and has been very supportive.

It helped that Rissa and Dench were clearly a couple at the end of Dream Runner, so that left me looking at who and what they were destined to become. With that in mind, I began with a simple outline -- a blank page where I listed the things that I could see happening to them over a period of months and years. By the time I got to item # 20, and knew that I could continue, I knew that I had a story that could be fully developed and passionately written.

I used my initial outline as the skeleton for the story. The items I had initially listed became the framework for chapters that I could move into logical patterns and build upon.

Ultimately, the framework allowed me to develop the characters and their story.

How did you know when and where to stop?

This is a hard one … Like most writers, there is always one more line, or just a little more to tell.

And, yes, I am the woman who once tried to talk the postman into giving a manuscript back because I thought of something I wanted to add.

But the reality is that every story must come to an end, and you have to give your baby a chance to stand on its own.

For me, this is where the outline is an invaluable tool. If an item, or a story detail doesn’t fit into the timeframe, locations, or other dictates of the outline, it’s out -- and you have to be very definite about it!

How long did it take you to write Dream Keeper?

Every minute of four months -- this was an almost non-stop project.

Which were the most difficult aspects of the work that went into the novel?

The hardest thing for me was the chronology. Keeping things in order is hard enough in the real world where we rely on things like clocks and calendars to keep us straight, but to have to set up separate calendars, and then go back and re-read both the first book and its notes in order to outline and plot the third book was … difficult, confusing, and way too much fun, because I learned a lot in the process.

I am, by nature, process-oriented. This doesn’t mean neat or organized, so I had to learn a whole new set of skills to cope with organizing the information and developing the characters in and for Dream Keeper.

What did you enjoy most about the work that went into the novel?

I don’t know if I ever shared the fact that I am an only child.

One of the things I enjoy most in life is watching the interaction between siblings, and Dream Keeper gave me a chance to not only watch, but to manipulate the relationships between siblings, friends, and lovers, to my satisfaction.

How different is this novel from other books you have written?

Dream Keeper, like all of my other books is an African-American contemporary romance.

It is different from my other work because it is the first sequel I have written. I usually write single-titles, meaning that each story is completely told in one book, and my characters do not usually overlap books, even when their locales coincide -- but this time was different. I found Marlea and AJ, and Rissa and Dench to be passionate, compelling, real, and likeable -- to an extent, I felt obligated to finish their story.

Was this by accident or by design?

Dream Keeper was an initial accident, but has ultimately become part of the story design.

What are your plans for the future?

I will be a contributor to Can a Sistah Get Some Love? -- a romantic anthology from Lady Leo Press (February, 2010). My story, “The Twentieth Century Fox” will be one of four in the volume, and I can promise enough sighs and smiles to keep everybody reading.

And, if I did my job well in writing Dream Runner, readers will remember bad girl Bianca Coltrane -- and she was very, very bad. But I believe in redemption, and will be sharing her story in a new novel, Wayward Dreams (June, 2010). Without offering a “spoiler”, I can tell you that fate has a lot in store for her on the way to love.

Possibly related books:

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Related articles:

• Dream Keeper, by Gail McFarland [Book Review], By Priscilla Johnson, APOOO Book Club, January 17, 2010
• Gail McFarland [Interview], Conversations with Writers, June 2, 2008
• Author of the Month: Gail McFarland [Interview], By LaShaunda C Hoffman, Romance in Colour

[Interview_1] Gail McFarland

Gail McFarland attended Cleveland State University, where she was a psychology major with a minor in special education.

Her books include Summer Wind (Arabesque, 1997); The Best for Last (Arabesque, 1998); When Love Calls (Arabesque, 1999) and Lady Killer (Lulu.com, 2000).

An extract from from her latest novel, Dream Runner (Genesis Press, 2008) is available here.

In this interview, Gail McFarland talks about her concerns as a writer.

How would you describe your writing?

I write novel-length contemporary African-American romantic fiction.

My target audience are people who enjoy a well-crafted, intimately written story.

Because I am at heart, a reader, I knew there were others like me: readers who enjoy the flexibility, grace, and grandeur of language -- and live for a good story.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

Long story, but the short version is: I have a cousin who literally hated reading, but was devouring romance novels at the rate of 6-8 books per week. Curious about the source of her newfound delight, I picked one up and nearly gagged.

I couldn’t identify with the heroines and certainly found the heroes lacking. The settings did nothing for me. I wanted to see myself, my friends, and the people I love reflected in the books I read. I wanted my characters smart, sexy, efficient, and believable. So, I began working on my first romantic novel in late 1994.

How did you go about it?

In 1990, I pulled out my typewriter and began writing “confessions,” very short romantic stories for magazines. Those short stories were a major education. I started out with good ideas and a better than average vocabulary, but writing the “confessions” taught me pacing, character development, stylized language, and so much more.

Learning more made me want to achieve more, and when I came across those early Donna Hill and Rochelle Alers novels, I knew there was a place for me and the books I longed to see. So, I trashed my electric typewriter, bought a word processor, and went to work on my first novel.

It took two years, a computer upgrade, and several rewrites for Summer Wind, my first novel, to become a reality and find a home. But, it did find Arabesque, a burgeoning audience for multiethnic romance, and a new outlet for my storytelling passions.

Who influenced you most?

Well… I have to start with my mother. She actively encouraged my love of reading and storytelling from a very early age.

Then, there were my very talented teachers, who picked up where my mother left off.

If I had to name influential writers, my list would contain the names of everyone from noted to little-known novelists, historians, actors, politicians, and even a few poets. I would have a list far too long for this interview.

How have your personal experiences influenced your writing?

From time to time, I find that my characters begin to sound like me and those around me, though they have yet to take on an entire personality.

More likely, I will see or hear something that triggers my imagination. As an only child, I have learned how to respond to situations by simply being observant -- and that observation frequently colors my characters and their situations.

What are your main concerns as a writer?

A primary concern for me, is telling a good solid story, and telling it with skill.

Like many authors, my first novel did face some rejection -- much of it based on the fact that I was telling a multiethnic story.

Now that my work has found an audience, I want it to be worthy of readers. So, I am committed to putting my best efforts on paper.

What are the biggest challenges that you face?

Discipline, general laziness, and maintaining focus are major challenges for me.

One of the easiest ways to deal with my discipline and focus challenges is to write outside my home, so I usually pack up my laptop and notes and write at the public library or a nearby coffeehouse -- no phones, no gossiping friends, and no TV -- just me and my manuscript.

The laziness? I’m still working on that.

Do you write everyday?

Actually, I don’t.

I tend to be a bit of an emotional writer, so I follow my heart and my urges when I write. I am fortunate enough to have a flexible schedule that allows me to write when I feel the urge. There are weeks when I don’t write at all, and then I’ll have a month when I put in 6-8 hours a day.

When you do write, how does each session start?

Usually with me chasing a cat away from my keyboard!

It has become my habit to organize all of my story notes, outlines, and drafts in large white binders. So, I begin by pulling out my binder and reviewing my outline to refresh myself as to what I’ve done and where I need to go, in terms of story progress. This is where I try to “fill in the blanks”, ask myself questions, note the answers, and see the story the way my characters will live it.

If I’ve done my homework, my outline is my map, and allows me to write freely within the framework I’ve set for myself.

My goal for each session is a full chapter, usually a minimum of about twelve and a maximum of twenty pages for me. Sometimes, if I am in love with the story and/or the characters, my imagination is charged and I will write more.

My sessions generally end when I get tired. Because I have a bad habit of getting caught up in revisions, I try not to check anything beyond obvious spelling and grammar errors until the end of my sessions. That’s when I get to sit back and (hopefully) enjoy my story and its progress.

How many books have you written so far?

Summer Wind (Arabesque, 1997), The Best for Last (Arabesque, 1998), Bouquet (with Roberta Gayle and Anna Laurence, BET/Arabesque, 1998), When Love Calls (BET/Arabesque, 1999), Lady Killer (Lulu Books, 2000), All for Love (Lulu Books, 2008), and Dream Runner (Genesis Press/Indigo, 2008).

What is your latest novel about?

Dream Runner is the story of a woman who has spent a lifetime dreaming of taking Olympic gold. To achieve this goal, she has willingly sacrificed love and family, but always comes up short and still clutching her dream.

Dream Runner is also the story of a man who has run his way to the top of his sport, only to be sidelined by injury without realizing his dream. Neither of them has any clue that the separate roads they’re running will meet and where that path will take them.

How long did it take you to write Dream Runner?

The first three chapters were actually written in two days. The research and the rest of the writing took about six months.

Dream Runner is published by Genesis Press/Indigo and the book is brand new, having been released this month (May, 2008).

Which aspects of the work you put into the book did you find most difficult?

Editing and rewriting are my personal challenges.

After spending months with characters and their challenges, plots and their twists and turns, the last thing I usually want to do with a story is write, “The End,” on the final page. And that’s what I get to do, until you come to editing, where every word and concept is dissected. Editing is where I often find myself defending circumstances and situations, and every minute of that research I put in becomes invaluable.

Sometimes, odd little things (like subject/verb agreement) get past a writer. Over time, I have learned that having to look at the edits often forces me to write “tighter” and ultimately better. The story is often improved because editors are relentless… no, fortunately, they’re just really good at ferreting out the things the writer overlooked, forgot, or simply didn’t know.

I deal with the rigors of editing by putting in the work it takes to improve my story and keep it fresh and relevant -- even when I’m reading/reviewing it for the tenth time.

Which aspects of the work did you enjoy most?

The research is always interesting and fulfilling for me. Simply taking the time to cruise the internet is relaxing and sparks my imagination.

What sets the novel apart from other things you've written?

While Dream Runner is infused with the intimacy and humor that I hope marks everything I have ever written or will write, it is different from what I have written so far because it is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to fuse my love of romance with my passion for health, fitness, and sports.

Dream Runner is also different because it is the first time I’ve written a character with a physical challenge.

How did you choose a publisher for the book?

I took a very careful look at the writers currently working with this publisher, and found that their work was very similar to mine.

Genesis Press has had success with the romance genre and proven supportive of their authors. The authors writing for the Indigo imprint are also a pretty impressive group.

In my experience, the Genesis Press/Indigo publisher and editors have been remarkably easy to work with, and I have enjoyed the experience.

What will your next book be about?

I am currently researching infertility as part of a sequel to Dream Runner. Marlea and AJ are definitely on my character list, as are Rissa and Dench… you’ll have to read the book to find out who they are.

What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?

That’s a hard question, and I am not sure whether I should start with the pleasure I took from signing a book for my 12th grade English teacher (she gave me an ‘A+’ on the book!), or getting consistently great reviews for my work. But I definitely have to say that having your work read and appreciated is a huge bonus and certainly a remarkable achievement for any writer.