Experience the Magic: Interview with Author Poppet

I suppose true magic may occur in fiction, but once in awhile life catches you off guard.  Well, that's what happened to me upon meeting the fabulous author, Poppet.  Her incredibly perceptive observations intrigued me, so it was a simple decision for me to review a few of her books.  She writes in the dark genre with characters that jump to life.  The world she creates for them is much like real life, yet one can't help get lost in fantasy.  It's as if she casts a spell on her readers.  We feel every caress, every pain, every triumph.  So it is my pleasure to declare this Poppet week of sorts.  For several nights we'll get to know one of my new favorite authors as we get a taste of what's inside her novels. 


Prepare to be dazzled for Poppet's magic is downright, wonderfully intoxicating. 


Without further ado, here's the Knight Chills interview with the gifted author, Poppet.


Tell us about your latest book.

Exploits is a tale which outlines a young adult who falls for an abusive male. Abusive in the sense that he doesn't respect her and sees her more as a possession (and maid) than a sentient being with emotions or needs.

It was written to outline what I call victim mentality, and how lack of worldy experience leaves naive women open to this kind of abuse. Exposed to manipulation without realising it, being cornered, and trying too hard to please is their downfall. With so many children of divorce populating our world, many adults don't have good role models or support systems in place to deal with an abusive personality.

Exploits outlines Stefanie's subjection to psychological abuse and emotional betrayal from Gary. Women are programmed through the media to *try harder* and to believe a relationship defines love. They're not taught their own value, and it's using this premise which outlines Exploits, following Stefanie through relationships, to the point of her own actualisation. I wrote it as a warning for the naive, and so that strong women friends can understand the dynamics inside a friend's relationship. We always say, "Why doesn't she just leave?" Exploits explains why she doesn't just leave, and how that destroys her.

How did you get started as a writer?

I think a writer always writes. Usually in private, for years. But I started writing seriously for magazines. I was a health writer for six years before moving to fiction novels.

What’s a typical day like for you?

A typical day? Hmmm - I start my day with coffee and read my emails and respond to them. I then look at the work in progress: sometimes this is a book I'm editing, or the book I'm writing. I do a few tweaks before leaving my computer to get dressed. Then I hit the kitchen and put the dishwasher and washing machines on.

Going back to my computer I open iTunes, kick off my shoes, press play, and start running on my rebounder. I then progress to the free weights, then I do stretching, then back on the rebounder.

 

After pouring a huge glass of water and taking my amino acids and mineral salts I sit down and start working. I won't move from my computer until 2pm. I take a break to make lunch, when I'll hang up the washing and open the dishwasher to let the dishes dry. Then back to my computer with lunch, where I read through what I've done until lunch is over.

I repeat the process until I have to stop to make dinner. I take a break for about 3 hours to make dinner, consume it, and catch some TV.

 

Then back to my computer to keep working until about 11:30 pm. I take a break to write my blog for the next day. I answer all of my emails. Then write for another hour before going to bed.

That's a typical day.

The only thing that varies is what I'm working on. Editing for me, editing for a friend, doing book reviews, or working on new novels.
 

What do you like most about reading and writing?

I love the creation process. It makes me feel alive and happy. That's why I do it. I enjoy reading because it keeps me up to date with the works currently being published. They give me hope.

Which author influenced you the most?

Probably Dean Koontz. I've always wanted to write something super scary. I think his work inspired me more than King did. Charles De Lint also inspired me, in working the magical into the mundane. Reading his work I knew I could get away with mixing the supernatural into a modern setting.

Tell us 3 interesting things about you. 

I'm a workaholic.

I'm afraid of failure.

Despite being slender, I love to eat.

Would you say you write specifically for one genre and if not, what’s your favorite genre to write?

I can't say I have a favourite genre, but I do tend to lean toward writing about unusual (possibly dysfunctional) relationships. I like writing emotional roller coasters.

Best and worst part of being a writer?

The best part about being a writer is doing what I love, every day. The worst is the insecurity. It's the writer's responsibility to get an agent / and or / publisher. We are expected to promote ourselves, our novels, and network, whilst simultaneously finding the time to write, review and edit our work. Just the PR is a full time job, and it's often overwhelming. We have to set up our own interviews and book reviews, in some cases even do our own press releases, all while dealing simultaneously with rejection letters for unpublished novels from agents and publishers. It's a very lonely vocation, which often leaves the author feeling daunted and undermined. We don't get praise, we don't get paid until someone's bought the book, we have no way to measure our success or how well we're doing - it's a hard road to travel, but so many authors make it look easy, we just have to remain true to the calling and hope for the best.

Advice to writers?

Focus on your novel with everything you have. Always do your very best, then learn to edit and take criticism. Not everyone will like your work, but when a publisher does, it's the best day of your life.

Interesting story about writing

I don't have one I'm afraid.

Knight Chills thanks Poppet for a wonderful interview.  Come back tomorrow to be dazzled with one of her excerpts from her newest book, EXPLOITS. 

To purchase one of Poppet's books just click on the photo and you'll start your ride into her magical world. 

© Copyright Poppet 2010. All rights reserved. 

Poppet has granted Knight Chills non-exclusive rights to display this work.

© Copyright Nomar Knight 2010. All rights reserved. 

A Knight Chills author interview.