Fiction Scribe

Hi everyone! You’ll have to forgive the change of schedule today, but I’m quite ill and really can’t do a discussion today. The discussion will continue next week, though, so be sure to be all caught up by then!

We worked out all the technical difficulties from last Friday, and now I am pleased to present to you my interview with the author of the horror novel Dark Lullaby: Mayra Calvani. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming her to Fiction Scribe. Be sure to leave her a comment for a chance to win a copy of her book.

Without further ado…

Hello and thank you for stopping at Fiction Scribe, Mayra. Tell the readers a bit about yourself.

Thanks for having me on your blog! I’m a Puerto Rican author and book reviewer. I enjoy writing in a variety of genres—paranormal, suspense, fantasy, mystery, satire, nonfiction, and also children’s and young adult. I currently have three books out—Embraced by the Shadows (paranormal/vampire), Dark Lullaby (paranormal thriller) and The Magic Violin (children’s picture book) with several more coming out soon in 2007-8.

What brought you into the world of writing? When did you start?

I was an avid reader since I was a little kid and began writing fiction at an early age. I think I was twelve when I started writing complete short stories and novellas. Reading and writing went along together and I always had my head in a book or my hands on a typewriter. The desire to create similar worlds as those I encountered in books, the need to have an outlet for my imagination led me naturally to the world of the written word.

You’re currently on virtual tour for your horror novel Dark Lullaby. Could you tell us a bit about the book?

Dark Lullaby is about a young astrophysicist from Baltimore who is lured into the Turkish countryside by a mysterious young woman—of course, she ends up being something totally unexpected. In the end, he has to face his own demons in order to save his twin sister’s unborn child. More than horror, it is a bizarre, suspenseful tale. I tried to make it strongly atmospheric instead of using graphic gore, which I detest.

This is the back cover blurb:

At a trendy Turkish tavern one Friday night, astrophysicist Gabriel Diaz meets a mysterious young woman. Captivated by her beauty as well as her views on good and evil, he spends the next several days with her. Soon, however, he begins to notice strangeness in her–her skin’s abnormally high temperature, her obsession with milk products, her child-like and bizarre behavior as she seems to take pleasure in toying with his conscience.

But nothing, not even the stunning splendour of the Black Sea, can disguise the horror of her nature. In a place where death dwells and illusion and reality seem as one, Gabriel must now come to terms with his own demons in order to save his sister’s unborn child, and ultimately, his own soul…

For an excerpt, reviews and the book trailer, please visit my website: www.mayracalvani.com

What inspired you to write Dark Lullaby? Where did the idea begin?

I’ve always been very interested in moral dilemmas and in the concept of a higher good. For instance, is it okay for a man to steal in order to have money to save his little girl, who is dying? In the case of Dark Lullaby, I went a step further: is it okay for a man to kill for the higher good? As far as the location goes, I lived four years in Turkey, so this was a big influence. I was intrigued by the stories I heard there about the cin (jihnn), and by the fact that so many people believe in them. My brother, who is an astrophysicist, was my inspiration for the main character. This is the first novel I write with a male protagonist, and I have to say it was very interesting getting inside the head of a man.

What character do you relate to the most and why?

I relate with Gabriel Diaz, the protagonist, the most because of his views on law and justice, good and evil, and his scientific background. I’m not a scientist but I love reading about astronomy and cosmology. Gabriel is brilliant yet sort of naïve at the same time, which makes an interesting combination. He has what the Spaniards call ‘angel’. He radiates goodness, in spite of his temperamental and some times impulsive behavior.

You also write in many other genres. What draws you about writing horror?

There are so many subgenres under horror… this is why I dislike labeling my fiction this way. As I said, I would call it supernatural or paranormal thriller/suspense. There’s no bloody scenes, no graphic violence per say. It is more a bizarre, spooky, strongly atmospheric tale. I have been drawn to this type of fiction since I was in my teens—the dark, mysterious side of things; the unexplainable and weird. Since I loved reading this type of stories, writing in this genre was a natural response. When you write ‘horror’, the same as when you read it, you get to experience the thrills and chills in a safe, make-belief environment. Obviously nobody enjoys horror in real life. But I cannot watch a horror movie to save my life! What I like are films like The Others, Lady in the Water, The Village, etc.

What drew you to writing this book in particular?

As I said earlier, my fascination with moral dilemmas and the tales I heard about the cin while living in Turkey.

Are there any authors who have inspired you in your writing?

The author who has been most influential in my writing is Anne Rice. I just love her rich, baroque style and the way she combines a paranormal tale with history, for instance. Unfortunately, her books have worsened by the years, but I still re-read her first book, Interview with the Vampire, just for pure fun and joy of the style and language.

Kate Chopin’s novel, The Awakening, has been a huge influence. I have read this book over ten times, and I never grow tired of it. The same with Albert Camus’ The Stranger. I’m really crazy about very short, powerful novels and both these works fit this category.

During my twenties my writing was strongly influenced by Tama Janowitz. I loved her razor-sharp wit and dark humor, and her keen observant eye for characters.

What are your dreams for your writing?

My dream at this moment is to find an agent and obtain a contract from a big publisher.

When you’re not writing novels, what do you do?

Read, write reviews, play the violin, walk the dog, and spend time with my family.

Any advice for writers?

Have your own vision and be self motivated, no matter what people say. Practice your craft—write, write, write. Every day if you can. Write at a café once in a while; a change of atmosphere can work magic on your creativity. Take long walks, alone, to be one to one with your muse. Get a copy of The Right to Write, by Julia Cameron. Join a critique group. Keep submitting. Above all, never give up.

Thank you very much for your time.

Thanks you!