Comments | fangs_fur_fey: Interview with Chris Howard

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Interview with Chris Howard

Jul 31, 2008 00:02

Chris Howard is about to offer his baby up for criticism. His first novel, SEABORN, just became available on July 21. It isn’t his first venture into print, though. Chris cut his teeth on the short story form, and is one of those rare individuals who not only crafts prose but can also create art to accompany his words.

He took a few moments out ( Read more... )

interview, chris howard

Comments 6

jessaslade July 31 2008, 19:35:00 UTC

I just read the excerpt. Man, I love your language. And the art is amazing. What a cool way to keep yourself in story world even when you can't produce words. Your brain must be very well integrated. Lacking enough artistic skills, I make a collage from magazine clippings (I know, very preschool, but satisfyingly preschool) before I start my stories. Having your finished work as contest giveaways is especially awesome & unique, just like the writing.

the0phrastus July 31 2008, 20:34:42 UTC

Thanks, Jessa! "I love your language."--wow! I'm going to print out your comment and stick it on my wall.

As far as the art, I think I need it to write. I suspect many authors think it's all about the words and neglect the visual side of things--or just try to keep it all in their heads, something my brain isn't equipped to do. I don't think it matters where the visuals come from, how they're kept, magazine clippings, scribbly sketches--which I do all the time. Wen Spencer ran a panel at Boskone a couple years ago in which she showed off a long fight scene she'd first done entirely in stick figures, stick swords sweeping, red ink dripping, stick bodies tumbling. It worked. I think I need to really see the characters in action--imagined or even better, on paper--in order to be comfortable moving through a scene with words.

Chris

carriejones August 1 2008, 15:41:24 UTC

Chris, what a great interview. Good luck with the book.

I have to agree with Jessica. I love your language, too.

the0phrastus August 1 2008, 15:55:04 UTC

Thanks, Carrie!

inkgypsy August 5 2008, 10:27:47 UTC

What a great interview! There's so much depth to your writing and it's not surprising to find you (especially Greek). it's great reading about writers using other artistic/creative methods to help them get into their worlds. I think there are a lot of us who do that but feel silly when we do because it's not thought to be 'real writing'. I collage too and sketch a little too and though I rarely get close to what's in my head I do believe it helps the process - and it concretes my research too, strangely enough!

You obviously have a poet's touch when writing and I can't help but think that your artistic approach to story development helps with that too. What I've read so far is rich and amazing. Looking forward to more urban mermaids!

Congrats on pursuing a very different idea in UF and in achieving with such a unique 'voice' with your first book. I wish you every success and will keep on the lookout for more of your work.

the0phrastus August 7 2008, 18:30:43 UTC

Thank you, Gypsy!

I've posted a few things, but I really need to blog more about combining arts. I think it's important.

I'm sure there are musician-authors out there who write musical themes for their written work, and think in terms of the mood and motion in sound when putting words on a page. Actually, I'd love to know of an example of this. Anyone?