Say hello to Jackie Gamber as she takes on interview questions from H. David Blalock!
HDB: You aren't only a writer. You also work in other media.
Tell me a little about that.
JG: Since I'm an avid storyteller, I also have an abiding
interest in filmmaking, and the visual aspect of those stories. I've written a
number of feature-length screenplays, as well written and directed short films.
HDB: You and your
husband Dan once ran a publishing house called Meadowhawk Press. How was it,
being on both sides of the publishing business at once?
JG: Being an editor and publisher really gave me a
perspective into the industry I don't think I could have gotten any other way.
As a money-making venture, publishing is completely subjective, and I
understand how publishers can be constantly on the edge of guessing which books
will be the "big one", and being repeatedly baffled by readers. As an
editor, I had to decline works that weren't right for the press, often my
friends, even, and to wade those treacherous waters. I discovered I have a
knack for recognizing good stories and storytelling, but in the end, my own
writing time suffered, and I had to reevaluate my personal and professional
goals.
HDB: You also started a writers' group in Memphis. How do
you think writers' groups help? How do they inhibit?
JG: A good writers' group can make all the difference.
Writers spend so much time in their own heads; crafting, dreaming, creating. It
can be an isolating experience. Sharing time with other people who want the
same things, have the same perspective and understanding, can be a terrific
support system. On the other hand, the general writing skill of the group as a
whole is crucial to a writer's growth. Improvement takes practice, and if the
group is the kind to talk about writing, rather than actual writing, or to feel
threatened by individual successes, then it's no better than a middle school
gossip group.
HDB: Tell us about your
fight for dragon's rights.
JG: Dragons are people too! I've been a founder of the group
HADS (Humans Against Dragon Stereotypes), working to spread awareness and to
encourage healthy communication between humans and dragons. Some of my articles
have included dragon history, dragon safety (such as what to do if you come
across one in the wild), and dragon appreciation as a species.
HDB: Conventions are a big part of promotion for writers.
You have been instrumental in convention planning. What should writers know
about that?
JG: Conventions can be a great way to network; with other
writers, with potential agents or publishers (depending on the focus). I've
learned to navigate conventions by understanding my limits. I can't be
everywhere at the same time, and no matter how hard I try, I can't meet everyone
and make everything an opportunity. Decide what you want out of a convention,
and call it a success with reachable goals.
HDB: Awards and
recognition by readers and peers is gratifying. Tell us about yours and how
they came about.
JG: My most gratifying award was winning the "Mary
Shelley Award for Imaginative Fiction". I'm such a Mary Shelley fan, which
is what led me to send my work to the contest, to begin with. I was given the
news that I'd won right about the week of Christmas, and couldn't think of a
better gift.
HDB: Some years ago you edited an anthology called “Touched
by Wonder”. Tell us about it and what you wanted to do with it.
JG: "Touched by Wonder" was an early project with
Meadowhawk Press. It was an exercise in seeing how far we could reach for
talented writers, among other things. It worked well; we discovered authors we
went on to make book deals with (including the author of the book which won the
Philip K. Dick award).
HDB: Finally, fill us
in on the Redheart series. What, who, where, and how.
JG: "Redheart", "Sela", and
"Reclamation" are the books of my Leland Dragon series; a story of a
dying land, and a population. Dragons and humans once worked together as
allies, but have since become competitors for resources--and enemies. To be
saved, Leland must be bathed with magic, and forgiveness.
Author Links
Twitter:
@jackiegamber
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