21 Questions: Lorelei Bell [Author]

Lorelei Bell [Author]

Born and still stuck in boring Northern Illinois, I've grappled with my dyslexia all my life, and hated when school began, because that was the end of my endless daydreams and freedom. Needless to say, I was not an A student. The only A's I got were in ART.

I was always drawing. My drawings became cartoons, and eventually I discovered writing. Unfortunately my spelling was horrible. It was brought to my attention plenty of times.

But that was the past. This is now. Computers. Who knew there would be such a thing as "spell check"?

I spent at least 30 years writing and querying agents, and publishers (back in the day), and had no luck. My first book that I ever held in my hands was Spell of the Black Unicorn, self published, but worth it to be able to have people buy it, have a book signing at Borders. Plenty of people loved it and wanted more. (I have written a sequel, but I'm busy writing my vampire series now.)

After this, I had to write my own vampire novel, since everyone was so into it. Finally! But alas, agents continued to reject me. I finally tried eBook publishers, but I simply got no where with this. So, finally I found Copperhill Media, who published my first vampire novel, Vampire Ascending, and is about to release my second book in this series soon (in 1011).

I was into vampires before it was "cool". Believe me. I was considered strange or weird. But I didn't care, I got along fine with my solitude. Writing came naturally to me. It was the understanding of plotting, and the art of writing that I had to learn over the years. Now, I'm happy to see that so many people enjoy my first book so much, they want the second book right now!

I'm so happy I never gave up my writing or my dreams. Some dreams just take a life time to achieve.

-Tell us about your career and what you are currently working on or involved with?

I'm currently working on book #3, #4, and notes/scenes for #5 of the Sabrina Strong Series.

-Is this what you thought you would be doing with your life, what was your first passion?

(chuckles) When I began writing was a very long time ago. When I was in my 20's I thought I would become published and live a very nice life. That was a few decades ago. Since then I've struggled, and worked in factories, retail, and driving buses. (I like doing menial work where I can work on the story in my head).

So, to answer the question. My first passion was art, when I was young. I have a two year degree in art. But my real passion is writing. You'd have to put a stake in my heart to make me stop writing.

-To whom do you credit your success to, who gives or gave you the most support?

My husband gives me 100% support. He does the laundry so that I don't have to take time out for that. He helps me with cleaning and does a lot of the cooking. He goes to all my book signings and he's just there for me.

Success comes from not giving up, and so I have to say my mother-in-law who was very much encouraging and told me never to give up. I miss her.

-If you could meet or work with [living or dead], who would that be and why?

It changes with the decades. I'd like to meet Danica Patrick. She's a tough local girl who races cars—in fact she's in the Daytona 500. She is tough and resilient and she's most like my character Sabrina Strong.

-What would you like to be remembered for 100 years from now?

For changing certain aspects about vampires in the genre.

-Who inspires you?

Right now, it's my fans. I will get someone out of the blue who has found my site on Facebook and tell me “I love your books”. They usually go on and say that they can't wait for the next book. That's what keeps me going right now.

-How are things different today, than the same day 1 year ago?

About a year ago I wasn't as embedded in Facebook and the blog world as I am now. This time last year I was going to blogs asking to be on their blog. Now, they're coming to me (like you, and I thank you), asking me if I'd like to be on their blog.

And, of course, I've got two books out now, which helps. People realize it's a series now and are looking forward to that next book. I've got them addicted to my books like vampires are addicted to blood.

-What is the last song you bought or listened to in your musical device? 

Yeesh! I don't remember. Um, it might have been Twilight. Others I've been given disks. I really like movie scores, and classical music. I'm a big Beethoven fan—he was very innovative for his time, sort of a rogue, like me.

-Last good film you had seen, and the best movie you would recommend to someone asking?

It would have to be the last Harry Potter movie (#7 part two). I'm looking forward to Dark Shadows movie, though.

-What is the single greatest moment in your life?  

When I met my husband. We've been together for 26 years, just celebrated our “first date” anniversary.

-Favorite Horror Film?

I'm not a purist on horror films, like perhaps you, or your followers are, so I'll give you my favorite Dracula film: Francis Ford Coppola's “Bram Stoker's Dracula”. It followed the book much better than I had expected. Until I see “Dracula 2012”, that's the one I'm going with for now.

-Favorite Book?

A book is like a friend to me (maybe everyone feels this way), when I sit down I want to feel as though I am there, and once I close it, I want to go back. I would have to say every single Harry Potter book written. There have been a few other books that came close. But these are my favorites above all.

-Favorite Song?

Today? There was a piano adagio that I was listening to this morning that's beautiful. But one is very beautiful, peaceful, and brings back memories—plus it's how I got the title of my first Sabrina Strong book: “Lark Ascending”.

-Favorite Film Character? Harry Potter, after Dracula, of course.

-Favorite Film Composer? I think John Williams.

-Favorite Thing in Your Home? 

Probably my computer, but my library is important too, as are pens (I have collections of pens). (You meant other than my husband, right?)

-Favorite First Pet? 

Probably a dog, or a cat. I can remember the dog's name, but not the cat. It's weird, but I don't recall a lot from childhood. I blocked a lot of it out. I want to say the dog's name was Butch. It seemed to be something of a popular name in the 50's I guess. So, we'll go with that.

-Favorite Coffee or Tea? Coffee - it would have to be a mocha with all the bad stuff in it. (^;

-Favorite Phrase? “Just do it.”

-Favorite Hiding Place [Not that we are looking]?

I'm usually invisible anyway, but I love taking walks, or hiking in the wilderness. I am a birdwatcher, so going out into the woods and fields around the prairie/wetlands park that we manage is wonderful.

-If you could tell someone something someone told you, "words to live by" what would that be?

I've got a number of them. One is “Be yourself, because everyone is already taken”. I also like to treat others the way I'd like to be treated. Also, in relation to writing: “No one can tell you how to write.” Although, it would be nice if someone pointed out what the heck you're doing wrong!

Final word of thanks: Thank you Jeremy for having over for a cup of coffee. You're a great host. I may have to have you over for a visit on my blog this summer. (^;

Blog: Lorelei's Muse

Facebook link for my fans: FACEBOOK

AMAZON

 Books: Vampire Ascending (#1), Vampire's Trill (#2)