0
0
I don’t read a lot of fantasy, but I’ve always been fascinated by the lost city of Atlantis. So when author Paula Bates’s novel The Atlantean Legacy showed up on cyber shelves, I couldn’t resist reading it. Ms. Bates does a wonderful job bringing her version of the city to life, complete with fascinating characters, and she deserves the spotlight for August.
Since Ms. Bates did such a fantastic job of answering my interview questions, I’ve decided to post the interview in its entirety for this column.
Where were you born?
I’m a born and bred Hoosier, first appearing on this earth scene in the fair city of Indianapolis, Indiana. I don’t live there now, although it is a pleasant city as cities go, very easy to navigate and survive in. I have called many other places home since then, including New York City and San Francisco, but I presently prefer the rolling hills of Southern Indiana, where I live in a smaller university town rich with the arts, music, and a vibrant metaphysical scene.
When you were a child, how did you entertain yourself after your mom told you to go outside and play or else?
Did you know my mom? Humph….anyway, I would imagine scenes, often having to do with fairytales or romantic figures. Sometimes I put on plays with the kids in the neighborhood; we did a production of Rapunzel one summer and invited the whole neighborhood. When Zorro was popular, I pretended to be the “pretty señorita in the cantina” who helped Zorro escape. I know, I know, I was the heroine behind the scene and let Zorro get the credit, but that was pre Title Nine and Second Wave Feminism. Female upfront heroes came later…as did my feminism, which I claim to this day.
What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you or that you witnessed, which made you laugh so hard you couldn’t catch your breath?
Oh, wow, I think those things are best left uncommitted to print—don’t want to embarrass anyone or get anyone in trouble.
What hidden talent do you possess outside of writing—something you do for fun but are good at?
It’s not really hidden, but I’m a visual artist. I paint with several different media and do some mixed media work as well. If you’re curious, you can view my work at PaulaBates.com
What are you a collector of? It can be serious, funny, or unique.
I collect earrings. I’ve been amassing them from all parts of the country and the world since I first got my ears pierced in the late ‘70s. I also make them—another artistic venture of mine.
The strangest dream you’ve had at night while you slept? Or perhaps a recurring dream that doesn’t make a lot of sense to you.
I have flying dreams. Sometimes they’re wonderful experiences where I soar over cities and towns, but sometimes they’re nightmares where I’m being chased over the rooftops of houses. No matter what, though, I am always left with the feeling that somewhere in the depths of my cells I carry the knowledge of how to actually fly. Maybe we all do! Could it be that if we meditate enough, we can access it? If I ever do figure it out and you see me soaring over your rooftops, wave!
What music groups/artists blast from your CD player while you write?
When I write, I need music that fits my subject and blends into the background. Otherwise I get too distracted. For example, while I wrote The Atlantean Legacy, I listened to Atlantis Rising, a CD by Michael Diamond. But, when I paint, since I’m accessing another part of my brain, I love listening to alternative rock or female artists such as Adele, Sheryl Crowe, Bonnie Raitt, or Etta James—strong women who inspire and make you want to move those hips!
They say that passion is one step below crazy. What are you most passionate about, other than writing, without taking a giant step into Looney Land?
I believe without a doubt in past lives. I’ve trained with Dr. Brian Weiss to get certified to do Past Life Regression on clients. I’m crazy/very passionate about metaphysical studies! I am deeply into developing my intuitive and psychic skills. My husband calls me a New Age “church lady” because I’m constantly attending meditation groups, crystal bowl sessions, or related workshops of one kind or another.
Name some of your most favorite things
Getting a deep tissue massage…ahhhhh!…nothing better. A great home cooked meal that I didn’t have to cook myself. A great meal out at a fabulous restaurant. The ocean. My dog. Flowers. Flying in my dreams…
On Writing, In Paula Bates’s Own Words
Why did you begin writing?
I have dabbled in the art of writing for years. For example, I have kept journals since I was in high school and have taken several writer workshops, but focusing so intensely on this art is a new development in my life. Until I began my book, I had considered myself a visual artist and a therapist, not a writer. I began writing The Atlantean Legacy because of a Past Life Regression (PLR) session I attended at a workshop with Dr. Brian Weiss, a well-known author and PLR therapist. During this hypnotic regression, an unexpected memory of Atlantis came through so intensely it left me shaking. After a few years of thinking and talking about this experience and subsequently getting training in PLR therapy from Dr. Weiss, I realized I had to get the story down in writing. The process of producing a book turned out to be longer and more involved than I had realized it would be, but writing, editing, and getting published taught me many skills about the art and the business, which I can apply to my next book. Hopefully the next time around will be much smoother. I do have another book nagging at me, and it’s beginning to take form; I’ve actually written a few sections of it. I have a readership that wants more, so with my readers’ support and encouragement and my inner muse beating down the door to let the next novel through, I am getting inspired.
Which author inspires you?
I enjoy any fiction that is well written, but especially fantasy or time travel books.
I used to read nothing but fantasy and sci-fi, like Ursula K. LeGuin, but that has shifted over the years to include a variety of literary genres. I love reading funny, witty books, like Tom Robbins, but I also enjoy reading metaphysical books like Eckhart Tolle, Sonia Choquette, Carolyn Myss, and Doreen Virtue. Presently I am reading the Diana Gabaldon’s The Outlander series.
What do you find most rewarding about writing?
There’s a great satisfaction in giving solid form to the nebulous thoughts traipsing about my mind. What an incredible feeling to hope that, once these ideas are captured in print, the reader will enjoy immersing her/himself for a while in this world of my creation!
Have you experienced writer’s block? And if so, how did you cure it?
Yes, of course. I think the cure is to just show up. Do writing exercises, and don’t allow procrastination to take over.
When is your next book due out, and what’s it about?
There is no date set yet, but the next book is a sequel to The Atlantean Legacy.
Where can readers find you online?
I can be found at my website, PaulaBates.com, or my blogsite, TheAtlanteanLegacy.blogspot.com. You can follow me on Twitter at AtlanteanLegacy, or you can email me at AtlanteanChronicles@gmail.com.
Be sure to check out this talented author’s websites to learn more. My review of The Atlantean Legacy is coming soon!
