Frequently Asked Questions
I receive a lot of emails from fans and well-wishers with questions about the book, Dubric, and writing. The most commonly asked of these are compiled in this page. We'll add to it as questions arrise or if an issue surfaces that would qualify for this sort of thing.
If you have questions, please send them to either myself or one of my Writing Posse - Josh, Sam and Meg. Sometimes I'm lost in a writer's haze, focused so much on the book at hand that the world passes by, but they will holler at me until I've answered.
I've grouped the questions by topic. Follow the links below, or just scroll down to read them all. If the questions involve spoilers, I'll link them to a new page - if you haven't read the books, don't follow anything with a big SPOILER warning.
About the Books
About Me
About Writing
So, what does 'forensic fantasy' mean, anyway?
The shortest explanation - which my daughter came up with - is 'CSI with swords'. Think primitive forensic investigation, solving crimes by examining wounds and evidence, but with limited access to technology. And it's set in a world that isn't ours that contains magic, hence the fantasy label. There's enough of the crime solving and mystery elements that it can be classed as a murder mystery, but enough broader (if more subtle) fantasy elements that it's part of that genre, too - there's some supernatural material and a smattering of magic. I hope you'll like it if you read either, or both, or neither...
I love fantasy, but I don't usually read mysteries. Would I like Ghosts?
Yes, I hope so. It's not a typical fantasy novel - no dragons or monsters or quests or flashy magic - but the fantasy elements are there adding subtle texture and depth. Most of my pre-readers are fantasy fans and they love Dubric's world. If you're looking for an epic fantasy, Ghosts might not be a book for you, but it is a wild ride with classic, and not so classic, fantasy aspects.
I read mysteries, but I don't like fantasy. Will I like the book?
In short, yes, depending on your mystery preferences. I have another contingent of readers who read mystery thrillers (and no fantasy) who are constantly screaming at me for more. Ghosts effectively straddles both genres. The only issue that seems to arrive is the, ahem, matter-of-fact gruesomeness. These are not Agatha Christie cosies, nor subtle internal dialogs. They are brutal and honest crime investigations involving normal people who happen to live in a somewhat magical world. Lots of plot twists, lots of clues, plenty of intriguing characters and a crime to solve.
So, if Dubric's a noble, where is his family? And shouldn't all of these lords have their own castles?
To answer the second question first, most do, or the equivalent. Dubric is unusual. You'll notice that in Ghosts, Risley asks Dubric why he is in Faldorrah and he deflects the question. He'll tell you in his own time! As for the first, Dubric is a high noble, yes, but he doesn't have any family left. His wife, Oriana, died while carrying their only child.
How come Lord Brushgar doesn't sit in his throne?
Oh boy. Um. I can't answer that one. The details need to stay secret at this point in time, but I will say that it relates to how Dubric and Brushgar regard one another, and it concerns the War of Shadows. There's a bit of a clue in Threads of Malice concerning their relationship.
Is Ghosts ever going to become a movie?
I remain quite hopeful. Ghosts has Hollywood representation (and my literary agent has an astounding history of books going to film) so I'd give it a 50/50 chance at this point. Heck, he sold Roger Rabbit, he certainly can sell an old man and a few drippy ghosts.
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I love the look of your quilts! How do you find time to sew and write?
I create time. Generally, sewing is reserved as a reward. Finish a draft - I get to sew! Get a copy edit done? I get to sew! People have asked to buy quilts and to give me commissions. I won't. Sewing is how I relax. Now that I sell my writing, I have to keep something else sacred. I give all my quilts away.
How do you balance writing and raising your child?
I didn't become a decent writer until the kid was old enough to be self sufficient. I wrote when she was small, but I couldn't focus on my writing until recently. Maybe I needed to mature too. But she's a great kid.
How did you get started?
That's a long answer. Read my biography for the full story.
Who's your favourite writer?
I love Stephen King, Stephen Donaldson, Neil Gaiman... and plenty more. I just love reading and I'll read most anything (except for westerns).
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How long did it take you to write Ghosts?
My first draft took six months, then another six to polish it. Due to extreme restructuring when it sold (see my bio page) I re-wrote nearly the whole thing from scratch in 6 weeks.
Is this your first book?
It's not the first book I've written, not by a long shot. It is, however the first book I've tried to publish.
Have you got any other Dubric books planned?
Yes, definitely. Threads of Malice is on schedule for a fall 2005 release and another Dubric mystery (as yet untitled) in Fall/Autumn 2006.
Have you got any other series or stories planned?
Yes. I'm in the process of organizing and drafting up initial concepts of a non-fantasy murder series.
Are you planning to focus more on writing fantasies or writing mysteries in the future?
At this point, I'm simply planning on writing. Beyond the next three or four books, I have no definite plans, only fudgy, smoky ones.
How can I get help with my writing?
My first advice would be to write as much as possible. But if you've got specific areas you're struggling with, or questions you want to ask, feel free to email me (tam@tamarasilerjones.com)or to any of my writing posse, Meg (meg@tamarasilerjones.com), Sam (sam@tamarasilerjones.com) or Josh (josh@tamarasilerjones.com). Please bear in mind that I can't talk specifically about your story ideas - it's a legal thing. My super proofers are happy to answer grammar or structure questions. And if you just want help or to hang with other writers, I'd advise joining Forward Motion - it's a great writers community.
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