Ask the Author: Theresa Van Spankeren
Answered Questions (16)
Theresa Van Spankeren
Jeffrey, thanks for the question!
At this time, no. I've made use of the generic "Woman in White" used in various stories/legends, but our local legends have not made it into my books yet. I have written two short stories/flash fiction that are based on local legends/experiences. I have them up on Booksie, but I will also be putting them in my blog here this October for people to read during the Halloween season. Apologies on the lateness of the second story, but both of them are up now. :)
At this time, no. I've made use of the generic "Woman in White" used in various stories/legends, but our local legends have not made it into my books yet. I have written two short stories/flash fiction that are based on local legends/experiences. I have them up on Booksie, but I will also be putting them in my blog here this October for people to read during the Halloween season. Apologies on the lateness of the second story, but both of them are up now. :)
Theresa Van Spankeren
I don't have an exciting mystery that would make a good plot line, but if someone can solve the mystery of how to make my pug listen, that would make a good book!
Theresa Van Spankeren
There are so many to choose from! I don't think I could choose just one. I would love to go to Hogwarts and learn magic. I would love to travel to Other Place to meet all the different interesting characters from the books. (Maybe I could tag along on Will's or Jayden's next adventure!)
I would also enjoy traveling to Seahaven. I don't know as much about that destination yet, but I've enjoyed the world through the first two Books of Binding series. Traveling there would let me learn about it firsthand . . . although on second thought, that could be dangerous!
I would also enjoy traveling to Seahaven. I don't know as much about that destination yet, but I've enjoyed the world through the first two Books of Binding series. Traveling there would let me learn about it firsthand . . . although on second thought, that could be dangerous!
Theresa Van Spankeren
What is that sound? Oh God, what is that thing?
Theresa Van Spankeren
Currently, I am going to start William Bradshaw and Fool's Gold. I also have Conflict by Shannon Drawe and DemiGod's Vendetta by John Sloat lined up for the Summer at the least.
Theresa Van Spankeren
I had to give this some thought. I cannot say there is a book (so far) that gives me a "favorite fictional couple." I like many of the couples, but not enough to say they were a favorite. The closest would probably be Sebastian and Juliana from Karen Ranney's My Beloved. I liked that it took time in the book for them to fall in love, and it wasn't "insta-love."
In TV, I would probably say Agents Mulder and Scully from The X-Files. I really enjoyed the chemistry of the actor and actress and it was a relationship that evolved into two people in love. The characters are flawed and they don't always get along, but they love each other.
When the show rebooted for a short run last year, I was a little nervous. I didn't know if the magic between Anderson and Duchnovy would still be there, but it was. And after all those years - that is amazing.
In TV, I would probably say Agents Mulder and Scully from The X-Files. I really enjoyed the chemistry of the actor and actress and it was a relationship that evolved into two people in love. The characters are flawed and they don't always get along, but they love each other.
When the show rebooted for a short run last year, I was a little nervous. I didn't know if the magic between Anderson and Duchnovy would still be there, but it was. And after all those years - that is amazing.
Theresa Van Spankeren
Thanks for the question, Monika!
I started writing little stories when I was young, around 8 years old or so. The idea for the first book of the War of Destiny series actually came about by accident, a by product of X-Files fanfiction back in high school. My secondary characters had their own stories to tell and left Mulder and Scully in the dust!
I started writing little stories when I was young, around 8 years old or so. The idea for the first book of the War of Destiny series actually came about by accident, a by product of X-Files fanfiction back in high school. My secondary characters had their own stories to tell and left Mulder and Scully in the dust!
Theresa Van Spankeren
I am actually working on getting book 2 of the War of Destiny series ready for publication. It continues Julia's story in Elizabethan England as she faces the evil vampire leader for the first time.
Occasionally I write little short stories and exercises for fun and practice. Sometimes I post them on my blog here on Goodreads and/or on Booksie.
Occasionally I write little short stories and exercises for fun and practice. Sometimes I post them on my blog here on Goodreads and/or on Booksie.
Theresa Van Spankeren
I have many favorite writers from both my youth and adult years. A couple that helped inspire me over the years would be Stephen King and Christopher Pike. I would say my favorite books of theirs would be Insomnia and the Dark Tower series by King, and The Last Vampire/Thirst series by Pike. I hope that answers your question.
Theresa Van Spankeren
Being able to create stories that other people enjoy or learn from. If my books can make even 1 person go "wow" - that is the best.
Theresa Van Spankeren
I can't answer for every writer, but I think to varying degrees most if not all writers have to be dreamers. Writers have to be able to imagine or create things and if that isn't the definition of a dreamer, I am not sure what is.
Theresa Van Spankeren
First, I listen to music to try and get unstuck. Listening to the right music can help get the creative juices flowing and spark an answer to the problem. Occasionally I bounce ideas off of my writer's group to see if a fresh perspective helps. If it is nice out, I go to one of my local ponds, rivers, fountains. Water has always been nature's muse for me.
Sometimes, though, it seems the only cure is time.
Sometimes, though, it seems the only cure is time.
Theresa Van Spankeren
That is a good question, Alex. I am not sure if one genre is necessarily 'harder' than the others but I think any genre that requires research might be more time consuming than others. Getting facts right to make a believable medical drama or a story based in historical periods takes a lot of time and dedication.
I myself have poured over many a book and website (more than I can remember) over the last bunch of years and much of my work is more loosely based on fact than others' work. I give much kudos to those who research every little piece of information to ensure it is right.
I myself have poured over many a book and website (more than I can remember) over the last bunch of years and much of my work is more loosely based on fact than others' work. I give much kudos to those who research every little piece of information to ensure it is right.
Theresa Van Spankeren
Besides, wrist rehabilitation, I am working on editing the 2nd book of War of Destiny, and developing an idea for a little side piece,a scene that did not make it into 'Lost Soul'. In it, Julia will talk about time she spent with her daughter. It will be posted on my blog and the book's Facebook page when it is done.
Theresa Van Spankeren
You have to start putting words on the page, even if you think those words are awful. New and aspiring writers must try to remember that we are our worst critics. We want everything to be so perfect that we forget to actually write.
Theresa Van Spankeren
I often listen to mood music to inspire me. I find soundtracks to be particularly helpful. As an example I have listened to music from "Independence Day" and "Inuyasha."
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more