Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The facts: I have a bachelor’s degree in photography and a master’s in creative writing. The Evolution of Reptilian Handbags and Other Stories is my first book. My stories have previously appeared in Bartleby, The Pearl, The Tusculum Review, Zahir, and Fiction International.
The story: I’ve worked a great variety of jobs in my life (everything from limo driver to professional photographer to university writing instructor), but nothing comes close to the joy I find in telling stories. Currently, I live in Baja California Mexico with my husband, where we run an outdoor adventure business. I write, read, bike, swim, cook, play with the dogs and blog. I try to be balanced, but the truth is most of the time I want to snatch as much life and art as I can in both hands … there is so much to learn and do.
Some people, when they hear that little voice that says leap, they shut their ears, and go on about their lives, taking no risks, disappointing no one except themselves. Others take off running in the direction of change.
The older I get, the more I find myself wanting to advocate the leaping approach to life, despite the skinned knees and bruises that sometimes result. Without them, I wouldn’t quite understand the world. I wouldn’t have compassion for the mistakes and weaknesses of others. I wouldn’t be able to tell stories. So despite my urge to bury myself in the joys of writing these days, I try to make it a point to take time off for living: family, friends and new experiences.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Evolution of Reptilian Handbags and Other Stories was inspired by a desire to use character and story to delve into the metaphysical. For me there are no distinctions between spirituality and work, or art and life. As much as people and places do, stories and ideas have the power to transform me. I’m interested in reading and writing stories that wake me up or make me dream, that push past the boundaries of the known into other realms.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When it comes to writing habits, I subscribe to the theory of “butt in chair.” If I’m ever having trouble getting going on a new project, I schedule my writing time for first thing in the morning, even if it’s only 15 minutes. No exceptions, no distractions. But at this point in my life, usually I can write anywhere I happen to be. On the beach, in cars, boats and planes, but most often simply at the desk in my office.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There have been too many books and authors I’ve admired and learned from to name, but some of the most influential were Julio Cortazar, Borges, Marquez, Jeanette Winterson, Tom Robbins, Milan Kundera, Virginia Wolfe, Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Elizabeth Hand, and Kelly Link.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a psychological horror novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What are you reading now?
Hauntings, a collection of ghost stories by some of the best writers in the business, edited by Ellen Datlow, one of the finest editors in the business. No surprise, it’s excellent.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing and reading!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hopscotch by Julio Cortazar, Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu, The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets by Barbara Walker, and The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell.
Author Websites and Profiles
Melanie Lamaga Website
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