465: Complex Characters, Dark Retellings, and Urban Settings - Interview

DIY MFA Radio

Today, Lori is interviewing Mary Pascual. They’ll be talking about her debut novel, The Byways, and creating multi-dimensional characters.

Mary Pascual is a writer and artist who believes finding magic is only a matter of perspective. She loves stories about characters with heart and fantastical settings that are more than meets the eye. She grew up in California and enjoys reading, art, traveling, exploring outside, and building elaborate stage sets for Halloween. Writing has taken her on a number of unexpected adventures, including working in high tech, meeting psychics, interviewing rock bands, and even once attending a press conference for Bigfoot. She got hooked on reading adult science fiction and fantasy in the fifth grade—so in retrospect, much of her reading material was completely inappropriate (which probably explains a few things). She lives with her husband, son, and assorted demanding cats in San Jose, California.

In this episode, Mary Pascual and Lori discuss:

• Finding the inspiration for a retelling and adding a fresh spin.

• Why she used an urban setting to tell a grittier tale.

• The importance of avoiding labels and creating multi-dimensional characters.

Plus, her #1 tip for writers.

For more info and show notes: diymfa.com/465