Conversation with ‘Dancing with Fireflies’ ~ Author Interview

By losthawken · May 21, 2014 ·
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  1. Today’s post is a transcript from a recent conversation with author Ms. Crysta, founder of ‘Dancing with Fireflies’. Ms. Crysta is a prolific blogger, champion of authors and the writing craft, and acquaintance of mine through our common interests in writing and blogging.
    [​IMG]J. Aurel: Hello Ms. Crysta, thank you for coming. Would you care for some Tea?Crysta: I would love some. I have actually been a tea drinker for many years. In fact it is one of my many writing rituals, to make a cup of tea and sit for a few minutes watching the steam rise.

    J. Aurel: You are very welcome. Let’s see now, I have Earl Grey, Green, and Raspberry Zinger, which would you prefer? I am so glad you were able to make time in your busy schedule. Tell me, what is ‘Dancing with Fireflies’ all about?

    Crysta: I love Earl Grey with cream and sugar. So, Dancing with Fireflies started off like so many blogs as a personal space for my own creative writing. But through the years it has started to morph into an imaginative networking place for people who have the same love of writing as I do. Writers tend to be introverts, unless forced out into the public due to some grand luck of fame. So this gives people a chance to share their art from the comforts of their own sacred spaces.

    J. Aurel: Please help yourself to a biscuit. And tell me Ms. Crysta, how is it that you find yourself in the world of Blogging?

    Crysta: Well for me, I have always been a journal keeper since I was old enough to pick up a crayon. I found that through my writings, both fiction and non-fiction, I could express not just my feelings but create my own worlds when I felt like this one was just overwhelming. Blogging evolved from LiveJournal and moved into what it is now.

    J. Aurel: What are your aspirations both for yourself and for Dancing with Fireflies?

    Crysta: Dancing with Fireflies has been an amazing experience for me both as a writer and as someone who wasn’t sure what to do next, after Motherhood started to become less of a full-time job. I knew I wanted to be a writer, I spent some time with local press and always submitted freelance pieces. But I would like to take the steps to publish and take my own writing to a new level. Dancing with Fireflies is also moving forward in the direction of becoming more about creative exploration with others and opening up to bringing people in to share their talents. We learn from each other and grow as writers and as humans in the light of brilliance and talent.

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    J. Aurel: Can you tell us about some of the things that inspire you?

    Crysta: I am always inspired by colors and especially those found in nature. I have the hardest time in barren rooms that lack the flavor of color. My studio where I write is a bit chaotic for some because of my need for different colors and stimulus. Flowers, artwork, and even spools of thread from myembroidery business feed my imagination.

    J. Aurel: Do you have any words of wisdom for the burgeoning bloggers and authors reading this interview?

    Crysta: I do, and it is something that is important not only for bloggers but everyone who wants to pursue writing. Do it every… single.. day. Not everything has to get published, not everything is worth reading. But make it as much of a part of your day as brushing your teeth and tea-time. Anything worth doing takes practice, patience, and repetition. Sometimes you look at what you just wrote and shake your head, other times you might just surprise yourself. With Dancing with Fireflies, I set a weekly schedule so I didn’t have to come up with something new. This gave me much more free-time to write about what I wanted to. Blogging requires that you give your readers fresh content or else they will forget all about you. So reading other blogs and staying on top of what is trending helps you come up with new things to write about each day as well.

    [​IMG]J. Aurel: Well put. Here then, help yourself to some shaved ice, while you tell us what is next for you.

    Crysta: Thanks! Well, I am actually relocating to a new part of the country in a few weeks. So I feel like a fresh start is on the horizon. We are leaving the bitter cold of the East coast and digging our toes into the fresh soil of the northern West Coast. So once we have settled in, I have a few pieces in the works, including a co-written fantasy piece, a steampunk short story, and much more.

    J. Aurel: Naturally, naturally. Last question: if you had the choice between Atlantean Aqua Polo, Thanator racing, or a one-on-one Quidditch match, which would you choose?

    Crysta: Without question is would have to be Atlantean Aqua Polo! Thanator racing is much too fast paced for me, and does anyone place Quidditch anymore? Thanks so much for having me. This was a delight and I can’t wait to see your next literary adventures as well. Now, can I help with these dishes?

    Find out more about Dancing with Fireflies, find support in your writing, and connect with Ms. Crysta here:

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