Dorlana Vann writes classics with a twist

 

Houston area author Dorlana Vann is the author of paranormal romances Jaclyn’s Ghost and Passage to Mesentia, as well as some wonderful modern short stories inspired by classic fairy tales.

Paranormal stories are very popular, particularly vampires. But you chose a ghost for your first book. Any particular reason?
What can I say? I love ghost stories. Actually, I was a fan of Anne Rice at the time, and I wanted to write a gripping, scary tale of ghosts in a haunted hotel. But after I started writing it, my characters took over, and it became this quirky love story about finding your way, even after death.

Have you had paranormal experiences of your own that influenced your writing?
No, not really. And that’s probably why I can write about them. To me, it’s fun to write about the unknown.

Many writers seem to have been born—telling stories as soon as they could string sentences together. When did you first consider yourself a storyteller?
When I was in junior high we had to write a story using our spelling words. The teacher called me up front. He had my story in his hand and asked me if I wanted to be in his essay class or club the next year. Before that, I guess I thought everyone liked to write stories. It was just something I did for fun.  

Both of your books are currently available as ebooks and are soon to be published in print format. What made you decide to publish in ebook format first?
The Tease Tarot covers and concept are the reasons I submitted my novel to Tease Publications. First publishing in eBook format is just how they distribute all of their books. I think it is wonderful to be able to have my novels available in both formats. 

What books or writers have most influenced your life?
I wrote my first novel in my twenties, but the story wasn’t really something I was interested in. Five years ago my mom gave me Stephen King’s book, On Writing. Right after I devoured the book, I started writing Jaclyn’s Ghost.

On Writing is an excellent book for writers as well as for fans of Mr. King—it’s inspiring and informational. So what books are you reading now?
I’m actually reading Ghost of a Chance by Kate Marsh. I’m also rereading Robert McKee’s screenwriting book, Story. I’m not planning on writing a screenplay, but it has a lot of good advice for any writer. 

Screenwriting books are great for writers…very helpful with dialogue and scene staging. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Plenty! No, really, grammar is an ongoing battle, and right now I’m having a war with ellipses…

What writing projects are you working on now?
I’m working on two young adult novels. I'm combining my interest by using classic fairy tales as inspiration and a paranormal twist.

That sounds like fun. So do you have any advice for other writers?
No matter what your professional goal, I think a writers group can really inspire and motivate a writer. I’ve been a member of the Humble Fiction Café for about two years. Last year we wrote and published our first anthology, Split. It was a really fun project that we’re all very proud of. We also have a blog (www.humblefictioncafe.blogspot.com) that is all about our story adventures.  

And finally, do you have a message for your readers?
I also enjoy writing paranormal stories that have been inspired by fairy tales. I post them to my blog about once a month. It's called "Supernatural Fairy Tales," and the address is www.dorlanavann.com.  If you have a chance please stop by.  And thank you!

Photos courtesy of Dorlana Vann