Hello, everyone! A warm welcome to my blog!
For the next couple of weeks I thought I would share some of the posts I had prepared for my blog tour, for those who were not able to make it to the blogs hosting it. Today I will share a short interview along with Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge.
Pleasant and Read are this week’s prompt words chosen by Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer.
*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.
Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge every Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun, Etheree or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.
◊
“Don’t be so quick to judge me. You only see what I choose to show you.”
◊
When you look at me
There is a lot you don’t see
Don’t be quick to judge
If you try to understand
You’ll see loveliness instead
11 Questions Readers Are too Afraid To Ask Me
Are you a devil worshiper, Satanist?
Absolutely not. My stories are not about the devil, he happens to be a character in one or two of my stories but the stories are not about him and even if they were it wouldn’t mean I was a Satanist.
Do you believe in God? The devil?
I believe in God and angels, so I believe that just like there are good entities there must also be evil ones. How can people like Ted Bundy, Tsutomu Miyazaki, Jack the Ripper, Ahmad Suradji, Adolf Hitler, Andrei Chikatilo among others exist if there wasn’t a devil?
Are you a witch?
Witches have gotten a bad wrap through the years. Remember the evil witch from “Hansel and Gretel” who snatches up children to eat? How about Bette Midler’s character in “Hocus Pocus”?
In real life, a witch can look like anyone else. To me a witch is simply someone who is aware of her own power and puts that power into action.
Are you a religious person?
That would depend on one’s definition of what being religious entails. I believe in the Golden Rule, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. I’ve also added, “treat others like you would like others to treat your children, parents, spouse or friend.” If you would like others to treat your children with patience and kindness, be patient and kind to other children. If you want your elderly parents or grandparents to be treated with respect and dignity, treat every elderly person you come in contact with the same way.
I believe in doing good deeds and being kind and fair. I don’t believe that going to a church every week or every day makes one a good person. Although there are many good people who attend churches, synagogues, mosques . . . there are also many self-righteous people who wear the facade of good, caring individuals when in fact they are nothing but selfish hypocrites with their own agendas.
I have no doubt that there are many lovely churches and temples with wonderful congregations but churches and temples are merely buildings. I’ve always felt closest to God surrounded by nature.
Why do you write?
Why does a person eat, sleep, or breathe? To live. That’s the same reason I write––to live.
Why do you write dark fantasy, horror, thriller?
These have always been the genres that I’ve been attracted to since I was a child. We all have a dark side, dark thoughts. I believe writing dark fiction helps me purge the darkness inside me in a positive way.
Do you read only dark fiction books?
I’ve always loved reading fantasy (High, Epic, Dark), horror, thriller, and science fiction, but I have read books in other genres from time to time. However, since I joined the Rave Reviews Book Club I’ve read many books of different genres. I’m always surprised about how much I enjoy them and some of those genres have really grown on me.
Do you associate yourself with any of your villains?
No. As a matter of fact, I have at times asked myself, what is the opposite I would do in a certain scenario, in order to determine the villain’s next move. I have done research on serial killers, tyrants, and the criminally insane in order to come up with the personalities and traits of my villains. I’m not a perfect saint but I’m also not evil.
Some people have been offended by the way you portray angels and for writing new takes on heaven and hell. Does that bother you? What would you say to these people?
I probably wouldn’t say anything to these people but for the sake of the interview, I would first remind them that my books are not religious, non-fiction books they are fantasy fiction. Some people just can’t differentiate fiction from non-fiction, they believe everything they read and I consider that to be dangerous. I would also tell them that if they do not like my portrayal of angels then maybe they should write their own book depicting angels in the manner they feel is right. And lastly, I am neither the first nor the last author to write about angels and demons or to create my own version of heaven and hell. There’s “Inferno” by Dante, “Paradise Lost” by John Milton, “Eric” by Terry Pratchett, “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis, “What Dreams May Come” by Richard Matheson and many more. I’m in good company.
Some people claim to be religious while knowing very little about their own religion. I’ve also discovered that the people that are truly religious and knowledgeable about the doctrine and scriptures in their faith don’t have a problem with my book or any book like mine, and many have actually enjoyed books like mine because they see them for what they are––works of fiction.
Do you believe in magic?
I believe in magick. I believe the mind is a powerful instrument and people can achieve miracles with the power of positive thinking. You may call it prayer, faith . . . People have cured themselves from incurable diseases because they thought it possible. I have experienced both the power of positive thinking as well as the power of negative thinking. Positive thinking is like a spell of protection. Magick is about raising and directing energy to fulfill your intentions.
Are you a dark and moody person?
I have my dark moments like everyone else, I suppose. I do my share of brooding, but I do not consider myself a dark, moody or pessimistic person. On the contrary, I always try to see the glass half full. I have actually been accused of smiling too much or being too happy at times. I try to see the good in people because I believe there is good in most people. I don’t hold grudges. I rather confront someone who I believe has done me wrong and tell him or her how I feel because then I can move on and forget about it.
◊
“Those who judge will never understand, and those who understand will never judge.”
◊
*If there are any other questions you’d like to ask me please do so in the comment section below.
Questions so nicely answered! ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Friday, Billy Ray! Thank you. I appreciate that. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very interesting take on the author interview. Thanks for your candor, Vashti and great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Being completely honest is always a risk I’m willing to take and such a relief. At least for me. I’m happy you enjoyed the post, Olga! Thank you and have a great weekend. ❤ xo
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Just Olga and commented:
If you’d like to know what people never dared to ask author Vasthi Quiroz, you should read this interview.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reblogging, Olga! 😀
LikeLike
It was nice to hear from the real you as you answered the questions. It’s odd that people will ask you questions as if you and one of your characters are the same person, but I guess all authors have to deal with that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Priscilla! Unfortunately, some people do judge authors by the genre they write. You’re right, I do believe it’s something all authors go through. I guess it’s similar to actors who play villains on television or the movies, especially the popular ones, some people grow to hate them in real life thinking they’re just like the villains they play. Some people just don’t know how to differentiate what’s real and what’s make-believe. I’m glad you appreciated the interview. Thank you and have a great weekend!
😀 xo
LikeLike
People tend to judge without asking any questions. So thoughtful to answer them before they do! Vashti, I love your Angels as well as monsters, as they seem credible. Wishing you great success.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a wonderful comment, Balroop! Thank you very much. I’m thrilled that you like my angels and monsters. Have a lovely weekend! 😀 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent interview, Vashti. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John! Have a wonderful weekend! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m surprised at some of the questions. You answered them with candor and honesty. I shudder to think what pigeonhole I’m stuck in with the various genres I write about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure some readers had these very questions in mind at some point. Thank you. I wanted to be as honest as possible. I think you’re brilliant because of the genres you write. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or crazy….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great interview, Vashti! You are a bright light in this world…no way are you dark or moody!❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thank you very much, Jil. Have a happy Friday and weekend! ❤ xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant, from start to finish!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Annette! ❤ I'm glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a treat to read, Vashti. I had a little giggle about being told you smile too much. That’s just awesome! I missed a lot of your tour, but I hope to visit all stops over the weekend. I hope you’re enjoying a fabulous week and connecting with many readers, both fans and newbies. Cheers to you, my friend! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy you enjoyed the post, Natalie. That would be wonderful. Thank you very much. I did enjoy the week. You have a wonderful weekend, my friend. ❤ xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was such a great interview I’m glad you shared it here! Great poem that was on point. Have a fantastic weekend:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Denise! I wanted to share it with as many people as possible. I’m happy you like the Tanka. You have a fabulous weekend too! ❤ xo
LikeLike
Lol, are you a satanist? Good one! Angels and God, I’m with you there Vashti. Great questions and loved the poetry! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, you know some people see devils everywhere they look. I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview and poem, Debby❣️Thank you!
❤️xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 😉 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Insightful questions and answers showing us the essence of who you are, Vashti. I absolutely LOVE this! Your answers are honest and tasteful. Kudos to you and congrats on the new book release!
LikeLike
We truly are kindred spirits. 🙂 ❤ I loved Inferno and What Dreams May Come. And our philosophies on spiritualism is so similar. Thanks for sharing this with us. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello, my sister❣️ Yes! I’m so happy we think so much alike. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the interview. It’s my pleasure to share it. ❤️xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reblogging, Traci❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Vashti!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed this interview. Loved the questions and they were answered with such candor. A good read.
Pat
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Pat! I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview. Thank you! ❤
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing this insight into your life and writing, Vashti. Wow, you have actually been accused of being too happy? LOL! Keep on smiling, I say, it makes some people wonder what you’re up to. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Mark! Ha, ha. I will keep smiling. 😉 I’m sure some people do wonder what I’m up to, especially since I sometimes escape inside my head. Thank you for stopping by and for your wonderful comment! 😀 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting answer for the question on magic/magick. Love the power in your voice doing this interview. To know oneself is the greatest magic(k).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your comment, Olga! Thank you. I agree, to know oneself is extremely important. Some people are not happy because they don’t truly know who they are and if you don’t know yourself you can’t know what you want out of life. Thanks again, my friend❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on firefly465.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reblogging, Adele❣️
LikeLike
It’s always fun to learn more about you, Vashti. Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And it’s always a thrill for me when you visit my blog, Teagan. Thank you very much! I had a great Thanksgiving I hope you did too. Enjoy the weekend, my friend! ❤ xo
LikeLike
An excellent Tanka, Vashti. If we want to understand a person, the best way is to spend time and have honest conversation. I stopped by all of your blog tour hosts. Excellent Q&A! ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Miriam! I completely agree with you. Thank you very much. I have to visit each stop again to be sure I didn’t miss anyone. I’m happy you enjoyed the Q & A. 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I enjoyed it them and was glad to read your answers. Yes, it’s good idea to go back to visit. Someone might have stopped by when you thought you had checked every comment. ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will do that. 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person