In August I was very happy to welcome D. Wallace Peach, author of Myths of the Mirror, The Bone Wall and many other books, as my guest today. Diana is a creator and shaper of worlds… a writer of fantasy. Her latest book, The Sorcerors’ Garden, explores the links and shifting boundaries between the levels of reality and how the stories unfolding in less tangible realms intertwine. Today, however, she writes from of a more personal perspective…
Big Hearts and Artists
I’ve heard through the rumor-mill that somewhere in the wide world there are writers who attempt to sabotage the work of others with snarky reviews, solely for the purpose of laying low the “competition.” If they exist, I imagine them sitting in dark caves, ruminating over their coveted creations like Gollum over his precious gold ring, too myopic to envision a world with thousands of well-told stories brimming with unique voices, colorful characters, vivid worlds, and artistic originality.
I’m happy to report this hasn’t been my experience. In fact, I’ve found within a big-hearted writing community little beyond open encouragement and a helping hand. This doesn’t translate to blind enchantment with everything I produce (I have my mother for that), but it does mean that I’ve encountered thoughtful honesty, generous support, and cheery enthusiasm for my passion and my desire to do something I love.
Writing is rarely a solitary effort. Of course, when I tap out a tale, I’m feet-up in my recliner, immersed in my own little fantasy bubble, but there’s a point when that bubble must pop, when a story needs fresh eyes and a little honest feedback. Every writer I’ve encountered in this process has willingly carved out scraps of time to help me better my craft, through reflection on what works and the constructive, pointed criticism that challenges me to look at my creation from a new perspective.
To me, art isn’t a race, a scramble for the top job or a sprint to the finish line. There’s no glittering tiara, no limit to the standing room on the podium. I can drool over the works of other authors and not feel diminished. I can rave over another’s talent and still have my own story to tell. Something kinda wonderful comes from sharing what you love to do with others, the wildly accomplished and the just starting out. Such is one of the pleasures of life.
The Sorcerer’s Garden
A new release by D. Wallace Peach
Recently fired and residing with her sweetly overbearing mother, Madlyn needs a job—bad. In a moment of desperation, she accepts a part-time position reading at the bedside of adventurer and amateur writer Cody Lofton. A near-drowning accident left the young man in a vegetative state, and his chances of recovery wane with each passing day. Cody’s older brother, Dustin, and eccentric grandmother aren’t prepared to give up on the youngest son of Portland, Oregon’s royalty. Dustin’s a personable guy, bordering on naïve, and overwhelmed by familial corporate duties and cutthroat partners. Grandmother Lillian’s a meddler with an eye for the esoteric, dabbling in Dustin’s life and dealing out wisdom like a card shark. One innocent conversation at a time, she sucks Madlyn into the Lofton story, dubbing her the princess and bestowing on her the responsibility of both grandsons’ destinies. And all Madlyn wanted was a simple reading job. Uninspired by her self-imposed stack of literary selections, Madlyn opts for Cody’s work-in-progress. Fantasy isn’t her favorite, but with only four chapters completed, reading The Sorcerer’s Garden should be no sweat, right? Little does she realize, the story will begin writing itself and, by the hand of destiny, become her own. D. Wallace Peach’s eighth novel is a collision of medieval and urban fantasy centered in the Northwest Hills of Portland, Oregon. Madlyn is quirky, blessed with a sarcastic sense of humor, and a tendency to say exactly what’s on her mind. At 28, she’s also abandoned her dreams of a fairytale life. A satisfying career and happily-ever-after romance simply aren’t turning up in her cards, and in fact, her junky car is careening downhill fast. A strong female protagonist with a reluctant streak, she finds herself trapped in a heroic adventure through overlapping worlds, unsure whether one or both are real. Don’t look for a run-of-the-mill fantasy here. This is one tangled tale crafted especially for readers who enjoy plot twists that keep everyone, including the characters, guessing.
About Diana:
“Tolkien … literally changed my life. I didn’t care for reading as a child – I preferred Bonanza and Beverly Hillbillies reruns, Saturday morning cartoons and the Ed Sullivan show. Then one day, I opened a book titled The Hobbit. Magic happened.
I love writing, and have the privilege to pursue my passion full time. I’m still exploring the fantasy genre, trying out new points of view, playing with tense, creating optimistic works with light-hearted endings, and delving into the grim and gritty what-ifs of a post-apocalyptic world. Forgive me if I seem unfocused in my offering of reads. Perhaps one day, I’ll settle into something more reliable. For now, it’s simply an uncharted journey, and I hope you enjoy the adventure as much as I.”
Diana’s books are available via Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
And here’s the other stuff:
Book Website & Blog: http://www.mythsofthemirror.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Myths-of-the-Mirror/187264861398982
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7068749.D_Wallace_Peach
Twitter: @dwallacepeach
Reblogged this on Barrow Blogs: and commented:
A lovely interview. Thank you both
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the reblog, Judith <3. Glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I did, Diana.x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lovely guest post. I love the image of all the authors of the world sharing a giant podium!
LikeLiked by 4 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Mary. Plenty of space on the podium for all. 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
Portland eh? Just a short hop! 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! Another writer in my neck of the woods! There are a bunch of us out here 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful writer and person. I feel very fortunate to have met her through blogging and wish her much success.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Steven. Likewise, of course. Thanks for the comment.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
So do I, Steven. She’s a lovely lady.
LikeLiked by 2 people
She is indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on andrewjoyce.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Andrew, for sharing the post with your readers 🙂 Much appreciated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great interview! I actually purchased Sorcerer’s Garden yesterday.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLike
Why thank you, Zoe! Pinky the Cat is sitting on my lap and sends you a virtual purr. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on The Life & Times of Zoe the Fabulous Feline.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks! This time from the person beneath Pinky the Cat. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Pinky the Cat”?! I loooove the color pink! My human once got those claw covers (guess I was doing a number on her ptecious sofa) … anyway, I insisted on pink. They looked pretty, but after a day, I pulled them off. I gotta be me, you know?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pinky told me to tell you that he doesn’t rip the furniture. His preference is to keep the humans busy by demanding they let him in and out every 5 minutes all day long. He also likes to walk on them at night. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like a dog I know…
LikeLiked by 2 people
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
So he said….wait! Wait just a doggone minute! Pinky is a “he”??? Photos please!! meooooow!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Okay, Zoe. This is Pinky. Here is a link to a photo of moi. This is a picture of me helping my human with her writing… https://mythsofthemirror.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/100_0395.jpg
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey handsome….I like the way you are “helping” your human with her writing! My kind of guy!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sue, thanks so much for the opportunity to guest and share some thoughts on your wonderful blog. ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is my pleasure, Diana. I like having friends over 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Ordinary Handsome and commented:
Let me introduce a wonderful writer and friend. D. Wallace Peach is an author well worth discovering, if you haven’t already. Her encouragement has been tremendous, and her writing is as smooth as a glass of fine wine. And she’s one heck of a story teller.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you again, Steven, for the reblog, and the great intro. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very welcome. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reading is magic , indeed, Diana! Thanks for featuring her, Sue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for the comment! It’s been a great day 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Welcome.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure entirely, Melinda!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great review, Diana. Your writing is magical and so are the covers for your books. Thanks, Sue, for bringing this information to us. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for the comment and kind words, Suzanne. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Suzanne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
As I browse through my blog community I am catching up on the week’s posts.. Here is a delightful post from D. Wallace Peach on Sue Vincent’s blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sally, for sharing 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s a bit of magic when so many favorites cross literary paths. Thanks to Diana, Sue and Sally for reinforcing that belief ! 💞 Van
LikeLiked by 2 people
And you add another to the mix, Van. I so appreciate all the comments and support. That was the point of the post after all – no reason not to spread the joy 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lynz. Glad you enjoyed. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was awesome!
LikeLiked by 2 people
How wonderful to meet the lady behind the beautiful words! I’ve only just come across this post through Sally reblogging it. I’m so glad she did. Wonderful post Sue and I’ve loved finding out a bit more about you Diana 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
All the credit here is Diana’s, Belinda ( and Sally’s it seems 😀 )
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve just gone and made a comment on Sally’s post. It says a lot for reblogging. We do sometimes miss posts 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We do, and I agree with you. We can’t always catch everything frst time around, quite apart from the excellent sites discovered for the first time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Belinda. It’s a great community of bloggers and fun to get to know each other! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Loved this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! Have a great day 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely to read more about Diana here Sue. I love what she said about being blessed to keep out of the dark circle of envious others. I’m also blessed to have wonderful circles of writing friends and so far no trolls, ok, well maybe one. Jealousy is a sickness. There’s plenty of room in the universe for all who wish to create. We need only lift up others, and find that they in turn will have our backs. That’s a beautiful aspect about the writing community.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the comment and positive thoughts. It is a great community indeed and as I get older I realize that there are as many unique stories as there are people. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I can’t think of many other products where enjoying one makes you want to explore every other type… so supporting any fellow writer can only be good for all of us. The reading addiction becomes very difficult to do anything but feed 😉
LikeLiked by 3 people
Pingback: Re-blog: Guest Author, D. Wallace Peach – Big Hearts and Artists | Daily Echo | writerchristophfischer
It sounds fantastic, Sue. Nice to read more about Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the premise of her new book.
LikeLike
Thank you, Olga, for the kind comment. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a surprise, Sue! Thank you so much for the repost. You are a sweetheart. Happy holidays.
LikeLike
Happy holidays, Diana:)
LikeLiked by 1 person