I had the pleasure of interviewing Jodi MacArthur about her writing. We talked about her upcoming book, and how her imagination is sparked by the world around her.
LT: When did you first start writing?
JM: I told bedtime stories to my siblings before I ever set pen to paper. If I can summon forest animals with the beauty of my yodeling (they never came) and jump off the old shed with a pair of grandpa’s underwear and fly like Super Woman (it never worked), you can imagine the yarn I used to spin. In 3rd grade, I won a young authors award and a weeklong field trip to Seattle. I learned about the writing process, and met real life authors and poets. Professionally, I started writing two years ago this January.
LT: How do you get ideas for your stories?
JM: Ideas come from anywhere, anything. If one clues in to their senses, so much can fill the imagination! Listen, smell, touch, taste, see - there are worlds and characters in old houses, lilac bushes, ocean waves, bad tuna fish and cranky neighbors. My childhood has had a huge influence as well. It was a chaotic mess of adventures, love, severe abuse, adoption, dealing with death, and finding friendships and happiness in the most unusual places. My family’s history dates back to King Henry VIII (off with her head!). I’ve a relative that was childhood friends with Billy The Kid, another one was an early Mrs. America, another chased children into closets with knives, another shot his Daddy with a shot gun because he was in love with his brother’s wife, another locked children in the basement for days and weeks on end, some fled to America from Ireland. This alone is enough fodder for a lifetime of stories.
LT: Does music fit in to your creative process, and if so, how?
JM: Absolutely! Music, all creativity really, comes from the same taproot to which we all are connected. Music has its own way of bypassing walls we erect to protect ourselves from the world. Take guitar strings, drums, add lyrics and boom – instant access to the heart of humanity. I steal that lyrical rhythm and let the words move me as I create. Music helps facilitate that stream of consciousness through tone and feeling to my work. It works for me, and I hope it works for my readers.
LT: Tell us about your current project (s).
JM: I decided to dive into novel writing two months ago, and I’m halfway through Devil’s Eye. My approach to novels is the same as it has been with shorts or flashes: finish the story, set it aside, write a new one, set it aside, go back to the previous work. My goal is to have the novel rewritten and polished by the end summer so I can begin querying in the fall. For those who are curious, Devil’s Eye will enchant, entertain, and twist your heart into a hangman’s knot.
LT: Over the past year, what are your three favorite short stories that you wrote?
JM: Tainted Lady caught my imagination the most this year. The story is about a painted lady that runs away from the freak show to join the real world. She is torn between what she is and who she wants to be. Ultimately, the show must go on. The story was just picked up by Side Show 2: Tales Of The Big Top And Bizarre. The anthology is due out in February.
Late one December evening, I closed my eyes and saw two scarecrows upon their poles, separated by an ocean of waving corn stalks. Wind carried their whispers of love. I saw a princess in a dark dungeon spinning gold. Spindled Souls was born. It is one of my absolute favorites of the year and I am so happy to have it published here at Flashes In The Dark.
My third favorite is a combination of Weeping Stones (Yellow Mama) and Peace On Earth Is At War (Jim Wisneski’s 12 Days Of Christmas anthology). Both these stories contain zombies, but they aren’t about zombies. They go much deeper. I hope my readers catch the true message.
LT: Do your friends and family read your stories? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
JM: There is one special individual here in Texas that reads my work, appreciates my work, and isn’t afraid to tell me it sucks. Invaluable. The rest of my support come from amazing writers and readers I have met through online communities, ezines, and social networks. You all know who you are, and I appreciate you so much.
LT: Do you have a dream project, and what would it be like?
JM: Ha, ha! I dream big, Lori. I dream of the fantastic Amy Brown illustrating a Fairy trilogy I’ve had in my mind for years.
I dream of working on a movie script with M. Night Shyamalan, his love and passion for story telling comes through every movie he makes. I love his imagination.
Another dream is to work with Stephen King on something – anything! There are so many aspects of his work I adore, study, eat, live, breathe.
I realize these dreams are gigantic, but I believe in fairy dust and hard work. Dreams come true when you are willing to bare them to the world. (Tinker bell is flipping me the finger for stealing her line.)
LT: What other authors do you read in your spare time?
JM: Chuck Palahniuk has been my best find this year. I’ve completely immersed myself into his ridiculous, sarcastic, worlds brimming with life truths. I love risk takers – and he’s definitely accomplished this. I try to mix in classics: Poe, Dickens, Shelly, Bradbury. Especially Bradbury. One can never read enough Bradbury. It’s a good balance.
LT: What makes storytelling, in general, such a powerful medium?
JM: An event vividly imagined is as real to the mind as one actually experienced. Storytelling has the power to create a world where you and the storyteller can meet. It’s called the first page. And if the storyteller is good, they will entice you into their world, slip you into their characters shoes, and take you on adventures you would never have dreamed in the real world. I believe storytellers have tremendous power and responsibility to humanity as a whole to keep imagination alive and strong. As long as there is imagination, there is hope.
LT: Since New Year’s has rolled around again, have you made any specific plans for your writing this year?
JM: I’ll be finishing Devil’s Eye, and have it ready to submit by the end of summer. I plan on writing a first draft of a second novel while working rewrites. I’ll keep writing shorts, reading shorts, online, print, and novels. Critiquing for fellow writers keep my mind sharp. I’m particularly interested in Bizzaro right this minute, so I might give my hand at that this year. I’ll continue writing haiku with my haiku group, and reading poetry from the best. I also want to get more serious about my health. A happy mind is a healthy mind.
LT: If you could re-write a popular book or movie right now, which one would you chose?
JM: I’d insert zombie cows and more ripped bodices into Pride and Prejudice, and zombies. I’d also throw in Robin Hood and he could hand out hot cocoa and sweaters to those poor cold zombies, maybe even sword fight with Mr. Darcy. That’d be sort of hot.
Did I just lose half my readers? Don’t worry. You’ll be back.
The new Sherlock Holmes movie. I can’t stand that every classic is being remade into an action movie whether the original story had action or not. A story’s integrity should never be sacrificed for explosions and super cool karate kicks. The new Sherlock Holmes is a good example of this. Ticks me off. I refuse to see it. I am a huge fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I believe he’d puff on something else in his pipe if he knew his super sleuth had been turned into a generic action hero. Hiyah! Watch how far I can extend my leg above my head – in Ssslllooowww motion. This peeves me.
LT: Is there anything that you’d like to add?
JM: Yes! Thank you so much for the interview, Lori. I adore what you’ve done with FitD (and your own writing career!). Continuing to publish dreamers and put out good fiction keeps imagination, therefore humanity, alive and strong.
©2010 Lori Titus
Jodi MacArthur serves imagination raw on an open flame. Bring your fork to www.jodimacarthur.blogspot.com. Published online and in print, she is currently working on her first novel, Devil’s Eye.
Tags: Jodi MacArthur, THE SUNDAY SPECIAL
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:20 am
Thank You, Lori!
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:10 am
Fine interview with a talented wtiter.
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:25 am
Great interview. I like Jodi’s take on remakes of old stories for the sake of using the name as a drawcard. Inspiration isn’t that hard - people on this site and many, many others prove that on a daily basis.
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:43 am
This is wonderful insight into a very talented and giving writer. Jody has fascinating plot development, unimaginably good story lines and prose that make her stories leap up and grab her readers. It is cool to get some back story into her process, how she thinks and where this amazing work comes from. Great stuff!
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:48 am
Excellent interview. I’ve been a J.M. fan for a while now and it’s cool to see where some of that creativity comes from, “there are worlds and characters in old houses, lilac bushes, ocean waves, bad tuna fish and cranky neighbors” as well as where some of it’s headed. Looking forward to buying my copy of Devil’s Eye!
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:16 am
Great interview, Jodi and Lori! I’m very interested in reading DEVIL’S EYE. Also, I’m thrilled to see that you are wanting to dive into the bizarro scene! I am taking that path this year, as well (with the novella I wrote in November)!!! See you on the other side!
III
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:54 am
Definitely will buy Devil’s Eye. Make the cover pretty, it has to go right next to my King collection. I love JM’s work, and I adore her.
January 3rd, 2010 at 10:45 am
Great interview. It was nice to get an insight into Jodi’s mind, her thoughts on writing, her inspirations and some background on her life. Also, there is some good advice here for aspiring writers. I’m interested in reading Devil’s Eye too.
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Jodi, you’re a star.
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:45 pm
I am just smiling ear to ear now and blushing! I just can’t say thank you enough for everyone’s kind comments.
Paul and Paul - thank you! And yes, there is a huge sea and plenty of pearls for we writers to find and discover.
Mike and Harry - you guys are just making me blush and I promise signed copies of Devil’s Eye for you both.
William - you’ve written a bizzaro novel? That is SO awesome. I think we might be inspired by the same fantastic Kevin Shamel. I’m waiting for his book from amazon. Can’t wait to read it. Looking forward to discussing bizzaro with you.
Carrie- girl, I just can’t say how much I appreciate your support and your friendship. You are such a find in ‘09. You know how much I admire your work as well. Thank you!
Marilyn- Thank YOU. I’ve been reading the interviews on your site, so this means a lot coming from you.
I’m glad this is useful for aspiring writers.
And a big big thank you to Lori Titus!
January 3rd, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Jodi,
You’re very welcome, and thanks for your kind words, too!
January 3rd, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Truly inspiring interview! Wonderful to see Jodi’s mind at work. 2009 was a very good year because I met so many writers and have learned so much through their sharing and generosity.
Jodi, you’re correct. There are stories everywhere. We just have to be present and open.
I enjoy reading your work and here’s to much health, success, and fun in the new year!
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:06 pm
i agree on sherlock, bradbury and your selected faves…
stephen king? not so much.
you remain a gem.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Congratulations Jodi on the interview! You are a star. And also, thank you Lori for not only interviewing such a talented individual, but for asking the questions that allowed us in.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Thanks Lori!
Marisa, I’m so glad to have met you and you are right on about being open to life to find the tools we need for storytelling. I’m so glad to have met you in ‘09 as well. This year is going to be great for all of us! Thank you!
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Quin ~ Thanks for swinging by to read and your kind words. I’m delighted to find we have some favs in common.
Peggy ~ You are so sweet! Thanks, Girl. And you are right, Lori is so thoughtful about her questions. The first interview I read on this site was Angel Zapata’s. The questions and answers were just fantastic.
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Your interview answers are as entertaining as your fiction.
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Great interview, Jodi and Lori!
You have so much fodder from childhood to work with it makes my head spin! Keep dreaming big, Jodi. You’ve got what it takes to get there.
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Great interview! I agree with Barry, this was every bit as entertaining as a (not so) Grimm Fairy-tale.
January 3rd, 2010 at 8:14 pm
“…One can never read enough Bradbury…”
Ain’t that the truth!
Great interview - good questions from Lori (and the inspiration to interview Jodi in the first place) and wonderful answers from Jodi.
Keep writing, Jodi. We’ll all keep reading.
January 4th, 2010 at 12:40 am
Barry and Laurita! You both make me smile. I’m happy to entertain off and on the written page. Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Laura and Kevin - Thank you so much for your encouraging words.
It’s friends like you that inspire me to keep reaching and keep writing. 
My heart is so full tonight. Thanks everyone!
January 4th, 2010 at 3:35 am
Jodie’s got a gun, Jodie’s got a gun…. A loaded imagination firing off literary silver bullets. From Grimm to Grin, Jodie’s coming in. Fast. Can’t wait to read Devil’s Eye.
January 4th, 2010 at 10:35 am
There’s so much to love about your writing. You have a Devil’s Eye for detail, and your dark works always offer us a glimpse of ourselves. You’ve taken some of the horrid experiences of your youth and transformed them into magic. Great interview, and I’m lookin’ forward to my autographed copy of your novel.
January 4th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Jodi,
I am not surprised this interview was so great - you are a cauldron of character, and it shows in all your work. Your passion for writing is admirable and inspiring, and I know you have plenty of fairy dust to make all those dreams come true. Thanks for sharing your writing world with us and best of luck on Devil’s Eye!
Awesome interview Lori!
January 4th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Literary Silver Bullets - yeah, baby! I love the way your mind works, D. I still need to buy you that floppy hat I’d promised. ;D
Ang - I don’t even know what to say. You are an inspiration to me and I ‘m overwhelmed by your kind words.
Erin- You are on my mind alot when I write. I don’t know why. But I think we must write from the same place. Thank you for staying true to who you are and for your kind words as well.
January 4th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Jodi and Lori, What a fine interview indeed! Wonderful questions and Jodi, can you be a more fascinating person? I love you girl and can’t be any more happy for your successes!
January 4th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
I’m late to the table here and I agree with so much of what these fellow scribes have said. Great interview, Jodi!!
January 5th, 2010 at 5:14 am
Great interview Jodi, and Lori - thanks for posting it. Always great to get an insight into what inspires someone to write, and to discover a sense of what makes them “tick.”
January 5th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Jodi -
What a great interview by a great writer.
The best part about the interview is that it’s as real and as important as your fiction which shows that you really love to write.
I can’t wait to see what comes in 2010!
Jim
January 5th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Excellently cool Jodi. I’ve always thought that your stories had a level of depth that sets them apart. And the music comes through too. Great work Lori, too.
January 5th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
“The same taproot to which we all are connected.”
OH JODI … you splendiferous soul of pearls strung and frogs flung. How well your first interview of the next gazillion showed the dual nature of both yours and Lori’s talents to explore and more. I join the line’up for my inscribed copy of DEVIL’S EYE, and watching you sail the more when HARBINGER*33 hits many a shore’thing of readers reading “Author! Author? ~ MacArthur!”.
Proud to know, flow and grow with you in a world made better, and that even bad tuna fish can bring on more the grin from the grim within. You can’t make good stuff like *YOU* up. Keep the black jet one shoulder rhinestone gown - you deserve it star*light. ~ Absolutely*Kate
January 7th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
WOW. I love you guys!