Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She leads her readers to magical realms and others worlds. Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Whether fiction or non-fiction, Ms Chaze uses her talent to help others find the path to healing and take back their own power. In many ways, she is a life coach who helps others find alternative life paths and regain their passion. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. Theresa Chaze’s major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy , a ebook of Shadows, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. She publishes an ezine called, Messages From the Universe, which is available on her site www.theresachaze.com.

 

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Theresa. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

My novel Awakening the Dragon was originally published as Dragon’s New Home through Publish America. For legal reasons, I reedited and renamed it Awakening the Dragon–Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy. Although it started as a way to free the publishing rights, it actually made the book much better. Last year, I released Awakening the Dragon and the sequel, Dragon Domain–Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy. However, once again I chose the wrong publisher. This summer I started my own publishing house called Valkyrie Publishing. Awakening the Dragon–Book One (978-0-9798406-0-9) was released in September. Dragon Domain–Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-1-6) became available the end of November. I also have an ebook of Shadows called Out of the Shadows and Into the Light available on my website. It is a Wiccan and Pagan book of wisdom that describes the Earth based religions and gives rituals for the modern day world. If you want to know what Wiccans and Pagans believe or how they worship, Out of the Shadows will give you the information you are looking for. In addition, there are rituals for both the novice and experienced practitioner.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

I started a novel back in when I first graduated from High School. It made me realize how little I knew about the writing craft. I still have it and eventually will finish it.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

Too many to count. Originally, I was published through Publish America, then it was Pagefree. Both were very frustrating and disappointing experiences. Last spring, I did the research and learned that it was not as complicated or expensive as I thought. That’s when I started Valkyrie Publishing. I had toyed with the idea becoming the next POD publisher. However, I realistically looked at my account experience and admitted that I didn’t have the resources to do it properly yet. So instead of publishing others’ work, I am a consultant to help them do it for themselves.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

When I was 16, I wrote my first short story. At the time, I though it was the best thing since sliced bread. When it was rejected, I stopped writing for three months. Looking back, an act of the Goddess couldn’t have gotten it printed. It was a good story, but it was sent out hand written with many technical errors. However, once I started writing again, I never really stopped. Although sometimes I did have to slow down. I kept going by keeping writing. Every piece is a little better as I got more experience.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

I didn’t really choose them. Publish America chose me. Evidently, they got my information from my US Copyright. It was not my best decision.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

Originally, it was wonderful. It was a validation of a lot of hard work. I called everyone I knew, then went to lunch.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

When I first started, I was very inexperienced. Even though I had media experience, I hadn’t been able to translate it into book promotions. Once I started joining writing groups, I was able to build a bridge between the publishing and broadcasting experience. Most writers are prepared for all the hard work that comes after the book is finished. Writing is the easy and fun part. The real work comes afterwards as you create a brand name for yourself and reach your target markets.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

Yes and no. It has been a long, hard row to hoe, but I like where I have ended up. The only thing I would change is that I would have learned computers sooner. By refusing to embrace my inner techno-geek, I delayed my success.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

Very much so both as a writer and a publisher. I have expanded into non-fiction both locally and online. I am a contributing writer to the local newspaper and a content writer for a psychic service as well as writing press releases not only for myself but other writers. I publish a monthly ezine called Messages from the Universe, which has a readership over 1200. With my fiction, my characters have become more defined and honest as I have grown as a person. Each of them, even the evil ones, are aspects of myself. The better I know myself, the better I can translate them on paper.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I could have been less stubborn, especially when it comes to the technical end. Storylines and character–the creative aspects were always easy for me. I created stories like most people breathe. What I had issues with was the technical end. Spelling, punctuation and grammar do count. No longer are editors willing to smooth out the rough spots and publishers won’t look past the technical boo-boos at the story, no matter how great it is. It I had been more willing to listen, instead of digging in my heels, I probably would be further along.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Having the courage to believe in myself and fight for my rights. Many times, it would have been very easy to just give up and lead a mundane life, but it wouldn’t have made me happy. It’s not so much of my trying to be J. K. Rowlings, even through we write in similar genres, but being able to tell a story that others will find interesting enough to want to read.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

I worked in television for over six years. It is what I received my second BA for. I think I would go back to it. I loved the work. Hated the politics. The hurry up and wait sets up strange situations. I love to edit video and audio.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

No, not again. For all six years, I tried to do them both. For most of that time, I was successful, but I didn’t produce many written projects. I’m 49 years old and no longer willing to give up on having what makes me happy.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself as a successful writer and publisher with at least two dozen books and as many screenplays. It would be nice to have an Oscar.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Keep writing. Have faith in yourself, but learn as much about the industry as you can. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to do the work. Although the act of writing is very important, it needs to be balance with living life. The best stories and characters are created through the interaction with the world. If you cloister yourself away, you will rapidly run out of material and loose touch with what your readership wants.

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