I've been writing since I could learn how to write. Like FARSCAPE's Aeryn Sun, I was (and still am) a fan of Sesame Street, and it really got me pursuing creative venues. The stories I wrote were more like daydreams I got down on paper. Nothing serious. The first "serious" piece of work I ever got on paper was a manual on HTML. I was asked to create a course for web design, and I wrote this manual because what was on the market at the time didn't really answer what I was being asked. So I wrote this book, took it to Kinko's, and that was how I got going. From there, I came up with a couple of original scripts for the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Again, it was all in fun.

But this thing with Lisa...no, I didn't see this coming at all! I'm an actor and still love the theatre. That doesn't mean I'm not having a ball with Lisa on this trip!

LISA:

While I was a fan of Sesame Street too (Ernie and Bert ROCK !!), I think the writing bug bit me the moment I started to enjoy reading. I’m more imaginative than logical, so I always wanted to be a novelist. Manuals aren’t my kind of thing at all ! Maybe a recipe book some time in the future….

2. What were some of your favorite books as children?

TEE:

I didn't read a LOT as a kid, but I've always had a passion for comic books. I loved comics as a kid, loved them in high school, rediscovered them in college, and still nurse a closet addiction for them. Now, because of my comic book fetish (and note I say "comic book"...not "graphic novel". That's like Trekkie vs. Trekker with me. If you have drawings and speech bubbles, then guess what....IT'S A COMIC BOOK!!! Okay, I'm getting a look from Lisa...I'll stop venting...)

I am "the bookworm" of my family, though. In high school, I read Terry Brooks, Alan Dean Foster, and Roger Zealazny, and I was really enjoying Science Fiction and Fantasy films...good and bad! When it came to reading Fantasy, I got a little burned out on the "Hey, gang, I've got a Magic Talisman! Let's go on a quest!" plotline. And when it came to Science Fiction, I became very particular because there is a LOT of Science Fiction out there that makes me feel...okay, for the lack of a better word -- stupid! What's really cool is that now that I'm into the writing field, I'm reading a LOT more, and I'm remembering how much I enjoy reading!

BUT...I've got a LOT of catching up to do! Right now, I'm finishing up Danielle Ackley-McPhail's YESTERDAY'S DREAMS, and then it's back to LORD OF THE RINGS. Yes, I've never read LORD OF THE RINGS.

LISA:

As a kid I’d read anything and everything that came my way! _Time magazine, newspapers, Enid Blyton, encyclopedias, even a couple of bodice rippers I’d sneak out of my mom’s room to read in the toilet at night… (Yes, I read in the loo. I still do. Does that make me a bookworm ?) There wasn’t any Harry Potter stuff then, but I always enjoyed the old fairytales; I got sick of the Grimm Brothers pretty quick. I liked the quirky ones…there was a great compilation of them called ‘The Magic Wishbone’…would do anything to get a hold of that again.

3. Whom would you say was the biggest influence on your work, and why?

TEE:

This will seem odd...but Terry Brooks and William Shakespeare. Terry Brooks was the first Fantasy author I read, and I loved the original SHANNARA series. On a side note, the coolest experience I've had on this little trip with Rafe and Askana has been meeting Terry Brooks. I met him at one of HIS signings and gave him a copy of my book. He graciously accepted it and got a kick out of the inscription to which he replied with "Wishing You Writing Magic" in his hard-bound SHANNARA trilogy. I MET A BOYHOOD HERO!!! But while Brooks takes a lot of fire for "ripping off" Tolkien, he admits being influenced by LORD OF THE RINGS. His stories are merely his variation on the theme, and he knows how to tell a story. Then there's William Shakespeare. I caught the Bard's Bug in college and have either read it or performed in it. I've got my favorites, and I think Shakespeare's influences are in dialog and character building THROUGH dialog which no can do better than Shakespeare. Between the two of them and my writing partner, I have the voice I have in writing.

LISA:

God, that’s a hard one. Not for Tee, of course; he has an answer for everything! Tolkien set the base for fantasy. I mean, before Tolkien people couldn’t decide whether Elves were little green-capped people with gauzy wings or the Celtic sidhe or malicious spirits. I also loved the old Greek legends about the Amazons, but I’ve read so much and love so many authors I can’t say with certainty that any one or two influenced my writing more than the others.

4. What sort of education or experiences helped you get ready to write?

TEE:

Being an actor has really helped me in this unexpected blessing in my life. As an actor, you deal with dialog and what is funny is the amount of writers that say, "Dialog is the trickiest part of writing." The experience of performing scripts has helped me quite a bit. When it comes to the actual writing part, I had two teachers in high school -- Alex McGrath and Barbara Lewis of Monacan H.S. -- both encourage me to write, and to write CREATIVELY. Their "kick-in-the-Levis" and writing introductions to Dramatic Interpretations, Prose Readings, and After-Dinner Speeches (I also participated on the Monacan H.S. Forensics Team) helped me in setting scenes and building atmospheres.

LISA:

Reading. Knowing how to spell (a great asset). But other than that I don’t really plan my writing that much. Sometimes I find myself trying to get out of a ‘ he-said, she-said, they-said’ rut, but other than that I haven’t had too much trouble with dialog. If anything I tend to be too long-winded. Role-playing, believe it or not, taught me not to let my ego get involved with my writing. With some authors you get the feeling that their main character is actually an extension of themselves, maybe what they wish to be (you know this when the lead is all powerful, all beautiful and all great! Role-players call this GOD-moding). Because our manuscript package contained photos of Tee and myself in costume (we lacked spiffy graphics so we made our own), some people thought we were living vicariously through our characters, but that’s not the case. I can take an Askana-bashing as well as the next person.

5. Will there be a sequel to MOREVI, and if so, what can you tell us about it?

TEE:

We have received threats from France that there WILL be retribution of we don't come up with a sequel! *LOL* Lisa and I had a brainstorming session last year, in between rewrites, and we have a few chapters done already. As to what we can tell you about it...well, we've got a few surprises up our sleeve. Right, Lisa?

LISA:

If Tee and I manage to choose from our mess of ideas (we could take this in hundreds of different directions)!

6. What led you to choose the era of Henry VIII?

TEE:

I performed at the Maryland Renaissance Festival for seven years. In my last two seasons with the ensemble, I performed as Rafe Rafton. At the Maryland Faire, the staff really stress knowing your history so I did a lot of research on privateering (a book I recommend -- UNDER THE BLACK FLAG by David Cordingly), the difference between privateering and piracy (not much, mind you...), and on the culture of Tudor

England. Spending seven seasons in Tudor England can really make you a history buff, and when Lisa and I met online I was playing Rafe opposite her Askana.

This is something I'm proud of in MOREVI. Lisa and I brought two unique worlds and two genres together, and it didn't feel forced. Sure, there are some liberties we took. If we wanted to be historically accurate, Rafe would probably be infected with numerous

sores, perhaps reek of various odors because hygiene was not REALLY a priority, and kill Askana and her party for being heathens and practicing witchcraft. Still, we were able to bring two worlds together, and from the reviews and feedback we've received, it's working!

LISA:

Tee just brought Rafe’s world with him. When we met in Nia’s (a role-playing site), Rafe Rafton was already an established character, and I had worked out the Naruihm universe and backgrounds for Askana and Lubria, so it just grew from there. The contrast providing a lot of interesting challenges for writing.

7. What was your influence and inspiration for the other world featured in the story?

TEE:

As I like to tell people...MOREVI is Lisa's world. I'm just writing in it! *LOL*

LISA:

Power of the pen. I probably COULD give Rafe a nasty tropical disease….(hmmm, story idea). I grew up in a tropical country, and to tell the truth I was getting sick of fantasy stories set amidst picturesque woods of oak and pine! Instead of a reserved, dignified, ordered sort of atmosphere, I wanted Morevi to be lush, unpredictable and passionate. I wanted jungle, and this sort of chaotic ‘exuberance’ (my, I’m using long long words!) is characteristic of Morevi. It was also a play on the ‘male = logical and orderly’ ‘ female = emotional and spontaneous’ stereotype. You could say Morevi is very much a woman’s world, and it’s as dangerous as women can sometimes be.

8. What kind of research did you do to prepare for MOREVI?

TEE:

Prepare? Lisa...did we prepare?

Actually, the research for MOREVI came AFTER we had finished two drafts. In the rewrites, Lisa and I expanded on the Worldbuilding of MOREVI. We researched a lot of culture from Ancient China and Lisa pulled a lot from her own experiences living in Malaysia. We both pulled a lot of influences from Hinduism and Chinese mythology to create some of the culture unique to Askana's realm, and when we built the neighboring country of Eyrie, we dove into Norse Mythology and culture for foundation. I think we both had a great time creating martial arts for Morevi. Lisa and I both study martial arts, and that was good fun creating the various styles indignant to Morevi. Between the martial arts and various Asian resources, the Morevian language began to take form. The reason why all this came after completing the second draft was because we were concentrating on the story itself first, the worldbuilding filling in blanks and adding a third dimension to our work.

LISA:

Actually, I have to admit that the Morevian language is more based on the sounds of the Sanskrit rather than the Chinese language and dialects. I also use Malaysian pronunciation, so sometimes Tee and I disagree on how certain words are pronounced. Because of the way the book started, there was no way we could have foreseen that we would be writing together, or that Morevi would come as far as it has.

11. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

TEE:

When you write the book, your work has only begun. The marketing and promotion of your work will be the next challenge for you to face. After you finish the book, research your options for getting published, how to get published, and what to do after you get published. How do you promote your work? Where do you promote your work? Where are media contacts that look for interviews and/or features for writers, new, up-and-coming, or established authors? There are a lot of new writers that think, "Okay, I'm published. Now the publisher will promote me..." but even with the larger presses, that is not the case. It's hard work, but the benefits are really worthwhile!

LISA:

This is very much Tee’s field. To put it in a nutshell, I’m crap at promoting (which is why Tee is the public face of Morevi, as I like to put it).

12. Do you write full-time or hold down other jobs, and if, so, what?

TEE:

*whew* I wish I could write full-time. I work out of my home as a freelance graphic artist, web designer, computer trainer, and video editor. So my writing time is really erratic. Some months, I've got a lot of time to write. Other times, I've got my PDA, a keyboard, and in-between breaths I jot down ideas and notes for works-in-progress.

Marketing MOREVI is a full-time job in itself with arranging appearances, coming up with promotional materials, and interviews...not that I mind interviews! I love 'em! And Christine's been so kind as to lend her own words for our cover that an interview is a real treat! Thank you!!!

LISA:

I’m studying full time and working part time as a PA. I know what people out there think of Psychologists, but does anyone know that we do stuff like design the cockpits and control panels of fighter planes? Just a bit of trivia.

13. How do your families respond to your being an author?

TEE:

My dad loves to say, "I always knew you would be an author!" My dad doesn't read, but he is making an effort to read MOREVI...and he's loving it. We have lunch once a week and he loves to say, "Hey, I'm up to Chapter so-and-so!" with a proud smile. My father reading MOREVI is like me sitting down to read LES MISERABLES...the UNABRIDGED edition!

And this is how I know MOREVI works. My father does not read fantasy, but he's RETAINING a lot of details form the story, and it's a pretty involved epic tale!

The rest of my family are fascinated about the whole concept of having a "published author" in the family. My wife and mother-in-law are my live-in editors...and my biggest fans! Oh, and my older brother is taking me a little more seriously. 34 years and it takes a byline for my older brother to FINALLY take me seriously.

LISA:

My parents have a copy, and my sister’s read it. Some of my friends and family still think “Oh, it’s fantasy.” I think they’re waiting patiently for my Amy-Tan-style magnum opus!

14. What other interests do you have?

TEE:

I study TaeKwonDo which not only keeps me in shape but also brings a lot of philosophy into my life. I've also got a thing for growing herbs and cooking. During the Spring and Summer, I grow my own peppers, basil, dill, and sage. This year, I grew strawberries for the first time...oh yeah, that was VERY cool. And I'm a sucker for movies of all kinds! Movies, much like comic books, are a passion of mine. I'm now looking into a new hobby -- a card game called LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS. I was handed a starter pack at Astronomicon 2002 and I think this is one of those card games I could get into.

LISA:

I’m trying to become a gym junkie. It isn’t working, probably because it can’t replace chocolate and cooking as my main passion. I love reading, the beach, shopping, movies. I used to draw and paint a lot on paper and glass. I can’t grow herbs though, everything in my pots dies except my mint plants!

15. Where do you get the inspiration for your characters and settings?

TEE:

You know, I think this is the toughest question Lisa and I get. What do you think, Lisa? Is there any other question harder than this one?

For me, I get it as random times and at random places. It happens at the weirdest times, and I'm not understanding the importance of carrying something around that I can jot down notes in a moment like a PDA or just a memo pad. That is such a cliche for writers, but it's true. I know there are some ideas that I will probably never fulfil as I didn't bother to write them down. Now I'm in the habit that if I get even a slight thought that could go somewhere I get it recorded somewhere. Now I'm part of the PDA crowd, and I'm out of control!

When I write, I listen to soundtracks. With MOREVI, I wrote to the soundtracks of LOTR, GLADIATOR, and CUTTHROAT ISLAND. With BILLIBUB BADDINGS AND THE CASE OF THE SINGING SWORD (my work-in-progress), I'd listen to a lot of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and music from CRIME JAZZ and THE SOPRANOS. That should give you an idea of what I'm cooking up in my office!

LISA:

Yes, it’s the toughest question, Tee, and the one everyone asks us! I love epic movies, and while I don’t steal plot ideas, the music and the mood gets me inspired. If the latest offering from Chiang Kaije makes it there (it’s called Hero, starring Jet Li, Zhu Zhiying and Maggie Cheung), watch it. The character of the female assassin as played by Maggie Cheung is the closest approximation of Askana I can think of. Also it's an excellent movie…look out for the colour stages.

16. What are your long-term goals as writers?

TEE:

I love to say that Lisa and I are conquering the world one book at a time. Well, I'm taking this trip into writing the same way -- one book at a time. I don't want to get ahead of myself and see what my options are. I know I would love to continue writing with Lisa. That's a no-brainer. I want to meet Lisa by our third book together. But long-term goals? Like I said, one book at a time...

LISA:

I don’t know whether we’d hug or kill each other if we ever met…probably depends what stage we’re at with the books. But I’d like one day to be able to walk down a street and see my book in the windows of a store. I’m a simple person.

17. If you could have a private luncheon with any writer from history, whom would you choose?

TEE:

Any writer in history?!? Hmmm...Shakespeare. Yeah, it would be William Shakespeare. I'd want to sit down and have a pint with him, just talking about his works, how he works, and ask him what he would recommend in keeping works in the public eye. He did some REALLY good stuff, let's face it! And everyone quotes him. And everyone MISQUOTES him! Now, THAT'S hitting the big time!

LISA:

Anyone who isn’t a prima donna. Tee’s been telling me about conventions. Socrates, probably. I want to know if he really joked before he drank the hemlock

18. If you could have a luncheon with any fictional character, whom would you choose?

TEE:

Okay, that's a tough one, too. I think I've got it...I'd want to hang out with John Chriton from FARSCAPE. He's just edging out Captain Jean-Luc Picard from STAR TREK: TNG, but with Jean-Luc, I'd have to be a little subdued, refined, and act all grown-up. With John, there is the potential of loosening up and hanging out. Shoot pool. Smoke a stogie. Listen to BAT OUT OF HELL and talk about life. So I think if it was a luncheon of burgers and fries, then it would be FARSCAPE's John Chrition.

Another advantage: John could get me Chiyana's cell number and/or e-mail!

LISA:

Whatever pushes your buttons, Tee ! For me it would have to be Armand from Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, as long as the luncheon isn’t me! Or maybe Alanna Mosvani from Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time.

19. What do you foresee when it comes to the fantasy genre? What's your opinion on the recent fantasy blockbusters?

TEE:

I think BECAUSE of the recent fantasy blockbusters on the big screen and the popularity of shows like FARSCAPE and ENTERPRISE, Science Fiction and Fantasy is going through a resurge of popularity. Science Fiction and Fantasy is a popular genre to begin with, but getting people to read is a challenge when your competition is television, movies, and PlayStation 2. JK Rowling's HARRY POTTER started the return of the book, I believe. Then came in one Thanksgiving/Christmas season, HARRY POTTER and LOTR: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. So I see that book on a whole are on the rise.

As far as the genre itself, I see readers demanding a lot from the writers. I see small presses giving a lot of competition for the big presses. And I see a lot more crossing of genres. Fantasy with Romance. Science Fiction with Mystery. Alternative History. We will always have genres in the bookstores, but I see a lot of crossovers in the future.

LISA:

I think it’s doing a lot to raise the profile of the genre. In the past when people thought ‘fantasy’ as often or not the image that came to mind was that of the bargain bin. Thin books with busty maidens and oily barbarians on the cover. Now they might think of Aragorn in Lord of the Rings. It’s an encouraging change.

20. What's the strangest question you've ever been asked about your writing or your book, and what did you answer?

TEE:

I honestly can't recall the STRANGEST question, but there is the FUNNIEST question that I got from BOTH Astronimicon 2002's talk show "Astronomicon Tonight" and "The BookCrazy Author Show". Both hosts introduced me and said "We're all very excited about your debut novel MORE 6. Why did you start in the middle of what we assume it is a series?" I looked at the hosts blankly until I looked at the title and then the joke hit me! I nodded and said, "Yes, I'm taking the George Lucas approach, and starting in the middle of a series. Lisa and I intend to go back and write MORE 1-5 if this book is a success." That got a laugh.

LISA:

I’ve already got the blueprints for 1-5. Make sure we get the rights on souvenirs and action figures!

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Interview with Tee Morris and Lisa Lee, authors of MOREVI

Interview questions by Christine Morgan

Copyright © 2003