Interview Ruby Moon-Houldson
by
Jim Green
I recently had the special privilege of interviewing the prolific and extremely talented Ruby Moon-Houldson, author of the upcoming novel, The Man Within, one of many books written by this unique lady. Ms. Moon-Houldson’s creativity is a template for which every writer strives.
1) I see that you have a new novel soon to be published by Wings entitled The Man Within . The blurb doesn’t tell us much about the genre, the setting, etc. Could you give us a little more information? The title, in itself, is intriguing. Maybe you could also tell us a bit about the idea, you know, from where it came, and so forth.
The Man Within is a paranormal romance novel set in the modern day period. Daxton, as the reader discovers, is a werewolf. The title of the book serves two purposes. One being, when he’s the wolf there is the man within who desires to be free. The second being, when he’s a man, he wishes to be free from the self-doubt he has about himself as both a husband and a lover. His first marriage was a disaster which left him scarred and uncertain as to his role in any woman’s life. There is the man within who desires to be free yet who’s afraid to put his trust in another woman. He meets Diana and all his insecurities come to bear upon their blooming relationship. And that’s where Diana plays an important role in Daxton’s world--for she’s the one who must find a way to accept the wolf yet also draw out the man within.
2) I don’t find you on the author’s list for Wings ePress. Please tell us a bit about your publishing history. Whether first, or one of many works published, it’s always an exciting event. Where does The Man Within fit in to this scenario?
I am a new author to Wings. :^) I have written over thirty other books. My first two books were Star Trek novels. I also have written two other books which have been nominated for Oprah’s Book Club. I have four Star Trek reference books out now and three more to be published over the next year. As for The Man Within, it just happened to be a story that was flitting about in my head. I began setting down a plot and then went with it. There was nothing which prompted me to write it. I do believe I wrote The Man Within right after finishing my dragon novel (Dragon’s Fire, Insanity’s Reign--paranormal romance genre).
3) Are you a full-time writer, or do you have other professional or occupational responsibilities?
I can’t really say if I’m a full-time writer. I write during my spare time and most every night--from 11PM to 4AM. Maybe that does make me “full-time.” I’d say I average about 4-6 books a year. Yes, I do have other commitments. I’m a college professor with my area of expertise being nursing and psychology. I am also completing my PhD in Psychology. I am a wife and mother of three--two of which are teens. My oldest daughter (24-years old now) has two children. I take care of three cats (Luna, Inuyasha, and Scottie) and one Weimaraner dog (Jadyn). I also write for a local newspaper service, as well as take on various writing assignments for an Entertainment Company based in California. I’m also the President of The Moon-Houldson Foundation. I review and make corrections for educational text books such as nursing books.
4) I wish I had the opportunity to read some of your writings; however, I will in short time. None-the-less, tell us what your training is, how long you have been writing, and what you do to grow in these creative endeavors.
Most of my writing skills were “brushed up” when I took creative writing classes and science fiction and fantasy writing classes in college. As I’ve said before, I review and make corrections for educational text books such as nursing books. I’ve authored a nursing student guide book, too. I just keep writing--that seems to help me keep up with the art of writing. Overall, I’d say I’ve been writing since the eleventh grade.
My favorite characters, of all the characters I’ve created, just so happens to be Jadyn Rina Hanan Varatoo (Hephate) and Christopher Andrew Varatoo (Remiel)--from the ‘Guardian’ series (Vampire/paranormal romance). I’ve written nine books in that series--six are available right now. I love leaping into their world and battling it out with the bad guys (vamps mostly)--and I enjoy the hot romance, too. ;^) I’ve incorporated the past, the present, and the future into the series--including today’s modern tracking devices that we see as ‘helpful tools’ for our lives. My writing develops by growing with the times and by growing with the characters I create.
5) What is, has been, your inspiration? People? Events? Time of day? Any of those things.
My inspiration goes out to one wonderful man--my hero--Leonard Nimoy. He’s sent a copy of every one of my books once they’re published. He’s a fantastic man. We get together, along with others, about two to three times a year in planning Trek events. He also gives me great tips on photography, which is a hobby of mine. His guidance has afforded me the honor of having received “Best In Show” ribbons for my work. Also, Nimoy and all the main cast from the original Trek series were my heroes as I was growing up. My two Oprah Book Club nominated novels are based quite strongly on my own childhood experiences and how my heroes saw me through tough times. As for writing--I like to write at night. I like to have music going when I write (Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Phil Collins, etc.) I also have a getaway writing place of my own. It’s a building just outside my home. It was built specifically for me. It’s pylon-shaped (like what you see on the old TV program, Land of the Lost). The outside is aluminum (won’t ever rust). The inside has glow-in-the-dark carpet (planet print), the wallpaper is glow-in-the-dark (space with stars), and I also have a TV in there, a computer desk, etc. It’s heated and has an air conditioner. There are no windows. It’s quickly become my town’s “must visit” sightseeing structure. It’s my place to just sit and look at the stars and contemplate the storyline for my next novel.
6) Some novelists plan meticulously; others begin, have an idea where they want to go, and let the characters live the story as the authors write. How about you? How do you get from point A to Z?
I formulate a plan in my mind and then I begin to create an outline on paper. I tinker with it--adding and detracting as I work on the storyline. I follow the outline pretty closely, but there are many times when the characters do tend to take off on another path--and I usually follow it.
7) If you were asked to advise aspiring authors, what words of wisdom would you impart?
I would say to “write what you know.” That’s the advice other authors such as Nicholas Sparks and Jude Deveraux imparted to me. Also, if you get the opportunity to travel--do so! I travel quite a bit to do research for my books and it helps tremendously.
8) Now that we know a little about you, please tell us some more pointed info. Could you please give us a brief autobiographical sketch? You know, the who, where, what, when, and how stuff?
I enjoy writing in the science fiction/paranormal genres as well creating parent reference guides and other reference books. I also submit material for online magazines, nursing textbook companies, and I work with an Entertainment Company that sponsors and presents science fiction conferences for fans. I wrote a speech which was presented at the Great Bird of the Galaxy Conference in Texas, and I worked on the ‘Beam Me Up Scotty’ program which was hosted by PlanetXpo in Hollywood, CA. I appear as guest speaker at various conferences and conventions across the United States as well as conduct book signings. The most recent convention where I was guest speaker was at Starbase Indy. I’m a member of the Trek Writer’s Guild. I’m a member of the Indiana Literacy Coalition, the Greene County Speaker’s Bureau, and the Greene County Writer’s Group. I enjoy reviewing movie scripts--one such script having been written by Walter Koening titled, Illegal Alien. I live in Indiana and receive far too many e-mails a day. :^)
9) Is Ruby Moon-Houldson the real you, or is that a pen name? The hyphenated last name is interesting.
My name is Ruby Houldson. Moon was my maiden name. At this time, I’m currently working on a book titled, Diary of a Moon Child. It’s been fun writing it thus far (can’t say more at this time about it though). When I began writing, it was suggested to me that I keep my maiden name with my married name so people I grew up with or who knew me way back when would be able to find my books. I also write under other names.
10) Finally, is there anyone in particular you would like to address--maybe your publisher, your admirers, your friends, and others--about The Man Within?
Just a big THANK YOU to all my readers out there who’ve supported me over the years. Thank you so much for nominating my books for special awards. I’m so pleased you enjoy the stories I have to tell. Also, to Leonard Nimoy for telling me that I can do whatever I want to do if I have faith. I’m still learning new things all the time and I have tons of faith. Thank you so much for the love. And thank you for being one of my angels!
Thanks much, I’ll be looking forward to reading The Man Within . Good luck and happy holidays.