TARBOX STATION - Rhonda Eudaly - One Free Book

Welcome, Rhonda. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Tricky question. Early on it was a lot. Probably more than I should. And it depends on how you mean writing me in. If we’re talking issues that I’m dealing with – that will probably never change, yes, I’ll write my challenges into characters to shine lights and maybe work through them. If the question means me physically, I aim write less of ME that way and add more diversity – because, honestly, other people are more interesting than I am.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Quirky? Hmm…that’s tough. I’ve had a relatively random life experience. Under category of “dumb things I’ve done because of X”… I was part of a bowling league for a year. I am athletically…challenged. When we were asked what our team handicap was, I raised my hand. I was that bad.

In terms of “Odd”, I worked with a couple of Christian radio stations back in the day. One was Urban Gospel and I was able to go to the Dove Awards to help out. The station was new and basically I went up to almost every artist I didn’t already know and ask, “Are you someone I should know, and do you want to be interviewed on our station.” That’s how I met Al Green.

You have had some interesting experiences. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I was about 10 years old. We were living in a smallish Missouri town in a bizarre house that looking back on probably would’ve starred in its own horror movie. It stood in its own space between some car lots, a moving company, and a garage. No other residential houses for quite a ways, so I read a lot of books – old kids mysteries mostly – Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins, Trixie Belden – and played a lot of Barbies. And one day thought, “I could do this.” And never looked back.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love genre books. Almost all of the styles that literature looks down on: Science Fiction, Fantasy (lighter and more adventurous than dark/dystopian stuff), suspense, mystery, thriller, romance. I’ll read some horror/dark stuff, but I like fun and light a lot more. I like humor elements in the books I read because the world is too dark as it is. But most important, I love a good character-driven book. If I can’t bring myself to care about a character? I’m done with the book.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Oh, I’m amused that you think that I have! Just kidding. In all seriousness, in the last six months I’ve started seeing a counselor. Sometimes God’s answers to prayers about our cares and concerns is to get professional help.

That is very true. How do you choose your characters’ names?

Once or twice I have searched out names with meaning that I want portrayed by the character. But I’ve also made use of some databases I’ve had access too over the years to pull random names – people name their kids the most bizarre things – and keep a file/list of them. Other times? I just scroll through social media and pick names at random.

Character names and Titles are the hardest!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Oh, my. That’s hard. Writing side of life? I am part of an anthology where all the stories are about characters I created. It’s the most surreal thing ever.

I wrote a short story with two made-up Greek gods – the story didn’t sell to the anthology that I originally wrote it for, but was sold to a online ’zine that went under. Another editor heard the whole story and thought it should be its own anthology and somehow got 10 other writers to make up stories about these two guys. And I was asked to write the introduction. So weird, but so awesome.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A dog who was raised by a cat. I have a lot of loyalty and love for my “pack.” I like walkies and treats and curling up on a blanket with the fireplace. All good dog traits. But I also am introverted enough that I want about five “pets” before I swipe the hand. And I have a massive independent streak.

What is your favorite food?

Science Fiction/Fantasy and Western artist, Darryl K. Sweet once told me he would “eat anything that didn’t eat me first.” I embrace that. My mom taught me to try everything at least once. I don’t have to like it all, or finish it, but I have to try it. To that end I find something to like about all food. But you can’t go wrong with pizza and ice cream…or coffee…or dark chocolate.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

The great battle of “Coulda/Shoulda/Woulda” – all the things that I COULD be doing, SHOULD be doing, or OUGHT to be doing. When I was younger I had some financial instability. When I was writing I should be finding a job or should be an adult about stuff.

Now that I have a stable job and financial security, when that job gets busy and overwhelming (which it does regularly) I still feel those same obstacles only – I know I’m super tired because I worked 14 hours, but I should be writing. I could write during lunch instead of eating with my teammates and working out a problem.

How do I overcome them? Sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I just have to let it go. But I also try to make more reasonable goals. Write a page or a few hundred words a day more consistently and try not to beat myself up too much if I don’t live up to what other writers do.

That’s a lesson all writers need to learn. Don’t compare yourself to others. Compare yourself to what you were at some time in the past and see how much you have improved. Tell us about the featured book.

Tarbox Station is a Space Opera – which is adventure in space, like Star Wars or Star Trek – it has elements of romance and thriller/intrigue while being contained on a space station.

An alien delegation comes to our station with secrets and with a threat. Our heroine, Emma McDonald, is a diplomatic envoy who has a stalker that’s followed them and threatening her, the delegation, and the station. They have to find out who’s behind this and stop him or her from killing her or anyone.

Please give us the first page of the book.

"Imminent hull breach on Deck Thirty Two."

           

"Initiate emergency procedures." Commander Richard Daniels barely glanced at the VIPs with him. He scanned the confusion around him until a uniformed guard crossed his field of vision. He snapped out an arm to catch the young officer.

           

"Sir?"

           

"Escort the Barzon delegation to their transport. Make sure they board their ship and depart."

           

"Yes, sir."

           

"But, Commander, Tarbox Station isn't expecting..." said the spunky, human woman standing next to Daniels.

           

"Ms. McDonald! This station is now in a Condition Red alert. My first priority is for the safety of my outpost, and not what inconveniences someone else. I enjoyed meeting you. Goodbye and good luck. Please get off my outpost so I don't have to worry about the entire United Systems Concorde coming down on my back for losing a diplomatic delegation."

           

Daniels waved the security guard forward despite Emma's indignant sputtering. He waited only long enough to see the young man crowd her away without actually touching her. Then he hurried off in the opposite direction. Now he could focus his attention to maintaining the structural integrity of his outpost.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have a website – www.rhondaeudaly.com – where I post pen reviews and flash fiction pieces along with news and updates.

I am on Twitter at @REudaly and Facebook and Instagram as Rhonda Eudaly.

Thank you, Rhonda, for sharing your book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it after our interview. It’s moving to the top of my to-be-read pile. And I know many, if not most, of my readers will want to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Tarbox Station - Paperback
Tarbox Station - Kindle

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