My favorite story is Dragonfly Eyes, which, as I explained in my Characters interview, is being expanded into a trilogy of novels. I think as a story it’s an interesting example of my fiction because in it I ask the question of what constitutes a life well-lived, particularly if one doesn’t have time enough to live it. The title Dragonfly Eyes comes from an ‘Ask Marilyn’ column; a reader queried what animal had the best vision on the planet. Her answer was the rabbit, but she said the creature that had the best vision was the dragonfly because it had prismatic vision that allowed it to see virtually everywhere. I imagined an earthbound spirit might gain a similar perspective, so I incorporated the concept of that super-vision exemplified by the title Dragonfly Eyes. By the end of the story, Savannah sees into other people’s souls, particularly one courageous character named Claire. Life, Savannah discovers, wasn’t at all what it had seemed when she was contained in a human form. What was important only moments before her death suddenly became trivial in the afterlife. Perhaps all of us will be surprised when death’s veil is lifted!
What genre(s) do you consider this story primarily to be, or how would you describe this story?
I would classify Dragonfly Eyes as a paranormal mystery. Wow – did I just make up a new genre? Never mind, I just Googled it and that is already a genuine literary category. So ‘paranormal mystery’ it is!
What is a published fiction story by another author you would compare this story to and why are they similar?
The story that comes to mind is The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Her story and my Dragonfly Eyes are similar because they are both told from a ghost’s perspective, but they are quite different in that Savannah does more than just observe from the ‘other side.’ Savannah makes choices that affect the living as well as the dead, although the rules concerning earthbound spirits prohibit their interaction with humans. By breaking through, Savannah alters fate. Naturally, there is a consequence for that breach. So although they are similar, I choose to concentrate more on how these stories are different.
To what extent would you describe your story discussed here as typical or atypical of your fiction stories?
Dragonfly Eyes deals with death. Need I say more? (In other words, it’s typical of my subject matter!)
To what extent did you use any pre-existing story formula, template, paradigm, plot design, archetype, or theory or principles of story/plot structure in planning, writing, editing or rewriting this story?
What an interesting question! I answered this in the Characters interview, but will repeat it here in case readers are choosing to access one category only. Again, I must go back to my origins in order to fully explain how I approach the process of creating a storyline. When I was young, my sisters and I called ourselves the Estrogen Nation, because I was the fourth in a family of five daughters all born within six years to an aerospace engineer father and an author mother. All of my sisters went on to amazing careers (doctor, engineers, etc.) but I, sadly, never finished college. I actually learned to write in an unconventional way, which I can only describe as ‘author osmosis.’ I began to understand the intricacies of writing by critiquing my mother’s published work. (I had that kind of chutzpah at the tender age of twelve, if you can believe it. To her credit, my mother actually listened to my ideas. I’m not saying she took all of my advice, but she considered my opinion, which, in retrospect, is amazing. Here’s a shout out to my still-publishing mother, author Gloria Skurzynski – she rocks!).
I also had the privilege to eavesdrop on the writer’s group held in our house. (Important writing tip: choose your parents wisely!) My mother’s published friends read aloud, and that was followed by a gentle but straightforward manuscript critiquing. Character arcs and plotlines were discussed, work was polished, and I learned the most valuable lesson about writing anyone could learn, which is to embrace the revision process. As to creating my own world, well, for me it was a bit like learning to play an instrument by ear – I’d absorbed all kinds of information, so one day I just jumped into the deep end of the pool and wrote a picture book. Luckily for me, it was sold to the first publisher I sent it to. That unexpected success was followed by and Edgar Alan Poe Award for my first novel, Show Me The Evidence, and…I’ve been writing ever since. Which is my long-winded way of saying I’ve never heard of templates, paradigms, theories or archetypes. Embarrassing! For me, it boils down to the instinct of writing a strong story with a character I believe in, and then being ready to cut/expand/rethink anything that did not properly translate to my audience.
How would you describe the first chapter, scene or section of this story in one paragraph?
Answer: The first scene in “Dragonfly Eyes” is both terrifying and haunting. I believe that after completing such a jarring, life-to-death transition, a person would be above all confused, which is how I chose to portray Savannah’s initial response when she discovers she is no longer alive.
What makes this chapter, scene or section an effective opening for this story?
I believe it is effective because it is unique. Also, the question of what comes next is what I refer to as ‘a universal.’ Even if a person has come to the conclusion that this life is all there is, they have thought about what happens at the end. For Savannah, the end is only the beginning…
Major stages, twists or turns does the story conflict take in this story before the conflict is resolved (or not resolved)?
The major twist for Savannah is the realization that she never saw people correctly while she was alive. Her new paranormal vision makes her fearful to walk into The Light, because in death she is acutely aware of her own human inadequacies. This revelation about herself culminates in her decision to remain an earthbound spirit. It will be resolved by the completion of the trilogy, but I can’t tell you how I’m going to do it or it would ruin the surprise. I’ve already outlined books two and three, and trust me when I say there will be a major twist at the end!
How would you summarise the major sub-plot or sub-plots in this story? If this story has no sub-pots, how would you describe the main sub-plot or sub-plots from one of your favourite published fiction stories by another author?
The sub-plot for the novel Dragonfly Eyes concerns Savannah’s burgeoning feelings for Daniel, a young man she meets on the other side. Love while alive is complicated enough. When you’re dead, it’s close to impossible!
What does the story gain from the sub-plot or sub-plots?
The idea of consequences!
To what extent would you describe your story discussed here as typical or atypical of your fiction stories?
Again, I am turning the theme of death through my fingers like a worry stone. Which makes it typical of my fiction stories.
Author’s Website: www.alaneferguson.com
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