The Author Marianne Strnad

The Author Marianne Strnad
Thanks for visiting me here!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

The Epiphany

   I am the key operator of our automated urinalysis instrument in the lab. It's not a glamorous job, but is very necessary.  One day when I was working at the UA bench I had to perform a manual microscopic exam on a patient's urine sample. When certain biochemical and analytical results are positive on a sample, we have to spin the sample down and view the sediment  through a microscope for better detail in order to confirm the presence of certain formed elements that lead to diagnosis. I was very suspicious that the sample I was analyzing contained a certain parasite called Trichomonas. I looked at every area of the slide hoping it would just move itself  into my field of view so I could finally stop looking for it, as the presence of one is good enough for a positive result.  ***BANG***  The idea hit me. What if I had the power to call hidden things forward into view-wouldn't life be so much easier then?  I thought that that idea was a great superpower for a person in a paranormal novel!  Even better, what if I could write a novel for young people that would draw them to the sciences and who might even consider medical technology as a profession?  I'd have to write it with just the right balance of intrigue, science, humor and romance (for the gals especially) in order to accomplish that task.  Thus, the idea for my first novel was born.  My goal is to write a young adult paranormal novel to bring the masses back to medical technology to the point where the old schools have to be reopened.  I would also write the book as a part of a series in case it is successful and readers want more.  Yep, that is a hugely optimistic goal, but remember that a journey toward a goal takes just one step.
  I will be attending the Romance Writer's of America convention in Orlando next week.  I'll return with a new blog post at that time.  I'm going as a budding writer and new RWA member, and as a major fangirl wanting to meet her favorite authors, of whom Kerrelyn Sparks is one. The humor, intrigue and sex appeal of the vampires in her "Love At Stake" series has given me many hours of reading pleasure, which has helped this tired old med tech to relax after many a hard day.  She knows who I am (fangirl squee!) and knows that I will be attending. We plan to exchange hugs-I might cry! I also am looking forward to meeting some new favorites, such as Bonnie Vanak and Jennifer Ashley, and probably others I'm forgetting. I love you all!  See you latter my beloved peeps!


4 comments:

  1. bummer no one got on your site yet but i wish the best for you have great holiday

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  2. wish you the best for the coming year

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  3. Hi Marianne, its great to know a little about you after all these years. I see that you have done well, you were always very smart. I also see that you live in the Seattle area, long ways from Melrose Park and Proviso East high school.
    Rafael

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  4. OMG! What a nice surprise! I NEVER expected to see you here! Thanks for the compliments! You know me-always the science nerd-lol! Boy, I really need to keep up with this page! My life is very full-I write a lot on my multi-author blog, "All Day All Night Romance Divas'-the link is on the left here called "The Marianne's Of Romance".
    Yes, I'm along way from home. We've lived in Colorado and Arizona and now here. We love it here an plan to stay. How are you?

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