A Storybook World

interview with Author Steve Westover

2012-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Steve: I had never thought about writing a novel until I woke up one morning a couple of years ago with some characters in my mind. I told my wife about the story and she encouraged me to write it down. I was a bit intimidated because I had never written anything “creative” before and I didn’t know if I could do it. The entire time I was writing this first FBI thriller, Defensive Tactics, I kept wondering if I could really write a novel and if it would be any good. I viewed the whole process as an experiment but I found that I love it.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Steve: It was surprisingly easy, which kind of spoiled me a little. After completing the novel I sent it off to three publishers in Utah. I quickly received the dreaded denial letters from two, but then a couple of months later I received an approval from Cedar Fort. I signed the contract in April and the book was printed and released by August. It all happened VERY fast and as a brand new author with no experience in the world of publishing I found that there was a steep learning curve for the marketing and release of the book. The whole thing was very exciting.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Steve: While I was writing my first book I took many months off during the writing because I was discouraged and I didn’t know how to proceed. Ultimately I realized I just needed to jump back in and start writing again. With my new book, Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island, the writing went really fast. I started writing and was submitting the book within 4 months. The discouraging thing this time was getting an acceptance letter to publish. This was really confusing to me because I considered the story to be better than my first, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. I completed extensive edits, shopped the manuscript around to agents and publishers and then was thrilled to once again to get a publishing contract.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island

Steve: Growing up in Oregon I camped in the mountains many times as a scout and loved it. I knew I wanted to write a “camping” story where the kids had to save the day. I started with the question, “What would happen if all of the adults at Crater Lake disappeared?” How would the kids survive? I then did some research and learned the fascinating legends about the mysterious powers surrounding Crater Lake and I decided to use those legends as the explanation for how the adults disappeared. There is much more to Crater Lake than just appears on the surface. An ancient evil lurks beneath and Ethan and his friends must decipher the legends and clues as they gather artifacts to free their parents from the Prison of the Lost. This is a fun fantasy that can also be a little spooky.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Steve: My wife and daughter. From Day 1 my wife has encouraged me and supported me even when I didn’t think I could write a novel. She read as I wrote and gave great feedback that influenced my writing and the story. My 13 year old daughter also played a huge role, particularly with Crater Lake, as she was part of the target audience I was writing for. It was fun to have her beg for the next chapters and it really pushed me to keep writing. She also made great suggestions and it has been a fun, family experience. My wife and daughter also provide the illustrations that are found inside Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island, which I think is REALLY cool.

Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Steve: I have a hard time eating when I write because I’d always be licking my fingers which would make my keyboard all sticky. Gross. So honestly, I don’t snack while I write, which is weird because I snack every other moment of the day.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Steve: I write my own music and play enough piano and guitar to accompany myself when I sing. Unfortunately, I’m not very good. My family’s favorite song, that I’ve written, is called the Pathetic Song. I wrote it in college when I was going through a dry spell getting dates. “Pathetic” is very appropriate and I sing this one with a heavy country twang.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Steve: Denial of a manuscript doesn’t always reflect on the quality of the writing or the story. It can be discouraging to get denial after denial, but the real trick is finding a good match between your story and the right publisher or agent. You may have a great story and you may be a fantastic writer, but the publisher may not be looking for your kind of book at the moment. Don’t take it personally. Persevere and don’t be afraid to ask people for help. Seek feedback, listen and develop a plan for success.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Steve: I’ve got a few projects going right now. Crater Lake is intended to be the first book of a trilogy which means I have 2 more Crater Lake books to write. I also have a contract on the sequel to Defensive Tactics which is a mixture of FBI thriller and National Treasure type treasure hunt set around LDS church history in Missouri. I have also completed a young adult dystopian novel called The Aborted about a future slave race that is created when the government harvests abortion victims and grows them to serve the Citizens. In this story, the main character learns the truth about who he his, where he came from and what his role is, and decides to fight back.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Steve: Crater Lake will be released in early March and can be pre-ordered online at Barnes and Noble, Walmart and of course Amazon at this link. http://www.amazon.com/Crater-Lake-Battle-Wizard-Island/dp/1599559609/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327076688&sr=1-7

I love interacting with readers on Facebook and on my blog. http://westoversleftovers.blogspot.com/

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Steve: I just want to say that I love your blog and the opportunity it provides for readers to get to know the authors and learn about their books. Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island is a fun fantasy adventure that everyone, from the middle-grade reader right up to mom and dad, can read and enjoy together.

interview with Author Cheree Alsop

2012-02-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

Cheree Alsop is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and two amazing twin sons who fill every day with light and laughter. She married her best friend, Michael, who changes lives each day in his Chiropractic clinic. Cheree is currently working as a free-lance writer and mother. She enjoys reading, riding her Ninja motorcycle on warm nights, and rocking her twins while planning her next book. She is also an aspiring drummer and bass player for her husband’s garage band.

Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great adventures, and never stop dreaming.

Please check out Cheree’s other books at www.chereealsop.com

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Cheree: I grew up on a farm in Delta, Utah, where I learned the value of hard work and the joy of working with animals. I dove into books at a young age and started writing my own books not long after that. I used to read in the trees in our yard and fell in love with the escape books offered and the chance to experience other lives and adventures far beyond my little world. The first book I ever wrote was a Western hand-written in a notebook that I finished when I was fifteen. It wasn’t very good, but it made me realize that I could indeed finish something I started writing, and it showed me the exhilarating experience of developing my own worlds and characters.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Cheree: I began collecting rejection letters early on with my writing. I went to writer’s conferences, which I highly recommend to anyone interesting in writing, I pitched to agents, sent queries, and sent manuscripts to both publishers and agents, but the rejections continued to pile up. Despite a few promising letters, I eventually realized that if I wanted to get published, I would have to take matters into my own hands. Self-publishing was the best decision for me because I like having control over my books and seeing what I can make of them. It’s not the easiest path, but it is very rewarding.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Cheree: As much as I like to say I took every rejection happily, it did get a little frustrating sometimes when I also didn’t hear any reason as to why the books were rejected. Before self-publishing became more streamline, I thought going through an agent and a publisher were my only options, so I kept trying. I just told myself that each rejection got me that much closer to being published, and in a way, it was true!

Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

Cheree: I have several pages of ideas in a notebook that I’m just dying to get to! When the right idea strikes, it sits at the back of my mind and pesters me until I at least write down a synopsis so it doesn’t get lost. When I’m caught in the middle of an idea, it’s such a great feeling knowing that it could eventually turn into a book!

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your newest book Crimson.

Cheree: The Silver Series is one that I knew I would eventually write. It’s a series about teenage werewolves trying to survive in today’s world. I love putting myself in my characters’ shoes and wondering how it would be to deal with the normal struggles of growing up along with the additional challenges of being a werewolf.

I’ve always been fascinated with wolves in general, and so the transition to writing a werewolf series was a smooth one; though for some reason I was always against the idea. I never wanted to be a cliché writer, and so my werewolf books don’t just center around life as a werewolf. Instead, they focus on the different aspects that being a werewolf might bring with it. Wolves are one of the few animals who chose a mate and stay with them, usually for their entire lifespan. I felt that this offered a deeper side to werewolves that hasn’t been greatly explored. Wolves are also fiercely loyal and are very territorial, which lends to confrontation and self-sacrifice in difficult circumstances.

Crimson is the third book in the series. It’s about a teenage boy named Kaynan who dies in a car accident and awakens a werewolf. Burdened with heavy guilt over his sister’s death in the same accident, Kaynan escapes with a blind girl named Grace who gives him purpose and direction. Kaynan and Grace seek shelter with a pack of werewolves who brave dangerous odds to help them. Kaynan is given the ultimate chance to make up for his poor decisions, but dying again might be the only way to redeem himself.

Deirdra: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Cheree: If I get a snag, I go for a ride on my motorcycle or in a car (depending on the weather). Driving helps clear my mind and I listen to my playlist (if I’m in the car), and it helps refocus my writing.

Deirdra: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

Cheree: Music is my muse. I create playlists before I write each book. The songs in the playlist capture the emotions I want to reflect in the stories. I might listen to a song a hundred times while I writing one particular scene in the book, and if I read it again and feel the same emotion, I know I’ve captured what I wanted to for that section of the book.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Cheree: My husband has made the greatest difference by far. He reads every book before I release it and helps me to iron out the snags and rough spots so that the final copy is complete and smooth. He gives me ideas when I’m stuck, and he’s the master behind several of my titles! It’s great to have someone so supportive of my writing. He believes in my stories and where they’ll take us, and he’s behind me every step of the way. Several members of my family also read each copy and catch the glaring errors. It’s amazing to have so much support behind my writing.

Deirdra: I know you are a mother to three kids (two of which are young twin boys!) How do you balance your family time and writing time?

Cheree: Robin Hobb, one of my favorite authors, told me once that you never have more time to write than you do right now. At the time I had a newborn baby (she is now 9), and since then the twins (who are now 2). I try to catch time to write every day, even if it’s just for ten minutes. I write when they’re playing or sleeping, and if I don’t get a chance during the day, sometimes I stay up late just to get some ideas down. My biggest goal is to never let an idea get lost and so I try to write when the ideas are flowing the strongest.

Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Cheree: Chocolate, haha. Sometimes if I write at night it’s the only thing that keeps me awake. Thank goodness for chocolate!

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Cheree: I love to ride my motorcycle, I play the bass in my husband’s garage band, and I love to travel. But most of all, I love spending time with my family.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Cheree: I would echo Robin Hobb’s words and say that you'll never have more time than you do right now to write- write in all the spare moments. It'll come together eventually, but write whenever you have that gut feeling to do it. Don't let the ideas slip between your fingers. And above all, believe in your dreams. They really do come true.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Cheree: I’m currently working on book two of The Shadow Series and editing book four of The Silver Series. There’s also a book about Shifters called Stolen that’s almost ready to be published and will herald a new series of its own.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Cheree: Please go to my website at www.chereealsop.com The books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords, and the links are at my website.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Cheree: Thank you very much for the opportunity to be on your website. I greatly appreciate your time and for those that have read this interview. I hope others can enjoy my books the way I enjoy the escape and adventure offered by other authors.

Book Synopsis:

Silver: Silver, book one of the Silver Series, is a coming of age story about a teenage werewolf whose father is murdered. He has to come to terms with his new life, new school, and new friends while trying to prevent more killings. Attempting to make peace with the territory’s pack and falling in love with a werewolf hunter’s daughter make his new situation even more perilous.

Black: Black is about a werewolf raised through the atrocities of a werewolf fighting ring. He is rescued and given the chance at a new life, but haunting reminders of his past follow him as he tries to make a fresh start. He has to confront his dark history in order to protect the girl he loves, or let himself be swept away into the pain and humiliation of the arena once more.

Crimson: Crimson, the third book of the Silver Series, is about a teenage boy who dies in a car accident and awakens a werewolf. Burdened with heavy guilt over his sister’s death in the same accident, Kaynan escapes with a blind girl named Grace who gives him purpose and direction. They seek shelter with a pack of werewolves who brave dangerous odds to help them. Kaynan is given the ultimate chance to make up for his poor decisions, but dying again might be the only way to redeem himself.

Galdoni: “This is the Arena, and here we live to die.” These are the words carved into a holding cell where genetically-altered gladiators, the winged humans called Galdoni, are trained to fight. Kale, rescued by three high school students and nursed back from the brink of death, is given the chance to experience life as a human. When he is captured, he has to use what he learned in the world outside the Academy in order to free the other Galdoni and return to the human girl he loves.

Shadows: Duskies are born in a dangerous world as servants of the lords of light and shadow, but when creatures known as the Sathen threaten all the races, a Duskie named Nexa finds herself caught in the middle of a perilous journey to save her people and unite the races as one. Facing dangerous odds, prejudice, and violence, Nexa finds strength in those around her and, ultimately, love.

Interview with Reader Eileen

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Deirdra: What are your favorite kind of books to read and why?

Eileen: I like to read paranormal romance and dystopian because it’s just so fun to immerse myself in the fantastical world that the authors create. Real life is so boring sometimes, and it’s a big relief to get to escape to the fantastical world that the awesome authors create.

Deirdra: How many books on average would you say you read a year?

Eileen: It really depends on the length. If it’s around four hundred pages, then I’ll read a hundred books.

Deirdra: What is the most recent book you read? Can you tell us a little about it?

Eileen: I most recently read the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins because I saw an awesome trailer for it and my classmates read it and started gushing about it. It basically is about how Katniss’s sister gets chosen to compete in the Hunger Games, an annual competition that requires you to kill ruthlessly and those who don’t win die. A boy and girl are chosen from each of the twelve districts. Katniss takes her sister’s place, and Peeta Mellark, the boy from her district chosen to participate in the Hunger Games, is the one drawn to compete. And afterward, Katniss and Peeta end up being contenders to win.

Deirdra: What is the most disappointing thing authors do?

Eileen: Personally, I hate it when people repeat phrases over and over again. Thesauruses are made for a reason, and I hate it when authors repeat “said” or something like that over and over again throughout the story. Another thing that disappoints me is when the character is forced to make stupid decisions and it’s so obvious that they’re doing the wrong thing, but they remain oblivious.

Deirdra: Who are your top five favorite authors?

Eileen: My top five favorite authors would have to be Julie Kagawa, author of the Iron Fey series; Bree Despain, author of the Dark Divine series; Rachel Hawkins, author of the Hex Hall series; Cassandra Clare, author of the Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series; and Ally Condie, author of the Matched series.

Deirdra: How do you feel about e-books?

Eileen: I feel so-so about them. As a big fan of reading, I personally like to have the book in my hands so I can look at the cover and obsess over it. Sometimes, if I’m really obsessed, I’ll just hug the book, and you can’t exactly do that when it’s an e-book. And if you happen to want to refer back in the book because you missed a part that might have been important, it’s extremely hard to do so on a Kindle.

Deirdra: If you could give a message to authors what would it be?

Eileen: I would tell them that they’re doing a very good job at writing books, only that if they want them to be even more successful, they should grab the reader in the beginning. There are so many books that are so slow in the beginning that I want to put the book down, but I force myself to read a few more chapters in, and I find that I actually like it. Some people will just put the book down, no matter how good the middle is supposed to be.

Deirdra: Have you ever thought about writing a book?

Eileen: I actually have written a book. It’s really bad, in my opinion, but it was fun to pretend to be in someone else’s shoes and write a story the way I would want it to be.

Deirdra: What other talents and hobbies to you have?

Eileen: I love to sing and perform whenever I can. I actually want to be a singer when I grow up, and I write songs and everything, but I’m still working on showing people what I’m made up. I might start up a YouTube account soon, though.

Deirdra: Where is your favorite place to read?

Eileen: I love to read in my bed. I have a super-bright lamp on my nightstand, and I use a Pillow Pet that I got a while ago for my birthday to cushion my head!

Deirdra: Do you have a favorite reading snack?

Eileen: If I tried to eat while I read, I would probably forget the food entirely, because whenever I read, I get so immersed in it that I forget about almost everything else around me. If I ever did snack while I read, I would eat something like crackers, so that I can just reach for them and never have to use a fork or something to get it into my mouth.

Deirdra: What books have made you cry?

Eileen: There are a lot. I’m a really big emotional person, and I’ll just start bawling if someone dies or something extremely devastating happens. I’ve cried in the Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa, at the end when Meghan and Ash were under King Machina’s tree. (Sorry, can’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it! But it’s super good, so I highly recommend the Iron Fey series, starting with the Iron King.) It was sort of romantic and super-sad all at the same time. I also cried during The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks, when toward the end when Ronnie and her dad, Steve, found out that Steve was going to die and there was no way around it. I think I got close to crying about ten times at the end of that book. I also cried at the end of Where the Red Fern Grows. I read that a year ago, and it was a book that I had to read for my LAL class, so I can’t remember the author. But I remember the main character’s dogs died, and the dogs were the main feature in the book. My class read it during school, and while the audio book played behind me, I was fighting tears, but in the end I succumbed to them. Everyone was staring at me, but all the other girls were bawling, too.

Deirdra: What books have made you laugh?

Eileen: Again, a lot of books have made me laugh. I’ve laughed whenever there were jokes, and a lot of books like to make jokes. Some are the Hex Hall books, because Sophie Mercer is super snarky and very jokey. Another one is the Iron Fey series, because Puck is always making jokes and doing really funny stuff. And I also laughed in the Hunger Games, when Katniss and Peeta started poking fun at everybody during the Games.

Deirdra: What kind of books are you looking to read next? What is on your reading list?

Eileen: I want to fit in more dystopian, because I just discovered it and I read a lot of paranormal romance. I want to read Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Crossed by Ally Condie, Wither by Lauren DeStefano, and a lot more. There are a lot of new books coming out next year, and a lot are ones of a series that I’ve been eagerly anticipating. Some examples are Spellbound, the last one in the Hex Hall trilogy and Savage Grace, the last one in the Dark Divine Series. There’s also Insurgent, the next book in the Divergent series, and the Pretty Little Liars and Lying Game series. I have yet to read the next two books in the Pretty Little Liars series and for the third Lying Game book to come out.

Deirdra: Is there any other message you would like to give the literary community?

Eileen: I would just say to keep reading, and for any authors out in the world to keep trying. Even if the odds seem against them, or if their book seems wrong, they should keep trying. You never know; it could turn out to be the next Harry Potter. And that includes anyone who doesn’t even want to be an author, and wants to be something else. You should always keep trying, no matter what. As a last note, you should always read, because it’s great, in a way. You should find books that you truly enjoy, and just read.

Thank you so much, Eileen. It’s a real honor to get your insights.

interview with Author James Hutchings

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

James: I think I've wanted to do something creative since I was a teenager. But I've tried several different things, such as music and filmmaking, before I finally settled on writing. To be honest, if it turned out that I was actually better at, say, painting than writing, I think I'd be happy to change. So in a sense I still haven't decided.

Deirdra: What is your writing and educational background?

James: I did a Bachelor of Arts majoring in creative writing and media, but I didn't do anything with it after graduating. Years later I created a fantasy city called Teleleli or Telelee as a background for role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Once I finished I realised there wasn't any demand for it. My ex suggested I write stories instead, and that's how I got started.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

James: Since I self-published it (on Smashwords and Amazon), this was just a matter of getting the document ready and uploading it. The hard part of self-publishing isn't getting published, it's writing it in the first place and then getting anyone to read it. There are thousands upon thousands of self-published authors out there, and of course they're all trying to get their book noticed.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

James: I get discouraged a lot. Usually it's when people don't like something I've written as much as I do, or when I get stuck on something. One thing I do is make a point of writing every day, even when I don't feel like it. This helps get through temporary slumps. I think if you wait for inspiration to strike it never will. Often I start with the attitude that "I'm really tired and I can't think of anything. I'll just write a token amount so I can say I did something today," and actually end up having a good idea and getting a lot done. I usually have several things that I'm working on at the same time. This helps with getting stuck, because I can leave what I'm working on and do something else instead. The danger with this is that starting something can be more fun than finishing it, and so you run the risk of having lots of half-written pieces that you never finish.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

James: I make myself write every day. I think if I tried to write, say, three times a week, that would actually be harder. If it's three times a week it's too easy to put it off and say that you'll do it later. If it's every day you 'have' to write now.

Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

James: Some ideas just pop into my head, without me knowing where the idea comes from. I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go, and write down ideas as they occur to me. I don't think I have more or better ideas than anyone else, but people who don't write don't bother putting their idle thoughts down. Other ideas come from experiences in my life. For example a while ago I found three injured birds in the space of a few weeks. I took all of them to the local vet. As I was carrying one of them, I thought that the woman at reception might wonder where I was finding all these injured birds, and that was the inspiration for my story 'Lost, Feral or Stray'. Of course other fiction is a big inspiration. In some cases it's obvious. I've done poems directly based on stories by HP Lovecraft and other writers for example. In other cases it's more subtle: for example the city of Teleleli or Telelee is partly based on Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar, Terry Pratchett's Ankh-Morpork, and Port Blacksand in the Fighting Fantasy series. I never know when I start how much mileage I'm going to get out of an idea. I try not to have an amount of words in mind when I start. As a result I have a lot of stories that are very short. Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book _The New Death and others_? James: It's a collection of stories and poems, 63 pieces in all. It's only a bit over 41,000 words in total, so most of them are quite short. Most of the stories are fantasy, but there's some 'general fiction' in there as well. The style ranges from funny to very grim. I'm much more influenced by older writers like Tolkien and Robert E Howard. In fact I've never read any of the Harry Potter, Twilight or Game of Thrones series. I have a pretty big free sample on the Smashwords page, and reading it is a much better way to find out about it than having me tell you about it.

Deirdra: How many beta readers review your manuscript before you send it to your editor?

James: I'm my own editor. However, I know that a lot of self-published books are very badly edited, and I do everything I can to be the exception. I spend a lot of time on Critique Circle and Scribophile, two websites where you read other people's work and offer suggestions, in return for getting the same done to your own manuscript. I'm also on an email list for the same purpose, and I have a face-to-face critique group, which currently meets twice a week. I think that getting your work regularly critiqued is absolutely essential. Unfortunately a lot of writers spend months or years working in isolation. Then they finally show it to other people, thinking that this is the last step before publishing, and find that their work is nowhere near ready to publish. I think that getting used to showing your work to other people, and responding to criticism are 'core skills' for a writer; almost as essential as being able to spell (and Word can fix your spelling, but it can't fix your plot holes).

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

James: I don't know if I have a 'message'. I certainly have opinions, and those opinions most likely come out in my writing. But In the end I'm out to entertain people, whether that be making someone laugh with a pun that's so dumb it's funny, or making you sad that a character died.

Deirdra: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

James: I write mostly short pieces, so I can get away with just sitting down and writing it as I go (albeit usually with a rough idea of what's going to happen in my mind). However I usually start with an idea, and might write down (or rather type in, since I mostly write on a computer) roughly what's going to happen first. Sometimes it's a mix, where I'll have an idea for what should happen next, and so write that down before I get to it, but not have a complete plan for the story. Or if I get stuck with just writing it, I'll step back and write a plan for the rest of the story.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

James: My other main hobby is coding online games. I spent several years writing an online game called Age of Fable (www.ageoffable.net). I don't have any plans to do more on it, but it's still online, and you can play it for free. I'm currently working on an online 'card' game, like Yu-Gi-Oh or Pokemon. I've also done a few smaller projects. For example I did an online version of the computer game Oregon Trail.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

James: Nowdays anyone can self-publish. If you can make a Word document, you can have an ebook on Smashwords or Amazon. However that means that if your work is no good, no one's going to stop you. I'd recommend that people get onto Critique Circle (www.critiquecircle.com) and/or Scribophile (www.scribophile.com), put their work up, and listen to what people tell you. Don't 'defend' your work against people's 'attacks'. They aren't attacks, they're helping you. I've found that the people who defend their work have a strong tendency to have the worst writing, I suppose because they're not making the changes they need to make. Also I'd point out something I didn't know when I started. It doesn't matter if you're going to self-publish, but it is important if you want to be published by a regular publisher, or if you want to submit stories to magazines. Most places won't publish work that's already been published. And most places count putting a story on the internet as publishing it. In my opinion that's silly, but that's what they do. Scribophile and Critique Circle are exceptions, because google doesn't index them and you can't see any stories without logging on. However there are writing group websites out there where, if you put a story on the site, that counts as the story being published. That seems like a really terrible way to set things up, but they're out there. I'd also say that getting a book out isn't the final step. It's just the start of the work of self-promotion. This is true even if you're not self-publishing: I'm told that authors are expected to pretty much arrange their own book signings and so on (if you just want to have a book out to show family and friends then this doesn't matter, of course). Finally, there are a lot of sharks out there, who make their money from authors and not from readers. They will make all sorts of promises about how they're going to promote you and help you, but these are lies. Authors do not pay publishers, ever, and if they're asking you to pay then it's a scam. Of course if you're self-publishing you might end up paying someone to design a cover for you, or you might pay for internet advertising, but those are different things. You might also pay a printer to print your books if you want to get physical books rather than ebooks - but in this age of the kindle and print-on-demand I don't know why you'd want to. Preditors and Editors (www.pred-ed.com) is a good website to look at, and you can get good advice at the forums of Critique Circle.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

James: The ebook is sold on Amazon and Smashwords: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q8Q8DY Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92126 Amazon has it for the kindle, and Smashwords has it for the kindle as well as a lot of other formats. It's also on a few other sites like Barnes & Noble, but those two are the main ones.

My blog is http://www.apolitical.info/teleleli

interview with Author Melissa Ann Goodwin

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Melissa Ann Goodwin treasures fond memories of a happy and carefree childhood growing up in beautiful Andover, Massachusetts. She is especially grateful for the many wonderful teachers there, who encouraged her to read the books that inspired her to become a writer. She now lives in Santa Fe, NM, with her husband, artist J. Richard Secor. Melissa has written many stories, poems and articles for children’s magazines, and her non-fiction work has appeared in national magazines that include Guideposts’ Angles on Earth, Caring Today and The Caregivers’ Home Companion. The Christmas Village is her first novel for children.

The Christmas Village story summary: When Jamie Reynolds comes to his grandparents' Vermont home for Christmas, he just wants things to go back to the way they were before his dad disappeared. Time and again he is drawn to Grandma's miniature Christmas village, where he imagines that life is perfect. Late one night, the village comes to life before Jamie's eyes, and his fantasy of escaping into it becomes very real indeed. He discovers that the village is called Canterbury, where the year is 1932. Jamie becomes fast friends with Kelly and Christopher Pennysworth, and is taken in by Ida, who runs the local boarding house. But he also makes a dangerous enemy of the mysterious and menacing Jim Gordon, whose return to town is nothing but trouble. As Jamie desperately races against time to find his way back home, he is suddenly faced with a terrifying choice: to go ahead with his plan to leave, or to stay and help his friends, at the risk of never going home again. The Christmas Village is an adventure the whole family will love, filled with suspense, secrets and surprises to the very last page.

The Christmas Village is available in paperback from Amazon.com and select independent bookstores and as a Kindle e-book on Amazon.com. It is also available for a wide variety of digital downloads (Nook, Kindle, IPad, etc. from Smashwords.

There is a really fun video book trailer that my nephew, a film student at Columbia created:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my9vTx-Z-sk

Links:
Amazon.com: www.amazon.com/Christmas-Village-Melissa-Ann-Goodwin/dp/1463646259/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317906903&sr=8-1

Smashwords page:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95060

Blogs and Facebook:

Book blog: http://thechristmasvillagebook.blogspot.com
My personal blog: http://writeryogini.blogspot.com
The Christmas Village Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Christmas-Village/243381569015162

Interview

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Melissa: As a kid I loved to read – everything! I have a very distinct memory of being around age eight or nine, having just read, The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne, and thinking, “I want to write books like this.”

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?
Melissa: Even though I knew that I wanted to be a writer from a young age, I didn’t really get down to it until about 10 years ago (age 45!). Before that, I worked in the corporate world for 25 long, tedious, painful years. Did I mention tedious? And painful??
I started by writing stories and articles for children’s magazines and expanded to writing for magazines that deal with aging and caregiving, because I worked for a non-profit in that field. I was fortunate because my work was accepted quickly and often. So, in a way, it took a long time for me to get published because I started so late, but once I got going, things happened quickly.
I started working on The Christmas Village about four years ago. It was sporadic, because my parents were failing and it was a sad time for my family and me. Then last year, I committed to finishing the book by fall. I did finish, and fairly quickly, two agents offered to represent it. I chose one, and earlier this year we edited and got it ready for publishers.
About two months into the submission process, I started to think seriously about self-publishing. I could see that the traditional route might be possible, but that it would take a long time and would most likely drive me crazy. A friend of mine has successfully self-published three books and he offered to be my mentor. So I decided to take the leap and do it myself. It couldn’t have been easier and smoother. The book is doing really well, and I have absolutely no regrets.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?
Melissa: My discouragement actually occurred more during the long time in my life when I wasn’t writing. I felt like I was letting myself down; that I wasn’t fulfilling the promise of my potential. Once I started writing, I had enough regular success to keep me encouraged. I sometimes feared that the dream of seeing my books in print might not happen, but honestly, deep down I always believed it would.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?
Melissa: For me, it doesn’t work to be strict about schedule. I’m self-motivated, so I don’t feel the need to set goals for a certain number of hours or words written. I write until I’m tired – that might be two hours or it might be five. I actually think that rest and escape from a project is very important. I often take several days off and then come back to my writing with a sense of lightness and renewed energy.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book The Christmas Village?
Melissa: It’s about 12-year-old Jamie, whose world has fallen apart because his father has left under rather mysterious circumstances. Jamie is hurt and furious with his dad. He and his mother decide to spend the holidays with Jamie’s grandparents in Vermont. Grandma has one of those miniature Christmas villages, and Jamie becomes fascinated with it because he imagines it to be a place where everything is perfect, bad things don’t happen and nothing ever changes. He wishes he could live there, and …..

Magically his wish comes true, and from there it’s an adventure to get him back home in time for Christmas. Along the way, his experiences teach him some important things about people, life, family, friends and forgiveness.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?
Melissa: Well, first of all it’s a good adventure filled with suspense and surprises all the way to the end, so I hope that readers of all ages will be thoroughly entertained. Kids will love the magic, the adventure, and the fact that the kids are the heroes. Adults will like the nostalgic feeling and the positive and hopeful themes. They’ll be able to feel good about the messages the book has for the children in their lives.

Now a little more personal question I noticed your husband is an artist. What is a marriage like with two incredibly creative and talented people? Do you ever compete artistically against each other? Do you work on projects together? How do you manage a creative life-style and a creative marriage?

Melissa:
When we first met 30 years ago, we worked for a bank! We both worked in the corporate world into middle age. Our careers took up most of our time, so I don’t think we even knew the depths of each other’s creativity until much later.

Dick started painting when he retired early from banking at age 54. I started writing when I left the corporate world 10 years ago. I think that because we worked at other things for so long, we realize that no one thing in life should be everything, all the time. Now we have pretty good balance – we are industrious for a while and then we like to goof off.

We never compete and we are each other’s greatest supporters – which includes being each other’s most honest critic. We depend on each other to say when something isn’t quite right. Sometimes we react defensively, which is human nature. But usually, once we’ve thought about it, we realize the other person picked up on something that needed fixing.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?
Melissa: I love to read, of course. But I also enjoy gardening and I really to decorate! If I could have lived parallel lives, I would have lived one as an interior decorator.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?
Melissa: You can do it! If other life demands are getting in the way of your writing, don’t despair - look how late I got started! I’ve learned that everything counts and I honestly believe that my book is better for having the benefit of my life experiences. And, I’d tell them that the world of writing and publishing has changed in ways that empower writers and enable them to be the masters of their own destinies. You can choose to stick to the traditional path, or to publish on your own. One is not better than the other, but now you have real choices. Don’t be scared to make them.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?
Melissa: My next book will be young adult historical fiction, inspired by my mother’s experience as a 14-year-old in England at the start of WWII.
Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?
Melissa: My book is available in paperback and e-book on Amazon, and for every kind of digital download on Smashwords.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?
Thank you so much for letting come here and visit with you. I love how the world of blogging has opened the doors for people to connect and share their common interests. I can’t wait to chat with your followers, answer any other questions they might have for me, and make some new friends.

Interview with Author/Editor Nicole Zoltack

2011-11-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Deirdra: What made you decide a career as an editor?

Nicole: First and foremost, I’m a writer but as a writer, you also have to be an editor and self-edit your own novels. When I saw some epublishers were looking for editors, I thought it would be a great experience for me. By reading and editing other people’s stories, you learn what works and what doesn’t. I work as both a content and a line editor for MuseItUp Publishing, and a content editor for eTreasures Publishing. Finally, I’m a freelance editor for Passionate Writer Publishing. It’s very rewarding work to be an editor and help an author make his/her story the best it can be.

Deirdra: When you are not wading through massive amounts of query letters what do you like to do in your spare time?

Nicole: Family is very important to me. I’m married to a wonderful man (we just celebrated 4 years!) and I have two wonderful sons that keep me on my toes! The oldest is three soon, the youngest is one. And in February, another one will be coming - another boy. I really hope the next one (our last) will be a girl! I also love to watch movies with my husband. And, of course, I love to read!

Deirdra: How does one become an editor?

Nicole: You don’t have to have a degree in English, although I’m sure that would help. My degree is completely unrelated to my writing and editing careers. Basically, any writer can become an editor. Start out small and help other writers by being a beta reader and critique partner. Learn or relearn all of the grammar rules. Take a course, if you need too. Then you can start to apply for editing positions at smaller publishers and work your way up.

At two of the publishing houses that I work for, I’m paid a portion of the royalties; at the other one, I get paid a flat fee for each manuscript.

Deirdra: What is the most challenging obstacle editors encounter when working with authors?

Nicole: Some authors are easier to work with and willing to learn than others. I think the biggest challenge is to have an open channel of communication between the editor and the author. Communication is a two way street, though, so I would say that authors that are hard to get a hold of are the most challenging ones for editors.

Deirdra: What kinds of books are currently in demand?

Nicole: All kinds. As long as a book is well written, there is a place for it somewhere.

Deirdra: Are there any genres that publishers in general shy away from?

Nicole: Most publishers have their niche so it’s important to read their submission guidelines so you aren’t submitting a romantic suspense to a publishing house that only publishes fantasy and science fiction. It’s a waste of both your time and the publishers. There are so many publishers out there that you can find a publishing house for any genre.

Deirdra: Do you prefer to find your authors through query letters, live pitches or as references from other authors or agents?

Nicole: Through query letters. At two of the three publishing house, I’m not an acquiring editor, but for the other one, I do read query letters and manuscripts. Visit http://museituppublishing.blogspot.com/p/editors-call-for-submissions.html for what the editors are looking for specifically at MuseItUp Publishing. I mentioned paranormal, but really I’m up for anything that’s well written and interesting.

Deirdra: What’s the best part of your job?

Nicole: Helping an author make his/her story the best it can be.

Deirdra: What’s the hardest part of your job?

Nicole: Making the time to edit. With two little ones, it’s hard to find time for myself, let alone for my work.

Deirdra: Would you ever consider representing a new client who previously self-published? Why or why not?

Nicole: As I said before, I’m not really an acquiring editor, but I would have no problem working with a client who previously self-published. Some authors choose to only self-publish, some use it as a means to be published by a publishing house. In publishing, there are more options for authors than ever before.

Deirdra: How do you think the growing popularity of e-books will impact the literary market?

Nicole: I think ebooks are wonderful. The more options there are for readers, the better it is for authors. The literary market is going to have to change and expand to better include ebooks and epublishing.

Deirdra: On average, how many query letters do you receive each year?

Nicole: Me specifically? Not many, although I am involved with submissions at MuseItUp Publishing.

Deirdra: What advice would you have for someone aspiring to become an author?

Nicole: Read in your genre. Find a trusted beta reader and critique partner (or two or three). Polish and edit your story until it’s as perfect as you can get it. Then have another reader look at it. You can never have too many eyes on your story before you submit it.

Deirdra: What advice would you have for someone aspiring to become an editor?

Nicole: Make sure you know your grammar rules and be ready to defend yourself to an author who wants to break the rules for no good reason.

Deirdra: I also noticed from your blog that you as an author as well. When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Nicole: Since I was a little girl. I’ve been writing stories since I was six. I’ve always wanted to be an author.

Deirdra: What makes you passionate about writing?

Nicole: I love creating stories and making up lives for my characters. I’ve been reading a lot of picture books to my sons so lately, I’ve been working on some picture books. Now that is one tough market to crack from what I’ve heard, but I’m willing to try!

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

Nicole: It varies from day to day. I’m very lucky that my two boys take a nap together every day from 2-5 or so, so that’s built-in time to edit or write. But sometimes real life and chores get in the way and I end up staying up until 2 am in the morning writing. I’m trying to get as much done writing and editing-wise before the next baby is born.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about Woman of Honor and Knight of Glory.

Nicole: Sure!

Woman of Honor is about Aislinn, a young girl who wants to become a knight to take her fallen brother's place. She's willing to give up everything for the Kingdom of Arnhem - her childhood, her life, even her heart.

Knight of Glory takes place immediately after the events in Woman of Honor. This book focuses on Sir Geoffrey, a knight who trained alongside of Aislinn. War has come to the Kingdom of Arnhem, and Geoffrey is trying to recruit allies in the fight. Along the way, he finds his heart torn between two different and mysterious ladies.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Nicole: I want to provide my readers an escape from their troubles and worries. I want them to love the characters, for them to immerse themselves into the world I created. Most of all, I want them to finish each story with wow, I'm glad I read that.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?
Nicole: Good question! I would have to say my mom. If it weren't for her sitting my sister and I down and giving us papers and pencils, neither of us would have grown up wanting to be a writer.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Nicole: I love to sing. I was involved in choirs in high school and college and I miss it. I also enjoy horseback riding, but I've stopped my lessons for now until I'm done having kids. It's not a good idea to ride while pregnant.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Nicole: Read, read, read, write, edit, polish, edit, polish, edit, polish. Writing isn't about writing so much as it is about rewriting and editing. It's a process.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Nicole: I'm waiting to hear back from beta readers on my MG fantasy story which I hope to start querying before the end of the year.

I'm also working on another MG fantasy. This one is an adventure story about a princess who likes to lie and loves to sneak out of the castle.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Nicole: Here's the link to my books on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=nicole+zoltack&x=0&y=0

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Nicole: Never write to trends. Write the book of your heart. I also strive to write books that I would like to read.

Interview with Author Kindal Debenham

2011-11-07T00:00:00.001-08:00

Bio: Telling stories has been a part of Kindal Debenham’s life ever since he first put down a book, looked around and asked himself ‘But what happened next?’ That question led him to write his own stories to find the answer he was looking for, and from then on he was hooked. Writing became a passion that followed him through school and led him to the writing group where he met his incredible wife-to-be, Emily. Somehow, she continues to tolerate him, and they recently had their first baby girl, born in March 2011. Writing has brought him this far, and he hopes it will continue to accompany him for the rest of his life. He’s still trying to find the answer to what happens next, and he is grateful to all those who are supporting him in his journey. Thanks for your support, and he hopes you enjoy the story!

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Kindal: I think the first time I wanted to be a writer was back in high school. I had a project that I worked on for years that I always wanted to publish, but I never thought much about trying to make a living as a writer. It took me a long time to realize that writing was the way I wanted to make a living for myself and my family, but I figured it out eventually.

Deirdra: What is your writing and educational background?

Kindal: I majored in Molecular Biology at Brigham Young University. At that point in time I had more or less resigned myself to being a doctor or a researcher, so the biological sciences made sense. On the side I took just about every creative writing class I had access to, as well as joining a writing group at the Quark Science Fiction and Fantasy club. Of course, knowing what I do now, I would have gone back and taken a lot more of those writing classes, but that’s hindsight for you.

Deirdra: What makes you passionate about writing?

Kindal: It’s a combination of things, really. Writing is one of the best ways to explore new ideas and concepts, and I love the feeling of creating a totally new world for my characters to run around in. The independence a writing career gives me is incredibly nice as well. Not having to accommodate other people’s concerns or schedules just to do my work is a really big bonus as well. Combine all of that with the sense of satisfaction that you get when you finish a good story and the enjoyment that other people can get out of it, and there’s no better career path than this one for me.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Kindal: Well, it was a bit different than it would be for a traditionally published author. I basically had to find my own cover artist and copy editor, as well as get my own writing group started so that I could get content revisions done. Fortunately, thanks to my dear loving wife (she’s going to read this right?) I was able to track down the right people for each of those things and create a finished product.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Kindal: Part of writing is getting discouraged every now and then. The fact is, most people are going to look at you like you’re a bit crazy, and to be honest most of us are. Rejection can get pretty rough sometimes as people disagree with the way you are writing something, or want to ‘help’ you choose an alternate, more profitable career path. That’s just how it goes.

In dealing with that sort of thing, I’ve found it useful to keep in mind that there is discouragement and obstacles in every career path. For every starving writers and artists out there, there are just as many doctors and lawyers scraping the bottom of the barrel or dropping out to pursue other careers. You have to remind yourself that not everyone is going to like what you write, and that not everyone is going to appreciate what you’re trying to do and how. The important thing is to remain committed to your course and find your own way through the obstacles you face. Don’t let a few failures ruin your vision.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

Kindal: I think that depends on your point of view. My wife thinks I’m mildly crazy, but I’m betting people like Brandons Sanderson wouldn’t be very impressed. I typically write about twelve thousand new words a week when I am working on just one book. Most of the time I tend to be rewriting one book while I write the first draft of another one. That means I usually write about six to eight thousand new words on one book while I rewrite about ten to twelve thousand words on another one. I’d write more, but the full time job kind of takes up too much of my time for that to work.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book Wolfhound?

Kindal: Wolfhound is an action adventure story written from the perspective of Ensign Jacob Hull, an officer in the Celostian Navy on his first cruise. Pretty much everything goes wrong for Jacob. He’s assigned to a hard luck crew testing an experimental vessel, members of the crew don’t take too kindly to him, and to top it all off, a disaster puts every person on board in mortal danger. It’s a story about heroism and adventure, and about remaining true to your responsibilities even when it is hard.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Kindal: Well, I wrote Wolfhound at a time when I was feeling a bit discouraged at the course my life was taking. In essence, it is a story about how someone can face all the obstacles and disasters that this life can throw at us, and how that person can choose to rise above those challenges instead of being crushed by them. In a way, that’s what I came away with from writing Wolfhound, and I would hope that my readers are able to have that as well. Along with an intense appreciation for railguns and explosions, of course.

Deirdra: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

Kindal: I come up with a lot of story ideas a bit out of the blue. I typically have a bunch of facts, possible plots and story ideas all running through my head, and occasionally some of them just happen to mix together and form an idea compelling enough that I have to write it down. From there, I tend to sketch out a rough outline of where I am going to go with the story, but I never consider myself bound to it. If the story starts to bend a bit out of line from where I was originally going to go with it, I let it happen. Writing is always at least half structured planning and half lucky discovery for me.

Deirdra: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Kindal: I hit writer’s block for one of three reasons. Either I’ve burned out, I don’t know where I’m going next, or the previous section is bad enough that I need to rewrite it before I move on. Burning out is a result of my own reckless behavior; I’m still new enough at this career path that I look at a project and say “Hey, I can work a full time job and still revise half a book this week.” It…doesn’t always work out that well. Rest can really help with that problem. If I don’t know where I am going next, it is a very good time to sit down and sketch out a better outline of where the story will go, which will get me excited enough to start in again. As for writing the occasional bad section, that happens every so often when I am working on a first draft. It’s like replacing a bad foundation so that the rest of your building can stand strong.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Kindal: My wife. Without her none of my efforts would have ever amounted to much. She’s the one who has always encouraged me in this career path, and she has never questioned my ability to do what needed to be done. Of course, she also seems to have ended up with the marketing brains as well, so that helps me be able to focus on the writing while she helps me that way.

Deirdra: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?

Kindal: Well, good dialogue is one way that characters can kind of show their personalities. My friends and I tend to banter comments back and forth, and I borrow a lot of that for the dialogue in my books. I also tend to give each of my most important characters a kind of theme song. In fact, some characters and even some of my books are pretty much inspired by a particular song that fits them in my mind. Kind of weird, probably, but it works for me.

Deirdra: What authors do you admire, and why?

Kindal: Well, there’s a lot of them out there. Michael Stackpole was always one of my favorite authors, even since I was a kid. I think his I, Jedi, and Rogue Squadron books will always be among my cherished possessions. Brandon Sanderson is another author I’ve come to enjoy. My wife introduced me to the Mistborn series, and from there I’ve kind of been hooked on his work. There are a lot of other authors out there, from Dan Wells to Patrick Rothfuss, Timothy Zahn to John Scalzi, David Weber to Jack Campbell. Too many to mention everybody, but there’ve been a lot of authors that I have loved to read.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Kindal: I like to read, obviously. Unfortunately I have a weakness for videogames (the nerd is strong in this one), but I’ve managed to avoid getting sucked into any MMORPGs. Otherwise I’d never get anything done. Running has always been a hobby of mine as well.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Kindal: Don’t give up, and don’t overlook the opportunities you are given. There are plenty of people willing to help you learn what you need to know, and the nature of publishing today is open enough that anyone who is willing to work hard enough at it will have at least some success. Just don’t let the occasional failure or discouraging friend turn you away from what you really love.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Kindal: Currently, I am working on revising the sequel to Wolfhound, a book called Badger. At the same time I am writing the first draft of a sequel in another series. It’s about a steampunk detective named Hector Kingsley. As the first book is titled The True Adventures of Hector Kingsley, the second is appropriately The Continued Adventures of Hector Kingsley: Mysteries in Whitechapel. Or at least those are their working titles for now. And waiting in the wings is another series, with the first book called Iron Angels. It’s another science fiction adventure novel, though it’s in a completely different universe.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Kindal: Wolfhound will be going up on Smashwords and Amazon. People can also order my books through Wandering Leaf Publishing’s website.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Kindal: Just thanks for the interview! I really appreciate the chance to talk about my work. Anyone else interested in what I’m up to can visit my blog at www.platmeusa.blogspot.com. Hope all goes well for you!

Thank you so much, Kindal. It’s a real honor to get your insights.

Saltwater Taffy by Eric DelaBarre

2011-10-31T02:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the videos from the road with Saltwater Taffy by Eric DelaBarre

Interview with Author Jaclyn Hawkes

2011-10-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Jaclyn: Only three years ago. I think I'm a fluke that way. Then I wrote 9 books the first year. At the time it didn't seem strange, but when I tell people that, they kind of freak out. Apparently, one is typical. Now that I realize how long it takes to get through publication, I've slowed way down and am masquerading as a wife and mother again.

Deirdra: What is your writing and educational background?

Jaclyn: I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and was a cartographer and have a minor in Equine Management. So unless you count A s in English--another fluke. But, I love to read. Way too much! And now, I love to write.

Deirdra: What inspires your writing and stories?

Jaclyn: People and experiences. Sometimes I feel prompted. A good rain storm. Sunsets. Hot chocolate with whipped cream on top. Music. My adorable husband. (Don't tell him I said that.)

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Jaclyn: Once I decided it was something I wanted to do, I checked into how to submit. I submitted the first book and it went all the way through to the final approval comittee. I did a rewrite upon the publisher's request and then ultimately got rejected. Dang it!

But then the second publisher I tried loved it and accepted it and five others for publication. Unfortunately, they published Journey of Honor, (not the first one, by the way), and then went under financially. It wasn't because of my book, I swear it.

I then had another publisher pick up The Outer Edge of Heaven, but they ended up stringing me along until I walked to the fourth publisher. I'm thrilled with Spirit Dance Books and their plans to publish two of my books per year for the next while. Now that I'm settled with a publisher, I'm learning just how much goes into marketing. Frankly, it's not nearly so fun as writing.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Jaclyn: Of course! Many times. Honestly, the only reason I didn't quit over and over was because I felt this was what I was supposed to be doing. Plus, I have a funny personality. Sometimes, instead of getting discouraged, I get mad! I get this, "Fine! Watch me succeed in spite of you!" attitude that comes in very handy in life! You don't want to get me ticked off, because I might just decide to buy the company you work for someday! Of course I wouldn't ever fire anyone--like the guy who signed the rejection slip--I'd just secretly enjoy signing his check. It works.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

Jaclyn: I should preface this answer with, "Caution, this is definitely not what the pros say to do." I write when I can fit it in around mothering and wifing and my church callings and business demands. (You'll notice I didn't mention housework. I couldn't keep up with that even before I began to write. When I grow up, I'm going to have a maid.) It's funny, because everyone says, "Be sure and stay current on what's happening in your genre." That's a joke. There's absolutely no way. I have graduated to a full four page, legal size to-do list. Now, I simply do the best I can and don't beat myself up about it anymore. Thank goodness for wonder boy husband and very durable kids.

Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?
Jaclyn: The ideas come from life, or dreams, or boredom while I'm waiting for the dentist. Or God maybe. Probably. Who knows? I start by simply writing down bits of ideas and if they take on a life of their own and become intriguing enough, I'll do an outline. If I ever have time, I'll write that sucker. I've got several outlines stashed away, just in case life eases. Or in case I get upset enough that I'll start one even when I don't have time. It's amazingly therapeutic.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book The Outer Edge of Heaven?

Jaclyn: The Outer Edge of Heaven is a fun, entertaining, easy read! This is definitely not War and Peace. This is the ultimate "Mom needs a time-out" book.
It's about a sweet, happy college coed, Charlie,who has tough, driven, professional parents who expect their baby daughter to become a heavy hitter like their other children. The story centers around how Charlie decides to go to Montana for the summer with her childhood buddy, Fo, instead of home to Connecticut and her all-powerful parents and the future spouse her parents have picked out,--who happens to be a divorce lawyer named Elroy. In Montana, she meets Fo's uncle's nutty family and his strong, silent, hunky cousin.

It's good! it's funny. It's safe from the smut and grit and stuff in most mainstream writing these days, but it's still a great, interesting story with a few twists. I think it's an awesome book! And it's gotten excellent reviews! Try it! I think you'll like it.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Jaclyn: I hope they get a pick-me-up. I hope they're good for another ten thousand miles of reality, with a breath of enthusiasm thrown in. I hope they close the book with a sigh and have a greater desire to do something good with their lives. But I also hope they don't realize that they've been pulled upward. I hope that updraft is basically subconcious and that they simply enjoyed the book.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Jaclyn: Uhhh, talents . . . I have marvelous children, but I fear it's in spite of their mothering. I train horses, although I don't have any right now. I'm a fine wife, if you don't count a margin of lunacy in our home. I do lots of things reasonably well and nothing perfectly. When my children are raised, I'll work on the talent thing. Until then, I'm perfectly content to excel at dinner and laundry and a safe, secure landing pad where you can always take your armor off. How's that? Oh, and I am an excellent writer!

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Jaclyn: Don't give up! If it truly matters to you, don't ever give up. Ever. There's always room for greatness. Just make sure that your stuff is great before you submit it.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Jaclyn: A sweeeeet medieval story of knights and princesses and intrepid heroines with incredibly strong and romantic heros. It's going to be great!

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Jaclyn: jaclynmhawkes.com, spiritdancebooks.com and all manner of bookstores from Amazon to the locals, but, if they buy directly from my site, I'll make more money, so go there!

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Jaclyn: Be happy and enthusiastic. Or at least peaceful. Dance even if it rains. Smell the flowers. Smell the cows. Watch your children dance. Hug each other when you cry. Ski if it snows. If you don't, life gets tedious.

Interview with Author Mandi Tucker Slack

2011-10-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Mandi Tucker Slack was born in Price, Utah, and grew up in Orangeville, Utah, where she developed a great love of the outdoors. She enjoyed adventure novels as a child and has always been fascinated by books and writing. Mandi attended Utah State University, where she completed a four-year degree in special education. She currently resides in Santaquin, Utah, with her husband and family. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, and rockhounding with her children.

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Mandi: The interest to become a writer started when I was 12. I wrote my first full-length novel that year. It’s terrible, but I’ve held onto it through the years because, really, I am very proud of that tattered manuscript. Writing my very own adventure story was such a thrill, and since that time, I’ve always aspired to become a published author.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book Alias?

Mandi: Jacey Grayson is a recently divorced mother, who learns some frightening news about her ex-husband, John. Frightened, she and her son Blaze flee to Utah to hide among rural Mormons. The main theme in The Alias is Jacey’s attempt to overcome years of abuse and develop a sense of who she really is. As the story progresses we see her desire to change and grow. She struggles with feelings of guilt and remorse for staying with her ex-husband so long and exposing her son to abuse, but as the story progresses we also see how she uses the lessons from her past to move forward into a more promising future.

Deirdra: How many beta readers review your manuscript before you send it to your editor?

Mandi: To be quite honest, I’m a very private person. I always have been. I didn’t let anyone read The Alias before I sent it to the publisher. I wish now that I had and since I’ve been published, I’ve really opened up and grown confident in my abilities as a writer. I feel more confident in letting other people read my material now and I can handle constructive criticism with a lot more grace.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Mandi: My first purpose in writing is to entertain and inspire. I have always loved books that touch me in a personal way. I like to read about characters that stay with me long after the story is finished. I hope my readers feel this. I hope that my characters and my stories will inspire and entertain.

Deirdra: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?
Mandi: I outline, absolutely. I’m a little jealous of those writers who can sit down and see what happens next, but unfortunately, my mind gets muddled easily and without an outline, my manuscript turns into a jumbled mess. I mix up dates and ages, and I’ve even been known to mix up names. Just last week I sat down to write and I felt too lazy to sort through my outline. I started writing and when I’d finished for the day, I realized that one of my characters, who started out as Gary, soon became Gregg and by the end of the last chapter, I’d named him Glen. When I don’t sit down and write out a very detailed outline, I’m a mess.

Deirdra: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?
Mandi: Yes, all the time! Each book I write has a certain mood. Right in the beginning, I always create a playlist. I pick songs and scores that match the mood of the plot. Then, whenever I get stuck, I jump in the car, crank the music and I drive. I never have a destination in mind. I just drive wherever I feel like and I let the music and the views re-inspire me. Usually this works. If that doesn’t work, then I simply walk away until a moment of inspiration hits, because I know eventually it will.

Deirdra: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?
Mandi: Most of the time, yes. When my kids get too loud, sometimes I’ll use headphones and listen to my playlist while I write, but not very often.

Deirdra: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?
Mandi: Again, mostly music, but there are so many things that inspire my creativity when trying to brainstorm new ideas for stories. My story ideas usually come from a conglomeration of different events that touch my life.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?
Mandi: My mother. My mom encouraged me every step of the way. When I was a child, she loved to read my stories and she always encouraged me to follow my dreams. When she learned I was going to have a book published, she was so proud. My book was released in May, but my mom passed away in April. A month before my book came out. I wish she’d lived to see it, because she was my biggest fan.

Deirdra: What’s your secret to making the characters in your books come to life?

Mandi: Once I find the story's personality, the characters just sort of take shape and as the story evolves so do the characters. If I change a scene, my character’s reaction changes as well and little-by-little their individuality develops.

Deirdra: What authors do you admire, and why?
Mandi: Dorothy Keddington is one of my all-time favorite authors. Her books are just fun. Her descriptions are so vivid and appealing and her characters are easy to relate to. Also, Jennie Hansen is another favorite, along with Kerry Blair. Blair’s books just make me giggle. I love her sense of humor and easy-going characters.

Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Mandi: Muffins. I’m not sure what it is about muffins, but they seem to be my brain food. I also like to munch on popcorn, although that isn’t very healthy for my keyboard.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Mandi: I collect fossils. I’m a rock hound and most weekends, I drag my family across the state in search of new fossil locales. We spend a lot of time in Delta, Utah, and my house is literally decorated with fossils and minerals. It drives my husband crazy.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Mandi: Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to try. I was afraid to try for many years. I was afraid of rejection. Don’t be. Not everyone is going to like your book or the way you write, but you can’t live your life afraid of rejection. I wish I had tried sooner. Just keep trying and give it all you’ve got.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Mandi: I am currently in the process of editing a crime thriller that takes place in Seattle, Washington. Tarrin Grace has come through a very difficult divorce, and just when things are beginning to look up, her young daughter, Lexie, is witness to a heinous murder. Suffering from a form of post-traumatic stress disorder, Lexie is unable to recall details of the crime or the murderer. However, the killer remembers her, and Tarrin must risk all she has to protect her family.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Mandi: My book is available on Amazon and right now you can purchase The Alias on Amazon kindle for only $3.99. You can also find my book in Deseret Book Stores or Barnes and Noble.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Mandi: Thank you for taking the time to interview me and giving me the opportunity to share a little bit about who I am. I hope you all enjoy my book, The Alias.

Thank you so much, Mandi. It’s a real honor to get your insights.

Interview with Author Kirk Mustard

2011-10-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Kansas. Well, at least I lived there until I was adult, I don't know if I've grown up yet. It was a tiny one horse town minus the horse. It was a great place to cultivate my imagination because the only way to feel like I was living in someplace wonderful was to imagine it. Perhaps that's why I am inclined towards writing a novel that imagines the future. After college, I moved to California to be a actor. But I changed to writing when I realize that actors had to run all over town to get rejections, while writers got their rejections delivered right to the door. I do,however, still post commentary and some skits on the Internet. I can always hope that one of them will go viral. I used to fear things that were viral, now I want to be infectious.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Kirk:

I found that trying to get a literary agent was more painful than trying to get a date in high school. In fact, the process has inspired a new novel. It will be up about a writer who is so frustrated with the process that he becomes a serial killer. On each new body he leaves his next chapter. The public worries who will be the next victim, but they also look forward to the next installment. It's called Killer Novel.

Anyway, I finally stuck my novel on Kindle and the next thing I knew I was selling copies, getting some very good reviews and one thing led to another.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Yes, very dicouraged. One way that I dealt with it was too send letters back rejecting my rejection slips. I would write, "I'm sorry, but your rejection does not suit my needs at this time. Of course, other writers might find your rejection just their cup of tea. Good luck."

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book The Future Perfect.

It's a satirical dystopian story about where I think man is probably headed. An effervescent oblivion. It seems to work not only as sci-fi, but many people who normally don't like sci-fi, also like it. The basic theme is computer technology greatly blurring the distinction between fiction and reality in people's lives. For example, when a person dies a computer generated image of them takes over and can be called on the video phone. Introduced to ease one's sense of loss, people soon find that they enjoy the computer generated replacements as much as more than they did the real person. Subsequently, the fear of death and the concept of death is basically eradicated. The plot involves the creation of a new animal called the Smelix. While still only theoretical, this creature ignites a battle over whether to replenish the decimated earth with a completely man-made ecosystem.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Kirk: I want them to laugh and smile a lot, be fascinated by the concepts and the story, and to think about the mystery and magic of human existence. And I want some of them to date me.

Deirdra: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

Kirk:

Simply looking around at society is all the inspiration I need. Within seconds of leaving my apartment, or looking at a newspaper, I become enraged over some crazy thing that people are caught up in. I want to slap somebody silly. But since I have a fear of going to jail, I instead turn my anger into new ideas for my novel. It's a literary version of anger management.

Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Kirk:

I don't allow myself to snack while writing because I would never get anything written. I tend to approach food with an all-you-can-eat buffet concept. However, before I write, I drink coffee. It's my believe that all the novels ever written or that ever could be written are already contained inside of coffee beans. It's just a matter of getting the words out of the coffee and into your brain and then down onto the paper.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Kirk:

I like to doodle with pen and ink. They are completely spontaneous artworks with no plan about how they will look or no concern if anyone will like them. Subsequently they are a lot more fun than writing, which is more of a chore, that is, if you can call digging a ditch from here to Alaska a chore. I also like to walk in nature, and I really love insects. Everyone's always talking about if we'll ever be visited by aliens from another planet. But clearly, that's what insects are. Looking at them is like looking at a collection of military armaments from space. They seem to have come here to try to destroy us and take over the planet. I imagine, however, that they are shocked how big and hard to kill people are.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Kirk: My advice is to suppress that desire. It will surely lead to ruin. I would suggest that you replace your desire to be published with a desire to dress up like Pee-wee Herman. Watch his movies and TV shows and then emulate his moves, gestures and sounds. I guarantee this will make you much happier than trying to get published. It will also get you more dates.

Deirdra: What are you working on now

Kirk: I'm working on a shorter futuristic novel called Baxter Lewis and the Alliance of Mad Science. It is geared more towards young adults, though I think adults will like it too. Baxter does for science what Harry Potter did for magic - shows that it is one of the most exciting, wonderful things in the world, as well as the most terrifying.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?
Kirk:

Amazon Kindle or Barnes and Noble. You can also use an amastalatron to download the novel right from my brain into yours. Oh wait, sorry, that technology doesn't actually exist yet, though I imagine Apple is working on it.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Kirk: Yes. Reality is for people with no imagination. Physical reality is merely the canvas on to which our minds paint happiness and misery. If you are miserable, don't look to change your physical reality, change your fiction.

Interview with Author Erica Ferencik

2011-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bio:

Erica Ferencik is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Cracks in the Foundation. Her work has also appeared in the Boston Globe, on Salon.com, More.com, and National Public Radio.

Website: www.wakeupandsmelltheblog.com

Email: ebgf@aol.com

Repeaters:

http://www.wakingdreampress.com/books/repeaters/reviews.html

Cracks in the Foundation:

http://www.amazon.com/Cracks-Foundation-Erica-Ferencik/dp/0981574106

Interview

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

I wrote ever since I was a little kid – short stories, letters, remember those? bad poetry, you name it – but spent fifteen years as a fine artist, a painter, until one day I woke up and just had no interest in drawing or painting any more. I was a voracious reader and realized that I couldn’t express all I wanted with a paintbrush any more. So I pretty dramatically chucked it all and began writing. That was over twenty years ago.

Deirdra: What is your writing and educational background?

I have an undergrad in Painting and French from UMass Boston and a Master’s in Creative Writing from Boston University. Half a dozen unpublished novels and the same number of unproduced screenplays sit in my desk drawer, though two of the screenplays, Mob Dot Com (co-written with Rick D’Elia), and Fat Boy, were optioned. Though Repeaters is not my first foray into the supernatural thriller or horror genre, comedy is my first love. I did standup for ten years in Boston and New York, even sold Dave Letterman jokes many years ago before he had his own in-house writers. I’m done with standup, but I write a monthly humor column in my local newspaper, and my first published novel, Cracks in the Foundation, is a satire about an insane realtor who’ll do anything to make a sale. I’m also a ghostwriter. My latest project is Radio My Way, the life story of Boston radio personality Ron Della Chiesa, slated for release on November 1^st by Pearson Education. So I’m a little bit all over the place, but it’s fun.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your experience with screenwriting?

I loved writing screenplays, but ultimately the whole shebang became too frustrating for me because I don’t like counting on other people to get things done. And if you want your movie made, it’s all about playing well with others, lottery-winning luck, a fat bank account, and knowing the right people. But the wonderful thing about writing all those screenplays was that it finally whipped my ass into not only nailing strong dialogue, but also really learning story structure. Story, by Robert McKee, brought it all home for me. Since I tend to think visually anyway, it’s fun to bring that strong visual sense to novels, as well as a knack for pacing and a leanness that you learn from writing screenplays.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

After twenty years, four agents - some of them quite “powerful” - a series of almosts and ultimately no offers for publication from traditional houses, I decided to start my own imprint and do my own thing. I loved learning about every element of creating and delivering a book including cover design, layout, and marketing. It was the best decision I ever made. I’m not saying it was easy, but I sold thousands of books and many other wonderful things have come out of it as well. I’m sorry I waited as long as I did!

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Those years of almost getting a book published were a roller coaster of emotions. I couldn’t believe some of the kee-rap that was getting published. I still can’t believe it. You just have to remember that publishing is a business and it is driven by fear. Some editor chooses a book that’s “like” a bestselling book in hopes that it will hit and they will make a bundle or maybe just keep their job. Who can blame them? But frankly, I want to throw most book club books against the wall. Anything with Q&A in the back makes me want to shriek my head off. Like we can’t think for ourselves about a book. I’m not saying wonderful books aren’t picked up now and then, but a lot of brilliant stuff is passed over because of this horrendously stressful publishing environment. For a hilarious take on the publishing industry, read Steve Hely’s How I Became A Famous Novelist.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

Depends on what I’m working on, but I put in a couple of hours six days a week, unless I’m sick or on vacation. I also need to make a living, so in all honesty some weeks are more productive than others.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your new book Repeaters, and how you came up with such a scary and complex plot. By the way, that title just gives me shivers.

Repeaters is about a young woman who comes back from the dead to to avenge her own murder by her mother’s hand.

Have you ever known someone with such an intense personality, presence, life force, that you can’t imagine them dead? For me, that was my mother. She was also cruel, manipulative, and lacked a conscience.

When my mother was alive she used to call me every day, which was one reason I hated the phone. This was before caller ID, so I would just helplessly pick it up when it rang, my heart in my throat.

Anyway, my mother died on a Saturday.

On Sunday morning while I was in the shower, the phone rang. As usual, my heart sped up, my breathing grew rapid and shallow. I stood there, shampoo in my hair, frozen, just listening to the phone bleating from the other room. I had to calm myself, tell myself: she’s dead, of course it’s not her. But still, I stepped out of the shower, grabbed a towel, and went to the phone. I stood there dripping, listening for the answering machine to pick up, for the outgoing message to play, and finally, to the caller.

Whoever it was, hesitated. The person’s breathing was labored, just like my mother’s was in her last days. After a good thirty seconds, the caller hung up.

My hand was shaking so hard I could barely get the phone back in its cradle. I closed my eyes and forced myself to remember signing her death certificate the day before. But I couldn’t help myself. The power of her will was so strong. She was dead, so what? She could still pick up the phone…

So that was the inspiration for the story. If my mother could return from the dead, why not others? Why not a race of Repeaters?

And why would they come back? Two reasons made sense to me: you return if your life is taken with violence, or if you haven’t yet accomplished the most pressing of unfinished business: loving at least one human being on this earth.

Deirdra: How many beta readers review your manuscript before you send it to your editor?

What’s a beta reader? Wait while I google it…okay. I’d have to say at least twenty-five people have looked at it and given me feedback, not including my editor. That said, you can’t listen to everyone. You’ll go insane. You have to have this little core in you that recognizes stupid criticism. And even if it makes you groan in despair, you have to be equally sensitive to comments that are right on even if they force you to do a bigger rewrite than you can stomach.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Certain wonderful teachers encouraged me when I was very young. That and getting into the Boston University program was a huge lift at the time. These days, my husband, friends, and other authors have been a lifeline in terms of encouragement and support.

Deirdra: What’s your secret to making the characters in your books come to life and keep people awake at night?

I think those are two different questions!:) Books have been written on making characters come to life in fiction. As general advice, I’d say never stop learning your craft, whether that’s through reading what you admire or writing. As you read, NOTICE what grabs you and look deeper to find out what that author has done to make you feel something. In your daily life: never stop taking mental or actual notes about what is happening around you. Keep that third eye open.

Part two of your question: how to write truly scary fiction. Again, fine books have been written about that. Back to reading and noticing: what scares you? One thing that terrifies me is loss of control over my body. David Cronenburg, screenwriter and director, is a master of “body horror,” or the physical manifestation of the psychological, such as in The Brood, The Fly, and Dead Ringers.

Deirdra: What authors do you admire, and why?

Below is a list of just some of my favorite authors. I admire them because they take me into another world. Make me laugh out loud, scare the pants off of me, enrapture me, transport me.

Mary E. Mitchell, Jess Walter’s The Financial Life of Poets (hilarious), Paul Nelson, Louise Murphy, Justin Evans, William Peter Blatty, Joe Hill’s Heart Shaped Box (brilliant and the scariest book I’ve ever read,) Jeffrey Thomas – everything but especially Punktown, Sally Donahue, Thomas Tryon, Daphne du Maurier, Lionel Shriver, Muriel Spark, Alice Sebold, Judith Moore, Ian McEwan, Robert Goolrich, Kate Christenson, John Ajvide Lindquist, Jeanette Walls, Sarah Waters, Tobias Wolff, Jon Krakauer, everything by Diane Ackerman.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

First and foremost, I hope they fly along with the story and have a hell of a good time reading the book. This is first and foremost entertainment, after all!

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

I love to dance! Keeps me sane. Love to travel, see friends, explore the world and everything in it.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Never give up. Think of the writing life as a marathon, not a sprint. But marathons can be fun, if you like running, so make sure you like writing. Do more than you talk about doing. In fact, watch out about talking about what you’ve written before you’ve actually written it. It lets the air out of the balloon in some weird way. Beware great titles that pop to mind: they will rarely match up with a brilliant book. In fact it can be damned near impossible to title something wonderful. Get a lot of people to read your work, not just friends and family. If you have a manuscript, submit it to – ideally – a couple of book clubs and bravely show up and listen to what everyone has to say. Then put it aside for three months and read it again. See how you feel about it, and go with that feeling. The traditional publishing route is great for a lot of reasons but do your research on self publishing as well. There are many pros and cons to both choices.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

A collection of funny essays called Fifteen Steves, and sequel to Cracks in the Foundation called Fresh Ginger. I’m also tossing around this maddeningly elusive (because I can’t quite nail the plot) new supernatural thriller.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Amazon.com is really the best place, but if you are in the Boston area: Wellesley Books, Tatnuck Bookstore in Westborough, and the Paper Store all carry it.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Never, ever give up!

Interview with Author Heather Cashman

2011-09-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Heather Cashman graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry but has always loved to write, winning her first contest in the second grade. Married since 1992, she has three unique children and has moved from Arizona to New York to Kansas. She loves to kayak and canoe down the windiest rivers she can find. She welcomes opportunities to visit schools, libraries, and book groups in person or via Skype. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Heather currently lives near Wichita, Kansas with her husband and three children.

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Heather: It wasn't until after I published that I realized that sharing my novels would be so rewarding. At first, I thought only my friends and family would be interested, but as more and more people read my novel and love it, I find a great sense of connection with my readers. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can have a positive influence on the world beyond myself and my immediate relations.

Deirdra: How does writing help you in your personal life?

Heather: Writing is my balm. For some reason, I only feel sane when I can write a bit every day. It helps me use my imagination and skills rather than letting my mind stagnate.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Heather: I wrote several novels before I found my editor. Once I plucked up the courage to have it edited, Perception became more than it ever could have on its own. That's when I wanted to perfect it. I cut and mended over and over until the finished manuscript was one I could be proud of. Even though my editor encouraged me to find an agent, I still wasn't sure I wanted to publish. Rather than going traditional, I decided to self publish and see what would happen. So far, so good.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Heather: There were many times I wondered what I was doing. I hated learning to format ebooks, the printing process, and general computer savvy. I felt the learning curve acutely. Instead of writing, my endeavor had turned into a full time job that kept me from my writing. It is still a battle, but one I am learning how to win. The desire to write was what kept me going--almost as necessary as eating and sleeping. My family also continues to encourage me all the time.

Other discouragement came from a lack of confidence in my writing, but the more I write, the more I believe in my writing. The positive reviews and comments from fans are helping as well.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

Heather: I write all day when my three teenagers are in school. I fit in interviews, reviews, reading, social media, blogging, etc. when my kids are doing homework, at lessons, or after everyone else goes to bed.

Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

Heather: Characters tend to walk into my imagination fully formed, and like every person on the face of the earth, they are every one good enough to write about. I believe a really good writer can spin a tale out of just about anything. The question is: Am I a good enough writer to write about this character? It's more a question of my worthiness than theirs. Some of my stories are waiting in the recesses of my brain until I can write well enough to do them justice.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book Perception?

Heather: Perception is the first of a trilogy. It is an Epic Fantasy set in a dystopian future where genetic engineering for military purposes has spliced humans with different living things to make a more powerful soldier. The novel begins over five hundred years later. The genes of humans and their individual animal companions have continued to mutate, refine, and combine, until they have become telepathically linked. Ardana and her tiger Rijan take us on their journey to escape a life of abuse and exile and find their way in a complicated world of politics and prejudice.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Heather: I try to make all my writing an exciting exploration of each person's imagination. I don't care how names are pronounced. Make them your own names. I don't care how you picture the characters. Make them your own. Reading should be a creation of the reader's mind that is guided by the author. I also hope to share some of my own insights about life and make each of us question what we believe, how we should act, and become a better person by reading them.

Deirdra: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

Heather: It has to be quiet enough that I can focus. I can't listen to music, but my children tell me I can block them out well enough.

Deirdra: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

Heather: Like my characters, the settings are often already formed. And I pray a lot.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Heather: So many people have helped me along, but I would have to say that beyond my own raw desire to write, my editor (and now one of my best friends) has made the biggest difference in my writing. She knows just what to say, has this amazing quality of pulling things out of me I never knew were there, and has always believed in my abilities. (Her information is on my blog.)

Deirdra: Besides writing, what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Heather: I think being a good mother is a talent. I have devoted most of my life to it. I also like to garden, read, kayak, cook and bake.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Heather: Follow the path that suits you. So many people think there's only one way. In reality, there's only one way for you individually. For some people, they feel the need to be traditionally published. Perhaps now I could accept being traditionally published because I know what the industry is like, what it's about. I never would have made it before. And I am having a lot of fun getting to know other authors in a way that might have been impossible if I had not self-published. Who knows? Just keep trying different things until something works.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Heather: I am currently revising Deception (The Tigers' Eye Trilogy, Book 2) and am also writing an Urban Fantasy series.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?
Heather:

The best place to link to all my books is to the Perception page on my website.

Or you can go to individual links.

Kindle ebook

Nook ebook
Paperback

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Heather: Thank you so much for hosting me, Deirdra. I have enjoyed getting to know you and admire you for all your hard work.

I would also like to thank the readers who support independent authors, especially debut authors like myself.

Fashion

2011-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Clothing I've designed or altered.

http://www.knightess.com/knightessclothing.html

Interview with Author Laura Vosika

2011-09-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Laura grew up in the military, visiting castles in England, pig fests in Germany, and the historic sites of America's east coast. She earned a bachelor's degree in music, and worked for many years as a freelance musician, playing trombone for pit orchestras, ballets, and symphonies, and flute and harp for other venues.

After earning a master's degree in education, she took a job as a music teacher and band director. She has also taught private lessons on wind instruments, piano, guitar, and harp, for over twenty years.

In her spare time, Laura likes to play piano, harp, and flute, do sudokus, and learn languages. She is the mother of nine children, currently living in Minnesota. In addition to the Trilogy, she is working on several other novels and a non-fiction book on raising a large family.

Learn more at www.bluebellstrilogy.com or read more about the history behind the Blue Bells story at http://bluebellstrilogy.blogspot.com

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Laura: I've been writing since I was eight, and I knew when I was ten that I wanted to be an author.

Deirdra: What is your writing and educational background?

Laura: My writing background consists of decades of writing, from the time I was eight, poetry, short stories, lyrics, plays, musicals, and novels. I have a bachelor's degree in music, on trombone, and a master's degree in education.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

Laura: I write every spare minute I can. Sometimes, that's a couple of hours a day, sometimes it's ten.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about the Blue Bells Trilogy?

Laura: The Blue Bells Trilogy is the story of two men, polar opposites but for their looks and love of music, who switch places in time. Shawn Kleiner is a self-centered, womanizing modern musical phenomenon, who falls asleep in an ancient Scottish castle and wakes up to find himself mistaken for Niall Campbell, a devout medieval Highland warrior. The fate of Scotland falls on his irresponsible shoulders. Niall, caught in Shawn's modern life, must contend with Shawn's angry mistresses, gambling debts, pregnant girlfriend, and the conductor's threat to 'fire' him--a serious threat to medieval ears--if he doesn't play a sell-out concert, all while trying to make the leap back across time to save his people and country at the Battle of Bannockburn.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Laura: I hope it's a book that can be read either purely as a fun adventure and story of identity switch, or as a deeper story of redemption. I have one reader who is currently on her fourth read-through and says she discovers new details each time she reads it. I hope it's a story that stays on people's minds, and I have heard from readers that they're still thinking about it a month later. I hope readers enjoy the humor. Life is funny, after all, even at inopportune moments, even when it's not a comedy.

Deirdra: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

Laura: I have tried outlining, but find characters don't always do what they told, and by a third of the way through the book, they have usually veered away from what I planned. I usually have a rough idea in my head of what's going on and where everyone is headed, but have learned to let the characters speak and act for themselves.

Deirdra: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Laura: In writing book 3 of The Blue Bells Trilogy, I had a very clear idea of what was happening in Shawn's life. I had no idea whatsoever what would be happening in Niall's life. I finally had to just sit down and start writing, thinking about what Niall had just experienced at the end of Book Two (The Minstrel Boy). I did more research, thought about where he'd most likely be and what he'd be doing, what the people around him would be donig (think the thieving MacDougalls) and how all the previous experiences would have affected him, and his story began writing itself.

Deirdra: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

Laura: I love music. I majored in it, played semi-professionally in many venues, on several instruments, and have taught lessons for over twenty years. But listening to it while I write is usually very distracting. I prefer absolute silence.

Deirdra: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?

Laura: I don't try too hard to force them into an outline. When I'm writing a scene and they say something I didn't intend, I usually go with it.

Deirdra: What authors do you admire, and why?

Laura: I love Dick Francis, partly because the stories and characters are memorable, partly because I admire someone who can turn out so many books. I love the way he always includes his passion for the world of horse racing, yet his characters come from all walks of life. Particularly memorable to me is the father with six sons, and a seventh on the way by the end of the book. I rarely find authors who write about families like mine! (Seven of my children are boys.) I love Jennifer Egan's The Keep, for the intricate story within a story and otherworldly setting that is, at the same time, entirely believable as to how the people ended up where they did. I love Elizabeth Kostova's prose and descriptions in The Historian. I like Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale, again for the twists and turns. I like Mark Twain's and O. Henry's humor. I admire Ted Dekker as an author both because he can write stories that can be enjoyed on multiple levels, and because he keeps turning out one good book after another. I recently read Brendan Carroll'sTempo Rubato: Stolen Time and loved the way he incorporated time travel, adventure, and romance in a way that inspired me to once again listen to, and learn more about, Mozart. I always enjoy authors who make me want to learn more about the people or places in their stories.

Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Laura: I don't really snack while I write. But I drink too much coffee. Every single day I tell myself I'm going to change that. Starting tomorrow.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Laura: Music is my profession, but it's also my passion, talent, and hobby. I play and teach a variety of instruments. I also write music. I'm currently involved in a composition project with Judd Knauss of the Hallstoos Trios, whose music I love. As to hobbies, just for fun, I like studying foreign languages, but am unfortunately not yet fluent in any of them. I also like hiking around Lake Superior when I get a chance.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Laura: Keep writing. And find a good critique group. They are absolutely invaluable in giving feedback, and in giving motivation to keep going.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Laura: At the moment, my editor is going through The Minstrel Boy, Book 2 of the Trilogy. It should be ready very soon. While she looks over it, I'm working on editing Book 3 of the Trilogy, as yet unnamed. When I finish that, I'm excited to get back to another novel I wrote last year about an American widow with six boys who moves into a Scottish castle, which turns out to have secrets as dark as the one she's keeping.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Laura: Signed copies can be ordered directly through my website, www.bluebellstrilogy.com. Print and kindle can be ordered athttp://amzn.to/oqaOXn and http://amzn.to/pEiDWr. It is also available through Barnes and Noble (www.bn.com) in print or Nook, at Smashwords (www.smashwords.com), or can be ordered by any brick and mortar store.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Laura: It has been a wonderful experience, writing and meeting so many new people as a result. We live in a busy world where it seems there's never enough time for the things we hope to do someday. Make that someday today, and take even just a few minutes to start on something you'd really love to do.

Thank you so much, Laura. It’s a real honor to get your insights.

Thank you for having me, Deirdra!

Interview with Author RaShelle Workman

2011-09-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

RASHELLE WORKMAN lives in Utah with her husband, three children and three dogs. When she gets a quiet moment alone, she enjoys reading about faraway places. And, in case you were wondering, yes, she does believe there is other life out in the Universe.

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

RaShelle: When I was like 5. That's when I wrote my first poem. But really, I was in my thirties, looking for something, and the writing happened.

Deirdra: What is your writing and educationalbackground?

RaShelle: Before I started writing fiction, I'd written several technical training manuals at my job... Since then, I've joined an online writing blog called CHOOSEORDIE, I blog and twitter and FB. It's a blast. As for education, I'm a junior in college (at least according to my accumulated credits).

Deirdra: What makes you passionate about writing?

RaShelle: Taking an idea from my head and watching it develop on paper. Losing myself in that world.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your firstbook published?

RaShelle: Long.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, howdid you deal with it?
RaShelle: Absolutely!!!! I throw temper tantrums. Pull out my hair. Eat chocolate and gummy worms.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

RaShelle: I write every morning.

Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How doyou know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?
RaShelle: Ideas come from everywhere. I usually jot them down, so I don't lose the idea. The one's that stick, that I know I want to write about are the one's that keep stewing in my brain.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book EXILED.

RaShelle: It's told in third person from several different character's perspective. There are two main characters. Venus and Justus. You hear from them the most. But Zarus and Dervinius, even Justus's mother speak up from their points of view. If you've read City of Bones, it's very similar. Not the story, but the writing style.

Back cover blurb:

Stubborn, sixteen-year-old Princess Venus of Kelari wants one thing, to become a kelvieri, that is, until someone exiles her to Earth, kills her irrihunter and takes her family.

Now she wants revenge.

First she’s got to get home. But before she can return to Kelari, the Gods have commanded her to help an arrogant boy named Justus find his soul mate.

Only she doesn't know the first thing about love.

Rather quickly, her inexperience with human emotion is obscured by other matters—alien-controlled psychotic teens that are out to kill her, and a government group that is set on capturing and dissecting her.

Worst of all, Venus will suffer a painful death-by-poisoning, thanks to Earth’s atmosphere, if she remains on the planet longer than one week.

Still, Venus is a Princess and she's got a plan. Surely, with her help, Justus will fall in love with a human.

But time is running out and Justus is falling for the wrong girl—her.

Deirdra: What are your thoughts on critique groups?

RaShelle: I love them. Get one. Crit groups are like shoes, keep trying them on until you find the right fit.

Deirdra: How many beta readers do you have review yourmanuscript before you send it to your editor?

RaShelle: 10-20

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from yourbooks?

RaShelle: Enjoyment. Excitement.

Deirdra: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Doyou just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do yououtline first?

RaShelle: I'm a plotter who pants from one chapter to the next.

Deirdra: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form ofwriter's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

RaShelle: Yes. I do my best thinking right before I go to bed and when I wake in the morning. If I'm stuck on a problem in the story, those are the times I ponder them.

Deirdra: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listento music when you are writing?
RaShelle: Absolute quiet works, but I don't mind have the old PINK PANTHER shows on in the background either. Something about that music...

Deirdra: What kinds of inspiration do you use during yourstory creation periods?

RaShelle: I watch movies. Read. Read. Read. Look at pictures. Doodle.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as awriter?

RaShelle: Probably my husband though. He's my biggest fan and strongest supporter

Deirdra: What’s your secret to making the character’sin your books come to life?

RaShelle: Write about them. I know who they are inside and out.

Deirdra: What authors do you admire, and why?

RaShelle: Ooooh, J.K. Rowling for sure. Stephenie Meyer. Colleen Houck. All for the same reasons: They never gave up. They believed in themselves and their writing.

Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while youare writing?

RaShelle: Gummi Worms.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbiesdo you have?

RaShelle:Baking cupcakes. Making toffee. I seriously have the world's best recipe and it's super secret.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writerswho desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

RaShelle: Go to writing conferences. Read. Write. Write. Write.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

RaShelle: A couple. Book 2 in the Connected Series - BEGUILED. And another sci fi romance.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books andorder them?

RaShelle: Everywhere. Amazon, B&N, Smashwords

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

RaShelle: Thanks for letting me be here. And I love comments about my book. I'd love to hear from you.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/

FB: http://www.facebook.com/groups/180641978642523/?id=249261381780582&notif_t=group_activity#!/pages/RaShelle-Workman/150080088338966

blog: http://www.rashelleworkman.blogspot.com/

Literary Underground: http://litunderground.com/Store.html

My website/blog:http: http://www.rashelleworkman.com

Random Acts of Senseless Kindness, Free eBook

2011-09-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Message from Graham Parke

As my weird little novel "No Hope for Gomez!" has just won the Foreword Reviews Book of the Year award, I thought I'd celebrate by offering a free spin-off novel:

"Things start to spiral out of control for Gomez when he tries to win back his ex-girlfriend during a very strange New Year's Eve party."

Clinical studies have shown that reading the "Random Acts of Senseless Kindness" eBook is not only likely to make you more attractive to the opposite sex, it will also elevate your random luck by about 9.5%**

So, that's a nice bonus right there.

(**These statements have not been evaluated by anyone of consequence!)

This free eBook is a spin-off of the award winning "No Hope for Gomez!" available for order in all stores now.

Bio:

Graham Parke is responsible for a number of technical publications and has recently patented a self-folding map. He has been described as both a humanitarian and a pathological liar. Convincing evidence to support either allegation has yet to be produced.

No Hope for Gomez! is his fiction debut:

Boy meets girl.

Boy stalks girl.

Girl already has a stalker.

Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.

Interview with Author River Urke

2011-09-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

River: I have silently dreamed of becoming a writer since I was a girl. I was always reading and would have fun imagining my own endings to the stories. I wanted to be a writer, but I did not believe I could until recently. A couple of years ago, I had a stack of poetry and an almost finished non-fiction in front of me when I realized that I was one. I was a writer.

Deirdra: What is your writing and educational background?

River: I began writing poetry as a teenager. When I started college, I was a literature and writing major. Then at twenty, I left college for adventure and quit writing for ten years. I returned to the University at 24 and graduated with a BA in American Indian Studies and another BA in Anthropology. Then in my early thirties life for me changed dramatically and I began to write again. I became disabled from the progression of Multiple Sclerosis. My daughter was eight years old at the time. I view becoming disabled as a door opening for me. I walked through and was handed ideas to put on paper and the time to turn words slowly into poetry, column pieces, and books.

Deirdra: What makes you passionate about writing?

River: My need to create. I am one that has to be creating or my world is not right. I have dabbled in all sorts of art forms from painting to loom beading. However, these days I have some numb fingers that interfere in creating with some mediums. So, I primarily focus on writing and photography. In addition, when I have a creative idea I obsess on it until I’m satisfied it is complete. I believe my passion and personal motivator drive the obsession.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

River: Oh, it’s all over the board. lol I do love mornings and the dawn of day.

Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write about?

River: My ideas come from my life either personally or through what I observe around me. Honestly, I have no idea other than they feel right or wrong to me.

Deirdra: Can you tell us about your online paper, The River?

River: The River is a weekly literary paper with an artistic touch that publishes every Friday around the world. The paper revolves around weekly themes that have a different focus every month. There are writings of articles, poetry, and occasional interviews along with photography or art by one of the members of our team or from contributors. We take submissions of writing, photography, and art.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your work?

River: My hope is that they are touched in some way after reading my writing. That they are entertained by the humorous left with inspiration by pieces with life lessons and tickled warm by love poems.

Deirdra: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

River: Yes, I need it quit for the most part. I write poetry by finding the flow through reading it aloud.

Deirdra: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

River: I don’t do anything other than focus in my own mind. I am a picture maker or that’s what I call it. I imagine what I am writing and let it play out.

Deirdra: What type of poet do you consider yourself?

River: I write Free Verse. I spent some time learning different forms but the limitations and rules don’t work with me. Once in awhile, I will do a Villanelle because it sings to me and I enjoy Haiku too.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

River: Other writers have been huge in my growth as a writer through reading their works and receiving critique from them.

Deirdra: What authors do you admire, and why?

River: Oh there are so many but I will pick two. I admire Tom Robbins for his imagination and ability to write poetically in a novel and Adrienne Rich for her strength and way with words.

Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

River: Cashews with sea salt or chocolate

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

River: I am an artist of many mediums from photography to creating with fabric and leather. My daughter and I dance in Pow Wows and I make nearly every thing we wear.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

River: I am always writing poetry. In regards to books, I have two books I was working on publishing and a children’s chapter book I am still writing but I have been on a break with all of them. The paper has taken up most of my time since the end of the spring. All of the hard footwork is complete and I have begun spreading work out with the team. My load is thinning so I am getting ready to enter the publishing world again and finish writing the book.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your literary works?

River: Recently, I created a new poetry blog called Waabin Ozhibiiwin~ Dawn Writer. My old poetry blog is still open with it’s trunk of poetry unlocked- Pondering through Life. I have work in The River nearly every week. In addition, I have written an online column for over two years called River’s Ruminations.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

River: I would like to thank you Deirdra for the work you do within the blogging world and of course this interview. J I can be reached at riversruminations@yahoo.com

Waabin Ozhibiiwin~ Dawn Writer @ http://riverurkepoetry.wordpress.com/.

Pondering through Life @ http://riversruminations.blogspot.com/

The River @ http://theriverpaper.wordpress.com/

River’s Ruminations @ http://riversruminations.wordpress.com/.

Synapse of books: I have written and compiled two books that have not been published yet. One is a Poetry Chapbook & the other is an Anthology of Nonfiction Short Stories. I need to find an agent for the non-fiction and I’m leaning heavily on self-publishing the chapbook.

The poetry chapbook was compiled with a specific focus in mind. It is called Stumbled & Standing- Coping with Multiple Sclerosis through Poetry. All twenty-eight poems focus on living with MS with all its facets and coping with the difficulties with a positive attitude. It was written for people living with MS and those that want to understand it better. – picture of cover attached.

Interview with Author Suzy Turner

2011-09-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Although Suzy is a Yorkshire lass at heart, she left her home town of Rotherham, UK, to move to Portugal with her family when she was ten.
The Algarve continues to be her home, where she lives with her childhood sweetheart and husband of 13 years, Michael, and their menagerie of dogs and cats.
Suzy's career began soon after completing her A levels when she was offered the position of trainee journalist for a local English newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a few years later she moved on to become assistant editor for the region's largest English language publisher. Since then she has also worked as the editor of one of the Algarve's most loved monthly lifestyle magazines. Early in 2010 however, she began her real journey as an author. Suzy writes both YA urban fantasy and chick lit.
Visit her website (http://suzyturner.com), read her blog (http://suzyturner.blogspot.com), find her on facebook (http://facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks), and follow her on twitter (http://twitter.com/suzy_turner).

Deirdra: What makes you passionate about writing?

Suzy: The idea that people are enjoying my stories. There's nothing more inspiring than getting a fabulous review from someone you don't know. It makes me want to continue to publish book after book.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Suzy: Well, it started off in the usual way of trying to get an agent, but after after 20 rejection letters over a period of several long months I got fed up of waiting. A friend of a friend had self published his book on Amazon and suggested I do the same. Looking into it, I realised it wasn't as tough as I'd thought so that's what I did! If I hadn't, I might still be waiting for that elusive agent now!

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Suzy: Never. I've always believed in myself. Ever since I started working I've known that one day I'd be a published author.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

Suzy: I make myself write to deadlines. It's the only way I can work, otherwise I'd take far too long to get anything done. I start off by giving myself a date for the book to go out into the world and then I work out backwards how many words I need to write each week, and then break it down into days and then I sit down and get cracking.

Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

Suzy: I guess any idea is good enough... it's what you do with the idea that makes the difference. My ideas come in so many different guises. Places, music, dreams, people, newspaper articles! The Raven Saga came about after visiting western Canada. Now that is one inspiring place.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book Raven?

Suzy: Raven is about a young girl called Lilly who lives in a loveless environment with a father she never sees and a mother who isn't very motherly. When they disappear one day, she has to move to Canada to a family she didn't even know existed, leaving behind her one and only friend, December Moon. The moment she arrives in Powell River, she finds a loving family who dotes on her. But she also discovers some rather frightening secrets about them all... and about herself.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your book?

Suzy: I've had people read the book and tell me that their hearts ached for Lilly. That was an amazing comment and it meant I had achieved what I wanted to achieve. I'd produced a story that touched people. I hope people will also get a sense of the beauty in Powell River and the love that Lilly's family has for her and vice versa. And for Book II, I hope that people will be sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what's going to happen next!

Deirdra: How many beta readers review your manuscript before you send it to your editor?

Suzy: Because Raven was my first book to be published, I had five friends (four of which have been in the publishing / editing business) to read it for me. I didn't have an editor but for December Moon, I had one beta reader (a school teacher!) and I hired an editor.

Deirdra: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

Suzy: I either write to music or silence. I can't have any other background noise, though. As I'm writing this my house is being painted and the noise is quite distracting!

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Suzy: That would probably be my new found author friends, all over the world. They are always there to offer help and advice whenever I need it. I've met so many awesome authors over the past few months but a special mention must go to Shalini Boland (UK), Johanna Frappier (US), Pauline Barclay (Lanzarote) and Patti Roberts (Australia).

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Suzy: Other talents? Erm...I'm good at clothes shopping for bargains! When I'm not writing, I tend to be online, social networking, reading or watching a good movie or TV show!

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Suzy: Never give up, as long as you have confidence in yourself, you can do it. And if you're tired of waiting for the agents to come knocking at your door, go it alone. Self publishing is getting more and more popular these days and people aren't looking down their noses at self published titles the way they used to.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Suzy: The books are available at all good online stores including amazon, smashwords, barnes & noble, ibooks, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Raven-The-Saga-ebook/dp/B004ZZJ462

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/58513

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raven-suzy-turner/1103318072

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Suzy: Writing books is the best thing I've ever done but the real amazing thing is having people read them which is why I price my books so cheaply. For just $0.99, you can be transported to another world and hopefully you'll enjoy the ride so much that you'll want to return!

Thank you so much, Suzy. It’s a real honor to get your insights.

Thank you, Deirdra.. I've had an absolute blast!

http://suzyturner.blogspot.com"

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Marketing Tips and Tricks

2011-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Marketing Tips and Tricks:

Instead of talking about "tricks" I'm just going to give you a list of ideas on how you can promote your book.

Traditional promotion:

v Promote the book through book signings, radio trailers, television interviews and magazine reviews.

v Print and distribute business cards and promotional book marks.

v Display posters outside major book stores.

Online Marketing:

v Personal website

v Author interviews on blogs

v Advertize on Goodreads, Face book, Twitter and blogs.

v Advertise with online magazines, reader sites and forums.

v Display a quote of the week from the book.

Contests:

v Hold an online art contest with Deviant Art. Deviant Art is one of the largest art communities in the world. This contest will entail having the artist render work that relates to the book for example: “What do you envision riding a dragon would be like?” or “Draw your favorite character from the book.”

v Other contest could include essays on “What does freedom means to you?” or “If you could travel back to the crusade era what three things would you want to take with you and why?”

Conventions, Fairs and Tournaments:

v Work with committees to become a featured author at Dragon-Con, Conduit, Comic-Con, The Arizona Renaissance Festival, Utah Renaissance Festival And Fantasy Faire, Camelot Days Medieval Festival ( these are great for fantasy books)

v Below is a link to a list of fairs and festivals:

http://www.renaissancefestival.com/festivals/list.php

Schools:

v Present school assemblies and talk about the importance of reading and writing. Show up in costume, the kids love it!

Being sensitive to the hard economic times:

v Making e-books available to the modern reader is a great way to provide a low cost book, with almost no overhead cost to the publisher. In many cases, because there is little overhead costs, e-books bring in a higher profit to publishers.

Visibility in book stores:

v Cardboard book shelves add a tremendous amount of visibility and can be placed at he entrances of book stores.

See link for example:

http://www.kingdom.com/PowerRack-Tape-and-Book-Display-System-9-Cavity-p/cbrack.htm&adcode=INTMMN0902

v Print large posters to hang in the store front windows.

Fundraisers:

v Groups such as school cubs and private organizations often sell food, event tickets, coupons and books to raise funds for their programs. This is great advertizing and a fun way to distribute the book.

Companion products:

v Make t-shirts, books marks, coloring books, paper dolls and character designer dolls.

Companion products are a great way not only to advertize but also to bring in multiple sources of income.

Book reviews:

v Have reviews written on author blogs, Booklist ,Foreword Magazine, Horn Book Review, Kirkus Reviews ,KLIATT ,Library Journal ,Publishers Weekly ,School Library Journal, Foreword Reviews.com ,Midwest Book Review .

Release Date Strategy:

v Have the release date at the end of November so that we can hit the Christmas crowd.

Audio Books:

v Audio books are a convenient option for busy readers who enjoy listening to stories while they perform household chores or exercise. Dramatized audio books are great while traveling especially on long trips with children.

Networking:

v Networking is the key to success.

Book Signings:

v Bringing candy in a dish and large posters will help attract the consumer.

Mailing list:

create a mailing list you can get one at Bravenet.com

Internet Contest

To be efficient

Other people advertize on websites and send a page full of the links to the publisher or author who ever has the most link by the deadline wins a free book, coloring book, t-shirt and to have their book reviewed by the editor of a publisher.

What are some of your ideas?

Interview with Author Eric DelaBarre

2011-09-10T09:51:00.001-07:00

The Amazing Eric DelaBarre's Website:

http://www.whatagreatbook.com

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Eric: It feels like the minute I left Law & Order. The schedule of primetime television is a killer, not to mention all the stories of murder and mayhem. When you spend all your creative time killing people in your mind, it takes it's toll on one's soulful expression. I wrote a script version of Saltwater Taffy years ago, but the story didn't work. I wondered if it would ever work, but after a ghost writing gig with Random House/Harmony Books, I decided it was time to make another movie. The thing I didn't count on was how strong my "long hand" was and before I knew it, the 'outline' for the new script was 8 chapters of the book. 85,000 words and 3 months later, I had a first draft. My wife thought I was crazy because I wrote 12-14 hours a day, 7 days a week. It was wild, but a wonderful ride.

Deirdra: What makes you passionate about writing?

Eric: Transformation in my own life and the life of my readers. Now that I have dedicated my creative expressions to tweenagers, I love it when a parent writes in to tell me how their kid carried around my book for days after finishing it.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book Saltwater Taffy?

Eric: Wow...how long can this paragraph be? Saltwater Taffy has been with me since my days at Universal. Even though I was walking onto a major studio lot, working on a hit show like Law & Order, something wasn't working within me. It wasn't until I met a man named Leo Penn that things sort of clicked. Leo was directing an episode for the show and he lost his wallet. This was back in the day when "dailies" were projected. I went back to the screening room and found his wallet. He was outside of our offices smoking his big 'ol stoggie and I walked up with his wallet. He asked me to sit down. So, there I was sitting with the father of Sean, Chris and Michael Penn. He told me something that I remember to this very day. He said, if you want to be a director, you have to get out of here to become one. Dick Wolf isn't going to one day wake up and say, "hey Eric, direct this episode for us." Hollywood rarely works like that and be careful....the money you're making today can create complacency. It's a snake charmer and years will pass. You'll wake up one day and say, 'wow...all I've done is made money." He died years later, but I'll always remember that conversation.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Eric: Unconventional. When 9-11 hit, the entertainment business, like every business, took a turn. This was when reality tv started to enter the network business too. Like a plague, reality shows were replacing scripted shows and independent financing was drying up. I wrote WHY NOT: Start Living Your Life Today because I felt like I had something to say. The self help market is flooded and I never tried to 'get a publisher.' Much like an indie movie, I made the book and got distribution with National Book Network. We sold 3500 copies at churches and out of the trunk of my car. The next book was a ghosting gig for Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul), so he already was set up with a publisher. I sort of rode into the house on his wave of success. Someone once said, it doesn't matter how you get there, just get there.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Eric: Believe in what you're doing. If you don't LOVE it, find something else. When your heart is involved, you can withstand the games of the book trade.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Eric: Right now it's changing diapers. My wife and I are proud parents of an 11 week old little girl. She is our everything and demands pretty much all of our time.

Deirdra: Congratulations!

Deirdra: With all your talents, when do you find time to write?

Eric: Even before my daughter arrived, I am part of the dawn patrol. I wake up at 4 am and begin writing before 5 am. 5 hours race by and then it's time for family. I grab a few hours in the afternoon to sift through the dribble I wrote that morning. Writing is re-writing, so yeah...write, revise, repeat.

Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

Eric: Someone once said, write what you know. Saltwater Taffy is about growing up with my brother. Put it this way, we were never bored. Boredom is the activity of the mind to block creativity. We used to make up games. Challenge each other. Mostly, we were off exploring whenever we could. This is probably why Saltwater Taffy is a book of adventure, because I want every kid to remember that each moment is another adventure waiting to happen.

Deirdra: How many beta readers review your manuscript before you send it to your editor?

Eric: I read it about a million times...then I read it out loud (a big secret most writers skip). When you hear your words out loud, you can really hear the bumps and grinds of dribble. I have a network of about 15 people who scour through the latest thing. Reading a script is an art that most people don't have. Each one of my readers have different strengths and weaknesses. This gives me a wide range of responses. If I find the same note by more than one person, I know I have a problem. I am also not afraid of breaking the 'rules' of New York. I am NOT a literary snob and I am NOT a literary snobbing writer. New York seems to be filled with so many opinions about how a writer should write. Keep your voice and don't allow anyone to gentrify your talents. Look at Charlie Kaufman. He has made movies about breaking the rules, so yeah...stay true to your own voice, but keep an open mind and ear.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Eric: That their lives matter. Their dreams are gifts to the rest of us, so never ever fit in. If you aren't standing out, pushing the envelope, you're simply taking up space. Dive into the deep end of the unknown.

Deirdra: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

Eric: Don't think it, ink it. I am a cocktail napkin writer. When an idea strikes, I grab my pen and excuse myself in whatever situation I am in. A writer needs to answer the bell when it goes off. Don't say, 'I'll remember that.' Most of the time you won't. Sometimes I use a voice recording app on my iPhone, but most of the time it's pen and paper. The idea goes into a project folder marked IDEAS. That folder is then broken up into sub folders. Whatever idea speaks the loudest and most frequent, I sit down to investigate. Writers block is a myth in my book. I used to be an outlining junkie. This came from network tv where everything had to be 'approved.' I never liked that process because it takes away from the discovery. Now I sit down and just write. If it's an investigation story of sorts, I'll map things out to keep it all straight, but yeah...'beat sheets' are a thing of the past.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your past work with the Boys and Girls Club. Has this helped you stay connected with young readers?

Eric: I got involved through playing softball with some guys in Santa Monica. They invited me to a meeting and brainwashed me to this crazy idea that children need our help. LOL Kidding about the brainwashing, but yeah....the minute I walked in, I knew I wanted to be part of the cause. Whatever I'm involved with I give 110%. I was council "rookie of the year" and then, six years later, I was Council President.

Deirdra: Can you tell us about your work with film?

Eric: I got a job offer while still in college to work on a show called Nasty Boys. It was an NBC show and the Executive Producer was Dick Wolf. I had to get clearance from my teachers to leave without taking my last semester finals. I never got to walk through graduation, but got my Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing via the mail, but there I was, working for this producer who came off Miami Vice. Law & Order was a pilot at CBS when I began working in the industry. With the help of Brandon Tartikoff, Dick bought the rights away from CBS (who said the show would never work because it was two shows in one), and then it was off to the races. I moved into the development department on Law & Order and learned how to write. In TV, the Writer runs the show. In features, the Director does. I wanted to do both, so I began to stay late and try my hand at one of the toughest shows on tv to write for. At least, it was when it was still on the air. No fluff with the show. It was plot, plot, plot. Once I got into the Writers Guild of America, and was officially a writer, I wanted to direct. When I finally left Law & Order, I wrote and directed a commercial for the American Lung Association. I was nominated for Best Director by the ITS Monitor Award Society in New York. I was up against Budwiser, Coca Cola, Ford, and NFL Films. My budget was $5000 for the entire shoot, theirs were in the millions. I then wrote and directed a thriller called Kate's Addiction. Shot for $78,000, I won the Newport Beach Film Festival and sold the film to Lions Gate. I don't believe in road blocks or getting permission to do something. If you want to do something, go out and do it.

Deirdra: How has working in diverse medians helped you in your writing career?

Eric: It's kept me hungry. Every industry is changing faster than lightning and writers need to adapt. The one thing I refuse to be part of is "un" reality television. American entertainment has turned into one big talent show that is written and NOT organic. Films like FOOD INC and INSIDE JOB continue to lift the curtain to what is really happening in America, and I'm glad they are out there trying to show people the real truth and NOT the spin, I need to create my own thing. I am forever an independent and I believe in the saying, "IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME."

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Eric: My wife. The second I met her, it seemed to lift me off! Love will set you free. ;-) Wow...I sound like a hippie.

Deirdra: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?

Eric: Model them after people you find fascinating. Why try and invent the wheel when you have a stable of characters walking around you every minute of the day.

Deirdra: What is it like being a ghostwriter? Who should become a ghostwriter? What are the Pros and Cons of ghostwriting?

Eric: Ghosting is both good and bad. The money is awesome, but you feel robbed at the end. The money has to be really good for me to do it again because I tend to pour my heart and soul into a story.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Eric: The publishing industry is SOOOOO different nowadays. Writing a great book is 10%...marketing is 90%. Without a platform of celebrity or some kind of publicity scandal-come-lately, you will be passed over. How many publishers turned down J.K. Rowling or Stephanie Meyers? Publishers have bottom lines to deal with and they want to mitigate their risk with SURE THINGS.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Eric: I am adapting Saltwater Taffy as we begin shooting the film version next summer. It takes about 9 months to really get a script right, but I have a leg up since I wrote the source material. That and changing diapers!

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Eric: I am proud to report that Saltwater Taffy is distributed around the world wherever books are sold. eBook versions are available on the Kindle, iPad, Nook, iPhone, Kobo,....shoot, I think it's even available on the Etch-A-Sketch!

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Eric: Every moment is another adventure waiting to happen. Make sure you are creating something AMAZING in your life and forget about FITTING IN. High school is over, it's time to let your life rip!

Interviewed

2011-09-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today I was actually the one being interviewed by:

Sisters in Crime AKA Sarah and Megan

Come check it out:

http://tjcarsonsblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/featuring-you-deirdra-eden-coppel.html#links

Transportation

2011-09-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Husband,

I would like these modes of transportation for Christmas.

The Next 10 Ebook Trends to Watch For

2011-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Food for thought.

“The Next 10 Ebook Trends to Watch For”

article here:

http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2011/08/02/the-next-10-ebook-trends-to-watch-for/

Interview with Reader Brandi Kosiner

2011-09-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm a young adult book blogger as well as a yet to be published author of contemporary YA. I've written two novels, and am planning a third. I live in Raleigh NC and have a great husband Allan, a super sweet and crazy 3 year old named Katie, and another due in December.

I always welcome new followers and friends:

Book blog: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com

Author site: http://brandikosiner.blogspot.com

Facebooks: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blkosiners-Book-Blog/167771619899773

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brandi-Kosiner/208246209195160

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/brandileigh2003

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2614253-brandi

Deirdra: What are your favorite kind of books to read and why?

Brandi: YA, mostly contemporary and paranormal romance.

Deirdra: How many books on average would you say you read a year?

Brandi: 150?

Deirdra: What is the most recent book you read? Can you tell us a little about it?

Brandi: I'm reading The Hidden right now by Jessica Verday. It is the third in a series based on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It's really good, and I've enjoyed the stories a lot.

Deirdra: What is the most disappointing thing authors do?

Brandi: Leave loose plots in an ending. I know that books that have sequels will not tie up everything, but it should resolve the main problem presented in the book.

Deirdra: Who are your top five favorite authors?

Brandi: That's so hard! But... Lurlene McDaniel, JK Rowling, Elizabeth Isaacs, Stephanie Meyer, and Richelle Mead

Deirdra: How do you feel about e-books?

Brandi: I'm down with them. I balked at first, but especially since I have an ereader, they've become my best friend.

Deirdra: If you could give a message to authors what would it be?

Brandi: I love it when they have blogs or twitter and are interactive with fans.

Deirdra: Have you ever thought about writing a book?

Brandi: I've actually written two and am planning a third.

Deirdra: What other talents and hobbies to you have?

Brandi: I like to play video and board games. I play co-op rpg's with my husband, and we are big fans of munchkin.

Deirdra: Where is your favorite place to read?

Brandi: On my couch or in bed.

Deirdra: Do you have a favorite reading snack?

Brandi: Hmm. Well I like wild cherry diet soda, and anything chocolate.

Deirdra: What books have made you cry?

Brandi: The majority of McDaniel's books.

Deirdra: What books have made you laugh?

Brandi: Oh, I laugh at a lot of books. Lisa Deroschers is good at throwing in the humor as well as Kate Kaynak.

Deirdra: What kind of books are you looking to read next? What is on your reading list?

Brandi: Hah. My to-be-read is miles long, but in my immediate future reading City of Fallen Angels by Clare, and Wolfsbane by Cremer.

Deirdra: Is there any other message you would like to give the literary community?

Brandi: Keep reading, and supporting authors, esp indie when you have a chance.

Interview with Author Anna Patricio

2011-09-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Anna Patricio is a soon-to-be published author of a historical novel Asenath, which is set in Ancient Egypt. She is a lover of ancient history, especially Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Israel. She is also interested in getting to know more about the Ancient Near East.
She studied Ancient History at Macquarie University. Though she knew there were very limited job openings for ancient history graduates, she pursued her degree anyway as it was something she had always been passionate about.
Sometime after her graduation, the idea to tackle historical fiction appeared in her head, and she began happily pounding away on her laptop. Asenath is her first novel.
Recently, she traveled to Egypt, Israel, and Jordan. In the past, she has also been to Athens and Rome. She is currently working on a second novel which still takes place in Ancient Egypt, but hundreds of years after Asenath. She lives in Australia.

Anna: Not too long ago, actually. Sometime after I graduated from university, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do in life when the idea to write a novel suddenly appeared. I am not sure how that happened, to be honest. It just... came. And it latched onto me and would not let go. So finally, I gave in. And I ended up having heaps of fun.

Deirdra: What is your writing and educational background?

Anna: Unlike most writers you hear of, I do not come from an extensive writing background. Actually, before Asenath, I did not write much - and I don't think stuff assigned for school really counts. This is simply because I did not know what I wanted to write about. But I so badly wanted to write, to form words and stories that could be read by others.

I tried my hand at a lot of things though: short stories, poetry, and some contemporary YA. But it was all so... forced. So I thought that perhaps a writing career wasn't meant to be.

Then, an acquaintance introduced me to historical fiction. And though I fell in love with it, I thought that writing it was out of my league. I mean, I thought it would be too difficult. After all, historical fic entails massive research, staying true to those details, plus developing elaborate plots and settings - as if you had actually lived those times. I thought that was beyond my capacity.

But when the writing idea came, I decided I had nothing to lose. So I gave in. And nearly 2 months later, the first rough draft ofAsenath was born.

As for my educational background, I studied Ancient History at Macquarie University. Though I knew it wasn't one of those degrees that make you a millionaire, I pursued it anyway as it has always been (and always will be) one of my greatest passions. However, I still didn't consider a historical fiction career. This happened only on the day the idea came to me. It was then I was able to put my degree to use.

My studies, needless to say, were pretty advantageous in writing Asenath. However, you don't need a history degree to write historical fiction. A lot of historical novelists don't. Still, it was pretty beneficial for me as it gave me a headstart on the research.

Also, I wrote my rough draft prior to doing research, as it was easier for me that way (I wanted to develop the basic plot first). As I did this, I was already able to incorporate some of the stuff I had learned from class.

Deirdra: What makes you passionate about history and writing?

Anna: With writing... well, I'm not sure. It's something I'm better at than a lot of things. But until I wrote Asenath, I didn't really look much into the writing craft and business due to my scant writing background.

As for history, well I had a really good history teacher in my second year of high school. She was actually more like a storyteller than a teacher. She didn't make us memorise anything either. Subconsciously, somewhere along the way, I became a history buff myself.

Before I had that teacher though, I hated history. I thought it was excruciatingly boring. But now, it's a completely different story.

I find all aspects of history interesting but - as if it isn't obvious from the theme of my novel - I am particularly drawn to ancient history. It's most interesting to me. I am not sure why. Probably because it's the farthest removed from our time, and thus shrouded in so much mystery and enigma. And all their ancient myths and legends are so cool.

Deirdra: If you could visit and time and place, where would it be, who would you want to meet, and what would you want to do?

Anna: Ancient Egypt! That should be a given. I'd be interested in visiting Ancient Greece, Rome and the Near East too though. But if I had to choose just one, Ancient Egypt.

I'd want to explore around Ancient Egypt, to see how it was like in the time of the Pharaohs - when the temples and palaces were all gleaming with limestone and sparkling murals, when hieroglyphs (or the short-hand hieratic) was used. I'd want to hear how the Ancient Egyptian language sounded. Oh, and I'd like to swim in the Nile! I hear that these days, you can no longer swim in it.

I'd be happy to get to know just about any ancient Egyptian, to talk with him/her and see what life was like. But most especially, I would like to meet - surprise, surprise - Joseph and Asenath. Enough said.

I would also like to see Ancient Israel, especially during the time of Christ. I was recently in Israel for almost 2 weeks and realised how many uncertainties / grey areas there are. For example , this site may or may not be the Garden of Gethsemane, the spot where Christ was born, etc. Would be nice to go back in time and see where the famous events really happened.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Anna: Well, like every author, I sent out heaps and heaps of query letters, synopses, first 50 pages etc. Prior to that, while writing and revising my book, I researched on the publishing industry while writing my book. I learned about avoiding scams, determining between reputable vs scam agencies/publishers, querying tips, etc. So I was ready by the time I completed the final draft of Asenath.

And like every author, it took me quite a while to land publication. With me, it took almost a year. People who have never submitted stuff for publication before have no idea it's that complicated but... it is. I suppose it's sort of like looking for a day job - you can send out hundreds of resumes and it may take a while before you find one. Because you get hundreds of rejections.

I thought that because I was writing in a popular genre - historical / Biblical fiction - I'd have no problem finding an agent/publisher. But I wasn't spared from amassing a wealth of rejections. A part of me expected it though as I had heard over and over again that it was part of the writing process. But still.

One publisher rejected my manuscript but then invited me to revise and resubmit. They said they were interested in the story but the pacing was too slow and there was too much exposition. So I "tightened" it up and resubmitted it.

And then... I was accepted. This publisher is now my publisher, the wonderful Imajin Books.

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Anna: Definitely. But emotional support from friends and family kept me going. And also - as trite as this may sound - hearing stories of authors who got heaps of rejections before becoming bestsellers.

Also, I just had to, well, keep on querying and exhaust every single option out there. Because you never know what may happen.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your upcoming book ASENATH?

Anna: Asenath is a fictional take on the life of the Egyptian priestess who became the wife of Joseph of the coat-of-many-colours. Hardly anything is known about her. All the Bible tells us is that she was the daughter of a priest of Heliopolis / On.

I have always been interested in the story of Joseph, and was curious about the woman who married him. Becuase so little is said about her, I then thought it would be interesting to imagine her life and what sort of woman she was.

As we know, Joseph went through a lot of hardships in his life. First he was sold into slavery, then he was wrongly imprisoned. I like to imagine that Asenath too was a strong woman who went through travails herself. As this is a female-driven novel, I was thus inspired by 2 novels I love: Memoirs of a Geisha and Jane Eyre. Like those two, Asenath is a drama-romance.

Book Blurb

Two Destinies...One Journey of Love

In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered.

When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph.

Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace…and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master’s wife and thrown into prison.

Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?

Deirdra: How many beta readers review your manuscript before you send it to your editor?

Anna: My author friend Alfred D. Byrd was kind enough to read three drafts and even do a detailed critique on one (the second one he read). Because he's written quite a bit, he gave me a lot of useful advice on formatting and other stuff editors like/dislike (eg, cliches). He also pointed out inconsistencies as redundant paragraphs (times when I repeated myself). I really learned a lot.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Anna: It would be nice if I heard the book made some readers cry. I love tear-jerkers and tried to make Asenath as much of a tear-jerker as could be.

Deirdra: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Anna: Definitely. Sometimes, when it becomes clear that I can no longer write, I leave the work for a while. It's hard though because I want to write but.... can't. However, there are times when I have no choice but to leave it for a while.

Sometimes, when I'm active (doing work or running errands), this instigates the creative juices to flow.

Deirdra: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

Anna: Hmmm, well obviously, my great love for the subject. Oh, I must have absolute silence to write. I once tried writing with classical music in the background. Normally, it helps me work faster. But for some reason, I can't listen to it while writing. I need cemetery-like silence.

Also, for some reason, I work better at night than the day. Not sure why. Even when I was a student, I did my assignments faster at night than in the daytime.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Anna: Hmmm. As dorky as this may sound, probably all those fascinating people from ancient history. Because if it hadn't been for them, I might still have been stuck on what to write about (I may not even have written at all, to begin with).

Deirdra: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?

Anna: I kind of base them on people I know, myself included. My experience in meeting and dealing with people over the years has greatly enriched my character development. I get to know all sorts of interesting personalities (both good and bad) which I then incorporate into my writing.

I also like to make the Ancient Egyptians as human as possible because they were human beings! I mention this because many novels (and movies) portray them as larger-than-life. But though they lived thousands of years before us, they too had the same thoughts and emotions as we do today. And like every society, Ancient Egypt too had people who were nice and... well.... not so nice.

Deirdra: What authors do you admire, and why?

Anna: I love the style of Arthur Golden, who wrote Memoirs of a Geisha. It is so poetic and poignant. I love how he can describe those deep, innermost emotions which are often hard to articulate. I love how he makes the narrative almost like having a conversation with a close friend. His allusions are clever, too.

And I love how he crafted the scene in which the heroine meets her love interest.

Overall, the whole story was just brilliant. This is the umpteenth time this comment has been made, but really - it's hard to believe that a man wrote this book!

Aside from him, I also love the style of historical fiction authors, Pauline Gedge and Wilbur Smith. They bring ancient Egypt to life with such vivid, exquisite details. Through their words, I see the green Nile flowing, the sparkling grandeur of Pharaoh's palaces, the sacred chambers of the temple with golden statues and bitter incense, the desert wind carrying the scent of camel dung in the air.

Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Anna: I cannot eat while writing. It makes me lose my concentration. For that matter, I can't do anything while writing - except write. But I like having tea by my side.

Still, food is important to writing because I can only write on a full stomach. Thus I do my writing best at night, specifically sometime after dinner.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Anna: I used to do a lot of amateur photography. I even won the photography competition at Macquarie Uni. But I haven't done any in ages. My favourite topics for photography are dogs. They are just adorable.

As for hobbies, I like reading (which I guess is by default, being a writer), listening to music, doting on the dogs, watching TV / movies.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Anna: Uh, I'm not very good at giving advice. Hmmm... "follow your dreams and reach for the stars?"

But seriously, I do encourage writers seeking publication to just... never give up. I know the feeling - their hopes, dreams, and disappointments. After all, I too was in their shoes not long ago.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Anna: I just completed the rough draft of a second Egyptian novel, The Princess By The River. As you can tell from the title (a working title though), it's about Moses' adoptive mother. Unlike Asenath though, this is more of a family drama, though there's still a bit of romance in it.

It's still far from being finished. But I thought to write about the princess because like Asenath, hardly anything is known about her. Hence, once again, there are lots of opportunities for imagination.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your book and order it when it comes out?

Anna: I believe my publisher will be selling it to all the major online retailers such as Amazon, Smashwords, etc. For more info, have a look at their website here.

By the way, my book will first be released as an ebook, then a print paperback.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Anna: Hmmm.... ankh, weneb, sedjet! (Life, health and prosperity!) This has been a fun interview. Thank you for having me, Deirdra.

Interview with Author Gregg Luke

2011-08-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Gregg R. Luke, R.Ph. was born in Bakersfield, California, but spent
the majority of his childhood and young adult life in Santa Barbara,
California. He served an LDS mission in Wisconsin, then pursued his
education in Natural Sciences at SBCC, UCSB, and BYU. He completed his
schooling at the University of Utah, College of Pharmacy.

Gregg currently practices pharmacy in Logan, Utah. He and his wife
Julie have three children and live in Cache Valley, Utah. He has been
published in Skin Diver Magazine, the Oceanographic Letter, and the
New Era Magazine. His fictional novels include The Survivors, Do No
Harm, Altered State, and Blink Of An Eye, three of which were Whitney
Award finalists.

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Gregg: I’ve enjoyed writing since elementary school. I remember my 4^th grade teacher once scribbled, “Wonderful imagination” on a short story I wrote. That gave me such a thrill I began writing little stories and tales on a regular basis. It was more of a release than anything; it wasn’t until high school that I thought it would be cool to actually publish a book.

Deirdra: What is your writing and educational background?

Gregg: My educational background is mostly in the sciences. I actually received a scholarship to BYU in cinematography because I love all aspect of film-making—which I believe helped to hone my writing skills. I changed my major to biologic sciences when I decided to pursue a career in medicine instead. I took a couple of creative writing classes just to keep my hand in it, but I didn’t seriously try to publish until after college.

Deirdra: What makes you passionate about writing?

Gregg: I’ve always been fascinated by the power of words. It amazes me that a few strategically placed words can bring out feelings of anger, fright, angst, happiness, and can even make me laugh and cry. I love being able to elicit those feelings with others through my writing. I also love to teach (but I hate to lecture). I try to share interesting principles of science (and sometimes religion) in my novels in a way that doesn’t bore my readers to tears.

Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Gregg: I found the pathway to publishing is callous-building. I have an inch-thick stack of rejection slips from my first novel (which is still unpublished). It was a Book of Mormon adventure, and at the time the market was saturated. So I studied the published novels in that genre and found a vacancy I could try. My second novel dealt with the exploits of the sailor Hagoth from the Book of Mormon. It was accepted by a publisher that was on the verge of going under. They put it out without any editing before or after typeset. The story was intact but the final product was embarrassing. I’ve counted close to two hundred typos and grammatical errors—including misspelling my name on the copyright page! After that, I decided to follow the advice of countless experts and “write what I know.” I noticed that there were no LDS authors writing medical thrillers. My favorite author is the late Michael Crichton. I love techo-thrillers of all kinds, so I tried my hand at an LDS medical thriller and was published the first time out. (I hate it when the experts are right!)

Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Gregg: I have five published novels under my belt, a few magazine articles, and I still get discouraged. It comes with the territory. I find the biggest discouragement comes with self-doubt. I decided long ago that all authors have to have very thick skin to survive in the market, so I try to battle discouragement with an “I’ll-just-try-harder” attitude. Others out there are doing it, so why can’t I?

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

Gregg: Sporadic. I wish I had a set schedule; I’d probably get more done. I have a full time job as a pharmacist and I take an active part in my children’s education and rearing. I write most of my material in my head, then I regurgitate it on the computer when I get a free moment in the evening or on weekends.

Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

Gregg: I have the very fortunate position of having ideas spring up every day at work. Since I write medical thrillers, any new drug or therapy or new study is fair game for embellishment into a novel. Still, I have hundreds of ideas that’ll probably never become novels because they just won’t fit into an entertaining tale. Some things I find fascinating would bore others to tears. So I do a lot of picking and choosing with my ideas.

Deirdra: Can you tell us about your newest book Blink Of An Eye.

Gregg: BLINK was a difficult novel to write in that it has some very emotional moments that are necessary to the story. The idea came when I noticed the over-abundance of novels that dealt with a protagonist that gets amnesia (usually from a head trauma) and then spends the rest of the novel trying to regain their identity. I wondered if anyone has ever had a head trauma that caused a remembrance of issues they had no clue they had previously repressed. I wrote BLINK during the tragedy of Ethan Stacy in Layton, UT. The entire event appalled me. Any form of child abuse makes me livid. I talked with a psychologist at my clinic and he said childhood abuse is often repressed in adults. The story developed from there—but to keep it from being a totally depressing tale I threw in elements of romance, suspense, humor, and made sure to give it a happy ending.

Deirdra: How do you manage your pharmaceutical career, family life, church responsibilities and being an author?

Gregg: It’s a balancing act that regrettably does not allow for long sessions of solid writing. Like I said, I write here and there. I get a few hours to write on some weekends but not as many as I’d like. What astounds me is how people like you, Deirdra, can raise a family, fulfill church responsibilities, write, work, AND have time to run a successful blog! Do you ever sleep?

Deirdra: I take naps every once in a while. =)

Deirdra: How many beta readers do you have review your manuscript before you send it to your editor?

Gregg: It varies. Usually about three.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Gregg: Because I strive to make all the science, chemistry, and drugs in my novels accurate, I hope my readers frequently stop and wonder, “Is that really true?” or gasp and say, “Holy crap!” and when they finish, I hope they say, “Man, that was a fun ride!”

Deirdra: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

Gregg: Because of the complexity of my stories I probably should use an outline, but I don’t. I usually know where I want to start and how I want to end, and there are a few plot points that have to occur somewhere along the way, but that’s all the outline there is. I spend a good deal of time on each character so that I know how each will react in a situation. Even then, sometimes a character will say or do something that bowls me over. That’s when writing is fun. It’s not so much creating as it is discovering.

Deirdra: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Gregg: Oh yeah. Writer’s block is a constant nemesis. When it happens I just keep writing. Sometimes I’ll create a new character and see how they interact with the story. I did that with my latest WIP and the guy took over the entire plot. In the end, his role was simply too complex and I ended up cutting him (and almost 60 pages!) from the ms. But it kept me writing and it opened up a few doors I wasn’t expecting.

Deirdra: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

Gregg: I have developed the ability to block out most background noise when I write, but I prefer it quiet if possible.

Deirdra: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

Gregg: Current events often play a big role in my stories. I also get tons of material from the drug journals I read and seminars I attend to maintain my license.

Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Gregg: Influence comes from everyone, whether good or bad. My wife was the first to encourage me to submit my novels for consideration. She’s a writer too, and she walked me through the steps to publication. What keeps me going are the generous fans I have who tell me how much they enjoy my stories.

Deirdra: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?

Gregg: I have the advantage of talking with hundreds of people every day at my pharmacy, so I have a generous character pool to draw from. I think the secret to character development is to know them inside and out before you type a single word. Then let them shine. I often let my characters say and do what ever they want, then go back and chop out the stuff that I know will be objectionable to my publisher and audience.

Deirdra: What authors do you admire, and why?

Gregg: Michael Crichton—he uses so much cool, real science in his stories.

Tom Clancy—he uses so much cool, real technology in his stories.

Dean Koontz—his material is edgy but his prose and pacing are pure magic.

Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Gregg: I try not to snack when I write. I’m watching my figure.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Gregg: I sing, I arrange music, I cook, and I used to play a mean game of volleyball and brandished a wicked epee.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Gregg: Okay, here’s my secret: I imagine my story as a movie. We’ve all seen lousy movies. Why are they lousy? Conversely, why do we love to watch some movies again and again? They same logic applies to writing. Do your characters seem real? Are their conversations contrived or natural? Is the situation plausible? Does the tempo keep me enthralled? Does each scene add something to the story? Does the resolve tie up all loose ends? Once I can see the movie has potential, I begin to write it down. That’s the trick: I write the movie in my mind.

Deirdra: What are you working on now?

Gregg: I’ve just submitted a ms entitled “Bloodborne.” It’s about an evil scientist (duh) who discovers a way to transmit his designer virus using mosquitos. Very creepy stuff. Currently, I am editing my daughter’s fantasy ms about a girl that has the ability to shape shift into a dragon. It’s pretty fun so far.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Gregg: My novels are at Seagull Book, Deseret Book, and online with Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Gregg: My warmest thanks to all my readers for allowing me to share my mindless wanderings with them. And thanks to you, Deirdra, for giving me this interview for your terrific blog.

Deirdra: You are awesome Gregg! Thank you so much for letting me pick your brain!

Choose a Creature Day

2011-08-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

These are all a lot older pieces of work I don't usually have displayed because the art is so outdated (done when I was still amateur.)

For our Fantastic Fridays Group I'm pulling a few old ones off the shelf.

African Pegasus.

I was sitting in church one day and started day dreaming.

This is what hearing the gospel inspired. LOL.

One of these days I'm going to have a pet cheetah.

(faux fur, by the way, no one needs to call PETA)

"Dragon Fly"

This was another church inspired piece.

A basilisk from an old children's book I started writing in high school.

Water Lily Mermaid.

I saw this guy in a dream. Does that mean he's my dream man?