Category Archives: Author Interviews

Author Interview – TM Blayte

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Being an indie-author is hard… amazing, exciting, and so much fun, but it is HARD!!! Getting your book in the hands of readers is often draining. So, for that reason and because I believe that we indie-authors need to help each other out, I welcome all authors to my blog as guests.

Front Cover

Therefore, I’d like to welcome TM Blayte, author of Until We Are Free, to my site.

  1. What is your name and where do you call home? My name is TM Blayte. I call Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa home.
  2. Do you have a pen name? Yes. TM Blayte is my pen name.
  3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? Until We Are Free. It is about a teenage rebel, working against his organization’s enemies, and against his own organization, which is led by his father.
  4. Is the above book part of a series? Yes. It is the first in a planned trilogy.
  5. What or who inspired you to start writing? I liked history in school. Using stuff we were taught about colonial Africa, the Vietnam war, and the French revolution, I was inspired to add revolution elements to a mandarin vampire story. And then remove the vampires.
  6. How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing since before I was sixteen.
  7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? I’m published by a small press. Their department took care of everything cover related.
  8. Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? No. I like working in silence.
  9. How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? The original title was Revolution Until We Are Free. It felt appropriate, because an overall theme of the trilogy is we are never truly free. So any successful revolution actually never ends. After I signed my book with Alban Lake Publishing, the editor suggested changing the name to Until We Are Free.
  10. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? Whenever I can get my hands on them, I love audio books. They don’t come cheap, so I mostly read e-books.
  11. Are you a self-published/Indie author? I am published with a small press, Alban Lake Publishing. No agent.
  12.  Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? Yes! I read all the Harry Potter books over and over again, until I knew the chapter names of all seven books. I’ve also read Frost Bite by Richelle Mead a couple of times. However, as I’ve had more to spend on books in the past year, I almost never repeat books anymore.
  13. What is your opinion of novellas? Awesome. I love reading and writing them. I think they are perfect. As a university student, I usually want something I can start and finish on a Saturday. In comes this wonderful literary invention.
  14. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? Never. Ever. Ever.
  15. What is your favorite film based on a book? I would have to say Game of Thrones. It is a show a reader can appreciate, but the film guys take artistic license as well. It has the perfect balance.
  16. What is your favorite book genre at the moment? That is a tough question. Very tough. But let’s go with Fantasy.
  17. What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orïsha, #1) by Tomi Adeyemi, and The Fallen by David Baldacci. The first two, because they are what everyone is talking about in YA circles. The Fallen, because I am a longtime Baldacci fan.
  18. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer. I’m listening to the audio version.
  19. If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Lecrae. He is my favorite rapper. Celine Dion, she has the best vocals in the game. J.K. Rowling, come on, who wouldn’t? Beyoncé, it’s not what you’re thinking. I used to be a rapper in my teenage years. I simply want to pass on one of my old demos, so she can pass them onto J.
  20. What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Wait. The business is subjective.
  21. Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? Yep. I enjoy listening to good music. Genre doesn’t matter, as long as it is good. I also love binge watching series. My favorites are the Blacklist, The Big Bang Theory, Bosch, and Game of Thrones.
  22. Where can your readers follow you?

■ Blog: https://www.tmblaytespeaks.wordpress.com
■ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tmblayte
■ To purchase a copy of Until We Are Free: https://www.infiniterealmsbookstore.com/product-page/until-we-are-free-by-tm-blayte
■ Newsletter: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDnT36u5d62e0CwQhWLyW2NAjL5NE6UvLnBZPD_qlXCeOiqg/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link

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Front CoverUntil We Are Free

If sixteen-year-old human, Nyl Jayms fails to kidnap the Elder Princess, in order to force her brother, the king, to negotiate with humans, the only other option is a war that could lead to the annihilation of one or both races. It has been nearly six hundred years since the war of the gods, and humans are still second class citizens, in what the characters believe to be the last shred of civilized earth. The Riders, a group of human rebels now have enough resources to stage a full-scale war, but want to try negotiations to spare human lives. Why then, does it seem some council members, including Nyl’s dad, want a war, and will do anything to disrupt negotiations? 

Author Interview: Levi Cheruo

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Today, I’d like to welcome author Levi Cheruo to my blog. He is a gifted, Kenyan, writer with some excellent advice for new authors!

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  • Tell us a little about yourself:

I am a passionate writer, a gifted poet, an accomplished lyricist, a recorded singer, and above all a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

I have penned down FIVE titles, which are readily available and accessible both online and offline in Paperback and eBook formats via CreateSpace Publishers, Amazon, etc. They include:

[1] There is no Country Called Kenya: If you Must Steal, Just Steal a Little Please

[2] The UglyBeautiful Tale of a Stupid, Stupid Heart: When Mother Hen Eats her Grownup Chicks

[3] A Must-Have Guide for Every Aspiring Writer: Easy, Learnable, Realistic and Sure Ways to Earn Money as A Writer Online (Earning a Living as A Writer) (Volume 1)

[4] Please! Remember to Forget Me! And Other Short Stories

[5] Crawling to my Death and Other Poems: A Poetry Anthology

More so, I have two other works that will be hitting bookstores at the soonest opportune possible. These include a Swahili Riwaya titled Yajapo Yapokee, and an English Novella titled Married to my Shadow: Love is for the Dying and Weak in Spirit.

Additionally, I am an occasional Op-Ed contributor for major local dailies here in Kenya namely:

  1. The Daily Nation

http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Letters/Ethnicity-Kenya-Politics/-/440806/2841514/-/fsy6my/-/index.html

http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Letters/We-can-do-away-with-false-prophets-and-talk-directly-with-God/-/440806/2533486/-/bw5vng/-/index.html

  1. The Standard Group Media

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2000083019/why-ex-pm-back-door-admission-to-11th-parliament-is-suicidal

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ureport/article/2000192085/lets-avoid-the-road-that-will-lead-the-nation-to-violence

  1. News24

http://www.news24.co.ke/MyNews24/raila-a-political-cheat-or-timely-saviour-for-kenyans-20160106

http://uganda.news24.com/Regional-News/1001-reasons-that-makes-kenya-both-a-curse-and-a-blessing-20151210-2

  1. Sido News Network

http://www.sabaots.com/Levi_Cheptora_Cheruo.html

  1. Kenya Yote

http://kenyayote.com/political-appeasement-killing-the-spirit-of-effective-devolution/

  1. Kenya-Today

http://www.kenya-today.com/opinion/police-reforms-in-kenya

  1. Kenya London News

http://www.kenyalondonnews.org/?p=3769

Some of my fiction writings have also been featured in reputable sites such as www.africanwriter.com and www.writeoutloud.com.

  • What Inspires you to Write?

Not long after my birth, my parents walked their separate ways after a not-so-happy marriage that I would come to learn many years later was characterized by violence, drunkenness and negligence.

Denied both motherly and fatherly love, it didn’t take long to realize I was on my own. I started asking why…then Papa died, closely followed by Isabel, my late girlfriend, and the only kind soul I ever knew.

For me, writing is not only a past-time hobby but a therapeutic undertaking that has helped me discover the real me.

What happens around me greatly inspires me…. It could be the sudden loss of a loved one, the runaway culture of impunity, and rampant corruption in my country, a heartbreak, and most important, solitude and loneliness.

  • How do you deal with writer’s block?

I take a breath, do some soul-searching with some soft background music…then take some time off from my writing; often, writer’s block is as a result of not being at peace with either oneself or with others, therefore it helps to make peace. More so, taking some time off creates a room for sharpening your creativity, and embracing fresh perspectives that might work for your piece of literary work.

  • What’s your favorite book?

Waste Not Your Tears by Violet Kala

  • Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors include:

  1. Violet Kala, Zimbabwe
  2. Ngugu Wa Thiong’o, Kenya
  3. Chinua Achebe, Nigeria

  • Tell us about your books

My books are mainly centered on the themes of relationships, justice, equality, good governance, and leadership accountability.

The UglyBeautiful Tale of a Stupid, Stupid Heart was inspired by the 2007/2008 Kenya’s Post Election Violence, and the subsequent victory to the alleged perpetrators; There is No Country Called Kenya is an answer to the current wave of perpetual state-sanctioned thieving that threatens to tear Kenya apart, and so are the rest of the titles.

  • What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Writing in itself is therapeutic…it is a journey of self-discovery that arms you with a third eye and a third ear. And of course it comes with respect from others, it adds credibility to your ideas, opinions, views, etc.

  • Any advice for authors about book covers?

Do not judge a book by its cover it is said. However, I strongly believe that book covers still plays a major part as far as potential buyers are concerned. That said, authors should invest in their book covers, and ensure it is professionally designed to suit their title, and literary piece main theme.

  • What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Full-time job, pets, hobbies?

When I am not writing, I am reading. And when I am not reading, I am working on my Song Writing Skills, listening to all manner of music…. Currently, I do not have a full-time job, but I occasionally contribute articles for a number of local dailies here in Kenya, apart from updating posts on my blog.

  • How did you go about getting published?

Traditional Publishing is no longer appealing to amateur writers not yet established out there, and it is for this reason that I opted for Indie Publishing.

Not only does it give me freedom of determining the final product, but also saves me a lot of time that I would have wasted waiting for editorial reviews from a traditional publisher.

  • What is your writing process? Do you have a time, day or place you like to write?

Writing for me is not a linear process. I write as ideas come; sometimes, continuously, at other times, once in a while.

  • Any marketing tips you’d like to share with other authors?

There are many readers online nowadays, and as such, social media can prove quite helpful in marketing one’s books. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc., makes it quite easy to share links, info, previews, and sample texts.

There are also traditional advertising methods (which requires lots of cash), and can help improve your sales.

More so, there are dozens of sites out there dedicated for reviewing new books (mostly at an affordable fee). Reviews can add credibility, and an aura of social approval to your book, and thus attract potential buyers. Visit the sites below for a try:

http://bestthrillers.com/list-of-book-review-sites/

http://bestthrillers.com/list-of-book-review-sites/

  • What is the best advice you have ever heard?

When you are writing, you are just writing. You are not planning, you are not editing. You are writing. Once you have planned your story, it is time to sit down and write it.-JK.ROWLINGS, Harry Porter Series Author

  • What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

If you have an idea you strongly believe in, and that you know it will impact many a soul out there, do not sit on it…write your heart out…you deserve to be heard as soon as last year!

  • What are you currently working on?

A Swahili Riwaya titled Yajapo Yapokee, and an English Novella titled Married to my Shadow: Love is for the Dying and Weak in Spirit.

  • If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?

I will definitely bring along a Bible, a Church Hymnal Book, Violet Kala’s Waste Not Your Tears, and Nelson Mandela’s Abridged Autobiography A Long Walk to Freedom.

  • What are you reading now?

I am currently reading God Dies by Nile El-Saadawi, Nawal, and The Common: A Modern Sense of Place: Issue 06 by Owuor, Yvonne Adhiambo

  • Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

The Ugly Beautiful Tale of a Stupid, Stupid Heart was inspired by the 2007/2008 Kenya’s Post Election Violence and the subsequent victory to the alleged perpetrators; There is No Country Called Kenya is an answer to the current wave of perpetual state-sanctioned thieving that threatens to tear Kenya apart; Please! Remember to Forget Me! And Other Stories was inspired by the untimely deaths of my girlfriend, father, grandfather, and grandmother.

  • What’s next for you as a writer?

As long as I am alive, I will continue uplifting souls, igniting dispirited hearts, cheering up sad faces, and restoring hope to the hopeless through my writings.

  • Where can my readers find you online?

Author Website/Blog: https://booksloverafrica.blogspot.co.ke/

Author Profile Page on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/levicheruo

Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/cheptolevi

Twitter Profile: http://www.twitter.com/cheruo

Pinterest Profile: https://www.pinterest.com/cheptolevi/

Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/levi_cheruo_cheptora/

Author Profile Page on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/levicheruo

 

Author Interview: Alex Hinkley

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I’d like to welcome Alex Hinkley, author of Nerd Psychology, to my blog today. I hope you enjoy getting to know him and hearing about his book Nerd Psychology!

author

1. What is your name and where do you call home?

My name is Alex Hinkley. I live in Western New York, specifically the Rochester area, and have lived here my entire life. I really like it here but wish we got less snow. Pretty much half the year is winter.

2. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?

Nerd Psychology explains why online trolls act the way they do.

3. Is the above book part of a series?

Not yet but I am currently thinking about writing other “____ Psychology” books to make it a series, and then filling in the blank with different things – such as Liberal Psychology for example.

4. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I used to play a lot of play-by-post forum roleplaying games growing up where you had to write about what your character was doing and interact with other people writing from the perspective of their characters. Doing this really grew my love for writing and after graduating college I decided to try to make a career of it. Overall I would say I have been writing for around 15 years, but writing professionally for about 7.

5. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?

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It was actually kind of difficult coming up with a cover for Nerd Psychology because it is a psychology reference book, so how do you make that look appealing? I ultimately settled on using an image of a neuron because I felt it complimented the professional tone of the book itself. My friend Robert helped me position everything properly during the publishing process.

6. How did you come up with the title for your book?

In the book I go into the difference between a geek and a nerd, a nerd being a pejorative term for someone that ego boosts. Therefore the phrase “Nerd Psychology” seemed appropriate since I attempt to explain the psychology behind this specific type of person’s actions. It’s applicable to most people’s everyday lives since nearly everybody uses the internet these days and anybody who is an internet veteran has come across trolls at some point. Nerd Psychology helps you to understand their motives and how to deal with them effectively.

7. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audio-books?

I personally prefer reading an actual book that I can hold in my hands. While I understand the convenience factor, I don’t like e-readers because I like to smell and feel the book (yes I said smell – I love the smell of musty old library books). It helps immerse me into the book. That being said, I don’t really have a preference between hardcovers and paperbacks. Either are fine. Generally, hardcovers do tend to hold up better from wear though.
I AM THE SAME WAY!!! I love the feel of a book in my hands. I love the smell of a book… ink on paper. I do have a preference between paperbacks and hardcovers. I prefer paperback books – They are just more comfortable in my hand, and I know some people don’t like to crack the spine of a book, but for me a cracked spine shows love for that book. 

8. Are you a self-published/Indie author?

Yep, I went the self-publishing route. I didn’t know anything about the publishing industry and felt self-publishing would just be easier. Plus my books are aimed at relatively niche audiences so I figured it would be fairly difficult to get a publisher to sign on for them. Also keeping a larger percentage of the royalties from every sale doesn’t hurt either!
Totally agree, keeping the royalties is awesome. However, lately, I have actually been thinking more about submitting to a publisher. I just don’t know if that is even a thing once a book has already been published. I wonder if any of my readers know that…

9. Have you ever read a book more than once?

Not that I can remember. I have a huge backlog of books to read so I don’t really have time to read the same book again, even if I really liked it or it has been awhile since I read it. There’s so many new stories to enjoy and new knowledge to acquire!

10. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?

Nah I will at least read the synopsis first. Covers don’t mean much to me past getting my attention. Once my attention is grabbed, however, you still have to win me over.

11. What is your favorite film based on a book?

I really like the 1987 film The Running Man with Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. It’s one of the few King movie adaptations that was actually good in my opinion. Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile are also up there, of course but The Running Man has a lot of re-watchability to me because it is an action movie while the others are more about the plot.
Stephen King is one of my favorite authors of all time. LOVED The Running Man… Loved The Green Mile… LOVED Shawshank Redemption even MORE. There are so many amazing books that man has written. I’d give anything to have just one-hour of his time to pick his brain.
 

12. What is your favorite book genre at the moment?

At the moment, I’m reading a lot of fantasy books. Trying to make it through the Wheel of Time. Man, that’s a journey! I’d love to write a fantasy novel myself one day.

13. What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?

When I have time I’d love to read some of Richard Overy’s history books. He wrote what sound like interesting books about World War II.

14. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

Right now I’m reading Finders Keepers by Stephen King in hardcover. I literally just started it yesterday. I liked Mr. Mercedes so I have high hopes for this one.

15. What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

Read every day if you can and keep a list of vocabulary words that you came across while reading and didn’t know. Always look a word up when you don’t know what it means, and write it along with its definition down on a piece of paper to help you learn it. This is an effective way at growing your natural vocabulary which in turn will make you a stronger writer.
I’ve never heard that advice before, but I think it is great. So many times authors use repetitive words in their books. I think this method for growing your natural vocabulary would be a great way to avoid this all to common pitfall. 

16. Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?

I like playing video games. Final Fantasy VII on the original PlayStation is my favorite game of all time. I’m also a sports nut. Lacrosse is my favorite sport and I’ve held season tickets to the Rochester Knighthawks since 1995. In all that time I’ve only ever missed a couple of games that I can remember and they were due to bad weather or illness.

17. Where can your readers follow you?

Thank you so much Alex, for participating in this interview.

The Hunted (SECTOR C #2) – Book Tour Schedule

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 Sector C The Hunted - Front Cover

I am so excited to share my newest novel The Hunted (SECTOR C #2) with everyone. Below is my scheduled book tour events. I hope to add more dates as we get closer to the release on October 31st.

September 18th – Cover Reveal

September 21st – Book Release Announcement

September 23rd – Author Interview

October 14th – EvilCheezProductions Author Interview

October 15th – Book Announcement

October 19th – Private Author Appearance – Local Elementary School

October 23rd – Vampire.com Article

October 23rd – Author Appearance at the Rocket City Nerd Con 4:00 pm-9:00 pm

October 24th – Author Appearance at the Rocket City Nerd Con 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

October 25th – Author Appearance at the Rocket City Nerd Con 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

October 30th – Author Interview on Legalthrillernovels.com

October 30th – Author Interview on Kennetheade.wordpress.com

October 30th – Author Interview

October 31st – RELEASE DATE

Thank you to all my readers and those to come.

 Sector C The Chosen - Front Cover  Sector C The Hunted - Front Cover

The Next Big Thing

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A Marketing Opportunity for Us All

I want to thank Lois Stern for this neat marketing idea and pass it along to all of you. Here is a way to help market yourself while helping your fellow authors. The basic idea is to respond to ten questions about a book or story you just published or are about to publish.

Would you like to be featured on my AUTHORS’ HALL OF FAME?

If so, just follow the numbered directions toward the bottom of this screen.

MY AUTHORS’ HALL OF FAME

(More to come)

Meet Lois W. Stern

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Books by Lois W. Stern

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CLICK TO READ LOIS W. STERN’S INTERVIEW

Author Bio

After twenty years as an active educator, Lois W. Stern continued to pursue her love of writing, soon becoming co-editor of a popular Long Island web-zine. As she created and authored her column Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives, she solidified her special niche of investigative journalism and put those same talents to work while writing her first full length book,  Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery. She followed up with her second book, Tick, Tock, Stop the Clock. – Getting Pretty on Your Lunch Hour  to address many of the less invasive paths to beauty. Watch this candid interview with Lois on The Writers’ Dream Show to learn more about these books.

After completing her two books on aesthetics, Lois began writing what she calls ‘Inner Beauty’ stories – inspiring stories to touch the heart and soul. She initiated her Tales2Inspire™ “Authors Helping Authors” project/contest as a means of sharing inspirational messages written by authors from across the globe. One of her goals has been to help talented writers build solid author platforms while highlighting them in a variety of ways to further their paths to discovery.

To learn more Lois and this project: Visit her website at www.tales2inspire.com 

See more at: http://tales2inspire.com/?p=1617#sthash.5PV51uFp.dpuf            

Meet Nina Soden

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Books by Nina Soden

Awaken - Cover Beginnings_-_Cover Revenge_-_ResizeCover Sector C Book 1 Front 3.25.15

CLICK TO READ NINA SODEN’S INTERVIEW

Author Bio

Nina has always been creative, be it art, theatre, film – anything but singing… she stresses that that is something you don’t want to hear! She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Theatre Arts with a minor in Military Science from Eastern Michigan University before heading off to Los Angeles like so many other starry-eyed actors in pursuit of fame and fortune in tinsel-town. While there, she worked to pay the bills but her love was always acting. She was actually able to achieve some level of success, mostly in commercials and independent films, but she considers those experiences as some of the best in her life.

After some major life changes, the publication of her first book entitle PRIVATE WORDS UNSPOKEN, a compilation of poetry, and a major cross-country move she moved from poetry to short stories and then to novels. Since then, her literary interests have grown and she would like to think her storytelling abilities have improved. She has done everything from office administration, to business development, to being the Director of a private preschool. She has jumped out of a C130 aircraft, fired an M16 machine gun, and given birth – TWICE! But no matter where she is in life, she always returns to her art.

Though she’ll forever be a Michigan girl at heart, she now lives in the South where she is married with two wonderful children. Is she isn’t working on her latest story you can find her lounging with a good book, playing with her kids, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to Starbucks coffee.

To learn more about Nina Soden and her books you can check out her blog, or follow her on one or all of the various internet/social media sites.

Blog: www.ninasoden.wordpress.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BloodAngelSeries

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Nina_Soden

Hall of Fame Directions

  1. Post your responses to the interview questions about your book on your own blog page.                                                                          (See sample interview questions and answers)
  2. Add my name, Nina Soden, my bio, book images and headshot to your blog page and link them  back to this page.
  3. After completing steps 1 and 2, above, send me the following:
  • The URL of your completed blog page
  • Attachment images of a) you, the author b) and your book images
  • Your author bio

4.  Send this blog to five or more other writers.

5.  Each time you forward this message to someone, start with: “I want to thank  . . .” sentence as seen above, substituting my name, Nina Soden, for the one currently appearing in that first sentence.

6.  Ask them to substitute your name for mine as they send out notices to their circle.

7. Tell them to post this same content on their website or blog, adding their images, URL links, bio and their answers to the same interview questions.

8. Ask the writers you invite to substitute your name in the “I want to thank” sentence at the beginning of this posting and include a link to your blog, before completing the interview questions.

9.  They, in turn, link to five other writers, and the cycle continues.

I will add the first ten authors who complete my AUTHORS’ HALL OF FAME instructions above and e-mail me @ BloodAngelSeries@gmail.com with all the information listed in step 3 above – Please put “Author’s Hall Of Fame” in the subject line of your email.

Author Interview – Shayla Eaton

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I am very excited to have Shayla Eaton, author of The Curiouser Crusade: Your Strategy Guide for Defeating Writer’s Block and Conquering Your Novel in Six Months, as my guest today.

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  • What is your name and where do you call home? Shayla Eaton. Yukon, Oklahoma, until September 1, where I’ll rename my home Pensacola Beach, Florida.
  • Do you have a pen name? I don’t.
  • What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? The Curiouser Crusade: Your Strategy Guide for Defeating Writer’s Block and Conquering Your Novel in Six Months.

A week ago Shayla sent me an advance reader copy of her book. I opened the eBook and dug right in. The book is a daily countdown with writing prompts and tips and of course the story of Curi and his sidekick, Sir. As they go along the map to defeat Writer’s Block, the reader, the hero, will unlock top secret stuff every 5 days. That could be a letter from the queen, a helpful PDF on dialogue, or a new location on the map.

I found the book to be a very easy, simple read. Although not all of the tips are going to apply to all writers it is a fun way to promote motivation and to make your daily word count goals. I did find myself, as I read, bookmarking many pages with helpful hints that I thought I would want to come back to later down the road. 

  • Is the above book part of a series? It is not a series. It is an interactive ebook with a countdown, daily writing prompts, and tips.

I kind of feel like this is a basic how to book for authors. It is a way to hold yourself accountable, and it does make you want to reach your daily writing goals.

  • What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? My mom always supported my writing. Also, at the age of 16, I read Stephen King’s memoir, which had a huge part in convincing me to become a writing major. I have been professionally writing for five years. I’ve been writing since I was a teenager.

I have to interject here… Stephen King is one of my favorite authors and a huge influence on my writing style today.

  • How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? Jessica Allee designed it for me, including all of the characters in the book.

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  • Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? I mostly listened to rainfor.me to allow for distraction-free writing.
  • How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? A friend of mine, Jen, read the Hero’s Journey to me, which sparked the idea for the title and subtitle.
  • Do you have a book trailer? No.
  • Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? I love all books, but I’m a fan of the hardcover.
  • Are you a self-published/Indie author? I am a self-published author.
  • If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? I believed my audience would benefit the most if I self-published.
  • Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? Stephen King’s memoir—I’ve read that twice.
  • What is your opinion of novellas? I think they’re great! Short and sweet.
  • Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? Sure, who hasn’t?
  • What is your favorite film based on a book? The Great Gatsby
  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment? Dystopian

Well let me just say, my latest novel SECTOR C ~ The Chosen falls into the genre of dystopian… If you’re interested you can check it out here: Nina Soden on Amazon

  • What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? Brave New World and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape—I just wanted to read them.
  • What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? 11/22/63 and Do Over in paperback and hardback

Do Over is currently on my ‘To Read’ list as well.

  • If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Jon Acuff, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, and Ewan McGregor
  • What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Kill your babies. It means that there will be times when you write something amazing, but it doesn’t fit, so you have to kill it.

As a writer, I know that is one of the hardest things to do. I’ve written scenes that I LOVE and then had to delete because they just didn’t move the story forward. It’s painful but in the end it usually makes for a better story.

  • Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? Cooking Italian food.
  • Where can your readers follow you? 

Blog: www.curiouserediting.com/blog

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CuriouserEditing

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/CuriouserEdit

Amazon: TBA

BOOK BLURB

Did you know you only need to write 547 words a day for six months to get a 100,000-word novel?

The Curiouser Crusade is an interactive ebook with six months’ of writing prompts and tips to help you conquer your full-length novel. The hero—that’s you—is led to novel-writing victory by Curi, a squire who wants to become a knight. He can’t become a knight unless you write your novel and beat the villainous Writer’s Block.

When you complete your daily word count goal, checkmark the box. Five checkmarks in a row unlock top secret power-ups, helpful PDFs, and sage advice from a squirrel.

Are you ready to conquer your novel?

AUTHOR BIO

Shayla Eaton is a connoisseur of the writing and editing process, having edited over 200 books and countless articles, blogs, social media posts, and marketing campaigns. She now helps authors and organizations in her own business, Curiouser Editing. Of course, Shayla loves coffee and is an admirer of all things creative and bookish.

 

Author Interview – Jimi Akanbi

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As you all know, I invite authors of all genres to visit my website and submit interviews. Today, I would like to welcome Christian author Jimi Akanbi to my blog today to share a little about his process and his books.

Jimi Akanbi

  • What is your name and where do you call home?

Jimi Akanbi, my home is Atlanta, Georgia.

  • Do you have a pen name?

No

  • What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?

Almost Lost Hope: From Struggles to Triumph, the naked truth about my life.

  • Is the above book part of a series?

No

  • What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I write as I am inspired by God. I have been writing for 2 years.

  • How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?

A professional designer from Croatia.

Novel Memoir Front

  • Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?

Yes, gospel songs.

  • How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

I relied on God.

  • Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it?

No

  • Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?

books and paperbacks

  • Are you a self-published/Indie author?

Self-published

  • If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?

Higher royalties, more control and own rights to my books.

  • Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

Yes, “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer

  • What is your opinion of novellas?

As long as they are quality books, then they are great.

  • Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?

Yes

  • What is your favorite film based on a book?

Heaven is For Real

  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment?

Christian Living

  • What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?

Your Best Life Now, it was recommended.

  • What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

Become a Better You, Paperback

  • If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?

Tyler Perry, Joel Osteen, Max Lucado and Bishop Jakes. They really inspire me.

  • What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

Believe in your work.

  • Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?

Sports and movies

  • Where can your readers follow you?

www.twitter.com/JimiAkanbi

 

Books by  Jimi Akanbi

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In “Taking Your Life to the Next Level”,Jimi offers unique insights that will help readers live a fulfilled life on a daily basis.In order to live the God-kind of life, you must possess divine wisdom and other Christian attitudes which will lead you to make wise decisions in life. This book will inspire and motivate you to live with more faith, divine love, discipline, peace, hope, and joy.Jimi reveals seven simple yet crucial principles that, when understood, will help you become all that God has formed youto be. The author uses down-to-earth analogies which help you to easily understand his messages and supports them with Biblical Scriptures. The text contains personal testimonies that will inspire and uplift you.In “Taking Your Life to the Next Level”, Jimi addresses topics such as depending on God and not on men, healthy eating, opening your spiritual eyes, the power of unconditional love, securing your God-given destiny, and the benefits of always thanking God for the good and bad times.As you practice Jimi’s easy-to-understand principles, you will be amazed at how colorful and stress-free your life will become.

 

 

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In Understanding the Benefits of Mankind, Jimi Akanbi discusses seven crucial principles from God’s perspective: money, marriage, time, sex, power, materials and life.
These seven principles given to man by God can become curses if misapplied. Jimi shows you how to align your ways with God by following these seven principles.

Life can be a battle, millions of people around the world struggle on a daily basis, but with the help of this book, people who are struggling can see the light at the end of the tunnel. By reading this book, people who have problems in their life will learn how to turn the negative problems into positive solutions.

 

Novel Memoir Front

 

In Almost Lost Hope, the author “Jimi” relays a collection of true-life accounts which makes him the person he is today.

Jimi also gives an account of his success as the fastest runner of all time in his high school and state. He writes about his unusual and intriguing dating and love life.

The story includes how he constantly skipped class lectures in high school and still graduated top of his class. Also, due to a medical condition in college, went from receiving “A’s” to getting “F’s”, yet ultimately becoming a great “A” student. He shares what he went through when he did not see his little son for almost four years.

Jimi discusses how he was so afraid of public speaking and reading, but one day overcame it through a Divine act. The author gives a report about the unorthodox way he was inspired to start writing on a professional level.

To visit Jimi’s Amazon Author page or to read about more of his books click here!

 

Author Video Interview – Nina Soden

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Recently I agreed to do a recorded interview for the blog of another Indie-Author, Jonas Lee, and he was kind enough to share the video he put together with me. I have included the questions and answers below the video, just in case I talk to fast or you miss something.

 

If the video above doesn’t work, you can watch it on youtube here: http://youtu.be/C110fk6ihm8

  1. Please tell us a little about yourself. Who is Nina Soden?

I love answering this question. I will give you two answers and you, the reader, can decide which you like best… but they are both me!

My typical “author bio” answer… I have always been creative, be it art, theatre, film – anything but singing – you don’t want to hear that! I earned her bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Military Science from EMU where I spent most of my time either on stage, rappelling down buildings, or working one of three jobs. After college I moved to Los Angeles, like so many other want-to-be actors, in pursuit of my dreams. I worked to by the bills… but my love was acting and I was actually somewhat successful, mostly in commercials and independent films and I had a great time doing it. I have done everything from secretarial work to business development to being the Director of a private preschool. I have fired a M16 machine gun, jumped out of a C130 aircraft, and given birth – TWICE! Though I’ll forever be a Michigan girl at heart, I now live in the South with my husband and two beautiful children. If I’m not working on my latest story, you can find me lounging with a good book, playing with my kids, or indulging in my unhealthy addiction to Starbucks coffee.

Or the not so pretty reality… I am a mom (my favorite title in the whole wide world), a wife, a daughter, and a sister! Family is the most important thing in the world to me. I am also a struggling artist, paying the bills through a typical 9-5 job while squeezing my art (writing, acting, directing) into what little free time I do have.

 

  1. What kinds of books do you write?

I write young adult (YA) supernatural fiction – Vampires, Shape shifters, and Witches, oh my!

You can click on the cover image below to be taken to the Amazon.com page for each of the books in the Blood Angel Series, or to be taken to my blog post for my soon to be released novel SECTOR C ~ The Chosen

Awaken - Cover Beginnings_-_Cover Featured Image -- 13143 Sector C Bk 1 - FRONT

 

  1. Which one is your favorite and why?

That’s a hard question to answer. My first book, maybe, because it was my first. I think, as a new author, that my first book will always hold a special place in my heart because there can only ever be one first. Awaken was that book for me. It showed me that becoming a published author was no longer just a dream but a reality.

If you are asking based on story – Well, I love the action in Beginning and Revenge (books 2 and 3 of the Blood Angel Series). However, my latest book (SECTOR C – The Chosen: soon to be released) is probably my favorite story line so far.

 

  1. If you saw yourself as a character in your novels, which one is most like you? Which one would you most like to be?

When I wrote my first three books I pulled characteristics, for some of my characters, from people I know. Alee (aka Aleerah), my lead, is probably the character I wish I was most like. She has a survivor’s strength – she doesn’t give up just because things are hard. That is something my parents both taught me growing up. That is a lesson I have tried to teach my children. So, in that aspect I think I am most like Alee.

 

  1. Can you share anything about your next work in progress?

Of course. I am actually very excited about my next book. It is part of a new young adult (YA) supernatural series called SECTOR C.

Sector C Bk 1 - FRONT

SECTOR C – The Chosen

Set in a futuristic dystopian where society is governed by a council of vampires and lycanthropes, selection students are sheltered and raised in a deceptively utopian world. Strict rules are imposed to control population growth, education, and even personal interactions with other members of the Sector, all in the name of safety.

When ‘A’ comes of age she, like all youth throughout Sector C, and her selection classmates aren’t sent out into the world to find jobs, make money and lead happy carefree lives. They are forced to endure the rigorous physical and mental testing of Selection Week before choosing their destiny or being forced into a fate far worse. Those that make it out alive are announced as sector residence, given a position within the society, and allotted all the privileges of their chosen “culture.” However, when your only choices are vampirism, lycanthropy, breeder, blood donor, or banishment to the Wastelands, what choice do you really have?

Suspenseful, intense, passionate, and awash in paranormal delights, Sector C captures the enchantment and mysteries of the supernatural world and the power of friendship.

 

  1. If you could pick the main actor/actress to play your characters on film, do you know who you would pick?

I will answer this question in terms of my newest novel. When I wrote The Blood Angel Series books (Awaken, Beginnings, and Revenge) I had character profiles in mind – what they looked like, their characteristics, etc. but I hadn’t actually selected actors/actresses that I envisioned to play the characters. With SECTOR C – The Chosen I actually have written the manuscript with specific actors in mind to play many of the roles. Granted, authors don’t typically get to select the actors to play their parts… nor am I saying this book will ever be turned into a movie (Fingers crossed that it will). I am just throwing out there that these are the people I envision when I am typing…

 

SECTOR C – The Chosen (Wish List Cast of Characters):

A (lead female): Adelaide Kane

C (co-lead female): Rose Leslie

M (lead male): Torrance Coombs

Remy (Sector Leader): Liam Neeson

Serenity (Councilman female): Tricia Helfer

Gunner (Professor/Instructor): Joe Manganiello

Teagan ( Sector Counselor): Elizabeth Reaser

 OK, that is a very short list… just to give you a taste. Other actors/actresses that I have posted on my character wish list board while I have been typing: Dave Franco, Josh Hutcherson, Kit Harington, Selena Gomez, Toby Regbo, Dove Cameron, Taylor Lautner, Kellan Lutz, Nina Dobrev, Maia Mitchell, Keegan Allen, Evan Hofer, Drew Barrymore, and Catherine Bell.

 

  1. Do you believe supernatural creatures exist in real life?

If we are talking about vampires, shape shifters, and witches—then no. I believe that there are cultures of people that call themselves “vampires” but, no I don’t believe they survive on blood alone. Other than that… no. I believe supernatural creatures are fiction, but a wonderful fiction they are. I grew up watching the movies and reading the books, and have loved all things supernatural for years.

If we are talking about ghosts – yes, I do believe there are spirits that exist around us.

 

  1. What do you like to do in your spare time, when you have it?

Spend time with my family. Movies with the kids, board games, building lego’s with my son, and if we have lots of time… vacation!

 

  1. Would you rather read the book or watch the movie?

BOTH! The writer in me says read and the actress in me says watch the movie. Honestly, I love to do both. If I read a book and love it – I will watch the movie. If I watch a movie and either love it or see that there was potential in the story I will read the book. Like many people, often time, I find that books are better than movies. That isn’t to say that movies aren’t great – it’s just that books allow for more detailed descriptions and they allow the reader to create a picture in their head. Movies require you to see things the way the director sees them. Therefore, when I see a movie that is either really good or just has the potential to be – I will read the book and find out what the author wanted me to see.

 

  1. If you could meet one famous person alive still today, who would you choose and why?

There are so many, but if I have to pick just one… Stephen King. He is one of the first authors that really made me love reading. I have fallen in love with so many of his books and read them multiple times. The way he creates characters and plot twists is magical.

 

  1. Lightning Round:

    1. Coke or Pepsi – Coke
    2. Zombie Apocalypse or Alien Invasion – Zombie Apocalypse
    3. Scooby Doo or Scrappy Doo – Scooby Doo
    4. Beach or Mountains – Beach
    5. MP3 or Records – MP3
    6. Video Games or Board Games – Board Games
    7. Facebook or Twitter – Facebook
    8. Twilight or Vampire Diaries – Twilight to read but Vampire Diaries to watch
    9. Christmas or Halloween – Thanksgiving
    10. Pop Tarts or Toaster Strudel – Strawberry Pop Tarts without frosting and not toasted

 

  1. Please share your links to purchase and social links to contact you.

Author Interview – Jonas Lee

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I am very excited to welcome Jonas Lee, Author of A Time to Reap, to my blog. I have to say I fell in love with this book from the moment I opened it. The story sucks you in and has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Before I give away to much, let me introduce Jonas…

 

1. What is your name and where do you call home?

  • My name is Jonas and I reside in the temperate climate of Rapid City, SD (South Dakota, not San Diego like most people think)


2. Do you have a pen name?

  • I go by Jonas Lee instead of my actual last name. I’m not trying to hide or fool anyone with it. Just my last name is more of a mumble when putting it all together and Lee is already my middle name. So there it is.


3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?

  • A Time to Live is my most recent book, set to release February 12, 2015. Twenty or fewer words: A teenager who can time travel, teleport and has a knack for sarcasm goes up against terrorists with similar abilities. (<— This was super hard)


4. Is the above book part of a series?

  • It is, The Legend of Carter Gabel series. The above is the second novel, the first, A Time to Reap is already available.


5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

  • I can’t really say that anyone inspired me other than myself. I just loved putting words to thoughts and entertaining people with stories. My mom was my very first fan though, so she encourage my writing to grow. I’ve been writing things since I was at least 9, but publishing only since July of 2014.


6. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?

  • I tried to keep a steady imagery of time throughout the series, so with the help of my cover artist Amanda Simpson at Pixel Mischief Design, we played around with various concepts. The newest cover was cool to me because it shows more timepieces signifying the additional characters being brought into the mix.


7. Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?

  • I usually listen to something melodic and dubstep. This is to keep my mind energized and also not have to focus on words or much more than the emotion the notes bring.


8. How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

  • I originally titled it The Time Traveler’s Grandchild (it started off as a fan fiction piece from The Time Traveler’s Wife). To stand apart from that, since the story in no way follows that wonderful book, I played with various time elements. I landed on a song by The Byrds called Turn, Turn, Turn and in it was a lot time references and I focused on the few that made the most sense for me and the story. Needless to say, I could make a lot of stories based off those lyrics alone.


9. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?

  • For me, I love having an ebook and a hard cover close by. I love books and I think that covers are art, so I love displaying the good ones. Ebooks are just so easy to have a small library at my disposal though.


10. Are you a self-published/Indie author?

  • Indie through and through so far. Always opened to finding a Literary Agent though 😉


11. If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?

  • Being an Indie is liberating and a very educational experience. I have more freedom with my work and know that I can rely on myself to get what I need to done. The down side is that I’m in a sea of other author (some great, some not so) and we’re all trying to find our way onto that lifeboat that will help us shine nationally.


12. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

  • I have read a couple of books more than once. Lord of the Flies was my first one, but The Thief of Always was truly fun to go through again. I also want to dive into the Left Behind series again once I find my way into a plethora of free time.


13. What is your opinion of novellas?

  • I think novellas have their place. All writing has a place from the epic to the poem. Novellas help me think I’ve read a lot more than normal, so it’s kind of a motivational boost.


14. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?

  • I have and I can’t say I was thrilled or really disappointed. Mainly, someone did their job well enough to make me buy it.


15. What is your favorite film based on a book?

  • The Green Mile is one of those books (more of a short story turned novella really) that I think turned out wonderfully on the screen.


16. What is your favorite book genre at the moment?

  • Currently, I love the paranormal. Supernatural is never far behind that. I should probably read more YA Sci-Fi, but hey, I think of that stuff all the time. Daddy needs a break.


17. What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?

  • Take Me Tomorrow by Shannon A Thompson is one. She’s an author I’ve followed since I started blogging and it seemed like an interesting read. The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg looks interesting with the magic elements he is working. Spin by Robert Charles Wilson was recommended to me and after reading the blurb, thought it belonged in my collection.


18. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

  •  I’m reading three books right now

a) Revenge by yours truly, Nina Soden. I have it in .pdf ARC format and I look forward to buying physical copies one day and having her sign them for me.
b) Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake on my Kindle
c) The Former Hero by Jeffrey Allen Mays in paperback


19. If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?

  • Morgan Freeman because he has the coolest voice ever and talking with him would be fun in itself.
  • Stephen King – he’s a legend in the biz and I think we could get some pretty interesting thoughts firing off together
  • Heath Ledger – a great actor who was taken out in his prime, a cool guy from what I’ve read and I think he’d round out the party
  • Bruce Lee – Another monumental figure in this world that I think was gone too soon. His thinking, teachings and philosophy was very pure and I’d have to have him give a nunchuk demonstration


20. What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

  • Don’t stop writing and reading. Simple. True. Every page read or wrote gets me further and I can only think it would help others finding their own voice too.


21. Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?

  • I love going on walks, hiking. I enjoy art and plays. I help coach teenage girls softball and all the crazy things those girls think up.


    Where can your readers follow you?

    Blog: http://jonasleeblog.com 
    Facebook: http://facebook.com/jonasleeauthor 
    Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8417690.Jonas_Lee
    Twitter: @AuthorJonasLee
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/jonas-lee/95/b42/7a9 
    Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jonas-Lee/e/B00M9EV6EO

 

Author Bio:

Jonas Lee is an author making his way from the Black Hills of South Dakota. Living in the ever-changing climate with his wife and daughter, he likes to keep his mind occupied with stories that entertain and provoke thought. A child of the 80’s, his imagination has always been rampant as thoughts of time travel, other dimensions, religion and the fight of good versus evil has always been prevalent in his stories.

A Time to Reap:

Pemberton Academy is not just a school, it’s a gathering place for the children of the future that are afflicted with Temporal Displacement and Telepathy; in short, time travelers and mind readers who have been diagnosed with this “disease.” The Academy is not all as it seems after an explosion nearly takes one of its classmates, but not before Carter Gabel rescues her by using an unknown symptom related to his described illness. An unsanctioned group called the Program begins taking notice as the two classmates exhibit stronger abilities when they are together. Carter’s sense of reality begins to unwind as he learns more about his estranged father’s involvement with it all.

Carter will have to overcome the past of his father leaving, the present of an unknown adversary hunting him down and a future that seems to change with each decision he makes. He will have to learn who to trust out of the people in his life if he wants to conquer the looming notion that the government may be hunting him down because of his developing abilities.

A Time to Live:

Carter Gabel had to overcome a lot in the last year, and time travel as a side effect of his “genetic disease” was only the beginning. He’s lost his mother, reunited with his estranged father, crippled a city and destroyed his school. If he thought he could fade into the sunset, Carter has another thing coming.

A terrorist group known as Pirates has infiltrated his hometown to overthrow the Program designed to monitor those with potentially harmful abilities. Carter is a teenager, but he’s forced back into the mix as his grandson, David, has been put into a coma. He will have to try and stay out of sight as much as possible and work with new Eventuals along the way in order to stop the Pirates from turning Lincoln Square into a ghost town.

Author Interview – Marguerite “Markie” Madden

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I’d like to welcome Marguerite “Markie” Madden to my blog today. She is the author of ‘My Butterfly Cancer,’ a shockingly harsh memoir of her battle with leukemia.

 71k7UKevy7L

  • What is your name and where do you call home?

My name is Marguerite Madden, though I’m known as Markie to family and friends. I currently live in a small farm town (population 326) of Fisk, Missouri, in the southeastern most tip of the state.

  • Do you have a pen name?

I don’t use a pen name other than adding “Markie” to my name.

  • What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?

All three came out at pretty much the same time, but My Butterfly Cancer is the most recent. It’s the shockingly harsh and soul-baring memoir of my battle with leukemia and the “butterfly effect” in my life.

  • Is the above book part of a series?

It’s not a series, though I’m also making it available as an audiobook.

  • What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I remember in grade school, maybe 4th grade. The teacher would come around and draw a squiggle on one page of a notebook. The assignment was to finish the squiggle into a drawing and write a story about it.

  • How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?

I designed the covers of all my books myself. For My Butterfly Cancer, I knew I wanted a butterfly, symbol of transformation as well as holding special meaning to a dear friend of mine. I wanted a purple one in honor of my friend, but couldn’t find one. So I decided on the monarch sitting on the purple flowers instead.

unnamed (1) unnamed (2) unnamed

  • Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?

I usually have the TV on when I write, instead of music. It just fades into the background for me.

  • How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

My title is a combination of the butterfly, universal symbol of transformation, and the “butterfly effect” theory, in that one small action on one side of the world can cause a catastrophic event elsewhere on the globe (i.e. the butterfly flaps its wings in Japan and causes a hurricane in Florida)

  • Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it?

All three have trailers, PowerPoint slides, that my oldest daughter helped me to make. My Butterfly Cancer: http://youtu.be/xLHqEAuxYXs Keeping a Backyard Horse: http://youtu.be/NbNqM8SoIq0 and Once Upon a Western Way: http://youtu.be/0VJIEFC1MdE

  • Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?

I have a range of all of them! I listened to audiobooks when I spent time in the car as part of my job.

  • Are you a self-published/Indie author?

I am definitely an Indie!

  • If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?

I attempted for years to get Once Upon a Western Way published. I submitted to publishers myself, often not even getting a rejection letter in the mail. And I used part of one income tax return to hire and agent for a year, again with no success. When I got my first “smart” phone and downloaded the Nook, I started getting some of the free books. I noted a lot of them were from this place called Smashwords, so one day when I was looking for something to do, I looked them up.

  • Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

I’m pretty sure all of my books have been read multiple times!

  • What is your opinion of novellas?

I’m not sure I’ve ever read one. But a story doesn’t have to be long to be good.

  • Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?

Nope! I always read the blurb on the back/flap before buying.

  • What is your favorite film based on a book?

The Man From Snowy River. Not really based on a book, but it was a poem. Otherwise, I can’t decide 🙂

  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment?

Crime with paranormal, like Kay Hooper’s Special Crimes Unit series.

  • What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?

Anything by Kay Hooper, or J. D. Robb. I like the crime/paranormal/futuristic themes.

  • What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

At the moment, I don’t have much time to read, but I’m involved in reading Yesteryear: A Novel of Reincarnation by Samyann on kindle. She bought and reviewed one of mine, and in exchange I did the same.

  • If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?

King Tut (or any Egyptian pharaoh because I love Egyptian history/mythology), Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, because I love the story and we share a birthday, and I’m not sure I can think of any more!

  • What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

By far, don’t give up! As I found, even if there isn’t a way to publish or reach your dreams now, you never know what the future will hold.

  • Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?

I love horses and horseback riding.

  • Where can your readers follow you?

  1. Blog: http://www.writermarkiemadden.blogspot.com
  2. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/booksbymarkie
  3. Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/httpsgoodreadscommarkie_madden
  4. Twitter: @naddya81975
  5. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/metamorphpublishing
  6. Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/margueritemadden
  7. Other: http://www.margueritemarkiemadden.simplesite.com

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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Marguerite was born August 19, 1975 in Midland, TX. She has written most of her life. She is the author of Once Upon a Western Way, a young adult science fiction/fantasy novel, Keeping a Backyard Horse, a self-help guide to caring for horses even on a budget, and My Butterfly Cancer, an autobiography that details her fight against leukemia and how cancer made her a published author. She currently lives with her family in a small southeastern Missouri town, has three dogs and a horse. She is working on a crime romance called Triple Heist, due out summer of 2015, and Fang and Claw, book One in the Undead Unit Series, due out December 2015.

MY BUTTERFLY CANCER:

Cancer. It’s one of the things we most dread to hear about ourselves or a family member. Many people will think it’s the end of the line for them. Mrs. Madden tells the story of her recent battle with leukemia (AML specifically), and the struggles that she and her family experienced during this tragic time. Mrs. Madden will donate 20% of her proceeds from the sale of this book to cancer charities, her way of giving back to patients in desperate need. Find out how her battle with cancer led her to become an independently-published author, bringing her a sense of fulfillment she thought had been lost forever.

KEEPING A BACKYARD HORSE:

Hay is for horses! Everyone knows that, but do you know how much hay they need? Or how much water? Did you know your horse can talk to you with his ears? Or that he can sleep standing up?
Follow along with Athena the horse as she explains the basics of keeping a horse in your backyard. She’ll teach you the basic necessities of caring for your equine friend, from what kind of fencing you can use, to tips and tricks for keeping water thawed in winter weather, and even fun stuff you can do with your horse. Keeping a backyard horse can be fairly simple, and even if you have a tight budget, it can be done!

ONCE UPON A WESTERN WAY:

In a world where computers rule over everyday life, two lonely children find an old diary. It is an ancient relic left behind in the ruins of the Western Empire, a civilization long extinct. Young Susan finds herself moved far away from her childhood home, and betrothed to the prince of a neighboring kingdom. She vows to hate her new husband, but when a destructive force destroys her home and family when they are young adults, he is the only one she can turn to. Joseph fell madly in love with her the moment their eyes first met. But her prickly attitude told him that he would have to work hard to win her over. And when circumstances threw them together, he would give up the blood of his loins to keep her safe. Together, are they strong enough to defeat the most unlikely of foes, and free their people from slavery forever? Or will they simply vanish in the hourglass of time, two small grains of sand lost forever in history?