Category Archives: Author Interviews

Author Interview – Cynthia Christakis

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I would like to give a warm welcome to Cynthia Christakis (aka Cynthia Seasons), Author of No Such Thing: The Committee as she shares her experiences as an author and some insightful advice to new writers.

CindyShopped spotlight 5-30-2014

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

Cynthia Christakis. I now call Northern Baja California (B.C) Mexico home for the past 10 months.

 

  • Do you have a pen name?

Yes. I am Cynthia Seasons as I figured it would roll off the eyes and mouth EASIER than figuring out how to pronounce that Greek (formerly married) last 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?

 No Such Thing: The Committee is the title of my non-fiction eBook. The healing of Multiple Personality Disorder true story of my 45 years of psychotic splits and then healing set in a single 365-day occult and spiritual event; only by the Love, that conquers all.

 

  • Is the above book part of a series?

Yes, the 2nd novel Come Away With Me  is next to be indie published expanding the story to tell the finishing next 365-days and what happens to both psychotherapist and patient.

 

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

The astounding experiences themselves inspired both therapist and me as this story begged to be told in hopes that even one other person would read and be given hope and understanding that this seemingly incurable disorder can be healed with a normal wonderful life ahead for the victims. I believe I was born with a keyboard in my hands.

 

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

Based on Smashword.com founder Marc Corker’s recommendations of credible book cover designers I contacted Dane Low at http://www.ebooklaunch.com  and he guided me through expressing my vision of what the ‘feel’ of a cover would look like.  Within days, Dane created two choices for the cover, either of which would have been great. For $99, I had a cover that fulfilled my vision.

 No Such Thing

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

Strange that you should ask that question. YES I did. I even received permission from Jazz Diva Diane Reeves to include that one song as a planned supplement attached to the planned paperback editions donating some royalty to her per book we’d eventually work out once publication actually became realized.  The song is attached.  I Remember as a cut off her 2002 CD.  The song tells the entire novel story in 2-3 minutes of song. Link to the album: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bridges/id724937214

 

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

The chorus is the name of my book. ”There is no such thing as being too far gone.”

 

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

Not yet. However I just discovered Google+ free YouTube live Hangout videos and plan to figure out how to create a trailer soon.

 

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

I still prefer the feel and smell of old-fashioned book reading in paperback, but since E-publishing and being a book reviewer, I’ve grown quite partial to e-books.

 

  • Are you a self-published/Indie author?

Yes, all the way!

 

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

After attempting to attract any kind of interest in the traditional route for a good 5 years, by then relocating to a suburb of Las Vegas from Austin/San Antonia area, I developed a kinship with a fellow author also attempting to learn how in the heck to become an indie author of his 7 romance heroine novel series Sisters of Destiny by Dwight W. Hunter.  We pooled our knowledge, energy, and mutual encouragement.  Within 2 months we simultaneous became indie published authors. I would have never been able to wade through the ‘simple’ Smashwords.com instructions without his engineering type mindset.

 

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

‘Ever’ is a long time, Nina. Especially with me at 65 jam-packed Life of adventures and situations. Let me think… Secret Garden is the first book I recall reading in childhood and just now received it again from Amazon to read again. Since I seem to have a type of photographic style mind, most everything is stored upstairs in imaginary computer files I can pull out when need. So no is the answer.  Seldom do I re-read a book or re-watch a movie.

 

  • What is your opinion of novellas?

Unfortunately not much. I say this because generally for me, novellas don’t flesh out characters enough for me to ‘join’ a character to develop a relationship with them. Perhaps I just haven’t read a great novella yet.

 

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

Yes. Color choice and LACK of busy-ness (I call noise) will grab me first and then title second.

 

  • What is your favorite film based on a book?

The Pelican Brief was IT for me.  Luckily I saw it first as a movie that I do indeed re watch often. I say lucky because had I read the book first…I would’ve never understood what the heck was going on.  Experience both landed me as a die-hard Grisham fan for life. (at least when Grisham sticks to what he knows best, legal stories)

 

  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment?

Either ‘based on a true story’ fiction or non-fiction or actual biographies.

 

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

Currently doesn’t apply in my case since I became an indie book reviewer for BookVetter.com, Readers In The Know.com, Rave Reviews by Nonnie Jules.com,  Rookie Writers Solutions.com Goodreads and a couple of others.  I do get to read indie authors in my preferred genres and sub-sections however many are books I would personally not read once I’ve read them with an impartial review hat on. Some have delightfully surprised me.

 

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

For pleasure, I am currently reading Eye For An Eye a psychological/detective thriller by J.S. Vizzard.  Although it comes in all formats…I far prefer PDF mode on Kindle.  Also re-reading and re-proofing Mei-Ling and Kate by Dwight W. Hunter in preparation for new classic book cover roll outs.

 

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

Hmmm this Q? is asked often by interviewers and I still wonder why.  Maybe you will give me the answer or motivation that asks that Q?   ANSWER: Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Abraham Lincoln on his meds, and Jim Carey.   (yes I would have added Mya Angelo, but heck everybody wants her)  Answer 2:  I believe they are all deep, enlightened, brilliant thinkers and excellent communicators that most likely would love my cooking and be fascinating in discussions. I used to own a restaurant back in the day as my German/French/Irish/Mexican heritage combined with my deceased (thank God) ex-hubbies Greek-Polish heritage makes for one heck of a cook!

 

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

Be lucky enough to have obtained an excellent rounded education, and then don’t listen to anyone’s advice regarding my own voice and heart when writing.  The entire object of writing is to be your highest authentic transparent voice.  Bring the reader into your writing as if they were the only reader on earth you with whom you’re sharing the story.

 

  • Do you have any hobbies that are not related to reading & writing?

Umm, well I am the stereotypical cat woman as I find them the only suitable life companions to share a household.  I’m a triple Pisces, which in itself is near impossible to exist on this earth unless it is surrounded by water and the mist of the mountains, nature and not too many humans.  I was a grand swimmer until I became Titanium based spirit having a human experience. I.E. I’m more nuts, bolts, screws, baskets, implants and replacement parts than blood and bones.  However being blessed with the unlikely situation of living 2 mile from a mountain top, on a cliff-side rental house that is nothing but ¾ windows with a wrap around deck view of the Pacific ocean, whales, dolphins, seagulls, pelicans, ravens, egrets, falcons, hawks, heron, doves, desert or ravine foxes as they call them here, coyotes, free-ranging cattle, horses, goats, etc.  Nature is my hobby and inspirations.  I live on the cliff and view Stevenson’s famous Treasure Island, to boot.

 

  • Where can your readers follow you?

http://www.smashswords.com/books/view/292164

http://www.cynthiaseasons.com

http://rookiewriterssolutions.com/cynthia-seasons.html

http://www.LinkedIn.com-Cynthia.Seasons

http://www.Facebook.com-CynthiaSeasonsChristakis

http://www.cynthiaseasons.net  Coming soon whether or not I EVER fix the .com mess of a website!

http://www.BloodAngelSeries.com

 

What an exciting and interesting woman. I hope you enjoyed the interview as much as I have. If you have any questions for Cynthia, please post them here so she can get back with you as soon as possible.

Author Interview – Garry Abbott

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I would like to welcome Mr. Garry Abbott to my blog today and thank him for sharing his insite into being an author with us. He is the author of The Dimension Scales and Other Stories now available on Amazon!

Garry Abbott

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

My name is Garry Abbott, and my home is in Stoke on Trent in Staffordshire, UK.

  1. 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 Dimension Scales and Other Stories.’  (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JW1KMUG)

Short stories based around themes of malevolent, secret authorities, metamorphosis, survival and projections of contemporary fears into near-future realities.

  1. Is the above book part of a series?

No. It is a self-contained collection, though there is always the chance that one of the most popular stories may be extended into a longer work.

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

Reading made me start writing! Especially Tolkien, although I moved away from trying to write Fantasy as I got older and discovered Science Fiction authors, especially North American authors like Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick. I also love Roald Dahl’s adult short stories, and they inspired me to try to get the most out of the short format. I’ve been writing since I was 9 or 10 – I won an award for writing at primary school, so I think I must have been inspired by that in part!

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

My cover was designed by a friend and fantastic illustrator/creative Nicola Winstanley. She worked through a few ideas based on the themes of the book and together we settled on the best ones (though I wasn’t much help because I liked them all!).

DimensionScales_Abbott_apple

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

No. I can’t listen to music and work unfortunately. I’m also a musician so it puts me in the wrong head-space to concentrate.

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

The title is based on the title story that binds all the others together (The Dimension Scales). It just seemed to make sense when I considered the collection as a whole.

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

Different formats for different situations! I don’t see why they can’t all live side by side happily, and I think that’s how it will turn out when the dust has settled.

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

I am self-published, but I am part of the Trident Media Group’s ‘ebook programme’ which means the book is represented by an agent and they have helped with formatting, sales and marketing to a degree. It’s been good to have a team on board, even though I’ve never met them face to face because they are based in New York!

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

I was happy to try all routes, but with self-publishing as a backup. However, when Trident offered to put me on the programme, I decided that would be a good place to start. I hope in the future to have the option of the different outlets available for different titles.

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

I’ve read Lord of the Rings about a dozen times! But other than that, and The Hobbit, no, not as I can remember. I’ve probably read a few Dahl short stories more than once.

       12. What is your opinion of novellas?

As long as it suits the length of the story, what’s the problem? A story should be as long as it needs to be, and if that means it comes in as a novella, I would prefer a shorter volume than a padded out, dawdling novel.

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

No! I don’t access books that way. I go off recommendation.

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

That’s a hard one! There are so many. Maybe Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, just because it is so audacious that it needed someone like Terry Gilliam to make it!

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

Speculative fiction.

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

Agatha Christie! I want to read some light crime fiction because I’ve just finished studying philosophy for a degree, and I’m told they are quick fun reads. Not my usual genre choice, but just want a break from heavy texts for a while!

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

I’ve been very slowly reading ‘Roald Dahl’s Ghost Stories’ in paperback. The stories aren’t by Dahl himself, they are a collection he compiled of the best in the genre. But because of studying, it’s taking me a while.

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

Show don’t tell.

     19. Do you have any hobbies that are not related to reading & writing?

I’m also a musician, both professionally as a composer and as a hobby. I sing and play guitar in an original band. I also keep an allotment and have a bit of an obsession with board games!

     20. Where can your readers follow you?

 

Thank you so much Garry for letting us have a small peek into your writing world. If anyone has questions for Garry, please post them below and he will answer them as quickly as possible.

Author Interview – Wendy VanHatten

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Wendy

Author Wendy VanHatten

What is your name and where do you call home? Wendy VanHatten; Vacaville, CA

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? Champagne Lies; From dead bodies to stolen jewels…can it get any worse?

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 started writing travel journals at a young age. That morphed into becoming an internationally published travel writer for magazines…then books. My dad always encouraged me to write.

How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? This was a collaboration between my interior designer for the book and me; Ginger Marks did the cover

Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? Not really

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? Again, a collaboration between my editor, someone who reviewed my manuscript, Ginger, and me

Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it? No but I do have a blog book tour. The link is http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/10/09/virtual-book-tour-pump-up-your-book-presents-champagne-lies-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

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

Are you a self-published/Indie author? I have a few books including a series of children’s books that are self-published

If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? I believe it was easier for the books I wanted to publish

Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? I read many books more than once. Some are fiction and some are non-fiction.

What is your opinion of novellas? They definitely have their place and I encourage people to write them

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

What is your favorite film based on a book? Gone With the Wind

What is your favorite book genre at the moment? Mystery

What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? Mostly travel and cookbooks lately! Relish by Daphne Oz, The Chew cookbook, Speaking Italian

What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts in hardback (it was loaned to me!)

If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? John Wayne…just because; Mario Batali…I love his cooking; Julia Childs…love everything about her; Brad Pitt…just because

What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Keep writing and never give up on myself

Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? Traveling, cooking, wine tasting and learning more about wines

Where can your readers follow you?

www.wendyvanhatten.com; www.travelsandescapes.blogspot.com; www.crazygirlscookies.com; www.forkscorksandbrews.com;

Blog: www.travelsandescapes.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wendyvanhatten

Goodreads author page: www.goodreads.com/wendyvanhatten

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyVH

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/wendy-vanhatten/3/25b/297

Amazon: http://astore.amazon.com/wenvan-20

 

I would like to thank Wendy for giving us her time and for sharing her thoughts on being a writer and a reader.

If you enjoyed this interview, please check out Wendy’s links above.

Author Interview – Walter O’Neill 8.12.13

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I’d like to welcome Mr. Walter O’Neill Jr. to my blog today and thank him for sharing his insite into being an author with us. He is working on a wonderful series about a bounty hunter that you will surely want to check out on your Kindle!

 

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

Walter O’Neill Jr home is where the heart is, although I now live in Largo FL, with my wife Vikki and my strange cat Squishy

2.       Do you have a pen name?

Yes I do J.R. O’Neill

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?

“The Shadow Force Series Book One The Garden Planet, Episode One Anwar” It is the story of Jon Ryder galactic bounty hunter extraordinaire, in his fight to defeat a group of terrorists bent on the destruction of civilization.

4.       Is the above book part of a series?

Yes, and it is being released in episodic parts book one “The Garden Planet” is comprised of 4 episodes, the second of which will be available on Kindle August 2013, with the completed work due out in paperback by Dec 1 for the Christmas shopping season.

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

I never made the conscious decision to start writing, it just happened. The book the Garden Planet I originally wrote in the early 1990s on legal pads. It was just this year that I decided to re-write, and publish it. I have been inspired to start work on some other books and other genres. I am currently completing a historical novel called “Miami” it is the story of the founding and phenomenal growth of the city of Miami FL from 1908 Population 345 to the 1985 population 2,500,000 approximately. It follows the story of two families, and there ups and downs.

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

Glen Barnhardt Designed the cover, we went through a couple of designs before settling on the final version.

shadowforce

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

No, I rather have no distractions.

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

Well this book was originally titled the Garden Planet, the name came to me at the same time as the inspiration to write it, I was crossing the “Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida sometime in 1993 and the whole story as well as the title popped into my head, I wrote the first 20,000 or so words that very night, it was the first thing I had ever written. Now this year I found when I was contemplating publishing it, that the title was already available on kindle although not science fiction, I still decided to change the name somewhat to the Shadow Force book one The Garden Planet.

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

No not yet

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

Paperbacks that way they are easy to carry around.

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

No, I didn’t really know how to do that so I am working with Glen Barnhardt at his new endeavor Blue Mountain Publishing, from Brooksville FL

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

Well I went through Glen because he made the entire deal effortless.

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

Oh yes, many, Tolkien, and Piers Anthony come to mind. I have reread their books many times.

14.   What is your opinion of novellas?

I usually like books that are in the 2-3 hundred page range, yet I don’t really have a preference. I just love a good story with characters that I can have an emotional connection with.

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

All the time, and usually I am pleasantly surprised. I don’t think I have ever started a book and not finished it.

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

To be honest I have always been disappointed by movies based on books, you lose so much of the story. I try never to see movies after I have read the book, the other way around works much better for me.  Tom Clancy comes to mind.

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

Well Sci-Fi I guess, as that is what I am working on.

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

I don’t get a chance to pay attention to what is coming out, (embarrassing I know) I tend to pick up whatever my wife is done with.

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

Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels, currently “Ten Big Ones” (Just starting)

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

Jules Vern, and H G Wells, would top the list, I think they were time travelers. I would also invite Ronald Reagan, for advice, and Abraham Lincoln for courage. Twisting the question a bit if I could invite 4 of my characters from my novels, they would be Jon Ryder, Sara Osgood, Tom Kelly, and Shannon O’Brien.

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

Just keep writing no matter what.

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

I enjoy siting by the ocean, boats in general, and exploring new places

23.   Where can your readers follow you?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JR-ONeill/441408465936634

Goodreads author page: None (I think)

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/j-r-o-neill/73/898/a9b/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CTO53C0

Other: jroneill53@gmail.com

Author Interview – Tim Girard

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Today’s guest is Tim Girard. Tim is a screenplay author, and is working on some very exciting new scripts that I personally would love to see on the big screen. If you’re a film buff too be sure to keep reading…

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

I am Tim Girard. Currently, and against my will, I live in California

  1. Do you have a pen name?

No pen name. Not this time. Maybe someday. For now, I want you to know who I am!

  1. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up what would you say?

I’m of a different breed. I am working on a screenplay epic titled “Legends of the Seven.” The first screenplay is called “Shards of the Seven.” The second is “Into the Dreaming” while the third is “The Dream Catchers.”

My most recent “book” would have to be “The Song in the Chamber.” Summing it up, though, is something else.

The Song in the Chamber is about a “gifted” doctor desperately trying to work out how real his nightmares are while searching for someone “gifted” like he is.

  1. Is the above book part of a series?

The book is a stand alone. My first (and to date only) horror, in fact. The screenplays are a part of a series. I have several others in the works also.

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

Writing is natural for me. I don’t know that I have a specific inspiration for my start. As for how long, well, let’s just say it’s been a long time. A very long time!

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

My “cover” is stark and ambiguous. It is the title on a black page, so not very “inviting” by itself.  It is meant to convey the nightmarish landscape the Doctor is experiencing while highlighting the grotesque nature of his search.

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

Songs. Yeah, huh. No, not really. I try to write in silence. I find I focus better that way. That being said I cheat a lot and put on whatever strikes my fancy. I like folk and rock and roll and alternative. My MP3 player has a lot of variety.

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

The Song in the Chamber title really came from an event inside the story. The doctor has power and his goal aside from finding another like him is to make living music, born from the fear and stench of those about to die. It’s macabre and gruesome, I know.

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

No trailer. Love to, but not for this one.

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

Great question. As an author I am crazy about e-books. I write short little shots to the gut. E-books afford me that opportunity. As a reader I live for a book I can hold and think about.

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

Indie all the way! Wouldn’t have it any other way. My work is pretty bizarre and experimental and I am a control freak about it. I think a publisher/editor and I would end up killing each other!

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

Oh absolutely. It is a catch-22. With indie publishing there is a control factor. Unfortunately there is also an opportunity for really bad writers to put really bad stuff out there. I know it sounds obnoxious. I do. But it is the truth. There is a lot of mediocrity out there.

That being said I can’t imagine it any other way!

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

I devour anything Steinbeck. Love the guy. I read and re-read all the time. I am a history reader so I go over books time and again, catching snippets here and there. Specifics? Yikes. The Flying Fortress, the Mighty Eighth. Those are current. Previously? World War 1, The Iliad, the Prophet. Just about anything by Rilke.

  1. What is your opinion of novellas?

When done well they are extraordinary! When not done well, they are a page long. I do not have patience for poor writing. If I am not caught I put it down.

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

Oh probably. I have also not read a book because of its cover. Covers are necessary and should be an introduction. They should not be grotesque or outrageous.

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

I would go geek and say Lord of the Rings. That series was amazing.

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

Like I said, I am a Steinbeck freak. Aside from that I am involved with the air war in WW2, a host of neurology books as well as any number of books on trains and mythology and the1950s, and man. A lot actually!

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

I’m a little too disorganized to have a wish list. There is one called a Higher Calling I am anxious to read (B17 story). I just picked up two Steinbeck books.

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

Steinbeck, a book about BF109 pilots, Black Hawk Down. They are trades and hardbacks.

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

Only four! Wow. Joseph Campbell, Hannibal Barca, John Steinbeck, and probably someone crazy like Lon Chaney.

These guys were special for different reasons. Campbell was a wizard of story. Hannibal fought Rome with elephants (how can you not love that?) Steinbeck was, well, Steinbeck. And Chaney understood the character of man.

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

Absolute best advice? A couple of thoughts. First: it’s a marathon. Don’t expect it to be quick or painless. Second: Endure. It’s a marathon. Third: remember your audience. Fourth: remember your story. Fifth: it’s okay to do something radical. I’m kind of hoping you will.

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

What!?! There are hobbies not related to writing? Blow me down! Sort of. Not really. I am in production putting together a stylized animated short. I travel. I critique. I’m kind of all over the place.

  1. Where can your readers follow you?

I’m with Amazon and Linkedin, probably the best way to find me. I don’t facebook and I have so little time to blog. I do twitter, on rare occasion but it is for my zombie character. (That’s a long story there!)

So, that was Tim in a nutshell. I hope you enjoyed his interview as much as I did. Now, go out there and do something radical!

Author Interview – Toinette Thomas

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Toi Thomaws ~ Author of the Eternal Curse Series

Toi Thomas ~ Author of the Eternal Curse Series

I am excited to have had the pleasure of interviewing Toi Thomas, author of the Eternal Curse series.

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

My name is Toi Thomas and I live in Virginia. I grew up in Texas, so the lone star state holds a special place in my heart.

  1. Do you have a pen name?

Not at the moment, but it’s something I’ve toyed with. I have a few alter egos friends and family would find amusing to see in print.

  1. 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?

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel is an awkward marriage of love and terror, but there’s hope in the shadows of angels.

  1. Is the above book part of a series?

Yes, it’s book one in the Eternal Curse Series.

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

Always a fan of reading, writing my own stories seemed like the next logical step, plus I find it therapeutic. I adore the creativity of J.M. Barrie, L. Frank Baum, and most recently Erin Morgenstern. I’ve written my whole life, but I’ve been pursuing writing as a career for three years.

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

Its current cover was a collaboration between me and my artist, brother-in-law, Eric, who also did a few sketches for the interior. I wanted to express, to prospective readers, a sense of isolation and darkness, but not an overwhelming feeling of terror. I wanted the reader to focus in on the main character’s struggles even before opening up the book.

Giovanni's Angel is the first book in the Eternal Curse Series by Toi Thomas

Giovanni’s Angel is the first book in the Eternal Curse Series by Toi Thomas

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

Yes and no. I like quiet when I write, but I do use music to motivate me or get me out of a slump or rut. I have a varied selection of soundtracks on hand for when I need a very specific kind of motivation.

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

Coming up with a title for this book was a little tricky, especially because I didn’t know it was going to be part of a series when I first wrote it. The title is a play on the importance of the characters. Before the end of the book, the read has no doubt who Giovanni’s Angel is and why that is so important to the story.

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

Again yes and no. I will have an official book trailer made by my publisher soon, but what I currently have available is a sorry excuse for one. It’s something I threw together for a promotion I was doing. Readers are more than welcome to look for it on youtube, but I’m not promoting it here and now.

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

Another tricky question. I find that audio books and paper backs are a close tie for me. I adore the way a good paperback that’s been really read, has its own special character within its bent page corners, cracked and aging cover, and faithfully yellowing pages. I enjoy being told a story; it goes along perfectly with my big kid personality. I’ve pretty much replaced TV with audio book. Because of how economic times are, I’d rather read than not read, so I do have many ebooks.

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

Both. My first book was self-published but has since been picked up a publishing house. I have several other books in the works outside of my Eternal Curse Series. I will be self-publishing many of those.

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

I submitted and submitted like many authors before me. I decided that while I would not give up the pursuit of traditional publishing, I would go ahead and invest in myself and in my dream. If I could make a little money while waiting to be noticed by the big boys, why not? I do believe however, that some of my works will never to traditionally published, because I will want to keep those all to myself.

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

When I was a kid I read several Peter Pan stories over and over, but as an adult it hasn’t really happened. I do find myself going back to read my favorite chapters or passages over and over. I think I’ve read the death of Elphaba from The Wicked Years three times, still trying to figure out what happened on that roof.

  1. What is your opinion of novellas?

I’m ok with novellas, but don’t read them often. A collection of short stories makes perfect sense to me, but one on its own, I don’t get. Novellas are good and bad because they are quick short reads, but I usually feel like I’ve been shorted. I always want more.

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

No, but I’ve pass up on books because of the cover. With so many books out there, I have to have a filter and the book cover it is. They only thing that will usually override a bad book cover is an outstanding personal peer review or recommendation.

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

Not fair. You can’t ask a movie buff and reader/writer a question like this. Off the top of my head: Lord of the Rings.

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

No favorites, anything fiction. I have to be in a mood for non-fiction.

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

Skylark by Meagan Spooner- I love the premise. Wish I came up with it.

Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay- Can’t get enough fairy tales.

And The Affinity Bridge by George Mann- Want to check out some steampunk.

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

Ghost in the Wires- audio

Firelight in Darkness- ebook

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

Etta James- to tell crazy stories and serenade us.

Audrey Hepburn- to look pretty and tell us stories of humanitarian adventures.

Terry Crews- to keep my husband busy asking him to do something to make him laugh.

And Will Weaton to balance out the uneven level of geekness.

I can’t image what these guys would have to talk about, but it would be entertaining.

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

I subscribe to several newsletters and blogs that give writing trips, but the tips I find most helpful are about reaching fans. Very seldom do they talk about sells. It’s all about meeting desires and needs.

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

Uh, yeah; cooking, painting, collecting, geekery, vinyl records, dancing, movies, and tea drinking and tea cup collecting. There maybe more, my mind has trouble focusing sometimes, in case you hadn’t noticed.

  1. Where can your readers follow you?

Thank you Toi, for taking the time to share your thoughts and process with us. If you, my readers, are as interested in Toi’s Eternal Curse Series as I am then please be sure to check our her blog (link above) to learn more.

Author Interview – Alene Geed

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Alene GeedAlene Geed

Talented jewelry designer and author Alene Geed answers the question “What is creativity” in her self-published book Inside The Mind of A Jewelry Designer.

 

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

 

Alene Geed. I live in Chandler Arizona (a suburb of Phoenix)

 

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?

Inside The Mind of A Jewelry Designer studies the compelling question, “What is creativity?” in an absorbing and personal look at the burgeoning career of jewelry designer, Alene Geed. 

 

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

 

I was approached by an Editor who found my jewelry site and profile online. She proposed the concept to me. Once the idea was in my subconscious, it would not leave me alone. Within a few days of the initial contact, I realized this was a project I could embrace!

 

4.   How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?

 

My editor offered a few designs based upon an artistic interpretation of the Rohrshach (inkblot) test. I chose one that most resembled a butterfly; to represent transformation.

book-cover-front1 (1)

 

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

 

I listened to Mozart and Beethoven. Both these composers enhance my creativity and do not distract with lyrics.

 

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

 

The idea came from another collaborator that was helping me with my SEO and online presence. She asked me to become more conversational and let others know what I am thinking… because ‘those of us who are not artists want to know what goes on inside your head” Her words stayed with me and ultimately became the inspiration for the title!

 

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

 

Personally I am old school and love the feel of printed books. My second choice is audio book, especially when the book is read by the author.

 

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

 

Self published through Create Space and Kindle

 

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

 

This was the direction given to me by my editor/collaborator.

 

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

 

Yes, I have re-read many of Emmett Fox’s books. And still LOVE to pursue Marilyn Ferguson’s Aquarian Conspiracy! (after all these years)

 

11.    What is your opinion of novellas?

 

I like novellas; as long as the story can be developed well in the shorter format. I much prefer this to reading a 700 page novel!

 

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

 

I have been attracted to many books based upon the cover. That being said, I do read the synopsis and reviews before purchasing.

 

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

 

The Godfather. This is one of the few movies that is a complete representation of the book.

 

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

 

I have always loved mysteries. Since I have read so many of them over the years, it takes a lot to hold my interest. Some of my current favorites are Craig Johnson, CJ Box and Lee Child.

 

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

 

Philippa Gregory ‘The White Princess’. I am fascinated with this subject matter. (British Royalty) Anything new from Orson Scott Card (science fiction). What an imagination he has!

 

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

 

Currently : T Jefferson Parker’s Black Water in hard cover.

 

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

 

Albert Schweitzer: I have so admired him since I was a teenager and learned of him.

Napoleon Hill:  love his philosophy on life

Marilyn Ferguson: I heard her speak over 30 years ago & have not forgotten the experience.

Blake Shelton (he can bring Miranda, too). Love THE VOICE and his easy manner. He would be lots of fun, I think.

 

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

 

Dig Deep. Bare your Soul. Readers WANT to know what makes you (or your character in the case of fiction) tick!

 

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

 

Jewelry Design… my PASSION!   Hiking.

 

20.    Where can your readers follow you?

 

www.alenesadornments.com

www.alenes-adornments-blog.com

www.facebook.com/alenesadornments

www.twitter.com/alenegeed

www.creativejewelrydesigner.com

ask me about photo

I want to thank Alene for giving us a glimpse into her artistic world. If you are interested in jewelry please be sure to check out her site at www.alenesadornments.com you are sure to fall in love with her creations.

Author Interview – Marie Lavender

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Marie Lavendar an established self-published Indie author with 16 published books to her name (including pen names) recently went the route of traditional publishing when she released Upon Your Return. Learn all about her experience in this intimate one-on-one interview.

Mariepic2Marie Lavendar ~ Author of Upon Your Return

UponYourReturn_E-bookCover

  • What is your name and where do you call home? My name is Marie Lavender and I am a small town girl from Indiana.
  • 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? Upon Your Return is my latest release.  It came out in February through Solstice Publishing.  Upon Your Return is a historical romance about a girl who dreams big and gets into a lot of trouble for it.
  • Is the above book part of a series?Yes, it is the first book in the Heiresses in Love series.
  • What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? I’ve always been an avid reader ever since I was a kid.  I suppose that was part of the onset of my writing obsession.  But, mainly, it was that I had these scenes go through my head of characters and dialogue and I had no choice but to write them down.
  • How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? I had a few ideas for it, but the credit goes to Kayden McLeod, the cover designer, and Jimmy Thomas, one of the cover models.
  • Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? Yes, sometimes I listen to different artists.  Sometimes, if I am writing historical stories, it helps to listen to Celtic music or love songs.  It really depends on the book I’m working on.  I like a lot of different music.  Some of my favorite artists are Owl City, Paramore, Fireflight, OneRepublic, Switchfoot and Sarah MacLachlan.  I have others, but there are really too many to count.
  • How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? It came from part of the dialogue in the book.  It is something the heroine says to the man she later falls for.
  • Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? In some ways, I am traditional.  I still love to have a paperback or hard copy in my hands.
  • Are you a self-published/Indie author? Yes.  I have self-published fifteen books.  Upon Your Return is the first one that is traditionally published.
  • If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? I had a lot of works I wanted people to see.  And it was fun to self-publish!
  • Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? I’ve definitely read some of Catherine Coulter’s books over again.  And I’ve read J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood more than once.
  • What is your opinion of novellas? There is nothing wrong with a novella.  It is a short read, but it still tells a good story.
  • Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? The cover is appealing a lot of the time, but mostly I have read a book because of the blurb or because I already follow that author’s work.
  • What is your favorite film based on a book? Jurassic Park is a great movie based on a book.  I have read the book and even though it is entirely different from the movie, both were equally appealing.
  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment? I am really into paranormal romance right now.
  • What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? Word of mouth is a great marketing tool.  Someone recommended Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series to me recently.  And I had to add another series because I kept seeing tweets about it on Twitter.  I added  Ally Shield’s Guardian Witch series to the list.  I have also made a lot of author friends on Facebook and through my writer’s blog Writing in the Modern Age.  So, I added Linda Lee Williiam’s Elsewhere and C.J. Heck’s Anatomy of a Poet to my wish list on Amazon.
  • What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? Truthfully, it is silly but I am reading Upon Your Return for the first time in paperback.  It was sitting around so I thought…what the heck?
  • If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Ooh…can I invite Gerard Butler?  God, I love that man’s accent!  Oh, and Jimmy Thomas, the man who blessed my cover with his beautiful…um, face!  I would also like to bring Catherine Coulter to the table simply because she was the woman who woke me up to the historical romance genre.  And J.R. Ward…simply because I can’t get enough of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  The brothers rule!
  • What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Never give up.  Never, ever, ever give up no matter what.  Perseverance is the key to making it in this industry.  If you don’t have that, you can’t weather the storm to get noticed.
  • Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? Shopping!  Is that related?  Well, I guess it is somewhat related because I can’t ever buy enough books!  But, I love shopping of any kind.  I really need someone to take my credit cards away.  My fiancé knows what a problem I have with that, but that’s a discussion for another day. 

Where can your readers follow you?

I want to thank Marie Lavendar for taking the time to participate in this interview and for allowing us a glimpse into her wonderful world of writing.

As a writer myself I always learn something new from every writer I meet and I hope that all of my readers are able to enjoy and learn from Marie’s experiences.

Author Interview – Arlene Lagos

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Author ArleneArlene Lagos Author of Beyond EarthBEappcover

  • What is your name and where do you call home? My name is Arlene Lagos and I live in Medway, MA
  • Do you have a pen name? I don’t have a pen 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? “Beyond Earth” just launched two weeks ago. It’s a young adult science-fiction fantasy novella
  • Is the above book part of a series? Yes, it is Book I in the Beyond Earth Series. Book II “Beyond Planets” will be launching in August.
  • What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? I’ve been writing my whole life, mostly poems, plays and short stories. When I moved to Charleston I began writing a tv pilot and a few short films. I didn’t write my first novel until two years ago and it was “Beyond Earth”.
  • How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? I was looking for a model for my cover and a friend of mine suggested her friend’s daughter. The minute I saw a picture of her (Rayn) I knew she was the one to play the character. My good friend Angela Cannistraro took the photos of both the cover and of my headshot. Then my boss Almont Green designed the cover for me!
  • Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? There’s always Aerosmith playing in the background. In fact, you’ll find a lot of Aerosmith references throughout the book as they are my favorite band still.
  • How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? I went through so many different titles. Then finally I asked some teenagers I used to teach theatre too and they said, “keep it simple, how about just calling it Beyond Earth?”
  • Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it? Yes, I have a book trailer, the URL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2IyOtVOyug

  • Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? I like the convenience of an eBook, but nothing beats holding a book in your hands and that new book smell of course!!!!
  • Are you a self-published/Indie author? Yes!
  • If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? The industry is so crazy right now. I didn’t want to spend the next year of my life begging people to read a query when I could spend that time begging readers to read my book!  I think people don’t realize how much they really can do on their own. It’s a lot of hard work and you need to be committed; but if you are, you’ll see the fruits of your labour.
  • Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? “The Alchemist” and “Tipping Point”. I’ve read them both several times. “The Alchemist” moves me and the “Tipping Point” really makes me think.
  • What is your opinion of novellas? I think every new author should consider starting with a novella. All the great writers of the past started that way. In my opinion, readers are more likely to take a chance on you if it’s a quick and easy read with low prices and little investment time. Then if they like you, they’ll come back for more.
  • Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? Absolutely. Covers are very important in this highly visual world!  That’s why I put so much time and energy into my cover. I think that aspect is often overlooked and that’s another reason I self-published. I wanted more creative control.
  • What is your favorite film based on a book? That’s a tough one. My first instinct is to say “Hunger Games”, it was really done well.
  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment? I love to write Sci-Fi but I love to read Historical Fiction.
  • What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? “30 Pieces of Silver” was recommended to me by my brother-in-law and we both always enjoy the same books so if he is loving it then I know I will. I also want to read “Creatura” by Nely Cab and “Inferno” by Dan Brown.
  • What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? I actually just finished “Wanted: Wife” by Gwen Jones on my nook and plan on starting “Creatura” next.
  • If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Johnny Depp because he’s a creative genius, Steven Tyler because he’s a musical genius, Joss Whedon because he’s a creative genius and because he believes in writing strong female characters and I want him to direct “Beyond Earth” as a feature film, and finally Alice Paul who of course is no longer with us but she was a strong voice in the Women’s Suffrage Movement and a key player in us winning our right to vote. I wish I could’ve met her.
  • What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Keep writing.
  • Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? I am a karaoke junkie (I love to sing) and I also love to dance although I don’t move quite as well as I used too.
  • Where can your readers follow you? See below!

Blog: http://www.beyondearthseries.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BeyondEarthSeries

Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5819544.Arlene_Lagos

Twitter: BeyondEarth_

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=32317937&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Arlene-Lagos/e/B00DH829PQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/4198095

YouTube Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2IyOtVOyug