Category Archives: Author Interviews

Meet Author Jonathan Barnett

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Jonathan E. Barnett grew up in Stevens Point, WI. After spending a year in a seminary in St. Paul, MN, he transferred to UW-La Crosse. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in History and a minor in Economics. Upon graduating, Jonathan was commissioned as an Officer in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and deployed twice to Southwest Asia. After his second deployment, he graduated from University of Wisconsin Law School. Jonathan is now a practicing attorney and author in Central Wisconsin.

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Shadow Tracker by Jonathan E. Barnett ~ Genre: Fantasy

Alcasia has been a hunter since a very young age. She hunts the most dangerous animal in the Great Forest of Rhent. The huge beasts skin hardens into a substance called brontum which is necessary in this world where iron is very rare. When taxes are raised, she ventures further than any other hunter to try and keep her family secure. This is when she accidently runs across an invading foreign army clad in steel. After escaping from this force she returns home to find these strange invaders have destroyed her village and kidnapped her brother and sister. As the village discusses rebuilding, Alcasia teams up with several friends to attempt a rescue.

Alcasia, Robyr and Trepuk lead a small band of villagers on this long mission to save their loved ones. The villagers head east toward the cities of the Plain. Alcasia will face the bigotry that people have to shadow trackers like herself as well the might of this great army of steel.

Alcasia and her band travel from the village on the edge of civilization and into the midst of a war. Alcasia moves among the armies to try and protect her loved ones. While she is known for hunting monsters, she finds herself facing a far greater monster.

An Interview with Jonathan Barnett, author of Shadow Tracker!

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I wrote a lot of poetry while I was in high school and undergrad.  I never really thought of myself as an author really.  As a history major, I was most interested in spending time doing some research and writing a history book, probably something centered around American immigration.  I started writing fiction with this book.  I was really trying to encourage my teenage daughter to work on creating a work herself.  She is a very gifted writer and I told her I would write something if she did.  I got hooked once I started.  I would often spend days of my commutes to work just brainstorming ideas for new conflicts for my characters.  I kept getting home and writing because I felt I was leaving my characters stuck where I left them.

What is something unique/quirky about you?

I had the unusual circumstance of having gone from a seminary to the Army in a matter of months.  I was studying in a seminary and I knew it was not right for me.  I joined the Army to pay for school, but it was odd to go from daily morning prayer to bayonet training. 

Tell us something really interesting that’s happened to you!

Well, most of my very interesting stories are military related, but I do also have the honor of having tried a case that made national news.  It got called the Beer Battered Fish Defense Case.  It was not a big case, but the story was this guy claimed he got drunk eating beer battered fish.  That was a better story than the reality.  He had told the officer that the smell of beer might have been from the fish he ate.  If fact, the story got too famous and the defense attorney and I agreed that neither of us would mention it in the trial.  Headline the next day was “Jury doesn’t buy beer battered fish defense.”  They didn’t, since they never heard that story.

Among my military stories, I was once an officer in a Security Force in Kuwait.  I was required to run drills on my guard force to see how they would react.  We also had to tell the Kuwaiti military when I was going out to do this.  The problem was there were two Kuwaiti Colonels who were in charge of different sections of the Kuwaiti guard force and these two guys hated each other.  I went out one time to take photos of the base (big no no).  I phoned ahead to the Kuwaiti staff officer to warn them.  While out there in my U.S. Army uniform, Kevlar helmet, ballistic vest and carrying a weapon I was approached by a Kuwaiti soldier saying something and pointing his M16 at me.  Just stood there pointing at the rank on my chest knowing it was ridiculous to have this guy approach someone who was clearly an American officer like this.  I showed him I was erasing the photos and later found out that the one part of the Kuwaiti guard force had been prevented from providing the warning to the other half.  Lucky me.

While in the seminary I was once awoken by a drunken student coming back after bar time.  This is not an unusual thing for a freshman year of college, but it was the only time it happened in the seminary.  There had been an ongoing discussion about how too many seminarians were not making it down for Morning Prayer every day.  Two of the seniors on my floor had been drinking and came back yelling “Wake up everyone!  Time for Morning Prayer!”  I looked at the clock on my desk, realized he was wrong and just rolled over to go back to sleep.  The next day the guy who was yelling came around to every single room and apologized to each person on the floor.  It was strange and amazing. 

What are some of your pet peeves?

Most of my pet peeves are grammar and syntax related.  I hate when people say “between” when they mean “among.”  Also, people who say they are “anxious” for something when they mean “eager.”  There are plenty more, but I try to keep that to myself.  I will sometimes have a visible twitch though.

Where were you born/grew up at?

I was actually born in Sheboygan, WI and I lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from about the age of four until eight.  Just before my ninth birthday my family moved to Stevens Point.  I really love Stevens Point.  It was where we really put ourselves down and stayed.  The community was always very welcoming to me.  I left after high school and came back when I finally had the chance.  It is a beautiful small city with a university, fantastic parks and a few great corporate citizens who provide some wonderful attractions.  It is right along the Wisconsin River and there is a 20+ mile bike trail that connects most of the major parks in the city.  It is big enough to have anything you need and small enough that I can be in a kayak and alone in just a few minutes. 

If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

Cliché, I know, but I would want to be with my family.  I have five wonderful children and an amazing wife who keeps me in line.  I would also want to spend the day with my parents, my brothers and my in-laws.  My one brother lives down in Peoria, Illinois now and it is always sad to me that he is so far away.  He is doing well there and happy.  Of course, that makes me happy, but I wish he and his wife were closer because I miss them dearly. 

Who is your hero and why?

Probably Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.  He was a general in the Civil War, but also an academic and scholar.  He taught himself Greek when Bowdoin College needed a Greek professor.  The guy was brilliant and went on to serve his country and his state in many ways.  I admire the drive and the dedication to service that he had.

What kind of world ruler would you be?

Yikes.  Well, I was an Army officer so I have some idea.  I would be a coalition builder.  I like to be surrounded by people who challenge me and force me to have a reason for what I believe and think.  I would likely seek out great minds and try to find better systems.  I like to have solid plans in place and get real leaders into positions where they can do real good for others.  In all honesty, I would hate being a ruler.  I would much rather be an advisor than a ruler.

What are you passionate about these days?

There is always the passion for the Green Bay Packers.  Unlike most fans, the link is very much a family one.  My great-grandfather was a lawyer for the Packers and a member of a group called The Hungry Five that helped keep the team afloat during the Great Depression.  He is rumored to be the man who fired Curly Lambeau.  He is in the Packers Hall of Fame.  I see that team as a legacy and a family emblem.  I love football and I love that team. 

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I play a few video games that I enjoy, but mostly I read or listen to music.  I love to sing and if I have time alone I am definitely blasting the show tunes around the house and belting out the hits. 

How to find time to write as a parent?

I do almost all my writing after I have the kids in bed.  That means I cannot start until after 9:00.  I try to set one night a week where I will stay up a bit later than I should.  Sometimes work can be a bit all consuming and then I try to focus on getting the sleep I need, but I like to take just one night and push the envelope a little.

I have years of military service and it definitely trained me to stay awake and still be effective.  Once I spent three days awake running continuous hauling operations.  My platoon sergeant and I kept telling each other that the other one should sleep.  It took us several days before we both admitted we needed the sleep.  We rigged up a cot in the back of a HUM-V and slept as much as we could.  Having to write at night and then still get up and get the kids where they need to go and get to work is something for which life has prepared me. 

I do like writing while having distraction and noise so sometimes I like to write while enjoying a movie with the family.  I can sit with the laptop and enjoy the time talking with my wife and kids while I write.  

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Husband, Father, Son, Soldier, Lawyer.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Probably in high school when I mostly wrote poetry.  I would not have considered myself an author, but I wrote quite a lot. 

Do you have a favorite movie?

I have lots of favorite movies.  It really depends on my mood.  My father is a librarian and he would always bring home movies from the library.  We watched a lot together and still do.  I enjoy movies.  I probably like historical dramas the most but I do like documentaries as well.  A good period piece makes me very happy since I can pick apart the things that are accurate or not.  I like to follow along with the Historians At The Movies (#HATM) group on Twitter as well.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

I only have the one out now, but I am working on book two of the series as well as on an unrelated alternate history work.  I could see either being a movie, but I think the alternate history piece I am working on would likely have the better chance. 

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

I did go to Stratford Upon Avon to visit the grave of William Shakespeare.  That was pretty amazing.  I was on a choir tour and I was one of only two people on the tour who walked directly across town to find the church where he is buried.  Most other people just took the chance to shop. I also had the chance to see the grave of Venerable Bede while in Northern England.  Interesting to see the spot where he lived and worked and then was buried.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

My spirit animal is definitely the Red Tailed Hawk.  They live all over Wisconsin.  I have found that in times of difficulty or times when I have most needed to know the mind of God I have shortly thereafter seen a red tailed hawk fly.  They are powerful hunters and beautiful creatures.  I feel more connection to them than any other animal (besides dogs, of course).

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

Dune by Frank Herbert, Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose, To America by Stephen Ambrose, Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, Gone For Soldiers by Jeff Shaara, Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, John Adams by David McCullough.

What book do you think everyone should read?

Lies My Teacher Told Me.

How long have you been writing?

Since high school.

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?

They present themselves as the situations arise for them to be needed.  Couldn’t add some of them from the time where Alcasia is alone on the hunt.  Many had to wait for the main thrust of the storyline to kick off before they came forward. 

Do you see writing as a career?

That would be fantastic.  I love practicing law, so I would not likely give that up.  Still, I would love for my writing to be a way I can provide something more to my family and make it more valuable. 

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

I love fantasy works, but I still mostly read history books. 

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

I can barely think when it is quiet.  I need some noise going on or my mind just starts to wander. Not sure if it’s an ADD type thing, but if there is only one thing to focus on I start to day dream.  If I have music and writing then I can focus.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

While writing Shadow Tracker I was only working on this book.  I am currently working on two though.  I am focusing on getting the second book of the series out, but I am taking some time away from Rhentsia to work on another project too.

Pen or type writer or computer?

I do outlines with pen, but I write the actual work on a computer.

Advice they would give new authors?

Just start it.  Write something.  You can decide you hate it later or you can add to it.  You can read it after you think you are done and find ten things to add.  Nothing starts until you start putting down words.  Just start writing and then refine as you go.  Also, have patience.  Nothing worth doing is ever easy.

Describe your writing style.

I mostly do my brain storming in the car on my commute to work.  I come home and start editing that in.  I usually edit during the writing.  I actually went through and changed large sections in the story prior to finishing my first draft.  I also keep a running encyclopedia of all the animals I have created and all the people I have named at any point in the story. 

What makes a good story?

Characters who change and grow and villains with an understandable purposes and goals.

What are they currently reading?

The Premonition by Michael Lewis.

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?

I tend to outline first and then start writing.  I know I will tend to rewrite everything once or twice. 

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Writing conversations is probably the hardest part for me.  Writing poetry as a starting point allowed me to work on being descriptive and flow into design.  Writing conversations has to maintain personality traits and I have to bounce between multiple people and their arguments or desires one after another.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

At this point I am trying to be more original.  My first audience is my daughters.  I want them to have a character they can follow and enjoy. 

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Try multiple genres and sample more things earlier.  Write more short stories.

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from other genders?

Having characters of other genders and other ethnicities is difficult because as a white man I know I have no idea.  I have to admit that and deal with that.  I cannot avoid it because that would be far more disingenuous.  I need to have those voices in my stories to challenge me.  Thankfully, I have been surrounded by strong women in my life.  My mother, my grandmothers, my wife and my daughters.  In many ways, I write the women in this novel to have many of the same desires as anyone else.  They want to protect their families and have jobs that give them a feeling of joy or accomplishment.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

It took a little over a year to get the first one through the process.  Some of that was bouncing revisions past others to get a sense of how it was going. 

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Oh yes.  Sometimes you have to walk away and maybe write something else for a bit to get in a different state of mind.  I also like to talk through it with someone else or talk out loud to myself in the car to get through it. 

Meet Authors Dana Bowen and Chloe Brogan

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Dana and Chloe grew up in rural Ohio, and sparked a close friendship in the summer of 2019. When the Pandemic hit in 2020 they saw it as an opportunity to be adventurous. As two young moms, they spent months finding creative outlets through baking and art, but they were running out of things to do. So, when Dana came to Chloe one Friday over coffee and suggested they write a book — it seemed like the next logical step in their endeavors to use their time at home to pursue something they’d always dreamed of doing. The two discovered quickly that they made a great pair, and the story spun itself together almost overnight. The pair plan to keep up the momentum as Indie Authors, exploring all subgenres of romance in their coming stories.

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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

Chloe and I became friends back in 2019. Our husbands were friends, and after some poking and prodding from my husband we went over to their house one night to play boardgames. Then maybe a week or so later, Chloe and I got to talking, and ended up having coffee together. And that was about it. Since then we weathered a pandemic together, and a whole year of homeschooling our kids. I’ve been eternally grateful for her friendship over the last few years.

Back in December of 2020 I was actually spending an afternoon with my cousin and she and I got to talking about my old habits of writing terribly cringy short stories. After she and I talked, I got to thinking and googling how to write a book. It seemed like a crazy idea, but it had been months of staying inside due to Covid and I felt like I was losing grip on the things that brought me joy to do. After having small children, most of my hobbies had gone out the window.

I remember it was a Friday afternoon in December, and I walked into Chloe’s house, plopped down on her couch and told her that I wanted to write a book– and I wanted her to help me. I’m very aware of the fact Chloe thought I was a little nuts, but she jumped on board with me almost immediately.

I think that night she and I wrote the first 3 Chapters together, and we had an outline for the first 6. Somewhere in the mess of things about a month later we realized we actually might have a story coming together. After a conversation we had about how far we were going to take this whole writing thing we actually got down to business. We created an actual concrete outline and a character bible. We started talking to people about our ideas, and let some of our friends and family read our first draft. It didn’t fully sink in what was happening though until we found our editor, and actually started shaping our story into something real.

I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute of working with Chloe on this, and I can’t wait to bring the rest of our works out into the open here soon.

Advice for New Authors?

As a new Author myself? Don’t let perfect get in the way of good. It’s something my Mother tells me all the time. It’s one of the reasons superman movies don’t sell well. Perfection is impossible. Making sure everything is perfect is impossible. We love flaws the human race loves to be validated. We might have one typo but it doesn’t ruin the message of our whole book. We will do better, grow, and learn and so will you.

Chasing Catherine, our protagonist is running from perfection and the lies that surround it. Perfect is impossible but Good is real raw and obtainable. I think for our antagonist Marcus that his fatal flaw is he and everything around him has to be perfect. Don’t fall into that trap or that book you wrote will never get published and you will pick at it on and off for years telling yourself you’ll publish when it’s perfect. Which it will never be perfect and so it will never be published. Take the leap go with the good.

What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?

D: I’ve always had a love for reading and writing–and with Covid kind of messing up everything I thought I wanted from the next few years of my life–it seemed like a solid logical thing to try. After holding a physical copy of Chloe and my book, I am sure it was the right thing to do.

C: I’ve always loved to write. I’ve always been a creative person. I get hit by imposter syndrome a lot and I feel like somehow I’m tricking everyone into liking me and my art. Which logically makes no sense but it’s such a real feeling. I wanted to write and leave my mark but was too scared. When Dana came to me and said hey “I wrote this will you read it” and it was a couple pages I wanted to do for her what I was scared to do for myself and supported her. Then when we started on chapter to she trusted me to write some and then believed in me and pushed me.

So long story short I’ve always wanted to and without Dana I wouldn’t have. I held our book for the first time a few days ago. While that uglly imposter syndrome tried to creep on me I know what we wrote was good and that it was the right decision and I can’t wait to do more.

A day in the life of the author?

D: I don’t think I’m quite at the point of considering myself an author. I don’t spend days and days writing at a time. My ‘Author Life’ looks a lot like me taking care of my kids and doing chores, then standing in the shower 15 minutes longer than I should have to type out the random idea I had for a book on my phone.

C: Are we author technically but financially we can’t make it our whole lives yet. So most days I spend homeschooling kids or wiping butts and then once the kids are asleep I blast some Lo-Fi hip hop and start writing.

Describe your writing style.

D: I don’t really know. Modern, descriptive, and slightly romantic.

C: I think my writing style can be very casual and I lean more towards comedy. I wonder if you all can pick who’s who from our book.

What makes a good story?

D: Passion. I don’t mean passion like romance specifically, I mean as an author you have to have some sort of passion for what you’re doing. You can have good ideas, but if you don’t feel a certain way about your setting, characters, or story, you won’t have a good story.

C:{Uh insert cheesy thing here} To be honest no matter what, to have a Good story you need a certain level of talent. My grandpa always said there some people who tell you “I got this bag from Kroger” then there are people you say “So you’re not going to believe this I was in Kroger today and they were out of tofu so I strolled around and from the corner of my eye I caught this beautiful man so I walked his way pretended I was shopping for book bags too and so I bought this book bag to get a guys number.”

What are they currently reading?

D: I’m currently reading two books. Mexican Gothic, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and A Week to be Wicked, by Tessa Dare.

C: I’ll be Gone in The Dark by Michelle McNamara and The Road to Jonestown by Jeff Guinn. Honestly life is stranger than fiction for me.

What is your writing process? For instance, do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?

D: I really like having a plan laid out before doing too much. I like making sure my characters are in order, and I like to have a general idea in place before diving too deep.

C: I will lay out something real basic then just word vomit.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

D: Mental Illness. Lol

C: Digging deep. I love writing the levity and comedy scenes, but I wrote a few scenes from Catherine’s point of view and had to face some of my own struggles while writing it and avoided writing the scene.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

D: I think in Chasing Catherine I got everything I wanted the book to be. In some ways I know that we didn’t do things quite like everyone expected, but Chloe and I knew what we wanted.

C: I think we deliver what we want. We don’t have a following yet so for now we get to be raw and write for us. Who knows if we get famous maybe we have to be more conscious of what readers want but now it’s raw and real.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

D: I would push my younger self to be fearless when writing a lot sooner. I think everything happens for a reason, and I don’t think I’d have published my book before now anyway. But I wish I wouldn’t have quieted this love for writing for so long. I told myself it was an impossible feat, but it turns out putting your work out there is way more possible than I let myself believe for a long time.

C: I agree with Dana. I think this book was meant to be our first book. I had a teacher who just didn’t like me. I excelled in language arts in school but she brow beat me into not believing in myself. I just want to show young Chloe we didn’t and we shouldn’t believe that teacher.

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from other genders?

D: Chasing Catherine is a single POV, so we didn’t run into too many issues with that. But I have noticed in other things I’m working on, it’s hard to balance what people really think and do with what we can perceive from an outside view. But I’m not sure that’s a matter of gender. I think it’s when trying to write from any POV that isn’t your own. It’s just a lot of experimenting to figure out what feels right,

C: I 100% agree with Dana, it’s not so much gender but that person in particular may respond differently. We were working on a scene where someone is comforting Nathan. She felt that the should hug and do this or that. Nathan is raised catholic and physical touch would not be appropriate for him to be touched by a femme character or anyone because that’s not how within his culture he would associate in that way with a nonromantic partner who’s not family.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

D: Alone it’s appearing to take me much longer. But together I think Chloe and I finished the first and second draft of this one and editing process in about 6 months.

C: For this book it was about 6 months. My solo project has taken me longer but our main focus has been this so that’s to be expected.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

D: Oh for sure. Lack of inspiration can be infuriating. Honestly it’s part of why I was so glad Chloe and I could do this together. Because there were nights where my brain just wouldn’t work and I could text her and tell her I was tapping out for the night, and Chloe would pick up where I left off without missing a beat.

C: I think mental health is a big player in writers block. So of course writers block is real. I’m really glad we were able to tag team this book and tag out if we needed.

What book do you think everyone should read?

D: I think everyone should read George Orwell’s 1984, and anything by Ted Dekker.

C: I think The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury, it’s just a favorite of mine.

How long have you been writing?

D: creatively and for myself I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. I started writing poetry and short stories in elementary school, and was always filling notebooks with book ideas. But this is my first actual work that I’ve published.

C: Dana and I have similar writing stories a lot privately to keep to ourselves. My love of reading really pushed that creative side of me. Without Dana I don’t think I would’ve ever had the courage to actually get something published.

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?

D: In my experience so far, characters seem to come as needed. Whether it’s during the initial outline process where you’re deciding what’s going to happen in the book; or when you’re in the midst of a draft and decide you need things said that a certain person needs to say. We didn’t originally give Nathan’s family a ton of depth, but after writing the first draft it became apparent we needed them for Nathan’s backstory to have real depth.

C: I think our character came to us as we needed when we started writing all we had was Darby (What Dana OG named Catherine) Then Darby became Catherine and the man in the distance became Nathan.

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

D: Aside from the initial googling I did on how to write up a Character bible and a book outline, I didn’t do much research. We kept things pretty familiar–drawing a lot of scenery and dialogue from what we knew.

C:Most of our research was done during, to make sure we had some accuracy.

Do you see writing as a career?

D: I honestly really want it to be a career. I have more stories to tell!

C: I would love if we really were able to keep doing this. I love every second of it and want this to be my life forever.

What do you think about the current publishing market?

D: I think that the ease behind self publishing is both fantastic and horrible. I think everyone has a story to tell, and everyone should get to have their voice, but as a self-published author it is incredibly hard to make it. Big publishing firms are looking for the next Harry Potter or Fifty Shades of Grey, and it’s really hard as a small author to compete with huge companies.

C:I think self publishing is a gift and a curse. We can get our story out with out paying an arm and a leg for an agent but it’s impossible to compete with the reach of a publishing company.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

D: I love reading. But I am a genre jumper. I don’t have just one I love. As a kid I read mostly classics. I loved Treasure Island, and Romeo and Juliet. As a teen I read a lot of fantasy, and YA books. As an adult I love romance, mystery/thriller, and true crime.

C:I have loved reading forever, its been a safe haven for me as long as I can remember. Growing up poor books gave me the things I could never have. I love all genres honestly I currently mostly read biographies.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

D: My poor ADHD brain doesn’t know what it wants, I do best with minimal distractions, but if it’s too quiet my mind wanders.

C: I think being a parent means silence isn’t even an option.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

D: Currently I’m working on the second book for this series, a shorter Novella type story with Amber, and a few other things.

C: Currently I have few projects going dana has a few projects we have a few together.

Pen or type writer or computer?

D: For a long time I always wrote on pen and paper. But for ease while trying to write professionally, and with another person it makes the most sense to share a google doc with Chloe.

C:I use to prefer pen and paper but I’ve become quite fond of typing on the computer through this process.

Tell us about a favorite character from a book.

D: I have two. Eleanor from Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. To this day that whole book is a favorite, and should be on everyone’s reading list. And as a kid I idolized Arya from the The Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini. They are both amazing female characters. 

C: I’ve mostly been reading biographies and nonfiction. To pull back from my brain of characters I love a lot fall under the John green Manic Pixie girl like Alaska from Looking For Alaska.

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Convince us why you feel your book Chasing Catherine is a must-read.

I think there is actually a lot to say for this, more than just a rapid fire interview question. We have a very deep connection to this book. When we started out to write this story, it was a bit of a joke. We started writing with all of the classic tropes in mind. Girl meets boy, boy fixes all of her problems, and they live happily ever after.

But something that has been so treasured through this writing experience is how many other forms of love come in this novel. I remember sitting with Chloe sometime after we had really gotten into writing our second draft, and we were trying to think of a name for the book. We dug through a laundry list pile of book names that we either randomly generated or took from key words in the book. But none of them seemed to truly fit with what we wanted to express.

When we spent some time looking through the themes of our book, it became quickly obvious that we had so much more in between the pages than just steamy romance. While steamy romance is amazing and so much fun to write, we really wanted to drive home what it looks like to experience loving relationships with family and friends as well. I think true, loving platonic relationships aren’t showcased enough in literature as it is. And true passion for someone can extend farther than stolen kisses and bedroom eyes. We all love a good whirlwind romance, but my true love for our story lies in Catherine’s relationship with Cici, Amber, and Meghan.

People experience all kinds of love throughout their lives. Familial love, friendly love, and romantic love. Catherine is lifted by the people around her for the first time in her life. It’s an incredibly healing experience to bear your soul to people and have them love you unconditionally. And sometimes it’s those people around you that help you learn to love yourself. A great deal can be said for pursuing your own life, thoughts, and dreams with the support of the important people around you. It was so important by the end of our story that we showed Catherine choosing to chase herself for probably the first time in her life.

I think our book is a must read because of those things. I want people to see the healing that comes from being supported, and I want people to see that even when you’re faced with hard things, toxic people, and your own self doubt. There are people around you that will hold you up. There are people around you who will always help you succeed, and be the support you need. You just have to be willing to ask for help and look around. The world isn’t hopeless.

Would you like a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card or a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Baited by Jennifer Dean #giveaway

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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.

Baited (Bound Series Book 3) by Jennifer Dean

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Normal seniors worry about if they will get rejected from their dream school, what they are going to wear to their last prom, or if it’s possible to stay close with the friends they grew up with after high school.

But Emma Morgan has come to learn that normality is a thing of the past. Especially when her eighteenth birthday is a mere reminder of the newly accepted deal she has made to lure a vengeful immortal named Thomas back into Alexander territory. A plan that will certainly make the humans of her world safer but comes with the risk of not living to see graduation.

Add to Goodreads * Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo

Jennifer has studied Creative Writing and Literature and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. To find out more about her and her novels you can visit http://www.jenniferdean.net.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Would you like a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Baited Playlist

  1. Water Rising-Hayden Panettiere
  2. Happy Birthday-The Beatles
  3. Losing My Religion-REM
  4. Maybe-Ingrid Michaelson
  5. 1,2,3,4 Plain White Ts
  6. What I’ve Done-Linkin Park
  7. The Scientist-Coldpay
  8. Better in Time- Leona Lewis
  9. Every Breath You Take-The Police
  10. Thank You-Dido
  11. Papercut-Linkin Park
  12. If I Die Young-The Band Perry
  13. Time is Running Out-Muse
  14. How to Save a Life-The Fray
  15. Do You Realize??-The Flaming Lips
  16. Leave Out the Rest-Linkin Park
  17. I Will Possess Your Heart-Death Cab Cutie
  18. Uninvited-Alanis Morsette
  19. Love is a Stranger-Eurythmics
  20. Everybody Lost Somebody-Bleachers
  21. Going Under-Evanescence
  22. Secrets-One Republic
  23. In the End-Linkin Park
I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about Baited by Jennifer Dean.

Ashlea Thompson ~ Author Interview

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Ashlea Thompson is an avid reader and a lover of Atlanta Braves Baseball and Crimson Tide Football.  She is also a member of the Alabama Writer’s Cooperative. “Steel Hearts” is her debut novella. 

Check out our interview on YouTube:

Check out HER book below!

(Click on the cover image to order your copy)

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.)

STEEL HEARTS by Ashlea Thompson

Lottie Mae Haywood is living her best life doing what she loves. Art. When she meets Jake Samford, she believes she has found the one to spend the rest of her life with. When he is not the man she thought, she returns home to Thomasville, AL. With a new love interest and things going well, her sister brings home Jake. Things take a turn, and Lottie has a decision to make. Will she make the right one?

Follow her on Social Media here:

Meet Sci-fi and Fantasy Author Dan Rice…

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Dan has wanted to write novels since first reading Frank Herbert’s Dune at the age of eleven. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he often goes hiking with his family through mist-shrouded forests and along alpine trails with expansive views.
Dragons Walk Among Us is his debut novel. He plans to keep writing fantasy and science-fiction for many years.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

How do you find the time to write?

Finding time to write can be challenging, especially when you’re a parent. I have two high-energy schoolboys who participate in all the activities of childhood. How do I find time to write? I follow a set routine and am always flexible.

I’m a big believer in the habit of writing every day. To accomplish this, on weekdays, I’m literally up before the crack of dawn, no later than 4:30 a.m. By five a.m., I’m doing something writing-related, often either pounding out a rough draft or editing a scene. My aim is to have about ninety minutes of uninterrupted writing time before my sons drag themselves out of bed to get ready for school. It also corresponds to when it’s time for me to prepare to hit the day job.

On the weekends, I don’t force myself out of bed at 4:30 in the morning, although sometimes I’m wide awake at that hour. Typically, I’ll still get up early and try to write until eight a.m. Then, after fixing breakfast for the family, I’m back at it until ten or eleven, depending on plans for the day and how restless the boys are. 

I’ve learned flexibility is vital if you want to keep your sanity. In On Writing,Stephen King points out that children and life in general often interrupt writing time. His solution is not to treat writing time as sacrosanct. Instead, work the time you write around everything else in your life. This is really great advice for all of us who have families and dreams of being future bestsellers.

What I do to be productive as a writer while having children might not work for everyone. That’s okay. Everyone’s situation is different. But having a set routine whenever possible and being flexible has served me well. I wrote my YA fantasy debut, Dragons Walk Among Us, by dragging myself up before everyone else in the household and not stressing out when the inevitable interruptions intruded on my writing time.

Do you think Writer’s Block exists?

I suppose it’s a subjective thing. If you think you suffer from it, you probably do. 

My critique group, the Puget Sound Writers’ Guild, had a resident writer, may he rest in peace, who staunchly did not believe in writer’s block. If you can’t come up with ideas and bring them to fruition, then you aren’t creative enough to cut it as a writer. He could be hard, but he was a best-selling author under several pen names, so who were we, his pupils, to contradict him.

Now, I won’t go so far as to say writer’s block simply does not exist. But I do think there are practices a writer can implement to overcome it. Personally, I’ve never suffered from writer’s block. For example, the characters and plot for Dragons Walk Among Us came easily to me. It probably helped that I’ve been thinking about some of the central fantasy elements of the story for years. Here’s my remedy, or put another way, how I avoid writer’s block.

I start small with a one-page concept that lays out the story from start to finish in broad strokes. This isn’t easy; it’s hard. It takes me numerous drafts to get the concept down to one page, but I think it’s worth it. From that, I create a scene-by-scene outline that I ultimately treat as a roadmap. It shows me how to get from the start line to the finish line, but I can always take detours and side trips along the way. I find the rough draft flows quite naturally from this roadmap.

If you suffer from writer’s block, start small. That strategy has always served me well.

Dragons Walk Among US is your debut novel. What can your readers expect to come next?

Dragons Walk Among Us is the first novel in The Allison Lee Chronicles. I can confirm that readers should expect more books featuring Allison Lee and her squad. Right now, I am planning four, maybe five, books to comprise the entire series.

Where do these books stand now? Well, I have the broad strokes outlined for the entire series. I’m currently writing the rough draft for the second installment. I’m about fifty percent through the draft. If everything goes to plan, I’ll have a complete manuscript ready to turn in to my publisher by December this year. The novel deals with similar themes of belonging and angst found in Dragons Walk Among Us, along with a few new topics readers will hopefully find engaging. Without giving too much away, portions of the second novel will take place in Southeast Asia. I’ve traveled the area extensively and hope my experiences will help me capture the essence of the region’s beauty and diverse cultures.

After book two, while I do have an outline, my plan is a bit more nebulous. That’s why I say the series might turn out to be five books as opposed to four. With any luck, these novels will come out steadily over the next several years. After completing The Allison Lee Chronicles, you can expect more action-packed sci-fi and fantasy tales with social commentary woven in that I think young adults will find very appealing.

Tell us about the protagonist in your novel Dragons Walk Among Us!

Allison Lee is the protagonist of my debut YA urban fantasy, Dragons Walk Among Us, and possesses a deep-seated need for belonging. In part, her yearning is no different than anyone else’s. She wants to be part of something greater than herself and be surrounded by people who accept her. These desires burn exceptionally bright in her because she has never known her mother, who she believes abandoned her at birth. Allison’s need for acceptance hits overdrive when she starts seeing or, perhaps, in reality, hallucinating dragons. When her best friends make it clear they believe she is delusional, their bonds of friendship begin to crack.

Allison is a passionate photographer with dreams of becoming a photojournalist. Her pictures of high school sporting events around Seattle are published weekly in her school’s online newspaper. She combines her love of photography with civic-mindedness, often documenting climate marches and social justice issues. When an unprovoked attack leaves her blind, Allison feels like her life has been flushed down the toilet and fears she will never photograph again.

I’m a big believer in the adage to write what you know. It allows me to inject verisimilitude into the story. For example, Allison is an avid photographer, often out and about with her camera in hand. Details on composition and exposure for different situations are sprinkled throughout the narrative. These details are accurate because I’m a shutterbug. I think these details are just enough to characterize Allison Lee, be interesting to readers, and add a sense of realism to a story that is, after all, a fantasy.

Would you like a chance to win a $35 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.

I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about author Dan Rice. If you want to check out his debut novel Dragons Walk Among Us, click HERE!

Meet Author Samantha Wilde

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Samantha Wilde resides in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and two small daughters. Teddy, the family multi-poo, completes her family. Samantha writes steamy, fast-paced, romantic suspense novels in the rare moments she has uninterrupted—even interrupted, she manages to apply words to paper. Aside from her love of writing, her other interests include cooking vegan meals, fantasizing about working out, and eating far too much chocolate.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

Becoming an author was a very organic experience for me. I started reading at a young age and was always writing short stories as a child. For me, writing was just part of who I was. It wasn’t until my late teenage years that I actually thought I could make a career out of writing. All of those old, unfinished and messy manuscripts were the stepping stones to my goal.

What is something unique/quirky about you?

Ha! I’m sure my husband would answer this better than me. I’m a very, very routine person. So much that I will get out of a warm bed to floss my teeth if I forgot.

Tell us something really interesting that’s happened to you!

My husband and I were almost in a plane crash eight years ago. We were flying home from Montego Bay and there was a bit of a storm. We were about forty-five minutes away from Jamaica, right over the ocean and we hit an air pocket. The only way I can describe it was like hitting a speed bump at three hundred miles an hour.

I had my seatbelt off because I was waiting to use the restroom. The plane dropped (for what seemed like forever). Everything went flying including a flight attendant. Because my seat belt was off I flew out of my seat. My husband grabbed me and pinned me down to keep me anchored. To this day, I don’t know how that airplane regained itself and we didn’t crash. We had four hours left of our flight, and I cried most of the way, lol.

I still feel bad for whoever was in the restroom!

What are some of your pet peeves?

A messy house, haha. Which is really unfortunate since I have two small kids and a puppy—to say I’m annoyed half the time is an understatement.

Where were you born/grew up at?

I’ve lived many places in Canada. I was born in Chatham, Ontario, but moved to Vernon, B.C. when I was two. I lived there for about five years, Airdrie, Alberta for a year or so and back to Ontario. I lived there for a good thirteen years and I’ve been in Saskatchewan for the twelve years. Now, my family and I are planning another move—am I the only one who gets the itch to be somewhere new? We’ve loved our time in Saskatchewan, but western areas are calling and I desperately want to be closer to the mountains.

What are you passionate about these days?

Health, but I don’t think that’s anything new, lol! I love teaching my kids about food and right now I’m starting to get more and more into fermented foods. I make sourdough bread, which isn’t as hard as it sounds. I feel better feeding my family less store-bought food and if I can make bread at home, why not?

I’m also finding a new passion in homeschooling my children. Before my oldest daughter was born, I always thought I would homeschool. But she’s a very outgoing child—extrovert would be a better term—and I quickly learned that she needed a school environment. She’s only been in school for half-days, but this year she’ll be entering grade one and my youngest will be in pre-k. And to be honest, I enjoy having them home, even if I get less work done. It’s very rewarding teaching them at home and although we have our struggles, it’s been a positive experience for all of us.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

Eat far too much chocolate and watch Netflix, haha. But I also love yoga, working out, and trying to calm my mind enough to meditate.

How to find time to write as a parent?

Time is something I struggle with! As I’m sure every author and parent does. My children are still young, not quite six and three-years-old so they’re very much in need of my attention. Especially my three-year-old who is our wild child that you can’t turn your back on. We’re also homeschooling, so that’s been fun, ha! Routine and consistency are key. I usually get an hour of work in the afternoon while the kids relax and I save the rest of my work for when they’re in bed, or when my husband takes them out on daddy-days.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Healthy-food, chocolate eating, momma mess.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I finished my first novel, Abducted.

Do you have a favorite movie?

I can’t think of a favorite movie off the top of my head, but I’m a little obsessed with Vikings and The Last Kingdom.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

All of them, actually!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.

What inspired you to write Bound?

The first spark of inspiration for bound was a secret society/brotherhood. The second, almost instant inspiration was my father’s childhood. He and his six siblings were abandoned at a young age, and I really felt the need to share a tiny part of his story. 

What can we expect from you in the future?

Right now, I’m working on a novella series. If you know me personally, you know I’m obsessed with the mountains. I lived in British Columbia as a child and it’s my favorite place in the world. Naturally, I felt compelled to write a series around a small mountain town. I also have Dallas and Cole’s (Nash’s siblings from the Blood Brothers series) stories to tell! Which I’m hoping to complete that series next year. 

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Bound?

Nash Holmes is dark and dangerous. He’s a bit over confident, which cripples him when he comes face-to-face with Lexi. This super strong heroine drop-kicks Nash out of his comfort zone and it’s entertaining to watch unfold. Nash struggles because he’s used to holding the upper hand, but Lexi is way ahead of him on that count. Lexi has her own sufferings though. She’s hell-bent on destruction and is surprised when the man she should despise actually softens her.

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?

The idea of a secret society was always fascinating to me. Once I started researching, Nash’s character came to mind. A man who’s loyal to the organization, but has his own line of morale that he won’t cross.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I loved the instant fire between Nash and Lexi. Not just the sexual tension that starts on page one, but the depths of each of their internal wounds.

Who designed your book covers?

Covers by Combs and she did a phenomenal job!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No! Lol. I don’t like the idea of having any regrets. Once I write a book, I don’t read it outside of editing, because there would be something I would want to change that would drive me nuts.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Oh, fun question! I could see Olivia Wilde playing Lexi. The male lead is a tough because I have a mega crush on Chris Hemsworth, and although he doesn’t look anything like Nash I’d maybe pick him in hopes of meeting him, lol.

How did you come up with name of this book?

Nash, the male lead, was adopted by the grand chancellor of Lionsgate Kinship. As a teenager he’s felt somewhat indebted and forever bound to the brotherhood. Bound relates to his internal and external struggles with his upbringing and life choices.

What is your favorite part of this book and why?

Without giving anything away, there’s a particular memory in Bound that Nash shares with Lexi. It was emotional for me to write as it’s a memory my dad had of his mom. Adding that to Nash’s character was very meaningful to me and I think that’s why it’s my favorite.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

I’d say the characters hijack the story. I had a rough idea of the conflicts, but wrote this book without really knowing what the next chapter would hold. It was really just a matter of letting the characters react naturally and seeing where that took the book.

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

Bound has a little bit of everything. It has the suspense that will keep the pages turning, parts that will tug your heart strings, a dash of humor, and of course, a whole lot of steam! Bound is the full package and you won’t want to miss these characters duke it out.

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

Vanilla and sandalwood.

Fun Facts/Behind the Scenes/Did You Know?’-type tidbits about the author, the book or the writing process of the book.

My husband, Jesse, is the type of person who knows something about everything. He’s fascinated with so many topics and which makes for some fun conversations between us. One being secret societies! The idea of a secret brotherhood was so fascinating to me that I had to run with it.

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

Lori Foster, Karen Robards, Lisa Jackson, Melinda Leigh, Megan March, Linda Howard, Sidney Sheldon.

How long have you been writing?

For as long as I can remember!

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

Very little, lol. I jump in and write, then research as I go.

Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. There’s nothing else in the world for me except being a mom!

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

My favorite genre is romantic suspense (shocker). But I also love dark romance and paranormal romance. As long as there’s a love story and some heart-pounding moments, I’m in!

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

Silence because my head is just too loud, haha.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

This might be a quirky quality, but I’m completely strict about finishing what I start. Not just with writing, but life in general. So I won’t start—or even read—another book while I’m in the process of creating.

Pen or type writer or computer?

Computer! My wrist would cramp in ten minutes if I wrote by pen, and my hand wouldn’t be able to keep up with the words.

What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?

My love for romantic suspense made me want to become an author. I hated waiting for my favorite authors to release books, so I decided to write exactly what I love to read. I’ve always known in my heart that writing is my path in this life. I don’t doubt for a second that it’s the right decision. Even if everyone hated my books, I’d still write them! Haha.

A day in the life of the author?

My six-year-old is up with the sun every day, but thankfully she’s an independent girl and will make herself breakfast and watch TV while I sleep in a bit. I workout at 6:30 and usually have time to shower before my three-year-old wakes up at 7:30 and chaos begins.

I make a quick and nutritious breakfast, either sourdough raisin bread or plain yogurt and berries—sometimes we make smoothies or fresh juices if the kids are feeling it. I try to do homeschooling first thing in the morning. My just-turned six-year-old is a fantastic reader (surprise, surprise!) and this helps a lot because she can read her math and French lessons with little help. During this time, I occupy my three-year-old with tracing or sensory activities. Then the kids play while I do the one thing that consumes the majority of my day—clean!

We hit up the park late morning, come home for lunch, and then the kids watch a movie in the afternoon while I squeeze in a bit of work. I often use this time to edit my critique partner’s chapters or do other non-writing tasks that I don’t have the stamina for in the evenings. When the movie is done, we take our puppy Ragnar for a walk, or go for a quick bike ride. The kids then play in the backyard while I make supper. I’m a stickler for bedtime, so we get ready for bed right when they finish eating and lights are out before 7:00 p.m. Routine is especially important for us because my husband travels for work, so it’s just the kids and I for part of the month! Once the kids are down, I focus on writing.

Advice they would give new authors?

No one has “time” nowadays. All we can do is make time. I find getting enough rest, working out, and being active with the kids, actually allows me to be more productive with writing. I’ve also learned that it’s not about how much “time” we have, but what we do with that time. For example, I could have my kids with grandma all day, and I might only write 500 words. But when I’m focused, and have nothing else on my plate and don’t allow for distractions, I can do that in ten minutes. Work with what you have and don’t be afraid to remove things/people that don’t serve you.

Describe your writing style.

Freestyle? Pantser? Definitely not organized plotting and planning, but as long as I have the characters firmly in mind, it works out great.

What makes a good story?

For me, a good romantic suspense keeps me on the edge of your seat. I love books that I get sucked into and can’t put down. The romance is where it’s at! I want my characters to love each other despite their circumstances and to fight for what they want—all the while trying to stay alive, haha!

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?

I don’t do an outline, but I often wrap my head around the initial concept and then just start writing. Sometimes I don’t even do that and I just start the book off where the first spark of inspiration hit and see where it goes!

What is your writing Kryptonite?

My kitchen. I love to cook and am always making fresh sourdough bread, homemade applesauce and other dishes for my family. It’s easy to lose many hours a day in the kitchen.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I always strive to write something original, but I also feel like I don’t have much say in what happens. My imagination takes the book where it’s destined to go and the characters dictate that direction.

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?

I love writing male characters! I don’t know why, but it comes easy to me. Maybe because the male energy I write is brash and I don’t need to overthink it, haha.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

If I’m extremely focused, I can write a full-length novel in 8-10 weeks.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I don’t necessarily think of it as a block. But I have periods of the month where I slump and other periods where I’m highly productive. I keep meaning to see if astrology patterns have much to do with this or if it’s just the way I am, lol. But I’ve never been consistently blocked. I sense when my mind needs a break, which means I switch my focus to editing and other productive elements, and then the driving need to be creative returns.

Would you like a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Meet Author Cristy Bowlin

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Cristy L. Bowlin grew up in Ventura County, CA where she spent most of her free time ballet dancing and reading fantasy books. She got her BA in English with an emphasis in creative writing and a minor in dance from the California Polytechnic State University. She then received her MA in English with a minor in gender and women’s studies from the University of Kentucky. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, and cat in Southern California where she is a college English professor. Her debut YA fantasy novel The Temple Dancer’s Diary was published in July 2019, and her next book Hybrid Magic was just  published in the summer of 2021.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I have always loved reading. I started reading Harry Potter in second grade and was instantly hooked. I would read any fantasy book I could get my hands on, and before long I was writing my own short stories in various notebooks that I had collected. When I went to college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I majored in English with an emphasis on creative writing. While I was there, I realized that I also had a passion for teaching, so my creative writing took a backseat for a couple years while I got my Master’s degree in English at the University of Kentucky. Then once I returned to California and started teaching community college English classes, I started working on my first novel. It took me four years to write and edit The Temple Dancer’s Diary before it was ready for publication. After that I couldn’t get the characters out of my head and wanted to keep writing about the fantasy world I had crafted, which led to my spinoff series. After writing a standalone novel, I’m excited to be writing a trilogy starting with Hybrid Magic! 

What is something unique/quirky about you?

When I wasn’t reading or writing as a kid, I was dancing and singing. I was a quiet kid, but I loved performing on stage. It really brought me out of my shell and gave me more confidence. I started off with chorus and ballet classes. Then I eventually branched out to lots of other styles, including tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and musical theatre. I did ballet for twenty years and used it as one of my inspirations for The Temple Dancer’s Diary. Even though I started tap dancing a lot later, that actually became my favorite dance style. I performed tap solos competitively in high school, and I choreographed a couple tap dances in college. I still take tap classes with my best friend to this day, but currently we are doing them on Zoom!

Where were you born/grew up at?

I grew up in Ventura County, California. I felt so lucky to live near the beach and spent much of my summers swimming or reading by the pool. I definitely am not good with cold weather. I lived in Kentucky for two years while I was in graduate school, and that was more than enough cold weather for me. I’m happy to visit, but I will forever be a Southern California girl.

If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

If it was my last day, I would spend it with my family. It wouldn’t really matter what we were doing as long as I could be with them.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I like to curl up on the couch with my husband to watch a movie or TV show together. Usually, our cat Percy will also join us for some cuddles. He’s a real snuggle bug, especially if we have a fuzzy blanket.

How to find time to write as a parent?

I’m still a new parent, so it’s definitely a learning curve! I am fortunate enough to have my parents living close by, so they can take care of my daughter when I need to get important work done, whether it’s related to teaching or writing. Otherwise, I try to write while my daughter naps or after she goes to bed at night. I’m a night owl anyways, and I usually get my best ideas late at night.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I first truly considered myself a writer when I began sharing my writing with other people. Having critique partners is such an important part of the writing process. Over time it has gotten easier to take constructive criticism, and now I actually enjoy revising and editing my work to make it stronger.

Do you have a favorite movie?

I love The Hunger Games. The books are great, but I actually might like the movies even more. I rewatch them a couple times a year. I also love the original Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy and the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

I could imagine The Temple Dancer’s Diary being made into a movie. I think it would be neat to have a fantasy movie that contains dance performances.

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

After I graduated from college, I took a trip to Europe with some friends. I started in England where I watched Macbeth at the Globe Theatre and went to a pub frequented by John Keats. Keats supposedly wrote “Ode to a Nightingale” there. Then I went to Greece and saw the Theatre of Dionysus. After that I traveled around Italy and France. In Italy, I got to see Dante Alighieri’s house.

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

It’s always hard to pick favorite books, so I’ll share some of my favorite authors. For all of these authors, I’ve read several of their books. My top 10 are Tamora Pierce, Suzanne Collins, Julie Kagawa, Marissa Meyer, J. K. Rowling, Anna Godbersen, Stephen King, George R. R. Martin, Jane Austen, and the Bronte sisters.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing short stories and poems in my journals ever since I was a kid, but I started working on full-length novels six years ago.

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?

Some of my characters come to me as I write. I have a plan for when I want to introduce new characters and what general role they need to fit into, but I don’t have a firm grasp of what those characters will be like. When I wrote The Temple Dancer’s Diary, I wasn’t really sure who I wanted the main antagonist to be until I was about halfway through my first draft.

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

I didn’t do a whole lot of research before I started writing my first book since I incorporated some personal interests that I was already familiar with, but I did spend a lot of time on my worldbuilding. I referred back to several fantasy maps from my favorite stories that I had read to help me plan the physical setting. Then I considered how I wanted the magic system, politics, and religion of my world to be set up. I also created a timeline of key historical events and a list of important people, even though many of them would just be background characters mentioned in passing. Once I actually start writing, I do my research along the way. Most of my research for my first book was about architecture, medicine, and clothing that would be worn during the Regency Era. For my current book Hybrid Magic, I did some research into botany and various social dances, like the quadrille.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

Fantasy is my favorite genre to both read and write, but I still enjoy reading a variety of genres. I read literary classics, science fiction, dystopian fiction, historical fiction, mysteries, and some romance. I’ll even read horror as long as it’s by Stephen King.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

I usually prefer to write in silence. I find it easier to think and be creative when I’m in a quiet environment. Once I get to the editing stage, I will sometimes listen to instrumental music.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

I only write one book at a time because it helps me keep track of all of the details and become fully immersed in the story. As for reading, I usually read three or four books at once. I don’t have trouble switching back and forth between other people’s storylines.

Pen or type writer or computer?

For the early brainstorming and outlining, I like writing with a pen in one of my journals. I have different journals stashed in various rooms around the house. The one I keep by my bed gets filled with the most notes because I usually come up with the most ideas at night, sometimes even while I’m falling asleep. Once I’m done outlining and actually start drafting a book, I will type it up on the computer.

Tell us about a favorite character from a book.

I always love strong, intelligent female characters who unabashedly pursue what they want. Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter books and Alanna of Trebond from The Song of the Lioness Series were two of my favorite characters when I was growing up. I considered them to be role models of the type of young woman I wanted to be.

Advice they would give new authors?

My main advice is something my own creative writing professor told me: write what you know. I remember feeling frustrated when he first said that. I was trying to write a supernatural thriller about a married woman who was estranged from her husband and had a missing daughter. I really wanted to tell that story, but I was in over my head at twenty years old with limited writing experience. I took another class with the same teacher the next semester and wrote a handful of short stories based on personal experiences. This allowed me to start honing my craft in an authentic way, and eventually with more life experience and more exposure to other people’s stories, I was able to branch out to many more topics.

What are they currently reading?

I’m finishing up the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco, and then I plan to read the Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo.

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?

I start with a rough handwritten outline. Usually I have more details in mind for the earlier chapters and leave the later chapters more open-ended so that I can let the story evolve as I write. Then I start drafting the chapters in order chronologically. My goal when drafting is to write about 5,000 words per week. Finally, the revision process takes the most time. I have several different people read my drafts, and I continuously make changes until the manuscript finally feels ready for copyediting.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

I think the most common trap is procrastination. Many people think of procrastination as putting something off by watching TV or going out with friends, but more often than not writers procrastinate by finding other ways to be productive. It could be cleaning your house, going to the gym, walking your dog, or running errands. Doing these types of things gets in the way of your ability to be creative and makes you feel like you never have time to write. If you want to be a writer, the best thing you can do is set aside a little bit of time to write every day, even if it is only ten minutes. It’s important to build a habit to make writing part of your everyday life.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

I would tell my younger writing self not to be afraid to show other people my work. I should have realized earlier on that the people who really cared about me would be supportive and wanted to help me improve. I also could have benefited from more constructive criticism earlier on. It took me a long time to get over the knee-jerk reaction of feeling upset and defensive when I received writing critiques.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I do believe in writer’s block. As a teacher, I see it happen all the time with my students. When I experience writer’s block myself, I try to follow the same advice I give to my students. I give myself a short break by doing some exercise or taking a shower, and then I come back to the computer. Even if I still feel blocked, I force myself to do some freewriting for ten to fifteen minutes. I know that it won’t be the best, but at least I will have something to work with at that point.

What can we expect from you in the future?

Hybrid Magic is the start of a trilogy, so you can expect to see the rest of the books coming out over the next couple years! After that, I might venture into a different genre. Fantasy is my favorite, but I would love to try writing some sci-fi or dystopian stories too.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.

Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?

Hybrid Magic is a spinoff that takes place ten years after the storyline of my first standalone novel, The Temple Dancer’s Diary. Some characters with smaller roles in The Temple Dancer’s Diary are now getting their chance in the spotlight with a story of their own.

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Hybrid Magic?

This book is told from three different character perspectives, so I’ll share a bit about each of them.

First, Aaron Ztrong is a fourteen-year-old hybrid mage who became famous when he was younger for defeating another powerful mage. His magic abilities include healing, transforming objects, and making things levitate and fly through the air. His parents see so much potential in him, but he would rather spend his time with his friends and enjoy relaxing hobbies like fishing. He is a prankster who will do anything to get out of his lessons until his life is threatened by a group known as the Defenders who hunt down hybrid mages.

Second, Elara Pratt is a sixteen-year-old hybrid mage who grew up in a small farming village with her three younger siblings. Her magic involves helping plants flourish and grow in any environment. She can even transform into a dryad-like creature herself. After leaving her family behind to learn more about her abilities, she moves to a forest haven that was established to train and protect hybrid mages from the ruthless Defenders. Elara is optimistic, caring, and always eager to make a new friend. But no one is allowed to mess with her garden or any of her plant babies!

Finally, Theo Darien is a seventeen-year-old hybrid mage who grew up idolizing his father, a celebrated constable. Theo dreamed of having combat magic like his dad so that he too could take down criminals. He was initially excited upon discovering his unique abilities to transform any object into a weapon. Then his older half brother joined the Defenders and attempted to kill him because of those abilities. After running away from home, Theo was taken in by a teacher who promised to train and protect him. Theo is quiet and studious, yet also racked with guilt over his final confrontation with his brother. Now he is determined not to hurt anyone with his magic and will only use his powers for good.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

After writing my first book from a single perspective in first-person diary entries, I enjoyed writing this book in third-person point of view with multiple different character perspectives.

Who designed your book covers?

My best friend Naomi Henry designed both of my book covers. She is an amazing artist, and I was overjoyed that she wanted to work with me.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

There are some personality traits each of my characters have that I based off of real people, but for the most part they came from my imagination.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

My characters do hijack the story from time to time! I always create an outline before I start writing with major plot points that I want to include in each chapter, so I try to stick to that outline pretty closely for the plot and pacing. The characters develop more organically though. I start out with a few key personality traits in mind for each character, and then I see how they interact with one another. Sometimes their interactions and dialogue will surprise me by taking my story in cool new directions.

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

My book would have an autumn candle to match the cover art. It would be a burnt orange color with a woodsy scent containing a mixture of apple, pumpkin spice, and cloves.

Is there an writer which brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?

I would love to get writing advice from Tamora Pierce. Her young adult fantasy books set in the Tortall Universe were my favorites growing up. The characters were nuanced, and the stories were so empowering for teenaged girls.

Fun Facts/Behind the Scenes/Did You Know?’-type tidbits about the author, the book or the writing process of the book.

I wrote the whole first draft of Hybrid Magic while I was pregnant with my daughter. I like to think that she was my muse, sparking inspiration whenever I experienced writer’s block.

Would you like a chance to win a $15 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Meet Author A.K. Smith #giveaway

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Full of wanderlust and a professional sunset watcher, A.K. Smith writes twisty suspense books that will keep you up late. Her debut novel, A Deep Thing was awarded the Readers Favorite Gold Medal. A freelance travel writer (under another name), she loves to experience the world, and discover new settings to feature in her latest novels and articles. If she’s not on the water or in the water, she is looking at the water. She spends her days working remotely online in either Mexico on the Sea of Cortez, or in the desert or forests of Arizona. Beautiful settings provide thousands of story ideas that she can’t wait to get down on paper. She is convinced, her best life is with a beach, a blanket, and a book.  Her big loves are her husband, family, friends, and kindness. Her goal is to step foot on every continent on Planet Earth (maybe even the moon) –she’s slowly getting there.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I’m a freelance travel writer and have written travel books, and travel articles for the last fifteen years. My favorite books to read are full of twisty suspense, and if they have a beach, an island, or an ocean in the setting, I’m in. I guess you write what you love to read, and both of my published books have settings by the ocean, intertwined with unique places to visit. My debut novel, A Deep Thing, was traditionally published by a small press less than five years ago. My new release, Pseudocide, is independently published by my publishing company, Books with Soul® Press. Books With Soul has published over 400 gift books, including children’s books, travel books and inspirational journals.

What is something unique/quirky about you?

 I work remotely from the beautiful Sea of Cortez in Mexico and the desert of Arizona. For my first book, A Deep Thing, I dove the beautiful cenotes of the Yucatan, so I could accurately write about them in my novel. My husband and I took 99 vacations in three years, and I wrote a book about how it is possible on a working budget.

Where were you born/grew up at?

I grew up in a small Western Pennsylvania town outside of Pittsburgh. Although, I have lived in over ten states and two countries.

If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

Wow, that’s a tough question to answer, unless I could be like the main character in my book, Pseudocide and just fake my death and start all over again.

What are you passionate about these days?

Kindness, traveling, and sunsets. If I’m not on the water, in the water, or walking on the beach, I’m probably looking at the water. Now that traveling is back, I am passionate about my quest to step foot on every continent and explore this planet. I’m slowly getting there.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I love to stream twisty series or movies especially if they have an island or beach in them. I think there should be more series and movies with boats, oceans and unique destinations. That goes for books as well.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Beach lover writer who loves kindness…whoops that’s six.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

I can imagine my first novel, A Deep Thing, would make a great twisty adventure thriller, complete with islands, diving, and a college campus with a secret tunnel underneath. My second novel Pseudocide, I imagine as a young adult series, with gorgeous bay settings, thick green woods, and the shiny lights of Las Vegas.

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

To me that is harder than stating my favorite movie. I love books that take me on a journey and surprise me.

I’m a fan of Karen M. McManus, One of is Lying and Lauren Oliver’s, Panic. I love books that put females in the center of every story.

The Handmaids Tale, by Margaret Atwood is right up there with The Help and I loved Janet Fitch’s book, White Oleander, and the classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. I’ve read every Nicholas Sparks book and loved every minute of The Firm and A Time to Kill, by John Grisham

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins and Wool series by Hugh Howey and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens are some recent favorites. I also love Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Book Selections that focus on women authors and female protagonists.

What book do you think everyone should read?

Well, A Deep Thing or Pseudocide by A.K. Smith would be great to be on everyone’s list, if a writer doesn’t believe their book should be on everyone’s list, no one else will.

How long have you been writing?

I have journaled and created stories since I was a kid. But, in the last ten years, I made it a priority. Making it a priority and acting on it made it happen.

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write? I try to create character sketches of my main characters before I write, but as the story develops, some characters creep in and I have to include them.

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

I am a researcher. In fact, the more I research the more ideas flow. It’s gathering the research together that develops my story. I read books, watch movies, and google everything!

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, it is what I love to do, and I hope I can do it the rest of my life as a successful career.

What do you think about the current publishing market?

What I think, is there are so many great books out there, that is often difficult to get your book to stand out.But, if you can find enough fans, and you have a great story something good can happen.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

Yes, I love to read, and I will read most fiction genres where I can learn something or go somewhere or that opens my mind to. My go to genre is twisty suspense– especially if it has a beach, an island, or an ocean as it’s setting. I also love magical realism and a twist of sci-fi. I love adventure stories with heart, that introduce me to somewhere new.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise?

I love the focus playlist on Spotify. However, sometimes I like to make a playlist for each book.

Why? My books playlist is something I share with my characters, my readers and they help set the mood or setting of the book. They also bring back great memories.

Do you write one book at a time, or do you have several going at a time?

Oh, I have several going at a time and then pick one to focus and finish.

If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?

I read The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks for the first time when I was young, and it was such a great story, that I wished I would have written it. But, I also remember my first Dean Koontz novel, Whispers which made me so tense, that I wondered how I could make someone feel those emotions from words on paper.

Pen or type writer or computer?

Wow, Computer all the way, I can’t imagine pen, I wouldn’t be able to read my own handwriting.

A day in the life of the author?

Writing is a very solitary job. Mix it up, set a schedule to write then get up and move around and then stick to your writing schedule.

Advice they would give new authors?

 Don’t give up, keep writing

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?

I have tried both outlining and writing with a general idea of plot. I think a rough outline works best for me, however outlines morph into their own path as I write. I believe every new writer should try out both methods, to see what works for them.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

I think giving up is a common trap. My advice is to go somewhere quiet, set a 30-minute alarm on your phone and just write. If it’s going well, do another 30 minutes, schedule this in every day and by the end of 6 months you will probably have a rough draft. A common mistake is thinking once you have the rough draft your novel is done. Oh, it’s only just begun, but at least you have something to work with. Don’t give up and don’t let others bring you down. Also, you must work with a good editor.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Wow, if I could time travel, I would tell my young self to start writing a book in high school. Would I listen? Hopefully. Imagine how many books I could have written if I only started when I was younger!

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

 If I could write fulltime, I could finish a novel in 3-6 months, but unfortunately life and other priorities get in the way. My two completed books have taken several years. My other suggestion, is to try to keep writing even when you are working on the finished rough draft, spend a little time on the next one, even if it’s just doing the research for an hour a day.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely does not exist in my mind, not having enough time to write is my only block.

What inspired you to write Pseudocide? 

There are numerous stories in history of men and women faking their death and starting over again. As technology progresses, and humans create more and more digital footprints, it will become difficult to accomplish this. We are tracked by our digital footprints.

Because of technology, and for the integrity of the story, my main character had to be young. Digital footprints of an adult are much harder to erase. The first few drafts were written before the pandemic, and as the pandemic of 2020 exploded, I tried to rewrite the manuscript and set it during pandemic times. It didn’t work. In the year of the pandemic, we are all more connected by technology than ever before, even children with online learning. So, the novel starts right before the pandemic.

As I googled ‘how to fake your death’, ‘gun violence” and ‘radical and domestic terrorism’ theories, I was concerned what my digital footprint must look like! My wish is to take my readers on a journey from Sunday’s point of view. I hope this book makes you feel. There are strong social issues such as bullying, racism, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and gun violence, which unfortunately are all too real in today’s world. For anyone who has experienced any of those issues, please know you are not alone. Talk to someone. There are resources in the back of the book to help anyone who needs to talk.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I’m working on a twisty suspense novel, set on a true to life island in the middle of the sea, with a medical school. I will be visiting that island for background and research.

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?

The definition of Pseudocide is “faking one’s death”. Thoughts of writing Pseudocide began in 2015. I read an article about a man who faked his death, and then got caught. I reasoned, if I were ever going to fake my own death, I would never get caught. Why would one want to fake their death? Typically to start over, to escape something terrible.

Where did you come up with the names in the story?

I used interesting names I like; I always thought the name Sunday was a great name. Sometimes, I use friends or family members names (with their permission) and give that character a trait or two of that person and then mix it in with something completely off-the-wall.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

 I enjoyed creating the twists. I constantly asked myself, now what else can go wrong?

Tell us about your main characters- what makes them tick?

Sunday the protagonist is a good person in a bad situation. Regardless of what terrible circumstances life is throwing at her, she has a drive to succeed and change her destiny. Unfortunately, bad things happen to good people, but it’s what you do after, that counts.

How did you come up with the title of your first novel?

 My first book, A Deep Thing was easy. The setting is almost like a character. Cenotes are beautiful luminescent deep underground caves; plus, there’s a deeper message to this thriller. It really is–a deep thing.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

A young Miley Cyrus type actress would be perfect.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Pseudocide deals with strong social issues teens and adults face every day. I think part of the solution of getting past these issues is understanding and knowing they are out there, not censoring them.

How did you come up with name of this book?

 I was fascinated with the word Pseudocide. I want readers to have to think about the word and what it means. Most people do not know what the definition is. I thought about calling the book, Playing Dead or You’re not really dead, are you? But I pictured the cover and just couldn’t change it.

What is your favorite part of this book and why?

 I love the ending, but I can’t tell you why or I would be spoiling the conclusion.

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be?

Oh, I would like to spend a day with Hudson. I printed out a picture of him from the internet that captured Hudson, he was sitting in front of me when I wrote his chapters.

 And what would you do during that day? Well, if you read the book, you would understand, I would like to go on “Hudson’s Ten Buck Tour” in Las Vegas.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination? My imagination, mixed in with a little reality. I worked at an Alice Paul House Crisis Center in graduate school in Indiana, Pa. Unfortunately, I witnessed abuse and sad stories. But, I also witnessed strong teens and women that become survivors with a story to tell, and a strong ladder to climb. Teens, women, and any person that has been a victim of abuse need to know they are not alone. They are survivors, their story might just help someone else out.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story? My characters definitely jumped off the page, right before my very eyes and there was a little bit of hijacking going on. One character who wasn’t supposed to be the good guy initially, talked me out of making him the bad guy.

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

I think teen social issues should be addressed at home and in school. Discussion of issues is healthy and helpful. If Sunday’s story makes the reader feel, or learn one small thing about understanding troublesome situations, then this is a must read. If the readers are surprised at the outcome, then perhaps they opened their mind to the what if’s.

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

Well, my character Sunday could answer that question in a heartbeat, as she has an extraordinary sense of smell. A mix of woods and sea with cinnamon and dryer sheets.

Is there a writer which brain you would love to pick for advice?

Oh, I would go straight to the top and pick J.K. Rowling’s mind. What a fascinating mind to pick.

Would you like a chance to win an eBook of A Deep Thing and a $25 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.

Anna Stewart ~ Author Interview

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USA Today and national bestselling author Anna J Stewart writes sweet to spicy romances for Harlequin and ARC Manor’s Caezik Romance. Her sweet Heartwarming books include the Butterfly Harbor series as well as the ongoing Blackwell continuity series. She is also the author of the Honor Bound series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense and contributes to the bestselling continuity series, the Coltons. Her second Butterfly Harbor romance, RECIPE FOR REDEMPTION, was optioned as a TV movie and aired as CHRISTMAS RECIPE FOR ROMANCE in 2019 on UpTV.

Check out our interview on YouTube:

Check out BRIDE ON THE RUN below!

(Click on the cover image to order your copy)

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.)

BRIDE ON THE RUN

Finding true love…
In the unlikeliest places!

Sienna Fairchild never imagined she’d be a runaway bride. Or that she’d stow away on a worn-down boat belonging to handsome tour operator Monty Bettencourt. Monty’s used to navigating rough seas, but Sienna might overturn his whole life, and avoiding drama is tough in such close quarters! If Sienna’s sure she doesn’t know what she wants, then why does running away feel so much like coming home?

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Meet Author K.J. Gillenwater

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K. J. Gillenwater has a B.A. in English and Spanish from Valparaiso University and an M.A. in Latin American Studies from University of California, Santa Barbara. She worked as a Russian linguist in the U.S. Navy, spending time at the National Security Agency doing secret things. After six years of service, she ended up as a technical writer in the software industry.

She has lived all over the U.S. and currently resides in Wyoming with her family where she runs her own business writing government proposals and squeezes in fiction writing when she can.

In the winter she likes to ski and snowshoe; in the summer she likes to garden with her husband, take walks with her dogs, and take trips into the Big Horn Mountains nearby. She has written multiple books, including several short story collections.

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What is something unique/quirky about you?

I am multi-lingual. I studied Spanish all through high school, made it one of my majors in college, I studied abroad in Mexico my sophomore year and then got a master’s degree in Latin American Studies. Then, I joined the Navy and went to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California where they taught me Russian.

Then, I got an assignment to the National Security Agency at Fort Meade in Maryland where I held a top-secret security clearance and did things of which I cannot speak!

It sounds more exciting than it actually was…as some of my fellow sailors ended up on submarines or on recon flights picking up signals and translating, while I was just sitting behind a desk in a room with no windows for three years. LOL.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for almost 20 years now. Since my children were very little. I’ve always wanted to be an author, but didn’t think I had a full-length book in me. When NaNoWriMo was barely anything, I read about it in the newspaper of all things, and I thought I’d give it a try. I had never written a full book, only short stories, and wanted to give it a go. I had no plot in mind, I just sat down at my computer and made myself write whatever I wanted to.

I ended up with almost 40,000 crappy words written that November, which turned into a book I finished. But it will stay on my hard drive never to see the light of day. Really, that’s the best place for it. Trust me!

From there, I followed my muse and eventually ended up with a publishing contract with Samhain Publishing for my paranormal suspense book, The Ninth Curse.

I took a break from writing for about eight years after a divorce to focus on my children as a single mother. But dove back into writing a few years ago with a passion and haven’t looked back since.

Describe your writing style.

I have been told my many an editor that I have ‘choppy’ style. I am not the kind of writer who writes long, gorgeous descriptive sentences. I think that is because I love writing action and suspense. And things happen quickly in those genres, so you don’t want to slow down the action with lots of words.

Editors will usually combine my sentences into one connected piece, which I typically accept. But this is how the story comes out of my head and onto paper, so it can feel a bit strange to smooth things out for the reader.

If I can keep a bit of the choppy, I will do it! LOL.

I also have a great fear of writing something ‘corny.’ Not sure how people decide if something is corny or not. I want realistic dialogue and realistic thinking and decision-making. Maybe I’m not successful to some readers, but I want them to know it is important to me to be as real as I can when I’m writing my scenes and characters.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.

If your book Illegal was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Oh, what author doesn’t fantasize about her book being picked up for film?

When I started writing Illegal I wanted it to be like a romance version of The Bourne Identity. Selena is a quick thinker who has some guts, and she takes this embassy worker on race across Mexico to get away from bad guys who come after her for a reason unknown to her. So a very similar feel to The Bourne Identity when Jason wakes up with no memory of who he is and must figure things out alone and on the run.

For the heroine, I’d love to see someone like Lindsay Morgan, Raven from The 100, play Selena. She can play tough, smart and sexy all at the same time. And for the hero? Well, in my mind he looked just like Jensen Ackles from the early days of Supernatural, but I suppose he’s getting too old to play Wyatt. Guess I’m showing my age with my casting! LOL. So, I guess Connor Jessup, Tyler in Locke & Key on Netflix, would be a better age match and has a similar look to me.

But seriously, I wouldn’t be picky. I’d be over the moon if Hollywood came knocking and wanted to take my book and film-ify it!

What is your favorite part of your book Illegal and why?

My favorite part of Illegal is when the two of them, Selena and Wyatt, become separated (I won’t give away how or why). That’s when the action and danger really picks up. I so much enjoy writing scenes with a lot of tension and drama. So once I build up the background of the story and introduce these characters, to put them in a horrible situation and just let ‘em go is so much fun for me as an author.

Also, at that point in the book, a lot of secrets are revealed and questions are answered. Everything comes together in a big explosive WOW ending…I want my readers to love that part as much as I do.

What inspired you to write your book Illegal?

A news story inspired me, plus my own background and experiences. I read a news story about a young man who had been deported to Mexico. He’d lived most of his life in the United States, but had been born in Mexico and had been brought to the U.S. illegally as a child. He was struggling to survive in a country that he had no memories of and in which he had few connections. I couldn’t even imagine being in his situation and thought about how I would handle such a shock.

In college, I was a Spanish major and had studied at La Universidad de las Americas in Puebla, Mexico for a semester. So I have an affinity for Mexico and did a lot of traveling by bus all over the country when I was there. I seem to be drawn to Mexico as a setting for my books…as I have another contemporary romance set in Acapulco. I imagined a story that would intertwine this immigration theme with some of the other problems Mexico currently suffers from…the drug trade, cartel wars, police corruption. It had all the elements of a really suspenseful story.

After I wrote most of the book, I wanted to find out more about our immigration laws, how that affects people here in the U.S. and what their options are to become legal citizens. I enlisted the help of a really lovely immigration attorney from southern California to ensure the details of my book were accurate to the laws we have now.

My hope is that readers will be entertained by my story of Selena and Wyatt, but also learn something in the process.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I currently am working on several projects at once, as my mind wants to jump to the next new thing. It’s fun to juggle projects, so I never get bored of a story. I can always write a scene in a book that my creative self wants to write and then write something else in another book as the muse directs me.

My main projects are:

  • The Genesis Machine. This is a work of serialized fiction that will be available in the new Kindle Vella app that will be coming online soon. I describe it as: ‘when NCIS meets the X-files.’ It’s a science fiction technothriller with some romance.
  • Aurora’s Winter. This is a sequel to my book Aurora’s Gold. It takes place in Nome, Alaska and features an underwater gold dredging heroine who falls in love with a damaged Navy veteran with a past. Its part adventure, part suspense, part romance and will be a trilogy of books when I’m done. This book should be out by the end of 2021 if all goes according to plan.
  • Revenge Honeymoon. This is a contemporary romance with a rom-com feel to it. A woman gets left at the altar and decides to take her maid-of-honor on the honeymoon cruise she’d booked for her and her fiancé. The cruise is for honeymooners only, so there are some misunderstandings and fun things that will happen as these two women come to grips with their love lives and their decisions. And, of course, we will have a cute romance!

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?

I started out as a full-on pantster. I plotted nothing. I started with an idea for a book, an opening scene and knowing where I wanted to end things. The rest was up to me to figure out along the way. This resulted in a long, painful writing process, and I’d get stalled out…sometimes for months. I think it took me two years to write The Ninth Curse from beginning to end, including the edits.

Then, I went on a writers’ cruise several years ago, just as I was getting back into writing again. The speaker said this: if you are a pantster, you will eventually become a plotter.

I mulled that one over and wondered if my difficulties lay in the fact I didn’t at least come up with a simple plot ahead of time. Since that time, I have attempted to refine my process. I have written simple outlines of 1 to 3 pages to give me at least a path to follow. Sometimes I expand on that outline to get into the deeper elements of the story, which has seemed to help me with my writing.

I wrote Illegal in about seven months from beginning to end, so maybe this has helped! I used the process outlines in Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes for that one. And I recommend that book to anyone who might be struggling with the plotting or pacing of a romance.

But these days I am of the mindset that I write what I feel like writing. That is why I now juggle multiple books at once. I have ideas in my head that get me excited, where before I’d see them as distractions from completing the current project I was working on. I see these ideas as a ‘strike while the iron is hot’ opportunity. Whenever I come up with an idea or a scene, I write it. No matter if it’s out of order from the plot of if I’m in the middle of writing something else.

I want to encourage my creative side more by getting as much as possible down on paper while it’s in my head. I also have started to use a voice-to-text app on my phone and tablet when I don’t have time to type things up.

In fact, I’m writing a whole three-book series (at least I think it will be a three-book series) using voice-to-text 95% of the time. I want to stop limiting myself, slowing myself down and getting in the way of my creative brain. I am trying whatever I can to get down those ideas on paper as quickly as possible.

My goal for the next year is to finish five separate projects. I don’t know if I can do it, but I sure as hell want to try!

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