Tag Archives: Author Interview

Author Interview – Jonas Lee

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

 

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

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


2. Do you have a pen name?

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


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

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


4. Is the above book part of a series?

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


13. What is your opinion of novellas?

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

  •  I’m reading three books right now

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


    Where can your readers follow you?

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

 

Author Bio:

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

A Time to Reap:

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

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

A Time to Live:

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

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

Author Interview – Lorene Stunson Hill

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Please give a warm welcome to Lorene Stunson Hill, author of

To Dance with Ugly People

Back Book Cover Image #2

  • What is your name and where do you call home?  Lorene Stunson Hill.  I live in Lake Helen, Florida.

 

  • Do you have a pen name? No, but considered using Amethyst (My birthstone).

 

  • What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?  To Dance with Ugly People – The good is sensitively written. The bad is the reality of life.  The ugly we hope will never happen.

 

  • Is the above book part of a series?  The first of a series

 

  • What or who inspired you to start writing? Maya Angelou was my inspiration to write and so was Life.  I coped very often with bad things by imaging the situation on a written page.  And how long have you been writing?  I am 64 and have been writing since I was 14.  It took me 50 years to be brave enough to release my first book.

 

  • How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?  A fellow Indie Author who is a friend found that cover for me.  He is launching his own Indie business called Lock Publishing.

Senior African American couple holding hands

  • Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? No

 

  • How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?  I met an older and wise woman 30 years ago whose clever way of telling me to live right and be careful was, “Don’t Dance with Ugly People.”  My title “To Dance with Ugly People,” reflects that my protagonist did not follow her advise.

 

  • Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?  Hard Covers and Paperbacks

 

  • Are you a self-published/Indie author?  Yes

 

  • If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?  I couldn’t seem to write a Query letter that draws an Agents attention

 

  • Have you ever read a book more than once?  Yes And if so what was it? “The Color Purple”

 

  • What is your opinion of novellas?  Go for it!  Many famous novellas exist.  Look at “The Bridges of Madison County” Wish I wrote it!

 

  • Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? No

 

  • What is your favorite film based on a book?  Back to “The Color Purple”

 

  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment?  Suspense

 

  • What books have made it onto your wish list recently? I don’t currently have a wish list because I am so busy promoting my book  

 

  • What book are you reading at the moment? “A Day Late and A Dollar Short” And in what format?   As a   Paperback

 

  • If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?  1. Maya Angelou 2. Barack Obama 3. Michelle Obama 4. Oprah Winfrey – I would want to pluck as much “Wisdom” from their brains as I could.  They all are “deep” individuals

 

  • What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?  To stop writing like I am afraid someone would find out something about me.  To write well, I can only write what I know, stop being a coward and go for it.

 

  • Do you have any hobbies that are not related to reading & writing?  I like to build and decorate dollhouses using kits.

 

  • Where can your readers follow you?

Blog:  http://uglypeoplecantdance.wordpress.com/2014/06/20/i-love-hot-topics-lets-discuss-ugly-people-hot-topics/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Todancewithuglypeople?ref=hl

Goodreads author page:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8029610.Lorene_Stunson_Hill

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Hill008

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=93757467&trk=nav_

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Ugly-People-Lorene-Hill-ebook/dp/B00KY5136G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403402157&sr=8-1&keywords=lorene+stunson+hill

Other:  http://todancewithuglypeople.weebly.com

http://www.lockpublishing.com/lorene.html

http://lorenehill63.wordpress.com/2014/03/07/provocative-author/

http://about.me/lorenehill63

Google+ https://plus.google.com/107187301810139277284/posts

http://uglypeoplecantdance.wordpress.com/

 

Thank you Lorene for sharing your story with us and giving us a small peek into your writing world.

 

Author Interview – Ashlee North

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Today I would like to thank the beautiful and talented Ashlee North for joining me and sharing some of her experiences as an author living on the sunny coast in Australia.

me

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

My real name is Leeanne Asher-Northey and I live in Surfers Paradise on the Sunny Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia

  • Do you have a pen name?

Yes, I write under the name Ashlee North – see my books at http://ashleenorthauthor.com/

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

My most recent book is called “Kiss Me, Love Me, Kill Me!” and it is just about to be released. It is a Roller Coaster Ride of Excitement; Intrigue, Murder, Suspense, Mystery and Romance; for all ages – teen to adult.

  • Is the above book part of a series?

no

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

I have always loved writing, reading and creating and public speaking. When I was a teenager I wanted to become a journalist. My writing has turned fiction, and I adore it. I think I’ve been an author forever.

  • How did you come up with the cover of your current book and those of your previous books? Who designed the cover(s) of your book(s)?

My covers are from pictures in my head, which I then find from stock photos and Wendy at SBPRA does a beautiful job of my covers for me… We collaberate and make something wonderful every time.

my books (1)

 

ANorth5 Book The Chronicling of Ilithia (1) ANorth4 Book

 

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

I love music. I write songs, I sing… I love it… but I can’t think of any particular ones that influenced my books, sorry.

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

My titles are reflections of the writing inside the books – something catchy helps – There’s ‘Circling Carousels’ which has good alliteration – “Wake me up so I can Dream” which is intriguing and makes you wonder – “Because of the Secret” which you just have to find out about, because it’s a secret – “The Storm that Brews Within” which sounds a bit creepy and it is. “The Chronicling of Ilithia” is supposed to sound old world and like a saga, because it’s a fantasy book full of action, intrigue and an evil king in a beautiful fairy kingdom. – “Kiss Me, Love Me, Kill Me!” is catchy and shows that there will be a lot of different emotions and something to get your teeth into – it has just about everything in it!

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

I have a book trailer for five of my seven books: I’ll list some of them for you…

“Because of the Secret” on youtube – www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXu3cozPbCU

“Wake me up so I can Dream” on youtube – www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVCLlaaOxzA

“Circling Carousels” on youtube – www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwqeX6zurP4

“The Storm that Brews Within” on youtube – www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVgj_WgROs0
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  • Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?

I suppose I love e-books and paperbacks the best. E-books are so very popular now and paperbacks are really flexible –  easy to hold and read – and they can have such lovely covers.

  • Are you a self-published/Indie author?

Yes, I use SBPRA – Strategic Books – for my self publishing – I suppose we sort of share the load.

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

I would like both actually. I like the freedom of being an Indie Author, but I would still love to be Traditionally Published too! The journey of self-publishing has been wonderful! I’ve learned so much and marketing is awesome and a massive learning curve – Social Media is so huge and fantastic!

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

Yes, a few actually, but one comes to mind – The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans

  • What is your opinion of novellas?

I think the idea of sitting and reading a shorter book, full of wonderful storyline, in a shorter time is great. Some of my earlier books were around 35,000 words, so they were shorter, and I applaud novellas, and longer books too.

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

Yes, in fact I think attractive covers draw people in tremendously. Often a beautiful cover will be the first reason and then the words on the back of the book second. Have a look at my latest. I love it…

  •  What is your favorite film based on a book?

Good question. Sometimes films based on books have different endings and so they can be very different experiences. I liked “The Host” by Stephanie Myer. I think in the short amount of time they were given to portray a long and very detailed book, that they did a pretty good job… I still liked the book better though J

  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment?

Fantasy

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

“The Book Thief “by Markus Zusack and Janet Evanovich’s “Top Secret 21”.  “The Book Thief” I saw as a movie and I wondered at the detail that may be even more wonderful in the book and “Top Secret 21”, because I’ve been reading Janet Evanovich’s books for years and I just have to read each one.

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

I’m re-reading a book by Jo-Anne Vandermeulen called “Conquering all Obstacles” in e-book format.

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

Jon Bon Jovi (because his music and personality are both so brilliant, caring and wonderful), Richard Gere (because I think he is the most handsome man alive – don’t tell my husband), Barry Gibb from The Bee Gees (because he’s the only Bee Gee left and it’s sad that his family are all gone, and because I appreciate the range of his voice) and Hugh Laurie who played Doctor Gregory House on House MD the television series. (because he’s an amazing character actor, an awesome musician, and he is and he is really talented. I would love to get inside his mind, especially as the character Greg House).

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

Be yourself. (this applies to the whole of life, of course) Absolutely, try different genres, but don’t try to write like someone else, or write a certain genre because it’s popular. Writing what you enjoy will always produce better results.

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

I love the beach. We are blessed to live on the ocean front with a gorgeous view, which I couldn’t live without. I also love watching movies and tv series, going for walks and romantic times with my husband.

  • Where can your readers follow you?

The best place is my website http://ashleenorthauthor.com/

But they can also find me here:

 ANorth3 ANorth2 ANorth1

Author Interview – Garry Abbott

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

Garry Abbott

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

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

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

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

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

  1. Is the above book part of a series?

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

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

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

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

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

DimensionScales_Abbott_apple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

       12. What is your opinion of novellas?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speculative fiction.

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

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

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

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

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

Show don’t tell.

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

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

     20. Where can your readers follow you?

 

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

Author Interview – Wendy VanHatten

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Wendy

Author Wendy VanHatten

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

Do you have a pen name? no

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? Champagne Lies; From dead bodies to stolen jewels…can it get any worse?

Is the above book part of a series? No

What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? I started writing travel journals at a young age. That morphed into becoming an internationally published travel writer for magazines…then books. My dad always encouraged me to write.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is your favorite book genre at the moment? Mystery

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

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

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

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

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

Where can your readers follow you?

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

Blog: www.travelsandescapes.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wendyvanhatten

Goodreads author page: www.goodreads.com/wendyvanhatten

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyVH

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

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

 

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

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

I’ve Been Featured

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I was featured this morning at http://rai29bookreadnreview.blogspot.com/2014/01/author-interview-nina-soden.html Please check out the interview and let me know what you think.

You can also check out the book promotions for both Awaken and Beginnings at: http://rai29bookreadnreview.blogspot.com/

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This is my news for today, what is yours?

Author Interview – Toinette Thomas

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Toi Thomaws ~ Author of the Eternal Curse Series

Toi Thomas ~ Author of the Eternal Curse Series

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

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

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

  1. Do you have a pen name?

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

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

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

  1. Is the above book part of a series?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. What is your opinion of novellas?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ghost in the Wires- audio

Firelight in Darkness- ebook

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

Etta James- to tell crazy stories and serenade us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. Where can your readers follow you?

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

Author Interview – Alene Geed

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Alene GeedAlene Geed

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

book-cover-front1 (1)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Self published through Create Space and Kindle

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

11.    What is your opinion of novellas?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Napoleon Hill:  love his philosophy on life

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Jewelry Design… my PASSION!   Hiking.

 

20.    Where can your readers follow you?

 

www.alenesadornments.com

www.alenes-adornments-blog.com

www.facebook.com/alenesadornments

www.twitter.com/alenegeed

www.creativejewelrydesigner.com

ask me about photo

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

Author Interview – Marie Lavender

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

Mariepic2Marie Lavendar ~ Author of Upon Your Return

UponYourReturn_E-bookCover

  • What is your name and where do you call home? My name is Marie Lavender and I am a small town girl from Indiana.
  • What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? Upon Your Return is my latest release.  It came out in February through Solstice Publishing.  Upon Your Return is a historical romance about a girl who dreams big and gets into a lot of trouble for it.
  • Is the above book part of a series?Yes, it is the first book in the Heiresses in Love series.
  • What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? I’ve always been an avid reader ever since I was a kid.  I suppose that was part of the onset of my writing obsession.  But, mainly, it was that I had these scenes go through my head of characters and dialogue and I had no choice but to write them down.
  • How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? I had a few ideas for it, but the credit goes to Kayden McLeod, the cover designer, and Jimmy Thomas, one of the cover models.
  • Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? Yes, sometimes I listen to different artists.  Sometimes, if I am writing historical stories, it helps to listen to Celtic music or love songs.  It really depends on the book I’m working on.  I like a lot of different music.  Some of my favorite artists are Owl City, Paramore, Fireflight, OneRepublic, Switchfoot and Sarah MacLachlan.  I have others, but there are really too many to count.
  • How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? It came from part of the dialogue in the book.  It is something the heroine says to the man she later falls for.
  • Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? In some ways, I am traditional.  I still love to have a paperback or hard copy in my hands.
  • Are you a self-published/Indie author? Yes.  I have self-published fifteen books.  Upon Your Return is the first one that is traditionally published.
  • If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? I had a lot of works I wanted people to see.  And it was fun to self-publish!
  • Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? I’ve definitely read some of Catherine Coulter’s books over again.  And I’ve read J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood more than once.
  • What is your opinion of novellas? There is nothing wrong with a novella.  It is a short read, but it still tells a good story.
  • Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? The cover is appealing a lot of the time, but mostly I have read a book because of the blurb or because I already follow that author’s work.
  • What is your favorite film based on a book? Jurassic Park is a great movie based on a book.  I have read the book and even though it is entirely different from the movie, both were equally appealing.
  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment? I am really into paranormal romance right now.
  • What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? Word of mouth is a great marketing tool.  Someone recommended Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series to me recently.  And I had to add another series because I kept seeing tweets about it on Twitter.  I added  Ally Shield’s Guardian Witch series to the list.  I have also made a lot of author friends on Facebook and through my writer’s blog Writing in the Modern Age.  So, I added Linda Lee Williiam’s Elsewhere and C.J. Heck’s Anatomy of a Poet to my wish list on Amazon.
  • What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? Truthfully, it is silly but I am reading Upon Your Return for the first time in paperback.  It was sitting around so I thought…what the heck?
  • If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Ooh…can I invite Gerard Butler?  God, I love that man’s accent!  Oh, and Jimmy Thomas, the man who blessed my cover with his beautiful…um, face!  I would also like to bring Catherine Coulter to the table simply because she was the woman who woke me up to the historical romance genre.  And J.R. Ward…simply because I can’t get enough of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  The brothers rule!
  • What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Never give up.  Never, ever, ever give up no matter what.  Perseverance is the key to making it in this industry.  If you don’t have that, you can’t weather the storm to get noticed.
  • Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? Shopping!  Is that related?  Well, I guess it is somewhat related because I can’t ever buy enough books!  But, I love shopping of any kind.  I really need someone to take my credit cards away.  My fiancé knows what a problem I have with that, but that’s a discussion for another day. 

Where can your readers follow you?

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

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

Author Interview – Arlene Lagos

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Author ArleneArlene Lagos Author of Beyond EarthBEappcover

  • What is your name and where do you call home? My name is Arlene Lagos and I live in Medway, MA
  • Do you have a pen name? I don’t have a pen name
  • What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? “Beyond Earth” just launched two weeks ago. It’s a young adult science-fiction fantasy novella
  • Is the above book part of a series? Yes, it is Book I in the Beyond Earth Series. Book II “Beyond Planets” will be launching in August.
  • What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? I’ve been writing my whole life, mostly poems, plays and short stories. When I moved to Charleston I began writing a tv pilot and a few short films. I didn’t write my first novel until two years ago and it was “Beyond Earth”.
  • How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? I was looking for a model for my cover and a friend of mine suggested her friend’s daughter. The minute I saw a picture of her (Rayn) I knew she was the one to play the character. My good friend Angela Cannistraro took the photos of both the cover and of my headshot. Then my boss Almont Green designed the cover for me!
  • Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? There’s always Aerosmith playing in the background. In fact, you’ll find a lot of Aerosmith references throughout the book as they are my favorite band still.
  • How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? I went through so many different titles. Then finally I asked some teenagers I used to teach theatre too and they said, “keep it simple, how about just calling it Beyond Earth?”
  • Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it? Yes, I have a book trailer, the URL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2IyOtVOyug

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

Blog: http://www.beyondearthseries.com

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

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

Twitter: BeyondEarth_

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

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

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

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