 I met Michael W. Holman on Twitter more than a year ago. We struck up a friendship based on support of each other, which quickly morphed into a friendship on a personal level. Michael is the epitome of a charming gentleman, his personality very forthright and honest, and he always shows concern for his friends. We sometimes go a few weeks without speaking, though if he hasn't seen me around I will receive a message off him asking if everything is well with me. He is always polite, always willing to support, and always very respectful, so much so that I admit to nicknaming him Charmer, a name that stuck for me and I use often, which in turn led to him naming a chapter in his novel the same. Not once has Michael ever not responded to my hello, and he is the type of friend any one would be honoured to have, but for me it's also a privilege to know such a talented man.
Michael is a bachelor and has lived all his life in the Pacific Northwest, in Salem, Oregon. He is also the author of the R&R Trilogy, and being a lover of all things Vampire and Werewolf I have to say I'm looking forward to getting to read them. Resolve and Retribution is book one, Returns and Reunions is book two, and Response and Reward is book three, which Michael had planned to be finished before the 22nd of May 2016 to be the best man at his dads wedding. I'm pleased to say he did exactly that! Here is what Michael W. Holman has to say... Why did you decide you wanted to become a writer? I enjoy asking “what if” and writing down what comes to my mind. What was the thing that drove you the most to do so? First, it was a Language Arts instructor I had at Waldo Middle School, Mrs Edmonton, who gave us an assignment to come up with an alternate end to one story we had always liked. I still remember the task, and it was given in 1978. The second thing to drive me toward being a writer was when I watched one of my DVD movies (“Eddie and the Cruisers” where one character asked another if he had ever gotten around to writing a book. When the reply was a regretful negative, it galvanized me to get a college-ruled notebook and pen on my table in 2009. How long have you been writing? I have been writing with intent to publish since 2009, when I printed a rough outline of what I wanted to do with my primary characters of Ben and Tabitha. Why did you pick the genre/s that you have? Ever since I attended grade school, I have had an interest in world history. I have also been intrigued with the folklore of vampires. I decided to bring those subjects together, because the undead can watch time unfurl as they sustain their unique personalities. Who is your favourite character, and why? Tabitha is a former English noblewoman who has adapted to a setting far removed from 17th century Birmingham not only to thrive in present-day America, but also because she loves Ben. She has the physical strength of 20 mortals, yet she has vulnerabilities as well. In short, she is complex. And a runner. Do you have any particular quirks when writing? I munch a lot of Pringle’s pizza flavoured potato chips and guzzle copious amounts of root beer. What does your family think of your work? I think they are too busy with their own schedules to think much about it one way or another most of the time, although their collective eyebrows went up a bit when the Kindle Edition of “Resolve and Retribution: Book One of the R&R Trilogy” reached an Amazon rank of 26th for the College/Young Adult category. How do you deal with writers block? I get my rump out of my chair at the table with my laptop on it and take a stroll outside, rain or no rain. It is unlikely that I will melt, and besides, I find it to be a tranquil mini-retreat. What would you say is the most difficult part of writing? Writing, like reading, is highly subjective. What works for one person will come up short in the eyes of another. I am obligated to face the fact the best I can do is to put my sentences together in a coherent manner and hope for the best. What do you enjoy the most about writing? The routine fetters of daily life fall with a thud and it is “all ahead full” once scenarios begin to zing through my head. Where do you find your inspiration? I would say Mr Bram Stoker inspired me, but, in the same manner as “The Tortoise and the Hare” ended differently when I completed Mrs Edmonton’s assignment, I wanted my story about vampires to conclude miles off from Stoker’s “Dracula.” What do you do in your spare time to relax? Um, spare time? Sorry, I could not resist. The range varies, from watching action/adventure films to engaging in yard chores on my father’s property he cannot complete anymore to reading for enjoyment. What do you like to read? I like to read anything except for my own shopping lists, mostly because I am apt to lose the silly things anyway. I enjoy reading non-fiction in equal measure to fiction when it is evident the author is skilled with how they use words to draw a reader into their work. Who is your favourite author? K.N. Lee is my author of choice, and especially her heroine Koa, since she is an attractive brunette vampire. Where are your books available? As of the time of these responses to your questions, they are available exclusively through Amazon Books, but I have been told by my publisher more sources will be available in the near future. What are you working on right now? I recently finished writing “Response and Reward: Book Three of the R&R Trilogy.” The final novel in this series has been submitted via electronic file to Captive Quill Press, and so I have decided to take a short duration leave from writing. A science fiction novel I began months ago, a bit more than 17,000 words in length as is, awaits me “in the wings.” What is your ultimate goal? Pull up stakes, move to Texas, and start writing my fiction there. Do you have a favourite film? And if so what is it? Yes, Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” (Black Widow and Scarlet Witch both have gorgeous actresses portraying them.) Is there anything you'd like to add for your readers? The paperback editions of R&R One, in addition to R&R Two, will be available on Amazon as well shortly, according to my publisher, Captive Quill Press. R&R Three is in its final copy edit/proofreading stage with them. It will also be sold through Amazon Books. More sources will sell all three titles in the near future. Here are two links which vampire fans equipped with electronic devices can use right away: www.amazon.com/Resolve-Retribution-Book-One-Trilogy-ebook www.amazon.com/Returns-Reunions-Trilogy-Michael-Holman-ebook Here is where you can find Michael W. Holman Website: www.mwholman.com Amazon: www.amazon.com/Michael-W.-Holman Twitter: @NWrunningwriter Facebook: Michael W. Holman Facebook Author Page I'd like to take this last moment to thank Michael W. Holman for taking part in my interview process. Again he proved himself to be a gentleman, and I thoroughly enjoyed the insight into his mind. So for those of you lucky enough to have an electronic device, why not pop on over to Amazon and pick up a copy of Michael's books, I guarantee you'll be hooked. For those of you, like me, that prefer a paperback book, then get yourself ready to be able to get your copy to add to your shelves of all things Vampire. Once again, thank you Michael W. Holman.
0 Comments
 I met Tori Dean in a roundabout way through friends of friends on Twitter, it has to be almost a year ago now and I've come to know her well. She's one of the most chatty, personable people I've ever met, and when you get to know her you'll see her wicked side surface. And boy what a wicked side it is!
Tori is always the life and soul of a party, but no one is faster to get serious when, and if, the time calls for it. She's always willing to help, and very often is sharing a font of information on anything new she's found out, or on the experiments she sets up to find out the workings of the might Amazon. I've found myself in many a conversation with Tori, and, all being well, that conversation is laugh after laugh. I adore her fun side, and very often find my stress levels lowering when she get going, she really is one of those bright shining lights. Tori describes herself as fun, classy, and a heavy on the sexy, writer of steamy stories, and, to be honest, she is so very much more. Here is what Tori Dean has to say... Why did you decide you wanted to become a writer? I was a dreamer growing up and was a hopeless romantic who wanted what every fairytale had..love. I wanted that love. I would write love poems and daydreamed of romance. I loved reading and Danielle Steele was all about romance. It wasn't til about five years ago that I wanted to try writing my stories and dabbled in fanfiction and went from there. What was the thing that drove you the most to do so? Stephanie Meyer of the Twilight Series. She had a dream and wrote it. I had a dream and wrote my stories that ended up under a different pen name. Why did you pick the genre/s that you have? Because it's all about love..I'm a romantic at heart and everyone deserves it and their fairytale. What does your family think of your work? My family does not support my stuff. They are not into reading at all and don't understand it. They think it's porn because I talk about sex. Lol. How do you deal with writers block? I put it on back burner and hopefully come back to it later. Sometimes a picture or a song helps bring it back to hot plate. What would you say is the most difficult part of writing? Making sure the story flows from beginning to end. What do you enjoy the most about writing? I love just getting my stories written down that would make the readers love it. Where do you find your inspiration? Mostly songs and then I go with feeling of how it affects me that a story brews. All of my books are music inspired. Then pictures set the scenes. Are your characters based on anyone you know? Lol…yes..most of them What do you do in your spare time to relax? Read What do you like to read? Anything erotic romance fantasy Who is your favourite author? I have too many to just pick one Where are your books available? Amazon What are you working on right now? Can't say because it could change at the time this interview is live..lol What is your ultimate goal? To be on Best Sellers list. Here is where you can find Tori Dean Twitter: @ToriDean_247 Blog: http: toridean.blogspot.com Instagram: authortoridean Facebook: [email protected] Feature author on Mr. Blackthorne’s website: mrblackthorne.com I'd like to take this last minute to thank Tori Dean for taking part in my interview, and I hope you will take the time to follow her on Twitter and Facebook on the links above. She'll keep you updated on her new releases, and you'll read some really great blog posts. And please, take the time to sign up to her new newsletter feature. Until then you can find Tori's books on Amazon, so why not stop but and grab a copy? Once again, thank you Tori Dean!  I met Tim Dutton on both social media sites. We chat on Twitter when we are both there, and we always seem to hit Facebook around the same time, so, we get to chat better there using more than Twitters 140 character limit :).
We started off talking about our books, progressed to our love of writing, of course including pet hates, before delving into the lives we each lead that are separated by the big pond. A friendship was struck up pretty fast, and we speak regularly as well as support each other when, and where, we can. Tim has a wonderful nature, and is very much the gentleman, but when you get to know him you see his true depth of character, along with a rather wicked sense of humour. Tim has a lot of personal achievements. He is a licenced private investigator, a bounty hunter, though it's called fugitive recovery now, and a personal bodyguard. He backs all this up with his skills as a personal trainer, is also a self-defence instructor, and owns Tim Dutton Investigations and Tim Dutton's Warrior Combatives. Really not someone you would want to mess with ;). Here is what Tim Dutton has to say... Why did you decide you wanted to become a writer? My nephew kept telling me to write a book, so I tried it and was hooked. Realized it was what I loved to do. What was the thing that drove you the most to do so? Stared with nonfiction loved teaching people new stuff this gave me a new medium to do so. Then, when I started doing fiction I had stories in my head that needed to be released. How long have you been writing? Since 2006. So ten years. There was a couple of years that I was unable to write, due to family matters. That’s when I realized I was defiantly a writer. Just about drove me crazy not being able to write. Why did you pick the genre/s that you have? For novels it was what I was familiar with. For screenplays I don’t have a tried and true genre, just write what I would want to see. Who is your favourite character, and why? I have a personal connection to James Bodey Bodine from Broken and Abused. That book is loosely based on actual events and people. James Bodey Bodine AKA Bo is an amalgam. He’s made up of a little piece of me as well as a few other bounty hunters I have known. I also feel a connection to Axe Wolf, a character from a screenplay I wrote. Can’t really explain the connection. He is an uncivilized barbarian, maybe that’s the connection right there. Do you have any particular quirks when writing? I have to have an actual thesaurus and dictionary near me. I would rather look in them than search online. I also don’t do social media on my writing laptop. What does your family think of your work? My mom is supportive, I read everything I write, to her first. Don’t have much contact with other family members. How do you deal with writers block? I start by trying to determine if something is wrong with the scene I’m trying to write. Over the years I have figured out that my writers block is actually my subconscious mind telling me something is wrong. It could be as small as alternate spelling of a name, or a character has an object that wasn’t explained how they got it. The scene may not be needed at all and doesn’t move the story forward. After correcting the mistake or deleting the scene, I’m generally off and writing again. If that doesn’t work I reread what I have already written, to see if it gets me going. Meditation can help if I need to focus or calm my mind. If those fail, I just put it aside for a while and come back to it later. What would you say is the most difficult part of writing? For me it’s editing. I write as fast as I can. I don’t worry about spelling, grammar, usage or anything else. Just try to get the story out of me as fast as I can. When I’m done I have to go back and try to weed out all the mistakes, some are hard to spot. What do you enjoy the most about writing? Everything. The freedom of being able to do it whenever I want, with no timelines. The fact that I get to create worlds, people and tell stories that no one else has, is just amazing to me. The best part is when the characters just go their own way and I just tag along and see where they take me. Where do you find your inspiration? Life. Everything I write has a little piece of me in it. I write what I am familiar with and have had experience with. As a bounty hunter I used to study people. Get to know human nature and profiles. As a writer I find myself doing it more. Are your characters based on anyone you know? Yes. My latest novel Broken And Abused is loosely based on actual events and people. Almost every character in there is based on people I have known. The other fiction writings are as well, but not as complete. What do you do in your spare time to relax? Take long walks and hikes through the woods. Just let nature in and block everything else out. Recently bought a house on south side of a small mountain. Can’t wait to get house done and moved over there. I plan to hike to the top of the mountain and just sit up there and take everything in. What do you like to read? Mainly mystery, but anything I can get drawn into. Even read some graphic novels if the story is interesting. I am currently reading and enjoying Angel’s Blood that just happens to be written by you, Sallyann. Seems I have found a new genre. Who is your favourite author? If I said you, you would think I was just sweet talking, so I will say Craig Johnson and Judson Roberts are tied at the current moment. Where are your books available? The first one “Streetwise Guide To Conducting Hardball Investigations” is only available from Thomas Investigative Publications, Inc. All the others are available on Amazon. What are you working on right now? A screenplay about a bounty hunter who has to protect a Seven year old little girl, who was the victim of human traffickers. It is one that is close and sometimes hard to write. What is your ultimate goal? Just to make a decent living as a writer. I’m not one for the limelight and don’t need to be rich. Do you have a favourite film? And if so what is it? I guess as a screenwriter I have to make a study of films, so I don’t particularly have a favourite, but will say I am partial to Young Guns and Rambo. Also several Disney little girl shows, but that is less about the content and more about who I saw them with. Here is where you will find Tim Dutton Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/timdutton Twitter: @TheWriteTim Facebook: www.facebook.com/TimDuttonWriter I'd like to take this last moment to thank Tim Dutton for being a pleasure to interview, and of course agreeing to it. I hope you'll take the time to check out his works on Amazon, and see just what he has to offer, be it a screenplay, or one of his full length novels. You won't be disappionted, and I'm sure you will find something you will want to tell your friends about. I'll let you in on a little secret, I have Broken And Abused already on my kindle and can't wait to get stuck in ;). Once again, thank you Tim Dutton!  I met Shelby Kent-Stewart on Twitter, and again on Facebook. We became fast friends and have very similar fiery attitudes, along with a slightly odd sense of humour. We can go weeks without chatting, but when we do get together it's as if no time as passed at all and we carry on where we left off. I adore her quick wit and take no prisoners attitude, the tremendous love of life she has that draws everyone into her circle, and her nurturing ways.
Shelby was born and raised in sunny California, and is a self-professed geeky girl who drinks too much coffee and believes making love (not war) will save us all. She wrote her first story at the tender age of ten and more followed, some finding their way into newspapers and some being bronzed by her mum, but one way or another she has been writing ever since, be they non-fiction papers or fiction with a romantic and erotic twist, which she admits is her favourite. After meeting the love of her life Shelby settled down, though never in any one place for long. They've moved around wherever their minds have taken them, and always taking their rescue dogs with them and living every day as if it's their first. It seems to me there is a lesson there for each and every one of us. Here is what Shelby Kent-Stewart has to say... Why did you decide you wanted to become a writer? I think I’ve always known. My fascination with books goes way back, at least that’s what I’m told. While other little girls were playing with dolls, I was obsessed with pulling books from the shelves and pretending I could read them, much to my parents’ dismay. What was the thing that drove you the most to do so? My love of other authors and their work. How long have you been writing? Forever, but my first published story was in 5th grade, a scholastic magazine. Professionally, I’ve been writing since college. I was fortunate to get freelance work during my senior year and things took off from there. In addition to writing erotic romance, I still do freelance work for various publications and am grateful for the opportunities. Why did you pick the genre/s that you have? Technically, I think it picked me. Back in 2009 I was reading an erotic romance novel that was so badly written it made me wince. On a whim, I knocked out 4 chapters of a story and sent them to the publisher via email, no query letter, no synopsis, nothing but the four chapters. Within an hour, I had a response. “We’ll take everything you write.” I laughed it off and put the email in a drawer for four years, and then one day I thought ‘why the hell not?’. That novel eventually morphed into ‘Blessing’, the 2nd book in the Wicked Tails Series but, I hasten to add, for another publisher. Who is your favourite character, and why? In my books I have two, Sky the sister in ‘Runaway Brat’ and Sophie in ‘Once Upon a Faerie’, both of whom are smart, brave and infinitely sassy. Actually, that description fits all my female characters. I’m not sure I could write a weak female character as I can’t relate to that at all, but never say never! Do you have any particular quirks when writing? What a great question! I’m not sure you’d call it a quirk exactly but I avoid outlines like the plague. I can’t imagine using one. For me, half the joy of writing is seeing where the characters take me. What does your family think of your work? They love it. I know I’m fortunate in that regard since I’ve heard horror stories from other ‘erotica’ authors, how their families are judgmental about their chosen genre. I’ll never understand that. Do you belong to any writing groups? And if so what do you think are the pros and cons? Prior to joining Mr. Blackthorne and the Wicked Pen Writers, my experiences were horrific. My first was with LinkedIn and it was catastrophic. I stuck it out for almost a year but the level of vitriol thrown around was toxic. I tried to be the voice of reason, but in the end I left 6 different groups in one afternoon and never looked back. My second was with an erotica group which shall remain nameless. The concept was great but the organizer was in over his head and eventually had an unfortunate public meltdown. The upside was I met some great writers, one or two of them members of the Wicked Pen Writers. How do you deal with writers block? It’s not uncommon for me to have 2-3 books in the works at the same time, so writer’s block isn’t generally a problem for me. On that rare occasion when I’m simply not in the mood, I’ll do some yoga or take a dance class. That usually gets the blood pumping and I can’t wait to get back to work. What would you say is the most difficult part of writing? I know it’s a cliché but ‘killing my babies’, those gems we write that may look good on paper but don’t advance the story. It happened in ‘Surviving Sydney’, a scene near the end. I loved the way it read, but it didn’t ring true to the character so I edited it out. As luck would have it, it became the premise for another book. What do you enjoy the most about writing? Everything! Perhaps the more apt question is what I don’t enjoy and that’s an easy one. I detest marketing and promotion, so much so that I quite literally feel nauseous when I post a promo for myself. Which probably explains why I do it so infrequently. Where do you find your inspiration? Honestly, I have no idea but I’m grateful for whatever spirit is guiding me. At any given time, I have at least a dozen plots in my head and I’m clueless where they come from. Are your characters based on anyone you know? No, never, although one is borderline autobiographical but I’ll never tell. What do you do in your spare time to relax? I rarely watch TV but I’m a dedicated and manic film buff. What do you like to read? Depending on my mood, I read everything from Shakespeare to thrillers to smutpunk. Who is your favourite author? Ooh toughie, and totally depends on the genre. I adore Thomas Hardy but contemporary authors are too numerous to list. Where are your books available? All my books are currently available on Amazon and Goodreads. What are you working on right now? I’m currently working on two books, ‘For Love of Honor’, the 3rd and final book in the Wicked Tails Series, and ‘Child’s Play’, a rather dark novel about abduction and sex-trafficking. What is your ultimate goal? My goal is rather simplistic as compared to most writers. I have no aspiration or desire for fortune and fame. I simply want to write a good story that readers can relate to. When I get an email or a message from a reader indicating I made a difference in their life or touched them in some way, it’s a high unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Do you have a favourite film? And if so what is it? This changes yearly but I’d have to say ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ tops my current list. What a gorgeous film! Here is where you can find Shelby Kent-Stewart Website: shelbykentstewart.com Twitter: @shelbykentstewa Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Shelby-Kent-Stewart Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/Shelby-Kent-Stewart I'd like to take this last moment to thank Shelby Kent-Stewart for taking the time to answer my questions to share with all of you. I'm sure you'll agree it was an interesting insight into her mind as an author and her life as a person. I hope you'll take the time to pop on over to Amazon and check out her books, as I'm sure you will find something to your liking. As Shelby said earlier in her interview she likes to talk with, and hear from, her readers, so please feel free to contact her on one of the links above, I promise you couldn't meet a nicer person. Once again, thank you Shelby Kent-Stewart!  I met D. Allen Rutherford on Twitter many moons ago and just recently started chatting, though we have supported each other with retweeting, as is the way with all good Indie authors, and have found out that, though we are separated by the big pond, Dale has ancestors from all the way over on my side of it.
During one of our chats I asked if he would be interested in doing an interview with me, and I have to say I was honoured that he agreed. Dale is a former army officer and a retired international technology consultant with a B.S. and Master's degree, who eventually settled down in central Arkansas. He combines his interest in science with his love of writing, and attempts to create science fiction novels that blur the line between modern science and science fiction, leaving the reader wondering if what Dale dreams up could ever be, or already be, possible. Here is what D. Allen Rutherford had to say... Why did you decide you wanted to become a writer? As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had an interest in reading/writing. But, if I had to pick a defining moment that prompted me to venture into writing fiction, it would have to be when I was watching some werewolf, science fiction, movie and my daughter overhead me criticizing the film… “Oh that BS.” (I’m a very analytical person). Finally, my daughter issued a challenge, “Dad, if you don’t like the way they tell the story, write your own.” I’m sure she meant it as a rhetorical rebuff, but I took it literal. And, so I decided, then and there, that I was going to write a fiction novel. What was the thing that drove you the most to do so? I love science fiction, fantasy, and thriller books/movies. The best ones (at least for me), are the stories that ground you in the real world, then find a plausible way to transition you into that realm of fiction, fantasy, or some thrilling scenario. I find it extremely distracting when you’re handed a scene that’s totally absurd or irrational, destroying the continuity from where I am and the pathway that transports me into that imaginative world. Therefore, I set out to write fictional stories that would do just that. How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing non-fiction, for decades. The needs of my professional career required me to write extensive research/analytical reports. After returning to college to work on my Master Degree (late 1990s), and subsequently when serving as an adjunct professor, I was encouraged to write research papers for presentation/publication at conferences and in professional journals. I seriously started writing fiction for publication in late 2014. In the last year and half I’ve written and published three full-length novels. Why did you pick the genre/s that you have? In addition to being very analytical, I love science and history. The cynic in me, tends to hone in on controversial topics in history and science, which I research extensively, seeking the truth behind the veil of misinformation and half-truths. I tend to zero in on controversial topics in science. One of my favourite sci-fi movies is Jurassic Park. There is a scene in the movie where the characters are having lunch after a brief tour of the lab. I found some of Dr. Ian Malcolm’s comments simple but profound. Such as; “…the lack of humility before nature that's being displayed here, uh... staggers me.” Then he cautions; “Don't you see the danger, John, inherent in what you're doing here? Genetic power is the most awesome force the planet's ever seen, but you wield it like a kid that's found his dad's gun.” And, my favourite; “…your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should.” Who is your favourite character, and why? Not sure I have a favourite character either in my own stories or others. However, one of my favourite characters that I quote from frequently is Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) in the Jurassic Park movie series. He was an intelligent, rational sceptic, who could see beyond the naïve optimism of others around him. Do you have any particular quirks when writing? I would probably say that my whole writing process is a bit quirky. I read various books/articles on “how-to” plan, organize, and write a story/novel. However, no matter which approach I tried to adopt, I found myself getting bogged down, and my creative side would shut down. Subsequently, I reverted back to the methodology I used when I wrote research papers. I would sketch an outline of how I see the story unfolding with bullet points for key events/points of the story. Then I sit down and start writing – I zone out, and let the story flow as if I’m watching it play-out in a movie. I visualize the scene, surroundings, smells, sounds, emotions, etc. I hear the dialog and see the characters’ expressions and body language. All the while, I just let my fingers type out what I see, hear, smell, taste, and feel as the scene unfolds in my mind’s eye. I don’t stop to think about what I’m writing nor do I try to edit while I’m writing. I just let the story flow. After I have the story down on paper, then I go back and start editing it. While I’m writing, I keep a journal that I note down character names, their background, and descriptions. When I do research for the background or technical elements of the story, I write it in the journal (or print it out and cut/paste it in the journal). When I want to portray a particular character or location, I do google search for images that fit what I want to portray. Then I print it out and put it in the journal. When I write anything to do with the character or location I look at the pictures to generate a mental image of how I will describe the scene. What does your family think of your work? I guess this is always an interesting question with varied responses. But, my family have always seen me as an analytical and detailed oriented person focusing on facts. They’ve seen my non-fiction writing published in international magazines, journals, and conference proceedings. But, when I made it known that I was going to write a fiction novel, the response was, “oh yeah, yeah.” They just couldn’t picture me as a fiction writer. Then, when I finished the first manuscript of 400+ pages (120,000+ words), they began to take me a bit more serious. Then, when the first book was published and catalogued through Lulu, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Books-A-Million, etc., they were like “Wow! Holy Crap, he did it!” Now, they are all offering ideas for the next novel, or bugging me about what/when I’m going to write about next. Do you belong to any writing groups? And if so what do you think are the pros and cons? I tried getting involved with writing groups, but for me personally, I didn’t gain much from the experience. I have a close friend who is a writer and he feels that his involvement in a writing group has helped him. In my humble opinion, I feel it is vitally important that the would-be writer have realistic expectations of what it is they hope to gain from a writing group. Most people are overly protective of their writing, and sensitive to criticism from others regarding their writing. Although they would profess that they want to improve their writing, or gain honest reviews of some manuscript they have written. In reality, most want affirmation that what they have written is good or some level of recognition (even if it is false or misguided). Fundamentally, writing groups should be oriented around honest, constructive criticism of one another’s work. The whole idea is to improve your craft and strengthen your writing to appeal to those who you hope will buy it and read it. Therefore, I think it boils down to two things; first, formulating realistic expectations of what you hope to gain from being involved with a writing group, and secondly, finding a group that you feel comfortable baring your soul to. I just haven’t found that group yet. How do you deal with writer’s block? I can honestly say, I’ve never experienced writer’s block. As I mentioned above, I have a process that I follow that is oriented around visualizing the story in my head and letting my fingers type it out. I also recognize that I’m a morning person and that’s when I can get in the zone and let the story will flow. If I’m interrupted for any reason, (outside work, chores, cooking, eating, grandkids, etc.) I find it hard to sit back down and dial back in. Therefore, I tend to break my day into tasks zones. Early morning, from 5am until interrupted, I sit down to write. Mid-day, I do domestic stuff. In the late afternoon, I focus on maintenance of my social media, dealing with editors, cover designs, and so forth. Then, in the evening, I read novels written by other authors and post ratings/reviews of their work. Regardless, I never try to force myself to sit down and write just because I think I need to grind out so many words per day. Some days I can get in the zone and write most of the day, creatively generating 20,000+ words. Other days, it may be less than 1,000 words. From talking to other authors and would-be writers, I think most people who experience writers’ block do so when they are overly focused on trying to ‘get it right’ the first time. Or they are overly concerned with the grammar or technical aspects of their writing. My approach is to get the story on paper, then let the red-pen-ninja clean it up. It normally takes me about six to eight weeks to draft a 120,000+ word manuscript. But, then I will spend three to four months doing story and line editing. What would you say is the most difficult part of writing? Having spent decades writing non-fiction research and analytical type reports has imparted certain habits that’s hard for me to overcome. Thus, I tend to struggle with two aspects of my writing. First, I have to force myself to “Back away.” What I mean is, I have a tendency toward getting to detailed in the description of scenes, explaining technical or scientific elements of the story, etc., leaving nothing to the imagination or for interpretation. One of the best pieces of advice I received from a very successful, best-selling author was, to trust the reader’s imagination to fill in the details. He told me to concentrate on setting the stage with references to things people can identify with, then back away from the details and let the readers’ imagination do the rest. Imaginative interpretation is your friend and ally when writing good fiction. The second thing I struggle with is, “Let go of it.” Similar to the first issue, I tend to edit, re-edit, change this, change that. While some change is necessary and objective revision is good. There comes a point you begin walking in a circle, reluctant to let go of the manuscript, for fear that you missed something or there is an undiscovered error hidden somewhere in the text. Realize, you will rarely ever get it perfect. I had another very successful author tell me once, that with one of his books, the publisher had two independent editors screen the manuscript, then an in-house QA screen, and then two separate reviewers read the final manuscript before it went to press. Even after all of that, they ultimately found several typos and errors/omissions within the first published edition. May daughter (who is an English Lit scholar) told me, “Dad, just let it go. The more you keep editing it, trying to get it perfect, the more it sounds like a graduate thesis. This is fiction, just let it go.” What do you enjoy the most about writing? I love pulling back the veil of misinformation, half-truths, to get to the truth. For most people, the effort to peal the layers of the onion to get at the truth is beyond them. I enjoy not only getting at the truth, but structuring it in a story that is not only interesting, but eye-opening. In the Wargs Trilogy, I spend months researching the science behind transgenics and uncovering some of the current research being performed to create human-animal hybrids. Then it was a what-if situation to take the current research out of the lab and put it into a real-to-life story. Where do you find your inspiration? I have always had an inquisitive nature that feeds my imagination. In the case of the Wargs Trilogy, by chance I happened to come across a report related to transgenic human-animal hybrid research. This happened right after I had been watching a particularly interesting werewolf movie. My inquisitive nature fuelled a desire to research the concept of transgenesis to find out if it was remotely possible to genetically engineer a human-wolf hybrid and if it was possible for a person to experience a metamorphosis from one physical form to another intriguing. Much to my surprise, there was a scientific basis for both to occur under the right conditions. The research also uncovered a program sponsored by the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency, to create transgenic super-soldiers. Also, I found another report from Swedish scientist that heralded that humans have acquired DNA from canines (and vis versa), over the course of thousands of years, resulting in natural, cross-species, transgenic mutations, caused by retroviruses. As I read though the research, the storyline for the Wargs Trilogy began to formulate in my head. Are your characters based on anyone you know? No, not anyone in particular. I have travelled extensively around the world and I’ve been fortunate to have met many interesting people from many walks of life. I tend to draw upon my recollections of some of these personalities. What do you do in your spare time to relax? I enjoy fly fishing, fly tying, and spending time with the grandkids. What do you like to read? I like to read science fiction, fantasy, and thrillers. Who is your favourite author? I’m not sure I have a single favourite author. On one hand I try to read books/novels from newly published authors as well as authors I’m familiar with. However, there are times when I tend to gravitate toward certain authors whose novels I really enjoy reading. A few of these authors are; C.M. Gray, Tracy Falbe, Dean Koontz, George R.R. Martin, Sallyann Phillips, Jim Melvin, Kathryn McMaster, Kim Mcgath. I could go on and on, but these are some that come to mind. Where are your books available? My books are published by Lulu Publishing Services and with a worldwide distribution in paperback, epub, and audio editions, through: Lulu, Amazon/Kindle, iBooks, B&N/Nook, Kobo, Books-A-Million, Audible, and most independent book sellers. What are you working on right now? I just finished Wargs: Outcast, book three in the Wargs Trilogy, scheduled for release in early May 2016. My next novel will be a political thriller, which I expect to release in early 2017. What is your ultimate goal? My primary goal is to continue developing my writing and write stories that attracts a large reader following. I hope to publish at least one novel a year and achieve enough success as a writer to allow me to write fulltime, travel, and meet the fans of my novels in as many countries around the world as I can. My ultimate goal would be to have the popularity of one or more of my novels to make them worthy of production into a television series or a movie. Do you have a favourite film? And if so what is it? Not sure a have a single favourite film. There are so many good films out there. However, when I taught science in school, I used Jurassic Park as an introduction to life science and genetics. The science behind the movie was well presented in such a way that you could believe what was presented in the story could actually happen. Here is how you can find D. Allen Rutherford Website: http://www.dallenrutherford.com/ Blog: http://dallenrutherford.blogspot.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D.Allen.Rutherford/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Author_D_Allen I would like to take this last moment to thank Dale for being a good sport and agreeing to my interview. It has been fun, and enlightening glimpse into the workings of his mind and the process behind his work. I hope you decide to pick up a copy of one of his books from Amazon, or anywhere else they are available, and if you do, I'm sure you'll be picking up the second and waiting for the third. Once again, thank you D. Allen Rutherford.  When I first met Ashlee Shades she was using her real name, which I won't go into here, but she decided to write under a pen name instead. We originally met on Twitter, two authors who just happened to speak one day becoming fast friends. Even from the beginning we seemed to think the same way, finishing each other's thoughts, bouncing ideas off each other, word playing games, or laughing over the same thing that not quite everyone else would get, yet the fact that we did made it all the more hilarious to us. Often we joke about being sisters from another mister and we hope to be able to meet one day, and boy the world had better look out then, or at least out hubbies anyway :).
Ashlee says she is a small town girl living in the city, and she's living her dream of being a writer. When she's not writing she's reading, or you'll find her hanging out on social media shooting the breeze with other authors and chatting to her readers. Her books are Erotic Romance and she hopes to take her readers on a sensually erotic journey as they read her work. I've read some of Ashlee's books, and I can tell you they really are a steamy read, and who wouldn't like to escape into a romance novel that has a taste of erotica thrown in ;). Here is what Ashlee Shades had to say... Why did you decide you wanted to become a writer? I don’t think there was a time I became a writer. For me, it was always something that I had done, so in my thinking I have always been a writer. Whether it is poetry, short stories, or novellas/novels – I have always loved telling stories, and sharing my thoughts and ideas. I didn’t publish until 2014, so I have only been a published author for two years. What was the thing that drove you the most to do so? The one thing (I should say person) would be my husband. He knew I loved reading/writing so much and one day told me that I should try it and see how it goes, so I did. That night I wrote 4,000 words in my first novel. How long have you been writing? I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I have been telling stories since I learned how to speak, and as soon as I learned how to write, I started putting them down on paper. When I was in the 4th grade (9 years old) I wrote a crazy story that was put in our local paper. It was a fiction story about a family who bought a car with square wheels. I still laugh when I think of it. In 8th grade (13 years old) I wrote an essay on racism and how I felt it impacted my generation. That essay was sent in to the local newspaper by my English teacher, and I won an award for that. Why did you pick the genre/s that you have? I picked erotic romance because it allows me more freedom and control over romantic lives. I enjoy reading in the genre, and when I am writing a story, it doesn’t have to make sense, it just has to entertain, allow the reader to escape. I can use my imagination in so many ways, and I can create the happy-endings that don’t always happen in real life. I also write in erotica because, well let’s face it, it is fun! It is hot. It can offer up ideas to heat up an intimate encounter. Who is your favourite character, and why? Oh goodness, this is a hard one. I have written so many different characters, so it is a little difficult to choose a favourite one. However, if I have to choose one, I would say Samantha. She is independent, outgoing, yet a bit vulnerable, as readers will read about in book 3. She is someone I wish I could be more like. Do you have any particular quirks when writing? I don’t think I have any particular quirks, so to speak. I will say I have a habit of starting a book just because an idea comes to mind, and often times I will move on to another book when a new idea comes to mind. I was writing a Vampire romance when the idea for Blind Sensations came to me. I always have 3-5 books going at once. At the moment, I have three unfinished books that are waiting for their turn to be completed. I will also say that of all the books I have written, only one has been outlined. What does your family think of your work? My family, while they haven’t read my work (except my husband), are very supportive of my work. I couldn’t ask for a more encouraging and supportive family than the one I have. Do you belong to any writing groups? And if so what do you think are the pros and cons? I do! I belong to The Wicked Pen Writers featured on mrblackthorne.com. What an amazing group of people. Each person in that group is so unimaginably creative, amazingly talented...and not just in writing either. They all have qualities and talents that go beyond the stories they write. I think the pros of belonging to the group would be the support, the encouragement, the invaluable knowledge that is shared among those within the group. I have learned so much, and have grown a great deal as a writer, from being in the group. On to some cons. Well, I would say that, as with any group or even family, the differences of opinion can cause a bit of turmoil. It doesn’t help that we all only know one another via the internet/social media, so it is sometimes difficult to gauge the tone of a comment, or reaction, by reading a few lines that are written. How do you deal with writers block? My way of dealing with writer’s block would be to move on to another story. I have no idea how I want to write the final book in the Submission series, so I moved on to another series of novellas until the idea for it comes to me. What would you say is the most difficult part of writing? For me there are a few things. One would be getting started. Writing the opening line, the opening scene, or the opening paragraph in a way that will captivate the attention of the reader enough to get them hooked and wanting to read more. The other thing would be the editing. Cleaning it up, eliminating the unnecessary verbiage, adding the quality words – the things that make a book something that the reader is glad they have read it. While this is a favourite thing, it is also a difficult one, and that is sharing my thoughts. Putting my ideas out there into the world, and opening them up for criticism - that makes publishing my work difficult for me. What do you enjoy the most about writing? I enjoy telling the stories, sharing my crazy thoughts and ideas. My ultimate favourite thing about writing is hearing from people who have read my work and loved it, or when they share their ideas/suggestions. I really enjoy that part of writing. It encourages me to continue. Where do you find your inspiration? I find my inspirations in many areas. Photography and music are two of the things that inspire me the absolute most. I have actually written a couple of short stories based on songs I heard. They are a couple of my favourite short stories too. Are your characters based on anyone you know? Yes! I have one book in which the characters are loosely based on myself, and my husband. I cannot tell which book though, because that would give something away. Other characters are not necessarily based on people, but rather personal experiences and/or situations. I wrote a couple of books, two of which are not yet republished under Ashlee Shades, in which the situation of a character or two is based on something that I went through. What do you do in your spare time to relax? In my spare time I am either spending time with my husband and two boys, reading (which I do a LOT), or listening to music. I love music! What do you like to read? I love reading Historical Romance, or fact books. I have one book titled, ‘2201 Fascinating Facts’. I love that book! Who is your favourite author? I cannot say that I have just one favourite author since I have read so many. There are a considerable amount of wonderful writers out there, and some with incredibly inspiring stories. Where are your books available? My books are available at Amazon, and are in Kindle Unlimited. (amazon.com/author/ashleeshades) What are you working on right now? Right now, I am working on a novella that will have a bit of a twist at the end. It should be released in April, since it will take about a week to write it. Then I will begin work on book 3 of the Submission series. What is your ultimate goal? My ultimate goal is to become rich and famous and have the world fall at my feet and adore me! LOL! Okay, in all honesty, my goal is just to continue to share my stories with the world. And to encourage others to follow their dreams, whatever they may be. Do you have a favourite film? And if so what is it? Well, I have a few films that I could watch over, and over again without getting bored. ‘Carousel’, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, and ‘The Sound of Music’ I also love ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly’ with Clint Eastwood. And now you can all stop laughing at me. Here is where you can find Ashlee Shades Website: www.ashleeshades.wix.com/author Twitter: @aslee_shades I'd like to take this last moment to, once again, thank Ashlee Shades for taking part in an interview with me, and to remind you that her books are available on Amazon right now, just waiting for you to stop on by and pick up a copy or two. You won't be disappointed I promise you, and they might just heat up your love life a little ;). So once again, my sister from another mister, thank you!  I met Regan O'Leary through friends of friends on Twitter. It was a little bit of a roundabout way to meet a new friend and author, but I have to say I'm happy I did. I enjoy her up-front attitude, and say what you please ways, it means you always know where you stand, which is mostly holding your stomach laughing.
Regan is outgoing, chatty, and always willing to help with anything she knows more about than you do, which means she's quite a font of information to me :). Born and raised in Baton Rouge Regan spent a great deal of her childhood along the Louisianna Gulf coast, where she now resides with her husband and three children. Her hobbies include reading, fishing, and travelling whenever she can, be it at home or abroad. Here is what Regan O'Leary had to say... Why did you decide you wanted to become a writer? Everyone has a story to tell. Some tell their tales through music, art, and theatre. Since I can't sing or dance, writing is my best option. What was the thing that drove you the most to do so? The death of my brother. He always encouraged me in every aspect of my life. Before his death, Mark and I were in the midst of a particularly painful real life crisis that utterly consumed every waking moment of our lives. As with most disasters, we cleaned up the mess and moved forward. I remember him telling me on several occasions: "You should write a book. Nobody can make this shit up!" I was devastated when he passed. My daughter encouraged me to begin writing - an outlet for my grief. She said, "Do it for Uncle Mark." Although Closer To Home is a fictional tale, it gave me the stage to create some truly dynamic characters who are forced to deal with the atrocities that occur in our lives every day. Why did you pick the genre/s that you have? I love to read mysteries and thrillers. I chose to write a psychological suspense thriller series because the human brain is an amazing organ. Its capacity to process data and emotion while sustaining horrible injury is phenomenal. I want readers to examine their own moral ambiguity and pathological thresholds. I want them to enter the realm where right and wrong, good and evil are blurred and intermingled. Who is your favourite character, and why? Hands down - Bane Shaw! I adore Shaw! He epitomizes self-confidence, loyalty, love, and pride. He makes arrogance work! He is fearless, complicated, and very sexy! Do you have any particular quirks in your writing? I guess you would call them quirks. I have a lot of hidden meanings and clues I drop into my stories. Numerical combinations, for example, have significant meanings. I also play around with dual and even triple meanings for the titles of my novels that are found within the plotline. Do you belong to any writing groups? And if so what do you think are the pros and cons? I belong to a couple of writing groups. The biggest pro is the camaraderie and support from the other authors. We share ideas, tools, tips and even woes. One group in particular consists of authors of every age and genre. It's interesting to be part of such a diverse group of people who share a common ambition. The only con - spending too much time with my author buddies instead of working on my own material. How do you deal with writers block? I am thankful that I don't struggle with writer's block. When I hit a creative snag, I put aside the work and move on to an entirely different piece of writing. I always have several writing projects going simultaneously so I spend time with something else until the vision comes back into focus. What would you say is the most difficult part of writing? Time! Finding time to write. I am fortunate enough to fill my days and nights writing, but still, there doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day. What do you enjoy the most about writing? I think I enjoy the escape from the day-to-day monotony. I love being able to spin a story I hope my readers will enjoy. And, I truly enjoy creating vibrant characters that I inevitably fall in love with. Where do you find your inspiration? Real life. I'm convinced people are crazy! Sometimes I look around and I think: 'did that really happen?' or 'did she really say that?'. No matter how creative a writer one is, life shows you things you just can't make up! Are your characters based on anyone you know? I have elemental personality traits in all of my characters, well, all except for Shaw - he is purely unique! For instance, Marsh Ellis, a main character in Closer To Home. Marsh is based on a friend from high school who grew up in poverty, my brother for his intelligence, and Terry Kath (former guitarist of the band Chicago) for his musical ability. What do you do in your spare time to relax? I read every chance I get. I also enjoy gardening, fishing, cooking, and I love to travel. Who is your favourite author? There are so many authors I enjoy reading, but my favourite author is James Lee Burke. I have a collection of signed, first additions of his entire Dave Robicheaux series. Jim is a brilliant mystery writer who never fails to take me on the most amazing journeys. Where are your books available? Amazon What are you working on right now? What One Leave Behind is being polished and edited for release this summer. I am finishing the third novel in the Bane Shaw series that I hope to release by Christmas. I am also writing a non-fiction food travel guide for Baton Rouge, and I am researching my next series. The new novel is also a psychological thriller that will be set in Texas. If I do my job well, I will not only challenge readers to explore their notion of animal cruelty, but also take some mean-spirited shots at some real life bad guys! What is your ultimate goal? For years I have said: I have at least three good books in me, yearning to be written. I will have met that goal when I publish the third Bane Shaw novel. Beyond that, it's all lagniappe! I do hope I continue to find projects that bring attention to real-life issues through my fictional storytelling. Do you have a favourite film? And if so what is it? Like books and music, I love movies! I could pop off ten films that could easily qualify as my favourite. But, I'll stick to the southern cliché and say, Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind. There has never been another film that adequately illustrated a bygone way of life. Website: ReganOLeary.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Regan_OLeary Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/R-OLearys-Bane-Shaw I'd like to take this last moment to say thank you to Regan O'Learly for agreeing to interview with me. I hope you enjoyed getting to know her as much as I did, and I do hope you'll pop on over to her Amazon page and pick up a copy of her book in preparation for what's to come. Again, thank you Regan, it was a pleasure.  I'd like to introduce Felipe Adan Lerma. I met Felipe on Facebook around eighteen months ago. We were both members of the same group that led to the Indie Author Support and Discussion website and had chatted a time or two, and then we both got involved in a charity venture in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Care Nurses. It was around this time that we became friends, most likely due to the fact I was always badgering for links and pictures for the advertising side of things :), and now we follow each other on Twitter and chat there when we can.
Felipe is the eldest of six siblings, a father of three, and a grandfather of five, and I'm sure his background in all things fitness and yoga helps him stay on his toes and keep up. He's also been married to his wife for thirty years, a feat you don't hear of very often anymore, and has been writing and creating pictures since the sixties, though he began writing more seriously in the late seventies and eighties. Here is what Felipe Adan Lerma had to say... Why did you decide you wanted to become a writer? More like how did I figure out I was and wanted to be a writer (smiles). From as a child, and being the oldest of six, I was quickly “put in charge” of my younger brothers and sisters. Watching them was pretty boring unless I kept them occupied. All I really remember is several large sets of very round and ready eyes waiting for me to entertain them. Kid brothers and sisters can be a touch crowd. But so accepting when you hit them with something they liked. Funny stuff worked best for them plus suited me too. What was the thing that drove you the most to do so? Fear. Fear I'd get in trouble for not entertaining my younger brother and sister. You might think this led me to catering to trends and whims, but it actually, looking back over half a century (smiles), made me keenly focussed in finding expressive modes that first satisfied and entertained me. How long have you been writing? Since a child, in the oral story telling sense. But since a late teen or early 20 something if you count when I started writing movie reviews for a jr college student paper. That was way fun! Why did you pick the genre/s that you have? My first fiction stories, written in the early 80s, reflected the years after my first wife and I broke up. And before she and I decided, for health reasons, that our two children live with me. So those first stories were contemporary searching stories. Searching for romance, searching for meaning, searching for direction. Being the oldest of six, and being married and starting a family as a late teen, and having lived beyond both those situations, left me in a vacuum. More recently, though I wrote one child story in the early 80s, I've returned to having tween and teen characters. I really like them. But I feel my stories are very incomplete without either a strong or co-level adult character interacting with them. Thus my emphasis on multi-generational fiction. For fun, esp via my recent (last few years) exposure to Joe Konrath, Raymond Chandler, and Janet Evanovich, I'm merged the extended family and romance threads into mysteries and thrillers. Those have gotten to be very much fun! Who is your favourite character, and why? Sorry. Have thought about this question a long long time, but each of my main characters fill either an age or interest (or both) niche very dear to me. So a favorite character for me is like a fav food item or fitness routine – depends on the meal or need, or itch (smiles). Do you have any particular quirks when writing? Very close to my experience painting or working with my photographs, it's an immersion where time warps and wraps itself into my focus so tightly, I lose the sense of separateness from it. Very addicting! What does your family think of your work? I'll have to smile ahead of time on this one! I'd say from tolerantly benign to kindfully uncurious to cautious to avoid discussing. Do you belong to any writing groups? And if so what do you think are the pros and cons? I belong to several. Lots of pros and a few cons. So, so far, there's been more to benefit from than regret. Eventually I think one finds a few especially kindred creating souls, and that's very very nice. How do you deal with writers block? Alternate creative threads: I like art, dance, music, movement, film, TV, acting, kids. Oh yeah, and writing (smiles). Of the latter, like with art (painting vs photography vs digital art), I can vary my word-work (smiles). Poetry, shorts, discussion and action bits in story idea files, blog posts, FB posts, Twitter tweets. There's even rumours folks talk with each other at times! What would you say is the most difficult part of writing? Questions like this! (smiles) What do you enjoy the most about writing? Immersion. Then, after, when re-reading some of one's work, finding moments and passages that sparkle, inspire, and scare me – scare me with the can-I-do-that-again question! Where do you find your inspiration? Just taking a breath, looking around, and seeing hearing smelling tasting feeling what's going on. Shadow and light. Flickering or set like iron grids. Contrasts. Where the edges smooth and touching and blend. It's all so much. It's just slowing down enough to catch and notate some of it. Then putting it into story form where someone else can experience the bits and pieces as a coherent piece of life. Are your characters based on anyone you know? Everything is based on things and people we know. Allowing ourselves to mesh that with what's inside us, in terms of other memories and feelings, takes what we know specifically, and makes it something different and digestible by others. Memoirs are a different thing. So here I'm speaking specifically about fiction. What do you do in your spare time to relax? Sleep (smiles). What do you like to read? Fiction. A tiny bit of non-fiction. Right now reading stuff re Twitter. Previously it was stuff on deep point of view. Getting ready to move on and catch up on trends and tech in the visual world, esp photography. Who is your favourite author? I've had many many previous favourites. So let's say these are current favs (smiles): Raymond Chandler. Joe Konrath and Ann Voss Peterson. Janet Evanovich. Matthew Iden. There's a writer new-to-me, Shari Hearn, writing a kind of cozy thriller mysteries in Kindle Worlds I've recently been very impressed with. Action, humor, romance, touching. But if one wanted a wide genre-spread of really surprisingly consistently entertaining writers, I'd recommend the charity anthology You're Not Alone. Read each one. In order. And be shocked how good the various genres can be in short dosages. Where are your books available? Mostly, maybe all of them, on Amazon, including in their Kindle Unlimited program. Had let one title lapse recently - “Dirty Sixth Street, Austin” with the intent to “try” and make it free “wide” so's to drive traffic to my other thriller titles on Amazon. That was over two weeks ago. Never have had the time to reformat it, resubmit it, blah blah. So, when I remember, I'll re-input that title back into KU. What are you working on right now? Besides making a major move back into my images (selecting, cropping, dodging and burning in spots, selective sharpening, then uploading to image sites, including Amazon Marketplace and Fine Art America) – continuing work on Queen, the Serial Novel. Though mostly written ahead of time (as about half the writers two hundred years ago did when serial first appeared – and led to full length “novels”) many of the 37 total books have summaries of additional chapter work needed. Plus I pick and adjust two of my own original photos for each book. Currently I've finished work on 17 of the 37 2500-3500 story word books. Should be finished by late this year, then I'll produce an omnibus with the whole 100,000+ word story. And, I'm beginning my push back into Kindle Worlds with a new Joe Konrath-Ann Voss Peterson Codename: Chandler thriller my very own Samantha Lacroix also features in! Though to answer your question more immediately, I'm helping my wife prepare lunch (smiles). What is your ultimate goal? To live a fulfilling happy life. If I can do that, that – I firmly believe – will also help others the best way that's in me. Do you have a favourite film? And if so what is it? I do have so many. But The Curious Case of Benjamin Button always comes to mind (described as a romantic drama). And Zulu, with a very young Michael Cane. There's a power in those two stories I'm still processing, ingesting, digesting, and creating new ways to mould my own ideas from. Here is where you can find Felipe Adan Lerma Twitter: @felipeadanlerma Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.co.uk/Felipe-Adan-Lerma1 Amazon Marketplace: goo.gl/xqLMPc WordPress Website: www.felipeadanlerma.com Audible: felipeadanlerma.com/audio-books FB: www.facebook.com/FelipeAdanLerma YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/adanlerma/videos Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/felipeadanlerma Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5761593.Felipe_Adan_Lerma Google+: www.plus.google.com/+AdanLerma/posts Stumbleupon: www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/adanlerma Fine Art America: felipeadan-lerma.pixels.com The last thing Felipe Adan Lerma said to me was "Thank you so much Sallyann. It's been a pleasure. Plus I'm never quite sure what I'll really answer (smiles)." and I have to say the pleasure was all mine. Felipe always proves to have a quirky, off the wall humour, and, as you can tell, spends a lot of time smiling :). So once again I'd like to thank Felipe for agreeing to take part in my interviews, and I hope you will follow him on one of the links above. And don't forget to pop on over to Amazon and check out his books, you migh have found your next favourite author.  I met Jamie Mclachlan coming up on a year ago on social media (Twitter to be exact), and we hit it off straight away. She has a quirky sense of humour that just keeps you laughing, and a love of all things emoji, though to be honest her favourite was the new little yellow face with the glasses. This particular new friend is her answer for everything, but at the same time makes you grin as she seems to know exactly when and where to use it and leaves you cracking up.
Jamie is Canadian and a very talented author of dark historical fantasy, and loves writing about strong female characters. Her love of writing is followed closely by her love of reading, which she admits is anything fantasy, though she does venture into other genres as well. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English, the very clever lady, and it was after acquiring that she started to write what she had been daydreaming of for years. For now she is hoping to inspire other people to write, but has said that maybe one day she will write something outside of fantasy. Here is what Jamie Mclachlan has to say... Why did you decide to become a writer? Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been a daydreamer. I’d imagine scenarios or specific characters, and often times get lost in them. So one day I decided to write them down. Once I started writing, I discovered how cathartic it could be. I could write about anything—my dreams, desires, or even my fears. The possibilities were endless. That’s the reason why I started writing. But what made me decide to become a writer was the chance to share my ideas with others and potentially inspire them as other authors have done with me. That’s why I write. How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing for a long time, ever since I was a kid. At first I just wrote poems and songs, and I often joke that both were either corny or depressing. After high school, I started exploring short stories and attempting novels. I wrote my first novel while attending university to get my Bachelor’s Degree in English, and my second one a couple of years later. The rest of my work came after I gave birth to my little boy and decided to stay home to raise him. Why did you decide to write fantasy? One of my favourite genres to read is fantasy. I will pick up anything: epic, YA, paranormal, urban, steampunk, etc. So it was and is the genre that inspires me the most. I love reading and writing about characters, plots, or worlds that break and challenge our perceptions of our own reality. I love it for its limitless possibilities. But that’s not to say that I don’t explore or appreciate other genres. Who knows, maybe one day I might write outside of fantasy. Who is your favourite character and why? At the moment, my favourite character is Moira. She’s a slave, yet she’s defiant and challenges everyone when she should be submissive. On top of that, she’s sarcastic and blunt, often speaking her mind when she should be quiet. But beneath her defiance and crude remarks is a complex character who is strong while at the same time very flawed. With a horrid past and a life of servitude, Moira’s one goal is to survive. When she’s forced to work with Detective Keenan Edwards to catch a mysterious serial killer, Moira’s goals begin to change and she realizes that there’s more to live for. I wanted to create a strong female character, and I’m pleased that readers love Moira and admire her for her strength. How do you deal with writer’s block? Personally, writer’s block usually just means I either need a break or I’m feeling overwhelmed with expectations or time constraints. If it’s the first case, then I simply stop staring at the screen and occupy my mind with something else. Preferably, I’ll do something non-writing related, just to give my mind a break. If it’s the latter scenario, then I usually end up seeking distraction, which can come in the form of tackling my TBR list, checking social media, or zoning out in front of the TV. At that point, the best thing for me to get out of my writing slump is to just write. Sit down and just write whatever comes to mind without being too critical. What would you say is the most difficult part of writing? I’d have to say the most difficult part about writing is getting started. Opening up the document and typing the title is the easy part. The difficulty, I find, comes in getting the first paragraph down. It’s what hooks a reader, convincing them to continue. If it’s not compelling enough to intrigue the reader, then they’ll be less likely to read more. Have I ever put a book down based on the first paragraph? No. But I have found some boring. And it’s not just about literally starting. It’s also about initiating the creative process so that eventually the words just flow from your mind to your fingertips. After that, the story just pours out and the difficulty then comes with whether or not your fingers can keep up. What do you enjoy the most about writing? I’d have to say the best part is sharing my writing with readers and hearing they connected with my work. It’s the greatest compliment and source of motivation to continue on an artistic path filled with self-doubt. Nothing brings me more joy than knowing someone out there in the world loved my book. Where do you find your inspiration? I find inspiration in anything that is artistic: books, photography, movies, etc. But my main source of inspiration is found listening to music. The lyrics and melody stir my creative juices, and it’s not long before my imagination is brewing up new ideas. Aside from art, I also find inspiration in life and nature. Certain situations or interpersonal complications usually feed ideas for plots. Are your characters based on anyone you know? Yes, some of my characters, particularly Moira and Keenan, are partially based on people I know. I find it often helps bring the characters to life if they’re based on someone you know. As to who they are based on, I can’t divulge. What do you do in your spare time to relax? For relaxing, I mostly just spend down time with my family, which often involves watching movies. When alone, I’m often found listening to music or reading. What are you working on right now? At the moment I’m working hard to bring book three in The Memory Collector Series to my readers. I know a lot of them are anxious to read the final book, especially after the ending in book two, Pawn of the Phoenix. Here is how you can find Jamie Mclachlan Twitter: @jamiemclachlan8 Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorJamieMcLachlan Website: www.authorjamiemclachlan.com I'd like to take the last minute to thank Jamie Mclachlan for taking the time, and agreeing, to do an interview with me, and I hope you will take the time to follow Jamie on one of the links above (and maybe see her sense of humour). I'd also recommend a trip over to Amazon to pick up copies of her first two books so you'll be ready and eagerly waiting for book three, and if you're following her you'll be able to ask her just when book three will be published ;).  I've known Saharah Shae for almost two years now. We met when I first opened my Twitter account and I was like a babe in the woods. Saharah was one of my first followers and one of the first to chat to me, in fact she was probably one of the reasons I didn't just pull the plug and say "To Hell With It!". I love her quirky sense of humour, her quick wit and way with words always has a way of making me laugh, and I absolutely adore her blunt speaking ways. There has been many a time Sahara has got her point across in ways that have left me crying with laughter, even to the point of spitting my coffee out all over my laptop, but if you're truly a friend you would know she has a heart of pure gold.
Sahara, and myself, belong to a little group of fine ladies we like to call the "Bunny's", not very wolf pack, I admit, but it suits us just fine, and on more than one occasion she has been my support, my go to girl, and has come to my defence against many a weirdo on Twitter. Over time she has become "Sis" to me, as I can't imagine having anyone better in your corner. Being the only girl in one of five children has Saharah knowing her way around fishing, a garage, and her firearms. She lives in Kentucky with Lucifer, who she calls her Devil-dog, is a huge fan of several sports, and is the staunchest supporter of her military troops, be they of the past, present, or future. Saharah is also an author, her genre is erotica, and she admits writing it is arousing to her and her goal is to see that she stimulates her readers just as much when they read her work, which she also admits is based on some real life experience's along with fantasies that run through the naughty part of her mind. Here is what Saharah Shae had to say... Why did you decide you wanted to become a writer? Writing is my passion; it is what I was born to do. Although I had no inkling that I would be writing in the genre that I am or that it even existed, I knew at the age of five that I would write a book one day. What was the thing that drove you the most to do so? I love storytelling and entertaining people. How long have you been writing? I have been writing since I was a child. Why did you pick the genre/s that you have? I love reading erotica, sex, and writing. After reading a book one day, I decided that it was a genre that I wanted to try writing myself. Who is your favourite character, and why? The character I like the most from my books is Starr. She’s sexy, young, and determined to get what she wants out of life. Do you have any particular quirks when writing? As with a lot of things, I like to write early in the morning when the world seems like it is at a standstill. What does your family think of your work? I only have a few family members that know I write erotica. My brothers and an aunt know. While the boys aren’t thrilled that I chose to write in this genre, they learned a long time ago that I usually do what I want. Shockingly, my aunt is my biggest supporter. Do you belong to any writing groups? And if so what do you think are the pros and cons? I belong to the Wicked Pen Writers group as well as the Naughty Misfits. The support from each group is fantastic. How do you deal with writers block? Fortunately, I haven’t experienced writer’s block and in the genre I write in, I’m not sure that will ever be a problem for me. What would you say is the most difficult part of writing? The most difficult part of writing for me is that I am a messy writer. Writing erotica turns me on as much as reading it does, so I have to break often when I’m writing. There are also many other things that I do besides writing that I’m not able to put on hold and write whenever I want. What do you enjoy the most about writing? Writing allows me to entertain and excite people while telling a story. I’m able to express myself on paper in ways that wouldn’t be accepted socially in every day conversations. Where do you find your inspiration? I use life experiences sprinkled with a little fantasy as inspiration when I am writing. I’m not a kiss and tell kinda girl but that doesn’t mean I won’t change a few things up and write about it. Are your characters based on anyone you know? Almost all of my characters are based on people that I know. Of course, names are always changed to protect the not so innocent. What do you do in your spare time to relax? When I’m not writing I love to fish, take pictures, listen to music, read, cook, spend time with family and friends, shoot my guns, and I follow and watch several sports teams. What do you like to read? I love to read erotica but my favorite reading genre is true crime. I also spend a fair amount of time reading through medical journals. Who is your favourite author? I’m not sure that I could pick just one author as my favorite. I love to read anything from Aphrodite Jones and James Patterson. Where are your books available? My books are available at Amazon. What are you working on right now? I’m currently working on several erotic short stories. What is your ultimate goal? My goal is to eventually be able to write full time. Do you have a favourite film? And if so what is it? My two favorite movies are Smokey and the Bandit and Shooter. Here is how you can find Sahara Shae Twitter: @saharahshae Facebook: SaharahShaeM Amazon: amazon.com/author/saharahshae My blog: saharahshae.com YouTube: Saharah Shae I'd like to take this the last moment to thank Saharah Shae for being a willing interviewee and answering all my questions. I hope you liked getting to know her as much as I did and have, and I really hope you'll follow her on one of the links provided above, but if you want to take up the Saharah Shae challenge and let her excite you then shoot on over to Amazon and pick up a couple of her books ;) you might just get hooked. |
Author
I am a wife, mother, and grandmother, and I live in Wales in the U.K. Sallyann Phillips is an IASD member.
Check out their website for a wonderful choice of Indie authors for you to chose from.
Archives
April 2017
|
RSS Feed
