Author interview no.382 with writer Trish Jackson

Welcome to the three hundred and eighty-second of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. Today’s is with romantic suspense novelist Trish Jackson. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further.

Morgen: Hello, Trish. Please tell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer.

Trish: Morgen, first I’d like to thank you for having me on your blog.

I’ve loved writing all my life. I come from a family of writers and artists, so writing a novel seemed the most natural progression.

Morgen: Great to have you here. You’re so lucky having that background. I do come from an arty background (photographer father & uncle, artist mother & aunt, web designer brother but it took me 30-something years to realise that writing was the profession for me. In the intro I described you as a romantic suspense novelist, why did you choose that genre?

Trish: I write romantic suspense because that’s what came out of my head when I sat down and wrote that first novel, and every novel I have written since, many of which are yet to be published. I guess I am a romantic at heart.

Morgen: What have you had published to-date?

Trish: My novel, “Redneck P.I.” was published by Uncial Press last year in March. It’s about Twila, a self-professed redneck woman who invites hunky Harland O’Connor to the company picnic to spite “those bitches” her co-workers. When he gets shot and wounded, she becomes entangled in a dangerous web of murder and intrigue.

“Way Out of Line”, just released (May 2012), is a story of undying young love that survives despite a series of harsh and terrifying occurrences. Much of the action takes place in Africa—exotic, wild, savage and vibrant—which is where I come from.

Morgen: All stories should have a pace and yours definitely sounds packed with it. Are you self-published at all?

Trish: I self-publish the print version of my novels.

Morgen: Are your books available as eBooks? How involved were you in that process? Do you read eBooks or is it paper all the way?

Trish: Uncial press is an eBook publisher. They do not publish print books, but I do offer my books in print on Amazon. I never imagined I would enjoy reading on an electronic device, but I fell in love with my Kindle the moment I got it, and it was especially convenient when I flew to California recently. An unlimited number of books could suddenly fit in my handbag.

Morgen: Exactly. That’s why I love it although I still enjoy reading the umpteen books I have dotted around the house. Do you have a favourite of your books or characters? If any of your books were made into films, who would you have as the leading actor/s?

Trish: My redneck character, Twila, is my favourite. She is so bold and true to herself, and doesn’t care what other people think. If it was made into a movie, the actress portraying her would probably have to be a little politically incorrect herself.

Morgen: I’m sure there are plenty of those. Did you have any say in the titles / covers of your books? How important do you think they are?

Trish: The titles just seemed to be there when I started writing. My publisher’s professional designers created the eBook covers, but they would have changed them if I did not approve.

Morgen: What are you working on at the moment / next?

Trish: I’m working on the edits of my next novel, “Kick Assitude”—the sequel to “Redneck P.I.”. It has been accepted by Uncial Press and will be released in March 2013. In this book, Twila gets a dog, who rides around on the back of her Harley with her and helps to protect her. I’m an animal lover and animals are probably going to play a large part in most of my books.

I’m also writing my fourth novel, “To the Limit,” where my heroine is a veterinarian and has dogs, cats, and a palomino mare named “Flight of Fancy”.

Morgen: My dog would definitely approve. Do you manage to write every day? Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

Trish: I’ve never suffered from writer’s block. I’m lucky I can write anywhere. Sometimes I keep my computer on my lap while watching TV and write when the ads are on. I write during my lunch hour at work. On days I don’t write, I think about what I’m going to write.

Morgen: There’s dedication for you. I could write anywhere (it only takes a pen and paper after all) but I do prefer quiet or classical music. Do you plot your stories or do you just get an idea and run with it?

Trish: Somehow, the story just seems to be in my head. When I sit down in front of my computer the characters take over and I just record what they tell me.

Morgen: I love that… that they just get on with it. Do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable?

Trish: I have a “Character Analysis Sheet” I use to document the traits of the primary characters. It includes such things as their religious beliefs, education level, favourite subjects at school and physical appearance including nervous habits, scars or tattoos, etc. I think it is important to know a lot about them to make them believable.

Morgen: I’m sure it certainly does help. Have a sheet like that and magazine photographs is something I sometimes set on a Monday night workshop and it’s great fun seeing these ‘people’ coming to life. Do you do a lot of editing or do you find that as time goes on your writing is more fully-formed?

Trish: I like to write the first draft in its entirety. I leave this for at least six months and come back with fresh eyes to start fleshing it out and adding the details, which is my favourite part of the process.

Morgen: I think the creating is mine but you’re right to leave it a while then it does seem like new which I like about the editing process. Do you have to do much research?

Trish: All novels require some research, but I enjoy doing what is necessary.

Morgen: It sounds like you love it all. I’m less keen on research but the internet has made it so much easier. What point of view do you find most to your liking: first person or third person? Have you ever tried second person?

Trish: “Redneck P.I.” and its sequel are written in the first person and I enjoy that the best. The other novels are in third person. I doubt if I would try to write in second person.

Morgen: That’s a shame but probably wise for longer pieces. It’s certainly an acquired taste, although one I love, and little known so I created its own page here on my blog. Do you write any poetry, non-fiction or short stories?

Trish: I have published my grandfather’s memoirs and a booklet for teens about safe driving, “Don’t Text and Drive”, which I also illustrated.

Morgen: I see so many drivers who do, or who chat on their mobiles. Of course everyone who does it thinks nothing bad will happen to them. It’s saddening and maddening. Do you have pieces of work that you think will never see light of day?

Trish: I have several almost complete novels in my computer, some of which I will probably never publish.

Morgen: That’s a shame although you say you have no trouble coming up with new ideas. Have you had any rejections? If so, how do you deal with them?

Trish: Rejections are part of the publishing process, unless you choose to self-publish. I sent “Redneck P.I.” to several publishers before Uncial Press accepted it. I didn’t mind the rejections—each publishing house has specific needs and I realized my book may not meet all of them.

Morgen: True. Just finding the right thing for the right person. You’ve obviously skipping the agent route, do you think they’re vital to an author’s success?

Trish: It’s not easy to find an agent who is willing to represent you until you have a proven track record of success.

Morgen: And the likes of Amanda Hocking, John Locke and Joe Konrath are inspiration to every self-published author. How much of the marketing do you do for your published works or indeed for yourself as a ‘brand’?

Trish: I belong to all the social networking and writer’s Internet sites and have tried to get my biography and info onto as many as possible.

Morgen: There are a lot, aren’t there. You’ve mentioned that you enjoy editing and research, what’s your least favourite aspect of your writing life?

Trish: The only least favourite aspect is the fact that I have to work and cannot spend all my time writing.

Morgen: I think every writer feels like that. Even authors I’ve spoken to who have mainstream publishers behind them still wish for more writing time. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Trish: Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone discourage you.

Morgen: Is there a word, phrase or quote you like?

Trish: The first verse this poem by an anonymous poet says it all:

“If you think you’re beaten, you are

If you think you dare not, you don’t

If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t

It’s almost certain you won’t.”

Morgen: If you’re passionate enough you just keep going, don’t you. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Trish: I like to hike. It’s my way of getting close to nature.

Morgen: I’m just back from the beach (two-thirds of my way through a week’s holiday) and although I didn’t write anything it was inspiration for a short story (and as they tend to do, it’s dark). Are there any writing-related websites and / or books that you find useful?

Trish: http://www.goodreads.com

Morgen: It’s a very popular site. Not one I’ve really explored other than accept friend requests but I should – I can see it as a potentially good platform (despite being the toughest ‘crowd’ for my eBooks). Are you on any forums or networking sites? If so, how valuable do you find them?

Trish: I have found Linkedin‘s writer’s groups to be the most beneficial, because one can network with other writers.

Morgen: And probably where we met. What do you think the future holds for a writer?

Trish: This is the best time ever for aspiring writers because they can self-publish in the Internet. I believe in the fiction world, eBooks will eventually replace print books, but reference and illustrated books will probably always be in print as well as electronic form.

Morgen: With bookshops closing all around us (we have one left and that’s a chain) it does make it more difficult to get paper books to readers and with postage increasing all the time and eBooks generally being cheaper (and certainly quicker) it certainly does look as if it’s heading in that direction. Where can we find out about you and your writing?

Trish: Web: http://www.trishjackson.com and http://www.trishjax.com

Blog: http://romanticreviewramble.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redneckpi

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_oy-GzOmDQ

Twitter: @trishjaxon

Morgen: Thank you, Trish.

I then invited Trish to include an extract of her writing…

“You’re so tanned, you don’t really need this.” His skin flinched at the cold sunscreen lotion. His breathing quickened, and his body stirred uncontrollably from her touch as she gently massaged it in. He buried his head in the towel, not wanting her to see the lust in his eyes. When she stopped, he turned to look at her.

She unfastened the bikini top, held it tightly over her breasts, and lay down again on her stomach. “Now it’s your turn,” she said, and handed him the bottle.

Hal poured the lotion into the palm of his hand, hoping she wouldn’t notice it was shaking. He started rubbing it slowly onto her back. Her skin was soft and warm. He had to summon all his control to keep his hands confined to her back.

“Now my legs, please.” Amber eyes studied him coolly from under thick brown lashes. She flinched and squirmed at the first touch of his hands on her thighs.

This is crazy. I must be crazy. He couldn’t stop. He never wanted to stop touching her. Slowly, he felt the tense muscles soften under his caress. She moaned.

“Your hands are so warm,” she whispered.

She’s a little wasted. Just enough that I could do anything I want to her. His hands moved to the inside of her thighs, and he pictured himself slipping his fingers under the skimpy scrap of fabric and touching her there.

His heart raced and he turned his gaze to her face, trying to gauge her mood. Her eyes were half-closed, her breathing slow and relaxed. This is way out of line. She’s so innocent. I can’t take advantage of her like this. It just wouldn’t be right.

As he watched her face, her mouth opened slightly and her eyes closed. Her breathing became slow and deep, and she whimpered and twitched a little. He jerked his hand away and shook his head. I can’t believe it. She’s asleep.’

…and then a synopsis of one of her books and this is from ‘Way Out of Line’…   

Trent lied about her age. Hal was convicted of statutory rape. Two lives, ruined.

Despite a brutal existence in prison, a desperate escape and a chance for a new life in Africa, Hal never forgets his first love. If only there were some way he could return home, return to Trent.

Never, warns his wise friend Demetrio, reminding Hal that they are escaped felons, and to be caught is to go back to prison.

Trent can’t forget Hal, nor can she forgive herself for his fate. The future holds no promise, and finally she seeks solace and expiation in a cult calling itself The Church of Hallowed Revelation.

Her parents seek to have her deprogrammed, but instead lose her to ruthless kidnappers, who hold her in their African headquarters until her ransom is paid.

Seeking a hostage held by a quasi-military faction, Hal and Demetrio head into the wilderness. At the end of their quest is violence, death, and–just perhaps–another chance for Hal and Trent.

Africa can be described by many words—exotic, wild, savage, cruel, mystical and vibrant. What better setting for this unique, suspenseful and romantic story that will make you gasp, hold your breath, pant with desire, and cry?

Trish Jackson is happiest when sitting in front a computer, feeling her characters come to life. Born and raised on a farm in what is now Zimbabwe, Africa, she loves animals and country living.

If you are reading this and you write, in whatever genre, and are thinking “ooh, I’d like to do this” then you can… just email me and I’ll send you the questions. You complete them, I tweak them where appropriate (if necessary to reflect the blog ‘clean and light’ rating) and then they get posted. When that’s done, I email you with the link so you can share it with your corner of the literary world. And if you have a writing-related blog / podcast and would like to interview me… let me know.

You can sign up to receive these blog posts daily or weekly so you don’t miss anything… and follow me on Twitter where each new posting is automatically announced. You can also read / download my eBooks and free eShorts at Smashwords, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble, iTunes Bookstore, Kobo and Amazon, with more to follow. I have a new forum and you can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, like me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn, find me on Tumblr, complete my website’s Contact me page or plain and simple, email me.  I also now have a new blog creation service especially for, but not limited to, writers.

Unfortunately, as I post an interview a day (amongst other things) I can’t review books but I have a feature called ‘Short Story Saturdays’ where I review stories of up to 2,500 words. Alternatively if you have a short story or self-contained novel extract / short chapter (ideally up to 1000 words) that you’d like critiqued and don’t mind me reading it / talking about and critiquing it (I send you the transcription afterwards so you can use the comments or ignore them)  on my ‘Bailey’s Writing Tips’ podcast, then do email me. They are weekly episodes, usually released Monday mornings UK time, interweaving the recordings between the red pen sessions with the hints & tips episodes. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for Post-weekend Poetry.

 

Author interview no.377 with writer Breena Puttroff

Welcome to the three hundred and seventy-seventh of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. Today’s is with young adult fantasy/romance novelist Breeana Puttroff. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further.

Morgen: Hello. Please tell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer.

Breeana: My name is Breeana Puttroff. I have been in love with the written word since I was a small child. I have always loved to make up stories and write, although for many years most of my writing was either for one of my degrees, or for teaching writing to elementary school students. I always thought that maybe I would write sometime, but there finally came a point where it all clicked, and I began doing it for real.

I was born and raised in the Denver area, and that is where I currently live with my daughter.

Morgen: I love it when you say “something clicked”. That’s how I felt when I went to a creative writing critique group back in January 2005. What genre do you generally write and have you considered other genres?

Breeana: So far, all of my published work is in the Young Adult Fantasy / Romance genre. I will probably stick with that for quite some time as it has become a favourite of mine, and I have ideas for several stories bubbling away in the back of my mind.

Morgen: As they do. What have you had published to-date?

Breeana: To date I have published the first two books in The Dusk Gate Chronicles, titled Seeds of Discovery and Roots of Insight. The third book in the series, Thorns of Decision, releases on June 1, 2012.

Morgen: Oh good luck with the launch… how exciting. Are your books available as eBooks? Were you involved in that process at all? Do you read eBooks or is it paper all the way?

Breeana: My books are available as both eBooks and paperback. I was involved in the entire process for both products. I have a collection of several thousand books at my home – and there isn’t room for any more!  I love paper, but these days I almost exclusively read eBooks, with a few paper books from the library.

Morgen: I’m still some of each although having so many with me when I go out is fantastic. Do you have a favourite of your books or characters? If any of your books were made into films, who would you have as the leading actor/s?

Breeana: My current books are all part of a series, and I really don’t have a favorite book, but my favorite character is probably William Rose. I am quite horrible at casting leading actors – my characters aren’t modeled after anyone, but I do love hearing what fans think!

Morgen: Isn’t that great. I just love receiving emails, and reviews of course (even the bad ones, I find them funny), but for someone to have taken the trouble to contact us is really precious. Writing is to be read, after all. What are you working on at the moment / next?

Breeana: My next project is the fourth book in the Dusk Gate Chronicles, which is currently untitled.

Morgen: Your titles so far have been great (and I’m a big titles fan) so perhaps you’d let me know how it goes and I’ll put an update at the bottom of this interview. Do you manage to write every day? Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

Breeana: I manage to write most days, at least a little. I don’t tend to suffer from writer’s block, but writer’s procrastination and I are quite close.

Morgen: Almost like a character in itself. Do you plot your stories or do you just get an idea and run with it?

Breeana: I get an idea and run with it, stopping along the way to plot or discuss ideas with my writing partner or beta readers.

Morgen: It’s always a good idea to have what I call “back-up pairs of eyes” as we’re always too close to our work, and know what we mean when it may not be obvious to others. You mentioned being “quite horrible at casting leading actors”, do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable?

Breeana: I don’t have a specific method. My characters tend to just come to me and I imagine them in certain situations, and take some time to get to know them.

Morgen: That’s pretty much how I do it. Do you write any non-fiction, poetry or short stories?

Breeana: I’m not much of a poet or into short stories. I am quite good at lesson plans, research papers, blog comments, and diatribes on internet forums, but nobody would pay to read that.

Morgen: Do you do a lot of editing or do you find that as time goes on your writing is more fully-formed?

Breeana: I do a LOT of self-editing as I write. I’m a horrible first-drafter, and I have a beta reader who swears my writing comes out fully-formed, but I also do a LOT of editing after the fact.  I usually need to go back and add tension to the story later.

Morgen: That’s the thing with novels, you still need to keep the pace and the threads running together. Do you have to do much research?

Breeana: Yes and no. I’m kind of a research junkie, so I do a lot of “research” without really thinking about it – looking something up as I’m writing a chapter, and then spending HOURS researching the history and the possibilities. I do tend to look up tiny details just on the fly. For example, in my first book, Seeds of Discovery, there’s a scene where one of my characters, who is a doctor, is trying to discover if a piece of paper is laced with a white powdery substance. I spent a lot of time the evening I wrote it “shopping” online to find out if there were black gloves a character like him might have and what they would be called.

Morgen: But then that’s detail that a reader would appreciate… or point out was wrong if you hadn’t done your homework. What point of view do you find most to your liking: first person or third person? Have you ever tried second person?

Breeana: I tend to like third person best, but I dabble in first person.  I’ve tried second person before, but not since my college days.

Morgen: It’s my favourite pov but little known about… or sadly often liked. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Breeana: There’s no such thing as an aspiring writer. You either write, or you don’t. Writers sit down in their chairs and write.

Morgen: That’s true… although I know a chap who’s had an idea for a novel in his head for years but done nothing about it. I said he should get it down in case he forgets any of it but… What do you do when you’re not writing?

Breeana: I’m a single mom, a former teacher, and now I run a small business of my own. Every great once in a while, I get to read, but that’s about it.

Morgen: And write, hopefully. Are you on any forums or networking sites? If so, how valuable do you find them?

Breeana: I am on Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. I like all of them for different reasons, but they all can become time-drains if I let them (remember the procrastinating?).

Morgen: Oh, don’t they just.

Breeana: Honestly, they’ve all been valuable in different ways, and I’ve met some fantastic people, and been able to connect with great readers.

Morgen: That’s the best thing about being online. I’ve met some great people from Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. I’ve not used Goodreads properly yet but get quite a few friend requests (which is great). I should spend more time on that as it’s where my bad reviews are. Where can we find out about you and your work?

Breeana: You can find me at www.breeanaputtroff.net, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/duskgate, look me up on Goodreads, or follow me on Twitter @bputtroff

Morgen: Thank you, Breeana.

If you are reading this and you write, in whatever genre, and are thinking “ooh, I’d like to do this” then you can… just email me and I’ll send you the questions. You complete them, I tweak them where appropriate (if necessary to reflect the blog ‘clean and light’ rating) and then they get posted. When that’s done, I email you with the link so you can share it with your corner of the literary world. And if you have a writing-related blog / podcast and would like to interview me… let me know.

You can sign up to receive these blog posts daily or weekly so you don’t miss anything… and follow me on Twitter where each new posting is automatically announced. You can also read / download my eBooks and free eShorts at Smashwords, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble, iTunes Bookstore, Kobo and Amazon, with more to follow. I have a new forum and you can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, like me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn, find me on Tumblr, complete my website’s Contact me page or plain and simple, email me.  I also now have a new blog creation service especially for, but not limited to, writers.

Unfortunately, as I post an interview a day (amongst other things) I can’t review books but I have a feature called ‘Short Story Saturdays’ where I review stories of up to 2,500 words. Alternatively if you have a short story or self-contained novel extract / short chapter (ideally up to 1000 words) that you’d like critiqued and don’t mind me reading it / talking about and critiquing it (I send you the transcription afterwards so you can use the comments or ignore them)  on my ‘Bailey’s Writing Tips’ podcast, then do email me. They are weekly episodes, usually released Monday mornings UK time, interweaving the recordings between the red pen sessions with the hints & tips episodes. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for Post-weekend Poetry.

 

Author interview no.374 with writer Kristy K James

Welcome to the three hundred and seventy-fourth of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. Today’s is with historical / romance author Kristy K James. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further.

Morgen: Hello, Kristy. Please tell us something about yourself.

Kristy: Hello, Morgen. Hopefully this part won’t put your readers to sleep because I’m just an average person. A mom, a cook, a housekeeper and pet owner based out of Michigan.

Morgen: Not average at all, a multi-tasker. I’ve very ordinary, just run a house, one dog, no family. I did wonder when I started writing what I had to write about but then my imagination took over. How did you come to be a writer?

Kristy: I became interested in the whole storytelling process when I took Creative Writing in 9th grade. Technically I only did it because that’s where the school paper was produced-and my goal was to be one of the reporters. Why? Because I had a crush on the student teacher in my drama class… and I wanted to interview him. I did get to do the interview, but over the course of that year, fell in love with writing – and I just never stopped.

Morgen: A student / student teacher crush, now there’s a story. What genre do you generally write and have you considered other genres?

Kristy: If I had to narrow it down to one genre, it would probably be romance. I’ve also written an historical romance, a Christian romance novel, and historical / literary fiction. I’m currently plotting a YA fantasy series that I hope to get started on within the next year.

Morgen: All very popular. What have you had published to-date?

Kristy: I have four books available on Amazon.com right now.

Morgen: Do you have an agent? Do you think they’re vital to an author’s success?

Kristy: I do not have an agent. Ten years ago they were a key to an author’s success, but with the way the publishing industry is going these days, I’m not sure they’re necessary. That’s not to say that I would never consider having one, but for now… I’m not looking.

Morgen: I’m sure if we were approached we’d be tempted. Are your books available as eBooks? Were you involved in that process at all? Do you read eBooks or is it paper all the way?

Kristy: All of my novels are available as paperbacks and eBooks. And yes, I’ve been involved in every step of that process. Do I read eBooks? Since purchasing a Kindle last year, I do. I still prefer paperbacks, but am slowly accumulating a digital library. I especially like the fact that I can download a heavy, hardcover book from Amazon to my digital, lightweight eReader.

Morgen: Ditto. My house would be far emptier if I switched to Kindle only but I love having the option. How much of the marketing do you do for your published works or indeed for yourself as a ‘brand’?

Kristy: While I’m not a good salesperson, I am learning. Mostly I try to brand myself because I don’t like hard sells, and constantly pushing my novels would fall into that category-at least in my opinion.

Morgen: I’d agree. I’m rubbish at marketing myself but I think the trick (which sounds devious but isn’t) is to get others to market you, which is part of the reason I blog… although really enjoying it has made it what it is, and all the guests of course. Do you have a favourite of your books or characters? If any of your books were made into films, who would you have as the leading actor/s?

Kristy: Enza is far and away my favorite book, with my favorite character being Elliot Owens. I had originally pictured him as a young Sam Waterston because he was such a good father in I’ll Fly Away (a short-lived series in the early 90’s). I’m kind of leaning toward Matt Damon now, after seeing him in We Bought a Zoo.

Morgen: I didn’t see that film but I do like him. He’s very versatile. Did you have any say in the title / covers of your book(s)? How important do you think they are?

Kristy: I worked very closely with the graphic artist who creates my covers. Sometimes I give her an idea of what my vision for a cover is, and sometimes she surprises me. I think covers are extremely important. So much so that I have probably missed out on reading some good stories because a cover turned me off the moment I saw it. Yes, it’s what’s in between that really matters, but if the first impression-the cover-isn’t appealing, I probably won’t even read the blurb.

Morgen: It’s hard these days with so many books on offer. It’s finding somewhere between dull and flashy… simple and classy I suppose, which yours is (and I’m not just saying that). What are you working on at the moment / next?

Kristy: I am currently working on two WIPs. One is the third in my Coach’s Boys series. The other is a romance born of the dream every little girl has – to be whisked away by her knight in shining armor.

Morgen: Do you manage to write every day? Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

Kristy: I try to write every day. But when you’re editing and getting a book ready for launch, it’s hard to concentrate on anything except that. You want to put out the best, most error-free story you can, and it can take a lot out of you.

I definitely suffer from writer’s block. There are times when scrubbing the bathtub, sweeping down cobwebs, or organizing the garage seems like easier-and more appealing-chores than writing.

Morgen: We’re good at that aren’t we – mine’s defrosting my freezer. Do you plot your stories or do you just get an idea and run with it?

Kristy: I’m a plotter. I need to know where I’m starting, where I want to finish and, most importantly, whether I can make the middle interesting enough to make it worth investing a few months of my life to write it.

Morgen: Can’t have a saggy middle. Do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable?

Kristy: As a matter of fact, I do. I keep a baby names and telephone book handy for naming characters. And, in addition to compiling the usual background information for each of my main characters, I also ‘interview’ them. I felt a little silly doing that at first, but now I get into it so much you’d think I had a multiple personality disorder. One ‘interview’ helped me understand where the main female character was coming from, a good thing since I didn’t like her at all in the beginning. Now that I really know her, and what led her to where she is today, she’s one of my favorites.

Morgen: One of the exercises I set in my Monday night writing workshops is to pick a couple of magazine pictures when complete a character chart. It lists name, nickname, nationality, age, job, hair colour, height, weight, favourite music, favourite food, regular saying, relationship, children, siblings, religion, aspirations and quirks. That can be really fun. Do you write any non-fiction, poetry or short stories?

Kristy: I did write a book about my experience following an auto accident, a short story for a writing contest, and have dabbled in poetry. But I love writing novels so that’s what I spend the vast majority of my time doing.

Morgen: I write short stories in the main as I have snatches of time but have done NaNoWriMo four times (2008-2011) and find if I’m given a deadline (challenge) I can find the time… providing my freezer’s defrosted of course. Do you do a lot of editing or do you find that as time goes on your writing is more fully-formed?

Kristy: Through the years I find that my first drafts are much closer to the final draft than they used to be. But I still do a good bit of editing. I want people to be glad they spent a few hours with my characters, so I make sure the stories are the best I can possibly write. That means plenty of editing.

Morgen: And presumably some more from your writing partner and beta readers. I do know a couple of authors (who shall of course remain nameless) who self-edit then self-publish (as eBooks). One has written a lot so their writing is good but the other is a newbie and although the writing’s pretty good, there are holes. As the saying goes, you only have one chance to make a good impression, and you don’t want to waste it. Do you have to do much research?

Kristy: It depends on the book. I spent many months researching for Enza, and I’m finding the YA series I want to do is requiring a great deal as well. Sometimes you just have to invest the time, if you want to write with any degree of expertise.

Morgen: And your readers will thank you for it. What point of view do you find most to your liking: first person or third person? Have you ever tried second person?

Kristy: I prefer reading-and writing-in the third person, though I have a few favorites written in the first. I’ve never tried anything in second person.

Morgen: Oh it’s great, I love it. Not everyone does but I’m a champion of it and it has its own page on this blog. Do you have pieces of work that you think will never see light of day?

Kristy: Oh of course. I have dozens of notebooks filled with what might be labeled today as fan fiction. When I was first getting started I liked to practice dialog by using characters from my favorite television shows and movies. The only light those ‘stories’ will ever see will come from a match.

Morgen: No! You can’t. You might want to either look back and see how far you’ve come or do something with them because fan fiction is incredibly popular. What’s your favourite / least favourite aspect of your writing life? Has anything surprised you?

Kristy: These days I’d have to say marketing. It’s a necessary step in getting the stories into the hands of readers, but it’s very time consuming and, frankly, I’d rather be writing new stories. Before that it was reading my books for the fourth or fifth time over the course of a few short weeks to make sure they were as perfect as I could make them.

Morgen: This is where an agent, editor, publisher etc would come in handy. We’re writers, we want to be writing. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Kristy: Read-and then read some more. The best way to write good books is to read good books. I think it’s also helpful to read lousy books so you learn how not to write.

Morgen: And there are plenty of those. If you could invite three people from any era to dinner, who would you choose and what would you cook (or hide the takeaway containers)?

Kristy: Mark Twain, Albert Einstein and Bruce Willis. Since I get the most compliments for my lasagne, that’s what I’d make for them.  And probably my white cake, layered with vanilla pudding, frosted with sweetened whipping cream, and topped with cherries.

Morgen: Can I stretch that to four people? Yum. Is there a word, phrase or quote you like?

Kristy: Mark Twain said it best- “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Morgen: Absolutely. Explore (find creative writing group / classes), dream (want to quit your day job), discover (I did quit two months ago!). Are you involved in anything else writing-related other than actual writing or marketing of your writing?

Kristy: Last year I started ‘beta reading’ for other authors. I like to think of it as a more productive way to get my reading in… and to learn more about my craft at the same time.

Morgen: And a great way to help others. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Kristy: Of course I read, and spend a lot of time with my family. I like to decorate cakes and put together flower arrangement. Lately I’ve been getting together with my aunts and uncles to video tape them talking about what life was like when they were growing up. In November and December I got to work with them on a flash mob dance. It was a lot of fun for me and for them. Especially when they surprised everyone with their performance at the big family Christmas party.

Morgen: And you could write a book about them. Are there any writing-related websites and/or books that you find useful?

Kristy: My favorite website, and the current love of my life (outside of Bruce Willis) is Google. Anything I need to find, I can find there. My favorite book for writing is ‘How to Write Fast While Writing Well,’ by David Fryxell (available from Amazon.com). Good writing means developing good organizational skills, and Mr. Fryxell can help with that.

Morgen: That’s a new one to me but it does sound good. Are you on any forums or networking sites? If so, how valuable do you find them?

Kristy: I find Facebook to be very valuable, and I’m trying to learn to love Twitter. And I will. It’s just a matter of trying to work it into my schedule.

Morgen: Without letting it take over. What do you think the future holds for a writer?

Kristy: I believe there are – and will be – more opportunities for writers than ever before. Places like Amazon and Smashwords make it easy to get your writing out there – but that’s both a good and a bad thing. Serious writers will have to focus on putting out quality work more than ever before if they want to stand out from the crowd.

Morgen: They will. A slow process sometimes but as the saying goes “good things come to those who wait”. Where can we find out about you and your work?

Kristy: Anyone interested can find out about me at http://kristykjames.wordpress.com. I have a link to my blog and books there.

Morgen: Is there anything you’d like to ask me?

Kristy: How do you get to be as organized as you are?

Morgen: <laughs> being a secretary for over 20 years, having too little sleep, although giving up the day job certainly helped! Thank you, Kristy.

Kristy K. James‘ first goal in life was to work in law enforcement, until the night she called the police to check out a scary noise in her yard. Realizing that she might someday have to check out scary noises in other dark yards if she continued on that path, she turned to her other favorite love… writing. Since then, her days have been filled with being a mom and reluctant zookeeper (7 pets), creating stories and looking for trouble in her kitchen.

If you are reading this and you write, in whatever genre, and are thinking “ooh, I’d like to do this” then you can… just email me and I’ll send you the questions. You complete them, I tweak them where appropriate (if necessary to reflect the blog ‘clean and light’ rating) and then they get posted. When that’s done, I email you with the link so you can share it with your corner of the literary world. And if you have a writing-related blog / podcast and would like to interview me… let me know.

You can sign up to receive these blog posts daily or weekly so you don’t miss anything… and follow me on Twitter where each new posting is automatically announced. You can also read / download my eBooks and free eShorts at Smashwords, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble, iTunes Bookstore, Kobo and Amazon, with more to follow. I have a new forum and you can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, like me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn, find me on Tumblr, complete my website’s Contact me page or plain and simple, email me.  I also now have a new blog creation service especially for, but not limited to, writers.

Unfortunately, as I post an interview a day (amongst other things) I can’t review books but I have a feature called ‘Short Story Saturdays’ where I review stories of up to 2,500 words. Alternatively if you have a short story or self-contained novel extract / short chapter (ideally up to 1000 words) that you’d like critiqued and don’t mind me reading it / talking about and critiquing it (I send you the transcription afterwards so you can use the comments or ignore them)  on my ‘Bailey’s Writing Tips’ podcast, then do email me. They are weekly episodes, usually released Monday mornings UK time, interweaving the recordings between the red pen sessions with the hints & tips episodes. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for Post-weekend Poetry.

 

Author interview no.373 with writer Jackie Anton

Welcome to the three hundred and seventy-third of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. Today’s is with children’s author and romance novelist Jackie (J.M.) Anton. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further.

Morgen: Hello, Jackie. Please tell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer.

Jackie: Thank you for this interview opportunity. My writing began as a civics assignment in junior high, what is now called middle school. That was one of the most frightening events in my life. Shaking like a leaf in a windstorm, I gripped the lectern to keep from falling over. Following that trauma, my writing became a very private past time for many years. Ohio has been my home for most of my life.

Morgen: I’m pleased your nerves didn’t put you off when it could easily have done. What genre do you generally write and have you considered other genres?

Jackie: Most of my works that will be published are family-friendly chapter books. The Backyard Horse Tales series was intended for readers ages 8 to 12. However, after meeting adult fans ranging in age to 93 at a recent book-signing event, I now promote the series as reading level 8 to adult. A change of pace and genre are the adult romance novels.

Morgen: Both very popular genres. What have you had published to-date? Do you write under a pseudonym?

Jackie: Backyard Horse Tales / Sox 2nd edition was released March 2012. Sox’s story like the entire series is narrated from the horse’s point of view. The first four chapters of the third book in the series was published on Feb.6, 2012 in response to fans asking for Love’s tale. “Don’t Call Me Love” can be purchased or sampled at http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jackieanton. I do write the adult novels under the pen name J.M. Anton.

Morgen: I love it when fans ask for things (like asking for short stories to keep going). Have you had any rejections? If so, how do you deal with them?

Jackie: I guess anyone who writes has had rejections. My first one was in 2005. It was the catalyst for my returning to college, after a nearly thirty-year absence, to bone up on English composition and creative writing classes.

Morgen: That’s dedication for you. Have you won or been shortlisted in any competitions?

Jackie: Not yet, but my editor has urged me to enter several. Sox’s tale has been gathering some great early reviews, so I think that I will enter a few this year.

Morgen: Oh great, do let me know how you get on – we can put an update at the end. Do you have an agent? Do you think they’re vital to an author’s success?

Jackie: No I don’t have one, though I have interviewed several. Agents are probably very useful for approaching traditional publishers.

Morgen: I would say so but it’s more difficult to get an agent than a publisher, certainly in the UK, so a lot of people are going their own way, like eBooking. Are your books available as eBooks? Do you read eBooks or is it paper all the way?

Jackie: I think in today’s market you have to have an e-book offering as well as a print version your books. I purchased my first e-reading device last November, mostly to see what books looked like in that medium. I have read and reviewed several e-books, but I love the feel of a real book. I am much more comfortable with the good old page-turners, and it is much easier to turn back a page or even to a previous chapter with physical books.

Morgen: Most people have said that. Only a handful have said they prefer an ereader or would never try eBooks. How much of the marketing do you do for your published works or indeed for yourself as a ‘brand’?

Jackie: I market as much as possible, and still continue to write.

Morgen: A balancing act, I’m sure. Do you have a favourite of your books or characters? If any of your books were made into films, who would you have as the leading actor/s?

Jackie: Sox tale would probably make a wonderful animated film.

Morgen: I can just imagine the horse on your cover coming to life. Did you have any say in the title / covers of your books? How important do you think they are?

Jackie: Yes I do have the final say in both the title and the covers. That is the biggest drawback to traditional publishing, not having a say in what happens to your work.

Morgen: What are you working on at the moment / next?

Jackie: The 2011 NaNoWriMo winning entry, “The Universal Search for Mr. Right ” is in final edit. It will be an e-book in late April, and print by July of 2012.

Expect “Backyard Horse Tale 2 Frosty and the Nightstalker” in the fall, and the completed version of “Don’t Call Me Love” in time for the Christmas season. Excerpts of my pending works as well as release dates may be found on my blog http://jackieanton.com.

Morgen: You certainly sound very busy. Do you manage to write every day? Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

Jackie: I try to write a minimum of 500 words a day. If I hit a snag on something, I just work on one of my other projects, edit, or go ride my horse and forget about it for a while.

Morgen: Good plan. I’d only just realised recently that 300 words a day is a 100,000 word novel which is astounding when you come to think of it. Do you plot your stories or do you just get an idea and run with it?

Jackie: A little of both, I guess. When I get an idea I jot it down then develop the characters. I may work out the plot and a time line ahead or during my edit and revision process while I am developing the story. It really depends on the storyline and genre.

Morgen: You mention characters, do you have a method for creating your characters?

Jackie: Most of my characters are based on composites of family, friends, strange experiences and events.

Morgen: So they’d have to be nice to you. Do you write any non-fiction, poetry or short stories?

Jackie: Horse club newsletters, coming events fall under non-fiction. There are a few short stories waiting to see the light of day.

Morgen: I love short stories and I think it’s great practice to write different lengths; it makes you think about de-waffling novels (as I’ve had to do). I can better tell where I’m going wrong these days so I can chop before I start going off somewhere where I know is only going to be chopped later. Do you do a lot of editing or do you find that as time goes on your writing is more fully-formed?

Jackie: The more writing I do the less revision and self-editing is required, before sending the work off to an editor.

Morgen: Exactly. It’s just practice, isn’t it. Do you have to do much research?

Jackie: I do a lot of research. Works with historical content take considerably more time than modern time lines that I either have personal experience with, or can research quickly online.

Morgen: Aren’t we lucky, being writers today with all this information to hand. What point of view do you find most to your liking: first person or third person?

Jackie: I use first person for Backyard Horse Tales, but mostly third person on other works.

Morgen: Do you have pieces of work that you think will never see light of day?

Jackie: Notebooks full of them!

Morgen: Oh dear. What’s your favourite / least favourite aspect of your writing life? Has anything surprised you?

Jackie: It is fun developing stories, and seeing characters develop. Time away from family and friends has to be the downside to my writing endeavour.

Morgen: It’s the same for me; the creating is definitely the best bit. Time, though not from family and friends (because the latter are mostly writers too) is definitely my bugbear. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Jackie: Keep at it.

Morgen: Absolutely, a successful writer is one who didn’t give up. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Jackie: My husband and I ride our horses on most days. I still draw and paint some, work in the vegetable or flower garden. Visit with our grandchildren.

Morgen: Are there any writing-related websites and/or books that you find useful?

Jackie: One of the most helpful links for aspiring authors is http://www.livewritethrive.com. I’ve subscribed to this site and find it very helpful in keeping me focused.

Morgen: I don’t know that one, thank you. Are you on any forums or networking sites? If so, how valuable do you find them?

Jackie: I have spent a lot of time on getting acquainted with the LibraryThing, and recently participated in their review give away in exchange for member readers reviews. It was well worth doing.

http://www.librarything.com/profile/BackyardHorse My facebook page has been very helpful in reaching other equine enthusiasts.  http://www.facebook.com/jackie.anton2  Linkedin writing, and equine groups have been very helpful. I love the National Novel Writing Month group, and the New Authors Need Marketing Ideas group. The list of groups is available at this link.

Morgen: LibraryThing is another new one to me. What do you think the future holds for a writer?

Jackie: That is a tough question. I think e-books are going to be with us for the foreseeable future. However, my grandchildren ages 10 and 12 still read books, they put them on their birthday and Christmas lists every year. They have even purchased books at the local bookstore using their own money! When they visited us at Thanksgiving, after traveling two days from Houston, Texas, they arrived with iPads! There wasn’t enough space in the family vehicle for the number of books that were crammed into that e-reader.

Morgen: That’s why I love them both, knowing I have hundreds of books if I go anywhere, and now I have a Kindle Touch it reads it to me (whilst I’m checking emails). Where can we find out about you and your work?

Jackie:  Backyard Horse Tales / Sox 2nd edition can be purchased from the book website www.backyardhorsetales.com or from amazon.com, and other online retailers.

Morgen: Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

Jackie: Sox’s second edition will officially kick off at a well-attended local event. I will be signing books, and participating in door prizes at the Annual Valley Tack Shop Midnight Sale, in Valley City, Ohio, and will be my second year participating in this event. I’ll update you on the results, and other scheduled events still in the planning stages.

Morgen: Oh yes, please do. Thank you, Jackie.

I then invited Jackie to include an excerpt of her writing and this is from Frosty and the Nightstalker…

One more night would be spent in these mountains before we could return to our home in the lush Wallowa Valley. Nights were already cold up here, and we had tracked through an early snowfall during the day’s hunt. Back at our camp we added several mountain sheep to our hunter’s growing tally. Travois and pack animals would be overloaded with dear, elk, a couple of moose, and a brown bear that decided to help himself to a deer that was hung from a tree to drain. Like us the bear was preparing for a long winter. Eating as much as he could before hibernating, he had the misfortune to try stealing the hunter’s deer. Now, instead of hibernating in a cave that brown bear would help fill the larder of the Nimi’ipuu. Nimi’ipuu is the people’s name for themselves. In English they are called the Nez Perce. Most of the people live in small bands that are usually extended family units. Our band lives near the Snake River.

Guards were assigned to keep watch over us, and protect our precious winter stores. Old or injured predators unable to catch their own game sometimes would try to sneak up close to camp looking for the right opportunity. Mountain lions, bears, and, occasionally, wolves would follow the hunting parties.

An accomplished equestrian, with a life time of experience: as trainer, exhibitor, 4-H and youth club coach, as well as a horse show judge, the author brings many years of experience working with horses and young riders to her “Backyard Horse Tales.” Sox the second edition expands the story of the mutual love between Sox and Emma. You will love the new ending just make sure you have a box of tissues handy.

***** UPDATE: Since I interviewed Jackie she emailed me with this update… “Backyard Horse Tales: Sox 2nd Edition” is entered in two award competitions. Finalists will be listed July 1, and winners announced September 1. This week Readers Favorite Awards & Reviews sent me two five star reviews for Sox’s Tale. I’ve also been given a five star review from my blog host of May 15th and her eight year old daughter. She is the youngest reader to participate in a review to date. For the run of this tour which ends May 23rd, the first five people who buy Sox 2nd edition will get a free copy of BYHT 2 “Frosty and the Nightstalker” when it is available this fall. Print purchasers will be mailed a print copy. E-book purchases will receive a free e-book of BYHT 2. My e-mail address and other contacts ore listed on the book’s web site www.backyardhorsetales.com where your followers can purchase the print version. Amazon, B&N, and Apple are a few of the sites that have the e-book. *****

If you are reading this and you write, in whatever genre, and are thinking “ooh, I’d like to do this” then you can… just email me and I’ll send you the questions. You complete them, I tweak them where appropriate (if necessary to reflect the blog ‘clean and light’ rating) and then they get posted. When that’s done, I email you with the link so you can share it with your corner of the literary world. And if you have a writing-related blog / podcast and would like to interview me… let me know.

You can sign up to receive these blog posts daily or weekly so you don’t miss anything… and follow me on Twitter where each new posting is automatically announced. You can also read / download my eBooks and free eShorts at Smashwords, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble, iTunes Bookstore, Kobo and Amazon, with more to follow. I have a new forum and you can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, like me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn, find me on Tumblr, complete my website’s Contact me page or plain and simple, email me.  I also now have a new blog creation service especially for, but not limited to, writers.

Unfortunately, as I post an interview a day (amongst other things) I can’t review books but I have a feature called ‘Short Story Saturdays’ where I review stories of up to 2,500 words. Alternatively if you have a short story or self-contained novel extract / short chapter (ideally up to 1000 words) that you’d like critiqued and don’t mind me reading it / talking about and critiquing it (I send you the transcription afterwards so you can use the comments or ignore them)  on my ‘Bailey’s Writing Tips’ podcast, then do email me. They are weekly episodes, usually released Monday mornings UK time, interweaving the recordings between the red pen sessions with the hints & tips episodes. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for Post-weekend Poetry.

 

Author interview no.370 with writer Denise Robbins

Welcome to the three hundred and seventieth of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. Today’s is with romantic suspense novelist Denise Robbins. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further.

Morgen: Hello, Denise. Please tell us something about yourself and how you came to be a writer.

Denise: I’m a short blonde who loves to experience life and of course write about it. I came to be a writer when one day I was fed up with my day job and decided I needed to do something more, something creative. I always loved writing, so I picked up my laptop, sat down at the dining room table, and just began.

Morgen: I’m pretty much the same although my passion started in a college classroom in my late 30s, and I’m a tall blonde. What genre do you generally write and have you considered other genres?

Denise: I write romantic suspense. Romantic suspense is what I love to read so it’s what I love to write.

Morgen: It does make sense to write what you read because you’re practicing your craft from the reader’s perspective. I say I write dark and light and I read crime and chick lit / humour. What have you had published to-date?

Denise: To date, I have had five books published. Their titles are It Happens in Threes, Killer Bunny Hill, Connect the Dots, Never Tempt Danger, and Phish NET Stalkings.

Morgen: I’m a big titles fan and especially love Killer Bunny Hill – I love titles that intrigue. If applicable, can you remember where you saw your first book on the shelves?

Denise: The first place I saw one of my books on a shelf was the Toadstool Bookshop. Toadstool is a small bookstore that promotes local authors.

Morgen: I don’t know what it’s like where you are but independent bookshops are closing far too often in the UK – we have none left where I live and even the two chain stores we have here are struggling. Have you ever seen a member of the public (whom you don’t know!) reading your book… in any unusual locations?

Denise: I’ve never caught anyone reading my books, but I did have a group of ladies send me their reading group photo while they were all out a local restaurant. That was terrific!

Morgen: How lovely, like a scene from The Jane Austen Book Club. I love hearing directly from readers. Of course it’s great getting (good ) reviews online but there’s nothing like a reader taking the trouble to email. How much of the marketing do you do for your published works or indeed for yourself as a ‘brand’?

Denise: I do all of it. Small press publishers don’t really have a marketing department so it is up to the writer to get his or her name out there.

Morgen: They don’t but then top publishers are cutting down as well. I’ve only had one author so far say that they don’t do any of their marketing, that the publisher does it all, but she’s still active on Facebook and Twitter which I think are the main ways of capturing an audience. Do you write under a pseudonym? Do you think they make a difference to an author’s profile?

Denise: I don’t write under a pseudonym. I considered it, but I figured with the Internet being what it is, someone would find the real me anyway.

Morgen: Most people do write under their own names and I don’t think it really matters one way or the other. Ruth Rendell writes as Barbara Vine and Joanna Trollope as Caroline Harvey (to name two) but that’s because they’re writing different genres. Do you have an agent? Do you think they’re vital to an author’s success?

Denise: I do not have an agent. I don’t think they are vital, but I do believe they can open more doors for a writer.

Morgen: I agree. I do think they’re worth their money but now it’s become more difficult to get an agent than a publisher so some authors, myself included, have tried (although I’ve only approached half a dozen or so) so many are turning to eBooks. But never say never. I’m sure all authors want to see their books on real shelves. Are your books available as eBooks? If so what was your experience of that process? And do you read eBooks?

Denise: One of the things I looked for in a publisher was the ability to have my books published in print and ebook. I love ebooks! They are terrific because of the quick access to any number of books in the blink of an eye and also the ability to carry hundreds of books with you without the bulk.

Morgen: Only a handful of authors have said they’ve stopped reading paper books, or that they’d never read eBooks but most love both, as I do; paper for home, e-ink for away. What was your first acceptance and is being accepted still a thrill?

Denise: My first acceptance came from my publisher, L&L Dreamspell. It is always a thrill to know that a publisher believed your blood, sweat, and tears are worth sharing with the reading world.

Morgen: They do know their market so they wouldn’t take an author on if they didn’t think they could sell their book, especially these days, and I do think eBooks / eReaders have got more people reading or people reading more. Have you had any rejections? If so, how do you deal with them?

Denise: Show me an author who hasn’t had a rejection. I’ve had plenty. Here’s my thought on rejections. “Oh, well. Next!”

Morgen: I can count the number of people (that I’ve spoken to) who haven’t on one hand but that’s because they’ve not written much or not submitted. Of course there are loads who have received… er, loads. You have the right attitude – it’s just the right thing for the wrong person. What are you working on at the moment / next?

Denise: I just started my seventh novel and I am already in love with my heroine, a female Delta Force operative. Wicked cool!

Morgen: For me the best bit about writing is creating the new characters and getting to know them. At the moment I’m writing a story a week for Tuesday Tales and a story a week for Story a Day May, and Eddie and Thelma have come up a couple of times and it’s great fun first of all meeting them but then getting to know them better. Do you manage to write every day? What’s the most you’ve written in a day?

Denise: I don’t get to write every day, but I dedicate my Sunday mornings or more to writing. Oh, I have on occasion managed to write 10,000 words in a day. I tune the world out and focus. I usually do that when I get to the end of a book and want to get to that finish line.

Morgen: Wow. Even 300 words a day is a 100,000 word novel in a year but you could do two of those a month. I’ve done it a couple of times for NaNoWriMo especially last year where I got ahead the first day but then the blog took over (my first year of doing them both) and ended up writing 47,000 words in the last eight days. I’ll keep doing NaNo but not like that again. A 21-hour day isn’t what I call fun! What is your opinion of writer’s block? Do you ever suffer from it? If so, how do you ‘cure’ it?

Denise: I suffer from it on occasion. I deal with it by doing writing prompts. It’s the beginning of a sentence and then I let my mind go and see what comes. Guaranteed to work for me is a long drive to clear the cobwebs from my mind.

Morgen: I love writing from prompts. I run my fortnightly writing workshops from prompts (which I then put on the Exercises page). I mentioned Story A Day May which obviously ends in a couple of weeks but I love writing a story a day so I’ve created 5PM Fiction so I can carry on (and I’ve invited people to give me prompts!). A question some authors dread: where do you get your inspiration from?

Denise: Life! I like to use what I know and what I am interested in to weave a tale of romance and suspense.

Morgen: There’s so much around with the internet and newspapers that I think if we know where to look we couldn’t run out. Just typing in ‘bizarre facts’ into Google brings up 34 million results. Do you plot your stories or do you just get an idea and run with it?

Denise: I’m a pantser. I let the story take me wherever it wants to go.

Morgen: Me too, I love that. I loosely plotted my first novel and it was the first thing I’d written over 3,000 words and was amazed at how the characters too over and it veered off track. Do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable?

Denise: I sit down with paper and pen and just start asking questions. It’s amazing how the characters actually answer back.

Morgen: I love what we do. Who is your first reader – who do you first show your work to?

Denise: My father is my first-round editor. The minute I finish a chapter I send it off to him.

Morgen: Hopefully he’s firm but fair. Do you do a lot of editing or do you find that as time goes on your writing is more fully-formed?

Denise: I edit each chapter after my father has read it and then I don’t do any other editing until the book is complete.

Morgen: Good plan because it must change, mustn’t it. How much research do you have to do for your writing?

Denise: Depending on the story I can spend as much time doing research as I do writing.

Morgen: I’m not a fan of research (although the internet has made it far easier) so I’m tempted to say “oh dear” here but some people love it. Have you ever received feedback from your readers?

Denise: I get feedback all the time from readers. It’s one of the things I love!

Morgen: Isn’t it great, because I know when reading something how easy it is to think, “Oh yes that was good” and move on rather than taking the effort to contact the author and let him / her know. Now I’m on the receiving end I do make sure I do. Apart from being a very solitary life (which I love) to know someone appreciates what we’ve created is a big reason why we do it. Writing should be written to be read. What is your creative process like? What happens before sitting down to write?

Denise: My creativity hits the minute I pull up my work-in-progress or open a notebook and grab a pen. I do not think about what I am going to write, it’s as if the story is just on hold and waiting for the next moment I have to write.

Morgen: Do you write on paper or do you prefer a computer?

Denise: I prefer the computer because I can type faster than writing and because I can look up words when I can’t readily think of the right one. But, I carry a notebook and pen everywhere I go.

Morgen: Me too, every dog-walking jacket. Some writers like quiet, others the noise of a coffee shop etc. Do you listen to music or have noise around you when you write or do you need silence?

Denise: I like the noise. I do my best writing in a restaurant with conversations taking place all around. If I listen to music, I keep it turned down low so it’s background noise.

Morgen: Do you? Wow. I struggle to concentrate with too much going on, although I do blot it out eventually. Classical music is as ‘noisy’ as it gets for me. What point of view do you find most to your liking: first person or third person?

Denise: I only write third person. It just seems natural to me as it allows me to write his and her point of view.

Morgen: It is the most popular viewpoint. Do you use prologues / epilogues? What do you think of the use of them?

Denise: I have never written a prologue or epilogue. I love reading epilogues because you get to find out about the characters after the ‘real’ story is over.

Morgen: They do get a hard time. I used not to read prologues but I did fairly recently and it made me wonder what I’d been missing. Do you have pieces of work that you think will never see light of day?

Denise: Not this girl. I write it for public consumption so whenever I complete a novel I send it off.

Morgen: That’s what I like to hear. What’s your favourite / least favourite aspect of your writing life?

Denise: Marketing! I enjoy interviews and book events where I get to meet the public, but I absolutely hate arranging the events.

Morgen: I’ve not had that pleasure yet (apart from Telling Tales) my writing’s only online but I’ve been to loads of other author events and love them. I say I’ll go to the opening of a rejection envelope. If anything, what has been your biggest surprise about writing?

Denise: That I’m getting better at it. I guess that’s probably normal, but it’s really great to see where I was and where I am. With every book it’s as if I know my characters better and better.

Morgen: And if you’re like me you curb yourself as you feel you’re going ‘wrong’ (in my case waffling too much). It’s only practice. Tennis players and pianists have to so why shouldn’t we? What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Denise: Go for it! If you want to be a writer then write. Rejections are a part of getting published. Pull up your big boy boots and step into the thick of it. If you don’t get rejected then no one is reading your work. Just remember… it will all be worth it in the end.

Morgen: It so will. What do you like to read? Any authors you could recommend?

Denise: I love romantic suspense and mysteries. Sharon Sala, Carla Neggers, James Patterson, David Baldacci are just a few of the authors I love to read.

Morgen: James Patterson / Michael Letwidge’s ‘Step on a Crack’ is one of my favourites. Is there a word, phrase or quote you like?

Denise: Life is too short!

Morgen: Absolutely. I battle with time every day. Now there’s a plot. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Denise: I play in my garden and recently I have taken up running. I will be running a half-marathon this September in Ireland. Wish me luck.

Morgen: Oh good luck! You’re a braver (and probably fitter) woman than me. In which country are you based and do you find this a help or hindrance with letting people know about your work?

Denise: I live in the United States. I’ve not found where I live to be a help or a hindrance.

Morgen: Are you on any forums or networking sites? If so, how valuable do you find them?

Denise: I use Facebook and Twitter exclusively. They are fantastic for spreading the word and I use them a lot for brainstorming ideas.

Morgen: They are. I find LinkedIn ideal if you’re stuck with something, people just keep contributing. Where can we find out about you and your work?

Denise: www.deniserobbins.com

Morgen: What do you think the future holds for a writer?

Denise: With the push of ebooks, I think writers will be getting to more and more people and faster.

Morgen: And that’s so exciting. If you could have your life over again, is there anything you’d have done differently (writing-related or otherwise)?

Denise: Nope. I’m of the mindset that everything happens for a reason and if it didn’t happen then I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Morgen: Me too. In the early interviews when authors said they’d started writing young I felt like I’d missed out but now (I started properly in my late 30s) I have all this life experience. Well, thank you Denise, it’s been lovely chatting with you.

If you are reading this and you write, in whatever genre, and are thinking “ooh, I’d like to do this” then you can… just email me and I’ll send you the questions. You complete them, I tweak them where appropriate (if necessary to reflect the blog ‘clean and light’ rating) and then they get posted. When that’s done, I email you with the link so you can share it with your corner of the literary world. And if you have a writing-related blog / podcast and would like to interview me… let me know.

You can sign up to receive these blog posts daily or weekly so you don’t miss anything… and follow me on Twitter where each new posting is automatically announced. You can also read / download my eBooks and free eShorts at Smashwords, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble, iTunes Bookstore, Kobo and Amazon, with more to follow. I have a new forum and you can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, like me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn, find me on Tumblr, complete my website’s Contact me page or plain and simple, email me.  I also now have a new blog creation service especially for, but not limited to, writers.

Unfortunately, as I post an interview a day (amongst other things) I can’t review books but I have a feature called ‘Short Story Saturdays’ where I review stories of up to 2,500 words. Alternatively if you have a short story or self-contained novel extract / short chapter (ideally up to 1000 words) that you’d like critiqued and don’t mind me reading it / talking about and critiquing it (I send you the transcription afterwards so you can use the comments or ignore them)  on my ‘Bailey’s Writing Tips’ podcast, then do email me. They are weekly episodes, usually released Monday mornings UK time, interweaving the recordings between the red pen sessions with the hints & tips episodes. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for Post-weekend Poetry.

 

Author interview no.363 with writer Alexa Bourne

Welcome to the three hundred and sixty-third of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. Today’s is with romance suspense author Alexa Bourne. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further.

Morgen: Hello, Alexa.

Alexa: Hello, Morgen! Thank you for having me.

Morgen: You’re so welcome. Please tell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer.

Alexa: I’m a teacher by day and a romantic suspense writer by weekends, nights and all school holidays. I’ve travelled to several countries, lived in 5 different states here in the US, and at the moment I live in Texas.

Morgen: I love your dedication, you must have a very understanding family. What have you had published to-date?

Alexa: Her Highland Champion, my romantic suspense novella from Decadent Publishing, is my first published book. It released March 23rd.

Morgen: Yay, congratulations. How thrilling is that. Let’s get the negativity out the way early on, have you had any rejections? If so, how do you deal with them?

Alexa: I’ve had PLENTY of rejections, and I anticipate getting more. I actually had 63 rejections before I sold. As for dealing with them, I always give myself 24 hours to whine, complain, have a drink (or two) and pig out on chocolate. Then I push myself back into professional mode and decide what to do next.

Morgen: I’m up to 28 rejections so I have some way to go. Do you have an agent? Do you think they’re vital to an author’s success?

Alexa: I do not have an agent yet. I would like to get one eventually because I would love to have someone else to discuss my writing career, to steer me in the right direction, and someone to deal with more of the “business” side of writing.

Morgen: And give you more time to actually write. Is your book available as an eBook? If so, how involved were you in that process? Do you read eBooks or is it paper all the way?

Alexa: My book is only available as an eBook. I used to only read print books, but more and more of my friends started publishing eBooks, so I’m now reading both print and eBooks.

Morgen: Me too. In theory paper at home, Kindle ‘away’ but I’m reading Jane Wenham-Jones’ Prime Time at the moment (or rather having it read to me, I have the Kindle Touch ) as I’m going on her Writing Workshop in Ramsgate, Kent 20th May so would like to have some feedback on it (invaluable to a writer although I may be more picky than a reader would be ). Do you have a favourite of all books / stories you’ve written or characters? If any of your books were made into films, who would you have as the leading actor/s?

Alexa: I imagine asking a writer to choose a favourite of her books is a lot like asking a parent to choose a favourite child. I love all my stories for different reasons. As for actors, it’s funny because I have to have the cast in my head before I can truly get into my story. I do not share the names of the actors I use as my cast because I wouldn’t want to influence a reader’s impression. Plus, what I think of as a handsome man may be VERY different from my readers.

Morgen: That’s a point. It’s like Lee Childs’ Jack Reacher. Apparently Tom Cruise is lined up to play him and yet he’s supposed to be really tall (although I’d be more than happy if Tom played one of my characters ). You’re with a publisher, did you have any say in the title / cover of your book? How important do you think they are?

Alexa: My original title was used, which thrilled me! As for the cover, I was able to give quite a bit of input, but ultimately the Decadent artist created the cover. Luckily, Decadent has WONDERFUL artists so I was over the moon with my cover.

Morgen: It’s a great cover. Being English (though not Scottish) I can vouch for Scotland being famous for their castles and tartans (I wonder if anyone reading this interview could tell us which clan yours is from). What are you working on at the moment / next?

Alexa: I am waiting to hear whether my publisher wants my next novella, set in Sunderland, and I’m revising a 3rd UK novella, set in Edinburgh during Hogmanay.

Morgen: Being the aforementioned Brit, I love that you’ve set your books here, and Hogmanay can be such fun… I used to work in Corby (a mini Scotland). Earlier you said you write outside your job’s working hours, do you manage to write every day? Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

Alexa: I’m not one of those people who writes every day. For me, that doesn’t work. It becomes a chore. I do better if I give myself a certain amount of writing to do per week, that way I can skip a day or two and still make my deadline. I do suffer from writer’s block, but it’s usually when I haven’t been reading enough.

Morgen: I don’t read nearly enough. I keep saying I’ll have Wednesday evenings as just a reading evening but it hasn’t happened so far (I’m a snatch-time reader) but I have a new lodger moving in next week so I’m hoping she’ll be strict with me. Do you plot your stories or do you just get an idea and run with it?

Alexa: I am a pantser. I get an idea and then run with it in the rough draft. THEN I plot, plan and start the second draft.

Morgen: Me too, and most of my interviewees have said the same thing. Even those you plan like mad concede that it goes (part-way) to pot when they actually start writing and the characters take over (my favourite aspect). Do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable?

Alexa: I truly believe the characters pick their own names. Several times I’ve tried to change a name to something I like better, but then I can’t focus on the story. Ultimately I go back to the name that feels right for the character even if I don’t like it.

Morgen: That’s so funny. Setting your books in a different country to where you live, do you have to do much research?

Alexa: With Champion, I didn’t have to do too much research because I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Scottish Highlands a few times. For some of the specific questions I couldn’t answer, I also wrote to the manager of the Glenfinnan House Hotel, the place that inspired my hero’s hotel. The staff was more than helpful!

Morgen: I’ve found that when I’ve asked for assistance. When I asked my vet for a parrot-related disease (for my chick-lit that I’m currently re-editing) and told him why I wanted to know, he looked awe-eyed and said “Is that what you do?” He’s the cutest vet I’ve ever seen (married, sadly) but still a very pleasant experience. Do you have pieces of work that you think will never see light of day?

Alexa: My very first romance will never see the light of day. LOL! But most of my other ones have bits and pieces that will be revised at some point. Her Highland Champion was actually my very first romantic suspense written many years ago. I loved the story and the characters, so I promised myself when I became a better writer I’d revise it. (I’m so glad I did!)

Morgen: It’s amazing what time can do, plus if you’ve been writing ever since it’s easier to see the holes. Writing is like anything, it’s all practice. I said earlier about how I love characters taking over, what’s your favourite / least favourite aspect of your writing life? Has anything surprised you?

Alexa: My favourite aspect of writing is revising. I know a lot of people hate revising, but I go through 4-6 drafts per book, and it’s during the revising that the beauty of the story takes shape for me.

Morgen: I take my hat off to you, it’s one of my least favourite, although I do love it when I replace a mediocre part for something far better, it’s like creating all over again. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Alexa: If you want it badly enough, don’t give up. Keep doing whatever you need to in order to become a better writer.

Morgen: Absolutely. I gave up my job seven weeks ago… only recommended for the fool hardy but I LOVE being at home. If you could invite three people from any era to dinner, who would you choose and what would you cook (or hide the takeaway containers)?

Alexa: What a tough question! I would invite Thomas Jefferson, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Steve McQueen. For the record, I’m a microwave queen so I’d definitely be using food in takeaway containers!

Morgen: Me too and agree with your choice of Steve McQueen and his hero-blue-eyes. Are you involved in anything else writing-related other than actual writing or marketing of your writing?

Alexa: I teach online writing classes through Romance Writers of America chapters. I love teaching, and last year I decided I finally had “wisdom” to share. At the moment, I teach classes about Killer Openings and Contests, and next year I’ll be teaching a class about what to expect during the first year as a published author.

Morgen: Oh great, maybe you’d like to guest blog for me. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Alexa: I LOVE to travel, exercise, visit with friends and family, read, watch sports. (For the record, if I could only watch one sport for the rest of my life it would be English football / soccer! I hope to see a game live someday!)

Morgen: I’ve only ever been once, when I was about 11, to Bristol City vs Bristol Rovers (at Bristol, unsurprisingly). I’m not a football fan but loved it, especially as it was a small game (probably even more so by today’s standards). It’s a shame that football’s become so big money and taken so seriously (and not always in a good way). Alexa, where can we find out about you and your work?

Alexa: You can find out more than you probably want to know on my website, www.alexabourne.com. Also, I have a blog http://alexabourne.blogspot.com where I’m blogging about every step of my writing process. I’m a regular contributor to the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers blog. I’m also on Twitter (@AlexaBourne) and Facebook. I’m still learning about the benefits of Goodreads, but I’m in there!

Morgen: Me too. I’ve had loads of friend requests (all accepted) but I don’t think I’ve listed any books that I’ve read. I’ve listed my books (and claimed two that had been listed as MorgAn, a common mistake). My eBooks have received great reviews elsewhere have been generally slated on Goodreads, which is a shame. Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

Alexa: My mother grew up in England, and she and my grandparents came to the US when she was 16. I’m very close to my British family, and I love to get back there as much as I can. With Her Highland Champion, and my next 2 novella projects, I hope I make my British friends and relatives proud!

Morgen: Ah ha, there’s the connection… I was wondering (and could have asked, of course). Is there anything you’d like to ask me?

Alexa: No, but thank you for having me!

Morgen: You’re very welcome, thank you for letting me grill you.

If you are reading this and you write, in whatever genre, and are thinking “ooh, I’d like to do this” then you can… just email me and I’ll send you the questions. You complete them, I tweak them where appropriate (if necessary to reflect the blog ‘clean and light’ rating) and then they get posted. When that’s done, I email you with the link so you can share it with your corner of the literary world. And if you have a writing-related blog / podcast and would like to interview me… let me know.

You can sign up to receive these blog posts daily or weekly so you don’t miss anything… and follow me on Twitter where each new posting is automatically announced. You can also read / download my eBooks and free eShorts at Smashwords, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble, iTunes Bookstore, Kobo and Amazon, with more to follow. I have a new forum and you can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, like me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn, find me on Tumblr, complete my website’s Contact me page or plain and simple, email me.  I also now have a new blog creation service especially for, but not limited to, writers.

Unfortunately, as I post an interview a day (amongst other things) I can’t review books but I have a feature called ‘Short Story Saturdays’ where I review stories of up to 2,500 words. Alternatively if you have a short story or self-contained novel extract / short chapter (ideally up to 1000 words) that you’d like critiqued and don’t mind me reading it / talking about and critiquing it (I send you the transcription afterwards so you can use the comments or ignore them)  on my ‘Bailey’s Writing Tips’ podcast, then do email me. They are weekly episodes, usually released Monday mornings UK time, interweaving the recordings between the red pen sessions with the hints & tips episodes. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for Post-weekend Poetry.

 

Author Spotlight no.82 – Jaidis Shaw

Complementing my daily blog interviews, today’s Author Spotlight, the eighty-second, is of Jaidis Shaw.

Jaidis Shaw currently resides in a small town located in South Carolina with her husband and beautiful daughter. With a passion for reading, Jaidis can always be found surrounded by books and dreaming of new stories. She enjoys challenging herself by writing in different genres and currently has several projects in the works.

Her short story, ‘The Tower’, is published in the Twisted Fairy Tales Volume II anthology by Wicked East Press. Another short story, ‘Blind Justice’, has been accepted for publication in the Wicked Bag of Suspense Tales anthology, also by Wicked East Press.

Having previously only had short stories published, Jaidis entered the exciting world of self-publishing when she released her debut YA paranormal romance Destiny Awaits – book one in the Juniper Grove Chronicles. Although there are plans for other books in this series, each book is stand-alone.

When not reading or writing, Jaidis fills the position of Book Tour Coordinator for Nurture Your Books™, maintains the Juniper Grove blog and loves encouraging her daughter to let her imagination run wild.

And now from the author herself:

I began my writing journey with a timid attitude and being extremely self-conscious. I have always struggled with confidence issues where my writing is concerned and I allowed the fear of failure to rule over me, keeping my writing in the dark. After some much needed encouragement from friends, I submitted a short story to a publisher that was having an open submission call. Did I expect to be accepted? No. In fact, I was almost certain that my short story would be rejected but the mere act of submitting the story was my goal. I was a nervous wreck because I knew that someone would be reading and judging it. The courage to actually submit my story was what I was trying to achieve so that I could accomplish my goal of becoming a published author. When I received the email stating that my story had been accepted it was a beacon of hope. Maybe I could do this and it gave me the fuel to push ahead.

For me, the next step was to search out various open submission calls and find the ones that interested me. I was accepted to participate in a writing challenge where I would be given a prompt and genre and would have to build a story around it. I faced the challenge head on and created a story that I feel as though readers will enjoy. That short story, will be published in the upcoming Wicked Bag of Suspense Tales anthology by Wicked East Press.

With two acceptances under my belt and numerous hours spent building a platform on various networking sites gave me the confidence to pick up the manuscript that I had started while still in high school. Since I had grown as an individual I knew the story needed to grow as well and I did a complete rewrite, trying to create a world that readers would enjoy while being able to relate to the characters. On April 21st, 2012 I decided to self-publish, turning my manuscript into my debut YA paranormal romance novel Destiny Awaits – book one in the Juniper Grove Chronicles. Am I nervous about how the book will be received by readers? Of course! I think that concern crosses the mind of authors everywhere but for me, it is a life goal checked off of my list. I have released a book that I am proud of and can officially be called a published author. Now I only hope that I can remain open-minded and use the feedback received on Destiny Awaits to sculpt my writing so that I can improve not only myself but my writing as well.

Critique is how we learn, isn’t… that and lots of practice. Thank you, Jaidis.

You can find more about Jaidis and her writing via… Juniper Grove, GoodReads, Amazon Author Page, YouTube Channel, Facebook Fan Page, Twitter, Destiny Awaits on Amazon.com.

The blog interviews will return as normal tomorrow with Christian teacher, non-fiction author and spotlightee Deborah McCarragher – the three hundred and sixty-first of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further. And I enjoy hearing from readers of my blog; do either leave a comment on the relevant interview (the interviewees love to hear from you too!) and / or email me.

You can sign up to receive these blog posts daily or weekly so you don’t miss anything… and follow me on Twitter where each new posting is automatically announced. You can also read / download my eBooks and free eShorts at Smashwords, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble, iTunes Bookstore, Kobo and Amazon, with more to follow. I have a new forum and you can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, like me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn, find me on Tumblr, complete my website’s Contact me page or plain and simple, email me.  I also now have a new blog creation service especially for writers.

Unfortunately, as I post an interview a day (amongst other things) I can’t review books but I have a feature called ‘Short Story Saturdays’ where I review stories of up to 2,500 words. Alternatively if you have a short story or self-contained novel extract / short chapter (ideally up to 1000 words) that you’d like critiqued and don’t mind me reading it / talking about and critiquing it (I send you the transcription afterwards so you can use the comments or ignore them)  on my ‘Bailey’s Writing Tips’ podcast, then do email me. They are weekly episodes, usually released Monday mornings UK time, interweaving the recordings between the red pen sessions with the hints & tips episodes. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for Post-weekend Poetry.

 

Short Story Saturday 011: Sister Golden Hair Surprise and the Cruiser by Linda Palmer

Welcome to the Short Story Saturday review slot and the eleventh review in this series. This week’s is of 2,560-word ‘Sister Golden Hair Surprise and the Cruiser’ by romance, paranormal erotica and young adult author Linda Palmer.

Sister Golden Hair Surprise and the Cruiser

I’m a big fan of titles and whilst this didn’t grab me it certainly intrigued me, especially with the various connotations of ‘cruiser’ (or that could be a British thing).

We’re thrown into the story with first person narrative, past tense and get an immediate sense of our protagonist. Because she talks about “big brothers” I assumed her to be female and quite young. We learn 1/4 of the way through that her name is Jilly but there are hints to her gender by touches like “Why don’t you gather some wildflowers or something?” from one of her brothers, the condescending trait working to show us his character.

Jilly’s voice is excellent as she gives us her backstory, and I like the way that Adam gets a job title, just like his father.

We have conflict (between brothers and sister) early on which is important in a short story and then it keeps coming with an injury and a stranger, and her losing her bearings.

One key element of writing that (pardon the pun) isn’t in many stories, is negatives and here we had what Jill couldn’t hear, which was a nice touch and added to her urgency.

The rapport, positive or negative, between the characters is excellent – I loved Jilly’s father’s term of endearment for her, and his tugging smile is beautiful.

There were several ‘laugh out loud’ and ‘ahh’ moments for me which again shows the writing’s strength (I would list them but they are definitive plot spoilers).

I loved the ending and it tied in nicely with something mentioned early in the story.

I spotted a cliché (cried like a baby) but coming from a teenager it’s fine to use it, in fact it enhances the emotion she’s feeling at that moment (and therefore ours as a reader).

Overall, it’s a very enjoyable piece and well-written from a perspective other than that of the writer (unless it’s a semi-autobiographical memory) and is a treat for any fan of one of my favourite films, True Lies (you’ll know where I mean when you read the story).

Linda’s story is available (for free) at: All Romance eBooks.com and The Wild Horse Press.com.

Thank you, Linda, for inviting me to read your story.

Linda Varner Palmer has been writing for as long as she can remember. In 1989, she sold her first romance to Silhouette Books, writing as Linda Varner. She wrote twenty more over the next ten years, with all being translated and sold worldwide. She was an RWA Rita finalist in 1993 and 1996. After taking a break, Linda is at her computer again, writing e-books as Linda Palmer. She is focusing on teen romances with a paranormal twist and is thrilled to announce sales to e-publishers Uncial Press, Sugar and Spice Press and Wild Horse Press. Linda’s YA novel THE CINDERELLA SWAP won the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition’s (EPIC) 2011 award in the YA category. Another YA novel, NIGHTMARE, INTERRUPTED, won the 2012 award. Visit her website: www.lvpalmer.com. My interview with Linda is scheduled for Wednesday 26th September.

Unfortunately, as I post an interview a day (amongst other things) I can’t review books but I review stories of up to 2,500 words on this ‘Short Story Saturdays’ feature. Alternatively if you have a short story or self-contained novel extract / short chapter (ideally up to 1000 words) that you’d like critiqued and don’t mind me reading it / talking about and critiquing it (I send you the transcription afterwards so you can use the comments or ignore them) on my ‘Bailey’s Writing Tips’ podcast, then do email me. They are weekly episodes, usually released Monday mornings UK time, interweaving the recordings between the red pen sessions with the hints & tips episodes. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for Post-weekend Poetry.

The blog interviews will return as normal tomorrow with Christian teacher, non-fiction author and spotlightee Deborah McCarragher – the three hundred and sixty-first of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, bloggers, biographers, agents, publishers and more. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further. And I enjoy hearing from readers of my blog; do either leave a comment on the relevant interview (the interviewees love to hear from you too!) and / or email me.

You can sign up to receive these blog posts daily or weekly so you don’t miss anything… and follow me on Twitter where each new posting is automatically announced. You can also read / download my eBooks and free eShorts at Smashwords, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble, iTunes Bookstore, Kobo and Amazon, with more to follow. I have a new forum and you can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, like me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn, find me on Tumblr, complete my website’s Contact me page or plain and simple, email me.  I also now have a new blog creation service especially for, but not limited to, writers.

 

Blog interview no.360 with writer Gail Harkins

Welcome to the three hundred and sixtieth of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. Today’s is with romance author Gail Harkins. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further.

Morgen: Hello, Gail. Please tell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer.

Gail: I have recently begun writing fiction as a counterpoint to my career as a science and business journalism career. The fiction aspects of my work came about during a rainy spring that followed a rainy winter, which kept me indoors more than I liked. As an antidote to the dreary weather, I wrote myself a vacation, although it was set here in the rainforest of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. I’m married and live on a tree farm with my husband and college student sons, as well as three cats and two dogs — a Great Pyrenees and a black Labrador.

Morgen: We’re having a rainy spring here in the UK at the moment, I wonder if its spawning any new writers. What genre do you generally write and have you considered other genres?

Gail: I like to write light, sweet romances – nothing steamy. Considering that, as a writer, I have to live with my creations for some time, I prefer to create characters and environments I actually like being around.

Morgen: I found that for NaNoWriMo 2008 and 2009. Having to write 1667 words a day for a month I wanted something fun so write a lad lit then a chick lit but then went dark for 2010. What have you had published to-date? Do you write under a pseudonym?

Gail: I do write under a pseudonym, to keep my scientific career separate from the romance work. My first fictional work is “The Winds of Glenhoolie,” an 18,400 word novella set in Scotland against the backdrop of debates about building a wind farm near a national heritage site.

Morgen: Ah great. Scotland’s always a popular location; very picturesque and often eerie. Have you had any rejections? If so, how do you deal with them?

Gail: Rejections? Of course. They’re part of the writer’s life. The trick to discern why a work was rejected and make it — or the next piece — better.

Morgen: Absolutely. Live and learn as the saying goes (whilst remembering that it may just have been the right thing for the wrong person). Do you have an agent? Do you think they’re vital to an author’s success?

Gail: I’ve not had an agent. The publishing industry is in the midst of a transformation as e-publishing and self-publishing becomes more popular. At this point in my career, the value proposition an agent would bring seems of minimal value.

Morgen: I think so too but you never know what the future holds. You mentioned e-publishing, are your books available as eBooks? How involved were you in that process? Do you read eBooks or is it paper all the way?

Gail: Yes. I love e-books and read them on my Nook. Preparing a manuscript for an e-book format is actually quite simple. Smashwords.com has a wonderful, free “how-to” that cuts through the jargon for even the most technophobic among us.

Morgen: It does but at 70-something pages was daunting. Once I realised how comprehensive it was I ploughed through it and quickly built a template for use thereafter. Amazon was even easier. How much of the marketing do you do for your published works or indeed for yourself as a ‘brand’?

Gail: I do virtually all the marketing, which seems to be true for all but the top handful of writers.

Morgen: It does. I’ve only had one or two say they don’t do anything but invariably they have an online presence (Twitter and Facebook) so it’s not nothing. Did you have any say in the title / covers of your books? How important do you think they are?

Gail: Funny, my RWA chapter just had this discussion. A cover is what causes me to pick up a book or click to learn more. I want a graphic that pulls me into the story.  Personally, I favour outdoor scenes with a “wow!” factor.

Morgen: There’s little doubt that a cover will draw you in and although I’m a big fan of titles, they don’t put me off if the story sounds good (James Patterson’s ‘The Quickie’ for example… what a terrible title!). What are you working on at the moment / next?

Gail: Currently, I’m writing a second Glenhoolie novella and anticipate a summer 2013 release. My novel, “Almost Scotland,” in the polishing phase.

Morgen: I’m buffering some too. Do you manage to write every day? Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

Gail: I try to write daily, but sometimes life intervenes.  Writer’s block hasn’t been an issue for many, many years. Early in my career, I learned to write the middle if I didn’t have the beginning. Stellar writing is less about being initially brilliant than about being a ruthless editor.

Morgen: Absolutely, you can’t edit a blank page. Do you plot your stories or do you just get an idea and run with it?

Gail: I’m a bit like a tourist in a new town who sees something wonderful and runs to it, and then checks the map to see where to go next. So, I write “by the seat of my pants” and then plot out the next few turns.

Morgen: Most do but those who plot appreciate that things change as the story is written so are adaptable. Do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable?

Gail: To create names, I consider geography and age. The U.S. Census Bureau has lists of the most popular names in given years, but honestly, I tend to follow my instinct and the trends I’ve observed in my personal and professional life.

Morgen: Do you write any non-fiction, poetry or short stories?

Gail:  I have a career as a non-fiction magazine writer, but not as Gail Harkins.

Morgen: Do you have to do much research?

Gail: Much of what I write was already researched as part of my non-fiction career, but I still check details. For example, The Winds of Glenhoolie is set in a fictional castle and town in Scotland, but I needed to determine the amount of snow, species of trees, and the understanding of certain phrases – like “rain check” an American phrase that I needed to define for my hero.

Morgen: We say it over here too but only in recent years (from US TV programmes here, I think). And of course you have check for payments but we say cheque (well, saying is the same sound but you know what I mean). Do you have pieces of work that you think will never see light of day?

Gail:  Very possibly, although I toy with the notion of resurrecting one in particular.

Morgen: Me too. I have over 100 short stories (possibly nearer 200) and part of the master plan is to go through them all at some stage. I’m older and wiser now. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Gail: The best advice I could give is to read widely – fiction and non-fiction, trade journals, reports, biographies, histories, everything. Additionally, have experiences yourself. Meet people, travel, try new sports, learn new ways of seeing the world. It all is reflected in your writing.

Morgen: Writer what you know, or what you experience then fill in the gaps. If you could invite three people from any era to dinner, who would you choose and what would you cook (or hide the takeaway containers)?

Gail: For dinner, I would serve roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, an orange and spinach salad, and apple-raisin pie. (I love cooking) for guests, I would consider Benjamin Franklin (a Renaissance man), Winston Churchill (erudite wit) and Jane Austen (who, I daresay, could keep them in check).

Morgen: Oh yum, that sounds lovely (sorry, I will read the guest list in a minute but still ogling over your choice of food). That’s an interesting combination. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Gail: I love hiking through the forest, camera in hand. I also play classical piano, and have a fondness for the romantic composers – Rachmaninoff, Debussy, and Chopin.

Morgen: I’m a Satie (Erik) girl myself although I love anything classical while I’m writing. Are you on any forums or networking sites? If so, how valuable do you find them?

Gail: Romance Writers of America has been a wealth of information for me. I also am exploring Definitive Serious Writers Group on LinkedIn, which led me to your insightful Web page.

Morgen: Ah, thank you. Where can we find out about you and your work?

Gail: “The Winds of Glenhoolie” is published by Rainforest Press and is available at Smashwords.com, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

Morgen: Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

Gail: Thank you so much for having me!

Morgen: You’re very welcome. Thank you for taking part. Do come back and do something else if you’d like to.

I then invited Gail to include an extract of her writing…

Claire dipped her head and widened her eyes, and sighed. “You must think I have no manners! My parents taught me never to discuss religion or politics, so this is entirely my own fault. I can hardly have a conversation without straying into forbidden territory!” She raised her head and looked him square in the eyes. “Now, tell me about yourself. Are you from here? What was it like growing up? “

He gave her an amused glance. She’s not sorry one bit, but she has the grace to pretend. Alec nodded. “No apology needed. It’s actually rather refreshing. I like a good discussion with a knowledgeable companion. Too often, people are perfectly polite and never actually say a thing worth hearing!”

Claire laughed, and Alec continued. “As to your question, I was born just outside the village in my family home. We’ve loved here for some 600 years.”

Claire laughed again, more quietly.

“What’s so funny?”

“You said, ‘we’ve loved here.’ You meant ‘lived here’.”

Alec reached across the table, took her ringless left hand and brushed his lips against her knuckles. “Are you sure of that, lass?”

Her breath caught. Looking into his twinkling brown eyes, Claire knew that if she hadn’t been seated, her knees would have buckled then and there.

If you are reading this and you write, in whatever genre, and are thinking “ooh, I’d like to do this” then you can… just email me and I’ll send you the questions. You complete them, I tweak them where appropriate (if necessary to reflect the blog ‘clean and light’ rating) and then they get posted. When that’s done, I email you with the link so you can share it with your corner of the literary world. And if you have a writing-related blog / podcast and would like to interview me… let me know.

You can sign up to receive these blog posts daily or weekly so you don’t miss anything… and follow me on Twitter where each new posting is automatically announced. You can also read / download my eBooks and free eShorts at Smashwords, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble, iTunes Bookstore, Kobo and Amazon, with more to follow. I have a new forum and you can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, like me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn, find me on Tumblr, complete my website’s Contact me page or plain and simple, email me.  I also now have a new blog creation service especially for writers.

Unfortunately, as I post an interview a day (amongst other things) I can’t review books but I have a feature called ‘Short Story Saturdays’ where I review stories of up to 2,500 words. Alternatively if you have a short story or self-contained novel extract / short chapter (ideally up to 1000 words) that you’d like critiqued and don’t mind me reading it / talking about and critiquing it (I send you the transcription afterwards so you can use the comments or ignore them)  on my ‘Bailey’s Writing Tips’ podcast, then do email me. They are weekly episodes, usually released Monday mornings UK time, interweaving the recordings between the red pen sessions with the hints & tips episodes. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for Post-weekend Poetry.

 

Author Spotlight no.79 – FM Meredith

Complementing my daily blog interviews, today’s Author Spotlight, the seventy-ninth, is of crime and mystery author and interviewee F M Meredith aka Marilyn Meredith.

Marilyn Meredith is the author of over thirty published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest Bears With Us from Mundania Press. Writing as F. M. Meredith, her latest Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novels are No Bells and Angel Lost, the third and forth from Oak Tree Press. Marilyn is a member of EPIC, Four chapters of Sisters in Crime, including the Central Coast chapter, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America.

And now from the author herself:

What you May or May Not Know about Marilyn Meredith aka F. M. Meredith

I’m a fourth generation Californian. (Not too many people can say that—though three of my kids are now fifth generation Californians.)  I’ve only lived in two other states (Maryland and Virginia) and that was only for a short while. I’ve traveled the 3000 miles across the United States once by train, three times by car. Two of those times happened when hubby and I drove a VW bus with three of our five kids in it and tent-camped all the way to the East coast and back again. (Not something I’d recommend.)

Over the years I’ve had all sorts of jobs beginning with baby sitting from the age of 10 (what were the parents thinking), as a teen working in a hot rod store, whenever I needed extra money I worked as a telephone operator back in the days of the old-fashioned switchboard, a teacher in a school for developmentally disabled pre-schoolers, a teacher in day care centers, a pre-school teacher in a ghetto, and for over twenty years I owned, lived-in and operated a licensed facility for six developmentally disabled women. During that time I developed and taught state-approved classes for administrators of homes like mine.

I’ve done all sorts of volunteer jobs: PTA president and newsletter editor, Camp Fire Girl leader for 10 years, Sunday School teacher for all ages (still doing that for third to six graders), also still newsletter editor and program chairperson for the Public Safety Writers Association conference.

I met my husband on a blind date and married him after only knowing him for six weeks. We’ve been married for 60 years now even though my mother said we’d never make it. We raised five children and now have eighteen grandkids (raised a couple of those too) and eleven great-grands.

Since I was a girl in grammar school (all those eons ago) I’ve written stories and plays. I didn’t get serious about getting anything published until I was a young grandmother. After writing and rewriting and receiving many rejections, my first published book was a historical family saga based on my own family’s genealogy. From there I moved onto mysteries because that’s what I liked to read. I also wrote a psychological horror, three Christian horror novels, and a romance with a touch of the supernatural.

Along the way I’ve had encounters with agents who did nothing for me except waste a lot of my time plus a couple who taught me a lot, three publishers who were dishonest, and two publishers who sadly died, and a couple who decided to quit the business. I am so fortunate that I now have two publishers, one for each of my series. Mundania Press publishes the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series (Native American female deputy sheriff in the Southern Sierra of California), Bears With Us, is the latest and Oak Tree Press that publishes my Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series that’s about the members of a police department in a small beach community along the California coast that I write under the name F.M. Meredith. No Bells is available now.

I lived in a beach community for over 20 years and now make my home in the foothills of the Southern Sierra.

When I’m not writing, I love spend time with my family. I also enjoy reading and watching movies.

I do want to thank Morgen for hosting me again.

You’re so welcome, Marilyn – come back anytime.. ah yes you will be; a guest blog on the 3rd May.

You can find even more about Marilyn and her writing via… http://fictionforyou.com and her blog at http://marilymeredith.blogspot.com.

CONTEST: The person who comments on the most blogs on my tour will win three books in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series: No Sanctuary, An Axe to Grind, and Angel Lost. Be sure and leave your email too, so I can contact you.

The blog interviews will return as normal tomorrow with mystery author and poet Rebecka Vigus – the three hundred and fifty-first of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further. And I enjoy hearing from readers of my blog; do either leave a comment on the relevant interview (the interviewees love to hear from you too!) and / or email me. You can also read / download my eBooks and free eShorts at Smashwords, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble, iTunes Bookstore and Kobo. My eBooks are now on Amazon, with more to follow, and I also have a quirky second-person viewpoint story in charity anthology Telling Tales. I have a new forum and you can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, like me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn, find me on Tumblr, complete my website’s Contact me page or plain and simple, email me. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for my Post-weekend Poetry page.