Blog Archives
Welcome Dulcet Deidre!
Hi peeps!
We recently decided to take the leap from print to audio, yep Crimson Midnight is in production and being turned into an audio book! Audio you cry! Who could possible put the voice to Crimson Midnight? Who could step into Rose’s epic shoes…well we bleedin found her! Okay so-
There is a knock at the door.
Cassidy: Amos get the door, that’s her! fluffs the cushions.
Amos opens the door and the room is filled with light and the scent of chocolate.
Cassidy: Welcome to our humble corner of the net Deidre.
Deidre: Good to be here.
Amos: Busts out the biscuit tin and pours Deidre a cup of coffee, just the way she likes it.
Cassidy: Thanks so much for joining us. Okay, peeps, we are gonna get started with the interview.
Amos: Deidre, tell everyone a little about yourself, how long have you been recording book audios?
Deidre: Hello! My name’s Deidre … I’m 41, native Bostonian who got smart and moved to Florida 3 years ago. I’m married to the most amazing woman on the face of the planet (I know, I’m so sorry for stealing her … but I’m not giving her up) and we have a son, serving in the US Air Force (when did he grow up? Who told him he had permission?) I’m a little bit of a coffee junkie and I talk about my cats … a lot.
Just between us, I’ve really only just recently become involved with book audio production. I’ve toyed with the idea of making the leap over to audiobooks for some years now but it was always one of those “Hey I should do that some day” types of daydreams. Recently, I realized I’ve waited long enough and it was time to throw my proverbial hat into the ring. I was inspired by several friends who are both audiobook producers unto themselves and several authors who write beautifully.
So I started my In The Closet Studio (http://intheclosetstudio.com) and here I am! (because yes, my recording studio IS in a closet … a nice, spacious closet, but a closet nonetheles
Amos: Have you done any other kind of audio work?
Deidre: I have, actually. Let me tell you a story … about, oh 8 years ago or so, I was working in the corporate world when I had a massive health scare (apparently one should not sustain oneself on nothing but coffee and Marlboros for 18 hours a day … who knew?). I took stock of what I was doing and what I WANTED to be doing after having a heart attack at the ripe old age of 32 and I realized, I wanted to do something that I could be self-employed, have my own schedule and be able to stay home with my wife and son. I poked around a little and someone suggested to me that I look into doing entertainment work on the telephone. I was shocked but I gave it a whirl.
I’ve not looked back since. It’s a great industry to get a wide range of experience for vocal talent as well as really connecting with people to help them learn about themselves. I have recorded customised audio scripts for clients and enjoyed many conversations on the telephone, engaged in one on one attention
Cassidy: Wow! Talk about turning things around! I would love to continue to write at home and be there for the kids. So you’ve been doing audio work for a while do you have any funny stories from your audio work history that you can share with us?
Deidre: Sadly, I do not have any funny stories yet but I promise … I’ll screw something up royally eventually and we can all have a laugh!
Cassidy: I’ll hold you to that Elpha – sorry inside joke. Moving on do you obviously read a lot when you are recording, but do you like to read in your spare time, and if so what kind of stuff do you enjoy?
I’m a voracious reader. When I was a girl, my father used to read to me all the time, starting with The Lord of the Rings trilogy so that started my kick. I’ll pretty much read anything as long as it’ll hold still long enough for me to get my eyes on it. I don’t really want to say I have a preference for any single genre over another because it’s the story that I want to lose myself in, not necessarily limiting what I read because it’s one style or another. But lately, I’ve found myself getting into quite a bit of dystopian and urban fantasy reads … also, I have a secret obsession with zombies! (I know, utterly cliché of late but I can’t help it!)
Amos: Well we can keep you stocked up on those easily. Ooo I have a good question! If you could have done the audio for any book which one would it be and why?
Deidre: This is going to sound corny as hell … but I’d LOVE to do The Hobbit. Like I said before, when I was growing up my father used to read Lord of the Rings to me on weekend when I’d go visit. He lived in a “weekend dad” kind of a house with 3 other men who had visitation with their kids, who were all about the same age as I was and on Saturday nights, we’d all tuck in on the couch and my father would read Lord of the Rings to us, along with the other dads. It’s a great memory I have from my childhood and something that I’d have loved to do for my son but I didn’t meet him until he was 9 years old and well passed “bedtime stories”. I do, however, have a nephew that is just the right age … and a niece who will soon be of age to start reading to and I’d love to do that for them.
Cassidy: Okay, a fun question now, if you were stranded on a desert Island what three things would you not be able to do without?
My coffee, my coffee mug and my Kindle. (everyone always remembers the coffee but very few people remember the mug. Coffee can’t help you if you don’t have a vessel to drink it from!) Because I am caffeinated for the safety of those around me … and if a rescue is going to be attempted, I’d want to not terrify the rescue personnel and have them leave me behind!
Amos: Good choice! But I think I’d have to bring my boyfriend with me too.
Cassidy: And a tin of biscuits!
Amos: God yes! Nah, three things would not be enough.
Cassidy: Well that’s Deidre everyone! If you are looking for audio work then this is the woman for you and she does a mean British accent too!
Amos: You can contact Deidre at intheclosetstudio.com and you can stalk-I mean follow her at intheclosetstudio.tumblr.com and twitter
We’re off to eat cake now and get caffeinated. See you soon all!
Introducing Brea Behn!
Hiya, peeps!
Today we are joined by author Brea Behn. Brea loves all things dystopian and will be telling us a little about herself, answering a few fun questions and introducing us to her fantastic Dystopian read ‘Wolves in the Woods’
So let’s get started with a little bit about Brea:
Brea Behn is very passionate about reading and writing in all genres. She started writing at the age of fifteen, when she wrote a memoir for her twin brother. Currently, she writes fiction of several genres, nonfiction, and is building her career as an author and public speaker.
When Brea is not writing, she is reading, usually several books at the same time. She also volunteers at her local humane society, gardens, and homeschools her children.
Brea lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their two children.
And to put a face to the name:
Now, Brea, we have a few fun questions for you to answer. So sit tight, pour yourself a drink and lets chinwag gabby:
So, when did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Was there a single moment of clarity or did the knowledge just creep up on you?
I have written since I was little. I never took it seriously until a tragedy happened in my life. Then writing became very important to me. A place of processing and healing. That evolved into pure love of writing which led to me pursuing publication.
Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you write everyday? At the weekends? Or, like us, whenever you get the chance?
I am like you! I write whenever I can fit it in. Usually very early or very late when everyone else in the house is sleeping.
What is it about the Dystopian genre that inspires you?
I am drawn to the dystopian genre because it almost always involves going through something incredibly difficult and coming out better for it or learning something from it in the end.
If you could step into any Dystopian future what would it be and why?
That is a hard question for the very definition of dystopian is that it will be hard! I guess if I had to choose I would say a future like one in the movie the Postman. Where decades had gone by and a time of change was happening. Both because there is hope on the horizon and because the challenges they face are normal ones (not zombies, a scorched planet or aliens!).
Zombies are busting down your door, what four objects do you grab?
A gun, a knife, a torch and a pre-packed supply pack. Taking no chances!
How do your storylines evolve? Do you already have it planned where you want to go, or do you let the story take you along with it?
I am a ride it and see where it takes me author. It is so fun and sometimes shocks me greatly!
If you could choose any Dystopian book in the world to have written which one would it be and why?
The Stand by Stephen King. He is my favourite author, but also because it is a work that would take some authors a lifetime to complete. What an accomplishment! Having his pay check and fame wouldn’t hurt my feelings either.
If you could be any character from a book who would it be and why?
I would love to be Katniss from Hunger Games. I admire her strength, her defiance and her bravery. She is a perfect example of why I love dystopian. A character that refused to accept her life and her world as it was and through her actions and influence was able to change it for the better.
What advice would you give to other writers of Dystopian fiction out there who are thinking of self-publishing their work?
I hope to read it some day! I would also give the practical advice of being sure their work is professionally edited. That is a very important thing in today’s world of publishing. No matter which route you choose to publish in.
Who is, or are, your favourite author(s)?
Stephen King. The original dystopian master. I have read his work since I was in junior high. I greatly admire his tell it like it is form of writing. I strive to do so myself.
Okay, some quick fire questions! Don’t think too hard. Just answer…
Super Villain or Super Hero?
Super villain. I am always drawn to the bad guy you both love and hate.
Ice-cream or chocolate?
Ice-cream. Don’t throw anything at me, but I don’t like chocolate. My twin brother liked chocolate, so I like vanilla. Twins are like that and it never really goes away.
Beach or the skiing holiday?
Beach! I live in Wisconsin. I can ski, snow mobile, sled or ice skate here. A beach is a real treat!
Keep the One Ring or throw it in Mount Doom?
Throw it into Mount Doom. Evil can never be controlled it can only control you. That is why it is evil.
Audio or book?
Can I say either? Although non-fiction I prefer in book form so I can take notes.
Zombie Apocalypse weapon of choice: Axe or Shotgun?
Shotgun. Less goo on yourself. I am a bit of a germ phobe, lol.
Wow! Thanks so much for taking the time to come visit, Brea. We hope you’ll come again, but in the meantime, peeps, take a butchers at Wolves in the Woods :
Grab your copy now!
You can also find Brea on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and youtube.
www.facebook.com/authorbreabehn
Meet Laura Barnard
Hi all, today I’m really excited to have Laura Barnard – author of ‘The Debt and the Doormat’ – with us. We are going to grill her a little and then squeeze some info about her latest book ‘The Baby & The Bride’ out of her. So here is the interview:
1. When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Was there a single moment of clarity or did the knowledge just creep up on you?
I’ve always wanted to write a book, way back to when I was a teenager. I think it came from my love of books and the fact that I’ve loved making up stories since I was little. One year it was my new year’s resolution to start writing. I didn’t plan a book. I just forced myself to put something on paper and that quickly evolved.
2. Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you write every day? At the weekends? Or like me – whenever you get the chance?
I write every evening once my daughter is in bed. She’s only nineteen months so makes it impossible to do anything around her. It’s actually a good thing, as it means I can clearly separate the two. I write until at least midnight every night. If I ever try to have an early night I can’t sleep, with ideas running through my head. It’s better to type until I pass out!
3. What inspires you?
Everything really. I’m a highly emotional person who sympathises with everyone’s side of view. So I can listen to a song and cry, feeling the pain of the person who wrote it and I can try to understand the bitch in the story. No-one is born evil, they are moulded by their circumstances. I like to take ideas from these feelings.
4. Where did you get the idea for The Baby & the Bride – did you already have it planned when you wrote Debt and the Doormat?
I never originally planned to write a sequel, but then I had no idea how popular it would be! Within weeks I was getting messages from fans and bloggers begging me to write a sequel. It was a tough decision as I’d closed those characters’ lives in my head, but soon the ideas started flowing.
5. If you could choose any book in the world to have written which one would it be and why?
I’ve spent about thirty minutes on this question! Such a hard one. I would say Raw by Belle Aurora. I thought it was such an amazing book and I was left with a serious book hangover afterwards.
6. If you could be any character from a book who would it be and why?
I’d love to be Katniss from Hunger Games. She’s so kick arse, brave and smart.
7. What advice would you give to other writers out there who are thinking of self publishing their work?
I would tell them to go for it, but to research it fully. I’d tell them not to take themselves too seriously, as some people won’t enjoy your work and that’s ok.
8. Who is, or are, your favourite author(s)?
I adore Sophie Kinsella and Lindsay Kelk. They write quintessential chick lit that I know I can’t go wrong with. Saying that I love so many others – Mia Sheridan, Tracy Bloom, Lisa Swallow, Belle Aurora – I could probably go on forever.
9. Do you write for a specific genre or do you like to dabble in several?
I write chick lit/romantic comedy and I feel that is the right genre for me at the moment. As time goes by I might look into dabbling into other areas, but for now I’m happy with what I’m doing.
10. Okay some quick fire questions. Don’t think to hard just answer.
Super Villain or Super Hero? Super Hero
Ice-cream or chocolate? Chocolate
Beach or the Alps? Beach
Edward Cullen or Lestat? Edward Cullen – who is Lestat?
Keep the One Ring or throw it in Mount Doom? Keep the One Ring
Audio or Paperback? Paperback
Horror or Romance? Romance
Thanks so much for taking the time to let us interview you Laura…and why does no one really know who Lestat is? Anne Rice people! The Vampire Lestat! Well Laura’s latest offering is available to buy on amazon now!
Here is a blurb and a short excerpt:
Poppy and Jazz’s lives sound perfect on paper. Jazz has a new baby and Poppy’s getting married. But their realities are very different.
Poppy must strive to keep her cool new job with crazy hours, while trying to keep Ryan happy. Before she knows it her wedding has got out of control, thanks to her mother, the runners at work are bullying her, her parents are in financial difficulty and she’s doubting everything and everyone she ever knew.
Meanwhile Jazz is struggling with motherhood, something a credit card won’t fix. Why won’t this baby give her a break? Will Jazz be able to cope before she loses it?
And will Poppy make it down the aisle? Will Ryan even be waiting?
Excerpt:
‘Mum, you’re a drinker,’ I giggle, rolling my eyes.
‘Only on special occasion’s darling!’ she protests, not meeting my eyes.
‘Did you drink last night?’
‘Yes,’ she shrugs.
‘And what were you celebrating?’ I smirk.
‘It was a Friday, darling. The end of the week. If that’s not something to celebrate, then I don’t know what is,’ she guffaws.
Author bio:
My name is Laura Barnard and I am an author from Hertfordshire, UK. My first chick-lit novel, The Debt & the Doormat was an Amazon number 1 best-seller and won Best Laugh Out Loud Book of 2013. It is available via Amazon, Smashwords, iBooks. Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository and many more.
In my spare time I enjoy drinking my body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of my face, drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio…oh and my husband of course! I like wearing yoga clothes and reading fitness magazines while I sit on the sofa and eat chocolate. I’m a real fan of the power nap and of course, READING!
J L Chalfant Interview + Giveaway!
Hi, J L Chalfant! Welcome to the blog! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
1. When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Was there a single moment of clarity or did the knowledge just creep up on you?
I’ve been writing since I was in elementary school. In another author interview with Arkansasauthors.com I tell about my time as a playwright, director, and actor in the sixth grade, one of those rare times when a teacher is implemental in setting the stage, or the route, for one’s path. In my case, since I grew up in a home with parents who were avid readers and writers—my father was also a trained actor—I was exposed to a large family library. However, as much as I enjoyed writing plays, stories, poetry, and acting, the true moment I knew I wanted to be a writer came many years later. By that time I had graduated college, trained in the visual arts and was married, had three children, and I was a public school art teacher. All those stacks of stories, half-finished novels, and more continued to clutter my closets, the words and characters calling to me. Finally, I told my husband I wanted to go for my MFA in creative writing. But his career path took us to another state where our fourth child was born, and where instead of creative writing school, I opted for a night class in journalism. Thus began my life as a full-time writer.
2. Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you write every day? At the weekends? Or like me – whenever you get the chance?
Since my life as a full-time writer gradually conquered my other interests, like being a full-time visual artist, and teacher, my life as a wife and mom continued to come first, and still does. However, writing for me is more than an interest or a job. So yes, I schedule my time for various activities to do with the more left-brain aspects of writing: outlining, or fleshing out story ideas, then more detailed work like character bios, other research, etc. The more right-brained, creative process of writing mirrors what in the 1960’s was termed “a happening.” I’m not a writer who can schedule inspiration or great ideas, even great prose. All that must flow in its own time and place. So when the knowing comes to me that it’s time to sit down and try writing a few pages, that’s what I do. I can remember many times when I couldn’t get free from whatever life obligation had hold of me, and I lost that moment of pure writing bliss. The opportunity might have given me a great story, I’ll never know. But what I do know is the opportunities keep coming by remaining open, listening to that inner voice that nudges one to create, you know, maybe an idea hits you, or the “ah ha” moment, even a dream can inspire a whole novel, or one word can launch a series of great books. Last, I must spend time each day in the room where I write, at my desk, with pen in hand, or hands on the keyboard. And once I’ve committed words to paper for a novel or short story or answers to interview questions, I write, and I edit, and I keep going each day until I reach the end of the story or whatever I’m working on at that time.
3. What inspires you?
Everywhere and everything in life can inspire an idea for a story that can lead to a full-blown novel or series. Most of what I write is inspired from my research into my family’s genealogy (Welsh, Native American, Jewish-German-French), even going as far back into the root location of my ancient ancestry (Great Britain, Persia, Europe); thanks to DNA research today that’s possible. I do not lack for story ideas because my research requires me to read a variety of history books, and I’m always on the look-out for information I can use with a new twist. But those times do arrive when I’m having a dry period where ideas seem to be playing hide and seek with me, I’ll look to nature for inspiration. Being outdoors enlivens me. And since, as a writer I tend to be home or building-bound more than I ought, getting outside, breathing fresh air, hearing the birds, the airplanes overhead, our dogs barking in the woods no doubt chasing a rabbit or coyotes, well, I relax, and so does my brain. And hopefully, amazing ideas will come and inspire me to go back inside and write them down. That’s another point, I keep a pen and pad with me when I’m out and about so I can jot down those inspiring thoughts.
4. Where did you get the idea for your latest novel – how was it born?
My newly published novel Pohoi and Comanche Spirit Power is a good example of how I transformed research into my family’s Native American ancestry into a novel. Both via arkansasauthors.com and jlchalfant.com/blog I’ve discussed different threads about how the story was born. For this interview, I’ll add a different thread not discussed at any depth before, and is probably the closest to the heart of this matter:
Following my short venture into journalism, I took on the novel, a task I was told by my teacher would be way over my head at that time. “Every writer thinks that sooner or later they can write the next, great American (or English) novel,” she told me. And I remember, thinking that “maybe I could.” But I didn’t tell her that, and I didn’t really believe it, but why not dream? So began my life-long passion to write. This is when we’d moved, and my baby was a newborn and there were three other children still in house, in school, and in and out of mayhem. My husband worked long hours as a family doctor, and I was home by myself a lot. Writing time came while kids napped, and often, from midnight until 2 AM. This practice continued for years. Today I write up to six hours a day, sometimes more. However, marketing and social media takes up even more hours. I cannot reassure anyone wanting to be a writer that writing is easy. It’s what it is. Writing. And to birth a novel, writers must write. Right? Anyway, I wrote the novel I was advised not to write. I wrote the first part. We sold our house, moved, and settled back into a new home in a new state with kids in new schools, and a toddler on my lap while I wrote. Still I unpacked the novel, and forgot where I’d planned to go (my notes were nowhere to be found.) “Oh My G-d,” I screamed. Really, I did do that. By the way, I was typing on a fancy IMB typewriter. I went to a word processor to a desktop computer rather speedily, I might add. But changing what I used to write on didn’t keep me from losing my way through that novel. By the time I finished I had eight-hundred sixty-two pages, three parts that read like three books, and a really interesting story made up with Celtic knights, Comanche Indians, blond barbarians, and a Scottish community not too dissimilar to the one where I now resided. If I was to really publish that story, all that I had written must change, and fast. Before long, and after attending writing workshops, I boxed the unpublishable novel. However, I planned to use my previous research into my family’s Comanche Indian connection and transform all that into a new novel. With so much actual drama on the high plains of Texas found in my research, and being a native Texan I knew a lot about Texas history from attending public school and college in Texas. This knowledge would play a part in the inspiration for the novel Pohoi and Comanche Spirit Power. By the way, I’m taking information from the unpublishable novel to inspire a whole new second novel.
5. If you could choose any book in the world to have written which one would it be and why?
That’s a difficult question to answer. In my formative years, fourth grade through college, six books influenced my world, books I continue to appreciate and love and would take with me if I could only take a handful of books: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights (from the Winchester Manuscripts of Thomas Malory and other sources) by John Steinbeck, and Tom Jones by Thomas Fielding, Dracula by Bram Stoker, and the One Thousand One Arabian Nights. But for the sake of answering the question, I’ll do a toss of these six books. Okay, here it goes, and the winner is: Tom Sawyer. (Note: I wrote out the book titles on strips of paper, cut and folded each strip, tossed and drew one.) Any of these books would’ve been fine to have drawn. They’re all winners for me.
6. If you could be any character from a book who would it be and why?
Again, that’s a difficult question. You might be thinking I’d choose a character from the book I chose in #5 above. But I wouldn’t. For me, not all characters who people books are that memorable by and of themselves. Those characters need the book with its supporting cast, sub-plots and all. The kind of character I might want to be would have to be one that could live without the framework of its story, as in creating a whole new story. There’s a kind or type of character that is termed an archetype. An archetypal character is almost god-like because they represent human beings with all their flaws and all their best qualities, and can extend beyond the boundaries of time and story-place, characters like King Arthur and Merlin, the Gods and demi-gods of the Greek and Roman myths. Probably you can think of others? For me and this question, I chose Merlin, the eternal sage and wise man, the shape-shifter who reminds of all that once was, is and can be again, that of the best in men and women. Merlin challenges me to explore the metaphorical caverns within my mind and heart and unchain the truth of who I am.
7. What advice would you give to other writers out there who are thinking of self- publishing their work?
My father told me a long time ago to avoid giving advice. First, unless someone asks you for advice, no one really wants advice or listens. I’m sure this advice is well-known. Since I’ve been asked to give advice to other writers about self-publishing their work, I will give it a shot:
First, if you’re new at writing, plan to rewrite your first draft. There are many writing how-to books and workshops that will educate you on this process, as well as terminology that is used in the writing and publishing world. If you have been around the proverbial block, I’d suggest a professional evaluation of your finished novel before you self-publish. The evaluator is an editor with the expertise to advise you about story and if it is working, and if not, what to do. They will also cover specifics like syntax, dialog, character development, and more. However, if you find you need to fix story structure as a whole, the development is flawed, and more, or less, if you are not skilled at editing, it is always best to hire an editor who has the skills for your definite needs. For example, many free-lance editors specialize in say line-editing or copy-editing and also offer a quick evaluation of your work. Many line-editors only edit a few pages (50-100+) to show you how, so you will need to shop around. The cost is worth your time and money if you want a quality product that readers will enjoy and/or rave about.
In passing, not all self-pubs out there are the same. Again, shop around. I used iUniverse, part of Author Solutions now owned by Penguin Group, what’s called an assisted self-publisher. They sell packages and offer a wide variety of professional services like a traditional publisher. In fact, this route is more costly depending on the number of services, but in the end, you get more help with the overall process of editing, publishing, and marketing. But a word of caution: in today’s writing world, whether a writer is self-published or traditionally published, the writer, if unknown, must learn social media and market their book. Plan to spend many hours promoting and branding yourself and your book. It will pay off. I wish you all much success!
8. Who is, or are, your favorite authors?
Like I mentioned above, I grew up reading the classics since my parents had a library. Often I checked out books at the local library where I discovered literature of modern day.
Today, I’d say I’ve learned to enjoy a wide variety of authors and genre. My taste is eclectic and not locked into one category or subject, or author’s style. For the sake of keeping this answer from getting out of control, I will keep my favorite author list brief:
First, a few from the past: 1) Mark Twain, 2) John Steinbeck, 3) William Faulkner, 4) Dostoevsky, 5) Mary Shelley 6) Ernest Hemingway, 7) Jane Austin and too many to list here …
Here’s a small list of present day literary authors: 1) Louise Aldrich, 2) Margaret Atwood, 4) E. L. Doctorow 5) John Irving (recently deceased), and more …
And present day commercial: 1) Mary Stewart, 2) Sharon Kay Penman, 3) John Grisham, and many others …
9. Do you write for a specific genre or do you like to dabble in several?
Since I enjoy a wide variety of genre and novels in general, it would be appropriate to assume I dabble. However, how can creating a whole novel be dabbling? No, I write historical novels. But not what might be considered a retelling and showing of a story set in a time from the past, afloat with characters in costume and such.
Let me define my historical novels: Supernatural and natural events explored within a historical framework and set in a time period at least twenty or more years ago. In Pohoi and Comanche Spirit Power true events taking place historically in Texas in the 1860’s helped inspire the story line, or main plot.
Now within the story I might play around with time-travel and parallel worlds, but I use that idea differently from how futuristic time-frame might show time-travel or parallel worlds. I suppose my subplots and themes employ some cross/genre techniques from Fantasy, Sci-Fi, with elements of mystery, suspense/thriller, and minor love stories. But don’t many stories do that? For over twenty years I’ve been writing about parallel existence, and what would happen if somehow a doorway opened (wormhole now)? Lots of books have been written about similar topics but remain different from my style.
Another example, my present novel, Pohoi and Comanche Spirit Power, is set within a true historical framework. But I delve into Native American spirituality, which at times might appear unrealistic to the modern mind. When in fact, Native Americans in history, and many today, consider their spirituality to be real.
Just because our belief systems differ from history doesn’t make one belief system truer over another, or better.
Another reason I use historical settings is to distance the reader from harsh happenings. With war, terrorism, terrible news-related stories reported daily, often readers need escape. So I can use historical settings to distance the reader from the violence, if any in the story, as well as the more quirky mystical/supernatural elements I like to explore in my writing; think “Old Age Spirituality Meets Truth or Dare” like Merlin might have done, or the Egyptians, or Moses, other far distant tales of magic and of the gods. Now, that is not to say I will not write a contemporary now and again.
The point of all this? I want the reader to come away from the story, as a whole, wondering if such amazing events can happen today. And why not? Amazing, so-called supernatural events, as unreal as they might feel, science today is on the cusp of proving. Plus it’s great fun for me to write about the supernatural within a historical novel. Not only does the reader get to go on a fun ride but they can experience a particular history they might otherwise never care enough about to read a whole non-fiction history book.
10. Okay some quick fire questions. Don’t think too hard just answer.
Super Villain or Super Hero?
I’ll go with the Super Villain; I suppose you want an explanation?
Super Heroes are often without flaws and not fully developed characters. On the other hand, the Super Villain is a character with abundant baggage, and goodness. The Super Villain can be explored in-depth—as in psychotherapy. However, there’s always hope the Super Villain in all of us can overcome his/her demons and ascend to goodness. Think Merlin. Was he always a nice guy? Doubt it. But then no one, even a villain, thinks they’re evil or wrong. In writing, all characters need flaws, and many border on being villain-like.
Ice-cream or chocolate?
I choose Ice-cream for I can flavor it any which way I choose. Remember, there was no identifier placed on the ice-cream … Plus, ice-cream can be cold, frozen, melting, liquid, cold or hot … multiple states, like water, and can appeal to almost anyone, anytime. A shape-shifter, like me.
Damsel or Dominatrix?
Maybe in a Fairy Tale being a Damsel is fine. But boring and weak, and uninteresting. I must go with Dominatrix. Now, I have no desire to dress myself or my characters in black and carry a whip, much too cliché. However, I can be in charge of my characters so they do not run off with the story. I can also be in charge of my life, and I can decide not to push my dominating self on others. So, I have choices, and the world opens to me.
Underwear or commando?
A no brainer for me … Commando, of course! No need for explanation here other than underwear is always optional.
Beach or the Alps?
I must go with the Alps as much as I love an occasional beach break. Besides, the Alps are in Switzerland. How cool is that? Now if we’re talking writing and authors, I’d enjoy writing my next novel in the Alps in summertime. Talk about inspiration from nature…
Edward Cullen or Lestat?
Seeing as how one of my all-time favorite novels was Dracula, I must go with Lestat. Now I know he’s one of the un-dead and all that. But, in a novel, couldn’t Dracula, or Lestat be one of those archetypal characters I mentioned earlier? I think so! And he’s also a Super Villain with conflicted feelings and huge emotions about life, death, love and revenge. He’s beginning to sound too human to me, and a perfectly drawn character. Interesting too.
Keep the One Ring or throw it in the Mount Doom?
For the sake of the story and plot, I must keep the ring. Who wouldn’t? Power, control, success, everything is yours, the new god of … of what? Now that I think on that, the ring isn’t the problem it’s how one looks at the ring, the power we give the ring. Oh, the power is in me, and the ring reminds me of that, like a symbol that points the way to truth and oneness. So for all the trouble caused by choosing to keep the ring, it’s definitely worth it in my book, and makes a great story that appears to be living on forever, and ever.
Audio or Paperback?
Well now, I love books, love to hold them in my hands, caress them like a lover (only if the covers are silky smooth). I love to read books uninterrupted, all attention lost inside its pages. Me, the book, the story, its characters become one. Now, yes, I could do that listening to the story, but my other senses of sight, touch, smell, taste get in the way more often than when reading. Unless it is night and I’m sitting around a fire with other people listening to a story-teller, then hearing the story told is almost enlightening. I suppose because you’re involved in a group-listening-sharing experience. So maybe this question is a toss-up. I know I’d like for all my novels to be in both Audio and Paperback and e-book format.
Horror or Romance?
Who doesn’t love a good romance, especially when it’s real-life and your own? There are times when a romance on the Hallmark channel gets my attention, especially when I’m feeling out of sorts or need some escape from the junk in life. Hum, horror … scary can be fun unless someone’s really after you with a big knife or chain-saw. Thinking here not too much … oh, okay, I’m going with H-o-r-r-o-r. Why? Because as a writer, Horror stories can have a romance, the hero can escape the knife and chain-saw, scream, cry, laugh and still have time for lunch, coffee, a mystery, thrill ride and get home in time to save the day, and finally kill the monster. Even the sun also rises in the morning as the street lamp continues to light up the waning night. Either way, the good triumphs over evil, and horror. That is until the next book.
Phew! Okay that was fun!
Amazon Links:
http://www.amazon.com/J.-L.-Chalfant/e/B00CX7BR28/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1379678388&sr=8-1
BE SURE TO ENTER THE BOOK BOUNTY GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY LINK: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzQwYjU4YjhhOWJkZTgyZDg5ZmU0ZmUwZDRmN2Y1OjI=/
Bryan W Dull Interview + Giveaway!
Hi, Bryan! Welcome to our blog! Thanks so much for stopping by!
1. When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Was there a single moment of clarity or did the knowledge just creep up on you?
I think it was when I was about twelve or thirteen. I knew it when I was around a fire I told a story off the top of my head…that and when my mom bought me Pet Semetary. I freaked me out a little because no one I knew had any sort of interest in books or writing.
2. Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you write everyday? At the weekends? Or like me – whenever you get the chance?
My writing schedule right now is when I have the time, but I think I will have to speed it up a bit. Usually at night when everyone else is in bed.
3. What inspires you?
Movie trailer music.
4. Where did you get the idea for your latest novel – how was it born?
“Equinox” is the sequel to the bestseller “Solstice”. I didn’t want to go into a sequel and do a copy and paste of the original or do any vampire tale stereotypes (werewolves, fae, etc.) so I decided to try something else that worked out well in term of character development.
5. If you could choose any book in the world to have written which one would it be and why?
“The Thief of Always” by Clive Barker. The concept of living every holiday in one day, day after day is great and terrifying.
6. If you could be any character from a book who would it be and why?
Tyler Durden from Chuck Palahniuk’s “Fight Club”. I agree with a lot of ideas and the mentality of consumerism in America but I like certain things too much to pull off that attitude.
7. What advice would you give to other writers out there who are thinking of self publishing their work?
Promote, promote, promote. You are not going to be successful by simply putting out a book, make sure people know who you are.
8. Who is, or are, your favourite author(s)?
Neil Gaiman, Ernest Cline, Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Chuck Palahniuk.
9. Do you write for a specific genre or do you like to dabble in several?
I am starting to dabble. I thought I would do only horror and thriller but I think you may be surprised soon.
10. Okay some quick fire questions. Don’t think to hard just answer.
Super Villain or Super Hero?
Hero
Ice-cream or chocolate?
Chocolate Ice Cream
Damsel or Dominatrix?
Depends on the circumstance…is it kinky?
Underwear or commando?
Underwear
Beach or the Alps?
Alps
Edward Cullen or Lestat?
Lestat, a real vampire
Keep the One Ring or throw it in Mount Doom?
Mount Doom, then again I would never take the challenge in the first place.
Audio or Paperback?
Paperback
Horror or Romance?
Horror. Romance is grown up stuff.
Phew! Okay that was fun!
Amazon UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bryan-W.-Dull/e/B005MVMTI8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1379674642&sr=8-2
Amazon LInk: http://www.amazon.com/Bryan-W.-Dull/e/B005MVMTI8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1379674686&sr=8-1
Giveaway Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzQwYjU4YjhhOWJkZTgyZDg5ZmU0ZmUwZDRmN2Y1OjI=/
Michael Graff Interview
PLEASE WELCOME MICHAEL GRAFF! 🙂
Michael is a ghost writer and was kind enough to let us throw some questions his way 🙂 So come and join us today and help yourselves to the custard slices and coffee.
THE INTERVIEW
1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where you come from, what do you do when you are not ghost writing, any hobbies?
I was born and raised in New Jersey (no, not near the cast of Jersey Shore), but out in the Corporate Farmland and Horse Meadows where old George Washington and the Continental Army did a lot of schlepping around with torn boots. However, I have lived and worked in Florida, California and New York City.
2. How long have you been ghost writing and how did you become a ghost writer?
For approximately fifteen years, with periodic interludes of manual labor. I was forced into Ghostwriting either by The Conquistadors or Vikings, I can’t remember which at this point.
3. I know you can’t give specific details but can you tell us what you ghost write – fiction or non-fiction?
You’re absolutely right… I could tell you, but then I’d have to… Fiction. Yay, fiction!
4. What advice would you give to writers that are thinking of becoming ghost write?
Firstly, if you are on mood altering drugs, increase your dosage. Secondly, work hard and develop a “thick skin”. Also, chase down other opportunities of supporting yourself. Finally, if you imbibe whiskey, continue – if you don’t consider starting.
5. Do you ever get annoyed that you can’t openly claim the work as your own?
No, I have plenty of my own projects. Look at yourself as a “hired gun”.
6. Have you written anything under your own name?
Yes.
7. What is your fuel to keep you going on a typical writing day?
Coffee. Good food. Sometimes a coke and a candy bar for the afternoon “pick me up”. Cold Starbucks. Pistachios or cashews. Spicy cheese sauce, and, or salsa and chips on the weekends. Water. Lots of water!
8. If you could live and write anywhere in the world, where would it be?
The Gulf Coast of Florida.
Okay, quick-fire round!
Email or letter?
It was letter, but, now, it’s email.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee! But, tea is a nice interlude in the winter and after Thai Food.
Pepsi or Coke?
Coke, until you need a change and then go for the Blue & Red can or even a Pepper.
Stephen King or Dean Koontz?
Neither. Mailer at the moment.
Edward Cullen or Lestat?
Okay, I have to admit that I had to Google “Edward Cullen”… I’m a grown man, don’t make me say it. Cruise was brilliant as Lestat, even against all of the raging white make-up and fake- fanged criticism.
Vampire or werewolf?
They’ve both become equally annoying.
Keep the One Ring or destroy in Mount Doom?
Bury it again for fun… And, book sales.
Harry Potter or Frodo Baggins?
Let them fight it out.
Cool! That was fun! Thanks so much for stopping by, Michael! 🙂
Casey Keen Interview…
WELCOME, CASEY KEEN! 🙂
Hi 🙂
We interviewed the wonderful Casey Keen. Pour yourself a drink, kick back and relax with us! 🙂
THE INTERVIEW
1. When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Was there a single moment of clarity or did the knowledge just creep up on you?
After I read my first paranormal romance book over a year ago, I felt the urge to write my own novel! Once I set my mind to it, I picked the setting (Savannah, GA) and everything fell into place after that.
2. Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you write everyday? At the weekends? Or like me – whenever you get the chance?
Since I work full-time it’s challenging to find a lot of time to write. Mostly, I write on the weekends, unless I feel inspired late at night (which happens more than you think ha ha)!
3. What inspires you?
Creativity and imagination! When I construct a new character, plot or conflict, I get super excited! I can’t wait to sit down and see what flows out! After I read my first Paranormal Romance series, I fell in love with the whimsical tone of this genre. Something about imaginary creatures, places and romance, sparked my dormant creativity and continues to tug at it! 4. Where did you get the idea for I’ll be Damned – how was it born?
I visit Savannah/Hilton head every year, so I thought Savannah would be the perfect setting for a paranormal book. This charming city dug itself a hole in my heart and I knew I needed to start here. Since I LOVE coffee, I decided that the main character should be a coffee shop owner. From there, ideas piled in my head – What should she be? What needs to happen? But for these developments, there wasn’t a clear starting point. Once I settled on the setting, everything else fell into place.
5. If you could choose any book in the world to have written which one would it be and why?
I wouldn’t! I’m proud of my accomplishment and the ongoing, positive feedback from readers!
6. If you could be any character from a book who would it be and why?
I would love to be the main character, Anna. First off, she lives in Savannah, GA and owns an awesome coffee shop! Besides that, she’s a kick-ass heroin in the making! During her journey of magical self-discovery, she makes some mistakes and at times, is scared – it’s her vulnerability that makes her so relatable.
7. What advice would you give to other writers out there who are thinking of self publishing their work?
To all the aspiring writers out there – take a chance! If you want to write… sit down and do it! Don’t let your fear or people’s criticisms hold you back. You’re telling an amazing story, maybe even your own. Publishing your own work is a small legacy and it’s one of the most amazing accomplishments in the world!
8.Okay some quick fire questions. Don’t think to hard just answer.
Super Villain or Super hero?
Super Hero hands down!
Spiders or snakes?
Snakes!
Coast or Inland?
Coast
Hot Geek or Rock god?
HOT GREEK!
Underwear or commando?
Underwear *blush*
Edward Cullen or Lestat?
Cullen all the way!
Phew! Okay that was fun! Thanks so much, Casey. Here’s some more about the lady…
About the Author:
I was born in Philadelphia, PA and grew up in the suburban outskirts of this amazing city. I love anything paranormal and/or supernatural – seriously I live in Philadelphia! For those of you who don’t know, this city is an awesomely haunted place! This healthy paranormal addiction has provided me the motivation to write my first book, “I’ll Be Damned.” I graduated from DrexelUniversity with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and I’m currently working on the Anna Wolfe Series.
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7020153.Casey_Keen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casey.keen.752
Twitter https://twitter.com/AnnaWolfeSeries
Website: http://www.caseykeen.com/index.html
I’LL BE DAMNED (ANNA WOLFE #1)
BY CASEY KEEN
Book Description:
A sister kidnapped. An impending war between Heaven and Hell looming around the corner. A Grand Witch who has no idea what she is. The Prince of Darkness’s obsession in claiming her. Two sinfully gorgeous men pulling her in two different directions. As the owner of the coffee shop Deja Brew in Savannah, Georgia, Anna thought her life was ordinary. That is until her sister is kidnapped by a demon, prompting two handsome men to march into her life unexpectedly. Valen, the sinfully gorgeous, overprotective werewolf who is Anna’s sworn guardian and Roman, the most handsome and powerful Warlock in the entire Netherworld. Suddenly, her world is stripped of everything she knows and replaced with frightening news about who she really is – a powerful Grand Witch. Now, it’s up to her to draw out her dormant magic, rescue her sister and stop an impending heavenly war threatening to eradicate the human race all while staying alive.
Excerpt:
It happens practically every night. My pleasant dreams take on a life of their own, morphing into terrifying nightmares. They are the tsunamis of the dream ocean, spinning me in their churning tides before thrusting me awake, whereupon I find myself drenched in a pool of sweat, and gasping for air. Abandoning my worry isn’t an option since a demonic element is the driving force behind them. It sounds crazy, but even as a child, a special darkness visited me in my dreams. Is it a warning? Or a threat? Your guess is as good as mine. They always began the exact same way – I’m being hurled into a pitch-black hole of nothingness. I open my sleepy eyes, allowing them time to adjust. Isolation surrounds me, reminding me how unprepared I am for this place. A dim, orange light cuts through the dark abyss like a blade. I squint, realizing it’s much further than it appears. I attempt to move my feet, but they stubbornly refuse. I try a second time, and manage to overcome the terror that is binding them. One step becomes two and I find myself walking at a cautious pace, listening for the faintest sound. I haven’t the slightest idea where I am, which makes me suspicious of everything. My nose wrinkles as I walk through a large pocket of air that reeks with an overpowering odor of burnt hair. I swing and wave my hands, hoping to break up the stench, but to no avail. What could be the source of such a rank smell? I’m not sure I want to know the answer. I quickly push the thought away. Curiosity can be dangerous when it comes between reality and panic. I tread delicately, hoping no one hears me. I don’t think I’m alone, and I find some comfort in the darkness. Whatever is with me is out of my sight, and therefore, out of my mind. I never thought I would find a cliché so helpful to me until now. I wrap my thoughts around it, mustering up the courage to carry on. The orange light grows, compelling me to pick up my pace. I glance at my surroundings, unsure of what I might find. The curved, dank walls and concrete blocks beneath my feet are bare, but fortunately, no revolting creatures dangle from the ceiling or slither past my feet, although I am thinking of them! Where the hell am I? Dreams have a funny way of camouflaging life’s problems, but this is ridiculous! A glint of light from the ashen wall catches my eye. I step closer to it, noticing how the curved cobbles gently mold my feet to their shapes. Small, rectangular stones that suggest their age goes well beyond the medieval era are arrayed in front of me. A dense tackiness catches the small granules of little dust motes that are reflected by the light here. Some kind of liquid begins to seep from one of the cracks in the stones, and I lower my head to inspect it. The crimson liquid slides sluggishly, like a snail, towards the ground. Leaning closer, I realize I’m staring at blood, and I gasp, jumping backwards. My heart thuds loudly in my chest as my adrenaline speeds through my veins like a racecar. My eyes skip around, noticing thousands of little red capillaries materializing all over the wall. An overwhelming paranoia that the tunnel will cave in torments my mind. I turn and dash towards the light, fueled by my distress. My lungs scream for air as I push myself further and faster than ever. The orange light surrounds a large opening. Skidding to a stop, I barely avoid falling over the ledge at the cave’s entrance. I stare out at a fiery, scarlet landscape that appears infinite, and sends me a menacing warning. I lean forward when a wall of intense heat slugs me in the face, forcing me backwards a few inches. The air is dense, and it’s hard to catch my breath. Sweat beads on my brow, evaporating before I can wipe it away. I scan the ravaged scenery, watching pillars of fire erupt from the ground before disappearing into the onyx sky, rimmed in red. A chain of mountains with jagged cliffs, emerge straight up from the bloodshot dirt. Floating objects I don’t wish to know about, travel in an orbit, weaving in and out through the rough terrain. I’m in a completely different world. My terror lingers, refusing to go away. A raging river of lava slices through the valley, determined to leave its own mark in the middle of this inferno. I stroll down a steep trail that leads directly to the unusual river. I stop long before reaching its banks, and gradually inch my way closer. My eyes drift over to the whirling mass of disturbing beauty. Deep shades of red and orange mesh with each other, creating a horrid kaleidoscope of angry colors. Flashes of distorted images of my family and friends bob in and out of the blazing lava. I watch in horror as the greedy river of fire consumes them without remorse. Despite my attempts to reach in, my hand snaps back after feeling the agonizing heat. I step backwards, staring in numb bewilderment. I know I’m dreaming, but it doesn’t lessen my anxiety. My back slams into something solid and unyielding. Long, crooked fingers wrap around the tops of my tiny shoulders like spiders. Suffering and emptiness engulf me. My heart pounds like a hammer as my limbs melt into rubber. The hands squeeze me hard, sending excruciating pain throughout my entire back. The snapping of my shoulders, cracking like glass, shatters the unbearable stillness.
I’LL BE DAMNED BOOK TRAILER:
BUY LINKS:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/300131
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ill-be-damned-casey-keen/1114910833?ean=2940016303505
Sony-Reader Store: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/casey-keen/i-ll-be-damned/_/R-400000000000000992526
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/books/Ill-Be-Damned/s7S2g-hoOkq7YkklyJE96Q
And also available at the iTunes/iBookstore
Thanks for stopping by, Casey! 🙂
Angee Taylor Interview…
WELCOME, ANGEE TAYLOR! 🙂
The fabulous Angee Taylor joins us today. We interviewed her so come and chill out with us. Put your feet up and enjoy! 🙂
THE INTERVIEW
1. When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Was there a single moment of clarity or did the knowledge just creep up on you?
It actually crept up on me. I always hated English in High School and College, yet I found myself writing as a stress relief. While sitting at home while off work sick, for an extended period of time I finished Hidden. That was the begining, I realized I had written an entire book. I was hooked then.
2. Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you write everyday? At the weekends? Or like me – whenever you get the chance?
Whenever I get the chance. I work full time 48-72 hours or more a week, plus I’m a single mom of a tenage son. Those two things keep me busy but I find time to write somewhere or I would lose my sanity.
3. What inspires you?
Life, everyday life inspires me. the beauty and tradgedy I see everyday especially at work.
4. Where did you get the idea for Hidden Secrets – how was it born?
It started out as an outlet for me to vent about my autoimmune disease then I found myself twisting it into fantasy/paranormal and ran with it. I took my illness and made it a vampire infection. The medications I take can make me need blood transfusions and if I spend too much time in the sun I end up in ICU. With out the immunosuppressive medications I would be in pain all the time though. So needless to say I vent about it often.
5. If you could choose any book in the world to have written which one would it be and why?
That’s a hard one. There are so many I love. Honestly i think its Beowulf. The underlying messages sent in that book amazed me.
6. If you could be any character from a book who would it be and why?
Wonder Woman– First I want to fly the invisible jet and second I LOVE the boots!!
7. What would you say are the pro’s and con’s of self-publishing?
It’s hard to get people to buy authors they don’t recognize. That’s the biggest con, the pro are you have full control.
8. Okay some quick fire questions. Don’t think to hard just answer.
Super Villain or Super hero?
Superhero of course 😉
Spiders or snakes?
I hate spiders more!
Coast or Inland?
I love the beach but I also love a good walk through the woods.
Hot Geek or Rock God?
Can I have both? lol
Thong or Briefs?
Thongs
Edward Cullen or Lestat?
Lestat 😉
Thanks for having me.
Phew! Okay that was fun! Thanks, Angee!
Now, lets have some more about Angee…
About Angee:
HIDDEN SECRETS (THE SECRETS SAGA VOL 1)
BY ANGEE TAYLOR
amoscassidy 