Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews

Interview with flash fiction writer Kristine Ong Muslim

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:08:00 +0000

Today's guest, Kristine Ong Muslim, is going to chat about her short story collection "We Bury the Landscape."

Bio:
Kristine Ong Muslim is the author of several chapbooks, most recently "Insomnia" (Medulla Publishing, 2012) and "Night Fish" (Elevated Books, 2011). Her forthcoming books include the flash fiction collection "We Bury the Landscape" (Queen's Ferry Press, 2012), the poetry collection "Grim Series" (Popcorn Press, 2012), and the chapbook "Doll Plagues, Doll Lives" (Thunderclap Press, 2012).

She has short fiction and poetry accepted in over 500 literary and mainstream anthologies, periodicals, and podcasts. Her work received Honorable Mentions in Year's Best Fantasy and Horror and garnered multiple nominations for the Pushcart Prize, Dzanc Books’ Best of the Web 2011, and the Science Fiction Poetry Association's Dwarf Stars Award and Rhysling Award. Publication credits include Boston Review, Existere, Mary Journal, Narrative Magazine, Potomac Review, Southword, Sou'wester, and The Pedestal Magazine. Her work is also published widely in genre venues, from Abyss & Apex to One Buck Horror.

Kristine, welcome to Reviews and Interviews. What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?
The moment I end it! I rarely plan what I write. So, when a natural way to end the story hits me, I feel sort of vindicated that a short burst of inspiration can be rightfully called a story with a beginning and an ending. My ideal story length has always been in the 300-1,000 word range. I muck up anything longer than that. I sell my micro-fiction to very good markets, the longer ones I’ve written don’t have that much clout when they hit the inboxes of magazine editors. I guess I’m the type of writer who is most effective at being prolific with very short prose. This has led me to believe that any attempt at a novel will be an impossible task for me.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
Last year, I finished "We Bury the Landscape," a collection of 100 mini-stories about different paintings. Many of the flash fiction pieces included in the collection appeared in many fine places. Some of them are online at Connotation Press, The Brooklyner, and Birkensnake. Teasers are at Mixer. Schlock Magazine even made an excellent graphic rendition.

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
Genre is something that I’ve never prioritized. I’ve straddled most genres for years: from the most salacious tentacle horror porn to the classiest literary glossy containing a contribution from a Pulitzer Prize winner. I had work appearing in magazines aimed for kids, and I got paid for writing erotica. I don’t know my favorite genre. I think I like everything. The only time I consider whatever genre my story or poem belongs to is when I’m at the point of looking for a place to send it to.

What exciting story are you working on next?
Right now, I am simultaneously working on two story collections. I feel that I’m working on something worthwhile here, but of course, I can be wrong. I’m just like all writers -- how we all believe that our manuscripts are great at first blush. I’m not an excellent judge of my work. I will have to wait until I finish it, and I get a publisher to stand by it.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I daydreamed about living that proverbial famous-writer life since high school. But my preconceived notions of the writing life have been changed by years of battling my way in and out of the slush piles of the world. It’s a cutthroat world; there are so many talented contemporary writers.

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
Duotrope, Ralan, and Newpages are perfect places for market research.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I need a window. As much as possible, I need to face a window or an open space when I write. I can’t think well when I’m facing a wall.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to organize beauty pageants. When I was in grade school, I had a bunch of friends, and we regularly spent so much time in my bedroom dressing up as beauty pageant contestants. I was always the host, and I enjoyed ordering them to do their turns and quizzing them with world-peace type of questions. It’s very silly. Every time I see my old friends and we get around to talking about our beauty pageants, we laugh about it.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
If you are a reader, you are doing a great job at making the world a better place to live in. If you are a writer, then be a reader first.

Here are ways to connect with me:
Online home and blog
Twitter
Facebook
Amazon Author Page
Goodreads Author Page

Thanks for being here, today, Kristine. It's been a pleasure getting to know a bit about you and your writing.

Interview with debut thriller author Qwantu Amaru

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:10:00 +0000

Readers, please welcome debut thriller author Qwantu Amaru to Reviews and Interviews.

Bio:
Qwantu Amaru draws his inspiration from his modest upbringing in small towns and cities across the US. In addition to his first novel, One Blood, Qwantu has published six volumes of poetry. Qwantu is an active member of the outstanding socially active poetry collective Black on Black Rhyme out of Tallahassee, FL. He has performed spoken word in poetry venues from New York to Los Angeles. He is also part owner and one third of The Pantheon Collective, an independent publishing venture dedicated to bringing high quality independent books to the masses while empowering and inspiring other authors to follow their dreams. Qwantu currently resides in Jersey City, NJ.

Welcome, Qwantu. Please tell us about your newest novel.
One Blood is my debut novel, a story 12 years in the making. It is a supernatural thriller, set in and throughout Louisiana in the vein of books by Anne Rice, Tananarive Due, and Stephen King. The novel is pretty epic in scope, spanning 200 years of history from 1802-2002. It’s a page-turning rollercoaster that will make you think as much as it makes you jump! One Blood is a character-driven tale that involves a group of diverse characters, all tied together through hidden connections and their mutual torment by a Voodoo curse.

What inspired you to write this book?
I think debut novels are always written in an effort to understand one’s life and self, but the catalyst was the combination of a creative writing assignment and a powerful memory of meeting former politician and KKK Grand Wizard David Duke when I was attending high school in Lake Charles, LA.

What exciting story are you working on next?
My 2nd novel can best be described as The Kite Runner meets The DaVinci Code! It is tentatively titled, The Uneasy Sleep of Giants and deals with a son trying to avenge the untimely death of his father, a chemist who may have cured cancer and been killed for it.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Upon completing several crucial chapters in the first draft of One Blood, I read over them, wondering where the heck the words had come from and knew I was tapping into something else. At that moment, I felt like a writer.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I don’t write full-time, although I do write every night from 8:30 to 10:00 pm with a goal of completing 5 hand-written pages a night. I stay very busy working as the Chief Operating Officer of a technology and events company that takes me around the world. I also am 1/3 owner of an independent publishing venture called The Pantheon Collective, and I have a consulting company called X.I. Consulting. As previously mentioned, I have a sacred hour and a half blocked off each night for writing, but I also write on planes, in hotels on the road, and many other places. I just fit it in. It’s a part of who I am.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Hmm. I require music, tea, a good pen, and 5 subject notebook to write. I also prefer writing in crowded environments to writing by myself in my office at home. The movement around me somehow helps me focus for some reason.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I used to tell my folks that I wanted to be an architect and in a way, I am. Because what is a novel or story, if not a building?

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I really like to engage with readers and have a fantastic facebook fanpage dedicated to a lot of fun activities. Please like my page and join in on the fun!

Thanks for stopping by to talk about writing, Qwantu.

Interview with Karen Bell

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:04:00 +0000

Today's Reviews and Interviews guest is writer Karen S. Bell. We're talking long journeys, elephants, and, of course, writing.

Bio:
Walking with Elephants is Karen Bell’s first novel, although she is not new to writing. After earning a graduate degree in mass communication she spent 15 years as an editor and writer of business materials. She says, “Inspiration for this novel came from my direct contact with the joys of Corporate America and the balancing act that comes with being a working mother.” Currently, Ms. Bell resides in Ponte Vedra, Fl with her husband and photos of her children, granddaughters, and grandsons who live everywhere BUT Ponte Vedra, Fl.

Please tell us about your current release.
The journey to get Walking with Elephants published was quite arduous. It took nearly ten years to write and another ten to find a publisher. I had a lot of stops and starts to find my voice but when I did the book flowed. My protagonist, Suze Hall, is my everywoman, my Willie Loman, if you will. She represents all the older women in the workforce who entered later in life after raising their kids. She discovers that she and her husband defined their roles when she was a stay-at-home mom and she is stuck in that role--continuing to run the house while also working full-time. She also is not good at deciphering the intrigue at work. I tried to make her very likable with a good sense of humor. I think I achieved that. It is a light-hearted slice-of-life story. A reviewer described the book as Bridget Jones meets Erma Bombeck. But it also has an important message for women in the current era.

What inspired you to write this book?
As a working mother myself, I lived the stresses that come with that territory but I was lucky. I was able to raise my babies before I went back into the workforce. Women today, by and large, are not so lucky. In the ladies room at work, I came upon a young woman pumping her breast. This is crazy, I thought. She should be home nursing. Maternity leave is way too short in this country. In some countries, a woman has two years' leave. I felt that women should be dialoguing about this. It's one thing to be political about abortion, but that's where the discussion ends. What happens after the baby is born is very important and there is no consensus or discussions on how to blend families and work.

The title of the book is the title of an essay that Suze writes at the end of the novel. She suggests a paradigm shift from the patriarchal societies that have been in place for millennia to matriarchies like a herd of elephants. In the elephant world the herd comprises females and their young. Males are peripheral and only come around to mate. She poses the notion of what would the society look like, be like if women were truly in charge—not women mimicking men.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I am shopping my second novel, Sunspots. It’s kind of a paranormal romance, ghost story. It explores the woeful journey Aurora Stein takes when her husband Jake dies in a car accident after just two years of marriage. Aurora was an aspiring actress so she views the world through the lens of characters in novels and film. Although the topic is somber, there are many moments of mirth as Aurora tells her tale of meeting Jake and her present situation.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I don’t really consider myself a writer now. Somehow, I see a writer as someone who makes a living at it. That eludes me. I put words on paper, I make up stories. It’s a happy diversion and comes fairly easy. I am a reader. They say in order to be a good writer, one must be a reader. So I’m a reader and the public will have to tell me if I’m a writer. From those that have read Walking with Elephants I have gotten great feedback, so describing myself as a writer is on hold and waiting. I’m already getting rejections for Sunspots, so I’m holding my breath on the writer thing.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
No, I have never spent an entire day writing. First with WWE, there was the distraction of working full-time and raising a family. By the time I would get back to it, I had to reread to remind myself where the story was and the names of the characters—no kidding. Now I’m distracted becoming the publisher of WWE after mine closed doors and all that it implies—printing, marketing, advertising, PR. Now I’m sending out queries for Sunspots. Oh, that I had an agent and publisher. I’m planning on working on my third novel today—maybe.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’m not unique on this quirk. My characters come alive for me and direct the plot. They take over my psyche and shove their way into my thought processes and surprise me with their actions or tell me their names.

Also, rewriting sentences comes to me when I’m not at the computer.

When these things happen to me I know I’m in the throes of story telling and I love it.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A doctor. I laughingly tell people that I have saved more lives by NOT becoming a doctor.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I think people really need to stop and reflect on the wonder of being human. Of the miracle of being alive, and the beautiful world around us. All of it. Not take it for granted. Everything is a miracle, just like Einstein said. Live in the moment and love in the moment—that’s all we have. Make it count. If you are reading this, you are one of lucky ones that do not have to subsist on scarcity just to stay alive. Feel the blessing of that and be charitable to those less fortunate.

Thanks for stopping by, Karen!

New interview with writer Tom Mach

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:15:00 +0000

Today's guest is a return visitor. Tom Mach was first here on Nov 29 where he talked about his mystery novel An Innocent Murdered.

Today he's here to talk about short stories. His collection called Stories to Enjoy is now available. There's a giveaway during this virtual book tour. Details are at the end of the interview.

Welcome back to Reviews and Interviews, Tom.

What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?
I like writing short stories because it forces me to focus on particular event or problem in the story. I don’t have to be involved with a larger number of characters and an equally large number of subplots as I would in a novel. It’s also easier to come up with different ideas for short stories, as is evident in the wide array of genres I have in Stories to Enjoy.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories—perhaps some of your favorites?
In “The Stamp Prisoner,” a psychic named Laura discovers she has the power of telekinesis, where she can make objects move with the power of her mind. When she finds she can erase rare postmarked stamps and change them into mint condition she gets in trouble with the law—but is able to hide in a stamp. Find out what happens next in that story. You’ll be shocked.

In “The Crossword Puzzle Murders,” Detective Pulaski is baffled by a series of murders and a strange clue the murderer leaves behind—a copy of a newspaper on the body of each victim. But when she finally discovers who the murderer is, will it be too late?

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
Actually, I LOVE historical fiction, having written three novels—Sissy!, All Parts Together, and Angels at Sunset. In my collection of short stories I have two historical pieces. One is called “When Kansas Women Were Not Free” and “The Plot to Kill Lincoln (Again)”. I guess I like writing historical fiction because I enjoy digging out facts from our past and combining historical figures with my fictional characters to weave a fascinating story.

What exciting story are you working on next?
Well, I am introducing my latest historical novel, Angels at Sunset in 2012. I don’t want to give away the plot here, but I had a famous person write the foreword to it. If readers will contact me privately, I would be happy to tell them more about this novel which I am sure will become a best-seller.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I have always enjoyed the printed word. When I was about eight years old, I received a toy rotary printing press where I had to insert each letter into a metal slot and then glue down pictures that would go with it. I ended up producing a neighborhood newspaper with that press. At age 17, I wrote a complete novel called The Boss’s Son. But it wasn’t until I got into my 30s that I took writing more seriously and published an article a week for a newspaper chain while I worked at a full time job. It was a gradual process for me in realizing that I wanted to be a writer full-time, if I wanted to risk financial uncertainty in doing so.

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
Writer’s Market is a great tool that lists different markets for various types of writing—whether articles, books, or short stories. I highly recommend it. I also would tell writers not to give up. Even famous authors had received hundreds of rejections in the past. But do a lot of reading of successful authors and dissect their work, see what makes it “tick.” Go to a few conferences, mingle with other writers—but by all means, sit down and write. Don’t THINK about being a writer, just write and BE one!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I know you are supposed to write without immediately worrying about mistakes or a better way of saying it, but sometimes I ignore that rule. After I go through a paragraph, I may reread it and come up with a better, stronger way of saying it. Or sometimes, I’ll be in the middle of another chapter that reminds me of something I wrote earlier and I’ll go back and rewrite it. It slows down the writing process.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I think I’ve always had a love of the printed word. I also loved cartooning and would try to imitate a given cartoon in a comic book. But later I realized I had no talent for drawing. I never thought of myself as a writer until I became a junior in high school—all because of an English teacher who inspired me.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Yes. If any of you are interested in learning more about my upcoming historical novel called Angels at Sunset, please hit the “Contact Me” button on my website and I will be happy to reply.

Readers, Tom is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one randomly drawn commenter at the end of his virutal book tour. I encourage you to comment here and at some of his other stops. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win.

Tom, thanks for coming back to Reviews and Interviews. Happy writing!

Interview with Cesar Nostradame

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:07:00 +0000

Today's guest is Cesar as he does a virtual book tour for Book of Prophecies.

Bio:
Cesar has a very experienced background in the spiritual world. He was brought up in a Christian family, but branched out as he got older, seeking answers about the physical world around him, and the spiritual world around him.

In his mid-twenties, dramatic events occurred in his life which challenged his very existence, but he learned from the experiences and mostly learned how life is not just in our own hands.

Now, Cesar is a firm believer that everyone has their own path to walk in life, and part of that walk is all about the choices that you make. Some people choose a good life and some a wicked life, but most of us live the life in the middle, influenced by the world around us and our own upbringing, Cesar understands that life is simply not black and white.

Please tell us about your current release, Book of Prophecies.
It's a collection of brand new prophecies about things that are destined to happen to the world; Nostradamus style. In the book, events such as disasters and terrorist attacks and nuclear disasters are talked about in a very cryptic way. Each prophecy has two interpretations and there are also celtic-style-images which hold more secrets.

What inspired you to write this book?
It's hard to pin it down to one particular event that sent me on the journey to write this book, there have been many events throughout my life which, when all linked together, set me on this road to write the book, for example being able to tell people their future, and being able to speak in tongues. But essentially I feel like God told me to write this book to pass on the messages that are in it.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I have a number of manuscripts that I am working on, however, the one I am hoping to have published next is a YA fiction that approaches the possibilities of spirituality from a new perspective but mixes it with some truths and suspected truths from history. Essentially, Harry Potter mixed with the Da Vinci Code.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Well, to be honest it's very hard to see myself as a writer despite the fact that it's all I think about, but I have been doing other things in my life, too. I was once a musician and I was once an artist, so to put my identity as just a writer would be almost like selling myself short.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
At the moment, I am spending most of my time with the promotion of this book and with doing research for my blog, but I am hoping to get back to my writing as soon as I can as I have manuscripts to finish off and other ideas which I want to start putting to paper. I'd love to write full time, and maybe one day I will be able to support myself financially with my writing.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Writing late at night with plenty of coffee, I find it my most productive time to write, maybe it's because the world seems more peaceful and less distracting, but it causes havoc to my internal clock.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I think I wanted to be something special, like a superhero. I was always taller than other boys in my class so maybe I saw myself as being super strong just because of the shorter people around me, but I stopped growing at 6ft.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Well yes, I'd like to share a bit about my Blog, basically since finishing this book I have been reading ancient documents ranging from a couple hundred years old to a few thousand years old, and I write an analysis about the documents, but I am especially searching for old prophecies and I am collecting a list and bio's of all prophets throughout time and I have discovered some very interesting things, for example, the fact that the theory of evolution was penned by the Egyptians thousands of years ago yet we all think Darwin came up with the notion!

Thank you for being here today, Cesar.

Folks, feel free to check out other tour dates and stops for Cesar.

Live chat/interview with non-fiction writer Leaf Seligman

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:41:00 +0000

The Writer's Chatroom presents non-fiction writer Leaf Seligman.

WHEN?

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

Interview with non-fiction writer Alexia Fraser

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:07:00 +0000

Today's guest is non-fiction writer Alexia E. Fraser. Alexia has been writing for a while, Memories of Mom is her first book.

Bio:
Alexia Elizabeth Smart-Fraser was born in the beautiful island of Jamaica. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Edward, she migrated to the United States. She is the proud and loving mother of two children, son Sean and daughter Paige.

Alexia studied acting at H.B. Studio. She worked as an extra on the set of “Cosby Mysteries” with Bill Cosby, “New York Undercover” with Malik Yubo, “Central Park West” with Lauren Hutton, and the series “Prince Street” with Mariska Hargitay.

As well, Alexia Fraser has written and produced three original non-fiction one act plays both off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway. “The Ryans,” “Dope the Endeavor,” and “Blind Trust.” Her fourth play “Our God is Awesome” is not yet produced, but will be in the near future.

Alexia is the original founder and partner of her production company, Paige Unlimited, LLC (www.paigeunlimitedllc) of which she is the Creative Arts VP. Memories of Mom is her first published book. She was driven to share her story after seeing how her mom suffered unacceptable nursing home and hospital care. Her second book is already partially scripted.

“Write what you know” is what she believes.

Welcome, Alexia. Please tell us about your current release.
Memories of Mom is a touching, personal story about a strong, dynamic, and loving mother’s life and death, and a caring daughter, who stood by her to the very end.

What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write this book, because I wanted to share my mom’s love and grace with the world!

What exciting story are you working on next?
My next exciting story will be my journey with my daughter, as she challenged her dream to becoming a professional contemporary ballet dancer and is now, I am very proud to say, living her dream as a member of the Ailey II Company in NYC. Her tenacity, her passion, and her drive is what got her there. And, of course, the support of her loving parents.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I considered myself a writer after I wrote and acted in my first original monologue for a five-minute scene class, in acting school. I went on to write and produce several one-act plays based on real life situations. Now my first book. Amazing! I had no idea I would write an entire book and is now on my second. WOW!!

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I do not write full-time, but I would love to. I have a full-time and a part-time job at the moment. I am also the Creative Arts VP for Paige Unlimited, LLC, a company that was formed after I started producing my original one-act plays, off-Broadway and off off-Broadway.

I am often asked where do I fine the time to write? and I would reply, I just do. It comes naturally to me. It is something within, something, I cannot explain. No big deal.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
An interesting writing quirk of mine would be my habit of writing in the wee hours of the morning when everyone is asleep. Peaceful and quite. No music.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I always wanted to be a wife, a mother, and an actress/model. Definitely something relating to the arts. Now I am a published author.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
In writing Mom’s story, I also wanted to document the pain and suffering she endured during her last lap of life. All at the hands of the very health care professionals charged with her care. Mom did not die from her illness, she died at the hands of negligence!

So far, I have been getting wonderful reviews from readers: “The book was touching and emotional; It made me laugh and it made me cry; You have inspired me to write a book.” Some are saying they cannot wait for my next book or when is the movie coming out? These are just a few. Hearing comments like these truly makes me feel complete. My job is done! Thanks MOM!

Memories of Mom is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book on Amazon, Lulu, and Barnes & Noble. And at all major online bookstores.

Memories of Mom, you’ve got to have one!

Thank you Lisa, for having me.

It's been a pleasure, Alexia. Thank you for stopping by.

Here are the places you can connect with Alexia and find her book:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Lulu | Barnes & Noble

Interview with romance novelist Kat Henry Doran

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +0000

Please give a nice welcome to today's interviewee, romance novelist Kat Henry Doran.

Below you'll find details about the fabulous giveaways Kat has for one lucky commentor at the end of her virtual book tour.

Lisa, thanks so much for allowing me to visit your blog today. I hope we can have some fun!

It's fun already. :) Please tell us a bit about yourself, Kat.
Over the years, I've had the honor to work at a number of occupations: operating room nurse, malpractice insurance investigator, forensic nurse examiner, victim advocate, wife, and mother. Five years ago, I became Nana for the first time and, believe me, it’s the best job ever!

Even if I sometimes wish they'd remain in the closet, the years I spent in the OR and labor floor, and later advocating for victims of sexual violence, contribute significantly to the voice of my writing. You don’t spend thirty years playing loyal serving maid and mind reader to egotistical surgeons, then twelve years haunting police stations, Emergency Rooms, and criminal courts without developing an internal alarm system for covert misogyny, rampant apathy, and overwhelming bigotry.

I retired my stethoscope and speculum a few years ago, but continue to advocate quietly for marginalized populations through Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders.

I like hearing from readers. You can contact me through my website or blog.

Please tell us about your current release.
In general, Mad Dog and the Archangel is part of the Class of '85 series for the Last Rose of Summer line out of The Wild Rose Press. It's a reunion story, set in Summerville, a fictional town on the shores of Lake Ontario in Western New York state and features graduates of the class of '85 who return to Summerville for their 25th high school reunion.

More specifically, Rafael Archangeli, known as the Scourge of Summerville, returns to the town that scorned him to collect an inheritance before returning to New York City to resume conning wealthy women out of their money. In the process he meets Grace, Mad Dog, Dunavan, a community activist and former religious sister.

What inspired you to write it?
I was honored to be involved in the initial planning of this series which actually started out as an anthology for Wild Rose Press. It featured four friends from high school who returned to their home town to collect an inheritance and found their lives changed forever. Unfortunately, the anthology never came to fruition—but we were able to morph it into the reunion themed Class of '85. Mad Dog was a lot of fun to write it along with my other two contributions to the series—Embraceable You and The List.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I hope to begin a series, The Wild Things, about a group of attorneys and their staff who do pro bono work for people who cannot afford a Dream Team defense, but make too much money to qualify for Legal Assistance or the Public Defender's Office.

Do you write full time?
I wish. Retirement is a bitch. I'm busier now than I ever was when I worked two jobs to put food on the table and keep my kids in Catholic school.

What do you do other than write and how do you find time?
Those Catholic school survivors [!] have gifted me with four grandchildren and an assortment of grand-dogs cats. I provide child care three days a week and when I'm making sure they're not killing each other, I design and make tote bags for Kat's Karry Alls.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don't know if it could be considered a quirk, but I often begin a story with a picture of a man, then build the story based on his face and body type which for me automatically predicts his occupation. I then complete a multi-page character outline for him which includes his family and friends. By the time I've finished him, I've got a pretty good idea of who the heroine is—her physical features, occupation [former, perhaps current], what she likes to eat, read, watch on TV, clothes, and car choices. I find it relaxing and stimulating and it helps me build the plot.

I've found pictures of the heroes in the sports section of the newspaper, magazine ads, and men from my former professional life. Yes, I base some characters on men and women I once worked with. Not all are the good guys.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Though I didn't recognize it at the time, I know now I wanted to be someone who made a difference in the lives of others. I hope I've succeeded in that.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
My main goal in writing is to inform and educate, in addition to entertaining a reader. Making someone laugh out loud is an added perk.

Thanks for your time today, Kat. It's been fun. ;)

Readers, Kat is giving away a Funky Bag and a Toiletries Bag from Kats Kustom KarryAlls, filled with author swag to one random commenter on the tour. US and Canada only, please.

So comment below and you can also follow the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Interview with contemporary romance author Marie Astor

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:13:00 +0000

Today's guest on Reviews and Interviews is contemporary romance author Marie Astor. This is just one of several stops on her current virtual book tour. She has a unique giveaway for a lucky commentor at the end of her tour. Details are at the end of the interview.

Bio:
Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre.

Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.

Currently, Marie is working on her next novel - stay tuned for details! If you would like to receive updates about book releases and events, you can visit Marie’s website or connect with Marie at her Facebook page.

Welcome, Marie, please tell us about your current release.
On the Rim of Love is a contemporary romance about finding one’s true soul mate:

Maggie Robin has been dating the irresistibly good-looking, successful Jeffrey Preston for two years. But when Jeffrey proposes marriage a week after Maggie’s college graduation, she is no longer sure if she wants to marry a workaholic TV producer.

Her doubts culminate when during a ski trip to British Columbia, Maggie meets Taylor Denton, a handsome, free-spirited big mountain skier who is the complete opposite of Jeffrey. It does not take Maggie long to realize that she has fallen in love with Taylor and she decides to break off her engagement with Jeffrey. But just when she thinks she has found the love of her life, an ill-fated misunderstanding tears Maggie and Taylor apart.

A week later, Maggie is told that Taylor has died in a tragic ski accident; yet, her heart refuses to believe in Taylor’s death. When Maggie returns to Taylor’s native town, she learns that Taylor is indeed alive, but has been seriously injured. Resolved to bring her lover back to life Maggie stands by Taylor’s side, convincing him to embrace life again.

What inspired you to write this book?
On the Rim of Love is a story about finding the courage to follow one’s heart.

What if you found yourself in a situation where you were about to marry the wrong guy and you met a man whom you were simply drawn to - would you have the courage to pursue the new love interest or would you stick with the safer, known choice? One day, for no apparent reason, I found myself pondering this question, and slowly, the idea for On the Rim of Love started to materialize. I wanted to find a truly special setting for this love story – I always thought that ski towns have a magical atmosphere about them, so I set On the Rim of Love at a ski town to add extra dimension to Maggie’s and Taylor’s love story.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I am currently reviewing the second draft of my next contemporary romance – it is a love story about letting go of one’s inhibitions, finding true love, and learning to tango. The release date is scheduled for March of 2012.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I have always wanted to be a writer, but I was afraid to admit it for a long time. I started writing seriously three years ago and I am very thankful to all of my readers! It’s so wonderful to know that my books have an audience, and I hope that readers enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Unfortunately, I do not write full-time (although I hope to one day!) - I have a day job in technical writing. My goal is to dedicate at least two hours a day to writing – sometimes I make my goal, and sometimes life gets in the way of things, but that’s OK - as long as I can get back on track the following day!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I usually do not come up with a title until I am almost finished with the book.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher – like my dad.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Lisa, thank you so much for inviting me to your blog to talk about my contemporary romance, On the Rim of Love – I hope that the readers will enjoy Maggie’s and Taylor’s love story.

It's been a pleasure chatting with you a little bit, Marie.

Readers, Marie will be awarding a custom made jewelry set (necklace and earrings) to one randomly chosen commenter (US or Canada only, please) at the end of her virtual book tour. So, comment here and check out her other tour stops and leave comments. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Live chat/interview with techno-romantic thriller author Denise Robbins

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:38:00 +0000

The Writer's Chatroom presents techno-romantic thriller author Denise Robbins.

WHEN?

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

Interview with filmmaker/memoirist Guy Magar

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:02:00 +0000

Today's guest is filmmaker Guy Magar to talk to us a bit about his memoir, Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot.

Bio:
Guy Magar was nine years old when he left Egypt in 1958. His family immigrated to the U.S., where he grew up in Middletown, NY. Graduating from Rutgers University, Guy began his film career at the London Film School. Soup Run, his first short won a Special Jury Prize at the 1974 San Francisco Film Festival.

In 1978, Guy relocated to Los Angeles to attend the American Film Institute. His first short, Once Upon an Evening (made for $500) got him a 7-year deal at Universal Studios. Guy went on to earn over 100 film credits including episodes of La Femme Nikita, Sliders, The A-Team, Blue Thunder, Fortune Hunter, The Young Riders, Lawless, Hunter, and the CBS pilot/MOW Dark Avenger. He also directed 35 shows of the daytime drama Capitol.

Guy's film credits include Lookin' Italian (starring "Friends" Matt LeBlanc and singer Lou Rawls in their first film); Stepfather 3 which launched HBO's World Premiere Series; and the cult thriller Retribution which will be released for the first time on DVD on its 25th anniversary in 2012. His recent feature is Children of the Corn: Revelation based on Stephen King's original story.

Guy is founder of the Action/Cut Filmmaking Seminars, which for the last ten years, has provided the acclaimed "page to screen" 2-day educational industry workshop. Action/Cut has taught thousands of filmmakers during seminar tours around the world. His seminar is available as a 12-hour DVD most acclaimed home film course.

Guy is also founder of the annual Action/Cut Short Film Competition, which provides an opportunity for young filmmakers to showcase their talents. Action/Cut was one of the first to stream films on the Internet, which can be viewed year-round on its website. MovieMaker reviewed Action/Cut as one of the "Top 10 Shorts Festival in the World for Filmmakers!”

Guy lives in the Hollywood Hills with Jacqui, his beautiful wife of 28 years.

Welcome, Guy, please tell us about your current release.
Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot is an unconventional memoir because it deals with diverse topics such as the magic of making movies and the magic of finding true love. I’ve been blessed to have had such a kaleidoscope of experiences starting as a child in Egypt and immigrating to America, growing up in New York and learning to speak English, going to college at an incendiary political time in the country (late ‘60s), and then setting myself on such an unlikely journey to become a film director in Hollywood.

That career adventure was a story I always wished to share because it’s been rich with wild and crazy experiences such as my first producer turning out to be a Mafia assassin, almost decapitating Drew Barrymore right after ET, and coming close to derailing James Cameron’s career though he is so talented I doubt anyone could have altered his storied destiny. Everyone loves to look behind the curtain of the movie world and this memoir takes them there.

Finding true love for me is all about falling in love with Jacqui, and having a Camelot wedding where I got to duel for her hand (a la Errol Flynn) in a romantic union that has blossomed to this day, and this journey was also worthy of sharing especially with the extreme dramatic turn of Jacqui suddenly being diagnosed with leukemia three years ago.

That unique medical journey to heal her through a cutting-edge clinical trial was a triumphant story of the human spirit - of her great courage - that deserved to be shared with the world. Everyone knows someone with cancer, and so I wanted to write a book about our experience that would inspire folks to get through their illnesses. For me, the grateful feedback from caregivers and cancer patients who are enjoying this book has been the most emotionally satisfying response to this memoir.

What inspired you to write this book?
This book was a surprise. I never had an intention to write it. After the difficult seven months it took to treat Jacqui’s illness and do the transplant that healed her, and after sleeping on a cot next to her and living in a tiny hospital room for months, I had gone to see a therapist looking for ways to unwind. She told me I was going through post-traumatic stress syndrome which surprised me since I thought only veterans coming back from wars suffer from such illness. She pointed out that I had just gone through my own emotional “war” to heal my wife. She told me I needed to find a “release” and encouraged me to find it immediately.

The very next morning, I just sat down and started writing. Somehow I knew I needed to write about this journey as my release, and without an outline or any plan whatsoever, I just thought to start at the beginning and see where it took me. I was waiting to get stuck or lost and have to go back and outline the story properly but somehow I always knew when to end a chapter and how to begin the next. In the most amazing organic process I’ve experienced, this went on for four months until I reached the end of the story. Then, like with all writing, it was a matter of rewriting over and over and I believe I did over 20 full rewrites over a period of 15 months until I was happy and done with it.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m actually quite excited about adapting this memoir into a stage play which is what I’m presently doing. To take this material and use my visual talents as a filmmaker to write the stage play of Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot and structure the basic story into a set of scene montages that actors can perform on a stage is quite an ambitious endeavor. Readers and reviewers have commented about the humor in the book, the crazy stories, and the voice telling them. If I can capture that into an exciting and comedic evening at the theater, it would be a whole new challenge and visualization of this memoir.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Though there are some people who are just directors, and some who are just writers, the so-called hyphenates who manage to be director-writers I believe have the most exciting experiences of writing stories on paper and then visualizing them – translating them - to the screen. For me, it’s the ultimate job and I came to that realization when I fell in love with filmmaking while in film school. My first story as a screenwriter was for a very short film idea called Bingo and it turned out to be a 90-second film which proved so exciting to be able to write and direct the material, that I devoted my career to doing both. I’ve written all the shorts and feature films I’ve made but one which was Children of the Corn: Revelation based on Stephen King’s original story. I consider myself a screenwriter first because it all starts with story, there is no movie until there is a script. I’ve been a private consultant to screenwriters for years in Hollywood, and looking at projects from a writer’s point of view has been very helpful to my directing work.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
When I work on a screenplay, I really do focus and get deeply into a writing rhythm. I’ll try hard to write every day and for many hours if I can isolate myself. It’s difficult because I have quite a few meetings every week on various projects in different stages of development and as a filmmaker and also a producer I have a responsibility to keep all those moving forward to hopefully green light status.

Structuring a story, creating characters, figuring out all the twists and turns, and finally the climax and resolution are the skills you need when creating a story and making it as exciting and entertaining and original as possible. Pacing and style, and especially great snappy dialogue are of huge importance in screenplay writing.

This memoir was an 18-month writing journey. It required 4-months to write the basic storyline from start to finish and another 15 months of rewrites and over 20 revisions till the manuscript worked for me. Then I had to find and layout over 125 photos I included in the book to bring the narrative to life. It took me longer to write this book than any movie I ever made.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Sorry, no fun quirks.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was real lousy in English because I was 11 before I started to learn how to speak the language. Because I was good at math and science it became a natural progression to go to engineering school at Rutgers College in New Jersey. But the late sixties were quite turbulent and due to the many side interests at that time, it became apparent this was not for me and I switched to philosophy. Since I didn’t want to teach or write it, my degree was useless and I ended up living in a tent on the beach in Provincetown, MA. So I was a content, happy, broke, beach bum with no ambitions. Then, I turned 25 and decided I better do something. Since going to the movies was my favorite hobby, I decided to go to film school and find out if I liked making films and if I had any natural aptitude for it. And that’s when I fell in love with filmmaking and my road to Hollywood began.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I wanted this book to be a good friend with which you curl up with while sipping a hot chocolate because writing this memoir was a celebration of life. For me, it’s about following your dreams and making them come true. And that’s magical, as it is for all of us, and I was hoping to share that universal commonality. I encourage my readers who share my story to be inspired to celebrate their own unique life experiences. It was my desire and hope that by sharing my magic it would inspire folks to reflect, to take the time to appreciate their own great life journeys. This is why the last parting line in my book is “Dare to dream…I did. From one magician to another: Peace.”

In closing, I wish to invite readers to the book’s website where they can enter a weekly contest to win a signed paperback of the memoir. All they have to do is vote on a favorite excerpt here http://www.kissmequickbeforeishoot.com/media/book-excerpts/.

I enjoyed being a guest on this blog and I thank Lisa Jackson for her kind invitation and interest in Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot. Thank you, Lisa.

You're very welcome, Guy. It's been a pleasure learning about all that you've done so far.

Interview with children's author Kiki Howell

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:03:00 +0000

Kiki Howell joins the blog today to talk about fears. She's in the middle of a virtual book tour for her children's book, What Are You Afraid Of?. Also, she has a doggie-themed giveaway at the end of her tour. Details below.

Bio:
Kiki Howell is the mother of Drake and Zoe, as well as two boys. She has always been afraid of many things from storms to the dark to balloons, if you can believe that one! She actually finds Drake in his crate shaking every Halloween after the Trick-or-Treaters come knocking on the door.

Welcome, Kiki, please tell us about your current release.
BLURB:
“Why does the night have to be so dark?” the big dog named Drake gave a low bark.

Not everyone likes Halloween. In fact, the big dog named Drake is afraid of the costumes and the decorations and the dark. He really only likes the candy his boy drops.

Lucky for Drake, the old dog named Zoe is there to help him forget his fears with a fun game.

Drake and Zoe can’t wait for you to play along.

What inspired you to write this book?
Lots of ideas came together for this book, from wanting to write a book dealing with children’s fears to being amused by a hundred pound dog afraid of kids in Halloween costumes.

The Author’s Note in the book I think explains a lot:

What Are You Afraid Of? is more than a story to help children overcome their fears. What Are You Afraid Of? is a book about acknowledging a children's fears and dealing with them in ways that do not stifle a child's imagination and creativity. So, indulge me while I state a few ideas.

Children can easily be made to feel small and defenseless in this big world, while at the same time, children have very vivid imaginations, which can cause further anxiety over things that are intangible, confusing, and scary.

Therefore, how we deal with a child's fears may have tremendous implications on how we foster, or hinder, their creative growth.

While fear can be a manifestation of imagination, so too can compassion and empathy. Compassion is a product of the imagination as well, being able to ‘see’ ourselves in another’s shoes. So, it only stands to reason, that if we stifle the imagination, we may be stifling the child’s potential to care for the world around him later on. A creative mind is a terrible thing to waste.

We all know that fears or phobias cannot be easily coerced away by mere rational or logical arguments. Instead, it seems a better approach to acknowledge a child's fears and show him or her that you know how he or she feels. We can try to diminish the fears by making light of it and making the child laugh. Ah, laughter is the best medicine! I have read psychologists who recommend playing with fears by role playing until the child laughs or by drawing silly pictures of the object of the fear with the same intention.

With all of this in mind, I came up with this story. I hope the idea of a big dog being afraid of witches and ghosts is silly enough to begin with, along with the playful Halloween-ish images and the funny rhyming patterns. But more, I hope the games the old comes up with will be games your child can also play to eliminate his or her own fears. Most of all, I wish for you and your child to enjoy the story. May you laugh!

What exciting story are you working on next?
I write in a lot of different genres and for many different age groups. Currently I am writing a contemporary story about a man’s life forty years after he served in Vietnam.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I think I felt like a writer after I got a few contracts and got used to the idea. LOL

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Yes. My work day starts when my children get on the bus for school. A lot of time goes into promo as well as actually writing the stories. My writing day ends when my children get off the bus. Although, there are times that life steps in and days do not go as planned.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I love description, and spend a lot of time playing with words. I have a college degree to teach Secondary English, and I love 1800’s British Literature, so I think that style comes out in my work. I have heard criticisms for this as well as praise depending upon which reader is sharing his or her opinion :) I guess for the contemporary market sometimes I can get carried away, but this is where I guess writing to an audience or writing your story comes into play.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was really young, I wanted to be a vet, but allergies soon made that an impossibility. My next love was reading, and it didn’t take long to start to want to put the daydreams into stories. At first I thought I would teach English by day and write by night. But then life intervened! It just took me a long time after college to find the time to really try my hand at this writing thing.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Even though my children’s book is set during Halloween, it is really a book primarily about dealing with fears, not a seasonal book really at all. I believe it can help a child with fears any time of the year. Don’t let the setting fool you!

Thanks, Kiki. It sounds like a fun book.

Readers, Kiki has a giveaway for a lucky commentor at the end of her tour: a tote bag with a picture of Zoe and Drake on it that I will fill with dog stuff - plush dogs, dog coloring book, etc. Remember to leave your email if you want to be in the drawing for this bag-o-gifts! Look here for more tour dates and stops.

Interview with M.D. Cliatt

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:09:00 +0000

Today we welcome novelist M.D. Cliatt as she tours her novel The Public Pretenter with VBT Cafe.

M.D. has donated an e-copy of her book to a lucky commentor on this blog, so make sure to leave your email address if you'd like a chance to win!

Welcome to Reviews and Interviews, M.D. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Georgia. When I was seventeen, I ran away from home, moved in with my high school bus driver and then married my boyfriend a few months later when I turned eighteen. I finished high school, attended college, had two sons and then moved my family to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania so I could attend law school. Today, I’m still married to my high school sweetheart, have two teenagers and I’m a lawyer and adjunct law professor.

Please tell us about your current release, The Public Pretender.
The story is about a fiery criminal defense attorney, Maeven Dayne, who specializes in representing juvenile defendants. When it comes to her job, she’s driven and passionate. When it comes to her family, she’s devoted, but her job is demanding and distracting. She pleases her husband when she decides to quit her job to spend more time with the family. But, on Maeven’s last day at work in the courtroom, a juvenile probation officer she despises drags a weeping young girl before an irritated judge for an unscheduled hearing while Maeven is packing up her things to leave. She is walking out of the courtroom, fighting her urge to turn around when she hears the probation officer had the girl incarcerated for weeks without notifying her parents or arranging for representation. Maeven can’t resist the girl’s pitiful pleas for help and intervenes.

She discovers people are profiting from imprisoning innocent kids. A whistleblower ends up dead, but he’s left clues. When her oldest son is beaten, arrested and detained on false charges, her husband receives a message proposing an offer: Maeven must quit the girl’s case, or they lose their son. She has to choose who to sacrifice.

What inspired you to write this book?
Because I was mad about the way the juvenile justice system works and how little families knew about it, I started writing a guide. A creative spring erupted in my mind while I was writing, and I couldn’t force myself to stay within the rigid lines of legal exposition. It seemed fitting because I spent more time using stories and analogies to explain to kids and their families what was happening to them in court. And, admittedly, I enjoyed the fictional narrative more.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I have three projects swirling around in my brain right now. I’m working with my sons on a fantasy novel about a pregnant queen, I’m flirting with an idea for a romance novel, and I plan to write a sequel to The Public Pretender. I already have a plot worked out for Maeven, and I can’t wait to get back to her.

What is your writing life like?
I wake up around four in the morning when I’m the only one, besides the dog, stirring around my house. I turn on some instrumental music so lyrics don’t distract me, get a cup of tea or hot water with lemon, a pillow, a blanket and park myself on the couch in front of my bow window. Hopefully, I find my writing vibe and voice and get lost in my imagination with a particularly intriguing character and/or plot. I write for a couple of hours and then head off to work.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’m still not sure, but as a kid, I would write stories in journals in an attempt to capture the magic authors seemed to possess, but I never finished--barely started really. When I finished The Public Pretender, and a couple of people told me they liked it, I thought--Maybe, just maybe. So, I’m trying my dream out for size to see if it fits.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
No, I write part-time for now. If I could afford to write full-time, I would do it in a heartbeat. In my imagination, I have a very romantic idea about what is would be like for me to write full-time--you know, hidden in the corner of a quaint little coffee shop with my laptop cranking out plot after plot with vibrant characters or down by the river sitting on a bench. For now, I wake up early and write, and I work full-time instructing law students.

What's something fun you like to do?
I enjoy sneaking off with my husband in the middle of the day to do something unplanned--like watching a movie.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
When I get stuck, I like to write while bathing by candlelight.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Honestly, as a child, I had a list. I wanted to be an actress, fashion designer, novelist and a lawyer.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Thank you for hosting me and I look forward to your comments.

Thanks for being here, M.D.

Readers, remember to comment if you'd like a chance to win an e-copy of her book. I'll draw a winner on Friday, the 13th.

You can check out M.D.'s other tour dates and stops.

New interview with romantic suspense novelist Terri Reed

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:18:00 +0000

I'm happy to welcome romantic suspense novelist Terri Reed back to talk about her newest release The Secret Heiress, book 2 of the Protection Specialists series. Terri was here for the first time last July for the release of The Innocent Witness.

There is a gift card giveaway at the end of Terri's virtual book tour. Details follow the interview below.

Bio:
At an early age, Terri Reed discovered the wonderful world of fiction and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfilling that dream and enjoys writing for Steeple Hill. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers.

She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderful children, and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, and playing with her dogs.

Welcome back to Reviews and Interviews, Terri.
Thank you for having me back.

Please tell us about your newest release.
The Secret Heiress is about Caroline Tully, adopted as a baby, she’s always been curious about her biological parents. So when her biological grandfather contacts her, asking her to come to his Mississippi estate in order to claim her share of his fortune, she’s compelled to go. Only someone doesn’t want her to live long enough to claim her inheritance. She hires a bodyguard to accompany her. Posing as her fiancé allows Don Cavanaugh to keep close to Caroline, but he soon realizes as danger closes in that keeping Caroline alive may be easier than keeping his heart safe.

What inspired you to write this book?
I first introduced Don and Caroline in my November 2009 release Chasing Shadows. I wanted to bring them back together. I also wanted to try to write something with a gothic feel so I set the book in rural Mississippi on an old plantation, complete with creepy relatives and a house full of secrets.

What’s the next writing project?
I have a book coming out in June 2012, The Deputy’s Duty, book 6 of the Fitzgerald Bay Continuity series. And a book out in the fall of 2012, The Doctor’s Defender, the third book in the Protection Specialists series.

I’m working on two projects right now. I’m starting the fourth book in my Protection Specialists miniseries, which will be out in early 2013. I’m also working on book 5 of a continuity book about a Texas K-9 unit that will be a May 2013 release. The working title for this book is Cold Case Murder and features a drug-sniffing Beagle named Sherlock and his handsome handler Parker Adams.

What is your biggest challenge when writing a new book? (or the biggest challenge with this book)
My biggest challenge is staring at a blank page. I’m a much better reviser than first draft writer.

If your novels require research – please talk about the process. Do you do the research first and then write, while you’re writing, after the novel is complete and you need to fill in the gaps?
For me, the research comes in stages. Some at the beginning to jump-start the story and the characters. Then as I write, I stop to do the research I need for whatever issue that comes up. When I’m done, if I know I missed something or wanted to double check something, I’ll go back through the manuscript to find it and then do more research to make sure I have it correctly.

What’s your writing space like? Do you have a particular spot to write where the muse is more active? Please tell us about it.
I have an office and do usually write from there except in the summer because my office gets too hot. I recently bought a laptop so now I can write anywhere in the house and for the past few months I’ve been moving around the house. As long as I can have a place to set a cup of tea nearby and music playing, I can write from anywhere.

What authors do you enjoy reading within or outside of your genre?
I enjoy a wide variety of authors. Some of my favorites are Lisa Gardner, Harlan Coben, Tess Gerritsen, Cindy Gerard, Susan Elizabeth Philips, Lenora Worth, Lissa Manley, and Melissa McClone.

Readers, Terri will be giving away a $10 Visa GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the virtual book tour. I encourage you to follow the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Live chat/interview with YA author Michelle McCorkle

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:34:00 +0000

The Writer's Chatroom presents young adult authorC. Michelle McCorkle.

WHEN?

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

Interview with historical fiction writer Carol Eglash-Kosoff

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:07:00 +0000

Today's guest author is historical novelist Carole Eglash-Kosoff. She's touring her newest novel Winds of Change and is here to tell us a bit about it. Her earlier books include When Stars Align and The Human Spirit.

Bio:
Carole Eglash-Kosoff lives and writes in Valley Village, California. She graduated from UCLA and spent her career in business, teaching, and traveling. She has visited more than seventy countries. An avid student of history, she researched the decades preceding and following the Civil War for nearly three years, including time in Louisiana, the setting for Winds of Change and her earlier novel, When Stars Align. It is a story of bi-racial love. It is a story of war, reconstruction, and racism, but primarily, it is a story of hope.

This is her third book. In 2006, following the death of her husband, she volunteered to teach in South Africa. Her first book, The Human Spirit – Apartheid’s Unheralded Heroes, tells the true life stories of an amazing array of men and women who have devoted their lives during the worst years of apartheid to help the children, the elderly, and the disabled of the townships. These people cared when no one else did and their efforts continue to this day.

Her second book, When Stars Align, chronicles the Civil War and Reconstruction through the love affair of Amy, a white girl, and Thaddeus, a colored man born of the rape of an eleven-year-old slave girl and the teen heir to Moss Grove.

You can visit her website or connect with her on Facebook.

Carol, welcome to Reviews and Interviews. Please tell us about your current release, Winds of Change.
The racially charged love and conflict of the critically acclaimed When Stars Align become more entrenched after the Civil War and Reconstruction. Amy had taken her daughter, nephew, and a son she’d had never been able to acknowledge, born from her love with Thaddeus, her colored lover, to San Francisco, as a refuge from the intense racial scrutiny of the South.

They are forced to return to their old home, Moss Grove, a successful Mississippi River cotton plantation, as young adults. They discover facts about themselves that refute everything they believed regarding both their parents and their racial background. It changes the lives of each of them. Bess and Stephen’s love is thwarted. Josiah struggles with echoes of his past.

It is a tumultuous time in American history that includes the inventions of airplanes, automobiles, telephones, and movies midst decades of lynchings and economic turmoil. It is the Spanish-American War and World War I. Racial biases complicate lives and relationships as newly arrived immigrants vie with white and Negro workers all trying to gain a piece of the American dream. Winds of Change is a soaring historic fiction novel that stands alone, but follows the next generation from those we came to know in When Stars Align into the 20th century. It is a socially relevant, historically accurate, saga of decades often overlooked in American history.

What inspired you to write this book?
I was still emotionally connected to the characters I’d developed for When Stars Align and the nation was moving into an amazing period that had been little studied…the decades between the Civil War and World War I. It was a wonderful opportunity to tell a story.

What exciting story are you working on next?
A non-fiction book that I’ve wanted to write for more than three decades.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I held When Stars Align in my hands and cried.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I don’t write full time…I play tennis, bridge, and I have an active tax accounting practice.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Breathing life into unsuspecting characters.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
First a history teacher, then a journalist…I never got to do either.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Read and travel.

Thanks for being here today, Carol.

Interview with debut novelist Andy Holloman

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

My second guest of the new year is writer Andy Holloman to talk about his debut novel, Shades of Gray. He has a giveaway to a lucky commentor during his virtual book tour. Details below.

Bio:
Writer Andy Holloman has been scribbling stories since a young age. (According to reliable sources.) Shades of Gray is his first published novel and grew out of his experiences as a travel agency owner many moons ago. He was fascinated with the true story of a client of the business that was murdered.

He is the father of three and happily married for 20 years. A graduate of UNC-CH, he lives in the Raleigh, NC area and is busy carpooling, keeping his wife happy, and attending his kids sporting events. He loves the great outdoors in NC, is an avid reader, and a social media goofball. Most evenings, he can be found tapping on his well-worn keyboard as he "births" his next novel.

Welcome to Reviews and Interviews, Andy. What inspired you to write this book?
Many moons ago, I was the owner of a group of Travel Agencies (3 offices) in the Raleigh/Durham area. Sometime in the late 1990s, one of my sales people clued me in regarding a client of hers that appeared to be purchasing airline tickets in an unusual (but legal) fashion. My staff person speculated that this client may be doing something illegal. Not too long after this, we became aware that this client was found dead of a gunshot wound in her burned out home in Durham, NC. The news about her death indicated that she was a suspected drug dealer. After 9/11, my company suffered, as did the entire industry, and a story “seed” planted itself in my brain and continued to grow – “What lengths would a desperate business owner go to in order to save his/her company.”

What exciting story are you working on next?
I am in the very early stages of punching out a new novel that I would describe as an “Irving-esque romp through the 1990s as seen through the eyes of two Irish twins who come of age in the US during the rise of the internet.” Title is TBD.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I found it easy to consider myself a writer when I joined a writers group around 2004 in the Cary, NC area.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Like most writers, I have a day job as a residential mortgage lender and my life is rather full with my family life and my day job. I find that I can typically fit in about 5-7 hours per week of writing, mostly between 9pm and 11pm and on the weekends.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Hmm, I can’t say that I have any interesting writing quirks. But I can assure you that I’m going to try to develop a few!! Maybe I could do something interesting like switch to doing all my writing on an old electric typewriter? Nope, I’d be lost if I had to write without my “spell checker”! (*wink*)

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My ambitions as a child were all about being a professional athlete. First and foremost, I wanted to play in the NBA. If that didn’t work out, then I would have settled for major league baseball!!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I truly, truly love readers. Hands down the most delightful aspect of publishing my book has been the interactions with readers and prospective readers. Getting a book published is a long, long road as is SELLING books. Even though I’m just at the beginning of my publishing journey, I know that my long term success will be in the hands of my readers. I delight in the way in which Social Media sites (Twitter and Facebook) allow me to interact with readers and I pledge to everyone who reads my book to do everything within my power to respond to your questions, comments, and suggestions. THANKS SO MUCH !!!!!!!! KEEP ON READING !!!!!

Thanks, Andy. Best of luck with your writing.

Readers, leave a comment with your e-mail for the chance to win a free e-copy of Shades of Gray.

Interview with science fiction novelist Brian Young

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:05:00 +0000

Today's guest is sci-fi novelist Brian Young. He's touring his novel Blood Veins with Goddess Fish Promotions AND has a great giveaway during his tour. Details are below about the giveaway.

Bio:
Brian was born in Salem, Oregon and currently resides in Eugene, Oregon with his wife and daughter. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in English. He squeezes in time for writing in the early hours of the morning and during lunch breaks at work.

Welcome to Reviews and Interviews, Brian, please tell us about your current release.
Blood Veins is a science fiction novel about a young prince thrust into kingship after his father and older brother are killed. Prince Alexander is tasked with freeing his occupied homeland from the mysterious invading forces of the Dolus, a task which he has difficult focusing on because of his obsession with finding out how his father and brother died. Mysterious assassins, underworld savages and renegade Dolus survivors stand between him and the answers he seeks. What he finds along his journey will shatter his perceptions and lead to unknown perils he isn’t ready to face.

What inspired you to write this book?
I have always enjoyed reading and given a lot of thought to writing. One thing I struggled with was concentration and I would find myself daydreaming and making up stories in my head. One day I just decided to write an idea down. It was a rescue scene that I had kept thinking about over and over again. It is actually the first chapter of Blood Veins and once I wrote it down, my writing took off.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I am working on a sequel for Blood Veins. I didn’t plan to make it a series, but the story just kept growing and I found that I had too much to tell for it to fit in just one novel.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I considered myself a writer when everything started to really get moving for my publication of Blood Veins. I had never given it much thought but once I started to promote it and people started to share their excitement for the release I realized other people were going to be reading my work. Before this it was just for me but now that others are going to enjoy it is very exciting.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I do not write full time. I am a banker for Sterling Savings Bank. Finding time to write is a real struggle. I use to write in the mornings before I would go to work but I have a two-year-old daughter and I find that I would rather spend most of my free time with her. By the time she is asleep she usually has exhausted me to the point that I can’t do anything requiring higher thought process. I can’t imagine ever having as much energy as a two-year-old! Now the only time I really have to write is on my lunch breaks at work. It is the only uninterrupted hour of time I have during the day.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’m not sure how interesting it is, but it is probably quite funny to see me writing at work. We have a break room that is probably the size of a small walk-in closet and a tiny little chair. I’m a fairly large person so I sit hunched over in this small room on this small chair typing on my tiny iPad. One of my hands is as big as the screen so you can imagine how difficult it was to get used to typing on it. Another thing is I don’t really plan out my work. I have heard all sorts of different ways that people plan out their novels from outlines to scenes on flash cards, but that doesn’t really work for me. It makes me feel restricted. When I’m writing I have a general idea of where I want to go, but so many new ideas come up as I’m writing that I often end up doing something completely different from what I originally planned. A good example is the group of assassins in Blood Veins. I was more than halfway finished with the novel before they occurred to me and it was a lot of fun going back through the novel to find different ways to add them in.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I spent too much time playing when I was a kid and even as a teenager. One of my problems in school was I never thought about what I wanted to do when I was “grown up.” I loved playing football in high school and would have like to do that at least in college. Right now I love being a husband and a father and wouldn’t give that up for anything.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Just thank you for taking the time to read this blog. If you decide to pick up Blood Veins, and I hope you will, I believe you will enjoy it. It is a science fiction novel but more than that as well. It is a coming of age story with a little bit for everyone; action, humor and great characters. Thanks again.

You're quite welcome. Thanks for sharing some of your day with us.

Readers, Brian is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one randomly selected commenter during the tour, so you'll want to comment here and at other blog stops. The more you comment, the increase your chances of winning.

Interview with author Jimmy "J.D." Gordon

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:25:00 +0000

Today's guest is author Jimmy "J.D." Gordon. He's just starting a virtual book tour for his novel Dartboard.

Bio:
Firefighter and paramedic-turned-author Jimmy (J.D.) Gordon was born and raised in Chicago where he developed a taste for the finer things that the Windy City has to offer - pan pizza, live blues, and the Cubs. Jimmy loves spending time in the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. He now lives with his wife and children in Glen Ellyn, a suburb of Chicago.

Jimmy basically dropped into the world of literature, literally. After falling off a train and breaking his knee, Jimmy had to spend quite a bit of time recuperating. While visiting the firehouse his peers asked what he planned to with all that time away. This is when Jimmy said the words that he now claims to have changed his life.

"I should write a book."

Despite some skepticism from his peers ("You don't even use punctuation on your run reports!"), he completed a novel, Island Bound, and made it a point to use punctuation throughout.

After another injury, sustained on the job, prematurely ended his career, Gordon decided to try writing full-time

Welcome to Reviews and Interviews, Jimmy. Please tell us about your current release, Dartboard.
This story was best described by a fellow named Paul Kemprecos. He is one of co-writers for Clive Cussler. The story is mix between Carl Hiassen and Treasure Island. The story is an action adventure set in the Caribbean. It’s centered around the information leading to the location of, of course, buried treasure, which fell into the hands of museum curator at the Field Museum in Chicago, who then passed that information and a boat, along to a family member of his. The story lays out how several different parties, from a nutty museum assistant, to a crazy peg-legged pirate try to get their hands on the gold. They all end up on one small island in the middle nowhere to shoot it out.

What inspired you to write this book?
Honestly, I don’t do inspirations. I was ready to start another book. I had just finished three books centered on one character, a guy named Eddie Gilbert. It was a trilogy, again, set in the Caribbean. I wanted to stick with the tropical flavor but move along to a new character, so Dartboard was born, along with Jimmy Quigley, the main character.

What exciting story are you working on next?
Well, I’ve just finished up a story titled "Field of Screams." It’s the sequel to an earlier story I titled "Kritterkreep." In addition to writing adventure stories for adults I also write paranormal stories for middle school kids, ages 9 to 12. So, I’m at the point where I am deciding what to write next. I’ll either go with another adventure story or the next kids book. If it's the adventure story, I’m still floating ideas around in my head. If it’s the next kid’s book, that will be titled The Pumpkin Jamboree and the Legend of Stumpy Scout.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Oh my gosh, I’ll have to let you know when the day comes. I’ve written seven novels now, I even wrote for a newspaper for a while. I still don’t consider myself a real writer. I’m not sure why. I just feel like a guy who types.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I’m a parent first. My injury with the fire department really changed my life. My wife, honestly, had always been the real bread winner. I was hurt in the line duty so I was pensioned off, meaning I still receive some sort of compensation. Though getting hurt sucked it did leave me with the time to take care of my kids while my wife works. I’m a mister mom and proud of it. I start my day off getting the kids together and ready for school. I drop them off, then I go off to the fitness center to keep the injury in check with exercise and stretching and so on. Then the rest of the day is spent writing. Until I pick the kids up. Once everyone settles down and goes to bed, I’m back on the computer to the writing. So, much of my day is spent typing away.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Um, I like writing with a martini sitting next me, in the next seat of course, right……

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
That changed on a monthly basis, I wanted to be a soldier, I wanted to fly a helicopter, I wanted to be a marine biologist, I wanted to be a realtor and that continued into my adult life. Maybe that’s why writing fiction seems to be working out? If I feel like something, I just add it the story.

Thanks for stopping by, Jimmy.

Folks, if you'd like to learn more about Jimmy and his writing, you can follow his tour.

Interview with humorous author Rachel Thomas aka RachelintheOC

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Today's guest is Rachel Thomas who is doing a virtual book tour with VBT Cafe for her book The Mancode: Exposed.

Welcome, Rachel, please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a published author, social media consultant, cofounder Indie Book Collective, wife, & mum.

Please tell us about your current release.
The Mancode: Exposed a humorous collection of essays about men, women, love, sex, and of course, chocolate #der. I broke it up into four sections: Anatomy & Physiology, Chocolate Confessions, Coitus & Communications, and finally, DNA & Stereotypes. The reader can really start at any point, though if hungry, I suggest saving chocolate for dessert.

What inspired you to write this book?
I had written my first book, A Walk In The Snark and released it in January of this year. It hit #1 (over fifteen times) on the Humor/Motherhood Kindle list and the Mancode essays in particular seemed to strike a nerve with people -- some positive, some quite negative. That type of controversy is gold to a writer! So I focused on that theme in particular and the essay topics came quite easily. I've also been married nineteen years -- I've got daily examples of new material.

I'm also very active in social media, with a blog, Facebook, Goodreads, and particularly Twitter, with over 11,000 followers. It's a wonderful free market research tool and men are quite verbal with their feedback. I love it!

What exciting story are you working on next?
In all fairness, women are complicated creatures. Most men will agree that while they are pretty simple, chicks can be darn hard to figure out. We say one thing and mean another. Where's the playbook? Should they have taken Advanced Placement Female in high school? (Yea, probably).

So I'm working now on Chickspeak: Uncovered, a humorous though hopefully helpful take on what we gals mean for example, by "I'm fine," cause we're like, so not.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I started writing at age ten. My minor in college was Journalism, only because they didn't offer it as a major. After a detour into a training, sales and marketing career for many years that I didn't really enjoy, I began writing seriously in 2008. I look back now though and am extraordinarily grateful for my background because it helps me understand clearly the marketing and sales aspect of book promotion.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
That's a loaded question! I get my two children off to school and then immediately hit my desk. I don't clean up, don't even look at my kitchen (except to visit Joey the Coffeemaker -- "How you doin?") and head straight to the computer.

As cofounder of the Indie Book Collective, I have responsibilities there. I run the Twitter stream for the IBC, my own stream, and several others as well. My goal is to write at least two essays per day. I'm also working on an anthology piece for Valentine's Day. And I have my own social media clients.

Of course, at some point I have to exit my cave to eat, clean up, and interact with the husband and kids when they come home from school. I don't cook (I burn), so that helps quite a bit time-wise.

Luckily, I'm also kind of a late bird. I write more after everyone is crashed.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don't write before coffee. I don't write without music. I keep the shades drawn. My family calls me a bat.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer! I knew in kindergarten that I would live in New York City and be a writer. I did live in New York City for a few years, but at the time, I was a pharmaceutical trainer. Meh. At least I made it.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I'm proudly self-published, but I work very hard to insure that the product I put out is top quality. I hire an editor AND a proofreader. I draw stick people so I hire a graphic artist. I hate formatting (writer here!) which is like math to me, so I hire someone to do that also. I'm not rich, but I do feel it's worth the investment for the quality. When people see your quality, they'll buy it and tell their friends.

I'm happy to chat with anyone interested in pursuing this path. In fact, I contributed an essay to Our Indie Experience available on Amazon for only 99cents, a look at the good, the bad, and the realistic of eleven self-published authors.

Thanks for being here today, Rachel. Your humor shines through. :)

Readers, check out other tour dates and stops for Rachel and leave a comment here and there to let her know you're laughing.

Live chat/interview with C. Hope Clark - 12/18/11

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:49:00 +0000

The Writer's Chatroom presents C. Hope Clark, creator of Funds for Writers, author, and speaker.

WHEN?

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

Interview with author Tracey Cramer-Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:07:00 +0000

Today's guest author is Tracey Cramer-Kelley. She's touring her newest novel, True Surrender, with Goddess Fish Promotions.

Tracey is giving away a Fallen Soldier T-Shirt to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Details are below.

Welcome, Tracey. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
My work fuses writing, music, and visual imagery and includes novels, short stories, essays and music videos. My first novel, Last Chance Rescue, was a Finalist in the Romance category of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. My second, True Surrender, has a companion full-length music video, "The Rose (Surrender Version)."

My writing draws from my experience as an Army Reserve paramedic and exposure to helicopter medivac. I obtained my helicopter pilot license in 2001. My husband and I own a motorcycle accessories business and live in small-town Minnesota with our children (son, 8, and daughter, 4).

Please tell us about your current release.
When Major Aaron Bricewick is rescued from Afghanistan terrorists, he thinks the worst is over. But his personal journey is just beginning...

The first surprise is the amputation of one of his legs. The second is the woman he left behind, now a widow with a 4-year-old son - and his new prosthetist (artificial limb maker).

He vows that losing his leg won't derail his career. But maintaining his outward appearance as a got-it-together officer becomes increasingly difficult as he faces one personal demon after another - and sees his career aspirations slipping away. And though he has no intention of expanding his life to include a woman, his heart has other ideas - and he finds himself questioning the very foundation of his personal beliefs.

When violence - and unexpected redemption - touch his life again, Aaron must make a stand. Which will he choose: duty or love?

What inspired you to write this book?
My writing is heavily influenced by the time I spent in the military and by the medical training I received there. Much of my writing explores the experiences our military personnel have lived through but find hard to explain in the context of everyday life, as well as the inherent struggle in their personal relationships.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I think there is another novel working its way through my subconscious. I also have a couple of erotica short stories I may actually finish. I'm even exploring more projects that fuse writing with music and visual imagery.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
There were two defining moments.

The first: holding the “draft copy” of my first novel, Last Chance Rescue. I was in awe. I caressed the cover; I kept opening the front flap to look at my name inside. The hundreds of hours, the agonizing over edits, and the painstaking care I’d taken in the details of the book and its presentation (cover, layout, etc.) were suddenly all worth it. (Never mind that no one had seen it yet!)

The second: being named as a Finalist in the 2009 Indie Awards. I had struggled with getting the word out about Last Chance Rescue—the requisite “self promotion” doesn’t come naturally. But here was someone else (not just me) saying the book was good! It was validation in its truest sense, and came at a pivotal time.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Unfortunately, I do not get to write every day. My real job (the one that pays the bills) is running the business my husband and I own, Leader Motorcycle, and it’s very busy in spring and summer (luckily I enjoy it!).

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
A fun twist to my writing is that characters in my novels are intertwined. For instance, hero of True Surrender, Aaron Bricewick, was briefly married when he was younger. His wife? None other than Jessie Van Dyke, the heroine of my first novel, Last Chance Rescue.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
For a long time I wanted to be a veterinarian. By the time I went to college, the goal was to be a physical therapist.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
With the launch of True Surrender, I also introduced my first full-length video, titled "The Rose (Surrender Version)." It's my own arrangement of Bette Midler's classic, but with a more upbeat rhythm and a bluesy feel. It contains scenes from True Surrender enacted by actors (who did a phenomenal job). I loved this entire process and I’d like to do more of this type of project.

For more details about The Making of a Music Video, check out my blog posts, and watch the video.

The song is available for download on CDBaby.com and iTunes, and with some luck the video will soon be as well.

People can find me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter, too.

Thank you for being here today, Tracey.

Readers, Tracey is giving away a Fallen Soldier T-shirt (red, size TBD) to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. I encourage you to check out the tour dates and locations and comment. The more you comment, the better your chance of winning.

Interview with inspirational writer David Knight

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:10:00 +0000

David Knight is just starting a virtual blog tour with VBT Cafe for his book, I Am I, and Reviews and Interviews is his first official stop. Check out his other tour stops and dates.

Bio:
David Knight was born into his current physical embodiment in 1964. He is married to Caroline and they live with their adopted cats Toby, Treacle, Spiky, and Missy in the UK. In growing up he describes himself as a Mr. Average or like a 'Joe Bloggs'. Whilst earning a living in various types of work, (this ranged from HM Forces, Financial Services, a Care Assistant and also self-employment) his search for fulfilment changed from the exterior and without to the interior and within.

Spiritual education gained a greater momentum and at the age of 21 a more urgent sense of dedication as well as a new realization had set in. New evidence of and from God, were soon revealed through his life experiences. With the aid of Spirit guides and beings from the ethereal planes, the foundations were laid for all who wished to develop and experience their Hearts flame of love and light and to embark upon a unique opportunity for all soul's in this lifetime.

Welcome, David, please tell us about your current release.
Hi Lisa, I Am I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart is a book that I hope people can use as a reference and guide to lean upon and utilize throughout their lives. All life and love should actually be simplicity itself and yet we –as human beings- complicate them both so much by listening more to our minds and desires through our senses… rather than our own truth in our hearts.

So, over a period of time I felt humbly blessed to receive 52 Inner-dictations- as such they were lessons and messages containing spiritual guidance and education from my own heart’s connection to God, (the source, Spirit, or whichever name feels true to each person) so that all can understand their true purpose and goal of their soul. No matter what color, race, or whatever faith or religion one currently follows one can actually realize that Love is everything and everything is love. The book encourages each and every single person to find their own truth through their own heart where bliss, peace love and light reign supreme.

Here is the synopsis:

I Am I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart is a stepping stone for all who embark upon their own quest for ‘Spiritual’ education and guidance. Even if you are comfortable with your own faith and religion, it can help you to explore new interpretations and issues on a personal or global scale.

David Knight has received and transcribed these passages of text in a process known as ‘Inner Dictation’. He describes this as writing from within the connection of his heart where peace, bliss, love, and light reign supreme.

God’s wisdom and teachings are laid out before you so you can simply choose and read whenever or whatever your heart needs or desires. I Am I entrusts that you will dip your toes into these guidelines, principles and simple directions, then dive headfirst into the waters of your own Divine essence.

These books will form the threads of life’s new tapestry, each spun into 52 lessons from, to and through our own hearts and souls. They are like a father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, partner or personal friend who knows you better than you can ever know ‘yourself’.

What inspired you to write this book?
Over the years, many strange and wonderful things happened to me both physically and also in dream state and meditation. When I first started to ‘open’ up my heart, a lot of psychic experiences occurred…including many pre-cognitions (foreseeing future events) and proof of life after death. As such and through my own faith, I had the inbuilt need to want to help guide people upon their own journey. Over time, spiritual gifts started to materialize in my life such as healing, clairaudience and the ability to write through channeling and inner dictation. Once I started putting pen to paper I knew that I would eventually put 7 books together…to help guide, heal and shine the light for many others to see their own truth ‘within’

What exciting story are you working on next?
Well, the sequel to I Am I: The In-Dweller of the Heart is three quarters complete…after which the may be a third to make it a trilogy. I also would like to complete a compilation of many poems and inspirational / spiritual text to form a smaller book called A Pocket Full of God. Eventually I’ll put together the collection of my dreams / visions into ‘The Pre-Cognition Files’. So the next few years will be very busy!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Some may state that you’re not a writer unless you’re being paid for it... as if remuneration somehow confirms the status of being a ‘professional writer’ as such. Others will state too that if one writes a novella, that it’s not a real book unless it has over 200-250 pages. Everything is just opinions and so for me it’s what you feel inside that actually counts. Primarily you must write for yourself…exterior success (or lack of it) is secondary.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Mmmm…I guess it’s the symbolism in the text. Many people comment about how the description and guidance of say nature, images, scenarios, and scenes reflect upon ones own feelings which then mirrors ad shines the truth to each individual.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Crikey, interesting question. I could put a twist on that and say…. Happy! LOL Ha ha

I think when I was really small I wanted to be a pilot. Perhaps that really was a dream as I am not much bigger than a hobbit and am not too great with heights ha ha.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Yes, please…just want to say thanks for taking the time to read the interview. A lot of times in life we often judge things and their worth by how much something costs. Again it’s that ‘monkey’ mind of ours dictating and implying that you can only see the future from judging the past. Whether you buy this book or any other, whatever experience comes into your life … if it resonates within your heart let it flow to, through, and from you.

Many thanks, Lisa.

You're welcome, David. Thanks for being here to talk about your book and your writing a little bit.

Interview with writer Maureen Milliken

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:15:00 +0000

Today's guest is multi-faceted writer Maureen Milliken to talk about her non-fiction book, The Afterlife Survey, as well as her fiction writing.

Maureen, welcome to Reviews and Interviews. Please tell us about your current release.
The Afterlife Survey looks at that eternal question: What comes next? But it doesn’t come up with an answer, yes there’s an afterlife, no there isn’t. Rather, it asks a cross section of people what they think. It’s based on a Pew Forum survey from 2009 that found 79 percent of Americans believe in an afterlife, which is up from years past, but many don’t believe in the traditional heaven and hell that they grew up with. In fact, only 59 percent believe in hell. So we asked everyone from the CEO to the dog sitter what they think.

I was really impressed by the variety of answers I got and the thought the responders put into them.

What inspired you to write this book?
I was asked to write it by the publisher, Adams Media. They didn’t want a book that took a specific ideological stance, rather they wanted one that examined what people think. They thought an experienced journalist would be best to get the right take, and I approached it as a journalist. I hope that anyone reading the book doesn’t come away from it thinking about the writer’s point of view, but rather thinking about their own beliefs. One thing I discovered while writing it is that many people really haven’t thought about this a lot and the survey prompted them to ask questions about their life they hadn’t considered before. I’m hoping readers will be prompted to do that, too.

Funny story about the whole process: I was asked to write the book a week after I was offered a new job in a new state. The publisher warned me the deadline was really tight. They first approached me in mid-April and the deadline was June 15.

My first instinct was to say no, because I had to sell a house, find a place to live that would also be good for my two dogs and two cats, start a new job where there was a lot of responsibility and high expectations from my new bosses, who I really felt committed to, etc. But then I said to myself, are you nuts? A publisher is going to pay you to write a book that will be published. How do you say no? You don’t. Once the contract was settled and the details ironed out, I had six or seven weeks to write it.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I am also a fiction writer. I am working on getting my mystery novel, Cold Hard News, published. It’s a traditional mystery that takes place in Maine, where I live. The editor of a weekly newspaper gets more involved than she should when a fatal double shooting involving a police officer rips her small town apart. It was inspired by an incident that happened in New Hampshire, where I lived and worked for 25 years. A lot of things about that incident and its outcome made me angry, so I thought the best way to deal with that was to write my own story with an outcome that satisfied my sense of justice a little more. It’s a character-driven book, and the characters had so much to say and do that I’m already well into a sequel. Hopefully, it will be a series.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I think I always did. I used to love going to bed at night, because I would rewrite my favorite TV shows in my head, making myself the hero, of course. But I would go over and over the dialogue, editing and reworking. The Mod Squad was a favorite. I also would do things like make a little family newspaper or write plays that I would force my siblings to act in. When I took a drama course at a local arts institute when I was 10, we had to write down what we wanted to be when we grew up, and I wrote, “author.”
But being in the newspaper business for decades kind of sidetracked me, particularly after I went from being a reporter to an editor in 1993.

My epiphany came several years ago when I was telling my mother about a column I had written that got a lot of positive reader response after years of my not writing. I said something like, “It reminded me how powerful it can be to be a writer and I really need to become one.” And she said, “Well, I’ve always considered you a writer.” That made me feel good, but also a little fraudulent. So it made me start focusing on my writing, not only with the newspaper, where I was an editor most of the time, but also it made me take writing my mystery novel seriously.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Full time, I am the night news editor for the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel, two newspapers in central Maine. That takes a lot of my time. I try to write every day, though. I have just gotten back to the sequel to Cold Hard News – its working title is "No News is Bad News" – after taking time off to write The Afterlife Survey and also take care of the chaos of moving from New Hampshire to Maine, selling a house, buying a house, and getting my feet under me in my new job.

I also blog frequently because I need an outlet for all the things I have pinging around in my brain. Sometimes I have to open the spigot and let the pressure up a little.

It’s definitely hard to find the time, but I make myself get up earlier than I normally would and remind myself that it will pay off.

I have a lot of little quotes I’ve cut out of newspapers and other places tacked up in my office at home, not so much to inspire me, but keep me focused. One of my favorites is from Thomas Edison: “Opportunity is missed most by people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like hard work.” Another is from Muhammad Ali: “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’” When you have to work hard for something that you’re not getting paid for, but know it could pay off in the future, those quotes do a lot as far as getting your nose onto the grindstone.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Well, I don’t know how interesting it is. Or even quirky. But when I’m embroiled in writing a mystery novel, I have yellow legal pads and pens all over the house. They have to be those extra-long pads with the narrow lines. And they’re everywhere, even in the bathroom. And things come to me, ideas, phrases, a word construction. And I have to write it down right away before it goes away. Sometimes it takes a while to sift through them and find what I’m looking for when I sit down to write, but lots of times it’s easier to remember where I was and when I wrote down the note than the note itself. Then I find it and reread and say to myself “you’re brilliant!” or “boy do you suck!”

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Writer writer writer. Around 12 or 13 that morphed into journalist, but deep down I always intended to write mystery novels, too. I never wanted to do anything else but be a writer and journalist. I don’t know what else I could do, come to think of it.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Now that I’ve written one published book and another that I’m seeking a publisher for, I get a lot of people saying, “Wow, I always wanted to write a book. How do you do that?”

My answer always is, there’s only one way: sit down and start writing. Even if you don’t know where the story is going. You can figure that out along the way. But start writing. And really work at it. Don’t finish a first draft and think you have a book. I realized when I did an 18-month stint as an editor for an online editing service a year or two ago that a lot of people think they’re done when they’re only halfway through. It’s a lot of work and it’s important to recognize that to be successful.
Remember, opportunity is the fella in overalls.

Maureen, thanks for stopping by and talking about your writing. You sure have a lot of it in your life!

Organizing and Goal Setting Chat 12/11/11

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Haselton) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 15:28:00 +0000

The Writer's Chatroom presents our annual organizing and goal setting chat.

WHEN?

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

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The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

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