Here is my interview with Greta Burroughs

 

 

 

Name – Greta Burroughs
Age – over the half century mark
Where are you from – I was born in the upstate of South Carolina, USA, but grew up living in the mountains of North Carolina. Now, we live in coastal South Carolina.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc – I put myself through college by working two jobs and attending evening classes. It took longer than the usual four years but I achieved my goal of getting that diploma, allowing me to become a teacher. I worked with handicapped and delayed children for several years until the man of my dreams swept me off my feet. Robert DeBurgh and I have been happily married for almost thirty years now. We were self-employed in the field of aviation until medical issues forced us to go to plan B. Since then, we have become full-time authors. We have had a number of four-legged children through the years and I am blessed with a beautiful step-daughter, son-in-law and grandkids.

 

 
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
Lately, my life has been kept very busy with training a couple of new dogs who wandered into our yard and refused to leave. I’m trying to work on a couple of manuscripts but haven’t been very successful in getting much writing done over the past couple months. Once all the dog training and summer time yard work are out of the way, hopefully I’ll be able to write again.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
Greta: I have always loved to read but never thought about becoming a writer. Working as a teacher, I made up stories for the kids and we ‘made’ books for the children to take home. I loved creating our masterpieces but it was all just for fun. Many years later, when I was diagnosed with ITP and was no longer able to work outside the home, I made up some children’s stories. That effort was mainly to occupy my time so I wouldn’t go crazy from boredom. I got a job doing some freelance writing for a local newspaper and discovered how much I actually loved writing and everything blossomed from there.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Greta: When I started getting paid for my freelance work and actually had some of my articles chosen as features. The constructive criticism I received from my editors and the compliments from the readers spurred me on. Writing articles for a couple of small town newspapers got old after a couple of years so I branched out and started the manuscript for my first book.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Greta: My husband had published his first novel and he encouraged me to give it a try. Gerald and the Wee People took a couple of years to complete since I was still writing for the newspapers. During that time, I also developed eye problems due to the medication I was taking for my ITP. Cataracts left me legally blind for six months until I could have both lenses replaced. I continued writing my articles (using the largest font possible on my computer) but the book had to be put on the back burner. When my vision was restored, the book became a priority and was published soon after.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Greta: I’m a seat of the pants writer. I usually only have an idea for the beginning of the story and then let the rest write itself. I surprise myself sometimes when I look over the previous chapter, wondering where did that come from and where am I going from here? I start typing and the rest flows as I write.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Greta: For Gerald and the Wee People, the title is self-explanatory. Book two in the series, House on Bo-Kay Lane, was inspired by the address of a house we almost bought on Bo-K Lane. The name stuck with me and I had to find a way to use it.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Greta: As a former teacher, I can’t help but sneak some lessons in my books. Since the books in the Wee People series are MG/YA, I emphasize acceptance of and respecting others, value of friendship and subtle subjects such as that.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic? Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Greta: The Wee People books are completely fantasy/fiction. The characters are named in memory of family members who are no longer with us, but there are no shared characteristics or experiences.

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Greta: The first book that made an impression on me was To Kill a Mockingbird. I still remember where I was while reading and how absorbed I got in the story.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Greta: I’d have to say my husband, Robert DeBurgh, is my mentor. He got me started in this business and has been my best critic and supporter.

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Greta: West with the Night by Beryl Markham.

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Greta: I have met some terrific authors through my Facebook groups, too many to name but I’m looking forward to any new books from them.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
Greta: I am working on three manuscripts: the third book in the Wee People series, another adventure for Patchy and Calico in the Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat children’s book series, and a new book based on a stray dog that entered our lives – what kind of life did he have before he came into our yard.

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Greta: I would love to be able to make a living from my books but that hasn’t happened yet. Maybe someday….

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Vernon awoke. It was dark. It was cold. He was drenched in sweat. A pillow was clenched against his chest. The dream, more like a nightmare, continued playing over and over again in his mind:
Children huddled in a corner of a lightless, damp, musty smelling room. They were all boys. Dirty rags that used to be clothes hung on their skinny bodies. A big, fat rat skittered across the floor. One of the older boys jumped and landed on top of the rat. A smile lit up the boy’s face as he retrieved the squirming, squealing body from underneath his own. He held it up for the other boys to see. He twisted the rat’s neck; no more movement, no more squealing. The silence was broken by a ripping, crunching sound as the boy took a bite of the warm flesh. Each of the other boys took a turn…
Vernon hit himself in the head. Stop it, stop it! The images remained in his mind. I can’t stand it. STOP! He got up and paced around his bedroom. That did not help. He went downstairs to the kitchen for a drink of water. A faint noise inside one of the cabinets made him drop the glass. Bits of broken glass and cold water scattered across the floor. A blood curdling scream awoke Vernon’s parents.
John and Susie found their son lying on the kitchen flooring, sobbing and trembling. “Vernon, what happened? Are you alright?”
“Make it stop, make it stop.”
“Make what stop, son?”
“The kids, the rat, I…I heard the rat in the cabinet.” Vernon pointed to the door under the sink.
John carefully reached over his son and grabbed the edge of the sink, avoiding the glass shards between them and the cabinet. Using his other hand, Vernon’s father slowly opened the cabinet door. Vernon curled up in a ball, covering his head with his hands.
“Vernon, there’s no rat under here. We may have a mouse hiding somewhere but there’s no rat. You’re okay, you’re safe. We won’t let anything hurt you. You must have had a bad dream. Let’s get you and the floor cleaned up, then we can talk about it.”
John straightened back up and took a few steps backward so he was standing beside his wife. “Susie, I’ll go get some dry pajamas for Vernon. Would you mind cleaning up this mess while I help Vernon change out of these wet clothes? I want to check him over and make sure he didn’t get any cuts from the glass.”
Vernon felt like a little kid again, crying and whimpering while his father dressed him. It was pretty embarrassing as his father checked him from head to toe and everywhere in between for any cuts. But it was also very comforting to feel his dad’s gentle touch and to know how much he was loved.
As John guided his son into the living room and onto the couch, he commented, “It’s been a long time since we could baby you. It feels good to know our sixteen, soon to be seventeen-year-old boy still needs us. Now tell us about the dream.”
Susie sat on the other side of Vernon, gently placing the teenager’s hand into hers. “You haven’t been yourself lately, Vernon, not talking much and hiding away in your bedroom. Something’s bothering you and maybe the dream has something to do with it. We want to help. Tell us, please.”
Vernon looked in his mother’s eyes and saw the love and concern. I wish I could tell them everything; about the wee people, my and Gerald’s adventure in another world, the house on Bo-Kay Lane, how Gerald’s father found out about our secret and helped us and now this stupid Finder’s thing, but they’d think I’m crazy. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to tell them about the dream. I owe them that much.
After describing the nightmare, and what followed in the kitchen, Vernon began to cry again. His parents did not try to downplay the terror and sadness nor tell him it was just a silly dream. Instead, they held their son, letting their love and care say more than words ever could. No one went back to bed. All three stayed on the couch until morning, comforted by each other’s presence.

 

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Greta: Finding the time to write is the biggest challenge facing me right now. Other than that, sometimes I get to a point where the story doesn’t flow as I wish. When that happens, I leave it for a few days and go back to it. That usually works.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Greta: I designed the covers for the Wee People books, Jennifer Bastow did the artwork and covers for the Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat books and my husband, Robert DeBurgh designed the cover for Heartaches and Miracles, my non-fiction account of my experiences with ITP.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Greta: Enjoy what you write, don’t try to write in a genre you are unfamiliar with. Don’t be in a hurry; it takes time to craft your story. It is extremely important to have it edited and polished up before you publish.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Greta: I want to thank Fiona for inviting me here. I’ve enjoyed my visit and hope everyone has learned a little about me and my books. I love to meet new people and welcome any comments you readers may have. If you have any questions or want any more information, please feel free to contact me on Facebook or on my website http://booksbygretaburroughs.weebly.com

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
Greta: Robert and I love to cruise the country roads on our motorcycle. It is so wonderful to get away from it all and just enjoy nature and each other’s company.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
Greta: http://booksbygretaburroughs.weebly.com

 

 

If you want to add links: (universal Amazon links)
Gerald and the Wee People http://viewbook.at/weepeople
House on Bo-Kay Lane http://viewbook.at/bokaylane
Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat http://viewbook.at/patchyandcalico
Patchy and Calico’s Summer Vacation http://viewbook.at/summervacation
Christmas with Patchy and Calico http://viewbook.at/pdccchristmas
Heartaches and Miracles http://mybook.to/Heartaches

 

 

Here is my interview with Carol E. Wyer

Name Carol E. Wyer
Age Too old to remember how old I am
Where are you from: I was born in Germany but I’m really a Brit.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
Oh goodness! Do you have the time? Once I start talking about me, I’ll be here all week. Best to keep it brief and say I have been a director of a language company, an English teacher and a personal trainer. I have also been a magician’s assistant! Although I started writing many years ago and wrote children’s stories that taught French, I took up writing for adults full time in 2010 after my son left home, leaving his bedroom free for me to convert into an office.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I recently took a crash course in stand-up comedy as a challenge. It seemed to follow on nicely from my books and since then, I have begun doing gigs around the UK. I love it. I must have always been a frustrated comedienne.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing in my twenties when I was bed bound in hospital following a spinal procedure that left me paralysed. (Fortunately it was only temporarily.) I wrote about the ward, the characters on the ward and stories that I sent to my friends and family. It kepyt my spirits up and I discovered it made peop0le laugh. A couple of years later, after I graduated from university I went to Morocco to teach. There, I wrote a series of children’s stories with exotic titles like Humphrey the Camel and the Dustbin Cats! I continued writing for the children’s market in my thirties and produced a series of illustrated books that taught youngsters basic French.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Not until I was taken up by ThornBerry Publishing who republished my first two novels. Even then, I was hesitant to call myself a writer. It took a three-book deal with Safkhet Publishing and a few articles for magazines before I felt I could call myself a writer.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Life and suddenly discovering I was facing 50. There seemed to be few light-hearted books aimed at middle-aged women. I was too old for chick-lit and Rom Coms were sometimes too obvious for me. I read prolifically but discovered unless I read Ben Elton or Janet Evanovich there was not a huge amount to make me chuckle loudly. I wanted to fill that gap and produce books that made women like me laugh at life and appreciate what we have. My books are based on observations and tales told to me by other women of a certain age.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I guess it’s humorous and chatty. Critics have compared it to “the acerbic wit of Jeremy Clarkson” and even nicer to Robin Williams.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
As with all my titles, there is a lot of word play involved. I generally spend weeks trying to come up with a ‘clever’ title. It’s like a silly code for me. Just Add Spice is based not only on the main character’s desire to spice up her life but on the other main character in the book, Cinnamon. (Get it?) Surfing in Stilettos was to do with being on the internet but also wanting to recapture youth. Grumpy Old Menopause, well, that pretty much says it all!

 

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There are lots of messages. I’ll leave the reader to decide which is most appropriate to them

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
Oh dear. I have to confess that some of the book is based on fact, real episodes and episodes that have been slightly embroidered. That’s all I’m saying.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Yes. Both. Gulp. Do I have to say any more?

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
As I mentioned earlier, I read prolifically and when I was bed bound the first time in my late teens, I read almost every age-appropriate book in our local library. I have a penchant for thrillers, mysteries, 16th Century English and Chaucer. I’m a bit weird. Bizarrely, it was Frenchman Voltaire who really influenced my love of humour and started me on the path to writing humour too. His novel Candide was one of my set pieces at university and I loved it. Mind you, I also loved all of Albert Camus’s books and I don’t write like him.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Ben Elton. He writes excellent humorous novels and I wish I were half as good as him.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
One of my fellow Safkhet authors, Sheryl Browne has just released a psychological thriller called Edge of Sanity. I adore thrillers and am writing one myself, so I am glued to it at the moment. I wrote a series of short stories called Love Hurts that look at the dark side of human nature and tiptoed into this area. I find it fascinating.

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Sheryl Browne, as mentioned above. Also, Will MacMillan Jones who writes fantasy a little along the lines of Terry Pratchett crossed with Douglas Adams, Chris James who writes incredibly good Sci Fi and DV Berkom who writes some fine thrillers. (I’ve read all of hers and they are excellent.) In fact, I could fill up your entire blog with recommendations and have started my own ‘Have You Heard of …?’ feature on my blog where I talk about new authors and show off their books. There are so many fabulous authors who are known to only a handful of readers.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
I’ve just completed another light-hearted novel that is currently with the publisher being edited and should be released later this year by Safkhet Publishing. No spoiler details yet but I am building myself up to launch it in a spectacular fashion. It’ll take guts and a lot of alcohol.
I’m also working on the third novel that follows the adventures of Amanda Wilson from Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines and Surfing in Stilettos.

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
A group of online writers who run/work for a website called Indies Unlimited. They offer a stack of advice and support for writers self-published or traditionally published and I am proud to say I write for them. They have been a phenomenal support to me.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Definitely. I write for a few online websites, including Indies unlimited, the Huffington Post, national magazines, international health websites and in between posts, I write my books. I can’t imagine not writing now.

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Finding the time to get it all down once it leaves my head. I carry plots and characters about for months, perfecting them until I’m ready to put them down on paper. If I get interrupted by anyone during this part of the process it can really throw me. Luckily, I suffer from insomnia so I generally keep typing until the first draft is safely on my laptop and USB key and usually don’t get too distracted.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I travel all over the UK promoting my books and have been abroad to Europe several times to give talks, do signings and so on. I have yet to travel any further but if had to, I would.

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
I used an independent book designer called Judy Bullard for the first two books but my publishers designed the covers for the other books.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Be patient. I remember that feeling of wanting to publish as soon as your book is finished but make sure it is the best it can be.
Also, do not skimp on editing. It must be edited properly. I don’t know how many times I hear that authors have edited their work themselves by reading over it a few times. Get a professional to do it or beta readers to help. I can’t stress how important it is to produce a good piece of work, especially if you are self-published.
Think about how you’re going to market it before you publish it. Have you written a good synopsis? Have you got blurb for it? Does it have a professional cover? Have you got a marketing strategy? Make sure you are ready to launch before you make that leap. It’ll make all the difference if you are prepared.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
A sincere thank you. Your emails and comments lift my spirits and encourage me to write more.

 

 
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
It was no doubt a Janet and John book from school but the first one I can recall reading on my own for enjoyment, was a Famous Five book by Enid Blyton called ‘Five on a Treasure Island.’ I was an only child so it transported me to another world where I could pretend I was part of their gang.

 

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
I haven’t as much time for hobbies as I used to have. I travel a lot and paint when I can. I used to scuba dive, fly helicopters and go kick boxing but now I seem to spend most days behind my laptop,

 

 
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Dexter and A Person of Interest and any comedy show that is on.

 

 
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Pasta, champagne (preferably together). I am a glutton for pasta. My mother lived in Italy for a while so she brought me up to enjoy Italian food.
I’ve always had a thing for the colour green. At one point, every room in our house was painted a different shade of green. No idea why!
As ofr music. I have an eclectic taste. My iPod has everything on it from Carmina Burana by Karl Orff to The Killers latest album and stuff like The Arctic Monkeys, Blur, Pink Floyd, Elbow and ABBA.

 

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Been an actress, a television presenter or worked on radio.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
I have two blogs and a website:
http://www.carolewyer.co.uk
http://www.facing50withhumour.com
http://www.grumpyoldmenopause.com

Here is my interview with Rhea Woodruff

Name is Rhea Woodruff
Age 40
Where you are from? I am from North Carolina

Fiona: Tell us your Latest news.
I am publishing my second memoir this summer. My memoir is called Born Special. Its a story about my life growing up and how my life became to what it is today with the loving support of family and friends to get me though my hard times.

 

 
Fiona: When and Why did you began Writing?
I started writing in my journal books when I was in high school. I loved to write and I always dreamed of being a writer in my life. I never thought it would came true in my life. I wanted to share my dream with readers and inspire everyone with my story.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I first published my first memoir, I consider myself a writer and learned about lots of things I needed to know.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
When I grew up with a learning problem in my life, I wanted to share my story with others and know what I went though in the hard times and I never gave up on anything I wanted to do.

 

 
Fiona; How did you come up with your title?
I came up with the title when I learned about my learning problem and wanted a great title to get the attention of the readers to see what the book is about.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes I sure do see writing as a career. You just have to write a well written book to get the attention of readers and inspire them.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I think the hard thing about writing my book was the mean and hard times I went though and try to write them the best way I know how to write it. I have been though a lot in my life.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book?
Yes I learned a lot about writing a book. My first memoir wasn’t done right with editing and I didn’t know it didn’t help me as a author but it was very inspiring to readers. My second memoir is well written and everyone will love this story more. Its coming out in June 2014 which isn’t far away now.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have advice for other writers and need to say something to your readers too?
First thing that writers need to know is keep writing your story no matter what and never give up on your dreams as a writer. Someone will take your work and believe in you. For my readers of my first and second memoir, the message is clear for you to see to believe in yourself with your dreams, never let nothing stop you with a career with writing or whatever you heart wants. Check out my story and Be Inspired again.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

www.rheabwoodruff.com

Here is my interview with A.L. Jackson

Name A.L. Jackson

Where are you from Arizona
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc. I’m married to the love of my life. I have two sons still live at home, plus a daughter who is studying at The U of A.

 
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
Ahh…I have quite a bit of exciting stuff coming up! The second book in the Closer to You series, Come to Me Softly, is releasing on June 24th, so I can’t wait to bring everyone a little more Jared and Aly. I also just wrapped up an anthology with Molly McAdams, Tiffany King, and Christina Lee that I’m really thrilled to be a part of, and I’m now diving into the third book of the Closer to You series.

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing again about five years ago. I’d written when I was younger, but it was more poetry than novels, and then after my kids got a little older, I started feeling that urge to write again.

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Hmm. Well, I think I always considered myself a writer because it just always felt like it was a part of me.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I’d been reading a lot, and I just started having that urge to write again. These characters starting showing up in my head, and their story grew in my thoughts, so I finally decided to sit down and begin writing. That later became my first novel, Pulled.

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I would say so. I definitely get a little more poetic in the way I write, kind of wordy, although the more I write I feel that style becoming a little more tidy 😉

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Usually my titles come to me somewhere in the middle of my stories…it usually comes from a theme I feel growing in the story.

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I always try to write a story of hope, even if much of my books can be sad and the characters face many difficulties.

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
It depends which of my books you read. A couple of my books have a little touch of supernatural in them, in that the characters just have a higher connection than what most of us experience in real life. But I love the idea of fate. Kismet. And I really writing it!

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I always some inspiration and ideas from events in my life, but I’ve never written an entire book that was specifically based on an event.

 

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
I would say Gone with the Wind. It was the first romance I read, and I fell in the love with the genre.

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I’m reading a book that isn’t released by Tiffany King…Misunderstandings. I’m not too far into it, but so far amazing!

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Oh yes I recently fell in love with Mia Sheridan’s work. It just has that “feel” to it that I crave when I read.

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My agent, Kevan Lyon

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, definitely. I write a lot, about 60 hours a week.

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No. Come to Me Quietly has been my favorite book I’ve written, so I’m totally pleased with it!

 

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Right now I’m working on the third book in the Closer to You series, which is Christopher Moore’s story. It’s for sure the sexiest thing I’ve ever written. I really fell in love with him as a supporting character in Come to Me Quietly and Come to Me Softly, so I was so excited to begin digging around his head and getting him down on paper.

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I’m a fairly slow writer, so that can be difficult, but I’m really learning to accept that as who I am as an author.

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I do travel fairly often to signings, but they’re usually pretty short. It’s nice to get away for a couple of days to interact with other authors and readers, but I’m always excited to get home to my family.

 

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
The designers at Penguin design my traditionally published books, and Mae I Design does my self-published titles.

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Make sure you write because you love it. It’s a difficult business with a lot of ups and downs, so I think it’s really important to have a true desire to write.

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Pretty much no. LOL I write and read a lot, and when I’m not doing either of those things, then I’m usually just hanging out with my family or spending time with my girlfriends.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
My favorite TV shows right now are Sons of Anarchy, Arrow, and I just started watching Breaking Bad. Love it!

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Spaghetti/ blue/I like it hard

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
http://www.aljacksonauthor.com

 

Here is my interviews with Amanda Hough Triplett

Name Amanda Hough Triplett (just using my maiden name for my books)
Age 43
Where are you from Ohio, in the US.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
Well, I am the youngest of six children. My parents, who are both deceased, were the products of working-class backgrounds. My dad was a union machinist and my mother worked in a thermometer factory for many years. Their focuses were less on creative endeavors and more on getting food on the table. However, as the youngest, I had more freedom to dream then my siblings. Frankly I think that by the time they got to me (a surprise birth by the way) they were tired of the fight.
My dad died when I was eight and it became just me and my mom. All the brothers and sisters had moved out and married. I mention this because I really think this set the stage for my love of romance stories. She and I would watch old movies and lament over handsome men with manners and tragic leading ladies in silk gowns. As I got older we read books together. We read everything but a few became favorites: Agatha Christie (utterly brilliant-I’ve read everything she wrote at least a dozen times), Rosemary Rogers, Beatrice Small, Jennifer Blake, Martha Grimes, Linda Howard, Constance O’Day Flannery) I could go on…
So, I grew up, still reading, studied to be a journalist and editor and sort of let the dream of writing retreat into the back of mind.
After years of successfully living single, I met a wonderful man (he quoted Princess Bride and Monty Python in our first conversation…it was love). We married and have a five-year-old daughter who thinks she is thirty.
One day, I was complaining that work wasn’t satisfying and he asked what would satisfy you. I replied that I needed to write again. I have these people in my brain I have to get out. So he said, fine…do that! So I quit my full-time job and started writing books I like and editing books that intrigue me.
I am incredibly lucky and I love every second!

 
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I published book one in a new series on April 15th. It is a set of probably four books that involve the Mikhailov brothers in Austin Texas. They are very different from one another but that is because of circumstances. Their family is fractured right now but it will be resolved in the end.

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I wrote my first book when I was 21 years old. It was a romance about a woman who was restoring an historical antebellum home and the owner. There were ghosts too. I sent it to Loveswept and was rejected!

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I don’t remember not being one. Or at least a storyteller.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was created because I had a weird fascination with southern men. I heard a man from Georgia talking…it was lyrical, silky and boom Cain Grayson, my first leading man was born.

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
In a word, humor. I think romance is about loving and sex and laughs. But then again that is what life should be like

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
For Let it Go, my latest, the title was born out of both characters need to let go of some baggage that was preventing them from really living life.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Absolutely. There are two. One, never judge a book by its cover. My heroine totally underestimates the hero because of how he looks. She learns quick! And two sometimes you have to have faith that you are giving your heart to the right person. “It is better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all.”

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
Well, I did quite a bit of work around the location. Austin is a fabulous city. A little quirky liberal gem in the middle of Texas. I wanted to do justice to the city. I also interviewed nurses at the Central Booking and Travis County jail. My heroine is a nurse there.
As far as sexy 6 feet 4 inch Russian sex gods…that is a bit of a fantasy. But if you know one, send a picture, please!

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
In part I was interested in my niece, Jennifer’s career. She is a nurse in Beverly Hill. And she has some stories about patients. I think nurses are a great profession for romance heroines. They are surrounded by doctors, cops, firemen, EMTs…lots of romance with a nurse in the mix.

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
As a romance writer, Jane Austen. Not that I am comparing, that is absurd. I mean, when I read her books, even after having read them ten times, she still makes my tummy flip. “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.” Oh, I love Mr. Knightley.
As a reader in general, Agatha Christie, no one weaves a tale like she did. And she was so wonderfully British.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Oh, this hard…Again, I have to say Agatha Christie. A living mentor would be Nora Roberts. She puts together amazing stories. I admire her storytelling so much.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Oh boy…I am juggling a lot at the moment. Never Go Back by Lee Child, Spell Bound by Nora Roberts, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and Night After Night by Lauren Blakely

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Oh sure, Norma Jean Karlsson is one I love. Totally unconventional woman and lots of sexy men.

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?
I am finishing book two of the Mikhailov Brothers and books two and three of my novella series, The Ferrara Brothers are in editing now. All three books will be released in May.

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
I would have to say the characters in my head. They keep me going.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes! But I don’t want to stop editing. I really enjoy working with other writers. Hoping them find a voice. It’s like mining for diamonds.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I wouldn’t have done it in first person. I am not a fan of first person. I know a lot of indie writers are doing it but it ties your hands as a storyteller. None of my other books are or will be first person.

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
My mom and her stories and movies.

 

 
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure, book two of the Mikhailov Brothers is about Dragan Mikhailov. He is a bit of a mystery. He was taken by his father back to Russia after his mother was murdered. He has returned to the U.S. and is struggling with a brother and sisters he really doesn’t know. Additionally he is battling some demons from his past. Toni Hume is his love interest. They really didn’t like each other for a look time in my head. She is demanding and sexually aggressive. He hates that. But they play nice in the end.

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Honestly sometimes the mechanics of sex. I put my characters in situations where the missionary position isn’t an option. You need to know where all the body parts are going.

 

 
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Covered above

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not really, thanks to the internet.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Morgan Black was my designer. She was so helpful and quite accommodating.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Time. I have a busy editing schedule so that means early morning or late nights for writing.

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Notes…I bought a software program to help me organize timelines, characterizations and research.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Yes, write every day, even when you don’t want to. Don’t listen to critics who can’t offer a balanced assessment and don’t say “I want to be a writer” just be one!

 

 
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you…that is the big one. There are so many choices out there. I want to be worthy of their time. And I want to talk about the books. I hope readers know that I mean it when I say I want them to email so we can talk books.

 

 
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Where the Wild Things Are… I was also in the school stage production of that book. I was a tree.

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
Reading, if I have time I read. I also love to shop.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I don’t want much current TV but we do own ever episode of Blackadder, Fawlty Towers, Alan Partridge, NewsRadio, all comedies…lots of British stuff.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Anything sweet and salty. Perfect combo. Just like sex. My favorite color is yellow and music I will listen to everything from The Cure to Depeche Mode to Mastodon to Dave Matthews. NO COUNTRY.

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
A lawyer or a dictator.

 
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
My blog is on Goodreads under my name and my website under construction. But I can be found on Facebook or at Houghromances@gmail.com.

 

Here is my interview with David James Bright

Name: David James Bright
Age: 23
Where are you from: Tafton, Pennsylvania
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
Currently working on my master’s degree in school counselling at the University of Scranton. Considering going for my PHD afterwards. Live in a quaint, isolated “town” and enjoy the simple life.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
My debut horror novel, Harbinger, has just been released by Hobbes End Publishing

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing my first semester of college when I attended the University of Pittsburgh. I told a friend of mine I was a writer but realized I wasn’t being honest; I’d come up with and start ideas and never finish a thing. It was then I decided to commit myself to the craft.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I undertook my first serious project. I didn’t taper off like I had so many times. I took the work seriously and dedicated myself to the process.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I had a project I worked on for over a year, and finished it, but it was more of a test run than something that really could sell. It was inspired by the Twilight Zone.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I think I have a very literary writing style, very poetic, quite verbose. In my later projects I’ve stayed away from that and toned down though.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Although the fog in my story causes problems, it is only a sign of the nightmare to come. Based on this I thought of words that could represent that and found Harbinger to be perfect.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The enduring power of love in dire times.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
I based the setting off of my local area, taking plenty of liberties and transforming it into something that works for a horror novel. The geography and some of the small town dynamics are realistic, but the driving force of the novel is supernatural.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I would say that there are characters very loosely based off of people I know. I’d take aspects of individuals and magnify them to suit this type of story. No one I know is as depraved as some of the characters get.

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
IT by Stephen King really helped show me how to write a horror novel, considering structure, flow, character roles, etc. Without that book I wouldn’t have been able to begin my writing career.
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Definitely King. I take lessons from every one of his books.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk. It is gruesome by so engaging. I’d certainly recommend it for those who like dark fiction.

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Unfortunately I haven’t had time to explore many new ones between school and writing. I plan on looking though.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
I’m writing Murderers Anonymous, a transgressive style fiction novel about a self-help support group for serial killers. I was inspired by Palahniuk.

 

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My dear friend AJ Llaneza, who has read every one of my novels in beta form and supported me through the entire process. He’s always been there for me no matter what I’ve gone through.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
That’s the intention. I realize how difficult it is to make a living off of writing, so few authors are able to attain this, even if they start off with a promising career. This in mind, I’m working towards other occupational venues while not abandoning my dream.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’d edit it more meticulously. I think there’s still some fat to be trimmed.

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
By my interest in reading. I’d read stories then come up with my own since I was a child. There’s always been creativity brewing.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Here’s a bit about a fan favorite character, Andrew Murphy.

Andrew Murphy stood outside of 311 Evergreen Street and smiled like he had never smiled before. The house was Victorian, white with a green triangular peaked roof and matching shutters.
It was one of the largest and oldest houses in the
town and one of the few Andrew actually enjoyed
staring at while he went on his occasional bike rides.
Now it was up and flames, and it was more beautiful than ever before.

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Detaching myself from certain sentences/paragraphs that need to be cut. Sometimes I really like a description or segment that serves no real purpose.

 
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I’d say Stephen King. His ability to jump into the minds of characters and portray them so seamlessly always engages me.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)
No, but hopefully that will change soon.

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
My publisher, Hobbes End Publishing. They did an excellent job.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The editing process. Going back and hacking away at what I created.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
A book’s never really done. The more you change it the more can be changed. In the end, it’s never exactly what you imagined in your head, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be great.

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write because you love it. If you try to make something the best you can be because you’re passionate about it, it will turn out much better than if you’re trying to write solely to be an author/make profit.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I’d just like to thank anyone who takes the time to give my novel a read. I would love to hear feedback

 
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
It was probably a Dr. Seuss book, but the first I recall reading on my own was one of RL Stine’s Goosebump novels.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Playing football, volleyball, hockey, video games, board games, creating card games, playing poker; I have an eclectic range of interests.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I find many TV shows/movies to be predictable. I like watching edgy thrillers, the type that aren’t afraid to defy convention. For example, Se7en is my favorite film, and I enjoy how it didn’t hold back any punches.

 
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music:
Foods, tacos and pizza, colors, blue and green, music, mostly punk/alternative stuff.

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I’m going into counselling so there’s that, but also I could see myself being a professor. If I pursue my PHD that may become a possibility.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
http://www.thedavebright.wordpress.com
http://www.twitter.com/thedavebright
http://www.facebook.com/davebrightharbinger
Here is a link to my novel.

http://www.amazon.com/Harbinger-David-James-Bright/dp/0985911069/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1398609350&sr=8-1

 

Here is my interview with Palessa D

Name: Palessa
Age: I’m old enough to know better and young enough to not care and just do it anyway
Where are you from: Originally, I was born in Jamaica. I was raised in Miami, Florida, USA and recently came back to live in western Jamaica, outside of Montego Bay in the mountains
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc: I basically grew up South Florida, so I kind of stayed tropical and travelled around the US from time to time. I do have my favourite states there. Family life was simple. I was raised an only child, kept to myself, had friends and had no problem being on my own. Learned to cook when I was younger so food is definitely a good thing. Was good in school as I got accepted to an academic magnet program, International Baccalaureate, in high school and then went to college and then a career, for which I put away the fiction writing. It’s been a journey back to it and I’m glad for it

 

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news? Well, Fiona, I just released book 2 in my Baxter Family Saga series so it’s now officially a series. It’s called Portrait of Gray and it’s a look at the older brother of Cass Baxter, the major character in Book 1, Unchained Hearts. It’s a bit of a parallel as it deals with how different their lives were turning during the same time. Portrait of Gray is definitely more of an emotional journey. I’ve heard the term “tearjerker” come into play too. So it’s out and I’m happy about it. Here’s the description and an excerpt: http://bit.ly/1rfiwB5

 

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing? Writing is something I’ve done in one form or another since I was 11. My mother gave me my first diary and it was just such an important gift as I started exploring my inner landscape a lot more.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer? You know, I don’t know that I consider myself that. I like to refer to me as a storyteller and I just listen to whatever the characters tell me. I’m still not quite there yet. Author, yes. Writer…maybe 

 

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book? I had been working with Beau Coup on non-fiction but had this story rolling in my head. I was starting to read fiction again and I thought maybe it’s not too late to do that whole fiction thing. So I tried and worked it and eventually got something that I liked surprisingly enough, which made me feel good. I showed it to Sable and she asked me where the other part of the book was. That’s how it started.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? I don’t know if I do. I just try to be as comfortable with telling the story as possible.

 

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title? That was a challenge as I was so focused on getting it out. I knew it was Baxter Family but it’s not a working title. So one of my favorite songs is “Chain Around My Heart” by Richard Marx and the idea seemed to fit for Unchained Hearts. For Portrait of Gray, I came up with it immediately, before I even started writing it. It was a much quicker process and an easy fit.

 

 

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? I think there are many but it depends on where you are in life. I would hope that readers would take away something from the story but I trust them to do that on their own.

 

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic? I will say this: it’s fiction. I get that some people need to have realism and for some, this will be real but it’s a story that’s based on thoughts, observations, fantasies…it’s an alternate reality that could be but isn’t really.

 

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? I have met families with other kinds of family drama so I guess they inspired a story. I do have indirect experience with drugs and I used the questions I had from that to help with Grayson’s story so there is some inspiration there for sure.

 

 

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? I do love A Woman of Substance and have this fantasy of writing a sweeping tale like that. But the reality is I’m not that patient and I’m just not into sharing that level of detail. Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God is another work I love. Ken Follett, Anne Rice, Nella Larsen, Robert Ludlum, are just some of the others I appreciate. Have read the classics like Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre too so I’d say many influences.

 

 

 
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Oh, that’s a tough one…I would say none. Not because I don’t think they’re great but I tend to just take my cues from the characters and the stories they have to tell rather than a particular writer technique. So I would probably turn more to the characters to guide me more than anyone.

 

 

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now? My list is long but I’m glad. I’m reading Caddy Rowland’s Gastien Cost of a Dream which is an intense ride for sure. I have a lot of my BC author colleagues on the list. So I’m trying to alternate between them and the classics like Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. It’s been a while since I’ve read it and I do like Dickens’ stories.

 

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? I’m definitely looking forward to getting into Katherine Rhodes’ books, Lyn Croft, Aurora Zahni, Alicia Sparks, Curtiss Robinson, these are all BC authors and I think we have a pretty talented roster that I want to explore so that’s my reading goal…to explore our talent.

 

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects? Well, I have started working on Book 3 and I have a few other stories that I’ve written out but aren’t ready to write yet. One book at a time

 

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. I would have to say BC. I am pretty much left to my own devices until I have something to show them. There’s no pressure and the level of support I’ve gotten has really been great. I’ve got a few fans and they’re totally just enjoying the ride with me, which is gratifying.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career? It’s not a career for me; it’s a business. I look at it as being an entrepreneur, having ideas and trying to get others to buy into my ideas. We no longer have the luxury of writing and just letting the publisher market it; we have to do at least 50% of the work too, if not more so to me, it’s a brand-building business which is more intense than a career.

 

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? No. I make sure I’m pretty comfortable with it before the publisher sees it.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? Yes, a boy broke my heart when I was 11 and while I didn’t know it at the time, it really was the best thing that happened in many ways.

 

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? I think judging the story before the first draft is out of my head. It’s a tempting habit and I have to keep reminding myself that the first draft is to get the skeleton out; I’ll flesh out the rest after. If I get into that habit, I’ll start overthinking and block up so I really just take it slowly.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? Not yet. They’re based on places I lived or traveled to already however, I am not opposed to taking that travel for material idea global. Not even a little 

 

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers? We have a great team at BC that does that. I work with them on the images and what are certain elements I want to emphasize and then we edit and work it out.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers? I think focus on just writing a story you like and try smaller publishing houses that can give you some support. I have heard some stories from other authors about other publishers, the big ones and it’s tough. Also realize that just because you’ve written a good story, you still need to dip your hand in the marketing jar so that you can build your brand. And yes, you are a brand.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? I know you all have a lot of books to choose from but to those who have given my books a chance, thanks so much for that. And for the rest, I don’t bite and neither do my characters…yet so if you’re open to it, check me out.

 

 

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ? I have many but I haven’t had a chance to really pursue them and am working towards getting back to them. Music, I have my iPod and definitely need to freshen up the roster. Reading, I really like it because it helps me write better so I would love to get myself my very own standalone Kindle and load it up with whatever I can get my hands on. I do love cooking and will be getting back to that this year once my kitchen is done. I am looking to add some stamps to the passport and my goal is to hit the UK next year  Oh I’m sure I’m forgetting some…

 

 

 

 
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching? I don’t really watch TV anymore, which helps with productivity. But I do think I’ll get the cable back on later this year as I do want to watch some sports events. I do love Law and Order, Criminal Minds and with services like NetFlix and Amazon, I just find it easier to watch those than TV. Films, I love Transformers, X-Men and whatever else strikes my fancy like The Help, Happy Feet and James Bond movies. I did like Girl With The Dragon Tattoo…so my taste varies. Eventually they come online anyway so it’s just a matter of waiting.

 

 

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music – Foods, I like most food. I don’t eat pistachios, maraschino cherries, butterscotch or licorice, EVER. So outside of those, I’m pretty open as long as it tastes good. As far as music, my taste is eclectic: Metallica, Yanni, Janet Jackson, Bond, Enya, Aerosmith, Queen, Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, Diana Ross, Michael, Whitney, Mariah, Madonna, Cher…it’s all in there

 

 

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done? That’s the thing, I’d be writing something. Blogs, manuals, something, even if it was in a particular professional capacity so I don’t know that I would have stopped writing in any way.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it? Yes:
Here are my links: Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Pinterest, Goodreads and Google+ Anyone who’s interested can listen to some podcast interviews.
This one has a reading of Unchained Hearts: Journal Jabber

 

 

 

Palessa started reading her first romance novel, at the age of 11. Then she got introduced to V.C. Andrews, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Anne Rice and many more notable contemporary authors as well as some of the classics, A Tale of Two Cities, Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Great Gatsby and others. It was during her teenage years that she dabbled in writing. First, it was in her diaries, then she started creating characters, stories about romance, the supernatural and much more. Being an International Baccalaureate student as well as entering college, left little time for writing and so she put it and the ideas aside to pursue a career. It would take almost 20 years, a radical move from the city she grew up in, Miami, FL back to her Caribbean birthplace, and a chance Facebook meeting with Sable Hunter to start the juices flowing again. After some fits and starts, the Baxter Family Saga was born. Unchained Hearts is Palessa’s first published fiction book with Beau Coup Publishing. Book 2: Portrait of Gray was released April 2014. She considers herself just a storyteller that sees no reason to shy away from the juicier romantic elements. She currently lives in the mountains of Jamaica with her crazy, cracker-munching-mutt Ivy and a farm, primarily managed by agribusiness partner, also known as Dad.
You can connect with Palessa on her Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Google+ Check out her podcast interviews:
Bennet Pomerantz’ Anything Goes
Literary Symposium
Journal Jabber w/ reading
Thanks for having me

 

 

Here is my interview with Geoffrey C. Porter

Name Geoffrey C. Porter
Age 42
Where are you from
Dayton, Ohio
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
I studied writing at Sinclair Community College. I don’t have a lot of family where I live, but I talk to my mom & dad almost daily on the phone. I play and build web based strategy games. I have a restricted diet due to Diabetes, and if I don’t start losing weight, I likely only have a few years left. I am a list-maker.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
With eight books on Amazon, the time to start marketing in full is here. Some people market when they have one book on amazon, but not me, I needed eight. I will be doing free ebooks for four weeks straight. I outlined a new novella recently, and I plan to outline a sequel to Lost&Found: the Crimson Path.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing when I was in a mental institution, and a doctor told me I would be in there for 6-18 months.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I wrote my first book in a period of one month, and when I finished that first draft, I decided I was a writer.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Psychotic episode? I had a mental health problem where I believed I was a vampire slayer, so I just took it from there.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Scenes drive my path.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
That depends on the specific book. With the “W” series, I have a W in the title of each book in the series. Juxta, Magi just made sense to me. Zombie Flick was originally Vampire Menace, but it was retitled.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Nope.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
Character’s desires and wants.

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not really, no.

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
L Ron Hubbard’s Battlefield Earth. Piers Anthony’s Bio of a Space Tyrant. Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Ed Davis.

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Does erotica count? I am in the middle of a sci-fi cyber punk erotica. I don’t have the title handy, it’s on my nook.

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Will Ross – He is a funny guy.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
I want to restore my multi-player online wargames. I have also outlined a new novella, and hope to start writing again after my marketing blitz.

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Sinclair Community College
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
I don’t. I see it as a hobby.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No.

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Yes. I was walking, and I was high as a kite off my own brain juices, and it just hit me, it would be so cool to be a retired alcoholic vampire slayer.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I don’t know. The books are up on Amazon, and each one has a preview. I tell everybody, read the preview, see if you like the style.
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Editing
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Janet Evonovich – I enjoy the pace she sets in her novels.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

No.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Cathleen O’Brien did the cover for RAECE Genesis. Ben Rittmann did the covers for “W” series. Dark Phreak Arts did the Lost&Found: the Crimson Path. William Cook did the Zombie Flick cover.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Editing 10-15x to get them clean.

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Hire an editor.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Show it to me in the form of scenes. Take writing classes in college. Keep writing.

 
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Enjoy the books.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Only very vaguely.

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
I build multi-player wargames. I eat.

 
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Walking Dead.

 
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
I have really weird tastes in Music. I need something with a beat. Favorite food is Kung Pao chicken.

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I don’t think I would have made it this far had I not picked up writing. I think I would have turned to alcohlism.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?   http://www.UntiedShoelacesOfTheMind.com    this is where I blog sometimes, it’s also my fiction magazine where I publish other people’s work…

 

Here is my interview with K.G Stutts

Name: KG Stutts
Age 31
Where are you from Burlington NC
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc Married to a wonderful man named Brad. Have a degree in massage therapy. Currently work in a customer service call center.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
My first book in a sci-fi romance series just launched! Mirror Image is an exciting, funny, and often touching story of Maddie, a brilliant woman who finds out she’s a clone. Now she must work with her counterpart, Mack, to save Earth.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I used to write in high school but stopped after my mom died. I started writing again when I kept having dreams where I was Maddie and I got to experience her.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I started writing Mirror Image as a means of getting the story out of my head. When the more I wrote, the more excited I got and I would get others wanting to read it based on my description, I knew I was onto something.

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
The dream I had was so vivid and it wouldn’t get out of my head. I just had to get it onto paper

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Third person, past tense.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Mack and Maddie really are mirror images of each other. So similar yet vastly different.

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Sometimes the hardest person to know is yourself.

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Elements of people I know and bits of me is scattered throughout the book

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
I would say about 70%. It’s entirely plausible

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Every book I read leaves an impact

 
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Karen Traviss. I love her Star Wars books

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Birth of an Empire: Homecoming. Book 3 in the Xarrok series by Catrina Taylor

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Next month, Ashley Bazer releases her first in a series.

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?
Currently writing book three in the Mirrors series and the first book in a new sci-fi romance series, Amethyst Chronicles: Winter’s Kiss

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My best friends, Tamma and Sarah.

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
I would love to be able to do nothing but writing. Still too early to think about it. 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not at all

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
My mother loved reading. She got me interested

 

 
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Certainly! Here’s a small excerpt:
“I’m curious about something,” Logan said, breaking the quiet. “You work with our counterparts, correct?”
“I do. They work in a different department than I do, but we work on the same floor,” Maddie said.
“How different are we from them?” Logan asked.
“From my experiences, not that different. The eyes give you away though,” Maddie told him.
“What do you mean?” John asked.
“I can look in your eyes and see the pain you mask. Seth is better at it than you are, but I can still see it. You’ve lived a rough life,” Maddie told him.
Almost instantly, the three of them broke their gaze.
“It’s okay. I can’t imagine that this life is an easy one,” Maddie said, quickly backtracking.
“It’s not,” Logan simply said.
“Wow, you got them pegged,” Jackson said with a laugh.
“You too, jerkface. You fought in most of the same battles as we have,” Seth said, tossing a few peanuts at Jackson.
“You certainly are different than I expected you to be,” John said as he put out his cigarette. Logan nodded in agreement.
“And how did you expect me to be?” Maddie asked.
“Honestly? Docile. Meek,” John responded.
“I guess I’m supposed to be.” Maddie frowned.
“Don’t say that. Don’t sound like you are apologizing,” John said.
Maddie tossed back another shot. “I appreciate that.”
“No, I’m serious. Don’t apologize for who you are, Maddie. You are a beautiful person, inside and out. You are warm and funny. Plus, you can shoot pool and alcohol like no girl I’ve ever known,” John told her.
“Maybe you’ve been hanging out with the wrong kind of girls.” Maddie smiled at him.
“You may be onto something there.” John grinned.

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Finding the time to really devote some days.

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
As I said, I really love Karen Traviss. Also love Timothy Zahn and Suzanne Collins. Their characters are relatable and dialogue never seems forced.

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
No

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
My publisher did

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Keeping Mack and Maddie balanced. I wanted them to be different yet you could see elements in each other.

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
The hardest person to know is yourself.

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep at it and don’t be discouraged.

 
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you for reading! Stick with me through the course of the series. We’re in for a wild ride.

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
The first book I remember was a Mickey Mouse book

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
I referee wrestling matches for an independent wrestling group. I read, play video games, and love movies

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis, Star Trek (all), Once Upon a Time, Grey’s Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother, Crazy Ones, Big Bang Theory, The Blacklist. Love Star Wars, Marvel, Kevin Smith movies, and Disney

 
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Scallops, fish, chicken. Purple’s my favorite color. Alternative rock

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Probably still working at a call center and day dreaming

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
Absolutely! Kgstutts.webs.com and kgstutts.blogspot.com

 

Here is my interview with Alisa Mullen

Alisa Mullen
Age 37
Where are you from I grew up on the Coast of Maine. I live in South Texas now.
Tell me a little about yourself i.e. your education, family life, etc. – I grew up on the Coast of Southern Maine. I have a BA from Texas A&M University and a MS from Our Lady of Lake University. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading, making necklaces and spending time with family. Baseball is a big component of my family life. I am a Rangers and Red Sox fan while cheering on her children’s little league games. My competitive side rears its ugly head every year when she plays Fantasy Football with her large extended family. I also own a macramé necklace business, Devika Knots, and you can find me at farmer’s markets throughout South Texas almost every weekend. I live in Universal City, Texas with my loving husband and our two children.

 

 
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
My second installment of The Chosen Series comes out on May 12, 2014. I finished the third book this week and I am currently working on a special project with a few other authors. I have also started my next series, The Good Bye Series. Book One is titled “Jules”

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I came out of the womb writing. I continued to write poems and short stories during my school years. I feel my “best self” when I am writing.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Um, I am still working on that. Some days, I think I can’t write at all. Other days, I am surprised when people give me rave reviews.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Unsettled is based on true events. It had been a story in my head for years but the rat race business world and children were my first priority. I left my job in March of 2013 and I started Unsettled in October. I wrote it in three weeks.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I love first person with train of thought.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
I don’t remember. I think it was part of a list I made.

 

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Absolutely! I want them to feel Lizzie and somehow connect with the troubles she goes through.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
80%

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Yes, they are. I consider the book a “purge” novel. It was therapeutic.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Anything by Wally Lamb and Jodi Picoult

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Hmm… I really like Emily Giffin and would love to meet her.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Sparrows for Free by Lila Felix

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Sure, Addison Moore, Tina Reber, Christina Lauren, Sylvia Day and Maya Banks.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?
I am currently working on a special project with a few other authors. I have also started my next series, The Good Bye Series. Book One is titled “Jules”

 

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My best friend, Vanessa Lofton and my cousin, Alex Lied.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, I do it every day and it is my passion. I am constantly thinking about it.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I am not sure. I think of it as art so I would probably start editing it again if the word document was in front of me.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It has been engrained in me for years.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
See above comments.

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I can’t write sex scenes so they are more sensual than sex.

 

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Wally Lamb – He is raw.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not yet. I have signed up for signing in late 2014 and 2014.

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Kim Black and I collaborate on it. I am a controlling person so I need to see everything.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The first page. The blinking cursor.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned that I am my worst critic. I never knew that!

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing even when you don’t want to. Put your laptop in front of you and get lost.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Oh, I love my readers. They are the reason I have started the next series. I thought I would just write a book or two but I am already thinking about the next.

 

 
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Charlotte’s Web

 

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
I don’t have a hobby but I make macramé necklaces as a second job. I sell at Farmers Markets and I have been doing that for five years. Devika Knots.

 

 
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I like Mad Men, American Horror Story, House of Cards, Weeds, The Killing. Movies include Almost Famous, Something Borrowed and Pride and Prejudice

 

 
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
I love avocados and sushi. My faborvotire color is light purple and I love Coldplay and 80’s music.

 

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Teacher.

 
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

FB Fan Page – http://tinyurl.com/l5jgo2b
Goodreads Page – http://tinyurl.com/m69qsof
Unsettled – TBR! http://tinyurl.com/n33d7rm
Unchosen – TBR! http://tinyurl.com/k98fzuu
Amazon BIO Page – http://tinyurl.com/l9plrxr
Twitter – @alimullenbooks