Here is my interview with Juan J. Gutiérrez

 

Name: Juan J. Gutiérrez
Age: 28
Where are you from: Born in El Paso, Texas but raised in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
I grew up in a very poor area of Sunland Park called Anapra, its home to about four or five main families, many of the people where I lived were cousins, uncles and aunts. Everybody knew everybody; it’s very primal but a very close community. Without my precious Sun-Lands I don’t think I would be the person I am today.

 

 
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
The latest thing happening right now is the publishing of three horror anthologies containing my stories. Fear: of the Dark contains my short story “The Amos County Horror.” No Sight for the Saved contains my short-short “Incarnate.” Finally, Cursed Curiosities features my short story “The Music Sphere.”

 

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
It all began with my upbringing really, I have such imaginative family members that the arts are a natural progression. My mother read many books and my father painted. My older brother is a tattoo artist; my nephew is an aspiring musician. Writing was a progression from my high school interests.

 

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In August of 2013, I published five poems and my short-short “Casa Delarosa.” Seeing my name in print beside the many other experienced contributors gave me the funny feeling of authorship.

 

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I wrote my first short story, “Carmine,” in 2008. One night, I walked by a pile of bricks stacked on the yard of an abandoned house. My mind’s eye saw a winged creature with large red eyes, hissing at me. Of course, I imagined all this but that image really stuck with me. I returned home and put to ink the tale. Over the course of three years in changed many times until I was finally happy with the result.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I adopted, over time, a very Howardian style. By that, I mean Robert E. Howard. His stories always feature protagonists that stand up to the threat instead of going insane like a Lovecraftian character. I guess some residual branding from my Texas birth just flows through my quill. Beyond that, it’s all about atmosphere.

 

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Carmine was actually suggested by a friend. I originally called the tale, “It,” but he felt that Stephen King had written a better work of fiction and that I try to stay as original as I could.

 

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Growing up is not the privilege that it may seem. Many people wish to grow up, but with age come responsibilities and the drawing of the veil so to speak.

 

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
I’d say about 40 % is realistic and the rest is real inside my mind.

 

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Events in my own life definitely. I married young (at 19) and thought everything was going to be easy but I met the carmine-eyed devil called responsibility with its fangs and talons and they sunk in deep!

 

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Clive Barker’s The Hellbound Heart, Louis L’Amour’s Riding for the Brand and Robert E. Howard’s Waterfront Fists and Others. You have the Dark Fantasy, Frontier Stories and Sports Fiction, all containing elements, which find a way into my fiction.

 

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Brian Barnett fits the bill. He has given me advice in fiction, and editing. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am today.

 

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Currently reading, Robert E. Howard’s People of the Dark.

 

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Not really, I’ve been reading many authors that are new to me but have been writing for the better part of the decade. I’m one of the new authors, ha ha.

 

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
I am currently editing two anthologies. A sword and sorcery anthology dedicated to the memory of Robert E. Howard, called, “Barbarian Crowns” and an anthology about weapons in all forms, called, “Devil’s Armory.” Both are my brainchildren.

 

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
An independent press called Static Movement. Through it I met many of the people I am currently working with in my upcoming projects.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
In my dreams, yes! I would love to stay at home and enjoy time with my family while expressing myself through fiction. For now, I do it for the love.

 

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
In my latest story, The Devil, a steampunk venture, I would change not one thing. It’s one of the first things I’ve written that is outside my comfort zone yet has everything I ever wanted in a story.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I was in a black metal band called Forlorn Decay through my high school life. Being the vocalist and lyricist, I believe those interests transferred easily into poetry writing and eventually writing fiction.

 

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Yes here is an excerpt:
A blond man with thin, round glasses sat at his dinner table drinking hot black tea and reading his newspaper. Outside his apartment, the overcast night sky roared with thunder. The lights flickered then went out. He looked around, lost in the blackness.
“Frederick Maledon…” said the darkness.
“Who’s there?” he shouted.
Suddenly, from the shadows, someone threw a glowing card in front of him. XX JUDGEMENT. Depicted on the face of the card was an airy angel blasting the trumpet of the apocalypse; awakening the dead from a city of tombs.
“You know too much I hear …” the voice came from all directions.
“What … what do you think I know?” he asked, trembling.
“R.I.D.E.L.”
“What are you talking about?”
A deep breathing came from behind him, “There is a trail of whispers leading to you. I have followed. Where is R.I.D.E.L.?”
“I don’t care who you are or what you think I know but–”
“Do you see the card?”
“Yes.”
“The Judgement card can mean many things but I assure you it is your card. I know you do not believe in Magik. I know Gavril has a hold on you, and you fear his wrath but this card will change that. For you, this card means Rebirth and The moment to account for the manner in which we have used our opportunities.
“Your friend, Gavril Princip, has told you of the facility in question.”
Frederick roared with laughter, “Really? I know no such things. I work for Illusion Inc. and you assume I am evil. They are working to build upon the ruins of man; to better this world.”
“Ruins we crawl upon as a result of their creations, built by their black hands.”
Frederick simply answered the voice in the dark with nervous laughter. Hidden beneath the table, secured within a holster, Frederick grasped the stock of a Smith & Wesson Triple Lock. Thunder crashed beyond the curtain and a flash of lightning momentarily illuminated the room.
“I wouldn’t …”
The room became dark and the laughter stopped. As Frederick unsheathed his revolver, he stood and spun firing into the darkness. Within the flash of the first shot, a shadow moved to the right. Frederick followed shooting three more times, each shot barely grazing the swift specter. Aiming across the table, Frederick smiled, as he knew the shadow’s death was imminent. Suddenly, yellow lightning shot from the glowing tarot card on the table, striking Frederick’s hands. The smell of burnt flesh filled the apartment.
“Sit down Frederick!” hissed the voice.

 

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Adapting to open markets. Sometimes I can’t write what I want because no one has an interest. I look for anthologies that have something that interests me and I conform my imagination to the guidelines. But I feel like these ventures actually make me a better writer. I learn something new about myself through these stories and I’m able to transfer the experience to my passions.

 

 

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Robert E. Howard is hands down my favorite author. He wrote so much in his short life. the stories he wrote were filled with a life that has not been captured since. I don’t want to be the next REH I’m just a fan and I’m hoping to one day be the next JJG.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
No everything is just a click away now. I write about the things I know and the things I see in my dreams or nightmares.

 

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
On nearly all the anthologies I’ve been a part of, Stephen Cooney has painted the covers, with input from the editor.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part of writing for my latest project was the WW1 research I had to do. I had to find some way to connect a neutral Spaniard to the conflicts of the Great War.

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
On writing my first short story, I learned to let the characters tell me what was next.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Seek out resources through any means, I once scorned Facebook and now look at me, I’m doing an interview for someone I met in Facebook. Crazy!

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Stretch and use your imagination muscles. Eventually writing will be muscle memory, responding on it’s own accord.

 

 
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Clive Barker’s The Hellbound Heart.

 

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
I love collecting coins, of all kinds. Foreign, America, ancient, new! I inherited my grandfather’s coin collection and have since tripled the collection finding coins at work.

 

 
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
In order:
Walking Dead, Hannibal and this last one might surprise people but I fucking love it Teen Wolf.

 

 
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Food-Pizza, Colors-Black and Red (sexy and powerful), Music-at the heart Metal but pretty much anything that sounds good to me.

 

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I wish, I was a professional wrestler or rock star.

 
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
No blog, no website just my Facebook author page:
http://www.facebook.com/deadgrinwriter

 

Here is my interview with Tim Arnot

 

 

Name Tim Arnot
Age 53 (Jeez I can go on Saga holidays! )
Where are you from
I’m originally from Rochester, around 30 miles south east of London. It’s an ancient city that dates back to Roman times, and featured in many of Dickens’ books. Now I live outside the comparatively modern (it only dates back to 900 AD!) city of Oxford. Home of the dictionary, Tolkien, CS Lewis, yadda yadda.

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
I flunked my degree. But so what? It was a factor in getting interviews for the first couple of jobs, but after that I started working in a different field (programming), and the lack of a degree became largely irrelevant. I lost my job and went self-employed about the time the recession hit. Boy was that fun (not)!

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
My second novel, Hunted – a post apocalyptic tale set in 23rd Century England – is about to hit the streets. (we’re having a party on Facebook to celebrate, on Aug 16. Games, giveaways and all sorts of fun. Everyone’s welcome. https://www.facebook.com/events/304918826352835/ )

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I was given a notebook and fancy pen one Christmas when I was a kid. I’ve always liked writing, but never really considered doing much with it. For a long time I had much more to do with technical writing than story writing.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Well, I always wrote, but it was a means to an end, rather than the end in itself. I produced a lot of product manuals in the 1980s and 90s, but it was generally incidental to my main job – we had a product and needed a manual, and since I was the one on the team that could write, I got to do it. I don’t think I considered myself a “writer” until I published my first novel (not my first book) in 2013.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was actually a technical computing book, back in the old 8-bit days (mid 1980s). It was trad published by Melbourne House – so I can legitimately call myself a hybrid author! It’s even still on Amazon – ranked about 8 billion, although I don’t think there are any copies still in existence – at least I hope not! My second book was also a computing textbook, written around the same time. That was actually self-published! We’re talking 1985/6 here, long before e-books or POD, so yes, for a while my hallway was lined with stacks of the things! Then up until the early 90s I was editor of a technical trade journal.

My first novel came about over a pint in the pub. We’d been to see a movie and started talking about novels that got made into films. And then it got into that “how hard can it be…” discussion, and rather rashly I said that even I could write a perfectly good novel, and the challenge was on. A year later, Wanted was finished.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Not consciously – I just write. People tell me that it’s pacey and engaging, and sucks them in. I smile and nod, and grab the credit!

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
My first book is about a girl who is wanted for a murder she didn’t commit, so she goes on the run. Originally that was called Hunted, and book 2 was Wanted. But as the writing progressed it seemed more natural for the titles to be the other way around. So book 1 is Wanted, and book 2 Hunted.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Don’t give up.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
Given that it’s set 200 years in the future, with a population that’s maybe 1% of it’s current level… it’s as realistic as I could make it. I did a lot of research into abandoned cities and how they decay, what kinds of materials would survive and what wouldn’t, how people would adapt – using horse-drawn trucks & cars, patched up with whatever’s to hand, all the remaining “good stuff” being available to the rich and powerful but outlawed to the rest, and so on. It’s basically how I imagine society would reshape itself 150 years after the collapse of modern civilization.

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not really, it’s all kinda made up!

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Growing up, books like Treasure Island, Enid Blyton’s Famous Five/Secret Seven, and the Jennings books by Anthony Buckeridge were influential. I kind of lived those stories. In later life I’m much less influenced, but I adore most kinds of science fiction, urban fantasy etc. I recently discovered the Rivers of London series by Dr Who writer Ben Aaronovitch (I think they’re called the Peter Grant series in the US), and they are utterly brilliant.
There are actually some nods to Treasure Island in Hunted, particularly the sequences set in Bristol.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Neil Gaiman. The man and his writing are awesome.

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I’m in the middle of the 8th book in Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series. Proven Guilty, it’s called.

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Jonathan Hill is a very talented up and coming indie writer. He’s well known for producing comic shorts, but recently published his first novel, Fag, a cutting and insightful social commentary on social injustice set in the 1930s school system, that’s sadly just as relevant today.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
The third novel in the Flick Carter series. It gets a different title every week, but generally I refer to it simply as FC3.

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Abingdon Writers and the Abingdon Fiction for Adults Group. They’ve given plenty of good no-holds-barred advice and critique.

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes. Just not a well paying one!

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No, cos I’ve done all the rewriting. If you’d asked me six months ago, the answer might have been different. Actually… if I had to do it all again, I suppose the answer would have to be: write it right the first time! But then, thinking again, there’s probably a few things I’d still do differently. Ultimately any book is never finished; it’s just abandoned.

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
From a young age we learn by copying, and I was always reading, so I think it was natural to start writing too.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I can share the first few Chapters of Hunted – they’re up on my web site. http://www.tim-arnot.com/hunted-sample/

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Starting in the mornings. It’s all to easy to get lost in incidental things – a bit of publicity, or a blog post, email Facebook etc, and suddenly the morning has gone.

 

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Oh lots. For a long time it was Pratchett, for his witty observation, but more recently I’ve been more interested in space opera, so I’ve delved into the likes of John Scalzi, David Weber, Thomas DePrima, Mike Shepherd…

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I haven’t travelled any in regard to publicity, signings etc. But for research, most of my locations are fairly close to home, so I can jump in the car and be there in an hour or two. I spent several days in Liverpool, researching the old tunnels under the city. That was for a thread in the story that ultimately got cut out!
It’s been known for a long time that parts of FC3 would be set on a “desert island” which I would have to visit for research (Google Streetview is never quite good enough…) and I joked that if sales went well, it would be set in the Caribbean, and if not, it’d be the Isle of Dogs (part of London’s docklands district).

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Me. I did. 

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The bit just after the words “Chapter 1”. The opening scene, I find is the hardest to write.

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Yes. Write faster! Actually I think for me, the best advice might be don’t start at the beginning.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Finish what you start. Even if it’s rubbish, you might be able to fix it. But you can never fix what you never finished.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thanks for spending a few hours immersed in my little world. Now go tell your friends!

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
A.A. Milne: When we Were Very Young, and Now We are Six. I can still quote most of his poems. And then I graduated to Winnie the Pooh (the real poohsticks bridge is actually very close to my house!)

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
I used to have a pilot’s licenses, but I had to give up flying when I went self employed – it was just too expensive. I still cadge a right-hand seat every now and then though, for a fix of airborneness.  Other than that, I act and stage manage with a local theatre group. We put on 4 shows a year, including our own adaptations of Pratchett’s Discworld stories.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I rarely watch much live TV, but I’m partial to Game of Thrones, NCIS & most of the UK cop shows. I’m currently watching Warehouse 13 and Death In Paradise on Netflix. I have an Unlimited card for my local cinema – 16 quid a month and it’s all you can watch. So I watch a film or two most weeks. Even if it’s rubbish, the aircon is nice in the summer…

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Bacon. Green. Jimmy Buffett. Actually, my tastes in music range from Abba to ZZ Top, via Count Basey, Iron Maiden, Rachmaninoff, Cole Porter… Just spare me opera: all that screeching drives me mad!

 

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
There are careers that I was never really aware of before I started writing. One of my characters is discovering the “lost art” of crime scene incestigation. His name is Socko, which is a play on words (SOCO – Scenes Of Crime Officer is the British equivalent of a CSI), and that’s sparked off a fascination for the world of forensic science. So I suppose that’s what I’d like to do.

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
On the web: http://www.tim-arnot.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimArnotAuthor
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/TimArnot
My Amazon books page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CTN47CS

 

 

Here is my interview with BL Marsh

 

 

 

Name BL Marsh
Age shhhhh don’t ask that question
Where are you from; Texas
A little about your selfie your education Family life etc
I am from Texas. Born and raised and this has shaped everything about me, from my mannerisms to my speech patterns. I am a musicologist/historian/theologian and I play and teach the clarinet. I have a house full of boys and a warren of rabbits.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
My first fiction novel, The Lilith Scroll is set to release in Aug.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I have always been a writer. I journalled as a child and have continued that into my adulthood.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Probably in graduate school after writing program notes, papers and lectures.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I didn’t think that the story of my Master’s Thesis was complete. It was lacking something. I realized later on that it was missing magic and unicorns and some other mythical creatures. . Because in academia you can’t always find “the answer” for a variety of reasons. I thought, “What if?” and The Lilith Scroll was born.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Yes. I write in a more lyrical, flowing style which is more indicative of a turn of the 20th century style.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
The book is based around several scrolls, like the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Lilith Scroll is one of them.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Your faith will never fail you. Belief is the way to salvation.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
I would have to say that depends greatly on your beliefs, but the information I give in the book about the history is 98% accurate. There is one term that I changed the meaning of slightly and took the negative connotation out.

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
The experiences in the book are based on the history of a musical tradition that was very prevalent during the Crusades called “The Armed Man.”

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity, 
The Hero with a Thousand Faces, and Pride and Prejudice

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
J.R.R. Tolkein

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Julie Richman’s series

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I’m not about new authors, but I love Heather Killough-Walden, Olivia Cunning, Marie Force, Kathleen Brooks, Raine Miller and Ruth Cardello.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
The Lilith Scroll, The Sanctuary and If You Seek Amy.

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Becca Manuel and Bibliophile Productions. They are the most professional people in the business and they will make sure your brand is what you want and you get the look you want with every single item that they create.

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Nope. It’s been changed already 🙂

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated
I have always journalled and written and told stories. I am also a teacher and a musicologist and there is a lot of writing in telling the story of your topic. This was a natural outcropping of those passions.

 

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Alaric paced back and forth before the pool. The images that unfolded before him were more confusing than the vision he witnessed yesterday. The young girl sleeping in the vision was coming into her powers. Powers which he had never seen combined in one being. The events of today added new pieces to the puzzle.

He stopped and looked onto the watery surface . The little girl stirred in her unsettled dreams. Ancient runes in the language of the angels appeared over and over on her body. There were spells of protection, spells of healing, and spells that he had never seen before.

“You are very mysterious, little one.” The great Dragon Knight spoke into the air to no one in particular. He stood watch over her sleeping form, writing down the spells as they appeared in the great scroll before him, The Lilith Scroll.

 

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Conforming to today’s colloquial standards. It is a stance I have made that I won’t change who I am and how I write. This is my voice. My story.

 

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
If I only get one, then C.S.Lewis. His writing draws the reader in and challenges them. That’s what I crave. I want to open a book and embark on journey into a new world, whether it’s a fantastical world or an existential construct and when I get to that last page, I want to be more evolved. I want to have grown in my thinking. Lewis does that for me.

 

 

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

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Jena Brignola with Bibliophile Productions.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Someone asked once how much research went into this book. If I were to have a bibliography (and I do) it is around 50 sources for book 1 alone, and that took over 3 years to read before I ever put a word down on the page. The book spans from the time of creation up to modern day but focuses mainly on the Akkadian, Sumerian, and Persian empires, with Medieval and Renaissance cathedral architecture and art history from the 7th-15 centuries, delves mainly into the theologies of Gnosticism and Kabbalah, and the mythologies of the Celtic and Norse peoples. The first book is set in modern times.

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Faith is the single most important thing a person can possess.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Just keep writing. Everyday jot a thought down. Think through a scene. Listen to music. Take a walk and get lost in the world you are creating

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you. From the bottom of my heart thank you. Thank you for taking a chance on Lilith and her story. For having the faith to believe that good will always overcome evil and for walking this journey with me.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Winnie-the-Pooh

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Playing the piano, knitting, quilting, and stitching

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
None really. I watched all the versions of Stargate, Star Trek TNG, Gilmore Girls. The Kings, The Newsroom

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
My favorite food is French fries. Sweet potato ones are the best. My favorite color is cerulean blue, and my favorite music is DuFay and Tallis. In modern music I love Ashes Remain, One Direction, and LifeHouse

 

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Continued being a musician and teacher.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
My website is http://www.blmarsh.com It is currently under construction.

 

 

Here is my interview with Jason Kristopher

 

Name: Jason Kristopher (pen name)
Age: Older than I want to be
Where are you from: I’m originally from Texas, though I spent nearly 20 years in northern Colorado
A little about yourself `ie your education Family life etc: I live in the Houston area and enjoy reading, writing, movies, music (live and not), the Houston Astros (winning and not), singing karaoke, playing with my spoiled puppy, and the Texas hill country, especially the vineyards. I also own and manage a small publishing company, Grey Gecko Press.

 

 
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
My publishing company just signed our 25th book in just over 3 years, so that’s big news, but for me personally, I’m about 25% of the way through writing the final book in my zombie apocalypse series, The Dying of the Light.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing since 7th grade and likely before then. For me, reading is like breathing – I can’t not read, and have since elementary school. I’ve always loved the way books fire up my imagination, and with all those ideas floating around in my head, I had to find a way to get them out. Writing was the best way I could think of!
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve thought of myself as a writer for a very long time, as many writers do, even if we haven’t written much, or completed anything. But it didn’t truly hit me until I finished my first book. I typed that last period and thought, “Well, that’s it. The genie’s out… let’s see where this goes!”

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
A dream… well, two, technically. I keep a dream journal, and long ago I’d had a dream about a solitary man living on an island off the Pacific Northwest who was, as far as he knew, the last man on Earth. Very I Am Legend (RIP Richard Matheson) kinda thing. I’d also had the idea for another end-of-the-world story told over three books with big underground bunkers and such, I just didn’t know what had ended it… One night, the two just crashed together, and The Dying of the Light was born.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I think my writing style is pretty universal – meaning that just about anyone can read my work and at least get some enjoyment out of it (hopefully!). I’ve been told I write very “visually” – that readers can easily see the story in their mind. Which makes sense, because I basically just write down the movie I see in my head. I just happen to be able to do it in a way that lets others see the same movie.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
I’ve never been a big poetry fan, but something about Dylan Thomas’ Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night always got me fired up, excited, and ready to take on the world. I thought it fit the idea of the trilogy, too. Though I’ll admit the individual book titles have folks confused: End is Book 1, followed by Interval and, later this year, Beginning. Sorta backwards, I guess.

 

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I don’t really write with a message in mind, most of the time, but it’d be foolish to think that my own views and ideas about specific or general parts of life don’t sneak their way in, regardless. If anything, I’d want readers to realize that anything – not even the end of the world – can be gotten past, if at least some people are willing to work together.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
With certain exceptions, I tried to make the military aspects of the series as real as possible. I enlisted, so to speak, folks from every branch of the military, as well as a few folks from the Special Operations group (current and former) for more specific info. I took a few liberties, but by and large, that part of the series is as realistic as it gets. Or, at least, that’s what the hundreds of military fans who like the series have told me. As to the rest, I made it as real as I could with the knowledge that I had or could find.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Fiona, I’m assuming you meant: “Are any of the characters or events in the book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?” I’ve answered that question here.
There are some characters in the series whom I inserted specifically to reference real folks, either friends, family, or fans (Sgt Denson, in Interval, is one of these). I’m sure there are other influences from folks, but outside of those specific characters, I didn’t intend any similarities. As to events… well, I would be lying if I said David Blake wasn’t based on me, at least a little – or rather, an idealized version of me – but I think that’s why I could write him as I did, because I knew him that well. I’ve never killed a zombie, worked at a bookstore, or joined a military team, though I have been to Colorado, Laramie, Wyoming, and the spot on Mount Rainier where Bunker One’s entrance is located. That was a very surreal experience, let me tell ya.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Oh, you don’t have the space to list them all. But I can give you some authors: Clarke, King, Brooks, Asimov, Brin, Pratchett, Eddings, Heinlein, Koontz, etc. Stephen King, in particular, has made a major impact on my writing with the single best book about writing I’ve ever read (15 times, no joke), appropriately entitled On Writing. If you’re even thinking about being a writer, you need to read it.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I like the way that King’s writing is so approachable. Everyone can read it and understand exactly what he means. Hemingway was the same way; it’s an economy of words that I find forces you to not only get your point across without all the flowery language, but in a way that people see the same thing you do. It’s certainly not easy, and a very difficult challenge for anyone who’s got an expansive vocabulary. But I also like the descriptive work of the Terry’s – Brooks and Pratchett – as well as Tolkien. They brought their worlds to life so well you feel like you’re there, and as a worldbuilder at heart, I can’t help but love that style of writing.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
For pleasure, I’m reading Mervidia, a fascinating and extremely good mermaid novel by my good friends J. K. Barber, as well as The Buried Life by Carrie Patel, a friend of mine who made it to the bigs and is published by Angry Robot. For work at Grey Gecko, I’ve got 40+ submissions in my TBR pile.

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Well, Carrie has, obviously. Other new favorites are J. K Barber, my fellow Geckos George Wright Padgett and Charlie Brooks, as well as Ania Ahlborn, a fantastic horror writer who recently got picked up by Amazon’s 47 North imprint.

 
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Fiona: What are your current projects?
The Dying of the Light: Beginning is first on the list to finish, but I’m also working on a few other things: a metahuman detective novel called Under a Cloud-covered Moon, and a kids/midgrade series called The Adventures of Freddy McPhane, Teddy Bear. I’m always making notes for my 30-book fantasy epic, too – though that’s not going to be for awhile.

 

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
It would be hard to choose between my beta readers and my critique group, since both have helped me tremendously to grow as an author. But out of everyone, the most supportive folks have always been my fans. They really enjoy my work, and that’s the best support any author can get, in my opinion.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely. When I get to the point where I can pay my bills from my book sales, I’ll never do anything else – well, except for run Grey Gecko. Once I finished my first book, I knew there would never be anything else I would be as happy doing.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Any writer who tells you that there’s nothing they’d change in their latest book is either lying or hasn’t read it closely enough. We’re always tinkering with our stories, and yes, there’s plenty I would change, were I to go back – and I may, someday. But not anytime soon. For now, the series will have to stand or fall on its own merits. I have too many other stories to write!

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I don’t recall a specific event or item that got me interested, but I’d have to say my love of reading is certainly what spurred me on. Reading fantastic tales of science fiction and fantasy and thinking to myself: I can do that!

 

 
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
The prologue from The Dying of the Light: Beginning is available free on my website. It’s not the final edited version, obviously, but I think it’s pretty good. Here’s the first line, for any of your readers unsure whether to check it out:
He awoke slowly, and for the first time in nearly twenty-five years, remembered who he was.

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
My biggest challenge is actually finding the time to write, like many writers. I work two full-time jobs as well as write, so it’s often difficult to balance that with my other commitments. I recently joined a critique group with some pretty strict rules, though, and they require a monthly minimum word count, so that’s helping tremendously to keep me writing.

 

 
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Again, too many to list. I wouldn’t say I have a single favorite, because I like so many aspects of so many authors. King’s short and simple style, Pratchett’s wit and amazing characterization, Clarke’s scientific-yet-not-boring details… all of them are great, and equally so.

 

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I could justify traveling all over the world with the current series, if I had the money and/or time. My second book, Interval, takes place largely at McMurdo Station in Antarctica – how cool (pun intended) would it be to spend some time there? Of course, part of it takes place in Hawai’i, too, so that wouldn’t be bad, either. Maybe I need to set the next book in Italy… hello, tax deductions!

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
The covers for my series were designed in collaboration with a German artist named Oliver Wetter. You can find his amazing work at http://www.fantasio.info. He was great to work with; very teamwork-oriented and had a lot of great ideas.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
For the first book, it was just getting past the block I had midway through. For eight months it just sat on my computer not going anywhere, because I didn’t know where I was headed. Then I outlined what I already had, and the floodgates opened. For the second, it was just forcing myself to sit down and write. That’s almost always the hardest part for me.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned a great deal about the way I write from the first one, and my editor’s corrections to it. I incorporated those lessons into the second book, and I think it’s a much better-written volume. Things like sentence structure, plot follow-through, characterization, all of those things are better now than they were, just because I’ve already seen how they don’t work.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write as much as you can, even if it’s not every day (though you should try to do that). Join a writing group – either a critique or just a pass-it-around-and-make-general-notes group. These are invaluable to your growth as an author. You’re too close to your own work to be able to see it clearly, but a good group can help. When you’re done with your first draft, stick it in a drawer for at least two weeks (better 3 or 4) and when you pull it out to revise it, read it out loud, slowly. That’s one of the best ways to figure out just how many of your darlings you’ll have to kill.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t be here. If I hadn’t had the reception from readers that I’ve received, I don’t know that I would’ve continued. My fans and readers are the ones I write for… well, that and to get the stories out of my head. Oh, and please, please, please review books that you read, especially if you like them. It doesn’t take very much effort, and it’s one of the best ways to support indie authors and small press.

 

 
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
The Little Engine That Could, when I was about 4-ish. And then I promptly tore off the cover like it was wrapping paper. I then got a swift and painful lesson in how to treat books!

 

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Tons. I’m an Elk, so I help out with local charities and events. I’m also a comic collector, an avid gamer, both on console and PC, I like wine, love anything to do with the water (surfing, SCUBA, etc), I work with local dog rescues, love to cook, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of my favorite places.

 

 
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I don’t have subscription TV – it’s too expensive for not enough value – but I enjoy well-written shows such as The Big Bang Theory, Dexter, The Walking Dead (of course), Longmire, and others. For movies, about the only thing I’m not interested in are historical dramas and gangster movies. I’m a huge fan of superheroes, sci-fi, and comedies.

 

 
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Italian, sushi, and seafood of all kinds, as well as a good steak, naturally. Blue, especially royal/cobalt blue. Anything except ska, ‘screw,’ and super-heavy/death metal. Oh, and no polka.

 

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I’d like to think I would still have made my way to publishing, because I believe it’s what I was meant to do. Probably owned some sort of business, since I’ve been business-oriented my whole life.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
I have two: The Fire In Our Heads http://www.thefireinourheads.com is my personal author’s blog, and Grey Gecko Press http://www.greygeckopress.com is my publishing company.

The links
• The Dying of the Light: End – http://smarturl.it/0t9ttr
• The Dying of the Light: Interval – http://smarturl.it/liiylf
• The Walker Chronicles: Tales from The Dying of the Light – http://smarturl.it/ltgmfs

 

Here is my interview with Shakuita Johnson

Name Shakuita Johnson
Age 29
Where are you from
Born in Mississippi, grew up in Missouri
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
I’m the oldest of 5 brothers/stepbrothers. I have a BA in Psychology and an AA in Logistics. I served 8 years in the United States Air Force. I like to read, watch TV series that are usually supernatural in origin. I’m a One Tree Hill fanatic. I used to read around 10-20 books a week before I started writing and publishing myself. I’m a constant day dreamer.

 

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
My latest news is I’m preparing for my 3rd book in my Dark Indiscretions Series to be released Aug. 15th. I am also starting a spin off of that same series called Dark Indiscretions Chronicles with the first book hopefully coming out Oct 2014.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve always written since I was in middle school. Mostly poems. There is no why I write I just do. I enjoy it and it makes me happy to get lost in the words and places writing takes me.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
From the moment I started writing poems in middle school.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My best friend Gavin, I wrote Dark Indiscretions for him. He was the first to read it and the first to fall in love with it. Had he not loved it so much no one would have ever know it existed.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
No, not at all, I just write and take notes and reread what I’ve written before to make sure it matches up and nothing that won’t eventually make sense is there.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
My book is darker in nature and there are some questionable goings ons in them so Dark Indiscretions was perfect.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Be who you are no matter who/what wants you to be someone else. You can’t please everyone but you can do the things that make you happy. No matter how they make others feel. Sometimes it’s okay to be selfish and at the end of the day the only person’s opinion of you that should matter is your own.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
None it’s paranormal/urban fantasy with a dark edge.

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not at the moment with this particular series. I have a contemporary romance that I keep going back and forth between if I’m going to write it. It will be loosely based on some of my feelings of relationships. It won’t be a happy/sappy story by any means but a real, raw, and gritty truth of heartbreak and trying to not let someone else crawl inside your heart so firmly that when they aren’t interested in the same outcomes as you, you aren’t completely devastated in their wake.

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
I read A LOT. I love A Rip in Heaven by Jeanine Cummins, A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer, Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice, The Hollows Series by Kim Harrison, and many, many more.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Anne Rice

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I just finished Kalona’s Fall by PC Cast and Kristin Cast, Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews, and I have Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead that I’m about to start. They all released on July 29th

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Yes a few…Kimber S. Dawn, M. Robinson, Cristy Rey, and NL Hoffmann to name a few.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
Ha, well my Dark Indiscretions Series as I have 4 more books in that series. I have 4 planned in my Dark Indiscretions Chronicles Series that I will be working on as I’m working on Dark Indiscretions and I have a few more in the works that I will start working on in 2015 and more on those when I have firm guidelines for them.

 

 

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

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Writing is fun and I enjoy it and I have no intention of not doing it. I also want to work with children once my Psychology knowledge is better. As long as I enjoy doing something I will do it so I don’t really think in terms of career… If I barely sold any books I would still write and publish because someone besides me wants to know how the story ends.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not in my latest release in April. I went exactly where I wanted to go… now my first book yes as it was my first book and I had no idea what I was doing. I just had an idea and I wrote it. I would have liked to add more details in certain places in the book to flesh it out a bit more for upcoming ones but at the time I had no intention of writing past it.

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
No I just have always written.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
My currently work is Callisto Carvanis: And A Legacy Was Born. She appears briefly in Dark Indiscretions: A Prequel and I couldn’t let that be all of her story. I had to go back and show why she was who she was.

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Keeping track of my every growing world.

 

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I have many favorites but I one day hope to write a book as beautifully written as Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice. The storytelling in that novel was amazing and the legends were original and well thought out.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not at the moment.

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Daria Brennan designed all of the Dark Indiscretions Covers besides Rumspringa. Willow Raven Illustration and Design did that one.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Deciding what to reveal and what not to reveal yet. Dark Indiscretions has one story arc over 7 books. I might have had a character say he would explain something in one book but it might not get explained until a different book. I didn’t forget to explain it, it just isn’t time yet to reveal it.

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
That I enjoy making up new words and species.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Research for yourself always.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Not really…probably something Dr. Seuss related or something like that in head start or elementary school. I just know I wanted that free pizza from Pizza Hut every month.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
Watching TV shows, going to the movies, cruising book stores, reading, sometimes cooking.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Supernatural, One Tree Hill, Charmed, Vampire Diaries, The Originals, The Secret Circle, Hemlock Grove, all the Underworlds, Resident Evil, to name a few.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Red/All music except most rap/Chinese, pizza, tacos.

 

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I want to be a Child Psychologist

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
Blog: http://www.dark-indiscretions.com
Website: http://www.authorshakuitajohnson.com

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7504850.Shakuita_Johnson

Reading order…

Dark Indiscretions: A Prequel (can be read before or after book one…I suggest after) coming Aug 15
Dark Indiscretions

Dark Indiscretions: Monster Unleashed
Dark Indiscretions: Seer Destined coming soon
Rumspringa coming soon

Purchase Links:

Dark Indiscretions (Book One)

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Indiscretions-Shakuita-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00H5DODE4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397586386&sr=8-1&keywords=dark+indiscretions

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-indiscretions-a-novel-shakuita-johnson/1117612344?ean=2940148857266

Dark Indiscretions: Monster Unleashed (Book Two)

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/DARK-INDISCRETIONS-UNLEASHED-Shakuita-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00JPHFT5U/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1397586386&sr=8-3&keywords=dark+indiscretions

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-indiscretions-shakuita-johnson/1119231232?ean=2940149201037

Newsletter

http://eepurl.com/MubU9

 

 

 

Here is my interview with Brendan Gerad O`Brien

 

 

 

Name Brendan Gerad O’Brien
Age 67
Where are you from: .. Originally from Tralee, on the west coast of Ireland, and now live in Newport, South Wales.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc: Married with two daughters. I left school at fourteen and went to work in hotels in Killarney, then joined the Royal Navy at eighteen and went to the Far East. I spent the first two years between Singapore and Hong Kong and when I got home I met Jennifer, and we’ve been together since. My career took various roads and I ended up as a department manager with ASDA in Cardiff before retiring in 2006 because of a heart problem.

 

 
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I’m delighted to say my novel Dark September – an alternate history thriller set in Wales in 1940 – has been accepted for publication with Tirgearr Publications and should be out in October.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
When I won my first writing competition I was so excited I ran all the way home. I was about eight years old. The Fun Fair was coming to Tralee – our little town on the West coast of Ireland – and apart from Duffy’s Circus which came in September, this was the highlight of our year. Our English teacher asked us to write an essay about it, and I won the only prize – a book of ten tickets for the fair. There were eight kids in our family so everyone got a ride on something. So writing was in my blood from a very young age. I’ve always loved essays and English literature.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I think I always felt writing was a hobby rather than a career, and to a degree I still do.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book? My head has been full of stories for as long as I can remember and I always wrote them as short stories. I’ve written hundreds but only 24 were good enough to see the light of day. Those were printed in various mediums and also in a collection called Dreamin’ Dreams. Maybe it’s an impatient thing but I like short sharp stories, especially ones that make you sigh with satisfaction. Anyway, when I did decide to try a full novel it morphed into something totally different from what I started out to write. It eventually became Dark September, of which I’m very proud.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I suppose I write in the kind of style that I like to read. I know I’ll never please everyone. Even in our family – all avid readers – there’s a healthy disagreement about what a good style is. My brother has every Clive Cussler book ever printed but I can’t get on with them. I have every Andy McNab book but my brother can’t stand them. So it’s best to write in the style you feel comfortable with.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
As it’s set in Sept 1940 I originally called it Once On A Cold And Grey September. Initially I had good feedback on that but when I put it on Autonomy.com a lot of established writers thought it was a bit of a mouthful. After a lot of jigging about I settled on Dark September.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Not consciously, but probably the fact that we learn absolutely nothing from our mistakes down through history. Barely twenty years after the most horrific war in history – WW1 – here we were again doing the same thing and sleepwalking into WW2.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
The fear and trepidation is something I gleamed from my parents who drove trams in Birmingham during the darkest days of the blitz, and from my father-in-law who went through the African campaigned and was lucky to escape the attack of Tobruk.

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
My father-in-law told some horrific stories about his experiences during the war and I imagined how my characters would feel under the same circumstances. But, no, I’m glad to say that there was never anything like that in my life.

 

 

Fiona: What books have influenced your life most?
So many it would be hard to whittle it down to just a few. The Wind in the Willows had the most magical effect on me – I lived in that story and still get that feeling whenever I sit on a riverbank – but I can still remember running home from school to listen to Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe being read on the radio. In my teens I got hooked on Mickey Spillane and Zane Gray, but now I have to say that Val McDermid is my all-time favourite. However Ann Cleeves would be a close second …

 

 

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

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Dead or Alive by Tom Clancy

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Tirgearr Publishing has a nice selection of new writers and I’ll be looking at them as I get the opportunity.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
I’m about two chapters from finishing the first draft of my new book – then the long slog of editing and re-writes.

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Two newspapers – the Kerryman and Kerry’s Eye – both did several pieces on my stories over the years. ASDA, when I was working there, did a whole page spread in their customer magazine on my stories, also ESSO in their in-house magazine. So I’d say local media was a great support.

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Not a career, more a hobby because I love it. If I had to do it I might think differently.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Nothing. I did millions of changes as I was refining and I’m really happy with it now.

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
My grand-uncle Moss Scanlon was a Harness Maker and he had a small shop in Lower William Street, Listowel – a rural town in Kerry that was just a bus ride from Tralee. We spent some wonderful summer holidays there. The shop was a magnet for all sorts of colourful characters who’d wander in for a chat and a bit of jovial banter. One wonderful storyteller who often popped in was John B Keane, and it was a great thrill to actually meet him. I asked him once where he got his ideas from, and he told me that everyone has a story to tell, so be patient and just listen to them. And I was there, sitting on the counter in the shop, when John B’s very first story was read out live on Radio Eireann. I can still remember the buzz of excitement and the sheer pride of the people of Listowel. And the seeds of storytelling were sown in my soul.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
My current story is a murder thriller set in Ireland in 1942. A man is shot in a crowded pub, yet no one saw or heard anything. Danny O’Shea is a member of the Local Security Force, established by the Irish Government to assist the Garda in those troubled times. Then O’Shea’s sister is found dead in the town park, apparently after taking sleeping tablets and a bottle of whisky. When his ten year old son disappears the tension is cranked up to another level …

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Actually getting down to doing it and not wandering over to Facebook or checking my e-mail and all the other distractions that always seem more attractive at the time.
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Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Val McDermid – her writing is so smooth you don’t notice it. You fall into the story and flow along in it without the distractions of convoluted writing. To be honest Ann Cleeves would come a close second.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not yet …
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
I did, although Tirgearr had the right to change it if they want.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I write the story in longhand then type it on my lap top, and I hate typing. My wife and daughter both said they’d help but neither of them can understand my writing.

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Don’t let writer’s block frustrate you – throwing the compute at the wall doesn’t do it, or you, any good. So relax, dose up with copious amounts of coffee and write something – anything – to get the imagination going.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write the best book you can write, and enjoy doing it. Take feedback on board but don’t let it antagonize you. You won’t please everyone and the chances of becoming world famous are against you anyway, so just do your best and be proud of what you do.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thanks for taking the time to read my work. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. And I answer all correspondence personally.
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Probably The Wind in the Willows – it was the one that impressed me the most.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
DIY – I’m always potching around the house doing magic stuff with a saw and a hammer.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Mostly detective shows like Lewis and Morse, but documentaries like Coast and History of our Streets too. I hate reality shows (X-factor and Strictly etc.) and soaps, so when my daughters stay over I’m dismissed to the dining room with a DVD on the laptop.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors /Music:
Food – Sunday Roast as cooked by Jennifer.
Colour – blue and yellow, sometimes purple.
Music – anything from the sixties, Barbara Streisand, Katie Melua and loads of other stuff.
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Painting, though I’m useless at it.

 

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

Here is my interview with Jen Cousineau

Name Jen Cousineau
Age 28
Where are you from Fond du Lac, WI
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc I have been married for five years, but have been with my husband since 2003, and we have twin daughters who are 3.5 years old. I am the youngest of four, and lucky me – I was the only girl! Needless to say my dating life was non-existent in high school! Lol. I also have an Associate’s Degree in Business Management, which I have yet to even put to good use.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
Personal life latest news? My daughters are ALMOST potty trained! Slowly, but surely… lol. Writing wise…my TBW list (aka to be written list) is at a whopping 15 book ideas! Licentious will be out 8/27/14, and A Secret Gamble (for all you Trey lovers – Summer Series Book 2) will be out this winter in 2014!

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I actually began writing when I was about thirteen, and it was mostly poetry and song lyrics. It was just a way to let some creativity out. It eventually became very therapeutic in those crazy teen years.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I hit publish on my debut novel this past April.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My sista from another mista – Corinne. (Or I call her Tiger ‘cuz she’s feisty!) And I can’t forget the scrap piece of paper and a few bottles of wine 😉

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Not really. It all depends on the story that I’m focusing on in my head, and who and how those characters are. Just like my writing ‘genre’ is not set in stone to erotic romance, neither in my writing style. I like to keep my options open otherwise I feel like it can be a bit stifling.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
A bottle of wine Tiger 🙂

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
For A Deadly Bet, it’s to trust your instinct. Love with everything you have. And never give up. For Licentious, which will be out at the end of August, the main message is that sometimes life sucks. Sometimes, life doesn’t turn out how we planned our lives to be. Sometimes, good people end up doing shitty things, and sometimes shitty things happen to good people. But there’s always a way to feel whole again. There’s always something that we can hang onto to get us through whatever it is we are facing – whether it be music, or a person, or whatever, there’s always something.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Both books are fictional stories 😉

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
There are a FEW experiences between A Deadly Bet, Licentious, and A Secret Gamble, that has impacted either my life, or someone close to me.

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Erotic Romance is a huge one. It made me realize that it’s okay to act be more sexual. (It’s also great for my marriage!) As a mom of twin toddlers, who works full-time, writes at night, and has a life like everyone else, come 9 PM I’m dog-tired. Erotic Romance helped spark something inside of me to make the effort more frequently with my hubby.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
OMG. Really?! What kind of question is this?! This is like asking me to choose my favorite child! Lol. Oye… umm… I can’t answer this question. So I’m going to list the first bunch of author names that pop in my head that I one-click without reading the synopsis: Harper Sloan, Brooke Cumberland, Nicole Edwards, James Patterson, Ryan Michelle, Chelle Bliss, Belle Aurora, EL James, Lucian Bane, Kimber S. Dawn, Lily White, Erika Ashby, SD Hildreth, Mia Sheridan… this list can continue on forever…

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I’m not. My TBR is super long. I have probably 300+ books one clicked and waiting for me to read but I banned myself from reading anything until the Licentious rewrites are done, and at least ten chapters of A Secret Gamble. Unless, it’s a beta read – then all bets are off!

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Yes! Oh my word. I have beta read for a few recently published or up and coming, and let me tell you – prepare yourselves! Seasons by Katrina Alba, Picking Up the Pieces by Stephanie Gresham, Unexpected Chances and Second Chances by S.L. Scheifer, and Orphan Flowers by JC Rochford. I’m also a huge fan of Lucian Bane’s Dom Wars. I love how the main characters aren’t as… predictable in the bedroom as a D/s relationship. It seems more realistic and relatable for me personally than some of the other D/s books I have read.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
I’m currently working on a few rewrites of Licentious, which will be out on 8/27/14. I have about a third completed on Dominating Elijah which is book one of four in a series, and I have about three chapters completed in A Secret Gamble which will be released this winter 2014. Today actually, I just outlined two new standalone books.

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
I can’t do one. I have to do three. And those are my best girlfriends. Corinne (Tiger), Sara W and Amber P. These three girls are my sisters and my best friends and I can honestly say, that I probably would not have even started or hit publish on ADB if it weren’t for them.

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Definitely! I’m a dreamer, and I truly believe that anything is possible. But even if the day never comes where I can tell my boss that I’m resigning to write full-time, I will never stop writing.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not a thing. I made the mistake of reading some not-so-great reviews, and I appreciated them. I saw where the reader was coming from, but it made me start to doubt myself, my story, and the way the characters shared it with me. A Deadly Bet may not have been perfect for some people, but it was perfect for me. Because I write for, well… me. Before I put ADB down a paper, I told myself that story a thousand times over. Even if I never publish another book again, I’ll never stop writing. Even if I don’t put the words down on paper, doesn’t mean I’m not writing in my head.

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I remember being down one day, and I could not tell you for the life of me what it was about, but I just picked up a pen and starting writing poetry. Then I started writing a few songs. Eventually small stories ran through my head that turned into full length novels.

 

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure! Here’s the prologue from Licentious, releasing on 8/27/14.
Prologue

I never had a mother. Well, technically I do, but in reality she’s a total bitch who couldn’t remember to take a pill regularly, and…well, here I am. Surprise!
I love my Dad though. He tries his hardest to make up for my mother lacking on all levels. My brother, Aedan, is seven years older than my sister, Eve, and I, but he’s never treated us as ‘annoying little sisters’. In fact, if you take my Mom out of the equation, we’re a tight-knit family who truly are best friends. Cliché? Maybe. But fortunately for us, it’s pure truth.
I wish I could tell you my life is all rainbows and butterflies, but then I’d be giving you complete bullshit. One dream. My dream, broke everything. It destroyed my family, my best friends. It destroyed me. It tore me down, causing me to defend myself the only way I knew how. I just simply stopped caring. Until I met a man who tried to change everything I felt. Until he believed in me, to make me see how beautiful life can be if I just let it in. I started to believe. He helped me see what I was missing, that is, until I discovered who he really was. How dark and dangerous he truly was. How believing in him, means turning my back on everything I believed in.
I’m not promising you butterflies and rainbows. Shit, I’m not even promising you a happily ever after, simply because, I don’t even know how this is going to end.
I’m Joey. Welcome to my hell.

 

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I swear like a trucker. Whether I’m talking, texting, or writing, the profanities just keep on coming. I personally don’t care, but I’m constantly reprimanded other people… including my daughters since they aren’t allowed to say ‘naughty words’. Sometimes the characters do call for more profanity than usual, but sometimes my brain just naturally adds those damn words in all on its’ own.

 

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Same answer from the author mentor question. I wouldn’t consider someone a mentor if they weren’t one of my faves 😉

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not yet! My first official signing as of now, will be in Biloxi, Mississippi on March 7, 2015. However, I may just be adding a few to that list 😉

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Kari Ayasha from Cover to Cover Designs

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Being patient and waiting for edits and cover mockups. And then trying to hold off and not hit publish (even though I did hit it a week earlier than planned anyways lol)

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
To not read the reviews. It’s fine to copy/paste a few for marketing purposes, but I refuse to read the majority, including the low rated ones because I don’t want to become enthralled with changing the stories, the characters, and me as a writer for someone else.
I’ve also learned that there is a lot of negativity in the indie community, as well as piracy. But I’ve come to realize that there’s even more positivity, and amazing authors, bloggers, and readers who genuinely CARE and WANT people to succeed. And they want to read their stories. They don’t charge you your next child’s college tuition to help. They offer amazing feedback. They help promote because they want to and they believe in the author’s work. I have friends in my ‘real’ life. But I’ve also made some amazing friends that I can’t wait for the day to meet them all. If I would’ve known how supportive so many of these amazing people truly are, I wouldn’t have waited so long to write my first novel.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
DON’T read the reviews!! You want feedback, find yourself some amazing, helpful, damn good betas. They’ll be honest and it will change your world and make your story 100 times better than you originally thought. The reviews are for other readers, and even if your book is the best ever written, there will always be a select few who won’t connect, and they’ll let you and everyone else know in a not so nice fashion. It’s happened to me, and it’s happened to every. Single. Author. That’s published.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
THANK YOU! Thank you for giving me a chance. Even if you hate my work – thank you for giving me a shot. Thank you for the reviews – reviews are HUGE for authors. We may not always like them, but they’re great for other readers to resort to. Thank you for being a part of the indie community and supporting us indie authors, because without you – the readers – we writers wouldn’t be publishing anything. We may not even put the words to paper, or even share the stories out loud with anyone else. Life would be boring without books and the creativity that books spark within us. So thank YOU!

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
No. BUT, I remember my first favorite book! Go Dog Go! was not only my favorite by all of my brothers, too. I now buy each new nephew/niece born into that side of my family their own copy in hopes that they’ll love to read it as much as we did. I can’t even tell you why it was all of our favorites, but it was.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
I love to write and read (duh!). I also love to bake, go for walks with my girls, camping, hunting, fishing, kickboxing, shopping, and sleeping. I definitely love to sleep – but that’s probably because I only average 5-6 a night. I used to get 8+ before having kids lol.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Oh my word! Lol… hmmm. I love teen shows. I may be a bit old for them but I just can’t help myself! The Vampire Diaries and The Originals are my top faves! But I also love Chasing Life, Switched at Birth, and of course MTV’s The Challenge. If Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill were still airing I’d be watching those, too! (But I always watch the reruns) 😉

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
I’m a sucker for Italian food. If I’m given the option, I will always choose Italian! My favorite colors are green, orange, and grey. But I love yellow, too! To be honest, it really depends on what we are talking about to determine what my fave color will be. I love music. I seriously love all music except classical and heavy metal. I’m really into Of Monsters and Men, Florence and The Machines, Paramore, CCR, Mumford & Sons, Phillip Phillips, Rhianna, and pretty much anything that Pandora gives me when I’m on one of these artist channels. Lol.

 

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Well, I still work full-time for a living 😦 BUT my dream job would be to open a book store/coffee shop, be or a criminal psychologist. I really would love to be a social worker or work in oncology at a children’s hospital – I just never thought my heart could actually handle the not so good stories of those jobs.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
Yes! You can check out my website and blog at http://jencousineau.com
Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenCousineau
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8021709.Jen_Cousineau
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jen-Cousineau/e/B00JPFDWJC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1399335879&sr=8-1
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101921096166996171765/posts
Booktropolous: https://booktropoloussocial.com/index.php?do=/profile-3196/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenCAuthor (@JenCAuthor)
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorjenc/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/jencousineau

A Deadly Bet Links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JREOZA6
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00JREOZA6?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00JREOZA6?%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00JREOZA6Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00JREOZA6?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00JREOZA6
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-deadly-bet-jen-cousineau/1119222360?ean=9781497304802
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/427890
SIGNED PAPERBACK: http://jencousineau.com/
Prices include signed book, signed bookmark, and shipping.
US $15
Canada $24
International $29

 

 

 

Here is my interview with Steven Bynum

 

Name: Steven Bynum
Age: 41
Where are you from?
I’m from a small town, Rocky Branch, Louisiana.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
I have a Bachelor degree in Information Systems Security. It was a total waste of money. I never was able to land a job in the computer field, so, I wound up working as a security officer. Well, I got tired of that job for various reasons and decided to make a change in my life. I started writing. It was the best decision I ever made. I’m not making a lot of money at it right now, but I sure am enjoying life doing it.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I just published my first short story, Ceremony for the Boy, on Amazon. My novel, Deaders, is coming along. It has reached the 40k words mark. I consider it to be 75% done.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing in High School. Mostly, it was poems about this and that. Life, however, can take you in a totally different direction. Just two years ago, 2012, I started writing again. I wanted to do something in life that I enjoy.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I finished and published my first novella January, 2013. When I finished and published the second novella March, 2013, I considered myself a writer. It’s proper, I think, for someone to consider themselves a writer if they write any kind of story whether they publish it or not. Mainly, I figured if I kept writing and publishing then I was a writer. Just a personal test I suppose.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book, Becoming the Beast, is extremely personal. It deals with feelings and emotional stress I had with me for many years. It is not exactly what I would call based on a true story, but there are a few things in it that happened and are real in my life. For example, my brother does suffer from chronic mental illness and shadow people did torment him for a while until we managed to get him treatment. I suppose I wanted to show the horrors of mental illness thru the life of a werewolf. Since, I really love werewolves you see. It was a way to write about my favorite supernatural creature and make it personal.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Not really. I feel like my writing style is still developing and evolving.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
If you mean the title of the novel I am working on, Deaders, then, it was just an idea of what someone might call a bunch of zombies.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
In, Becoming the Beast, I want people to understand how terrible chronic mental illness can be. I want them to understand how it can destroy not only someone’s life, but the life of their entire family
There’s really no message in Into Zombies Complete and Deaders. They are both just good zombie fun with a little extra thrown inside.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
In, Deaders, apart from the zombies, just about everything is realistic. I did not do a major amount of research, but I tried to use real items and places that exist in the world today.

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
No, Deaders, is just a story solely being written for entertainment.

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Dragonlance novels, especially the first six, Chronicles and Legends by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, really got me into enjoying reading. Those books took me into fantasy lands of imagination.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I’m sure you’ve heard these names before, but I’ll say them again. Mike Evans, Tony Baker, David Reuben Aslin, as well as all the other indie authors I have met on Facebook that inspire me every day.

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I am in the process of reading, The Orphans, by Mike Evans.

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Yes indeed. I pretty much only read indie authors now. The most recent I have read, Tony Baker, David Reuben Aslin, and Mike Evans. I fully intend to read books from Mike Clary, Ian McClellan, Ian Woodhead, Matthew Cox and more.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
I will continue writing Deaders. It’s around 75% done. After that, I plan to write more short stories.

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
All my friends on Facebook.

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
I very much hope it to come into being.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Hmm, I’m sure I would. I have learned a lot since writing Becoming the Beast and Into Zombies Complete.

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I don’t like talking to people. My best mode of communication is through writing.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Excerpt from Deaders:
One
Clump…clump…clump…clump…the zombie slowly walked across the floor. Jacob, Mary, and their teenage daughter, Sheila, were huddled in the cellar below. They were terrified. It had been a few days since the Emergency Broadcast System blared on the television, telling everyone to remain calm and stay in their homes. Like good citizens, they listened, and did what the message had said. Two days ago they had seen the first zombies strolling by their home. It was all so surreal and unimaginable. None had ever tried to get inside until now. This one was different somehow. As if it had a slight intelligence, it had smashed through a window and was now searching their home for something to eat. They wondered if it knew they were there, hiding.
Clump…clump…with every step, Sheila became more and more frightened. She had begun to whimper, and Mary was doing everything possible to keep her quiet. Jacob was searching for a weapon. If it came down to it, he would defend his family with his life. He was becoming a bit frustrated. He had not found anything yet that he considered suitable for a weapon. Certainly there must be something down here. The darkness made the search even more difficult. At long last, his hand scraped across a claw hammer. It would have to do. Taking it, he moved to the bottom of the stairs, waiting.
Mary caressed her daughter’s hair and kissed her on the forehead.
“Everything will be okay, sweetie; daddy will take care of us,” she whispered. “It can’t get down here. You’ll see. We’re safe.”
Clump…clump…the zombie stopped just on the other side of the cellar door. A long scraping sound echoed down the stairs as it slid its fingernails across the wooden surface. It scratched at the door, moaning. Jacob and Mary were becoming nervous, and Sheila started trembling in her mother’s arms. She began whimpering again, and Mary placed her hand over her daughter’s mouth.
“Shhh,” Mary whispered. “If you don’t be quiet, it will hear us. You need to control yourself, sweeheart.”
The scratching stopped abruptly, causing a heavy silence to wash over them. Their minds raced, wondering what was going on. What’s it doing? Did it leave? There they waited, frozen in place, not wanting to make a sound. Their hearts pounded. The beating seemed so loud, they wondered if it could hear the thumping in their chests. They took shallow breaths as they watched the cellar door with wide eyes. Jacob’s muscles tensed as he gripped the claw hammer tightly. He held it up at the ready.
Rap…the zombie hit the door with a fist, causing Sheila to scream aloud. The zombie snarled at the sound, and began pounding on the door. It knew there was food on the other side of the door and it would not stop until it got in. Mary could not muffle Sheila’s screams. She had become hysterical with fear. Jacob took a quick look in their direction, and moved slightly closer to the door. He prepared to defend his family with all his might.
“I’m not sure the door will hold,” Jacob shouted. “Get back as far as you can. We can’t get trapped in here. If it gets through, I’ll make an opening and the two of you run for it!”
“We will not leave you behind,” Mary sobbed. Sheila was crying as well, as she held on to her mother’s hand.
Pounding…the zombie was trying to punch its way through the door. Jacob knew it wouldn’t be long before the latch gave way. What am I going to do? He placed his back to the door in an attempt to brace it from opening. The punches from the zombie were strong and jarring. Even if he was able to keep the door shut, the wood was beginning to weaken. One way or another, the zombie would get through and devour their flesh while they are still alive.

 

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I freaking hate dialogue. It always gives me trouble. Probably because I don’t talk a whole lot. Never have.

 

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I’m finding that to be a difficult question for some reason. I want to say all indie authors, because they put so much heart and soul into their writing.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I have not done any traveling as of yet.

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Until I start making good money, I do my own covers.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I tend to have trouble putting what I have in my mind down on paper. It gets easier with practice.

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Never give up.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing. Do not let a bad review get you down. You will never be able to please everyone.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I can not express how much I appreciate their support. Writing is a lot of work and if they can take the time to write a review, it helps. Bless you all.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
I do not, but Lord of the Flies and Catcher in the Rye comes to mind. Those were probably two of my earliest books to read. I’m sure I read something when I was younger, I just can’t remember it.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
I love to play video games, watch movies, and read.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I will pretty much watch anything if it is good. Star Wars and Star Trek are two of my loves. I’m hooked on The Walking Dead and Supernatural at the moment.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
I’m not much of a food person. I eat what I can decide on at the time. If I had to pick one food, I would say fish.
Colors, hmm, black, blue, and gray.
I listen to different music, but I have to say heavy metal is my favorite.

 

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I would have loved to designed video games.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
My blog, if you can call it that I suppose. I Write Stuff
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/sbynumauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sgbynum
Amazon author page: http://amazon.com/author/sgbynum

 

Here is my interview with Benjamin Card

 

 

Name: Benjamin Card
Age: 25
Where are you from: Miami, FL
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc:
My family is huge and awesome. A bunch of crazy Cubans. My dad is Colombian. All my cousins are my best friends. I started college but stopped for now.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I have a new collection being published with Villipede Publications titled “The Courting”. The release date is still TBA but I’ll be announcing an exact date soon. I’m also working on a new science fiction novella called “Love, American Style” and a horror YA series called “Survive The Night”. I have several more novels in my head and plan on releasing at least one a year.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
It must have been during elementary school. It started with writing crappy comic books with my older brother and eventually I was starting different stories and never finishing them. Usually love stories because I was influenced early on by Nicholas Sparks.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I guess I always enjoyed writing as a hobby but it was about 3 years ago after reading Richard Matheson’s work that I decided to pursue writing as a career.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My first completed novel was Survive the Night, and it first started in my head as a short story about a kid who is asked to house-sit for a family and starts encountering a lot of demonic things in the house and he’s unable to escape for the entire night. Then the story evolved and eventually became a YA haunted house series. The story was inspired by Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” and Matheson’s “Hell House”.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Well, I’d say my style mimics Richard Matheson and Ernest Hemingway the most. Unlike Hemingway, though, I love to describe feelings in detail and use a lot of imagery for fear and different emotional reactions.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
My titles always come differently. Not sure how to answer that question. I just think about what sounds cool and might sound good as a movie. Aside from the stories I already mentioned, I plan on writing these titles: The Orbs, 2 Saviors, The House Always Wins, On the Rim of the Visible World, and The Comatose Country. I might possibly write a sequel to The Courting sometime in the future.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Sure. It all varies and sometimes comes without me even noticing. My short stories Wake Up!” and “The Glitch” deal with poverty in the world. “I’ll Spend it With You,” “Blind Date,” and “All Is Fair In Love” deal with themes of love and romance. There’s nothing too specific and it’s never preachy or even optimistic usually, but I put enough heart to let the reader take it any way they want.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
Well, The Courting is realistic if you can believe in a drug that can target a demographic and make them act differently. Some stuff is fake, but I try to make it believable, even the fake stuff.

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Sometimes. The Courting came to me in a nightmare. The other stuff depends. The scary stuff is usually stuff that scares me.

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life?

Everything by Richard Matheson.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Matheson, Hemingway, Bradbury, and Stephen King.

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Psycho 2 by Robert Bloch and A Farewell To Arms by Hemingway.

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I usually read older books. But Mitch Albom is a fantastic new author. I hope he goes down in history as one of the greats.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
The ones I mentioned above.

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
God if we’re going to get weird and spiritual. And my close small circle of friends.

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Sure. It is a career.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Nope, I did my best. I’ll drive myself crazy if I think that way.

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Reading Nicholas Sparks and then Matheson. And I just liked the idea that I could create my own world and invite readers into it.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I’m writing a new novella called “Love, American Style”, which takes place in future America, where a new technology let’s people simulate any experience they want, even if it’s illegal, immoral, or just plain evil. It’s legal because it hurts no one, but one young man sees what the rest of the country doesn’t and tries to stop these criminal acts by shutting down the system and letting America reveal its true colors.

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Sure. I think researching is difficult and just plain boring. I try to avoid it if I can. Dialogue comes pretty naturally to me (I hope).

 

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Richard Matheson. And it’s because he writes so honestly and so realistically that I feel like his characters are in my own head.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Nope I don’t think so.

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
I design all of my covers initially, and the publisher polishes it up and makes it look way better.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Starting it and then finishing it. But when I look back it wasn’t hard at all. Just takes discipline.

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned that a little bit of writing a day can eventually make a novel.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write. Read. Get weird with it, and have fun.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
If you check out my book, I hope you enjoy the stories. I had fun writing them and reading them after. I think they’re quite good. And there’s more to come. Thanks for reading.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Nope. I remember the first book that awakened me to love reading. “Message in a Bottle” by Nicholas Sparks.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
I have a rock band called My Flesh Heart. Check me out on iTunes and Spotify. I also enjoy drinking often with friends.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Steven Spielberg, Sam Raimi, Edgar Wright, George Romero, Joss Whedon, gosh there’s too many… For shows: South Park, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Breaking Bad, Twin Peaks, Six Feet Under, Eastbound and Down, The Twilight Zone, too many too mention…

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music.
Italian, Mexican, Greek. Every color is cool I guess. I’m color blind so there are some shades I can’t see. Music: Jars of Clay, Switchfoot, Family Force 5, Needtobreathe, Passion Pit, House of Heroes, Mahler, The Beatles, Chet Baker, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Tchaikovsky, Johnny Cash, so many more…

 

 

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

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it? Nope, but look me up on social media by searching Benjamin Card. I’m on Instagram, Twitter and vine.

 

 

Here is my interview with Elle Boon

 

 

Name: Elle Boon
Age: EEEEEKKKK 41
Where are you from: Missouri, like smack dab in the middle of Merica hehehehe.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc: I have a degree in Accounting, but am a stay at home mom. My youngest is 14 and my oldest is 20. My husband and children are my world, so when my youngest started school, I was left with a gaping hole that I filled with books for the 7 hours while he was away. I’d always worked until I’d had my youngest that was born with underdeveloped bronchial tubes. From the moment we realized he was sick, I became a “helicopter” mom lol. So when he went to school, it was really hard to let go. Thank the lord for Romance novels 

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I just hit send on Final Edits of Jaklyn’s Saviors book 3 in The Ravens of War and am working on book 4 Kira’s Warriors. I think y’all will love where I took Jaklyn and her men (fingers crossed) and with book 4 it’s going to be even more different. My goal is to make each book a stand alone, but you will see characters from previous books in each story. I also plan to make them so different from each other that the reader won’t go “same story different hero and heroine”. In books 1&2 you had the same bad guy, but that was really the only similarities, however in books 3&4 there are no similarities.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I’d always kept a journal and had stories in my head, but after my son started school I was diagnosed with Uterine Cancer. I realized life really could change in the blink of an eye, and there was soo much that I hadn’t done. So I made a bucket list. I became a beta/crit partner for several authors and from there I started writing the stories in my head down on paper. My bucket list started getting things checked off and becoming a published author was on that list. I’m happy to say I was finally able to put a check mark after that one too. Of course it took a few rejections which sucked major monkey balls to get them, but they made me a better writer in the long run. I learned a lot from the rejections and met some great ladies along the way who helped me. One of those women just so happened to be Desiree Holt. She actually critiques Selena’s Men and helped me clean it up and get it ready to submit to Siren.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I had a reader ask me for my autograph at Lori Fosters Reader Author Get Together in 2014. That was awesome! My hand was shaking and I truly have the most god-awful handwriting ever! She even posed for a pic with me so I could have it for my own scrapbook.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
The story kept playing in my head. I could see Selena’s life soo clearly like it was real lol. Until I finally sat down and started typing, the same scene kept playing every time I stopped to think. Once I got it down, then I was able to move on  To the next scene lol.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I’ve found out that I am a “pantster”. I write scene by scene. I start out by getting my characters lined out. I know their names and descriptions from top to bottom. I know what the overall storyline is going to be, like who the good guys are and who the bad guy or guys are going to be. I know there is going to be an HEA and I’ll know what the major conflict is going to be. But everything in between is a mystery to me. I keep it in a notebook beside me and as I’m writing I add to the notebook. If a character pops up I add him or her to the storybook. If someone says something all the time I add it to their description, that way I don’t have another character saying or doing the same thing.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
I knew I was doing a series, so I wanted something that I could somehow use or play off of for the next and the next. And then I realized that was even harder than I thought lol. So I decided to use the ladies names to start each book, that way they all were cohesive in a way.

 

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
For me my books are a way to escape from reality, that’s what I did when I was going through chemo. I read romance of all genres to escape from reality. But I hope that readers will read my stories and walk away happy. In all my books I write heroines that are no weaklings. They are all different in looks and sizes, but all have inner cores of steal. They all have overcome some sort of adversity or loss and were still fighters. So maybe that is a message and I didn’t realize it until now OY. 

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
I put a lot of characteristics from friends into the characters of my stories. I even name or use parts of names of my real life friends in the stories. Also the setting for Selena’s Club is based off of a real life place near where I am from, only the bar is fictional sort of. There are certain phrases that are used that I am known to say or someone I know say in each book. I have yet to base a bad guy off of someone I know, but I never say never hehehehe.

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Since the stories are paranormal and completely out of this world, the answer is not completely, but I do use some real life issues. I just tweak them…A lot  for instance in Selena’s Men there is a scene where Selena gets on the bar and dances to a Sugarland song. I have actually done this with my friends at a bar. In Selena’s Men she does Krav Maga and so do I. In Two For Tamara she is the snarky best friend with a penchant for saying the “F” word, that is so me, and so many other things in each of my heroines. So there are many things from my life that I put into each story, not only of me but of my friends that I inject into my characters.

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
This is where I’m supposed to say Jane Eyre or some other great book, and while yes I’ve read the greats, they are not what I love or would consider influential. Books or authors that I consider inspiring are Sherrilyn Kenyon, Carrie Ann Ryan, Laurann Dohner, Kate Douglas, Shelly Laurenston, Dana Marie Bell and Diana Palmer and so many others lol. I read to escape and for fun, so anything with an HEA and that is 3rd person. I know the trend is serials and 1st person, but I am not a fan of those.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Desiree Holt. Hands down that woman is by far the greatest, most giving woman ever. She has helped me soo much and I credit her for helping me get my first contract with Siren.

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Diana Palmer Invincible. I just finished reading Mandy Roth’s latest I’Ops.

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I’ve been writing so I haven’t been reading as much. I have my autobuys and my favorites that I read, but I have read a few new Siren authors like Jordan Ashley, Michelle Roth, and Heather Fortman to name a few. They are all amazing and I highly recommend them all. 

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?
I’m working on book 4 in my Ravens Of War Kira’s Warriors. IMO this book is going to be awesome. A little darker than the last three, but soo good.

 

 

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
I can’t name just one person, so I’ll say my “Friends” and the list is not long. I have several girlfriends who I truly would be lost without. Debbie Ramos, who has been my friend, and beta reader from the beginning. Margie Hager, who has been a wonderful friend and cheerleader. Valerie Tibbs who has done so much for me, from creating my website, to making me ads for my books, to being one of my best friends. Not to mention all the new supporters that have been awesome. That list is getting long!

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Right now I see writing as the best thing that’s happened to me since my husband and kids. I don’t know if I would classify it as a career. More like my passion, or my third love. ❤

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No! I truly love my stories and how I wrote them. I’ve re-read them and I still love them. Heck I just re-read book 3 Jaklyn’s story and I fell in love with the characters all over again.  When I was reading it for editing purposes I found myself laughing at the antics of these characters that I created. When I was reading the editors comments, and how much she enjoyed them too, I was excited to hear the readers take on them.

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Honestly I’ve always kept a journal and made stories up in my head. I just never thought about doing it until one of the authors I was beta/reading for said I should become a writer that I really became serious. I was helping her through a “block” and we were on the phone while I was driving (I was on my wireless headset) and she stopped in the middle and said I was wasting my talent. We chatted and I told her about my recurrent story and she told me to get it on paper or computer…NOW. So I did and the rest as they say is history. Now, let me back up and say I do have a story I wrote prior to Selena’s Men, that will probably never see the light of day. It is a contemporary romance that needs A LOT of work.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I am writing the 4th book in the Ravens of War series. This book takes us to Japan with Thane and Garrick and Kira. You meet these three in Jaklyn’s story and get to see that there’s more to the petite young woman than meets the eye. The Ravens had been hired to protect her by her father, but all is not as it seems. She helps to save a very important person in book 3 (don’t want to give any spoilers) but her life is in danger, which is why she has Ravens as bodyguards. I’m only in the beginning, but I think it’s fabulous.

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I love writing, it’s the promo that I find hard. I love chatting with readers, and going on blogs, and the parties are awesome. But I don’t think I’m good at promo 

 

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
OY, I have so many favorite authors. My favorite genre is paranormal though. I have a tattoo of books on my right shoulder and down my back of books. On the books I have different symbols, from a wolf paw to a star and I had the double bow and arrow from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters. So I guess you can say she is one of my favorites. But I still love Diana Palmer too even though she’s as far from paranormal and erotic as you can get.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not yet and thanks to the internet I can find just about anything I need concerning the places I do use. Also since I write paranormal and some of the places I use are fictional, I can make them look the way I want with my own creative mind. In Two For Tamara the crew travels to the fifth level of Hell. I was very creative in what I though each level would look like and feel like.

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Harris Channing has made all the covers so far. I described what my characters looked like, what I didn’t want and have loved what she’s come up with. I can’t wait for the print versions.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Submitting them for the first time. That was truly scary  and then came the wait “insert nail biting”!

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned I suck at proper comma usage *weg*, but that wasn’t really a shock.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
To not give up. If they really want to be a writer, then they need to keep trying, even if they get rejected. This is not an easy business, but it is soo much fun to create worlds. I was told that a writer had to have a thick skin, and that is the absolute truth. I luckily only got rejected 3 times, but I have friends who had been rejected dozens of times.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you…Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking a chance and reading my stories, when there are so many others to choose from. Thank you for leaving a review on all the different platforms, and for friending me on Facebook and liking my posts. I truly appreciate each and everyone of you. Big Huge Hugs. And as I’m fond of saying, but is so true. Love y’all soo hard

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
I remember the first book I read when my son started kindergarten. It was Diana Palmer’s Carrera’s Bride. I think I have read that book a dozen times and it’s still one of my favorites. When I was younger I read all the time, but since I went through chemo I have what is affectionately called “chemobrain”. I just always loved to read and had tons of books even as a child.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Reading lol. I also love to sew. Anytime, anyone in my family has an article of clothing that needs to be fixed or made, I’m the one they bring it to. I love to make things 

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I love Game Of Thrones, True Blood, Teen Wolf, and recently my daughter who is 20 has gotten me hooked on series through NetFlix. She has been getting series that I have fallen in love with even though I don’t watch much television, like Prison Break (Love them brothers) and Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights, and now Greys Anatomy. Lord Save me lol.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music:
I love Italian food, my favorite is chicken con broccoli over angel hair pasta with a creamy garlic sauce yummmm. My favorite color is purple, add sparkles and I’m in love. My taste in music is very eclectic. I love country, rock, and some pop. As long as you can dance to it I love it. With that being said my all-time favorite group Metallica, their re-make of Bob Seger’s Turn The Page is something I never get tired of hearing, and then I can switch to country and boot scoot with the best of them. I love the hair bands of the 80’s, but I also love heavy metal too. Very eclectic lol.

 

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Exactly what I was doing. Being a wife and mother. I love my life with my husband and kids, I’m just grateful that I am doing what I always wanted to do now and that is writing. I’m glad that people are getting to read my stories and seem to like them.

 

 

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

Yes mam. It’s http://www.elleboon.com, but I am on Facebook all the time. Here are a few of the places you can find me 
https://www.facebook.com/elle.boon
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elle-Boon-Author/1429718517289545
https://twitter.com/ElleBoon1
Places to find my books 
http://www.amazon.com/Selenas-Ravens-Siren-Publishing-Menage-ebook/dp/B00JZPWPGI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1405571282&sr=1-1&keywords=selena%27s+men+elle+boon
http://www.amazon.com/Tamara-Ravens-Siren-Publishing-Menage-ebook/dp/B00L19WICW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1405571314&sr=1-1&keywords=two+for+tamara+elle+boon
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/selenas-men-ravens-of-war-elle-boon/1119372514?ean=9781627415378
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/two-for-tamara-ravens-of-war-2-elle-boon/1119782921?ean=9781627417785
http://www.bookstrand.com/jaklyns-saviors