Here is my interview with A.M. Madden

Name A.M. Madden

Age Forty-something

Where are you from  New Jersey

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc   I’m a wife, mother of two boys, and a hopeless romantic who gets her fix through romance novels.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I just released my 4^th book in The Back-Up Series called Backstage. It’s the story of one of my secondary characters named Trey Taylor.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I always loved reading. It was an escape from reality. Writing was never something I planned to do.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’m not sure I still do. It’s very surreal. Putting yourself out there and hoping people enjoy the stories you tell is very unnerving, especially for someone who really never planned this route or this career.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I decided to right Back-Up after a dream.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The dream was of a lead singer and his back-up singer. Their chemistry on stage was so hot that it woke me up. That’s how it all started.

 

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

Sometimes fate has it’s own plans, whether you like it or not.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

I like to think the whole book is realistic. I tried to create characters that you would want to hand out with.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Not experiences, but more so characteristics of the characters.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

Romance novels. I love them and am a self-proclaimed junkie.

 

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

I have many. I love S.C. Stephens, Samantha Towle, Colleen Hoover, Alice Clayton. But every time I read a fantastic book, my list gets longer.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m reading Mr. Beautiful by R.K. Lilley.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?

I am writing a stand alone based on a NYC police cop.

 

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

It’s not just one entity. It’s been a collaboration of fellow authors, bloggers, and readers. I’m very lucky to have a support system such as I have.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I do now. I can’t imagine stopping.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No. I love the way Trey’s story came out. It’s different than the first three books in the series. Those are more light-hearted. Trey’s book is dark and honest and raw, just as he is.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I always enjoyed writing assignments in school. I never considered it homework. Math on the other hand I hated.

 

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

Not yet.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I’ve attended one signing so far. It was in North Carolina and I had so much fun. I have quite a few scheduled over the next two years.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Finally saying to yourself, ok, it’s done. I’m OCD and tend to re-read over and over. When I finally am able to read it through without making one single change, I’m finally content.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Stay true to yourself. Everyone has an opinion and everyone is entitled to it. It’s hard to read reviews and not second guess yourself, especially when you have insecurities regarding being a writer. With each book, I’m getting more and more comfortable with negativity.

 

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

Thank you! I am so overwhelmed from the support I’ve received. It’s been an amazing journey and I’ve met some fantastic people along the way, some I can now call my friends.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I’ve read many for school assignments, but the first romance novel I read for pleasure was Judy Blume’s Forever. I loved that book.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I love to laugh. Just about anything can make me laugh. I’d have to say the same about crying. I’m very sensitive.

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

I have a few. I’d love to meet Ellen DeGeneres. She makes me laugh on a daily basis. I also would love to meet Springsteen, I’ve been a fan since I’m twelve. I would like to meet my hall pass, Jamie Dornan. Lastly, Elvis.

 

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why?

Oh, good one. I’d have to say: Loving mother and wife who loved to love.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Reading.

 

 

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

I’m a romcom fanatic. I love them. I hate horror movies, and refuse to watch them. I don’t watch much TV. I love Parenthood, Dancing With The Stars, The Bachelor, (don’t judge me). My newest addiction is Outlander.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite Music

Classic Rock. I love it and it shows in my books.

 

 

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

I worked in retail my entire adult life. Writing is my second career and it’s all I want to do.

 

 

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

Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/A.M.-Madden/e/B00E8NK316/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1414798940&sr=1-2-ent

Here is my interview with Thonie Hevron

Name: Thonie Hevron

Age: I’m 62.

Where are you from: San Francisco, raised in Mill Valley, Northern California

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc:

My father was career Army and a US Marshal so we travelled a lot when I was a kid. I was educated at Catholic schools in Marin County. College was also Catholic, Lone Mountain College. I got into law enforcement at the age of 21 and retired in 2011 after 35 years. I’m married and have three grown kids.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Thonie: I found out today that my book, Intent to Hold has been selected as one of the Fall 2015 offerings in the Copperfield’s—Redwood Writers Book Club. This is a partnership between the Sonoma County writer community and Copperfield’s, a local indie bookstore with 7 stores in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin. I’m very excited.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Thonie: In the 5th grade, I had an assignment to write a fable. My story, “How the Leopard Got His Spots” was the beginning.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Thonie: In the 5th grade. I knew it was something I was good at. My parents, teacher, and classmates laughed at the story. I got a taste of entertaining people and loved it.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Thonie: I was reading romances in those days. I was in my mid-twenties and knew I could do a better job than some of the trash I was reading. I never could finish the romance.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

Thonie: I like to write action and dialog, so my sentences come out concise. Many years in law enforcement make me a “bottom line” kind of person. My style is much like I talk; only I get to go back for “do overs.”

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Thonie: Glad you asked! My two titles are taken from the California Penal Code sections that describe the main crime in the story. For instance, my first book cites the code for stalking. An element of the crime must be “By Force or Fear.” “Intent to Hold” refers to kidnapping. My third book is tentatively titled, With Malice Aforethought from the murder statute.

 

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

Thonie: If there’s a message, it is “do the right thing.” I write suspenseful thrillers but they are thoughtful, too. I present the complexities of life behind the badge-the professional and private lives. Choices aren’t as simple as TV and movies portray. Over the years, I learned to live with my mistakes and make smarter choices. I try to reflect that in my stories.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Thonie: The settings are real. The first book is set in Sonoma County, mostly the Russian River area. The second set in a small town north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The characters are mosaics of people I worked with—mostly my perception of them. No character is actually a real person.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Thonie: While I was never a sworn officer, I spent a lot of time in patrol cars with my officers. The agencies I worked for were pro-active in getting support staff out with the troops to learn how to make the work flow and morale better. Some of that is idealized because “ride-alongs” didn’t always have the intended results.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

Thonie: My favorite classic is Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. I love the noble spirit that shines through Sidney Carton’s dissolute and manipulative nature at his end.

 

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

Thonie: I wouldn’t consider him a mentor but Paul Bishop inadvertently gave me permission to use my voice. In the 1990’s he wrote a series featuring a female LAPD detective. Paul was an LAPD detective so he had the creds to write the stories. His voice was unique and it struck me that mine should be, too. That was a huge breakthrough for me.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Thonie: I have several going at any given time. For reference, I Love a Cop by Ellen Kirschman, PhD about cop families, In the Shadow of Lies by local author M.A. Adler is a fabulous debut novel set in Richmond, California during WWII. It explores the underside of patriotism and prejudice in a deftly crafted mystery.

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Thonie: M. A. Adler as I mentioned above. I’m active in the local writers’ scene and have found a deep well of talent: Arletta Dawdy, Helen Sedwick and Amanda McTigue. Others include PJ Parrish, Robert Crais, JA Konrath and T. Jefferson Parker.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?

Thonie: I’m working on the third Nick and Meredith Mystery—a series featuring two Sonoma County Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Investigators. I’m also researching a series of posts for PoliceOne.com on cop retirement and re-invention.

 

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

Thonie: Hands down—Redwood Writers. This is my local chapter of the California Writers Club. It’s an awesome resource for propelling yourself forward. I would recommend it to any writer. I refined craft, publication, and marketing skills. That sounds like I’ve mastered them all but that’s not it—the club offers craft workshops, practice reading opportunities, public reading events, and much more. I see myself as a Redwood Writer forever.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Thonie: Yes. I retired from law enforcement and my husband and I have geared my writing as a second career. He shoulders much of the business part of my career. I owe it all to him.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Thonie: Yes. I’d present a more polished product to my publisher. We worked against a deadline and some boo-boos slipped through. They’ve been corrected but it was with much gnashing of teeth. That said, my publisher is a superwoman.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Thonie: As a youngster, I loved creating stories. During my life, even when I wasn’t writing creatively, I journaled. I’m convinced it was my best therapy.

 

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

Thonie: With Malice Aforethought brings my series heroes, Nick and Meredith, to the remote hills of Sonoma County to investigate a homicide. What they find is more chilling than either could imagine.

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Thonie: Research is always a challenge but I love it. I have to put the brakes on sometimes because I get so involved. Editing is tough. Killing my darlings and/or giving them a make-over hurts. The marketing which is part and parcel of “writing” these days is the biggest challenge. I’ve never liked to speak in front of crowds. Now, I read, speak and hock my books shamelessly.

 

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

Thonie: Larry McMurtry because he weaves so much humanity into his creations. Lonesome Dove is one of the few books I can read over and over.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Thonie: I traveled to Mexico for my second book but I didn’t have enough time to see all the areas I needed. Thank God for Google Earth! I’d plot the story, then during the writing process, the characters would go off to an unfamiliar area I had to describe. Sheesh. Google Earth saved me.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Thonie: My publisher tweaked both covers from photos I submitted. The By Force or Fear cover is of the redwoods, a stock photo to which the silhouette of a man and a woman’s hand holding a gun was added. We later deleted the woman’s hand because it was too distracting. The second, Intent to Hold, is from a photo I took in 2011 on a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Billie Johnson, my publisher polished it up for publication.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Thonie: Deciding when the manuscript was finished. Even now, I look at some sentences and think, “Oh this could be way better!”

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Thonie: I learned lots of lessons. For instance, be professional. If you have a commitment scheduled, be there on time or before, looking polished and know your content. Listen to readers. I learned humility when I had to cut pages that weren’t working anymore. Traipsing out of my comfort zone became a daily challenge. I am not the center of the universe. I’ll only succeed if I’m genuine.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Thonie: Yes, two things: learn your craft and never give up.

 

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

Thonie: My purpose is to entertain with my books. I have a short attention span and this reflects in my writing. My books are action-filled but thoughtful enough to learn something. I hope my readers enjoy my work.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Thonie: Yes, my mother and I read Aesop’s Fables together. I’m sure her agenda was different than mine, but I loved the stories and still use some of the ideas in my stories.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Thonie: Oh, all kinds of things. Slapstick humor is very funny to me as is British humor. My husband makes me laugh because he has such an intelligent sense of humor. My best friend, Jan, and my sisters make me cackle like an old hen. I cry when people I love are hurt. Any kind of animal cruelty makes me very sad. I think the worst is euthanizing my pets. I lost two dogs and a horse this year and all made me cry like a baby.

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

Thonie: My biological father. He died at age 32 when I was an infant. His (our) family speaks of him like he was a saint. I would like to have known him.

 

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

Thonie: Wow, tough question. How about, “She knew how to love life.”

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Thonie: I ride dressage. I lost my last horse this summer and won’t replace him but I have access to some good horses and a great trainer whenever I want. My husband and I have kayaks and are able to use them often in this lovely North Bay Area. I used to garden more than I do—I had to give up something to make time to write. We travel—we are between trailers at the moment, but we cruise and spend time with our daughter in San Luis Obispo.

 

 

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

Thonie: I like “Elementary” because it’s thoughtful. I like British dramas, particularly “Inspector Lewis.” I’m a sucker for a powerful woman premise so “Madame Secretary” is right up my alley. I used to love the old 60’s series, “The Avengers” with Diana Rigg.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Thonie: I’ll eat just about anything but organ meats and lima beans. Love chocolate and desserts, but like salty too—like French Fries. I love Mexican food, too. Colors? I’m all over the map on that one. I like purple sweaters but purple cars not so much. I like pastels and earth tones, depending where they are. I sound indecisive but it depends. Ditto for music. I like eighties rock and roll, classics from Verdi, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé—each at their appropriate time.

 

 

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

Thonie: I would have liked to have been a competitive equestrian, probably either jumping or dressage. I love horses and could easily spend all day, every day with them.

 

 

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

Both! My new website is http://www.thoniehevron.com/. I love the site but the blog component doesn’t have some of the necessary features, like the ability to schedule posts. So for now, I’m happier using WordPress for my blog. The link is: Just the Facts, Ma’am. The blog focuses on law enforcement. I feature a retired LAPD sergeant who has a knack for telling stories on Sundays and I post other articles or my own on Wednesday.

Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/Thonie-Hevron/e/B008E6S6R6/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

 

 

Here is my interview with Anne Carol

 

Name Anne Carol

Age 41

 

I live in Northern California with my husband and two sons, ages 11 and 13.  I have a degree in business administration from a small university in Orange County, CA.  In 2001, the year my first son was born, I earned my CPA license.  I’ve been employed by the same local accounting firm for almost 18 years.

 

 

Fiona: Latest new:

 

Currently my book, Never Let Go (Faithfully Yours #1) is almost finished with the formatting, and then I’ll be able to double-check everything and load the document in its different versions onto Amazon.com, Createspace (for print copies), Barnesandnoble.com, Kobo, and iTunes.  I just set it up for pre-order in the Kindle store. I’ve priced it at $2.99 and it’ll be released November 25^th.

 

Fiona: When and why did I begin to write:

 

I can remember writing children’s stories when I was still a child of 8 or 9.  I’ve always been an avid reader, just obsessed with books and magazines.  When I was around 11 ½ I began writing the first version of Never Let Go.  My imagination is always working; I sometimes feel like I live in two worlds – the real world and a fictional world.  It was only natural that I had to put these stories onto paper.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself to be a writer:

On an amateur level, I considered myself a writer about 2 ½ years ago when I realized I didn’t feel complete unless I was able to write every day.  Professionally, I’d definitely say this past summer, because I worked diligently on implementing changes based on my editor’s feedback.  That’s when I felt like this was a job.

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book:

 

Daydreaming, fantasizing about being married to my favorite English rock star – and I was only 11 years old at the time (refer to #4). That book will be coming out November 25^th, though a more mature, well-written version.

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style:

I tend to have a conversational, clear writing style.  I’m not keen on using a lot of “fluffy” words.  My strength is in writing realistic dialogue, and as I read through Never Let Go, I find that dialogue is a big player in telling the plot.  Honestly, I have aspirations of writing screenplays someday. When I write, it’s like I’m watching a movie in my head, and I’m just re-telling it on paper.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with your title:

 

My title, Never Let Go, came only recently.  Never Let Go is the first of a four book series titled Faithfully Yours, and after telling my editor my original title, she suggested I try to come up with four titles that have a similar sound or theme.  Going back to the drawing board was not easy, because I find it daunting to think up titles.  But I simply glanced through my book to see if any phrases stood out, and “never let go”, or a variation of it, appeared in several scenes.  After I let it sink in, it just made perfect sense.  Of course, then I had to come up with the remaining three titles so they all started with “never”.

 

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

 

First and foremost, I wanted to illustrate a love so strong and binding between two people that it expands across an ocean and an entire country.  But it couldn’t have developed if they each didn’t take the risk, or had the belief that it could last.  They didn’t let the distance or their differences interfere with the love that happened so naturally between them.

 

Secondly, my characters have a lot of respect for each other – though sometimes their teenage ways overshadow that – but in a relationship I think respect for one another is so important.  Beth respects David’s pursuit of music and David respects Beth’s physical boundaries in their relationship.  I love that about them.

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic:

The story is completely made up, but of course the characters all have parts of me, my husband, my family, and my friends in them.  As far as the plot, I do know people who have gone overseas on vacation and ended up meeting their future spouses, so that part isn’t unrealistic.  Regarding the setting, I did a lot of research – including traveling to London – to make sure my details were accurate.

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life:

 

The general plot is all a figment of my imagination.  But there’s at least one scene in my book that is taken from real life.  It involves one of my first rides on the London Tube and how different the people of London are from the people of California.  You’ll just have to read it to see what I’m talking about!

 

Also, having been married for 16 years, I can certainly take aspects of my relationship – silly arguments, etc. – and use them as inspiration.  Same with my relationships with my parents and friends.

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life:

 

I’m not sure I can name specifics. I’ve always devoured romance novels, from the time I was a pre-teen. I read the Sweet Valley High novels growing up, and all of the Judy Blume books.  There was a huge gap in reading fiction between post-college and about five years ago when I was turned on to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga.  I’d say those books influenced me not so much from the content but that they 1) got me back into reading fiction, and 2) inspired me to re-write the story that’s been in my head since childhood. After reading Stephenie Meyer’s background, she sounded a lot like me, so I decided I couldn’t suppress the writer in me any longer.  I told myself, “There’s no reason I can’t sit down and write this story and get it published.”

 

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

 

First off, probably Stephenie Meyer, because of the fact that she just had this vision and decided to write it down.  She’s also a busy mom of all boys (like me) so I can relate to her in that way, too.  Being in a male dominated house while writing a love story can be pretty interesting.

 

Another author I’d love to sit down and chat with is Nicholas Sparks.  I love all of his stories, and so many of them have become popular movies, which is my ultimate dream.  He also came from a business background and then switched to writing, similar to what I’m doing.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now:

 

I’m currently reading If I Stay by Gayle Forman.  I seem to go back and forth between these tragic, heartbreaking stories and the “happily ever after” feel-good stories!

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest:

A while ago I picked up a novel by a new author, Jessica Brockmole, called “Letters From Skye”.  The story is told through a series of letters, starting off with an American college boy writing a fan letter to a young poet who lives on the Isle of Skye.  It begins in 1912, so it’s an historical romance.  I thought it was well-written, and I hope this author keeps writing!

Fiona: What are your current projects:

 

My current book is called “Never Let Go” and it’s the first book in my “Faithfully Yours” series.  There will be four books in the series.  It’s basically about a California girl who spends the summer in England and falls in love with an English guy.  The first book is set in the years 1979-1980, and the entire series will tell of their love story as it develops, matures, and faces challenges over the years.

 

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

 

Definitely my co-workers at my accounting job.  They’ve cheered me on and kept me motivated over the past three years as I’ve re-discovered my writing voice and struggled through my first draft. Every day I was at the office, they’d practically beg me for more material to read to them. They made me feel like not only could I do this, but I HAD to do it.

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career:

 

I’d love for writing to be my sole career, outside of raising a family.  At this point, I still need the accounting job to supplement our income, but my dream is to someday quit accounting altogether and just focus on writing.  However, I’m grateful for my accounting job, not only because of my answer to #17, but because of the knowledge I’ve acquired on how to run my own business.

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book:

 

I can honestly say, “no”.  I’ve spent the past year revising and editing this project, and between my own editing, my beta readers’ feedback, and professional editing, I think the book is pretty perfect!  At least, I think so.

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated:

 

I have a rich imagination.  I’ve always been a quiet, reserved person, yet I have this alternate existence living inside my mind.  I think most writers have this “other world” they have to escape to.  It just came down to the fact that I love the stories in my head and I wanted to read them, so I decided to write them down.  I wrote only for myself in the beginning (as a pre-teen).

 

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

This is from one of my favorite scenes:

I rested my head on his shoulder, after which he trailed his finger along my chin. “You have no idea how I feel about you, do you?”

“I do, because I feel the same way.” I whispered.

As I made the statement, a heaviness swept over me as I realized how deep those feelings were, and how impossible it seemed to fall for someone on the other side of the world.

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing:

 

Just finding the time and energy!  My life was already busy before I pursued writing, so I’ve been forced to drop other things so I can afford the time to write.

 

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

 

I’m not sure I really have a favorite author, but I enjoy Nicholas Sparks’ books. I like emotionally gripping stories, and he seems to specialize in that genre!  His stories are passionate and romantic, which I love, and he’s just a good writer in general.

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s):

 

Since most of my novel is set in London, my husband and I took a vacation there last summer (2013).  I tried to visit the spots I mentioned in my book, but mostly I wanted to be there so I could take in the atmosphere.  I think it’s important to do that, if possible.

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers:

Regina Wamba of Mae I Design and Photography.  She arranged a custom photo shoot, took some amazing photos, and designed the covers for all four books of this series.

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book:

 

Writing my book wasn’t hard in any way, except maybe getting the details – setting, cultural references, and language differences – correct.  What I found difficult was trimming the manuscript down after writing the rough draft.  The first draft was 255,000 words!  And even after trimming it down to 100,000 words, then there was the professional editing process. That was also difficult because I was trying to follow the directions of my editor; it was no longer just for me.  There was a bit more pressure at that point.

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it:

 

How to write for publication.  A lot of writing is instinctual, but it also takes many skills which must be learned.  Since I was a business major – essentially a “number cruncher” for fifteen years with no writing practice – I was forced to learn along the way.  Much of what I learned happened during the editing process.  I still have a lot to learn, but I know it’ll come as I write more books.

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers:

 

Aside from “just do it”, I’d say keep a binder to organize all your story ideas, any photographs of characters, character lists, timelines, research, and anything else related to your book.  I have binders for each book in my series, and it makes it easier to keep things straight.  I also keep a separate binder for new story ideas.

 

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

 

I think you’ll like my story because it’s different.  I’ve read a lot of romance novels over the past few years, and I have yet to come across one like mine – not only because it’s set in the late ‘70s, but because you can feel how naturally my characters fall in love.  It’s intense and passionate, but they also have a great friendship.  You can sense that they truly belong together.  And I promise that the next three books will have you turning the pages!

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read:

 

It was probably “Harold and the Purple Crayon”, a classic children’s book by Crockett Johnson.

 

Fiona: Any other hobbies besides writing:

 

My husband and I love to go wine tasting, and we live in the perfect spot – 1-2 hours away from California wine country.  We also enjoy traveling.  It goes without saying that I love to read.  Music is another great interest; I love all kinds of music and enjoy putting together playlists.  Of course each of my books will have their own playlist.

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching:

 

I like teen dramas like Pretty Little Liars, Vampire Diaries, and the original Beverly Hills 90210.  I’m also a huge fan of Downton Abbey.

 

My favorite films include The Notebook, Peggy Sue Got Married, Love Story, and my favorite funny movie, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

 

Fiona: Favorite food/Colors/Music:

 

Chocolate

Purple and blue

Retro ‘80s

 

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

 

I can’t imagine not being a writer, but I suppose I’d do something – anything – in the entertainment industry.

 

Fiona: Blog/Website:

 

http://annecarolauthor.wordpress.com/

 

 

Thanks for my first interview, Fiona!  This was fun!

 

♥ Anne

 

Never Let Go, The Faithfully Yours Series: 1

 

Is it possible to find your soul mate on the other side of the world?

Beth Johnson is an ambitious high school senior from suburban California with a secret passion for writing. David Somers is a charming young Englishman who wants nothing more than to play guitar in his up-and-coming rock band. Though worlds apart, when fate brings Beth and David together in London in the summer of 1979, sparks fly. After Beth receives upsetting news from home, she finds herself drawn to David’s warm character, and an all-consuming love develops. Theirs is the kind of love one never forgets, and as Beth’s stay in London nears the end, the young devoted couple must face the inevitable question: will their romance fade with the passing of summer or will they realize their promise of never letting go?

Here is my interview with J.E.S. Hays

Name: J.E.S. Hays

Age: 53

Where are you from? South Carolina, USA. I was “born and raised” here, as we say in the South, and though I love to travel, I always come home to SC in the end.

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc  – I come from a long line of storytellers. My father and two of his brothers were Baptist ministers, and my mother was a teacher, so I learned early on how to spin a good yarn and communicate clearly. I live in a little house full of books and photographs, and when I’m not off in my own little universe, I’m outside somewhere with a camera in my hand. I also supervise the Creative Writing categories on the WikiAnswers.com website.

I have worked as a:  janitor, wait-staff, short order chef, park naturalist, assistant park ranger, teacher, and am currently a pharmacist. You can see that I have a bit of trouble settling on a career! I have three college degrees: a Master’s in Education and B.S. in both biology and pharmacy.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I’ve just finished the first novel in the Devon Day and the Sweetwater Kid collection, OUTLAW SECURITY. I’ll be sending that around on the agent/editor circuit this year. The anthology, DOWN THE OWLHOOT TRAIL, will revert to my sole ownership next year, so I’ll be shopping that around as well to find a larger publisher than the original.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always been a storyteller, ever since I learned that it was a great way to become the center of attention! I come from a theatrical family: we were always singing or telling jokes or stories, and I had to have a good tale if I wanted to beat out the competition for center stage. My imagination is full of stories – always has been – and the trouble is sifting one out of the mass inside my head. I’ve been writing down my stories since high school, but never really considered selling them until recently.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I knew I was a “real” writer when I sold my first article to the local newspaper in college. I just haven’t taken the time to pursue that career until recently.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve had this one character in my head since I was in grade school. He’s a trickster and a trouble-maker, a real rascal. I’ve written a few stories about him over the years, but a couple of years ago, a friend challenged me to write a book about him. I started with NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer’s Month) and just kept going.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I have a spare style – nothing overblown or melodramatic – with snappy dialogue that pulls you into the story. I think my humor drives the story as well, and I’ve been told I write like a combination of Louis L’Amour and Robert B. Parker.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

OUTLAW SECURITY is a play on words. The characters decide to invent a security firm – this is in the 1800’s, remember – and they’re outlaws themselves, so it’s security FROM outlaws BY outlaws. It’s also security for them because they’re trying to go straight and have the freedom not to worry about being arrested.

 

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

My characters are scoundrels, so I hope people don’t get the idea that I think stealing is right! I try to portray open-minded, caring people (though they’d deny being “good” to the bitter end), and to show that people are all basically the same, no matter what their race or ethnic background.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

I have a lot of real history in my books. I like doing the research, finding out what restaurants the characters might have eaten in, or what it was like to ride a train in the 1800’s. The situation – a couple of outlaws blackmailed into working for the government – isn’t entirely unrealistic, though to the best of my knowledge, nothing like that ever happened back in the Old West.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I use everything I’ve ever experienced when I write, of course, as all writers do. I don’t use actual events or people in my stories, but I use the emotions I’ve experienced, and I use traits from actual people in my characters.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

I adored Andre Norton when I was growing up: her adventure tales inspired me to come up with my own adventures for my characters. Louis L’Amour has inspired a love of descriptive writing, and Robert B. Parker taught me how to write dialogue. Tony Hillerman and Craig Johnson showed me how to craft a mystery story. Anne MacCaffrey and Laurie R. King just write great stories.

 

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

I suppose I’d have to name Robert B. Parker, if I were pressed. I’ve studied his writing more than any other of my favorite writers, to see how he crafts his tales.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I just finished Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin. It’s totally different from my style of writing, but I saw the movie and it peaked my interest. I’m also re-reading some of Anne MacCaffrey’s Pern books, just for the language and craft of her writing.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?

I’m working on the next Devon Day and the Sweetwater Kid novel. This one will involve them in the treaties between the U.S. and the Republic of Hawai’i.

 

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

My friends have always been behind my endeavors, even when I had trouble seeing myself as a writer.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Eventually. I’d like to get to the point where I’m bringing in enough to cut back to part-time on my “day job.”

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No, I’m pretty satisfied with it at this point.

 

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

I don’t really like to share what I’m writing at the moment, but I can let you have a sample from the last book.

The Pacific Express shuddered to a stop amid a cloud of steam. The Sweetwater Kid allowed himself a smirk as the point of the cowcatcher gently ground against the platform of logs that spanned the rocky cut. He’d measured the distance perfectly.

The rest of the train, most essentially the car containing the army payroll, sat trapped atop the trestle. Johnson’s Gorge was the perfect site for Sweet’s plan: a hundred-foot drop to the dry river bed, a half-mile cut through the mountain that was barely wider than the train itself, and a labyrinth of red rock which could have hidden the army whose payroll was about to be stolen.

Devon Day and the Sweetwater Kid were hardly amateurs, after all. In the outlaw business, you didn’t last more than ten years without being exceptional. And Dev and Sweet were exceptional — even if Sweet did say so himself. 

The Sweetwater Kid was small and dark. At the moment, he sported a mustache, which he looked forward to removing once the job was over. His hair was beginning to grow out of its short cut and form those curls so attractive to the ladies back home. Sweet shoved a stray curl back under his hat, hefted his rifle and peered down at the scene he’d orchestrated. He felt a thrill run up his spine. There wasn’t much to compare with the feeling of a plan come to fruition.             

The train chuffed and smoked, drowning out anything except a determined bellow. Sweet tipped his hat back, stepped to the speaking trumpet he’d wedged between two rocks and bellowed.

“Good morning, gentlemen.”

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I have more trouble keeping the tension and conflict going – I tend to veer toward the humor if I don’t watch myself.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

No, but I usually manage to fit in one “research” trip every year – to the Southwest or to San Francisco.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The anthology cover was designed by JMS Books, with some input from myself.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Actually finishing it! This was my first novel, so I had to learn to stick to my guns and keep going.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned that you just have to keep going, one step at a time, and you’ll eventually reach the finish line.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Plant your arse in a chair and get started! It doesn’t matter if you only write one paragraph a day – in the end, if you keep going, you’ll have that book finished.

 

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

Buy a copy for everyone in your family! I hope you enjoy reading about my lads as much as I enjoy writing about them.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No, but I did learn to read quite early, so it was likely a Golden Reader or other children’s book.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Almost anything can make me laugh. I have a quirky sense of humor, and sometimes find humor in situations that make my friends look sideways at me. I have had the odd cry over a sad movie, but I’m more likely to cry at a beautifully written passage in a book.

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person past or present you would meet and why?

I’d love to meet some of my favorite authors, and I’d like to someday have a chat with Edge from the band U2.

 

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

“She never stopped wondering” because I don’t plan to.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I love photography – I have several shelves full of photo albums. And I enjoy my WikiAnswers.com categories.

 

 

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

I don’t watch a lot of TV, though I do like to have something on in the background while I work. That’s mostly science shows. I especially like “How It’s Made,” and nature documentaries. I have a soft spot for Christmas movies, though, and will watch the Hallmark Channel in December.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music:

I tend to gravitate toward either Italian food or Mexican, depending on my mood. I like Fall colors: reds, oranges, yellows and rich browns. I like almost any sort of music except hip-hop/rap, and my favorite band is U2.

 

 

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

I’ve always wanted to have one of those really creative jobs where you just sit around and solve problems all day.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website?

If so what is it? You can find me on http://www.jeshays.com or on Facebook at JESHaysBooks.

The link to my anthology is http://www.amazon.com/Devon-Day-Sweetwater-Kid-ebook/dp/B00C9G64EO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1365518500&sr=8-3&keywords=down+the+owlhoot+trail

 

 

Here is my interview with Jason R. Davis

Name: Jason R. Davis

Age: 36

Where are you from: Wenona, IL

Currently Living: Stoughton, WI

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc

Well, I am a father of two wonderful children.  When I’m not writing, I’m typically making sure these two hellions are growing up to becoming amazing adults.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I have just received the final edits for my next novel to approve and have been told that the photographer who has done the cover for my first two novels will again be shooting the cover for the new one.  Everything is on time to reach the November release date.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Well, it all started with my parents buying me a typewriter for Christmas.  Yes, a typewriter.  For the modern writers that is a keyboard you type into without a screen and that the autocorrect never worked properly.

 

But yes, a typewriter and so I would make use of this fun device by waking up at the torturous hour of four am when my parents would be up preparing themselves for work.  I would listen as they talked, abd

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I don’t think I ever considered myself not a writer.  For as long as I can remember I had a wild imagination and would create and live in stories.  Of course this made a vry frightened child, until I reached a point to channel my own fears into stories to scare other people.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I had been doing film stuff for ten years and wanted to change.  While directing films I was in control of what the viewers saw.  I like that in writing books, I open it to allow the reader to see the world through their minds eye.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I feel that my style tends to be more Stephen King, with building long development into the characters as a plot envelopes them.  I love long build ups, slow building of the tension leading up to clataclysmic events.

I am playing with doing a series of books now where I am having to learn how to tell one story in the middle of a larger more epic storyline.  I’ve had a few stumbles in doing so, but I am enjoying the nuances of working in these constraints.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

With the series I am currently working on, the series title, “Invisible Spiders” actually came to me before the story.  In fact, the original story had nothing to do with spiders and was a completely different beast.  It wasn’t until I was on medication and had a really crazy dream about spiders and zombies that the current series was born and everything came together.

 

Once I had the series title, now it just becomes a way of trying to find different variations of referring to spiders.

 

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

There is an overlying theme that I hope readers will grasp, but to give it away before the third book gives away too much to the overall plot.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Outside of the whole, spiders converting people into spiders aspect, I consider my books to be very real.  My main character has money issues, struggles to survive, has a son he is trying to raise and a wife he shares his life with.  He has something to fight and to live for other than just a general sense to survve.

I write horror.  It’s really hard to write horror and keep things “realistic” but If you keep your characters grounded with life, it can be realistic.

I would say the element that I feel is unrealistic in my book is how quickly the government reacts.  I think modern issues have proven that they are not the fastest to react to an emergency, but in my series they do have contingency plans in place.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Yes.  My first book is based of instances that happened with my daughter.  And now in “Invisivle Spiders” there is a character based off of me in my college years.  I don’t paint myself in the best of light, but I did have fun returning to kind of mock who I was then.

 

 

 

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

Stephen King has been the largest influence however I feel Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time” has really influenced my work lately.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I actually just finished reading “Kitty Goes to War” (don’t judge me) and am inbetween books.  I think I am about to start reading “Crossroads of Twilight” by Robert Jordan or “Violet Eyes” by John Everson.

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Chris Larson has caught my attention lately.  I am looking forward to reading more of his work.  I have also just discovered Amelia Cotter so I have been enjoying reading her books.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?

Ha, well, how long is this interview?  How much time do we have?  The second book in my “Invisible Spiders” series is set to release in November.  The title on that book is “Caught in the Web” and is a conclusion to certain events that developed in the first book while sets up other elements for the next couple books.  I have started to write my fourth novel which is not a part of the “Invisible Spiders” book but is connected to that world with some of the same characters.

Outside of writing, I am organizing two events for 2015.  The first is a zombie festival called The Dead Walk Fest.  It is a weekend festival at the end of March and featuring films, vendors, a zombie walk, workshops, a dance, and more!

I am also putting together a SciFi Con next year.  There are less details about that as we have a long way to go before there are more details.  That won’t be until the end of 2015.

 

I am also putting together four anthologies next year, three horror and one science fiction.  More details on those can be found at http://breakingfatepublishing.com

 

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

My kids are a huge support system for me as well as a lot of my inspiration.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I see writing as my life.  I don’t know if it will ever garner the support to make it a career, but it is my life and is an integral part of it.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Yes and no.  There are aspects of the book that I know a lot of the reviewers have issues with, and there are other aspects that people have found too concidental that these events are happening.  It bothers me that I did not build up the trust in the reader to realize that these events have meaning.  That might have more to do with me being a new author or because I didn’t give a plausible altenative explenation.

So I guess I would say my biggest regret, the thing I would change with my last book, would have been to push to release it later than I did, closer to the release of the second book as much of the second book answers certain questions.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Well, I remember writing as far back as I remember my interest in reading.  For a long time, I really didn’t care about either, and it wasn’t until I came across a collection of books in my schools library.  They were short retellings of the Univeral black and white horror movies.  There was “Dracula”, “The Mummy” and “Frankenstein” as well as a few others.  They were short, really summarized the books down to nearly no details.

And strangely enough, these were the first books I devoured, and it was near over night that I started writing my own short stories.  They were very similar, just minor alterations, but my own spin on them.

 

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

I would be happy too.  I have multiple stories of mine available on Wattpad that I have posted, but will be glad to offer up a special story of mine that is only available in print.  It is a part of the Dead Walk Anthology and is called, “Black Friday Massacre”

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I need to get better and focus on writing action scenes.  I love to build the tension, but I do need to work on that tension break of when everything has turned into chaos, or when the fighting really kicks into high gear.

Thankfully in my next book I should get plenty of practice.

 

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

Stephen King and Robert Jordan.  Both of them build well thought out and well developed charaters and have wide spread storylines that interweave themselves into a delicate threadwork of fiction.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I feel like I need to travel more for them.  I’ve traveled all throughout the United States, but feel like I still need to reach out to more people.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jim Sorfleet of SnS Photo.  He does amazing work and as long as he is willing, I hope to always have his work on the cover of my fiction.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Editing.  This comes down to a technical issue though, as I writing on Mac in Pages and we live in a Microsoft Word World.  It seemes like going back and forth to my editor, there are formatting glitches that happen and so with every pass of the edits, there are more issues that I think come just from the file conversions.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

My first book, I learned to get into the story faster.  So much of that book is setting up the characters.  I don’t regret that, especially as those characters are still developing through my books as all my characters live in the same world, so the events of one book effect another book.  Though, because I did spend so long of them, the story drags in the beginning.

In my second book, I learned that I can write a story for myself and have it how I want it to be, but don’t be surprised if there are negative reviews from people that don’t see things the way you do.  I knew that going into the second book though, and it really was a book written to make me happy.  The next book in the series I think will appease the fans.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don’t fear writers block. Sometimes it is a gift from your mind. When I’ve been stuck sometimes it would often be with s chapter that if I was to write it right then, it would have been plain. I didn’t want to write it because the thought of writing it bored me. So if I’m not interested in writing it, why would anyone be interested in reading it?

 

Usually if I give it time, think about it, try to figure out what about the scene is bothering me, eventually the solution will snap into place and this great and creative element just added itself to the chapter.

 

Remember, while we write to get our readers from the beginning to the end, the most boring way to go is to drive that straight line.

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

Just wait.  If you think things were bad in book one of “Invisible Spiders”, you haven’t seen anything yet.  This book is not for the faint of heart.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The summarized version of Dracula.

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

Stephen King.  I’ve met most my ideals but I haven’t met him yet and have always been a big fan.  My only concern is that I would go all fan boy and not be able to control myself.  So far, I’ve always kept myself professional, but I’m not sure I wouldn’t stammer a little bit if I was to get a chance to meet him.

 

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

HERE LIES HARRY DRESDEN, HE DIED DOING THE RIGHT THING

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I work out  alot and spend time focusing on my two wonderful children.

 

 

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

Well, let’s see.  I enjoy “The Flash,” “Blacklist,” “Marvel: Agents of Shield,” and “Haven”  I was a huge fan of “SG-1” as well as “Quantum Leap” but those shows are long past.

 

 

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

If I’m not writing, I’m dying.

 

 

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

My main website is http://jasonrdavis.net but in truth, you can keep updated on my projects in a more timely manner at https://www.facebook.com/HAjasondavis/

 

Amazon page http://www.amazon.com/Jason-Davis/e/B00JUD7JXE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Here is my interview with Natasha Preston

Name Natasha Preston

Where are you from? I’m from East Anglia in England (the bit that sticks out on the right!)

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc I’m 26, live with my husband and our son. I had my son in the bath at home. I didn’t mean to! I hated school and didn’t learn well sitting listening to someone talking at me so when I left I didn’t really think I’d find a career. But I’m very lucky to have discovered what I love doing.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Ummm… I can’t haha! The only news I can tell is that I’m planning three books for next year and a couple surprises in between!

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began by accident. I was on an amateur writing site and figured if 13 year olds were giving it a go then I would too.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The first signing I did. It was CRAZY. I still can’t believe people brought my books to be signed and some wanted pictures with me!

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I suppose just wanting to try something new. Most of my ideas come from dreams.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

People always ask that but I don’t know. I just sit and type how the voices in my head say things. I’m not crazy…

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Ugh, I hate titles. Some are easy and some less so. Players, Bumps and Cocktail Sausages was a joke one at first but it kinda stuck and I couldn’t think of anything else to call it.

 

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

There usually is. Silence is about discovering the courage you have within. Save Me is about getting past something that seems so dark and hopeless. Covert…well, that’s be careful who you blindly trust! Second Chance is about not letting yourself be the reason you’re unhappy.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Thankfully none of my books are based on real life! Though I know things like kidnap, abuse, and death happens every single day.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

A few of the way characters talk or their mannerisms are ‘based’ on people I know but I try not to base a character on one person because that can cause all sorts of issues!

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

Nothing Left to Lose by Kirsty Moseley, Doctor Sleep by Stephen King and the Marked series by Jay Crownover. I love those guys.

 

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

This might sound stupid but I probably wouldn’t want anyone. Writing is very private to me and I don’t think I’d like someone to be there that much.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Nothing at the moment. I’ve just finished Rowdy by Jay Crownover and unable to move on just yet.

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

This is going to sound so bad but I’ve not read many new authors yet. I want to but I’m in the middle of a few deadlines, have just got married and have an extension started on my house. When things calm down I want to read more.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?

Awake which will be published by Sourcebooks in autumn/fall 2015, Our Chance that is a standalone book two in the Chance series (I LOVE writing Nell and Damon), and soon I’ll be starting With the Band which is by far my most favourite to write, hello hot rocker!

 

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

Coffee. Can I say coffee? Haha. Bloggers are the best.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely not. It was just fun to begin with, I never planned to publish but I’m so glad I did.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I’d like to say no but I think I’d continuously change them all if I could. I reach a point where I’m happy but I probably would still be changing Silence if I hadn’t stopped myself.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Like I said just the urge to give it a try like the teenagers were doing haha!

 

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

Sure. Nell and Damon were at university together. Neither wanted a relationship, Damon because of his studies and Nell because she grew up seeing her grandparents and parents getting it wrong. They do the friends with benefits thing successfully for a while until Damon wants more. Messy, messy, heartbreak, something big happens, then I won’t tell the rest 😉

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Editing. Grr. Actually the last 10,000 words are pretty challenging, so close yet so far.

 

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

I’ve just read Rowdy so I’m going to go with Jay Crownover. I love how real her characters are. None are super rich, super perfect, they’re real ‘people’ with real problems, hang ups and battles and I think most people can identify with that.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I wish! I have quite a few signings next year though. I’m doing York, Peterborough, London and Aberdeen in the UK, Gold Coast in Australia, and Pennsylvania in the US.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Mollie Wilson from MJWilson Design. I love her work. The Cellar’s cover was designed by Sourcebooks.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

My hardest book to write was Silence. The subject is hard and putting myself in Oakley’s position was difficult.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

That you have the strength inside to get through pretty much anything, you just have to find it.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write what you want. I’ve seen a few people asking their readers what they want them to write. Now of course everyone wants their book to be successful but if you’re in this industry you work pretty much all the time so you have to love it. I would rather have a bad review than put a book out there that I didn’t really want to write.

 

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

Thank you. If it wasn’t for my readers I wouldn’t be where I am today. They’re the reason I can stay home with my son and why I’m able to do something I love for a living. I won’t forget that.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Oh God, after the usual little kids books the first ones I really loved reading were Jacqueline Wilson’s books.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My son. He’s hilarious. And books.

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

My husband’s grandfather. He passed away a few years before I met my husband but I’ve heard so many amazing stories about him.

 

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why?

I’m not sure. I kind of think the people I leave behind should chose that. Hopefully they chose something nice!

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

Netflix. Haha. Spending time with my family and friends. I love baking and reading.

 

 

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

The Walking Dead is my latest obsession. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of my all-time favourites. It takes me right back to my teen years.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music?

Hot dogs, chicken chow mein, chocolate. Colours depend on my mood. I love all types of music, my favourite song is November Rain.

 

 

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

Gone crazy. Or not gone crazy depending on how you look at it. I never thought I was good enough to do anything (boo school) so I probably would just be drifting between jobs I didn’t really enjoy.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it? Yep, it’s http://www.natashapreston.com

Amazon Page UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Natasha-Preston/e/B00HHHHGE2/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

 

Amazon Page .com http://www.amazon.com/Natasha-Preston/e/B00HHHHGE2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Here is my interview with Jaz Hartfield

Name Jaz Hartfield

Where are you from

West London, UK

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc’

I was brought up in a loving family who encouraged me to think for myself, to care for people and the world around me. I’m one of the lucky ones. I didn’t get on well at school, but loved going to university where I finally understood what education was: a place where you can be curious and ask stupid questions. School is too regimented to allow kids to really learn properly. Real education begins when you’re freed up to see how amazing the world really is. I’ve spent my life asking stupid questions and seeking convincing answers; philosophical, scientific, romantic or otherwise.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Jaz: I’m excited about the publication of ‘One Night in Amsterdam’, which is my first bigger publishing success. I’ve had stories published in horror and genre magazines, and while many of my stories have included some sexual content, I wanted to see if I could extend my range to erotic fiction. The result is this novella. I thank Tirgearr Publications for taking a punt with me.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Jaz: As a kid, I kept journals and wrote about my dreams and desires. As a student, I wrote pretentious poetry about my haphazard love life, which I hope never sees the light of day (the poetry or my love life!). I wrote stories in my early twenties, which have never been published, but I saw that as my apprenticeship. I finally began sending stories out to magazines and websites and after lots of rejections and redrafting of my best material, I slowly began to find success – mostly with no payment, but for exposure. I think that’s how you have to start these days.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Jaz: On acceptance of my first story. I felt like a writer when an editor chose the story for an anthology and then sent me my line edits for redrafting.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Jaz: ‘One Night in Amsterdam’ was inspired by a stag weekend I went on. Amsterdam is a crazy city. Hen and stag parties are these insane rites of passage where people are filled with intense feelings of freedom mixed with guilt. Getting drunk/stoned is a must, as is going to watch sex-shows. It’s like you’ve been given complete freedom for a couple of days to enjoy debauchery and watch stuff you wouldn’t back at home. So I placed two people in that position to see if romance could occur. Then I wanted to explore the relationship between sex and romance. Both are important, but when and how do they overlap?

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

Jaz: I like to offer profound questions, but I refuse to preach to or patronize the reader. I offer an intriguing situation and the reader can sort out their own feelings and response to it. I also include a lot of sex to excite the reader. I hope they’ll feel aroused by some of the descriptions. This is a form of fantasy after all.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Jaz: Actually ‘One Night in Amsterdam’ is a stand-alone novella in an existing series, so the title was already sorted for me. Other titles are set in Rome, San Francisco etc.

 

 

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

Jaz: Not so much a message – that sounds too preachy. I want readers to think for themselves about what is love and commitment. Are those things important? Are sex and romance separate things?

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Jaz: It is a work of fiction, so it’s all made up, but the descriptions of the red-light district and the bars are from my own experience. The sex scenes are as much from my fantasies as from experiences. Dean is not me – he’s a character from my imagination. Reading is a form of escapism and that’s a good thing. Life can be mundane, so temporary escape from reality is a healthy thing.

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

Jaz: I love books that push you to think. My favourite authors are Angela Carter, Herman Hesse, Angela Rice and Margaret Atwood. I often go back to the works of Edgar Allen Poe and Mary Shelley.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Jaz: ‘Doctor Sleep’ by Stephen King. It’s the sequel to ‘The Shining’ where the little boy Danny is grown up, now an alcoholic like his dad, and discovering the extents of his ‘shining’ abilities. Brilliant stuff.

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?

Jaz: In between acting jobs, I continue to write stories. I want to write more erotic romance, as I like the freedom it gives me to express repressed desires. Writing becomes a form of therapy, which I hope extends out to the readers. I’ve often read the works of others and been grateful for its inspiration.

 

 

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

Jaz: Interesting question. I get the most inspired when I’m out in the countryside walking with nature. Forests and rivers are so primeval. Wildlife is inspirational and thrilling to observe. The natural world is the place I go to for ideas and to remind me who I am. I find it puts me in my place and returns my sense of perspective. I’m not a loner, though – friends and family are the ones I return to for support and to bat ideas around with.

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Jaz: I think I need to accept that it can be part of my career and an important part of who I am. In the end, sadly, you’ve got to pay the rent, so until I write a best-seller, I’ll need to find financial remuneration in a number of places.

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Jaz: I think it works well as it is. I was working to a word count so I had the discipline of keeping the story tight and focused. Which is good in one way: the unnecessary parts were cut. I would have liked to have said more about the back story, but it wasn’t right for this particular submission.

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Jaz: Writing explicit material is always a challenge. How far can you go in your descriptions? Which words can you use for body parts without grossing out the reader? Have I, in fact, gone far enough? I see erotic romance as dealing with people’s desires and fantasies. How do I write something that will arouse the excitement of the reader whilst also telling an interesting story? It’s a great challenge that I feel I want to explore further.

 

 

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

Jaz: Angela Carter managed to find a thrilling balance between sexual desire and the grotesque. Her modern Freudian gothic fiction finds exactly the correct balance between mythical story telling and the modern conditions that confront us all. Even a more ‘mainstream’ book like ‘Nights at the Circus’ is filled with fabulous characters and sinister dark comedy. She set the bar high.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Jaz: No, but travel is important to me as a human being. It has opened my mind, to help me realize that my own little existence is just one way of seeing things. I think we should be tolerant and accepting of other viewpoints and cultural differences.

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jaz: They are designed in-house by the team at Tirgearr Publishing. We are given early designs and have input into the final decisions. I like this cover. The couple are beautiful and the colours are perfect.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Jaz: Worrying that my family and friends might think I’m a pervert! Not everyone understands the important place of erotic fiction, and the more cynical will lump it in with pornography – which it clearly isn’t. I guess my family and friends have to take me as they find me. I’m open to any kind of conversation they want to have with me.

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Jaz: My editors gave me some excellent advice on improving the book. I’ve learnt to be open-minded about taking advice from others, without getting all defensive and precious about my work.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Jaz: I got excited recently when I found out there could be a movie soon of ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton. This was the first book to knock me sideways. It’s imaginative scope and creation of unlimited worlds just expanded my mind at a very early age.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Jaz: I love stand-up comedy; the last film to make me lose control of myself was ‘Ted’. I’m a man – I never cry! (But I do lie sometimes!) I get angry with people who are intolerant of others. Of course we have to stop nutters who endanger our liberty, but if someone is harmless then just leave them alone – or even better: get to know them.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

Jaz: I love rock music, travelling and trying out new experiences.

 

 

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

Jaz: Been a rock singer like Ronnie James Dio or Glenn Hughes. Sadly my voice isn’t good enough so that has to remain a fantasy.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website?

I’m working on the website, but you can find my page on Facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/citynightsamsterdam?ref=hl

Here is the Tirgearr page: http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Hartfield_Jaz/index.htm

Here are the links:

 

Tirgearr: http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Hartfield_Jaz/one-night-in-amsterdam.htm

 

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OJZW3BQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00OJZW3BQ&linkCode=as2&tag=tirgeapubli09-20&linkId=ELGEUARJMUS4YTWH

 

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00OJZW3BQ

 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/485034

 

Thanks for letting me take over your blog, Fiona. It’s been a blast. Thanks for letting me expand on ideas and thoughts too. Hope I haven’t been too indulgent. All the best.

 

My interview with the ladies of the Rockers Romance Anthology

 

 

Hi ladies I hope you are all well tonight

First please introduce yourselves –

 

 

  Renee Lee Fisher

Hey everyone I’m Renee Lee Fisher, a Best-selling Author that has the passion for putting my pen and ideas to paper. A pure romance junkie and I love to tell stories.

 

 

Why books about Rocker and music romance?

 

I have always had a passion for music and romance and my series The Heartbeat Series seemed like the perfect way to pair the two together. With six planned books in that series I cover a lot of territory of music, lyrics and love.

 

 

What bands/rockers do you like?

 

Well, first I have to say my brother that is a Metal/Rock Vocalist in a popular band.  I also love One Republic, Creed, Goo Goo Dolls, Aerosmith, Coldplay, The Rolling Stones, Tenth Avenue North … and so many I would fill your interview sheet.

 

Who are the books aimed at?

 

Anyone that LOVES Romance, Angst, Hope & Tears and after reading makes the reader cheer.

 

Have you written anything else?

 

LIVE Anthology contains my book Rock Notes (Book One of the Heartbeat Series).  I am finishing up the final books of that series.  Also I just finished another complete series – The Crossing Series (The Knot Hole, The Passage and The Muse) to be released soon. In the past I have written magazine articles, lyrics, a children’s book (Cody and the Pumpkin Truck) and From the Vine (A Collection of Short Stories).

 

Do you have blog/website? http://www.reneeleefisher.com

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A.M. Madden

I am A.M. Madden, my friends call me Ann Marie. I’m a Jersey girl who is a wife, mother, and a romantic junkie. I’m a fairly new author, having released my first book Back-Up just over a year ago. In this short amount of time, I’ve released two more books, with the fourth coming at the end of Oct. I’ve come to the conclusion that writing is what I should have been doing years ago. I love creating characters that others can connect to and would want to hang out with if they were real. I’m a hopeless romantic and that heart-melting love story is also a must. Throw in some hot, alpha men and my requirements are complete.

 

Why books about Rocker and music romance?

I love classic rock. It was natural for me to combine my love of music with my love of romance. Back-Up actually came to me in a dream. I was in the front row of a concert, and the lead had amazing chemistry with his back-singer. So much so, it woke me up.

 

What bands/rockers do you like? I’m a huge Springsteen fan. I’ve seen him in concert over fifty times. I also love The Eagles, Journey, Zeppelin, The Who. But my favorite newer rock bands, are Linkin Park, Every Avenue, and My Darkest Days. These bands have amazing repertoires. I listen to them on a constant loop. They were a huge influence when writing my band Devil’s Lair in Back-Up. For Back-Up I had created an original love song called Reason I Am. I’m very proud of it. It can be found on iTunes.

 

Who are the books aimed at?

Romantics. In a nutshell. I put a lot of myself in Back-Up meaning specific locations and music experiences. Anyone from my area would automatically connect to the geography. But, I mostly created a bunch of real people you’d love to hang out with, listen to some good music, and have a beer with. If this is something a reader could relate to, they’d love my books. I’m a stickler for realism.

 

Have you written anything else?

The Back-Up Series is my debut series. After book four releases in a few weeks, I’ll be working on several stand alone novels. I want to try writing romantic suspense and maybe even YA. I’ll revisit my people from Back-Up in the future. I can’t give them up yet.

 

Do you have blog/website ?

www.ammadden.com

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Gina Whitney

I’m Gina Whitney, author of Blood Ties (PNR), Beautiful Lies(erotica), Saving Abel(BDSM), and Forgiving Gia (BDSM). I’m not only a writer, but an avid reader, mother, and social media addict.

Why books about Rocker and music romance? Music has always gone hand in hand with my writing. My playlists are important me. I song can trigger a feeling of nostalgia. The rocker has always been a fascination and naughty dream of mine. Finally, I get to fulfill my deepest and darkest fantasies.

What bands/rockers do you like? Some of my favorites are: Breaking Benjamin, 30 Seconds to Mars, Saving Abel, Hinder, and Chevelle

Who are the books aimed at? My books are all geared to 18+ due to their content.

Have you written anything else? Yes, I’ve written Paranormal Romance, and Contemporary Erotica.

Do you have blog/website? Yes, my blog-site is: http://authorginawhitney.blogspot.com/

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

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A.L. Wood

*Waves* Hello, my name is A.L. Wood, I reside in Glens Falls, NY with my daughter and husband. I am blessed to have an extremely supportive family and an amazing outpouring of support from readers and fellow Authors alike. This path that I am on of a career has surprised me in many ways, I can only hope to further the road.

 

2. Why books about Rocker and music romance?

Because if reading weren’t my first love (after family of course & writing) It would be music.

 

3. What bands/rockers do you like?

I could go on and on about this, instead I’ll try to keep my list as short as possible. My favorites, in no certain order are The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Billy Idol, The Police, Heartist, Pop Evil, and Seether.

 

4. Who are the books aimed at?

The rocker romance books are aimed at people who not only enjoy reading, but who enjoy music and romance as well, stories that have the potential to tug on the strings to your heart.

 

5. Have you written anything else?

I have another series, beyond the rock romance one that is completely different. Not in a bad way, its just gritty and touches uncomfortable topics such as human trafficking. That series, In My Blood series, is written in episodes, one released every month.

 

6. Do you have a blog/website?

My blog is, http://authoralwood.wordpress.com/

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 M. Stratton

Hello, M. Stratton here. I’m a huge dork and married living in Arizona with my husband, son, two dogs and two cats.

Why books about Rocker and music romance? I’ve always loved music, it’s a part of me, and my husband was a long haired heavy metal rocker when we met. It made perfect sense that my first hero would be a rocker.

What bands/rockers do you like? Oh my, so many! Truly so many. I’ll start by saying Noah is fashioned after Adam Levine, so I love Maroon 5. But the music I listen to totally depends on my mood, or the mood I am going for when I am writing. I truly listen to anything and everything. I have kind of a catch all playlist that has 50’s pop, class rock, singer/songwriter, 80’s new wave, alternative, metal, rap, country, etc…

Who are the books aimed at? People who like romantic thrillers. I say this series will make you sigh with the romance, laugh with my three dirty birdie old ladies, and get completely creeped out by my creeper. My hero is older has already made it, been there, done that.

Have you written anything else? Yes, I’ve written two paranormal ghost story novellas (Dreaming in Moonlight and Constant Echo) and another romantic thriller novel called Fade to Black.

Do you have blog/website ? I do have a website, it’s www.mstrattonauthor.com. You can see more information about my books, signings and sign up for my newsletter.

 

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Ahren Sanders

• My name is Ahren Sanders and I’m an Indie Author with three published books. My first book, Surrendering, was released in November of 2013. I haven’t always wanted to be a writer, but finally decided to take the leap when my characters were screaming at me to get them out. Pushing publish was one of the most terrifying experiences, but it was also one of the most rewarding. I still get nauseous when I upload a manuscript and hit the button.

I live on the Florida coast and spend as much time as possible at the beach or on the water. Traveling is a passion of mine and if I had my choice, I’d visit a different Caribbean Island each year. Even though I’m a writer, you can still find me with my nose in a book several times a week.

 

 

 

Why books about Rocker and music romance?

• Rockers are my weakness. I love the bad-boy persona and all the passion engrained into these complicated characters.

 

What bands/rockers do you like?

• I like all music genre’s. Rock, Country, Classic, Contemporary, Rap, Pop, all of it. Dave Matthews Band is probably my favorite true ‘bands’. I’ve followed them for years and each one of their shows is so different. The energy in the performance is electrifying. Last year I was introduced to WideSread Panic and it was amazing. Those boys from Athens can really JAM!

Oh, let’s not forget about old school Jane’s Addiction, Pearl Jam… I could go on and on.

 

Who are the books aimed at?

• The first two books in my Surrender Series are aimed at readers who love a strong heroine and a man who goes after what he wants. The story is not only about the romance between two unlikely characters, but also about friendships, family, and difficult decisions that jeopardize their future. There are several situations that test the bonds of love and readers will hopefully feel the emotions as they turn the pages.
• The conclusion, Surviving, is about learning to forgive and move past heartbreak in order to build a future. Once again, the secondary characters are an enormous make-up of this story.

 

Have you written anything else?

• Yes, my newest release, Reed’s Reckoning, is a sport’s themed second chance romance. It’s a story of college sweethearts torn apart by lies that come face-to-face four years later. When the deception is uncovered, friendships are tested and families are torn apart. The relationship must overcome betrayal and heartbreak.

 

Do you have blog/website ?

• I do not have a blog or website, but can be found on Facebook and Twitter:
• facebook.com/authorahrensanders
• @Ahrensanders
• Join My Mailing List~ http://eepurl.com/S4RI9

 

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Lisa Swallow

I’m Lisa Swallow and I live in Perth, Australia with my family. I’m originally from the UK and my books are normally set there. I write contemporary and paranormal romance, including the best-selling Blue Phoenix series.

 

Why books about Rocker and music romance?

I love romance where famous people meet ordinary people and their worlds collide. I’ve always loved rock bands and there’s something sexy about men who can stand on stage and have thousands of girls screaming for them but I also love the artistic, troubled side that can come with their lives. Maybe I’m just living out a teen fantasy J

 

What bands/rockers do you like?

The current top rockers to me are Adam Levine and Jared Leto. One of my all time favorites is Michael Hutchence from INXS – although he’s a bit before my time I think he’s one of the all time ‘rock gods’. All three of these guys have a certain ‘something’ that sets them apart.

 

Who are the books aimed at?

My books are aimed at readers who like a good romance with a mix of angst and humor and a little bit of sexy. There’s steamy scenes in the books but they’re more romantic than erotic.

 

Have you written anything else?

There are three books in the Blue Phoenix series currently.
http://lisaswallow.net/the-books-bluephoenix/

I’ve written other contemporary romance and paranormal romance books. They can all be found listed on my website.

 

Do you have blog/website?

http://lisaswallow.net

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Buying links for Rockers Romance Anthology

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00P1Q0BC0
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1Q0BC0
http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00P1Q0BC0
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00P1Q0BC0
http://www.amazon.com/LIVE-Anthology-Renee-Lee-Fisher-ebook/dp/B00P1Q0BC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414759463&sr=8-1&keywords=LIVE%3A+Rockers+Romance+anthology

 

Here is my interview with Matt D Woodham

Name, Matt D Woodham

Age, 34

Where are you from? Dorking Surrey

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc, Well I’ve been a father for three years to my beautiful little princess Autumn, & I’ve been with my brilliant, awesome & wonderful partner Tara for coming on 11 years now. Wow where did the time go? My schooling is a little mixed as a result of my parents moving house from Surrey in England where I was brought up until I was 10. Then we moved to Buckie on the Moray coast in northern Scotland which was a massive change for me at that age & so then I finished my schooling in bonnie Scotland ;0) The move was brought about because both of my parents had strong family links to Moray & Aberdeenshire. My mum’s mum & her family came from a small village called Glass in Aberdeenshire & my dad’s mum & her family came from a fishing village called Huntley. We came up for a sightseeing holiday one time to see where my grandmothers had come from & that was it, my parents fell in love with the area & the rest as they say is history ;0)

 

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Well, I’m currently working on a sequel to my up coming book As The LightDies in my spare time. I’m not sure of a title yet. Or at least I haven’t settled on one yet!

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing dribs & drabs on & off for years. Since I was 15 in fact, but nothing that was any good & nor did I finish anything, a common fault with wanna be authors. But I’ve always wanted to write something & finish it despite being dyslexic. Then one day in 2012 while I was recovering from spinal problems I picked up a pen & dug out some lined paper & set to writing whatever wanted to come out & as it turns out it was the start of As The Light Dies ;0) I quickly migrated over to writing on the laptop though. It was so much easer to delete & re-wright than scribbling out what I didn’t like & then try & fit the new passage or word or what ever in beside it. The pages looked a real mess haha. But now I’m glad I carried on.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Well, I suppose I don’t at the moment, even though I do! Strange eh. But right now I call it my newfound hobby. I think I’ll only consider myself a writer once I’ve completed at least two works & am working on another, then I think I’ll think I’m a writer ;0)

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Daydreaming about it for years & years & then suddenly finding that I had plenty of time on my hands while I recovered from spinal surgery.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

Messy haha.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Me & my partner wracked our brains for months trying to come up with a title for the story, & then one day I browsing through a catalogue & I saw a video game with a similar title & I was gutted because when I saw it I thought, thats my title, thats the title I should’ve come up with. So we put our heads together & came up with As The Light Dies.

 

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

The main underlying theme relates to our ecosystem, its fragility & the rate at which were damaging/destroying it. Nothing new I know, but if only 1 person that ever reads my book thinks to them selves “I” can recycle more or if they decide to walk instead of taking the car when they can then I’ll be a happy man ;0)

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Hmmm…..Well being that it’s a sci-fi horror story, on the whole I suppose not a lot haha. But I have tried my best to root the story in a future reality albeit a future reality that I’ve dreamed up! But I hope that on the whole theres enough familiarity in there that readers can get dug right in & loose themselves in the story.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I tried to draw on emotional aspects from my own life, from real emotions, both good & bad when dealing with character development. The story aka the subject matter is a different kettle of fish though, it’s a culmination of all the things I like about sci-fi & horror combined with whatever my vivid imagination comes up with.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

Number 1 has to be Christine by Stephen King. That book spawned my obsession with american automobiles from the 50s as well as reinforcing my love of horror, it’s also the first real adult book I ever read from start to finish, which at the time, for me at least was a big thing with me being dyslexic etc & it made me want to write. No 2 would have to be IT another one by Stephen King. By the way did I mention that I love Stephen King haha. Anyway, IT is one of those books that I can completely disappear in to, I try to do that with every book I read but because IT is so long, it can afford to be overly rich in character detail & background, that no matter how many times I read it I really get the feeling of getting to know somebody new again, making new friends while saying hello to old ones at the same time. No 3 would have to be On Writing a Memoir of the Craft. Yea yea I know, another Stephen King book haha but for anyone thats interested in writing, or in Mr King’s writing then you wont find a better book.

 

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

Stephen King.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Bad Luck & Trouble by Lee Child

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Oh yea definitely, I love Hugh Howey’s WOOL omnibus. Everything I’ve read by Iain Rob Wright, especially his book The Last Winter. Next up is Sarah Lotz & so far, anything she’s written & the same goes for Sarah Pinborough.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?

I’m working on the sequel to As The Light Dies & it’s proving interesting so far.

 

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

Firstly I’d have to say Youtube & the Self Publishing Podcast guys Sean Johnny & Dave. They’re a huge inspiration to indie authors/writers from all over the world with their candid podcasts about everything to do with indie publishing. Next up I’d have to say indie author Hugh Howey. He really is paving the way for indie authors worldwide by constantly posting & blogging about what’s working & whats not in the indie scene, plus he’s teamed up with Data guy & together they’re lifting the lid on ebook sales verses traditionally published ebooks. Both of these different mediums have been an endless supply of encouragement & I’m sure they will continue to do so in the future.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I’m a very long way from that at the moment but with lots of hard work & perseverance who knows what the future holds.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I think I can easily say that if I didn’t call it a day with the re-writes/edits then I probably never would. It’s to easy to come up with new ideas or new ways to say things that every time I’d look at my work I’d start tweaking & changing things, sometimes I’d even change things back again afterwards, deciding that my newfound view of the situation wasn’t that good after all.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I’ve always enjoyed telling stories. I used to love listening to them in class when our teacher would read to us, or when my mum would read to me at home when I was small. While I listened I’d always be thinking what if that happened differently, or what if he/she said that instead of what they did? But I didn’t contemplate actually writing anything until I was about 15, thats when I read & finished Christine & I wondered if I’d ever be able to tell such a good story, I wondered if I could actually write my own story & thats when I pretty much started scribbling stuff down making a mess of perfectly good paper haha.

 

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

Hmmm it’s so early on that it’s likely to change many times in the edits, but what I can say is that it’s looking like it’ll fit in between book one & book two like a bridge if you like almost a prequel to the sequel of As The Light Dies if you know what I mean :0)

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in you’re writing?

Oh yea definitely. Spelling & grammar hands down. Being dyslexic I really struggle with spelling, in fact my spelling is atrocious & it’s held me back for years. Thank god for spell check eh haha.

 

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

Stephen King. He writes about the girl next door or the weird guy that lives at the end of the street. He writes about what we know, & thats what makes his work so chilling.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

No. Not yet at least.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My good friend Ness Farnden from Maven Creative. She’s a graphic designer by trade so I’m very lucky to have her in the family ;0)

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Finding the courage to continue. Throughout writing my book I had constant doubts about finishing or about the quality or the plot flow & the story itself. At times it could be pretty hard going.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Yes, I learned that I can write a novel length book & that perseverance & consistency are key.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just keep your head down & keep going . Get the first rough & ready draft down & then edit, edit, edit & re-edit until eventually you start to see a work of art shine through.

 

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

Oh yea, sorry for all the spelling & grammar mistakes haha Seriously though I’d like to thank each & every one of them & that I really hope that they like it.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The first adult book was Christine by Stephen King when I was about 15 as I mentioned earlier. Before that I really don’t remember. My dyslexia & my struggle with reading kept me away from boks for far too long.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My little girl can make me do both. I laugh at her little mannerisms & cry with pride at her little actions/comments regarding certain situations.

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person past or present you would like to meet and why?

Ah thats a hard one. Does it have to be just one person haha. Everyone will be expecting me to say Stephen King here but I’m not. I’m going with H. P. Lovecraft because I haven’t come across a single story of his that I didn’t like & can you imagine what it would be like to share an octopus platter with him?

 

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

Don’t sweat the small things. We only get one chance at life, live it. I think its pretty self explanatory ;0)

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I love to swim & walk in the countryside & of course I love reading ;0)

 

 

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

I’m hopelessly hooked on the TV shows The Walking Dead, Homeland, American Horror Story  & Game of Thrones. As for movies my favourite cinema visits recently have been Godzilla, Xmen Days Of Future Past & Gone Girl.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music.

My favourite food is steak with a generous helping of creamy garlic mash with haggis & a nice garlic or whisky sauce. Favourite colour is gun mettle grey & my music tasts are all over the place. I like Johnny Cash & AC DC, Iron Maiden & Snow Patrol. It really depends on my mood at the time.

 

 

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

I like to think I’d have still been creative & done either sculpting or painting or drawing.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it? I don’t currently have a blog or website but I’m reachable on Twitter https://twitter.com & Facebook https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo

Thanks for the Interview Fiona its been great ;0)

 

Buying link http://www.amazon.co.uk/As-Light-Dies-M-Woodham-ebook/dp/B00O90FCUA/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414743409&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=Matt+D+Woodham

Here is my interview with Gina Fava

 

Name Gina Fava

Age Old enough to remember the sound of the scratches on my Thriller album.

Where are you from Born and raised in Buffalo, New York. Living on the South Shore of Massachusetts.

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc  A University at Buffalo graduate, I also hold a law degree, and I’ve studied art history and counter-terrorism in Rome. I’m a freelance writer, a novelist, and the author of award-winning short stories. I’m a member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Mystery Writers of America. Stricken with wanderlust, I travel far and wide with my husband and two children to research new characters and new places to murder them (the characters, I mean.)

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I recently released my latest suspense thriller, The Sculptor. The serial killer known as the Sculptor is preying on Rome’s graduate students. Barely thwarting the Sculptor’s attacks in Rome, Venice, Tuscany, and the Swiss Alps, student Mara Silvestri must uncover the family secrets in her past that draw him to her before he claims her as his prized masterpiece. It’s a mystery for fans who love Lisa Gardner, Harlan Coben, and Thomas Harris novels.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

In high school, Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot blew me away, and his Night Shift short stories prompted me to write to entertain family and friends.  It wasn’t until I returned from studying abroad in Italy during college that I sent my short stories and feature articles out to the rest of the world.  And then I think I needed to experience life a bit before I realized that I had novels clamoring to get out too.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I realized I couldn’t get up from my desk until I’d put it all on paper.

 

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

The streets of Rome inspired my first book, and the books that come after it.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I outline, then I binge-write, then I purge. Rinse and repeat. What came first–the character or the plot? For me it’s still a conundrum.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

“The Sculptor” is the villain of my novel, and the title drives home his wicked persona.

 

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

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic

The book is realistic, and authentic, and in fact, inspired by true events from my own life.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

Salem’s Lot, Ice Station, Fall of Giants, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Odd Thomas, Silence of the Lambs, to name a few.

 

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

Douglas Preston. His work, his support, and his sincerity truly inspire me to be a better writer.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Samaritan, by Steve Besecker. It’s enthralling so far.

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

JH Bogran, KR Conway, August McLaughlin, Tammy Kaehler, Jillian Dodd, to name a few.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?

I’m following up my first novel, The Race, with a second in its series, entitled Raging Waters, due out next year. I’m also writing for Buffalo Magazine, Bostoniano magazine, and a number of other online and print venues.

 

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

Cape Cod Writers Community. They’re an excellent organization that really works hard for its members.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

It’s a career, but mostly it’s an addiction. If I don’t get my fix, I go crazy.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I’m proud of my latest book. I worked hard to express what I wanted to say, and I made sure that the book was of the highest quality. Readers deserve nothing less.

 

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

Excerpts of my books are posted on my website at www.GinaFava.com, and a taste of my next book is included at the end of The Sculptor.

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Handling POV is always a challenge, but it’s just a matter of discipline.  It’s like staying in one lane of a 4-lane highway.  At times, you want to change lanes or even catch yourself veering into another lane, but you should never do it without signaling because you’ll crash.

 

 

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

 Stephen King.  His characters resonate for me.  His style is like comfort food.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I travel as often as possible, and it’s the trips to Rome that really make my books authentic.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Hyperion Photography designed both my covers.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Saying goodbye to the characters at the end, that’s why both books are the first in a series. I don’t do well with goodbyes.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Fortitude.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Writers should always be avid readers, and reading outside their genre helps a writer to see life from a different perspective, which will ultimately give their own writing more depth.

 

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

Thank you. I’m so grateful when a reader “feels” something that I’ve written. I couldn’t do this without their enduring support. Cheers!

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

One of the first I remember reading was “Gus Was a Friendly Ghost.”

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Everything. I’m passionate about life.

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would

To meet and why?

Abe Lincoln. The man had gumption.

 

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

“Six feet under is not deep enough…mwahaha.” (Yes, including the mwahaha.)

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Traveling; skiing; reading; cooking; wine-tasting; watching political news, movies, and Buffalo Sabres hockey.

 

 

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

Fave Movies: Young Frankenstein; The Usual Suspects; Pride & Prejudice; Empire Strikes Back; When Harry Met Sally. I’ll watch any movie that’s not too gory. Fave TV shows: LOST, and Sherlock (BBC version); otherwise, mostly Formula One races, hockey, and football.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Pasta, McDonalds french fries, and lobster rolls/purple/Duran Duran, U2, Pink, The Cars, Journey

 

 

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

I would have been an interpreter, travelling the world to interpret world leaders at major summits. Or a roadie for Duran Duran. Or a food taster for the president. So much fast-paced intrigue, so little time.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it? Visit me at www.GinaFava.com, or connect with me via Facebook, Twitter and my blog.

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KFIUAXO

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DTWUDDA