Here is my interview with Kimberly Bracco

 

Name: Kimberly Bracco

Age: 29

Where are you from: Central New Jersey

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

I’ve been married for almost 11 years. I have 4 children. I love to read! I can read a book a day, sometimes more. I like things that shock me! I have an obsession with football. I’m a crazy football mom equipped with a big mouth and air horn J

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Latest news…hmm. Unrestricted goes live tomorrow. I’m prepping for my first author signing in Philly on May 16^th. And I’m totally engulfed in my new book that I’m working on.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I actually started writing Inhibitions in August 2014. My writing started as a way to tell my own story. I was constantly reading and thinking about how different book would be if this author went this way or that way. I decided to write my own story.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I still don’t really consider myself a writer, lol. In a world with so much talent in the writing world, in my eyes, I don’t think I’ll ever compare to some of the talent out there.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

 My love of football and the need to try and show people that it’s okay to want what you want. Never let anyone make you feel bad about yourself.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

No, I write whenever the mood strikes and I always write out of order.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Brainstorming with my best friend.

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

Yes, never let anyone make you feel as though the things you like or enjoy are wrong and that no one is perfect and people deserve a second chance if they earn it.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Its realistic to a point. Everything in the book can happen in real life but its definitely made up and not based on anything.

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

Not really. My husband used to be a quarterback. My father-in-law is a lot like Tanner’s father. Easy to talk to and not judgmental. My mother-in-law is a lot like Tanner’s mom. She always has the best food J

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

 Isabelle Richards has been the best mentor ever. I guess 50 Shade of Grey, because it brought me back to reading. I stopped reading in High school.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Real Series by Katy Evans. I’m a little late in meeting Remy Tate.

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

I’ve been contacted by a lot of new authors, as us newbie need to stick together. I would say off the top of my head, Isabelle Richards and Marie James.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

 Finding Salvation

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

I’ve had support from so many people outside my family. Friends, my community and lots of bloggers.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

 Writing is more of a passion. It isn’t work at all.

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

Nope. I love Unrestricted!

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

 Finding Salvation is about rising above your past and where you come from. Its book about showing people that the events of your life don’t necessarily define you. It’s a lot more dark and twisted than my previous books.

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

I am famous for typos!! Trying to find and correct typos while writing in a challenge for me. I try to find them all before the book goes to the editor.

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

 I don’t really have a favorite author. I’m down to read anything that interests me. I do like to read things are shocking and different. I also love a really good ugly cry book.

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

 Not yet but I have a few book signings coming up. One in Philly, AC, and Connecticut.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

 Cover to Cover Designs

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

 Never be afraid to do the unexpected.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

 Write whatever calls to you and don’t try to fit yourself or your writing into a mold.

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

THANK YOU for taking the time to read my books and thank you for loving them.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

 Hmm…I loved the Sweet Valley High Series when I was in Middle School.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

 Hmm…I laugh a lot. I find something funny in a lot of different places. I cry during sad books, tv shows or songs!! If I’m sad a sappy song will me cry.

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

 She was loved! Life is nothing without love.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I have a few tv shows I’m addicted too. Football. Trekking me kids all over.

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

 My favorite is probably Pretty Little Liars. I love the Blacklist, Chicago Fire, Criminal Minds and Chicago PD. I just recently discovered Lip Sync Battle and I love it!!

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

 Eggplant Parm, Red, and I love most music.

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

 I worked in mortgages and I was a real estate agent before I started writing.

 

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

Buying link http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inhibitions-Kimberly-Bracco-ebook/dp/B00SSFM5DO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422389935&sr=8-1&keywords=Inhibitions+Kimberly+Bracco

 

Here is my interview with Jen Talty

Name  Jen Talty

Age 49 on 25 May

Where are you from Rochester NY

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

I’ve lived in Rochester NY most of my life. I have three children, 24, 21 and 18. My oldest (a daughter) is heading off to Madagascar with the Peace Corps this June. My middle boy attends Potsdam University and plays D3 Golf. My baby boy will be heading off to Xavier College to play Club Hockey and study finance in the fall and it will be official, my husband and I will be empty nesters!

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

For the last couple of years my focus has been on running Cool Gus Publishing with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer, so I haven’t had any new releases. However, that is all about to change. I’m finishing up a suspense novel. Very different from my romantic suspense books, but I’m very excited. Look for it this fall! The title currently is Taming Evil.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing in 2003 and I had no idea what or why I was doing it except I was spending a lot of time in Ice Rinks as all of my children played ice hockey, so it started as a hobby, but in 2005 my first book was published.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The day I got “the call”.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Needing something to do while sitting in the hockey rink and it seemed I had read everything under the sun.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

Do you mean POV? As far as my romances go, I lean toward writing in 3^rd limited. However, I prefer to read omniscient and am writing my latest book that way.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It often comes out of my first idea, but then changes as I get into the book and it is usually something I end up writing in the first the draft.

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

Nah. I want my readers to be satisfied.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Never thought about it.

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

Of course.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

So many books have influenced my life. Too many to name. But I can name a writer/mentor has influence my career the most and that is Bob Mayer.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m reading a non-fiction book titled The Power of Habits

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

Well, I really liked the book Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins and she was new to me.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

 

Taming Evil, which is part of the Bio-Gen Series. The books are based on a super secret underground laboratory that runs all sorts of experiments. Taming Evil, the first book I would describe as a Total Recall meets Orphan Black with a bit of Hannibal tossed in for good measure.

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

RWA-Romance Writer’s Association and my local chapter Central New York Romance Writers

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Publishing and Writing are my career.

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

So far, nope.

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

Honestly? Boredom. When you spend 4 hours 4 times a week at a hockey rink and you average reading 3 books a week, well writing seemed like a fun alternative. And now its my world.

 

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

Sure—Here is the Prologue:

 

“So, what’s it going to be?”

Natalie Craig rolled the pen between her fingers. She anticipated the reality she’d most likely, eventually get caught, even though she had the perfect plan and the resources to disappear. But she also knew that often the past caught up with one when they least expected. There was only one question on this particular Monday evening and it wasn’t who was going to win the Monday night football game. No. The only question in Natalie’s mind was what would be worse: to rot while anticipating a certain real death, or to die a different kind of death. Either way, would she know?

“Come on Natalie. Decide,” the woman sitting across from her chided. She had said her name was Dr. Shelley Christoff. But what she proposed didn’t seem remotely possible except for maybe in some weird science fiction horror flick.

Yet, here sat Natalie, contemplating entering the twilight zone.

She supposed at least she was given a choice.

But was it much of a choice?

“What about my money?” Natalie had always been a very decisive woman. Not because it was in her DNA. No. Only because in order to survive she had to think quick on her feet. Make decisions fast based often on nothing more than a gut reaction and very few facts.

Today she faced one certain fact. She would die. That alone was the biggest mind fuck of all.

“You will be more than compensated for your agreement to participate.”

“Perhaps. But how will I know I’ve been compensated?”

“You won’t. That’s the point.”

God, Natalie really disliked this woman the moment she had stepped into the interrogation room in downtown Atlanta. She figured this place was a hundred times better than any police station in Kentucky. Kentucky was a horrible place and it was really hard for her to believe that her roots had started here in the middle of flipping nowhere.

“Will it be painful?”

“No,” Shelley said quickly. Maybe too quickly. She was as cold and hard as the iceberg that sank the Titanic, but at the same time, just as beautiful. Picturesque, like Natalie thought the iceberg that fateful night might have looked like in the dark night sky. The passengers’ standing on the deck in the cold admiring a beautiful structure in the sea unaware of the depth of destruction something so magnificent could bring. Behind all that beauty and glory, the iceburg was a ruthless as a bomb when it exploded. And after the ship broke in two, while the iceburg stood tall, the crisp cold water sent up a fog toward the skies carrying the souls that were buried deep in the depths of the ocean.

Natalie smiled. The woman standing before her was no different than the iceburg, something that Natalie could understand. Relate to.

“Do you find this amusing?”

“No,” Natalie said just as quickly. “I just don’t believe you.”

“About what?” Shelley had pale skin—porcelain like with platinum blonde hair that she wore in a tight ponytail at the nap of her neck with a side part. All Natalie could think about was the old children’s rhyme mommy, mommy my ponytail is too tight. She even wanted to pull her checks back and chant the rhyme. She smiled again.

“Is that smile your way of saying yes?”

“I haven’t decided yet.” Natalie continued to stare into Shelley’s light blue eyes. They were like little tropical ocean ice cubes, which was an oxymoron, but it fit.

Shelley looked at her watch. “I have another candidate, so I need you to answer now.”

Natalie couldn’t tell if the good doctor was impatient, bored, or just wanted to push her into a decision. Didn’t matter. Her fate had been sealed the moment she’d been put in hand cuffs at the airport. “I’ll do it,” Natalie said without reservation. Though she had a million.

“Then sign here.” Shelley pushed the document across the table.

Natalie held the pen over the line that said signature. “No pain, right?”

“I can guarantee if there is any pain, we will give you something for it. I can also guarantee that you won’t remember.”

“No matter what I choose, I will no longer exist. I. Who I am right now, will be dead to the world.”

Shelley’s turn to smile. It wasn’t a happy smile, but an ominous smile. One similar to what Natalie envisioned she’d shared with her family on that fateful night. Somehow that made Natalie feel better about her decision.

“Your body will live. Your heart will pump. But you, Natalie Craig will cease to exist.”

Natalie took the paper and scribbled her name on the paper. “Who will exist?”

“Curiosity killed the cat.” Shelley took the paper and the pen and folded them as she stood.

“According to that paper I just signed, I’m already dead.”

“Natalie Criag isn’t the cat.” Shelley pulled out her phone and began texting or emailing. “We will leave the station in a secure vehicle where we will take you to a secure facility and begin the treatment.” She didn’t even try to fake humanity. Well, in the end, had Natalie?

“Anyone ever tell you have no feeling or emotion or compassion whatsoever?”

Shelley just looked over her cell phone. “That’s funny coming from you.” But she didn’t laugh. She just kept taping away on her phone.

“Wait here,” Shelley said as she opened the interrogation room. “I’ll make sure everything is ready for transport and then we will be on our way.”

And that was that. Shelley disappeared through the door and Natalie sat there, still in hand cuffs. Well at least she wouldn’t spend her last days in a dark cell where her perfectly manicured nails would be ruined and perhaps she could take something with her to this new world she would be going to.

 

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

I hate writing the draft. Rewriting comes easier to me than the draft.

 

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

I don’t have one favorite author, but I do have a few that have influenced my writing. Bob Mayer, of course. He’s a great writer and I love his books and that makes working with him all that sweeter. Laura Benedict is a fabulous writer. Her voice is amazing and her story telling is supreme. I would recommend her to anyone. I also really like Harlon Coban and especially Tell No One. That book changed the way I viewed my own writing. And of course, the king of fear, Stephen King.

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

I do some traveling for Cool Gus Publishing, but other than that, no. However, I do a lot of traveling with my family, so that inspires a lot of my books.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I do. I don’t recommend any author doing it themselves and I rely heavily on Bob Mayer’s opinion of my covers. That said, I do all the covers for Cool Gus Publishing.

 

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

Always the draft. I hate the draft. Once I get that done, its smooth sailing.

 

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

That I’m so not normal.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

There are many roads to OZ and OZ means different things to different people. Figure out your goals, and follow your heart.

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

THANK YOU! Readers Rule! Without them, I would not exisit.

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Nope.

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Everything. Life is full of laughter and tears. Its what makes it wonderful.

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

Doc Holiday.

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

I’ll leave that to my husband and kids.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Reading, watching TV, and being with my family.

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

Everything. I just finished watching Bloodline and thought it was Amazing. I also watched the Australian version of Secrets and Lies. Blew me away. Huge fan of Orange is the New Black, Orphan Black, and so many others. Guilty pleasure TV shows are Dance Moms and Real Housewives of NYC. Halla!

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Seafood, Blue, pop and dance music. Uptown Funk all the way

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

I did it. Raise my kids.

 

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

You can me at http://coolgus.com

 

Amazon Page  http://www.amazon.com/Jen-Talty/e/B007H91LVY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Here is my interview with Rachel Rawlings

Name Rachel Rawlings

Age 38

Where are you from Baltimore Metro

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc  I didn’t attend college, something I’d go back and tell my younger self to do. I’ve been married 18 years to the love of my life and the same guy who took me to prom and we have three wonderful kids together ranging in ages from 17-6.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

 I’m currently revamping the covers to my Maurin Kincaide Series and having a huge reveal party on my FaceBook page where you can win all sorts of prizes!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

 I’ve always written. Whether or not I finished it was another story but I’ve always written. I used to love to write poetry when I was young. I am just in love with stories, long or short it doesn’t matter.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

 When I got my first rejection letter from one of the Big 5. I figured, hey they read the whole book. I’m a writer.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Honestly, another series. I got frustrated as a reader. Not the author’s fault. I think there was just a story brewing and it needed to come out. I kept telling myself, if I wrote my own story I would do it differently. And then I did.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

 Casual. I think casual sums me up in one word. I write like I speak, lol.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

 Ill Fated, my latest release was because Maurin has had a run of bad luck. Titles are weird, sometimes they come easily and other times it’s the hardest thing to write.

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

Not really. Just read them for pleasure.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

 I always pepper in something from history. There’s a lot of real places in my novels and I try to pull from ancient mythology whenever possible.

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

I wish lol. My life would be a hell of a lot more exciting than it is.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

I love the classics. To Kill A Mockingbird, Little Women are two of my favorites. Hiroshima had a huge impact on me when I read it in school. Shakespeare was another, while it can be hard to read I always loved the fact that he made up so many of his own words.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

 I’m working on the Shiv Crew series by Laken Cane, third book in. Got hooked and am binge reading. Well as much as I can while still working on my current wip.

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

See above lol!

Fiona: What are your current projects?

 Payable On Death- Jax sold her soul to the Devil when she was just a teenager and has been trying to get it back ever since. I’m also working on a short for an anthology but that’s a super secret project.

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

The Indie author community and the bloggers who follow it have been amazing!

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

 I’m currently working full time as well as writing but I hope to change that in the very near future!

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

No, I don’t think so. It fought me a little but over all I’m happy with how it turned out. I haven’t gone back and changed anything plot wise from any of my novels.

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

 

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads? You can’t go forward, you can’t go back. There’s only bad and worse. Those were the options facing me the day I sold my soul to the devil. Sure it seems like a bad decision now but at seventeen I thought it was my only salvation.

 

My mother sat across from me, her hands in her lap hidden beneath the stainless steal table. The room was empty apart from the two of us. Neither of us spoke. She looked away every time I made eye contact. She’d lost weight since my last visit. Dark circles and sallow cheeks. She wasn’t taking care of herself. I worried everyday she’d waste away to nothing, vanish. Maybe that was the point. I hoped it would be different, her blonde hair would have its luster, the smile in her eyes reserved solely for me would be back. Nothing changed. Except for the distance between us. That seemed to be the only thing she nourished.

“Visiting hours are almost up. Five minutes.” The guard looked over at us, giving me a weak smile.

He felt sorry for me. I didn’t want or need his pity. He saw a devoted daughter visiting her mother every Sunday, whether the woman wanted to see her or not. What he failed to see was a daughter who’d dammed her soul to hell and her mother to ten years in one fell swoop.

“I’ll see you next week mom.” Without looking at her I pushed my chair back from the table and prepared to leave.

“I really wish you wouldn’t.” It was the first time she spoke during the entire visit, in several visits actually. Her last words to me, prior to this, had been that she knew what I’d done. She blamed herself. Apparently we’d moved past that and the blame laid squarely were it belonged.

With me.

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

Finding time. With full time work and a family, finding time to write can be challenging and when I do find the time, fighting off the guilt can be just as bad.

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

I have so many. Too many to name but I am a huge Anne Rice fan and have read just about everything she’s written. I love her style.

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

I do a lot of conventions. Half a dozen or so a year so there is some travel but I’m trying to focus on more local events to keep the time away from home down to a minimum. I also started a convention called HallowRead close to where I live and that has turned in to a real family affair. They help me out a town with the whole event.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

 I did my own cover work originally but I just had them redone by the talented Joseph Eastwood- he’s an author too!

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

I’d do it all again with you at my side. For my husband, my best friend and biggest supporter.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any

hobbies ?

 Reading!

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

Anything Sci Fi/ Fantasy, Action based.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Hmm, Italian or seafood, purple and Alternative Rock.  

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

Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Rawlings/e/B005Z4W9FK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1430377253&sr=1-2-ent

 

Here is my interview with Marilyn Vix

Name : Marilyn Vix

Age: Not telling.

Where are you from: Marilyn: Northern California

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

Marilyn: I’m a paranormal romance writer that spends her days writing about something she loves, romance. I love a good story with danger, intrigue, and good-looking men. When I can’t find what I want, I write it myself. I like to include settings that are real like Las Vegas, London, and Paris. I’ve travelled a lot, and like to include where I’ve visited as settings for my stories. I also participate at Renaissance Fairs around Northern California.  When not writing, I spend time with my husband and cat. She, of course, is the center of attention.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Marilyn: I just released my last ebook in my novelette series, Never Cross A Warlock. It is the final book in the Beware of Warlock series. Catherine decides which of the two warlocks she will be with. I tell you, it’s a hard decision. Her bad boy husband is still after her, and death would be the divorce settlement. Her boy toy Aussie warlock has captured her heart, but can she settle? I don’t want to tell you her decision, but let’s say that having it set in Las Vegas gave me an opportunity to have an Elvis impersonator as a character. You can find the new eBook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Marilyn: I actually wanted to be a cartoonist when I was a kid. I struggled with writing and didn’t get bit by the bug until 5^th grade. I was assigned a writing project once a month, and I learned to love it. My teacher helped me learn to love writing.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Marilyn: I think back in 5^th grade with those monthly writing assignments. But I officially felt like a writer with the publication of my first book, Never Marry A Warlock. That was the most awesome moment ever.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Marilyn: I had a dream of a man in bed with a woman. I walked towards him, and knew that he was cheating on me. I threw a spell at him, and flung him through the window into the pool. He rose out of the pool and threw a counter spell at me. That’s when I woke up. I grabbed my laptop and a cup of coffee. By the time I’d finished the cup, I’d written the first scene of Never Marry A Warlock.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

Marilyn: I love writing in the first person. I feel it’s the edgy way to get into a character’s mind. It’s actually sometimes more difficult since you can only give to the reader what one character knows. But it’s a great way to drive the story.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Marilyn: After I had the dream and wrote it down, I came up with the title pretty quickly. It’s from the first scene where Catherine realizes she shouldn’t have married her warlock husband. So, from her dialogue, I took the title.

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

Marilyn: I usual write and wait to see what theme develops. If I notice something, I’ll add clues to bring it out. I’m hoping that the main character’s traits and what the character does convey the theme. Nice thing about writing; people will get different messages from the same story.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Marilyn: Well, I wish there were real powers for witches. But I did take some things from Celtic and Wiccan lore. The Celtics used to renew their marriage vows once a year. I think you have to work harder on a marriage if the person could leave every year.

Some of the sex scenes are things I enjoy. But I’ve never picked up a hitchhiker. However, I made a lot of trips to Las Vegas to research the Beware of Warlocks series. That was the best research I’ve ever done.

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

Marilyn: Most of my writing is based on my experiences and life. I will make things up, a lot, to make the story work. But using some of my experiences gives the story it’s realistic appeal. So, a lot of what Catherine does, I’ve done.

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? A mentor?

Marilyn: Anne Rice is my writing hero. I once read her biography. Her story inspired me to become more serious about my writing. It’s taken a long time, but I’ve finally gotten somewhere with it now.

Plus, I’d love to meet her in person. I got close when I was trying to find her house in New Orleans. I ran into her chauffer and he helped my friend and I find her house. It is the setting of her Mayfair Witches series. So, I wanted to see the house. I got to hear her voice on the intercom, but that was as close as I got.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

 Marilyn: I’m reading some erotica shorts, because I’d like to try writing them in the future. I’m reading a great series called “What He Wants” by Hannah Ford. It’s a bad boy accused of murder with a BDSM fetish. With Fifty Shades of Grey being so popular, erotic romances are really taking off. Some I’m researching how to write them.

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

Marilyn: I read a lot of Indie authors. Since I became one, I’m too tempted to read all of their books now. I just preordered Saving London by Taylor Dawn. I have to wait all the way until June to read it. It’s about a girl that is diagnosed with cancer, and decides to make a bucket list before she dies. She meets a guy that wants to help. Great idea for a book!

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?

Marilyn: I’ve been really working hard on a Sci-Fi/Time Travel Romance called “Everything For Love”. It’s about half way done. Basically, the main character Deidre is a time travel researcher. Her job is to study people and the art of the past. One benefit of her job is her time travel device runs off the one thing that can power it through time, human intimacy.

We join her in the late 1890s in Paris. Her current assignment is to study Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and the artists of Montmartre. Having wrapped up with that research, she jumps to London 1914. Problems arise as another agent joins to help her. I won’t give away much more yet. I’m still in the first draft process, so it could all change during revision.

 

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

Marilyn: I’d have to say my fans. They keep me going. It feels wonderful to see a fabulous review or read a comment when someone says they love my books.

Plus, I have some pretty fabulous beta readers that help whip my books into shape. They do it for the love of writing. My editor is my last support pillar. She encourages me to try new things, and takes on my new project ideas. She’s been supportive in all that I’ve been working on over the last 2 years.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Marilyn: I’m actually starting to veer that way. I’ve kept my day job, but have experienced some life changing health issues that is having me rethink my career. I have to take a year off working to help get my health back. So, I’m going to spend it writing and see what happens. Cross your fingers for me. I’m going to see what I can write in a year.

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

Marilyn: Nope. I like the way they came out. I do wish I could have written them faster. But I write almost like a journal. What is happening in my life often will make it into my books in some way. They warn you to be careful around a writer. You could be in one of their novels. It’s all-true.

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

Marilyn: Sometimes finding the plot is a bit difficult. I usually let the characters direct the flow of where I want things to go. I have to give myself quiet time and visualize what they would do to move forward in the story. When I’m really in the writing groove, sometimes they take over and surprise me.

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

Marilyn: YES! This is pivotal to a lot of my books. I like to pick settings I can visit and research to give it a more personal connection. I took a writing workshop with Donald Maass, author of “Writing the Breakout Novel”. He went over techniques on how to turn a setting into a character. One way is to give it the personal touch.

So, most of the settings in my books I’ve visited. I’ve been to Las Vegas 5 times now, and I’m going back in a few weeks. The new series I’m working on will start there, and then move to San Francisco.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Marilyn: My cover designer is fabulous. Her name is Melody Simmons. She’s working on the box set design for the Beware of Warlocks series too. I’m hoping she’ll help out with my next series too. Her website is: http://ebookindiecovers.com/ .

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

Marilyn: Getting my butt in the chair and writing in a routine. With my day job, it was hard to get it done. I’d have to devote a lot of the weekdays to recovering from the day job, and mostly write on the weekend.

I did participate in National Novel Writing Month in November, and finished the rough draft then. So, having the word count goal to push me that month helped. I’ve been participating in CampNaNo to get more done on “Everything For Love”. I made my goal of 10k words. So, it helps to have motivational pushes when writing.

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

Marilyn: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t be living my dream of writing. You are dear in my heart because of this. Send the love. I love comments and feedback. I appreciate it always. I even take to heart all the suggestions as I’m writing. I want you to be happy. Keep the love coming!

 

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

Marilyn: I’d like to meet Taylor Swift. She reminds me a lot of my younger self, back in the day, minus the fact I wasn’t a pop star. She seems really down to earth and real. She’s an authentic pop star. Oh, and Lady Gaga too. I love the way she inspires others to be themselves.

 

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

Marilyn: “Write or Death.” It’s what I used for my motto for NaNoWriMo in November. Then, I almost died in December from heart issues, pneumonia and septic shock. So, the fact that the writing won out is a personal vendetta. I determined to have my writing win over death from now on.

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

Marilyn: Yes. I participate in Renaissance Fairs and Scottish Ren. Fairs through out Northern California. I’m a wondering minstrel that plays the Gaelic Harp. Besides writing, it’s my other addiction.

 

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

Marilyn: I’m horrible addicted to Game of Thrones right now. Plus, I love Mad Men. I’m an addict to CSI: Las Vegas, and love CSI: Cyber. My favorite drama right now is: The Goodwife. I could go on, but those are the most watched shows right now.

I’ll watch movies depending my interest. I loved The Great Gatsby remake, because I loved the book and Leonardo DiCaprio. The Hunger Games movies are fabulous, and I read all the Twilight books before the movies came out. So, I tend to like movies that have a book based on them. I’ll try to read the book before it comes out.

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Marilyn: Chocolate and wine are my writing choices, along with microwaved popcorn. I love the color red, black and burgundy. They are my power colors.

As far as music, I’m into 80s New Wave music. I often write to Duran Duran or Adam Ant. But I have a metal streak in me too. I like Poison, Scorpions, Ratt, and Motley Cru.

I also love the new pop music right now. I haven’t seen music this creative since the 80s. I listen to Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Adam Lambert, Bruno Mars, Iggy Azalea and Michael Franti. I include all of them in my current writing playlists.

 

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

Marilyn: Teach. I love sharing knowledge with others.

 

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

Marilyn: Yes. You can find all my projects, news, promos and discounts on my website/blog at: http://marilynvix.com .

I also have an account on Wattpad at: http://www.wattpad.com/user/MarilynVix . I’ve got an ongoing new adult romance with some short stories/oneshots.

Thanks for having me talk to you today. Take care, and stay fabulous. -Marilyn

Amazon Page  http://www.amazon.com/Marilyn-Vix/e/B00LZ1TTXM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

 

Here is my interview with Izzy French

Name Izzy French

Age

49 (gulping at the thought of what is coming soon…)

Where are you from

The UK. I live in West London, close enough to get to see films, exhibitions, bands and feel at the heart of a bustling capital city, but near plenty of beautiful countryside too. I’ve got the best of both worlds.

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

I’m a professional librarian by ‘trade’ but have been writing pretty much fulltime since I had my kids. I’ve always loved books and reading, and have an MA in English Literature – specialising in Sylvia Plath. I love talking about books as much as I love writing them. I have two kids who are keen readers too. I’m married to my childhood sweetheart. He loves books as much as we all do.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

My e-novella ‘One Night in Biarritz’ published by Tirgearr is out on 29^th April. It’s a standalone novella, number 11 in their ‘City Nights’ series. It’s an erotic romance set in a city I love and know well, is glamorous, and has plenty of erotic potential.  I was also the winner in the recent Ann Summers first ever erotic fiction competition – http://www.annsummers.com/page/erotic-fiction-writing-competition, which was a great thrill. They had hundreds of entries from around the world, so I was delighted to win.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always dabbled, but started in earnest when I had my son 12 years ago, so I could live a dream, and work flexibly around the kids. I’ve never looked back. I started writing for women’s magazines, and dipped into erotica when a particular magazine asked for saucy stories. Myself and some other writer friends sent some stories to them. Mine was about a driving instructor and his ‘learner’. It was too saucy for them, apparently, and that’s when I knew I could write erotica! So I sent it to Scarlet magazine instead, and they accepted and published it. That was the first of very many saucy shorts.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I had my first story accepted by a South African magazine. It’s now on my passport as my profession – which makes it feel really real.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I liked the idea of writing something longer than the shorts I’ve been writing for years – but hadn’t managed to get very far, although I had many grand plans and half-plotted novels. When I saw Tirgearr’s call for submissions I thought it was the perfect opportunity to give it a go. I loved the idea of an erotic adventure lasting 24 hours, thought that gave me as the author plenty of scope. I chose one of my favourite places and off I went. I’ve always had a soft spot for French men too – it’s the accent I think, but don’t tell my husband…

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

As I write across more than one genre, probably not. In fact I enjoy experimenting with my writing style, and writing for different audiences. I think my work tends to be more character than plot driven, with the plot emerging from character traits and actions. I do like a short, sharp sentence though. Something nice and crisp.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Afraid that was a bit of a given ;-). The whole series is named ‘One night in…’ And my chosen city was Biarritz, so it was a no-brainer.

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

Hmm. To follow your instincts, have fun, live life?

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

The setting is real. I’ve been to Biarritz a number of times, and I’ve tried to ensure the novel is firmly anchored there. The characters and their adventure are purely a figment of my imagination.

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

I have an active imagination – see above being married to my childhood sweetheart ;-). But I do use snippets of real experiences, conversations, events throughout all my work, like I guess all writers do to some extent. I try and check my facts, too, for accuracy. I don’t like being distracted by inaccuracies or inconsistencies in books I read – I can be a bit pedantic about that.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

I have a fantastic bunch of writer friends who are my joint ‘mentor’. They are scattered across the globe and know who they are – they act as critic, therapist, support network and cheerleader. Books? There’s so many! The books that have encouraged me to write aren’t necessarily in the genres I have chosen to work in, but are just great pieces of writing/literature, IMO. ‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt, ‘The Member of the Wedding’ by Carson McCullers, ‘A Suitable Boy’ by Vikram Seth, and last but not least a bawdy favourite of mine ‘Fanny Hill’ by John Cleland.  I chose the last one because I love the way in which it portrays women taking pleasure in their sexuality.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

‘Wonder’ by R J Palacio, ‘The Psychopath Test’ by Jon Ronson and ‘Paying |Guests by Sarah Waters.

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

Emma Healey’s ‘Elizabeth is Missing and Jessie Burton’s ‘The Minituarist’ are two books that have struck me as fabulously creative debut novels.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

I’m now working on ‘One Night in Brighton’ in addition to keeping up with the shorts and plotting and planning something new for me, a more conventional romance with a twist. Early days for that, though.

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

My Writers’ Group.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. It most definitely is.

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

Oh, good question. Maybe the readers/reviewers should be the judge of that! I might have given the French guy, Matthieu a bigger part, purely because of my love for French men!

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

Writing short stories at school, aged about 8.

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

I am currently writing a short erotic piece for a US market. It is very much a WIP. It’s going to be about a woman waiting for her husband to return home from war, traumatised and in need of TLC. But they have both changed whilst he has been away. I want to explore what happens sexually between two people who have been apart for some time, and have changed whilst apart.

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

Submitting it, and promoting it, unfortunately, although it has to be done. I love the process – the editing, the polishing, finding the ideas, working on characters. And the words usually flow. I love the idea of writing for an audience, hoping they enjoy the end result, but I’m not great at getting it out there, if I’m perfectly honest.

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

I love Carson McCullers. I am fascinated by Southern Gothic writing. It feels so wonderfully strange to me. In ‘The Member of the Wedding’ I think she captures that period of time between childhood and adulthood perfectly – when you don’t fit into either world well. She wrote so beautifully and vividly, and sadly died young.

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

Not yet…one day maybe…

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Cora Graphics.

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

The ‘twist’ or crisis point about two thirds of the way through. I had to work on that a bit. That’s why I like writing and developing characters more than plotting.

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

Quite simply, that I can write longer pieces. I have thousands and thousands of published words, most of them in 2000/3000 word chunks. Now I know I can string them together into something longer.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just keep going.  Release your imagination, but (if you want to get published) keep an audience in mind. I’m quite pragmatic about that.

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

I hope I please you, and leave you feeling satisfied…

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I think it was ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton. I loved all of her books.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I can cry at almost anything – adverts, you name it, it makes me cry. Most recently watching ‘The Fault in our Stars’ with my kids. Not a dry eye, and all that. I love laughter, and laugh easily. My kids make me laugh. My friends (with them not at them, obviously). Farce, quirky one liners. Jokes on Facebook. I laugh as easily as I cry, tbh.

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

Bob Dylan, because he’s a musical genius and poet. I’d be terrified though!

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

‘Died loving and laughing’. Because that’s what I consider important in life.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I do several crafts – knitting, sewing etc. I love the theatre, art and live music.

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

I’ve just seen ‘Whiplash’ which was fabulous. An old TV favourite is ‘Northern Exposure’. Current ones include ‘Inside No.9’ and ‘Raised by Wolves’. Both are beautifully written. Funny, sad and wacky.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music  

Food – Almond croissants. Colour – Purple. Music – Indie – Green Day, The White Stripes, Nick Cave.

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

I’d currently make a good belly dancer (!), but seriously, maybe a forensic scientist.  

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

Yes, though I should be more active on it – www.izzyfrenchwriter.wordpress.com

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Night-Biarritz-City-Nights-ebook/dp/B00UGPGEJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430221341&sr=8-1&keywords=izzy+french+one+night

 

Here is my interview with Devan Sagliani

Name: Devan Sagliani

Age: 42

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in and around the Los Angeles area. I guess you could say I’m a Southern California type of person through and through, right down to my love of the Dodgers.

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

I graduated UCLA and got into film production for a while, then turned to writing full time. I’m the author of the Zombie Attack series, The Rising Dead, A Thirst For Fire, and the Undead L.A. series. I also wrote the original screenplay for the movie HVZ: Humans Versus Zombies and several other screenplays. I’ve been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and the Million Writers Award. My first book won Best Zombie/Horror E-book on Goodreads. I’m an active member of the Horror Writer’s Association. I write a bimonthly horror column for The Escapist at present and am working on new books.

I love all things beach related. If it were up to me I’d spend all day playing with my dog and surfing, and all night reading, watching movies and writing.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I’m currently working on Undead L.A. 2. I’m also promoting the charity I’m involved with, At Hell’s Gates, a horror anthology Shana Festa and I cofounded that helps veterans and their families. All of the proceeds go to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. We are working on releasing our third volume in June. The books can be picked up on Amazon or Smashwords. You can learn more and get involved by visiting http://athellsgates.com.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

When I was a kid I dreamed of writing for a living. Other kids wanted to be policemen and firemen and architects but I wanted to write novels. I wrote my first horror short story when I was in fifth grade. As I got older I began to explore different styles of writing. I used to carry a pad and a pen with me everywhere and spend hours writing and rewriting ideas, poems, and short stories. I never let the dream go that one day I would be able to do it for a living. I used to spend hours at home going over something I’d written and not notice the time had passed. Eventually I found my own voice and my writing got better.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I like to make the distinction and say that writers are born not made. It’s something you know in your soul, an obsession with words and getting things right that is unceasing. I was an advanced reader at an early age which fueled my desire for storytelling. I naturally felt like a writer since I spent so much time reading and writing. What I yearned to be was an author, a published and paid writer. I struggled for a long time after college writing a semi-autobiographical depiction of the underbelly of Los Angeles, a dark and cathartic process that locked me into an endless cycle of rewrites. I was unable to get the book published and turned to writing short fiction and publishing it online at various literary sites. It was during those years that I officially became a writer, honing my skills by working on my craft and treating it like a job.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was a fictionalized version of my own life. I’d been living different adventures with the intention of using my experiences to create an authentic work of fiction. It wasn’t until I’d written and rewritten it several times, and ultimately decided not to publish it, that I realized it was as much writing practice as it was a form of therapy. Every now and then I take it out to rewrite it again but change my mind. For now it’s best to leave it as a time capsule from a difficult period of my life.

My first book I ever published was Zombie Attack, Rise of the Horde. I’d already written Humans Versus Zombies and so I was well immersed in the world of zombies, although I refused to watch the Walking Dead until I was done with my books. I didn’t want anything influencing me or seeping into my work. I was a big fan of young adult fiction, particularly the Harry Potter series, and noticed there wasn’t much about zombies in that genre. So I decided to write a young adult fiction novel. I tapped into my inner sixteen-year-old and came up with Zombie Attack, a wild ride through a post-apocalyptic Southern California where sixteen-year-old Xander Macnamara has to fight his way from one fallen air force base to another in search of his older brother. Along the way he encounters outlaw biker gangs, white supremacist militia, doomsday cults, cannibals, rock stars, and a shaman. He falls in love with a child celebrity turned reality television show catastrophe, rescues a comic book geek, and together they take on an endless and unrelenting series of flesh hungry monsters from the pits of hell. The story is about family, friendship, and what it means to be human in a world gone mad.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

People tend to tell me I’m very visual. I think that’s a carryover from writing scripts. I like to lay down plot first, develop my characters, then go back through the story again and add touches of poetry and philosophy and magic where I can without distracting the reader or derailing the story line.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Those can be tricky. With Zombie Attack I wanted to be as clear and deliberate as possible so readers would know exactly what they were signing up for. It doesn’t get more direct than Zombie Attack. Usually it’s just a process of writing down one idea after another until something feels right because it just fits and gives the story the right mood or tone. It’s either that or be generic and pick one from popular song lyrics.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

All of them. Is that too broad of an answer? I’ve gone through phases over the years, from Kurt Vonnegut to Charles Bukoswki to Don DeLillo to Thomas Pynchon to Tom Robbins to Brett Easton Ellis to Chuck Palahniuk to Salman Rushdie. I think all works of fiction that touch and move you end up influencing your life. That’s the power of great literature. I know something is amazing when it makes me change how I view the world around me and makes me jealous in a positive way. Two books that did that for me were Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie and Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk. That book is amazing!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m reading the third book in the Breadwinner Trilogy by Stevie Kopias. She’s great! I’m fortune to read it before it releases. I also just finished reading a bunch of H.P. Lovecraft for a series I was writing on him for my Dark Dreams column I write for The Escapist. Before that I read IT by Stephen King and Mr. Mercedes by him as well. Come to think of it I’ve been reading a whole lot of Stephen King in the last few years. Not only is he a great writer but there is so much writers can learn from him. I’d be happy for a tenth of his success.

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

Absolutely! I’m glad you asked. I like Shana Festa, Tim Long, Stephen Kozeniewski, Stevie Kopias, Paul Mannering, Shawn P. Durnin, Joe McKinney, Tim Marquitz, Charles Phipps, Sharon Stevenson, and S.G. Lee all write zompoc or horror and have contributed work to At Hell’s Gates, which makes them amazing as far as I am concerned. They are some great emerging writers in the genre. I also enjoy the work of Jonathan Maberry, who isn’t really new but is just now starting to get more name brand recognition.

Outside of horror I read and loved Forest of Fortune by Jim Ruland last year. It was pretty unforgettable. That book got under my skin. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan was amazing as well. I bought copies for friends when I finished. That’s a sign of a great book.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

I co-founded At Hell’s Gates with Shana Festa. It’s a horror anthology series we put together that donates all its proceeds to help wounded soldiers and their families through the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. I’ve been spending my time helping to promote our first two releases and put together the next one. It’s a wonderful project. Everyone working on it is donating their time and energy for free to help the cause, from authors to editors to formatters and beta readers. I’m very proud of all the people involved. To learn more about it or to donate to the cause you can visit http://www.athellsgates.com.

I’m also wrapping up my Undead L.A. series. I want to say my final words on zombies for the moment and try some new scary things, like serial killers.

 

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

I don’t usually feel like I want to go back and change things in my work. If anything I might have split up Zombie Attack 2 into 2 and 3, since it is so long.

 

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

I’m a big fan of Salman Rushdie. His grasp of language is extraordinary. You can feel his obsession with it in every line. The man is simply a genius. I’m also fond of Don DeLillo.

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

Not at present but I have taken trips I’ve been on and found ways to work them into my writing which is nice. A vacation trip to San Diego ended up in The Rising Dead. My trips to Sayulita Mexico played a big part in one of my stories in Undead L.A. 1 as well.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I used to design all my own covers since I originally self-published but once I signed on with a publisher they redid them. I didn’t get a great deal of say in it at that point. For Undead L.A. 1 Shawn King took my original design and just made it awesome. He was amazing to work with.

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

Sitting in the chair and writing it. All writers face self-doubt. There were points when I wondered if I was wasting my time writing a kids book about zombies from a teenagers perspective. I had to talk myself into it at times but I felt there was something great happening with the writing. The book eventually became an Amazon bestseller reaching #132 on overall Kindle so that intuition and dedication paid off.

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Believe in yourself. I know rejection can be frustrating and disappointing but it can also be a gift in disguise. I’m grateful that I was forced to work harder on my writing and that I waited to put something out until it was ready. Be patient. Learn your craft. Don’t just jump on trends because you think you’ll sell more. Write what you love and readers will find you. Also it’s not a bad idea to beef up your social media skills. People tell me all the time that it’s not possible to sell books using Twitter and I laugh. Without Twitter I wouldn’t have made it anywhere. Last but not least be sure to ask lots of questions and have people look over the contracts before you sign a publishing deal. There is a lot of excitement going in but things can quickly change and not everyone keeps their word.

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

Just thank you.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I used to love the Scholastic book fairs as a kid so I had lots to choose from, which makes it all that much harder to answer. I read all the Bernstein Bears and Clifford the Big Red Dog stuff along with anything I could get my hands on. I remember reading Gulliver’s Travels several times at a young age.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I love inappropriate humor, and poop jokes. I hate to see people or animals being treated badly or suffering. As a sensitive person and an artist I’ve always been in touch with my emotions so you never know what might set me off.

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

I’ve always wanted to meet Buddha, but only if I could talk to him and ask him lots of questions. It wouldn’t be worth it otherwise. It would be too big of a tease.

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

At the risk of sounding contrary and missing the point, I don’t plan on having one. When I die my wish is to be cremated and have the ashes spread into the Pacific Ocean. I doesn’t really matter what people say then but I hope they remember something funny I said or did or some act of kindness.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I love to go surfing but I’ve had trouble making it into the break as much since I started writing full time. I still love spending time at the beach. It’s just a different way of life for beach folk. I don’t feel as happy if I don’t have sand between my toes and the smell of the ocean air in my nostrils.

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

I’m a fiend for entertainment. I love stories. It’d be easier to tell you what I’m not watching. In the last few years I’ve watched everything from Dexter and Breaking Bad to Orange is the New Black and Sons of Anarchy and Witches of East End and Mad Men and House of Cards and Game of Thrones. And yes, I’ve finally caught up on The Walking Dead. Right now I’m watching the Following, Castle, Better Call Saul, and the Blacklist. I’m waiting patiently for the return of Hannibal and sitting through my wife’s binge watching of Orphan Black.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

I love Mexican food. You don’t understand how important it is until you go to Europe and don’t have it for a while. In Los Angeles we eat Mexican food on an almost daily basis. In fact I had carne asade last night for dinner while watching the Dodgers beat up the Giants. It doesn’t get more Los Angeles than that!

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

I have worked so many jobs I could probably write a book about my employment history alone. My last work was in film production which I left to take up marketing, publicity and sales. I’d probably just go back to that if I couldn’t get paid to write.

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

I do. My website is http://devansagliani.com. You can also visit me on Twitter http://twitter.com/devansagliani and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ZombieAttackRiseOfTheHorde.

Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/Devan-Sagliani/e/B008G3PT6S/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1430251734&sr=1-2-ent

Here is my interview with Desiree A. Cox

Name Desiree A. Cox

Age?  Over 30 and less than 75, lol.

Where are you from?

[Desiree] I was born and raised in Iowa.

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

[Desiree] I’m an erotica/erotic romance author.  I’m the author of the Lust, Desire, and Love Trilogy.

 

I live in Delaware now. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and we are the parents of two sons, and a daughter.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Computer Science.

I work full-time in addition to writing.   I read several genres, but mostly erotic/romance type books.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

[Desiree] On April 23, the box set, Wickedly Exotic Spring Erotic Wonderland, release.  I have a short story in the anthology titled Fantasy Come True.

On March 28, I release my second book in the Lust, Desire, and Love Trilogy ~ Jaded By Desire.

The first book, Twisted By Desire, released on December 13, 2014, when I made my writing debut.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

[Desiree] I began writing nearly 3 years ago.  I have always liked writing and I wanted to challenge myself to do something that I had only ever dreamed of.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

[Desiree] The day I received my first book review, I considered myself a writer. At that point, I knew I had a real reader, not just my family that felt obligated to read my book.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

[Desiree] I wanted to do something that could help me define myself.  Something that was all mine – I wasn’t accepting credit for a child’s achievement, or an accomplishment riding on the coat tails of someone else.  It was something I did, all by myself, for me.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

[Desiree] I try to let the story come to me. I want the story to be close to believable and not rushed. I think that’s how I found myself writing a Trilogy for my first work out the gate.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

[Desiree] I had several titles for my debut book, before deciding Twisted By Desire was the right fit.  It was always a variation of that title.  I had writing about half of the book when I selected this title.  By that time I thought the book was filled with a lot of desire and was definitely twisted.

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

[Desiree] No, I just want the readers to get lost in the fictional world of Nikki, Jeff and Sky for several hours.  My main character, Nikki, is conflicted. Sky is Nikki’s ex-husband, whom she loves, still.  Jeff, is the new man.  Their relationship is new and very physical, like a lot of new relationships.  It’s a hot read, not for the faint of heart, or readers under 18.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

[Desiree] I’d like to think it all sounds like it could be realistic.  But for both of my books in the Trilogy, maybe 3-5% is derived from real situations, maybe.  My short story that’s part of the Anthology is 0% based on real life.

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

[Desiree] No. I don’t ever want a family member, friend, or anyone that knows me to read a book and say, ‘Hey, what the hell?’ I write fiction.  Now, if someone said, fictionalize my story – I’d be all over it. Haha.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? A mentor?

[Desiree] The biggest influence for me has been the Fifty Shades trilogy.  As far as having a mentor, I have a few extra special author friends that have helped me with my writing and understanding the process along the way.  Dorothy F. Shaw was there to help me before I started writing Twisted By Desire.  I was actually writing another story at the time – Fantasy Come True (yeah, that was originally supposed to have been my debut novella.)

Cory Cyr and K.L. Silver have also provided a lot of guidance for me and have been fantastic to bounce ideas off of.

I have so many other authors I can reach out to for support, too.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

[Desiree] I just finished Harper Miller’s The Sweetest Taboo, and am now reading Allyn Lesley’s Deeper.   Both are new authors.

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

[Desiree] So many have.  And I’m going to list them because they are all so awesome.

Although Dorothy F. Shaw isn’t new-new. She has one standalone book out now – Spare Hearts, she has a story in the anthology Three Times Lucky, and she has a new release coming May 5 – Unworthy Heart.

Cory Cyr, she’s also not new-new, but I love her books (Bite & Release, Reviving Haven, and Acquiesce). I can’t wait for her next two releases to hit my kindle.

K.L. Silver, she is the mastermind behind Mastered.  I read the books when they came out in a series, and again when they released under the title of Mastered.  And might I say – O.M.G!  She, too, has a new release coming soon – Trussed.

Natasha Blackthorne isn’t new, but was the author of my first Historical Romance read. She is now my favorite Historical Erotic Romance author.  If you want to know why, pick up one of her books. She has a new release coming in June.

Elizabeth Lynx is a hilarious romantic author. Her books are sexy and sassy.  I read her Him, Her, Them series.  I’ve also read her new work, A Payne In The Blog. It started as a blog turned into a book, and it’s a crack-up with lots of eroticism.  It also leads into her latest release, Rules of Payne.

1. Asmara writes some very schmexy, dramatic reads. I’ve read When It Raynes and When It Raynes: Clear Skies.

Emily Krat is new and has a nice contemporary romance with some heated moments – Flawed and Damaged.

Harper Miller – her debut, The Sweetest Taboo, is an intriguing D/S love story.

Autumn Grey has three books in her series available.  I’ve read Havoc so far, and have Obliterate and Mend on my kindle.

Jules Dixon writes a variety of romance reads.  She has 6 books available in her series.

Vernetta Odom’s latest book, Freakizm, nearly burned up my kindle. I really enjoyed her trilogy, Sleeping In Heaven, Waking In Hell, too.

Kelly Cozzone has Tropical Dreams and Tropical Nightmares that I’ve read.  She’s also included in an anthology and an author cookbook.

Cathy Jackson writes sweet romance.  As much as I love a good steamy erotica novel, I also really enjoyed her work.  She has the 3^rd installment in her series coming out at the end of May, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

Allyn Lesley, her debut, Deeper, just released.  I’m nearly half-way done and am enjoying it so far.

Elaine Barris, writer of some seriously hot vampire erotica.  Her 2^nd book, Master For Tonight II is beckoning me.

In addition to them, I also love Elizabeth James, Melanie James, Addison Kline’s Breaking Black series, Janet Mota, Kennedy Kelly, Elle Emerson, Dylan Cross, Julia Sykes, Ker Dukey, Denise Garou, Kristina Canady, and Jason Luke.   There are so many awesome authors to choose from – this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Some of the authors I really like aren’t new, but they are new to me in the past year or so; like, Chelle Bliss, Harper Sloan, Jaden Wilkes, Anita Lawless, Ava Michaels, Josette Reuel, Ethan Radcliff, Samantha Jacoby, Kendall Grey, Sylvia Day, and Cindy Tibbetts to name a few.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

[Desiree] I currently have two works in progress.  I am writing a stand-alone story titled Unselfish Love to be included in an anthology, and am working on Reclaimed By Desire, book 3, and the finale, in the Lust, Desire, and Love Trilogy.

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

[Desiree] Outside of family, my biggest support had come from the online community.  Bloggers, event coordinators, other authors, and of course, the readers.

I think one of the first events I attended was with Vicki Rose.  I didn’t have my book complete and, honestly, wasn’t sure I’d actually finish it.  But it was fun.  Then I began doing events that were hosted by Ravannah Rayne (Melly).  They have both been very big supporters for me and helped me find the avenue to build my confidence to continue writing.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

[Desiree] I honestly don’t for two reasons. First, I’m a realist. I really like my job and hope and expect to keep it until retirement.  Second, I know to reach that level of success takes an extreme amount of work and luck.  I’m kind of in a catch 22.  As long as I work full-time, my time is limited for writing and marketing.

I’m more than happy being where I am right now. If things take off, and the magic wand is waved over my head, I’ll be thrilled.

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

[Desiree] No, not in my latest book, but I would change my debut, Twisted By Desire.

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

[Desiree] I’ve always enjoyed writing.  I’ve felt like I could communicate more clearly and convey my thoughts exactly how I wanted to in writing. More so than I could when speaking.

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

[Desiree] Sure, I can, but then I’d have to kill you.  Haha, just kidding.

I’ll share the unedited Prologue from Reclaimed By Desire.  For those unfamiliar with the trilogy, they aren’t stand-alones, they are intended to be read in order.  So although this may not make complete sense, hopefully it piques your curiosity …

My heart raced faster than Husain Bolts feet during the Olympics. My instincts were telling me something was wrong. Really wrong, I knew it. I could feel it. I had that all too familiar scratch in my nose that accompanied feelings of doom in the past, and it wouldn’t stop. My eyes burned, and I had a sinking feeling deep in my gut.

 

I had tried calling, and calling, but Nikki never picked up. And she never returned my calls. That wasn’t like her. I knew something wasn’t right, but I had no idea what.

 

Something had been preoccupying her thoughts for the past few weeks, but she had assured me it was nothing.

 

I just needed to get home to make sure she and the kids were okay. I held the phone in my hand, listening to it ring, then going to her voicemail, again. FUCK! It had only been one day since I spoke to her, but not hearing from her was eating me alive.

 

Wednesday night when we spoke, Nikki had told me she was going out to happy hour with her co-workers the next evening after work. I didn’t care. We didn’t argue. We had a nice conversation. I thought it would be good for her to get out of the house for a couple of hours after work. Everything was perfectly fine. I had talked to her earlier in the day on Thursday. Again, everything was fine. When I called Thursday night though, I got no answer. Friday morning, still no answer. Friday afternoon, you guessed it, no answer.  I had tried to call her mother, but she didn’t answer her phone either. What in the actual fuck was going on?

 

My heart raced with anxiety thinking something horrible had happened. Was she in the hospital? Had something happened to one of the kids? I’d like to think if something had happened to Alexander or Abby, she would have called me.

 

I couldn’t get on the plane fast enough to get home so I could find out what was taking place.  My thoughts were leading me down a dark, tragic path. I tried desperately to trick my brain into thinking of positive thoughts, but fuck if I could come up with any.

 

While I sat in the airport, I had tried to call her, only to get her voicemail … a-fucking-gain. I took Tylenol for my throbbing headache that I knew wasn’t going to go away until I knew everyone was okay.  The blood was rushing through my veins harder than I’d ever felt, crashing in my ears.  My heart beat felt like it was thumping so hard it should have been visible through my shirt. A tingling radiated through my chest and body. One minute, I’d felt like I was going to hyperventilate, the next it felt difficult to take a breath without actually talking to myself, telling myself to breathe.  And I was drinking ginger ale, to settle my stomach. I hated ginger-ale, but my gut was doing some massive flip-flops.

 

Jesus fucking Christ, just get me the fuck home.

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

[Desiree] Concentrating and staying on task is the hardest thing for me, especially now. I have a full-time job that can be demanding, my youngest son is home and he’s super needy, and then there are all the new releases that call for me to read them.

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

[Desiree] I can’t even begin to name a favorite author, honestly.

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

[Desiree] I haven’t traveled at all for my books or promotions, yet. I have some tentative plans for 2016.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

[Desiree] Kellie Dennis at Book Cover By Design. She did my covers for the Trilogy.  She’s awesome!

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

[Desiree] The amount of emotion I wrote, especially in book 2, required very crafty wording.  I wanted it to feel like the readers were part of the story, like they were sitting right there, watching the story unfold.  It took a lot of rewriting to get to a point where I felt it, then I let my sister-in-law read it to get her opinion.

Book 3 will be every bit, if not more, difficult to write because of that same reason.

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

[Desiree] I learned that my family truly supported me, that I could achieve a goal I never expected to achieve, and that success is how I define it.  I don’t have to always hit the homerun or reach the top of the mountain to have succeeded.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

[Desiree] Write and enlist a good proofreader/editor.  Don’t doubt yourself.

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

[Desiree] Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  You have no idea how much I appreciate your support.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

[Desiree] See Spot Run, lol.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

[Desiree] I laugh at a lot of the stupidest things.  I have a very warped sense of humor.  Sometimes my laugh is a disguise to cover another emotion, and can be misinterpreted as insensitive, but it’s really not.  We all have different coping mechanisms.

It takes a lot to get me to cry.  I can control my emotions pretty well.

When I think back to two really devastating life events, ten years ago, my Dad passed away unexpectedly. And six years ago my husband had his heart attack. Those memories make me extremely upset and can cause me to tear up.

So we won’t talk about me crying, I hate being sad. It’s not a good place for me to be.

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

[Desiree] There is only one person I’d like to meet again one day – that’s my Dad.

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

[Desiree] I’m going to be cremated. I don’t want my kids to spend money any on all of the expenses for a funeral.  I want them to keep as much money in their pockets as possible.  Plus cremation is better for the earth.

They can inscribe my urn to read – motherfucking Mom, you still suck!  Trust me, they would crack up laughing at that because all three of them know what that means.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

[Desiree] I enjoy coin collecting, listening to music, exercising, and I occasionally play the guitar.

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

[Desiree] I love shows like Forensic Files, Law & Order, and I’m addicted to Investigative Discovery.  I also like watching Marriage Boot Camp, Modern Family, the reruns of Two and A Half Men with Charlie Sheen, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and my new addiction, WWE Total Divas.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

[Desiree] I love 80’s music, almost all genres, but no country though.  Food is my favorite food, lol.  And my favorite color is blue, preferably navy, but royal is fine – just not powder or sky blue.

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

[Desiree] I would have enjoyed being a criminal psychologist.  I never really thought of that when I was in college, so I picked Business Administration.

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

[Desiree] I have a blog on Facebook – Would You Like A Book With Your Wine.

 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8326258.Desiree_A_Cox

 

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

 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DesireeACox

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Desiree-A-Cox/e/B00QODW54G/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1430243840&sr=1-2-ent

 

Here is my interview with Matt Johnson

Name: Matt Johnson

 

Where are you from;

I’m a Londoner by birth, currently living in Wales and looking out at the incredible Brecon Beacons as I write this.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Matt: I wrote about this in more detail on my blog, but to summarise: About fifteen years ago. It started quite by accident. I was in the process of leaving the police having been diagnosed with PTSD which had caused some unpleasant symptoms. As part of my counselling treatment I was asked to write doen my experiences, dreams, emotions etc as talking about them had been too upsetting. I found it very cathartic, the exercise did me a lot of good and a side product was the complimentary comments from the counsellor and the suggestion that I wrote a book.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Matt: Probably when I had my first magazine article published and was paid for it. It was fun to be paid for something I enjoyed doing. I first considered myself an author when my debut book started to produce a small income and to be well reviewed by complete strangers. Then, when Peter James emailed me and agreed to endorse the book, I began to accept that writing fiction was actually something I might be quite good at.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Matt: Following the PTSD treatment, I decided to follow the counsellor’s advice and give it a go. I enjoyed the experience and, as I said previously, it was very cathartic in helping me address my PTSD.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It came from the book, from dialogue between two of the characters. It is very different from the initial title. The same thing happened with the sequel which should be out next month. I started with one title and ended up with something quite different as the story grew.

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Matt: As much as is possible. The genre that I have chosen to right in is full of people who will soon identify authenticity errors and lack of realism. I find it hard to identify with heroes who are impervious to injury and pain and who seem to think and act faster than anyone else. As the story progresses, I often ask myself ‘what would really happen’ and ‘is this feasible’.

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

Matt: Very much. All of the events and characters are amalgams of people I have known and events I have had involvement with. In the sequel to Wicked Game, three of the characters are named after competition winners and one name is that of a very kind lady who bid over £200 for a signed book at a fundraiser for an injured SAS soldier.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

Matt: In recent times, Peter James has been a great friend to me. Peter has advised me on a suitable agent and helped to find me an exciting publisher. In the past, I used to like books like The Choirboys by Joseph Wambaugh and the early Alex Cross books.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Matt: My own, it’s editing time.

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

Matt: I recently read a wonderful novel called The Bees. It’s by a new author called Laline Paull.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

Matt: The sequel to Wicked Game. It’s called Deadly Game and is due out next month. Final proof read is being completed and I’m due a report back from a military colleague to check authenticity and accuracy.

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Matt: I do now, yes. I’m enjoying it very much and, so long as that continues, I will keep at it.

 

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

Matt: Yes. It started in the police with the writing of reports and evidence. I found that I was quite good with the written word and was often asked to help colleagues put their thoughts and witness accounts into words. Once, I wrote a speech for a senior officer that ended up being used by the Met Commissioner. I think that those experiences planted a seed that continued to grow.

 

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

Matt: Yes. For example, I have been back to Ireland, to a wedding in Romania and to the Red Sea for book two. It would be my view that to write about a place, you really need to go there and experience it. When you get to use all your senses in an environment you can recall the sounds, the smells and the feel of a place much better than if you just read about it. The challenge is to then find a way to put those sensations into words so that others can live it through you.

Fiona: Who designed the covers? 

Matt: My brother Simon took and idea of mine and turned it into reality. I was very impressed by what he came up with. A book jacket is so key to success. I’ve been really pleased with the positive reaction this amateur production has generated.

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

Matt: For me, its grammar and punctuation. My english education stopped at O level. I find that I am now overcome that ‘blank page’ situation well after receiving the advice to ‘just write, don’t worry’. I think that we writers want to get it right first time but I have come to accept that this doesn’t happen so I concentrate on getting words down and then worry about other things later.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Matt: Most advice is already available in one form or another but I would make just one plea. Don’t cheat the reader by buying reviews for your work or doing mutually back-slapping reviews with fellow writers. It fools readers in the short term, but once they realise they have been conned, they can be very unforgiving. In the long term, the only person who is fooled by faked reviews is you. When you cheated to obtain a review, how will you know if you work appeals to genuine readers?

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

Matt: On my blog last year, I posted a tale of my journey to South Africa to trace my ancestral roots. The person I would so much have loved to meet is a man who turned out to be my distant cousin, Nelson Mandela.

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Matt: Too many. Which doesn’t help when it comes to distractions but definitely does when it comes to material and ideas. I enjoy riding my old Harley-Davidson, driving my classic Jaguar, scuba diving, bee-keeping, live music, my four dogs, cycling, hill-walking, gardening and, of course, reading. I also collect hats… oh and ties. It was only when I discovered ebay that I realised how many hobbies I had.

 

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

Matt: Its www.mattjohnsonauthor.com  . You will also find me twittering at @Matt_Johnson_UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wicked-Game-Matt-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00725CCYI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

Paperback due June 12

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Deadly-Game-Matt-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00YI2EK8E/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1432994502&sr=1-2%C2%A0%E2%80%A6%20(paperback%20due%20June%2012)

Here is my interview with Alex Davis

Name Alex Davis

Age 33

Where are you from
Originally Essex, have been living in Derby for the last 15 years

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
I studied Creative Writing at the University of Derby starting back in the year 2000, and liked the city so much I decided to stick around. I met my now-wife at a writing group I was running shortly after my Uni years, and we’ve also got a three-year-old daughter, Betsy.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I tend to find in freelancing in writing there’s always news of some kind on the go! But the headline is definitely my first novel coming out this summer, The Last War, which is the start of a science-fiction trilogy from Tickety Boo Press.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing ever since I was tiny really, inspired initially by my favourite TV shows like Count Duckula and Dungeons and Dragons. The Fighting Fantasy adventure books – and in turn novels – were a massive part of me wanting to have a go at creating my own genre stories as a teenager. I suppose for me it was a bit of wanting to be something like my heroes and the people I idolised in writing.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
The definition of ‘writer’ has always been a sticking point for me, because if you do sit and write then surely you are a writer? It’s this distinction between ‘amateur’ and ‘professional’ in writing that people sometimes seem to preoccupy themselves with. If you collect stamps, you’re a stamp collector. If you go jogging, you’re a jogger. If you write, you’re a writer. You may not be paid, or published, but you are every bit a writer.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My first serious novel I wrote when I was about 23, and I took three months off work to get that written. It was a fantastic time really – I’d just moved in with my wife-to-be and here I was doing what I’d always dreamed of doing. It was a sort of Gothic ghost story, though on reflection the plot was a bit thin and the style was pretty overblown. The first novel you put to paper will never tend to be the best – anything in writing is first and foremost a matter of practice.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
The style for The Last War is kind of a combination of influences, because although it is science-fiction, it’s not high-tech or futuristic. It’s about a new alien civilisation – the Noukari – trying to get a society off the ground. Throw in the elements of a mysterious race of creators (or gods?) and an untapped psychic potential and you have an explosive mixture, which is largely what the book is all about.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
The idea was that the Noukari were created as a species for peace and nothing more in the Ensium Galaxy, where the story is set. But society being what it is, tensions of some kind are always inevitable, so The Last War comes from the concept that the conflicts that we encounter in this book should be the last. But it’s a trilogy, so it’s not much of a spoiler to say there’s plenty more drama and unease to come.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I’ve been wrestling with this myself for a bit, and I suppose the core point is about religion and whether it does more harm or good. The core concepts of religion in an early society are generally helpful – it’s the first time things like morality and consequences of actions are realised, and we move beyond the survival of the fittest/the biggest and strongest can just take whatever they want. As an idea, I think religion can work. In practice, it’s often more problematic than it should be.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
Not much of it! We’re in a distant galaxy and on an alien planet. With that said, the aliens have a lot of human aspects, so readers should certainly be able to identify with their struggles.

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not really – it was just an idea I was interested in, this kind of origin story. My publisher described it to me as ‘biblical’ in tone and style, which really pleased me. That’s the kind of thing I was going for.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?
I’d say Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury and Vermillion Sands by JG Ballard. Both wonderfully written books that I have just come back to time and time again.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I’m currently re-reading the wonderful A Graveyard for Lunatics by Ray Bradbury. I think it’s an overlooked classic of his, and possibly the most complete novel he ever wrote. It occurred to me to re-read it because it has some thematic similarities to a book I published with my small press, Andrew David Barker’s The Electric.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I’m lucky in doing what I do that my anthology editing brings me into contact with any number of very talented writers. There’s an Australian horror writer, Amelia Mangan, I’d advise everyone to watch out for – I’ve published a few of her stories, all of which have been absolutely fantastic, and her first novel is forthcoming. If it’s a patch on her shorts, it’ll be superb.

Fiona: What are your current projects?
Well, even though The Last War isn’t out until July, I’m currently working away at the sequel, entitled The Last Days. I’m about 10,000 words in and coming up to a really interesting crossroads in the story, so going to be fun finishing it off. In terms of my anthology editing, I’m currently working at We Can Improve You – an anthology on the theme of Augmentation – and Nice Day for a Picnic, both are which are co-editing with my good friend Brian Marshall.

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Can I say the whole SF/Fantasy/Horror community? There’s a phenomenally supportive world of writers, editors, bloggers and reviewers out there that I’m lucky to call myself a part of. If you need a hand, there’s always somebody willing to offer it, and equally I’m always happy to be called up for favours where I can offer something useful. There’s so much talent out there, and so many people wanting to see  our patch of fiction succeed on the whole.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
I do, but my own definition of ‘writing’ is pretty broad. I’ve worked in writing for the last ten years, even though my book is only out this summer. I’ve run writing events, I teach creative writing, I run a small press (Boo Books), I proofread and copy-edit for a number of publishers, so writing is at the heart of everything I do, whether it’s my own or someone else’s. I’ve been delighted to see many people I’ve worked with go on to great success with their writing.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
The timescale was tight, but I don’t think the end result would have been that different to be honest. You put it out there because you’re pleased with it, and if the publisher likes it – which Gary at Tickety Boo certainly seems too – then you can’t ask more than. You can drive yourself to madness by constantly changing things, looking back and trying to attain perfection. There is no perfect book.

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Like I say, it was largely genre TV as a kid and then the Fighting Fantasy titles as I got a bit older. Later into my teens it was people like Michael Moorcock, James Herbert, Arthur C Clarke and Isaac Asimov filling my bookshelves.

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I’d be more than happy to – in fact you can check out a free prequel story to The Last War, entitled The Day of Creation at http://www.ticketyboopress.co.uk/thelastwar-1/. It’s a bit about how the Noukari came to be, and hopefully will whet the appetite for the novel. I’m working on some more tie-in stories as well as the main novel.

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Time! I work as a freelancer, which is a challenge in its own right, and take on some of the childcare (although that has lessened a bit with little one just starting nursery). If there were 30 hours in a day I’d be a much happier man.

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

Ray Bradbury, without question. To me the greatest short story writer of all time, and a sporadically brilliant novelist too – although I’m not sure the longer medium always brought out the best in him. Phenomenal ideas combined with beautiful and deft writing. Nobody ever did it better. Among current writers, Conrad Williams is a horror writer I am a huge fan of – his work is brutal but moving, and treads just the kind of ground I like in my darker fiction.

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Just for promotion! Obviously I do a fair bit in and around Derby, as my home patch, but I have travelled to conventions and events all over the UK. They’re always a blast to do.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
That was Gary Compton’s handiwork over at Tickety Boo – and I love it as well. You could tell right away he’d read and enjoyed the book, because it captured the essence of it so well.

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Definitely deadline. Once you have a plan down, it’s simply a matter of putting words on paper. That may not be a glamorous way to look at the art of writing, but I’m pretty practical in my approach to getting novels finished. I aim for a set word count every day, and had to angle for about 1500-2000 each day on The Last War to leave time for editing. I’ve got a bit longer on book two, which will be nice for sure.

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I think you learn something from every book, to be honest, and this one was much more of a lesson in how published authors do it. I like targets and deadlines, but if I’m writing for myself there’s no consequence in missing them. When you have a publisher waiting, it very much changes the game, and has now very much become another part of my freelance portfolio.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Lots of it! In fact at my website I offer a new piece of writing advice each day, which you can check out at http://alexblogsabout.com/100-bits-of-advice-for-writers/. Some of it practical and some is creative, and it’s kind of a sum total of experience from my own writing and years of teaching writing too.

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Being as the book isn’t out yet, I’ll just be happy to have some readers! Basically I hope that people largely enjoy what they read, and are interested in the species and setting that the book is about. It’s such a long journey getting to having a book out there that it’s simply a pleasure to be here on the cusp of publication, and I intend to enjoy every minute of the journey.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
My memory is pretty lousy, but I do remember getting stuck into 1984 and Brave New World in school very distinctly, and also The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, which always stuck with me. Very powerful stuff – he’s an underrated writer for younger readers.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
I like comedy that’s a bit out there and a bit unusual – favourite comedians would be guys like Frankie Boyle and Jimmy Carr. I miss seeing Frankie on TV these days. I’m not much one for crying, but the odd film will get me going – I watched Megan is Missing yesterday and that brought a tear to the eye. Bleaker than bleak.

Fiona: Is there one person past or present you would meet and why?
I’ve never much been one for celebrity, so probably would be one of my favourite writers, either Bradbury or Ballard.

Fiona: What do you want written on your headstone and why?
I’d never really want anything too self-aggrandizing. I suppose for me it’s be about always trying my best at things, and wanting to make my little patch of the world that bit better. Making a positive impact on people in my work is really important to me, and I love to see people enjoying an event I’ve run or loving a book I’ve put out there.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
I like films, horror and SF in particular, and also reasonably into my sport, particularly stuff like horse racing, snooker, golf and tennis. Football I do follow, but a bit less so.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I tend to watch more comedy on TV that I do drama, and love a lot of the adult animations (South Park, Family Guy) as well as much of the Adult Swim stuff. Film-wise I tend to like things that are a bit different and push boundaries.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Food has to be Italian, without a doubt. I’m always wearing black, so I suppose that would have to be the colour! Music has usually always been metal, but finding myself more into rap these days, although tends not to be the mainstream stuff. I love a delve on Youtube to find an interesting artist.

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I can’t envisage a life without writing. It’s what I always wanted to do, and I’ve applied myself pretty much entirely to that. Freelancing is tough, and there are often knockbacks and difficulties, but I’m also kind of living my dream. It’s nice to see  it through other people’s eyes, because that’s when I realise that I could be stuck in the 9-5 grind doing a job that mean nothing to me. I’ve always been driven by what I wanted to do rather than earning money, which I suppose has worked out OK.

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

Sure thing – my author website is at http://alexblogsabout.com/ and you can check out my small press, Boo Books, at http://boobooks.net/

 

 

 

Here is my interview with Drew Avera

Name  Drew Avera (pronounced Avery)

Age  32, but the clocks ticking lol

Where are you from

I grew up in Mississippi and once lived in a town boasting a population under 300.

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

Like I said before, I grew up in Mississippi and I joined the Navy when I was seventeen. I now live in Virginia with my wife and kids. I’ve done enough college to obtain an Associates Degree. I should probably go back lol.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Right now I’m gearing up for the release of the second book in The Dead Planet Series. Verity drops on May 15, 2015 and you can order your copy for only 99 cents here: http://www.amazon.com/Verity-Dead-Planet-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00WA9SSOO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430171207&sr=1-1&keywords=drew+avera+verity

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

That is kind of a long answer, but here we go. When I was sixteen I bought “The Incredible Hulk: What Savage Beast” by Peter David. It was a novel based on The Hulk comics. I loved comic books and hated books, so this was a pretty big step for me. Anyways, I read the book and loved it. That was when the thought of one day writing a book first entered my mind.

Fast-forward to my 30th birthday and I laid everything out. What did I have to show for my 30 years on planet Earth? Was I a rock star like I wanted to be as a kid? Nope. Was I a comic book artist? No. Did I ever write a book? Uh uh. I was pretty let down by the fact I hadn’t succeeded at any of my teenager goals. So, I decided to do something about it.

That’s when I started my writing journey and I love it!

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I read a quote on Facebook where the punch line is you don’t become a writer, you just are a writer. I guess the hyper-active imagination meant something as a kid, but I first started writing poetry as a kid and moved on to songs when I was 15. I’ve always had the outlet so to speak.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first published book was inspired by the need to have a fresh idea for National Novel Writing Month 2012. I was toiling away at a fantasy novel which was going no where. I was thinking about giving up, but decided to try one more time by doing NaNoWriMo. I’m glad I did, now I have over a dozen published books and stories with more on the way!!

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I enjoy first person point of view and writing as a conflicted anti-hero.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The Dead Planet Series starts off on Mars which is the Red Planet and the government is trying to kill the people who live there. It was just a play on words which stuck.

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

I write about fear in different forms. I’m afraid of corrupt governments and the concept of there not being a God, or maybe there is which is also kind of scary. Faith and knowledge don’t always jive, but at the end of the day I want there to be a pinch of hope for a better tomorrow. There is an underlying theme of redemption in most of my work. I don’t preach from a religious standpoint, but I hope there is more to life than the hurt and I put that into my characters.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

It’s based on a future true story with not a chance of ever really happening unless it actually does happen and then I’ll be wrong… Seriously, my books have realistic characters living in fantasy worlds. The relationships and the conflicting emotions are the only foothold in reality. The rest is just a canvas on which to tell the story.

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

Some experiences in my own life feed the emotion behind some scenes. I’ve killed a few characters after having a bad day at work sometimes…

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

I mentioned “What Savage Beast” before, but that was just the beginning. I’ve read a lot of books in various genres. As far as a mentor goes, authors like Hugh Howey, Michael Bunker, Rebecca Cantrell and others have taken the time to answer questions for me about the business. I love being part of a community of writers. I have more friends than I ever imagined I would before and we are all crazy if you think about it. What kind of person makes stuff up all day and tries to convince you to buy it when they’re done lol?

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I just finished Foundation by Isaac Asimov today. I wanted to read some classic science fiction. I might read some David Weber later.

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

Brian Dorsey wrote a book called Gateway. Go get it right meow!

Fiona: What are your current projects?

I’m writing a kid’s scifi book called The Scavengers. I’m planning on shopping it around for an agent to get it traditionally published. It was inspired by my kids.

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

The online community of authors I met on Facebook and the NaNoWriMo forum. That’s how I met Hugh Howey.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

God I hope so 🙂

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

Yes, I would’ve written it sooner instead of waiting two years. I have severe ADD I think.

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

Yes, reading “What Savage Beast” and a crap load of comic books.

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

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

Time management and self-motivation has grown significantly more challenging lately. It will get better soon…I hope.

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

My tastes change often, but I find a lot of books inspiring for different reasons. I can’t really single anyone out.

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

Just on the internet lol.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I did. I hated the CreateSpace covers I originally had so I figured out how to make my own. I create my covers on my iPhone.

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

Finishing it before inspiration drags me to another story. That and time.

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

I learned that I use the word “that” far too much. Gotta edit “that” out lol.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Yes, if you want to write a book the only thing holding you back is you. Your job, family, friends, television shows, etc, are not excuses to not pursue your dream. Nothing happens without sacrifice if it’s worth obtaining. You can’t reach the stars with your feet planted on the ground. Just do it and know you had it in you all along.

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

Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey so far! I appreciate the reviews and the shares on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Keep it up and I’ll keep writing as fast as I can.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Tom Sawyer I think…

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I’m a guy so farts and stuff make me laugh lol.

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

Grandparents I never got to meet before.

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

“The casket is empty, I staged my own death so I could finish this damn book,” Drew Avera

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I play guitar and sometimes I draw.

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

Daredevil on Netflix, Gotham, Arrow, The Flash, The Big Bang Theory, anything Marvel or DC lol

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Steak, pecan pie.

Gray.

I like bands like Metallica, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Alter Bridge.

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

Rock star!

 

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

www.drewavera.wordpress.com  sign up for my newsletter and get a couple of free books!

Amazon Page  http://www.amazon.com/Drew-Avera/e/B00C2QAV2W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1430173630&sr=1-2-ent