Here is my interview with Brandy L Rivers

Name:  Brandy L Rivers

Age: 37

Where are you from: Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Always lived in Washington around the Puget Sound area.

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

I’m happily married with three kids, and a little dog. I went to some technical school but didn’t go to college. I spend most of my time with family and friends, and of course reading and writing. Yes, I love reading, and not only romance. 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I just released a contemporary romantic suspense called Falling Star. It’s the second in the Combustible series.

One day of hell and Ella Cross left behind her old life as an actress. She wants nothing to do with who she was and moves to a small town to get away from the media and her stalker. Trent Ward is a small town fireman who wants to unravel his new neighbor’s mystery. Sooner or later secrets always come out, but can they survive the truth?

I’m working on my next Others of Seattle book now, but I’m not going as fast because my husband has been in the hospital the last few weeks and will be here a little longer.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always written. I didn’t take the dive into publishing until three years ago. If I don’t write, I tend to go a little crazy. My characters won’t leave me alone.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When people started responding to my first book, either through email, messages, or reviews. Seeing how much people loved my characters and my world really made me feel like I did something right.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My characters wouldn’t shut up. They wouldn’t go away. I was dreaming about them, and finally had to sit down and put them on paper.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I’m not sure how I would describe it but yes. Third person close is where I’m most comfortable because I love to dive into my character’s heads. I tend to focus more on my characters and not as much on the surroundings.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

For the newest book? My main character was a movie star, and she feels like she’s fallen from the high of acting thanks to the media and her stalker. At times Ella feels like she’s falling apart. And of course she winds up falling for Trent. There were so many reasons Falling Star fit for their story.

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

The message sort of develops as I write and go back through the book. This one had a couple. Trent is in the same place with his sister as I am with a friend. I’m hoping my friend gets through her trials, but she’s not in the same place Tina is in. The second is to stop assuming. Both Ella and Trent have moments they expect certain reactions that they don’t receive. They have to take a step back and reevaluate and accept what’s really happening. And there was one more, at least a little, that people can surprise you. They aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes you need to take a step back and look at the person or situation objectively.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Nothing in the book is based off a particular person or events, though some of the emotions and thought processes for some of the characters are influenced by things I’ve encountered. That might seem like it is, but it’s pretty separate. I took things I’ve seen and delved into what if’s and taken things further, if that makes sense.

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

I’m not sure how to answer that. I draw a lot of things from different books, they make me think, take me on a trip, but I’m not sure I can say they have influenced my life so much. As for a mentor, my mother, who always believed I could do whatever I wanted to do. And I’m doing it now.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

There are so many great authors I love.

I love how Rebecca Brooke dives into her characters and stories. She writes mostly contemporary romance, and a little paranormal. In fact, we wrote Cursed Vengeance together and I found we work well together. We are working on a sequel now. But she gets into her characters’ heads, and thinks a lot like me. So it’s easy to dive into her world.

I love the world Sarah M Cradit has built. She pulls you in, and wraps you up with all these great characters and their family history. I love it.

Kym Grosso has created her own paranormal world I love as well. She started writing contemporary which is just as good.

LB Dunbar builds her series in a very tight knit community. I love the way she pulls her characters together.

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

Bloggers in general. Especially Lydia from HEA Bookshelf. My first book was her first paranormal book. I’ve hooked her. And when I tried contemporary, she was right there backing me. She’s been extremely supportive.

And my street team, Rivers Others. They are amazing. Great women, all very supportive. They’ve joined the crazy train and cheer me on.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, it’s what I do full time, other than being a mother of course.

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

Nope. I’ve found that arguing with my characters gets me nowhere. There were things I had planned on doing differently, but that didn’t work out the way I planned. The story worked out so much better because I followed my gut, and my characters.

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

With reading in kindergarten. When I didn’t like I story I wanted to write my own. Not rewrite the story I just read and fix it the way I wanted, but to write my own stories because my head was more fun than the books I was reading then. Don’t get me wrong, there are so many books I love, but I had a very overactive imagination very early, and young books are great but I wanted bigger adventures.

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

I’ve told you some about Falling Star. I loved writing Ella and Trent. I was nervous because Ella is a movie star and I didn’t want to write something totally unbelievable. I wanted to dive in, get things right and tell their story. I’m planning more in Combustible.

Right now, I’m writing Storm Wrath. It’s the 6^th book in Others of Seattle and will follow Kellan and Zoe’s story. It’s going to be huge, taking us further than I’ve gone. A lot of it won’t take place in Seattle, but considering they have their work cut out with ending an ancient curse that nearly wiped out an entire race, it seems fitting there would be more travel.

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

Contemporary. There is so much more research. I’m one of those readers, especially in contemporary that get held up on details. I had to figure out a side character’s story in Falling Star before I could move it forward. And no, I didn’t get real deep into Metcalf’s background, but that will come up when I get to his book, and I will definitely get to his book.

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

Nope. I don’t do much traveling. Three kids in school, busy husband at work. And right now I had to cancel a signing due to my husband’s health issues. Don’t worry, he’s recovering, but it’s going to be a long road.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I design my own covers. I’m not sure I would be very good describing what I want to another party, so it works out that I do my own. I get an idea in my head and can go with it.

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

The ending. Always the ending. It’s a struggle to figure out how to tie up the little things in a way that doesn’t leave people wondering why I missed obvious thing, but hopefully give an idea of who may be next. At least when I know for sure who would be next.

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

All about the suits firemen wear, stalker laws in California, videotaping laws, PTSD and all sorts of interesting things.

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead.

Oh boy, I have no clue. This is hard. Every single one of my characters have a very distinct look. There really is only one character who looks like a particular actor, and that was Kyle in Heart on Fire. Taylor Kinsey, and all because I saw a thirty second promo for Chicago Fire months before it premiered and all the sudden the story played through my head. And yeah, Kyle is a fireman, but no, not like Taylor’s character Severide.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don’t give up. Keep writing. Listen to your characters. They tend to know best.

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

You all have been amazing. Thank you for reading my books. And I love to hear from you.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Truth of Trystan Lyons by LB Dunbar. I’m over halfway, but life has kept me from finishing just yet. It’s great so far, and the third in the series.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Um, no. I have read a little of everything. I remember loving the Choose Your Own Adventure books, into JRR Tolkien. Then Stephen King, VC Andrews, Anne Rice. Yeah, and that was all from ten to thirteen.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

It truly depends on my mood and what’s going on.

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

I would love to pick F Paul Wilson’s brain. I love the tangled web he’s woven between multiple series.

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

Lol, I have no clue. Honestly, I’m not going to be here, so at present, I don’t care what’s on it.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

Reading. I don’t consider writing a hobby anymore. I used to knit, but I’m too busy writing to do that anymore.

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

Heartbeat. I love that show. Game of Thrones. The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead. Yes, I watch Talking Dead too. That’s really about it. I don’t watch much TV. I get behind on shows then I don’t bother going back.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Salmon, seafood, good pizza, chocolate cheesecake.

Purple, green, blue.

Lots of rock, indie, alternative, and a few others mixed in. I listen to a huge amount of different things.

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

 I did tech support for a major software company for years. I like writing better.

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

www.brandylrivers.com

 

Links

 

Amazon author page – www.amazon.com/author/brandyrivers

 

HEART ON FIRE

Amazon http://myBook.to/HeartonFire

Nook http://bit.ly/1qbxnSk

Googleplay http://bit.ly/1oPRGeJ

iTunes – http://bit.ly/1n3YO7H

Kobo – http://bit.ly/1Cb0WRk

 

 

FALLING STAR

Amazon – http://amzn.to/1mG2nqR

Googleplay – http://bit.ly/1Ubex8N

iBooks – http://apple.co/1WuLz2l

Nook – http://bit.ly/1L61nry

Kobo – http://bit.ly/1Q4nDST

 

 

NIGHTS EMBRACE

Amazon – http://myBook.to/NightsEmbrace

Nook – http://goo.gl/gxT1rq

Smashwords – http://goo.gl/FL6Hxq

Kobo – http://goo.gl/CoqDOX

iTunes – http://bit.ly/1ivXjw7

Googleplay – http://bit.ly/1xKW601

 

PINE BARRENS PACK

Amazon – http://myBook.to/cursedvengeance

iBooks – http://apple.co/1P6b4Y7

Nook – http://bit.ly/1ShO864

Kobo – http://bit.ly/1YrIAK2

 

Come get lost with the Others

http://brandylrivers.com

www.facebook.com/brandylrivers

www.twitter.com/brandylrivers

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Here is the list of my books, 

Combustible
Heart on Fire (Book 1)

Falling Star (Book 2)

 

Others of Edenton

New Beginnings (Prequel)

In Too Deep (Book 1)

Shadows Fall (Novella)

Shadows of the Past (Book 2)

Fated Love (Novella)

Falling Into Place (Book 3)

Breaking Free (Book 4)

Mending Scars (Book 5)

Labor of Love (Novella)

Light in Darkness (Book 6)

Blissful Agony (Book 7)

Deep Trouble (Novella)

Entangled Darkness (Book 8)

 

Others of Seattle

Nights Embrace (Book 1)

Storm Mistress (Book 2)

Accepting Fate (Book 3)

Red Queen (Novella)

Seductive Solutions (Novella)

Changing Destiny (Book 4)

Coming Together (Book 5)

 

Spin off of Others of Seattle

Summer Rhythm

 

Pine Barren’s Pack

Cursed Vengeance

Thank you for reading,

Brandy L Rivers

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Here is my interview with D. Nichole King

Name D. Nichole King

Age 34

Where are you from Iowa, United States

I was born and raised in the great Midwest. I graduated from Central College, a private liberal arts college in Pella, Iowa, with a degree in Psychology and Chemistry. As of this June, I will have been married to the love of my life for fourteen years, and together we have four children and currently reside in central Iowa.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

It’s been a long time coming, but I’m currently wrapping up the final book in my YA urban fantasy series, The Spirit Trilogy. I’m super excited to share this last book, The Soul, and I hope fans of the series will love it as much as I do!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always been an avid reader. In fact, I can’t remember not having a book in my hands. During high school, I’d even read as I walked from class to class. Yeah, I was that girl. Sometime in jr. high, I thought, “Why not?” So I grabbed a notebook and pencil and started writing. After I finished that one (I’m not sure I ever actually finished it, to be honest) I went to the next one, but after that I gave up and stuck to reading. I didn’t lose my passion, I just didn’t think I was any good at it. Fast forward to 2008, after my second son was born. A story popped into my head again, and I couldn’t let go of it. So I sat down at the computer and began to type. The Spirit poured out of me, and I immediately started in on The Body. But then life happened, and I set them both aside. It wasn’t until January of 2013 that my husband reminded me of these stories and said I should pursue publishing them. I worked hard on edits and rewrites of book #1, then started sending it out to agents and publishers. In December of 2013, I received two offers of publication. The next month I signed, and lo and behold, The Spirit was published by Limitless Publishing in April 2014. I haven’t stopped writing since.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I don’t know, really. I guess maybe when I got a publishing contract. The moment was so surreal. I couldn’t believe anyone would want to publish something I had written.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

As crazy as it sounds, a weeping willow tree. It was dusk and I was driving home from my in-laws house with my kids in tow, and there, on the corner of their property, sat two weeping willow trees. And I thought, “What a perfect for a ghost to sit and contemplate life.” The story grew in my mind, and The Spirit Trilogy was born.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I write how I think. I consider myself the narrator of my characters’ stories. I write what they see, how the feel, what they experience. I get into their heads. Style-wise, I let the characters dictate that. It’s their story, not mine.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Titles are funny things for me. Sometimes the title is so obvious and other times I have the whole story finished before something hits me. I have a few stories in my head that are just titles at the moment.

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

Hope is always a big theme in my books. Hope is such a beautiful thing, and in the midst of pain and suffering, sometimes it’s the only thing we have.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I think there’s always a piece of someone I know in a character. Sometimes I’ll have someone specific in mind that helps me better understand one of my characters, and sometimes I’ll need a specific trait or personality that someone I know has, and that can help me build the character better. As for experiences, the answer is yes and no. Some personal experiences I’ll use, but I’ll twist it a little.

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

So many! But in the world of writing, I always, always come back to one author who has been my biggest influence, my greatest inspiration–Lurlene McDaniel. I grew up on her books, devouring them as fast as I could. It was because of her and her books that when I went off to college, my original plan was to major in pre-med, then go on to medical school to become a pediatric oncologist. I didn’t go in that direction, but now, as I write, I still credit her for my love of reading and the direction my books take. I want to inspire people the way she inspired me.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who  is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Oh goodness! How much time do we have? LOL! I almost feel cliché to rattle off my list of Colleen Hoover, Kim Holden, Amy Harmon, K.A. Tucker, Cheryl McIntyre. They have this awesome ability to draw you into their stories and make you feel for the characters.

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

The first people who come to mind are my writing group. They are such a talented group of authors, and I’m in awe of their skills—Sunniva Dee, Laura Thalassa, Angela McPherson. The are always there for me, good or bad, and I can talk to them about anything. I don’t know if I’d be writing if it weren’t for them. It would definitely be much more difficult, that’s for sure.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

For me, it’s a career, it’s a hobby, it’s my own personal form of therapy. I can’t not write.

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

I always want to change things about my books. I feel like with each book, I get better, I learn more about my craft. There’s always, always room for improvement.

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? (I’ll skip this one, if that’s okay, since I answered it in my long-winded paragraph above. LOL!)

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

Of course! This is from The Soul, the last book of the Spirit Trilogy.

“I look like Godzilla’s wife,” I said to myself, peering into the full-length mirror behind my bedroom door. I picked at the blue graduation gown that was big enough for me and my Siamese twin. I pulled the material out at my sides as far as it would allow to prove my point to the mirror. The reflection seemed to agree with me. Unfortunately, the Villisca school board did not.

Fashion fail of the century.

Seriously, these robes needed to be redesigned a hundred years ago. I mean, I understood the whole school spirit thing, but why couldn’t I wear one of the fifteen Villisca Blue Jays t-shirts I’d inherited over the course of my one year here? That would demonstrate more school pride than this atrocity.

Besides, graduating today was not my idea. I had no intention of walking across a stage to receive my diploma. Rumor had it, if you didn’t show up they’d mail it to you, so I didn’t see why the fanfare was necessary. The hell that was last month was still fresh on my mind and this whole graduation celebration didn’t seem worth the mental effort.

Especially when tomorrow I’d be leaving.

I slipped my feet into white flip flops, giving nothing but a passing glance at the new two-inch footwear Mom had requested. I might as well be comfortable at the very least.

I did a little foot-modeling at the mirror. “That’s more like it.”

I took one last glimpse at my tent-reflection, grimaced, and swung the door open. Lucas, with his fist raised to knock, stood on the other side. His glowing green stare ran the length of my body and back up before he lowered his hand.

“Now that is sexy.” He nodded his approval, a small smirk the tell-tale sign of his teasing.

I glared at him. “Oh shut up.”

“No, I’m serious. Very hot.”

I went to slug him, but he disappeared and I hit at air. From behind me, strong, cool arms circled my waist and pulled me against a solid body. He dipped to my neck, and his lips brushed over my skin.

“I love you, Carrie,” he said out loud. Then, in my head he added, “You don’t have to come with me tomorrow. You can go home with your mom.”

            Since we’d returned from Jessica’s funeral, Lucas hadn’t let an opportunity to convince me to stay behind while he ventured off to North Carolina pass by. He wanted to protect me, and I knew that. It was sweet. But I had proved time and time again that I could take care of myself—with a little help.

Plus, Lucas’s soul-search wouldn’t only affect him. Half of his soul now resided in me. He needed me.

“Not a chance. I’m going with you,” I said, like I had every time. “I meant it when I said we’d do this together.”

I spun around in his arms, facing him. I lifted up on my tip toes and kissed him. “I love you, Lucas Reynolds, and I’m not giving up on this. We’ll find your soul and we’ll find a way to be together.”

 

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

Each book comes with its own set of challenges. In finishing up a series, I think the most challenging part was making sure I answered all of the outstanding questions, didn’t have any contradictions from book to book, and that I tied a nice, pretty bow at the end.

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

I haven’t so far. I’ve down a few local signings, then last year I few down to Savannah, GA for a signing there. I’ll be in St. Louis this September for Penned Con!

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The Spirit Trilogy Series had dual designers. Eden Crane Designs did the first cover, and Ashley Byland of Redbird Designs did the second cover. My publisher arranges these, and the cover for the third book is not yet ready. I’ll give a small hint though: I’m requesting it be green.

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

For this book, time. We recently moved to a new house, so finding the time to simply sit down and write was super challenging.

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

The Soul has a big forgiveness theme, and there’s one line in the book that really stuck out to me after I wrote it.
“The hardest part of forgiving someone is convincing yourself that you need to.”

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead

Some really, really great new actor/actress. J

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write. Write more. Keep writing.

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

Thank you. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your patience in waiting for this last book. Thank you for taking a chance on a new author. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I just finished reading Addiction by Angela McPherson last night, and then on May 2^nd, I’m starting a buddy read of Night Shifts Black by Alyson Santos.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The first book that made a big impact on me was Matilda by Roald Dahl.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I cry at everything, seriously. I’m such a crier. My kids make me laugh, as do cat videos and videos of people injuring themselves (sorry!) on YouTube.

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

I’d love to sit down and have dinner with Jane Austen. She was an amazing woman whose books have impacted millions.

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

There’s always hope. Because there is. J

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I love to sing and dance. I’m also a huge scrapbooker, and like most scrapbookers, I’m waaaaaay behind!

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

My family absolutely loves The Avengers movies. Well, superhero movies in general. I like action and fantasy. When I’m by myself, I do quite enjoy a good chick flick.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

I like good food, and I like a good variety of food, but I’ll never pass up a medium-rare steak gilled up by my husband. My favorite color is blue, and I love all genres of music.

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

 I’d go into marriage and family counseling.

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

www.dnicholeking.com Go check it out!

The Spirit (Spirit Trilogy #1): http://www.amzn.com/B00JX4EM6C

The Body (Spirit Trilogy #2): http://www.amzn.com/B00NMY10PK

Love Always, Kate (Love Always #1): http://www.amzn.com/B00JGWV3WW

Love Always, Damian (Love Always #2): http://www.amzn.com/B00XQGSRUK

Eight Days: A Love Always Novella: http://www.amzn.com/B00QXO0YCQ

Breaking Through: http://www.amzn.com/B016YPU2IY

Here is my interview with Pete Klismet

                                               

 

Today I’m interviewing Pete Klismet who is the author of three books, with more to follow.  Here’s a pic of the book covers:

 

 

 

Pete, tell us a little about yourself… where you grew up etc.

 

While I was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, my folks moved to Colorado (Denver area) when I was about 3.  Consequently, I consider myself to be a Colorado ‘native.’  Good enough for the girls I go out with!  My wife, the estimable Miss Nancy knows the latter wouldn’t happen.  I went to Catholic schools (yes, the ones with nuns and Christian Brothers) and received a partial football scholarship to an all-boy’s Catholic high school in the area.  Regrettably, while I had been a 2^nd team All-City quarterback , the guy who was 1^st team was my competition.  He eventually went on to be a 2^nd team All-America QB at the Univ. of Wyo., leading them to the Sugar Bowl and an unbeaten season!  He was a little bit better than me.  I wound up at a public high school, but eventually quit in the 11^th grade.  More on that later, but believe-it-or-not, it turned out to be one of the best decisions in my life.

 

How about your family life etc. – brothers, sisters, what your dad did.

 

I have 3 sisters and 1 brother, all younger than me.  Three of my siblings either attended or graduated from college.  Impressive when one considers we grew up in a lower-middle income home.  We essentially grew up in Englewood, CO, a Denver suburb.  My dad was a skilled brick mason and part-time contractor who completed the 8^th grade.  That was the standard for the time he was in school, then he immediately went to work on the family farm in Wisconsin.  Mom completed high school in Superior, WI, and eventually attended Tulane University.  That alone was enough to impress me and tell me I needed to go to college.  Odd when you consider I didn’t make it through high school!

 

How about your education….what did you do after high school?

 

Two months after I turned 17, my best buddy and I enlisted in the Navy.  We went our separate ways after boot camp, he onto aircraft carriers, me onto something much smaller – submarines…..the old type….diesel/electric boats of WWII vintage.  They were called “Pig Boats” for a reason.  But I didn’t care.  The sub service was highly selective and, at that time, the best in the Navy.  SEALS had barely been invented then.  Plus, we got ‘hazardous duty pay’ and serving on those boats, we deserved it.

 

No sooner had I finished boot camp and went to sub school in New London, CT, than I took my GED tests.  Thanks to a great early education, I finished in the 90^th percentile in each dimension.  When I got out of the Navy, I submitted my scores to the State of Colorado, and was awarded a high school equivalency diploma.

 

The Navy began what someone once characterized as a ‘very colorful’ life.  We were the 1^st sub in the Tonkin Gulf (proud member of the ‘Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club’!!) after the conflict seriously heated up in 1964.  I got to visit quite a few foreign countries *(Japan, Australia, Philippines, Thailand) which began my life-long quest for more travel.

 

I’ll assume you didn’t make the Navy a career?

 

Heavens no.  I wasn’t the ‘military type.’  They threw some nice inducements at me such as a pretty fair sized re-enlistment bonus.  While that was a decent amount of money, I turned it down.  The next offer was the U.S. Naval Academy, (one year of prep school and then the academy).  I had saved quite a bit of money while in the Navy with the intention of going to college when I got out.  And that’s exactly what I did.

 

So you got out of the Navy and went right into college?

 

Yup.  I had to wait a few months, but I worked for my dad and made pretty good money providing his bricklayers with brick and mortar all day.  Pretty hard work, but I was young and making triple the minimum wage, so I was doing just fine.  I worked for him on weekends and summers while I was in college.  With what I’d saved and made working, it was no problem making payments for tuition and books.  But at that time, the state college I attended was on the quarter system and cost $95 per term.  Or about $400 if one attended during summer.  Which I did and finished in 3 years.

 

What was your major in college?

 

By a strange stroke of luck, I registered late and there were some ‘Police Science’ classes available.  So I took the ‘Intro’ class and added several more general ed classes to fill out my schedule.  I found the first Police Science class interesting, so I claimed that as my major with minors in both Psychology and Sociology.  The latter turned out to be a wise decision about 15 years later, as I’ll explain.

 

And after college, what happened?

 

The Ventura Police Dep’t in California was recruiting 4-year colleges for people majoring in Police Science or something related.  At the time they were the only police department in the country (and perhaps the world) which required a Bachelor’s Degree.  I did the testing they wanted and did pretty well I suppose.  During a Christmas break I drove out there and interviewed.  Plus looked over the department.  The town was beautiful, about 60 miles north of L.A. and right on the coast.  Great place to live and work it seemed.  They were hiring seven officers in June of that year, right after I finished school.  Since my testing had put me on top of the list, I got an offer before I graduated.  So that worked out well.  When I was in the Navy I liked California, so it wasn’t hard to go back.  I was married by then and my wife, who was a teacher, was pregnant, so having a job locked up was perfect timing.

 

So how did that part of your career go?

 

Pretty well I suppose.  I finished 1^st in my police academy class and was promoted to detective after 1 ½ years on patrol, and to sergeant in 2 ½ years.  All record times.  I started working on a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Calif. Lutheran University, completed that and went to work on a 2^nd one.  I finished that one in Public Administration at the Univ. of Southern Calif.  My intent was to eventually be the police chief in Ventura or elsewhere.  While going to school at USC, I was in classes with some guys from the LAFBI office.  They encouraged me to apply and eventually I tested 4^th of about 10,000 people in the USA.  That got me an appointment as a Special Agent.  So I spent about 9 years as a cop and just over 20 as an agent.  It all worked out fairly well.

 

My 2^nd book, FBI Quantico (The real story of the FBI Academy) by ‘Agent X,’ is about my experience and training as a new agent.  No one has ever written such a book.  Just as a clue – the training was extremely inadequate.  But the In-service schools the FBI offered were great.  I was trained as a Firearms Instructor, Hostage Negotiator/Trainer, a few others, most importantly I was selected to be one of the FBI’s first group of field agent/profilers.  That formed the basis for my 1^st book “FBI Diary: Profiles of Evil.”

 

And then I assume you retired from the FBI?

 

That’s correct.  Nearly 30 years in law enforcement was enough fun for me.  I’d always wanted to use my degrees and experience to teach.  Not long after I retired I was hired as a full-time instructor at a small community college here in Colorado.  A few years later, Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs offered me a position as Criminal Justice Dep’t Chair and Associate Professor.  In a lot of ways, that was the best job I ever had.  Yes, including THAT other one!

 

As you look back at your life – is there any one thing you’d change?

 

For a kid who grew up in a lower-middle income home and quit high school, I guess I’d have to say I acquitted myself pretty well.  Some have called my life ‘colorful,’ and indeed it was.  Had I not been so bored in high school and applied myself, I suppose I could have been a doctor or lawyer, or some other high-level position.  However, I think when people find out what I did with my life, particularly having been in the FBI, they’re probably more impressed with that.  It’s a pretty mysterious job with more than its share of mystique.  People have all sorts of pre-conceived ideas from TV, but none of that is close to accurate.  As I look back, I think I did all right in the final analysis.

 

Do you remember the first book you read?

 

I don’t.  My mom used to read Robert Lewis Stevenson books to me and she said I could recite some passages when I was about 2 years old.  That probably doesn’t count.  My guess would be the first book I read was a sports biography of some famous baseball player.  I loved biographies, learning about other people’s lives fascinated me.  In fact, when we were forced to read “A Tale of Two Cities,” in high school, I hated it because I wanted to read what I liked.

 

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

 

Even as a kid I loved to write.  If told in school to write a sentence, I’d write a paragraph.  If told to write a paragraph, I’d write a mini-short story.  I never minded doing term papers or writing in English classes.  I’m one of those rare critters who loves both English and Math.  I did plenty of writing in college and graduate school and loved it.  Some of my reports from the police department, I’ve been told, are legendary.  I once arrested a Catholic priest for drunk driving.  Thinking I might be up against the Vatican lawyers in court, I wrote the longest report in the history of VPD!  He pled guilty.  With the experiences I had as a cop and agent, I kept notes, thinking that I would eventually write a book.  I’m up to three now and there isn’t any end in sight.  And, they’re all non-fiction.  I really admire and respect all of you out there who can and do write fiction.  I don’t have to make stuff up.  The truth is much stranger than fiction.  If you read “FBI Diary: Profiles of Evil,” and/or “FBI Diary: Home Grown Terror,” you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

 

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

 

For 30 years I did what I was cut out to do.  The writing I do is for fun and I really don’t make that much money from it.  There are some good tax write-offs though, because there is a lot of research necessary to write books.

 

The only other thing I would have liked to have done as a career was to be a sports broadcaster.  However, at the time I was finishing college, sports hadn’t exploded as it has today.  Thus, even though I was given an opportunity to attend a broadcasting school, I had a job in hand with VPD, and made the smart decision to take the bird in the hand.

What inspired you to write your first book?

 

The first two cop-related books I ever read were “The New Centurions,” and “The Onion Field,” both by Joseph Wambaugh who had been a sergeant on LAPD.  After I read ‘em I remember thinking to myself, “I can do that.”  Thus, the idea was fomented in my middle 20’s.  Had to go through a whole lot of career stuff and work as a college professor before I finally got published.  The wait was worth it.

 

Do you have a specific writing style?

 

I write like I am – silly and irreverent.  I see humor in most situations, but I’m not stupid about it.  “Home Grown Terror” is the first of my three books that is more serious than silly.

 

If there would be any advice I’d give to new authors, that would be – write like you are.  Don’t try to copy someone else’s writing style.  It won’t work, and besides your style may be better than theirs.  Be yourself.  Things will then flow a whole lot better.

 

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

 

Right now it’s probably Nelson DeMille.  Some of the reason for that is he’s like me – uses appropriate humor and doesn’t throw ‘f-bombs’ all over the place.  That’s a word I refuse to use in my books.  Just don’t see a point in it.

 

Another no-no for mystery or crime writers is using the term ‘vic’ when talking about a victim.  If someone close to me was killed and an officer referred to them in that way, I’d knock ‘em on their butt!

 

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? 

 

Being part of a writing community (or ‘tribe’), I know a whole lot of writers and have read some of their books.  It’s really hard to single anyone in particular out, but a woman in Utah by the name of Karla Jay is simply terrific and the more she writes the more of a favorite she will become.  She’s coming out with a new book, and I’ll probably rob the FedEx truck on the way to the bookstore to get it!  I am constantly bugging her to get another one published after I read her 1^st book, “Speaking in Tongues.”  (I hope that’s the name or Karla will kill me)!!!

 

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

 

I’m now writing a college textbook on “Criminal Profiling” – don’t have the exact title yet.  Because of the way I am, it will be anything but a ‘traditional’ college text.  It’s going to be something more interesting and challenging than the garden-variety texts we all read in college.  I’m going to do it exactly as I did my classes……give them the theory, then a case study and have them apply the theory in trying to ‘profile’ the case.  I also think many members in the public will enjoy it.  So that’s my current project.  I have others waiting in the wings.

 

If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead role?

 

Denzel Washington would be good in “Profiles of Evil.”  Chris Pine would be another candidate.  I love him.  He should be the next James Bond.  Jeremy Renner would also be good in “Home Grown Terror.”  As to the middle book, which is being remodeled with new cover and back page, it would have to be someone fairly young to replicate the age of New Agent trainees at the academy.

 

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

 

No blog.  Too busy writing and doing other things to devote time to running one.

My website is:  www.criminalprofilingassociates.com

I’m on Facebook as Pete Klismet and “Pete Klismet Author FBI Series of Books.”  Stop by and say whattup!

Here is my interview with Amber Scott

 

Name  Amber Scott

Age: No way, Jose.

Where are you from

I’m originally from Reno, NV and my family are third generation Nevada born – a rarity. I’ve lived in Phoenix since 1999. I fell in love with the lightening storms and sunsets here.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I’m about to – finally – complete a work in progress that seriously sidetracked my muse for the last two years, putting a couple of series’ on hold. It’s called Fostering Magic and I’m debating on releasing it under a different pen name. It’s a Young Adult and not at all the steam level I usually write. It’s basically foster care for witches. Think Harry Potter…in a trailer park. LOL

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing when my son was about ten months old because as a stay home mom, I needed some sanity. I also read No Plot, No Problem by Chris Baty, founder of NanowriMo. I had wanted to write for as long as I could remember but never actually commited to doing the actual typing it all out part. After finishing my first novel, a really terrible thing that will never see the light of day, I knew one thing. I love writing.

 

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer all of my life. I considered myself a novelist when I finished my first full length draft.

 

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

It’s funny, I saw a YouTube video of Stephen King talking about reading the book that makes you think, hell, I could do better than this. I also had that moment. I read a book and thought, that wasn’t complicated. Let me finally try this.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I used to. I was a plotter, a list maker and Goal Motivation Conflict outliner. I wrote each scene with a chapter in mind and a rhythm. Then along came Fostering Magic and my muse turned everything on its head. I get scenes out of order, I struggle to sense where the chapters should break. It’s unnerving but I keep handing over the wheel to the story and it’s working out.

 

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I love titles! A whole story can spring forth out of a title. They just come to me from music or funny little bits of things I learn along the way in life.

 

 

 

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

For Fostering Magic the message is that magic is in all of us. It is everywhere, in everything. We just have to learn to harness it.

 

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

One of the characters, Brenda, is based on a friend of mine. An incredibly fabulous dance instructor who leaves sparkles wherever she goes.

 

 

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

All of Johanna Lindsey’s titles. Love them all. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. I also love neuroscience and metaphysical books. My Stroke of Insight is amazing.

 

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who  is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I loved The Dead Key by DM Pulley. LOVED. I’m a big Ann Charles fan. I literally laugh out loud at some scenes. She writes characters you feel like you know, like you could gossip about to another friend.

 

 

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

The Romance Writers of America Dessert Rose Chapter gave me the tools and network of other authors to become the writer I am today.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

It’s great when it is a career. That means it is earning money. But I write anyways. I daydream, I jot down, I type away regardless of income. (Though possibly with less urgency.) It’s who I am. I’m always inside a story in my head, tinkering.

 

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

Every book I’ve written I look back and can see areas to improve. At a point you have to just let it be and trust you told the story you saw in the best way you could, so that others can have that experience of it, too.

 

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

I don’t. I just remember telling my mom at age four or so that I wanted to be a writer. I knew it in my bones even then.

 

 

 

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

Zacharia Bunches the IV perked his ears left and south, alert for signs of the father coming in to check on this sleeping un-angle. Theadora Milner. What had happened to the wide eyes and sweet wonderment two years ago to this day?

Just like her, it had up and left. Probably in the middle of the nighttime unlight just like her, too.

He twitched his whiskers and hopped up onto her chest. “Tsk.” His ward. His responsibility. He’d woken to the bad belly feeling, hop-toed a peek to see where she’d be and what had this rabbit found?

Goners.

“I’ve got a bad feeling ‘bout today, miss.”

No bunny should witness his first sunrise in two years time whilst pacing the lawn fretting over his ward. He should not see a sunrise at all! Not for another month be! Sixteen is what they agreed. Not a day sooner out of his warren.

Not that a hidden hole in a magical made knapsack could be deemed much of a warren. His mistress had done her best to make the canvas hole comfortable. Games, cushion, all the carrots and chocolate a rabbit could eat.

But this? This would not do. Not do at all. Not in the plan. Not at all.

The only thing she could offer to make it right would be a thick, dirt dusted carrot between his teeth.

He paused his pace and flopped down on the lawn. Today was the perfect day for a perfect day. The morning sun warmed his spot and white fur. A fall breeze ruffled his longy-long ears. Zachariah Bunches IV breathed in the earthy scent of autumn taking over the fragrant summer air making it hard to stay angry.

Maybe angry was overrated. After all, she had come back. After all, he’d not have known to even check except for the yuck in the gut. She was back now, safe and sound. No harm done. He could sneak back in the pack and await the correct day to arrive.

What was a few more minutes between a bunny and the sun, after all?

He might just stretch his legs out long and lay there all day. Yes, yes like that. A good gaze up into the thick boughs swaying above him would also do nicely, too, the leaves shivering, the shadows dappling over his paws and nose. Lovely little shadows.

Dancing.

Leave it to a filthy witch to suck his perfect away.

The terrible squeaking croak is what gave her away. What on earth had made such an awful sound? The awful sound triggered alarm. His hind legs tucked in, readying to spring. There, at the top of the front steps. A toad in two hands. The two hands because there stood the witch. Her tall boots, her tattered skirt, she looked like a storybook. But her witchy clothes weren’t what gave her away. Her smelly smell did.

She stunk. Like lies and scrambled eggs.

Yes, okay. The very violet sparks and matching smoke from the spell she cast upon Theadora Miller’s front door clued him in a bit, too. Yep.

The witch was here.

Dirty shirts! The witch was here!

Bunches pulled his body in tighter. Curses and stones. If the witch got in fast, he might not make it back to the pack. This was the one he’d been warned about. Had to be. The one that would come for Miss Thea.

Why hadn’t he heard her approach? Darn it to bits. No mortal’s shoes so softly stepped as a witch’s set upon sneaking. The patchwork bag slung over her shoulder looked like she’d mugged Mary Poppins. The mishmash of bright blue here, yellow stitched there, a confusion of color.

That kind of stitch sewed in far more than material and thread. That bag had magic stitched in it. Magic like the wretched toad that squawked in her hands.

Magic like his own burrow sewn into the very backpack Thea took each day. The one her mama made. Today it would go, too, when the witch took her away.

The desperate croaking sent a new ripple of panic right through to his rabbit tail. Not a muscle moved save his heart. What to do? Thumpity thump thump the beat knocked.

Oh, his selfish. Oh, hammering fear. Think, think, think. He cowered low into the tall grass, daring not one hop. Not a single whisker twitch. Not yet. If she spotted him, she’d know immediately, he was no ordinary rabbit.

He watched as the witch held the toad aloft, its long legs didn’t even search for a foothold. The tall, wide door sat closed and Thea and her dad, Hugo, could not be warned. Liquid trickled from the toad. The drips scalded the wood planks. Hiss!

There was one thing a rabbit on the guard could do – he would find a way to keep his vow and duty.

The day had come. He extracted his attention from the witch, from the whine of the toad and the splash-hiss on the wood. Her murmured words carried on the once lovely breeze, tainting it.

If he hip-hopped quick to the rear of the two-story house whence he came, surely, he could make it back through the doggy door, up the stairs, back to the pack. He could not fail. He could not let his miss leave without him. Surely, he would get there just in time. In the nick of it!…

 

 

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

Fitting writing into every day. I love it, don’t get me wrong, but so many other things come first. Kids, work, cleaning, family, friends.

 

 

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

I’ve not traveled for my writing career in a few years now. I’m not sure it’s effective as a means of promotion until you reach a certain level of fan demand.

 

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

For the most part, me. I had the awful experience of an artist giving my hero a mullet once and I vowed to never let that happen again. Sometimes I use an artist but I find it incredibly fun to create what I already see in mind while writing it.

 

 

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

The first draft. Once I have the bones, I can really edit and mold what I see in my head, but the first draft is a bit like feeling around in a dimly lit room.

 

 

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

I learned to have patience with myself.

 

 

 

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead

Every book has actors already cast in my head! LOL. Except for Fostering Magic. Maybe it’s because the characters are younger? Thea would likely be played by a Disney star. Her cohorts, too.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Keep writing. No matter what. Write with the dream of making it big and with the true unconditional love that makes it okay if you don’t. Let yourself love it.

 

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

Yes. Thank you. No, the deepest thank you that words can’t convey. I’m continually amazed that I even have fans! But the notes asking when the next book is out, the emails that let me know what I do matters. It makes every blank page worth facing.

 

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am reading the latest Ann Charles release. The chick keeps getting better and throwing some shockers into each one.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The first book I read that knocked my socks off was A Gentle Feuding by Johanna Lindsey. But the first first book ever? Maybe Mouse and the Motorcycle.

 

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My kids crack me up. Tragedy that befalls others makes me cry. Missing my dad. Most recently, every time I hear the song Purple Rain. #ripPrince

 

 

 

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

Prince. Purple Rain was my first cassette tape. His songs are on my life’s soundtrack, tied to so many moments. And there is so much I didn’t know about him.

 

 

 

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

I’m not sure I actually want a headstone. Maybe…. “Boo!”

 

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Nope. (Writing is not a hobby, in my opinion.)

 

 

 

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

I love Comedies. RomCom. Loved the Hunger Games series. It varies. Just not horror. I get scared.

 

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Coffee. Chocolate. Cake. Blue of almost any shade. A pretty eclectic mix. I use music to write so I like to find the lesser known stuff.

 

 

 

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

Hairstylist. I have shaky hands, though, so there went that dream.

 

 

 

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

http://amberscottbooks.com

Amazon authors page http://www.amazon.com/Amber-Scott/e/B003NI0QPA/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

 

 

 

Here is my interview with C.M. Albert

Name C.M. Albert is my publishing name. My friends call me Colleen.

Age 42 & proud of it!

Where are you from I’m originally from upstate New York, near the Adirondack mountains and Lake Ontario. Beautiful, but cold. Have migrated down south ever since to warmer climates and now call North Carolina home.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?I just released my first book, Faith in Love, and was thrilled when it hit #3 on Amazon’s Kindle Worlds Hot New Releases list. I was blown away. But more importantly, I’ve been getting amazing reviews from readers about how the book has really touched their lives, helped them make decisions, and really just struck a chord with them – all from a contemporary romance novella! That’s why I write, so those reviews mean more to me than a number on a list.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a young girl. English was always my favorite class and reading has always been my favorite past time. I started writing fiction seriously and for myself  (not just for magazines or Corporate America) after my son was born in 2006. I started a YA urban fantasy / paranormal romance and have shelved it several times to get it just right. I put my writing career on hold for several years when I launched my copy editing career as The Grammar Babe. I made many new friends and learned a ton about writing and what works or doesn’t in the self-publishing world through the amazing clients I worked with. I’ve lessened my editing work load over the last year so I could finally focus on my own writing and dream of becoming a published author.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve always considered myself a writer. Because whether you publish or not, if you are writing, you are a writer. I have always written poetry, articles, online content, speeches, PR material, blog posts, you name it. Then I branched out a few years ago and wrote for a few online fiction collaborations and had a short story published under my pen name (at the time) in a book of short stories. Now, I’m focused on my own novels and am enjoying the writing process. I consider myself a published author now, but in my heart, I’ve always been a writer.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve had about five works in process over the last ten years, but never forced myself to finish any of them. I was raising my family and editing, so it was easy to put off finishing one and just doing it already! I believe everything happens for a reason and there is divine magic in the timing of things. This was the right time for me to publish because I have so much more confidence in myself as a woman and a writer now than I did in my 20’s or 30’s. I have a stronger, better writing voice now too, so I’m glad it worked out the way it has.

What inspired me to finally write this book, Faith in Love, was an opportunity my dear friend and fellow author Stacy Eaton brought to me (for which I’m forever grateful). It was a chance to write a novella that tied in to Melissa Foster’s Remingtons Kindle World. I used to edit for Melissa Foster and am a huge fan of her contemporary romance series, so this was a no brainer for me! What it gave me was a deadline (which I clearly needed) and a gentle way to ease into the self-publishing world. It was the best decision I ever made.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

It’s definitely a blend of humor, sexiness, and romance, with a little tug at the heart strings. My strength is definitely in building my characters and in their dialogue. I seriously live and breathe them while they are in my head. I write across genres though, so I have several works in progress this year that are either contemporary romance or  paranormal/dark fantasy. I also have the Guardian Trilogy (the one I mentioned earlier) that is YA, and a children’s picture book I need to shop around to agents. I think the main thing to know about my writing is that light and love will always win. There will always be hope of some sort for my readers.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

For the Remingtons Kindle World, it had to have Love in the title for branding purposes, just as Melissa Foster’s books do. That way readers could easily know it was a part of her “world.” I knew right away that I wanted to write about a spiritual healer (Celeste) and a broken man who has sworn off love. I think the idea of finding your faith in love again just grew out of that.

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

I think just that you always have choices in life, and you always have divine help if you’ll but ask for it. It’s not a religious book, but it’s certainly one that has a strong spiritual theme because of the main character’s profession as a holistic healer. And that no matter how broken we feel at times, my wish would be that we can find hope again, let love back into our hearts (whether it’s romantic love or not). Sometimes we have to let go and stop trying to control how something is going to happen for us, and just open our hearts to the realization that it can. In other words, we just need to have a little faith.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Very little about the book is based on events in my own life or anyone else’s life that I know. It is truly fiction. That said, I do also happen to be a Reiki practitioner who believes in angels and holistic healing. So even though my life and career is not centered around it as it is for Celeste, there is a small part of my heart and beliefs that are reflected in her character.

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

My favorite book ever is The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton. It has one of the best opening lines ever* and is very poetic in its story telling. There’s a dance between societal class differences, teen angst, poverty, forbidden romance, and it just pulls at the heart strings.

Every book I have ever edited has influenced me in some way as well. One of my top ten favorite books ever is Melissa Foster’s Have No Shame. It was such a beautiful forbidden love story that accurately reflected a period of time during the Civil Rights movement. It was brave, heart wrenching, and just plain fantastic.

I also love poetically written YA novels; I’m highly touched and inspired by how an author writes. Their word choices and phrasing affects me deeply. There are so many beautiful ways to express a thought, and when an author can do that in a unique and powerful way, it leaves an impression on you. Some of my favorite YA authors are Jandy Nelson, Colleen Hoover, Katja Millay, John Green, and Tahereh Mafi.

In terms of the fantasy genre, I am in love with K.N. Lee’s Eura Chronicles series and Rosehead by Ksenia Anske. As for other genres, I absolutely loved Gone Girl, A Girl Named Zippy, The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club, all things Bertrice Small and Nora Roberts, Beloved, and Me Before You. There are probably a hundred I’m forgetting. I take a little something away from every book I’ve ever read.

As for a mentor, I’m extremely lucky to have several strong and amazing women authors in my life whom I know I could turn to in an instant for advice, a laugh, or lessons learned. Melissa Foster always offers solid, wise advice. She is like the Queen of Indie Publishing and has experience on both sides of the fence (traditional and indie). She is highly motivated to help indie authors on their journeys and started her two businesses, Fostering Success and World Lit Café, for just that purpose. She’s someone I definitely look up to and go to for advice. Stacy Eaton is like that for me, too. I know I could go to her with the stupidest question and she would be there for me, be a straight shooter, and somehow make me laugh! And my dear friend and author K.N. Lee. She has hustled and busted her ass to get where she is as an author. She has put in her time, learned many valuable lessons along the way, and is like super woman with her non-stop work ethic. She has great experience not only in writing, but in the PR and Marketing company she owns, The Book Nymph, to help indie authors succeed and get their ranks up. Just a gem.

*Opening line: “When I stepped out into the bright sunshine from the darkness of the movie house, I had two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.”
~ The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton.

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors who have grasped your interest and who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

The author who has piqued my interest the most is Ksenia Anske. She is an indie author who just vomits every part of her life, writing process, and horrific life experiences into the world in the most beautiful, touching, and inspiring way. She was also an author whom I edited for over the course of a few years: the Siren Suicides Trilogy (full set), Rosehead, and Irkadura. The thing about her writing is I think you either love it, or you won’t “get it.” I get it. It is extremely dark based on a culmination of life experiences in Russia with an abusive family, and that colors and influences many of her novels’ themes. I think what strikes me most about her work is that she’s not afraid to “go there” with the darkness and ugliness of some people’s characters. She doesn’t hide behind political correctness or worry about what her readers will think. She writes the character, no matter how vile or dark.

She is raw, funny, humble, a completely open book, a strict and dedicated writer and reader of her craft, and wicked smart. She observes, learns, and grows like no author I’ve ever seen. She’s a freaking genius. Oh, and she both sells and gives all of her books away for free. Yes, I said FREE.

I think my favorite all around writer is Colleen Hoover, and not just because we share the same name. I devour every one of her books the minute it comes out, and I always pre-order and buy all of her books in paperback. She writes a combo of YA/NA with romantic elements, and also there is always a twist so it’s not predictable. She has an amazing way with words too, and her sense of humor is evident in her witty, sharp, intelligent characters. I always get the infamous and coveted book hangover after reading one of her books, where I feel decimated for a few days and can’t even pick up another book because I’m still noodling over and stuck on hers! They’re that good.

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

The biggest is probably my Colleen’s Angels Street Team and Beta Reading group. It has been building slowly, but I feel like I know each and every one of them as a close friend by now. They have been very honest, extremely supportive, and have cheered me on in a way I didn’t realize I needed and came to appreciate more than I ever could have imagined. They are a special group of women in my life. I’d give them the moon and the stars if I could.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. It’s my main focus right now. I just can’t write as fast as the ideas are coming! It comes second to raising my kids, but it is definitely a rollercoaster ride I have jumped on and have no intention of getting off of anytime soon.

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

Not at all. I’m sure someone can find fault in it, I’m not perfect after all. But I love, love, love Celeste and Egan and their love story. I’ve had so many readers tell me they wished Celeste’s business was real and that they could go there.

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

My mother was always a writer, editor, and reader, so I know she sparked and nurtured that in us as well. But I always received very positive feedback from teachers on papers I wrote encouraging me to continue writing and that I had a good “voice.” I think that passion that my mother started in me while I was young, combined with encouragement along the way, really helped solidify that interest for me. I also had a pretty tumultuous childhood in many ways, and I think reading and writing were my ways to escape and find the good in the world. Somewhere safe for me to disappear and immerse myself for a few hours.

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

I am currently putting the finishing touches on Book 1, Part 1 of a dark fairytale series I’m creating called the Dark Woods series. This first book is called Redd’s Descent and they are all a dark paranormal retelling of classic stories combined with a little Celtic folklore, and always with a twist of some kind. Redd’s Descent comes out at the end of May 2016.

Here’s a small snippet:

“Fiona,” she whispered. “My name is Fiona.”

“Redd,” he answered. “I want to know what happened to ye, fair Fiona, but we need to hurry and leave these woods before dark. Bad things happen in these trees after nightfall.” The fear that clouded her eyes and the way she hunched down into Redd’s grip told him that she’d had a taste of those bad things, and his heart ached for her. He couldn’t imagine how she was still alive.

“Sacrifice,” was all she said, and then he knew. She was someone’s sacrifice to the dark woods creatures.

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

Not really, other than to just be true to the characters and not over analyze what readers may or may not like about them. It’s fiction after all, and you have to write the truth into your characters’ motivations, even if you don’t like or agree with them.

And as an experienced editor, I also have to force myself not to over edit as I write.

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

I haven’t had to yet. But my first book, Faith in Love, is an Amazon Kindle World exclusive, so there are no paperback copies. It wouldn’t make for a good book signing or convention table! I’ll wait to see how my book sales and readership grows in the future to determine how many events I’ll participate in. At the end of the day though, my kids come first and travel would be hard on the family.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Zoe York designed Faith in Love to be consistent with the other Remingtons Kindle World books that launched in March 2016. There were 18 in total! I got to choose my cover photography, and Zoe did an amazing job bringing it all together. She will also create my novella cover for Kaira Rouda’s Laguna Beach Kindle World that I have coming out on 7/7 called Last Night in Laguna.

Anna Croswell of Cover Couture is creating my cover for Redd’s Descent and will hopefully create all of the covers for the Dark Woods series. She has great vision, creativity, and execution, so I can’t wait to revel the cover when it’s done!

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

Just trusting the process. Sometimes my brain would start creating and wanting to write a chapter not in order and I would try to resist it, but I didn’t want to lose the creative spark when it was hot. So I just gave in and wrote chapters when they arose, even if they were out of sequential order. It was easier than I thought bridging them, and was just a good reminder for me to let go of so much control and allow the creative process to happen organically.

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

I learned that when my intentions are pure and in alignment with my soul’s highest good and God’s plan for me, things come easily. When I ask for my angels’ help, the words just start to flow for me. I’m a little enamored with ritual, so when I begin to write I usually light a creativity candle, have a huge citrine point nearby, and say a prayer to Saint Gabriel before I open my book. She’s the archangel who supports creativity and the arts. It may be hooey, but it feels good and works for me.

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead

This one is easy for me because for Redd’s Descent I have had Michael Fassbender in my mind and as my muse from day one. I don’t always do this, but Redd was created in his image (Redd’s just maybe a little beefier and taller). I drool over am enamored with Micahel Fassbender.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

First and foremost it would be to just write. If you believe you have a book in you, do not give up. I am 42 years old and my dream of becoming a published author just came to fruition for me. It’s never too late. I love this quote from Jodi Picoult:

“You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”

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

Thank you. Thank you for taking a chance on a new writer, thank you for your reviews (I read every one of them), and thank you for your ongoing support. Knowing I have made a difference in people’s lives and that they now consider me a new favorite author means more than anyone will ever know. Thank you for giving up a small sliver of your time to read my book(s). I am honored and have so much gratitude for you all.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Well, I just finished K.N. Lee’s Night of the Storm. It is epic fantasy and is part two in the Eura Chronicles. It did not disappoint after I fell in love with book one, Rise of the Flame. So I literally just started the first chapter of The Good Girl by Mary Kubica. It has dark twists and turns with a promise of being in the same category as Gone Girl…so I have high hopes for it.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No, but some of my early picture books that left a huge impact on me are: Murgatroyd and Mable by Wesli Court, Girls Can Be Anything by Norma Klein, Chicken Soup and Rice by Maurice Sendak, Kevin’s Gramma by Barbara Williams, and Shel Silverstein’s A Light in the Attic and Where the Sidewalk Ends.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My kids. Not a day goes by that I don’t laugh because of them, and I cry the hardest when moments seem to be slipping away too fast and I’m trying to grasp them with futility.

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

So many. But I have to say that Jesus would be high on my list. I’m not overly religious, but I think he had so much right with his love and compassion, and I’d love a sit down and chat with him to find out what his feelings are on so many of the controversial issues today and how he feels about people using his name to justify their beliefs. Was the bible interpreted in a way that was loyal to how he lived, what he truly believed, and what he taught to others? And, at the end of the day, does it really just boil down to the love, light, kindness, and compassion we show to all others?

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

Oh sheesh. This is a tough one since I don’t want to be buried. But if I want something said about me, it would probably just be that I was kind, I never gave up, and that I made a difference to others. I do know I don’t want a traditional funeral. I want a roudy Irish wake with people laughing and remembering me with humor over stories; and I want someone to play “If I Ever Leave This World Alive” by Flogging Molly. Now that would be a fun way to celebrate my life!

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

Reading? Ha-ha! I also love to walk and hike, play tennis, spend time with my kids and husband—especially outdoors, watch movies, organize, write letters by hand, take pictures, and spend some quiet time connecting with God and my angels.

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

I love fantasy and intrigue shows like Alias, Heroes, X-Files, Blindspot. I also love some reality TV shows like The Bachelor and Bachelorette, The Voice, Extreme Makeover. I love most anything when it comes to movies, but I lean toward action/fantasy/paranormal/superheroes (Lord of the Rings, The Huntsman, Avengers), dark stuff like Gone Girl, or romantic comedies.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Foods: Apples, cheese, fresh Vietnamese, pasta, asparagus
Colors: Red is my first love, but I am enamored with turquoise/teal and Pantone 206c, which is kind of a hot pink/fuchsia blend.

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

All of the things I’ve ever wanted to do, I’ve done. I’ve been in banking, training design and development, communications (which is what my BA is in), marketing and PR, and book editing (which I still have my hands in some). I loved every job. I’m also a Reiki practitioner, which keeps me balanced and allows me to do my energy work and keep that side of my personality and belief system in my day-to-day life. There’s no other job I wish I had done in my life. I find ways to fulfill those needs in other ways, like volunteering as a sub in my kids’ schools, working with a non-profit, or making time for photography.

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

Yes, this is mostly my Blog site and I am in the process of designing a full Web site as a landing spot, but I blog here: http://cmalbert.blogspot.com, and am very active on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/cmalbertwrites.

Direct short link to my book: http://Smarturl.it/RemKW_Faith
Amazon author page: http://smile.amazon.com/C.M.-Albert/e/B01CFCT62S/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1461692891&sr=8-1

Other social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/colleenmalbert

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GrammarBabe

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14931260.C_M_Albert

Blog: http://cmalbert.blogspot.com/
Grammar Babe Web page: http://www.colleenmalbert.com/

 

Thank you so much for having me! Your interviews are always so fun and thought provoking. I really appreciate this opportunity.

 

Here is my interview with H.A.Robinson

Name: H.A.Robinson or you can just call me Heather.

Age: 31 going on 7

Where are you from? Cheshire in the UK

A little about yourself `ie your education, family life etc:

  I live in a small town in Cheshire and work as a Support Worker for adults with learning disabilities. I also do freelance editing work on the side.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

 Well I guess my latest news is that my new novel, The Rarest Rose is releasing on July 11^th.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I can’t remember exactly when I started but I guess it was young. I still have somewhere a bound copy of my first ever story that my teacher made into a book for me. It was a riveting story called The Ant and the Bee Make Friends.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Honestly? Sometimes I still have days when I don’t. But I suppose the day my first novel released I really finally felt like an author.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

 Well, the book is part of a series, where each book has been written by a different author. We started our writing on Twitter doing live storylines for people to follow. After a while, one of the leaders of the group came to us all and suggested writing the characters’ stories in novel form. We all went for it and the rest, as they say, is history. We have five books out between us so far, and hopefully more coming soon.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

 I honestly don’t think that I do. I love to mix things up and try my hand at writing different things. My first novel, Max Colton’s Road to Wonderland, was something of a life story, The Rarest Rose is a pure love story, and the book I’m currently plotting is more dystopian. I guess you could say I’m a genre hopper! LOL

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

 Well, for Max, the title was set by the name of the series so I didn’t have to put too much thought into that one. With The Rarest Rose, the name was originally something different, but I wasn’t happy with it. I was struggling for a title when one of my awesome betas (Another author from the Road to Wonderland Series Victoria L. James) popped up with a piece of text highlighted from the book and said I found you a title. And it stuck!

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

I think Max’s book has lots of different messages inside. Lots of people I’ve spoken to have taken different things from the story. For me, though, all the books in that series are about surviving what life throws at you and remaining true to yourself no matter what. They’re about friendship, loyalty, kindness and pushing on against the odds.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I know a lot of people say “write what you know” and there’s certainly something to be said for that. Personally, though, I haven’t experienced much, if any of what my characters go through. I’m a huge fan of exploring life outside of my own experience. I write to explore things that I’m afraid of or that concern me about the world. The dystopian book I’m in the planning stages of certainly has echoes in the world and its struggles right now.

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

 That’s a tough question. I’ve always been a reader. In my early life, the books of Enid Blyton were perhaps my biggest inspirations. Since then I’ve been proudly affected by so many books it’s hard to list them all. I’d be remiss not to mention J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series, though. Those books were and are still a huge inspiration for me, not just as a writer but as a human being. Rowling’s characters encompass some of the very best and worst traits of humanity and there are so many life lessons to be learned from their pages.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who  is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

In the last year or so I have discovered a whole world of authors who have inspired, encouraged and embraced me as one of their own. My favourite author would have to be J.M. Darhower. Her Sempre series is one I go back to time and time again. I’ve been immensely lucky, too, to work with the most amazing group of women as part of the Road to Wonderland series. Victoria L. James, L.J. Stock, Francesca Marlow and Charlie M. Matthews are not just insanely talented writers, but also amazing people who would drop everything to help you out if you need them.

Victoria L James’ most recent novel, Natexus, had a profound effect on me. After losing an extremely important loved one in tragic circumstances, the pages of that book became something of a comfort blanket for me. She writes characters who are relatable because they’re perfectly real. That’s a book I’ll go back to time and time again.

 

And L.J. Stock’s newest books, the Mortisalian Saga – starting with book one, Parallel – are super special to me, too. The world she built is just so amazing. The details involved with that level of world building and the strength of the characters blows my mind every time I read it. I love characters I can look up to and idolise, and Parallel has loads of them.

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

 The Road to Wonderland authors. Every time.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

 At the moment it’s something I do because I love it and the voices in my head don’t let me sleep if I don’t write them down.

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

I don’t think I would. I wrote the story the characters wanted to tell. There were times when their decisions and actions drove me mad, but that was the way the story was meant to go.

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

 Through reading, always.

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

 Umm, sure! This is a short snippet from The Rarest Rose, which has never been posted anywhere before.

 

“I’d never seen a man look so relaxed, so utterly at ease, his smile wide enough to light up the entire coast as he turned back to me with an eyebrow raised in question.

“I think your dad is trying for frostbite or hypothermia,” I said dryly to Bilbo, my eyes remaining locked with Elijah’s as he chuckled.

“If a job’s worth doing…” he replied with a wink that made my stomach flip over disconcertingly as he held out a hand towards me in invitation.

I didn’t have time to think about it before my body lurched forward of its own accord, my hand already encased gently in his before my mind caught up. His skin was soft and so cold against mine. I felt a strange tingling sensation drifting from the point of contact and sending every nerve in my arm and then my body firing off unknown signals that would have felt amazing if it hadn’t been for the panic that shot through my chest at the same time. This wasn’t safe. I was allowing this man’s warm eyes and kind smile to coax me into a trap I knew all too well there might be no escape from. My entire body stiffened around those few inches of skin that were joined, every muscle beginning to ache with the tension that instantly took over as my eyes drifted up to his in alarm.” © H.A. Robinson 2016

 

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

The part I hate the most is synopsis writing. I know a lot of authors have the same issue. I’d sooner write a full-length novel than attempt to use 250 words or so to summarise it!

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? No, I’ve never had to travel anywhere for them, though I definitely think that places I’ve been have influenced what I write.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

 The covers and all my graphics are designed by L.J. Stock of LJ Designs. She is the single most talented lady I’ve ever met!

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

 Fitting in the time to write in between work, editing and real life commitments.

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

 I think I learn something new each time I write. I think my biggest learning curve with Max, aside from just learning about the process in general, was that I am actually capable of doing things I put my mind to!

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead?

LOL well, as a giant Tom Hiddleston fan, I would cheerfully see him play anybody in anything I ever write!

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

 I don’t know if I’m really qualified to give advice to anybody else, but the one piece of advice I can give is: If you want to be a writer, you have to sit down and write. Nobody ever got a book published by dreaming.

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

Just THANK YOU! I have an incredible group of people who support and help to promote my books and I will never be able to do anything amazing enough to thank them for their help!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

 I’m currently reading A Clash of Kings, the second Game of Thrones book.

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Oh gosh, no I don’t. I don’t think I remember back that far. It was probably something like The Very Hungry Caterpillar or something.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry? My friends make me laugh every single day. They are the best! Not too much makes me cry, but a weepy movie or looking back at photos of my big sister will do it.

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

 Oh wow… So many! I have to choose just one? I guess I’ve always adored Jane Austen’s books, so I’d love to meet her. Though, they say you should never meet your heroes, so I don’t know!

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

She lived. Because I hope that I do and will continue to do so. Losing my sister far too young has taught me that life is short and if you want it, you have to go out and grab it.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

 I love doing lots of things. I’m a huge reader, I enjoy watching films, watching football, playing the piano and singing, hanging out with my friends and goofing about, spending time with my family and travelling to new places.

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

I absolutely love Game of Thrones and Supernatural. They’re my drop everything to watch them shows. I love anything by Marvel in terms of films, and also all the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter films.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

My favourite food is cake, favourite colour is red and my favourite music would be impossible to choose. As a musician, I couldn’t live in a world with no music. I love everything from classic rock to classical and everything in between.

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

When I was younger, I wanted to be a pilot. Bit random, I know!

 

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

I don’t have a website but I do have a Facebook page where I post all my book news. You can find me here: https://www.facebook.com/HARobinsonAuthor/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010M4R8JY/

Here is my interview with Robert V Baynes

 

Name  Robert V Baynes

Age 54

Where are you from

Indiana

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

I have 2 kids at home, I have been an entrepreneur for over 30 years. I have a lot of real world knowledge. I love to spend time with my family. I also like to fish, garden, cook and read.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I am working on a second book that is a parallel to the first one, but takes a different direction and has a different ending.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing in the spring of 2014. I wanted to get a message across and decided to write a novel to do that.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I started to write my novel.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I felt for a while that I had a message that people needed to know about and I was going to write a book to inform them. It occurred to me that a story is often the best way to learn, so I decided to write it in novel form.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I usually write as if I am observing something take place and I just write it as I see it.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I wanted something catchy and I had heard that if a name repeats a letter several times it is easier to remember so I came up with ‘The Day the Dollar Died’

 

 

 

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

Yes, I believe we are due for an economic crash here in America and I want to alert people to that before it is too late.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Almost all of it is realistic. I had one review where the guy said it was too realistic for his tastes. He said he couldn’t even finish it because of that.

 

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

There is a mixture. I suppose most of the experiences are based form my own life.

 

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

I would have to say the Bible has influenced me the most. I also love Charles Dickens writings. Atlas Shrugged had a lot of interesting ideas in it.

 

 

 

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

As a writer, Charles Dickens probably influenced me the most. I think he had a great style of writing.

 

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I read as much as I get time. I just finished reading ‘The Age of Deception’by James Dale Davidson.

 

 

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

Not that I can think of right now.

 

 

 

Fiona: What are your current projects?

I am currently working on ‘The Day the Fire Fell’. It is a novel that parallels ‘The Day the Dollar Died’

 

 

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

I had a lot of friends that supported me. I recently went to The National Publicity Summit and I believe they will help support me to promote my book.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I see it as a part of my career. I have too many other interests to just be a writer.

 

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

I don’t think so. I think it does the job I intended it to do quite well.

 

 

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

I have loved to read ever since I was young. I think writing just came from that.

 

 

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

My current work is about what happens to an ordinary farmer as he realizes our nation is heading in the wrong direction and what he as one man can do about it.

 

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

The most challenging part of writing for me is to find the time to do it. I also own a small business and have a family. Both of them take a lot of time.

 

 

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

Again, I think Charles Dickens is my favorite author. He is so good at painting pictures with words and he can tell an ordinary story and make it very interesting.

 

 

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

I haven’t yet, but hopefully as I promote them, I may travel a little more.

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I had a friend of mine who is an artist and does a lot of design work on computers design it.

 

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

The hardest part of writing the book was finding time to get it written and then edited until it was ready for Amazon.

 

 

 

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

I learned that I really enjoyed writing fiction. It was fun to see how realistic I could make the characters seem.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Writing can be fun and enjoyable, but the hard work is promoting the book and getting people to actually buy it.

 

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

I hope you enjoy the book and take seriously consider the message.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I don’t. I was probably quite young at the time.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Stories of people overcoming hardship can make me cry. As far as laughing, I love good jokes.

 

 

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

I would love to meet Dr. Ben Carson. I have a lot of admiration for him.

 

 

 

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

I would love to have written that I pointed people to God. I believe that can make the greatest difference in people’s lives.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I have quite a few hobbies. I love to read, fish, cook, garden and travel with my family.

 

 

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

I like to watch Shark Tank. I also like inspiring movies, especially when they are based on a true story.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

I love real foods. I like to eat very healthy and I like a variety of real foods. I like quite a few different kinds of music. I am not musically gifted so I admire it when other people are. As far as colors, I would say that purple is probably my favorite color.

 

 

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

I love to have an organic farm and raise food that is really good for people.

 

 

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

Yes, my website is www.thedaythedollardied.net and I have a blog on it.

Amazon Authors page http://www.amazon.com/Robert-V-Baynes/e/B013L25V02/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Here is my interview with Larry Collins

Name             Larry Collins

Age                 72

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

Larry: I was born and raised in Southern California, majored in Aerospace Engineering at Cal Poly, Pomona. Married Lorna and we have one adult daughter, Kimberly. My wife and I write both together and separately. Between us, we have fifteen published books, and we are currently working on three more.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?                             

Larry: Last month the third book in my Sci-Fi adventure trilogy The McGregor Chronicles: Book 3 – Alien Invasion was published. Book 1- Saving Mike and Book 2 – Escape From Eden were published last year.
Now that the trilogy is complete, Lorna has insisted we next finish the sequel to our book The Memory Keeper, a historical novel set between 1820 and 1890 at San Juan Capistrano Mission and told by a Juaneño Indian. The sequel will be entitled Becoming The Jewel and cover the period from 1891 to 1940 and the restoration of the mission.

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Larry: In high school, I took an English writing class. Every Monday, the teacher required a minimum one-page story on any subject, fiction or non-fiction.  Two of my stories made it into the annual school literary book. I guess Ray Bradbury was right when he said, “Write a short story every week for a year. It’s impossible to write fifty-two bad stories.”

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?         

Larry: After high school, I put my creative writing on hold to become an engineer. It languished for the next thirty years. I wrote, but only specifications, instructions, and other business documents. Then Lorna asked for my input on what became our first book. With the publication of 31 Months in Japan: The Building of a Theme Park, my creative juices were revived.

 

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Larry: In 1998, my wife, Lorna, and I moved to Osaka, Japan to construct the Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park. I was area project manager and Lorna the document control supervisor. While we were there, Lorna began emailing a two or three page letter (today it would be called a blog) to friends at home every couple of weeks. When we finished the project in 2001, Lorna was sending to about one-hundred-fifty people. They, in turn, forwarded it to others.  On our return, friends suggested we turn them into a book. Lorna started, but found the letters didn’t translate well into a book and decided to start from scratch, using the letters as reference material only. She needed help and asked me to pitch in. In 2005, we published 31 Months in Japan: The Building of a Theme Park.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

Larry: I approach writing much as I did engineering. I research the subject, develop a plot, do detailed character studies, and outline the entire story, often before I put the first word to paper. I fit the term “plotter.”
Lorna, on the other hand, is a “pantser” (writes by the seat of her pants). She lets her characters lead the way. This sometimes creates problems in the storytelling, but we’ve learned to adjust and work together.

 

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Larry: My titles all have to say something about the book. In The McGregor Chronicles: Book 3 – Alien Invasion, there are aliens. In Book 1 – Saving Mike, Mike is rescued. And in Book 2 – Escape from Eden, someone escapes. Some titles are a little more vague. The Memory Keeper is about Tomás Romero, a Juaneño Indian born near San Juan Capistrano Mission in 1820. It chronicles his life of seventy years. He sees the events, floods, droughts, plagues, wars, changing governments from Spanish to Mexican to American, and how each affects his life and impacts the mission. His memories make up the story. He is the memory keeper.

 

 

 

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

Larry: What sometimes looks like failure may not be. And if you persevere you will come out ahead.

 

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Larry: My science fiction book series, The McGregor Chronicles, is based more on science than fantasy. I take recent scientific advancements and discoveries and project them into the far future. My characters are not magical and do not have special powers beyond what science can provide.
Often, I draw characters (as composites) from strangers or friends, taking a trait from here or there and combining them. For my book of short stories, Lakeview Park, I watched total strangers in a park in Yorba Linda, California, and imagined what their life might be like.

 

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?
Larry: Early on, my heroes were H.G. Wells, Jules Vern, A.E. van Vogt. Then came J.R.R. Tolkien, Larry Niven, Ursula Le Guin, Piers Anthony, Ray Bradbury, and Terry Brooks. You can see my earlier taste ran toward Sci-Fi/Fantasy.

 

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Larry: In the last couple of years I’ve discovered Pauline Baird Jones and Kathryn Sullivan, and for mysteries, Marilyn Meredith.

 

 

 

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

.
Larry: With our first book, Lorna and I were lucky to find a wonderful critic group, Lagunita Writers. Without their help, we would have never finished the first manuscript.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?                  

Larry: I have no intension of stopping. I’m having too much fun.

 

 

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Larry: Whenever I reread one of my stories, I can always see places where I could tweak it, but in the main, I’m generally happy with the work.
I have a rule: The main story of each book in a series must be complete and stand-alone. The story should build to a climax, then quickly wrap up loose ends and quit. You’re done.
As a reader, if I come to the end and it says, “To Be Continued,” I’ll never pick up the next one. And never make the last chapter of this book the introduction to your next work. If you want, place a completely separate afterword teaser, but identify it as such.

 

 

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

Larry: I’ve always been an avid reader. Even when I wasn’t writing, stories and ideas would fill my head. Lorna was the one who encouraged me to put ideas to paper.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us? 
Larry: Sure. Here’s a quick blurb of The McGregor Chronicles: Book 3 – Alien Invasion.
Space Freighter co-captain Matt McGregor is worried. His father’s ship, the McGregor-7, has not returned from the Triangulum Galaxy. A cryptic message from the Federation Battle Cruiser Majestic warns of an attack and an alien virus. Matt, his bride, Tracy, along with older brother, Marc, sister Maddie, and Federation Investigator Jake Stevens, push their modified freighter to its limit to reach the far galaxy. Once there, they discover political intrigue, ghost ships with dead crews, a seemingly unstoppable epidemic, and an intelligent alien species. Are the aliens responsible for the virus? Can the outlawed nanomedical robots in the bodies of Matt’s crew save them? And what is the fate of his parents and their ship?

 

 

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

Larry: Ideas come easily. It’s the grunt work (discipline) of pushing through the story to the end that’s tiring.  Terry Brooks calls it “the muddle in the middle,” and I concur.

 

 

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

Larry: Lorna and I like to set our stories in wonderful places. Our mystery series is set in Hawaii. We have to go there to do research. My research is thorough. If my protagonist drives a road from here to there, I have too. I’ve eaten in the diner, shopped at the local store, and walked the same beach. I want the scene to be as accurate and realistic as I can make it. After all, the locals will never forgive you if you screw up their town.

 

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Larry: For the early books, Lorna and I sent samples of what we wanted to the publisher for their cover artist to use (including my personal artwork and Lorna’s photographs). For my latest books, I did the covers myself.

 

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Larry: Finishing the story and writing the pitch, back cover blurb, and synopsis. All the miscellaneous stuff to get it published.

 

 

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Larry: Don’t give up. Write every day, even if what you write today doesn’t make it into this book, it may be resurrected in another story.

 

 

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead
Larry: Someone suggested Laurence Fishburne for the protagonist in our mysteries. Agapé Jones is a seasoned NYPD detective, shot in the line of duty, and forced into early retirement. In Hawaii, he works as a security guard at conferences and a part time special investigator for Maui County.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Larry: Find a compatible critic group and stick with it.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Larry: I work extremely hard to ensure the authenticity of the facts, both in my historical and science fiction. As examples: In 1857, when Tomás helps fight off the Juan Flores outlaw gang to save the mercantile, he uses a Patterson–Colt 36-caliber revolver. It had to be loaded with separate black powder and round shot. The Colt 45 Peacemaker, “the gun that won the west,” with its metal-encased cartridges wouldn’t be in use for another sixteen years.  In space, my ships use the centrifugal force of a rotating crew ring to simulate gravity. Star Wars and Star Trek must use movie magic.

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Larry: “A Crushing Death” by F.M. Meredith.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Larry: After struggling through Dick and Jane in first grade, my mother read me several, more interesting, books. The first I attempted by myself several years later was probably 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I wore the covers off it.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
Larry: Intelligent puns (is that a misnomer?) make me laugh. When I have to kill a favorite character, I cry.

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person past or present you would meet and why?
Larry: I met Terry Brooks briefly at the Maui Writers Conference in 2006, but didn’t have time for us to talk. I’d like to share a meal with him. He is one of the few authors who outlines. We have it in common.

 

 

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

Larry: I’ll have to think about it. I plan to be cremated, spread at sea, and perhaps could send a few ashes into space. I think that would be cool.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

Larry: Every weekday morning you will find me on “dawn patrol” surfing at a nearby beach. A couple of hours in the water clears my mind to better concentrate on the latest story.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Larry: NOVA and my latest favorite, “Finding Your Roots.”

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Larry: Any dish that doesn’t contain onions (I’m allergic). / Blue. / Anything except rap.

 

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Larry: Always wanted to go into space. To feel the weightlessness I write about.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
Website: www.lornalarry.com
Lorna blogs each week. I guest blog on her site occasionally.
I also maintain the Lagunita Writer’s Website. www.lagunitawriters.com

 

Here is my interview with Duncan Ralston

Name Duncan Ralston

Age 39

Where are you from?

Born in Toronto, spent my teens in smalltown Ontario, returned to Toronto after college. I worked in television as a Master Control Operator for 12 years after school. I’m currently writing while I try to find new work, possibly in a different industry.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

You can find my latest short stories in the anthologies Easter Eggs & Bunny Boilers (Matt Shaw Publications), and Death By Chocolate (KnightWatch Press). My new novella, Every Part of the Animal, the first in a series of novellas about the dark side of love, will be out by the beginning of June. My first foray into “extreme horror,” Woom (Matt Shaw Publications), should arrive some time in August.

Along with all of this great stuff, along with fellow horror writers Thomas S. Flowers and Jeffery X. Martin, I will be hosting a biweekly (twice a month, not twice a week) podcast called Screen Kings, in which we shoot the shit about all of the Stephen King adaptations from Carrie to current. The first episode should be coming out soon.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I was 15 when I read Clive Barker’s Books of Blood, and I loved it so much I thought I’d try my own monster story. The first story I wrote (that wasn’t a school assignment) was about a psychic forced to open a doorway into another “realm,” who begins to bond with the demon. The second story was about a hired killer who falls in love with his victim. It was a weird little S&M story with some cool twists and turns. It was the title story for collection I never finished called The Blood Letters, but aside from one or two more, I never finished any of the other stories. I really wish I’d pushed myself to finish them, but instead I kept starting new novels and never finishing them for years. I had no idea how to go about publishing something back then, aside from vanity press, and I never really thought of it as something I could do as a “job,” so I got into TV.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I won a pitch contest in 2011 for my TV pilot, The Valley. I started to take it seriously then, and felt like it was something I could potentially do. In 2014, when I self-published my debut collection of short horror, Gristle & Bone, and I started to get some positive reviews, that sealed it for me.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

A friend at the time convinced me to keep writing, and asked for regular updates. It was a good kick in the pants to keep on working through to the end and not give up. The book is 90,000 words of shit, but it had some decent moments. I’ll most likely rewrite it sometime in the next couple of years.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

If it’s a thriller there won’t be as much in-depth character stuff, but I tend toward character-heavy stories, rather than plot-heavy. The style itself is dictated by the characters (in first person), or the type of story I’m telling.

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

For Salvage, it was a play on words. The main character follows in his sister’s footsteps after she drowns in a lake up north, trying to put the pieces of his life back together. He also salvage dives in the same lake. It also sounds like “salvation,” and with a religious cult involved, I thought it worked nicely.

 

 

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

It’s likely pretty obvious when you read the book, but forgiveness is important to me.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I used to have a cottage on a lake up north, and snorkeled a lot. I guess the original kernel of the story came from not knowing my biological father, and how that was a bit of a struggle growing up (though not as much as it might have been if I didn’t have a great dad who stepped in to fill those shoes), especially since I supposedly look just like him. Other than that, it’s all fiction. I mean, there are towns that have been flooded for dams and whatnot, but I’ve never been to one.

 

 

 

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

Stephen King’s On Writing is a book that, without having read it, I likely wouldn’t be published now.

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who  is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Stephen King is my favorite writer of all time. I love how in-depth he gets with his characters. His stories are about how real people deal with terrifying events.

I’ve recently read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and absolutely loved it, so I’ll be reading more of her, and had a fun time reading Blake Crouch’s Pines.

Among folks I know in the horror community, I’ve been very impressed by the books coming out from The Sinister Horror Company, Grey Matter Press, and Crystal Lake Publishing, along with stuff from Jasper Bark, Matt Shaw, Thomas S. Flowers and Jeffery X. Martin. There are many others but I’ll just be typing names all day long.

 

 

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

The horror community, particularly some kind folks in the UK, embraced me pretty early on. The gents at The Sinister Horror Company. D.K. Ryan and the Dead as Hell Horror Podcast. The Ginger Nuts of Horror. Jeffery X. Martin, Thomas S. Flowers, Jeffrey Goff and Dawn Cano. Confessions of a Reviewer. The folks at Booktrope (who published my first two books under their Forsaken imprint). Chris Hall at DLS Reviews. And a ton of bloggers and readers, who if I mentioned them all by name it would take forever. Most recently, THE Matt Shaw has been a big supporter, and I’ll be publishing with him soon.

The horror community as a whole has its share of ups and downs, but for the most part it’s filled with helpful, encouraging people who are genuine fans of the genre and want to see it continue to thrive.

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Some day, with luck!

 

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

No. Once it’s out in the world, it’s not my book anymore. It belongs to the readers. Not that I’m comparing my book to da Vinci by any means, but you don’t go back and paint eyebrows on the Mona Lisa once its already hung in a gallery.

 

 

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

I’ve always enjoyed writing. The first story I can remember was a picture book I made for grade six class about the monster who lived under my basement stairs. Turned out he was just misunderstood. I’ve always had a little sympathy for monsters.

 

 

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

I’m finishing up the novella, Every Part of the Animal. It’s a thriller about a hunter and her ten-yer-old son who live in the wilds of Alaska, and the young popstar, in town protesting the wolf cull, who turns their life upside down. The idea was inspired by true events, but that happens after the actual protest is made up. It gets pretty dark.

 

 

 

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

Not repeating myself. I also have trouble with names. I find I end up typing “popular names [year]” into Google a lot. Other than that, the challenge is to keep writing better stuff rather than stagnating.

 

 

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

I don’t travel for my writing, but my traveling always inspires stories. One of my first short stories, “Fat of the Land” from Gristle & Bone, was inspired by a trip to a rich town on the California coast where it seemed like everyone who lived in the big expensive houses was white and all the workers were hispanic. Watching this elderly hispanic woman dressing a silver-haired white man with a paunch in his wetsuit is where the idea for “Fat of the Land” initially arose, a story about a small rich California town where when the help gets out of line, they’re put on the menu.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Gristle & Bone was designed by the most excellent Scott Deyett. Salvage was done by Yocla Designs.

 

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

For Salvage it was a lot of research into the Bible, and diving. There’s a part where a mentally ill religious figure recites his alternate explanation of the story of Job. Figuring that part out was probably the hardest part.

Usually the hardest part is the research, especially when it involves looking at the dark corners of the internet. That thing Nietzsche said about when you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks into you? I’m pretty sure the internet was what he meant when he wrote that. Also, I’m pretty squeamish.

 

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

I learned a lot about who begat who.

 

 

 

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead?

I’m not going to get that far ahead of myself!

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Practice first. Don’t just self-publish the first thing you write. Also, don’t expect to make a ton of cash right out the gate. It’s a long, slow journey, but if you enjoy it, stick with it. If you don’t, get out while you’re still young.

 

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

“Have a good time all the time.” – Viv Savage, Spinal Tap drummer

But seriously, in that spirit: read a lot, live a lot, love a lot.

 

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m reading a beta of Chad Clark’s Behind Our Walls, a bleak post-apocalyptic thriller. Prior to that, I read Gone Girl. I’m trying to catch up on some of the mainstream and classic books I missed in between betas and books from writers I know who I’ve been meaning to read for a while.

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Ever? No. Probably one of the Sesame Street books. The first non-children’s book I remember reading was Stephen King’s Night Shift. Everything before that just led me to his stuff.

 

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I love to laugh. I laugh lot. What makes me cry is a good story told well, particularly something with an excellent twist.

 

 

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

Not really. They always say “don’t meet your heroes,” because they’ll most likely disappoint you.

 

 

 

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

Here lies Duncan Ralston. He had a full life.

 

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

Hiking, reading, playing video games, cross-country skiing, swimming. I used to love to snorkel, and I’d like to learn to dive.

 

 

 

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

I’m a huge fan of The Leftovers right now. And season two of Fargo was one of the best seasons of TV ever. Al-time favorites are: Seinfeld, Lost, Six Feet Under, Oz, Twin Peaks.

 

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

That’s tough, I like so many foods! I like a good stiry fry, pork schnitzel with lemon, spaghetti, salad with oil and vinegar dressing. Pretty boring. Cheese is my favorite thing to eat. And bacon.

No favorite colors. At least not since I was a kid.

Favorite bands: Radiohead, Genesis, RHCP, Afghan Whigs, Faith No More.

 

 

 

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

Build houses. I like architecture, but I don’t have the discipline to study it.

Or psychotherapy. I’m interested in the mind and how/why it works the way it does. Plus I like to help people.

 

 

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

The Fold, my Official Cult Manifesto at www.duncanralston.com. Also www.facebook.com/duncanralstonfiction.

 

Amazon Authors page UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duncan-Ralston/e/B00F23Y41Q/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

 

USA http://www.amazon.com/Duncan-Ralston/e/B00F23Y41Q/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1461699202&sr=1-2-ent

Here is my interview with Nicole Garcia

Name: Nicole Garcia

Age: 36

Where are you from?

I’m from Brooklyn, New York and a mother of four kids. Three of my children have special needs. my two boys are Autistic, and my youngest daughter has a learning disability. I also have a degree in Nursing, but have been a stay at home mom for the last 9 years. My hobbies are reading and reviewing books. I am completely addicted to audiobooks.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Well, I have recently earned the title of  New York Times Bestselling Author and I have ventured out of my comfort zone and am writing in a brand new genre.

 

 

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing three years ago. I began to write as an outlet to cope with a personal issue and since then I have not been able to stop. There are so many stories I need to tell and have been blessed with many fans who not only support my work, but have become great friends as well.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I would say last year when I started becoming more recognized by more people. I have always been a writer, ever since I was a teenager writing poetry, but I think I felt more of an author this past year.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I was going some some personal problems and it was right before Christmas, and since I always wrote out my feelings better than speaking them, I decided to write a small book.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

Yes. I am what you call a pantser. I write as I go. Of course I write down main ideas and events, but mostly I let the character do the talking.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

For Noelle’s Wish, I just wanted something Christmasy, but still have the reader an insight of what the book was about.

 

 

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

Hope. I wanted to give the reader hope. I wanted show them that no matter how bad you think your life is or no matter what life throws at you, there is always a chance it will get so much better.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I always add a piece of myself or experiences in my books. Whether it be my favorite food or personal hardship.

 

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

I have quite a few authors that have helped me home my skill as a writer and it’s ways a learning process, but I have to say I’ve learned a lot from Tina Folsom and Claudy Conn. Both have different writing styles, but both are amazing writers.

 

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who  is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Wow, I have so many favorites. Claudy Conn, Tina Folsom, Michelle Mankin, and Riley Murphy are my absolute favorites. Each write a different genre of romance but all are fantastic writers. They write so descriptive and beautifully you feel as though you are part of the story.

 

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

I have a whole team of fans and friends that support me. My completely amazing street team, along with my editor Patty Hanson and my best friend Dawn Sullivan have all contributed to my writing in some way or another.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. It’s more than just a career. It’s a way of life for me. I couldn’t live day to day without it.

 

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

No, I am pretty happy with how it turned out. My latest work is a paranormal romance which I love to write, and my narrators brought my story to life, so I’m very pleased in how it turned out.

 

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

Yes, reading Edgar Allan Poe’s work. I absolutely loved poetry as a teenager and wanted to write my own.

 

 

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

I am currently writing in a new genre for me, BDSM. Here’s a little snippet from my work in progress Burning Desire.

Allison shivered at the sound of his voice and her hands began to shake. The curiosity of what he had in store for her was exhilarating and was now overpowering the fear she’d been holding on to. But, did she trust him? Did she trust him enough to relinquish all control over to him? To give herself over to him completely without questions or trepidation? She didn’t know for sure, but with the way he was seducing her mind right now, she was more than willing to try.

 

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

No, unfortunately I don’t travel at all yet. Having four kids kind of limits my travel schedule.

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I actually have two cover designers. Dawn Sullivan, who is not only my cover designer, but is also my best friend and critique partner. She is my constant support and helps me whenever I get writer’s block or need a little a something added to my stories. I would not be where I am today without her. My other cover designer is Anya Kelleye with Anya Kelleye Designs, who is not only an amazing cover artist, but a great friend as well.

 

 

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

Time. Since I am a mother of four I have to fit in my writing whenever I can.

 

 

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

I learned so much from each of the books I have written, but I have also leaneed a lot from my fans as well as other authors. Mostly I learned of hope. There is always hope for a happily ever after.

 

 

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead?

Hmm, so many great choices. Since I am a huge Chris Hemsworth fan, I’d have to choose him to play one of the Gods in my Roman God Romance series.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never give up your dream of writing if that’s what you really want to do. And read! Read, read, read. You can learn so much just by reading other authors books. There are also books on how to be a better writer. Learn the skill and establish your own style of writing.

 

 

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

Yes. I want to thank all my readers for supporting me throughout my writing process, sharing my work, and reviewing my books. I can’t convey how appreciative I am.

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am in between books, but have just finished a three part series called Find Me, Remember Me, Keep Me by Michelle Mankin. I absolutely love her books.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Yes, the first book I ever read was The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. I couldn’t wait to learn to read and constantly asked my grandmother to teach me.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I cry for everything, hurt animals, a beautiful poem, I’m very sensitive and have a big heart. I also love to laugh. My children keep me very entertained and are a big source of my happiness.

 

 

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

There are so many to choose from, but I would love to meet V.C. Andrews since it was her books that have me the reading of romance bug.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Reading and listening to music. I can’t go one day without either one of them.

 

 

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

I love horror movies! I so have two favorite shows which I watch religiously and haven’t missed an episode since they aired, The Walking Dead and Once Upon A Time. I have an eclectic taste.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

My favorite foods are pizza and macaroni and cheese. Does chocolate count as food? It should, cause I can go a day without it. My favorite color is purples and I love all kinds of music.

 

 

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

Well, I was a nurse for a few years, but I have always wanted to be an accountant. Weird right? Ever since I was a kid I have always loved Math and numbers. I received many awards and really enjoyed the subject.

 

 

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

No, but I’m slowly working on that.

Amazon Authors Page http://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Garcia/e/B00HHWRUNY/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1461594867&sr=1-2-ent