Here is my interview with Len Boswell

Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

My name is Len Boswell, and I’m a very young man, although my mirror claims I’m 74.

 

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am one of those rare people born in Washington, D.C., but I’m living in the mountains of West Virginia now.

 

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I was born in a hospital that has since been torn down, grew up on a street that has since changed its name, in a house that has since changed its number. Everywhere around me, my life seems to be erasing itself.

Seriously, though, I’m a graduate of the University of Maryland, spent forty years in book and periodical publishing, and am now retired to the writing life with my wife, Ruth, and our two dogs, Shadow and Cinder.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

There’s a lot going on. First of all, my latest novel, A GRAVE MISUNDERSTANDING (A Simon Grave Mystery) has just been published by Black Rose Writing. Reviews have been pretty good. BestThrillers.com called it “a truly hilarious mystery.”

I’m also waiting to hear back from my agent on the first book in a new urban fantasy series that could run to five volumes. In the meantime, I’m about 20,000 words into a new Simon Grave mystery: GRAVEN IMAGES.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing ever since I can remember. I think the first piece I remember was a short story I wrote when I was eight, on the invention of bingo by bored cavemen.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think I’ve always thought that, but it wasn’t until recently that I received affirmation by an actual publisher.

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was a work of creative nonfiction, The Leadership Secrets of Squirrels. I was a publishing executive at a voluntary health association that changed leadership styles about every six months, based on “new thinking” by consultants, usually delivered to us at an off-site workshop. On my drive home from one of these workshops, which featured a particularly bad consultant, I had to break to avoid a squirrel. In that moment, I thought, “I bet that squirrel knows more about leadership than that consultant.” By the next morning, I had thought of ten leadership secrets based on squirrel behavior. By the time I finished, there were more than sixty secrets. The book was not only fun to write, but it taught me how to actually write a book. And then it was on to novels.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

A GRAVE MISUNDERSTANDING is a play on words with the detective’s name, Simon Grave. The misunderstanding part comes from Grave’s loose interpretation of logic. He tends not to use it much, or at least not effectively, to solve crimes, which leads to more than a few misunderstandings, grave and otherwise.

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I’m not sure I have a specific writing style. I change it up depending on the genre I’m working on. My fantasy writing style, for example, is lightyears away from my comic mystery style. My biggest challenge is staying within a genre. A GRAVE MISUNDERSTANDING, for example, is a near-future mystery wrapped in a little sci-fi. Yes, there are robots.

 

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

The book is as real as it can get for a book involving robots, but yes, certain situations and characters are based on events in my life. For example, one of the characters, Sergeant Barry Blunt, is so nondescript he is almost invisible.

A few years ago, I was walking through a nightclub with a friend of mine, who happens to be square-jawed handsome. I thought all the women we passed were smiling at me, but then it hit me: they’re smiling at my friend. They don’t even know I’m here. I’m completely invisible to them. And that’s how Barry Blunt was born.

 

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

With this book, no, because it is set in a mythical town. My new fantasy, on the other hand, is set in London initially, and future books in the series will be based in Scotland, Tanzania, Iceland, and China, all spots I hope to visit if a publisher picks up the series. As it is, I’ve spent a fair amount of time in London, so the first book was not difficult to write.

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The publisher designed the cover based on input from me. I identified several illustrations I thought would work, and they ended up using one of them.

 

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

The book is pure fun. The overall message is that life is like a tuna fish sandwich, but you’ll have to read it to find out why.

 

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

Strangely, the “new” author who has grabbed my attention is Charles Dickens. He’s one of the characters in my new fantasy, BARNUM’S ANGEL, as is one of his characters, Mr. Bucket, from BLEAK HOUSE, who is based on a real-life detective, Inspector Field of Scotland Yard. To get a sense of Field’s speech patterns, I had to read BLEAK HOUSE. It was a revelation. His sense of character is amazing.

My favorite writer at the moment is Cormac McCarthy, who has an elegantly simple writing style, particularly in THE ROAD.

 

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

I was a chemistry major in college, but took as many English courses as possible. One of my English professors pulled me aside and encouraged me to drop chemistry in favor of creative writing. I wish I had followed her advice, but I was only a semester away from graduating, so . . .

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I view it as a lost career finally found. I spent forty years on “the other side” of the publishing equation. Now that I’m retired, I can’t think of doing anything other than writing.

 

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

No, not a thing.

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

A GRAVE MISUNDERSTANDING is my third mystery, but you always learn something new with each book. I think with this book, I perfected how to plant the clues to support the ultimate outcome of the mystery.

And with my fantasy, BARNUM’S ANGEL, I learned that writing about history is hard. So many details. How would the people speak? How would they dress? What else was happening on that particular day in history? It took a lot of research.

 

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

The lead, Simon Grave, requires an actor capable of looking like a completely befuddled idiot, and my choice for that would be George Clooney or maybe Ryan Gosling. Cary Grant could have pulled it off, too.

 

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

I think every writer has to find his/her own path. The one piece of advice would be for them to have fun while they do it and not focus on whether their writing is ever going to be published. I can’t imagine doing anything else, and the words of John Barth have always kept me on the right path: “The key to the treasure IS the treasure.” It’s the writing, not the book.

 

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Only to remember that it is a COMIC mystery and not your typical mystery. They should think of it as a comedy routine wrapped in the clothing of a mystery.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Nothing at the moment. I am one of those writers who doesn’t read when he is in the middle of writing a book. I am too much of a chameleon. If I’m reading Shakespeare, I start writing like Shakespeare, albeit an inferior imitation.

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Wow, that goes back a ways, to 1948 or thereabouts. My guess would be FUN WITH DICK AND JANE.

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Almost anything makes me laugh, and I’m a closet romantic, so any story where an underdog wins the day is sure to make me shed a tear.

 

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Charlize Theron, but not for the obvious reasons. One of the robots in my forthcoming book, GRAVEN IMAGES, looks exactly like her. It would be good to see her up close and personal, so I could add nuance to my descriptions of her.

 

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I’m a serial collector. I collected 30 vintage fedoras, for example, all the hats of dead men. And now I’m on to something else: knives.

 

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

My favorites at the moment are PEOPLE OF EARTH and MR. MERCEDES, and I’m a sucker for subtitled Scandinavian mysteries and such.

 

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

 Pizza and chocolate chip cookies: blue; alt rock, grunge, and punk.

 

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Decompose.

 

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

“Folgers Coffee.” It’s cremation for me, all the way.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

No, but you can find me on Facebook as Len Boswell and on Twitter as @simonsilverback

I’m pretty active on both.

And my book is available here: https://tinyurl.com/ya9f259d

Here is my interview with August Grappin

Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

My name is August Grappin, but you can find my literary works under A. F. Grappin. Last time I checked, I was 33 years old. I rarely act that age, though.

 

Fiona: Where are you from?

I live in Tennessee, near Nashville. But not on purpose. My family is from Michigan.

 

Fiona: A little about yourself (ie, your education, family life, etc.).

Where to start? Well, I have a degree in music theory that I’m not using. My family consists of myself and two cats named after literary characters (of course), but I have a brother who lets me borrow my nephews now and then, if I need to spend time with small children.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

As of right now (Sept 2017), my latest news is the release of Lesson Four of my Deadly Studies series of novellas. The series follows the life of Luc Bertrand, an assassin from John G. Walker’s The Statford Chronicles. So it’s a spinoff series. Lesson 4 is titled Luc Bertrand: Assassin’s Lover. I plan on 10 total novellas, so almost halfway finished!

I also released a standalone dystopian fantasy novel, suitable for mature middle grade readers and YA readers back in December 2016. That book is titled Starsigns. I’m pretty proud of it.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I remember writing my first stories in middle school, about age 11 or so. I was a heavy reader long before that, devouring children’s abridged versions of classic authors. Dickens, Stevenson, Dumas, and the like. I loved Dickens. Still do. I’m not sure what sparked the first story, but whatever did, it didn’t stop there. I’ve been writing like crazy since.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Umm…I think I always considered myself one. In seventh grade, I was lucky enough to have a teacher who really encouraged the unusual pursuits of her students. She noticed my constant scribbling and had me write poems for an entire special education class. I never felt like putting aside classwork to make words was anything wrong, which really helped. It was never taboo, never something I was told I couldn’t or shouldn’t do.

As for being truly serious about it? Maybe around 2010, when I finally published my first novel, Empeddigo. But the line between writer and published writer is really only a single word. You don’t have to be published to be a writer.

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I actually wrote a bunch of novels before I published any, but my first published work, Empeddigo, was inspired by 3 things. First, I’d just learned about NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month nanowrimo.org) and had like 6 weeks to get ready for it. So I wanted to write a novel in 30 days.

Second, I wanted to do a cress-genre mashup. Specifically, I wanted to breach the line between fantasy and science fiction.

Third, I went to the dictionary, opened to a random page, and searched for a word to spark me. I wound up in the I’s, and found impetigo, a disease. It became the basis for my much worse fictional disease, the empeddigo.

I really don’t remember just what made me go to the dictionary…but hey, it worked, right?

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Well, the disease and a conspiracy behind it ended up being the basis for the plot, but I modified impetigo to sort of cross it with a more contagious, deadlier version of leprosy, and of course I had to rename the disease. I ended up going with a mispronounced version, and then made a more phoenetic spelling of it. Impetigo became empeddigo.

 

 Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I’ve been told my writing style is similar to Anne Rice, which I cannot verify, since I actually haven’t read anything of hers. I have my own style. I very much tend to focus on internal perceptions of my characters, largely on their thoughts and how they see the world. That inflection is the foundation for most of my writing, which is weird, because I normally come up with settings and major plot points before the characters themselves.

Most challenging for me, I think, is dialogue. I have very set speech patterns, myself, and they keep creeping up in how my characters speak. A lot of them end up sounding the same or similar. I usually just get the conversations out in a first draft, and then on revisions, alter speech patterns so characters say the same things their own way.

 

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

As nice as it is to talk about Empeddigo, that book is already 7 years old, and I’m going to switch and talk about the Deadly Studies series, since it’s my most current project.

Luc and I have a lot in common, but he is not based on me or anyone I know, really. I didn’t create him. John Walker did in his book The Sincerest Form of Flattery. John has given me free reign to develop Luc as I chose, though, which is nice. The books themselves are set in real places—Paris, Vienna, Washington, D.C, to name a few—but I take a lot of liberties with the realism. And if any events are based on my life, it’s purely coincidental.

 

 Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

I wish. Google maps is my traveling, plus friends I have in those locations. It’s no coincidence I chose to set two of the Deadly Studies books in Vienna. I have a friend who lives there. Any time I need a type of location or have questions, I just message her.

 

 Fiona: Who designed the covers?

StarlaHuchton is my main cover designer. She’s done the entire Deadly Studies series to date (and will do the remaining ones, if I have any say) and she also did the cover for Starsigns, which released in December 2016.

 

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

To answer this, I go to Starsigns. Yes. There is a message. Your life is what you make it. Fate may exist, but more powerful than that are your own choices. You are what you make of yourself. So make yourself the best you can.

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Who is yourfavorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

I’m a big fan of Django Wexler, Patrick Rothfuss, Robin Hobb, and about a gazillion other writers. It would take too long to name them all.

My favorite writer… I don’t like to get into that, really. It can be a touchy issue, mostly because of said author’s personal stance on hot button topics. Suffice it to say I like the writing, not necessarily the viewpoints.

 

 Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported yourcommitment to become a published author.

That would be my best friend, Erin. I’ve known her since I was 15, and she’s been my editor, beta reader, brainstorming wall, and even co-author on a few projects that have yet to see daylight. She’s always been nothing but encouraging, and she readily talks my books up to anyone who asks. And some people who don’t ask.

 

 Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes and no. Yes, if you consider careers that don’t pay well valid. In that light, I’m already a career writer. But I do have a full-time day job, so… yeah.

 

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

For Starsigns, maybe a few small things. No major plot points, no. I received some feedback from a friend who pointed out a behavioral thing I overused. But mostly, I just take that feedback and apply it going forward.

 

 Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?The lesson I learn from pretty much every book is that practice is everything, and man, I hate formatting.

 

 Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Oooh! For Starsigns, I think I would want Cair to be played by Freddie Highmore…back when he was a teen, anyway.

 

 Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

I got this advice from Mur Lafferty, and it’s some of the best advice I have ever heard.

You are allowed to suck.

Seriously. Artists often have a curse to think everything has to be perfect right out of the gate. Well you know what? It doesn’t. Make crap. Make sucky, one-dimensional character and plot holes. Make junk. And then, you’ll learn from it and make better junk. Don’t give up because it isn’t perfect. Don’t get discouraged. Suck away.

Trust me, you don’t want to see some of the crap I’ve created.

 

 Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. And know you’re not getting rid of me anytime soon. I have more works in the pipeline.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m always reading like 3 or 4 books at a time. My current list contains Milk Run by Nathan Lowell, Dreadful Tales by Richard Laymon, and NPCs by Drew Hayes

 

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Maybe not the first book, but I remember a book that was two-sided, both stories about bugs. Cootie-Doo was one side, and the other was Crick-ette.

 

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I have so many feelings. There’s plenty that does both.

 

 Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

I think it would be pretty darn cool to meet Dickens, but if I had to choose for real, I would have to say my great-great grandfather, who was also named August Grappin. I would be curious to hear his story.

 

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

And now you open the floodgates. Oh, I have hobbies. My two main hobbies are podcasting and making chainmail art. My podcast is called The Melting Potcast (themeltingpotcast.com) and it’s a writing variety show. We podcast short and flash fiction from authors all over the world, we interview authors, do book reviews, discuss crimes in literature, and do other writing and reading-related stuff.

My chainmail is under the moniker The Chain Nerd (facebook.com/chainnerd and thechainnerd.com). I specialize in geeky jewelry and art, usually media related, like Hogwarts House-inspired stuff and video game type stuff.

 

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

Between all my hobbies, I don’t get a lot of watching time anymore, but my favorite movie is Gattaca. I love Futurama, Supernatural, and Galavant. And I like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, just to throw a few things out there.

 

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

I love cheesecake and a good steak. Favorite color is dark green. For music, it’s best to go with what I don’t like: most gangster rap, blues, bluegrass, hip hop. Most anything else, I’ll listen to. I usually write to movie and video game soundtracks.

 

 Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

I’d be voice acting and chainmailing all the time.

 

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

He was loved.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and

special offers?

My links:

Author site

afgrappin.com

Facebook page

facebook.com/afgrappin

My writing podcast

themeltingpotcast.com

My chainmail hobby site

thechainnerd.com

Chainmail Facebook page

facebook.com/chainnerd

Amazon Authors Page

https://www.amazon.com/A.-F.-Grappin/e/B00JGCMMT0/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Here is my interview with Dan Coleman

Fiona:   Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona McVie.

Lets’ get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us you name. What is your age?

D.L….I’m Dan Coleman, and I’m 75 as of October 18.

 

Fiona:   Where are you from?

D.L.:…I live in North Carolina, U.S.A., but am from Virginia, nearby.

 

Fiona:…A little about yourself(i.e. education, family life, etc.)

D.L.:…I have three grown children, two grandchildren who live close by. I’m officially retired but have a small business development interest in wholesale apparel & related goods under the trademarked of Pier Pilot®.

 

Fiona:…Tell us your latest news.

D.L.:…Well, as to writing, Foul Shot is this latest thing I have going. The second, a sequel in the Wray Larrick series, is nearly finished and will be published in a few months, either by a traditional company or by myself, if things don’t work out. And they generally don’t.

 

Fiona:…When and why did you begin writing?

D.L.:…I started at age sixteen, wrote two sentences, then took off the next ten years to think of a third one. I began writing because it was a natural progression away from drawing and painting, which I enjoyed as a kid—the only thing I could focus on for five minutes or more outside of sports, football and track & field, without the “field” part; I was runner, a sprinter. I’d also had many experiences as a kid most of my contemporaries hadn’t had, and that had an influence on me, I think, regarding literary writing.

 

Fiona:…When did you first consider yourself a writer?

D.L.:…When I started writing novels and humor in my mid-twenties.

 

Fiona:…What inspired you to write your first book?

D.L.:…My experiences in the Marine Corps overseas, in Japan.

 

Fiona:…How did you come up with the title?

D.L.:…Quickly and easily. We were a crass, irreverent bunch in a similar environment, and the title was The Crass Menagerie, a literary work, not yet published.

 

Fiona:…Do you have a particular writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

D.L.:…Depending on the P.O.V. I’m writing in, it can be terse or conversational, but I do either without difficulty. I can alter styles because I’ve been doing it so long. Not sure how difficult it might be for some readers. So far, no complaints, but, of course, my market has been limited as a writer not widely published.

 

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

D.L.:…With the mysteries the settings are real places, the stories and characters are completely contrived for entertainment only.

 

Fiona:…To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

D.L.:…On occasions I go to places and get details of environment I might have missed previously when there. It can be before I start or during the writing.

 

Fiona:…Who designed the covers?

D.L.:…Only Foul Shot has a cover, by Rita Toews, who used a stock image to my satisfaction. Can’t remember who the designer was—it’s been a while– mostly because it is from a stock design, with just the title and author name over it. It’ll come to me.

 

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

D.L.:…Not in Foul Shot or the other mysteries. They’re strictly entertainment. In the literary there certainly are messages that evolve, though I don’t start with preconceived messages.

 

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

D.L.:…No new writers. Regarding mystery it’s James Lee Burke, but I have several. But Burke’s strength is in his characters, the odd assemblage of people who surround us but whom we might not see as he describes them to us. The plots are secondary in his stories; it’s always about the weirdos or their weird behavior or personalities.

 

Fiona:…Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

D.L.:…None. Not sure about supporting a commitment, but encouragement from a couple English teachers in high school and college, and a few local writing prizes, helped validate any talent they thought I might have had. But I was already writing and was going to write anyway, with or without anyone’s encouragement, because I had things to say in the literary genre. The interest in mystery, aside from the literary, is something I acquired, having been involved in studying actual crimes and reading non-fiction crime books and stories, all beginning, incidentally, in the late 1970s with the Sutcliff serial murders in Britain I found fascinating, like a puzzle to be solved.

 

Fiona:…Do you see writing as a career?

D.L.:…I saw it as a possible career in my late twenties and through my thirties, when I dedicated over a decade to it and it never worked out, so I don’t plan on it. It’s just a hobby now, but I would write full-time if the opportunity arose.

 

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

D.L.:…Only the occasional typo I find. Otherwise, not a thing.

 

Fiona:…Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

D.L.:…No.

 

Fiona:…If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

D.L.:…I have no idea. I don’t go to movies or keep up with show biz folks, but I’d know if a particular person was right or not.

 

Fiona:…Any advice for other writers?

D.L.:…Yes and no. Advice is cheap. Even your enemies, if you have them, will offer it for free. But if you have to work for a living, you’d better do that first, then write as a sideline until you can make it on a writer’s income, which happens to about one in every 2,000,000 people who call themselves writers. And that’s being conservative. The world is full of good writers who’ll never see a word in print unless they put it there themselves.

 

Fiona:…Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

D.L.:…Yes, if you seem to like the current story, there are sequels almost finished in the Wray Larrick mystery series, one set in Japan in the 1960s, a murder-espionage story with a serial killer spy(3^rd person POV); a second is set in Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach(1^st person POV again), both in the U.S.A., down south. Another murder mystery, unrelated to the series—a stand-alone—is also partially done and features a profession assassin who is the protagonist.

 

Fiona:…What book are you currently reading?

D.L.:…None. I just finished a murder mystery, and a biography of Richard Nixon. My reading is eclectic. I read in spurts, and intensely, then not at all for a while. Just like I write.

 

Fiona:…Do you remember the first book you read?

D.L.:…Adult reading, yes. It was Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, then Richard Tregaskis’ Guadalcanal Diary. I was fifteen. I’ve been reading newspapers all my life.

 

Fiona:…What makes you laugh/cry?

D.L.:…I don’t do crying, but a lot makes me laugh. I get a lot of humor out of life. It’s as funny astragic.

 

Fiona:…Is there one person, past or present, you would like to meet? Why?

D.L.:… Outside  a good literary agent and a contracting editor & publisher, there might be many, but none specifically. The people I admire from history tend to be serious characters of important work, past and present, are too numerous. I tend to admire people more for their courage—their BRASS—than their popularity alone. I don’t worship idols, but Columbo would be a kick.

 

Fiona:…Do you have any hobbies?

D.L.:…Yes. Other than writing, I have my small business interest and daily exercise regimen, as well as spending a lot of time and resources supporting my grandchildren in their own activities.

 

Fiona:…What TV shows, films do you enjoy watching?

D.L.:…News and educational programming.

 

Fiona:…Favorite foods, colors, music?

D.L.:…Whatever gets in my way, but not greasy stuff. I’m not big on trying new things in food. Too risky. Music taste is eclectic, but I like a lot of the 60s and 70s stuff, of course, because that was my generation.

 

Fiona:…Imagine a future where you no longer write. What do you do?

D.L.:…Read. And live at the ocean. And keep moving.

 

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

D.L.:…”He carried a clipboard and was taken seriously.” Hell, I don’t know.

 

Fiona:…Do you have a blog or web site readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

D.L.:…No blog or web site yet(it’s coming)—I’m a computer dummy—but have a Facebook page(Dan Coleman, Always Something) on which I post almost daily commentary on any number of subjects, including sharp criticisms of persons and events in the public arena. Not for the timid or extra-sensitive, though the language is clean. I don’t do selling there, just an occasional mention of the book or something related to it. It’s available on Amazon, including free sample chapters.

https://www.amazon.com/Foul-Shot-Wray-Larrick-Mystery/dp/1543251552/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1506735405&sr=1-6&keywords=D+L+Coleman%2C

Bio

Native of Hampton Roads, Virginia, specifically Newport News and Hampton, on the lower peninsula. Attended Christopher Newport College of the College of William & Mary, after service in the U.S. Marine Corps, and graduated from Christopher Newport College in Political Science. Lived for years in the Carolinas, South and North. Officially retired from sales and marketing, and involved in small business development. Have a page at www.crimespace.com, and on Facebook (Dan Coleman, Always Something). Have had a Twitter account for years but don’t know what to do with it. It might bite me.

 

Here is my interview with Pamela Allegretto

Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

Hello, Fiona, thank you so much for inviting me to this interview. My name is Pamela Allegretto, and my age, well…I’ve been old enough to vote for a very long time.

 

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in Denver, Colorado. I’ve also lived in L.A., California, Florence, Italy, and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. I currently reside in Connecticut.

 

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I attended Colorado University Extension in Denver and later moved to Florence, Italy where I studied art and Italian history at L’Università Per Gli Stranieri. To finance my education, my job résumé was as colorful as the Renaissance city itself. I shivered as an artist’s model and sang the blues in catacomb nightclubs. I worked as an interpreter/translator for a textile company and hawked leather goods to tourists.

Back on US soil, the colors on my résumé remained vibrant. In addition to Italian teacher at Berlitz School of Languages and a two-year stint as a Playboy Bunny, I added hairdresser/salon owner, to my palette. Classes in writing, cartooning, and art filled whatever free hours remained.

In 1996 I sold the hair salon and moved with my husband to Hawaii, where, for the following ten years, I devoted myself fulltime to painting and writing. Now, a resident of Connecticut, I divide my time between writing, painting, and Italian poetry translations.

In addition to my current novel, Bridge of Sighs and Dreams, my published books include L’Alba di Domani, and Immagini both are dual-language poetry books written in collaboration with Luciano Somma, two-time winner of Italy’s Silver Medal of the President of the Republic. My writing has appeared in four other Italian poetry books and in Italian literary journals that include: The English Anthology of The Italian-Australian Writer’s Literary Academy, Omero, La Mia Isola, and Poeti Nella Societa`. I have published book and CD covers as well as cartoons, and my art is collected worldwide.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My World War 2 novel Bridge of Sighs and Dreams, has been chosen as Book–of-the-Month for the Johnsonburg, PA Library Book Club. This is the 4^th book club to select my novel for their monthly read. I am honored and grateful to have been chosen by each of these prestigious clubs.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have been writing ever since I can remember. I like to write both fiction and non-fiction, but prefer fiction as I enjoy using my imagination to create something from nothing that hopefully entertains the reader.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After the publication of several articles and cartoons.

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

While growing up, I always hated listening to jokes about the Italians going into World War 2 with their hands raised. This was not at all the case, and I wanted to point out the bravery of the Italian population during this horrific time. Although Bridge of Sighs and Dreams is fiction, It is based on real events. I felt compelled to write a war novel in which the women don’t play the role of wallpaper or objects of amusement to soldiers and politicians. The women in Bridge of Sighs and Dreams take center stage in a behind-the-lines battle between good and evil.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) in Venice, Italy was built at the beginning of the Seventeenth century. It spans a small canal and connects the Old Prison and interrogation rooms in the Doges Palace to the New Prison.

Opinions about the naming of the bridge are plentiful. However, there are two theories more popular than the rest. One involves the prisoners who walked across the bridge on their way to the executioner. The prisoners would “sigh” as they crossed the bridge and caught sight of their last sunrise. Another story maintains, if a couple kisses under the bridge while gliding below in a gondola at sunset, they will ensure eternal love. Thus, the “sighs” are lovers’ refrains.

Lord Byron wrote: “I stood in Venice on the Bridge of Sighs, a palace and prison on each hand.” The title Bridge of Sighs and Dreams is an allegorical connotation of the characters’ hopes, dreams, and struggles.

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I love to create and flesh-out my characters. I look for an eclectic collection of complex individuals, each with his or her own values, lack of values, dreams, and goals. I want the reader to see them as I see them, not only the basic physical attributes: short, tall, bald, etc., but I want the reader to remember that this character has a bluish-black mole on the tip of his nose that holds his eyeglasses in place, or that character has a cheek tic. I want the reader to “hear” each character’s unique cadence. I like writing in the third person so the reader can get inside the heads of my characters to understand how they “feel.”

 

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

I will say, to weave my fiction around the time-line of real events that I wanted to highlight was tricky, but I didn’t want to alter facts to fit my fiction; instead, I utilized truth to enhance my characters and their story.

I wanted Bridge of Sighs and Dreams to be a story of betrayal, dignity, and purpose that highlighted the brutality toward Italian citizens, under both Mussolini’s Fascist regime and the Nazi occupation, and that illustrated the tenacity of the human spirit. However, I thought it was also necessary to inject some light humor, not merely for the reader’s benefit, but to show that a sense of humor can serve as a valuable shield during dire times.

Finally, yes, my family members did experience some of these events.

 

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

My research included interviews throughout Italy including multiple family members, and translating countless documents and publications. The discovery of personal letters and journals written by Italian POW’s augmented my study. The consistent manifestation of hope, scribbled across those abandoned pieces of paper, afforded a valuable glimpse into the Italian sentiment during this horrific period.

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I knew what I wanted for an image, and graphic designer Todd Engel produced exactly what I asked for. He also designed the front and back text.

 

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

There are no winners in war, only various degrees of survival. During challenging times that test our spirits, it helps to have a dream, a goal to strive toward.

 

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

I have been reading mostly indie works lately, and I have discovered many awesome writers. I hesitate to name them, as I might accidently leave one out. You can visit my Goodreads page and see my reviews and likes.

One of my favorite authors is Alberto Moravia. He writes with such visual and emotional truth, that reading his work is pure joy.

 

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

I won’t name names; they know who they are. They are my long-time friends who read my early stories and cartoons and laughed in the right places and cried in the right places and asked for more.

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Since, according to Social Security, I am officially retired, I don’t suppose I can call writing or painting a “career.” However, that’s what I do each day, and that’s what helps to pay the bills. If I didn’t get paid for my work would I still write and paint? Absolutely!

 

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

No. Well, actually there are a couple of typos I would love to correct, but ecco la vita.

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I learned so much about World War 2 and the Nazi occupation in Italy. I learned about the often under-publicized persecution of Italian Jews. I learned more about the brave efforts of the Italian Resistance. I learned that good can overcome evil but not without a price.

 

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

I believe Natalie Portman could portray a sympathetic Angelina, and Meryl Streep would be a triumph as the evil Lidia.

 

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write what you love. If your heart’s not in it, your writing will never “sing”; at best it will “hum” a forgettable and often flat tune.

Don’t follow trends just to make a buck. Let’s say that the current trend is to write about sunflowers and every 3rd book sold is a history of sunflowers. But if you are gravely allergic to and thus loath sunflowers, and the mere mention of those mutant daisies sends you diving for the tissue box, then don’t write about sunflowers. Each sentence will be agony, you’ll never be satisfied with the results, and any money earned will be spent on tissues and allergy meds. This is an extreme example, but you get the idea. Continue learning. Never believe you know all you need to know about writing. Get feedback from fellow writers, read what interests and excites you, and write, write, write.

 

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you so much for your support. I appreciate every comment and review. My goal was to entertain.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m reading All our Yesterdays by Natalia Ginzburg.

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Gosh, no. Probably fairy tales. My favorite childhood book was Pinocchio. I am still a big fan of Collodi and have 8 editions of Pinocchio in Italian and also in English by various translators. I do remember reading the Nancy Drew mysteries when I was about 8-years-old, and I was an instant fan of whodunits.

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Everything. I’m Italian.

 

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

It would be amazing to meet Elsa Morante. Her writing takes my breath away. And the gutsy manner in which she lived her remarkable life is inspirational.

 

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

When I’m not writing, translating, or painting, I read. Believe it or not, I like to clean. I get some of my best ideas while washing windows and scrubbing floors.

 

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

I watch as much PBS as I can. I’m a huge fan of all things British when it comes to drama and comedy.

 

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Foods: Italian and Mexican

Colors: vibrant hues in paintings/black in apparel.

Music: Jazz/Blues

 

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Paint, read, sew, sculpt, make stained glass, mosaics, pottery, jewelry……………

 

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

Well, I plan to be cremated, so there will not be a stone. But if there were, I would want it to say: She loved, she laughed, she cried, she tried.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

Website links for Writing:

http://www.pamelaallegretto.com

http://www.pamelaallegretto.blogspot.com

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14409573.Pamela_Allegretto

 

Website links for Art:

http://www.pamelaallegretto-franz.com

http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com

http://pamela-allegretto.pixels.com

http://www.redbubble.com/people/allegretto http://www.pamelaallegretto.com

 

Buy links:

 

Bridge of Sighs and Dreams is available for purchase in paperback and eBook at:

AMAZON:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015JRFQE8

BARNES & NOBLE:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bridge-of-sighs-and-dreams-pamela-allegretto/1122645088?ean=9781634906548

BOOKLOCKER:

http://booklocker.com/books/8228.html

ITUNES:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bridge-of-sighs-and-dreams/id1041486835?mt=11

KOBO:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bridge-of-sighs-and-dreams

Here is my interview with Pembroke Sinclair

Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

Pembroke Sinclair.  Age: older than 25 but younger than 60. 😉

 

Fiona: Where are you from?

Originally, I’m from Wyoming, but I currently live in Nebraska.

 

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

Let’s see, I live with my family—husband and two boys—as well as 3 dogs (2 corgis, 1 black lab) and a cat.  I received my master’s in English, so I really, really like reading and writing.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My most recent release is a book called Humanity’s Hope.  It’s a young adult zombie novel that looks at how the end of the world has impacted the main character Caleb.  *Whispers* He’s not ok, but he’s a survivor.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I was writing when I was in high school.  When I got to college, I took some classes workshopping my stories and learning how to get better, but my confidence got shaken.  I didn’t start writing again until several years after I graduated and was encouraged to do so by a friend.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’m not sure I actually do consider myself a writer. 😊

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I was having a competition with some other swimmers on my team to see who could write the best story.  I’m pretty sure I was the only one who finished.  Years later I revisited and rewrote the story to get it published.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Honestly, I was fascinated with the word “nowhere” so found a way to make it work in the title.

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I don’t think so.  I just write what comes to mind.  Some days, just putting words on paper is extremely challenging.

 

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

I think every book has some kernel of reality in them, but it might not be based wholly on the author’s life.  I pull bits and pieces—quirks if you will—from people I know and incorporate it into the story.

 

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

I don’t.  If I need to research a different place, I usually do so on the internet.  It would be awesome to travel to some of these places though!

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

If the book is put out by a publisher, they design the covers.  If not, I have a friend who creates them for me.

 

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

It depends on the novel.  I always try to put a message into my work, but if I tell you what it is, that defeats the purpose. 😉

 

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

The publishers who decide to publisher my work, and I have a small group of fans that read everything I put out.  YOU GUYS ROCK!

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Sadly, no.  I can’t make enough money to support myself on writing alone.  I would love to, but I’m not there yet.

 

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

Nope.  Caleb told me his story exactly the way he wanted it to appear.

 

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Have fun writing.  When it stops being fun, you’re not going to want to do it anymore.

 

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

You’re the best ever!  Without you, I wouldn’t be a writer.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m just about done with a collection of short stories called Aliens: Bug Hunt (https://www.amazon.com/Aliens-Bug-Hunt-Jonathan-Maberry/dp/1785654446/).  After that, I’m not sure what I’m going to read.  I have a pile, so I’ll just pick from there.

 

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Reading, writing, watching TV, and hanging out with my boys.

 

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

Z Nation, almost anything horror, American Ninja Warrior, The Voice, The Orville.

 

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Favorite food: dessert (anything with cinnamon and no nuts)

Color: Yellow and orange

Music: Some many different types of music!  I listen to Country, Rock, Heavy Metal, Show Tunes and everything in between!

 

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Lose my mind?  Why would a world like that exist?  It sounds like Hell.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

Absolutely!  You can find me here:

Blog: http://pembrokesinclair.blogspot.co.uk/

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/PembrokeSinclai

Google Plus:  https://plus.google.com/+PembrokeSinclair

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3522214.Pembroke_Sinclair

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Pembroke-Sinclair/e/B007RFYJ6W/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pembroke-Sinclair/e/B007RFYJ6W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1506722867&sr=1-2-ent

 

Pembroke Sinclair

Remember, when dealing with zombies, you need to stay alert to stay alive.

Here is my interview with Julia Cirignano

Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

Hi, thank you so much for having me! My name is Julia Cirignano and I’m 22 years old.

 

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from Boston.

 

Fiona: A little about yourself (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I was homeschooled through high school, and recently graduated from Endicott College. I love music, poetry, and riding horses.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I recently self-published I book of poetry called White Wine & Medical Marijuana.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have always enjoyed writing since I started in school. I loved my English and Creative Writing classes. Although I believe I have always written poetry, I started out writing prose. I then started writing songs (since I am also a musician) andeventually found my true passion: poetry.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I have always been a writer.

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I have always found inspiration within my own life and the lives of people around me. Although my life may not have always seemed or felt poetic, I managed to turn the bad things into something good: my poetry.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I honestly couldn’t even tell you. I started with a bunch of cliché titles that I never felt attached to, and one day I just came up with “White Wine & Medical Marijuana”. I was probably smoking and drinking when it happened haha. I asked a bunch of friends and teachers at Endicott what they thought about it, and I guess I loved the reaction I got. I can’t say I really thought it through very well, I just went with my gut.

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I love the new fashion of simplistic poetry that’s all over the place now. I personally love to read and write in free verse, so I’m glad that that’s in style right now. I have never been a fan of rhyming, or using any type of poetic meter. I mean, writing that way can be fun, but I have found that my poems come out better when I don’t worry about such things.

 

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

I would say about 97%. Some minor facts were changed or exaggerated, but almost everything within this book comes straight from my life, or the lives of people close to me.

 

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

I wouldn’t say that you need to travel to write, but the growing I did when I traveled defiantly helped me bothas a writer and as a person. I think life experience is incredibly important to being a writer, but that can happen anywhere. I recently studied abroad in Italy, and grew so much through my travels in Europe. I wrote both during and after this experience. I think writing in the moment and reflection writing are both important in their own right.

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The front and back cover of my book were designed by the amazing Emily Surabian. She put so much time and energy into several designs for this book, and I am so happy with the one we went with.

 

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

I didn’t go into this book with one concept in mind, but there are several different types of suffering that I cover in this book. I hope that my readers can seek comfort in the relatability of these more painful poems, and that they will also recognize the feeling of empowerment and hope that I cover in the last few poems. One big disclaimer I would like to say though is that you do not need to drink or smoke to appreciate my poetry. My work is more than just a showy title.

 

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

I have sooo many favorite writers. In terms of new writers though, I am obsessed with Rupi Kaur, Lang Leav, Michael Faudet, and many more.

 

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

I have received so much support from fellow writers and my Professors at Endicott. Danial Sklar, Charlotte Gordon, Elizabeth Winthrop, Doug Holder, and Samuel Alexander, just to name a few.

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. I mean, I don’t make as much money writing right now as I wish I could, but if you put real effort into your writing you will get results. Part of it is about writing well, but an even bigger part of writing as a career is learning to sell yourself. Now this can be pretty weird at first, but I’ve learned that there are a lot of people out there that love my book or could love my book, and I have made a career out of finding them.

 

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

There are a few minor changes, but nothing big. I did a lot of editing and cutting down when I was working on my book, so in looking back I might not have cut so many poems out. Hopefully some of them will make the cut for my next book! I am happy to say that I have made peace with this book, and I am now excited to challenge myself and write an even better book.

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I have learned so much through the writing, publishing, and marketing of this book. While many writers have the experience of writing and editing, I self-published my book so I did EVERYTHING. The whole experience has been so rewarding. I love being part of self-publishing from the beginning to the end (which actually doesn’t exist became I will never stop trying to sell people my book haha)

 

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Myself.

 

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Keep writing. Keeping trying to publish your work. Don’t let rejection letters get you down. I repeat DON’T LET REJECTION LETTERS GET YOU DOWN. Really though like have a glass a wine and just keep writing.

 

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Enjoy my book! And if you do (or if you don’t) let me know! J

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Beautiful and The Damned.

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I don’t know. As a little kid my favorite books wereMadeline and The Giving Tree, so probably one of those.

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Everything makes me laugh. I don’t usually cry.

 

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Kurt Cobain. Reason: I’m obsessed.

 

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Writing poetry 😉

And riding horses. That’s really all I do.

 

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

I’m definitely more of a TV show person. I have so many favorites but here’s a few: One Tree Hill, Friends, Orange Is the New Black, Gossip Girl, The Office, Scandal, Power, Luther, Weeds,and Skins.

 

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I love all food, no joke. All meats and sweets.

I like purple. I really don’t like turquoise.

I love rock music and hip hop the most, but I enjoy all types of music.

 

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

I would keep riding horses and probably find some other creative outlet.

 

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

Once I settle on a quote that’s good enough to tattoo on myself, I will get back to you.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

I post on my book’s Facebook page the most, but I also regularly post on Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr.

 

Email address: Jciri341@mail.endicott.edu

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteWineMedical/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliajulia100/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuliaJulia1001

Tumblr: http://icecreamandponies.tumblr.com

Official Website: https://www.juliacirignano.com

 Here is the link to my Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Julia-Cirignano/e/B074ZKGDBP/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35997332-white-wine-medical-marijuana?from_search=true

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/White-Wine-Medical-Marijuana-Compilation/dp/1548228974

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/White-Wine-Medical-Marijuana-Compilation-ebook/dp/B074YYWG2P/

 

Here is my interview with LaSasha Flame

Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

Hey Fiona! Thank you for asking me!

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

My name is LaSasha Flame I’m 30 and flirty

 

Fiona: Where are you from?

LaSasha:The far far far south suburbs of Chicago. A small town called Monee that even the chicago locals have never heard of most of the time.

 

Fiona: A little about yourself (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

LaSasha: My education is not in writing, I went to college for Medical Billing. It’s not the same as Medical Coding although I can code (I hate coding). I specialize in account receivables for private practices and independent doctors. Some call it a Backend Biller meaning I don’t necessarily submit the claims (although I can) I find out why their are not getting paid or in error. Insurance companies have a whole team of people trying to find loopholes to get out of paying the doctors of their subscribers. I am the one closing up those loopholes and forcing the insurance companies to pay up. Medical billing is not my passion i’m just good at it because I’m good with people, numbers, investigating and detecting bullcrap LOL. Healthcare is a very reliable and stable field as well.

My passions are baking and writing. I’m a self taught pastry chef and I run my own dessert catering company. I make good money selling desserts and catering events but some times business is slow. I use that time to get my writing done. I enjoy telling stories just as much as I love reading them. I’m still very new to writing and every day i learn something new to improve my craft. I’m grateful to all the writers i have come across and the wealth of information they have shared with me. Real life experience trumps formal education any day.

I don’t often share about my personal life with details about my family for privacy reasons but for you i will share somethings. I don’t really advertise this but yes I am married and we have two children. My husband is very supportive of my writing and I love him for really being in my corner and loving me. I wouldn’t be able to do it without him.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My latest news is #1 I’m rereleasing Breaking all the Rules my erotic short and #2 my debut novella will be Dark Breeds.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing in 2014. I was following this author who’s work I enjoyed reading and he encouraged me to write.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After I published my erotic short in a friends E-magazine

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I just wanted to write a full story instead of a bunch of shorts. Just to see if I could at first but honestly it feels more legit with at least a novella.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

My main character Rike West is a dark breed lycan so eh it was pretty easy LOL.

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I love Gena Showalter! Her Lords of the Underworld series is AMAZING. Her writing style is want I aim to achieve. If I’m half the writer she is I am totally winning! I don’t really find anything challenging about my genre as a writer but as a reader I wish more authors published audiobooks. I love them and author are missing out on a whole other market of the busy bookworms. People love to read but are too busy to stop and read a book in peace.

 

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

Not too much LOL. As a reader you are being dropped in the middle of a world of lycans. A world that exist parallel to the human world and just out of reach for most humans.

 

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

No I do not. I am a world builder. I make my own rules for each story.

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Kahlil Montana designed my cover and I will definitely be using him in the future.

 

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

Love is not perfect. You can’t fight it and you can’t live without it. So you need to learn to embrace it the good and the bad because love is not perfect. First step is embracing yourself and loving you for who you ARE not for who you THINK you should be.

 

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

Not yet but I started a writer resource group on Facebook in the efforts to provide a place for novice writers gain information in one place. The group is called Miss Flames Writers Information, Resources, and Networking.

Gena Showalter because her writing style and plots are everything a fiction writer should be. She is the writer i want to be when i grow up. LOL

 

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

R.W. Pantero

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

No. The moment it’s a career the fun is gone. I just want to get my work read and if I don’t make a penny on it I am ok with that. Careers require you to kiss someone elses behind and playing by their rules until you get to be that person getting your butt kissed. I make my own rules and I play by my own rules. So no it’s not a career. It’s a passion its my craft.

 

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

Yes I would. I was so green to writing that it hurts to read how rough my story is published out there today. I’m rewriting and releasing it Soon. Its getting a face lift LOL.

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I learned a lot of about Greek, Roman, Egyptian Gods, and other lesser creatures far superior to mankind.

 

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Luke Evans. He was great as Dracula and a little more darkness, ok a lot more darkness he could do Rike justice.

 

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

#1 Do not get published and then become a jerk! I love being apart of the writing community but more often than not I see writers tearing each other down and boosting themselves up. Remember that when you offer advice it’s merely a suggestion not a command. Being published doesn’t make you a writer god. LOL

#2 Always be open to learning more to improve your craft. The moment we stop learning we stop evolving. Everything evolves and we should too. Caterpillars become more beautiful when they embrace their change. They also become stronger as they fight to emerge victorious over their change. We should too.

 

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Do not be scared to let me hear your honest feedback. I am always looking for ways to improve myself.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m reading 3 series right now. Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter is the main series I read and love. However in between her new releases I read the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole and the Demonica/Lords of Deliverance series by Larissa Ione.

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The Only Alien on the Planet by Kristen Randle

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

The answer to both is life. More specifically love, which is very fabric of life.

 

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

I’m not really a person that idolize people. They are still just people so it’s nothing that intrigues me enough to care if we ever met or not. If I met someone famous it would be cool but the being that I really and honestly want to meet is Heavenly Mother. The first book of the Bible Genesis testifies that Elohim (Hebrew word for Gods) created the heavens and the earth. These Gods created mankind in their image. It specifically says “Let us make man in our image.” This is interesting to me because Elohim appears in the Bible over 2,000 times. It’s clear to me that these two Gods, one male and one female, act as one and in unison. Together they created man and woman in their own image. Everyone knows God the Father but you rarely hear of those who believe in God the Mother. Some say the “us” in Genesis is the Father and the Son however two males does not equal a male and a female. Jesus doesn’t have breast and he doesn’t have a uterus so he is not the female. It’s understood through the Bible that Jesus is actually God the Father whom was prophesied to come in the flesh to show His people personally how to be a son or daughter of Elohim. But a father can’t have children without a mother. The New Testament records Jesus telling us that he did this (coming the Earth as the Son) to be an example to mankind and we should do as he has done because he is the only way to eternal life. Something else that is recorded numerous times in the Bible is Jesus calls himself a bridegroom meaning he has a spouse but Jesus never married. So His spouse must be back in the Kingdom of Heaven where he says he is from. Jesus is known as the Lamb and the book of Revelations testifies that when Jesus returns a second time in the last days he will not be alone this time. In fact he says his bride is ready and she is coming down from heaven with him. Some say this bride is the church but Jesus explains that his disciples or Christians are the guest in his wedding. Apostle Paul calls this bride our mother and testifies that through this Heavenly Mother we are the children of promise. I have several other sources independent of the bible  that testify of Jehovah (YHWH) has a wife and that wife will be coming down out of heaven. So I am very curious about this matter and I have hopes to meet this Heavenly Mother. She is the great mystery of God and I want to know more and who else better to ask then Heaven’s Mother?

 

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

My writing and my catering business are my main hobbies. I also enjoy learning about God of the bible, history, and mythical beings like the greek gods.

 

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

I have a lot shows that I follow. I really enjoy scripted dramas. My top shows are Supernatural, Grey’s Anatomy, Good Behavior, and Scandal. I have seen every single episode of each and some shows I have been watch for over a decade. I’m a very loyal fan once you hook me LOL.

 

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

It would be easier to list what I don’t like because I love food! My top favorites are sushi, french macaroons, and everything Italian.

Purple is my favorite color but pink is a close second

I love Neo Soul and PB R&B or Alternative R&B

 

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

I would continue to bake delicious desserts and improve that craft.

 

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

I don’t want a head stone. Just cremate me in the cheapest way possible and throw my ashes in the Gulf of Mexico. I love the beach when the water is warm so just let me sleep with the fishes. LOL

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

Yes of course!Thank you so much for this opportunity and best wishes! You can follow me at  www.lasashaflame.com

https://www.facebook.com/MsLaSashaFlame/

https://www.amazon.com/LaSasha-Flame/e/B075ST7K1H

Here is my interview with Ava James

Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

Hi Fiona, I’m Ava James

 

Fiona: Where are you from?

I live in London, United Kingdom

 

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I am Indian but  was born and raised in Southern Africa.  My professional background is in law and I work in a medico-legal role.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I recently published my first e-book.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have written in the past, but focused more on work and in a professional setting.

In 2010 I started personal writing, but didn’t start a blog until 2014.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

This year.

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My faith as a Christian and my journey through life’s experiences.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I originally started this book as a specific prayer diary.

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I have been able to switch between different styles of writing, but non-fiction would be strength.  I have considered writing one of my books as a fiction novel, but there is still alot of work around this.

 

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

I would say the book is very realistic to me and I would like other women to find inspiration from this.

 

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

No.

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I designed the cover, but for the next book, I will definitely be open to seeking a professional on the design of a cover.

 

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

To find hope as they aspire to pray into any area that they might be facing right now.

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favourite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

As a Christian author, I have numerous authors that I respect.  However the one that stands out the most right now is Erwin McManus.  The reason is because his writing encapsulates creativity and innovation which spurs you to believe that in all of us there is a writer.

 

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

All my friends and family have been amazing. Even other writers have been so supportive.

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes I would love to have a little writing summer house.

 

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

Maybe a few tweaks to the introduction and end of the book, simply to engage with my reader more, because at the end of the day without YOU(reader), I wouldn’t be here.

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

This has been such an amazing learning curve.  I have learnt so much about marketing and allowing people to see me (as author) behind the book.

 

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

In one of my next books, which I am considering as writing fiction, I would definitely like to consider this.

 

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Be persistent, don’t give up and know that great things take time.

 

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I would love you to tell me what you think and how my writings have positively impacted you.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Mind Mapping, Mindfulness and Shyness (all non-fiction books)

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Romance/fiction.

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

A soppy film.  Hearing other peoples real life experiences of inspiration and hope.

 

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Shakespeare because he was so vivid and wrote so many different plots.

 

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Makeup artisty, playing the keys, horseriding and roller dancing when I have the time.

 

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

Real life dramas, but not a huge television fan.

 

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Blue and green is definitely my favourite (currently have blue hair). But love so many colours, especially in this season of autumn, from reds to yellows to brown.

My musical taste is very diverse, but my favourite is Christian rock.

 

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Horse ride and maybe consider writing music.

 

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

Sorry I haven’t considered this. But as a person who is passionate but calm, enthusiastic but down to earth, reserved but am able to speak my mind when I need to.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

Yes, it is Inspired by HIS Words – www.inspiredbyhiswords.co.uk.

The link to my book can be found on my blog via Lulu and ibooks currently.

https://www.lulu.com/shop/view-cart.ep

Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you.

Ava

Here is my interview with Daithi Kavanagh

Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

Hello there. My name is Daithi Kavanagh and I am 59 years old.

 

Fiona: Where are you from?

I come from a small town in the South East of Ireland called Wexford

 

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I was educated in the Vocational School in Wexford but decided school wasn’t for me and left at 15. I have since gone back to education at the ripe old age of 54 and am currently in my last year of college studying for a Higher Degree in Irish Culture and Heritage Studies. I am married to Caroline and have two children Ella and Rory.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My latest news is that Book 3 in The Tadhg Sullivan Series is to be published by Tirgearr Publishing on the 8th November – The Crucifixion. This is my third book in The Tadhg Sullivan Series.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing in 2012 when I went back to education. In my English class I began scribbling The Gun (now Book 1 in The Tadhg Sullivan Series). I love English and always wanted to write so with the encouragement of my teacher I kept going. Caroline typed it and sent it off to several publishers. Eventually Tirgearr Publishing offered me a contract.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When The Gun was published.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

The recession in Ireland inspired me to write The Gun. I had just lost my job as a musician and a lot of my friends were feeling the “pinch” due to the recession. I felt frustrated with the government in Ireland and The Gun flowed from there.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The whole story of The Gun revolved around a sniper rifle which had been hidden in the house of the protagonist during the troubles in Northern Ireland.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I tend to be better at dialogue than descriptive writing but in my latest book I feel I’ve worked hard at writing descriptively (I hope!).

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

The book is realistic in that the character of the shooter feels downtrodden and backed into a corner financially due to the ‘financial crash’ in Ireland at the time,which has affected his whole family.But of course he takes that frustration too far. I think the character of Tadhg is realistic in that he is both weak and strong like us all. He battles with his addiction to alcohol and also with the powers in authority. I think there is a bit of my characters in all of us.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

No, my stories are all based in Ireland in locations that I know well, so far!

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Cora in Tirgearr Publishing has done a brilliant job designing my covers.

 

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

Yes, through Tadhg Sullivan I believe that the books make a statement that one should pursue justice even it if means going against authority.

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

I love the books of Henning Mankell and how you can feel at one with his character Inspector Wallander. The stories are great as well.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

My English teacher encouraged me to keep writing my first novel The Gun. While it was in its infancy he encouraged me to keep writing and as a result I sent it off to publishers with Tirgearr eventually taking my work which is a dream come true for me.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, I see it as a career. I also realise how difficult it is to make a living from writing but the important thing is to write what comes from within, not what you think will become popular.

 

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

There are little things I’d change but overall every story brings you in the direction it’s supposed to go.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

Probably the most important thing I learned is to try and improve my descriptive writing style. I also learned things about myself because parts of the storyline are related to things from my own past, going to the Christian Brothers School in Wexford.

 

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

I enjoyed Kenneth Brannagh playing Wallander. I also think Killian Murphy, the Irish actor from Cork would be a great lead.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Just to keep writing and keep putting your books out there. Never give up or lose hope.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Give new authors a chance. We all have a tendency to go for the well-known authors work.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Ulysses by James Joyce. Not the type of book I normally read but I’m reading it as a challenge and finding it very difficult! I think it’s important for authors to challenge themselves with what they read. I think I can learn a lot from the classics.

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

It was a book called Chopper. It was about Hells Angels (I was about 14 at the time).

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Politics.

 

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

God and I’d ask him why he divided things up so badly!!

 

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I sing and play the guitar. I am in a group with my kids who play fiddle and flute. I have an interest in history and politics. I have recently taken an interest in going to the theatre with my wife as my kids are getting older now and we have more free time.

 

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

Intelligence – a Canadian drama on Netflix. I have also seen all of the series’ of Wallander (the Swedish version) and am currently watching a British series called Happy Valley set in the North of England.

 

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I’m a steak and chips person. I like homemade plain food. My favorite color is blue and I like loads of different types of music – traditional, classical, rock, some heavy metal. I’ve recently (through my son) come across an Armenian band called System of a Down who I think are brilliant.

 

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

I would continue to play music. My son has recently gotten into rock music and it has renewed my interest in that genre.

 

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

Just my name and the date of my death, nothing else.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

I have a blog site www.daithikavanagh@blogspot.ie which I will be updating in the coming weeks to coincide with the release of my new book The Crucifixion.

My links are as follows:-

http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Kavanagh_Daithi/index.htm

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NU8MDTA

https://www.amazon.com/Brotherhood-Tadhg-Sullivan-book-ebook/dp/B00USBGLJU

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075TYS8RQ

https://www.facebook.com/DAITHIKAVANAGHWRITER/

https://twitter.com/Daithik3

 

Here is my interview with John Adrian Tomlin

Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

My name is John Adrian Tomlin. I go by my middle name Adrian. I’m 35 years old.

 

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from Oceanside, CA.

 

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I was born with merosin muscular dystrophy which makes my physically weak and bound in a motor wheelchair. I have one half sister and one adopted sister. Both have kids and are living out of state. I live in Oceanside, CA with my parents. I’m unable to take care of myself, so that’s why I still live here. I have a B.S. in Game Art and Design with the intention of becoming a video game designer. Because of circumstances beyond my control, I wasn’t able to obtain my dream job, so I decided to be a writer. Game designing is just another form of storytelling, so, in essence, I’m a storyteller.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m working on my third book titled “The Imaginarium Conspiracy.” It’s taking me awhile to write, but it’s coming along.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing around 2011 when E3 was on. E3 stands for Electronic Entertainment Expo. It’s when all the video game companies come together and show off their upcoming games. During physical therapy, I got to thinking of the future and what kinds of things that will come out next, especially when we get to the point where video game graphics and reality are indistinguishable. Somehow, my mind dreamed up of a device that lets you play in your mind instead of the TV which opens up all five senses so the player can be fully immersed in the gaming world. I believe it was God that gave me this idea and told me to write about it. And so I did. The plot of the story wasn’t planned ahead of time. It just poured out.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I got my first taste in writing in fourth grade. The teacher assigned us to write a story in 30 minutes (I think it was 30 minutes). Any story at all. I just wrote what I saw that came to my mind as if a movie was playing. We all turned in the assignment when we were done. This is a class of around 30 kids. The next day, the teacher said, in a nutshell, that everyone’s story was bad…except one. Mine. She asked me if she could read it to the class. I said sure. I honestly don’t remember what I wrote, but that experience told me that I have a hidden talent to tell stories. I didn’t really exercise my talent until I started writing “The Imaginarium Machine.” I still feel I could get better the more I write.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I believe it was God that inspired me. The idea itself wouldn’t have come from me.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I came up with the title from the movie “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus.” I like the word Imaginarium, so I looked up the definition and thought it was perfect. I slapped the word Machine next to it and thought that it rolls off the tongue nicely.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I can’t really say about my writing style because I’m still learning and experimenting. “The Imaginarium Machine” was my first book and I feel like I have a long way to go to hone my craft. I would love to try other genres like Fantasy, but I feel like I need more experience before I can tackle that genre.

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

Some of the names and personalities are based on people I know while others are based on personalities from movies and video games. I tried to keep the book grounded in reality as much as possible while making certain liberties to make a coherent plot. I’d say about 75% of the book is realistic.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

I didn’t need to travel, ever.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I designed the concept of “The Imaginarium Machine” cover using Photoshop. I designed “The Imaginarium World” cover myself. I’m an artist too, not just a writer.

 

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

I wrote the book for entertainment purposes, but if there is a message it’s this: Be cautious on new technology. The promises of technology being better, safer, and faster could end up being the thing that chains you into submission.

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

I don’t read books. I play video games and watch TV and movies. I love “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy as well as “The Hobbit” trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. There’s something about epic fantasy that draws me in and wish I was a part of their journey. I also love the movie “The Dark Knight” starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger. It was written by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. What struck me most about this movie was the Joker. He made me laugh in a sickening way, he was scary at times…he was just plain evil. He is a really interesting character and Heath Ledger played him perfectly.

 

I love the Final Fantasy series by Square-Enix. My favorite ones are Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII. The stories and characters in those two games really stand out and are memorable.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

God.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I could see it as a career, but the dream is to become a video game designer.

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

In the “Imginarium Machine,” yes. I would make it longer and to take my time. My excitement to publish my book got the better of me and I rushed it a bit. I learned my lesson and took my time with “The Imaginarium World.”

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I learned that it is not as easy as it seems. It takes a lot of discipline to stay focused. If you knew me, you would know that my focus most of the time is on video games. In order to focus on writing, I have to sacrifice my time on video games.

 

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Andrew Lincoln or Jon Bernthal. Their performance in “The Walking Dead” makes them my favorite actors.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Take your time and don’t rush it. Do your research on publishing, whether it is self-publishing or traditional publishing.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I hope and pray you are entertained in my work. This is why I want to tell stories: to entertain.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

As I said before, I don’t read books. I can tell you what games I’m playing through currently: Overwatch, Tales of Zestiria, and X-Com 2. The TV shows I watch currently are The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, NCIS, NCIS: New Orleans, Criminal Minds, The Orville, The Good Doctor, Designated Survivor, The Young and the Restless (mom got me hooked as a child), Fear the Walking Dead, and many others. The most recent movie I saw in the theatre was Spiderman: Homecoming. I plan on seeing Bladerunner 2049 and Thor: Ragnarok in the near future.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I started reading around the age of three (that’s what mom tells me), so it had to be a children’s book. I don’t remember it though.

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

It’s rare that I cry in sadness, but I do cry in joy when worshipping God in church or at home, especially when worshipping in music. I laugh at comedy shows mostly.

 

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

I want to meet Jesus to ask him to heal me and to give him a hug.

 

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Video Games.

 

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

I enjoy watching action, comedy, and superhero shows/films. Sometimes I like watching horror, but it depends on my mood.

 

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I like Filipino foods like lumpia and pansit (I’m half Filipino). My favorite color is green. My favorite music are Country Rock and Christian music.

 

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Probably art using Photoshop or resume my pursuit to being a video game designer.

 

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

John Adrian Tomlin

A Humble Child of God

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

I do not, but I have several websites that people can visit.

 

https://www.facebook.com/jtomlinii

http://www.theimaginariummachine.com/

http://www.theimaginariumworld.com/

http://www.johnadriantomlin.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Imaginarium-Machine-John-Adrian-Tomlin/dp/1465388168/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1506673522&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/Imaginarium-World-John-Adrian-Tomlin/dp/1946492299/ref=sr_1_2_twi_pap_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1506673522&sr=1-2