Here is my interview with Matthew Cash

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, my name is Matthew Cash, also known as Matty-Bob. I’m thirty – eight years old but sometimes I forget.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am originally from a little village on the border of Suffolk and Essex. After living there for the first twenty-one years of my life being bored out of my brain I found love through my correspondence with a multitude of penpals and eventually moved and settled in the West Midlands.

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

I’m the last of a line of five siblings. Growing up in rural Suffolk meant at least two of them were my parents (joke). They were all quite a bit older than me, six years plus, and I spent most of my free time walking, listening to music and reading. I wasn’t a huge fan of school and left it after my exams to care for my mother and then go to work.

Now I’m my son’s carer and write in my spare time.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I started my own publishing house in 2016, Burdizzo Books, and whilst I do mostly charity anthologies this year I’ll be releasing the debut novel of one of the best new writers around, Jonathan Butcher, my third novel, a poetry collection and as usual at least two charity anthologies.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always written, literally from the moment I learned how to string a sentence together on paper. I’ve always loved reading and found writing a natural accompaniment.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Like I said it’s something I’ve always done, but it wasn’t until three or four years ago that I felt confident enough to show it to anyone else. It took a long time for me to even consider publishing anything I had written. I’d been accepted to numerous anthologies and that eventually made me believe in myself…a bit.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I have always had a love/hate relationship with the village I grew up in. As a country mouse I longed for the hustle and bustle of towns and cities, hated how limited everything was. Then when I frequented a small town in the West Midlands I was bewitched by the possibility of a social life and the convenience of everything.

But my family still lived in the village, so like a travelling student I returned now and then and with each visit the place seemed to shrink but still stay exactly the same. The whole world around it was constantly changing but these little pockets of rural life seemed frozen in time; nothing changed, the buildings landscape or people like they were frightened of anything different. It was this basis that inspired my novel Pinprick, and it is set in the village I grew up in.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

From a scene in the story, the main character sees a tiny spark of light which plays a very significant part.

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

Not that I’m aware of, sometimes it’s a struggle to find the time to write but aside from that I just go with the flow.

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

With Pinprick most of the story line is realistic aside from one or two embellishments. A lot of the character’s feelings of unwanted nostalgia and how alien it feels to return to your birthplace are my own. Other than that and the majority of the place being real it’s purely weird fiction.

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

Only in my mind

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I do a lot of them myself but a few of the Burdizzo Books anthologies have been done by Matt Hill @ http://www.Matthill.co

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

Change is enevitable

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?

There are numerous new authors that pique my interest, I’m lucky to be friends with a few of them on Facebook. It’s always good to see glimpses into their lives outside of what they write. I could spend pages name-dropping but I won’t. As for favourites I’d class Adam Nevill, Irvine Welsh and Stephen King to be part of that very large and varied group.

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

No one really supported me prior to being published, most thought it was a laughable, unrealistic dream. So, screw you guys!

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I’d love to but don’t think it’ll ever come to that

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

I haven’t released it yet so there’s still time

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

I am always learning

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

I’d like Bill Nighy or Ian McKellen to play Victor

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Keep doing it as often as you can. You need to exercise it like a muscle, but at times when it really does seem impossible switch to input, read, listen and watch everything around you.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Just a great big huge thank you for taking the time to read my stuff. I have constant bouts of self doubt and it really does help when people tell me they liked my stuff, whether it be a message, review or just a star rating. It’s crucial to know that there’s at least a couple who likes your work. I will always be eternally grateful for all my readers.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

‘Jerusalem’ by Alan Moore

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No. But I can remember one of the first children’s books that scared me as a kid, Roald Dahl’s The Witches. The first adult book that did was The Amityville Horror.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Black, inappropriate humor as a rule.

Bullying and self-loathing makes me sad.

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

No celebs as such but I’d love to meet up with my mum and give her all my books. She was a major influence in my love for the macabre and a few musical interests. Unfortunately she passed away in 1999 before she had a chance to read anything I’d written.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

When I have time away from looking after my two children my hobbies are mostly the same as they’ve ever been, reading and listening to music, with the occasional film or TV episode. I like to go to events at Walsall’s Southcart bookshop and have a natter, maybe do a reading, have a drink with the awesome, lovely people that frequent the place.

And, also a time thing, I love walking, clears the head.

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

The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, Preacher. I’m not a big lover of watching stuff, never have been, I find I’m far more critical than when reading. I like horror films but nowadays that have to be pretty good to impress me, let alone scare me. I’m extremely boring aren’t I?

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I’m a fat bastard, there’s very little I won’t eat, aside from the usual junk I really like pasta and Chinese food.

Colours are varied but I’m not all doom and gloom.

My musical taste is a vast spectrum of mostly stuff that came out prior to 2001. I was a brit pop fan, indie kid, quasi-metal head with everything in between. My favourites range from Nick Cave to The Divine Comedy, stopping off at Cyndi Lauper and Rob Zombie on the way.

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

Read

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

Not here.

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

www.facebook.com/pinprickbymatthewcash

https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B010MQTWKK

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B010MQTWKK

Here is my interview with Dianna Wilkes

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?

Dianna Wilkes, and let’s say I qualify for Early Bird Specials!

Fiona: Where are you from?

Originally, West Virginia, but I moved to Delaware 11 years ago. Just last week, someone asked me if I was “from the South.” The accent obviously is here to stay.

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

Single, no kids. I have4 sisters and ten nieces and nephews. I stopped counting when the great-nieces and nephews came along. I have a BFA in Visual Communication and an MEd in Instructional Technology.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My debut book, Main Street (Providence Island Book 1)won Best First Book category in the Golden Leaf Contest, sponsored by the New Jersey chapter of the RWA. It also was a finalist in the Romance Suspense category. In other news, Book 2 Towne Square is due out late January/early February 2018.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

My first memory of writing was as a child (age 8-9). If a TV show ended with scenes from the next episode, my sister and I would write stories based on those scenes. Of course, ours never came close to the actual story, but it was the foundation for finding inspiration and crafting my own stories.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

High School. I worked on the school newspaper and considered a career in journalism at that time (which didn’t happen.) At the same time, I wrote sweeping sagas of romance and adventure.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

A renovation project on Main Street is the catalyst that brings heroine Dana Canfield to Providence Island. The name is also a contrast between the friendly hometown connotation of an old fashioned small town and what secrets lie hidden.

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

I write in multiple points of view. Main Street has three main POVs and two storylines. One is Nick & Dana’s romance which is the HEA. The other is the mystery in Dana’s past which extends over the next two books in the series. The challenge is managing the intricate threads between the storylines over multiple books.

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

I constantly get ideas from people watching or overhearing passing conversations. That’s when “what if” takes over.If there is a snippet from real life (mine and others I know) in the books, it’s used for background or seasoning.

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

Before, for the Providence Island series. For another series I have planned,  travel will be a definite requirement.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Karri Klawiter. She did an amazing job creating the covers for Main Street and Towne Square.Bothincorporate elements of  the two main characters with a touch of romance along with an “Easter egg”.

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

One theme is the importance of family. How family is more than a blood connection. It’s built on love, trust, and respect. It’s about the paths our lives take and the chains of events that lead us to where we are today. Some of those events are self-made choices, others are by another person’s intervention or events out of anyone’s control.

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?

Sherryl Woods is one of my all-time favorite writers. Also Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick, and Irene Hannon. For utter relaxation, I love cozy mysteries.

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

Author Lea Kirk. Many years ago, or as Lea termed it “dial-up days” on AOL, we formed a critique group along with Dena, another member. The group went idle as life took us in other directions. Lea spurred us back into action a couple years ago.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely!

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

Main Street changed significantly from conception to completion. During that development time, I had ideas in mind for Towne Square and knew at a high level how the third book would end. However, sometimes you can overthink, and it’s best to just WRITE. Along the way, I got the know the characters on a deeper level and was able to craft a stronger story.

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

The importance of a good editor. I learned so much during theMain Street editswhich helped when I wrote Towne Square.

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

When I started Main Street, I located pictures online that matched physically how I envisioned the characters. As for the actors, I’d love to hear from readers who they would like to see as Nick and Dana.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

For aspiring writers, don’t give up, and don’t get discouraged. Find a critique group. Take a writing class or find other ways to improve your craft. If you chose to self-publish, recognize that you will be running a business so prepare for that.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I appreciate you! To know that my stories gave you enjoyment, comfort or escape means the world to me.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Right now, I’m deep in edits for Towne Square plus plotting South Pointe (Book 3).

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I learned to read when I was four years old, so probably it was a Little Golden Book.

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

It would have one of my ancestors with whom I’ve hit a brick wall researching a  family line.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Genealogy.

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

I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I do watch TheWalking Dead. I much prefer to read when I have spare time.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Definitely seafood—shrimp, crab cakes, clam chowder. Also pizza and Mexican. As for colors, all the colors of Autumn, my favorite time of year.

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

Work on my family history. There’s something mystical about walking in the areas where my ancestors lived.

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

It’s all about the journey.

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

Yes. Website is www.diannawilkes.com. Best place to connect with me is on Facebook  www.facebook.com/DiannaWilkesAuthor.

Book links:
Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUEC95U
Nook:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/main-street-dianna-wilkes/1125557164?ean=2940157622053
Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/main-street-66
Smashwords: www.smashwords.com/books/view/699152

Amazon authors page https://www.amazon.com/Dianna-Wilkes/e/B01N9VZY48/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Here is my interview with Nikki Nelson-Hicks

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! I’m Nikki Nelson-Hicks and I turn 53 in July.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Originally? I was born in Nashville, TN. I’ve been from a lot of places since then.

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

Wow, condensing 52 years into a few sentences without boring you too much. It’s a trick but here it goes:

I’m a Gen Xer latchkey kid that you could find crouching in the Occult section of the public library. When I was 11, I created a Monster Hunters Club that sponsored a Cryptozoology exhibit for the science fair. I was supreme dork. I believed in everything.  As time went on, my belief systems grew more jaded and I became what I thought I’d never become: a skeptic. I am a weirdly valued member in paranormal groups. You always need a Scully to balance out the Mulders.

I’m married to a former USMC sniper and mother to two spawn, The Girl (a talented artist and writer) and The Boy (too smart for this world and often an asshole but I love him…but, man…he’s an asshole).

I went back to college in my thirties. It’s a different kind of college experience when you are the same age as your professors. I got my AA and planned to go back for a bachelors degree but…meh….who has the time or money? I didn’t need to sit through more math classes, struggle and waste time to do what I wanted to do: write. It was a major epiphany for me to realize I didn’t need anyone to give me permission.

I’ve had a lifetime of crap, dead end jobs. Perfect for a writer.

I was born in Nashville, TN and never expected to live anywhere else. Ha! Yeah, goes to show that you never know. I have lived in California, Budapest, Hungry, Muscat, Oman and travelled to all sorts of places in between.

We moved back to Nashville in 2004. My husband retired from the USMC and his father was struggling with Alzheimer’s and my sister was having medical issues so we came back home. It was a stressful move. No jobs. No home. I remember having lots of panic attacks but, it all worked out.  It wasn’t easy and there were lots of mountains to climb but, as of today, in 2017, we’re doing well. In February 2017, we moved into our dream house. It took us 30 years, but we finally found a home.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

In November 2017, 18^th Wall Productions released my story in their Cryptid Clash collection, RUMBLE.

The story answers the question of what happens when a shady corporation lands a mining company smack dab in the middle of a battleground between Mongolian Death Worms and Cannibalistic Mole People. Shenanigans ensue. It’s good fun.

I am currently working on the final instalment of the Jake Istenhegyi: The Accidental Detective series. It’s the sixth story and I’m wrapping up a lot of loose ends and setting Jake and many others free. It’ll be available on Kindle and in print sometime in Spring 2018.

Before Jake #6 comes out, I plan on releasing a short story, Gunn Takes a Gander. It’s a short adventure starring Barrington “Bear” Gunn and his sidekick, Melinda Page in a time before Jake Istenhegyi. It was first published in the New Legends of Pulp Fiction anthology but I thought it would be a nice way to start some buzz for Jake #6.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing short stories to win the admiration of a man.

My 9^th grade English teacher.

I loved him with all the passion a 14 year old virgin could muster.

In turn, he funnelled all my creative forces into after school theatre classes and writing courses. All in all, it was a fair trade. In one of those classes, I met a boy that a decade or so later I married. So, I guess my kids have Mr. Shearer (my unrequited love) and Mr. Roberts (my first acting teacher) to thank for being here today.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Ugh. I try not to think of myself as a Writer with the capital W. The burden of that title constipates me.

I write stories. Some are good, some are better than others and some flat out stink.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

The first book that was published? It was a challenge. Tommy Hancock, editor in chief at Pro Se Press, came up with the idea to do an anthology called Poultry Pulp.The only rule was the story had to involve chickens somehow in the plot. Real chickens, not cartoon chickens with tommy guns. (He was at a convention when he got the idea. I wouldn’t be surprised if alcohol wasn’t involved.)

He asked if I wanted to be involved and, like most of my life changing moments I said, “Sure, why not? Could be fun.”

The character of Jake Istenhegyi was created years before when my family and I lived in Budapest, Hungary. The school my kids went to was on a street called Istenhegyi Ut and we thought, “Huh, isn’t that a cool name for a private detective? Jake Istenhegyi, Private Dick.”

When I was challenged to write the chicken story, I decided to finally use the Jake character and bam, “A Chick, a Witch and a Dick Walked Into a Barn” was born.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

After two bottles of wine.

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

I’m a hybrid pantser/plotter although I am trying to focus more on the plotting aspect as I want to write more detailed, intricate stories.

The only common thread for all my stories is that each and every one gets their own journal. The journal is like a uterus. It’s where I concoct, bake and conjure up the story. I use simple notebooks that I buy in bulk at Back to School sales or fancy leather bound books if I find one that suits the theme of the story. Either works but it is imperative that each story get its own egg.

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

Considering the cast of characters I’ve been writing about lately have included zombie chickens, insane immortal alchemists, golems, swamp monsters, hybrid fish people, body hopping witches, Mongolian Death Worms and cannibalistic mole people,  none.

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

I did go to New Orleans after the first few Jakes were published. It was fun to try and find the places I had created. To lay my fictional map over the real one.  But, no, I don’t do much travel.

However, I do research. Even though my stories deal with very bizarre creatures and weird situations, I do a lot of research. I try to keep my occult facts accurate. Luckily, my love of the morbid and macabre has been a lifelong one so I have many books in my own personal library but Google and the public library are still godsends.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jeffrey Hayes has done all my covers for the books published by Pro Se.

Gunn Takes a Gander cover was done by Brenna Gael.

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

A few years ago, I was on a panel where a question similar to that was asked. We were asked what how socially responsible did we consider our stories? My friend, Logan, gave a long, pithy speech about how he wanted his series to help bridge the gap between the major established religions and his own pagan worldview. Then it was my turn. I said simply, “My stories are romps. They exist to entertain you, to give you a diversion when you are waiting on the bus, eating lunch alone or sitting on the toilet. I don’t have any higher aspirations than that.”

So, no. Currently, the stories I have out there in the wild are purely entertainment. If anyone gleans anything from them, that is entirely of their own making.

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?

 My favorite writer is Terry Pratchett. I love his Discworld series, such a beautiful blend of satire, wit and storytelling. I have always believed that master storytelling should be a story that can be accessed on three different plans of understanding: basic good fun, insightful commentary and mind blowing philosophical conundrums. A good story can be enjoyed by a child. A great story by an adult. A brilliant story is loved by both. Pratchett hits that with his Discworld stories. I want to write with such simple clarity someday.

As for writers that I am currently fond of, the short list is Todd Keisling (Seriously, watch out for this guy), Mercedes Yardley (work is darkly lyrical), Mandy Haynes (she writes modern day Southern Gothic. Imagine Flannery O’Connor if she was more of a barhopper), Jeffrey Thomas (his book, Punktown, still haunts me), Anthony Rapino (another one to watch) and Will Madden (The Killbug Eulogies are out of the box. Brilliant writer.)

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

Hard to pin down just one but, if I must, I would have to give credit to the Nashville Writers Group. I was one of the founding members back in 2004, when it was just 5 of us meeting up at the Bongo Java and now the NWG has hundreds of members. Through that group, I met people that became not only supporters but great friends. I highly recommend all writers to find such a support system.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

When I think about the nuts and bolts of the business of writing, yes. I expect to be paid for my work. However, I try to always remember that there is some magic involved in the process of creating something from nothing. We are creators and, in that vein, I consider writing a calling.

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

The story (prefer to call them stories; Book sounds so grown-up) I’m working on right now is the last of the Jake Istenhegyi: The Accidental Detective series. The one thing I would’ve changed is I would’ve started with a plan, some kind of outline as to where and what Jake Istenhegyi was leading up to as a story arc.

The first Jake story was supposed to be a one time thing but when that anthology didn’t gel, Pro Se Press asked if I wanted to turn it into a series. And, me being me, I said, “Okay, sounds like fun.” NO IDEA WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO OR HOW TO DO IT. Typical Nik.

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

See above. I’m an organic writer, a very by the pants kind of storyteller. I learned I need to find a way to be more of a plotter if I want to do longer storylines. It’s crazy stressful trying to figure stuff up when you start hitting the 20k mark.

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

Ha! Weirdly enough, on the last episode of the TV series, Grimm, I realized that the lead actor would be a perfect Jake Istenhegyi. His name is David Giuntoli.

As an interesting side note, when I was asked submit a picture of Jake Istenhegyi to Jeffrey Hayes for the cover art, I googled “Hungarian Hot Guys” and chose a porn star whose name I forget. SO, in short, the model for Jake is an East European porn star.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

If I could go back in time and give myself advice it would a simple one: Trust yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you that you need a degree from a fancy college,  have read X numberof books, done X number of things before you can call yourself a Writer.

Ugh. That damn Capital W again.

Just write. Have fun. Find a tribe. Don’t worry.

One caveat: A friend and I were having this discussion the other day and we came up with this conclusion. If you want to make money at this gig, then create for the masses. If you want to make art, then create for yourself. Only the very, very, very, VERY lucky make money with art. (and most of them are dead and never see a penny)

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I would tell them: Thank you. Every time someone sends me an email or message that says they liked my story or that it helped them get through a tough time or that it made them laugh, it made my day. I spend most of my time inside my head or crunched up over a keyboard, tossing stories out into the void. It’s good to hear the ripples.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m a bit of a book slut; I read many books at one time.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

First grade. 1970. Me and three other kids were taken into a room and given a manila envelope. Inside was a book. The cover was some kind of weird shellacked fabric. The title was Tip and there was the picture of a brown and white terrier dog with a red ball. Turns out, a librarian had seen me reading a book about bats in the library (I don’t remember the name of the book only that it had a section on bats. I liked bats because I thought they magically turned into people during the daytime.) so I was tagged to be in an advanced reader class.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My sense of humour is, to put it bluntly, dark. I think it’s a defense mechanism. It’s how I deal with the existential reality. I put a mask on the Boogie Man and laugh at what polite society thinks is off limits. I’m a hoot at funerals, hospitals and tense family moments. Trust me on this.

However, I draw the line at mean, snarky humour. My rule of thumb is that if you pull a prank and BOTH of you aren’t laughing at the end of it, it’s not funny. You’re a jerk. Never punch down. Always, ALWAYS punch up. That’s the first rule of satire and comedy.

Crying, that’s a whole other can of beans. All it takes is a true moment. That’s what gets my tear ducts flooding. A simple, true moment caught on film, music or in ink.

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

I have a very strict rule against meeting heroes. I’ve done it and it NEVER ends well. Perhaps, I’m just cursed.

However, I think I’d like to meet Houdini. I read a biography about him and he seemed like a complete egomaniac. People like that fascinate me.

Or Heron of Alexandria. That man was a genius. Not that we could communicate very well. #languagebarrier

Or Hypatia of Alexandria. Our minds work in completely different ways. I am always astounded by mathematics because it completely twists my brain.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I’m teaching myself to paint. Acrylics, right now. I’m not very good but it’s fun. It makes me use different parts of my brain. It’s a more spatial work out.

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

I like to keep my television fun and light: Supernatural, Lucifer, Wrecked, Rick and Morty, Walking Dead, Doctor Who, Speechless, Big Bang Theory, Archer. I’m big on DVRing stuff. I am SO far behind on most of these shows.

Lately, I’ve been listening to podcasts. I like Welcome to Night Vale, Lore, My Favorite Murder and Last Podcast on the Left. I’m always looking for new ones.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I like Purple. I’m not a foodie. I eat to live; I don’t live to eat. If I didn’t have to eat, I’d never eat again. (I have digestive issues) And I like music but I’m not an audiophile. I like all sorts of stuff.

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

Sleep, watch lots of crap tv and read. OR paint.

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

Here lies Nikki Nelson-Hicks. A friendly wolf among sheep.

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

I’m very active (maybe too active) on Facebook where you can find me as Nikki Nelson-Hicks

I have a twitter account @nikcubed

A blog, www.nikcubed.blogspot.com

My Amazon author page,  www.amazon.com/author/nikkinelsonhicks , where you can really keep up with stories that are coming out and events I am attending.

 

Here is my interview with WM Bunche

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?

Will WM Bunche – Age? I feel like I’m 29.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Brooklyn, New York

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

I attended college at Columbia University.  I am a veteran.  I live in New York City with my family.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Recently, I held a book signing at an Eastchester/Scarsdale Barnes & Noble in New York. I’ve been asked to return in Spring 2018.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

My love of writing began in middle school after I read Romeo and Juliet.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer probably the first year of high school.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My veteran experience and a few military buddies.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It seemed like an appropriate title that would appeal to a broad audience.

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

No.  I write what I feel to make people feel with me.  Writing in general has been challenging.  However, telling a story seems the constant across genres.  In the end, readers want to know what is the story about.

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

 Some parts are very personal.  Other parts are based on true events and people that I know.

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

Most of my research was in person and via the internet.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jeanine Henning.  Amazing artist. Highly recommended!

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

Redemption is possible for all no matter what life you lived.

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?

James Baldwin, Junot Diaz but I have many more.  They make you feel.  They take you into their space.

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

No organization but too many friends to name. To avoid offending anyone that I may miss, I won’t list any.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. I dream that it will happen.  We will see.

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

No. If I did, I would change the beginning and ending over and over again.

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

It was cathartic.  It was emotional.  At the same time, I laughed a lot. It was an experience.

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

Mike Colter, Idris Elba, Mahershala Ali, Erik LaRay Harvey are a few actors that I really like.  If you have any leads, please make the referral.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Writing is rewriting, rewriting, rewriting.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

 Please support independent writers.  Big Publishers don’t have a monopoly on great writers.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Bible. Re-reading Stephen King’s “On Writing”

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

 Fun with Dick and Jane.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

 Great movies with great story lines and characters. Great writing.

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

 There are so many but the first person who comes to mind would be Dr. Martin Luther King. A close second would be Barack Obama.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Running and martial arts

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

 Game of Thrones, Luke Cage, NBA Finals, Super Bowl.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

 Italian.  Blue.Blues and Jazz. Old School R&B, Gospel and Hip Hop. Some classical too.

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

 That would be a very bleak future for all.  I don’t want to think of this dreaded impossibility.

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

Laissez les bons temps rouler
Carpe Diem
Veni, Vidi, Vici.

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

https://wmbunche.com

https://www.amazon.com/Mercys-First-Semester-W-M-Bunche-ebook/dp/B01M04VPMY/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mercys-first-semester-wm-bunche/1124711088?ean=9780692830307

https://www.amazon.com/W.M.-Bunche/e/B01M0X5DB8/

https://www.facebook.com/wmbunche/?ref=bookmarks

 

 

Here is my interview with Neil Rushton

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 Neil Rushton and I’m 48… a child of the sixties; just.

 Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m originally from Southampton, UK, but have lived all over the UK plus a short period in Princeton, US. I currently live in a small coastal village called Porthleven in Cornwall, UK.

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

I’ve lived a somewhat nomadic existence, never really settling anywhere, and always moving on to new places. I’m trained as an archaeologist, and went on my first excavation in 1992. I spent 7 years 1995-2002 gaining a BA, MA and eventually a PhD from Trinity College, Cambridge. I’ve worked in academia and for various heritage organisations in the UK, But at the end of 2015 I lost quite a bit of my eyesight – this was the crisis point that took me away from my archaeological career and towards a new incarnation as a writer. I live quite an isolated existence and spend a lot of time inside my own head, but I do have one constant companion – my cat Lucy, who is almost as neurotic as I am!

 Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m currently writing my second novel, Dead but Dreaming, which is set in and around an English psychiatric hospital in 1970. I’m trying not to make it too grim, but the subject matter is ‘challenging’. I am also writing for my blog-site and a variety of websites, mostly on the subject of British folklore, especially about those mysterious and amorphous entities; the faeries.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always found writing the best way to express myself. It’s the medium I’ve used since childhood to articulate my feelings. But my first forays into writing for public consumption began at university, where I soon realised that I needed to get my work published in journals if I were going to be accepted in the academic community. This was when I learnt some of the necessary skills for coherent written communication.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve had twenty articles published in academic journals and as book chapters, but it was only on the publication of my first novel Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun in 2016 that I finally considered myself ‘a writer’.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

The prologue came from a dream, years before the rest of the book was written. This was the genesis of the story, which I knew I had to get out of my system. One of the main inspirations to writing the book was the knowledge that I had an original story in my head and wanting it to be experienced by other people.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun is the title of a Pink Floyd song from their 1968 album A Saucerful of Secrets. The music of Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett are embedded throughout the novel, and the title also represents the theme of disappearing into an ultimate light; whether it be enlightenment or oblivion.

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

I think I probably have two distinct writing styles, one for non-fiction and one for fiction. When I write about folklore and archaeology I utilise the skills I learnt writing academic articles, although with (hopefully) a little more humour. But my fiction is usually quite bleak. Sometimes it’s modernist, sometimes post-modernist and then frequently modelled on a rather austere 19th-century classical style. I enjoy mixing it up, but my own character is prone to gloominess and this seems to seep into the text, even when I’m trying to keep it at bay. The biggest challenge of this type of writing is to keep it palatable to the reader. There are lines that cannot be crossed if you want to keep the reader from throwing the book into a corner, and I often find myself deleting swathes of text that have gone too far. I think that as writers, we sometimes need to rein-in some of our wilder prose, even if we think it’s good. The challenge is to create diversity in the text; ten pages of self-loathing angst may be brilliantly expressed, but it won’t mean anything unless it is balanced by some light or humour.

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

Although I feel slightly uncomfortable admitting it, Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun is very autobiographical. It is, in some ways, an exaggerated and surrealist version of the darker parts of my own life. One reviewer called it ‘relentlessly emotional’ and I think that’s probably right. My own life is not operating at a consistently emotional level, but the story distills all of the depression, desperation, grief and altered states of consciousness that I’ve experienced into one very confused individual life. I have also picked up a lot of nuanced behaviour from people over the years, and I attempted to put some of the more unrepresented aspects of their characters into the people inhabiting the book.

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

I don’t. I prefer internal travelling these days.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publisher designed the book cover, but the artwork is by a very talented friend called Katalin Polonyi.

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

I think the main message is that our perception of insanity is incorrect. In traditional tribal societies the people who are most revered are the shamans, who are able to communicate with the world of Spirit on behalf of the tribe. In modern Western societies these people would be diagnosed as being severely mentally ill. In the novel I attempt to get inside the head of someone who is struggling to cope with everything that has been thrown at him, and in many ways, his reaction is simply a natural way of dealing with this. His insanity is the coping mechanism. There is also a fundamental message that death is not non-existence – consciousness survives everything and cannot be destroyed.

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 tend not to read much modern fiction as I find I’m constantly catching up with the classics. My favourite author is probably Thomas Hardy, closely followed by all of the Brontës. But I don’t think I’ve ever read a 19th-century novel I didn’t like. I particularly enjoy the attention to detail and depth of the prose contained in 19th-century literature – there is a luxuriance and sumptuousness in it that I always appreciate. I do read a lot of modern philosophy and science by authors who are attempting to push the boundaries of our understanding of reality: Graham Hancock, JJ Valberg, Thomas Campbell, Robert Lanza, Rupert Sheldrake, Terence McKenna, Stanislav Grof, Anthony Peake, Amit Goswami, Rick Strassman et al. I appreciate their ability to give us a wider understanding of the universe we live in.

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

‘Entity’ is a good term. Nobody (except my publisher) really supported my commitment to become a published author, but there were (and are) certain entities that have told me I could do it. They have usually appeared in dreams and in altered states of consciousness. I very much appreciate their support.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I do. It is difficult in this multimedia world, and you need to accept that you are probably never going to be in the 1% of bestselling authors making millions. But if I can just get by through my writing, and give other people pleasure in reading what I produce, that is enough for me.

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

I would probably change the prologue, as it’s quite gruesome and a few people have been unable to read beyond it! But ultimately, the book stands as something written in moments of time. Although some of the phraseology could be improved in parts, it is a record of where I was when I wrote it. It’s something I see as a step to where I want to be in my second novel. So no, it exists as it is, warts and all.

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

Two things: perseverance in the face of procrastination, and making sure I took notes from my dreams; our subconscious contains a mass of creativity that should not be ignored.

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

Jonny Lee Miller. I had him mind throughout the writing process. I believe he’d be able to project the necessary nuances, veering between bewilderment and insanity. The important character of ‘Ober’ is a Byronic invention, and I’m sure Richard E Grant would be perfect.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Do your own thing. As soon as you begin to make compromises in your writing you’ll start to dilute it, almost invariably to the detriment of its quality. This can be easier said than done; when I was writing Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun I had numerous crises of confidence about some of the more woo-woo concepts I was attempting to portray. But I didn’t water it down, and I think/hope this has made it an enduring work of fiction. I also think that writers need a strategy to deal with criticism. If it’s an inarticulate rant against your writing on a social media platform it’s probably best dealt with by silence. But if someone takes the time to make genuinely constructive criticism, then, after taking some time to cool down, the writer needs to extract the substance of the criticism and perhaps take it on board. But all responses are more effective if framed in a polite fashion, even if the original criticism wasn’t.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Be open-minded. Modern culture seems to be coded to force us into constrained reality boxes. I think we need to break out and allow creativity to have free-rein, as this is what helps us to grow and learn. Also, be considerate whenever you comment on someone else’s writing – you never know what that person is going through, and whilst valid and constructive criticism can be useful, rude denigration can be cataclysmic.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

My Big Toe by the ex-NASA physicist Thomas Campbell. It’s a bit of a misleading title, as the book is exploring the nature of consciousness and discussing the meaning of life. It’s a mind-bender but beautifully written, and forces you to think quite a long way outside the reality box.

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Watership Down by Richard Adams. I first read it when I was nine, and I used to carry it around in my coat pocket. I didn’t understand all the levels of meaning in this wonderful book at the time, but I like to think that I did intuit the bottom-line message of the book: freedom over tyranny.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I usually like things that make me laugh and cry at almost the same time. I think the supreme example of something that can do this is the 1986 British film Withnail and I. I’ve watched it many times, laugh all the way through and then cry my eyes out as Richard E Grant delivers the Hamlet soliloquy at the end of the film. It’s a perfect example of how joy and brutality can live next door to each other.

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

Lord Byron. I’ve been a slightly obsessive fan of Byron since my teens. I’m inspired by his poetry, awed by his intellect, and fascinated by what he packed into his short life. If, somehow, I were able to meet him however, I think I’d be a bit of a gibbering wreck, and would therefore get little out of the meeting.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I still think of writing as my main hobby, and it certainly takes up most of my time. Reading, listening to music and going for long lonely walks take up the remainder of my time.

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

I don’t have a TV and so I’m totally out of touch with any shows – I think I’m probably the only person in the Western World never to have seen a second of Game of Thrones! My favourite film is the aforementioned Withnail and I, but I like anything with some depth of meaning and memorable imagery, from the Spaghetti Westerns of Sergio Leone to the hallucinogenic filmic landscapes of Andrei Tarkovsky.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Food: Indian. Colour: burnt orange. Music… that could go on for pages. Pink Floyd have a special place in my heart, but I love to immerse myself in prog-rock, folk, Indian raagas, ambient and electronica. However, I can only write with classical music in the background, and so that’s what I actually listen to the most.

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

I’ve always thought I would make a very good hermit. If someone could supply me with a cave and provisions that would suit me just right.

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

Laus Propria Sordet

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

 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun can best be found at my publisher’s website and at Amazon:

http://www.austinmacauley.com/book/set-controls-heart-sun

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Set-Controls-Heart-Neil-Rushton/dp/178554313X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514676372&sr=8-1&keywords=rushton+set+the+controls

https://www.amazon.com/Set-Controls-Heart-Neil-Rushton/dp/178554313X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514676433&sr=8-1&keywords=rushton+set+controls

My blog-site is: https://deadbutdreaming.wordpress.com with an accompanying Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/thefaeriecode/

I have many articles published on the website Ancient Origins. Here is my author page: http://www.ancient-origins.net/users/nrushton

Many of my articles on the folklore of the faeries are soon to be published on the Beyond Science web-magazine: http://beyondscience.net/mag

Twitter: https://twitter.com/neilrushton13

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/neilrushton13/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-rushton-24a5a436/

 

Here is my interview with Aisha Tritle

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! My name is Aisha Tritle, and I’m 22 years old.

 Fiona: Where are you from?

 I’m originally from Phoenix, Arizona, but moved to Los Angeles four years ago. I grew up spending the summers between Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Samukawa, Japan.

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

 I was homeschooled growing up, and started taking college classes at the age of fourteen. My mother’s from Japan and my dad’s from Iowa, so I grew up with an influx of both Japanese and Midwestern culture.

I was very involved in the performing arts growing up, being a ballet dancer and competitive pianist while participating in community theatre. I did the whole Disney Channel-audition route when I was in junior high and high school, and originally moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Currently, I mainly focus on writing and working with startups – but I did a Contemporary Drama course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and hope to attend more courses there.

 Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

The first novella of my new vampire series, Quimby Bay, will be out in May or June! The startup I work for, Meanwise, is also going through very exciting changes and we’ll be announcing new partnerships and features very soon.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing for almost as long as I’ve been able to read. I quickly learned to love reading when I was very young, and I think that sparked my imagination so much that I had to express myself through creative writing.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I started to consider myself a writer when my first play, “The Misfortune of Lionel Schlüsselberg,” was published – and then performed. It really built up my confidence in my writing skills.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I was very fond of the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz when I was growing up. But I always wished there were more Adventure series’ with strong female protagonists. So, a couple years ago, I decided to write the Adventure novel with the female protagonist I always wanted.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I’m terrible at coming up with titles! I studied Latin when I was in junior high and my go-to process for coming up with cool titles has been to look up relevant words in Latin. I believe “occidis” means “to fall” or “to crush.”

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 I have a specific writing style. Very early on, I had people tell me my writing was, “too wordy.” So, I’ve tried to simplify my style to make it easy-to-read. It’s challenging to make sure the style is simple but not too bland.

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

Occidis is very much not based on any experiences I’ve had, haha. There are characters, however, who are based off of people I know. The character of Davey is based off someone I know, as is Kristin.

I had a very active imagination when I was little (still do), and grew up with a lot of genius homeschoolers. Also, I was obsessed with spies! So I always daydreamed about what would happen if child geniuses were recruited as spies. That’s pretty much the premise of Occidis.

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

I draw on past travels for inspiration! When I was little, my great-uncle had a place on the Japanese island, Enoshima. I’d stay there during the summers, and it’s prominently featured in Occidis. In the sequel to Occidis, Hertfordshire and Lisbon play key parts – and I recently traveled there in November.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Syneca Featherstone.

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

It’s never too late for redemption.

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?

 Unfortunately, I haven’t been keeping tabs on new writers! I spend most of my time writing, and when I read it’s usually a novel by Anthony Horowitz or Agatha Christie. Agatha Christie is definitely my favorite writer. I’m on a mission to collect all her work! Every novel she wrote was full of twists and wit, and The Mousetrap is one of my favorite plays.

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

My friend Miranda! She’s supported me from the beginning, read and provided feedback on all my work.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I do! I hope to make it my main career in the future.  

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

I wouldn’t change anything in the book. I wrote this book from the hip, though. Next time, I’ll make sure I have an outline as outlines make everything easier.

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

I learned to make sure to have an outline before I start writing, haha. I also learned consistency is important. I feel much more connected to the story when I write a little bit each day, instead of in spurts.

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

Camila Mendes from Riverdale would make a great Sophia.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Keep writing! Practice makes perfect.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you for reading my book! I promise my writing will improve as I go along – so I hope everyone sticks around and keeps tabs on my work.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Nothing at the moment, but I’m going to read The Tory Widow by Christine Blevins soon.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Well, I believe the very first book I ever read was a simple story about a cat. The first book I truly seriously read though was Pride & Prejudice when I was seven.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

British comedies! I laugh and cry when I watch them.

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

Agatha Christie. She seemed like such an intriguing individual, and I adore her mysteries.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I do! I sing and recently started writing music.

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

Doctor Who is my all-time favorite show ever! I also really like Broadchurch. My favorite movie of all time is Casino Royale (2016).

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Favorite food? Steak and potatoes. Favorite color? Light blue. Favorite music? I listen to The Fray and Needtobreathe all the time.

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

That’s so hard to imagine! I would probably focus on acting, music, and growing startups.

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

“She did everything she could with everything she had.”

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

I’m in the process of setting up my website! But I am very active on social media, and post updates on all my profiles frequently.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aishatritle

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisha-tritle-cipp-a69457112/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17207184.Aisha_Tritle

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Aisha-Tritle/e/B076CW3QGP

Link to Occidis on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Occidis-Sophia-Moreau-Aisha-Tritle/dp/1979014418/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Occidis on B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/occidis-aisha-tritle/1127190757?type=eBook

 

Here is my interview with Erin Kane Spock

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 Erin Kane Spock and I am forty-two. Yes, Spock is my real last name. It’s my married name and it’s Polish, not Vulcan. And no, I am not related to either Dr. Spock or Leonard Nimoy (yes, I get asked this).

Fiona: Where are you from?

I have lived in Southern California for most of my life, with a brief stint in Ireland when I was a child.

My husband and I just celebrated our twenty year anniversary. We have two daughters and their schedules keep us pretty busy. Aside from writing, I teach middle school art and am a full time Irish dance mom.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My debut novel, Courtly Pleasures, was released this December. The next two books have just been made available for pre-order. Courtly Scandals will be coming out in March 2018. Courtly Abandon is scheduled for release in July of 2018.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing various things most of my life. I didn’t start taking my writing seriously until about ten years ago when I finished my first full manuscript. I started pitching that while continuing to write new material. I’m glad I kept at it – my writing continued to improve with each book and I learned a lot about myself.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I finally, now that I’m published, feel comfortable calling myself an author. I’ve been calling myself a writer for years, even before I wrote that first book. The difference of my pre-book and post-book perception of being a writer is that I treated it as a hobby before and now I see it as a career.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I started writing my first book because I needed an outlet for my own struggles as a new mother. I had an infant and an 18 month old and wasn’t sure who I was as a person any longer.Writing gave me focus, a sense of accomplishment, and time to myself (I actually hired a babysitter 2 days a week just to have that time to lock myself in with my computer and not think about diapers).

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

“The Rules of Courtly Love” are a real set of guidelines that the Renaissance courtier would have known and applied, maybe in jest, maybe not, in courtly flirtations. My novel was originally called Courtly Love. Each chapter has one of the rules associated with it that matches the theme of that chapter. After pitching and querying that title, I got a lot of responses that said the book was more historical fiction than historical romance. It was Eloisa James who told me that I had to choose a direction and stick with it. If I was going to go with romance, the title needed to be sexier. Courtly Love became Courtly Pleasures and I streamlined the story significantly to make the emotional connection between the main characters the dominant thread.

I am actually really bad at coming up with titles. I have a work in progress that I refer to as Sexy Trees because I want the title to have a sensual element and include and something about the forest/nature. My mother actually thinks the book is about sex with trees. And then there’s another project I call Alcoholic Costumer… *sigh*

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

I write character driven stories and sometimes they don’t always do what I plan for them to do. My writing is part planned and part organic. The hard part is when I try to force the story into the direction I want it to go. Sometimes everything stalls and I have to go back and figure out when the story stopped growing naturally and throw out huge chunks of writing. It’s frustrating but, ultimately, makes for a better story. My haphazard writing style drives my VERY organized critique partner insane.

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

Courtly Pleasures is entirely fictional in a historically accurate setting, however, many of the ancillary characters are real people from history. I tried to do my best by them.

My main character, Frances, shares some characteristics with me. She’s creative and, physically, resembles what I looked like at twenty four. Writing this book was inspired by my own identity crisis and Frances’s journey mirrors that, but we are also different in many ways.

My sister once told me that my books are like therapy because all of the heroines deal with some unresolved issue that I can relate to. I think this is what makes them real to the reader.

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

I have travelled through the British Isles and that was helpful in writing exterior scenes. I used to participate in Renaissance Faires and that research and recreation of history was very helpful in fleshing out courtly interactions, feasting, scents, etc… and making the scene multi-faceted.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The marketing team at Crimson Romance put the covers together after asking me for some inspiration from the story and providing some images options for research. Ultimately the cover is all their work and I trust that they know the market and how to put something together that can catch my reader’s attention.

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

I would like my readers to take away a sense of hope. Romantic love can be magical and seem to happen in that instant, but maintaining it takes work and commitment. All of my stories will, of course, have that happily ever after despite the initial conflicts, but all of my characters have to choose to reach out and grab that chance for happiness when it would be easy to let it escape them. The message I want my readers to grasp is that they are worthy of their own happily-ever-after if they’re willing to take a chance and put the effort in.

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 just read an ARC of The Tremblers by Raquel Byrnes. It’s a post-apocalyptic steampunk zombie action romance. I could see the scenes play out like I was watching the movie (which I can absolutely see this becoming). It is fun and scary and breath-catching and gross and heart-breaking and sweet all at once. This is book one of a series and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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

Joining Romance Writers of America was a really good step for me. I could barely afford it, but it was worth it to go to that first conference. It helped me see that what I was doing was real, that there were more people like me, and that there was a possibility that my book(s) might actually deserve to see the light of day. I look forward to going to Denver this year as a published author.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I have been a teacher for seventeen years. Being a writer, struggling and failing and then trying again, has given me real life applications of the skills I’m trying to get my students to understand.It’s made me a better teacher. I will continue to write and, hopefully, someday it will provide the income for me to make writing my next career instead of a second job.

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

I’ve changed so much in that book that there’s hardly anything left of the original. I think, at this point, it’s in its best form. If I could change something about myself during that process, though, I would give myself a big dose of humility early on and the openness to learn.

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

I am constantly learning. Courtly Pleasures taught me that writing is not a solitary endeavour. I wrote it without being part of any sort of writing community and with no research into the market or industry norms. It didn’t become a viable book until I took an objective look at it with the help of my critique partner, beta readers, and both the online and RWA writing communities.

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

I wrote this book with a picture of young Kate Winslet and Hugh Jackman as visual inspiration for the leads. If it was a film, it would be a BBC mini-series filmed on location with fabulous period costumes.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

1. Keep writing forward and don’t get caught up in the rut of constantly editing or you’ll never finish anything.
2. Get critiques often and DO NOT argue with them. They have given you the gift of their time. Thank them and then mull over anything they had to say. You may disagree with it, but consider that it is a reader’s opinion and if something you wrote didn’t make sense to a reader (even though you understand it perfectly) you may need to rethink. Critiques are a gift.
3. Don’t take your first rejection as an invitation to self-publish. Your name will be on that book and creating a reputation for you and, while you may think it’s the best book ever written now, your writing is only getting better as you write forward. Try to be objective about your own work and take any rejection (especially if they tell you why) as an opportunity to improve. I’m not saying not to self-publish, I’m just cautioning you not to rush into it.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I want to thank my readers for choosing to read my book. I am in awe of the fact that people (outside my immediate family) are actually reading and enjoying my work. It means so much to me.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale, and Highland Flame by Mary Wine. Yes, I read multiple books at a time.

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The first memory of reading a book by myself and by choice (age 6ish?) was something about a horse. The first book I remember LOVING was Anne of Green Gables (age 10ish?).

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I’ve been watching“Grace and Frankie” on Netflix and every episode has made me both laugh and cry. I have a somewhat off sense of humor and laugh at a lot. I tear up a lot, too. Watching the Olympics and considering that, win or lose, these athletes have worked hard and accomplished their dreams. It’s humbling. Same thing when I watch the Oscars, or the Super Bowl. Each person there started out as a kid with a dream and pursued it.

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

I would have loved to meet David Bowie. He was one of my first loves and then, later, an inspiration. The world lost a great artist when he passed.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I’m an Irish dance mom. My kids are very active, so there’s practice and competitions. I enjoy making their performance dresses, so there’s also a research component along with design and constructions. There is at least one feis (pronounced fesh) per month. It’s time consuming and, aside from writing and teaching, it takes all the time I have left.

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

I just finished watching “The Miss Fisher Mysteries” and decided I want to be Phryne Fisher when I grow up. I also like“Murdoch,”“Project Runway,”and shows like “NCIS,” but I don’t have a lot of time for much TV. It’s winter break for me right now (two weeks off school) so I’ve been able to catch up a bit.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Mexican food, turquoise/red, classic rock/80s/grunge/Broadway/alternative/NOT RAP

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

I might get more seriously into Irish dance dress design. The creative process is actually very similar to writing and then seeing your dress out there, dancing, is a great feeling.

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

Whoops

 

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

I have a blog at http://courtlyromance.blogspot.com/ and you can follow me on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Spockromance/ and on Twitter at @kanespock.

https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Kane-Spock/e/B077D2KN1N/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1514645739&sr=1-2-ent

  

Here is my interview with Duncan P. Bradshaw

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?

Greetings! I’m Duncan P. Bradshaw, and I recently clocked up forty years of existing. Not bad going I’d say, all things considered.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I currently live in Chippenham, a town in the mighty county of Wiltshire, in Southern England. Pretty much always lived down south, except for an eleven month stint in Wales, which was rather fun.

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

I’m married to a rather fabulous lady called Debbie. We met around twenty odd years ago, but it wasn’t until ten years ago that we actually got together. I fancied her from day one, but various things conspired to keep us apart. We have a couple of cats who share our home, Rafa and Pepe, who love nothing more than miaowing at us to feed them, or to give them attention.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m currently on the last round of edits of my highbrow literary novel, CANNIBAL NUNS FROM OUTER SPACE! which is about a coming of age tale, set in Canterbury during feudal times. Okay, so I’m telling porky pies, it’s about cannibal nuns from outer space, and is a little silly.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I always loved writing when I was a kid, and was one of those people who said,  “One day, I’m going to write a book,” but never did. Back in the summer of 2014, a mate of mine decided to self-publish, and I thought if he could do it, so could I. So I did. I can’t imagine my life without it now.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’d say the day CLASS THREE was released into the world. Such an odd thing to see the words you’ve spent so long putting together into coherent sentences, in one place, and in book form. Even now, getting proof copies in the mail, is something amazing.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve loved zombies for a very long time, and after my mate showed me it could be done, with some application, and giving up of things, I just started. I kinda had a rough idea of a story, from a long time ago, but that went out of the window when I started to write it. I decided to stick to what I know, and did a road trip, of sorts, with the main characters being two brothers. The zombie apocalypse is the catalyst, but it’s the relationship between them that is the main thing.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I was dithering for ages about what to call it, finally deciding on something from Max Brooks’ zombie classification. Class three is the stage before total world domination by the undead. It’s the beginning of the end, and it’s exactly when the book is set. Everything familiar is about to go bye-bye, and it’s that scrabble to get to those you love, and get to some perceived sanctuary, to make sure they’re safe.

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

To be honest, I couldn’t tell you. I know what I like writing, but whether it’s a defined style, I’ll leave that to the readers, who will invariably compare and contrast. I like putting humour in my work, sometimes to the far end of the silly spectrum, other times, not so much. A part of being British involves taking the piss out of yourself and others, and humour is as much a weapon as a defence mechanism. Even in the most serious of situations, people will make jokes, again, to varying degrees, but it’s just how people are.

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

Most of my books are a little out there, so the broad themes are definitely not based on real events. A lot of the interactions and details are based on things that happened, or dreams, stuff like that. I realised a few years back that I write for two people, me and my wife, so I put in a few little things which only she and I will get. The problem with being a writer, is that you don’t get to see people’s reactions to your words. It’s tricky knowing which joke works, or which scene hits the right notes. Seeing, and hearing Debbie’s reaction is invaluable, so it’s my little way of saying thank you to her.

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

Not really, I love travelling, but I don’t use it as inspiration or a guide. Meeting new people in different parts of the world is always good, and you should always look to see more of the world, but I tend to base my stories in locales which I know. It makes them more believable as I’m able to convey things better.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I’ve used a number of different artists so far, each have done sterling work on the covers they worked on. It’s one thing I would love to be good at, drawing, but I suck really badly. I’ve designed one myself, but that was a very straightforward one, so not a hardship. To me though, the interior is as important, and I love using different fonts, and a number of other things to try and make that experience of reading one of my books, a little more unique.

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

I wouldn’t say so, HEXAGRAM is probably the most overt, in that I get infuriated with humanity at times. Yes, we’re capable of such wonder, but we can be so callous and self-centred. We need to open our eyes and appreciate that there’s so much more we can accomplish, we just need to stop being dicks and work together. All I ever aim for, with anything I write, is to entertain. Whether that’s with a few thousand words, or tens of thousands, I don’t mind. I have a low boredom threshold myself, so want to keep people turning those pages.

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’d say the writer who last made me sit up and notice is J.G. Clay. We are Facebook chums, but one thing I’ve discovered, is that being chums and then reading their work, can be a little disconcerting. If I’m not keen, I then have to try and convey why, so I’m being constructive, rather than a simple, “I don’t like it.” I read Clay’s Tales of Blood and Sulphur when I was working in India earlier in the year, and gladly, I didn’t have to say anything back to him other than, “That was bloody excellent.”

I’d say my favourite writer is Danny King. His writing is just so engaging, it’s not stuffy, you don’t feel dumb reading it, or feel that it’s too pretentious. He’s funny, smart and meets my key requirement, is thoroughly entertaining. I am lucky enough to share a TOC with him in an anthology, my story is the one after his, and that was a big deal for me.

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

I’d say my mate, Justin, who some know as J.R. Park. We’ve been friends for over twenty years now, and a few bad times aside, we’ve been in each other’s corner since we first met all those years ago. It’s always good to chat with him about what he’s working on, and vice versa.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Nope, it’s definitely a hobby, I think it’s quite rare to make enough money from this to be a living nowadays. It’s certainly not impossible, but to replace my income stream from my current job, with my writing, would be an awfully big ask. It can be tough at times finding hours in the day to do stuff, but it’s possible. Of course, I would love to do nothing but write, and make books, but I’m realistic enough to know that it’s extremely unlikely.

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

Not at all, I’m not someone who suffers from regrets, about anything. You do things, bad things even, because of how you feel at a moment in time. I’m no saint, but to want to change those times would mean that I would be a different person. You always learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your successes, but I would never want to go back and wish them different.

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

That it’s okay to take your time. I managed to write my other books pretty quickly, but CANNIBAL NUNS took a lot longer. I think it’s just down to experience. The more you do something, you find different ways of working. I’m in no rush now, I’ll go at my own pace, I’m not in a race with anyone.

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

On the brief I’m sending to the artist for CANNIBAL NUNS, I’ve said that the main character, Father Flynn, is basically Tim Curry with a curly mullet and a great big bushy beard. I’d settle for that.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Man, I’m not one to give advice, especially on writing. So many people say that their way is the best, and that if you don’t write for three hours, in your special chair, with the right amount of sun facing you, whilst strangling a goose, that you aren’t doing it properly. It’s bollocks. You find things out as you go, my only advice is this. Tell the story as if you’re sat down next to someone in a pub, and you’re relaying the events to them. But that’s just how I do it, you gotta find your own way, even then, you’re always learning. Just make sure you spend time reading a wide variety of books, and most importantly of all,write.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I think you’re ruddy marvellous. I’m amazed that people want to read my words, so I’ll say it every time I get asked. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy it.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, by Margaret Atwood. Amongst the small press books, I love reading stone cold classics, particularly dystopias. Gotta say, I’m loving it, it’s up there with 1984 for me so far.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

There were two that stand out, one was a pop-up book called Duncan the Dinosaur, which I’ve still got somewhere. The other was Puff the Magic Dragon, and it was this little hardback, with two stories in. My parents always encouraged us to read, and though I went through a barren spell in my twenties, am glad I got back into it.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I find that the older I get, I’ve become a bit more of a sap, stupid little things now will make me well up. I’m not a big crier, but it’s not something I get embarrassed by if it happens. The last thing anyone should do is repress emotion, that shit is gonna come out of you one way or another, and I know as well as anyone, that it’s better to vent along the way, than keep it bottled up inside. Also, I pretty much laugh at anything, and it’s rather distinctive. Hell, I was being chased around an abandoned mall by people dressed up as zombies and I was laughing my head off.

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

Hmm, I think I’d have to choose Kurt Cobain, such a big influence on my late teenage years, and a bit of an enigma. Would be good to work out the truth from the fiction about him.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I go out to circuits a few times a week, and do Pilates/Yoga/Tai-Chi on a weekend. Find that the older I get, I need to do something to balance out the drinking and biscuit eating. Most of the time I’m working, reading or writing, play the odd video game, or watch a hockey or football match if possible to wind down.

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

I’m not a big TV watcher to be honest, we tend to have Sky Sports News on most of the time at home. We’ve been watching the Rocky movies recently, trying to watch some which we missed years ago, or not seen for a while. I’ve got a stack of zombie films to get through. My all-time favourite series is 24, and my favourite sitcom is Bottom. I’d happily watch both over and over ad infinitum.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

My musical tastes are wide and varied, and play a big part of my life. At the moment, my two favourite bands are Enter Shikari and Angels and Airwaves. They are up there with all-time faves, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Cypress Hill, The Prodigy, PM Dawn, Pop Will Eat Itself and The Shamen. Food wise, it’s all about biscuits. Give me a packet of custard creams and a well-made cup of tea, and you’ll have my attention. My favourite video game of all-time is Grand Theft Auto 3, and whilst we’re on favourite things, my two favourite sports teams, are the Winnipeg Jets in hockey, and Everton in football.

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

Probably just go back to what I did before, play video games, annoy the wife more. There are plenty of places left I want to visit, things I want to do and see, I’ve got enough to keep me going until my heart stops beating.

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

If the casket is a-rockin’, then get the hell out of there! I’m probably one of the undead.

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

My website has background information on all of my books, plus a shop, bibliography, all that good stuff http://duncanpbradshaw.co.uk/ but better yet, go Like my Facebook page, I post regular updates and general silliness there https://www.facebook.com/duncanpbradshaw/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Duncan-P.-Bradshaw/e/B00OH6EVGC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1514558942&sr=1-2-ent

 

 

 

Here is my interview with Sloane Kennedy

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?

Thank you for having me, Fiona. My name is Sloane Kennedy and I am 43 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in Germany but was raised in the US. First in Virginia and more recently in Wisconsin, which is where I currently live.

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

I’m single but have three nieces that I spend as much time with as I can. Before I began writing full time, I worked in health care information technology for many years. I have two Masters degrees, one in Business and one in Medical Informatics. My immediate family all lives in the same area as me and when I’m not writing I’m usually hanging out with my younger sister.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m about to start writing my second book in my Pelican Bay series. I was extremely productive in 2017 (I released 9 solo books and 2 books with a co-author) so I’m hoping to match that in 2018.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

 Officially, I began writing three years ago when I self-published for the first time. Unofficially, I started writing (for myself) in my early twenties. I loved romance novels and I loved movies so I wanted to merge the two and I ended up writing screenplays. It is a brutally competitive industry so nothing ever happened with it, but it led to me writing my first novel, (again, just for myself). Twenty years later I took that novel and self-published it on Amazon in the hopes that I could make a few extra bucks to pay some bills. Fast forward three years and I am closing in on having 30 published books under my belt and writing for a living.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

It probably didn’t happen until just this past year. I’m notoriously insecure and so it was hard to call myself an author, even though the proof of it sits on my bookshelf with a row of books bearing my name. There wasn’t any exact moment when I finally accepted that I am, in fact, a writer – it just kind of “was” one day, I guess.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve always had stories in my head, even when I was a teenager. I loved reading romances and would always dream up my own stories of figurative knights-in-shining-armour. It wasn’t until I got my stories on paper that they’d finally go quiet in my head, so writing almost became a necessity. Letting Go was my first full-length novel.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I came up with the title, Letting Go, because that was what the story was about – the theme of needing to let go of one’s fear and pasts to move forward is prevalent throughout the story.

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

I am what they call a pantser – I literally sit down at my computer and just start typing and whatever happens happens. I rarely do any kind of outlining and what I know about my characters is minimal at the time that I start writing. They often end up surprising me.

I write gay romance so obviously there are certain elements that I can’t personally relate to. That can be a challenge because I want to be both respectful and accurate when it comes to the stories I tell.

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

Several of my books take things from my own life – mostly personality traits or qualities rather than actual experiences. I deal with a lot of dark elements in my books and while I fortunately haven’t had to experience them all first-hand, there are some that are very personal for me because I’ve lived them. I don’t model my characters after other people, but sometimes I might see a topic in a news story and use that as inspiration for a future book.

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

No. I typically set my stories in places I’m more familiar with (many of my books take place in Seattle because I lived there for many years). If I use a different place, I try to google the information I need. I’d like to travel in the future to add some depth and realism to the locations I use, but we will have to see if that is a possibility.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jay Aheer has designed all of my covers.

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

Most of my books are about strength and family. I want people to know that they can survive anything and that love is still a possibility for them, no matter what they’ve been through. And as an author of gay romance, I want people to understand that love comes in all forms. It is abhorrent to me that someone can decide that two people are not allowed to love one another because of something as insignificant as gender. I’m not a big believer in labels or judgement. Just because I don’t understand something doesn’t make it wrong. Love is love. Period.

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 can’t say I have any one particular favorite author. Most recently I’ve been reading a lot of Care Dee’s books. Keira Andrews and Lucy Lennox are also favorites. Cameron Dane was an author I read a lot of before I started writing, though I don’t believe he/she has released anything lately. I was also a fan of the late Sandrine Gasq-Dion, who I was lucky enough to also count as a friend.

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

My family really wasn’t aware of my writing early on and like me, probably didn’t think anything would come of it… certainly not that I’d be able to make a living off of it. So I’d have to say my readers/fans were the ones who supported my commitment, because they bought my books and they reached out to me to tell me they enjoyed them or to ask about when certain secondary characters would be getting stories. They’re the ones who made it possible for me to live a dream I didn’t even know I had.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. It’s a job like any other – it takes work and it has its good days and bad days. But it is also a dream, so it’s so much more than just a career.

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

No, I wouldn’t change any of my books. I’m proud of every single one and I often re-read my own stories because I love the family of men I’ve created.

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

 I would say I improve with every book I write. I’ve started to challenge myself more and more with different kinds of characters who are outside my comfort zone.

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

I have absolutely no idea.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write what you love first and foremost. Then after that, just write, write, write. Few authors are able to get it perfect right out of the starting gate. My own career has been a slow build over three years. The key was to keep readers coming back for more and to do that, I had to keep getting books out there.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I wouldn’t be where I am without you.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am between books right now. I just finished Deal-maker by Lily Morton and did a re-read of Aftermath by Cara Dee.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No clue. I do remember reading Watership Down when I was a kid and really liking it but also being scared by it. Books like Native Son and Black Boy by Richard Wright showed me the reality of the world we live in. I read these books in high school as part of anAfrican American literature class and I remember my gut just sinking as I experienced the world through that author’s eyes. It was so very different than mine and it was the first time I really understood how powerful books can be.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I’m guaranteed to cry when someone else does. Laughing is a little bit more of a trick but the weirdest things will get me going. In one of the books I wrote with Lucy Lennox, she wrote this particular line that had me laughing so hard that I had to call her to tell her but I couldn’t stop laughing long enough to tell her how funny it was.

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

Not particularly.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I don’t have as many as I used to now that I write so much. Reading is a big one, of course. I also love movies so I watch a lot of those.

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

 I don’t watch as much TV as I used to – I watch movies instead. The TV shows I do watch are Shark Tank, Intervention, Modern Family, Will & Grace, and Life in Pieces.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I’m an addict when it comes to espresso drinks. I have at least one latte a day, usually two. Music is really varied. I like a lot of instrumental stuff from movie soundtracks but I also have a range of music on my phone – anything from rock to pop to classical.

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

I’d probably want to do something with animals, especially horses. That was always my dream as a kid.

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

LOL, no idea. I want to be cremated and have my ashes spread in the ocean or the mountains. People can remember me in other ways besides visiting a grave.

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

I’m on facebook under Sloane Kennedy and my website is www.sloanekennedy.com

Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.com/Sloane-Kennedy/e/B00U8W8CPA/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Protectors-Book-Sloane-Kennedy-ebook/dp/B0789VLVPM

 

Here is my interview with Deborah Sheldon

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?

Thanks for having me back on your blog, Fiona. My name is Deborah Sheldon, and I turned the big five-oh this year.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Melbourne, Australia.

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

I’m married and we have a teenage son. I have always wanted to be a writer. During the first year of my Bachelor of Arts degree, at the age of 18, I started selling feature articles to magazines. For the past 32 years, I’ve been a professional writer with credits across a range of media including television, medical writing, and non-fiction books. For the past 10 years, I’ve focused on fiction. I write short stories, novellas and novels across the darker spectrum of horror, crime and noir. My work has been nominated for a number ofAustralian Shadows Awards, and my short fiction included in various “best of” anthologies.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My most recent release is the horror collection, Perfect Little Stitches and Other Stories (IFWG Publishing Australia,2017).

I’m absolutely thrilled that I’ve got three titles coming out in 2018: the horror novella, Thylacines (Severed Press), the horror novel, Contrition (IFWG Publishing Australia), and the dark literary collection, 300 Degree Days and Other Stories(Oscillate Wildly Press).

300 Degree Days and Other Stories was first published by Ginninderra Press in 2014. It is a petite collection of eleven stories about dysfunctional families, and I believe it contains some of my best work. The Short Story Review UK wrote, “Sheldon’s stories lift the skin of small, suburban lives to expose the raw nerves beneath. Her writing is intimate, compelling and alarming…” The comprehensive review on the Whispering Gums website included, “I enjoyed 300 Degree Days for its authentic portrayal of how people behave and respond to challenges in their relationships. It’s not always pretty, but it’s real, and that made it a winner for me.”

I’m very excited about the collection’s re-release in March. Oscillate Wildly Press may be a relatively “new kid on the block” in Australian publishing, but they have already garnered plenty of attention, including national award nominations.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

My process for titles differs from one work to the next.

For 300 Degree Days and Other Stories, “300 Degree Days” was the title of the first short story I ever sold, way back in 2005 to Quadrant magazine. In fact, it was also the first short story I ever wrote, and Quadrant was the first place I approached. I call that little miracle my hole-in-one! It fooled me into thinking that publishing short stories was easy. Ha, then reality set in! It’s a tough market (since good writers are a dime-a-dozen) but it forces you to constantly strive and improve your craft. If you’ve got skin thick enough to withstand the staggering rejection rate, you’ll find yourself getting better and better.

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

I’m paraphrasing, but Raymond Chandler said that the mark of a proficient writer was the ability to communicate character via action and dialogue, rather than inner monologue. I try to keep that in mind. Writing dark fiction is challenging because you are trying to evoke fear, sorrow or anxiety in a reader, without the advantages that films or TV shows have of visuals, sound effects and music to help you. With only words on a page at your disposal, you have to dig deep and use every technique in your repertoire to try to reach the reader’s heart.

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

Each one of the eleven stories in 300 Degree Days and Other Stories has a kernel of reality to it. We all experience loss, betrayal or ill-treatment in our lives. Many writers like to take such moments and transform them into works that, hopefully, resonate with readers on a number of levels. And that’s what I’ve tried to do.

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

Whether or not I physically travel depends on the needs of the story. For example, for my horror novel, Devil Dragon(Severed Press), I drew upon my interactions – from a safe distance! – with crocodiles on a family trip to Darwin, and went to a Victorian national park to soak in the atmosphere of the Australian bush. The fictitious town of Brownbeck in my romance-suspense novella, The Long Shot (Desert Breeze Publishing) was based on a number of areas in the Yarra Valley, a popular rural region east of Melbourne. I took photographs and extensive notes prior to writing my first draft so that I could capture the “country” in my story.

For 300 Degree Days and Other Stories and my upcoming horror novel Contrition, I travelled into the past and drew upon various memories, using them as a springboard to fire my imagination. My horror collection, Perfect Little Stitches and Other Stories, required extensive travelling around the more obscure nooks and crannies of the Internet to ferret out the origins behind fantastical creatures such as faeries, brownies, bunyips and mermaids.

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

Overall, my writing reflects that life – while always worth living – includes suffering and unexpected challenges. However, each of my works has additional, specific themes.

For 300 Degree Days and Other Stories, I wanted to address the theme of family. People from (or in) dysfunctional families often feel deep shame. However, the myth of the perfectly happy family is just that – a myth. I hope readers will feel some kind of connection with the stories, andappreciate that to be human often includes “surviving” family relationships of one toxic kind or another.

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’m a voracious reader of short stories, both single-author collections and anthologies, and I’m impressed by far too many new writers to mention by them all by name!

Some of my favourite reads of 2017 included Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado, Seconds by David Ely, The Long Valley by John Steinbeck, The Life and Loves of a She Devilby Fay Weldon, The Other by Thomas Tryon, and The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers. Upon reflection, each of these works deals with the vagaries of family relationships.

More than anything, when I read I want to feel something. The books I love most are the ones that grab me by the heart – or the throat!

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

Publishers who believe in you and your work are worth their weight in gold. Nobody can champion you like an enthusiastic publisher. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with people who are passionate about Australian stories. For them, it’s not all about the bottom line: it’s about nurturing Aussie voices and literature.

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

I most recently finished the horror novella, Thylacines. It concerns a de-extinction lab that brings back the Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine, which was hunted to extinction some eighty years ago. I learned a great deal about resurrection science, but only the tip of the iceberg made it into the story. A writer has to be very careful not to “overshare” their research with the reader!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

My advice for any writer, regardless of experience level, would be to join (or start) a writers group. Writers, particularly those who share an interest in the same genres,can be a great source of support and motivation.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you so much for your support! I appreciate every rating and review on Goodreads and Amazon, including the bad ones! And an extra-big thank you to those readers who have taken the time to contact me via email, Goodreads or Facebook to let me know how much they enjoyed my work. Your messages mean a great deal. (Most recently, a reader described Perfect Little Stitches and Other Stories as “a treasure trove”. That’s the kind of comment I like to hug to myself.)

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Disenchanted by Budd Schulberg, and Holy Sh*t: a brief history of swearing by Melissa Mohr. (The latter was an unexpected gift from my mentee when I participated in the 2017 Australian Horror Writers Association Mentorship Program. I had mentioned, perhaps a few times during our conversations about craft, my appreciation for swear words!)

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

My website, http://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com, lists all of my published works with links to reviews and purchasing sites. My monthly newsletter includes updates and links. Starting in January 2018, my newsletter will also include ebook giveaways exclusive to subscribers.

You can follow me on Facebook (which is run on my behalf by one of my publishers, IFWG Publishing Australia) – https://www.facebook.com/Deborah-Sheldon-936388749723500/

And friend me on Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3312459.Deborah_Sheldon

And here is my Amazon author page – https://www.amazon.com/Ms-Deborah-Sheldon/e/B0035MWQ98/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_1 (not as up-to-date as my website, but I try!)