Here is my interview with Elizabeth Morgan

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?

EM: My name is Elizabeth Morgan and I am 29 years old.

 Fiona: Where are you from?

EM: I was born and raised in Manchester, UK

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

EM: I don’t really know where to begin; my brother and I were raised by my mother whose family were always around us. We saw our father at the weekends and his family at least once a year because they live in Northern Ireland. I love both my parents and all my family; they’re great people.

I wanted to be an actress so all my studies were revolved around acting, which is how I also got into writing. I mention this in more detail further down.

I love books, music, films, and theatre. I have an addiction to the Sims, though it’s been a while since I’ve played on it. I love mythology, folklore and fairytales and stories to do with pirates but they also link in to folklore. I collect Venetian masks. I love tattoos; on other people but I have 2 myself. I have 2 cats – MJ & Phantom – named after my fave artist and the lead from my fave musical.

That’s all I can think of at the moment.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

EM: I re-released my sexy short story Truth or Dare? in January. I will be self-publishing/re-releasing my sweet romance novella Stepping Stones at the end of April/beginning of May. Stepping Stones will also be released as a paperback which is always very exciting. Once SS has been re-released I officially have all the rights back to all my titles and I’m officially a self-published author, which I love.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

EM: I started writing when I was a teenager, but it was an on and off interest. I’ve always had an interesting imagination and it was a way to get the ideas out. When I went to college we were give assignments to write scripts and that’s really how it began. The only thing is with scripts you can’t put background detail in; scripts are all about action and it’s up to the director and actors to fill in the details. So I decided to write a book instead because I had all this history for the characters and all these details that were important. I wrote my first book at the age of 19, which was, wow, 10 years ago now.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

EM: When my first book was published; it’s a surreal feeling to see something you have spent a chunk of time thinking about and working on at completion and out in the world for people to enjoy.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

EM: I love the supernatural; I was brought up on it, and at the time I was reading a lot of Urban Fantasy. I kept thinking, “I could do this. I could write stories like this.” And one day as I was stood waiting to go to work I looked up at the flat roof of a building and found myself wondering what I would do if I saw a Werewolf up there. And that’s it, that’s the thought that started it all.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

EM: The title of my first book is Cranberry Blood and it was easy to come up with because it is a mixture that the heroine has to drink; although trivial in some sense it’s actually an important ingredient to her and her upbringing. Yes, it is a drink.

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

EM: I don’t feel I have a particular style. I like to write in first person point of view and in almost all of my books you get to see from the heroine and hero’s pov and sometimes secondary characters as well. I like to write paranormal and urban fantasy and I suppose the biggest challenge with that genre is trying to put a new spin on creatures that have been written about over and over again.

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

EM: None of the characters are based on people I know or on real events. Fractions of experiences and views sometimes sink in to the characters, but only pieces. Nothing that takes place in any of my books have been things I or anyone I know have ever done.

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

EM: No, I don’t have to travel but I do like to set my stories in different locations. So I just go on Google map and start searching for images that fit what I see in my head and then I find the location and go from there.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

EM: Mina Carter has created the covers for my Blood Series. Fiona Jayde created the cover for two of my novellas; Razel Dazzle and Stepping Stones. For the Muse Designs created the covers for Creak and On the Rocks and the cover for Truth or Dare? Was created by Obsessed by Books Designs.

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

EM: I don’t go out of my way to put messages in my books, if a reader feels there is a message in there then that’s fantastic. They’ve discovered something and hopefully enjoyed the story.

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

EM: To be honest I am so behind on reading; it’s terrible. My TBR pile is huge. I love Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, and Meljean Brooke. I think their world building is insane and brilliant; the amount of research that has gone in to each of their series. Amazing.

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

EM: I’d have to say Dianna Hardy; she was one of the first authors I met when I first got published – and I have been published since 2011 – and she and I have been friends ever since. She is a great support; so smart and such a talented and beautiful writer. She’s inspiring and I am so thankful to be able to call her friend.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

EM: Yes – and one I love – and like all careers you have to perceiver and keep working.

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

EM: Nope. The last book I released took me a year and a half and I read it over and over so I wouldn’t. Most of my books have been re-released/self-published so I got to go back and tweak things. I am a panster not a planner so I follow my characters lead and I’m learning the story as I write, which is the same as the reader.

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

EM: Funnily enough, the things that have been going on in my life recently which have made me feel a certain way have greatly helped me write the characters in my current WIP. As a writer you write many different characters but there is always a small piece of you inside them and I have recently discovered how very true that it is.

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

EM: If any of my books were made in to films I would be over the moon. However, I would love if my Blood Series would. I haven’t yet found an actress I feel would play my heroine, Heather, but I know who would play my hero, Brendan and that would be Sam Heughan from Outlander. As soon as I saw him my heart stopped; I was looking at Brendan. Physically he is Brendan, but he is such an amazing actor so I have no doubt in his ability to play the character.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

EM: Keep writing. No matter how bleak it sometimes seems, or frustrating etc it’s worth it when you finish that story that has consumed you for so long. Don’t put pressure or strain on yourself. Remember that you write because you love to write; you have stories to tell. Writing is a passion, not a chore. Keep at it and you will get to where you want to be.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

EM: Thank you for all your support; for continuing to purchase, read and enjoy my stories.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

EM: I’ve just finished Beta reading Dianna Hardy’s upcoming release: Blood Shadows. I would recommend her books to anyone as she is a fantastic writer.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

EM: No, but I’m pretty sure it was a fairytale. I loved fairytales and I loved my mother reading them to me.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

EM: I laugh at stupid and obvious comments and incidents; I have a dry sense of humour, and I can cry at anything; adverts, kids films etc.

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

EM: I wished I would have got to see Michael Jackson in concert. I thought he was an amazing artist; so talented and such an energetic performer. His music helped me through my childhood and I admire him greatly.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

EM: I love to read; watching films and go to the theatre, and I like to garden.

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

EM: I love American Horror Story, Poldark, Doctor Who to name a few TV shows. I love superhero movies and anything that is fantasy, paranormal, horror or animated.

Fiona: Favourite foods, colours, music?

EM: I love cheese. So pizza, cheese burgers, lasagne etc but I also love Chinese food. I like the colour blue; midnight/navy, and I love all sorts of music from Musicals to Rock.

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

EM: I would act. I started life wanting to act and drifted into writing. I like telling stories so if I couldn’t write them I would play them instead. As long as I can create in one form or another I will be happy.

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

EM: I have no idea, but I would like it to be something amusing and inspiring. Hopefully I have lots of time to figure it out.

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

EM: I sure do 😀

Website: www.e-morgan.com

Blog: www.xxxxmyworldxxxx.blogspot.co.uk

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dfYVAP

Events: www.booksigning.co.uk

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GZsKUT

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

 

Two of my books are FREE to download from most online retailers:

 

She-Wolf

Blood Series Prequel

 

Blurb:

Dealing with the Rogue Werewolves terrorizing his Pack? Simple.

Trying to convince his mate he does want to be with her? Bloody impossible.

Owen MacLaren is the Alpha’s son and the Pack’s second, and he has never been one to let anything get to him. So when a bunch of Rogues begin purposely dumping mutilated bodies around the Pack Keep, he is more than ready to deal with the Werewolves responsible.

But one night off and a trip to a local strip joint for a colleague’s stag night changes things, and Owen soon discovers he isn’t immune to everything . . . .
Being an independent Loup and travelling the world? Easy.

Having to come home and face the Werewolf who broke her young heart? Challenging.

After five years away, Clare Walker finds herself back home in Scotland, working in a strip club. The tips are decent, and she gets to dance, but it isn’t a place she thought she would ever be, let alone Owen, her Pack second and the mate she has always desired.

Although Owen is determined to prove he wants to be with Clare, things can’t go smoothly between them, not when they have past issues to sort out and a bunch of unusual ‘Rogues’ to deal with.

This title contains explicit language, violence, and graphic sex.

Buy Links:
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1NmcbBM
iTunes: http://apple.co/1MDNYW7
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1NYbCOA
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/1HhUMBt
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1hRcB5r
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1OsS8yx

She-Wolf is also available in print from Amazon and Barnes&Noble!

 ~ * ~

Razel Dazzle
A modern twist on a long haired tale….

Blurb:

 Will she let down her hair for the man of her fantasies?

 Famous for her long, golden hair and beaming smile, Razel D’Punz is the hottest model in the industry. But although most women would kill to get ahead in this profession, Razel lives an isolated life; one she has learnt to accept…until she meets Matthew Prince, a new photographer in the business.

Refusing to let her mother/agent’s strict rules stop her from spending time with the man of her fantasies, Razel quickly discovers that one night with Matthew isn’t enough….

And neither is the life she is chained to. Something will have to change if she is ever to get her very own Happily Ever After.

This title contains explicit language and graphic sex.

 Buy Links:
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1OsQOvE
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/1HuuIn2
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1NWA7Ix
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1LTP91U
iTunes: http://apple.co/1HTDqBM

Razel Dazzle is also available in print from Amazon and Barnes&Noble!

 

Here is my interview with Scott Bury

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?

I’m Scott Bury, and I’m 114 years old. Or at least, sometimes it feels like that.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in Winnipeg, and have lived in Thunder Bay, Ontario; Montreal; Toronto and now Ottawa.

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

I have a BA in Communications from Carleton University in Ottawa. I now live with my understanding wife, two mighty sons and two sleepy cats.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I havejust published my 13^th book, Wildfire. It’s the first volume in what I plan to be the Wine Country Mysteries.
https://www.amazon.com/Wildfire-Wine-Country-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B07B3PWK6T/

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have always written, as long as I can remember: little stories, poems, outlines, and the beginnings of a lot of unplanned novels.

I love making up stories. Some get sparked by a news story I read or hear, some by something  I see. I often get inspired by travel to interesting places. These can spark beginnings of stories, or suggest interesting characters.

One thing I like to do is imagine an interesting character, like the witch’s son. Then I like to add my friends and family members to the story, just to imagine how they’d react.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

As I said, I think I’ve always thought of myself as a writer. In high school, I started a school newspaper. I also published a little magazine of science fiction and fantasy in highs school. I wrote many of the stories in that, and got my friends to write others, or to illustrate them.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I wanted to write a story about dragons for my two boys. Then I came across a statement, somewhere — which I for the life of my have not been able to find again — that someone worked out that, had they been real people, Beowulf and King Arthur would have died in the same year: 535 CE.
Then I came across an essay called “Catastrophe,” which described the eruption of Krakatoa in 535, and how the resulting global dust cloud blocked the sun for a year. That led to crop failures and famines around the world, which caused civilizations to crumble in Europe, Asia and Central America. The author, Daniel Keyes, even linked that to the origins of the bubonic plague.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The Bones of the Earth refers to dragons, symbols of the most basic power of life on Earth.
Wildfire, my latest book, was inspired by my trip to California last fall. I was invited to a mystery writers’ conference in Russian River, in Sonoma County, in October. My wife and I decided to make a vacation of it. We spent a few days first in San Francisco. Then on October 8, when I went to pick up my rental car, I saw news reports about wildfires sweeping across Napa and Sonoma counties.

Highways were closed and the air was filled with smoke as we drove to the conference, which was thankfully not in the fire zone. But even during the conference, the skies were hazy with smoke, and ash fell on the hotel grounds. As one participant said, “That was once someone’s home.”

It was my wife who suggested a book set during that season. And the result is the first Wine Country Mystery.

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

I try to make my writing as un-challenging for the reader as possible. But that is challenging as a writer. I work hard to avoid passive sentences and clichés, and to use descriptive language to bring the reader right into the story. This means spending a lot of time finding my own way to describe things.

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

The fires themselves were absolutely real, and the evacuations. The falling ash and the smoke in the air are things that I experienced.
I also put friends and family into the story. That was fun!

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

I don’t have to travel, but it sure helps craft a realistic, believable story. I travel before the process. I did the same thing with my first mystery, Torn Roots. This is a mystery/thriller set in Maui, Hawaii, and the main character was a geologist. As I started writing it, I realized I knew nothing about the geology of Maui. So my wife and I took a trip to Maui, where I did a lot of research. I feel this helped me in my descriptions of not only the land, but the flora, the animals and the culture, as well.

And as I said above, it was a trip to Sonoma that inspired Wildfire. While not essential, the first-hand experience made a big difference.

I also set a lot of my action thriller, The Wife Line, in parts of Europe I had visited before: Provence, Austria, London.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The one-and-only designer, photographer and author David C. Cassidy.

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

Yes: trust yourself.

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 admire independent authors, who create new stories not constrained or pushed by commercial publishers. These include:

• Samreen Ahsan
• David C. Cassidy
• Bruce Blake
• Raine Thomas
• Autumn Birt
• Seb Kirby
• Alan McDermott
• Caleb Pirtle III
• DelSheree Gladden
• Toby Neal

And many more.

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

Gary Henry, who does a great job editing my books.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

It has been my career since 1986, when I started my first job as a journalist.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

To authors, reviews are like wine: some are sweet, some have a lot of acid. But you can never have enough.

It was a reader featuring the twins John and Jane, and their big brother Dick.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Injurious injustice based on prejudice makes me cry — for example, the systematic oppression of First Nations people.

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

Peter Abelard; I would love to discuss with him the value of skepticism and the literal belief in religion.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Writing novels.

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

I like stories that push boundaries, and have high production values: Vikings, Game of Thrones, Dark, Stranger Things, The Shape of Water, Lord of the Rings, stories like that.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

So hard to choose—there are so many great foods to eat, colours to see, music to hear. When it comes to music, my choices are wide. I tend to avoid pop, and listen to music with some kind of edge—whether that’s Bach or Leonard Cohen, or anything in between.

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

Maybe I would teach adults to read.

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

http://scottburyauthor.com

Amazon Authors page USA https://www.amazon.com/Scott-Bury/e/B007Z4BXGY/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scott-Bury/e/B007Z4BXGY/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Here is my interview with John Dill

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

Hi Fiona, my name is John Dill

What is your age?

I will be 63 years young in September of this year.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from and still live in Greenville South Carolina USA

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

I was born into an average American family until the age of eleven when my family became dysfunctional due to my mother being diagnosed with Paranoid Scitzophrenia. At that time the only available treatments for this disorder were Thorzine and shock treatments, of which she was subjected to an unhealthy dose. When she was finally released from the hospital to come home, she didn’t know who I was. Beingher only child, she was my world. Not being able to stand seeing her in that condition I soon began running away from home and it became habitual to the point I eventually stayed away and raised myself. I’m very fortunate to have survived. The one saving grace for me was the era in which this occurred being the peace, love and drugs era or what is now labelled the hippy era. During this period of American history everyone was extremely friendly and trusting so I rarely went without food or a place to sleep. I hitchhiked around the country, being filled with a strong curiosity and desire to see what’s over the next hill.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I have two books available on Smashwords/Amazon/Kindle/B&N/etc. of a four book series entitled The Braxin King. Book Three scheduled to release in late spring/early summer.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

At the age of six I began playing the guitar. This led to writing songs which led to poetry which led to short stories. Then I had a family of my own and was determined that my sons not have to grow up the way I did so I put everything aside and did what a man must do. Just last year…my sons now grown and on their own, with more free time on my hands I began to delve back into writing and found a website dedicated to aspiring writers entitled The Silver Pen. While frequenting this site I began submitting short stories and some poetry and was encouraged to continue writing. Finally, I decided to embark on a book. I quickly discovered most fictions are simply a series of short stories held together by a common theme or plot. Once I sat down, determined to write a book, I was amazed at how quickly the word count mounted. Pulling from my vast experiences in life and science I soon had the makings of three and one half books which I later edited down to two and a half.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I hit the submit button to upload my first manuscript to Smashwords for publication and sale.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

The originality of the storyline and encouragement I received from SilverPen Writers.Org

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Imagination. I don’t recall anything in particular inspiring the choice except the storyline required a name for the lead species or “clan” as I had them calling themselves. I just liked the flow of that term…”Braxin”…and the story included a prophesied King…so it became, by default, THE BRAXIN KING.

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

I tend to follow my protagonists thought processes out in his/her dealings with the plot and also endeavor to keep my characters as believable as possible. This seems to bring out some amazing inter-actions between characters and conversations.

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

A great deal of this book’s science is possible and some even probable. I also tend to approach my writing from a philosophical and psychological perspective which encapsulates many of the scenes in a strong sense of the possible. The series is an intelligently written original storyline and is a classic work of art. I’ve had zero bad reviews and almost all five star.

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

Only from my computer to the fridge or toilet. Not necessarily in that order.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I did, unfortunately the cover for book two is in need of work before Book Two will be available in paperback. I’ve all but decided to completely change it.

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

Love wins…always and All Will Be Well.

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 old school so the most influential writer whose books helped me at a time in my life when I needed it most was Ayn Rand and her biggest hit “Atlas Shrugged”. Going even further back I love Henry Thoreau as an American writer who went unrecognized during his life. There are so many new writers now my mind goes haywire trying to isolate one from the group. Writing itself is evolving.

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

Other than individuals who critiqued my early submissions and helped me hone my craft, even my family was taken by surprise that I was now a published author of two books and more to follow. I did this entirely on my own, teaching myself how to use various softwares for cover design, formatting for E-book publishing and did all of my own editing. That was a task and took up lots of time but well worth it. Mark Coker of Smashwords has a free guide on formatting a manuscript for EPUB which was a lifesaver for me.

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?

The haste in its release. I knew so little about marketing after the fact. I should have started an ad campaign a month or two before I released the first book. But it was a dream of mine for many years and would not be denied.

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

Everything.

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

Gosh, I don’t know. Mark Anthony is middle aged so maybe Harrison Ford or Bruce Willis?

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Stay true to your vision.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Enjoy…as I know you will. You will feel what I felt when writing it.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

None at the moment…sorry. Got me old hands full with too many irons in the fire as it is. When I sit down to read a book I want to be able to focus on what I’m reading. With the way things are moving right now, just not possible.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No…come on I’m almost 63 years old. I remember the comics were my first love affair with literature and art.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Romance

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

I love meeting new people so no one in particular stands out right now.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Music and computer software. I enjoy an occasional discussion with my physicist friends on the current state of knowledge about the universe.

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

I’m a big sci fi fan and action/adventure lover as well. Always have been.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Spaghetti, melange and old rock and roll.

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

Eternal sleep.

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

Don’t want to be buried but cremated.

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

Not yet. I’ve only been in print since mid February so I’ve still got a few hurdles to cross.

My Author page links:  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079NQJ1TN    https://www.patreon.com/yknow

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/783294 https://www.facebook.com/EnterBrainment/?modal=admin_todo_tour

 

Here is my interview with Daryn Rayne

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

Hi Fiona!!!

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

My name is Daryn Rayne!! I am 35. Lol.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from a small town in Louisiana.

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

Oh let’s see, I come from a big extended family. We are all super close! I graduated from school with a Bachelors in Mass Communications and Journalism. Later I completed a bridge program to become a certified teacher.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Ahhh. I am SOOOO Excited! My bestie, Heather Guimond, and I are writing a romantic comedy together, “FireBall”. And on April6th, my debut novel written with Gabrial Quinn will be live!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Let’s see, I have always written. But I did not start “writing things down” until a couple summers ago. It’s in my blood. I can’t help but write out a story in my head.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I still don’t. lol. I mean I know I am because I write. But I don’t consider myself an author yet. Probably wont until I am published.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

The first book I actually started writing will not be the first book published. Lol. Then one day we (Gabrial and I) were talking about some of his experiences with online dating and of course I laughed and said that would make a great book. That is how we initiated writing together. Then the characters took on a life of their own.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

We were chatting one day and trying to figure out what to name the book. Slade is a  MMA fighter and a Dominant. So we just stumbled upon it one day.

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

Ummm Random as hell is my style. Seriously, I write as it hits me. Which can be good… or bad and has drove Gabrial and Heather crazy I am sure. Lol. I can be walking in the store and a scene will hit my head, my characters are screaming at me. So I write it down and email it to myself. Problem with this is, it’s sometimes out of order. So we have to go back and make my puzzle pieces fit.

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

I’ll never tell… Just kidding. A part of me is in everything I have written. Because it comes from my imagination. Some things may be sparked from a memory, but once the characters start to come alive, they take on a roll of their own. It is their story and their words.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Lark Adams and she is fantastic and I absolutely love her.

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

Let’s see. I was talking to a friend of mine about this and I liked their explanation of what I wanted better than mine (Mine can go a little long). But basically, life isn’t just “chocolate and vanilla”. If you take a minute and look outside the “norm” whether it is love, sex, intimacy… you may be surprised at what you find you enjoy in life.

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?

OMG. There are way too many to name. Obviously, Heather Guimond, not only is she one of my besties but her writing is amazing. I love the way she makes me want to hug her and throw my kindle at the same time.

There really are too many.

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

Everyone in my life really.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes and No. Right now, I am new and just starting out. I am not at a point where I can quit and write full time. However, yes I do believe it is a career.

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

Ask me that in a couple weeks, lol. I am sure I will say yes, but to me, the characters are their own people. They write their own story. So (I may feel differently later) right now, I wouldn’t change it because it is their story.

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

Yes. A lot. One- google docs is the jam for co-writing. I also learned that I am severely ADD and have too many squirrel moments which makes for crap when trying to piece scenes together. I also learned that I love it! It is so much fun.

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

OOOH, I think Megan Fox would be an AMAZING Raven and lets see….. Charlie Hunnam for Slade… we can just dye his hair….

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write it down. If you have an idea, write it down.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Be you. If you have a dream, go for it. If you don’t like where you are right now, you have a choice in life. It doesn’t mean the right choice is the easiest. But in everything you have a choice.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Uhhh I am actually reading three at once.

Duke by Jax Hart;

Sins of the Father by Nikki Landis

ShadowMancer by Jeremy Mac

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Lol. No, I have read so many books it is hard to say what the first book I read was. However I remember my love for books goes back to Sweet Valley High and Nancy Drew.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I am generally a happy person and can find a reason to laugh anytime. Cry? Well that depends. I can cry at a pampers commercial depending on my mood.

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

No, there isn’t just one. There are tons!!! Present would be Patricia Cornwell. I am a super fangirl. #sorrynotsorry. Anyway, I love her Scarpetta series. Like my mom and I own every one. But I love her dedication to the book and characters. She goes out with professionals she writes about. Not just interviews them but GOES WITH THEM. I want to be her when I grow up!

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Ummm Reading, writing, I love to be outdoors on the water.

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

I watch Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Night Shift, Chicago PD/ Fire….

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I am from Louisiana so we have lots of favorite foods! I love Shrimp Fettuccini, Raw Oysters, Crawfish, Chicken and Dumplings…. I could go on forever. Favoritecolor is Blue and Black. Favorite music is everything. Lol. My play list goes across the board. Right nowShinedown has been playing on repeat in my head.

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

 Well, I would still write stories in my head. I just wouldn’t publish them. I have always created stories in my mind. Just never written down.

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

Ummm Let’s see, I always say “You’re killin me smalls”. So maybe, “Well, ya killed me smalls.”

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

 My website is a work in progress, but I do have a readers group that I think is super fun.

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/daryn.rayne/

Here is my interview with Christina Sng

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

 

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

Hi Fiona, it is lovely to meet you. I’m Christina  Sng and I’m 45.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Singapore—an island just north of the Equator.

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

After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Philosophy from the University of Melbourne, I began a decade-long career in the IT industry before giving it all up (and writing) to raise my kids.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I am still reeling—my first full-length book of poetry A COLLECTION OF NIGHTMARES was published by Raw Dog Screaming Press last July and this year, it won a Stoker!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing when I was about 5. It seems paradoxical to write before you can read but after my children, I realize reading and writing are both very different skills, both of which can develop independently from the other. I wrote from sounds and images, mainly about animals and the adventures they went on.

When I was young, I grew up surrounded by ghost stories. We lived opposite the site where the World War II torture chambers once stood. An aunt swore she heard chains being dragged across the hallway. Another saw ghosts. I saw nothing, unafraid of the shadows that were cast into our home, having sat in them since I was little, unharmed and untouched. My mother always told me that there were no such things as ghosts in the world, only bad people. So when I wrote about bad people, they became the ghosts.

The why is a bit trickier. It is just something I do. Some people pick up a pencil and draw, others can dismantle things and put them back together. For me, as long as I can remember, it was always writing poems and stories.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve always considered myself a writer. But as a professional writer, it was when I wrote articles, corporate white papers, and technical guides. As a professional poet, it was when I began consistently selling my poetry for professional rates. That would be from 2001.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

It has always been a life’s dream to hold my very own published book in my hands. For A COLLECTION OF NIGHTMARES, the stars simply aligned. I had enough good poems. So I picked my best published work from the 17 years prior, some of which had received Rhysling Award nominations and Honorable Mentions in the Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror, spun them around all over my floor and put together a story about living and dying.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

My early chapbooks THE DARKSIDE OF EDEN and DARK DREAMS were a glimpse of the book A COLLECTION OF NIGHTMARES would become. In that same vein, the title was born.

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

I have no formal training in poetry. The best explanation for how I write is by instinct and by ear. How it sounds, how it looks, how it feels, the story it tells. It doesn’t always work well but in those that don’t, I revise them till they work or discard them, which probably explains why my production of fiction is painstakingly slow.

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

Some are fact. Some are fiction, based on things I observed or read about or was inspired by. All are tempered with a fog of magic and darkness.

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

I wish I had the luxury to travel! Most days, I have to move mountains to even meet a friend for coffee. But one day, yes, I hope so.

Fiona: Who designed the cover?

The fabulous Steven Archer.

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

Life is short and brutal. Cherish those you love.

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?

The Stoker recommended list of 2017 was full of fantastic work. You could pick up any book and be awed.

My favourite poet is Sylvia Plath. She had a mastery of the form that I greatly admire and her poems are meaningful, powerful, and beautiful.

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

My writer friends from back in the early 2000s. They kept in touch, emailing me regularly to make sure I was still alive. 🙂

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes.

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

No.

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

People are good and kind.

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

Gosh, this is a tough one. Kate Beckinsale.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Read widely. Immerse in immersive writing. Keep writing, even if it is gibberish. Out of the ashes, a phoenix is born. Take criticism as a form of course correction. Take the advice and apply it to your work. See if it works. Keep trying another market. Somewhere out there is an editor who loves your work. Keep writing. Keep editing. Find something that brings you wonder and awe.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you for taking the time to read my work. Time is such a precious commodity that I am deeply grateful and honored that you have chosen to spend it with me in my book.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I have a very tall to-read pile which I should start at some point. Of course, I said that five years ago and the pile was much shorter then.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

It was one of those Peter and Jane books.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Funny cat videos make me laugh. Cruelty to the helpless makes me cry.

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

Einstein. I’d like to ask him questions about his theories. And also my paternal grandmother when she was young. She lived to 100 and survived two World Wars. I want so badly to know about her life.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I love to draw and paint. Play music. Garden.

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

Movies: Wonder Woman, Deep Rising, 17 Again.

TV: Game of Thrones, Lethal Weapon, The Blacklist.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Japanese, Italian, Mexican, and Northern Indian cuisine, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Sia.

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

I would paint, grow a forest, and make toys for my grandchildren. Rescue animals. Tend to the elderly.

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

Please do a kind deed today after reading this head stone.

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

Website: christinasng.com (updated twice a month)

Facebook: /christinasng (updated regularly)

Twitter: @christinasng (updated sporadically)

Instagram: @christinasng (sketchy at best)

My books:

A Collection of Nightmares: https://www.amazon.com/Collection-Nightmares-Christina-Sng/dp/1935738984/

Astropoetry: http://store.albanlake.com/product/astropoetry/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Christina-Sng/e/B079KCCCGK/

Thank you so much for this lovely interview, Fiona!

Here is my interview with Cherry Radford

 

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

Hello Fiona!

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

I’m Cherry Radford.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I grew up in Cobham (Surrey), but now live in Eastbourne and Almería, Spain

Fiona: A little about yourself

I’m a music college graduate and – I don’t know how this happened – a post-doctoral scientist. I now write and teach the piano part-time.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My new novel, The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter, will be published by Urbane Publications on 5^th April, 2018!

Fiona: When did you begin writing?

As soon as I could Sellotape pieces of paper together to make books.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I started my first novel about ten years ago – even though I didn’t know then whether it would ever be published.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Oh Gawd… an obsession with male ballet dancers!

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Men Dancing, because it was about a woman coping with the men and boys in her life – including some dancing ones 😉

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

I write about serious topics but have a natural flippancy; I have to keep checking my flippometer.

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

One of the inspirations for my new novel was my unexpected friendship with a well-known Spanish flamenco guitarist who I originally met on Twitter. My characters might start out resembling people I know, but once I start writing they quickly move on and become their own people.

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

Definitely. Googling is never enough; I need to experience a place myself, with at least three senses – before and during the writing process.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The publishers have designers who do the covers, but the image used for The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter was designed by photographer David Izquierdo Arispón, who is a long-time Twitter friend of mine.

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

It is a novel about communication – the difficulties we can have with it, but also the unexpected connections that can occur. Each reader will take something different from it.

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

Too many to mention! My favourite author, however, is the same as ever: Penelope Lively.  For me, her writing is perfection: elegance and emotion tempered with a little humour.

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

None!

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Of course.

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

I’ve already been through it all over again many times, so… no!

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

Yes. In particular, I learnt about the life of lighthouse keepers up to the early 1980s.

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

Kate Winslet. Natural, simultaneously strong but fragile.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Keep learning and don’t give up!

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you for choosing to read my book!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m just starting Kathryn Ferry’s The British Seaside Holiday. I’m researching piers, paddle steamers and other seaside stuff for my historical work-in-progress.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Bambi by Felix Salten, over and over. I cried every time I read it.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I tend to laugh at delusional characters like Alan Partridge (and myself!).  Bambi and a million other books, films and pieces of music make me cry.

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

Penelope Lively (see above), although I’m so in awe I’d be a mumbling idiot.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I play the piano, swim, and take long coastal walks

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

I watch very little television, but try not to miss David Attenborough, the RNLI’s Saving Lives at Sea, and Strictly Come Dancing. I enjoy any films (English or foreign) that are good dramas, as long as they don’t involve much violence – I don’t want those images in my head.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Easy: Thai, turquoise, flamenco.

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

Daydream a lot.

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

Nothing! Just throw me in the sea.

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

My BLA BLA LAND blog can be reached through my website http://cherryradford.co.uk

I also chat about writing, lighthouses, the sea and anything else that floats my boat on Twitter @CherryRad and Instagram cherry_radford

Amazon authors page UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cherry-Radford/e/B005UEREGO/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

USA  https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Radford/e/B005UEREGO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1522253189&sr=1-2-ent

Here is my interview with Owen Clough

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?

Owen Clough aged 70 years, heck that still shocks me when I see it in writing.

Fiona: Where are you from?

A small town of Takapau in the North Island of New Zealand population 400

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

I had little education as I left school at fourteen, travelled around New Zealand on a working holiday until seventeen then joined the RNZAF for eleven years. I then drove buses in Christchurch for twelve years. I owned a couple of small business until I joined the Christchurch Tramway as a driver. The tramway is a tourist operation and was with them until the Earthquakes of 2010 when Christchurch city and suburbs were munted. We all lost our jobs, but I was asked to head up to Auckland to help set up another Tourist tramway. I retired from here. We then went on the road with our 5th wheel for the next five years

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My second book in the trilogy Shadows of the Mind will be out very soon. My first book in the Series Whispers of the Past is also this year coming out in Audio which is pretty exciting

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started to write when I retired It was a bi product of my hobby. I had been interested in genealogy for fifty years and was asked to write a book about the family. I thought it was a bit on the boring side so I used my research to write a novel.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After my first book Whispers of the Past was published

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My love of history, though I changed it to suit my story

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I just woke up one morning with the name in my head.

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

No I don’t think to much about style as such, I just write. Historical fiction at the moment, and my new book is one hundred years into the future.

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

Quite realistic, Base on the time of the New Zealand wars around the time my family immigrated out to the ends of the earth. They walked into a war that had started in 1845 and finished in 1871

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

Yes I travelled around the battle sites, talked to Maori and Pakeha ( white person) to get different points of view and history of what was pasted down to them.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My daughter who is an illustrator, she is self employed http://www.drawerfullofgiants.com

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

You cannot change the past, even though I did the outcome was the same. So learn from it.

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

I have a few favourites ,Bernard Cornwall, Jack Higgins, Jack Ludlow. They write as though you are included in the story.

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

No one I’m afraid, it was my immediate family that started me and a young cousin who writes in her own right encouraged me all the way.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

No for me it is a great hobby where I met people and get interesting advise.

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

Yes I think I would have found a better proof reader.

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

Always find learning’s in everything we do. I’m always open to suggestions

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

Bret McKenzie

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Just do it, we all have a book stored away, just grab your pen and paper or computer and start writing. It doesn’t matte what you write just get it down.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

My books to date are historical fiction, even though they are based of fact the story is my imagination so there are inaccuracies but they are deliberate.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Tombs by Clive Cussler

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Yep that is easy Enid Blyton Famous Five

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

English comedy, English comedy

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

Kate Sheppard.  She was the leader of the New Zealand suffragette movement votes for woman in 1893 and lead the woman in this country to be the first to vote in the world.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Read, writing, genealogy and watch rugby.

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

I don’t watch much TV, but I like science fiction, action, thriller  and musical movies

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Chicken Parprika with rice and peas. The colour blue, Music 70/80’s

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

I would create stories in my mind.

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

No headstone for me,  a good old scattering of ash will suit me fine.

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

I do a blog, but  I’m not in the grove with it yet.

This is my Amazon site, https://www.amazon.com/Owen-Clough/e/B06XJMWYNM/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Owen Clough Books

https://web.facebook.com/Book1WhispersofthePast/   Whispers of the Past

https://web.facebook.com/Book2ShadowsoftheMind/     Shadows of the mind

https://web.facebook.com/clearingofthemist/  Clearing of the Mist

https://web.facebook.com/Liquidgoldnovel/  Liquid Gold

 

Here is my interview with S.L. Sterling

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 S.L. Sterling and I am 40 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from Ontario Canada

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

I was born and raised in southern Ontario.  I know live in Northern Ontario and I am married to my best friend and soul mate. We have two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. I have always been an avid reader and as a young child had the dream of becoming an author. Last year one of my favorite authors launched a course on how to write a novel. I signed up the day it opened and it gave me the push I needed to put pen to paper. When I am not writing or plotting my next book I can be found curled up on the couch with a coffee, blanket, and a book. In my spare time, I enjoy camping, hiking, sunny destinations and spending quality time with friends and family.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Well my latest news, my debut novel is releasing on March 28th.  I am very excited about that and I have just finished my second book A Kiss Beneath the Stars that will be releasing in August.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Well, I have always done creative writing since I was in my teens. Over the years though I let that fizzle out. In 2017 one of my favorite authors launched an online course on how to write a novel. I saved up, joined the course on opening day, and decided to move forward towards my dream and become self-published.

 Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer once I started my second book

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Again I think it was the course that inspired me and the wonderful group of new aspiring authors that I friended.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title for my book actually came to me when I was writing the dialogue of my hero. It was his words that became the title.

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

My stories are complete fiction.  Characters may be very loosely based on people that are in my life.

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

While writing my second book I did do part of the writing while I was on vacation, which made my characters vacation come to life. Being submerged in the sounds and environment of a tropical setting helped bring that part of the story to life. However, I normally do not travel in order to write my books.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The cover for It Was Always You was designed by Tiffany Black of T.E. Black Designs. She is absolutely amazing to work with and would recommend her to anyone.

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

I guess the message that I would want my readers to grasp from my first book would be to take that second chance if given, it may lead to your Happily ever after.

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 author – that is absolutely impossible for me to choose.

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

I would have to say me. I have never believed in myself to finish anything, but this I never gave up on myself. So that is a big thing for me.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I could easily see writing becoming my career. Not now, but maybe in a few years.

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

Did I learn anything? Well I learned how to actually write a novel and how easy it really is to self-publish.  I also learned that some days it seems like you will never hit your goal and that you just have to keep working at it, no matter how frustrating, until it is finished.

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

Wow, my book into a film, that is kind of hard to imagine at this point. But if it did I would like Bradley Cooper to play the role of Parker, and Rachel McAdams to play the role of Tatum.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Advice for other writers: Follow your dreams. If you want it bad enough it will happen with a lot of persistence.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

To my readers, thank you for your support!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am currently reading Gentlemen Nine by Penelope Ward

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The very first book I read was Dr. Suess’s ABC’s. My poor parents knew that book by heart and still do to this day.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I get emotional over the silliest things, commercials make me cry all the time.

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

I would love to meet Wayne Dyer. His book Excuses Be Gone literally changed my life.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

My hobbies are pretty simple, reading, writing and watching movies.

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

My favorite TV shows include The Big Bang Theory, Outlander, The Walking Dead and Friends. I also love romance movies, comedy’s and thrillers.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

My favorite food is pizza and pasta. My favoite colors are pink and purple. I love jazz, hip hop, and pop.

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

I honestly cannot imagine a time where I don’t write.

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

On my headstone I would have the quote  “I’ve lived a thousand lives.”

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

You can follow me on any of the below social media sites.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/S.L.-Sterling/e/B079WHGS66

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

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/s-l-sterling

Sterlings Silver Sapphires: https://www.facebook.com/groups/151709455452003/

Newsletter Signup: https://mailchi.mp/d1dcd2064939/newsletter

Purchase Links to It Was Always You

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2Ffmc3D

Kobo:   http://bit.ly/2EAw36Q

iBooks:  https://apple.co/2Czz8io

B&N:  http://bit.ly/2m1qSRr

 

 

Here is my interview with Linda Penner

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

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

Hi!  I’m Linda Penner and I’m…well…er…let’s just say, I’m retired!

Fiona: Where are you from?

I live in a beautiful (and presently very cold) city in Alberta, Canada called Medicine Hat.  Yes, that’s right – Medicine Hat!

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

Well, I weighed 6 lbs 1 oz at birth – just kidding, we’ll skip all the boring stuff!  I worked in the financial industry for many years while raising 3 kids as a single parent and taking previously unfinished college classes.  After empty nest and retirement, I joined a writers group and put pen to paper!

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m planning a little road trip with 2 other writers over the summer to introduce our books and the love of writing to libraries and book clubs in our region.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I was a little kid when I wrote an obituary for my pet water beetle when he diedand thought I could carve out a lucrative career in animaleulogies.  That didn’t quite work out for me, but I continued to write essays and stories while growing up until adulthood slammed me in the face with business reports and correspondence.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

That’s a tough question, I’m not sure I do.  I’m just someone with so many thoughts and ideas in my head they have to pour out onto paper.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Well the title, A Hitman Is Cheaper Than Divorce,is a little self-explanatory, but I have to state that the book is not just moaning about how tough breakups are, it conveys that divorce is a little more survivable if you can laugh sometimes.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I chose that title 20 years ago when I got the bill from my divorce lawyer and decided to write the book!

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

I’m a humour writer and I have found there seems to be only small niche for it.  Most writers’ festivals, conferences, workshops and contests have little or no interest in that style.

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

All of it!  Chapter 8 is a collection of stories that multiple women gave me about their experiences in dating after divorce.  Most are hilarious!

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

That’s an ongoing process, I never go anywhere without seeing or hearing something that I think would make a good story.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I did.  Chapter 5 has an episode regarding several BFFs and a voodoo doll experience, so I told the good people at CreateSpace what I wanted and they delivered.

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

She (or he) who laughs – lasts!  You can survive a nasty breakup and move on if you can look to the lighter side of life.

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?

Of course, I love humour writers like Stephen Leacock, Erma Bombeck and Gary Lautens, but I also enjoy the true crime writing of Anne Rule and detective work of Ann Cleaves.

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

My high school teacher, Mr. Reimer, saw potential in my writing and took the time to tell me.  You only asked for one, but I also have to mention my former colleague, Barb Rogoz, who reviewed books for the local newspaper and took the time to provide valuable input and encouragement to my book.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

No, my career is behind me and now writing is for my pleasure – and I hope for others as well.

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

Oh yes, I think authors are always second-guessing themselves on many levels, but there is one thing I would definitely change.  I would be more honest and portray the truly gritty side of what divorce can be.  I held back to protect my children.

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

It did not set out to be a healing process, but in the end, I believe it was.  Writing can be very cathartic.

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

WOW, that’s a tough one! If it was filmed in the UK, I’d say Miranda Hart with her 2 besties, Emma Chambers and Sally Phillips!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Join a writers group, read books on the craft of writing, take workshops & courses, attend writing festivals and conferences.  Find beta-readers interested in your genre and seriously consider their feedback – they’re a sample of your reading audience.  Find a good (and fair) editor.  And keep revising – I’ve seen a lot of good writing that could have been great with a few more revisions.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Hitman is no literary great, it’s there for you to enjoy, laugh along with, and perhaps shed a tear or two over.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis – funny and a great read!

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Dick and Jane – my first-grade reader.They had a dog named, Spot – what’s not to love?

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Life.  It can be so ridiculous you have to do one or the other!

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

Yikes, I want to name someone profound, but you must know me by now, so I’m going to say, the Energizer Bunny.  He’s cute, fuzzy, and he just keeps going, and going, and…

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

This is where I should say I’ve taken up cycling and white-water rafting, but the truth is I read a great deal, and teaching myself the lost art of braid-in rug making (google it). I also fundraise for the SPCA by making Christmas wreaths for dogs.  They’re very inexpensive to make and raise a lot of money for pet rescue at the end of each year.  I’ve included a picture,soplease feel free to copy my idea to use for your shelter fundraisers.

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

Right now, I’m watching The Big Bang Theory and Jam and Jerusalem, and I get my fix of world news satire from Saturday Night Live.  I also love detective and mystery series like 7 Seconds on Netflix and just started watching the latest of Broadchurch!

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

“Life of Pie” in chapter 4 of my book explains the ongoing love/hate relationship I have with food, so I won’t go further into that except to say it’s a struggle and right now cake is winning!

As for colours…I wrote a bitter little poem titled, “True Colours”,after someone stiffed me on a loan, and it was accepted for publication in the Canadian Stories magazine.

And music – well, I’m a whole lot rock ‘n roll!

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

Read

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

“Here lies Linda P.

Mistakes were made!”

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

Readers, keep your eye on this Amazon link for an eBook giveaway coming soon!

www.amazon.co.uk/Hitman-Cheaper-Than-Divorce-Dragging/dp/0995338906/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522186191&sr=1-1&keywords=A+Hitman+Is+Cheaper+Than+Divorce%21&dpID=51YTnW8HPWL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

Take a look at my author page at: UK   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Linda-Penner/e/B07BHTPD3Y/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

USA    https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Penner/e/B07BHTPD3Y/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1522189015&sr=1-2-ent

And be sure to check out my facebook page for funny, weird and wonderful stuff at:

A Hitman is Cheaper Than Divorce! https://www.facebook.com/ahitmanischeaper/

Here is my interview with Igor Goldkind

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 Igor Goldkind.
I am older than the trees but younger than the breeze ;~)

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am originally from San Diego but have spent half my life living and working in Europe.

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).
I attended John Muir Alternative School and the the University if California at Santa Cruz where I studied continental philosophy.  Later I studied poetry     and creative writing at San Francisco State and became emersed   in the remains of the Beat Poet scene.

 Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My latest news is that I have completed the manuscript to my first collection of 13 short stories entitled THE VILLAGE OF LIGHT in the genre of Speculative Realism and inspired by Ray Bradbury’s seminal collection The Illustrated Man published in 1951, 12 years before I was born.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing regularly in the 9th grade after stumbling across Charles Baudelaire’s Fleurs du Mal in my French class.  We were supposed to be learning to translate French to English but being an SF fan I was struck immediately by the surrealist imagery and began to copy the style with my own words.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

You mean as a full time profession?  Only in the past 5 years as I began to be actually be paid for my words.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I was contacted by an SF author I had befriended a year previously on Facebook while I was living and teaching in Oxford, England.  I had made many friends who were SF, Fantasy and horror writers when I worked in publishing so I didn’t consider it unusual to have a friend request from Amy Sterling-Casile, although I didn’t know her.  A year later she contacted me by DM to tell me that she was launching a new publishing imprint called Chameleon Publishing to focus primarily on female authors of fantasy, SF and horror.  She had been reading my comments on Facebook regularly for a year and she asked me if I had ever seriously considered getting published.  I was astounded as my collection of rejection slips from publishers were beginning to stack up on my floor!
I answered that I had always taken my writing seriously the problem was convincing publishers to take my writing seriously. Amy’s answer was “Well now you have”.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I didn’t, really.  It kind of came to me out of nowhere after I had begun to assemble the contents.  Amy was offering me a 3 book contract that included my collection of short stories and an SF novel entitled  PLAGUE.  But she wanted to move more quickly to launch me into the market and asked what I had the most of, which was of course poetry.

Now everyone knows that poetry is mainly read by other poets and is not a financially rewarding genre.  Nonetheless it was what I had the most of that I felt would hold up for readers and it was after all to be just the first book of 3.  There also seems to me to be a poverty of poetry in todays’ arts, so I wanted to help refill that hole.

In collating and collecting my work over the previous 15 years, I began to notice a pattern emerging.  There were recurring themes, Love, Sex, Death, Loss and a kind of hybrid metaphysics with a political or social leaning.  But most of my poetry and the two short stories that were eventually included had to do with the women who were important  in my life.  My mother who was a talented artist, my younger sister who had only recently died giving birth to her third child, shockingly.

I had only been talking to her 20 minutes previously long-distance from her hospital bed to my house in Oxfordshire.  An hour after we hung up her husband called me to break me the news.  Which, I then in turn had to break to out mother.  Perhaps the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
My daughter, Olivia whom I had raised since she was a toddler into her teens and who had developed a marked talent for art as well with my encouragement and my mother’s genes.

There were also love poems I had written to both lovers and women I had admired throughout my life and I began to see my biography in terms of my relationship to the women in my life.

Is She Available?  means several things on several levels.  One, the obvious sexual come on of man to a woman that predominates the male gaze in ur culture.    If you meet someone you find attractive you ask your friends and hers: is she available?  Is she single?  But that’s only the surface. Although I acknowledge and affirm that level the question probes deeper.  Is She Available?   also means  ‘is she present?’  is she available in the moment?

Which reflected a somewhat mystical dimension of intimacy or affection. Of love.  Also, the premature death of my sister and my awareness of my mother’s increasing dementia and imminent death made me almost cry out as a child who’s losing his mother, his family, his heart.  Is She Available? can also mean, I can’t find my mommy.  Where’s my mommy?
But others have guessed even better levels of meaning to the title.  I didn’t choose the title, it kind of chose me as a way of making sense of my life.

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

I don’t know if I have a specific style, at least not intentionally.  My poetry is very influenced by the Beats in terms of sound and rhythm.  I recite most of my work in Spoken Word performances.   Imagists such a Pablo Neruda, the early 20th century Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke, the surrealism of Arthur Rimbaud, Apollinaire, Verlaine and most of all Stephen Malarme are also a huge influence.  Malarme’s Roll of the Dice having influenced the volume most of all in terms of its emotive cohesion and typographic experimentation.  And most of all my pursuit of the emergent genre of Speculative Realism.

My prose style is also an unintended smorgasbord  of Raymond Carver, Jack Kerouac, Paul Auster and of course Ray Bradbury, Theodor Sturgeon and Harlan Ellison.  Did I leave out John Reed?

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

The entire work is confessional.  It’s not based on a true story, it is a true story.  But presented as impressions as emotive imagery, and as if my life were a work of fiction.  As if the events of life itself make up just another work of literature.

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

No, I don’t have to although I do.
I’ve travelled half my life having lived and worked in half a dozen different countries and cultures.  Returning to California just 3 years ago to care for my mother who has since passed away has been like being a tourist in my own country.

But nothing stays the same, everything is constantly changing so my eyes have become like a camera, recording all that it sees almost detached from mine own identity.  When you immerse yourself in your own observation, when you dilate all of your senses into one receiving lens, you disappear.  Your sense of yourself as separate from the world you observe dissolves and you become the camera.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

A genius by the name of Rian Hughes.  Rian is based in London and I had worked with him professionally for around 10 years on comics designs and logos for various publishing companies in England.  We are complimentary opposites.  His focus is all about design and visual presentation and mine is about content and words.  At first we used to struggle on ads and brochures as each us fought for our own aesthetic corner.  But eventually I learned so much from Rian (and I trust him from me), about the synthesis of those two emphasizes into one coherent effort.    We kind of merged on our projects and worked very well together.  I’ve worked with many talented designers in my time Steve Cook, Dave McKean, Brendan McCarthy.  But when Amy allocated a budget for the book design there was no one else for me that could provide the same collaborative crucible that Rian could.  I believe that together we invented a new form of print and electronic publishing.  One that presented layers of expression as textures just beneath the surface.

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

Yes!  Is She Available? is not a nice or pleasant read.  There’s humor in it but there’s also anger, yearning, bewildering confusion, grief, dark depression and also love, desire  and illumination.  Kind of like a real life, not one that’s contrived with facile morals or ethical formulas.  But the texture of life that we’re all actually living.  The one that is high-lighted by both joys and tragedies, outside of any linear sense of time.
I believe that time is a construct and that our identity is really composed of a constellation of significant events that have  deeply impressed us.  That is who we really are, not our ages or our place on a timetable.

Some have told me that Is She Available?  serves them as a manual for overcoming depression and loss; that my words both affirm the darkness while pointing the way out.

In the  Preface I’ve written (ironically entitled Afterwards), I say that This is a book of Poetry, a book that opens into yourself and leads out of yourself.  Because when you stare into the Abyss long enough, the Abyss will stare back at you; and if your gaze remains unflinching, the Abyss will speak to you.  And this is what it says …..

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?

New authors?  Too many and even more dead authors.  Nothing is really new, just forgotten.  I have eclectic tastes that gravitate towards the  authentic, towards truth-saying.  For example, I do like the works of Neil Gaiman, an old friend of mine from our London years promoting graphic novels; kind of.  I mean I always respected his quirky dark fantasy like Good Omens and Neverwhere and his Sandman was a seminal breakthrough comic especially for women.  (There’s always been something comfortably feminine about Neil’s writing.)

But when he had established enough of an audience to take more personal risks with work such as the Ocean at the End of the Lane  (by far my favorite work of his), I stand up and applaud his lightheaded profundity   Neil’s oeuvre is about childhood, it’s innocent joys and its existential terrors.  None of Neil’s horror is ever really more threatening than a darkened bedroom; but for any child, a darkened bedroom can hold the terrors and torments of hell.  That is until your mother turns on the light and asks you if you’re alright!

Dead authors?   Edgar Allen Poe of course.  Who would have remained obscure and unknown if not for Charles Baudelaire discovering him after he had died in a flophouse.  Sometimes everything seems to be a revolving circle (or perhaps a spiral) in life.

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

My friends.  Fellow writers and artists.  Those who both encourage and critique my work.  It’s like a private bus charter that often breaks down and everyone has to get out and push sometimes.  So sometimes we’re on the bus and sometimes we’re off the bus.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I see it more as a vocation or a calling like medicine or the Law, than a career.  A career is what you pursue for status or money, a calling is something your deepest being must answer.  I write because if I didn’t I would be dreadfully unhappy, more so than I am.  There really is no other reason to write.  It’s a lot of hard work and the pay is abysmal and gets worse with every passing year.

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

There’s two typos I should have caught in reading and rereading it.

I may have been a little too loose with the font sizes as people over 40 tend to complain to me that they find the type face too small.

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

I learned everything.  About myself as much as publishing

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

Antonin Artaud or Buster Keaton

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Call yourselves re-writers.  That’s closer to the truth and the first thing Ray Bradbury ever said to me.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Yes, but it’s in my work, so you’ll need to purchase my work to hear what I have specifically to say to you.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Several.  Some  of them being Quentin Meillassoux’s books on Speculative Realism.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

On my own? Probably Curious George or Grimm’s Fairy Tales.  The first SF novel I ever read was Edgar Rice Burough’s The Princess of Mars and Pelucidar.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

People make me laugh and their lives make me cry.

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

Giordano Bruno, the 17th century Franciscan monk who refused to renounce his Copernican beliefs to the Italian Inquisition that the earth was not the centre of the solar system or of the universe.  Unlike Gallileo, who chickened out, Bruno was burnt at the stake for his dedication to the truth of his own senses thus becoming the first secular martyr and marking the beginning of the scientific revolution.  I would love to hear the nature and the depth of his conviction first hand.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Survival.

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

Black Mirror, Electric Dreams, the new Star Trek and Gotham

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Wow, I love all kinds of food from different countries and cook most of my own meals.  I enjoy the full spectrum of colors and likewise listen to world music, post bebop jazz and 60’s psychedelia.  Yasmin Levy, Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed. David Byrne,  John Coltrane, Max Roach and Jimi Hendrix and on and on and on

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

Recite what I wrote from memory.

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

Poet-Author-Educator

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

Yes.  You can find me on Facebook as well as my page Is She Available and Third Act of Creation, my spoken word troupe.

If you are interested in my day to day sketching and drafting, subscribe to my blog here: http://igorgoldkind.wordpress.com
Samples of the music tracks and animation of Is She Available?  can be found here

You Tube samples:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRnmT_aE0acoowdNBvFtK_VW2OkNN2wWp

SoundCloud samples : https://soundcloud.com/igor-goldkind/sets/is-she-available-spoken-word

And as I’ve taken my book off of Amazon, because they treat books like groceries and their authors like peasant farmers, you can order a sign and dedicated copy of Is She Available?  directly and securely from Paypal:  http://www.PayPal.Me/issheavailable

If you are interested in my day to day sketching and drafting, subscribe to my blog here: http://igorgoldkind.wordpress.com
Samples of the music tracks and animation of Is She Available?  can be found here :

YouTube samples:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRnmT_aE0acoowdNBvFtK_VW2OkNN2wWp

SoundCloud samples : https://soundcloud.com/igor-goldkind/sets/is-she-available-spoken-word

Amazon authors page USA   https://www.amazon.com/Igor-Goldkind/e/B00UGF96HW/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1522180844&sr=1-2-ent

UK   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Igor-Goldkind/e/B00UGF96HW/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1