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~ My interviews with many authors

authorsinterviews

Monthly Archives: April 2018

Here is my interview with G H Neale

30 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by fionamcvie1964 in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments


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 Graeme.  I go by the pen name of G H Neale.  My wife calls me other things, some good, some not so.  I am older than my teeth.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from Kent, a small county in the Untied Kingdom. It is a very beautiful place to live, everywhere smells of apples, hops and damp washing.  I had the good fortune of being born a week before the death penalty was abolished.  I studied hard at college, kept my nose clean, got my head down, got packed off to university and was finally released into the wider world with qualifications in Philosophy and History of Art, both entirely useful subjects.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I am working on ‘Argonautica,’ my third novel, which is a travelogue of family cruising the Mediterranean written both as a paean and a pastiche of Apollonius.  It explores art, politics and identity.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

From about three years old.  I swiftly progressed from daubing colourful crayon glyphs on my mother’s wallpaper to the sophisticated medium of the ostrich quill.  Once electricity had been invented I progressed tousing the computer.  I am up to speed with this device, employing, more often than not, three fingers.

Language and the nature of it has always interested me.  The ineffable qualities of it I explored with my first novel, ‘Archipelago’  It was rather well received.  I was rather well pleased.  A superlative review of it can be found here: https://booksist.net/literary-fiction-review-archipelago-a-problem-by-g-h-neale-ef79e952d127

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

It may be true to say, that there is no starting point and no end to being a writer, rather like a guitarist, you are always discovering new chords and arpeggios.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Wine and long conversations with my child-minder.  I realised then that I had a half-decent tale to tell.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Initially, the first novel was going to be called, ‘All things are A part” but I thought Archipelago was more expressive.  Similarly the second, which is set in Madrid, had a working title of ‘Four Go Mad In Madrid’  but I was concerned the estate of Enid Blyton may take me to task.  Hence I settled on, Arriba.  I now seem to be headed in titling everything with ‘Ar’.  The third novel, as mentioned is called Argonautica.  Perhaps the fourth, Arachnid or Arithmetic.  You can see where this is going,can’tyou?

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

I am a meta-fictional author.  This means I write books about people who write books, in a conceited, tower of babel kind of way.  One which either leads to infantile regress or the attempts the summation and final zed of all and everything.  This is fun to try but equally hard work.

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

Almost all the characters in my novels are based on real-life people that I have either met by acquaintance or love through friendship.  I am often a little unkind but I am an author and authors are vampires.

Here is one of my best friends:

A heavily-set woman, an obvious Englishwoman, squashed piles of heavily-set, woolly sweatshirts, hoddies and joggers. She was bingo-winged. Her swollen timbers in a pear-wear, Rubenesque-buttocked way, generally more rotund at the lower half of her considerable frame than at her topper-most bodily aspect, held up a whole engaged column of a monumental formation. She picked up the bottoms of a blue track suit which said in an inside label: El Corte Inglés, Medio. She held them up to her three-quartered ‘peddle pusher’ jeans, which were four-fifths up her nine-tenths worth of ungulated calves, and stretched their elasticated girth for all that they were worth and decided, no, it would not encompass her bulky, hippopotamus hips, and elephantine-trunked, reared up posterior.

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

Yes, as much as possible.  Google maps is a real boon though and this enables me to get to places that I could not afford to go.  As mentioned, whilst I have been to Madrid many times, at home, I could check details for Arriba.

The first novel is set in Sevenoaks, Kent.  I walked around it thousands of times, noting many points of interest and disinterest but it was all accurate.

After completing one of the important matters that she needed to attend to, she had strolled a mere three hundred and fifty feet down the High Street, past the Woolwich Building Society, the Plaxtol Bakery and Boots and, after turning into Bligh’s Court, she was waiting with her usual air of adventure in the reception area of ‘Tan and Float,’ number one specialists in high-pressuretanning and Jessica Nails.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Myself.

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

I like to wish other people well apart from those who don’t wish other people well.

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?

I really like Flann O’Brien, an unsung genius.  Calvino, Beckett and Joyce of course.  Modern writers such as Stephen Moran impress me greatly.  His novel, ‘Server’, will transpire to be one of the great works of literature.  I am sure of this.

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

My dog likes to offer her opinions from time-to-time.  Actually, long walks are good for the thinking.  I would encourage every author to get a dog or a Segway.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I proof-read professionally but have little opportunity to express my artistic ideas therewith.  Even the great Philip Larkin had to be a librarian to pay the gas bill.

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

Seriously, no.

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

Yes, quite a bit. The research aspect can be most revelatory.  I order old newspapers to make sure the embedded cultural and historical referencesare correct.

Passing by the extravagant plastic floral displays in the reception area, Mr Williams wandered into the living room and looked gloomily at the jabbering television set displaying Marti Caine’s “talent galore” on New Faces.

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

The main protagonist in Archipelago is an émigré from the Galapagos Islands.  Penelope Cruz would seem to be ideal.  Am I allowed to blush at this point?

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Do what you want to do. Do not chase the money god.  True artists have no concern with money

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Be kind.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am reading a historical narrative of Granada.  It is really quite brilliant.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Yes, ‘The Green Pirate’ I remember working out that abstract word, ‘because’.  It was quite a moment for me.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I cry a lot more than I ought to and despair at more.

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

I would love to meet my grandfather again.  The only memories I have are that he was a very kind man.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

It may surprise you to know, gymnastics.

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

I do not really watch the television with much interest.  It is a jabbering thing in the corner to which I pay scant attention

Fiona: Favorite foods, colours,  music?

None really; although I am colour blind, tone-deaf vegan

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

Talk much more, a lot more.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

I would have several cups of tea, kiss my wife and children and have a go at a jigsaw.

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

This:

“To the memory of Regan Lee Homeward who for upwards of half a century resided in this district. He was born in England, 2nd November 1964. Possessing a vigorous mind and a habit of untiring application. In disposition he was humble, kind and affectionate; and his life was marked with a high regard for the interests of religion and devoted piety to God. He died in the peaceful assurance of everlasting life. His sorrowing wife and three children gratefully record in their loving remembrances the many excellences which adorned his character. ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21.’”

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

I have a website:  www.pmvideos.com.  I am very garrulous on Twitter too.  Come and say hello @ghneale.

Here is my Amazon author page:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-G-H-Neale/e/B0180YIA18

 

Here is my interview with Taryn Leigh

30 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by fionamcvie1964 in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

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 Taryn Leigh and I’m 35 years old

Fiona: Where are you from?

Durban, South Africa

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

I studied Interior Design, now work in Procurement, and I’m married with a son

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I fell in love with books when a teacher suggested that my mother take me to the library to improve my reading skills. From there I wanted to write my own stories

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve never really given myself that title, I think I might when I’m old lol.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Someone suggested I write as a way to express my creativity. I had done it years before, and decided to try it again. The story just came to me while falling asleep.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I love John Legend’s music, and the words “Perfect Imperfections” is a phrase in one of his songs. It just felt right with 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 descriptive, and that can be either a loved or hated quality to readers. So the challenge is finding a balance where I describe enough for those who like it to love it and relate to the characters, but I also leave enough unsaid, for someone to imagine their own story within the story.

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

The lead male character is based on my real life husband, and the story of friendship is based on my own friendships. Different friends are described in different ways, all mixed together. Also the places I mention are all real places I’ve been to in South Africa.

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

Yes and no. Things like google help when you can’t travel to a place. However the places I’ve gone to make it more authentic when you describe it. You can add detail that no one can find on google.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publishers did. I sent them ideas, and from there we came up with something that makes sense when you read the book.

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

Definitely. There are a few. The one is that woman have inner strength, that they need to realise and rely on. The second is that there is hope even after the worst of situations, and the third is that forgiveness is essential to walking life’s journey. You forgive for your own freedom, and not for the other person.

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 I would say are my amazing fellow Authors from The Fiction Café. As far as my favourite Authors are concerned, there are a few. Enid Blyton for her amazing imagination. Sydney Sheldon for his ability to research, and Karen Swan for her phenomenal way of transporting you into the story and away from reality.

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

My publishers were very supportive. They believed in my story and helped me share it with the world

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes definitely. You should make a career from what you love doing right?

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

Yes, that time is of the essence. I need to make time. It isn’t always going to just come easy.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Run your own race. Don’t try to write like someone else, or expect success like someone else. Just do what you do best, and focus on your life’s journey. The rest will come.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

The characters I write about are real to me, and I hope they are real to you. I write because I want you to walk away from the book and remember something from it that will add value to your life. There is nothing worse than wasting your time reading something that leaves you empty at the end. I hope my books leave you feeling strong, empowered and ready to conquer the world.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

A book by a fellow Author from my same publisher. It’s called ‘Like China’ by Vanessa Streete, it’s her debut novel

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The faraway tree by Enid Blyton. Best children’s book ever!

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Anything can make me laugh. I’m one of those people who laugh until tears roll down my face. I can cry for pretty much the same reason. Lol.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

 I love writing, painting and baking. Best de-stressors

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

I don’t watch TV believe it or not. But I like a good movie, especially ones based on true stories or romantic comedies.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Oooh all food is good. Carrot cake is my favourite dessert, Roast lamb would be my favourite meal. I love yellow, and music I listen to pretty much anything except heavy metal.

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

Like my Page on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter

Connect with me on my Website www.tarynleighauthor.com

Taryn Leigh is the Author of Perfect Imperfections, which is currently availablefrom Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes&Noble, Exclusive Books and where all good books are sold

 

Blurb of Perfect Imperfections

Sarah Lewis desires nothing more than to begin again after a failed marriage and a tragedy so terrifying, it forces her to leave her life in London to stay with her best friend a world apart in South Africa. Despite immediate success in her business, she struggles to understand who she really is and where she belongs in the world. So begins a journey of discovery as Sarah re-unites with Katy in the land where she was born, where the air is lavender scented, and weekends are spent cycling on the beach. Until the day when she has to return to London to face the ghosts of her past and confront a situation that has grown more complicated in her absence. Perfect Imperfections is an intriguing tale which hints at wrongdoings and deceit without giving too much away. The author cleverly weaves a tale around fragile yet strong Sarah as she tries to reconcile her past with her future, engaging the reader to the point where we simply want the best for her and for happiness finally to come her way.

 

Here is my interview with Caitlyn Fournier

30 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by fionamcvie1964 in Uncategorized

≈ 3 Comments

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 Caitlyn Fournier and I’m 21.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from a small town in Ontario, Canada.

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

I just graduated from Western University with a Bachelor in a Double Minor in General English and Creative Writing. I have two cats, Mango and Kiwi, who are practically my babies since I raised them both practically from birth. My parents divorced when I was young and I’ve lived with my mother since, with my father recently moving out to Manitoba.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m doing a couple book launches this year and I’ll be going to several different book festivals in Ontario. I’ll also be revamping some of my older already published books and giving them a fresh once over which should be finished by August. The book launches will be in July, September, October, and maybe in December if I can manage to get that last book finished. The book festivals that I’m going to be going to this fall are The Word on the Street (Toronto), Ignite Your Soul Author Event (London), and KaliCon (Belleville), which can all be found on my Facebook page.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing when I was 10 I believe. I started writing as a way of escape through a slightly messy parental divorce. Writing became addicting as I started to write about Fanfictions for my favourite shows and books as a kid, it was exciting.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I first considered myself a writer when I had self-published my very first book, and after having sold a few of the books it made it even more worth it.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I’m honestly not too sure, it was just an idea that would not stop coming to the forefront of my thoughts and I explored it in my mind, and it kind of just developed on its own.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title came from the general feeling that was given off by the main characters. They were hated by each of the other people in the novel and even by each other at one point, and its about the theme which is overcoming hatred.

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 that I have a specific writing style, but I guess that I always like to have a bit of romance in every book that I write. I always find writing in the romance genre or subgenre to be difficult because of the number of clichés that there are already out there. As a writer you are always wanting to try to write in a way that makes people think about it differently, so avoiding the general clichés is definitely difficult.

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

Maybe 5% of my writing is based around realistic events of life experiences. I also do use a lot of research for subjects that I’m not familiar with or for specific events or time periods that I had no part in.

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

I usually don’t have to travel to craft my works, but recently my ideas have begun to dwindle so I booked a trip to how that it’ll help change my view on the world and my writing as a whole.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I designed 95% of my covers through the Createspace cover creator, however, recently I have gotten hold of an indie artist who is designing the front and back cover for me for my July book release.

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

I guess there kind of is a message, I just hope to let my readers know that they are not alone and that even though there may be hardship in your life that you are strong enough to get past them.

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 haven’t had too much of a chance to read recently but there are a couple new author that has mildly grasped my interest through my book reviewing side job. I have two favourite writers, one is Patricia Briggs and the other one is Rick Riordan. The thing that strikes me about their writing is simply that I can easily relate and escape into their stories and books, and even when they are done still want there to be more.

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

My friends have supported my commitment to becoming a published author, and even a few of my old co-workers did as well.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I’m hoping so because writing is not something that I think that I could ever live without. I want to be able to write everyday and not have too many outside distractions (like another job) but I’m still working towards that.

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

There is always something that needs changing in books, especially as time goes on. After I have finished and published a book I can always go back and see things that could be changed later.

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

I had to do some research around gay relationships, Albinism, Vampires, and different kinds of abuse and torture methods. I had learned a lot of different things when researching these subjects for my two new books that are still a work in progress at this point.

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

Well I guess that would depend on which of my books got made into a film. I guess if it was my book Hated I would want Braeden Lemasters as Antonio and Katija Pevec as Stephanie.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Marketing is always the key to a successful book, as well as making sure that you have go with descriptions and details in your books to further draw in your readers.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I guess the only real thing that I could say to my readers would be that I love you guys, and that your continued support for my books is amazing! Also, to always make sure to leave a review if you get the chance!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I currently don’t have any books that are on my reading shelf besides books that I’m reading for my reviewing purposes, and I try not to read too much while I’m writing because it messes with my story line in my head.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No, however, I remember the first book that had influenced me to start writing in the first place. It was Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs, and it was one of the books by one of the two authors that had influenced me to become a writer.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

It always depends on the situation and the person, but one thing that will for sure always make me cry is military homecoming videos.

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

I would love to meet one of my favourite and most inspirational authors, mostly because they have helped to shape my love of writing and the way that I write.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies? 

Besides writing? I also paint on canvas and I also sketch in my sketchbook just for fun. I also like to go horseback riding on occasion.

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

It depends on my mood and what’s on, but I will never watch romance or comedy movies, unless there is some serious actions or fight scenes. I do have a tendency of watching children shows and movies as well as the regular adult films and shows.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

My favourite colours would be either Blue or Green. My favourite foods would be perogies and spicy pasta. I don’t really have a favourite kind of music because I listen to pretty much anything depending on my mood or what mood I want to be in. I just don’t listen to any rap or gospel music.

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

I have no idea, I mean I would probably open my own business or something like that, but writing is very much integrated into my life.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

I would spend that time with my family and my pets, and maybe, just maybe, do something crazy that I had always wanted to do.   Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?  I wouldn’t be buried, I think that I would rather be cremated and then have my ashes set free to the wind.

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

I have a Facebook page and a website where you can get direct information, but I also have a couple of side sites where I review books and show how travel impacts me as a writer. Some more picture related information can also be found on my Instagram. Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/caitlynromance/

Website: http://romancingtheparanormal.com/

Blogs: http://lonewoldtraveling.

blog/ http://authorreviewingauthors.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfournier732

https://www.amazon.com/Hated-C-B-Fournier/dp/1484832779/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441027474&sr=8-1&keywords=c+b+fournier

https://www.amazon.com/Difficulty-Book-Poetry-Short-Stories/dp/1515289028/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525109708&sr=1-1&dpID=41kMVr1BbhL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Magic-Mutants-Caitlyn-Fournier/dp/1492288454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441026963&sr=8-1&keywords=Caitlyn+Fournier

 

https://www.amazon.com/Hells-Heat-Caitlyn-Fournier/dp/1508772088/ref=sr_1_2_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1441026963&sr=8-2&keywords=Caitlyn+Fournier

https://www.amazon.com/Magical-Collection-Caitlyn-Fournier/dp/1500879266/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1441026963&sr=8-3&keywords=Caitlyn+Fournier

Here is my interview with Nina Rae

30 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by fionamcvie1964 in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

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.

Nina Rae

Fiona: Where are you from?

I live in Norfolk

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

I grew up in London. Went to a comprehensive school. I was the eldest of 3, a brother and sister.  I started work in London as a Girl Friday and progressed over the years to a PA for an Emergency Consultant in A&E. I have a son who lives in London and a lovely granddaughter.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Book 4 is almost ready to go to print.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have written short stories for many years, but never did anything with them. My start into writing was when I started writing a short story for a magazine competition, which the maximum words were to be 2k. On the first edit I’d written 10k words.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When my first book got published

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

A past life experience

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The fictitious town was based on the town being built on 4 fields with a natural spring in the middle.

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

Keeping up the fantasy and expanding on what is the fantasy

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

Quite a bit of the story is based, although glorified, on my experiences in life

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

No, as everything is in a fictitious area

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I found the pictures and chose the colour and a designer put it together

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

There are morals to all stories that I’ve written and I hope that people can understand them

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’ve got a few favourite authors, CJ Archer, Ben Galley and Sarah J Maas to name but a few.

CJ Archer I like the historical side of her novels.

Ben Galley I love the way his fantasy come together and he really stretches your imagination. The same is with Sarah J Maas, as I am a fan of elementals these books really are amazing reading

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

Elizabeth Sutherland who is also an author herself. She encouraged me to continue with my writing and gave me a lot of advice.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I would love to have a career in writing, but there are so many good self published authors out there, getting noticed is very rare.

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

No I don’t think so.

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

Yes, I realised how my writing had gone from strength to strength

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

Now that is a tough one.  I think my first choice would be Emma Watson

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Keep going, you never know where it will lead you.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Please leave reviews, they mean so much.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m waiting for the new CJ Archer book to be released The Wisdom of Madness

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Penguin book of poetry

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I can find laughter in most things. What makes me cry is injustice

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

Would love to meet CJ Archer and talk to her about her books.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Reading and writing

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

Most sci-fi, Watching Teen Wolf, Once, Taken

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I love Italian and Chinese. Red. Most music

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

Read

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

Enjoying myself

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

Love is the only way

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

www.ninarae-author.com or www.facebook.com/ninaraeauthor

Amazon Authors page UK   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nina-Rae/e/B015ZMRDGG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1525105763&sr=1-1

USA  https://www.amazon.com/Nina-Rae/e/B015ZMRDGG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1525105822&sr=1-1

 

Here is my interview with Mark Lumby

30 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by fionamcvie1964 in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment


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 Mark Lumby and I’m 43.

Fiona: Where are you from?

York, England, but now live in Tadcaster, England.

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

I wasn’t really keen on School, although did enjoy art. English wasn’t my subject either, which is surprising; that all came to me in my late teens when I started writing. After school, I trained to be a signwriter and then went on to be apart of the print and design industry.

I got married to Sonia in 2005. On becoming stepfather to 2 children, we then had 3 further children. The youngest we nickname ‘the beast’. I don’t know why because she’s the sweetest thing (with a little attitude). So yes, I have a big family. And we love our animals, too. There are more pets than people!

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Last year, I was published by PS Publishing. It was a horror anthology I was working on (with several other authors) and all the profits were donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity I hold strongly to my heart. I’m compiling volume 2 this years and it’s going really well. Subs are now open to anyone.

My latest book ‘The Debt’ will be released before the summer, so look out for that one!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing when I was around 19 or 20. I liked to create. I’m a dreamer, and in Clive Barkers words, an imagineer. If I’m not typing, I’m jotting down notes, dialogue, scenes, character reference.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

From the start, really. I knew I wanted to write, to create stories. I think the question that I always asked myself, though, was am I a writer or an author. I suppose both, but author seems more established so I coy away from calling myself an author.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Star Trek…time travel…space…history. All fascinating stuff. I was never really into horror at the start; I was kind of a sci fi geek. My first book was Science Fiction. Although I say first book, it’s being 20 + years in the making and spreads out into 3 books.

I have plans to release it someday.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I thought I was being clever by giving it a latin title. It was called Deo Volente (God Willing). And then years after when I kept on going back to the book I realised the title was just stupid. So I changed it to The Structure.

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

I have being told that I have the same writing style as John Saul, although I have never read any of his books so have nothing to compare myself to. I try to write about places where I grew up, things that are familiar to me. And I also try to have subtle crossovers in storylines too make it more interesting.

As for challenging: the only challenging part about writing is having the time to write. I have a big family so they must come first. Writing is second.

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

Nothing about The Structure is realistic. Its Science fiction Fantasy. But recent books are based on my upbringing. Bag of Buttons was based inside a park where I used to play. Rats in the Loft was by parents house. The Good Father was based on a step father roll, which I am. I’m writing a book called The Room Underneath. That too is based inside my childhood house. I like to place bits of my past in there to give atmosphere.

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

There’s no travel involved. I have an idea. It always starts off a short story and then I go from there.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I do. Although a couple I have had Tomislav Tikulin design my anthology covers. It was an honour having him on board since his works are linked to Stephen King.

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

Not in the first novel, but the ones after…yes. I always throw a message in there. It can be very subtle, but it’s there.

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?

Lee McGeorge, Matt Hickman and Vincent V Cava.

My favourite writer? Who can pick that one? There are several with totally different styles. My favourites would be a list. They’d include Campbell, Ketchum, Masterton. I also like Richard Chizmar too. And of course, King is on that list too!

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

 I cannot say that they supported me, but I was inspired by 2 other author. Graham Masterton had read Most of Me and advised on area. He was a real help. And the late Iain Banks. I talked with him many years ago after reading Wasps. He was a funny man and true inspiration.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I’d hope so, one day. It’s something a want to do, so lets see.

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

I’m waiting for my latest book to come back from its edits, but I already know that the start of the chapter will be different.

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

I learned how to write a little more extreme without getting vulgar.

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

I think Jason Clarke (terminator) would be a good fit.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

If you’re getting into it for the money, forget it. Indie writing is hard. Do it because you want to entertain.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Read my book, leave a review, be kind!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The nameless by Ramsey Campbell

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Greg Bear…Eon

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My wife.

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

Dallas Mayr. He was in my last anthology and is in the new one. I spoke with him many times, just not face to face. He was old style in every way; didn’t even have a camera on his mobile! Yeah, I would have like to get to know him more.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Writing stories.

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

Designated Survivor, Game of Thrones. I tend to watch stuff with my wife, romcom, action, and she isn’t into horror. Her soul is pure…haha. I have to find the time to watch horror films.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Mexican, Italian foods. I like all colours. I like any music, but my favourite is trance.

I’m listening to Noel Gallagher at the moment.

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

It would be terrible! I think if I didn’t write, I’d have to use my hands to create something, sculpt or draw or both.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

That’s simple. Spend as much time with my family.

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

I’d be cremated.

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

My blog page is marklumbyblog.wordpress.com

My Facebook author page is www.facebook.com/MarkLumby1/

Amazon Author page www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B01E7QC9JM

mybook.to/Rats-in-the-loft

mybook.to/Bagofbuttons

mybook.to/Darkplacesevilfaces

Here is my interview with Chris Asbrey

30 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by fionamcvie1964 in Uncategorized

≈ 3 Comments

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 Chris Asbrey and I’m the 57 year old author of The Innocents.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Ha, not always an easy question to answer. I was born in the Far East lived most of my formative years in Scotland and have worked all over the world. I now live in England. I’m in the process of moving to York.

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

My birth in Hon Kong was a portent for a life lived like a gypsy. My father had been an actor. Like most actors he did a myriad of other jobs but acting was the thing he loved most. I studied psychology and biochemistry at Edinburgh, the Open University, and Bath. I gained some qualifications in civil law to work with a department connected to the Home Office in London. I use my psychological knowledge in building characters, layering realistic personalities with both strengths and weaknesses. My grasp on the methodologies used law enforcement and how they apply the law in day to day enquiries came from my time in the police. I’ve worked hard to grasp who people worked in the days before technology was available, as well as historic weaknesses and blind spots in the both the legal and court systems, to make for an authentic backdrop to my work.

I was always a voracious reader. My mother taught me with flashcards at the age of two, and graduating to the adult section of the library about the age of ten. I easily finished three books a week for years. Mysteries were a real love and I consumed the works of writers old and new constantly. The one thing I always wanted to do was to write but never had the confidence or time to do more than dream about it.

As a young child I loved to run lines with my father when he rehearsed and enjoyed creative people singing, dancing, telling jokes, performing and discussing the issues of the day. My childhood taught her that creativity was something you do, not something you passively watch. That carried over to a love of singing, professionally and with choirs, as well as playing some dodgy fiddle music alongside far better musicians who either made me sound okay or drowned me out entirely. Either way I managed to carry it off for a bit and even bagged a musician husband.

I first became interested in the female pioneers in law enforcement when I joined the police. History has always held a draw and the colourful stories of the older officers piqued MY interest, making me look even further back.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My first book, The Innocents, is now out. It’s the first in a series about a female Pinkerton in the 19th century and the clever charismatic criminal she crosses swords with. Link to book

Link to book

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BMHFXSJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_wTSSAb8J40Q9H

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have always wanted to write, but life got in the way, as it does for so many women. I was laid up with an injury and was on enforced bed-rest while they bolted my leg back together. I missed playing music and felt the need to do something else creative when my old ambition came creeping back.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I suppose when people wanted to read my work and enjoyed it. Getting a publisher was a challenge. Many told me that they didn’t take Westerns, others that it wasn’t Western enough. The books are hard to fit into any distinct category. They are historical mysteries set everywhere the Pinkertons actually worked. They are 19th century American Mysteries. I was lucky to find a home for the stories at Prairie Rose Publications.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

History has always held a draw and the colourful stories of the older female officers piqued my interest, making me look even further back.

The very first women in law enforcement had been in France, working for the Sûreté in the early 19th century. They were, however, no more than a network of spies and prostitutes, the most infamous being the notorious ‘Violette’.

The first truly professional women in law enforcement worked for the Pinkerton Agency, and they were trained by the first female agent Kate Warne, an ex-actress and an expert in working undercover. Kate Warne was an expert at disguise, adopting roles, and accents. She was said to be daring and able to pass her characters off, even in close quarters. In the only known photograph of her she is dressed as a man. This was a skill set my childhood had prepared me to understand.

These women were fully-fledged agents, with their skills being held in high regard by Alan Pinkerton who once said, “In my service you will serve your country better than on the field. I have several female operatives. If you agree to come aboard you will go in training with the head of my female detectives, Kate Warne. She has never let me down.” I started to wonder why one of the female agents couldn’t be a Scottish Immigrant. After all, Alan Pinkerton was one. He came from Glasgow. Being a Scot in another land is something I know well and they say you should write what you know.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The Innocents were a real gang of outlaws from Montana in the 1860s. They were given that name as they were polite to members of the public as the gang in the book are. They are not directly based upon them. I thought the name was too good not to use.

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

I’ve been told that my style is descriptive and light. I’m glad that people are responding to my sense of humour. There’s nothing worse than a joke which falls flat.

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

They are realistic as I research the history very thoroughly, but they are not based on me or anyone I know. I have brought in a few personal experiences. Some of the most sexist comments were actually said to me as a female police officer. I gave her a Scottish name which is routinely mispronounced in the USA, and get humour from the fact that it drives her mad. I made her very dark as many Celtic people look almost Latin in appearance, but the stereotype outside of Scotland or Ireland is of a fair-skinned redhead.

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

I had travelled extensively before I started writing. It certainly helped to know the area, the people and the culture.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publisher does that, but I do have input. I didn’t want them to look to’ bodice-rippery’ as they are mysteries.

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

I suppose the main thing I’ve learned is that there is good and bad in everyone. It can be a mistake to look at absolutes. People’s characters are not black and white and can be a complex mix of their experiences and upbringing.

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 sucker for any mystery writers, old or new. I also love biographies as I’m nosey and like to see what makes people tick. I’m constantly reading new books. There are too many to mention by name.

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

Both Kit Prate and Joanie Chevalier shine out. Kit got me out of the slush pile, and Joanie helped me to grasp publicising my work. I was being far too Scottish; too reticent and unwilling to boast. She really helped me understand the mechanics outside of writing –the publicity, marketing, pointing me to writer groups. Beyond that there are many more. Too many to mention for fear of missing someone out. Writers are very generous and supportive to one another.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

More of a vocation. I love it and feel the need to get thee stories out.

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

I’d set it further East so publishers wouldn’t just dismiss it as a Western. Only kidding. No. Just write what you write and let people know it’s there. If there’ an audience they’ll find it.

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

I learn things all the time as I research the history, forensics and science. I can’t give away what I’ve learned as the third in the trilogy is a howdunit. We know the man is a killer but we don’t know how until the end. I can’t give away the ending but it took a lot of very deep research.

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

I seriously have no idea. I see my on characters as themselves and not as actors modelling the roles. Maybe readers might have a thought.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write. Just do it. Also don’t forget to network, publicise, and promote. Nobody else is going to do that for you.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I have quite a few plots to come yet, so there are still many mysteries for these characters to work through yet.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I just bought ‘A Doctor’s Bag’ Medicine and Surgery of Yesteryear. It’s written by a real doctor and gives all kinds of details on medicine and science in the 19th century.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No. I was only two. I’m sure it was excellent as it made me want more.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I don’t cry easily, but when I do it’s seeing inspirational people beat the odds.

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

Robert Burns, Scotland’ national poet. He rose up from being a farm labourer to mixing with the highest reaches of society. He was clever, funny and sexy; he’d be a movie star today. He wrote about racism, sexism, and separation of church and state in the 18th century. He was a remarkable man.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Music has taken a backseat, but it’s still there. I sing in a choir.

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

I have very catholic tastes. I love comedy, anything from the Big Bang Theory, to This Country. I enjoy The Murdoch mysteries, any mysteries, actually. I am currently very fond of a UK series in which they examine old very crimes with the decedents of people hanged for murder and look at whether the convictions were actually sound. Many of them weren’t. It’s a great insight into the 19th century court system and the Victorian social mores.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

I love Celtic music, both traditional and modern. Most of my favourite musicians are people you’ll never have heard of. Food? Anything but liver. My colour depends on my mood on the day.

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

Sing. That’s an easy one.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

With my family. That’s what really counts.

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

If you can read this you’re standing on my breasts? Only kidding. I’m not going to have one. I want to be cremated and returned to the land.

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

Here are all my links:

Blog – C.A Asbrey – all things obscure and strange in the Victorian period http://caasbrey.com/The Innocents Mystery Series Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mysteryscrivener/

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/author/caasbrey

Twitter – https://twitter.com/CAASBREY

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17899618.C_A_Asbrey

 Excerpt

“So, you want to pretend you’re a Pinkerton? As a female?” His eyes darkened. “I’ve questioned one before, although he didn’t know who I was. They’re trained real well on being both sides of interrogations. You don’t want to do this. Not as a woman. He had a real hard time. You’ll have it even harder.”

She sat staring ahead once more, her face impassive and stony.

“You’ve nothing to say?”

Her eyes flashed. “Beating the hell out of me won’t change anything but my view of you.”

Nat reached out and entwined a hard fist in her hair and dragged her backward until the chair balanced on the back legs. He brought his face close to hers, his hot breath burning into her cheek.  “Think harder, lady. This isn’t a game. Who are you?”

Abigail felt the dragging pain at the back of her head as shards of pain lanced across her scalp. He held her, balanced between his painful grip and a clattering fall to the floor but her stubborn nature wouldn’t let her acquiesce.

“Others will come after you, no matter what you do to me.” She darted her eyes to meet his, unable to move her pinioned head. “I won’t be the last.”

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/author/caasbrey

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17899618.C_A_Asbrey

Link to book Link to book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BMHFXSJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_wTSSAb8J40Q9H

 About The Author

Chris Asbrey has lived and worked all over the world in the Police Service, Civil Service, and private industry, working for the safety, legal rights, and security of the public. A life-changing injury meant a change of course into contract law and consumer protection for a department attached to the Home Office.

In that role she produced magazine and newspaper articles based on consumer law and wrote guides for the Consumer Direct Website. She was Media Trained, by The Rank Organization, and acted as a consultant to the BBC’s One Show and Watchdog. She has also been interviewed on BBC radio answering questions on consumer law to the public.

She lives with her husband and two daft cats in Northamptonshire, England—for now. She’s moving to the beautiful medieval city of York.

C.A. Asbrey

Blog – C.A Asbrey – all things obscure and strange in the Victorian period http://caasbrey.com/

The Innocents Mystery Series Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/937572179738970/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/CAASBREY

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mysteryscrivener/

Here is my interview with Jayne Davis

30 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by fionamcvie1964 in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

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?

Jayne: My pen name is Jayne Davis, but that is based on my real name (my middle name and the first part of my original surname). I use a pen name because I also write non-fiction, but I’m Jayne to all the people I’ve encountered during the writing and production of my fiction.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Jayne: I live in Gloucestershire, in the UK, in a village just beyond the western slope of the Cotswolds. Sadly, it isn’t a ‘pretty’ village, but there are some of those not far away. I chose this area for the setting of my first published novel.

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

Jayne: I grew in up in England, Singapore, and Malta – the last two because my father was a teacher who did two tours in Service Children’s Schools. I qualified as an engineer, and worked at that for ten years before leaving to become a teacher, then a publisher (of school textbooks), and finally a freelance writer (of school textbooks). I live with my partner.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Jayne: My first fiction book, The Mrs MacKinnons was published in January this year (2018), I haven’t done any big advertising campaigns for it, so sales are slow, but the reviews are lovely! I’m working on several more stories, that will form part of a series, and I’m aiming to do a proper launch for these at the end of this year. Well, it will probably turn into 2019, realistically, but I can hope!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Jayne: I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was very young – my poor English teachers had to put up with long rambling stories with little structure! I’ve tried writing fiction off and on over the years, and once even got the courage to send a manuscript off to an editor who did assessments. Her verdict – I could write well, but the plot needed a lot of work. I was in a full-time job then, so I just put the manuscript in the loft and forgot about it. (It’s still forgotten, justifiably!).

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Jayne: When I left my full-time job in publishing, and started earning doing freelance writing – but this was still my school textbook writing, so is probably not the kind of ‘writer’ you mean by this question.

I first considered myself as a fiction writer when I started getting more ideas for plots than I have time to write, and also when some of my characters seemed to start doing their own thing, and forcing their way into having a greater part in the story. If the last sounds nutty, it is! But it’s what seems to happen.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Jayne: I’m going to take this as the first book I published, not the abortive efforts that are still stashed away somewhere. I always enjoyed Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen, so I wanted to write historical romance set in the Regency period, or thereabouts.

For The Mrs MacKinnons, I had this vague idea of a couple falling in love while she helps him to renovate an old house. Weird, I know! Then I started to think about how that might come about, and why he’d need the help in the first place, then all sorts of other complications occurred to me, until I came up with a soldier returning to England from India to take up an unexpected inheritance, complete with the required dilapidated house. I gave Matthew a horrible step-mother and half-brother as well, and some traumatic experiences in India, just to make him suffer more (authors are horrible to their heroes at times!).

Then I had to think, why would a well brought up young woman need or want to help someone like that, so I made Charlotte a widow with a young son, struggling to make ends meet in a small village nearby. The rest developed from there.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Jayne: I came across the name MacKinnon, and it just seemed to roll off the tongue. The title is plural, because Charlotte MacKinnon is an army widow, and lives with Mary MacKinnon, who is the widow of her husband’s sergeant. Having many men with the surname is not uncommon in Scottish and Welsh regiments, where men were recruited from the same area.

I also wanted to avoid the common titles that all seem to involve Dukes or Earls (just how many of these were there in Britain at the time, let alone attractive, unmarried ones of a suitable age?).

So, I called it The Mrs MacKinnons. This phrase does play a small part in the story, as well.

Avoiding Dukes etc may be a mistake from a marketing point of view, but I’m hoping some of my titles may make people think. Having said that, I’ll be breaking my own rule with a future story, currently with the working title of The Fourth Marchioness.

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

Jayne: I’m not really sure about the first. For the second, the challenging part about writing in any historical genre is getting the historical facts correct, including the behaviours and ways of thinking of the time, not just describing the clothing. Quite a few ‘historical’ romances seem to be modern stories, but with the heroines wearing long dresses – I don’t want to write those.

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

Jayne: The descriptions of the location are based on where I live, the rest is made up, but I hope my imagination (and some research) have provided believable characters, and situations that could have happened.

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

Jayne: These days, a lot of location research can be done via Google Maps! My books will be mostly set in England, and I travel for other reasons anyway.

Having said that, I have been fascinated by the Peninsular War (from 1809 to 1814, where Sir Arthur Wellesley eventually became the Duke of Wellington due to his successful campaigns against the French). I have an idea or two for stories set there, and some of my heroes will have fought there, so I have booked a ‘battlefield’ holiday this September to be shown around some of the sites, with a military historian leading the trip.I’ll be posting about it on my blog. (http://www.jaynedavisromance.co.uk/historical-romance-blog/ )

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jayne:I hired a design company based in the UK. I wanted something a bit different to the standard ‘woman in a long dress standing in front of something vaguely historical’, and also my book is not steamy, so the ‘couple with wardrobe malfunctions’ style wasn’t suitable either.

I loved the cover for The Mrs MacKinnons (after a bit of toing and froing to amend it), but I’m not at all happy with their first attempt at the cover for my next book, so I’m not going to name them. They did agree to start again after a, shall we say, ‘terse’ email, so they may yet redeem themselves.

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

Jayne: It’s not really a message, but ‘talk to each other’. There are a couple of misunderstandings between Matthew and Charlotte, but they sort them out (rather than spending half the book thinking the wrong thing because they didn’t just talk to each other!).

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

Jayne: This is difficult! I’m not sure I have one. Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer have influenced my fiction writing – subtle humour, and believable characters. Among current Regency/Victorian romance writers, Courtney Milan writes gripping stories with ‘real’ characters – there are believable reasons for the way they act, which sadly is not always the case.

For yet-to-be-famous authors, several I have met on Facebook and elsewhere are good – Josanna Thompson has written a fascinating tale about a clash of cultures, Catherine Kullman writes Regencies in the Georgette Heyer mould, and Riana Everly writes Pride & Prejudice variations. I’ve also come across several authors in my critique group who will be excellent – they just need to get on and finish their novels!

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

Jayne:I’m going to name two:

– the first is the website Scribophile, which is for authors to critique each other’s work. Using this both hugely improved my manuscript, and gave me the confidence that it was good enough to publish.

– the second is The Bestseller Experiment – this is a podcast by a couple of guys who decided to see if they could write a bestseller in a year (spoiler – they did!), and the podcasts included a mine of information about publishing, and experiences from other newbies. There are loads of other podcasts I could mention, but that was the one that started me off.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Jayne:Yes – but at the moment it is still my non-fiction writing that pays.

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

Jayne:I might plan it from the start, instead of it growing as I wrote – it ended up rather long, but people who’ve read it haven’t complained about the length!

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

Jayne:Planning helps!

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

Jayne:Richard Armitage for Matthew – like he was in North and South (although my story is set over 50 years earlier than that).

Perhaps Emma Watson for Charlotte.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Jayne:Keep writing. Join a critique site. Editing is worth paying for.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Jayne:Buy my book and sign up to my mailing list!

But also – if you like a book, please leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Reviews (whether good or bad) really help the author to get noticed. It doesn’t have to be much – even ‘Enjoyed this book’ will do!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Jayne:I’m reading mostly non-fiction at the moment, for research. The current one is about smuggling in Britain.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Jayne:The first thing I remember reading is the school reading scheme.

This is Janet.

This is John.

Hello Janet.

Hello John.

(A great work of literature!)

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Jayne:Laugh – mainly witty comments, Cry – disappointed hopes, injustice (almost anything if I’ve had too much wine)

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

Jayne:Too many to mention – and in practice, I would probably be too tongue-tied to ask them anything!

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Jayne:Reading, gardening, hill walking, cycling

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

Jayne:I watch very little TV, I prefer to read fiction rather than watch it, so I don’t have to wait for the next bit!

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Jayne:Chocolate

Blue – the deep blue of a summer sky, the pale blue of a dawn, the blue-green of the sea

Music – mainly classical

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

Jayne:Read, go for long walks, go on holiday…

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

Jayne:Assuming I could order the weather – sit on a beach or a hilltop in the sun with my partner, cuddling and looking at the view.

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

Jayne:I’m not bothered about having a headstone. I’d rather have my ashes scattered in the Scottish mountains somewhere, or at sea.

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

Jayne:

My website: www.jaynedavisromance.co.uk

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Jayne-Davis/e/B078WTF3DP/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/jaynedavis142/

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

Here is my interview with Christina Korbal

30 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by fionamcvie1964 in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

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?

Blessed be!  My name is Christina Korbal and a real lady never states her real age.lol

Fiona: Where are you from?

Detroit, Michigan

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

High school graduate, went to ATI for a year.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I just published my first book “Shadowed Souls” it comes out May 5th.  I have written 2 anthologies.  1 comes out in November and 1 comes out next April.  I have 4 WIP’s at the moment.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing when I was 16 years old as a way to escape my life.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Not until I published my first book and received them in the mail.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I almost died in November of pneumonia.  I was on life support in the ICU for a week and in the hospital for 3 weeks.  I started writing this poetry book fifteen years ago and never did anything with it.  After I almost died I wanted to have my voice heard and to have something of me to leave behind.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

My boyfriend that died it was his yahoo pen name.

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

I just write from the heart.  So far every book I am writing is in a different genre.

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

My poetry book is all true and about my life.

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

No.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

An ex friend gave it to me.

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

Don’t stay in a abusive relationship.

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 met a lot of interesting new author’s.

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

My husband Bruce.

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?

Yes it has made me a better writer because most of the book was written fifteen years ago and then I recently added to it before I published it.

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

That is a hard question.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Don’t give up.  Follow your dreams.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you for reading my books and following me and showing me such love and support.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

An oldie but goodie “Palomino” by: Danielle Steel

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Yes I just bought it in fact.  “A light in the attic” It’s a child’s poetry book and was given to me as a child by my uncle and it made me fall in love with poetry.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My dogs, a good song, a good movie.

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

Jim Morrison because he was a great poet and singer.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Yes I make and sell jewellery.

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

Sex and the city, Gilmore girls, Friends.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

A lot of food is my favorite, black and blue music I love metal and rock.

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

Continue to make jewellery and crafts.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

I went through that kind of back in November they asked my husband if he wanted them to take me off of life support.  It scared the shit out of both of us.  I would spend it with him.

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

Loving wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, author and friend.

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

I have a author page and a group.  https://www.facebook.com/author-chrissy-korbal-2045017699066076 and my group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/393746147727583

Buying link  https://www.amazon.com/Shadowed-Souls-Christina-Korbal/dp/1987760182/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525081365&sr=1-1&keywords=Christina+Korbal&dpID=41sPfVf-I4L&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

 

Here is my interview with Susanne Leist

30 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by fionamcvie1964 in Uncategorized

≈ 5 Comments

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 Susanne Leist. Do I have to give my age? Okay, I’m 59 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.

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

I have an M.B.A. in Finance. I worked as a financial analyst in the commodities markets and then as a budget analyst. Later in life, I turned to writing. I have two daughters, both married. I live on Long Island with my husband, Maltese dog, and dwarf bunny (who belongs to my younger daughter. Poor Thumper.)

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’ve recently completed book two of The Dead Game series. The first book resolved the murder mystery, but at the same time, opened a Pandora box of new problems. Its surprise ending leads us to book two.

The second book takes the heroine, Linda, and her friends on a chase through Florida from a private club in Disney World to the swamps of Southern Florida. In its wake, a trail of dead bodies leaves their bloody signature.

Book two should be released this summer. That is if I can stop editing before I send it to the editor.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always loved to read books. I grew up reading all types of thrillers and mysteries, from Agatha Christie to Sherlock Holmes. Except for Agatha Christie’s novels, I’ve been able to figure out the endings. Then one day, I decided to write a book of my own, to play with clues like the famous authors, and create a surprise ending. I wanted to be like Jessica Fletcher, played by Angela Lansbury, in Murder She Wrote.

After I wrote The Dead Game, my fantasy came true. I wasn’t so concerned with profits as I was with having people read my words. After I sold the first book, I was on Cloud Nine thinking about someone somewhere reading my story.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I still don’t know if I consider myself a writer. I’m a dabbler. I dabbled in Finance, then Marketing, and now writing prose and poetry. Once I published my book, I felt more like a writer than before.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I wanted to write a book that combined paranormal with mystery. This type of literature is hard to find. I decided to write a paranormal, murder mystery of my own. My book, The Dead Game, has dead bodies and suspects like a traditional murder mystery. However, it also has humans, vampires, and vampire derivatives. And don’t forget the haunted house—we must have one of these.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The Dead play an essential part in the book.  Since they enjoy playing evil games to the detriment of the residents of Oasis, I called it The Dead Game.

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

I write what I feel inside. I keep writing until my fingers hurt and my eyes get blurry. Then I edit and edit. Editing is challenging, and I don’t know when to stop.

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

The book isn’t based on reality in any way, shape, or form. The story and characters evolved from my overactive imagination.

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

I travel through the strange ideas in my mind. I use the computer to check up on places and events.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I designed it with Outskirts Press. I asked for a door with a hand holding it open, and blood dripping out. They didn’t have it in stock. So we agreed upon the door with fire around it.The door plays a significant role in my book.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I can now say I’m a full-time writer. I pen my poetry on my blogs and AuthorsDen.com. After I publish my second book, I’ll work on the third one in the series.

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

I learned a lot from the reviews on my book. I wouldn’t have written in multiple points of view, which can confuse readers. My second book is written basically in one point of view with a few other points of view thrown in as needed along the way.

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

I now know to have everything in place before my book is released. The Dead Game first sat on Amazon and Barnes & Noble without a by-line or an author bio. Outskirts Press didn’t prepare me. I had to hurry to compose descriptions and open blogs. I quickly learned about Facebook, Twitter, and Google as social sites to share my book. The first month was hectic. I know better this time around.

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

Linda is sensitive and loves to read. She is a good and loyal friend. KatharineMcPhee, Natalie Portman or Emily Blunt would be great leading women.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Have all your social media, blogs, descriptions, and everything else in place before you release your book. Announce the arrival of your book in advance to raise readers’ expectations before the big event.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

The most important thing I want for you is to enjoy my story and let it take you away from the mundane to a world of adventure and where the impossible becomes possible.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I just finished Lisa Unger’s book, Crazy Love You. It’s a psychological thriller like Gone Girl. I expected more from Gone Girl after all the hype. Crazy Love You also delivers a story that is slow and predictable.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

My first grown-up book was the Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. My brother was an avid reader, and I read what he did.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

The TV show, Mom, makes me laugh. If anything happens to an animal in a movie, on TV, or on social media, I’m a crying mess.

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

I would love to meet Angela Lansbury. Need I say more?

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Shopping and swimming in that order.

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

I enjoy Supernatural, The Originals, Deception, Riverdale, Mom, and Timeless.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Pizza. Purple. Soft music.

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

I can’t imagine that. How much shopping and swimming can I do?

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

Travelling as much of the world as I can.

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

She tried her best. I just made this up.

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

Website   https://susanneleist.com

Blog https://susanneleist.wordpress.com

Amazon authors page https://www.amazon.com/Susanne-Leist/e/B00F253FE6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1525078784&sr=1-2-ent

 

Here is my interview with Allisha McAdoo

30 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by fionamcvie1964 in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

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.

Allisha McAdoo

What is your age?

32

Fiona: Where are you from?

Kansas

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

I have lived in Kansas for most of my life. I have a ten year old daughter and another baby on the way. I did go to college for two years but couldn’t figure out what I wanted to Major in.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I am wrapping up a couple of collaborations and a couple of stories to be sent out in paperback

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I was four years old when I began to write. I just fell in love with it been writing since.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Probably around highschool

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I read a book by Rober Mccammon that changed my viewpoint. It was called Mine. I decided after I read that one story I was going to start really putting in more efforts into my own writing. Then a couple of years ago I read Flesh Factory by Sam West and decided to start publishing my writing

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title usually comes to me after the first chapter.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I love to dabble in Romance and erotica but mostly I write horror, paranormal or psychological thrillers

Fiona: Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I love writing extreme horror but it’s a hard genre to crack into

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

It depends on the type of story I am writing.

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

I don’t really travel to get ideas but when I am on trips I do take pictures so I can use them in my work later on.

Usually just whenever my time allows me

 Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I usually do

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

I want them to be scared to get done reading one of my stories and leave the light on to go to bed

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

Howard Carlyle, Thomas J Kline, Sam West just to name a few

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

Sam West and Thomas J Kline really grab my attention with the characters they create.

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

I don’t have one

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I really do.

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

Not a thing

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

I learned that sometimes the best emotions can really plump up the piece and make the reader feel a certain way

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

That depends on which story is being turned into a movie lol

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Don’t give up. Keep up even if there are some days you can’t think of anything to write.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Now that I have gotten the hang of self publishing I hope to release even more stories in the future

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Right now I am reading gruesome bedtime stories by Tobias Wade

Fiona:  Do you remember the first book you read?

The classic book called great expectations by Charles Dickens

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Living every day life as silly as I can

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

I would love to meet more extreme horror writers just to see how their mind works

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Reading, writing, cooking and traveling

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

I like Lucifer, Bridezillas and Snapped

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Tacos, red, and I listen to everything

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

Try to escape the hell that I have been thrown in if I can’t write

 Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

With my family and publishing everything I possibly could

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

Well that didn’t go as planned lol

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

https://www.amazon.com/Allisha-McAdoo/e/B07C6SH68H

My stories are free with kindle unlimited.

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