Here is my interview with Fiona Veitch Smith

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?

Fiona Veitch Smith. I’m not as young as I look 😉

Fiona: Where are you from?

I live in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. I was born just up the road in Corbridge, Northumberland, but moved to South Africa with my family when I was 10. I returned to the UK with my South African husband in 2002 and have lived here ever since.

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

I have an honours degree in history, journalism and media studies from Rhodes University in South Africa. I worked as a full-time newspaper journalist in Cape Town before returning to the UK. Back here I worked as a freelance magazine journalist until I had my daughter (who is now 13). When she was 8 months old I went back to university and got a MA in Creative Writing. Since then I have been working as a freelance creative writer and doing part-time university lecturing in both journalism and creative writing.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

The fourth book in the Poppy Denby series, The Cairo Brief, is coming out in September! They are murder mysteries set in the 1920s.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have always had stories swirling around in my head and I just had to get them out. I started writing plays when I was about 8 – to make sure me and my friends all had parts and no one would be left out. My first love was theatre and I did two years of a drama degree before falling ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after being bitten by a tick. After some months off I switched to a journalism major as the hours were not as strenuous. During my twenties I ran a small theatre company then went full-time into journalism.  I wrote my first book when I was 30. Although I have had some theatre and film work produced my books have eclipsed them and I now consider myself to be primarily an author.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I had my first play properly produced when I was 15. The play won a competition and I think the affirmation of a ‘professional’ judge saying it was good helped me believe I could be a real writer. Since then I have always considered myself to be a writer, whether it was scriptwriting, journalism or writing books. Being paid to write – which I am – makes me a professional writer, but even if I wasn’t paid, a writer I would be.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was The Peace Garden – a coming of age literary thriller set partly in Newcastle and partly in South Africa – inspired by a story my great aunt told me about a plant thief in her cul-de-sac. But I would rather tell you about what inspired me to write The Jazz Files, the first book in my Poppy Denby series, as that is what I’m best known for. In 2013 I visited the grave of Emily Wilding Davison, on the 100^th anniversary of her death. She was the suffragette who died protesting at the Epsom Derby. When I was there I had an idea for a murder mystery starring a suffragette reporter sleuth, investigating the death of one of her ‘sisters’, seven years later. I proposed it to my publisher, and he loved the idea.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It was originally called ‘Above the Fold’ with the duel meaning of the top story in a newspaper but also symbolic of women moving up into a position of prominence after being hidden for too long. However, my publisher felt it was too ‘literary’. The series name was going to be The Jazz Files – a fictional name I gave to the clipping files kept by my made-up newspaper. I wanted ‘Jazz’ in the title because it reflected the Jazz Age. Jazz in the 1920s was not just music – something that was ‘jazz’ was trendy, youthful and fashionable. That reflected my character, Poppy, and also suggested the period. So when Above the Fold was ditched, the publisher and I jointly decided to call the first book The Jazz Files. The series name is now Poppy Denby Investigates.

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

My style has been described by reviewers as similar to ‘literary journalism’.  So I use vivid descriptions, metaphors and sub-text but written in a concise rather than flowery way. This is fairly unusual in the mystery genre. I also mix humour and pathos so you could be laughing on one page and feeling sad on the next. I write stories on multiple levels. On the surface they appear fun, light and playful, but they are underpinned by serious and at times quite dark themes. The challenge with this is that my style of writing is not what most ‘cosy mystery’ readers expect, so my books can be a bit marmite. Some people are delighted by the unexpected style, but others, who perhaps just want a quick, unchallenging read with a good mystery, don’t always know how to take it. On the plus side I am strong on dialogue and visual writing (focusing on what the reader can see in the scene) which comes from my drama background. As such, people always say my books will be good for telly.

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

My books mix history and fiction. The actual story is fictional, but it intersects with the lives of  real historical characters who come in and out of the story like ‘extras’ in a play. In my latest book, The Death Beat, Poppy briefly meets Carl Jung the psychoanalyst who is travelling to New York in 1921 to give a lecture on personality types. He really did go to New York then – but he didn’t meet Poppy! In the book that is coming out in September, The Cairo Brief, Poppy attends a séance run by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his wife Jean. Sir Arthur and Lady Conan Doyle really did run séances. She also has dinner with Emmeline Pankhurst, the famous suffragette. The challenge with this is to not rewrite history but simply to explore a ‘what if Poppy were to meet’ scenario in a fictional way.

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

I travel when it is possible to do so – in terms of time and money. I find it invaluable emotional research to walk the streets my characters walked, or travel the bus route they would travel. I have recently been to Cape Town where my next book is partially set. I previously lived in Cape Town so could have written it from memory, but it was important to me to be able to be there as if I were my character and ask myself what would she feel, see or do. Sometimes it’s not possible to go everywhere. When that happens I try to find people who have been there and to talk to them, and to watch films or documentaries set there. The internet, of course, is very useful – particularly Google Earth! The other day I travelled all the way from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town (in Cape Town) without leaving my chair! As I write historical novels it is also useful to travel back in time. What was it like back in 1900, 1921 or 1927? I read books and diaries written at the time. I watch British Pathe news reels. I attend exhibitions and visit museums. I research newspaper archives.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The Poppy Denby covers are designed by Laurence Whitely. They are commissioned by my publisher, Lion Fiction. Laurence specialises in re-creating the distinct 2D style of the Art Deco  period.

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

My books are all about social justice. The crimes and situations Poppy encounters usually involve someone in authority who is abusing their power at the expense of someone more vulnerable. I look at the rights of women, the treatment of people with disabilities, the plight of refugees etc. In my current book, The Death Beat, I follow a pair of girls who are people trafficked and used as slave labour in a sweat shop. Poppy has a heightened sense of social justice and is always out to right a wrong.

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 recently come across Ray Celestin. He won the best debut crime novel of the year (the CWA Debut Dagger) the year before my book, The Jazz Files, was shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger. Ray has written two books so far: The Axeman’s Jazz and Dead Man’s Blues (which I’m currently reading). They are set in America in the 1920s, and like me mix historical and fictional characters (Louis Armstrong appears in The Axeman’s Jazz). Unlike me he has multiple detectives following apparently separate investigations that eventually merge. What I love about his style is the sense of atmosphere he creates. I can see, smell and taste New Orleans and Chicago in his books. He also recreates the historical setting beautifully. Regarding favourite writers, I don’t have just one. But I love the social commentary of Dorothy L. Sayers, the humour of Lindsay Davis, the beauty of style of Philip Pullman and Andrea Levy, the plotting of JK Rowling, the grit of Val McDermid, the incisive prose of Hemingway, the characterisation of Dickens and the insight into human nature of Shakespeare.

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

My Cape Town friend Gillian D’Achada. She is an award-winning author of young adult novels. But before either of us were published or had won anything we were part of a small writers’ circle – nearly 20 years ago now. She encouraged me back then that I was good enough to be a published author. She was too, and over the years we have pushed and supported one another to not give up on our dreams.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely yes.

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

Nothing specific I can think of. Occasionally though when I do a public reading I think to myself – perhaps I should have phrased that sentence or paragraph slightly differently. But you do the best you can – with your editor’s input – at the time.

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

I learned how séances were manipulated and faked back in the 1920s. It’s laughable now, but people were literally fooled by parlour tricks.

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

Lily  James who played Rose in Downton. Abbey. Poppy has the determination  of Edith to forge a career, but with the playfulness and style of Rose. Poppy’s editor, Rollo, should be played by Peter Dinklage.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

The first book you write is probably not going to be the first book that is published. It takes a while to learn your craft. Write your first book to learn how to do it. There are of course exceptions, but most authors will tell you the first book they wrote was just a learning curve. Secondly, if you really want to write – and you have been given feedback from someone who knows their stuff that you really can write – you need to stick at it. It took me 15 years of trying before I got my first book contract. Then three years after that I finally got an agent. (yes, I was published before I got an agent).

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I repeat: The fourth Poppy Denby Book is coming out on 21 September! For lots of background information on the books and the period, don’t forget to visit www.poppydenby.com

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Ray Celestin’s Dead Man’s Blues

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Jesus and the Blind Man (can’t remember the author) was the first book I remember reading cover to cover on my own. I was 4 and I still remember the pride I felt when I got to the end.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

When my dog, Ruby, died in January. I also remember crying while watching Whistle Down the Wind in the theatre; and I cried my heart out reading Andrea Levy’s The Long Song. Each time it was the tragedy of someone’s hopes being raised and dashed. To take hope away from someone is the worst thing you can do. Laughter? I laugh every day. Political cartoons make me chuckle, the antics of my dog, Ricky,  my daughter and my husband’s silly jokes. Funny TV: Silicon Valley, The Middle, Modern Family, The Simpsons, Have I Got News for You… The world’s a funny place!

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

Archbishop Desmond Tutu. His faith in God translates into love for other people through action, not just words. Desmond Tutu is a peacemaker and bridge builder. He sees the injustice in the world and says: this is not what God wants for us; we can do better. He knows that forgiveness is the start of healing for individuals and communities. I’d love to talk to him about what’s going on in the world today, and pray with him.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I love gardening. I also play jazz clarinet. When I have time I enjoy embroidery and sewing. I have been doing Pilates for 20 years. I have also been known to hoolahoop.

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

See above for comedy. But I also enjoy epic dramas like Game of Thrones, and Westworld and gritty and quirky detective series like Jorkskod and True Detective. I also loved Babylon Berlin and wish they’d bring it back!

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Cheesecake. Sigh. Orange is my favourite colour because it’s a happy colour. I love jazz but also the music of singer songwriters with stories to tell – Elton John, Carole King, Jamie Cullum. And of course, all musical theatre! I’ve recently been to see Evita again – and I sing along to the soundtrack every night when I’m cooking. My poor, poor neighbours.

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

I’d be a musical theatre actress, darling!

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

With my husband, daughter, dad and dog in a holiday cottage in Rothbury, Northumberland. Just being together.

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

Either my general website www.fiona.veitchsmith.com or my dedicated Poppy Denby website www.poppydenby.com Readers can also follow me on Twitter @FionaVeitchSmit  or on FB https://www.facebook.com/FionaVeitchSmithAuthor/

 

The Jazz Files http://mytitles.net/fiona-veitch-smith-the-jazz-files-pb?uid=2745

The Kill Fee  http://mytitles.net/fiona-veitch-smith-the-kill-fee-pb?uid=2745

The Death Beat http://mytitles.net/fiona-veitch-smith-the-death-beat?uid=2745

Amazon link https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fiona-Veitch-Smith/e/B005SBW57C/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4?qid=1532008986&sr=1-4

 

 

 

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Here is my interview with Jelena Hrvoj

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! My name is Jelena Hrvoj and I’m 31 years young.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Jelena: I’m from Croatia

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

Jelena: What can I say about myself? I’m a graphic designer by trade and am working in a small publishing house. I’m also an editor in a online literary magazine Kvaka. I’m an illustrator, love animals and live with my boyfriend and my father in the countryside.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Jelena: The freshest news would be my fourth published book that just came out of press. It is a SciFi Thriller and it is a completely new genre form what my fans are used to.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Jelena: As most writers, I have been writing all my life but I started writing something more serious when I was 20.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Jelena: That’s a hard question. At some level I still can’t fully absorb the fact that I am a writer. I think I realized it at the moment I was accepted into the Croatian writers association.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Jelena: A really bad book. I got angry and said to myself if something like that can be translated, then I can write and publish a book.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Jelena: That’s a great story and a long one. I’ll try to make it short. The name of my first published book is Štorka (read:Shtorka). Štorka is a mythological creature from our folklore. I learned about it from my grandmother who used to scare me with it. So I used it as a name for the voice inside of my main protagonists head and turned it from a boogieman to schizophrenia.

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

Jelena: I don’t know actually. My fans say that I have a specific style but I don’t see it. I just write what I would want to read.

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

Jelena: Tough one. I write about general bad things that are happening in the world, like murder, rape etc. Luckily, it is not a part of my life.

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

Jelena: No, I don’t have to travel. I use imaginary places with general names so it can be placed almost anywhere in the world.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jelena: Me.

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

Jelena: There are a lot of messages. The main one is: You are not alone in this world; do good things.

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?

Jelena: There are a lot of new authors that I like. Some of them are Vlatka Planina and Tanja Radman. There are a lot of young writers that I would like to mention, but they still don’t have anything translated from Croatian. Vlatka and Tanja are great writers and readers can find their work online.

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

Jelena: My friends. I have supportive people around me.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Jelena: Writing is currently my career. Do I have bigger plans? I do.

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

Jelena: Not a single letter.

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

Jelena: We learn something every day so yes.

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

Jelena: I have four published books so far but I mentioned Štorka earlier so let’s go with that one. The main character Era would be best suited for Rosario Dawson.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Jelena: Write, read, take advice, embrace the criticism then write some more.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Jelena: Thank you! It has been only four years and you are still putting up with my writing and are growing in numbers every day.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Jelena: Cilla i Rolf Borjlind-Spring tide

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Jelena: It was a poem actually. E.A.Poe’s Annabel Lee

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Jelena: My friends and family make me laugh and hatred makes me cry.

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

Jelena: My mother. I never had the chance to meet her because she died when I was just a baby.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Jelena: A lot of them. Painting, singing, I play bass guitar and piano, gardening, playing with my pets, sculpturing, sports.

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

Jelena: I am avoiding TV in the past few years. I discovered it is messing with my creativity.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Jelena: Foods: Croatian and Chinese. Color: Black, Music: Metal, rock and classical

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

Jelena: I can’t imagine that kind of future.

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

Jelena: With my family doing absolutely nothing special.

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

Jelena: I will haunt you if you don’t go to the library and read my books.

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

Jelena: Yes I have, but it is still just in Croatian. People can visit my official facebook page to see what’s going on (it translates automatically).

https://www.facebook.com/jelenahrvojwriter/

 

 

Here is my interview with Sarah Stein

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 Sarah Stein, and 32 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from south Louisiana, but currently reside in Texas north of Houston.

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

In May, I celebrated my sixteen-year anniversary with my husband. We have a ten-year-old daughter, and a fourteen-year-old son, two dogs, a cat, two sugar gliders and pet tarantulas. When I’m not spending time with them or writing, I’m reading or singing.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Well, I’m currently getting ready to release quite a few anthologies that have been on the list since the beginnings of 2018.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing many years ago, but published my first title about three years ago. I love writing and creating stories from nothing.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I first considered my self a writer the moment I started plotting my very first book.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Hmm. Not entirely sure what inspired me to write it.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I think titles are difficult to come up with. I usually don’t have one until the entire book is written, and even after I’m done with the synopsis. For Hearten Christmas, the plot was based around Christmas time, and the story starts off sad, but eventually has an upbeat ending.

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

If I had to say, I write pretty simplistic. The genre I’m more interested in writing is Romance, but I have realized that I enjoy other genres as well.

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

My books are about twenty percent based on experiences or events in my own life.

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

I usually do most of my research online, but I do enjoy traveling and then writing books based on where I previously stayed.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I have many different cover designers. Wild Dreams Publishing designed most of the anthologies I’m in. Sophia Peony designed the Sizzle Anthology, and Primrose Passage designed my White Stealth Clan series.

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

No, not really. I just want my readers to enjoy the story.

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?

Hmm. I don’t have enough space right here to write down every author that interest me or inspires me to write. To begin, Anne Rice, Laurell K. Hamilton, Tiffany Reisz and a few others have caught my attention since the beginning.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

There’s so much time I spend on writing that takes away most of my day, but even though it’s enjoyable, it can be frustrating at times. So, to me, writing is definitely a career.

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

I don’t think I would.

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

The thing I learned is that I’m not sure if I want to stop the series at four books or continue with more.

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

For The White Stealth Clan, Joseph would be played by Zach McGowan.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

As much as you want to give up because of many darn reasons, don’t quite.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m reading An Inconvenient Marriage by A.K. MacBride right now.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The first books I read were The Babysitter Club series.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I’m an emotional person so I laugh/cry when the mood strikes.

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

I love to watch Hannibal, 13 Reasons Why, Family Guy, Futurama, Ozark, Stranger Things, and much more.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

My favorite food is anything with pasta. Lol I love crawfish and most seafood. Rock is my preference in music. Evanescence has been my #1 band since I don’t even know how long now. Purple and black are my go-to colors.

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

If I no longer wrote, I’d feel panic coming on with so many thoughts in my head that wouldn’t be able to spill out onto the paper.

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

If I had 24 hrs to live, I’d round up my family and travel to Italy.

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

Website:https://sarahsteinauthor.wordpress.com/

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113903399454384/

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahstein/?ref=bookmarks

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B01L0BZLCO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1515514026&sr=1-3&redirectedFromKindleDbs=true

 

 

 

Here is my interview with Lisa Freed

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?

Lisa Freed, 40

Fiona: Where are you from?

Delaware

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

I’m a former hair replacement tech blessed to now be a stay at home mom of two. I’m very lucky to be married to the nicest man I have ever met and I couldn’t imagine anyone else putting up with me. I’ve always been a cat lover and have two sister cats that we got through a local cat rescue, Compassion for Cats of Delaware.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’ve had a short story accepted as part of a Fall anthology due to come out in November. 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always enjoyed writing and wrote my first book as a 6^th grade reading project. The response was very positive and I started writing stories to share with my friends during lunch period. It seemed only natural to try to make a career out of it because I enjoyed it so much.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Sadly, despite being a writer for years, I never publicly declared myself to be one until I had my first book published.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My best friend from school and I decided to see if we could write one and surprise, we could. It was dreadfulbut it proved that we could do it. We both had different interests so decided to pursue separate projects, which led me to write my first book, a still unpublished historical.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It just fit with the story, about what she wanted.

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 I writebetter when I can put a humorous spin on things. Like many other authors I struggle with show vs tell.

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

At the time the male character was based on one of my boyfriends, as life moved on, including leaving him in the dust, the character evolved into someone else entirely.

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

I don’t have to travel, other than via google but I found the beach is very soothing and great for figuring out key plot details or scenes.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I have designed some and others I have purchased.

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

Don’t give up on what you want.

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

My favorite writer of all time is a hard question. I love Johanna Lindseywho introduced me to the wonderful world of covers with Fabio on them and the Malory family. But I’ve been a long-time fan of Stephen King for well over 25 years.

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

My friend until the end, Stacy. She’s always had my back and has pushed me to be a better writer and to just DO IT!

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?

I would have started researching sooner, haha. But otherwise, no, I’m thrilled with how Ben’s Folly has turned out.

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

Yes, my book is based in 1839 and I’ve learned I don’t think I would have made it back then. Life was hard, harder still for a woman.

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

 Chris Evans

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Stop doubting yourself, there is always going to be someone who doesn’t like your work. Guess what? Other people will! Write for you and have some fun 😀

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you! Thank You! For giving my books a chance.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I just finished Born Guilty by Reginald Hill, a great book! Cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No, I don’t. But I recall Grover Goes to School and how I cried for him and his sadness.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Almost everything makes me laugh! And the same for cry. I’m a very emotional and empathetic person, the very idea of things get the waterworks going.

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

Stephen King. I would love to sit down with the king of horror, have a cup of tea, and talk about bunny slippers. Because what a story that would be for me to share with others!

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I love walking the beach in search of sea glass.

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

My favorites were Seinfeld and My Name is Earl, I watch the reruns on Hulu all the time. Shawshank Redemption and Coco are my favorite movies.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Chocolate, purple, and 80’s rock

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

Sit and pet cats, can I get paid to do that?

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

I would spend every moment of those 24 hours with my family, treasuring them.

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

I wish to be cremated so no stone

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

I have a FB author page. https://www.facebook.com/LisaFreedAuthor/

 FB author page:

https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B077THGLPR

Book links
https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Heart-Lisa-Freed-ebook/dp/B078FGX1YZ

https://www.amazon.com/His-Hidden-Agenda-Lisa-Freed-ebook/dp/B077THLRRR

https://www.amazon.com/Miners-Return-Gavenstone-Mine-Book-ebook/dp/B07CPJB7DW

https://www.amazon.com/Undercover-Psychic-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07DGJXY6V/ref=la_B077THGLPR

 

Coming soon

 

 

Here is my interview with Avery Duncan

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

Thank you very much for having me, it’s a great opportunity for someone just starting out like me!

 

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

Hi, I’m Avery Duncan, and I am in my late 30s.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from Basingstoke in England, UK

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

I am a bit of an enigma even to myself. I live with my family. I love reading, I love Rugby and I love fantasy stuff like magic and vampires etc.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I have just released my first book and I have also released the pre-order for my second. I’m loving it!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I was about 8 or 9 years old. I loved letting my imagination run away with me

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I don’t think it’s something that I’ve ever really had to consider like that. I just am. Just like other people don’t have to think about being straight or gay, or blonde or brunette, you either are, or you’re not. I have always been a writer.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I read a lot of books. I wrote a lot, and somewhere in my head the idea just came to me.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I just thought about the story at hand. The situation between two of the main characters was something more than just lust, that’s why I called it More Than Desire.

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

I like to throw a little humour into most of the things that I’m writing. I’m a bit of a magpie, and I seem to throw several genres into the one book. Sweet romance, humour and sarcasm, erotic romance, all in one book.

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

Ha! I write ménage, reverse harem, and MM books, so no, nothing in there is on life experience in that respect. But I think that the underlying story of love and attraction and is definitely something from my own life experiences. My editor has commented that I keep throwing in things from my own life and I’m weirding her out by quoting my books when it’s really just that it happened so I put it in there. I like things that are relatable like that.

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

I love travelling. I’m always trying to get somewhere. I like the escape and the new experiences I think it only serves to enrich what I’m writing. When I describe somewhere in a book, I think it’s all the more engaging if it’s accurate and picks up on the little details that only someone who has been there would notice.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Leigh Stone (well, Leanne Clugston since she’s using her real name now) and her business ‘Formatting by Leigh’ She has done the beautiful interiors as well!

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

Not really, I just want people to think that the book was good and allowed them to get lost in a world that they might never have been in themselves.

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?

Wow, can you really ever narrow it down to one or two authors? There are so many fantastic names out there. Bea Paige is amazing, I’ve read four of her books so far and I’ll be one-clicking more later. I FLOVE Michelle McLoughney, Whitney G, and LB Dunbar. (as you can see my tastes are quite varied, these ladies all have very different styles). Yet I still love the likes of Jane Austen and Shakespeare.

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

Myself. Having the support of others is great (and my family and my closest friends have been amazing for that) but if I didn’t have the confidence in myself, and the drive and ambition to make it work, all the support in the world wouldn’t get me there.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Of course, I have big plans and a clear path ahead of me to reach them.

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?

Yes, I have found my niche again. Writing is the blood in my veins and I need it to be complete.

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

Female, someone like Drew Barrymore (More than Desire that is), guys… nooo idea!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Learn, accept help, accept criticism, take yourself seriously and look at it like a business. Research your genre, research your covers, and dear god get a good editor. Most importantly, believe in yourself and don’t give up.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you for reading my books. I hope you liked them, and I hope you will continue to like them for a long time.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Midlife Crisis by LB Dunbar.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I remember the first one that I ever finished in a day. Tek Wars by William Shatner, I was 11.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I have a warped sense of humour, and am a bit too empathic and can cry at the drop of a hat. So weird stuff, and everything.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Reading, I like to paint and draw, I think of travelling as a bit of a hobby too

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

I’ll binge watch a lot of things. True Blood, The Santa Clarita Diet, The Amazing Mrs Maisel, Lucifer… the list is endless.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I’m a bit of a fan of Asian foods. Indian Curry, Japanese Don Buri, Pad Thai, all that kind of thing. I like purple, blue, and pink. And my musical taste is as varied as my taste in books. I love rock, pop, a little country, some classical.

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

Cry? I’d like to work in something that gives back, so teaching, caring, social work, something like that

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

With the people most important to me, enjoying food, and fun, a sunrise and a sunset, and making sure that they know how much I love them.

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

‘Beloved mother, grandmother – she filled her paper with the breathings of her heart’

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

Yes, www.averyduncan.co.uk and I’m on Facebook and Twitter, and have a newsletter.

Thank you very much for having me Fiona, this has given me more insight into my own writing and I look forward to sharing more books with everyone!

Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Avery-Duncan/e/B07F4TFCS2/

More than Desire links: 

Amazon:

US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F1KSM1D

UK –https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07F1KSM1D

AUS – https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07F1KSM1D

CA – https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07F1KSM1D

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1403588415

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/more-than-desire-avery-duncan/1128968289

Keeping the Beat pre-order links: 

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKYV5M2

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FKYV5M2

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07FKYV5M2

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07FKYV5M2

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/keeping-the-beat-2

 

Here is my interview with Greg Kater

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?

Greg: My name is Greg Kater. I’m 78 years old

Fiona: Where are you from?

Greg: I live in Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast, Australia.

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

Greg: I graduated with a BSc from the University of Sydney in 1960 majoring in Advanced Geology and Geophysics. I have also completed courses in accounting and management.

My wife, Anne, and I were married in 1961. We have four children and six grandchildren who are all doing well.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Greg: I began writing over two years ago after I retired from a 55 year career in the resources industry. For the first time in my life, I have time to write more than just the technical reports associated with my career.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Greg: I had never previously considered myself a writer, although I had been involved over the years in writing and editing many technical reports.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Greg: I had always been interested in history and I was fascinated by the various reports and memoirs concerning my father who fought in the Syrian and North African campaigns during the Second World War.

Also, having met and worked with many interesting characters all over the world during my career, I thought it would be fun to write about them as fictional characters.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Greg: One of the main fictional characters is a half-cast Warramunga aboriginal from the central part of the Northern Territory of Australia. I had spent some years working in that region. In the first part of my first book, he and an officer, who becomes his close friend, are involved in the war. Hence the title, The Warramunga’s War.

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

Greg: My writing is generally quite simple prose although I mix in a few foreign language terms when appropriate to create favour. I write to entertain as well as to provide very accurate historical backgrounds. The only swear words in the books are the relatively moderate ones used in the 1940’s and I don’t want or see the need to resort to pornography or such in my genre of historical fiction.

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

Greg: All of my writing is as realistic as I can make it. I have spent a great deal of time on research to check historical accuracy and most of the characters are based on people I’ve lived and worked with, as well as drawing on my own experiences.

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

Greg: I don’t really need to travel any more for the purpose of defining characters or scenarios. During my career, I have worked in all parts of Australia, in South East Asia, the Americas, China, Africa, the Middle East, Russia and Europe and have many documents and photographs which I can refer to.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Greg: The covers were designed by Clive Dalkins of Zeus Publications.

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

Greg: I don’t really have any particular message for readers to grasp. I just hope they enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoyed writing them. I also hope that they become interested in the history and geography of events and places which they didn’t know before.

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?

Greg:I love the classics, I have to admit. Modern writers who grasp my interest are Martin O’Brien (Daniel Jacquot series), Stieg Larsson, and others. I also follow Will Davies who probably knows more about the First World War than many others.

My favourite authors also include the incredible historical fiction (so brilliantly researched) of Patrick O’Brian and Alexander Kent. Once you read one of their books, you have to read the rest.

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

Greg: My wife, of course. The only other people were those at Zeus Publications, here on the Gold Coast, who were always helpful and supportive.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Greg: No. I think I’ve already had a remarkable and satisfying career. Writing about places and characters familiar to me is fun and I’ll write as long as I keep enjoying it.

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

Greg: On reading a book again there are always things that could be changed or better edited. Essentially, I don’t think any changes would seriously improve the subject matter of the book.

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

Greg: I always learn something during writing. Careful research usually reveals the true facts of history and dispels any preconceived misconceptions.

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

Greg: I would say that the lead would have to be an Australian. Someone like Chris Hemsworth or Hugh Jackman.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Greg: My only advice to is enjoy writing and only continue writing if it is fun. Then readers are more likely to enjoy reading their books.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Greg: I only hope my readers get as much enjoyment out of reading my books as I got in writing them.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Greg: I am currently reading “The Yellow Admiral” by Patrick O’Brian.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Greg: No. I would have been very young. It was probably “Biggles” or something like that.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Greg: Good and subtle humour makes me laugh. I don’t cry often although I did shed a tear when my son’s beautiful wife recently died of cancer.

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

Greg: Roger Federer. I would also have loved to have met Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck when they were alive.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Greg: I play a little sport. Apart from that, writing has become my hobby.

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

Greg: My wife and I love the older films with the famous actors, such as James Stewart, Rock Hudson, Gregory Peck, Doris Day, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Michael Caine, Katherine Hepburn, Peter O’Toole, Laurence Olivier, Alec Guiness, Deborah Kerr, etc. etc. Does that make us a bit old fashioned? We also like British comedy on television.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Greg: Any foods, Chinese, stir fries, steak, roasts, you name it. Red, white and blue. Both classical music and modern music with melody.

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

Greg: I always find something to do.

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

Greg: Making sure that I don’t leave my family with problems.

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

Greg: Goodness!?! I think I’ll get cremated and they can spread my ashes in the ocean. I did find time, during my career to participate in a large amount of ocean yacht racing.

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

Greg: I do have a facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/greg.kater.7) and my son is working on a website for me (http://gregkater.com.au/).

https://www.waterstones.com/books/search/term/greg+kater

https://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=greg+kater&search=Find+book

 

https://www.amazon.com/Warramungas-War-Greg-Kater/dp/0648160742

http://www.zeus-publications.com/the_warramungas_war.htm

https://www.amazon.com/Warramungas-Aftermath-War-Greg-Kater/dp/0648278018

http://www.zeus-publications.com/the_warramungas_aftermath_of_war.htm

 

 

Here is my interview with Delta James

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

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we?

That is probably best.  It can get a bit tedious if one doesn’t know with whom one is speaking.

Tell us your name.

Delta James

What is your age?

What’s the line from Miracle on 34^th Street?  “I’m as old as my tongue and a little younger than my teeth!”  Seriously?  Not nearly as old as I feel sometimes in the morning!

Fiona: Where are you from?

Has no one explained to you about the birds and the bees?  Actually, I was born in North Carolina, lived most of my life in the Pacific Northwest, but came back to North Carolina three years ago.  I’ll probably be here the rest of my life, but one never knows.   Four years ago, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be in North Carolina … and yet, here I am.

If I could live anywhere, it would probably be in Wales along the coast.

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

I live alone at the moment … well as alone as a woman can be with three (soon to be four) basset hounds.

We share a 1940 bungalow in a small town outside of Charlotte, North Carolina.  I am currently coming to the end of a major renovation on the house and am looking forward to being able to restore order.

I have shown competitively at the national and international level with three breeds of horses (Appaloosas, Paints and Arabians) and AKC Basset Hounds

I love to cook for friends and have small, informal gatherings as opposed to large parties.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I had a book release on Friday the 13^th (my choice!) – it’s always been a lucky day for me.  It is on Amazon and Amazon UK  and called Brought to Heel.

https://www.amazon.com/Brought-Heel-Alpha-Shifter-Romance-ebook/dp/B07FKPN7TX/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1531676075&sr=8-5&keywords=delta+james&dpID=51drwl5h3xL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brought-Heel-Alpha-Shifter-Romance-ebook/dp/B07FKPN7TX/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1531685754&sr=8-1&keywords=delta+james

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing novels in November of 2017.  I’d had books and characters in my head for years but never did anything with them.  Then last year I just sat down and started writing.  And I haven’t stopped.  I produced six books under a different pen name (Willa Bradley).

When the idea for this series (Brought to Heel is the first) came to me, I decided to go with Stormy Night Publications as one of their strong suits is their paranormal genre.  It has been a wonderful collaboration and I am so happy I made that decision.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

January 29, 2018 – the first time a book I had written appeared on Amazon.  I had written several non-fiction articles regarding horses and dogs, but this was my first work of fiction.  I had stalked Amazon all day waiting for it to appear and when it finally did about 9 PM I squealed so loud, I woke my dogs who thought I’d lost my mind.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Honestly?  The characters were inside my head saying “We have a story to tell.”  And they wouldn’t let up.  So, I sat down and started writing Etta and Brody’s story.  I submitted the book in mid-November and on Thanksgiving Day I was notified it had been accepted for publication!

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Again, it just kind of came to me.  The story opens in the evening of a Full Moon known as Harvest Moon and that’s what inspired the title and two of the other three in the series.

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

I find I write mainly contemporary westerns and now a paranormal series.  I write what the characters in my head tell me to write.  I’m not one that sits down and writes out a plot or even an outline.  I often haven’t a clue as to how things will turn out until they turn out.  It can be kind of interesting when I argue with my characters because I don’t like where they’re going or what they’re doing.

For instance, in Brought to Heel I had been leading up to one of the other Alpha wolves being paired with a specific character, but it seemed he had other ideas.  I ended up writing a scene where he became mate to an entire different character who was originally a sort of ancillary character!  And now the second book in the series … features those two.

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

For the contemporary westerns?  Quite a bit.  I’ve been riding horses most of my life.  And have been involved with rescuing bassets for more than twodecades.  I’m passionate about keeping the mustangs of the American West running wild and free.  I think they are a vital part of our heritage.

For the paranormal?  Not a whole lot … but I wouldn’t be opposed to experiencing some of the things I’ve described.

Some characters have traits I stole from friends, enemies or people in whom I am interested.  I do find that an effective and satisfying way to get “revenge” on someone who has done me wrong in real life is to kill them off or make bad things happen to a character I based on them in a book.

You know what they say, with writers everything is grist for the mill.

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

I set my novels in places I’ve been.  I find that by doing so, I can give the descriptions of the physical place greater depth.  And by understanding the setting, it is easier to place my characters in it.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Part of what my publishers provide is cover design.  I have input into how they look and often supply them with pictures of people and things that inspired the novel.

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

Not one that I put there intentionally.  If anything I guess I’d like women to see they can be strong and not need a man but choose to submit to someone who is worthy of that gift.  And that there is nothing wrong with living your life with passion – for a man, for a cause for anything.

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?

For main stream novels, Robert Ludlum and Dan Brown have been my “go to” authors.

In erotic romance – there are far too many to name.  I fear if I were to try, I would leave someone out.  So, let me suffice to say that erotic romance has a tremendous breadth and depth of talent.

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

Entity?  I guess the two publishers I’ve worked with … Blushing Books and now Stormy Night Publications

But the most support I’ve received is from fellow authors.  Specifically, Piper Stone and Adaline Raine have been sources of both inspiration and steadfast support.  I very much doubt I would have had near the success I’ve had were it not for those two women.  I am proud and humbled to call both friend.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes.  Right now, it is a secondary career, but I do believe at some point that will change and will certainly always be a part of my life.

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

Never ask an author that.  Of course, there are things I would change.  I can nit-pick something to death.  But with the help of my wonderful editor, Jamie Miles, the book came out even better than I had thought.

I think one of the things I like when I go back is that I can see each successive book is better than the last.  I keep working on and honing my craft and I think it shows.

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

Yes.  I learned a lot of bits and pieces of the Welsh language.  Although set in America my heroine was born in Wales and didn’t come to the States until an adult.  The hero is first generation American and is of Welsh/Scottish descent.  I am so grateful to fellow author Gracie Malling.  I could IM her and say … “how do I say this in Welsh” and she’d shoot me back a reply.  It was invaluable.

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

I hate to specify someone.  I want the readers to see the characters the way they want and attraction is such a personal thing.  One of the ways I create my main characters is to base them on public figures.  It allows me to give greater depth to their descriptions not only physically but now they move and what they sound like.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write.  Every single day … write.  I don’t base it on word count but rather on time.  I write two hours a day, every single day.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Only that I hope they enjoy my characters and my stories as much as I enjoy creating them.  To leave reviews on Amazon and not to be afraid to reach out to your favourite authors and tell what you think.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’ve been too busy with my day job, the remodelling of my home and writing to do much reading in the last month.  But the last book I read was one of mine that has yet to be published.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My dogs make me laugh every single day.  Bassets are natural clowns and seem to enjoy the sound of human laughter.

The sound of an animal (or human for that matter) in distress.

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

There are so many who have inspired me over the years that I can’t choose just one.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Showing dogs, writing, cooking, riding horses, white water rafting and interior decorating.

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

I don’t watch a lot of TV or films.  TV is usually something on HGTV or the Food Network.  Trust me with my day job, writing, working on remodelling my house and taking care of my girls (my bassets – Goody, Katy, Emma and soon-to-join-us Roz), I don’t have a lot of time to just sit.  And then there are those pesky characters clamouring to get their story told.

Fiona: Favourite foods, colors,  music?

Favouritecolour – Red!

Foods – Too many to mention.  A new one is fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese sauce.  I’d never had them until last week and I am obsessed with trying to figure out the restaurant’s recipe!

Music?  I have some of the most eclectic musical tastes.  Right now, I’m listening mostly to Mary Chapin Carpenter, Clannad, and Sting.  I tend to like more acoustical pieces than those than need electricity and engineers to be enjoyed.

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

I can no longer imagine that.  I think I might go mad.  Once I let the first characters tell me their story and set pen to paper (so to speak), they just keep coming forward.

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

Ensuring my girls would be cared for after my death and making sure the people I love know what they meant to me.  Then I think I’d head to the coast and sit on the beach until the end came.

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

Sinfully sultry romantic — She lived with passion and without fear.

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

I’m on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/delta.st.james.9 and via email at deltajames-author@hotmail.com

 

 

Here is my interview with RoZita Berry

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 RoZita Berry, and I am 64 years young.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Jonesboro, Arkansas, where I’ve lived for almost 50 years.

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

I’m a graduate of Arkansas State University. I am unmarried and have four cats. I work as a home health aide, and I am also a singer/songwriter and composer, a sometime artist and jewelry maker as well as fiction writer. I have 7 books published and am working on the eighth.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I recently published a Young Adult novel called Moonshine Lullaby, which is available at Amazon.com, and I’m currently working on a fantasy novel or novella (not sure which it’s going to turn out to be) called Nella.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have been writing since I was a kid. It’s in my blood, I suppose. I never considered myself a “writer” as such until I reached age 21, however, and got an unexpected grade on a research paper. I decided then I was destined to write and began reading classic books and poetry as well as popular ones. I went on to college majoring in English, and taught some classes while there. I published my first novel in 2013, Watchers and Dancers, which is a modern-day version of Alcott’s Little Women.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

At 21, as stated above.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first completed novel was Pillars of Smoke. I published it about three years ago, but I had the characters in my head in my last year of high school. Of course they changed and evolved dramatically over the years, and are scarcely recognizable now, but that was when the seeds of the book came to be.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It’s from a verse in The Song of Solomon. “Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?” (3:6) It refers to the mysterious man that the protagonist, Susy Jarvis, meets one night.

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

I think my style is my own. I can be a bit flowery sometimes. I write my YA novels a bit different from my adult books, more informal and with a flavor of youthful jargon, especially when written in the first person.

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

None of my books are based on real life people or events, although I draw on the experiences of people I’ve known and my own as well.

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

I’ve traveled some, which I think helps me to get a feel for the settings. I wrote my novel Two Wild Swans, which is set mainly in Germany at the time of World War I, before going to visit a friend in Germany. But I had yet to publish it, and I think my visits were profitable for my novel. I visited the Ozark Mountains many times, where Pillars of Smoke is set.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I did.

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

I think my books are about finding true beauty from within and without. It’s an ongoing process and one grows to the extent of how one helped others to grow. Love begets love and when one discovers and develops one’s own beauty, then one can see the true beauty of others below surface appearance.

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

I don’t think I have a favorite. I like J.R.R. Tolkien a lot and have written much fan fiction based on his works, but I don’t try to imitate him. I like Lucy Maud Montgomery, Elizabeth Goudge, Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King, Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, Maya Angelou, and several others. As you can see, I like variety:)

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

My friend Donna Austin, who is also a writer. She it was who introduced me to the CreateSpace platform where I could publish my own books for free.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. Although I don’t make a living from it.

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

I CAN do it over again, but right now I’m happy with it the way it is.

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

Mainly that when you think you can’t do more than you’ve done already, just keep going and you’ll surprise yourself with what you can do.

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

I don’t know. I do choose pictures of actors, models, and regular people to represent the main characters while writing, but they are chosen mainly for their appearances, rather than for their suitability. Some of them I’ve never actually seen act.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Read lots of books on writing. Everything you can get your hands on. Listen to other people’s stories, even when they’re long and rambling. Take the fruit and throw away the rind. Read poetry, even if you don’t write poetry. Read the kind of books you want to write, lots of them. Read classics, but read popular literature as well. Popular literature will help you with the structural aspects of writing. And live your life. It will help you to write convincingly.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Love ya!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’ve just started The Blue Bottle Club by Penelope Stokes.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No. I think it was We Look and See, but not sure. I was only 6 when I read it.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Heartfelt tales that make you fall in love with the characters.

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

There are several wonderful people online that I’d love to meet, and see their surroundings with them and have fun.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Writing songs, singing and making jewelry.

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

I don’t watch much TV. Mostly I like nature and science and historical type programs. I like movies that are visually stunning, emotionally engaging, funny, and uplifting. I like a lot of classic movies. I like scary movies that really are scary, and tear jerkers as long as I watch them by myself.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

I like good ole Southern food best. Catfish, fried shrimp, steak, garden tomatoes, fried chicken, black eyed peas, cornbread, that sort of thing. I like rich colors like purple, blue, red, and green best. But i love all colors. Music–classical, folk, pop, jazz, ragtime, blues, film music, new age, Broadway, some country, rock ‘n roll, some gospel, avant-garde, some hip-hop, world music, zydeco and Cajun music, bluegrass and hillbilly music, and opera.

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

Sing, paint, and draw.

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

Finishing and publishing my latest book.

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

Gone to Join the Great Ones.

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

I have many websites, which can be accessed at http://delroz.bravepages.com/cafe/cafe

Links to my books:

https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Smoke-Novel-RoZita-Berry-ebook/dp/B012HTP4VQ/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1531678392&sr=8-8&keywords=RoZita+Berry

https://www.amazon.com/Two-Wild-Swans-RoZita-Berry-ebook/dp/B014N6CBKI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1531678392&sr=8-5&keywords=RoZita+Berry&dpID=51K4HYyyc%252BL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/Watchers-Dancers-RoZita-Berry-ebook/dp/B00E0EBC5O/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1531678392&sr=8-6&keywords=RoZita+Berry

https://www.amazon.com/House-Peace-Ms-RoZita-Berry/dp/1542951682/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1531678392&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Moonshine-Lullaby-Novel-RoZita-Berry-ebook/dp/B07D1FHG4P/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1531678392&sr=8-4&keywords=RoZita+Berry&dpID=51uYzbOlptL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Happen-Poetry-RoZita-Berry/dp/1492135194/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1531678392&sr=8-3&keywords=RoZita+Berry&dpID=51-FL%252BfSByL&preST=_SX258_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

 

Here is my interview with Jay Willowbay

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 write under the name Jay Willowbay, and lets just say I’m in my late 30s. My very late 30s. My extremely incredibly unbelievably late 30s.

Fiona: Where are you from?

The sunny south coast of England, where we’ve been basking in the mother of all heatwaves. Everybody has suntans, even me who usually looks like Casper the friendly ghost, and the lawns look like beaches where the grass is so bleached and scorched.

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

I’m married with a teenage son, which is a big reason why I use a pseudonym. I’m just coming to the end of one career and looking for another, although any part-time job will do, as I’m looking to get back into education one last time

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I have some – my debut novella Shagnasty comes out on Tuesday 17 July, on Kindle and Unlimited, with possibly a paperback release to follow.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

It’s always been a part of me, for as long as I can remember. I love to create, to form and run with new ideas, and express myself in ways that I never seem to be able to in other aspects of my life.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

That would be with my first publishing credit, my poem ‘To Serve Her Better’ in the anthology Coming Together: In Verse.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I was starting a new job, getting the office tour and the meet ‘n’ greet, and I happened to notice there were more than a few attractive women in my new place of work. It got me to thinking, what if? What if I was single, had no commitments, and no morals? What might I do then?

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I went through a couple of aborted titles, the first being ‘London A-Z’ – hoping to fool some commuters at service stations. For a time it was ‘Corporate Promiscuity’ but then I remembered ‘shagnasty’ a word my friend used as a catch-all term of address. It refers to one who will choose many sexual partners , without forming any attachments to them or having any standards as to who they go with.

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

I write in most genres and try to inform, entertain, and resonate in all of them. And yes, that is a challenge of both skill and style.

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

Certainly not for me! Are there guys like this around? I can think of a couple I know, albeit on a more opportunistic, less planned way. Going back to challenges, my biggest one was making my character pitiable even as his behaviour is increasingly abhorrent. Do I achieve this? I love to hear feedback from readers as to whether I do.

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

I never have yet, and realistically, I’d never have the budget to do so. This one is set in London, but subsequent books in the same series will have settings further afield. I have some Facebook friends in these places who I will hopefully be able to tap up for their local knowledge.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

It was done by C A Bell of Envy Designs. She’s also an excellent author and one of the friendliest, most genuine people on the scene.

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

There are many, but perhaps too complicated and contradictory to sum up here. This is in many ways my most ambitious work. It’s going into the erotica category, and I hope it’s stimulating on that level, but it’s also my most detailed character study, with probably the least likeable main character I will ever write. But he’s not just the shagnasty the title suggests; he’s a lonely, unhappy, insecure and troubled young man despite his looks and money.

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?

Yeah, there’s a couple of debut authors I’m seriously excited by: Avery Duncan with her new release More than Desire, and Piper St James with hers, Stolen Beauty. Two excellent young writers who I’m sure will do really well.

Authors I’ve admired for longer are the aforementioned C A Bell, Janine Ashbless, Kay Jaybee, L N Bey, Kivutar Amy Koski, Emmanuelle de Maupassant and Adrea Kore. I’m probably also forgetting one or two that I’ll kick myself for later. Anyone who thinks the genre begins and ends with E L James has so much to discover.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely! I might not make a fortune doing it, but it’s the only thing I’m any good at, and there’s nothing I’d rather do.

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

No, it’s the realisation of my creative vision, which has been many years in the making. Not everyone will like it – some will hate it and have already said so – and it might not sell in huge numbers. But I’m proud of it, and wouldn’t change a thing.

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

I learned that sometimes you have to let the book write itself, and the themes and tone emerge. I’d imagined the whole thing being rather more light hearted than it turned out.

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

He’d have to be a good looking guy, with a hint of menace, but also able to pull off youthful innocence. Who’s the guy who played Dorian Gray in Penny Dreadful … (checks IMDB) … Reeve Carney. Yeah, he’d do, unless the real life ravages of time take their toll – he’s a good ten years older than the character is intended to be.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Just stick with it, and love what you do. And never underestimate the importance of like-minded friends.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

It may be an unbecoming plea for an author to make, and I do so on behalf of my character rather than myself, but: stay with him, even if he’s not your cup of tea. This is just book one of seven, and he will evolve, he will grow, he will transform.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Coven by Graham Masterton. Pretty good, looks like a 3 star rating on my scale, which equates to a 4 on Amazon.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Difficult to remember the books from my childhood, and even more so to put them in the correct chronological order. At an educated guess, the earliest one that’s stayed with me is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I’ve been finding it easier to cry than laugh lately; hopefully that will soon change.

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

It wouldn’t be a celebrity, it would be one of my Facebook friends who lives in the USA. Which one would be a difficult choice though; I’m not going to name any names here.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Yeah, the standard fun stuff: films, music, reading. I like to keep fit too, and am a real Zumba aficionado. Being the only dude amongst 30 or 40 women does nothing to ruin my enjoyment.

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

Brooklyn Nine Nine  is great fun – we’ll call that my answer to what makes me laugh. I read that it had been cancelled, but I think that decision has been reversed. I really like Gotham too – utter chaos, and so many bad-ass female characters, strong and sexy – that appeals to me very much.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I loved the Britpop scene in the 90s, since then I’ve come to listen to American punk pop more and more. I like my colours bold and bright, and my food hot and spicy – with ice cream after to soothe the burning in my throat.

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

That’s not a welcome scenario. This identity was created solely to be an author; without that I am unnecessary, without that I am nothing. So literally, the life of Jay Willowbay depends upon being a writer.

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

Food, drink, sex. As much of all these as I can squeeze in. 

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

I don’t think this name would be on it, but if it is, that would mean that I’ve been very successful under it, and that my work in the genre has been accepted by my family; possibly that the genre as a whole has embedded itself in the accepted mainstream. So yeah, that would be good.

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

I do, there’s a fledgling Twitter account (3 followers and counting!), and my blog too. And I’m very welcoming and approachable on Facebook, when I haven’t deleted my account in some hissy fit or other. Links to all three below, and thanks for having me. It’s been emotional.

https://twitter.com/JWillowbay

https://jaywillowbay.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorjaywillowbay

 

 

Here is my interview with KL Humphreys

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

 

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

Hi Fiona, I’m KL Humphreys and I’m 29.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born and raised in London, but I’m currently living in Ireland.

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

I’m a full time mum of one little girl, and I manage to get writing done while she sleeps. Before I started writing I was a blogger, so reading is a major passion of mine. I love finding new authors. There’s nothing better than being swept into a good book.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Oooh, so I have finished my Deadly series, I’m finally writing a standalone novel and I’m really excited for it.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always loved writing, I use to love making up stories when I was little. As I grew older, life got in the way and the love died. When I started reading again in 2014, the love of writing came back with a new lease of life. I published Deadly Hunt on August 22nd 2016.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Umm, wow. I think it was when I sold my first book.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

It was a dream I had, that the story came to me and then it kind of grew from there.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It was actually quite easy for my first book, I knew the title before I had even finished the third chapter. The storyline chose the title.

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

I write 1st person POV. I find it hard to write 3rd person and even trying to makes me anxious.

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

The Deadly Series are full of Kickass women and they are based on women I know. They’re based on the strengths we have rather than the weaknesses. The working Girls Series, Jess, from The Secrets Of Life, her hard working nature and the way she’ll do anything to make sure her kids are safe and happy, is based on my mum. Gah, I love my mum to bits, she’s a strong lady and one I’m extremely proud of.

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

I’m not a big traveller, but I do research a lot before I even begin to write and I have fabulous BETA readers who help me out when and where it’s needed

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The first 3 deadly Books were designed by Cover Crush Designs.

The two Hitman books were designed by the lovely Dawn Doyle

The rest of my books were designed by Under Cover Designs.

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

I hope so, my books have a strong family/friend dynamic. My books deal with loads of different aspects but the main theme that runs through them is you’re never alone, there is someone there for you, to listen, to support, to be a friend.

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 not read as much as I’d like to since having my daughter but saying that I’ve read a few books this year. Ivy Rose’s Shattered Love is phenomenal, you wouldn’t think it was a debut novel.

My favorite author ever – ahh, I have a few! Karen Rose, her books never fail to draw me in and keep me captivated and guessing throughout.

Emma Hart’s books are ones that I can pick up and know that I’m going to love them.

Kristen Ashley, her books are life! No really, they are my go-to re-reads. I love her Mountain Men series, her Burg series, her Dream Man series. but I love, love her Unfinished Heroes series.

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

Wow, there’s so many! As I was a blogger, my blogging girls knew that I was writing and they were behind me 100% and they’re still behind me to this day. Then there’s Stacey, that woman, God, she goes out of her way to help everyone and anyone.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

At the moment no – I write because I love it, there’s nothing more I’d love than be able to say it was my career.

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

More promotion, I think I was way to lax on the promo.

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

Yes, that it’s okay to talk proudly about mental health.

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

Ah, ooh that’s hard! Okay so if it were The Secrets Of Life, I’d want Jennifer Lawrence to play Jess. I think she’d make a great Jess!!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Believe in yourself, trust your gut and write what you want.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you for believing in me and reading my words.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m actually doing a reread of JJ McAvoy’s Ruthless People

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The Lottie Project by Jacqueline Wilson is the first book I can remember reading alone.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My Daughter makes me laugh, it takes something really sad to make me cry.

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

Oooh, I’d love to meet Karen Rose, she’s my unicorn author.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Besides reading and writing? I like to talk long walks. It helps me relax

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

I’m more of an action girl than a romcom. So Fast and Furious films are my all time favorite. I love watching the likes of Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour, Taken, basically anything that has action.

TV Series – I love the Blacklist, Criminal Minds, and NCIS.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Foods – Spicy and chocolate.

Colors – Pink and Black

Music – I love R’n’B, Rap, Pop, soul, Hip-Hop.

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

Eeek, that’s hard but I suppose I’d love to do something fun, maybe help people out. Like run a drop in center with counsellors and stuff.

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

My daughter, my boyfriend, my sister, my brother, and my mum.

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

I’ve never thought about it…

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

I have a newsletter…   http://eepurl.com/cZcdO1

Here’s the links to my Amazon Author Page –  http://amzn.to/2a57Za9

Links to my books –

Deadly Series – Available On KU

Deadly Hunt – mybook.to/DeadlyHun

Deadly Obsession – myBook.to/DeadlyObs

Deadly Past – mybook.to/DeadlyPas

Deadly Encounter – mybook.to/DeadlyEncounter

The secrets of Life:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2zRju3o

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2A8kQqz

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2zH7QJy

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2A6x0QV

Other Retailers: http://bit.ly/2IPTryu

One Night: Available on KU

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2odbgvb

AMAZON UK; http://amzn.to/2GlF8Ne

AMAZON CA: http://amzn.to/2Ho7mIB

AMAZON AU:  http://amzn.to/2F7VmKt

The Hitman Series:

Bounty:

★AMAZON ——> http://mybook.to/Bounty1

✩iBooks —> https://apple.co/2FzEfAf

★B&N ——> http://bit.ly/2DzMf3H

✩KOBO ——> http://bit.ly/2DRymBo

Captured:

✩AMAZON US ——>https://amzn.to/2Ndb0Hv

★ AMAZON UK ——>  https://amzn.to/2mgzQe7

✩ AMAZON CA ——> https://amzn.to/2zDx248

★AMAZON AU ——> https://amzn.to/2JjMxOj

✩iBooks —> https://apple.co/2NLS0Rg

✩KOBO ——> http://bit.ly/2LcR362