Here is my interview with D.B. James

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

 

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

Hello, my name is D.B. James and let’s just say I’m in my mid-thirties. 😉

Fiona: Where are you from?

Michigan, where it’s currently sleeting. Brr…

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

I’m an avid reader, collector of Funko Pops, obsessed with all things Supernatural (#TeamSam) Stranger Things and Harry Potter, love of coffee and I dye my hair vivid colors.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’ve been invited back to sign at Book Bonanza and Shameless Book Con in 2019. Besides that, I have six book releasing between January and June of 2019.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing in high school, but put it aside for years until the right time came along. Around four years ago, I started writing and haven’t looked back once. At the time Colleen Hoover encouraged me to give it a go. She told me to write my story. So, I did. With a lot of help. I asked many author friends questions about self-publishing but that early on in my career, Teagan Hunter was a lifesaver.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When my debut novel was around the halfway point, I knew I’d never stop writing.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Actually, a bad break-up. At first, I was writing my character Morgan—in my debut, Seventeen Days—as this angry person. Because I was angry. She softened up and her true self shines through before you dive in too deep. I fell in love with her and had to write her softer. FYI a revised and re-edited version of Seventeen Days is releasing on January 22, 2019.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

My hero dares the heroine not to fall in love with him within Seventeen Days.

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 I have a thing for writing sassy heroines. When I look at them all, I truly do. Sometimes writing the sex scenes can be challenging and awkward. Especially if I’m writing with others in the room.

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

Usually I don’t base entire books on things that happened in my personal life. I’ll take certain events that have happened and place them in a book. For example, in Averill when she’s drunk and sees flowers dancing on the wall, that was something that happened in real life to a friend of mine. But…Written in the Sand is different. My heroine Tenley, is 90% based on me. What she goes through are fictionalised events from my life. She’s the closet I’ve ever come to writing my personal story.

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

Whenever I travel my laptop goes with me. When I’m running errands around town, I’ll use my phone to take notes if an idea hits or the next line comes to me. Personally, I’ve either lived or traveled to most of the places in my books. A few of them, I’m researched extensively.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Megan Gunter at Mischievous Designs has done all of my currents covers except for Love, Snow & Mistletoe, that was designed by Alyssa Garcia at Uplifting Designs.

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

Each novel has a different message. Written in the Sand to me is about living your best life when tragedy strikes. About finding your best self after it happens. Rhys, Averill & Brant (The Secrets series) is all about telling your truth to the right people. Trusting in someone other than yourself and being strong individual women alongside their men.

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?

Emery Rose has grasped me along with Holly Hall. Emery’s debut release just blew me away. Holly knows how to craft every word beautifully. My favorite writer(s) are JK Rowling, Colleen Hoover, Renée Carlino, KA Tucker, Jennifer Armentrout, Sarah J Maas and Samantha Young. To name a few. Everything about their work makes me seethe with jealousy. No, seriously every word they craft is beyond amazing. They all have a way with words that to me, is unexplainable.

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

I have a close-knit group of author friends I confide in. In my head I call them my “core seven” because they’re who I can count on no matter what. If I’m having an off-day writing, they get it. They’re truly happy when something good happens to me, not jealous. It’s a wonderful feeling.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Right now, because I’m disabled (stupid spine!) yes, I do.

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

My latest book is Written in the Sand…no, I wouldn’t. It’s my most personal and my favorite book yet.

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

Currently I’m co-authoring a book and I’m learning how to be more patient. Lol.Stay all Night out February 19, 2019.

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

 Let’s turn The Secrets series into a movie (Rhys, Averill & Brant) and hands down I’d want Theo James to play Brant.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

As lame as it sounds, write every single day. Even if it’s ten words. That’s ten more words than you had yesterday. Just keep writing.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

2019 is going to be a huge release year for me. I have 4 novels written already and 4 more in progress. I have solid release dates for every month from January through June.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Tattered by Devney Perry

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Oh my gosh, no. I’m a lifelong reader.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

A lot of things. Most recently it was the remake of A Star is Born with Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper. It’s SO good. The music alone will bring you to tears.

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

 This is so hard for me to answer because there’s so many people I’d love to meet. Today I’m going to say, JK Rowling. Just to thank her for bringing magic back into my life when I was considered an adult and things like that were for children. She made me believe in magic again. The world of Harry Potter is a wonderful place, I’d love to thank her for bringing him to life.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Reading, binging tv shows, karaoke, painting…a lot of creative things bring me joy.

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

Supernatural, The Flash, Stranger Things, Criminal Minds, Riverdale, The Punisher, The Originals, true crime shows… I could go on.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

I love Italian and Mexican foods. Or just a really good bar burger and onion rings. Colors…bright pink, purple, teal, emerald or any jewel-toned color. I love country music. I admit it. It’s my weakness.

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

Honestly, no clue. I can’t see a future where I’m not writing.

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

With my friends and family. Those I love the most, doing the things we love the most.

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

 ::crickets::

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

Actually, my Facebook group is the fastest way to keep in touch with me. It’s always the first place any updates, events, or special offers are shared. I also have members only giveaways. Currently, there’s two going on. It’s also the place to get exclusive teasers.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DBJamesDestinationLove/

 

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Here is my interview with Petrina Binney

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?

Hey there. My name is Petrina Binney, and I’m thirty-something. Thirty-six at the moment, but not without ambition.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Originally, from Croydon, south London, but I’ve been living in the Devonshire countryside for the greater part of my life.

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

After a handful of years in retail and bar-work, I trained to be an electrician. Pretty early on in my electrical career, something in my back got angry, went ping, and sent me into physiotherapy and stretches every morning. Since then, I have built a home between a chair and a laptop. I like it here.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m in the process of writing my fourth draft of book three in my series. It will need a little more work before I’m ready to send it to my editor, but I’m really enjoying it.

The first book was an introduction to the characters, the environment, the danger, all that jazz. The second was a good bit darker. Book three is turning out to be rather romantic but it’s still me, so there’s a creepiness in there

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I wrote stories all through my childhood, right the way through to my teenage years. Then, I wrote an awful lot of pretty terrible poetry and later, tried to be a songwriter. As I recall, at one point, I had a crack at writing a sitcom.

I only ever wanted to write. I didn’t really care what it was. There was never anything else that meant as much to me. But, like so many before me, I was told that very few people make it as authors, so there was no point in trying. I wish I hadn’t listened to that.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I hired my editor. I’m not even exaggerating – I was jumping around the room for most of the day when that happened.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I hosted my first dinner party a couple of years ago. I spent much of that day chopping, marinating and cooking, and by the time the guests arrived, I was exhausted.

I’d been a barmaid for about six years at the time, so nobody’s glass emptied at any point during the meal. Including mine. I was quite sozzled by the end of the night. In the midst of a heavy stomach and still a little bit dizzy from the bubbles, I realised – it had gone quite well. I hadn’t poisoned anyone, and they all seemed to get along.

It would have been appalling to host a dinner party where none of the guests liked each other – and that was it. Suddenly, there was a story. It didn’t take too long for my main character to introduce herself, and I’ve been devoted to her ever since.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It was just going to be called ‘The Dinner Party’ but I had some concerns that someone would pick it up thinking it was some sort of guide to etiquette. Given that it’s a murder-mystery/domestic noir with a lot of sarcasm, lesbians, and serious injuries, that didn’t quite seem to fit.

Having not read a word of it, my partner asked what the book was about. I replied, “Sex, Death & Canapés” and she laughed. That was it. Decided.

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

I do have a specific writing style. I fall somewhere between lyrical and smutty, but it’s my own voice. For a time, I tried warning people I knew that I was much ruder in written form – that, if they were planning on reading my books, they should be prepared for the difference in me. Apparently, there is no difference.

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

The scenery is realistic. The books are set in a part of Devon I know quite well. The characters aren’t really based on anyone I know, but they all have echoes of me in them. The humour, emotional baggage and cooking are all from life, but the murders are pure fiction. I promise.

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

Not at all. So far, I haven’t tried writing in an unfamiliar location, but so long as I have a notepad and a kettle, I think it might be all right. That said, I know the area and the characters, so I don’t really need to go anywhere.

I have had to read rather a lot. There have been quite a few subjects to research. For example, I didn’t know a thing about keeping quails or crime scene investigations when I first started book one.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My friend over at Fantasia Book Cover Designs. I absolutely love my covers and really can’t recommend her highly enough. She’s amazing.

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

‘It’s not worth being unhappy’ is probably the central message.

Being a child of the eighties, I grew up watching television, and it seemed to be a theme right the way through that female characters in TV dramas have a set path once they’re over fifty.

The woman over fifty can be: the mother to the grown-up kids, who have their own problems, so she has no time for her own. She can be the titan of industry or a hotshot lawyer, but she has no love life. She can be Grandma, but she can’t have big, operatic emotions. Whatever else she is, she can’t be dangerous. A lot of my characters are in their forties and fifties. They have sex lives, and emotions, and they can be dangerous… because I’m in my mid-thirties, and it’s important to have something to look forward to.

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

I love Elliott Downing. He’s brilliant. I read a book of his called ‘Keys To The Kingdom’ and was astonished by the economy of language and the poetry running right through it. It’s a wonderful story, which I’m not going to ruin for you, but I found it really moving.

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

Most of my family is gone now, but the person who most supported my commitment was my godmother. Now, I don’t pretend she’s an entity, like a major corporation or something, but she did say something that really meant the world to me.

When I told her I was going to go ahead and write something, with the intention of getting published, I thought she might laugh down the phone.

Instead, she said, “I always thought you should do that.”

Now, why she couldn’t have said that in any of the fifteen years when I was blithering about pretending to have something better to do, I don’t know, but it meant an awful lot to me.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Writing can be whatever it needs to be. If someone wants to see it as a career, or a hobby, or everything, that’s what it can be.

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

I probably would have backed it up onto a memory stick. Instead, I lost four chapters in a power cut.

Live and learn.

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

I began dabbling in Italian geography and, by the time I finish this draft, I should have a clearer understanding of police procedure.

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

I have been calling out to the universe for some time to let it happen. I think everyone who writes a book would rather like to see it turn into a film or series. And anyone who knows me knows exactly who my favourite actress is.

*shuffles in seat*I’ve tempted fate rather on lot on this subject. I’ll tell you what: if I get her, I’ll let you know.

 Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Don’t give up. Arguably, there will be people in your life who will speak about practicality and gas bills. These things are important, but there’s nothing to say you can’t keep writing in between other things. You must have something for you, and if it’s writing – don’t give up.

 Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you so much for reading. Do tell the world.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I have just joined a book club and this month we’re reading ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ by Heather Morris. I’ve heard it’s amazing. I should receive my copy in the next couple of days.

In the meantime, I’m finishing ‘The Crime Writer’s Guide to Police Practice and Procedure’ by Michael O’Byrne, because – well, there are things I need to know.

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I think it was ‘The Lonely, Only Mouse’ by Wendy Smith. I absolutely loved it.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I laugh all the time. Mostly, because I’m usually telling myself a joke inside my head. In terms of crying – movies. Honestly, I rarely get through a film with any kind of emotional arc without crying like a baby. I’m still recovering from ‘Les Miserables’.

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

In terms of people I’ve never really known, I had three grandparents who died when I was a baby, or before I was born. I would love to meet any of them.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I run a Movie Night at my local Royal British Legion. We’re a friendly bunch, and have covered all kinds of genres, years, actors, in the seven years since Movie Night started. I have a good memory for trivia, so I often pepper the evenings with little nuggets about films and filmmakers. It makes me quite useful on Quiz Nights. I remember things.

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

TV Box sets. I love anything dark, dramatic and funny, so have spent hour upon hour watching ‘American Horror Story’, ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Damages’, ‘Orphan Black’, ‘Orange is the New Black’, ‘Inside No. 9’ and ‘Murder Most Horrid’.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I love Greek food. I’m a fool for garlic and lemon. My favourite colour is blue, but a warm blue. Music… I’m quite easy to please: Muse, Placebo, Counting Crows or The Dubliners.

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

Die. Or, more likely, drink heavily and bore everyone to tears with tales of my glory days when I used to write.

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

Writing, drinking, and tweeting actresses.

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

Pretty sure she’s dead.

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

Sure. The blog is at www.binneyblog.wordpress.com

You can also find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PetrinaAuthor/

And Twitter www.twitter.com/wordsofbin/

My Amazon author page is https://amzn.to/2yS7sEX

And here are my book links:

Sex, Death & Canapés

Kindle UK: https://amzn.to/2MXOaXL

Kindle USA: https://amzn.to/2olxxHK

Sex Death & Scallops:

Kindle UK: https://amzn.to/2xdxnXu

Kindle USA: https://amzn.to/2NI8gS2

Here is my interview with Marina Landry

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?

Marina Landry    

63 years old

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’ve lived most of my life in south Louisiana (USA).

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

I received Master’s Degrees from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette (ULL) in Secondary Mathematics Education, Education of the Academically Gifted, and Adult Education. I have taught for twenty years, including middle school, high school, and college, in math and English language arts.

I have two sons – one is an electrical engineer and one is a mathematician for a software company.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My new release, Turning Points, is now available from Amazon! Turning Points is Book Two in my Parallax Series, the saga of a family scattered by civil war, fighting to restore peace on New Earth, as they find love where they least expect it and need it most.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve loved to write stories that intrigue and entertain readers since elementary school. I like to remind others that love and trust exist, and, despite challenges, there is a solution and a place each of us fit perfectly in the universe.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Winning my first writing contest for unpublished writers gave me the confidence to stick with it and claim to be an author.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

The storyA Star Called Home had been bouncing around in my head for months, so the complex characters had become pretty familiar. I had to write their story so I could move on to thinking of other things. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

For A Star Called Home, I wanted a title that suggested science fiction, but made it clear it was more of a story of love and family, rather than straight sci fi adventure. 

Bridges Burningwas suggested by song lyrics.

Turning Points refers to the crossroads each of my main characters face in the story.

PARALLAX, the name of my series, refers to how different an object appears, usually a star, when viewed from different points. It’s a metaphor for how people can appear in different situations throughout the universe.

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

I enjoy writing characters’ thoughts in deep points of view, especially when other characters misunderstand, which I believe happens often in real life.  I try to make my main characters lovable, but fallible. When they find themselves in challenging situations, they have the courage to stick to their values.

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

I’ve drawn from many unusual occurrences around me in the present and past. People are interesting and unique, and are put in challenging situations throughout life. When I witness a person doing something that surprises me or moves me, I want to write it down and, ultimately, share it with readers.

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

I get a lot of writing done when I travel, especially by train, and it broadens the types of people I see. But I don’t actually travel to do research for my writing.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

All of my covers have been designed by cover artist GwenPhifer. I love her work — it’s subtle and deep at the same time. There’s a lot of hidden meaning in each book cover, which becomes clear once you’ve read the story.

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

People who care about people have a place where they fit in, where they can be loved for who they really are. Have the courage to do what’s right.

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 enjoy reading J.D. Robb’s futuristic mysteries. The main characters are very intelligent and committed to high ideals of protecting and getting justice for others less fortunate. They truly love and respect each other, and work hard to accept their differences and mistakes. They reflect what I try to portray with my main characters.

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

Teachers in middle school, high school, and college have supported my writing. That was a very long time ago, but their encouragement still gets me through the rough times.

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?

I’m constantly learning more about self-editing, marketing, and the sciences I include in my books.

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

Jake Gyllenhaal would do a great job, I’m sure. He has a wide range and could portray the many different personas the hero, Tomas, adopts in Book Two.  In Book Four, when Tomas is older, I would love to see Mark Harmon in that role.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Keep writing. Enter a lot of contests. Read books you like and don’t like. Keep a notepad handy, digital or paper. Follow authors on social media.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

If my books make you laugh, cry, and feel good in the end, I’ve been successful. And I really appreciatecomments from readers and Advanced Copy Readers.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I had a set of Classics Illustrated paperback books as a child.  I loved discovering the conflicts humans share and overcome, but I was young enough to really benefit from the illustrations.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I appreciate how unique and witty people can be, soI laugh pretty easily over small things.

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

Helen Keller. She went from being unable to communicate with a single person to sharing true words of wisdom, optimism, and kindness, to encourage all of us to overcome challenges.

I also admire Agatha Christie. Most people don’t realize she had several learning disabilities, yet was able to write over 70 novels. I believe I could learn a lot from her.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

 I enjoy mathematics and puzzles of all kinds.

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

NCIS is my current favorite series.  I watch a lot of science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal romance and adventure. I’ve read every book by Agatha Christie and believe I’ve seen every movie based on her stories. I was thrilled to see Mousetrap on stage in London, England

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I’m from south Louisiana, so good food can be found every few feet, pretty much wherever you are.  Crawfish étoufée is one of my favorites, though I have several.

My favorite music is alternative metal, though live Cajun and Zydeco music is fun.

My favorite color is fuchsia.

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?

I would spend the majority of it with my sons and their wives, just playing a board game. My sons have often teased me that playing board games is just my excuse to have us all around the same table, laughing.

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

I don’t want a headstone. A headstone is not a substitute for memories.

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

Website: www.MarinaLandry.com

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

Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/MarinaLandryAuthorPage

Read free chapters:https://www.wattpad.com/story/157720968-turning-points

Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/turning-points-parallax-book-two-by-marina-landry

Follow me onTwitter: https://twitter.com/marinalandry541

Email:  MarinaLandry5432@gmail.com

Here is my interveiw with Stacey Huish

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:  Stacey Huish

Age:  Secret

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in Australia

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

About Stacey Huish

A Strong Powerful Game Changer!

A Speaker, Educator, Author and Lover of Life!

A freespirit who is affectionately known as the Game Changer. I am an earth healer, a heart healer, a lover of life, raising the vibration of love to help as many people as possible to live passionate, purpose filled lives, awaken the planet and enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold.

That is My Life!

That is my purpose for me being here!

I am a Social Entrepreneur, 1 Million Women Ambassador and a Change Maker. A woman who puts her heart and soul into everything she does. A woman who loves people and loves life.

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Ever since I was 5 years old, I have held strong my vision of building homes and schools for children all over the world.  I  have known since a very young age that this was and still is today my life purpose.

My life’s journey has taken me on many different paths and I have always returned to my purpose of building homes and schools.

I have taught numerous people from all walks of life and impacted life long change as a result.

Working in many different roles throughout life I have settled into my lifes’ passion and LOVE…… I AM committed to the commitment of those around me and to the success that shines as a result.

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I have been asked to contribute my story to19 separate books and am now a Best Selling Published Author.  The book titles are:

• Inspired to Success by Sandy Forster
• Dare to Live by Diane Carter
• I Choose to be Free by Di Coop
• Great Women Rise by Ania Notoa
• The Inspiration Bible
• Successful Women in Business

I have been writing and contributing chapters to two book series.

• Sources of Wisdom Vol 1 – Vol 6 – Denise Baron
• Nurtured Women Books Vol 1 – Vol 6 – Kathie Holmes

I wrote and published my own book

• Communication Impact

Currently putting together my own book

• 1000 Ripple Effects

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You can be assured of the quality of information as I have been formally trained in:

Business Management, Event and Festival Management, Workplace Assessor and Trainer, Business Office skills and administration, NLP Master Practitioner, Change Therapist, Transforming Communication Instructor, Life Coaching, Justice of the Peace (Qualified) St John ambulance First Aid Certificate, and I have a Blue Card for QLD.

You can be assured of the accuracy of the skills and knowledge being shared, as I have had over fifteen (15) years of real, hands on, raw experience out in the field in all areas of Communication, Business, and Life Coaching.  Areas of relevant experience has been acquired through working in industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, retail, direct sales, natural therapy, training and development, seminar logistics, debt collection, telecommunications, event coordinator, customer service, finance, investing, administration, telephone counseling, and management.

I have included a separate resume with all the details.

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As a 1 Million Women Ambassador I make sure that everything that I do is in line with climate change and taking care of the earth.

Stacey Huish:

*  An International Best Selling Published Author

*  A Teacher of Communication Skills to the community now for over13 years.

*  A guest speaker at

– Dream It Up Festival

• Great Women Rise Event
• Shine Entrepreneurs Event

*  1 Million Women Ambassador

*  Peace Ambassador

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Stacey started Global Childens Fund in 2012.

A Social Enterprise that focuses on Social Justice and has four levels of Social Impact.

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The people who undertake the training will be 100% committed to the commitment they undertake with me.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My latest news is:

I have put together a book

“1000 Ripple Effects”

1000 Stories Creating 1000 Ripple Effects across the world.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I first began writing because I wanted to get a message out there into the  world.

And  today, I have another message and so I gathered 1000 people to help me to get the message out there….

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I don’t’ consider myself a writer,

I consider myself a messenger.  I bring powerful messages that make a huge impact and leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of many.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My very first book

“Communication Impact” was because I wanted to show people communication was very important.  Communication made a significant difference in the lives of everyone.  Communication is the core element needed in all relationships.

Communication will either make or break your relationships.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title just came to me.

“1000 Ripple Effects”

1000 Stories Creating 1000 Ripple Effects right across the world.

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

My personal writing style is to be direct and straight to the point.

I find other authors like to tell long stories to get their message across.

Both styles work.

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

Every author has shared something personal from their own life.

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

Once the book is completed and ready for distribution,  there will be the 1000 Ripple Effects TV Show.  This will be so exciting as I will be traveling the world to create 1000 Ripple Effects.  To create Sustainable Generational Change For Children.  It can not be done any other way.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Graphic Designer

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

There is always someone who loves you.  Someone who cares for you.  You may never meet them in person, but know that they are there through their words.

Doing your right of passage is so very important in becoming a Man or Woman.  Knowing that you as an adult will contribute to society and to your community.  Being an adult is about   “What do you contribute”  and  “How do you contribute”

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

I love bryce courtney.  He always wrote real life stories.

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

Iain MacKenzie … he always believed in me and supported me along the journey.  He was more than a mentor, he was a friend. He was always there for me no matter what.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

No.

This book is a special book that will take on a life of it’s own.

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

Oh Yes!

I learnt a lot about getting 1000 people to write a story and getting them all in on time.  I learnt how to push myself to go to the next level.  I learnt to let go of everything that was holding me back from succeeding.  I grew as a person.

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

Sandra Bullock

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

You have a message the world needs to hear.   You just need to learn how to tell it.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Everything you do has an impact.  Make the impact good.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Right now, I am reading all 1000 stories from the authors in my own books.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No I do not!

I do remember all the books that have made a huge impact in my life and taught me skills I needed to succeed.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Laugh: Puns, I LOVE PUNS!

Cry: people continually focused on the problem instead of focusing on the solution.

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

John Farnham, He wrote the song:  “Your The Voice”

This song has had a huge impact on my life and I believe he wrote that song just for me….. I have always believed I am the voice.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Kundalini Dance, personal development

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

I love true stories, life impacting messages of real life people.  People who beat the odds and succeeded.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Favorite foods: Whole Foods, beetroot, apple and radish salad,  mashed potato

Colors:  Orange is definitely my all time favorite …. I love all colours, the brightness, the joy they bring, the energy of happiness, the harmonious tones that fill our world

Music:  Jazz, world music,  Your the Voice by John Farnham.

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

Make life impacting films.

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

I would spend the last 24 hours with my beautiful Loving Caring Supportive Man who Changes the World with Me.

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

She Did it!  She changed the world!

Stacey Huish is a Game Changer, Stacey left a lasting legacy and impacted the hearts of millions of children.

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

www.1000rippleeffects.com

 

Here is my interview with Angela Orlando

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 Angela Orlando and I’m 41 (wow! Time flies!).

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from a town in Northern Arizona called Prescott, but I’ve lived all over the United States and in Peru twice. I now call Tucson, Arizona home, though I have several “homes.” It’s the second time I’ve lived here in Tucson. I just can’t keep away from the Sonoran Desert.

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

I hold a Ph.D. from UCLA as well as a master’s from New Mexico State and a bachelor’s from the University of Arizona – all in anthropology. I’m the oldest of three amazing sisters. I have an awesome partner, David, and a six-year-old terrier mix named Maggie, some furniture and some rare plants. I’m close with my mother and her mother, my mother’s sisters, their husbands, and my cousins. My friends are my chosen family.

I also run Women’s Wilderness Writing Workshops. These are writing retreats for people who identify as women. They are on different genres, like storytelling, poetry, nonfiction, academic writing, et cetera. They take place all over the world, and they’re never too wild. They are held in cabins or other somewhat “glampy” settings and are catered. www.wilderwriters.com is how you can find them.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I just put out an anthology of 47 international ladies’ prose, poems, and full-color art about their true experiences of all kinds of sexual violation. It’s called “The Daily Abuse: Women’s Accounts of Sexual Violation.”

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began journaling and experimenting with various writing genres when I was a child. I first published at age 8, and writing a movie critic column for my daily newspaper as a young teen. I guess I’ve never stopped. Words are like colors for me: they’re so pretty, I can’t put them down. I like to mix them together to make images.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Just now, when you asked this question. No, just kidding. I’ve been someone who writes since I was a child. I have been a writer by trade since I was a teen. I have written for money since I became a journalist at about 18. I depended on words as a livelihood since I became a scholar at 22 or so. A “writer?” I am someone who writes.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I had to write my first book-length manuscript about weavers and tourists in the highlands of Peru to earn my master’s degree. I was inspired to do so by my travels and watching shoppers interface with indigenous craftspeople. But what inspired me to anthologize this book about sexual violation was the #metoo movement. I wondered what I could do to help, and it was to provide a microphone for ladies who wanted to be witnessed on the global stage.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The abuses we experience, like catcalls, ogling, and groping, happen daily, on a quotidian basis, and those pains add up like papercuts, to scars. This title felt kind of like a newspaper title: The Daily Abuse, but it needed clarification as to what the book is about. I wanted the book to be a way for women to tell what violations happen to us on a daily basis in addition to the hopefully less frequent events like rape and incest, though those appear in the book too. I came up with it in a flash.

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

My writing style is journalistic and academic. A challenge is to avoid run-on sentences and to figure out what to do about adjectives. I like them but most of my writing mentors eschew them. I also struggle with keeping time linear or at least logical. I like to go back and forth through time but that is not conducive to storytelling.

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

This book is 100% realistic. It is reportage from the perspectives of the ladies that these events happened to. I wrote the introduction and I shared an experience in the book. The ladies were not allowed to share the name/s of their perpetrators because the book is about us, not them.

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

For my research-based books, as an anthropologist, I interview people about their lives, beliefs, recipes, art, and experiences. For “The Daily Abuse,” I did not have to travel but did a lot of outreach to find contributors to the anthology.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My former student Gabby Vee designed the cover to “The Daily Abuse.” She is a talented graphic artist in Tucson.

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

My book is not a novel but an anthology. I want readers and writers to understand that they are not alone in their experiences of sexual violation. I hope contributors gained some form of catharsis by getting their words and art out to a larger audience. I hope readers understand the various forms of abuses that exist and how they traumatize victims. I hope readers and contributors see that victims are not all disempowered by their experiences and that sometimes sharing their experiences can be empowering. I hope that readers and contributors see that storytelling is a valid form of changing behavior. I hope that readers and contributors see that not just people with lawyers have a right to speak their truths. I hope that we see the universality of sexual assault in all its forms. I hope this books helps abate sexual violation. I also hope the proceeds from the book, the vast majority of which are going to the charity Joyful Heart Foundation, help someone. Finally I hope this book helps someone reconsider their actions – maybe one person will stop their abusive deeds. I hope to contribute to changing culture for the better.

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?

 One of my favorite writers is also one of my mentors, Christine Eber. She writes with – and taught me to write with – Orwellian clarity, and she’s mastered that in the genres of poetry, fiction, and ethnographic nonfiction. I also love Jonathan Gold and Anthony Bourdain, RIP to the both of them who with words alone could make me taste spices I’d never even heard of. Tom Robbins, of course, woke me up to the possibility of how phraseology can glide with wit. Craig Childs’ nature writing is on par with Ed Abbey’s. I have an abiding love for Keri Hulme … and so many more.

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

I will name the entity that is inertia.

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?

Yes. Specifically, I would 1. Get even more contributors; 2. Try even harder to get a publishing company to pick it up so I would not have to market and distribute it; and 3. Try even harder to find someone with renown to write a forward to facilitate point #2.

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

Yes. Self-publishing is hard. Authors can be really supportive and kind. People want to help. People do not know how to help. Everything takes money, even if it says it’s free.

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

That’s not really applicable here.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Get someone to edit for you, both for content and grammar. I’m a professional editor and I always find errors in my own work. There is no shame in asking for someone to look at your writing; there’s only shame in arrogance. Humility is your friend. It’s ok to not take advice but it’s not ok to be blind to your own pride.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

There is no one that you know who is female who didn’t go through an experience like one in this book. Probably the same can be said for males as well. There may be exceptions. But they are rare. This book is triggering. Let’s stop treating each other this way.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

“Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I remember the first books I struggled to read: the Paddington Bear series, because they are British and I didn’t understand all the vocabulary J

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Laugh? Not a lot lately. It’s been a while since I laughed out loud. It will probably be a stupid pun that breaks me, or a cute animal meme.

Cry? Pretty much everything, though nature makes me cry with joy.

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

I’d like to meet Henry Rollins so we could team up and do some sort of activist project together. I just have a feeling we would jive.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I throw pottery, cook, and hike.I write about food and culture for various blogs. I also try to go to a different country every year.

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

I watch a lot of TV. Right now I am watching the U.S. version of “Shameless,” among many others. I also watch countless films, seldom blockbusters.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I love to eat, especially fish and cheese, but not together.

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

I would continue Women’s Wilderness Writing Workshops, teaching other ladies how to write better.

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

I would hang out with my dog and my partner, friends, and family, then head off into the woods alone, ideally somewhere I’ve never been before and see sights I’ve never seen. I would eat cheese and read and write important love notes to my people. I would drink very very expensive wine. I would probably try to ride some roller coasters.

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

I don’t want a head stone. I want to be cremated, or turned into a tree.

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

Dailyabuse.org is currently under construction. It will eventually feature multimedia video, song, poetry, stories, et cetera from EVERYONE who wants to express their experiences of sexual violation. It will also feature a marketplace to buy the book, T-shirts, totes, and the like.

https://www.wilderwriters.com/ is always ready.

Here is a link to my Amazon author page,

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07J63HWBQ

Here is a link to the book:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1727162579/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

Thanks so much! Angela

 

 

Here is my interview with Jensen Reed

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

Thank you for hosting me again! Your last interview was my first one and I have definitely grown as a writer since then.

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

Howdy, I’m Jensen Reed. I’m an all-around nerd who loves to support and inspire others J

Fiona: Where are you from?

I grew up in Nebraska on a ranch. Lived in Iowa with my husband until 2017 when we moved to Minnesota, where we are now!

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

My husband and I have been married for 7.5 years. I have two boys, ages 5.5 and 3.5, and a pretty kitty. I’m a big nerd and spend my  non-writing time wrangling my boys, doing various school-related activities with them, and general housey stuff.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I am the co-owner of Pixie Forest Publishing and we just started offering book boxes! It’s super exciting for my partner and I. We get to work with some amazing indie authors and fellow publishing houses to provide some great books to our followers. We have a couple of our Spooky boxes with limited edition mugs still available through pixieforestpublishing.com or my website

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing for so long. It used to be poetry and slowly morphed into flash fiction, then my zombie series, then I dabbled in fanfiction, and more short stories and flash fiction. I have so much filed away on my computer and here is such a wide variety of genres. I love words and being able to shape them into something that makes people FEEL.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

It was probably when I joined Writing Bad, actually. I dabbled in writing before that for a few years but once I joined that group and had the feedback and support from so many people, I realized I AM a writer because I write.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I had a dream that inspired The Refuge Series. It’s finished, just going through revisions. I find inspiration in all forms from music to dreams to just people watching.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The Refuge series is a four book story that follows Lucky and Mack as they meet and survive the zombie apocalypse. Book one, Ranch, is set at Lucky’s family’s ranch. Book two is Recourse, because they stumble upon a town and have no other options of places to go, it’s their last recourse. Book 3 is Refuge, and is loosely based off of the original dream I had. The building they are at is called the Refuge. The final book is Rescue because they are both rescued and where they end up is called that.

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

I try to be realistic as possible. I like painting the picture of where my characters are so the readers can connect with them.

It’s hard to find a mix of the boring every day and the normal you see of just skipping things. Like periods, they are an issue! Especially for Mack, who never has regular ones due to her anxiety. When they do hit they just lay her out, and the readers will see that in all the books.

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

I scatter myself all throughout my characters. Mack was created because I was thinking about how scary the apocalypse would ACTUALLY be, even though most of the time I feel like Lucky and like I would have a handle on it, I realized I would be terrified. So she came about so I could have someone that has that constant fear of everything around the corner and a mind that is constantly asking “What if?”  I gave her anxiety as a way to connect with her and my original intent just tied right in.

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

I wish I could! I use Google a LOT.  Google earth, Google maps, and just searching. I know the sunrise and sunset times of the general location in Colorado where their made up town is according to the time of year.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

This is one of my biggest stressors, actually. I have a vision of what I want put I feel it will have to be drawn and I have no idea where to find an affordable artist for it.

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

I’m not sure. In all of my published stories and even in Refuge Series I feature characters with various mental health issues, because it’s a real thing and I feel like there isn’t enough about it in fiction. Plus I have dealt with so many forms between personal dealings and family and friends. So it’s something I know about.

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 SO many over the last year, between Writing Bad and Pixie Forest Publishing. I don’t have a favorite, I’m excited and supportive of them all.

Tricia Wentworth’s Culling series is an amazing YA dystopian series. Book one is even an award winning book!

Hazel Grace has her Array novels, and the covers and stories are amazing.

Sarah Bailey has four books out now, and published through her company Twisted Tree Publications.

Donise Sheppard, my partner in crime with PFP, has several books out and is working on a middle-grade fiction series.

Erin Crocker published one of my short stories in Cocky-Tales anthology but as a supernatural YA series out called Synchronicity. I’ve read the first one so far and it was great.

Really, there are so many and I could keep going and going! We will be featuring quite a few in our book boxes, so definitely keep an eye out for them.

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

Entity makes me picture a ghost hovering behind me whispering words of support LOL  I would have to say most of my tribe.  Andrea, Ashley, Cait, Melissa, Liz, Olivia. They’ve all been there for brainstorming sessions, beta reading, and general support. I love them ❤

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

It’s a hobby right now. I would love to write for money, but I love the writing process and don’t do well under deadlines. I hope to have Pixie Forest bring in money sometime in the near future, but I know it’s a slow process.

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

There is so much I’m revising right now. Gosh.

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

I am constantly learning and hope to never stop!

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

Stefano masciolini for Lucky and Brianna Hildebrand for Mack.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Find a writing tribe. Betas, readers, supporters. I found mine through writing groups mostly, but I’m so glad I did! Don’t let yourself feel down because you are leaning on someone else for help. At PFP we encourage writers to get a beta or two before submitting, because they really do help.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

PFP has an open call for modern fantasy short stories right now. We pay for accepted stories! Check out the website for details. You can also purchase Love Dust, our first anthology for just $10 or read for free on kindle unlimited.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m reading one of the November book box books. The Night’s Eye by J.A. Hamilton

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Not the first ever, but the one that really got me started on reading and hooked on books was Clive Cussler’s Inca Gold.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My husband always makes me laugh. He thinks it’s dumb because his jokes are, but I can’t help it.

I don’t know that there is just one thing that ALWAYS makes me cry.

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

I would love to meet Misha Collins. I get to meet Jensen Ackles in November, so I’m super excited about that.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Movies, TV, crochet, crafts

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

Doctor Who, Supernatural, Buffy, Battlestar Galactica, all the Stargates, Heartland, This Is Us, Parenthood, Avatar: The Last Airbender, When Calls The Heart, and so many more. I love shows haha. I won’t even try with the movie list, there are a lot. I love them.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

My favourite color is forest green. I love homemade Philly cheese steak sandwiches, Mcdonald’s fries, and iced coffee. I like country (90’s primarily) and

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

I can only imagine that I’m not writing because I lost the use of my hands. I have no idea what I would be doing then

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

 With my family. Write letters to everyone I care about and let them know what they meant to me. Take pictures for my boys/with my boys. Probably cry.

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

Nerd who loved to inspire

I want my ashes to be turned into/planted with a sugar maple. I don’t want to be in a cemetery, unless it’s a tree one.

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

I have a few!

My personal blog, I share a different book every day from various authors. Also flash fiction, poetry from guest poets, links to my published books, all the interviews I’ve done, and more. If you read this and want your book featured, send me an email at authorjensenreed@gmail.com with the purchase links and you bio J

https://authorjensenreed.wordpress.com/

You can find blog tours, book boxes, book links, and submission guidelines here.

https://pixieforestpublishing.com/

I have several articles on writing help at http://www.writingbad.org

Find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Litsy, and Pinterest too!

Authors Amazon Page USA  https://www.amazon.com/Jensen-Reed/e/B07BTKK4ZM/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1539974471&sr=1-2-ent

UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jensen-Reed/e/B07BTKK4ZM/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1539974517&sr=1-2-ent

 

Here is my interview with Linda Regan

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. Thank you for that lovely welcome my name is Linda Regan. I am at the age where I don’t tell my age.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in London, and I now live in Kent.

Fiona: Your education and family life?

I was born into a show-business family. No, just my father. He was a comedy magician, toastmaster, MC and band leader. My mother was a nurse. I went to a convent school, and always wanted to write. I wasn’t very interested in school, and was asked to leave at sixteen.

Fiona: Tell us  about your  latest news?

 My latest news (latest being quite a few years on now), is that I am a published author of seven crime novels. I write police procedural, set in South London, which is the area I was born in. Crime in London is high, a lot of gang crime. I write about what is real and tell how it is.

I began writing at an early age, but I was dyslexic, and in those days no one knew what that was. I could only say my alphabet backwards, and write the wrong way across the page. I kept my writing secret for many years because I believed I was stupid, but it was my form of escapism.  I did grow out of dyslexia, but often now when I am stressed I will say wrong words. I keep a close eye on myself. The lesson I learned from that was never give up.

I believe if you write, then you are a writer. I don’t think, I will be a writer if I get published. I write, and hope I may interest or entertain or inform with my piece. I believe anyone who does something, is that something, therefore…. I have always been a writer.

I can’t remember what inspired me to write my first book because I had written for so long before I got published. I guess when I was a child I wrote stories and believed they were novels, but in all probability only a few pages long. But, I was writing.

My first published novel was called ‘Behind You.’ It was set backstage during a pantomime, where the actors are being murdered. It seemed appropriate to call it ‘Behind You,’ this is the line the audience shout during different moments in different pantos, IE: when the ghost is following them (haunted house scene in Cinderella), or when they are shipwrecked on an Island (Robinson Crusoe). and a large whale, or scary creature is following. With my book, Behind You, the murderer also came from behind, so it seemed an obvious title.

Fiona: Do you  have a specific writing style?

 No. I just type away and hope my story in understandable, and interesting enough to want the reader to read on.

Fiona: How much of your book is realistic?

None, I make things up in my head and then write out plots, and go from there. I tell stories, not the truth.

Fiona: Do you ever travel during your  writing journey?

Yes, but nowhere exciting. I set my books in the crime areas of London, so that is where I wander to, observing people and surroundings. I keep my characters in my head and watch people who are similar age etc. That helps me a lot.

Fiona: Who designed your covers?

I am not sure of that one, whoever the publisher employed for each book. I don’t get asked. I get the completed jacket when it is chosen.

Fiona: Is there a message in my novels that you want to convey?

Yes, and no to that one. I write about what is current. At the moment my last couple of books were gang related, inclusive of knife and gun crime, and drug trafficking. All that is happening in and around London. Well, actually all over England. I keep to the truth of the crime, I work hard to get the police procedural correct, and weave a story around that. So, in answer to that question, I guess you learn what is going on currently around South London and crime wise, when you read my books. But, I would strongly prefer to think I write for escapism. As an actress in theatre and television, that was my training: taking you away from the real world for a bit, escapism. I hope that also comes out in my writing.

Fiona: Which new authors have grabbed you, and who do you  like and why?

I have to admit to reading mainly crime, as that is my genre. But, I adore chic-lit. Pure escapism and very girly. I have always adored Jilly Cooper, I believe there is none better, and I love Marian Keyes. Crimewise, it is hard to pick. So many up and coming and excellent writers. Martin Edwards is a wonderful writer. I am a big fan of Lynda La Plante. And also the American writer Janet Evanovitvch. My friend and fellow actor, Hugh Fraser, has only been writing for a few years, so he is relatively new, but his writing is unique and very page-turning. I love it.

Outside of family members who supported your commitment to become published?

I’d say Lizzie Hayes. She runs Mystery Writers. She has been wonderfully supportive in everything I have done. Mystery Writers is for authors, budding authors, and crime readers. Its members receive a monthly news letter/ magazine. Lots of crime talk in there.

Do I see writing as a career?

Yes. I am an entertainer by trade, whether as an actress, an author, or my talk Acting Can Be Murder. I believe in being professional and always give your best.

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

I am my own worst critic. I can’t bear to watch myself on television, so if I read my published books again, I am sure I could find a million things I would change. There is a saying: Books are not written, they are rewritten. I think every author would like three years to write a book, and then still not be satisfied with the end result.

Fiona: Did I learn anything from writing your last book?

Yes. We learn all the time. I guess I learned more about crime in my area. I had to research a lot on drugs and guns too. That is always fun. I won’t reveal my sources, but it is fun meeting someone and asking, ‘Can you tell me which is the best gun to kill someone at a hundred yards away?

 If my book was made into a film who would I want to play the lead?

 An unknown actress, then the film watcher may stay within the story believing the story could be true. Which it could, but it’s not.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Yes, rejection isn’t personal. It is a choice, like an ice cream flavour. It is what that agent, publisher or whoever wants at the time. Someone else might choose you.  And….Never give up

Anything specific to tell my readers?

 Thank you.

Fiona: What books are you reading now?

 I am reading two, Joe Brands, Lippy. Which is hilarious. And Dead Water byAnn Cleeves. I am a big fan of Ann’s writing and am always glued to her television series.

Fiona: Do you  remember the first book you read?

I’m not sure if it was my first book, but it had a massive effect on me. It was Black Beauty. I cried so much while reading the book. I love horses and it really affected me and I have never forgotten it.

Fiona: What makes you laugh? And cry?

Besides Black Beauty? Well written comedy. I was lucky enough to be a regular in the BBC HiDeHi series written by the genius of Croft and Perry. So I have brushed with the best in the comedy genre. I am also married to the actor Brian Murphy, who played George in George and Mildred, and he makes me laugh constantly. I think I said earlier the books of  JanetEvanovitch and Marian Keyes make me laugh a lot. Laughter is so important in life, I would recommend everyone seeking out their favourite comedic writers and keep reading and watching. Who doesn’t laugh at Peter Kay? I loved Car Share.

I cry at weddings, funerals, films, and books. I am known to be the actress to go to if you want a crying scene. I am deeply emotional and cry at the drop of a hat.

Fiona: Who would you love to meet?

 Now I am going to cry. I would love to meet my father again. He died over twenty years ago, and I still miss him every day.

Fiona:  Your hobbies?

 My beautiful dog, FrendyFourPaws takes up most of my down time. I love walking with her. Other than that it is yoga for me. I am addicted to it.

Fiona: What TV films and shows do I enjoy watching?

I loved BodyGuard, along with the rest of the nation. I enjoy both drama and comedy television series. I am also a big EastEnders fan. And a mega Strictly addict.

Fiona: Favourite foods, colour, and music?

Any vegetarian dish. Or beans on toast, or jacket potatoes.

Pink. To me pink is the only colour. When I was single my whole house was pink- curtains, carpets, kitchen, bedroom, walls, and radiators. I compromise now I am married, but I sneak pink in where I can. Eg: kitchen appliances, toaster, kettle, blinds etc.

Music? I love soul- Otis Reading, or any old soul, like Sam and Dave, or Arthur Connelly. I also love Bob Marley. Reggae music has a real feel-good feel.

Fiona: What would I do if I no longer wrote?

 I would curl up on the sofa with my dog and husband and read and watch films, and eat chocolate and drink tea, and then go for long walks with my dog.

Fiona: If I only had twenty Four Hours to live?

 I would phone all my friends and relatives and tell them I love them. Love is so important.

Then I would sit on the sofa and cuddle up to my hubby and dog, and stay there.

Fiona: What do I want written on my headstone?

 A message to those I loved: ‘LOVE NEVER DIES.’

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

My web is www.lindareganonline.co.uk

Amazon Authors Page  UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Linda-Regan/e/B0034Q2RA8/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

USA https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Regan/e/B0034Q2RA8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1539967042&sr=1-2-ent

 

Here is my interview with P.J. Parker

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

 

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

Hello, I’m P.J. Parker and I’m the same age as the characters in my books—everything from 5 up to 97 (so far…).

Fiona: Where are you from?

Originally, I am from rural Australianfarmland, surrounded by kangaroos, wombats, emus and echidnas. Oh, and cows, lots of cows. It was a childhood of bailing hay, milking cows, fixing fences and dreaming. A lot of dreaming.

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

I attained my Architectural degree in Sydney, Australia, which led to a life lived in many different countries around the world through the decades. It has definitely been an interesting life from the jungles of Borneo, the subterranean passages of Istanbul, the garrets of Montmartre, the roof bars and restaurants of New York City,the laneways of Montreux, the lakes and pistes of Switzerland, and the star-crossed sidewalks of Hollywood. At the moment I live and write in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Currently, I am researching and writing the sequel to the paranormal romance FIRE ON THE WATER: A COMPANION TO MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN. There were four who wrote submissions for the famous ghost story competition on the shores of Lake Geneva in the Summer of 1816—Mary and Percy Shelley, Lord George Byron, and his physician, Doctor John Polidori. The first novel in The Companion Series delved into what actually occurred to jolt Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’s monster into existence. The second reveals the catalysts for Polidori’s THE VAMPYRE: A TALE—a Georgian tale which importantly escalated the vampire from a decaying ground-crawler up to the status of blood-sucking gentleman. It is a novel of horror, seduction and above all else, love.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have always loved to read and write but it was not until the late nineties that I had a full-length novel that demanded to be written. I had started working with people from a culture I had never before encountered. My response was to research everything I could about them, which led me through several hundred years of history, philosophy, and culture, and resulted in a great love for all things Ottoman Empire. The resulting book was the historic romance ROXELANA AND SULEYMAN. That manuscript has had its own convoluted editing and publishing history as both the original English and Russian versions were published to polarising response. When the rights reverted from the publisher, I was able to fully overhaul the manuscript and re-release the book as I had originally intentioned. Thankfully most readers around the world love it for what it is, a grand fictional romantic saga, and it has been my best-seller ever since.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

ROXELANA AND SULEYMAN was more a research and passion project. It was not until I completed my second novel, FIRE ON THE WATER: A COMPANION TO MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN that I considered myself a writer. That work was written in a few weeks and was almost immediately optioned by THE WRITER’S COFFEE SHOP PUBLISHING HOUSE (the original publishers of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY). The whole publishing and editing process was amazing and a complete pleasure.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

ROXELANA AND SULEYMAN was a testament to intense research of a culture and a grand historic romance that intrigued me.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The novel is an interpretation of the romance between Sultan Suleyman Khan the Magnificent—the Shadow of God on Earth—and his Odalisque, Haseki Hurrem, who rose to such power that she wielded the might of her husband and Europe’s largest army across the civilized world. With her rise in influence she became known as Roxelana—the red headed woman who captured the Sultan’s heart and soul.

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

I will start with comprehensive research but then as soon as I open a fresh word-doc or start the next chapter I allow the characters to draw on that knowledge and tell the story as they wish, to come alive and take me on an adventure and romance that I had never expected. They definitely invade my dreams, honing their story, ensuring that it does not escape my attention. My main challenge is to keep up with their demands.

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 fiction, romance and adventure, built upon a solid basis of research into history, culture, theology, philosophy and romance. My third novel, AMERICA TUWAQACHI: THE SAGA OF AN AMERICAN FAMILY, required research of 18,000 years of North American history—archaeological thesis, pre-Columbian oral history, post-Columbian written, audio and visual history—in order to create an adventure that catapults the reader through the millennia. My own life experiences are many and varied and some have woven themselves into each of these stories, but it is the characters who continually surprise me with lives of their own. Lives that I have never experienced or could have thought of without them demanding their actions, emotions and loves to be written.

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

I have travelled and lived extensively around the world and these places have woven themselves into my stories—most notably Switzerland, Turkey and the USA. My in-progress novel (the second in The Companion Series) is set in London and southern England. This required a research trip to confirm the continued existence and feel of several locations important to the sequencingand pace of the work, as well as key catalysts to the twists in the storyline. Any personal interaction can only enrich a story beyond imagination.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I have designed the covers of my novels, selecting or taking the photos (the cover of ROXELANA AND SULEYMAN is a detail of a mural that I photographed within the Harem of Topkapi Palace, Istanbul—the location of the story), designing the front and back layout and then having it professionally formatted per the publisher’s requirements.

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

Each of my novels has a simplistic message:

ROXELANA AND SULEYMAN: Power and Love.

FIRE ON THE WATER: A COMPANION TO MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN: Trust.

AMERICA TUWAQACHI: THE SAGA OF AN AMERICAN FAMILY: Family

As yet untitled sequel toFIRE ON THE WATER: Love.

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

My favorite authors are Stephen King (UNDER THE DOME, 11/22/63) and Tara Moss (The Makedde Vanderwall series). Mr King knows how to write people and place. He is willing to place them into impossible situations to see how and why they may handle the circumstances they are in. Ms. Moss’s work is fresh and exciting, taking procedural storytelling to a place I have never seen it taken. She is an author of both fiction and important non-fiction works to be reckoned with.

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

I was assisted immensely by my original publisher THE WRITER’S COFFEE SHOP PUBLISHING HOUSE and my superlative editor HAYLEY GERMAN FISHER.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. At the moment I have a day job in the fraud detection and prevention arena, but one day I hope to segue that career into one that is based solely on my research and writing.

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

I would have written it sooner, so that I could be in the middle of the next and maybe even the one after that.

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

I have learnt that I love writing more than most other things in my life. It gives me a sense of purpose, a reason to actually be here and express myself more fully than I am able to by any other medium.

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

In The Companion Series (both FIRE ON THE WATER: A COMPANION TO MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN and the in-progress sequel), the stories are set across two distinct timelines that impact on each other as the story evolves: the 1800’s and current day. Rachel Walton is a biographer whose research uncovers more about the past and the catalysts that brought two of the world’s most famous horror stories to life: FRANKENSTEIN, and THE VAMPYRE: A TALE. While writing I have envisioned Emily Blunt as playing the dual roles of Rachel in the current day, and Mary Shelley in 1816. Jake Gyllenhaal is the inspiration for Doctor John Polidori.

AMERICA TUWAQACHI: THE SAGA OF AN AMERICAN FAMILY follows a single-family line through 18,000 years of North American history. First and foremost, it is an adventure. It was written so that the main character of each generation follows a single maturing arc that carries right through the novel—growing in age and character through the chapters from five summers old at the beginning of the book (15,999 BC) to forty-two at the end of the book (early twenty-first century). At the time of writing, actor Adam Beach was foremost in mind to play the central character of each generation from at least eighteen on up until the character’s early forties in the last chapter. As there is some cross-overs in generations this would have required him acting against himself as older versions of previous chapter’s/generation’s characters. Even more interesting for the few chapters that included twins.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

The only real advise is that there are no rules while writing other than to be true to yourself in what you write.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Enjoy what you are reading, but if you don’t then put the book away and read another that you will.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am currently reading Thomas Harris’s RED DRAGON, and Matthew Reilly’s THE TOURNAMENT. As a younger man,I enjoyed the thrill of Matthew’s SCARECROW and JACK WEST JR. books. I needed to get away from the heavy research titles I had been reading and get lost in an easy-reading adventure. P.S.: Matt, time to write another Professor William Race novel.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The first real bookswere BIGGLES books, followed by just about every HARDY BOYS and NANCY DREW novel in existence. The type of heroic adventure that every youngster, boy or girl, needs.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Words and sentences used very well make me laugh, and they make me cry. A happy ending always gets me. Who doesn’t love ahappy ending?

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

Most notably Mary Shelley and Doctor Polidori. Their passion for their craft has enhanced my own life more than many.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Working is my hobby, so that I have money to sit down, daydream, research and write.

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

I love films that don’t quite explain themselves, that do not always have a clean resolution, that are able to deceive me but still give immense joy. My favorite movies I have seen this year have been THE CAKEMAKER (Israel), THE INVISIBLE GUEST (Spanish), FLASHBACKS OF A FOOL (British).

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Pizza, pâté, pasta, blue, blue, blue, John Williams, John Barry.

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

Read. (Secretly write.)

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

I would go to Florence, Italy, visit Michelangelo’s DAVID, eat pizza and pasta, and drink a lot of wine. I would also take up painting again. Every minute counts.

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

There will be no headstone. Better to have a tree, or better yet a whole forest of trees full of orangutans.

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

I can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, Instagram, Amazon and AuthorsDB. Hyperlinks to all may be found on my https://about.me/author_pjparker page.

I would love to hear from you. Drop me an email, a comment, or a review.

https://about.me/author_pjparker

https://www.facebook.com/PJParker.author

https://www.amazon.com/P.-J.-Parker/e/B007QGBIDO/ref=dbs_p_ebk_rwt_abau

Additional Facebook pages for each of my books not linked to the above  are as follows:

https://www.facebook.com/FireOnTheWaterACompaniontoMaryShelleysFrankenstein/

https://www.facebook.com/AmericaTuwaqachi/

https://www.facebook.com/RoxelanaAndSuleyman/

 

Here is my interview with Kelly Violet

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

 

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

• Thank you for having me, Fiona! I’m Kelly Violet. And a lady never reveals her age 😉

 Fiona: Where are you from?

• I grew up in New York City, but now I live in Los Angeles.

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

• I completed all of my education on the east coast. Most of my family and close friends live on the other side of the country, so I’m a happy aunt to several biological and non-biological nieces and nephews.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

• Well, I published a novelette, The Love You Give Me. It’s a prequel to my novella The Names You Call me and can be downloaded for free at Prolific Works.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

• I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I wrote poetry (slam) and song lyrics. Writing was a big part of expressing myself (still is). And poetry and songs have found their way into my books.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

• That’s a tough question! I’d like to confidently say when I finished my first novel, but it would be a lie.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

• My first book, Touch Me Softly, came out of nowhere actually. I was with a friend at a writers’ convention and signing. I was learning a lot but it was also an emotional time for me due to personal reasons. The story just came out of that time and I was able to put a ton of that angst and emotion on the page.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

• This book is about coming out of recent and not-so-recent trauma and finding confidence and love again. So, I think that where the title comes from: craving someone’s care and acceptance.

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

• My first books are new adult romance. I grew up watching very angsty teen movies and listening to really angsty music. I guess that is coming out in my writing! But honestly, I love writing about real people dealing with real issues and pain. There isn’t always a quick and easy fix. Sometimes there’s self-doubt lurking around every corner. Self-destruction always at your fingertips. But there’s also room for growth and hope. Those will be underlying themes in many of my books.

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

• Not a lot. Though I’d like to think there’s a little bit of me in each of my main characters and even in some of the secondary ones. But maybe not the villains.

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

• I haven’t had the opportunity yet; however, travel is in my future plans.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

• I designed all three covers for mybooks.

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

• There is hope in your struggle. Reach out to friends or family for help. And know that you are strong.

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

• Two of my best friends: SG and MBT. They’ve been with me through much of my rambling and other things. I give me sound advice and cheer me on when I don’t realize I need it.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

• Most definitely.

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?

• I really liked going back into the minds of Rae and Xander, my main characters. Getting to discover more of what makes them tick. Writing this prequel was very insightful for me.

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

• Amber Riley as Rae. Cole Sprouse as Xander.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

• Stick with it. Don’t get discouraged. Join a writing group (in person or online) and/or attend a writer’s convention in your area. In the romance genre, we are a very welcoming and encouraging bunch. Find your tribe of people and keep following your dreams.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

• Thank you for joining me on this crazy and thrilling ride. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media or by email. And I have more stories coming so stay tuned!

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

• I am about to start reading Nicole David’s Drafted. I’m super excited about this book!

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

• Nope, not a clue. I do remember the first books I really enjoyed in middle and high school: The Outsiders, The Giver, and Jane Eyre.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

• Seems like everything, nowadays. Both are cathartic in their own ways. Sad or heart-warming movies/commercials make me cry. My family makes me laugh more often than not. We crack each other up whenever we get on the phone for a chat.

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

• I would love loveLOVE to meet Gene Kelly. When I was younger, I watched his movies late at night. That man had a way with dance moves.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

• I love to read, watch movies in theaters and listen to live music. Also, I love a good night out singing karaoke.

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

• I love my CBS shows, crime dramas mostly but haven’t kept up with them in the past year or so. I’m always game for the latest Marvel movie or any movie really. I have eclectic tastes when it comes right down to it.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

• Favorite meal is ribs and mac n cheese. Love shades of purple and gray. And like music, I love all kinds of music. Anything to get me and keep me dancing. But also, I have a soft spot for country, alt rock, pop, r&b, and soul music.

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

• I don’t honestly know. I hate to imagine a future like that.

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

• Reaching out to my family and friends and reminding them how much they mean to me. That includes my readers!

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

• Kelly Violet “Angsty. Flirty. Naughty.”

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

• Well, yes, I do. Thank you for asking, Fiona. My website is

http://www.kellyviolet.com. People can read my blog there, sign up for my monthly newsletter, and find more information about me and my books.

 Other links and information:

Amazon page: author.to/KellyViolet

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KViolet_Author

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

Website: https://www.kellyviolet.com

Books

Touch Me Softly: https://www.books2read.com/TouchMeSoftly

The Names You Call Me: https://www.books2read.com/TNYCM

(free download) The Love You Give Me: https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/axDzYIhw

Here is my interview with Montana Ash

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

 

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

Hello! I’m Montana Ash and I am 34.

Fiona: Where are you from?

 A small-ish, country-ish town in Australia.

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

.My real name is Kimberley and am an embryologist and genetic counsellor by day. I have one cat called Montana and one dog called Ashby – clues to my pen name right there 😉 I have a very active toddler with another little human on the way before the end of the year.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I am currently trying not to feel frantic over the couple of books I need to finish before the end of the year. I am almost done writing book six in my Elemental Paladins series and I have a few other fun, secret projects happening early in the new year. I am on a bit of a tight timeline because I am currently 7 months pregnant!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always been a huge reader and I loved English during high school. I played around with some short stories as a teenager and moved on to formal writing during my university days. But I decided to write my first fiction book as a new year’s resolution about 4 years ago. It worked!

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Meep! I still kind of don’t – lol! When people ask what I do, I still say I am a scientist. But it certainly felt real when I received my first message from a total stranger who had bought and read my first book.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Ummm … a tipsy New Year’s Eve resolution. LOL! But it was also the voices in my head demanding they be heard by more than just me.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I always try to name my books after the main theme of the book so readers have a clue as to what it is about.

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

My writing style is organised chaos. I always write the final chapter first and work toward that by writing all the fun scenes in my head and then stitching everything together. I never write chapter by chapter. It means that the final bits that I write drag a little because it’s just the boring, mundane, filler bits.

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

There are a few things here and there based on friends, family, conversations etc. As well as places I have been.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I use a bunch of different designers. Ally from Indie Mosh, Elizabeth form KLO Designs, and Katrina from Crimson Phoenix Creations – to name a few.

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

There are some messages here and there for sure. I always have a deeper meaning woven in to all the fun and sexiness 😉 But readers can choose to look deeper or just go with the fun.

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 am a big supporter of indie authors and enjoy books by TJ Spade, Alanea Alder, and Yumoyori Wilson to name a few. Traditionally published authors I love include; Gena Showalter, Nora Roberts, and Lynn Flewelling. It’s all about the plot and the character development for me.

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

Friends for sure. And online, Facebook friends who I have never met but greatly appreciate.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I do very much. It is still part time by choice at the moment, but perhaps in the future …

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

Nope. No regrets – despite all the readers messaging me about the cliffhanger.

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

Stay motivated and keep the momentum going when writing. Don’t reward myself so much until it is written – lol.

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

 So hard to choose! I think someone like Liam Hemsworth or Hugh Jackman as Ryker. Maybe Scarlett Johansen as Max???

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Do not give up. Just keep writing. Try to write a little each day. You can always edit later but you can’t edit a blank page!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am reading the latest JD Robb book at the moment; Leverage in Death.

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

Everything but serious dramas. I like happy endings and things that blow up, but I’m not overly fond of tear-jerkers. Love Star Wars, Die Hard, Love Actually, Lucifer, and Supernatural.

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

Read. Nothing but read.

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

To be continued …

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

Yep. Here is the link to my website and all my stalker links. I love stalkers!

Facebook author page-

https://www.facebook.com/montana.ash.author/

Fangirling group – Montana’s Maniacs-

https://www.facebook.com/groups/montanasmaniacs/

Newsletter sign-up – Montana’s Memos-

http://eepurl.com/cWfNKP

Website

http://www.montanaash.com/

Amazon Author Page

http://www.amazon.com/author/montanaash

Twitter-

@ReadMontanaAsh

Goodreads page –

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661560.Montana_Ash

 Book titles and buy links –

Warden – books2read.com/u/4jwYoo

Paladin – books2read.com/u/3L95wN

Chade – books2read.com/u/4Awa5A

Ranger – books2read.com/u/4Donxr

Custodian – books2read.com/u/3J0W5X

Ivory’s Familiars –
books2read.com/u/3GYLPa

Forbidden Hybrid –
books2read.com/u/49PzWM

Forbidden Hex via the Halloween Anthology –
https://books2read.com/RHhalloween