Here is my interview with Elaina Davidson

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 Elaina and write under my maiden name (Davidson), and, lol, age is relative!

Fiona: Where are you from?

From the southern tip of Africa, glorious Cape Town, but I now live in Ireland, which is a truly magical place. Love the Emerald Isle!

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

Married, 3 kids (all adults now), 1 cat – her name is Sage and she was a feral cat – we tamed each other! -but I call her ‘baby’ and ‘girl’ and ‘baby-girl’ more than I use her name!

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’ve just released Eurue: The Forgotten World, a standalone book with characters from my Lore series, as well as new personalities. Another book (The Kinfire Tree) is gong into production as an audio book, narrated by Thomas Bestwick. This is the second audio bookhe is doing for me and I’m REALLY excited about it.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Seriously can’t remember not reading and writing, but actual sitting down and doing it start to finish started around 2002.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After the first draft of my first book. There’s no sense of accomplishment quite like it!

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

While reading a dictionary of Alchemy terms I came across the 14 steps to enlightenment. Eureka! Light bulb moment! Those steps formed the basis, although much more is added in, of course.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

 For my latest?EURUE? It’s an ambigram, and just fit the contradiction of a world forgotten.

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 my style is lyrical, although I do try and keep it simple, lol. All writing is a challenge; I don’t find any particular aspect more challenging than another.

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

Little is based on reality, because it’s larger-than-life. Characters, though; I think characters are always based on people we know, have met or have read about. That’s what makes a fantastical tale relatable – people.

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

 I travel from my desk chair into realms unknown all the time!

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The majority of my covers have been done by Gemma Poppet Rice (Southern Stiles Design), but EURUE’s was done by my daughter Cayla (Fox Creative Solutions).

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

 EURUE tells us that what we think is the truth, isn’t. What we think resides in souls, doesn’t. Face value cannot tell the whole story.

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

I love Fantasy and I adore BIG books, so my list of favourites is long, from big names to indie authors. Their imaginative settings and dilemmas inspire me, one and all. I read many genres via my Kindle app, but if I buy a physical book, it’s a BIG book and usually Fantasy.

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

Authonomy! Some of the authors I met there remain friends to this day and we supported each other then and do so now.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, although those billions seem to be hiding away!

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

Nope. I know the characters, I know the universe they are in; it flowed as meant.

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

Lol, that I can write a 120k book in 6 weeks! Usually it takes me much longer, but this one just sprang onto the page. Editing, though, took more time.

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

 I haven’t yet come across a face that matches how I see Tristan. Perhaps my expectations are unrealistic …

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write for YOU. Nothing is more important than that.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

 I’m absolutely terrible at explaining my work; I prefer allowing my stories to tell the tale. Yet, there’s this: I write layered stories, multiple threads, and it can seem complicated, but those threads do tie together. I challenge you, readers, to delve into such complication! I promise that you will enjoy the journey with me. My best moments reading is when a situation challenges me, only to reach that point where it unravels and I go ‘oh, so that’s why!’ and I believe I will achieve that for you too.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

A zombie book, actually, totally out of my comfort zone!The Dead Undone by Ellie Douglas.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Not specifically, but it was one of Enid Blyton’s Peter Rabbit type stories.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

When we get together as a family I always end up laughing – we’re all crazy! I cry over the silliest things – an emotional scene in a book or movie, beautiful music, poetry that speaks to me, a majestic tree, the song of bird on a branch. Not all tears are sad.

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

Elon Musk, maybe, because he is turning how we think about things upside down.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

House plants. I love how they reward the care and attention they receive, and prettify our surroundings.

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

BIG movies, such as Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, and series such as 12 Monkeys, Penny Dreadful and of course (!)Game of Thrones.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Favourite food: Italian

Favourite colour: Green

Favourite music: Movie soundtracks – them BIG movies

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

Um, I’d probably end up editing what I’ve already written to the nth degree! No, seriously, not write? Doesn’t compute. But, okay, let’s say that day did arrive … I used to paint before painting with words grabbed me more, so I’ll probably take up brushes again.

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

 Talking to my kids, wherever in the world they are. If they are nearby, I’d talk and hug until time ran out.

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

She has now re-entered the multiverse.

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

For general updates: Elaina’s Writing World https://elainajdavidson.blogspot.com/

My LORE Series Blog has updates and excerpts of all Lore books, including Eurue: https://theloreseries.wordpress.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elainajdavidson

Eurue: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NWZ21WV

Fiona, thank you for having me here! I appreciate this 😀

 

Here is my interview with Brian Power

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.

Brian Power

What is your age?

I’m 72.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in Norwalk, CT, but now live in Rhode Island.

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

I have a bachelors degree in English Literature and Secondary Education as well as a Masters in International Relations.

Fiona: Tell us your about your book.

Song of Atlantis is a story about the sustainability of earth. My heroes discover the Lost Continent of Atlantis, and inside its caverns they discover that this ancient civilization had mastered the science of producing unlimited amounts of clean energy using the earth’s vibrations. When they try to bring it to light, evil men in the employ of wealthy people heavily invested in carbon producing industries try to kill my good guys.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I had made many writing attempts over the years, but all those stories hit dead ends and I couldn’t save them. Then one night I started writing Song of Atlantis and I couldn’t stop. The story started flowing faster than I could type. I actually got to a point where it seemed like something else was taking over the writing. I had several moments where I said, “I didn’t know the character was going to do that.” It was an out-of-body experience.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think it was when I had fully wrapped up Song of Atlantis and it was on Amazon.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I had many inspirations over the years including childhood and adolescent memories, comic books I read as a kid, teachers who inspired me to do better, real life people including family who came alive in the book, inspirations from my experience in the Marine Corps, books I had read, and many others.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

For some reason, as I was writing about the ancient Atlanteans, I needed to give them a unique foundation for their technological excellence. I decided that all their communications, speaking patterns, and technology – including the ability to produce clean energy using the vibrations of the earth — had a foundation in music. Hence the title.

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 to tell a good story, and I come from a long line of good Irish story tellers, and to make it as visual as I can.

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

The book can be classified as speculative fiction or science fiction. It does require the reader to suspend disbelief for a while, but the story line is plausible. My characters are mostly composites of people I’ve known over the years. For example, one of my secondary characters is a brilliant computer engineer whose sideline is playing blues guitar. He also has a huge stammer, but it goes away when he sings. He is based on a guy I once knew.

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

Bless the internet and my own book collection, I never had to travel to any of my locations to provide a realistic picture of places in the book.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I did with good suggestions from my publicist and from the CreateSpace self-publishing site.

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

The basic message is that our planet is in danger. We put it there and we can fix it, but that will demand a major resolve and immediate action on the part of everyone.

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 read a wide range of literature and also join a bunch of friends who are serious about reading once a month for what we have come to call the Guinness Book Club. We meet in a nice local pub and talk books, and we have just completed our twelfth year. One recent writer who has blown me away is Elliot Ackerman. His books Green on Blue and Waiting for Eden are remarkable. Someday when I grow up I want to write like him. Over the years my favorite author has been Charles Dickens. I’ve read almost everything of his and have re-read David Copperfield more times than I can count. Same for Jack Schhaefer and Shane.

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

No one else outside my family even knew of my desire to write.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I will write until I can’t, then I will take up baseball again.

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

I’ve discovered that every time I go back to look at something I have written I decide that I could write this sentence better or describe that scene a little more clearly. I spent six years writing Song of Atlantis and I finally had to say, “It’s done already. Put it on Amazon and go have lunch.”

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

I learned that it is satisfying to write something of my own and now I can repeat that effort.

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

I have four principle characters. The main one is a PhD Anthropologist who happens to be Lakota Indian (his genetic background is critical to the story). I looked up Native American actors and found at least three who could act his part. My female lead needs a Maureen O’Hara to play her. I have ideas for a few of the other principal actors, but nothing concrete. When a writer draws a character, the reader needs to put a face and body to that character. I have done that and if the book takes off, I will have Hollywood actors begging for the roles.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

The same advice I think any good artist follows: do it and don’t be afraid; lay it all out there; if the public doesn’t like what you produce, it’s their loss. I have an acquaintance who read an early draft of Song of Atlantis. He said my heroes were too perfect. I told him to write his own book.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Yes. Go onto Amazon and buy Song of Atlantis in either paperback or Kindle versions.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Steven Hawking’s Brief Answers to the Big Questions.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Maybe not the first one, but way back when I was a small child I read Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. It made me fall in love with reading.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

What makes me laugh? Hmm… Fawlty Towers; any number of the Monty Python shows; the comedian Stephen Wright. What makes me cry? Sometimes a really good movie will get me emotional. I always cry at Best Years of Our Lives.

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

There are a load of people I would have loved to meet. Who wouldn’t want to have drinks and a chat with Plato, Jesus of Nazareth, Buddah, Leonardo DaVinci, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Charles Dickens, Eleanor Roosevelt, or Albert Eienstein?

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I play guitar a little – much less than I would like. I also golf whenever I get the chance. But reading is my favorite hobby.

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

I don’t watch any of the usual commercial TV fare, but my wife and I love film. A short list of favorite films include Jean deFlorette/Manon of the Spring; To Kill a Mockingbird; Shane; The Best Years of Our Lives; Chariots of Fire; The Verdict; Lord Jim; The Razor’s Edge; and This Land is Mine.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I love all kinds of seafood. My favorite color is blue. And I love the music of Eric Clapton, and also, particularly the early years, of George Harrison.

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

Read, travel, and golf.

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

Orbs non sufficit – Gone to Atlantis

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

I have a really good website for the book which is, shockingly, called https://songofatlantis.com/ .

Buying link USA   https://www.amazon.com/Song-Atlantis-Brian-Power-ebook/dp/B00NJ1F81I/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1500497216&sr=8-1

UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Song-Atlantis-Brian-Power-ebook/dp/B00NJ1F81I/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1551376511&sr=1-1&keywords=Song+of+Atlantis

Here is my interview with Mike Faricy

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

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

Hi Fiona, Thank you for taking the time to interview me.

My name is Mike Faricy and despite my lifestyle I’ve made it to 67. I write crime fiction.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota in the US. We’re located in the middle of the US, up against Canada. Other than time in the US Army I’ve lived in Saint Paul all my life.

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

 I come from a family of five kids, four boys and one girl. My sister was in the middle. I made it through grade school and high school and amazingly earned a Bachelors Degree in History. I’m the least educated person in my family. I grew up in a baby boomer neighborhood. It was just after WWII and with only five kids we were one of the smaller families in the neighborhood. When I grew up there were tons of kids around and always someone to get into trouble with. It was like something out of a movie, drove my folks nuts,  and I’ve very fond memories of it all. I have four adult children.

 Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

 I literally just had the latest book in my Corridor Man series, Corridor Man 9: Boss Man, go into preorder. Obviously it’s the ninth book in the series and it will be live March 22, 2019. I’m finishing up the third book in my Hotshot series in the next couple of weeks then I’m writing the next work of genius in my Dev Haskell series.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Probably the first thing I wrote was on a wall with a color crayon and I was sent to my room. My mom was trained as a librarian and when we were kids we would be taken weekly to our local library where we could each pick out a book. My folks would read to us before we went to bed and it instilled a love of books in me from a very early age. I wrote for the school newspaper in high school and believe it or not, I frequented the library in college.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Once I finished my second book and it was published and actually available for purchase.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

 I had written an uncountable number of, in my opinion, award winning first chapters. I should add they were all written in long hand on a yellow legal tablet. After about forty of these things piled up I had the brain storm to either fish or cut bait. Finish the story or stop wasting time. So I wrote my first book, Candy Cane.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

 Cleverly, the chief protagonist was a woman named Candy. I should add at this point that I worked up the courage to contact a local, nationally renowned crime fiction author and asked to meet him. This was thirty years ago. He graciously invited me to lunch in a small restaurant that only served breakfast and lunch. It turned out that after they closed every day at two, he stayed there and wrote until six in the evening. At the end of our lunch I proudly pulled out my two inch thick manuscript and asked him if he would like to read it. He smiled and politely said no. He told me every writer has a work they keep under the bed that shouldn’t see the light of day. I went home, reread the manuscript and decided Candy Cane belonged under my bed. I then got on the computer and wrote and published my second book. I haven’t looked back.

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

 I write four series, Dev Haskell Private Eye, Corridor Man, Jack Dillon Dublin Tales, and Hotshots. I try to make the books easy to read and enjoyable. The Dev Haskell and Hotshots series have a good deal of humor injected. The Corridor Man series is a lot more violent and gritty. The Jack Dillon Dublin Tales series has some violence and is fairly straight forward. I’ve been writing these series long enough that I have a ton of ideas for the next book in the series, but I want everything to be accurate. If there is a particular weapon, a car, a building or maybe an injury, I want to be correct in my description. I don’t want to write the weapon holds nine rounds when it really holds twelve or the car has a particular characteristic that it really doesn’t. I spend a lot of time doing research, largely online. The end result might only be a sentence, but it’s accurate. If it’s wrong I’ll undoubtedly hear from a reader with more information than I could ever hope to come up with.

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

 Most of the experiences are based on someone I have known or some incident I know about. I have a number of situations where I’ll hear from a reader who tells me they really enjoyed the read but this one part was simply impossible to believe. Invariably, that one situation was the only real thing I didn’t embellish or make up. I wrote it based simply on the facts. Just goes to show truth is stranger than fiction. If you’re looking for a tale of someone saving the nation from a terroristic act or parachuting onto the roof of the White House my books aren’t for you. All my books deal with average or below average individuals who make bad decisions. But then bad decisions can make for interesting reading.

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

 My work is all set largely in Saint Paul, Minnesota or Dublin, Ireland. I live about six months per year in both locations and I want to be exact about the things I describe. Is the door really oak? Were there three or five steps up to the entrance? Is the street one way or is there a stop light, or just a stop sign? All of that, without being too overwhelming in detail is important, in my opinion. I want the reader to feel like they’re right there. They can smell the food, feel the heat and hear the noise on the street.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

All my cover work is done by a gentleman named Roy Migabon. He’s created a particular ‘look’ for each one of my series. I send him a couple of ideas, maybe an image or two and he presents me with a variety of options. He does wonderful work for me and I highly recommend him.

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

 No. My books are strictly for entertainment purposes. I want people to enjoy the reads and look forward to my next book in whatever series they’re reading. I attempt not to give a message other than don’t shoot people and don’t drink too much and go home with someone you don’t know.

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

 I’m constantly discovering new authors, at least new to me. When I find an author I enjoy I usually read just about everything they have. Most of my reading is, broadly stated, in the crime fiction genre. I don’t have a specific favorite, but Elmore Leonard, Michael Connelly, Laurence Shames, Julie Smith, Tony Dunbar, Carmen Amato, Mike Pettit, Robert B. Parker, Owen Parr are writers I currently enjoy. I could go on and on. I read every evening and my TV can be off for days or weeks at a time. I enjoy works with unexpected yet believable twists and turns.

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

 I’m an indie author. I publish and promote my own works. From my first book until as recently as this morning I’m amazed at the support, encouragement and advice I receive from people who in any other business would be considered competitors, but in the writing biz they’re friends. They encourage, tell me the latest and greatest marketing idea or what didn’t work for them. It’s really great. Hopefully, I’ve been able to do the same for established writers as well as those just beginning.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

 Most definitely. I work at it full time, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty-five days a year. Living in both Saint Paul and Dublin that makes me the dullest guy in two towns.Thankfully I’m married to a very patient woman.

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

 No. Although having said that, about a year from now someone will very kindly contact me and tell me about a typo they came across. This after 100,000 people, including myself, never caught it. The beauty of e-publishing is I can change that and upload the correction in about three minutes making the book just that much better for the next 100,000 people.

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

 Yes. Alligators commonly bellow and roar. I included this in a chapter in Corridor Man 9 where disbarred attorney Bobby Custer is disposing of individuals down in the Florida everglades. This is unusual because as I mentioned my books are set in either Saint Paul or Dublin, Ireland. I did travel to Florida and was able to provide an accurate description of the scene as well as the sounds the gators made. I already knew how the individuals would scream.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

 Yeah, keep at it. It’s hard work. I’m blessed to be able to work at something I love to do. It’s sort of like a pyramid, at the base are all the people who say they’d like to write a book. Halfway up are the folks who start a book. Two thirds of the way up are the folks who are going to get back to it, right after they handle a work problem, paint the house, or whatever. At the very top are the small amount of people who start, keep at it and actually finish. In my opinion, you have to write everyday, even if it’s just a page. That’s specially tough if you have kids. Kids take precedence.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

 Yes. Thank you for your continued support and thank you for reading my books. Check out Corridor Man 9, Boss Man on Amazon.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

 I’m about halfway through Michael Connelly’s Dark Sacred Night. The first book in the Ballard and Bosch series.

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

 Yes. It was a child’s book, George the Pig. George doesn’t share his birthday cake and eats it all himself. On the last page of the book he explodes. Actually, I probably had the pages memorized because it had been read to me so many times, but I felt like I was reading. The next book I remember was Snow Treasure, by Marie Swigan. I read it in the fourth grade, age nine. The Nazi’s parachute into a Norwegian village and the children of the village sneak 9 million dollars worth of gold bars out of the village on their sleds. Coming from a snowy part of the US and all our fathers veterans of the Second World War that ended just fifteen years earlier, it felt to me like I was there helping. I had a copy of the book from the school library and my fourth grade teacher read the book to us out loud in class each day. After school we would go sliding on a hill nearby. We had a brick (not gold) we would hide on our sleds and all slide down the hill. It was a simpler time.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

 I love jokes. I love seeing people do kind things. Whether it’s helping children or elderly or just being nice. I really believe if we all laughed at ourselves a little more it would make the world a better place.

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

 There’s a long list of people I would love to meet. Start with all the authors I’ve enjoyed and go on from there.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

 Yes, I play the bagpipes in the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. The band has been in existence since 1962 and I’ve played in it for 30 plus years. We’re the band that when people are finished playing in competition bands they join us. We’ve got about 30 members and have a lot of fun. When I first joined I was one of the younger guys and now I’m one of the old guys. It’s allowed me to have friends my kids age and they’ll call and say, “Hey come on down to this pub, we’re playing. I’ll go down, we play and have a great time. Only now I can’t stay up as late as they do…

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

 I watch crime movies and now some of the Netflix shows that are seasons. My experience has been that the season shows can be good for a while, but they seem to go on one or two seasons too long before they should be canceled. Like I said earlier, my TV can be off for days or weeks at a time.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

 Favorite food; I love anything I don’t have to cook. Colors; Anything except pale greens. Music; Obviously bagpipes, 50s-70s rock, country, blue grass, and Irish session music.

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

 I think I would go back to painting images on canvas. I did that as a hobby for a few years, but got drawn away by writing and haven’t looked back.

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

 I would get my wife, family and friends gathered around and we’d have one hell of a party.

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

 Michael Joseph Faricy, dates, and my wife’s name. Then below that, “If you’re reading this things didn’t go the way I planned.”

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

 Yes I do. If people click on the link below they end up on my website. I’ll send them two free books, Dollhouse and Twinkle Toes. I send alerts when a book is in preorder or has gone live. I do not send daily, weekly or monthly posts or newsletters. Thanks for the interview, Fiona, wishing all the best to you and all you’re followers. Here’s that email address;

http://www.mikefaricybooks.com/free-gift/

Amazon Authors Page UK   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mike-Faricy/e/B004DBU1QA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1551171400&sr=1-2-fkmr0

USA  https://www.amazon.com/Mike-Faricy/e/B004DBU1QA?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_fkmr0_1&qid=1551171402&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Here is my interview with J. Arlene Culiner

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

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we

Hello Fiona. Nice to meet you. I’m Jill Culiner and my pen name (for my romance books) is J. Arlene Culiner.

 Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in New York and raised in Canada, but I left North America a long time ago, determined to have a life of adventure and discovery, not one of security and comfort – although those things can be appealing during life’s more uncomfortable moments.

I’ve since crossed much of Europe on foot, travelled, by bus, train, car, or truck throughout North and Central America, Europe, and the Sahara. I’ve lived in unique places — in a Hungarian mud house, a Bavarian castle, a Turkish cave dwelling, on a Dutch canal,and in a lonely, very haunted stone house on the English moors. Presently, my French partner and I live in a 400-year-old former inn in a small French village.

My sort of lifestyle means staying flexible and taking up any sort of work that presents itself: belly dancer, fortune teller, translator, fashion model, story teller, b-girl, radio broadcaster, actress, social critical artist, photographer, and writer.

I’ve discovered forgotten communities, met strange characters, had some very odd conversations, and I incorporate all the information into my books. So far, I’ve had five romances published and, as Jill Culiner, two mysteries and two narrative non fiction works. I also narrate audiobooks, and I have a podcast — Life in a Small French village — that can be heard here: https://soundcloud.com/j-arlene-culiner

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My latest releases are two romances,All About Charming Alice and Desert Rose, published by Fire Star Press. Both books are part of a series — Romance in Blake’s Folly — but each book is definitely a stand-alone.

Once upon a time, I found myself in a clapboard, rusty trailer, semi-ghost town in Nevada. The hotel I stayed in, was a rundown has-been, where ceilings soared high, and the lumpy, almost colourless wallpaper was surely a century old. Outside, an ever-buffeting wind dragged dust across the frozen ground, rattled low-lying grasses, and set the wooden doors of abandoned shacks tapping. In the hotel’s shabby bar, a talentless band whined out bad country music, and eccentric locals dished up tall tales, wry humour, and suspicion. It was a singular community, quite magical, and I’verecreated it as Blake’s Folly,the setting for these two romances.

Of course, I love the setting, the stories, my heroes and heroines, but I take particular delight in the secondary characters portrayed in these two books. True misfits, they don’t fit into neat houses with tidy gardens. Rebels — not by choice, but by quirk — they’re the real thing.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

From elementary school, and all the way through high school, instead of doing homework, paying attention to the teacher, and participating in class, I passed the time dreaming, drawing, and writing stories. Needless to say, I was always the class dud — perhaps even the worst student in the entire school. I once received an astonishing minus 4 out of 100 on a report card. To this day, I wonder how the (math) teacher arrived at that number.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

As soon as my first bookwas accepted for publication. Okay, I knew I was only a beginning writer, and it would be a long time before I could say with utter conviction:“yes, I’m a professional writer,” but I was excited to have finally begun.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve always written, and I have around six or seven unpublished books to prove it — mysteries,biographies —and they’re all pretty awful. I consider them my apprenticeship works.

The first book I had published, was a romance, and I’d written it as a challenge. I was writing and broadcasting stories at Radio France at the time, and Christine, a woman I worked with, said she’d always dreamt of writing a romance. I’d also been wanting to write one, so we decided we’d each begin writing, then see who finished first. I completed my book, butI don’t think Christine ever did.

I sent mine — Felicity’s Power—off to an Australian publisher, Power of Love, who was looking for romances with older heroes and heroines. It was accepted immediately, and published a few exciting months later. Unfortunately, Power of Love folded shortly after. The book has now been updated, and is published by The Wild Rose Press. It’s also available as an audiobook.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It was my publisher, Jenny Millea, who came up with the title, and I think it’s quite wonderful.

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

I suppose I do, because critics have mentioned it. But even if I can’t analyse my own style, I know that I willalways spend an enormous amount of time polishing each sentence, and trying to make every paragraph beautiful. There is also a certain amount of humour in my work — even in my serious non-fiction writing.

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

All of my books are realistic, even my mysteries, and romances. I feature real people, and write stories that really could happen. And, yes, I certainly do use events in my own life, and incorporate people I’ve met into my books.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process? Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

For some of my books, I’ve had to travel extensively, and I’m always learning new things. In my mystery, Death by Slanderous Tongue, I had to find out about rural French traditions. In Sad Summer In Biarritz, I looked into the history of southern France.

For my non-fiction,Finding Home in the Footsteps of the Jewish Fusgeyers (which won the Tanenbaum Prize for Canadian history) I had to walk across Romania, cross Europe and Canada by train and bus, do research in the archives of England, Holland, France, Germany, and Austria, plus learn a language — Yiddish — so I could translate documents.

In my recently completed (not yet published) biography of a forgotten Ukrainian/Romania poet, I had to go back to those archives again. Of course, I also had to spend time drinking red wine in sleazy Romanian bars, just like my poet did — but that’s another kind of research altogether.

Even for my romance books, I do research into country music, herpetology, geology, and archaeology. Research is what makes writing fun.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publishers usually do the covers. However, for Finding Home and my two mysteries, Death by Slanderous Tongue, and Sad Summer in Biarritz, my publisher said I could use my own photos, and the covers were designed by my very talented graphic artist partner,

Bernard Tisserand.

 

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

I don’t think there’s an obvious one, but here’s a message I’d like to pass on. A few years ago, I went on a North American book tour, and one day, I found myself in a sleepy, scruffy town in Florida. I wandered around for a few hours,taking photographs, and poking my nose into odd places.

By late afternoon, I was mighty hungry, but no matter where I looked, I couldn’t find a place to eat.I went up to a rather sweet-looking man and asked if he knew of a place that was open. He took in my backpack, walking boots, thenconcluded I was a homeless person.

“There’s a local charity here in town. If you go there in two hours, they’ll be open.”

I opened my mouth to explain that I wasn’t homeless, when he added: “I go there every evening. They’re great people.”

So, I just thanked him.

We stood there chatting for quite a while — he was kindly, and very interesting. Because he spent a lot of time in the local library, he knew much about Florida’s history. After we said goodbye, I saw him go into an alleyway, come back out wheeling a battered-looking bicycle loaded up with those bundles homeless people lug around with them. And on the back of the bicycle, he’d attached a big sign saying: Be Nice.

So, that’s my message. Be nice —let’s be as nice as we can. If we do that, we’ll keep on smiling, and others will smile with us.

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

 I love many authors, and it is impossible to name them all. I suppose I could just say (to be brief) Linda Grant, W.G. Sebald, Alan Hollinghurst, Robert D. Kaplan, Charles King. I love the way they use language and images; I love the worlds they take me to.

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

Quite frankly, I can’t think of any one person — family included — who supported my desire to become a writer. It was just something I very quietly got on with, then talked about after.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, of course. Not one that makes me enough money for dog food, but a career, nonetheless.

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

Certainly not. I have to be proud of what is finished and published, then move on to the next project.

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

I know nothing about films, or actors. I haven’t seen a film in many years.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Just the usual: read outside your comfort zone. Read history, learn about other cultures, read classics, read the best contemporary literary work, read poetry — especially the poetry written between 1900 and 1990. And keep your television turned off.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Enjoy!

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Midnight at the Pera Palace: The Birth of Modern Istanbul, by Charles King

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No, I certainly don’t. I began reading very early — at around four, but I can’t remember the first book.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Many things make me laugh. I rarely cry. I’m more likely to get angry about suffering, injustice, and cruelty.

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

I would dearly love to meet VelvelZbarzher, the poet and songster whose biography I recently completed. After spending years researching him in Ukraine, Romania, Austria, and Turkey, finding the houses he lived in, the bars he sang in, the streets he walked along, I think it’s about time we met up.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I am a musician, and I play the flute, piccolo, oboe, English horn, recorder, baroque oboe, and baroque taille, as well as the tuba in many chamber groups and orchestras. Do I have time for other things?

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

I have never owned a television. This way, I know that the images in my head are my own, and are as little polluted by the commercial world as possible.

 Fiona: Favourite foods, colours,  music?

I love salads, fresh fruit, and very spicy vegetarian foods — any kind will do. I’m particularly attracted tobright green, and bright yellow, although I really love all colours.I’m passionate about Baroque music played on period instruments.

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

Read. Walk along the green roads all across Europe, smell the air, eat well.

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

I’d spend it doing what I enjoy most: lying in bed with a good book, writing, eating well, walking along sunken green lanes, talking to my partner, my dogs, and cats.

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

How about, Dead and Gone. If you are underground, that confirmation would be quite a relief.

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

I have two:

http://www.j-arleneculiner.com

And http://www.jill-culiner.com

My blog is:http://j-arleneculiner.over-blog.com

Here are a few other links:

https://www.amazon.com/author/jarleneculiner-quirky-romances

https://plus.google.com/+JArleneCuliner

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7158064.J_Arlene_Culiner

https://www.facebook.com/jarlene.culiner

Storytelling Podcast https://soundcloud.com/j-arlene-culiner

Trailers:

All About Charming Alice:

 

Desert Rose:

 

Here is my interview with Elise Crawford

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 Elise Crawford, my pen last name is Crawford and my married last name is Martinez.

I am as old as Cool Whip and the Super Bowl.

Fiona: Where are you from?

My paternal grandparents immigrated from Northern Finland, they missed their boat to America because my great grandmother had the flu and she wasn’t allowed passage. Lucky thing too because my family would have been 3^rd class passengers on the Titanic and I wouldn’t have a memoir to write.

My maternal grandmother, a sorority beauty and aspiring actress at the U of W, opted to marry a fraternity brat instead of running off to Hollywood with her BFF, Frances Farmer.

Both of my maternal grandparents’ relatives were among the founding families of West Seattle.

I was conceived in a janitors closet of a state mental hospital. My father helped my mother escape and was I born in Detroit Michigan. Three years later, my mother moved back to Seattle with me and my little sister.

Currently, my husband and I live in Woodinville WA.

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

Although not formally educated as a writer, Elise has been writing creative fiction since she was eight years old. Elise holds several Associates of Arts degrees; one in Liberal Arts, two in Social Sciences, and one Technical. Throughout her college education she maintained her membership with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor society while raising her two children single-handedly and working on the college campus part-time teaching college level English to fellow ESL students.

She and her husband Roberto reside in Woodinville Washington where they produce and manufacture cedar oil products. Their CEDAR-AL business continues to flourish and prosper, http://www.cedaroil.com.

Elise has two grown children; a son, Dale, and a daughter, Lexi.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I finished my second book, Wildflower,June 2018, it is my complete memoir. Iadded excerpts of the most compelling scenes from my partial memoir,A Promise Kept. I am currently sending query letters to agents and learning how to write a proposal for a memoir if they should ask for one. I will begin working on a third book in 2019, With OnlyA Horse, a truth is stranger than fiction novel, based on true events, and embellished with a fictitious flair.I’m presently interviewing people and researching Mexican culture for that story. And finally, I’ve written several children’s books and my sister Cassie is currently creating the illustrations for them. We hope they are published in 2019.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The day I received a letter A Promise Kept had been nominated for and won a gold medal for Readers Favorite in 2010.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?When and why did you begin writing?

I had a persistent dream about my first book just days after my fiancé was murdered. I saw it as clear as day, the beginning to the end, the book cover, the title and its placement, the format of the contents, the main text, the index, the whole thing.It was so impressed in my mind I couldn’t forget it even if I wanted to. I thought about it often but couldn’t wrap my mind around how someone with limited education went about writing a book.I was convinced such a craft belonged in the hands of a more cultured person and disregarded the notion as only a dream, shoving the thought to the furthest corner of my mind, for seven more years.

Until I met Roberto, a fellow widower, with a head-strong wit that surpassed my own. We shared a parallel experience so profound, only a fellow traveller on the same journey could comprehend its complexity and the turning point in one’s life. He said it took several years to face his own reality and to heal. Mindful of the consequences of denial, he made it his mission, or obsession, I begin the process I so wanted to avoid. His lure was through my book, always needling me to get going on it.

To test unfamiliar waters as an inexperienced writer, I self-published a portion of my memoir in 2009, A Promise Kept. The following year, it won a gold medal for Reader’s Favorite, received many positive reviews, had articles written about it in MORE magazine and a local paper, The Everett Herald, and the National Association of Professional Women featured me as author of the month.

Since my writing debut, I’ve gained a collective social media following of over four thousand and the confidence to complete my memoir. In 2014 Ibegan by adding excerpts of the most compelling scenes from my first book and wrote a mind-blowing beginning. But I was at a loss of how to end it until 2016, and…well, you’ll have to read it to find out.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

 For my partial memoir I titled it A Promise Keptbecausemy fiancé made a promise that my children and I would always be loved and taken care of, even after his death he continues to keep his promise.

For my complete memoir, Wildflower, the title didn’t come to me until after I’d finished it. If there was a theme song for my memoir, this 70s song would be it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ8n_Esop5I

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

 Thankfully, I’ve never experienced writers block. I create an outline to use as a road map and develop scenes wherever the spirit moves me that day. I never start at the beginning.Once I have an idea of what I am to write about, the voice I’m going to use, and the setting, I design my outline, gather as much information as I can through research (highlighting, copying, dog-earing) and then I fill in my outline. It’s easy to finish the book from there.

I like to free write on a yellow legal pad first and then type. From there I copy and paste what I wrote for the day and put it into the story where it fits.When I get going, whetherwriting or typing, my fingers fly over the tablet or keyboard as if I’m transcribing a book already written. Sometimes I can’t keep up when writing long hand and the words look like chicken scratch. It gives ghost writing a whole new meaning.

And I never edit. Not until the book is finished. Ironically, most of what is written needs minor editing, pretty good for not finishing the 9th grade, or not knowing an adjective from an acronym.

I studied the craft of how to write creative nonfiction through online courses and became excited about that genre. When writing non-fiction, I think it’s especially important to present authentic and descriptive facts as you weave your story, bringing characters and places of interest alive in the reader’s eye. For my memoir, I used first person, my voice.

I applied what I learnedwhen I wrote my memoir, so it reads more like a fictional, psychotic thriller, sprinkled with just enough humor and romance to take the edge off.

I’m excited to use the same technique for my next story, With Only A Horse, a truth is stranger than fiction novel, based on true events, and embellished with a fictitious flair.I think I will use 3^rd person omniscient for this story.

The book “The Writer’s Little Helper” by Smith has been extremely helpful.

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

I’ve addressed that question in the Foreword of my memoir:

Author’s Note:

This isa painstakingly true story of how the author—guided by the power of faith—comes to terms with the skeletons of her childhood to inspire hope and encouragement in the hearts of other survivors of mental illness, family dysfunction, death, and traumatic abuse.

Some names and detailed descriptions of certain characters’ in this story have been withheld to protect the identity of the sources. I have tried in good faith to recreate events, locales, and conversations from my memories of them, from the stories my mother told me, extensive research, public records, and from interviews with family members.

Any resemblance to persons living or dead should be plainly apparent to them and those who know them. All events described within happened, though, on occasion, I have taken certain, very small, liberties with chronology and detail.

My tale is not unusual; in fact, it’s just another story about one’s internal strength, endurance, and ability to overcome adversity in the face of a string of incredibly unfortunate events.

It is my hope this story speaks to your heart. And, when facing any challenging situation, I hope my struggles are just enough for you to relate to, to seek hope from, to encourage you to continue forward, and to not give up.

Above all, if sharing my story makes a difference in one person’s life, then my convoluted journey was not in vain.

May God’s light always shine upon you, bring love and peace to all, and like Zig Ziglar once said, “I’ll See You at The Top,”

Elise Crawford, A Promise Kept

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

 No traveling

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

 I like to work with the cover artist, I give them my idea and they run with it.  For Wildflower, I envision a field of wildflowers and a picture of a small girl’s hands picking them, we’ll see . . .

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

 Only a very few will identify with my memoir. It is for them I set the skeletons free.

My intention was to reach deep into the hearts of those few readers toencourage them to cry and grieve with me, with the hope they’ll process their own sorrow and begin healing. I hope to encourage them to continuemoving forward and not give up as stifling can destroy a person.

Above all, I’d like to assure themtheir reactions to their experiences are normal, they aren’t crazy, and they are not alone;that is the message; no preaching, no antidotes, only to say that there is hope.

If my story makes a difference it at least one person’s life, then the process of revisiting my inner demons was not in vain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vghIPtvCFRs

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 like Emily Dickinson the best.  Her poem, I’m Nobody! Who are you? is my favorite because she proudly declares her ordinariness, her likeness to everyone else rather than her uniqueness. If you can imagine what it’s like for the well known to live in a fishbowl,never getting time to themselves, like Princess Diana for example; I’d rather be a nobody any day.

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

My copyeditor. I hired her to work on my MS November 2018. Afterwards, in a twist of fate, her husband unexpectantly and suddenly passed away.The part of my story where I processed through my own loss, prepared her for what was to come just days later; there is no such thing as a coincidence.

I’ll let her speak for herself:

This is her professional review of Wildflower:

Elise Crawford is a born storyteller, weaving her way into the hearts of her readers.
This is a true story and deals with, at times, a dark reality; yet, it is also a book filled with promise, and rays of sunshine, hope, faith and love. Elisesimply and honestly tells her tale in a voice of innocence, trust, and courage, revealing her fears and vulnerabilities as well as her strength, courage, and determination. As I read, I found myself crying – alternating between tears of empathy and compassion and the tears that come with laughing so hard my sides hurt. Light and dark, funny and sad, Wildflower is a powerful, must-readbook, written by an amazing woman.

Mary Anne Pester, Copy Editor, Proofreader www.fourpennypages.com

This is her personal review of Wildflower:

You are such an incredible writer, Elise; there is an Irish word for it”Seanchaí” (see KNOCK ee) a storyteller who is a passionate bearer of remembered thoughts, weaving a tale that engages the imagination and allows the reader to create his or her own person experience from the story.

That is truly what you do; even though I have read the story from beginning to end several times, each time is as though it is the first.

You are, without a doubt, a woman of true grace and courage; dignity, generosity of spirit and a loving heart.I feel myself as an adult wanting to scream at the predators circling around Lissie –  like you yell at the screen when you are watching a scary movie and the kid decides to go into the room alone to investigate “NO!!! DON’T OPEN THE DOOR”!

I feel the love and joy at the birth of her precious children, applaud her determination to be the BEST MOM ON THE PLANET, no matter what hoops she needs to jump through

And then cheering and beaming proudly when she finds love, happiness, and peace.

This book is emotionally draining to read – in a good way! – and I come away from it, grateful for my friends and family, the love I knew with Gene – and still know, though in a different way, renewed faith and knowledge that I am in God’s care and that everything happens for a reason.

This is all a very long-winded way of saying, “Never stop writing”!

Mary Anne Pester

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

 For as long as I’m given stories to write; my last breath will probably be at my keyboard.

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?

 Oh, my yes. I did my best to dissociate with the protagonist through the darkest parts of the story, but as I am the character, I remembered all the traumatic details, had nightmares throughout most of its creation, and had to process through each event. Thirteen years later it is complete. I spared readers the shock of some scenes, yet provided enough information to fill in the blanks.

I knew I had to walk the talk for the broken souls who would read my story, so, it was for them, I forged on over the coals.

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

 Reese Witherspoon, we have a lot in common, I think she’d totally get me, naturally funny, but sentimental too.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

 It was riskyquittingworkfull time to breathe life back into a small business in order to support myself as I wrote. It was a challenge to learn to live with just the basics until I reached my goal. That was thirteen years ago and I’m still not there, yet; so, in the meanwhile, I continue honing the writing craft and learning all I can as I work toward my goal.

Self-discipline is also very important. I use The Pomodoro Method, a candle, music without words, turn off devices, no internet (that’s a reward for later), meditation and prayer to stay focused and on track.

Most of all, I’d saykeep at it, try new genres, and continue firing them out because one of them will take one day.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

 You can let the life and the family you were born into dictate the definition of your very being, regardless of what you do or do not have, or, with grit, self-sufficiency, and self-reliance, you can rise above your circumstances, charter your own course and change your life, all the while empowering others to do the same. -Elise Crawford

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

 I feel guilty if I’m reading anyone else’s work but my own, especially if I have an unfinished project. So, for the past 13 years, when I am reading, it’s usually something about writing. Right now, I’m reading about how to write query letters and proposals for memoirs. My choice magazine is Writer’s Digest, I have a perpetual subscription and would be lost without it.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

 As a child—Dick and Jane series. My second-grade teacher secretly taught me the love of reading after school because my mother’s boyfriend didn’t allow books in the house.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

 Laugh? Jeff Dunham hands down

Cry? Losing a loved one, furry or human

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

 Laura Ingalls Wilder, I love her stories, and her grit, but most of all I like that she published her first book at 65, that’s all the inspiration I need!

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

 I taught myself to crochet in 2016 and have made animals, hats, a cloak, and blankets for friends and family. It inspires my muse.

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

 I’ve always enjoyed Little House on The Prairie reruns and Pixar children movies with assumed adult slapstick like Ratatouille, for which I’ve watched way too many times to count and it still makes me laugh.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

 My favourite foods are Red Robin onion rings and Wedgie Burgers.

My favourite colours are deep royals and lavender.

My favourite music is Country, old and new.

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

 I’d watch 70s reruns all day, with an ample supply of sugar cereal.

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

 With my arm wrapped around my husband, snuggled up in the spoon position“We’ll sail away on the wings of love into the night. . . and fall asleep together with the rocking of the water . . .” Sail Away by The Oak Ridge Boys

 Fiona: What do you want written on your headstone?

 First line: “She was a kind and loving, free-spirit who shared everything she had, unconditionally.”

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

 I tried having an author website, but despite all the firewall bells and whistles, it was always hacked and on the fritz. So, rather than continuing to feed the monster, I created a FB Fan page where I post updates. Recently, I found a boxfull of my first book,A Promise Kept. So, when Wildflower is published, I’m giving away free copies of it  (exact amountTBD) tothe first few readers,so stay tuned on my FB fan page and my Goodreads page.

FB FAN PAGE:  https://www.facebook.com/lissiewrites/

FB AUTHOR PAGE:       https://www.facebook.com/elise.crawford1

GOODREADSPAGE:     https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2909507.Elise_Crawford

LINKEDIN PAGE:           https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-crawford-a6047217/

AUTHORS DEN PAGE:  http://www.authorsden.com/elisercrawford

Here is my interview with Garret Schuelke

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

Yo Fiona, thanks for interviewing me!

 

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

My name’s Garret Schuelke, and I’m 31 years old. I’m the author of three novels—fourth one coming out this April—a short story collection, three poetry ebooks, a spoken word EP, and I’m the host of my own podcast.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I currently reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

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

I graduated with a Bachelors in Arts from Western Michigan University, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 2011. I come from a family of four, with my folks still living in my hometown of Alpena, located in Northeast Michigan. I’ve been a laborer at a warehouse for six years now—the longest “day job” I’ve had so far in my life.

I’m also a devotee of music that fall under the “lofi hip hop radio- beats to sleep/chill to” category—in fact, I’m listening to a stream as I answer these questions.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

In writing news: I finished my latest novel, GODAN: QUEEN OF THE THIRD COAST. It’s set to be released in April. It’s also scheduled to be serialized in Schlock! Webzine beforehand. And while I’m still working some things out, it looks like I’ll be attending, and selling my work, at Publishers Row Fest, a Chicago-based literary festival, this June.

In non-writing news: The second season of my show, The Garret Schuelke Podcast, has begun!

This June, I’m visiting London for a little over a week—my first overseas trip.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Around the sixth grade, mostly via writing exercises in class and random attempts at keeping a diary.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

While I considered myself a writer long beforehand, I would say in 2006, when I graduated high school, I was thinking something along the lines of “Okay, time to get serious,” starting my what I consider my writing career. That was also the year I adopted my pen name, Garret Schuelke.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was a poetry chapbook titled BLIND GRAVE ROBBER. The poetry was mainly inspired by poets such as Raegan Butcher, Charles Bukowski, Billy Childish, and Richard Brautigan. What inspired me to self-publish it—and literally spend hours and cash making it myself by hand—was the urge to take part in DIY/Zine/Punk culture, and to get my name out there in the world. This work was later republished in ebook form as BLIND GRAVE ROBBER/AGNOSTIC EGGS.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title comes from the poem “Blind Grave Robber”. Basically, I imagined a that, while the typical grave robber could rob Ernest Hemingway’s grave and know it was him instantly—since he commited suicide via a shotgun blast to the face—a blind grave robber would be unable to since, you know, he was blind.

Very quirky, very puzzling, very Brautigan influenced.

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

With poetry, I don’t really have a particular style, which is good because poetry is something I want to keep as unrestrained, experimental, and fun as possible. With prose, I typically keep a direct, minimalist, gritty style, akin to Hemingway, Bukowski, and Amy Hempel. I do make a sincere attempt to create good dialogue and character interactions, which is influenced by Haruki Murakami.

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

Oh boy, I’m not even going to attempt to answer this question. I will say this though: every writer with an actual heart draws from their life to some extent, whether it’s directly, secondary (ex: based on the experences of someone they know), or is an interest in their life (ex: sailing, even if they themselves were never a sailor).

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

I’ll bring writing materials along with me—to work on existing work during break times, to write out quick haikus, and whatnot—but when I travel, I’m mainly focusing on me having a good time—most of which doesn’t involve writing, believe it or not.

Travel is essential to my life, which means it’s inherently essential to my writing.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Currently it’s multimedia artist Zach Elmblad, who I’ve been working with since 2016 and who pubished my 2017 short story collection, WHUP JAMBOREE: STORIES under his media group. He not only creates my covers and book jacket, but formats my books as well.

The cover and jacket of my first novel, ANAMAKEE, was created by Bizarro writer and editor Don Noble.

The covers of my three poetry ebooks, BLIND GRAVE ROBBER/AGNOSTIC EGGS, WOTAN, and THE BAKUNIN INCORPORATED READER, were all created by me using some meme generator I found via Google search. Hilariously enough, a reviewer of WOTAN pointed this out in their review of the ebook, puzzled by what it meant.

I either commission cover illustrations or purchase the rights to use photos. The photo for the cover of ANAMAKEE was taken b artist Grady Manion (who is also my cousin), and the illustrations for my all my print books since then have been done by artist Andrew VanWambeke

 What you want readers to grasp?

I just want them to be entertained and, if they have aspirations to write, inspire them to create their own work, just as my heroes and peers have done for me.

While I definitely have strong political and social views—socialist/left leaning—and I have no problem expressing them in my work, I don’t go out of my way to create explicitly political work, nor is it my goal to influence readers in that way (usually). I do have themes and topics I’m interested in writing about, but  I don’t get so hung on them that the focus on the story and characters is lost.

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?

Oh boy, this is always a fun question to answer lol.

My two all-time favorite authors, and biggest influences, are Ernest Hemingway and Haruki Murakami. Basically, for Hemingway, I like his overall writing style, and his ability convey emotions and present action sequences so simply and direct. For Murakami, I like his ability to competently write both realistic and surreal fiction—often times combining the two—as well as the way he shows characters interacting with each other, from conversations to non-verbal communication (such as hand gestures to facial expressions).

My current favorite writer is Justin Grimbol. Like Murakami, he does a good job writing fiction that’s both realistic and surreal (or should I say “Bizarre”, considering his ties to Bizarro Fiction). He’s also very humorous, and one of the few writers that I feel truly wears his heart on his sleeve, whether he’s writing fiction, poetry, Facebook posts, or whatever. His book. COME HOME, WE LOVE YOU STILL is one of my all-time favorites.

(Also, his Facebook posts about swimming naked in a nearby creek have made me more comfortable with my own interest in nudism.)

For other authors that grasp my interest, here are the ones off the top of my head: John Bruni, Danger Slater, Jeff O’Brien, Gabino Iglesias, Jeff  Burk, Christoph Paul, Leza Cantoral, Brian Keene,  Autumn Christian, Tao Lin, Megan Boyle, John Withee, August Smith, KJ Stevens, Terry Wooten, Sam Pink, Ben Tanzer, Brian Barr, Ben Arzate, Brian Alan Ellis, Garrett Cook, Dan Denton, Benjamin Whitmer, Robert Dean, Shane Jesse Christmass, Jon Konrath, Chuck Tingle, Mandy de Sandra, Kitty Glitter (aka Pussy Tantrum), Carlton Mellick III, Andrew James Stone, Gareth Spark, and Jim Zoetewey.

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

That would be my editor, friend, and psychedelic guru Zach Elmblad. Like I said, we’ve been working together since 2016, he published my short story collection in 2017, and has edited and formatted my work since then. He’s also been kind enough to allow me to record the majority of my podcasts in his studio. He’s been a great source of help, inspiration, conversation, and overall a great guy to hang out with.

Fiona: Do you see  writing as a career?

Absolutely—I’ve considered it my career since 2006. Granted, I’ve had to work “day jobs” since then, but my overall goal in life is to solely live off of my work.

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

Nothing that I can think of at the moment. Usually, it takes awhile for me to wish something could be changed in a work, but I’ve trained myself to not linger on them, or else I would never be satisfied with anything I’ve done. I’d rather take the lessons learned from previous work and try to incorporate them into future work.

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

Not really. It’s the third book in my Godan series, which I have planned out pretty well. I’m more proud that, so far, I’ve been able to keep up with my self-imposed “two Godan books a year” goal.

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

 Honestly I don’t know, but I do hope it’s someone who’s not uber famous (like Tom Cruise), in order to not distract from the character or story, and the actor also has an understanding and appreciation of punk rock subcultures.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Don’t be afraid to go Indie and self-publish! While there’s a lot of good in publishing industry, big and small, there’s also a lot of stupid shit that’ll bring you down and make you not want to write anymore. Sometimes the best way to get your work out there is to publish it yourself. Also, learn to work within your limits, not just try to break them. Try to be comfortable in you writing routine(s) and overall life.

To quote famous folk singer Woody Guthrie: “Take it easy, but take it.”

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Hope you enjoy my work! And please get into contact with me through my website, email, Facebook, or whatever—I always love hearing from fans.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m taking another crack at NEUROMANCER by William Gibson. I’ve actually been getting more into cyberpunk these past two weeks after I saw Alita: Battle Angel.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No clue—I do remember getting into the Goosebumps series really early on though.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

 Too many to list.

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

 Woody Guthrie—not just a folk singer, but an all-around American renaissance man (writing, painting, etc.). He’s also probably the most inspirational person on my list of personal heroes.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Besides writing, I’m into traveling, reading, Netflix, podcasting, bar hopping, night clubbing, swimming, and thrifting.

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

Anything superhero (Arrow and Gotham are my two favorites), Law and Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, various anime. Anything that catches my interest on Netflix (Kim’s Convience being the latest).

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

My favorite foods are Italian, Asian, and BBQ.  My favorite colors are black, gray, and darker version of colors (blue, green). My favorite types of music include punk, folk, hip hop, blues, old time and alternative country, jazz, classical, instrumental rock, alternative rock, stoner metal.

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

Good Future: More traveling, would probably be involved in my local music scene outside of being a fan (I do plan on looking into become a DJ sometime in the next decade for a local Grand Rapids station that I’m a big fan of).

Bad Future: Reclusive Alcoholic.

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

 Probably having sex, though the whole “24 hours to live” thing would have to actually happen for me to be sure lol.

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

 My full birth/legal name, birth and death dates, “Writer”, and this as my inscription:

 “Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway;
Nobody living can ever make me turn back
This land was made for you and me.”

–Woody Guthrie

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

 All right, let’s do this:

Official Website: http://garretschuelke.tumblr.com/

Amazon Author Page: USA https://www.amazon.com/Garret-Schuelke/e/B0716TS6R3

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garret-Schuelke/e/B0716TS6R3/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1551104083&sr=1-2

Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/garretschuelke

Twitter: @garretschuelke

Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/neobeatglory

Internet Archive (download episodes of The Garret Schuelke Podcast, ebooks, and more): archive.org/details/@garret_schuelke

The Garret Schuelke Podcast Facebook page: www.facebook.com/garretschuelkepodcas

Gumroad Store (free poetry ebooks): https://gumroad.com/garretschuelke

Email: garretschuelke@gmail.com

Thanks much, Fiona. Later!

 

Here is my interview with L.N. Manning

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 L.N. Manning and I am 39 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from a little bitty town outside of Houston, Texas.

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

I am a disabled momma to two adorable yet annoying fur-babies, I graduated college in 2005. And I am a proud Diet Coke-aholic!

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I released my debut book in January, Escaping Their Pasts, Crescent Edge Pack book 1. I am currently in the middle of book 2, hoping to have it out in March, fingers crossed.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I never wanted to write, never thought I was creative enough to do anything like this before. I was chatting with a wonderful writer named Morticia Knight, and she encouraged me to try. It took her a bit, but I gave in and here I am!

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Wait, I’m a writer? I don’t think that I will ever consider myself a writer. Maybe if I ever get to the level that Nora Roberts or Kelex or Lynn Hagan or Lisa Oliver, I might but not now.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Morticia Knight gave me the encouragement I needed, then I needed to figure out what I wanted my main characters to look like. When I came across the first image of my cover model Daniel Chiorean, I knew he was my Jonathan. And it just came from then.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

My genre is MM (gay) paranormal romance, I have a lot of friends that are gay or bisexual, and the struggles that I have seen them go through with their families or society, we all have to deal or at least come to terms with our pasts to become comfortable in our own skin, we all have to escape our pasts to grow into who we want to be. That is where it stemmed from.

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

I write from the hip. I tried to plan out what direction I wanted the story to go in or what I like to read and seriously tried to force my characters to conform. Yeah, they laughed at me and told me they will do what they want.

What is challenging for me is that I am a woman writing a male/male shifter story. I am not male and I am not a shifter but I think I have finally found the balance that I was lacking when I started the first book.

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

I guess the only thing that could be similar would be the friends that I have that are LGBT that have had horrible experiences coming out to their families. Let me say this, if you have a child, what is the main thing that you want for that child? You want them to be happy and fall in love and spend the rest of their lives happy with someone that treats them with respect and love, right? What does it matter who they love? Love is love. Period.

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

No, but I wouldn’t mind sitting back on a beautiful beach with a fruity drink in one hand trying to type on a lap top with the other.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Amanda Walker did my cover for me, I absolutely love it! She is amazing.

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

No matter where you come from or who your family is, or who they are supposed to be, you make your own family. Family doesn’t have to be blood.

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

New authors that I love, wow, Connor Crowe, Drea Roman and Xarina Price. My favorite author is Lisa Oliver, her’s were the first MM books I had ever read. And it was completely by accident, too! She has a huge series, that is fabulous by the way, and I was flipping through iBooks one day trying to find something new to read and there was a free series starter for that series, and I read the blurb and I swear it said Kane and Shawna, not Kane and Shawn. I started to read it and I was like “Oh! Um I don’t know about this.” But I couldn’t put it down. Lisa’s characters are so tangible that just fall in love. They are from all different points on the spectrum and I love them.

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

I have an author group, and when I felt like I couldn’t do it or I needed help, they were there for me. Giving me love, praise, and encouragement. I also have a couple of go-to readers that will tell me honestly if something sounds stupid or it isn’t right.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I would love to see if I could make a go at a career in writing. We shall see, stay tuned.

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

I would have made it longer. I think that I made every point I wanted to make with this book, but I think that I should have made it longer. Never know, I could add more to it and re-release it.

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

Oh my, YES! I had a 3 hour chat with an amazing author, Cree Storm. She gave me the best advice that I think I received and I try to take her advice with every word I type now. She told me that you have to be willing to put a piece of yourself into your book, if you aren’t then don’t waste your time because it won’t work. After she told me that, I went back and reread what I had already written and I trashed the whole thing and started over. And it was easier. When I took that huge piece of advice, the words flowed, the scenes came together and the worlds aligned for me.

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

Oh, um. Well, let’s see, to play Jonathan they would have to be muscular, almost bulky so I want to say Chris Evans, with his scruffy little beard. And for Ethan, there was a show about 15 years ago called Queer as Folk. And there was a beautiful blond kid that played a main character, his name is Randy Harrison. That would be my dream choices.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

I made a huge mistake during the first week after I released my book, I got on Amazon and read the reviews. 90% of them thought the book was good or great and I was so excited. On day 5 I opened up Amazon to look at the reviews and there was one that gave me a 1star and accused me of plagiarism. I was devastated. I would try to work on my second book and my hands would shake. I came to the point to where I was almost having a panic attack. It took me a little over three weeks work past that in my mind. So, stay away from reviews, they will either like it or not. What you write might not be their cup of tea and instead of not reviewing the book and moving on to another one that is more up their alley, some people will leave reviews for your work that are bad or unflattering. It’s just a fact of life as an author that I learned the hard way. I am lucky to have some amazing author friends that were able tp talk me off the ledge.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I love each and every one of you. I am wide open to take any criticism or praise. I am willing to talk and chat with anyone about what they think needs work or what they want to see more of. I love you all and I hope I can one day write someone’s favorite book.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Topaz Heat by Connor Crowe

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein is the first I can remember

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I love to laugh and I have a twisted sense of humor. I love memes and the goofier or dirtier the better. I also have a love for classic Abbott and Costello Movies, they are hilarious.

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

That is so hard to choose one, I have two. John Wayne and Nicola Tesla. I have always loved John Wayne and have paintings and images of him everywhere. And Tesla, because the man was a genius! Edison wasn’t half the genius of Tesla. He thought of WIFI and tried to implement it at in the early 1900s.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I used to, lol. I used to bowl 5-6 times a week and participated in national and state tournaments until my body decided that it couldn’t do that anymore. Now I read and write.

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

Anything funny or action packed. Nothing chick flicky lol

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

My favorite color is orange, I listen to rock and metal and some popish music, and foods… hmmm. I love to eat chicken and turkey, and tacos. I love to cook, I make a version of Sheppards Pie that I adore.

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

I would retreat into my books and music and play with my dogs.

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

Playing with my dogs. And throwing a party. I don’t want a sad funeral, I want a party and music and dancing. I’ll be ok, celebrate my life not my death.  

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

She tried and did it. Never give up and never surrender.

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

Instagram – www.instagram.com/l.n.manning

Twitter – www.twitter.com/lnmanning1

Amazon Author Page – www.amazon.com/author/lnmanning

Website – www.authorlnmanning.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/LNManning/

Manning’s Minions Author group – https://www.facebook.com/100027901101576/posts/225163001757068/

 

 

Here is my interview with Laura Burton

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

Hi Fiona! Thanks for taking the time to interview me!

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

Sure, my name is Laura Burton and I am thirty-years-old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Well, I was born in Weston-Super-Mare in England. But we moved around a lot as I grew up. I spent most of my teenage years in Bristol and If I had to choose, I would probably consider that is where I am from.

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

 I went to Clifton High School and studied English, Classical Civilisation and Business Studies. I met my husband when I was just eighteen-years-old and we married soon after I turned nineteen. We have three children – all boys – and a crazy Poochon puppy named Daisy. I home-school and have my mother living with us. It’s busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

 Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

 Well, I have recently released my second novel in a series of clean and wholesome romance books. It’s called “Love Me, Sweetie.” My first book is a romantic suspense and has garnered a lot of excitement over here in England. I am going to be on the radio to do an interview next week, actually and I have a few proposals in the mail to agencies. It’s exciting times.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing when I was around five years old. As soon as I realised that people wrote books, I decided that I was going to write as well. By the time I was sixteen, I had written 4 books and countless stories and poems. I remember rushing my chemistry GCSE paper and then spending the rest of my exam time playing out the next scenes in my Harry Potter fanfic I was working on at the time. I got really into Harry Potter fanfiction for a while.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Honestly? I’m not sure I have ever NOT considered myself a writer. It’s just who I am. How I best communicate myself, and even when I’m not writing, I’m scripting what you might say to me in a conversation or playing out scenarios in my head of spectacular things I might do in the future.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I can’t remember what inspired my first book exactly. But I do remember helping my dad in the garden one day, I was holding the hose and watering a palm tree when the sunlight caught the water at an angle and a beautiful rainbow formed by my feet. I stared at it and a whole story entered my head. Just like someone downloaded the information right into my brain. I remember hurrying into the house and picking up a pen and paper and began to write immediately.

My first published book, I wanted to participate in NaNoWriMo – an annual writing competition where writers all across the globe commit to writing a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. I had the idea of a simple romance set in Bristol when I started, but characters introduced themselves to me and the story turned darker than I planned. The result is a rather exciting, fast-paced romantic suspense novel.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I wanted a title to signify a love story, so “Love Me” was fitting. But the love story I had planned turned into a crazy whirlwind of secrets, threat and excitement. By the end, you think pretty much everyone in the story is “Crazy.” So, the book became “Love Me, Crazy.” The idea being, that the main character is telling her man to love her, while also calling him crazy.

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

 I am quite versatile in my writing. Sometimes I write in first person, other times it’s second person. My narration is to-the-point and more-descriptive than perhaps you’d expect from an easy-read novelist.

 I find it very challenging to describe scenes and locations without losing the pace of the story. As a reader, I would skim over some of Tolkien’s descriptions for example, because I like to get to the action. However, creating the world is really important, so I’m trying to find the right balance!

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

My new release, “Love Me, Sweetie,” is the by-product of a lot of personal experiences I have been through in recent years. The undercurrent of the story is grief and how it affects people and their ability to forge relationships. On that basis, I feel the book is quite realistic. However, there are some elements that are put in for a dash of comedy and I always like to add a little craziness into my stories. If my readers don’t gasp or think “What the heck! I did not see that coming!” at some point in my books, I’ll be disappointed.

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

They say it’s important to write about what you know. Which is why my first two books are based in places I know very well. However, I am going to do a huge road trip in America in a few months and will be using my experiences there to write some stories set in new and fun places. I do think it’s important to travel to the places you plan to write about. Otherwise, how else do you find out what a place smells like? What the air feels like! Or read about the way the light changes the colours of buildings!

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My sister Gemma Nielsen, she is a very talented graphic designer and without her amazing creativity, I would be lost!

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

In “Love Me, Crazy” I want the readers to think about love and the difference between being protective and being possessive. There is also the message that life is not easy and straight forward. Horrible thingshappen, but love can prevail.

“Love Me, Sweetie” is a message of hope for people who are hurting. Whether you are a victim of abuse, bereaved or abandoned in the past, it is possible to find love and become stronger for it. The book explores vulnerability and the tug-of-war between doing what you feel obligated to do and doing what is right for your happiness.

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

There are far too many to choose. I love Jenny Han, and I’m excited about anything new she brings out. My all-time favourite writer is perhaps William Nicholson. I just love his writing style and his ability to capture my attention from the very first page. I was entranced by the “Wind on Fire” Trilogy.

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

I’ve been really lucky to be supported by so many people. It would be difficult to name just one person, but I have to give credit to Alisha Talevinukuleka, who has been a cheerleader and supporter even during the times when I have doubted myself.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I see it more of a calling, than a career. I definitely hope it will be something I can call a career, but to me it is so much more than a job. It’s just who I was born to be.

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

I consider myself a student of writing. Always reading, always learning. So, I am certain I’d go back and find things to change, however, I’m really proud of how the book has turned out and the bittersweet moments within the story. There is perhaps one sad twist I may have taken out, but then the whole story would have changed, so I’m not sure.

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

Absolutely, my characters come to life and I am humbled by them and the way they respond to situations. I have learnt that grief can make you bitter inside and close your heart to the ones who love you. I have learnt that something as terrible as losing my father, and the emotions that come with that, can create this beautiful book that can offer some hope – and healing – for others. Which has taught me that intense grief and sorrow can be channelled to create something wonderful.

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

Amanda Seyfried would be a great Ada. She is so fun and bubbly but would also beautifully portray the emotions with heart and have us all tearing up! She would also look amazing with bright pink hair!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Start out by writing what you love and read as much as you can. Be humble. Expect some people to downright hate your work. But you will find people who love what you write, they are your tribe. So, don’t worry about everyone else.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you so much for reading my stories and I cannot wait to present to you my next novel. The storyline is mind-blowing. You’re in for an exciting ride!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Right now, I’m reading a lot of unpublished books by fellow indie-authors. All great stories that will be coming to the market soon. It’s exciting!

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The first memorable book that I read was the Little House on the Prairie Books.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I have a really dark sense of humour. If a bad guy is monologuing and then gets shot and dies, I’ll be chuckling to myself. Or I laugh at irony. I cry if a pet dies in a book. Or every time I finish reading Return of the King. Gets me every time.

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

I am such a fangirl. If I met any of the people I look up to, I would spend the whole time crying and squealing. I’ve always wanted to meet the Backstreet Boys, and dance with them on stage. Or I’d love to do stand-up comedy with Michael McIntyre!

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I really love to play Fortnite with my kids. I am a bit of a gamer in general really. I love Fridays’ because in our home that’s movie night. And I really enjoy playing the piano. That, and listening to music while taking my dog for long walks.

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

I’m a TV/Film addict. I love watching The Walking Dead, The 100, Grey’s Anatomy and Supergirl at the moment.

I love the Indiana Jones movies, Star Wars, 90s romances like Runaway Bride and You’ve Got Mail. I love a good comedy too, Zombieland is possibly my favourite.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I have a sweet tooth. Cakes, chocolate, donuts…I love them all.

My favourite colours are pinks, purples and reds.

Music? I’m a die-hard Backstreet Boys’ fan. I will listen to the same song over and over until I’m sick of it and will move onto the next one. I never get sick of “Larger than Life” though. 

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

Acting. Or stand-up comedy. Or both? I really wanted to be Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter movies, I even sent off an application but never heard back. Sad times. Good thing this is the present and I am allowed to write! Maybe in the future I’ll get to be Rita Skeeter when they remake the Potter movies!

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

 Oh dear, only 24hrs? I can’t decide if I’d want to be surrounded by family and play games, while eating as many donuts as possible. Or spend the time alone watching as many movies as possible. Either way, I’d do a lot of crying, because I’ve got a whole lot of living to do yet!

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

She laughed. She loved. She left.

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

My blog is: www.laurasbeautifulworld.com and I have a weekly newsletter that readers can subscribe to for free stories, recommendations, news and updates on releases. I also have a facebook page: www.facebook.com/laurasbeautifulworld and I am active on Instagram @lauras_beautiful_world

Buying links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Me-Crazy-Laura-Burton/dp/1790647207/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1548775238&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Me-Crazy-Laura-Burton-ebook/dp/B07L2GDFBN/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1550919437&refinements=p_27%3ALaura+Burton&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Laura+Burton

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Me-Sweetie-turns-remedy/dp/1796818267/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1550919370&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Me-Sweetie-turns-remedy-ebook/dp/B07MN25SSZ/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=Love+Me%2C+Sweetie%3A+When+life+turns+sour%2C+love+is+the+only+remedy&qid=1550919411&s=books&sr=1-1-fkmrnull

Here is my interview with Angela Prendergast

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 Angela Prendergast and I am 23 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from a small town outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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

I am a high school English teacher and author of poetry collection, “Overthought Thoughts of a 21-Year-Old.” Writing has always been my passion. I majored in English at Millersville University of Pennsylvania and I am currently enrolled in a graduate program at St. Joseph’s University for a M.A. in Writing Studies.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I am currently working on writing a sequel to my first poetry collection. The sequel is called, “Overthought Thoughts of a 23-Year-Old.” I think the first title sets up a great opportunity to have multiple collections. Stay tuned. J

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

 I began writing seriously my junior year of college. I used it as an outlet to help with feelings. I was away from my family and lived alone. Writing was my connection. Writing was my best friend. My journal started to look more and more legitimate as the year went on. Senior year of college I decided to start reaching out and learning how to publish my thoughts.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Probably when I officially published my poetry collection. Once people started to buy my book on Amazon I remember thinking…. “I am making money for writing in my diary…. how cool is that?!”

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Rupi Kaur and her poetry collection, “Milk and Honey.” I read this book in one siting, curled up in the poetry section of Barnes and Noble. It did something to me. That was the summer I purchased a new writers notebook and started to take myself seriously.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title came to life when someone asked me what I write poetry about. My response was, “I write all the thoughts that come to my mind when I cannot fall asleep at night and my mind won’t stop worrying or searching through past mistakes.” I remember telling my friends it was a collection of me overthinking. Laughing, I realized this describes my book. It has no set theme for the poems. It is overthought thoughts of a young girl in her young adulthood trying to figure out life.

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

I think my writing style could be considered random? Again, the overall effect of this book was to show that writing does not have to be something that is completely polished. In fact, I think it should be raw and unique. Writing does not have to fit inside a category.

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

All of it. Every single poem is something that I have felt and experienced in my life. They are about my personal heartbreaks, friends, family members, myself. Every ounce of this book was inspired by someone or something I was feeling at the time. That is the most authentic way to write.

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

I travel around my state but I do not venture very far. This is something I am still working on as an author. I think this will come about more as my bookreceives more publicity.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I designed my own cover using Createspace, which recently switched to Amazon KDP. They give you ownership of your design and it is refreshing.

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

The message is that you are not alone. Part of the reason I wanted to publish my poems was to help others. Loneliness, depression, insecurity, love; all these themes are so relatable. I wanted that high schooler or that 40-year-old widow to relate. The message can transfer to different age groups, genders, social classes. This is what makes this book so unique.

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?

Rupi Kaur. I love Jen Sincero as well. Her humour is contagious.

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

Brendan, my boyfriend. He is my rock and supports me in any aspect of my life. He gives me confidence and makes me feel unstoppable as a woman.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I would hope to say yes in the future… however, right now it is a hobby. I want it to be my career someday. I love writing and I want to spend my days practicing my calling.

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

Yes. I would add more people to the acknowledgment page. The people in my life are so beautiful and deserve all the recognition in the world.

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

I learned so much about myself. How I love. How I think. How I reflect on life. I learned who I am as a writer and as a human being.

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

Blake Lively. She is FABULOUS and I always looked up to her as a young girl in “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.”

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Do not do anything that feels inauthentic or makes you feel uncomfortable. I was going to sign with a company that wanted to take a lot of money and promised some heavy things. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Go with your gut. Self-publishing is a great way to own your craft and be in complete control.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

You are beautiful and thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for taking the time to read my vulnerable thoughts.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

“A Lesson Before Dying.” I am teaching it to my Juniors in a few months and want to get a head start. It is good so far!

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Captain Underpants with my dad. I was told I was a bad reader by classmates in second grade. I cried to him and he said “Angel, let’s go read something you’ll like.” We had a schedule where we would read and laugh every Wednesday after school.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My family and friends. I love relationships that can make me feel a multitude of feelings.

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

Eminem. He is a word master, controversial, and unapologetic. He is one of the greatest poets and lyricists of all time.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I love to play guitar, run, and write. 😀

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

Gilmore girls with my sister, Victoria. We even bought matching shirts that say “Gilmore Girls.”

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Pasta, I am a carb girl. It is the Italian in me! My favoritecolor is rose gold/pink. I love all genres! Country, rap, R&B, soft rock, pop, you name it. Why put yourself in a box?

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

Oh man. There is no future if that is the case.

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

Saying things I would regret not saying. Telling loved ones I love them. Apologizing for mistakes.

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

A lover of all things genuine and kind.

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

My website and blog are both angelaprendergastpoetry.com

Link to purchase book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Overthought-Thoughts-21-Year-Old-Colleen-Prendergast/dp/1542383501/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=angela+prendergast&qid=1550690566&s=gateway&sr=8-1

 

 

Here is my interview with Geoffrey R. Tigg

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?

• Geoffrey R. Tigg and I’m 69

Fiona: Where are you from?

• Born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, but spent 4 years in Mexico City as a teenager.

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

• Education:
  • Professional Engineer (Mechanical & Process) –University of Waterloo
  • Chartered Professional Accountant- CPA in Vancouver
  • Professional Logistics- Canadian Professional Logistics Institute -Toronto
  • Business Consultant- Institute for Independent Business International-New York
  • Leadership Vancouver- Board of Trade BC
  • National Association Service Management- University Southern California
  • Executive Management Development Program- John Deere Limited
• Family:
  • Married, my wife is a retired teacher
  • My daughter is a registered nurse
• Some other stuff:
  • Strong computer skills with both Microsoft and Apple platforms. Involved in computers since 1968, and worked on many leading edge projects for 40 years.
  • Past Board member of District of Surrey Parent Advisory Council- Newsletters
  • Past Emergency Materials Group Regional Chair for North Western USA
  • Past President of White Rock Art Society
  • Past registered consultant for BDC- Business Development Bank of Canada
  • Won CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) consultant in Colombia, South America
  • Owned and operated numerous private corporations and acted as CFO and CEO in various industries.
  • Artist in watercolour and oil mediums.
  • Novelist publishing 7 fiction and 1 non-fiction books.
  • I have working knowledge in Spanish.
  • I have travelled extensively

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

• I was on local and National news 6 times last spring during floods in interior BC. This was a direct reminder of the changing planet and the lack of control as an individual. Possibly a catalyst for my next novel- now in 1^st phase of development.
• Rejuvenated drive to expose my novels to a wider audience- recognizing that eBooks are becoming a wider reader choice. For those who love the feel of the paperback, I am providing the remainder of my book inventory to libraries, though now limited.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

• Writing for me took many forms, initially in business preparing many training and user manuals. As noted above, wrote and published the parent newsletter for the Surrey School District. Many of my past stories are on video, as I develop movies of my family life.
• Finally I began to write my first paperback novel in 2012. I was asked by a business owner to write his story – a non-fiction story. After some consideration, and due to some of the information provided, I agreed to write the story as a fiction and manipulate facts and events.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

• I guess I finally labelled myself as a novelist after my third novel- The Myth of Kukulkan.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

• As noted above it was a request, but it was the challenge to see if I could actually do it!

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

• Well the title changed from initial story development to final manuscript. The initial name was ‘Power Play’ with the intention that was a title for internal business politics, but after some reflection, I thought many people would think it was about hockey, so, I changed it to ‘Abused Trust’.

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

• A style… well I have a process. After all, I’m a technical geek. I like to integrate facts and reality into my fiction plots and subplots. I want a reader to connect to story if they have had any experience in the local or topic of the story line. In many cases I must research and learn details. As an example my ‘Jamison Paxston’ series is about Texas Hold’em high stakes poker. I spent many hours learning and playing that game on the Internet- no real money risked though.

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

• Every novel has base facts (I’d say over 70%)- most from my own personal experience and supplemented with minor details. Places I’ve been or lived, people or personalities I know, events I’ve lived or researched.

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

• Stories are often a result of past travel. In one case though I travelled to the local after the novel was written. The facts were all from research but I wanted to go after. The novel- The Sliammon Escudo- features a young man leaving his First Nations Community- Sliammon- to go to the University of Victoria. (Where my daughter was studying to become a nurse at the time.)Sliammon is just north of Powell River on the West Coast of Canada. I did get the honour to meet Chief Williams when I visited the community!

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

• I do the core design.

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

• The driver to subtly inform the reader about the place(s) and cultures imbedded in the story lines.

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

• Michael Connelly- similar work to my own.

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

• Vivian Davis. She proof read most novels and identified things to correct.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

• No- just one of my passions that I will do as the mood dictates.

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

• Well, in retrospect, I guess I would say that for each book, not just the last one, I should have put the completed manuscript down for at least 3 weeks so the mind could recover from the writing and eventually see things that it overlooked during the lengthy editing phase. The mind just sees what is intended to be there not exactly what is on the paper. A break, I believe, breaks that cycle and things like continuity, spelling (much done by the computer doing spelling check and not selecting the correct word in context), and emotional balance.

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

• When a novel is an extension to a prior book (ie Covert Acts is the part 2 extension of The Gamble) it is critical to ensure all the facts events, characters all align. That also includes making the story just as intense and interesting as the prior book- no obvious conclusions – keep the twists and turns going and the suspense.

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

• .well for the female (a police detective) it would be Catherine Willows. For the male lead for say the Paxston Series (gambler and business entrepreneur), it would be Leonardo Dicaprio.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

• Well, I’m going to cover this in my blog, but there are a few things- be unique, become the story in mind, and do your prep and research before you begin to put words on a page.Be careful of literary trends and don’t get encouraged into producing scenes or work that isn’t your core style.
  • As an example, when writing The Myth of Kukulkan, the most popular novel was ‘Shades of Gray’ that had extensive sexual content, and books were flying off the shelves… so I thought heating up a few scenes with a hotter sexual content would be in style. Not really my style, but I did a few – not too explicit though. Still not sure I should have done that in retrospect, as the story really didn’t need it. Later novels don’t contain that and was one of the drivers to write The Sliammon Escudo, written for young adults with very toned down language.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

• I’m learning and getting better, I think. Each book, and the resulting feedback, or internal reflection of the published work, shows me the balance of my story line, emotions, language, complexity and readability.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

• Mostlymarketing and social media guides. I’m a research and self taught geek first.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

• Hardy Boys!

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

• Music

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

• Celine Dion, as I often use her songs as motivation. I have imbedded some of her lyrics in my novels (draft) then withdrawn as I have no copyrights, but the story emotion for the scene stays.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

• I am an artist, I curl when I get the opportunity. I am an architectural renovator.I also produce movie videos of life events and have converted old VHS tape to video for friends- usually wedding and family event materials, and enhancedthem with photos and music. As an example I produced the short video trailers for each novel I wrote. These are on Utube.

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

• In the past TV- ‘24’ and ‘The Sopranos’.
• Older movies like ‘Catch me if you can’, ‘Entrapment’, ‘Enough’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ to note a few.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

• Foods- spicy Mexican, Thai
• Colors- Sand, desert colors
• Music- romantic, western, and tracks from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s

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

• Produce more and volunteer for the community (likely not leadership role though)

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

• Watch my video movies of my life and family, spend some time with family, …

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

• Born to take the challenge.

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

• Well, I’ve pulled down my website (RushingTideMedia.com) and am working on a blog with Books2read.com and Goodreads.com
• Amazon authors page UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geoffrey-Tigg/e/B00CXY185C/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
• USA https://www.amazon.com/Geoffrey-Tigg/e/B00CXY185C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1550756736&sr=1-2-ent
  • Purchase links through Draft2Digital:

  The Painting- https://books2read.com/b/mBrggN

  

  The Myth of Kukulkan-https://books2read.com/b/b6x880

  

  The Sliammon Escudo-https://books2read.com/b/31OGGa

  

  The Gamble-https://books2read.com/b/4NZ99W

  

  Covert Acts-https://books2read.com/b/4DZyyD

  

  • I also have a presence on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
  • I have produced video trailers on Youtube:

  The Painting-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-LSua-uTTw

  The Myth-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SQ3rx6GeOs&feature=youtu.be

  The Sliammon Escudo- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3FG8rMwiNA

  The Gamble & Covert Acts in one video trailer as these books are a linked series- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdZppvZi5wA