Here is my interview with JF Holland

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, all, I’m Julie (aka JF Holland) and I’m now 51-years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I live on the border of Manchester and Cheshire in the UK. I still live in the small town where I was born and raised. I’ve lived in my home now for just over 25-years; a house I used to play in as a child as a school friend lived here.

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

I’m a mother to six children, 5 boys and 1 girl. My 2 eldest sons have both left home now though, but still come to visit. However, my daughter and my 3 teenage sonsstill at home. As 2 of them are on the autistic spectrum, life is never dull around our house. My background is in customer service and teaching unemployed adults IT, Customer Service and Back-To-Work Skills.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I have a new release due out next month, the 1^st in a new series. Each book will be a standalone read and the series is called, ‘When the Ink dries,’ Second Chance Romance for over 40’s. I love romance, but to be honest, there isn’t much around in the genre for us over mid-twenties, early thirties and I’m not a spring chicken myself anymore. The idea came to me about 5 women becoming friends after meeting at an exercise class. As each of them is either divorced or going through a divorce, they named their little club, After the Ink Dries. Each book will follow one of the women’s antics as they search for their Second Chance at love. Blindsided is book 1, and I always try to work the title into the blurb. In Blindsided, an old crush comes on the scene and he’s blindsided by the woman she has become, the more mature and confident woman. Blindsided releases on June 16th.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Reading and writing have always been my escape. If I didn’t have a book in my hand I had a pen writing something for as long as I can remember, I’d rewrite the stories I’d read to my own preference.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I got my first review from someone I didn’t know saying they’d enjoyed my story, that was my defining moment. To be able to come up with something that someone else enjoyed reading was a wonderful feeling. Then, recently, with another book, I had a message from a male reader saying it was as if I’d written his life story due to how well he connected with the male character. That was an awe inspiring moment for me, and very humbling.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve always written in one capacity or another. People watching fascinates me… so, if you ever find me looking at you, I’m not being weird honestly, it’s just that I tend to look at people and try to work out their story. If it’s a couple, I try to figure out what brought them together. As for my first book, just an idea that popped into my head. I passed a building and got to thinking about the people who worked there and their lives in and out of the workplace and The Dennison Property Services Series was born.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Only One came to me as I believe there is always that one person for us, a soulmate if you will, so the title seemed rather apt.

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

As I write in the romance genre, I find too many make their characters too perfect or the town or village is somewhere they know or want to go which I find limiting. I don’t like to be specific about areas,my Paranormal is a completely made up place, based loosely on where I live. I think reading should be immersive. You should be able to lose yourself in a story so I try to make my characters relatable and give them flaws like all humans have. Being none specific on area allows the reader to put themselves in the story, to think of it as a building or place they know and they can let their imagination run wild.

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

I try to add some realism to my characters, as a writer, you will find most of us end up putting more of ourselves into them than we’d like. Writing can be cathartic, if we are going through something painful, we may add in a little of that into our story which can add another layer of realism as we work out our own conflicts. As for specific people, not really, but there may be characteristics or mannerisms we use from others we know. If someone annoys me, I may add them in as a victim but that’s just another writer thing lol

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

 I haven’t, but research is a major part of writing… hell, if they ever got hold of my search history, I’d be doing time. If I’m writing shifters, I research animals, the way they move, the noises they make etc., Soldiers, I have to look at age, rank, area, uniform and weaponry. I’ve used wiccan terms and written spells and let’s not forget the research done for the best way to kill someone… yeah, I’d most definitely be doing time. I’d have to travel if I was area specific, but as I’m not, I’m good on that one, although never say never.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I design my own covers, I like the cover to represent what is on the inside. I’ve seen too many covers where there is a blue-eyed blonde on the front only to find the main character has black-hair and brown eyes… very confusing.

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

There is always a message. I’ve covered life after abuse in This Time, I’ve covered the effects of PTSD on the main character and those around them in others. There is always a fight either psychologically or emotionally with my characters as they find their way to their Happily Ever After. The message is, nothing worth having is easy and that it takes work, either physically or emotionally to get there.

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

I recently read a debut book called, Ice Burns by Lucy Alice and thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend. As for my favourite writers, there are so many, but I’d have to say that Lynsay Sands is my absolute favourite. I love how her characters have flaws and that she adds in a bit of snark and humour; which I also try to add into my own. Afterall, we are not perfect, and sometimes, life and circumstances can be damn amusing.

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

Friends, I have a few friends that had been telling me to write for years. I’d been making up stories since I was little and I was told it was about time I began putting them on paper.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

The simple answer is, yes. Writing is what I love to do, what I’m compelled to do.

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

No, I don’t think I would, I write what I see. By this I mean, I don’t just get ideas, I see a screen playing in my head and I write what I see. Each book I write is a movie I’ve watched in my mind, so very little control over what I write.

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

 I always learn something, with this one I’ve learned about the divorce process lol

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

 Sandra Bullock, she’s about the right age.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

The only advice I could give is to never give up, to just keep writing. To do your research, not just for your books but also for an editor who meshes with you and understands you. To find your own way of doing it and not to worry too much over the small things. Also, you’ll never please everyone, what one person loves about your book, another may hate. Therefore, write what you enjoy and are comfortable writing as it does come across on the page.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Just that I hope they enjoy what I write as it’s not a simple, easy or quick process. That I hope that after reading one of my books they’ve either laughed, cried or screamed, and if I can do that, I’ve done my job.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m reading a mix of Indie and Traditionally published books. I’m reading Rosie Chapel, a regency duet, shifter romance and also I’ve just gotten Gena Showalters latest Lords of the Underworld, The Darkest Warrior. I’m also about a quarter of the way through Frost Bites, Lucy Alice’s second book.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I think it was Mrs Pepperpot, my gran bought it for my sister (who was 6-years older than me). Also Anne of Green Gables; I was an early reader. I was reading Great Expectations by the time I was 8-years old.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I have a weird sense of humour, I laugh at the strangest things, like someone falling over. As for crying, cruelty and unfairness makes me cry.

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

Marilyn Monroe, I’d love to get the real story about her life.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I read, I crochet; when my hands allow it. I make my own swag, I enjoy family time, cinema’s with the kids. I used to love walking the dogs, but as I struggle to walk now, that is a no go.

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

TV shows, Medium, The New Sabrina and Criminal Minds to name a few. Films, I’m a Marvel and DC Junky, I also love The Predator Films, Commando and also Independence Day.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I struggle with food, partly due to my illness and nausea, but I love bacon on toast and roast dinners. Colours, red, black; and yes it’s a colour. I also like pink and baby blue. My musical tastes are eclectic. I listen to everything from classical to metal.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write.

 What would you do? Apart from go mad with all the voices in my head, maybe go into some kind of social work or a therapist, someone who helps people.

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

With my family.

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

I have a few places, but I’d probably say my newsletter and these other places are update the most often:- Newsletter signup- https://jf-holland-romance-author.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d75290c9e09826b67b1cdbf5c&id=123411f168

Facebook:- www.facebook.com/JFHollandAuthor

Amazon author page:- Author.to/JFHollandBooks

Draft2digital: – https://books2read.com/author/jf-holland/subscribe/1/64310/

Book Bub:- https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jf-holland

 

 

 

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Here is my interview with Georgiana Fields

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?

Georgiana: I’m Georgiana Fields and as for my age…I’m 58.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Georgiana: My father was a Marine, so I grew up everywhere. However, I call Jacksonville, N.C., USA and New Bern, N.C. my hometowns. My mother was from New Bern.

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

Georgiana:  As I said, my father was a Marine. My mother was often left alone for months if not years at a time while my father served. He did three tours in Vietnam. Because of her and the other military wives, I grew up witnessing strong women who took care of themselves.

Since my father was in the military, we travelled. As a child, I hated having to move. As an adult, I’m thankful for the experience. In fact, Wyvern House in Crimson Dreams is childhood memory of manor home we toured. I’m not sure if the house was in Scotland or in England, but I can remember the many rooms and the gardens.

In college, I studied Medical Technology. Upon graduating, I went to work for Roche Biomedical as a Toxicologist. After the company closed, I went to work for the American Red Cross and stayed with them until they too closed the testing lab.

My husband and I dated when I was in high school and he in college. He was my brother’s college roommate. We married once I graduated from college and have been married for 37 years. We have two grown sons. One works with the CDC and the other is in IT.

Now retired from the lab, I spend my time writing, gardening, and taking care of my two dogs and two cats.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Georgiana: My book Crimson Dreams is the winner of the 2019 Georgia Independent Author of the Year Award for Romance. This is my first award. And I’m still pinching myself. In honour of my win, Crimson Dreams will be on sale for $0.99 from June 1 to June 8.

Currently, I’m working on my fifth novel in the Crimson Series; the working title is Crimson Haze. I’m also working on a short story for the holiday season.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Georgiana:My mother’s sisters lived in New Bern, N.C. A wonderful town located on the Neuse and Trent rivers. I would enjoy sitting under the table as a child, listening to them talk. Many a summer night they’d tell stories of local legends, i.e., ghost stories. I think I was in the second grade when I started writing down as many of these stories as I could. That began my writing. I alwayswanted to know what happened next. Did the ghost find his head? Did the blue lady find her lover? When my aunts would answer no, I would change the endings of the stories, so they would always have happy endings. I mean the poor people who the stories were about, always met grizzly ends, they needed to have a happy-ever-after somehow.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Georgiana: Not until I sold my first copy of Crimson Dreams. The reason in school, only one teacher ever encouraged me to write, that was Joan Reid. I don’t know whatever happened to her, so Miss. Reid, if you’re reading this…Thank you.

My husband isn’t a reader, but he has supported me throughout my career. And it was he, who first signed me up for Romance Writers of America 24 years ago. I did not believe in myself. But he believed in me.

In college, I had a professor tell me I was the stupidest person he’d ever met and would only amount to be a housewife. (Thirty years later, this same professor brought my third book and loved it.)

I have a wonderful editor, now.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Georgiana: I write to escape. I wrote my first book, Crimson Dreams,in 1996 after the deaths of my father and mother. My dad died on his birthday. I’d just gotten off the phone with him then headed to the store. When my husband and I returned home, my brother was there and informed us dad had died of a heart attack. I lost my mother a year later to breast cancer.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Georgiana: My characters tell me usually.

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

Georgiana:Yes. Most writers write from the beginning to the end. I don’t. I get an idea, and I jot it down. Then the story forms and I write it down, usually a page or two. This is not an outline or a synopsis. I don’t use a plot board. Well, maybe, I do. I write scenes then put them together in the order. I think they should go. Think of it like putting together a puzzle. My Characters usually have different ideas.

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

Georgiana: Usually,I get my villain from the evening news. I mean, watching the news sometimes can give you nightmares? Sex trafficking, BTK Strangler, Ted Bundy, Jake Patterson,the list goes on. Can you imagine being a 14-year-old girl, witnessing your parents’ murder then held captive under a bed for 88 days? If I wrote this in a book two years ago and presented it to an editor, I would have been told no one would believe it.

As for the rest of my characters…I have a disclaimer in the front of my books. Just because there some similarities to a few family members,deceased or not, are just coincidence. (LOL)

I love to people watch. I could see aperson walk across the street and something about her draws my attention, their look, or actions, something. Anyway, they many end up in a book.

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

Georgiana: Funny, you should ask. For the last two books, the locations have all come from where a friend of mine has vacationed. She tells me about her travels, and I end up using it for my story.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Georgiana: Gina Dyer. She is a retired school teacher and loves to tinker with photoshop and loves to take photos. I love her work. We’ve been friends for a long time. I’ll bounce plot ideas off her and usually before the story is finished, she’ll have a cover designed. Most of the back drops for the covers are photos she has snapped.

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

Georgiana: Yes, don’t judge someone because of their religion, sexual orientation, the color of their skin, or if they happen to grow fangs and fur. Judge them on their actions and their hearts.

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?

Georgiana:Oh, wow. A hard question. I have over 3000 books on my kindle and nearly that many in my basement. I love to read! Right now, I’m readingSusan Sands, Harmony Raines, and V. Vaughn.

I love to laugh, and I love happy endings. Susan Sands makes me laugh.

My favorite all time writers are 1. Jane Austen, 2. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 3. Mary Shelley. 4. William Shakespeare. 5. Poe

All these authors have whit.

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

Georgiana: There are two. The first is Mary Barfield. I’ve known her for over twenty years. She’s my editor now.

The second is Gina Dyer. I would not be speaking to you now if it weren’t for her. 20 years ago, she dug Crimson Dreams out of the trash. After a very harsh critique I thanked the group, walked out of the convention and tossed the manuscript into the rubbish bin. Gina snatched it out and shoved it at me, telling me that is was a good story even if it did not fit the popular ideas of the time.

She has encouraged me and has listened to me bounce ideas off her when my characters go off in left fields. She is also the person who “dared” me to enter Crimson Dreams for the Georgia Independent Author of the Year. She is also my cover artist.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Georgiana: YES! Most jobs are 9-5, but writing is 24-7. I get an idea or thought, and I must write it down. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve woke my husband up, talkinginto my phone to record my idea.Then there is the promoting. Even if you are with a major publisher, the author is still responsible to promote their work.

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

Georgiana:(LOL)My editor keeps reminding me; it is her job to make changes. I have added things, cut things, and even when I finally hand it over to her, she’llhaveto nick it and run. I’ll chase her, screaming,“One more thing.”

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

Georgiana:Yes. In Crimson Haze, my protagonisthas lost his leg. In order to get the emotion, correct, I spoke with several amputees to learn the challenges they face. It made me realize how much, most of us take for granted.

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

Georgiana: That’s a tough question. Hmmm, probably Chris Hemsworth as Vaughn.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Georgiana: Don’t give up and don’t stop writing. Also, find a local writing group who welcome your genre. If you are like me and write paranormal, then a Christian group or a Non-fiction group may not be the best fit. Your local library should be able to help you find the right group.

The next bit of advice is to keep a journal of your characters. I make a family tree and things such as education, appearance, jobs, full name. This way you don’t make the mistake of making your 6’4” character 5’2. I’ve read books where things like this have happened. Readers will let you know of your mistakes.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Georgiana. Thank you for picking up my books and giving them a read. Thank you for following me and supporting me with your reviews. And thank you for your input.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Georgiana: Eve Langlais, Bad Boy, Inc. series.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Georgiana:Black Beauty

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Georgiana: Good whit makes me laugh. Cry…that could be anything, but heavy emotional scenes seem to get me.

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

Georgiana:Queen Victoria. She ruled an empire during a time when women had little to no rights. Plus, I would like to ask her why she was against women’s rights.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Georgiana: Cross stitching, gardening. Reading!

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

Georgiana: Outlander, The Crown, Victoria, NCIS, Stranger Things, Big little Lies.

Movies: Just about all of them. I love action adventure and suspense. I’m not a big fan of slasher movies.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Georgiana: Food: Mexican, Cuban, seafood…just about anything.

Colors: Red, purple, jewel tones. However, my closet tends to be full of black.

Music anything from techno to country. When I write, I tend to play music from the 30’s and 40’s.

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

Georgiana: Nothing, I’d be dead.

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

Georgiana: Spend time with family and friends.And probably trying to finish another chapter.

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

Georgiana: Beloved wife and mother.

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

Georgiana: You can follow me at:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGeorgianaFields/

https://www.instagram.com/fieldsgeorgiana/

https://twitter.com/georgianafields

http://georgianafields.com/

http://amazon.com/author/georgianafields/

https://www.goodreads.com/AuthorGeorgianaFields

Book Links:

Crimson Dreams:

https://www.amazon.com/Crimson-Dreams-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07GQBW359/

Crimson Heats:

https://www.amazon.com/Crimson-Hearts-Book-2-ebook/dp/B07JNCYMT5/

Crimson Moon:

https://www.amazon.com/Crimson-Moon-Book-3-ebook/dp/B07KQFCX3J/

Crimson Dawn:

https://www.amazon.com/Crimson-Dawn-Book-4-ebook/dp/B07KT9ZXJV/

Tulips Mean Love

https://www.amazon.com/Tulips-Mean-Love-Short-Crimson-ebook/dp/B07MZH5G8M/

Crimson Haze, which should be out this summer.

Yuletide Magic

https://www.amazon.com/Yuletide-Magic-Magical-Short-Story-book/dp/B07KTBN5HS/

Here is my interview with B. Michael Stevens

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?

Sounds Great! Hello! My name is B. Michael Stevens. I am 42 years old! Yikes!

Fiona: Where are you from?

Born in the pacific northwest, I moved to Alaska at a very young age and lived there most of my life. I now live in the great State of Texas with my wife and son.

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

Went to college to study Linguistic Anthropology after getting the funds by joining the US Army, but dropped out when my son was born. I now work in the Oilfield and have done so for the last 13 years, all over the world, from the Arctic Circle to offshore West Africa.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My second novel, “To Rule in Hell”, part two of my ‘No Gods, No Masters’ saga comes out next month. Just got the cover done! I love it so much! Also, the audiobook of Goddess Gambit should be out soon too. The brilliant voice actor, Ken Dickason has finished recording and its being mastered as we speak!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have toyed with writing my whole life. Even as a young boy. I was one of those kids they wanted to medicate because my imagination was constantly in overdrive.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

About 5 years ago, I decided to take a story that I had told my son when he was little, and turn it into a book. At first it was sloppy, just for him. Fun, but I knew nothing about the craft professionally. At some point, maybe three years ago, I decided to start over and put in the work to actually learn something about the science behind writing a solid novel, and not simply tell a story.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I had tried in the past to write a novel, and failed. It was my commitment and promise to my son, to write in book form, the story that we shared way back when, that helped me get serious and finish it.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I blame it on my wife. And alliteration. 🙂

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

I tend to be a tad long winded. I used to worry about it a lot, and still do, despite reviewers mentioning that they enjoy my vivid descriptions. I find being succient a challenge. I need to learn to trust my readers better. I fear that my vision won’t be understood and go overboard.

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

Great question! A lot more of my personal experiences go into my work than I’m sure most people realize! All sorts of things from character names, to emotions, smells, and locations. Chances are, if you read something I wrote, I’ve expereiced some part of its detail.

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

Absolutely! All the location research done for the No Gods Saga was done in Mexico, Belize, and Guatamala. As well as some memories from Colorado.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Matt Margolis of Logotecture.com did the cover for Goddess, and Kirk DuPounce did the cover for To Rule in Hell. Both are great guys and fantastic artists.

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

I don’t want to spoil anything, but I do hope that the messages regarding xenophobia are clear, as well as one more important thing: that the life planned for us by powers greater than us, may not be the life we had planned for ourselves. You can fight it, or you can jump right into that adventure with both feet.

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?

Richard Fox, author of the EmberWars, hands down. I’ve read several Indie writers and Fox was the first that stood out from the others. His stuff is as well written, and ten times more entertaining than most “big name” scifi writers I know. I’m also following a fellow called “Made-In-DNA”, while a lot of his former stuff is erotica, he has been writing some fantastic Mecha-type sci-fi called “Screaming Metal.” Keep your eyes peeled for more from him.
As far as not new? I’m a huge fan of Wiliam Gibson, Neal Stephenson, Neil Gaiman, and Dmitry Glukhovsky. It doesn’t get much better than them.

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

Almost too many to count! I’ve had so many friends and coworkers rooting for me for years. They have been through thick and thin, giving me words of encouragment and buying my book when it came out., I couldn’t have done it without them.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutley! I’m still a long ways off, but is definitely my goal.

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

Nothing. I’m very happy and satasfied with it. 🙂

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

I sure did. Working with a professional editor has been, and continues to be a great joy. Painful at times, but extremely educational. Seeing as this was my first major work, I got to learn all KINDS of stuff I had never thought about before. From POV switching, to themes, pacing, as well as technical matters.

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

I’m really not sure to be honest. Jon is quite young, and I’m not, so most of the actors I know are quite a bit older, as I have long fallen out of touch with the latest up and coming. Maybe pull a Game of Thrones and find some fresh, new face?

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Sure. One, stop going to critique groups, or, at the very least, take all the offered advice you get with a large grain of salt. Two, read, read, read. Three, study the market. Learn how to release and promote. Nothing is worse than toiling for years to write a book that no one reads.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

First and foremost, thank you! Second, if you enjoyed Goddess and want to help me to be able to produce more books like it, go to Amazon and Goodreads and drop a review. They alone, along with word of mouth, help us writers sell books more than any paid promo ever could.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am about to pick up Infiltration,  by Nebula Award nomine A.K. DuBoff. Goddess was recently in her Space-Fantasy Bundle Promotion, and I was very intrigued both by the back cover blurb (science fiction with supernatural powers) as well as her success as an Indie writer. I have a huge reading queue right now too, looking forward to dipping into some books by Charles Phipps, Daniel Humphreys, Declenn Finn, and Yudhanjaya Wijeratne.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Sure do. It was Metemorphosis, by Jack McKinney. A novelization of the old Robotech cartoon.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

The dumbest stuff makes me laugh. People in public acting crazy, or failing at some physical feat. Memes, vines, tiktok videos. Stuff like that.
What makes me cry more than anything else, consistently, every time, is both the scene at Gethsemene, and contemplating what Mary went through during Christ’s passion.

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

Whoever the person is in charge of selecting the next big scifi/fantasy show for Netflix. 🙂

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

So many. Charity work with the Church. I’m in a choir, I collect fine whiskies and cigars. I brew beer. I love hiking, and traveling around the globe. I’ve been known to enjoy a good retro video game now and then and am currently tinkering with the idea of building an arcade cabinet with my son.

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

My all time favorite show is LOST. I think I’ve watched the whole series three or four times. I also enjoy some quality anime, and simple Cop dramas with my wife, like Blue Bloods.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I’m a big foodie. I love it all. Some of my favorites include hummus, tacos al pastor, peirogies, borscht, Michagen pasties, and stroganoff.
I don’t have a favorite color, but I’m partial to cyberpunk and vaporwave aesethics.
Music? I love gregorian chant, ambient, synthwave, and EDM.

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

Host a Travel Channel show. 😉

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

Hugging my wife and son. Praying and reassuring them both that everything will be okay.

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

Only Sleeping

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?
I sure do! Thanks for asking! Its: https://bmichaelstevens.com/
If they go there, they can enter their email address and subscribe to my newsletter. I won’t and don’t spam anyone. But I will send them a free short story and keep them updated on my latest releases as well as a select few others that are worthy of mentioning.

Link to Amazon Author Profile:
https://www.amazon.com/B.-Michael-Stevens/e/B07N8HMRGC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Thank you so much! I had a grand time answering these questions. It has been a real pleasure.

 

Here is my interview with Cyrus Alderwood

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 Cyrus Alderwood and I’m coming to you from the gorgeous hills of Virginia. I live a bit off the beaten path and I sort of like it that way. I’m 44 years old but thankful that my maturity level peaked at the age of 27.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born on sunny shores of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida but grew up in Virginia.

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

I have a pretty diverse background. I have a degree in Economics and Political Science, I volunteer as the head of a regional non-profit organization to promote arts and culture, education and economic opportunity. I write and read like that is the greatest drug on Earth. I harass Sierra Nevada brewing on Twitter because I think I should be their official travelling spokesman.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

This summer I am working on the next book in the Grave Legends series and I will be publishing book two in The Gonzo Chronicles of Barry Dick. Between that work you’ll find me all over the region here in my neck of the woods doing the random book signing, radio interview, web interview…whatever I can do to help put my books in the hands of readers. Toss in a few beers and I’ll manage to have a pretty decent summer. People can follow my latest on social media and on my website.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started my writing journey in the summer of 2000 when a friend was giving me a tour of Cincinnati and we visited Spring Grove Cemetery, one of the most beautiful and macabre places I’ve ever seen to this day. I was inspired to write my first book with that setting as a background.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Early on in the journey, actually. When I was at job as working in stock and bond investing my mind was often back to the pages that I wrote the night before. When you obsess about something you wrote so much that you wake up at three in the morning to go work on it a bit more then it is official. I was forever hooked on that craft from that moment.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

A tour of Spring Grove Cemetery. I was so inspired by the dark beauty of the place that I began to form a character in a horror story before we even left the property. I have published the first book in what turned out to be a four part horror series called Grave Legends.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The story is about two Cincinnati locals that are writing a book about landmarks that have odd or scary legends attached to them. Hence the Legends series was born.

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

I have had some readers refer to my style as unconventional. I suppose my fascination with all things Hunter S. Thompson has influenced me toward a bit of his style for certain books that I’ve written. That showed in Tales From the Sunset Pub and in The Gonzo Chronicles of Barry Dick. Both of those are comedies that just seemed to have a familiar feel to them that reminded some readers of HST. I’ll take that as a huge compliment!

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

I focus on fiction but I’d be a liar if I said none of the events were based on events in my own life. In Pot of Gold, I was writing my first comedy as I was going through a terrible depression. Everything that could go wrong in my life had gone wrong. I’ll spare you the details, even though I’ve written a bit about it in the Notes section of my FaceBook page. But the things they were weighing Pete and J.D. down in that book, that was my life. I found a way to work my way out that emotional pit and laugh at myself. That book sort of saved me from a dark abyss.

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

Travel isn’t really necessary. The internet provides more than enough content to see places through video and photos if I require it. However, I have travelled some to get a personal feel of a place if I felt it was necessary to the story. I recently travelled to Elberton, Georgia (USA) to see the infamous Georgia Guidestones, also called America’s Stonehenge. That trip was very necessary to writing Revelation Calling.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The last two covers (Revelation Calling and The Gonzo Chronicles of Barry Dick) were designed by an amazing artist, Gary Kwapisz. He has a long and impressive career in the arts including a line of his own graphic novels and his previous work with Marvel Comics.

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

In my latest novel, Revelation Calling, I tackle a tough question we’ve all struggled with at times. Why do bad things happen to good people? I’ll leave the answer up to each reader as they watch how the characters develop as the story unfolds. No spoilers, but I want each reader to reflect on that question as it has impacted their own lives and how to use that painful answer to become a stronger and better person.

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

Some of my favourite writers are Hunter S. Thompson, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Steinbeck. As far as new authors, well he’s not exactly new but Joe Hill. He’s incredibly creative and more than a chip off the old block. Steven James has been around for a while and has put out some great work. Kimberly Belle (Three Days Missing) is an amazing talent.

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

I’ve had a few friends that have been very supportive of my passion to write. Fellow writers are among some the best, including many in a regional authors guild that I’m a part of. To be a writer you have to have thick skin and have more than a couple of people around that want to see you succeed or you’d eventually drown in your own misery. Writing a book is hard. Getting people to buy your book is an even bigger challenge.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I do! If I didn’t chase this dream of being a full time writer (you know, one that actually makes a few bucks by selling these stories on Amazon) then I’d be a sorry excuse of a writer. After I wrote my first book I was hooked. If I’m not writing these days then I usually feel like something is missing from my life.

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

I would go back and change something about every book I’ve written. That’s just my nature. I could have a best seller on my hands and stress over how I could have made the story better.

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

Yes! I just released Revelation Calling, a book that took over a year to write. Two lessons stick out the most and they came to me during the editing and revision process. What you take out of the book is sometimes just as important as what you put into the book. Also, I have to not be afraid to trust my readers. There are some important themes in this book, but I know the kind of people that are drawn to this story will be able to read between the lines and follow their own thought process about the themes.

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

Every book or story I write I literally envision being on the big screen or television. I can see something like The Gonzo Chronicles getting picked up by Netflix, Amazon or HBO. That would be one more thing off the list of crazy stuff I want to see happen in my fun and dishevelled life. I can maybe see maybe Jim Sturgess playing the role of Barry Dick, Supernatural Sleuth.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Patience is a virtue. Take your craft seriously and have thick skin. No one writes the perfect novel even after the tenth re-write. Tell your story to the best of your ability and then trust your readers to find their meaning in it.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I could spend hours discussing themes with my readers. But if I have to be brief, I would tell them to not be afraid to “be” the characters when you read from my novels and short stories. Dive into the story to see and feel the range of whatever you’re reading. For my comedy pieces, read them with an open mind, laugh at and with the characters, and see that in the big picture the point is to enjoy the story and revel at the absurdities that make up this thing we call life. It’s about not taking yourself too seriously and enjoying the ride.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Unleash the Power of Storytelling by Biesenbach

Trail of Tears by John Ehle

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Other than the typical children’s books, the first book I remember reading and taking seriously was Sounder by William Armstrong. Growing up in a rural area and far away from any real cultural diversity, that book was my first glimpse into seeing a story and a young boy’s life through a different lens. It was that book that really opened my eyes to the power of books and the impact they could, and should, have.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I’m a total sucker for good human interest stories. I try to avoid the news because it is all so negative. But I do love to see rags to riches stories that people share on social media, or stories about how genuinely good people can be by helping others, or seeing someone beat the odds and survive something horrible like cancer.

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

This is always such a fun question but it is so hard to answer because it can change from day to day. At this moment I’d like to saddle up to the bar and have a few beers with John Lennon. I don’t have any pressing questions to ask the guy, I’d just like to hear a story or two, share a few laughs. If I had to pick someone that is still around I’d maybe do the same with Doro, the queen of metal. She seems like she’d be cool to hang out with. Again…stories from the road. Maybe the lead singer of the band The Pretty Reckless because…well, just look at her. Great music, too.

Ask me this question again tomorrow. It will be three different people.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

If reading is a hobby then I would put that one at the top of my list. I read anything I can get my hands on. I’ve recently taking up the hobby of sketching but my results so far would be enough to make a blind man cry. I’m horrible at it. However, I can draw a pretty good stick figure.

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

I’m a Netflix addict. I just started watching The Haunting of Hill House for the second time and eagerly awaiting the next season of Stranger Things. My Watch List on Netflix is a mile long and includes Monty Python. I guess I always look on the bright side of life.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Lasagna, I’m colorblind…and I love all kinds of music. However, the Rolling Stones and a few jazz and blues legends hold a special place in my heart. In fact, if you don’t like Miles Davis I’m not sure we can be friends. J

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

I’d be a day trader. I’m a stock market junkie. Have been since high school. I can lose hours reading through business news and looking for investing ideas.

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

Considering I’m pretty much at peace with the people that mean the most to me I’d spend it atop Whitetop Mountain, a place I go for solitude and reflection, to find inner peace…my “zen moments.” I’d spend the last couple of hours writing another top 10 list. This time, the top ten lessons I learned and advice to others to get through this crazy thing called life in one piece.

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

“Here lies a pretty cool guy. He laid down the boogie and played that funky music ‘til he died.”

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

I do. People can visit me online at www.cyrusalderwood.com

for news on recent and upcoming events, samples from my books, short stories, and a crazy section of my website reserved for the odd, strange, abnormal and macabre.

Any misspellings in these responses are entirely the fault of Seirra Nevada Beer. Go to Twitter and take it up with them!!

https://www.amazon.com/Cyrus-Alderwood/e/B00QRFBM7M?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1558914474&sr=8-1

https://www.facebook.com/thecyrusalderwood/

Here is my interview with Nancy Freund Bills

Name/Age: Nancy Freund Bills, 75

Home:  I grew up in Billings, Montana, but have lived in northern New England all of my adult life. I currently live in Cape Elizabeth on the southern coast of Maine.

Education/Family: One of my master’s degrees is from the University of Rochester in Twentieth Century Art and Literature; the other is an MSW in clinical social work from the University of Connecticut. My two sons are married, each with three children. They live in Massachusetts and Connecticut so I am able to see them for holidays and vacations.

Latest News:  Recently, I received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, a real thrill. The complete review isin the April, 2019 issue. It concludes that my memoir, The Red Ribbon, A Memoir of Lightning and Rebuilding After Loss, is “a real keeper of a book by a talented author.”Wow!

Writing History:  I began creative writing in earnest in 2001. Most of my education had limited me to essays about the classics and contemporary literature; my master’s thesis was about existential themes in Saul Bellow’s early novels.  By 2001, I was ready to write about significant events in my own life and to create fiction with strong, complex heroines.

First a “Writer:”For the first time in my life, I considered myself “a writer” in 2014 when my memoir piece, “The Myth,” received first place in the memoir/personal essay category of the 83rd Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. Having my work chosen out of six thousand entries was life changing.

Inspiration for Title:  In a chapter of The Red Ribbon titled “Stone House,” I write about attending a summer writing conference. The leader begins by saying, “Sometimes, lightning strikes. It strikes, and a writer has no choice. He or she has been chosen to write.” He meant it metaphorically, but in my case, it really happened. My husband and younger son were hit by lightning on July 24, 1994. The event is the inspiration for The Red Ribbon.

Explanation of the Title:  The explanation of the title, The Red Ribbon, comes midway through the memoir at the end of the chapter, “The Myth.” I write about time passing and my impulse to create a myth about my husband’s death:  “…by then instead of a red arrow of lightning or scarlet splatters of blood, I’ll see a red grosgrain ribbon like the page marker in a family Bible….I’ll bind our story with love and with courage; I’ll lay a red ribbon on the title page. And in our myth, in our myth, the father will save his son.”

Personal Style:  In terms of style, I try to be inventive as well as honest. I enjoy challenging myself. In The Red Ribbon, the story is told through prose and poetry; one chapter, “Escaping Grief’s Kitchen,” alternates between the two. In “Planting Iris,” the story is told by “we, the family.” That was fun. The result is a little zany. So I amuse myself. I also try to push myself to be brutally honest. In many chapters, I share my inner thoughts, even prayers, with my reader. One of the last chapters, “Atonement,” is about my regrets. In a blurb, a local minister wrote that I describe grief in an “unflinching” manner. I’m proud of that.

Realistic:  Yes, the book is real, and the experiences are drawn from my life, my family’s life.

Travel/Settings:  The Red Ribbonis set primarily  in Maine, New Hampshire, and Montana. But I also include scenes inNew York, Montana, Colorado, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, and in several dreamscapes.

Cover Design:  My cover was designed by Julie Metz at She Writes Press. She was wonderful to work with. I was able to share my favorite book cover (Blindness by Jose Saramago), and she gave me multiple designs to choose from.  I like the brilliant cover in shades of bright pink and scarlet with what looks like either lightning or arteries spilling down the center.

Messages:Yes, in my memoir, I share a number of messages. One of my favorites is that “Art sustains us.” Another is: “Life isn’t simple….With one hand we scatter ashes and with the other we search for love.”The Red Ribbon is about struggling to act with integrity, living with an appreciation of kindness, and remembering the importance of humility and a sense of humor.

Other Writers:  A memoir that I especially respect isKate Braestrup’s Here If You Need Me; written in 2007, it’s about her husband’s sudden death and her work as a chaplain to the Maine Warden Service; it’s written with compassion and humor, a killer combination. My favorite novel is Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto; I like authors who create worlds I can get lost in.

Support: My fellow writers, writing teachers, and writing workshop leaders at Osher Lifelong Living Institute at the University of Southern Maine (OLLI/USM) have been wonderfully supportive. I’ve been co-facilitating the Fiction Writers Workshop for five years, and the group is like a writing family. I have also attended courses, workshops and conferences sponsored by the MWPA, the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, and the Stonecoast Summer Writers program at USM.

Career:I am a retired clinical social worker and feel fortunate to have the time and freedom to write. For twenty years, my only writing outlet was patient charts!

Changes:  I wrote the chapters of The Red Ribbon over a fifteen year period; each began life as a free-standing memoir piece and went through many rewrites.  I can always find one more thing to change about my writing. As time passes, my skills grow and I see something else that needs tweaking.

Lessons Learned:  During the writing of my book, I learned how generous fellow writers can be. I was so lucky to have feedback from OLLI writers. In terms of skills, I learned the importance of stretching oneself and the pleasure in taking risks and having them work out.

Film:If The Red Ribbon were made into a film, and that’s a big “if,” I would choose one of my favorite actresses like Annette Benning, Susan Sarandon, or Diane Keaton to play the lead.

Advice:  I try not to give advice to other writers, but rather do what I did as a therapist. I try to be a good model. And I try to listen, listen, listen.

Readers:I do try to share observations with my readers. One of my favorites is about grief. It’s in the chapter, “Smuttynose,” and I’m using the image of a harbor seal to describe what one can see and can’t. I write, “We have our heads just barely above water, just our eyes and noses. We’ve just begun to grieve, and there’s a lot more we can’t even see.”

Recent Book:  Recently, I treated myself to a mystery, one of my favorite genres, by a Maine writer, Paul Doiron; his protagonist, a game warden, is the son of a poacher.What an intriguing idea! I’m looking forward to reading the new Louise Penny and Jacqueline Winspear.

First Book:  No, I don’t remember the first book I read. I do remember reading biographies voraciously from the Billings library; bound in orange covers, they were stories about western heroes like Kit Carson and Jim Bridger. Not so many heroines.

Laugh or Cry:  I don’t laugh or cry often. Recently, I was at a musical comedy at a local theatre with friends and laughed and laughed. What joy! I last became tearful when one of my Maine coon cats was inexplicably dragging her rear legs. Thankfully, she is fine now.

Persons I Admire:  One of my historical heroes is Charles Darwin. I admire him for hisintellectual courage.And Margaret Sanger, the mother of birth control; she is my favorite heroine.

Hobbies:  I read. I play bridge and Mah-jongg. I enjoy taking classes about art and film at OLLI. I have subscriptions to local theatres with friends.

TV and Films: Just before I go to bed, I watch either Midsomer Murders, Father Brown, or Death in Paradiseon Netflix. The last film I enjoyed is one I own, Much Ado About Nothing.I just love Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh.

Foods/Colors/Music:  I would choose a lobster roll from the food truck at Fort Williams Park; ideally, I would enjoy it sitting at a picnic table with friends or family overlooking Portland Head Light and the open seaway. The first floor of my condo is decorated in earth colors and the bedrooms upstairs in sky blue; I often treat myself to flowers in yellows, oranges, and pinks. When I’m writing, I like silence or soft classical music; Elgar is my favorite composer.

A Future with No Writing:  I would be reading mysteries. Just love Donna Leon. It’s like a trip to Venice.

24 Hours to Live: If I only had 24 hours to live, I would wish to take a hike or boat ride with my sons and their familiessomewhere in Acadia National Park followed by a dinner of clams and lobsters, and then a raucous game of “spoons” with my grandchildren. If I was home, I would enjoy a nice nap on my window seat with my Maine coon cats with the windows open to a warm summer breeze.

Headstone:  Oddly enough, I already have a headstone at a lovely cemetery near Nonesuch River and marsh in Cape Elizabeth.The gray granite stone has a line from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “Ulysses.” It reads, “Tho’ much is taken, much abides.” (My husband’s similar stone reads, “To strive, to serve, and not to yield.”)

My website is:  https://www.nancybills-memoir.com/

Complete Kirkus review at https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/nancy-freund-bills/the-red-ribbon-a-memoir-of-lightning-and-rebuildin/

Facebook author page:  https://www.facebook.com/nancybillsauthor/

Amazon Authors Page USA  https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Freund-Bills/e/B07N34WHBH/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nancy-Freund-Bills/e/B07N34WHBH?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1558712442&sr=1-1

 

Here is my interview with Authoress Jenx Lanier

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?

Jenx Lanier:My name is Authoress Jenx Lanier and I am 26 years old

Fiona: Where are you from?

Jenx Lanier:I was born and raise in Austell, Georgia (A city just outside of metro- Atlanta)

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

Jenx Lanier:I am the youngest of four children. I’m happily married (6 years strong). Also I am currently enrolled in nursing school, my goal is to work in fertility (hopefully one day).

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Jenx Lanier:I have just released my second book Nova’s Tango on the May 18^th, and planning a book signing as we speak.

https://www.amazon.com/Novas-Tango-Jenx-Lanier-ebook/dp/B07RVDV8QG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=novas+tango&qid=1558665929&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spell

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Jenx Lanier:I started writing poetry when I was about 12. Then at the age of 14 I started reading Urban Street Literature that was beyond my age range, it inspired me to write short stories. Once I begun to write those stories my classmates got hooked so I started writing every day for their entertainment and my pleasure.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Jenx Lanier:My first year of high school, my English teacher Mr. Clarke caught me writing in his class, he didn’t get mad he just told me “Jessica you should do this for a living just not in my class.” From then on I considered myself as a writer and an aspiring author.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Jenx Lanier:My first book is called Poetic Testimony, what inspired me to write this book was I wanted to use my poetry within a storyline. I wrote it and it worked and all my beta readers loved the concept.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NLBYVSB/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549926652&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=poetic+testimony+by+jinx+lanier&fbclid=IwAR0oCMrKF5K2TolEjYL4sX-4CCjLExY0fpeyRoqxi8v9EK2amQP4rgRNoOQ

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Jenx Lanier:How I came up with Poetic Testimony was very hard, but I came up with it after realizing the main character was pouring her heart out through her poetry. How I came up with Nova’s Tango, it was a lot simpler, I saw the title in a dream, and I went with it.

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

Jenx Lanier:I am an extremely unorganized writer (which drives my editor insane) but I have no challenges other then promoting my genre to my age group.

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

Jenx Lanier:In each one of my books I have a lot of realistic events that have happened to me or a friend of mine. I just have a crazy imagination where I can twist things how I like.

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

Jenx Lanier:Honestly, I haven’t thought about it I jus do what I love and hope it takes me places outside of my hometown

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jenx Lanier:I designed them and had them put together professionally

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

Jenx Lanier:You are never to busy to be inspired or to be an inspiration to others

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?

Jenx Lanier:There is no new author that I like yet. My favorite writer is an urban, underground poet by the name of Jasmine Mann (she is the truth). Jasmine Mann had me hooked after she appeared on a HBO special called Brave New Voiceher poetry stood out from anyone I had ever heard. Her poetry got me through the worst of times. I hope I could meet her one day.

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

Jenx Lanier:I have to say my brother Ace has been more then enough of a support system but other then him it’s my friend/publisher JustJae Warner, she has helped me with anything and everything when it came to getting published. I also have a wonderful support system in my husband Brian.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Jenx Lanier:Yes and no. Yes, because I love writing and its apart who I am but No, because I feel like mentoring and helping people is my calling.

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

Jenx Lanier:In Nova’s Tango; I would change the dedications because I want to thank a lot more people then I did.

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

Jenx Lanier:I have been writing Nova’s Tango on and off since middle school, I have learned with experiences your writing can only get better. (well mine did)

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

Jenx Lanier:In Poetic Testimony I would choose Jasmine Mann (poet) or Zoe Kravitz. As for Nova’s Tango the lead would be Zendaya

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Jenx Lanier:Write what you know and never let anyone tell you how to write your story.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Jenx Lanier:I hope you can find yourself in the characters of my books

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Jenx Lanier:Nothing yet but if any authors out there want to send me a paperback. It will be read in a short amount of time.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Jenx Lanier:The first I read was Green Eggs and Ham by Dr.Seuss  but the first novel I have ever read was Babymama Drama by Carl Webber (superb book)

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Jenx Lanier:What makes me laugh is watching my favorite T.V show Scrubs. What makes me cry is wanting to be a Mom….

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

Jenx Lanier:Other the beautiful poet Jasmine Mann,I would love to meet Langston Hughes; is the person I would love to sit down and talk about writing with.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Jenx Lanier:I just celebrated 10 years of mentoring youth at the Boys and Girl club of America so I say that is my hobby. I also love writing poetry

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

Jenx Lanier:I love the shows Scrubs, Family Guy, American Dad, reality tv, Trueblood and Impratical Jokers. I love any comedy movie that is out.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Jenx Lanier:My favorite food is itallian food and chocolate. Favoritecolors are purple and green.  As far as music goes is pop, jazz, and anything by the Rat Pack.

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

Jenx Lanier:Tell my stories out loud

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

Jenx Lanier:Mentor and give back to the youth

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

Jenx Lanier:LOVE, POETRY, INSPIRATION

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

Jenx Lanier:

🚨🔥NOW LIVE🔥🚨

💜Catalog of The DSGG TALES💜

💛POETIC TESTIMONY💛
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NLBYVSB/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poetic-Testimony-Jenx-Lanier/dp/1796461865/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Jenx+Lanier&qid=1558679954&s=books&sr=1-2-catcorr

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

💃NOVA’S TANGO💃
https://www.amazon.com/Novas-Tango-Jenx-Lanie…/…/ref=sr_1_1…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Novas-Tango-Jenx-Lanier-ebook/dp/B07RVDV8QG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1558679954&sr=1-1-catcorr

 Author’s bio

I go by the name of  Jenx Lanier and not to brag but my skills with the pen are undeniable. From the day I learned my alphabet I made my own words and then couldn’t stop from there. I remember writing in a journal every single day watching the children and teens play outside. Until one day it just clicked; I was writing about life instead of experiencing it for myself.  So I did……..

After almost five years of putting my pen down, I lived!!! I finally have stories I was born to tell.  Stories that I have lived, which have made me not only a strong writer but a stronger Woman!!!! Now I can speak for the readers that have been raped, that have been confused about their sexuality, or to the transgender community, but mostly speak about depression (From love of issues with family up bring). There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Furthermore, I speak for the Down South Georgia Girls and Boys that have thought they have been forgotten. I see you and your reflection will appear in every one of my books (that’s my word).

 

Here is my interview with Janice Seagraves

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?

Janice: Hi, Fiona.My name is Janice Seagraves and I’m 58 years old. And I write romances in a verityof genres.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Janice: I was born in the heart of California, in a small farming community where I still reside.

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

Janice: I have two siblings, one brother and one sister.

My husband and I have one daughter together. I’ve been married once and I’m still with the same husband. I went to college but didn’t graduate.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Janice: I’m waiting for my publisher to publish the next book in my Chronicles of Arcon series, called Alien Desire.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Janice: I’ve always been enchanted by stories. I started writing at twenty, sorry to disappoint anyone but I’m a late bloomer. I have all these stories in my head and had to write them down.

My bio:

Janice Seagraves grew up with a deep love of science fiction and adventure stories. Always the consummate artist, she traded in her paint brush for a desktop to write breathless life-affirming novels that celebrate enduring love.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Janice: While writing my blog postson my blog. I mostly post on my website now.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Janice: My first published book was about survivors on a deserted island, one from a downed airplane and the other from a shipwreck. When I was going through a rough time while living in my mother-in-law’s converted car shed, I’d imagine being washed up on awindswept shore and what it would take to survive there. I eventually wrote that book.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Janice: I was doing research on the Bahamas and thought to myself, there must be a lot of windswept shores in the Bahamas. Then it hit me, that would be the perfect title for my book: Windswept Shores.

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

Janice: I write in deep third person and try to get what is happening down in an easy to understand manner.

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

Janice: I do occasionally lift things from my own life or something someone tells me about, but shh, keep that under your hat.

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

Janice: While working on Alien Heart which is Book One in my Chronicle of Arcon Series, I travelled to a couple of places in California, so I could find an area where the compound for my aliens would be located. I finally found the perfect place, an area just above Hunting Lake California.

Other than that, I do a ton of research.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Janice: Winterheart Design.

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

Janice: To love one another.

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?

Janice: I have a whole list of writers I like and admire: Jim Butcher, Laura K. Hamilton, P.C. Hodgell, and my new favourites are Rachel Leigh Smith, M.C.A. Hogarth, and L. Rowyn.

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

Janice: Faith Bicknell-Brown who ran a now extinct yahoo group called Avoid Writers Hell (she’s also the author of the book by the same title), and Faith became my mentor. I think everyone needs a mentor at some point in their writing career.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Janice: Yes, I do.

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

Janice: Nope. Not a thing.

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

Janice: I always learn tons whenever I write a book.

In my upcoming book, Alien Desire, one of the heroes, an alien, suffers from agoraphobia. In the course of the book, he must overcome his fear to win the heroine’s heart.

I learned how agoraphobia affects a person. And found it’s a type of anxiety. I used most, but not all those symptoms to describe what he goes through.

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

Janice: The only one who comes to mind is Chris Hemsworth for Seth in Windswept Shores. Seth is Australian, too.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Janice: Just these quotes:

“Never give up. Never surrender!”

― Galaxy Quest

“Never, never, never give up.”
― Winston Churchill

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”

― Richard Bach

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Janice: Yes, I write in a verity of romance genres, so there should be something that you’ll enjoy reading. Please look me up on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Janice: I’m reading a science fiction: Amulet Rampant (Princes’ Game Book 3) by M.C.A. Hogarth

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Janice: Yes, I was twelve and sick with the flu. And I wasn’t much of a reader then, but I was so bored, I picked up Tarzan and the Lost Safari and read it from cover to cover. Something just clicked. After that, I checked out The Hobbit from the library and kept reading. I haven’t stopped yet.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Janice: I don’t laugh at people getting hurt, or slapstick comedy, but if you read my books, you’ll see what gives me a chuckle or two.

As for making me cry, I’m tender hearted. I cried when the Iron Giant realises, he can be anyone and he wants to be Superman. I cried watching Avengers: Endgame. And I love An Affair to Remember, but the ending chokes me up every time.

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

Janice: Jim Butcher. I think he might be an interesting person to talk to.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Janice: I love gardening, taking pictures, and drawing.

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

Janice: My husband and I have plansto see the new Godzilla: King of the Monstersmovie.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Janice: I enjoygood food—Chinese, Japanese (sushi and bento), Italian, and of course American.And music from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, also classical, and Celtic.

I just painted my bedroom walls a light sky blue from a photo I took when my husband and I went to Morro Bay (CA). And I look smashing in green, black, and burgundy.

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

Janice: Take photos and try to sell them, or I’d go back to my artwork. Maybe I’d even take a class in Master Gardening and help people with their gardens.

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

Janice: Hmm, well, I had a recent scare. I had a bloody nose for a week, and anyway, long story short, I’m now on blood pressure medicine and probably will be for life.

Back to the question: I’d like to spend the day on a beach, watching my grandchildren play.

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

Janice: Janice Seagraves, she had a big heart, and wrote breathless life-affirming novels that celebrate enduring love.

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

Janice: My website:https://janice-seagraves.org/

Amazon Authors Page USA  https://www.amazon.com/Janice-Seagraves/e/B0056D223Y/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

UK https://www.amazon.com/Janice-Seagraves/e/B0056D223Y?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1558649942&sr=1-6

Here is my interview with Cameron Johnston

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

 

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

Hi, I’m Cameron Johnston, aged 39 and rapidly approaching a depressingly larger round number.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from Glasgow, Scotland.

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

I studied Computer Science in university and I live with my wife and an extremely fluffy cat in Glasgow, Scotland.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My latest news would be my second published book, God of Broken Things coming out on June 11^th. I’m very excited about it making its way to shelves all over the world.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I suppose when I was very young, and just wanted to write my own stories and characters to go along with playing with my toys.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think in my head there was a writer, and a Writer. I was a writer from my school days but I only felt like a ‘Proper Writer’ after my first short story sale.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer and write my own characters on adventures through fantastical worlds. I suppose I just decided to get serious about it and put in the work rather than saying “One day I’ll write a novel.”

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Ugh, I hate coming up with titles. They change a half dozen times from the initial working titles I write under. At some point something will just stick.

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

Not at all, a quiet room is all I need. Travel and experiencing other places certainly does help to flesh out fictional places and people though.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jan Weßbecher did the excellent covers for both The Traitor God and God of Broken Things.

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

Absolutely. Please buy the next one! But more seriously, no specific message I am trying to get across – I just hope they enjoy it.

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

There are some ridiculously skilled writers emerging over the last few years: Jen Williams, RJ Barker, Ed McDonald, Peter McLean, Anna Smith Spark,Anna Stephens. As for my favourite writer of all time, I’ll go with HP Lovecraft – not for the stories, characters or the actual writing, but for how it all together makes me feel.

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

My writers group, the GSFWC who gave me invaluable insight and critique.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely, and it would be amazing if I could eventually support myself through writing.

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

I would probably add more black humour and bad jokes.

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

I think I learned to suggest a lot of characterisation using very little words.

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

I honestly have no idea. James Marsters (Spike from Buffy) would not be a bad choicethough.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Don’t expect your first draft to be a shiny polished piece of fiction. They rarely are so do not get discouraged. The first draft is when you discover your story, the editing and rewrites are where you make it what you want it to be and make it all pretty.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the journey.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Not in the slightest. I was way too young.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Bad jokes.

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

I will avoid the obvious ones like Jesus, and choose HP Lovecraft. I would love a deeper insight into his life and macabre imagination.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Blacksmithing, RPGs, walking in nature, and historical European martial arts.

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

There’s quite a lot so I’ll just pick a few from each category:

TV:  The Expanse, The Last Kingdom,  Lucifer, Sharpe, Blackadder.

Film: Marvel films, Mystery Men, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Dark City.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I’m quite partial to a proper Sunday roast, Mexican and Japanese food.Favourite colours would be black and silver, and music-wise I tend to listen to 80s and rock.

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

Hopefully I could still read, so I would mostly be doing that.

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

Nothing exotic, just seeing my loved ones for those last hours.

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

I aten’t dead.

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

I certainly do! www.cameronjohnston.net

The Traitor God: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0857667793/

God of Broken Things: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0857668099/

And Amazon Authors page: https://www.amazon.com/Cameron-Johnston/e/B00F59G69A/

Here is my interview with Deborah LeBlanc

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 Deborah LeBlanc, and I’m old enough to have grandchildren. lol

Fiona: Where are you from?  

Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana

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

MY BIO

Deborah LeBlanc is an multi-published, best-selling author from Lafayette, Louisiana. She is also a licensed death scene investigator, a licensed private investigator and has been an active paranormal investigator for over twenty-five years. Deborah is currently the house ‘clairsendium’ (clairvoyant, sensitive, medium) for the upcoming paranormal investigation television show, Through the Veil.

She served four years as president of the Horror Writers Association, eight years as president of the Writers’ Guild of Acadiana, and two years as president of Mystery Writers of America’s Southwest Chapter. In 2007, Deborah founded Literacy Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting illiteracy in America’s teens.

For more information, visit www.deborahleblanc.com and www.literacyinc.com

Spending time with my family is important to me. They make me smile and feel whole. I also have 2 German Shepherds named Quentin and Rajah, 2 Yorkies named Doc and Adele, and one rat terrier named Molly.

Aside from working with my dogs, my favourite pastimes are reading and doing paranormal investigations at new, supposedly haunted locations.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.  

I have three new books out at the moment. The first is called TOE to TOE, the second is VOICES, and the third is a nonfiction called The Tinkerbell Effect—A Writer’s Success Guide to Writing Multiple Books Per Year.

Another news flash is that our paranormal team, THROUGH THE VEIL, should start shooting for a television program on the Travel Channel this fall.

https://www.amazon.com/VOICES-Deborah-LeBlanc-ebook/dp/B07Q18X7SQ/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=toe+to+toe+deborah+leblanc&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+tinkerbell+theory+deborah+leblanc&ref=nb_sb_noss

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been an avid reader since I could read and started writing short stories in the sixth grade. It wasn’t until many years later, while brushing my teeth one morning, I said to myself, “I think I’ll write a book.” The rest is history. I became addicted from that point on.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I held my first, printed novel in my hand.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

A friend of mine told me that her brother had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Her entire family suffered greatly because of his disease. Psychiatry seemed to be taking a throw-some-spaghetti-on-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks approach, which disheartened the family all the more. As I listened to her story, I wondered why some of the Cajun Healers around here, known as treaeteurs, had never healed someone with mental illness. Then I wondered….what if one could? The story took off from there.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Mental Illness is often genetically predisposed. So the offspring of those who have the disease can easily pass it along to their children. It’s the same with a treateur. A healer’s children often become healers themselves. Thus the name Family Inheritance was born.

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

I had some issues with writing style in the beginning because I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. However, after deciding to make the story as true to life as possible without giving away specifics, I stopped worrying if I was writing like Stephen King or Nora Roberts. I had to make sure to tell the story  in my own voice.  The one genre I find challenging is romance. I can write about the paranormal and things that go bump in the night until the cows come home, but romance was a different animal to me. The first one I wrote, THE WOLVEN, was the third book in a trilogy started by Heather Graham. I boned up on how the romantic novel flowed and haven’t had any issues with it since.

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

All of my books carry an element of truth in them or are based on an experience I had happen to me.  Except for werewolves…I’ve yet to have sex with one!

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

I have done a lot of crazy things for my craft. I’ve had myself locked in a casket so I could get a good feel for how a secondary character might feel locked in one. I’ve crept through an abandoned insane asylum. That just to name a couple. I do sometimes travel to certain areas to get a ‘lay of the land and people’ if I’m writing about an area I’m unfamiliar with.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The art department at the publishing houses typically do the covers. When I tried my hand at self publishing, I used Su, with Earthly Charms. I’ve worked with her for years, and she has a good feel for what I write and what I like and don’t like on a cover.

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

Yes. That although things look or seem tough, there’s always a way out. And that no matter how dysfunctional a family may be, if they can but come together for a short time, love beats evil every time.

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?

To be honest, I haven’t had a chance to read many new writers these days because my own writing schedule is so hectic. I enjoy reading Janet Evanovich, for the humor, James Lee Burke, for his use of the English language, Stephen King, for a little fright now and then and Dan Brown, for the twists and turns in his story line.

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

A sixth grade teacher who gave us a writing assignment about what we did that summer. I received an A on that paper and special note from her at the bottom of my work. She wrote—“You will be published one day.” I still think about her to this day.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I see writing as part of my life, not my entire life. Work-wise, however, I do see it as a career.

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

Nothing

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

I learned quite a bit from my last book, VOICES. Mostly about how orphan train children were treated at some of the orphanages, where many wound up.

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

Sandra Bullock

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Oh, yes…Read, read, read—-write, write, write….and never give up!

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I’d like to thank ever reader who has purchased one of my books then took the time to either email me directly about how much they enjoyed it or gave it a stellar review on Amazon. It’s little things like that that keep a writer writing on the hard days.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’ve got an affinity to audio books so right now I’m listening to Jana Deleon’s Storm Team 3.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I know I read a hundreds of children’s books back in the day,  “See Jane run.” But honestly the one book I remember reading then re-reading again was the Exorcist. I was about 10 when I got my hands on a copy. I had to read it at night under the covers so my mom wouldn’t find it.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

The sound of children laughing makes me laugh and fills my heart.

Death makes me cry.

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

This may sound silly as I’m not an overtly religious person, but there are two people I would love to meet. Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Both were the quintessential people person. I would have loved to simply been around them to feel their energy.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

My hobbies are horseback riding, reading, and paranormal investigations.

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

I don’t get a chance to watch much television, although I do have to admit to binge watching Breaking Bad. Great character arcs in that story.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Favorite foods: anything made with crawfish and anything made with chocolate

Favorite colors: Blue, emerald

Favorite music: This is a tough one. I’m a late baby boomer so I don’t get the message many of the rap stars are putting out there today. Aside from that,  I enjoy just about another other type of music. Especially the ones I can sing along with.

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

Wither away. Lol I can’t imagine a future without writing. My heads too full of stories waiting to be told.

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

With my family, making sure that each of them knew just how much I loved them, how much they mean to me, and recount all the things they did during my life that were either a blessing, made me laugh, or simply made me happy.

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

SHE FINALLY RETIRED

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

Yes, they can visit my website at http://www.deborahleblanc.com

https://www.amazon.com/Deborah-LeBlanc/e/B001KI9ZMK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_fkmr0_1&qid=1558619810&sr=8-1-fkmr0

 

Here is my interview with Gibby Campbell

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?

Gibby Campbell – 49

Fiona: Where are you from?

Cleveland, OH   USA

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

Married, no kids, 1 fur baby, grad school, college professor.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My first fiction book is being released on May 30^th.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing stories in my head when I was 4 to help myself fall asleep.  It was my mom’s idea.  The first one involved a whale swimming along my bedroom walls, and me riding the waves on top of the whale.  When I got older I wrote plays for the neighbourhood kids to put on, and I wrote for the school paper.  I didn’t consider writing seriously, though, until I had more time as an adult.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Now, because it’s my first book being printed instead of just an eBook.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I had just had a hysterectomy, and I sailed through the surgery afterward.  My doctor thought it was because of how much I had prepared (I am a certified personal trainer, and I had exercised a lot before and after the procedure).  That motivated me to write my first book on getting ready for a hysterectomy.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

This book is about a surgeon named Dr. Turov.  My friend actually came up with the title, as you hear doctors being paged all the time at her hospital.

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 very casual and easy to read.  Sex scenes are not easy for me to write, though, and it’s tough to keep them fresh and unique.

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

A lot of my characters have personality traits similar to my own or some of the people in my life.  Abby is a lot like me.  Rachel is a lot like my best friend.  Victor is my husband reincarnated.  LOL.

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

There was no travel required on this one, as I chose to locate the book in my hometown of Cleveland, OH.  However, I am currently writing a book that takes place in Dublin, Ireland.  I have been there before, and I’m writing on memory.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jessica Greeley, a graphic designer at https://www.facebook.com/JessicaGreeleyGD/

She’s fabulous!  She does most of the covers for my publisher, Black Velvet Seductions.

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

I’m hoping to help readers understand BDSM a bit more.  It’s not a one-size-fits-all lifestyle, and it can be safe under the right circumstances.  My goal is to show that in the book.

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?

Right now I love Jill Shalvis.  She’s casual and writes a great contemporary romance that keeps me interested until the very end.  I also love her humour.  I find myself snorting out loud as I read her books.

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

My best friend.  She was my medical expert when I had questions about Dr. Turov’s work life.  She also proofed the book for me, made suggestions, and she came up with the title.  She thinks it’s cool to have a friend who writes, and she’s pushing me to work on the next book.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. I am at the point in my life where I can dedicate all my time to writing and promoting my work.  I guess I see it as a career that doesn’t pay well but is fun.

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

I don’t think so.  My editor had me change my ending and make it more personal.  It really pulled the whole thing together, which was nice.

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

I learned a lot about heart disease and the life of a surgeon from my friends, who all work in the medical field.I bombarded them with questions, but they took it well.

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

Jennifer Lawrence for Abby

Eric Winter for Dr. Turov

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

My advice would be to keep plugging away at it.  Write even when you hate what you’re putting down or are not in the mood.  You’ll be surprised at what you put out, and how quickly a book comes together.  I wrote this one in 9 months, and it’s over 141,000 words!

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I want to thank them for buying my book and giving it a read.  It means the world to me.  Also, if they’re in the Cleveland area, they should check it out.  They can retrace Victor and Abby’s steps from the book, and it’s such a fun town.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

A Little Life by HanyaYanagihara.  It’s a deeply intense and disturbing book, but I can’t put it down.  I predict it will haunt me for months afterward.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My husband, friends, and silly animal antics make me laugh.

Seeing anything innocent be hurt or suffer makes me cry.

Physical pain also makes me cry.

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

I really can’t think of anyone.  I’m not big on famous people.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Hiking, going to the theatre, sewing, swimming,and  crafts

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

I loved Sex and the City when it was on.  Big Bang Theory was also a favourite.

I love all rom com movies, and my favourites are While You Were Sleeping, Return to Me, and Love, Actually.

Fiona: Favourite foods, colours, music?

Mexican food

Blue and green

Top 40, alternative rock, jazz

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

Talk.  A lot.  Because it’s gotta come out somehow.

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

I would say goodbye to all my family and friends.  Then I would crawl into bed with my husband and dog and snuggle until the end.

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

No headstone for me, man.  They creep me out!  I want my ashes scattered under a tree.  Someone should probably say words like, “She tried,” or something to that effect.

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

Sure.  It’s www.gibbycampbell.com.

The book link is https://amzn.to/2PJ0xpD