Here is my interview with Joseph Malik

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?

Joseph: My name’s Joseph Malik. (Pronounced MAH-lick). I’m “washes his heartburn medication down with bourbon” years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Joseph: I’m American; I live in a small seaside town near Tacoma, Washington.

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

Joseph: I grew up on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northern Montana. My stepfather, who raised me from age three, was fullblood Blackfeet; my mother was a wild-eyed spinning hippie with a master’s degree in Algonquian languages. We spoke Blackfeet in the house, kept robes and buffalo skulls on the walls, the whole thing.

I originally wanted to be a musician. Ileft my hometown right after graduation to join a band that that had a development deal with a major record label. I moved to Seattle a few years later. I studied English in college, but with much more emphasis on sociolinguistics and the philosophy of language than creative writing.

I’m currently a soldier in the U.S. Army Reserve, mobilized under the U.S. Special Operations Command. I’m married, no children, two big, loveable junkyard dogs—an American Bulldog and a Boxer-Dogue de Bordeaux cross. We all live in an old barnthat we converted into a house a few years ago.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Joseph: The big news right now is that I just returned from WorldCon in Dublin, where I was a panelistand also did an autograph signing. The story is on my blog at www.josephmalik.com/aar. Next month I’ll be speaking in a writing class at Hugo House in Seattle.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Joseph: I don’t know the “why.” The “when” is easy, though: I used to write plot points in the margins of my books in grade school, and then I’d use those to make up stories that I’d tell my friends. I wrote my first novel in high school. It was around 400 pages, single-spaced, and typewritten, so . . . probably 200,000 words? I still have it in a trunk right here in my office.

I enjoyed writing, but what really settled me on being an author one day was the chorus of ooh’s and aah’s from people when they saw my manuscript, or even heard that I did it. There are few highs in life like having people who barely know you tell you that you did something really cool. I still love that part of it. My favorite part of all of the success I’ve had is the connection with readers. I love meeting readers, I love signing books, I love receiving emails and DMs from readers.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Joseph: When I got my first professional writing gig in college, writing a fitness column for an insurance company’s wellness newsletter.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Joseph: I honestly don’t remember. It’s been a long time.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The New Magic, my second book,is a reference to a line in the first book in the series, Dragon’s Trail.“The New Magic” is what the people in the world of the series call alien technology.Their world is in a spot in the universe where the fabric of spacetime is prone to rifts, so it’s effectively a nexus between many worlds.

I’m torn on the title for the final book in the series. The current title is Coin of the Realm, but I’m thinking about going for broke and naming it The Outworlders, after the series. The more it takes shape, the more I’m thinking I’m going to go that route.

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

Joseph: I’m writing this series in omniscient third, from the POV of a fictional narrator, who is his own character and is relating the story as he heard it. In the third book, which is shaping up to be a framed narrative told in a series of flashbacks, readers will learn who he is and how he knows all this.

The challenge is that, being who he is, he doesn’t know every single detail; he only knows what he’s been told.

In the second act—the book I just published, The New Magic—things start to go wrong (as, let’s face it, they do in second acts), and since the protagonist, Jarrod Torrealday, doesn’t understand what’s going on, the narrator doesn’t, either, because he heard this story from Jarrod. It’s a play on the naïf, one of the classic types of Unreliable Narrator.

Everything gets explained in the third book, as I said, but apparently The New Magic made some readers a little edgy because it purposefully ends with dozens of questions. I had to choose between breaking suspension of disbelief by morphing the narrator into an all-knowing author who’s just making the story up, or maintaining suspension of disbelief by continuing to write the narrator as a fictional character who knows what he knows because he was embroiled in this mess at one point. It was a tough call, but I’d do it again the same way.

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

Joseph: Most of it. I often make the joke that I do all my characters’ stunts.

When I wrote that first novel thirty years ago, I decided that not only was I going to be an author one day, but I was going to do as much of my worldbuilding hands-on as I could. This was before the internet, so there was library research, and for everything else, you needed to get out there and get your hands dirty. I took up fencing, I made a sheet of mail out of coat hanger wire and put it on a hay bale with a moving blanket under it and beat on it with an axe and shot arrows at it.I’d spent a lot of time out in the woods as a kid, knew a bit about horses, and so on.So, I started there.

When I got serious about learning to write, I decided that I was going to keep doing it. Whenever there was something I needed to figure out, I laced up my shoes, grabbed a notepad, and found someone to teach me. I learned swordsmanship, horsemanship, attended stunt workshops, competed in boxing, and took upmountaineering. I made steel by hand from iron and charcoal in a backyard forge. I traveled to Europe for a summer to pace off castles and ruins. I built a conlang and learned to speak and write it.

I take a lot of inspiration for the magic in my series from having an American Indian upbringing. We believed in magic, spirits, monsters . . . there’s a lot of that in the world I created, too.

I joined the military relatively late in life, after having done all this, and I ended up in a quiet, weird corner of Special Operations. This gave me access to a whole new world of arcane knowledge that you’ll also find in my books: austere medicine, improvised weapons, celestial navigation. I trained with the French Foreign Legion in Africa, and learned how to stage and move a camel caravan.

There’s a lot more; if it’s not in a book already, it will be. I’ve demonstrated many of these skills at fantasy conventions, from conlanging, to knife fighting, to teaching a class on how to use celestial navigation on an alien planet.

I’ll go out on a limb and assess that I’m probably the only fantasy author in the world who can actually do all these things.

The fun part about this is that I get emails and DMs from readers—and I’ve even been cornered by convention-goers who’ve watched me, say, disarm and throw an armoured knight while wearing a sport jacket and tie—asking if my work in Special Operations had anything to do with travel to other worlds. As if I learned how to do all of this as part of some kind of Stargate/Black Ops program.

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

Joseph: I spent some time in France pacing off castles and ruins in the Loire when I was doing my initial world building. We went to Iceland over Christmas last year, and that gave me a whole new world of ideas to play with. You’ll see some of that in my next series.

Also, the Olympic Mountains are right behind our house. You can be alone in the wilderness out here in an hour, surrounded by huge, moss-hung trees and listening to coyotes howl. So, there’s travel and there’s travel.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Joseph: I bought a pre-made cover for Dragon’s Trail. I hired a graphic artist to tweak it and build the hardcover and the ads. She designed the covers for The New Magic, and she’ll be designing the covers for the final instalment of the series.

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

Joseph: Lemme see . . . bad wizards are bad . . . good wizards are good . . . and being a really good swordfighter will get you laid a lot.

Seriously, though: one big thing, I think, is that the series is a redemption arc for Jarrod, the main character. Redemption takes time.

In Dragon’s Trail, the first book of the series, he’s a jerk. He’s an entertaining jerk, but he’s a drunken, self-cantered womanizer with a self-destructive streak. He starts to shake himself out of it as the story progresses, but he still has a long way to go even at the end of the first book. So, the first message is, stick with him. You’ll watch the world change around him in the next two instalments as he grows out of it and begins to see things in a different way and notice things that he didn’t notice before.

One thing that he notices in the second book—as he starts to grow up and stops seeing things through an American lens— is that, even in warfare, there’s hardly any sexual violence in the world he finds himself in. It’s a sex-positive culture, and rape is considered aberrant, on par with torturing small animals. Also, there’s no patriarchy in place telling women they can’t or shouldn’t do any job they set their minds to. Women are military leaders, and sorcerers, and heads of powerful organizations, right alongside men. He discovers that many of the knights and soldiers he’s been fighting beside are women. In a world made of monsters, you can’t afford to marginalize half your population.

I wrote the entire second book, which is a 90,000-word grimdark fantasy with graphic violence, profanity, and sex, with no rape scenes. There’s not even a scene where a woman is so much as scoffed at. All my books set in this world will be this way going forward. Rape as a plot point is lazy writing, especially in grim dark fantasy, where it’s just so tired. Also, read the damned room, people.

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

Joseph: My favorite writer, if I had to pick one, is probably William Goldman.I know he was primarily a screenwriter, but he wrote two of my favorite novels: he wrote The Princess Bride, but he also wrote Marathon Man. A fantasy and a thriller, both legendary in their genres. I write fantasy thrillers, and both those books were important to me in my early reading and the early formation of my voice.

Among modern authors, I enjoy reading John Scalzi, whom I didn’t discover until last year, after several readers compared my style to his. Scalzi’s work makes me dream of what I could sound like if I hadn’t taken so many blows to the head.

As for new authors, I really enjoyed Jonathan French’s The Grey Bastards¸ and I can’t wait to see what he does next. I’m also a huge fan of Fonda Lee.

As far as indies go, I’m digging around for new authors who aren’t obviously writing to market. It’s getting harder and harder to find those real standouts, lately—the authors who are breaking new ground. I can only read so many lost prince stories and secret-wizard-school stories.

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

Joseph: “Entity.” Funny choice of words. When I did my vision quest as a boy, I received a visitation from a six-foot tall badger in a top hat and tails. I’m not making this up; we talked for what felt like hours around a fire.

I learned when I returned home that Badger, with his mighty jaw, was the keeper of stories and the totem for the tribal storytellers, the ones who kept the tribe’s histories. A vision of Badger is powerful medicine. I give him a shout-out in my acknowledgments at the end of every book.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Joseph: After that? I don’t see that I had a choice.

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

Joseph: Referring to my WIP, I’d like to have figured out how I wanted to write it before I’d started it twice and thrown it out both times. I’m WAY behind.

As far as my latest finished book, I changed up the voice in The New Magicto give it a much more lit-fic feel, and there are days when I wish I hadn’t.

While I think it’s the best writing I’ve ever done, and it’s very much the book I’ve always wanted to write, it doesn’t have the punch that Dragon’s Trail had. Dragon’s Trail is much more accessibly written, with the allegory and imagery way above the words. It had a much wider appeal, I think, because you can read it as a fun fantasy romp or as a savage polemic about the increasing obsolescence of the warrior caste in our society. I intentionally wrote it to be both, which I think is why it was so insanely successful.

I’m writing the third book in this series in the style of The New Magic—neologisms, phonetic imagery, semicolons, and overall a much more blatant love of playing with words—but early drafts for Stonelands, my next series, are looking like a return to the simpler, action-thriller type of writing that I used in Dragon’s Trail.

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

Joseph: Time management. Also, there are sound mixer websites where you can program and mix your own ambience: crackling fires, battlefields, taverns, rainstorms. Total game-changer.

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

Joseph: I’m not up on popular culture enough to even begin to answer this question. I feel the same way about popular culture that many people feel about tarantulas: it’s not a hatred per se, but I prefer to not have it in the same room with me.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Joseph: Yes. Specifically, I have a message for the readers who think I was part of a secret government program that explores other universes:“I will neither confirm nor deny.”

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Joseph: I’m not actively reading anything at the moment, outside of some stuff for work. I’ve been in a writing frenzy for the past few weeks.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Joseph: I don’t. I was reading by age four. One of the first things I remember reading was Dr. Seuss’s I had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sallew:

 I’ve bought a big bat,

I’m all ready, you see.

Now all my troubles are going to have troubles with me!

 Words to live by.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Joseph: Being in the Army.

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

Joseph: Meh. I’m here, now. If they’re important to me, we’ll meet.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Joseph: Not that aren’t work. If I’m awake, I’m working.

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

I don’t watch much TV, but I’m really enjoying Another Life on Netflix.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Joseph: Food: Greek cuisine. Color: oxblood. Music: Peter Gabriel.

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

Joseph: Die, probably.

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

Joseph: With my wife and my dogs, probably writing letters.

Fiona: What do you want written on your headstone?

Joseph: IT’S PROBABLY FINE.

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

Joseph: Absolutely. www.josephmalik.com

Amazon Authors Page USA  https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Malik/e/B01JFBQV4I?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1567243303&sr=1-1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Joseph-Malik/e/B01JFBQV4I?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1567243309&sr=1-1

Here is my interview with T.G. 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?

My full name is Tahnee Anne Georgina Campbell but I write under the pen amne of T.G. Campbell. Most people have difficulty pronouncing/spelling my first name. I therefore thought it would make my readers’ lives easier if I wrote under my initials. I’m thirty-four years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Milton Keynes, a large town located a half hour’s train ride from London. Aside from the three years I was at university in Winchester I’ve lived in Milton Keynes all my life. I was also born in Milton Keynes Hospital during its first year after opening.

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

I write a series of crime fiction books set in Victorian Era London about a group of amateur detectives called the Bow Street Society.

Prior to becoming an independent author, I worked for a charity that assisted victims and witnesses of crime through the (often times) intimidating process of giving evidence at magistrates and crown court. I’ve also worked for another not-for-profit project that assisted existing and ex-offenders into long term employment or training. Both roles have given me invaluable insight into the human impact of crime and the British Criminal Justice System.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

 

On the 31^st August I released the fourth Bow Street Society mystery, The Case of The Toxic Tonic.

Each civilian member of the Society has been enlisted for a particular skill/area of expertise they possess. These skills and knowledge are derived from their usual occupation and are the means through which each member investigates the cases the Society has been commissioned to solve. Which members are assigned to investigate depends upon the nature of the case and the skills/knowledge required. All members are assigned to cases by the Bow Street Society’s clerk, Miss Rebecca Trent.

When the Bow Street Society is called upon to assist the Women’s International Maybrick Association, it’s assumed the commission will be a short-lived one. Yet, a visit to the Walmsley Hotel in London’s prestigious west end only serves to deepen the Society’s involvement. In an establishment that offers exquisite surroundings, comfortable suites, and death, the Bow Street Society must work alongside Scotland Yard to expose a cold-blooded murderer. Meanwhile, two inspectors secretly work to solve the mystery of not only Miss Rebecca Trent’s past but the creation of the Society itself…

Readers can buy it via Amazon:

US: https://www.amazon.com/Case-Toxic-Tonic-Street-Society-ebook/dp/B07WYW22PT/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bow+street+society&qid=1567197558&s=gateway&sr=8-1

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Case-Toxic-Tonic-Street-Society-ebook/dp/B07WYW22PT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1I4015PSX7PXN&keywords=bow+street+society&qid=1567197599&s=gateway&sprefix=Bow+street%2Caps%2C852&sr=8-1

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing the first Bow Street Society Mystery, The Case of The Curious Client, way back in 2015. I wanted to write a detective story without a single detective. I love the idea that anyone can become a detective simply by taking advantage of the knowledge and skills they already have from their so-called “mundane” jobs. This was the concept I started with and have continued to work towards with every Bow Street Society mystery since.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I decided to take writing seriously as a business. I’d enjoyed writing and experimenting with crime fiction prior to this but had never imposed “standards” upon myself or my writing. Since creating the Bow Street Society Mystery series, and my business along with it, I’ve worked hard to build a universe, characters, plot, and setting which readers will remember for a long time to come. I always hold myself accountable and try to go that extra mile to give my readers content that is of high quality and relevant to the subject matter of my books and short stories.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Though The Case of The Curious Client was the first book in the Bow Street Society series, it wasn’t the first book I’d ever written. That prize goes to a novella I wrote when I was sixteen years old. Its title was Death of a Kindred and I wrote it as a gift for my best friend’s sixteenth birthday. It was based in a fictional village called Trivial and followed a local journalist, Mr Mungo Lambert as he investigated the murder of his best friend, Tommy. He’s helped along the way by a mysterious, eye-patch wearing stranger, Mr Malcolm James. It was written in the vein of an Agatha Christie mystery and took place in England shortly after the Second World War.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I wanted to link it to the term “Next of Kin”. I then discovered the word “kin” was short for “kindred”, hence the title “Death of a Kindred”. That may, or may not, give you a clue as to the identity of the murderer!

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

I tend to write my mysteries within the classic “clue puzzle” formula. This in itself is a challenge and harder than one might think at first glance. Throughout the entire process you have to maintain fair play with your reader while simultaneously deceiving them enough so they’ll enjoy the challenge of the mystery you’re putting to them.

I studied English Studies at the University of Winchester and achieved a 2:1 Bachelor of Arts degree. For my final dissertation I wrote about the Cultural and Social Importance of the works of Agatha Christie. My university was unique at the time in that it was the only institution of its kind to include a module on crime fiction. I therefore have some insight into the evolution of crime fiction and its function as a form of reassurance. I’ve also read many of Agatha Christie’s books. The “Classic blueprint” chapter in H.R.F. Keating’s book, Writing Crime Fiction, was what initially sparked my interest in the “clue puzzle” mystery genre, though.

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

I conduct a great deal of research into the Victorian Era in order to ensure this aspect of every Bow Street Society mystery is as realistic as possible. Topics of research may include: telephones, electricity, locations, and etiquette. I use sources from the era, visit museums and relevant exhibitions, and non-fiction books to do my research with. In addition to ensuring the portrayal of the era is as historically accurate as possible I also carry out research into poisons, scientific methods of detecting poisons in 1896 London, etc. I’ve also researched the history of the Metropolitan Police, its hierarchy, and rules and procedures from the periods prior to and during 1896 (the year in which my books are set).

As far as basing the events on my own life, or that of someone I know: no, the events aren’t realistic in this sense. Some of the characters may have personality traits borrowed from people I know, though!

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

I’m fortunate to live so close to London. It means I can travel to the real-life locations I include in my books. This means I can present a more vivid sense of place to the reader. I try to travel to these locations as often as I can. Locations I’ve visited in the past, and subsequently used in my books, are: Bow Street, Kew Gardens, and the Tower of London. I’ve also travelled to museums such as: the Metropolitan Police Heritage Centre, the Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret, and the Magic Circle. Finally, I went to the Crime Museum at the London Museum where exhibits from Scotland Yard’s “Black Museum” were on public display for the very first time. I don’t limit myself to travelling to these places either before or during the process of writing my books. I instead visit them whenever the opportunity (and my finances) allow.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I came up with the overall template each book cover in the Bow Street Society mystery series adheres to. I wanted to create something that was distinct and instantly recognisable while scrolling through hundreds and hundreds of thumbnails on Amazon. The Bow Street Society logo was drawn by Heather Curtis. In the centre of each Bow Street Society book cover is an illustration drawn by freelance illustrator and artist, Peter Spells. Once he has created the illustration, I then put the cover together within the template.

Readers can see more of Peter’s work here: https://www.peterspells.co.uk/

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

There are several messages throughout the series I’d like the reader the grasp. One being the fact there were strong women in the Victorian Era who were intelligent, determined, and, yes, unconventional. In The Case of The Toxic Tonic, the majority of the Bow Street Society members assigned to investigate the case are women. This wasn’t done intentionally. Instead, these characters were included in the book because they possessed the knowledge and skills required to solve the crime. Their gender was incidental.

Then, of course, there is Miss Rebecca Trent, the clerk of the Bow Street Society. She is the driving force behind the group. She’s the only one who knows the identities of all the Bow Street Society members. She’s also responsible for listening to the cases of potential clients and for making the decision as to whether or not the group will accept the commission. She also recruits new members and enforces the rules.

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?

Agatha Christie has been the biggest influence on my work. Her mastery of the “clue puzzle” mystery is something I’ve always admired and strived to achieve myself. She’s therefore my favourite writer.

With regards to new authors: John Bainbridge is an excellent Victorian crime and thriller writer who, I feel, doesn’t get the attention he deserves. He writes the William Quest series of books.

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

My very good friend, Karen McDonald. She’s supported me unconditionally from the very beginning of my journey to introduce the Bow Street Society to the world. She beta reads for me, listens to my late-night rants, and has endless patience when it comes to me being insecure about my writing. She’s been a great support. I don’t think I would’ve reached the point I am at today if it wasn’t for her.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely. This brings me back to my earlier answer about taking myself and my writing more seriously. My mantra is this: how can I expect readers to make the effort to read my books if I can’t make the effort to give them high quality content?

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

Not in my latest book. I would “tidy-up” The Case of The Curious Client if I had to do any of the books again. This is just the perfectionist side of me trying to escape though, I think.

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

I learn many things with every Bow Street Society mystery I write. Whilst doing the research for The Case of The Toxic Tonic I discovered some Victorian Era hotels had “hot air” pipes which ran along the corridors and into guests’ rooms. These were intended to maintain comfortable temperatures. I’ve also discovered how Victorian Era doctors detected aconite poisons and the scandalous reputation of massages.

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

Though Miss Rebecca Trent is a pivotal and vital character within the Bow Street Society books, I write each mystery from the perspective that the Bow Street Society itself is the main character. I’ve therefore thought about which actors would play which characters. I would like Jerome Flynn to play the character of Inspector John Conway from Scotland Yard, and Marc Warren to play the part of bumbling Bow Street Society member and journalist, Joseph Maxwell.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write what you believe in and believe in what you write.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Yes. If they subscribe to my free monthly newsletter, the Gaslight Gazette, they will be given an exclusive first look at brand new Bow Street Society Casebook short stories. These stories feature quirky problems which aren’t necessarily related to a crime. They also don’t include any murders. In addition to these short stories, subscribers will also receive news about upcoming book signing events I’ll be attending (I’m planning to attend several across the country next year), competitions exclusively for subscribers, sneak peeks at future releases, and the chance to read previous drafts/deleted scenes from previous books.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Abberton House by Debbie Ioanna.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

It was a Ladybird book about a tramp who tried to convince an old woman he could get soup from a stone. I can’t remember the title of it though!

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

The song “You Must Love Me” from the musical “Evita” makes me cry without fail. I’ve seen the film version many times but I always end up with tears streaming down my face.

The TV programs “QI” and “Would I Lie to You?” always make me life as they have silly humour which I find funny.

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

You might be thinking I’m going to say Agatha Christie for this one but no. I would love to meet her and talk about how she constructed her mysteries etc. At the moment though, I’d be more interested in meeting Inspector Jack Whicher. He was a Scotland Yard detective who investigated the Road Hill House murder case (made famous by Kate Summerscale’s bestselling book, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher). I’d love to ask him what it’s like being a Scotland Yard detective and what his life is like outside of his job.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Writing, research for my writing, and promoting my writing take up a lot of my time. I enjoy reading, watching top ten list videos on YouTube, and generally spending time with friends and family.

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

My all-time favourite TV show is Ripper Street. It’s so well done and so underrated. I’d recommend anyone to check it out.

With regards to films, I enjoy watching obscure black and white crime movies from the ’30s, ’40’s and ’50’s. Humphrey Bogart is my all-time favourite actor.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I like most food. I suppose my favourite would have to be chocolate, though. My favourite colours are red and purple. I enjoy listening to a wide variety of music. I tend to listen to classical music/movie soundtracks whilst I’m writing though. Otherwise I find myself singing along to the music instead of writing!

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

I like the idea of becoming a YouTuber. My videos would focus on true crime, the Victorian Era or movie trivia.

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

Probably trying to finish the Bow Street Society mystery series of books!

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

This isn’t something I’ve spent much time thinking about so I have no idea!

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

Readers can find full details of the Bow Street Society books and short story collections on my website: www.bowstreetsociety.com. There are blurbs, reader reviews, and links to each book’s product page on Amazon. Details about how to subscribe to my free monthly newsletter, the Gaslight Gazette are also on the website. Future book signing events, interviews, and my monthly blog can also be found there.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BowStSociety

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BowStreetSociety

Amazon Author Page UK : https://www.amazon.co.uk/T.G.-Campbell/e/B01HV5P1XM

USA  https://www.amazon.com/T-G-Campbell/e/B01HV5P1XM?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1567260524&sr=1-2

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bowstreetsociety

Here is my interview with Teel James Glenn

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 full name is Teel James Glenn and I am old enough to know better…

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

I was born in Brooklyn but have travelled the world for forty plus years as a stuntman, fight choreographer, swordmaster, jouster, illustrator, storyteller, bodyguard, actor and haunted house barker. One of the things I’m proudest of is having studied under Errol Flynn’s last stunt double. I continue to teach swordwork in New York.

I went to college for art but almost immediately started working in film and television as an actor and stuntman.

I worked regularly as an actor on Guiding Light and all the New York soap operas, alternately doing stunts or acting in over 300 episodes. I’ve worked as an actor and stuntman (in a fight scene with Hawk) on the “Spenser for Hire TV. Series and in episodes of the Equalizer.

My most famous ‘small screen’ appearance was as Vega (and fight choreographer) in the worldwide web series “Street Fighter: The Later Years.”

I went on to serve as a principal performer in front of the camera in over 70 low budget fantasy/horror genre films, often serving in a stunt capacity as well.

As a writer my stories have been printed in scores of magazines from Weird Tales to Mad to Black Belt to Fantasy World Geographic,Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Blazing Adventures and Tales of Old. I have over two-dozen books and anthologies in print in many genres including Steampunk, westerns, mysteries and the best selling SF thriller series The Exceptionals.One was a finalist in the EPIC book awards in 2009.

I am also the winner of the 2012 Pulp Ark Award for best Author.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I have a short story “Popping the Cork “ in an anthology called Guns Vs: Zombies from Henchmen Press this fall and later this fall have Chronicles of the Skullmaskalso coming out from Henchmen Press. It is a collection of linked stories about a paranormal instrument of justice that has a very pulp-inspired feel.

Also Action for Authors, a non-fiction book about how authors can create their own action scenes is coming out from Evil Twin Press by the end of the year.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

The earliest exposure to stories were comic books- I learned to read from them- so larger than life- fantasy characters were always a part of my consciousness. Andre Norton’s books- particularly Beastmaster and Lord of Thunder had a big impact on me early on with its unusual hero and different view of the world.

I can’t say how long ago that was or which story it was when I wrote my first story, but I know it was probably a reaction to something I read or saw on T.V.- you know, the “Oh, I can come up with a better ending than that!” I was writing novels already by High School and selling short stories and articles to places like Mad magazine by college.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I have always been a storyteller, first with comic strips and then in prose. It has always been there in my ‘life plan.’ I made the conscious decision that I would pursue it in the early 2000s when I was laid up with a lung ailment and realized that as far as stunt work was concerned I could fall down for ever, but eventually I wouldn’t get up so began to take my writing more seriously as a career path.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your personal book?

Murder Most Faire is a murder mystery about a fight choreographer for a Renaissance Festival whose bet friend is murdered and he finds the killer while putting on the faire. It is based on the very real death of a good friend and a good deal of it is based on real people and events. I wrote it a way to say goodbye to my friend and as a way for the rest of the world to know him.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I needed a title to evoke the pseudo-period feeling of a Renaissance faire and still would call attention to the subject matter.

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

I am known as a pulp writer with fast moving prose, but for Murder Most Faire I worked very hard to affect a naturalistic, almost conversational tone with only a slight echo of the hard-boiled genre.

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

I would say that 75 % of the book was based on real events, albeit shuffled and rearranged to fit a mystery narrative, and the people were often based on real people I knew (either actually or as composites of several).

I did 60 renaissance faires before hanging up my doublet, so I know the world well.

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

I don’t specifically travel for my writing, but everywhere I have been is fodder for my stories and I often incorporate real places in my work, even period stuff I will use what  have seen/experience with additional research.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I have been lucky enough to design and illustrate the covers to some of my books (I was trained as a book illustrator) like for Chronicles of the Skullmask ,but other publishers have policies against authors doing their own covers. However, even when I do not do the cover, as in Year of Shadows for Pro Se Press I was able to supply artwork to show exactly how I saw the main character and the artist used it as a guide.

I have a particular dislike for cookie-cutter photo covers that too many publishers use and push for actual artwork whenever I have the choice for my books.

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

All my books have an underlying of message of some sort, I try to make them about more than just plot (though that matters, of course). Murder Most Faire is about how to deal with loss, Chronicles of the Skullmasktalks about the need for justice and dealing with personal pain in the multiple stories.

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?

Derrick Ferguson is one of the new pulp writers that impresses me with his variety, and James Chambers, an award horror writer (though he has written in many genres) is one of the best of the ‘new’ writers.

As to the writers who ‘shaped me’ first and foremost is Edgar Rice Burroughs with his Mars series, then Robert E. Howard who had a wide range of stories beside the most famous, Conan, Lester Dent with his Doc Savage books, then Andre Norton, Poe, DashillHammet, Mickey Spillane and the Modesty Blaise books by Peter O’Donell

All pretty much pure adventure.

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

My first professional editor, Joan McNulty-Pulver was such a wonderful, caring and guiding person I will always owe her. Next my friend and fellow writer Carol Gyzander is unfailing in supporting my madness…

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

If by career you mean something that will make me rich—not so much. A calling—something I can not avoid doing because it is an inner fire—that is much more like it.

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

Each book is its own creature, its own journey. Some are easy and just flow, some are harder to get down, but when I am done, I am done. I don’t release anything ‘into the wild’ until I am happy with it.

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

Again, every book is unique and I try to stretch with each new book in form and technique, so I am always learning.

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

I don’t play this game since I see the characters as real people already, that is for others to do.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Read everything you can and write what your heart calls you to; if you try to write specifically to sell to some market you will sour yourself on the process, especially if it is turned down. You have to enjoy it for itself and hope others will love it as much.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I promise that I will never write a story where I don’t care for my characters and hopefully will encourage my readers to. And I believe in hope, even in the darkest stories.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

For fiction, A fun collection called “Thrilling Adventure Yarns’ from Crazy 8 press. For non-fiction an excellent book by Jane K. Cleland called “Mastering Plot Twists’

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Oh, probably a comic book, but all I know is I read anything I could from kindergarten on….

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Laugh? Puns, Monty Python, Buster Keaton…

Cry? Cruelty in any form.

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

I would love to have trained with Bruce Lee, or Jock Mahoney.

And sit and have along conversation with Bob Howard, he was an incredibly well read man and fascinating.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

My hobbies are my obsessions—martial arts, old films and art. They all rotate in imporatnace.

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

I watch a lot of classic television, old westerns and adventure films.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Pizza, red, orchestral.

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

Continue to tell stories with my body—act, continue to teach sword and storytell at faires….

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

Spend time with my daughter and doing my best to contact all those in my loved ones and let them know I cared.

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

I’ll be right back…

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

My website that links to my blog is http://theurbanswashbuckler.com/

Amazon Authors page USA https://www.amazon.com/Teel-James-Glenn/e/B002HD8NHK/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teel-James-Glenn/e/B002HD8NHK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1567172672&sr=1-6

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Most-Faire-Knight-Mystery/dp/0615731139/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Teel+James+Glenn&qid=1567133244&s=books&sr=1-1

 

https://www.amazon.com/Year-Shadows-Teel-James-Glenn/dp/1985201755/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Teel+James+Glenn&qid=1567133244&s=books&sr=1-2

Here is my interview with Sean Kerr

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 Sean Kerr and I turn 50 in October! Ewww…but it’s just a number lol!

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from Swansea originally, but I moved to Cardiff 30 years ago to be with my husband.

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

I used to have an Interior Design Business but had tio let it go a couple of years ago when I became seriously ill. Because of my health, I work from home, and I love it! I make jewellery and have an online Etsy shop, KERRCARDS, and I am a content writer for an American firm writing articles for online magazines and blogs. And, I am an author.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I am just venturing into the world of Audio books for the first time, and I am so excited about it. My first release will be ‘The Man Inside Me’ which should be live by the end of September. I then hope to move on to my first ever book series, Dead Camp.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have written stories since I was a child. I am a mad Doctor Who fan (Tom Baker is my Doctor) and I used to make up my own stories. Then I saw Alien for the first time and it changed my life. I became a horror and sci-fi addict. I also love old British sci-fi such as Quatermass, and I am a huge conspiracy nut, so all of this combines into one mad brain full of plot bunnies.

My first book was published five years ago. It took me two years to write that first Dead Campo book, but when it was published, I realised that writing was something I needed to make a priority, despite dabbling for most of my life. I now have more than 10 books out there, and a lot more to come!

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I guess that has to be when Extasy books published my first novel, Dead Camp. That was validation for me. That was when I could say for certain I was a writer. It was the most thrilling experience of my life, and I haven’t looked back since.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

When I was 8, I read Dracula for the first time. I have read that book so many times over the years. Then I read a book called The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, and it changed everything for me. It’s a huge historical tour de force concerning Vlad Tepesh/Dracula, and it changed the way I viewed my writing forever. It opened up this whole world of history, and I have been fascinated with it ever since.

Dead Camp came about from my desire to create my own Vampire mythology. I wanted to explain why some vampires could walk by day, some couldn’t. Why were some gorgeous, and others ugly? You know how it goes. I had the idea that I somehow wanted to unify the mythology under a different style.

I then saw a World War 2 film called Deliverance. Suddenly, I found myself wondering what would happen if Vampires were in the mix. So the idea of Vampires and Nazis stemmed from there. Once I started the research, I realised that I could completely subvert History, and this vast conspiracy story came together.

My first book series, Dead Camp spans centuries. From the beginning of time, to the Crucifixion, Victorian London and World War 2. It’s a huge, complex interweaving story where every character is connected. The planning for it was immense. But its amazing where a film and a bonkers brain can lead you!

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Much of the first two books take place in a concentration camp, and the two main characters are dead. Also, one of the main characters is outrageously camp…he’s a ghost…so Dead Camp came around as a play on words. It was one of the very first things that came to me and stuck throughout all the years of writing the series.

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

I use a lot of history in my books, and they tend to be complex and twisty! I love to take known concepts, classics, and established events and twist them to my own evil needs. So, there is always a huge amount of research to do before I start to write. And because I’m known as a very descriptive writer, I really like to research the areas where my books take place. I try to transport my readers to each location, so detail and authenticity is really important to me.

While the research is daunting and a little intimidating, I love it. The challenging part is to ensure that every plot point and character arc ties together perfectly, and in unexpected ways. I tend to write complex stories, so I have to plan everything from the outset. But the most challenging aspect for me is the start itself.

When I write a book, I need to find my way into the story from the outset. The tone, flavour, colour of the book and the character of the book needs to make itself present as soon as I start to write. I have to find a way into the manuscript that is slightly off kilter and odd lol! I like to start a book where my readers think ‘WTF?’ I have had many false starts. I have been known to scrap entire chapters and start again. But for me, I have to have that voice and character of the manuscript right for me when I start, or I just don’t seem to be able to get into the book.

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

Oh heck no. While the historical events are real, and most of the locations, the vast majority of my characters remain complete fiction. Perhaps some of the angst my characters go through represents some of my life. I guess authors tend to draw on past experiences and emotions when they write, and I am no exception.

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

Oh, I wish. I would love to go to some of the places I have written about. I have been to Rome and Vatican City, and that was a stunning experience which found itself in the pages of my Dead Camp books.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My Dead Camp covers were designed by my publisher, Extasy Books. All my self-published works have been designed and created by me.

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

Tolerance. Love. Respect. Understanding. Acceptance. While there may not be anything original in these concepts, they still ring vitally true.

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?

Elizabeth Kostova who wrote The Historian is an absolute inspiration to me because she changed the way I write. She showed me that history can be as much of a character in a book as the Vampire or Monster. Bram Stoker still remains my hero. The way he wrote Dracula was revolutionary, and it is something I try very hard to emulate in my own works.

Ian Cadena is a writer of Urban Fantasy as well as some very naughty MM books, and I love his use of words and his outright cheekiness in his books. He is a very talented Author.

Viva Gold writes tremendous love stories, and her use of the English Language just captivates me. Her books are very naughty, but always with a strong message and powerful, emotional storylines.

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

My best friend Krys Randall. He is the one person responsible for me completing Dead Camp. He is a big fan of those books, and without him encouraging me and pushing me, I would have given up before the books were published. I have a lot to be grateful to him for. He gave me the courage and the confidence to try.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

It is my career, and one I am profoundly grateful to have. It is an honour and a privilege to be an author. Every time someone buys one of my books, it is a huge privilege. With so much material out there, they choose to read one of mine, and that is a very humbling and extraordinary experience.

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

No. I think that would take away the integrity and the spontaneity of my books. Yes, they are flawed, but if I went back and changed them, they would not be the books I intended. Once the book is published, its out there, and you just have to let it fly on its own accord and hope it will find a loving audience.

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

Not to travel on a train. If you read ‘Alive’, you will see why!

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

If Dead Camo was made into a film, then Zac Efron as Eli, Hugh Jackman as Gideon, and James McAvoy as Malachi. When I was writing those books, they always remained my constant inspiration for the characters.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Never give up. Keep trying. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. But also, treat others as you wish to be treated. We are all human together, so lets always be kind and considerate to each other.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I would like to thank my readers for all their amazing support, their kindness, and their friendship. My life changed 18 months ago, and it was my readers who got me through the most difficult time in my life. I would not be an author without my readers. They make me an author, and I thank them with all my heart.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Nexus 2 Samhain by Ian Cadena.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Target books, their Doctor Who series when I was about six.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Farting jokes. Makes me laugh every single time. I’m shallow, what can I say?

ET makes me howl like a baby.

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

I would love to meet Bram Stoker. I would love to talk to him about his research and experiences when writing Dracula. Just to delve into the mind of that genius would be a dream come true!

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I’m a trained artist, so I love to paint and draw. I love films, and I have a HUGE sci-fi collection. Cinema is also a big love of mine. I also make hand made cards and Jewellery.

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

All the Alien Films. Doctor Who. Star Trek….actually, the list is vast but you get the idea lol!

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Steak!! Chocolate!! Blue! Black! Anything by Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, and as many Musicals as I can cram into my collection.

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

I would be painting. That is one of my great loves, though I haven’t done so for a long time because the writing takes up every moment of my spare time.

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

Now that would be x rated! Needless to say, my husband and I would not leave the bedroom!

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

He wrote good books!

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

https://www.deadcamp.com/

Amazon Authors page USA https://www.amazon.com/Sean-Kerr/e/B01A5CEPV2?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3&qid=1567115780&sr=1-3

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sean-Kerr/e/B01A5CEPV2?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1567115829&sr=1-6

If you are in the UK Sean Kerr will be at The ShiMMer MM UK Author Event on the

22 .2 20 in Birmingham for more info go to the FB Page shimmer Attendees Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1147076735399309/

You can get your tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shimmer-2020-mm-uk-author-event-tickets-61060808522?fbclid=IwAR1rKOd13L8QpkMgtrPxKMUOS48Li9G6Zf_9Or_mRrr-Prq8zn7bDAUHt7Y

 

Here is my interview with McKenna Dean

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?

Thanks for hosting me, Fiona! I’m McKenna Dean. As for age, I frequently say “old enough to know better” but sadly, that’s not always the case!

 Fiona: Where are you from?

I grew up in the Southern US and still live there today, in a small town in North Carolina.

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

I live on a farm with my husband and our assorted animals. The kids are grown and in college now, so fewer soccer games and more long walks with the dogs.

 I’ve been an actress, a biologist, a dog trainer, worked in a stockyard, a research lab, and an animal hospital. But writing is what brings me joy.

 Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m very excited about my upcoming release, Bishop Takes Knight. It’s set in the 1950s, and is the origin story for my Redclaw Security universe. Redclaw is firm of elite paranormal agents who deal with matters in the shifter realm and hunt for mysterious artifacts of inexplicable power. In Bishop Takes Knight, I introduce Henrietta (“Rhett”) Bishop and Dr. Peter Knight as humans who find themselves in over their heads when they became agents of Redclaw, and face shifters, crime bosses and more in a mad scramble to recover a cache of stolen artifacts. It’s a bit like Warehouse 13 meets Bringing Up Baby. I had so much fun with this one!

I just recently returned from the RWA Conference in NYC, where my second book in the Redclaw Security series, Ghost of a Chance, was a finalist in the 2019 Bookseller’s Best Awards. Such an honor to be listed among so many great stories!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Like most writers, I began at an early age, making up alternate endings or continuing further adventures with favorite characters from TV shows and books. I didn’t think I could be a published author, however, so I gave up that dream as a child. It wasn’t until the kids went off to school that I found myself coming back to writing again, first through fanfiction, and then publishing original stories of my own.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

In middle school, a classmate told me one day I’d be publishing with Harlequin. I laughed them off, but these days, that doesn’t seem impossible anymore!

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I had all these pieces and fragments of unfinished stories on my computer. On a dare, my friends encouraged me to pick one and complete it. I began submitting stories to small presses, and took the plunge into self-publishing a few years ago.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I like word play, so if I can come up with something like that, it makes me happy. The two main characters from the Redclaw Origins series are named Bishop and Knight. “Bishop Takes Knight” is a chess term, but it also reflects the storyline. Stuff like that makes me happy.

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

I used to be a die-hard pantser, but now that I am writing series, I have to do more advanced plotting than I used to. The most challenging thing for me is finding the time and energy to write after a full day at work. I tend to be a slow writer as a result, and I find that frustrating. I have so many ideas for stories and series, and so little time to write.

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

I write mostly shifter stories, so I draw heavily on my background working with animals to write about the different shifter species. I’ll pull elements of my own personality into creating my characters—for example, the heroine of Ghost of a Chance is a fangirl into cosplay and vintage clothing. I also glean from life experiences to spin my tales—many of my heroines learn how to love themselves and appreciate their gifts during the course of their stories.

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

I’d love to travel more than I do. Unfortunately, life on a farm means I tend to be a homebody.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Rhonda Duffy did my amazing covers for the Redclaw Security series! For the Redclaw Origins series, I wanted a very different look and feel so that readers would know the stories were of a different nature, so I went with the incomparable Reese Dante.

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

Just about all my stories feature women who learn to value what they bring to the table. To accept themselves and demand nothing less than acceptance from those who love them. I’ve spent a large part of my life being told I wasn’t enough. Not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough. Not only did I believe what I was told, I perfected the self-deprecation to the point I kept myself from achieving my goals. It’s a hard lesson to overcome, this lifetime of negative self-talk. I want readers to hear it’s okay to believe in yourself and chase your dreams.

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?

That’s a tough question! I’ve been an avid reader my whole life, but my tastes change over time. I recently began reading the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews and am loving it—the strong heroine who plays by her own rules and resists getting drawn into caring about other people—my catnip! But I also adore Lucy Parker’s London Celebrity series, which tends to feature grumpy heroes and vivacious heroines in opposites-attract type couples. I think what I love most about Parker’s books is that her characters have real obstacles to overcome before they get their HEA, and that makes it all the more satisfying when they do.

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

That would have to be my online friends. If enough people keep repeating, “You know, you should publish this”, then eventually you believe them.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Not as a primary career, unfortunately. It’s a Catch-22. Until I have more time to write, it’s hard to publish at the speed and volume needed to become well-known these days. But as long as I have to work FT to help pay the bills, I can’t write more than one book a year. At least, not one I’m happy to publish.

In the dream world, I’d land an agent and a publishing contract. Oprah’s book club would promote my story, I’d get movie rights, and I could quit the day job. But then again, in the dream world, I might win the lottery, too. I think making it big as an author is a bit like winning the lottery, to be honest. It’s not that it can’t happen. It’s that the odds are against you.

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

I don’t know if this counts, but I don’t think I’ll ever put up anything for pre-order again! The pressure of getting everything done by that deadline was supposed to keep me honest about finishing promotion tasks, but my first editor had a family crisis and I had to find another editor on the fly. It made for a very stressful revision and polishing process!

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

Bishop Takes Knight is set in 1955, so I did a lot of research about the era. It’s always fascinating to me what phrases or customs arose when and why they did so. Several times I wanted to use something only to discover it wasn’t yet in wide-spread use, though that came later. For example, college students were playing with metal pie pans from the now-defunct Frisbee baking company long before the first Frisbee as we know it today rolled off the assembly lines in 1957.

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

Oh, I’d love it if Katharine Hepburn could have played Rhett Bishop—she’s who I envisioned when writing Bishop Takes Knight. If I went with someone modern, it would be Hayley Atwell. Both actresses would bring the same kind of class, strength and take-no-prisoners attitude to the role.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write the story you want to read, even if people tell you it won’t sell. If you love what you’re writing, it shows on the page. And if you love it, odds are others will too.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I think the gift of books is the ability to take us out of our lives for a few hours. These days, I long for escape: from world events, from an exhausting workload, from heavy responsibilities, or crushing anxiety. If there is one thing I hope my stories do, it’s to help someone’s bad day be a bit better.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m so bad! I’m reading several books at the same time right now, which is unusual for me. I’ve got Sarah MacLean’s Brazen and the Beast queued up on the Kindle, and the second of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series on my nightstand, and am carrying Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews in my bag. I’m never without a book. I tend to rotate genres with each title just to mix things up.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

It was probably Dr. Seuss. The Cat in the Hat, or Green Eggs and Ham.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My little dog is such a character, he never fails to make me laugh. He yodels when he gets excited, and is just so darn cute I couldn’t help but give him a role in Bishop Takes Knight. Videos of animals at play are sure to make me giggle.

I used to pride myself on my tough persona and the fact I rarely cried. That’s no longer true. There’s a lot in this world to be sad about, and I tear up at just about everything. Cruelty. Loss. Emotional moments in movies. Acts of bravery. Golden Buzzer moments on America’s Got Talent. I’m just a regular softie.

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

Jimmy Stewart and Mr. Rogers because both of them seem to be such genuine good guys.

Barak Obama and Elizabeth Warren because they both strike me as intelligent people of energy and integrity and I think I’d learn a lot from listening to them.

Chris Evans because… do I really need a reason? J

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I used to do a lot of hiking, but I’ve been sidelined for almost a year with plantar fasciitis. I hope to get back to it this fall, however. I ride my horse a couple of times a week, but we’re both getting a bit long in the tooth now. I love photography, but I’m strictly an amateur.

These days, most of my free time goes to writing. I think it’s important to do other things, to exercise the body and brain, but when I have a moment, I usually open up the current WIP.

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

I’m a big fan of all things Marvel. I’m a huge sci-fi fan, so if it has the word “Star” in the title, I’ve probably watched it! I like mysteries and period pieces, so I adore shows like the Miss Fisher Mysteries, and Murdoch. I’ve just started watching Lucy Lawless in My Life is Murder and now I want to learn to bake bread! I also love comedies such as Brooklyn 99 and The Good Place.

Mostly, I don’t want my entertainment to hurt me. I watch TV in order to unwind from a tough workday and de-stress from the constant barrage of depressing world events. I want to read and watch stories were the good guys win. Where there is hope for a better future.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I have terrible eating habits. I’m a cheeseburger and fries kind of girl. I’m trying to make healthier eating choices but unfortunately, I’m a terrible cook too.

I prefer cool colors—blues, greens, and lavenders.

I’m not sure how to categorize my taste in music. Top 40? Old time Rock and Roll? Alternative Rock? New Age? I like a little of just about anything, with some exceptions.  I’m not a fan of country music as a whole, or hip hop/rap. Most of that has to do with the fact I like to sing, and some music genres aren’t suited to my limited vocal capacity. So if I can’t sing it, I tend not to like it.

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

I’d read. More than I do now. I’d probably go off the grid. Unplug. Walk more in the woods. Spin stories in my head the way I’ve always done. I’ve made up stories in my head as long as I can remember. Even if I never wrote another, I couldn’t stop the daydreaming.

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

I’d walk out of work without a backward glance. I’d call my husband and ask him to meet me to take the dogs for a long walk in the woods. I’d fix my favorite foods without a care as to calories or health. I’d tell the most important people in my life why I love them. I’d make love, laugh, sing, and dance in the rain.

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

Here lies McKenna Dean: a person of intense integrity, deep compassion, and a dash of rage.

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

My website/blog is here:http://mckennadeanromance.com/

I tend to post weekly, sometimes more when I have a guest or new release. That’s probably the best place to keep up with me, though I’m trying to get better about regular newsletter updates too.

Newsletter:http://eepurl.com/c8GDYX

McKenna Dean Bio and Social Media Links:

McKenna Dean has been an actress, a vet tech, a singer, a teacher, a biologist, and a dog trainer. She’s worked in a genetics lab, at the stockyard, behind the scenes as a props manager, and at a pizza parlor slinging dough. Finally she realized all these jobs were just a preparation for what she really wanted to be: a writer.

She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her family, as well as the assorteddogs, cats, and various livestock.

She likes putting her characters in hot water to see how strong they are. Like tea bags, only sexier.

Links:

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c8GDYX

Website: http://mckennadeanromance.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B075CRHQ7B/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/McKenna-Dean-Author-262328784224302/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/McKennaDeanFic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckennadeanromance/?hl=en

Tumblr: https://mckennadeanromance.tumblr.com/

Email: mckennadeanromance@gmail.com

Takes Knight (release date Sept 18, 2019)

Bishop Takes Knight:https://www.amazon.com/Bishop-Takes-Knight-Redclaw-Origins-ebook/dp/B07W79BTDS/

Ghost of a Chance:  https://geni.us/GhostOfaChance

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B075CRHQ7B

Here is my interview with P.S. Gifford

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

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

I am Paul Gifford- but typically write under P.S. Gifford I am a youthful 54.

Fiona: Where are you from? 

Born in Birmingham, England – but I now live in Laguna Niguel, California.

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

I am estranged from my siblings, and I am divorced. My best friend is my pooch- Sir Winston. I have a couple of years of college but formal education and I did not seem to hit it off too well.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news. 

As I work on my first full-fledged novel I work as a freelance writer/editor to pay my bills.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have been writing for as long as I can remember. When I was five we had to write one of those themed essays and I dashed off several pages which boggled the teacher’s gourd! I got my first typewriter from my mother when I was around nine or ten.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After I managed to sell my first story I genuinely felt like a writer!

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I had been writing short stories online and an editor with a small publishing house suggested they publish them in a collection. I was gobsmacked and couldn’t accept the offer fast enough! Holding a copy of a book you wrote is an incredible feeling.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I wanted to evoke Victorian imagery- and “Curious Tales of the Imaginary Friend,” seemed to do that.

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

Once more I shall reference Victorian times. Writers such as HG Wells, Dickens and MR James wrote in an analytical style. A style I found myself adopting.

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

In most of my tales, there is an element of truth- it might be as simple as a character’s name or location.

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

England will always be my home and I prefer to set my work there. If I could afford it I would spend a month a year at the Berry Head Hotel In Brixham, Devon to complete my annual book. One day perhaps….

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publisher works with a variety of talented artists. We give them a concept to work with.

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

Karma is real folks. Treat everyone with respect and love.

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

John Everson is not exactly new anymore- but he is always a darn great read.  Apart from the authors I already noted- I would add Robert Bloch, Roald Dahl and O’Henry to that list. They were masters of the short story and often had unexpected endings.  Although I should throw James Herriot (Alfie Wright) in there also he had a delightful and relaxed conversational style in his works.

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

My publishers!

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

That has been my goal since day one!

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

I like it just as it is.

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

That as you get older you change your style a little.

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

James Nesbitt!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Never ever get discouraged- failing is one of the steps to succeed.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers? 

The best is yet to come!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

‘The House by the Cemetary.’ John Everson.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Probably an Enid Blyton book! Bake-off

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My guilty pleasures are cookery shows and competitions. ‘The Great British Bake off’ elicits the gamut of emotions within me.

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

William Shakespeare- because he is the Bard!

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies? 

Cooking is my favourite past time.

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

Midsommer Murders, Father Brown and other British mystery/detective shows. Hitchcock is my favourite director and I revisit his movies often. Pyscho in particular.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colours,  music? 

I harbour a great fondness for savoury pies- Steak and Ale is my favourite. But a good roast lamb Sunday dinner with all the trimmings is divine. I like dark purples and bright reds. Music? Nick Cave, David Bowie, Gary Numan, Kraftwerk, Erasure and a few dozen others.

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

I would presume I am dead and be busy decomposing.

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

A feast. for starters Fois Gras, roasted bone marrow, and lobster bisque

for mains roast lamb, roast duck and potatoes roasted in goose fat.

For dessert sticky toffee pudding with heaps of creamy custard.

To finish- a cheese plate.

Fiona: What do you want to be written on your headstone? 

Died at 99 peacefully in his sleep surrounded by those he loved. His books shall live on.

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

Amazon Authors Page USA

https://www.amazon.com/P-S-Gifford/e/B002BLY8T0?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1567108655&sr=1-1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/P-S-Gifford/e/B002BLY8T0?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5&qid=1567110257&sr=1-5

Here is my interview with Susan Mac Nicol

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.

Susan Mac Nicol

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in Yorkshire, in the UK

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

When I was eight, my family left the UK to go live in South Africa. I was brought up there, educated to University degree equivalent and started working when I was sixteen. I would have loved to go to university but alas, there was no money to do that and SA doesn’t have funding like the UK has. I met the man who’d become my husband, got married, had two kids- a boy and a girl – then left in 2000 to come back to the UK. Hubby and I have married 35 years. We now live in Essex, in a beautiful thatched country cottage with our dog, Blu. The kids have grown up and moved into their own homes.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

In terms of writing, I’m currently finishing the next book, book 3, in my Fetish Alley series. This is a spin off series from the Men of London featuring the characters in Feat of Clay, which was book 4 in the MOL series. Fetish Alley is a detective series, set in the rather unusual London alley which caters to the bizarre and the erotic.

I’m submitting a screen play called Sight Unseen, which I co-wrote with actor Nicholas Downs in LA, to festivals and so far this script has won six awards. We’d love to get the film made but it’s a long, laborious task.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a child, got my first typewriter when I was eleven and haven’t stopped. I still have all the material I wrote stuffed in a folder in the cupboard. I started writing commercially in 2012 when I published my first book with Boroughs Publishing, an M/F story called Cassandra by Starlight. I now write MM, but am looking at mixing this up soon and writing a cozy mystery story.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve always been a writer since I could read and write, and in my childhood I wrote poems and short stories. All that happens now is I get paid for writing these stories 😊

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Benedict Cumberbatch!! No word of a lie. I fell in love with him watching Sherlock, the TV series. I wanted one. The only way to get one was to write a character like him, so I did 😊 My debut novel Cassandra by Starlight is about a young, up and coming actor called Bennett Saville living in London and working in film and theatre

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The heroine’s name is Cassandra, starlight could be stars in the eyes, a star in the making, and the word play made sense.

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

I LOVE writing dialogue and it’s probably a strength of mine. I like realism in my books so I try to make my characters and backgrounds as close to real life as I can.

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

I think every writer puts a little bit of themselves into each story they write, whether it be a physical trait, a mental one or something they believe. I do tend to do this but youll have to guess what’s true and what’s not 😊

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

I travel a lot for research purposes. I’ve been to Norfolk to visit a lighthouse (Worth Keeping), Hampstead Heath to check out the ponds (Double Alchemy), lived in a circus in Romford (Living on Air) and been all over London to various locales for other books. I’ve travelled to Stamford and stayed in a quaint pub (Doubting Hearts). And I’ve been to LA (Sight Unseen) So I do tend to get around a bit.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publisher Boroughs Publishing Group design all my covers but I have a huge say in what they look like and they are very accommodating.

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

My own personal message that runs through all my books is live and let live. I believe in people being themselves, not having to hide who they are and simply enjoying life how they choose.

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

I love a lot of genres, MM, urban fantasy, horror, paranormal, thrillers, detective works etc. The one writer I’ve discovered in the MM genre is the talented Gregory Ashe, whose books I devour. I’m a huge fan of Phil Rickman and his Merrily Watkins supernatural books, and Stephen King.

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

The biggest supporter of my work is my publisher and in particular, the CEO, Michelle Klayman. She’s not only my editor, and my publisher, she’s my friend and she has stood by me when I’m having a crisis and slapped my arse when I’m being all diva like. She’s dug me out of many a crisis of faith event LOL.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Writing for me is a career and a business. For some it’s a hobby, others, an outlet for creative leanings.

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

Not really, I don’t think it was too bad 😊

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

That I have a dark and wicked sense of humour and love sass and snark in my characters.

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

Sight Unseen is the book I’d love to see made into a film and there’s no question who would play the part of Nathan. It would be Nicholas Downs as the part was written for him.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Oh hell, so much. Don’t drink coffee while you’re re-reading the funny bit of your book. It makes a mess all over the keyboard. Always make sure on having refreshments on hand because writing is a thirsty business. Never write without chocolate at least in arm’s reach. Oh and actual writing advice? It’s simply, write what you want to, and keep writing. Those books don’t write themselves.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I love them! Love, love them. They’ve made this whole writing journey possible and it’s their support that I appreciate the most. It sounds cheesy but it’s a real truth for me.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Currently I’m reading The Making of Gabriel Davenport by British author Beverley Lee. It’s a horror and dark fantasy story and I’m loving it.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I do. It was Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens. My dad was a huge Dickens fan and he had this ratty old copy of the book he carried everywhere with him. He’d read it to me and I’d read along.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I have a weird sense of humour and I love the dark, sarcastic version. I can’t abide toilet or slapstick humour. I’ve been known to giggle away at something my poor husband for the life of him can’t find anything funny in.

As for crying, I don’t do it a lot, call it the stubborn Capricorn streak in me that hates showing emotion. I cried though when Kerchak the gorilla died in Tarzan.

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

Edgar Allan Poe. He’s a fascinating character, a favourite writer of mine and I think to spend an evening with him finding out what made him tick would be incredible.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I like spending time in the garden, creating beds and watching things grow. I love going to the theatre and watching the brilliant shows we have in London. In the past, I’ve done glass painting and Fimo clay modelling. I like anything creative.

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

Anything involving the occult, like Poltergeist and The Exorcist. Cop shows like Chicago PD, and Blue Bloods, medical dramas like The Good Doctor and popular shows like CSI, NCIS etc. I can’t stand reality TV of any kind, even music shows like X Factor.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Hamburgers, with onions, cheese and bacon. Yum. Bacon sandwiches. Chocolate.

Colours – purple and blue shades

Music- I’m into rock and alternative so Rag and Bone Man, Foo Fighters, The Killers, Halsey, Adam Lambert of course, Queen, 80’s hits… I’m also a huge fan of classical music, Tchaikovsky being my favourite composer.

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

I’d read LOL. Sit out in the garden, with my books and get lost in them.

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

With family, having a BBQ, enjoying them for the last time.

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

My hubby has already picked this. ‘She did it her way.’

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

http://www.authorsusanmacnicol.com

Author.to/SusanMacnicolUK

Author.to/SusanMacNicolUS

http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/authors/susan-mac-nicol

The official stuff 

Susan writes steamy, sexy and fun contemporary romance stories, some suspenseful, some gritty and dark and hopefully always entertaining. She’s also Editor in Chief at Divine Magazine, an online LGBTQ e-zine and a member of The Society of Authors, the Writers Guild of Great Britain, and the Authors Guild in the US.

Susan is also an award-winning script writer, with scripts based on two of her own published works. Sight Unseen has garnered no less than five awards to date and her TV pilot, Reel Life, based on her debut novel, Cassandra by Starlight, was also a winner at the Oaxaca Film Fest.

The ‘unofficial’ stuff…

She loves going to the theatre, live music concerts (especially if it’s her man crush Adam Lambert or the divine Cumberbatch) walks in the countryside, a good G and T, lazing away afternoons reading a good book, and watching re-runs of Silent Witness.

Her chequered past includes stories like being mistaken for a prostitute in the city of Johannesburg, being chased by a rhino on a dusty Kenyan road, getting kicked out of a youth club for being a ‘bad influence’ (she encourages free thinking) and having an aunt who was engaged to Cliff Richard 😊

😊

If you are  in the UK Susan Mac Nicol will be at The ShiMMer MM UK Author Event on the 22 .2 20 in Birmingham for more info go to the FB Page shimmer Attendees Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1147076735399309/

You can get your tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shimmer-2020-mm-uk-author-event-tickets-61060808522?fbclid=IwAR1rKOd13L8QpkMgtrPxKMUOS48Li9G6Zf_9Or_mRrr-Prq8zn7bDAUHt7Y

Here is my interview with S.K. Andrews

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

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

Hello, Fiona.  My name is Starra Andrews, but writing as:  S.K. Andrews.  I’ll be turning 58 this October.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from Laguna Beach, California, USA

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

Growing up in Laguna Beach, my family and I would pack up our camper and hit the beach as soon as summer arrived.  It was an all-day event, complete with a bonfire after sunset and eating ears of corn and burgers/hot dogs cooked on coals right from a hole built in the sand.  But, besides my beachy summers I immersed myself in the drama program at Laguna Beach High School.  We won awards for some of our shows and took ourselves very seriously, yet had a lot of fun.  I continued on to University of California, Irvine and got my B.A. in Theatre.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My paranormal adventure book Bay of Darkness is being released on October 2^nd!  It will be on Amazon.com and is published through the Wild Rose Press.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I grew up creating stories in my head for fun.  I loved theatre as well, so when I’d act in a play, I couldn’t help making up my own characters and stories.  When I got older I enjoyed watching the Twilight Zone episodes, because they always took me to another dimension and school of thought.  I found the paranormal fascinating and also loved ghost stories.  Hence, my writing now in the paranormal genre.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I always thought of myself as an actor who could write, but when my first book proposal got me a publishing contract with Praeger Publishers in 1998, I finally considered myself a writer.  It was The Pursuit of Acting, which is an actor interview book to help student actors.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Even though The Pursuit of Acting came out first, it is a collection of interviews. So, I’m going to talk about my inspiration for Bay of Darkness, because that is my first fiction book completed.

I’ve always been fascinated by psychic ability and human intuition.  I’ve had flashes myself, but nothing like the heroine in my book.  I’ve also been drawn my whole life to stories about people overcoming loss in their life, and evolving into someone powerful and confident.  To live authentically from our soul’s purpose can be challenging.  So, I was motivated to write this story about a woman who overcomes horrible loss, opens up to loving again, and must face the darkness within herself from a past life centuries ago to battle evil.  That is a compelling element in all of us and something that is timeless, hence, my inspiration.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

From the name of the location where the big battle goes down—Half Moon Bay.  There is a continual theme of darkness, both physically and energetically throughout the book, and that inspired me to name it Bay of Darkness.

In reality, Half Moon Bay (just south of San Francisco) is a gorgeous place with no darkness at all.

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

It took me a while to find my writing style.  I would recognize it in other authors as I read their books, but I didn’t know what my style was.  Finally, I just relaxed and let my heart tell the story and allowed my fingers to type away.  Now, I feel my own writing style and it’s hard to put into words—except that even when there is a dramatic, powerful, and agonizing scene on the page—I always find my way back to love and humour.  I truly believe in yin and yang, and an aspect of finding a ray of sunshine even in our darkest hour.  I sprinkle comedy in everything, and also those little details we forget about sometimes, which make us human.

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

The story Vivien tells her paranormal investigation colleague about a past experience she had, is actually something that happened to me.  When I was thirteen some friends and I got together to do an impromptu séance.  It was a sunny afternoon on a Saturday in Southern California back in 1973.  Since my friend’s bedroom was being painted, we all huddled in the bathroom.  The leader of our group shouted up to the ceiling for something to make a noise (so we would know it was with us).  Two seconds later the bathroom door started breathing.  Just like that scene in the classic film with Julie Harris, The Haunting of Hill House.  All five of us saw it and some of the girls scrambled into the bathtub in terror.  I sat almost catatonic, hardly believing what I saw.  It stopped after about ten seconds, and we all ran out into the street with her mother screaming after us that we were silly girls!

All the other incidents are fictional (of course), but I do believe we all have that sixth sense.  Some people are just more tapped in than others.

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

Ironically, I travelled to West Cork, Ireland after I’d finished the final edits of Bay of Darkness.  I utilized Google photos, as well as Flickr.  Thank goodness people post their vacation pictures online now!  I got to see a lot of Clonakilty, Ireland (where the first part of the book takes place) and I did a ton of online research besides just viewing photos.  I also have Irish friends here in New York who answered questions for me.

As for Half Moon Bay, California—I was living nearby with my sister while I was writing the book.  I’m very familiar with Northern California, so that was from direct experience.  However, I plan to take another trip to Clonakilty, because the second book in the series will take place mostly in that area.

In fact, I’ve already found a way to incorporate a few zombies!  Stay tuned…

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

A very talented in-house designer with the Wild Rose Press by the name of Debbie Taylor.  I got to describe exactly what I wanted, and I was elated by the results!  Vivien and Neal are dynamic on the cover, and in the background is a real lighthouse along the Northern California coast just south of San Francisco.

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

Yes—that the human spirit is stronger than we believe, and you can face your fears and come out victorious.  Also, love is always available to us, and it is possible to love again after experiencing a loss.

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?

Rod Serling is the writer who influenced me the most, but I’ve been reading Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters book series, and Christine Pope’s Witches of Cleopatra Hill series.  They both deal with psychic ability and magic, as well as characters faced with human dilemma and challenges they must overcome.  That to me, is very compelling and keeps me reading!

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

Paragraph writing space in New York City.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes!  That is what I’m striving for, and I know as a full-time writer I shall be putting in a lot more hours than I ever did at a corporate day job.

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

Just the fact that I would not have taken ten years to finish.  However, in my defence, there were years at a time in which I did not write, and got caught up in life and the day job.  But, thank goodness I kept coming back to my book.

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

Yes—not to take any editing notes personally.  In the beginning I felt so sensitive, but then I realized the notes were helping me.  If my editor was confused by a scene transition, or something else, the reader would be as well.  As soon as I got my ego out of the way, I realized it’s just business, and I got on with it.

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

Gal Gadot, aka Wonder Woman is totally Vivien Kelly of the Kelly Society!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

It’s okay if life gets in the way, or you get distracted by stress and outside pressures, because your story will wait for you.  Keep coming back to your creative writing, because nothing can stop it, and nothing can destroy it.  You can find success, publication, and joy in your work!

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I hope my story strikes a chord in you, whether or not you believe in the magic of intuition and fate.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Higher Ground, by Christine Pope.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Where The Wild Things Are.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Laugh: a great comedian.  Cry:  the daily news reports.

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

Princess Diana, because she was pure light and love.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Walking in nature.  I love it!  As well as crochet, and tap dancing.

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

All the DC shows from the CW Network, like:  Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash, Arrow, and I’m about to start Supergirl.  I also love the Avengers films, as well as films about the underdog accomplishing life challenges.

Fiona: Favourite foods, colors, music?

Since I’m a vegetarian, I love veggie quesadillas, veggie lasagne, scrambled eggs on buttered toast, most fruits (especially bananas and strawberries) and a good veggie burger.  My favourite colors are:  cobalt blue, deep purple, and black.  I love Celtic music, like Celtic Woman, but I also love Pink, Sting, and Jennifer Lopez.

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

That’s easy, because I’m also an actor.  I would just act.

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

 I’d spend all day at the beach with my entire family.

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

“Embrace your creativity, for you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”

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

Yes, please contact me at:

https://www.skandrews.com

BLURB:

After witnessing her fiancé’s murder and almost dying herself, Vivien Kelly’s mission is to destroy Dagda—a Celtic God turned demon. As a supernatural dark cloud looms over the Sahara, she finds herself drawn to the Northern California town of Half Moon Bay and a new life as a paranormal cleanser. There Vivien finds Dagda’s creatures tormenting the locals. Her own paranormal cleansing team—The Kelly Society— is born, and the race is on when people around her begin to die.

While banishing a banshee, Vivien meets Neal Harrington—a soul partner who can promise true happiness. But when Dagda’s black vapor creates a New World of darkness, her time is up. Can Vivien abandon everyone she loves and succumb to her past life’s barbaric force to defeat the demon? Her actions not only determine her future—but the future of the modern world.

EXCERPT:

Announcing her presence, Vivien slapped open palms against the bedroom door. Shrieking stopped as the banshee tried to stab into her intuitive power, not even making a dent.

Julie, I’m here to help. Don’t be afraid. After sending her telepathic message, she felt a definite shift.The young girl now had hope.

Sensing another female entity in the bedroom,Vivien tuned in sharper. A spirit connected to the house stood in front of Julie, also protecting her.

“That horrible noise stopped.” Neal eyed the door urgently. “Is that good or bad? I mean, is Julie safe?”

“Yes, she’s safe. I put a protective light around her.”

Heaving a sigh of exhaustion, he rubbed his temple. “Oh, right—the light thing. This is all so weird.” Neal’s head popped up. “No offense.”

“None taken.” She grinned like a debutant about to dance with the coolest boy in school.

“What now?”

TWEETS:  @magicstarra

 

Bay of Darkness: A paranormal adventure born from a Celtic love story centuries old.

Bay of Darkness: Every human possesses a dark side, which seeks to seduce the soul.

Bay of Darkness: Ghostbusters meets Braveheart!

Amazon Buy Link USA :

https://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Kelly-Society-S-K-Andrews-ebook/dp/B07WDL6HT6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bay+of+darkness&qid=1566240549&s=books&sr=1-1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Darkness-Kelly-Society-S-K-Andrews-ebook/dp/B07WDL6HT6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bay+of+Darkness+%28The+Kelly+Society%29&qid=1567041769&s=books&sr=1-1

 

My website

https://www.skandrews.com/

Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/pg/authorskandrews/posts/?ref=page_internal

https://twitter.com/magicstarra

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6dzir_I6LhEIWOYCJQFCw?view_as=subscriber

https://www.instagram.com/starraandrews/

https://www.pinterest.com/starraandrews/

BIO FOR STARRA ANDREWS (Writing as: S.K. ANDREWS):

Starra Andrews grew up in Laguna Beach, California, body surfing in the Pacific Ocean, writing fantasy stories, and acting on stage.  Having been influenced by the powerful scripts of Rod Serling and Richard Matheson from The Twilight Zone, she gravitated toward paranormal stories laden with hope.  Writing supernatural tales became her passionate hobby, in between life in the theatre.  She loves to sip hazelnut coffee, while reading a riveting ghost story, or while typing up an exciting new chapter of her own.  After attaining a B.A. degree in Theatre from University of California, Irvine, and attending LACC Acting Academy, an idea sparked for interviewing actors to help student actors.  Her non-fiction book The Pursuit of Acting; Working Actors Share Their Experience and Advice was published by Praeger Publishers/ABC CLIO.  In fiction, her heroine, psychic & paranormal cleanser Vivien Kelly and her team are in a race to rid the modern world of deadly Celtic creatures in her book trilogy The Kelly Society.  Bay of Darkness, the first book of the series is currently released through the Wild Rose Press.  Starra lives in upstate NY with her two cats, Audrey Hepburn and Vivien Leigh

Here is my interview with Serena Nova

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

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

Hello, I’m Serena Nova and I’m 29 years.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from the Netherlands, I’m fully Dutch. I still live in the Netherlands, near The Hague.

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

I have done a few things in my life; I have two different degrees. I’m a graphic designer and a furniture maker/restaurateur. I’m currently engaged to my wonderful and amazing boyfriend (saying fiancé is still a little weird) and live with him and my two cats.
I’m as most authors an avid reader and I have been reading from the moment I could. Books were a way for me to escape life. I have ADHD and ASD, we’re still figuring out the last one on how far on the scale I am. Which is a whole new adventure.

I’m excited to be writing and soon writing full-time.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I recently released Lost & Lucky, a whole new take on Reverse Harem. It has double the trouble and love. I’m also going to a signing event in New Orleans, in June 2020. Called the Court of Sin, there will be a big give away from me for the event.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing around December 2018. After reading so much I decided to write and see if I could do it, if I could finish something for the first time in my life. I always had been trying to write, but then in Dutch, and I found it terrible. So, I started to read in English and loved it, then started to write in English and the words just flowed out of me. That’s when I started writing for real.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think the moment I published my first book; I still have doubts about myself being an writer or let alone an author. It’s all still a little surreal for me, to be actually doing this, doing something I love.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Maybe a little cliché, but mostly myself. I just started writing, because I wanted to. Nothing inspired me, to write Isadora and her story. I just write what comes to me, it’s almost as if I’m watching a movie.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The book has been called Isadora for a long, long time. I came up with Protector when I noticed that it was a summary of the book. It was the perfect word for what I was telling.

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

I have no clue if I have a specific writing style. I’m not trained in this and have no idea of technical terms. There are things I find challenging, only the are important too. Otherwise I would never learn. They make me want to improve every time I write.
I find planning the most challenging thing in my writing ‘style’. I’m an (as I call it) emotional writer. I hit the zone and write what comes to me. Sometimes it’s one series I focus on and other times I need to write other stories too. That makes it harder to have solid release dates. I’m learning to change that.

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

Most of the things are just based on myself, or how I want to be when I grow up. Other things are based on stuff I see around me, or what I have gone through. I got (if I say so) good doses of empathy and the emotion thesaurus which helps a lot.

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

I don’t have to travel, I love writing out of the house. Just to get a new surroundings and not feel locked up in the house. My fiancé (still funny to say) and I are planning on moving to another country if that’s in it for us with his work. Which would probably give me some new stories too. And I would love to travel more, to just see more from the world. Only that’s has been another dream of mine, not necessary a part of the whole writing process.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I do that myself. I love using my graphic degree for something and it gives me some time to relax and not focusing on writing. Which is important too.

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

I just want to give people a place to escape for a few hours. That’s what reading means to me, and that’s what I want to give back to the world too. I can’t take away the pains, problems or bad things in this world. But if I can give someone these few hours, few pages to just escape it. Then I like to think that my goal is fulfilled, that I’m helping in some way.

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?

Favorite author, how can I answer that. I have a few I always go back to, such as – Auryn Hadley, K.F Breene, Kristen Banet, Sarah J Maas. I love their writing styles, how they build the world and make them real for the time you read the books.
There are a few new ones that I’m watching closely too, such as Regina J Robinson. I had the pleasure of reading her first book, before it’s going live. And it rocked my world! She has grown to be my favorite. As the same fore Erica Woods, her way with words amazes me every single time she allows me to sneak in and read what she already has written down. I would keep an eye out on those two, they will bring something new to the writing scene. If I may say so.

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

I’m sorry to say, I don’t have those. Not before I started writing. I got to knew a few amazing woman along the way, such as Natasja, Leanne, Bethina, Leanne (another one), Amanda and Tiffany. They stood by me when I decided to write, are crazy enough to read my jumbled thoughts and help me stay sane throughout this process.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I would love too. It’s also what I’m working hard for to reach. It would allow me to do what I love and still makes it possible to support my family and surrounding people.

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

I wouldn’t change anything in the book. I would change how I published it; I would have waited until I had the first drafts done of all the three books in the series. Only you have to fail to learn, so lesson learned. Next time I’ll do it differently.

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

I’m currently working hard on the second book in the Full-Blood series, and I learned that I have been improving on my writing skills, that I have a better idea of what I’m doing and that helps a lot.

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

You have very good questions Fiona. I think scarlettJohansson, Gal Gadot or Emma stone. For the man in the book. Jason Momoa and Tom Ellis, I don’t have to think about those for long. Chris Hemsworth is one I would love to add too and Sam Heughan. I love me some redhead scot!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

One other author a Dutch one, said to me just start writing and keep going. It’s something I live by. And another one told me that not everyone likes chocolate. And this she told me when I was reading my first reviews, mostly the not so good ones. She helped me a lot with that, understanding that not everyone will like what you write. It’s how the world works, and that’s okay. Not everyone likes chocolate.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you for reading, thank you for picking up my books. And never ever stop searching for the thing you love, hard work and determination will get you there!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Currently, nothing. I’m waiting for Erica Woods her book to come out Hunted. And Regina J Robinson her book Echoes of the past. I also have Havoc from Auryn Hadley on my reading list as a few others form her. Only first I have to finish my own books, then I can read.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I have read so many books, I think my first books were children books, I loved reading them. I still do for my nephews, can’t wait to read them for my own kids. Then I read Harry Potter, I think that was my first long book. Nothing could hold me back after that.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I cry easy, even sad parts in commercials can make me cry. I laugh easy too, I like funny video’s they mostly make me laugh, or just fun with my family, going out and having a good time.

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

I think I want to meet J.K Rowling and Sarah J Maas, they have been in my life forever. And I mostly want to thank them for writing, for picking up those pens and put the worlds in their minds on paper.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Except from writing, I do. I like to play computer games, mostly sims 4. I read and then watching movies with the fiancé. I’m going to pick-up stand-up paddle boarding next year, hopefully. Loved doing it when I’m at my mom’s.

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

I watch a lot, have Netflix. But I love the 100, I have watched the Outlander, not all seasons, kind of forgot where I was. I love Big Bang and How I Met Your Mother.

I watched the Killjoy’s and I always loved watching Charmed.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I love purple and blue, I listen to almost all the music, depends on my mood. And food, I love Italian, a good steak, pancakes, ice cream, French fries, Mexicans, Vietnamese and so much more. I just love good food.

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

I would be in the publishing business, I always wanted that. It has been my one dream in live. Before I started writing. And I would take the step to go and work in that field.

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

 With my family, on a white sand beach with a clear blue sea in front of me. Just chilling there, talking and sharing the love I feel for them. While we watch the sun set and the day making place for the night sky, which would be filled with stars. There would be a fire, and good food. So much good food.

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

Nothing. I don’t have words to say goodbye with. I don’t want to be remembered by a few words on a stone, that will weather throughout the years. I want to be remembered with memories, with laughter and joy. I want to be remembered with the words that my relatives want to remember me by.

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

Yes I do. First I’m going to New Orleans in June 2020, for the Court of Sin event. That’s my biggest event right now.

I have a –

Website:          https://www.serenanova.com/

Facebook group: http://bit.ly/SerenNovasWorld

Facebook page: http://bit.ly/SerenaNovaAuthor

Instagram:       http://bit.ly/SerenaNovaInstagram

Goodreads:     http://bit.ly/SerenaNovaGoodreads

Bookbub:        http://bit.ly/SerenaNovaBookBub

Amazon USA :           http://bit.ly/SerenaNovaAmazon

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Serena-Nova/e/B07P9151TB?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1567002118&sr=1-1

Twitter:           http://bit.ly/SerenNovaTwitter

And here are my book links.

Lost & Lucky (my latest book) – https://books2read.com/LostandLucky-SerenaNova

Protector (My first book) – https://books2read.com/Protector-serenanova

 

Here is my interview with Scarlett Flame

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, my author name is Scarlett Flame and let’s just say that I am “way” over 21!

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from Manchester in the UK but was born in Salford.

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

I always thought that I had three older brothers but recently discovered last year that I have a fourth, a younger one! We are now all one big happy family, although it was a bit of a shock at first. DNA testing is providing a lot of people with additional family members.

I was what we call here a “Grammar Bug”, so although I was raised in a council house until I was five, I went to Grammar School and left with some GCE’s (the equivalent of today’s GCSE’s in the UK) and CSE’s. I didn’t go to High School. At sixteen years of age I worked for the Probation Department in Manchester then left after two years to work as a dental nurse and various other jobs having my six children (all boys) in between.

Just after the birth of my second son my kidneys collapsed, and I almost died, and this gave me the inspiration to one day become a nurse myself. I gathered other qualifications along the way in Arts & Crafts then other academic subjects.

Finally, I thought that it was the perfect time to return to study as my youngest was just about to start High School. So, I undertook study to provide me with the qualifications (A levels) to go to University and finally fulfil my dreams. Unfortunately, or I should say fortunately life took a little twist along the way. On the day we were studying conception and contraception I discovered I was pregnant with my sixth son. Undeterred I went on to gain a degree in Children’s Nursing, two further degree modules and two master’s qualifications. Finally becoming a Health Visitor.

Meanwhile I began my career as a writer and continue to have success at this. I will always write as long as I have stories to tell. In addition I organise book signings in the North West of England.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

This September I will be going back to University for the sixth time to do a further degree in teaching and will be teaching Health & social care next year. Also, I have two, possibly three books in the pipeline.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have always written either in my journal or poetry as long as I can remember and always had a love of books and reading. My writing became more serious in 2012 and my first book was published in December 2013.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think it wasn’t after I published my first book but after my second book was published and I won awards with it.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was actually the third to be published and I wrote in secret for a long time. Hiding my writing in the bottom of my chest of drawers. I dreamed some of the story and used to write it down on waking. My love of paranormal inspired the book.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The first book was a collection of stories and it was called “Bound for Passion”. A play on words as a number or the stories were about BDSM and the Lifestyle.

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

At first I struggled to use the words expected of an erotic writer but then I got feedback from three writer friends and they told me that they could tell that a woman had written the stories. They each gave me a few filthy words to use and I used them. Voila! An erotic writer was born.

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

Some of the events in my stories reflect real life. Just not always my life but stories that people love to tell me. I also base some of my characters on people that I know and have met through the years.

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

Part of my most recently published book about the paranormal and vampires was based in Whitby. A lot of the inspiration for the scenes came from a holiday I had there about four years ago. The cover of the book is from one of the many photos I took of Whitby Abbey and a most spectacular sunset.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

For the most part I design my own covers used a website called Canva. I try and portray what is happening in the books as best I can.

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

I think possibly the fact that you should never give up and accept what others believe your future should hold. With six children I still managed to gain a number of high qualifications. If you truly want something you just need the will to succeed.

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?

Oooh this is a hard one as I have so many peers our there. So many new authors. Let me think ono that. I have a few favourite writers that include Anne Rice, Dean Koontz and JRR Tolkien. I love a dark mysterious tale that takes me to another world.

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

Friends on Twitter supported and advised me. Especially the author John Dolan who continues to support me and I love his writing.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I am going to be submitting a book to a traditional publishers very soon and will continue to pursue a career but I think it is also a hard career to make any significant money in.

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

In the latest book, no. I, and others believe this is the best I have written so far. As in everything practice is important, and most writers improve as they continue to use their craft.

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

I always research my books. Particularly the areas the books are set in. I firmly believe that we continue to learn all our lives.

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

I would love Eleanor Tomlinson to play the main female role. She played Demelza in Poldark on the BBC.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Listen to others and network. Get a good editor and use beta readers. Listen to constructive criticism. Get your social networks set up first as if people have no clue you have written a book, then how can they buy it?

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Maybe they could try one of my books? I have one available free if they signup to my newsletter on my website.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am currently reading a book by Lavinia Urban. A friend and fellow author that lost her fight with cancer this week. A fellow Indie author and a lovely, funny, and inspirational individual. The book is “It’s Complicated: Owen (The Dating Game Book 2)

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Not the first but I remember the first book my big brother and his girlfriend bought me as a present and still have it today. It is Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Slapstick comedy the likes of Bridgit Jones and Lucille Ball makes me laugh and the likes of the Notebook makes me cry.

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

I would love to meet Charles Dickens, as I love his books and would love to meet the person behind those amazing books.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I love going to the gym as I was an amateur bodybuilder many moons ago. Horses are a particular love of mine and I used to compete in something called “Working Hunter”. Although due to problems with my knees I don’t ride often anymore. My big love is music and I love to sing and go to live gigs.

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

Just watched the final episode of Poldark last night. I love a variety of genre but especially scifi and fantasy . Lord of the Rings, Stargate, Star Wars, Life on Marsm Ashes to Ashes, DC and Marvel films

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Food is awkward for me due to my many allergies and intolerance but I love steak and asparagus. Chicken fajitas and salmon.

My favourite colours are purple, red (scarlet!) and black.

I love a variety of genre but a particular fave is rock music particularly Rival Sons, The Eagles, Led Zep, Bowie, The Stones and Freddy Mercury

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

I will always manage to write. Be it by the use of help in the form of Dictate on Microsoft where I can say what I want to type. If Stephen Hawkins could continue to write I will find a way.

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

With my family and friends. I have six fantastic sons, six grandchildren and their partners and ex partners too. So many good friends in both the writing world and elsewhere.

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

That I never gave up. That I always fought for what I felt was right and true. That I made a difference.

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

I have a blog and a website, and you can receive a free book through Bookfunnel if you sign up for my newsletter. I also have a reader group I would love some new members.

This is my blog – https://missscarlettflame.blogspot.com

My website where you can sign up for my newsletter too – http://www.scarlettflame.com/

This is my readers group on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScarlettFlameRedHotReaders/

Amazon Authors page  UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlett-Flame/e/B00HA4TFDM/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

USA  https://www.amazon.com/Scarlett-Flame/e/B00HA4TFDM?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1566934037&sr=1-1

Thank you Fiona 😊