Here is my interview with Nancy Bach

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, everyone!  I’m Nancy Bach, and I’m, er, probably older than most of you!  Can we let it go at that?

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in Texas, USA, but have been a Damn Yankee for most of my adult life.  My father was career Airforce, so we moved all over the place, including overseas.  Right now I live in the suburbs of Chicago.

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

The most important thing about me is that I’m a wee bit crazy.  Then again, most of the fun people are, right?  I’m an avid learner, have a silly number of undergraduate degrees, and read constantly, both fiction and non-fiction.  If I could earn a living learning, I’d be doing that!  I’ve got a wonderful husband, two teens and spend a great deal of time spoiling Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, the very pushy poodle.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m really excited about the upcoming release of the first book in my new steampunk series, Blind Justice, a Coggs & Cole Adventure.  It will release in late winter (yeah, I know, that seems like forever away!).  Production was delayed longer than I wanted on this one, but things seem to be coming together with my publisher at long last!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I literally have been writing since I was old enough to hold a crayon.  Telling stories (I believe my mother might have called them lies… 😊) was almost instinctual.  I love to entertain, love to invent new worlds and characters.  It is my passion.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve always self-identified as writer, ever since I made up a story about a character called Mr. Peacock in Kindergarten during music/story hour.  Now, ‘author’, that’s different.  I don’t think I really embraced the reality of being an author until several years after publishing my first book, when I was on a panel at a steampunk convention this past spring, with a couple of authors I really love.  Suddenly it dawned on me that it was all real, and not something I invented!  Definitely a champagne moment!

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was something I wrote when I was ten.  I still have it somewhere.  It was about twenty-five pages, had a cover and interior illustrations by my friend Kathy Davis, and was called, “The Mystery of the Old House”.  It was dreadful, and probably made the creators of Nancy Drew shudder in horror.  But I cut my teeth on mysteries and it was a logical place for me to start.

My first legitimate novel, published under my pen name Nan Sampson, was inspired by a confluence of things; visit to a small town in Southwestern, my love for coffee shops, my enduring passion for mysteries, and my urge to write something that dabbled in the supernatural without being an urban fantasy.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title, Blind Justice, refers to both the protagonist, who has been blinded and the nature of the mystery of the book (we have a serial killer on the loose).  It started out as a working title, and I ended it up

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

For my steampunk novels, I absolutely revel in Victorian speech patterns.  It is so much fun to use all those lovely words and phrases.  At the same time, no matter what I’m writing, my voice is very similar to my own conversational style (without the endless asides, as I tend to wander all over before getting to a point).  Friends have said they can hear my voice when they read my books.  I’m not afraid to use a big word, if I believe it’s the right one.  A couple of editors I’ve worked with believed writers should dumb down their language, but how else are people supposed to learn new words if they only ever encounter familiar ones?  Besides, I choose my words carefully, and if I use a word, it’s the one I feel best says what I’m trying to say.

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

My main character in Blind Justice, Jonathan, is a wealthy man who comes from a life of privilege – um, that is so not me!  None of the characters I write are based on anyone I actually know, although I think all writers bring things to our work and our characters that come from our life.  That said, I never use real people as models.  The characters just sort of arrive in my head, a sort of subconscious confluence of events and observations and a healthy dose of inspiration from my Muse.  I also do a heck of a lot of research.  In one novel, I needed to create a special chemical for airships.  My husband is a PhD in chemistry, so he was the first person I went to for ideas.  And my own experience with loss frequently appears to inform my character’s reactions.  But by and large, there is very little resemblance to anyone real in my books, outside of actual historical figures.

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

I wish!  Unfortunately, as I don’t have endless amounts of money, a lot of my local details have to come from reliable sources, people I know that live in the places I write about.  If I have to write about a city or country I am not familiar with, I do my very best to do copious amounts of research, so that someone who does live there doesn’t get thrown out of the story because I got something really basic wrong.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I have the most amazing cover designer.  I use Ravenborn Covers, and Anika is just fabulous!

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

I find I have a couple of themes that crop up over and over in my work.  The first is the notion of found family – people you meet on your life’s journey who you click with, who you care deeply for and who care deeply for you.  You don’t need to be related by blood to someone to forge an unbreakable bond with them.  Another theme is dealing with loss, something I have a bit of experience with.  Finally, I would hope that everyone who reads my work walks away with the sense that there is HOPE.  If we don’t have hope, I’m not sure what we’d have that gets us out of bed in the morning.

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

New authors… oh, yes, lots of good new stuff out there.  I read widely, in many genres.  In mystery, I recently read the sophomore novel of a really excellent author named Carol Shay Hornung.  The Ghost of Heffron College is part mystery, part thriller, part coming of age.  If you’re into Urban Fantasy, I would recommend checking out R.R. Virdi’s The Grave Report series.  If you like Jim Butcher, you’ll love Virdi.

But my favorite author?  Of all time?  Oh, my, you’ve stepped in it now!  My friends roll their eyes when anyone asks me this, because I jump right up on my soap box and begin to preach. 😊 I am a RABID Roger Zelazny fan.  Roger was a brilliant storyteller, a poet, a wizard with words, had a rapier-sharp wit, and could play with the rules of storytelling better than any other writer I’ve ever encountered.  He could craft a sentence so beautiful, so evocative, that the image stayed with you forever.  Prolific, poetic, snarky, Roger had it ALL!  His style, his voice, has definitely influenced my own, even when I’m writing outside the SF/F genre.  He’s been gone now for over 20 years, and I often wondered what fabulous stories he could have gone on to tell, had he not been taken from us too soon.

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

That’s easy.  My oldest friend, someone I’ve known since high school, Ellen has been my Rock of Gibraltar.  She has believed in me all along, pushed me to succeed.  I have so many wonderful supportive friends, but Ellen has been there since the very beginning and has never allowed me to give up.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I would love it to be a career, but I’m no spring chicken and I have a family to support.  I write because I love to do it.  If it supports me later on (it’s not right now), fantastic.  There won’t ever come a time, however, when I don’t write.  It’s who I am, part of my soul.  I did it before people paid me to do it, and I’ll do it after as well!

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

My latest book?  No, wouldn’t change a thing, unless I could magically clone myself so that I could get more done faster! Anyone got a spare Time Turner I could borrow? 😊

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

I always learn something, when I write.  For an upcoming series, The Harrogate Chronicles, the first book took place in the mountains of Ecuador, so I got to expand my knowledge not only of the Inca, but about cloud forests and condors and llamas and all sorts of things.  I literally have to pull myself out of the research to start the writing because learning about things is just too much fun!

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

I have no idea.  Whatever I have in my head is going to be different from what the reader has in theirs. I’m open to suggestions from your readers.  Bring on the ideas, please!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write.  Just. Keep. Writing.  Never let anyone tell you that you can’t or shouldn’t.  When you write, you learn how to write better.  No one starts out as Neil Gaiman or Agatha Christie or J.K. Rowling or whoever you admire.  Don’t let lack of time, energy, or other people stand in your way. Even if you only have time or energy or motivation to write five words a day, every word piles on the one before.Bottom line, if you want to be a writer, the best way to do that is to write.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Please please please please please leave reviews of books you read.  Mine, Nora Roberts’s, Stephen King’s.  Reviews serve both the author (to help more people who like those types of books find their books), but also the readers, so that they can find new books similar to what they know they like.  Every author on the planet will thank you.  Including me! ❤

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I have three books in progress.  I listen to audio books in the car and am “re-reading” Lois McMaster Bujold’s “The Vor Game” on my commute now.  I am also reading the new J.D. Robb’s new Eve Dallas novel, “Vendetta in Death”.  Finally, I’m reading Dennis Lehane’s “A Drink Before the War”.  I take my time with Lehane because his prose style is so clean and sparse and elegant, that I like to savour it while I learn from it.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I’ve been reading since I was three.  I don’t remember specifically which book was first, but I can only assume it was some Dr. Seuss book, I had oodles of them.  I read every Nancy Drew I could get my hands on, and I would come home from the Scholastic Book Fair every year with stacks of books.  It was the one thing my mom totally indulged me in.  By the time I was ten or eleven, I had read through my parent’s library of books in addition to the kid books.  That’s where I got the mystery bug:  Dorothy Sayers, Earl Stanley Gardner, Agatha Christie, Ellery Queen, Rex Stout, Conan Doyle.  All of these were readily available in our house and I gobbled them up greedily.  Then in high school, my cousin turned me on to science fiction and fantasy:  Asimov, Zelazny, Heinlein, Alfred Bester, Ben Bova, Larry Niven, to start.  Later, it was McCaffrey, Bujold, Asprin, Stasheff, Adams, Pratchett, Gaiman.  On and on.  And I’ve never stopped!

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I cry at dog food commercials!  Anything sappy will bring me to tears, I’m just an old softie.  I’m also quick to laugh, I love physical humor, sarcasm, witty repartee.  What I don’t think is funny is things that are humiliating.  So, a lot of prank type stuff doesn’t really float my boat.

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

I am a history nut, so I can think of hundreds of people I’d love to spend a couple of hours with.  If I had to narrow it down, however, I would really love to meet Neil Gaiman.  He is a major source of inspiration, not only as a writer, but as a human being.  His book of essays about life and writing is something I review quite a lot.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Well, reading, obviously, is at the top of my list of things I enjoy.  I also garden, like to hike in the woods, and I play rather a lot of video games.  Probably too much!

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

I watch a LOT of mystery TV shows.  Most of them either British, Australian, or Canadian.  Shows like Mr. & Mrs. Murder, The Miss Fisher Mysteries, Poirot, Murdoch Mysteries, Death in Paradise.  I probably watch more TV than films, although I adore Loki in the Marvel movies, and my favorite franchise of ALL time is Indiana Jones.  I particularly enjoyed the recent production of Good Omens (Gaiman/Pratchett) – Michael Sheen and David Tennant were brilliant!I watch a lot of documentaries, a lot of retro TV, but frankly, these days, there just isn’t time for a lot of screen time.  I like movies and shows that have happy endings, that entertain and take folks out of their own problems for a while.  I want to walk away smiling.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Some of my favorite things:

I love fall, hate summer.  I love fresh croissants, gooey caramel, pumpkin spice lattes, the color emerald green, live theatre, all doggos, the night sky, the ocean, being silly, wearing hats, and if I could dress like anyone, it would be Stevie Nicks!

My musical tastes are extremely eclectic.  I love hard rock, like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, soft rock like Al Stewart or Stephen Bishop, prog rock (Pink Floyd!), newer stuff like Panic! at the Disco, Imagine Dragons, and Twenty-One Pilots, classical, jazz, new age.  Heck, I even like K-pop (yes, I said that in public!).  For writing, I tend to gravitate towards instrumentals, like David Arkenstone, Chris Spheeris, Audio Machine, Two Steps from Hell.The only thing I don’t really dig much is hip-hop.  Not that there’s anything wrong with it, just not my gig.

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

I don’t think I can stretch my imagination that far!  Creating worlds, characters, stories, it’s my reason for breathing.  I honestly don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t write.  Guess I’d read a lot more!

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

I’d spend it with my friends and family.  Writing is what I do, but my family and friends, the people I love are the most important thing to me.  We’d eat and laugh and enjoy the hours.

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

Read my books  ???  Hahahaha.  Gosh, I really don’t know, I plan on being cremated. But if I were to have one, I’d love to be all philosophical and wise, but I’m too much of a smartaleck.  Maybe: The Adventure Continues… 😊

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

Readers can visit me two places these days:

For SF/F readers, you’ll find info on my upcoming steampunk series and more at www.nancybach.com For my mystery readers, see me at www.nansampson.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/nancybachauthor

 

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Here is my interview with Paul Lavender

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, thanks for having me. My name is Paul Lavender and I am 51 years old!

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from Gateshead in the U.K, but I currently live in Worcester U.K (due to move in 2 weeks though).

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

I was lazy at school, but excelled in History and English Literature. I have been an Electrician and a Logistics Manager, currently i am the main carer for my ten year old son Son (he has Aspergers, Sensory Processing and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis). I’m married to Samantha (over 20 years together) who goes to work while do the cooking, cleaning, ironing etc

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m currently working on Return to Ashen Falls (a follow up collection of short stories), a re-write of The Eighth God, a back-to-back book of 2 stories of historical fantasy…AND a City Watch book (also set in Ashen Falls)!

Not book related…we are soon to move to a new house (4th October) and i’m going into hospital for major bowel surgery (7th October)!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I wrote a lot of short stories in my late teens/early twenties, but they were pretty dire. I’ve returned to writing a few years ago as something to do when not keeping house.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When i had my first review from someone i didn’t know.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

It’s an mix of lots of RPG’s I used to play…AD&D, Warhammer Fantasy, Tunnels & Trolls etc

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The Elves in my world have seven gods, but they’re wrong. They also think Half- Elves are almost beneath contempt. There is an Eighth God and he is Half-Elven.

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

With fantasy stories I just make stuff up (I’m a Pantser), whereas with historical fantasy you have to read a lot of books on history and give it a little twist. I like to call my books GrimLark rather than Grimdark, as they have an element of slapstick in them now and again.

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

As I’ve mentioned previously most of the main characters are old RPG characters… Saethryth is a Fighter/Thief/Acrobat in AD&D, Melress is a Cleric/Magic-User, and when we get to him Erekose is a Fighter (with a cursed ring that makes him a Paladin at random times).

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

No, I don’t need to travel.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I get my covers from thebookcoverdesigner.com, the artist is betibup33.

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

There will be an overarching message…which is probably ‘You didn’t expect that, did you?’!

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?

M.S. Olney, Damien Black, Charles Phipps are all good authors. I love Terry Pratchett for his ability to make everything absurd about life.

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

Charles Phipps. The greatest supporter of all self published authors.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes.

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

Due to lack of funds I had to do everything on the cheap. If I could I would have started earlier when I was working and money wasn’t such an issue.

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

Get an editor!

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

There isn’t really a lead in The Eighth God as it’s from several perspectives.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Be patient. Don’t rush your book out like I did.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I don’t have that many of them, but id just like to say thank you for sticking by me.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike, and The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures by John and Caitlin Mathews.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The earliest book I remember reading is The Silver Sword.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Comedy makes me laugh! All the crap my son has had to put with with his health makes me cry.

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

J.R.R Tolkien! We share a birthday (although some years apart!) and I could do with some world building tips!

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I play way to many games on the Xbox!

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

I watch a lot of stuff on Netflix…Grimm, Z Nation, Punisher etc. I’m currently watching The Umbrella Academy.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Scampi or Steak. My favourite colour is Red, and music wise it’s power metal all the way! Kamelot, Epica, Sonata Artica, Avantasia etc

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

Play XBox.

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

Reading. I have a huge backlog to get through!

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

He was quite mad, you know.

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

My website is https://pslavender.wixsite.com/the-orcslayers

Amazon authors page USA https://www.amazon.com/Paul-S-Lavender/e/B01LWUUY7X?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1568536981&sr=1-1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paul-S-Lavender/e/B01LWUUY7X/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Thank you for the interview.

 

Here is my interview with Rachel Anne Cox

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 Rachel Anne Cox, and I am 38 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but I have lived in Utah for the past 13 years.

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

I was told once that my life should be a Lifetime movie. But we won’t get into that here. The short version is that I lived the first 25 years of my life in Louisiana. I moved to Utah to escape an abusive relationship and start a new life. I studied theatre for two years, then graduated with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing in 2010 and a master’s in English in 2012. I now teach English at Weber State University and happily write my books with most of my free time. I have four sisters, and 24 fantastic nieces and nephews who all hold my heart in their hands. And I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

The absolute latest news is that my debut novel A Light from the Ashes will be released on September 30 of this year.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have been writing in some form or another my whole life. I think the first thing I ever wrote was a play when I was about 8 years old. After that, I wrote a family newspaper weekly. I’ve kept a consistent life journal since I was 15. Poetry, short stories, and finally novels…it has all been an outpouring of feelings and ideas that I never could silence. I didn’t ever feel like I had a choice about writing. It’s just something that naturally happened, like breathing.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Although I played around with writing stories all through high school, I didn’t really consider myself a writer until I was in college. I had gone to study theatre, and I truly thought I wanted to be a musical theatre actress. When life took me down another path and I began studying English, I took my first fiction writing class in 2008. That same year, I started my first real novel, and I entered one of my short stories in my university’s annual fiction writing contest. When my story won first place and I had a public reading, I thought, “This is it. Now I am a writer.” I never looked back after that, but just jumped in head and heart first.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

As I said, I started writing my first novel (as yet unpublished) as an adult during college. I didn’t finish it until I graduated with my master’s degree. I had been reading about and studying Boston marriages and romantic friendships of the late 19^th and early 20^th century for a few years. They fascinated me. In 2008, I rediscovered my love of Sarah Orne Jewett’s writing and started reading about her life. She too lived in a Boston marriage with Annie Adams Fields. I was drawn to the idea that these relationships between women were normalized and encouraged in society for many years. No one thought anything of them until about the time of the suffrage movement around 1910 in the United States. I thought, “What if there was a story about one of these established relationships and what those women would go through after society’s shift in ideology?” So, I was inspired by the relationship between Sarah Orne Jewett and Annie Adams Fields, but my characters were fictional.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title of that first book is Loving Silence. I took it from a line from a Sarah Orne Jewett poem “Verses,” “Each is so sure of all the friendship sweet,/The loving silence gives no thought of pain.”

The title of my debut novel A Light from the Ashes was born out of the story itself. Light, fire, and rebirth were recurring metaphors throughout the story. I wanted to reflect that, and I also wanted the title to represent the hope that is inherent in the story.

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

My style could be termed literary. I love words and crafting beautiful sentences, almost like painting a picture. My current challenge is jumping between genres. My new release is dystopian fiction, but my other projects are all historical fiction. It is interesting how an author can be pigeon holed sometimes into a particular genre, but I am determined to write whatever stories come to me in whatever genre. Another challenge is willing myself to stop researching after a while and actually begin writing chapters. Research for my novels is always so fascinating and compelling to me that I could easily drown in it. But there comes a time when you have to say, “I know enough about the setting and my characters’ lives. Now it’s time to get on with the story.”

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

Most writers draw from their own life experiences in some way or another. All of my characters contain pieces of me, pieces of people I have known, or snippets of real dialogue from my life here or there. But are any of them a direct representation of people in my life or an exact retelling of an event? No. The joy for me is in the piecing together, in the creation of entirely new stories out of the old.

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

I haven’t up to this point. However, I am planning a research trip to New York and Massachusetts next year. The subject of my current project lived most of her life in New York, and there is a collection of her papers at Harvard that I need to dive into.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

For A Light from the Ashes, my publisher introduced me to a wonderful cover designer, Judith Nicholas of Judith S. Design and Creativity.

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

Mostly the idea of hope and never giving up the fight as long as there is breath in your body. Dystopian novels are inherently dark and sound an alarm of warning. But I firmly believe that dystopian authors write these stories not to embrace the darkness, but to fight it and help people and society find a different path, a brighter path.

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?

Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere, is a fantastic newer author. That is the best book I have read in the last couple of years. I couldn’t put it down. Another is Kate Mulgrew, the actress. She has written two memoirs and is currently writing a novel, I believe. She is a fantastic story teller.

It is nearly impossible to choose just one favorite author when I read well over 30 books a year. But some of my favorites are Harper Lee, Ray Bradbury, Virginia Woolf, John Steinbeck, Louisa May Alcott, Elizabeth Gaskell, Lucy Maude Montgomery, Margaret Atwood, and Edith Wharton. The connecting tie between all of them is the beauty of their language, and their ability to pull me into the worlds they create completely, without reservation.

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

Again, how to name just one? I have what I lovingly term my committee, a few solid, ever-supportive friends and advisors. They have listened to more than their fair share of story-boarding sessions, manic ramblings about characters as if they are real people, and despair when I had to say goodbye to those characters.

My professors in college have always been kind, supportive, and encouraging of this crazy dream.

And the wonderful lady to whom A Light from the Ashes is dedicated, my high school English teacher. She believed in me not just as a writer, but at a time when I was in desperate need of support and encouragement, she strengthened me and believed in me as a human being. She made me believe I could do and be more than I was. She saw potential in me and nurtured it.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. 100%.  I do have a “day job” for now as well. But so much of my energy and goals are about the writing. And I write every single day, just like a job. It is the career I nurture.

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

No, I don’t believe I would. I worked on this book for three solid years. Rewrite after rewrite. Editing upon editing. And through that process, I think it has become the best story it could be.

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

Absolutely. I feel like I am constantly learning. One thing that comes to mind from this specific book is that I learned to let my characters tell me their stories and stop controlling them. Basically, I learned to let go of control. I made a plan in the beginning, but kept myself open to inspiration and changes along the way. This created a more organic and realistic story.

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

Funny story: I always cast my stories with actors and actresses in my mind, as it helps me picture my characters as real people. This particular book is an ensemble cast. If I had my ideal wish, the characters would be played by: Sam Worthington as my main character Sam, Jessica Chastain as Sophie, Essie Davis as Jesse, Morgan Freeman as Zacharias to name a few.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Two pieces of advice come to mind. One, write about something you are passionate about. If you aren’t passionate about your subject, no amount of willpower will get you through the tough spots.

Two, show up to write every single day. Don’t wait for the inspiration to strike you. If you write consistently every day, the inspiration will come to you.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

First, thanks for reading. Also, never stop reading. Books and reading represent some of the best that is in humanity.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Several: Wuthering Heights, The Library Book, Maude Adams: Idol of American Theater, Peter Pan, and To Kill a Mockingbird.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I feel like it was probably either Who’s a Pest or The Pokey Little Puppy. But the first books that made a real impact on me were the Anne books by Lucy Maude Montgomery. The first book two books that made me cry were Anne’s House of Dreams and Rilla of Ingleside from that series.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I laugh every single day at so many things. I cry over films, when I’m happy, and when I miss people I love.

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

There are lots, but right now, it would probably be Maude Adams. I am currently writing about her, and she is the most fascinating enigma of a person I’ve ever come across, and a truly beautiful and kind human being.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I play the piano, sing, dabble at painting and photography. I also love taking nature walks every day.

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

I love classic movies from the 30s to the 60s and any and all British television and film. Some favorite shows include: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Gentleman Jack, Call the Midwife, Frasier, Will and Grace, Friends, and Grey’s Anatomy.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Foods: Chocolate or Cajun food from back home. I’m quite fond of sushi, Indian, and Italian food.

My favorite colors are purple and blue.

I have eclectic tastes when it comes to music. Broadway musicals, indie folk, 40s music, 70s and 80s music, film scores, and lots more.

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

Do I have to imagine a future where I don’t write? That just sounds sad. But if I weren’t writing, I would probably go back to doing musical theatre in some capacity or another. I would most likely continue teaching as well.

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

I want to spend my last hours with family and friends, soaking in all the love this world has to offer.

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

“She loved completely, lived fearlessly, and gave selflessly.”

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

 Absolutely! My website is: https://rachelannecoxwriter.com. Readers can also follow me on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/rachel_anne_cox_writer/ or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rachelannecoxwriter/.

 Amazon Authors page USA https://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Anne-Cox/e/B07XWJWK7Z?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1568451812&sr=1-6

UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rachel-Anne-Cox/e/B07XWJWK7Z?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5&qid=1568451793&sr=1-5

Here is my interview with Paul Lubaczewski

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?

Paul Lubaczewski 49

Fiona: Where are you from?

Originally, I was born in Philadelphia PA, I grew up outside of the city. For the last 15 years I’ve lived in WV. Philly is a place that humours me, but it does a better job of it from a distance. It only took living in six major cities to discover, that I don’t like living in a city. Better late than never I suppose.

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

Well, let’s skip childhood, its depressing really, and a long time ago. I’ve been married for over 21 years now to my wife Leslie, we have a son at home in college, and two adult daughters living north of the Mason-Dixon. As far as education, diplomas in ecology and environmental science, which are kind of useless in a lot of way, but hey, I know things.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Still going through the book tour for my latest novel “I Never Eat…Cheesesteak” my next “Cult of the Gator God” should be arriving just in time to start the whole thing up again. Also have had shorts out recently in Dark Dossier, and the punkploitation anthology “Kids of the Black Hole” from St. Rooster Press

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Been writing my whole life really, I’ve just avoided writing fiction until this decade, mainly because I’m a born contrarian and everyone always said I’d be one. But wrote poetry, and lyrics for a variety of punk bands, then I wrote record reviews for Spark-Plug Magazine. About four years ago, I decided maybe I should stop wasting whatever talents I’m lucky to have, small as they might be.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Well, I suppose you’re officially one when you get your first piece published. So about 4 years ago when I had my first piece in Schlock! Uk

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I had two books running at the same time. One, which hasn’t been published yet, is a big fat doorstop fantasy, which I wrote for the simplest of reasons. My wife wanted one. She’d ran out of things to read, was re-reading a lot of things. So I wrote her a novel. Cheesesteak which is out combines three of my favourite things, horror, Philly, and jokes.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

“I Never Eat…Cheesesteak” is a play on Bela Lugosi’s famous “I never drink….wine.”

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

It depends really, if I’m writing shorts I give myself free reign so that’s fun time I guess. Horror Comedy, comedy of any sort really does take a lot of time for revisions. Every additional pass, you add jokes. So if you think, “Well I’ve written it, I’m done,” you’re in for disappointment.

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

I think the trick is to grab enough traits from enough people that nobody can recognize themselves in the character, but everybody can recognize themselves. There isn’t one person thinking you based a character on them, but just about everyone knows someone like that, or sees a bit of themselves in that character.

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

So far I’ve been keeping it to places I’ve been, of course, having been to a lot of different places, and lived in a lot of different places certainly helps with that. I’d certainly recommend travel, it gives you points of view you’d never have otherwise.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publisher has been providing covers.

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

I don’t know if it’s possible to still have a coherent message after telling that many jokes. Generally if I put a message in there, I want it to be such a part of the story that it’s left you thinking a bit, without feeling like you were preached to at all.

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 guess I have more favourite writers. They all do different things I admire. Overall if I had to pick, I’d say Roger Zelazny, I strongly respect his ability to take chances, and never deliver the same thing twice unless it was in a series. If you read “A Night In Lonesome October” and “Creatures of Light and Darkness” you’d never guess it was the same author. Jeff Strand I like a lot, his ability to drop a serious horror novel right after, well I mean he’s done funny Y/A, that’s impressive.  As far as newer authors, I’m friends with a lot of them, so guys and gals, check to see if you’re on my friends list on Facebook. You are? Vous etes extraordinaire

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

My best friend Steven Godfrey for starters. But most of my friends did, which, when you’re just getting started you really need to deal with rejections and what have you. Jeff Strand and Sab Grey gave me great back cover blurbs. Lots of magazine and anthology publishers. My book publisher. Etc
It takes a village to make a pompous author. 🙂

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

At this point I think I’m relatively committed. One novel out, one coming, an anthology coming, over 50 shorts published in various places, and way more written and being written.

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

There are some jokes I thought of after the fact, but overall I try not to nit pick what I’ve done and worry more about what I’m going to do.

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

I think you learn little things every go round. Words you over use, things you had to research. Writing is always a learning process, you get better the more you do it.

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

Post Malone, no! Kidding. Dylan O’brien might work

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Keep hammering at it. I see a lot of people quit because it’s hard to get in to the business, and you always feel like you’re not where you expected to be. Best truth I can tell you, you wont get to that spot if you throw up your hands and quit.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I am actually pretty quiet in person. Oh sure I’m thinking jokes all the time…. So if you ever invite me to a party, please have the decency to own a pet so I have someone to talk to.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

“Road To Mars” by Eric Idle

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I am going to guess it involved the Bobbsey Twins and I was like six. But every Halloween my mom used to read the Legend Of Sleepy Hollow

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Most things make me laugh. There’s humour in just about everything when you find the angle where it’s funny. What makes me cry? The end of Jimmy Stewart/Frank Capra films….like a baby

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

Jack London. Union organizer, gold rush prospector, war correspondent, traveler, man who really went and found the last great frontiers I might not agree with everything about the man, but the thing is, that’s part of what makes him fascinating. In reality I think most people from earlier times come with some objectionable views. Or Kurt Vonnegut, which would have been the safer choice, I do love his sense of the absurd.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Caving, hiking, music, photography

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

Horror movies as far as films, I mean I watch other stuff, but that’s my first love. TV…..for something that is routinely on, I don’t really watch it watch it. Which is funny because something like the Young Ones I can toss on and still enjoy it.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Cheesecake, and for that matter Cheesesteak. Red and black. 70S and 80s punk mostly. There’s lot of other stuff, 50s blues, psychobilly, neue deutsche harte, but at the end of the day I’m most likely listening to CockSparrer, the Subhumans, the Germs or something like that

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

Concentrate on music like I haven’t for years most likely. I have to do something to keep myself busy.

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

With my wife, most likely hiking or something.

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

To quote Jim Carroll, “It’s too soon, to ask me for the words someone carved on my tomb”
Actually I want to be cremated, and then two words.
Fire
Works

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

https://lubaczewski.wordpress.com/

or just look for my page on Facebook

Goodreads link to the book
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46196262-i-never-eat-cheesesteak
My Amazon page USA
https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lubaczewski/e/B01DQAEB1Y/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paul-Lubaczewski/e/B01DQAEB1Y?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1568334862&sr=1-2

Here is my interview with Peggy A. Wheeler

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?

Peggy A. Wheeler, age 65.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Born in Bishop, California, in the High Sierras, but raised further down and closer to the coast in southern California.

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

I’ve a B.A. from UCLA, and a masters from California State University, Northridge.  Both of my degrees are in English literature with a creative writing emphasis.  As a graduate student, I majored in poetry.

My mother and father are both deceased. I’ve no siblings.  I’m on my second marriage and will stay here. We’ve enjoyed a test run of nearing 30 years.  I think we are compatible. Hahaha.  I have one daughter born in 1972 who I adore, her husband, my wonderful son-in-law, and two biological granddaughters who are all grown up and living their best lives.  I’ve a few paternal cousins I see rarely.  But my immediate family, those I see most often, are — my husband, Steve, our canine kids, and my sister-in-law.  I don’t have much family to speak of.  But the family I have, both biological and chosen, are magnificent people and I love them all so very much.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My publisher, Dragon Moon Press, released my fifth title, The Desert Raven, on August 5, 2019.  This novel is the second in The Raven’s Daughter series and, although I do not yet have many reviews, those that I’ve received are jaw-droppingly beautiful. Readers tell me they like this second book even better than The Raven’s Daughter.  I was so concerned that it would not be as good.  I feel pretty damned lucky.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t a storyteller and loved to write.  My first “book” was a memoire called “My Life.”  I was sixyearsold, and oh so proud of that book. I even illustrated it myself.  I fantasized the teacher would wold give me an A+++ for this most excellent piece, and call me up in front of the class so I could read my masterpiece to the classroom.  Instead, my teacher gave me a C- and told my mother in front of me at a parent-teacher conference that I should never try to write because I have zero ability.  I guess you can say that was my first rejection. My heart shattered, and I cried all night, but nearly sixty years later, I’m still writing.  So there’s that.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Always.  My first real job was as a technical writer.  Throughout the years, I’ve had a number of poems published and earned awards for several.  I didn’t try my hand at novel writing until age 57, though.  My publisher released my debut novel, The Raven’s Daughter, when I was age 61, and I’m still writing my little old heart out.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was not my first “published” book.  My debut novel is The Raven’s Daughter.  My first book ever is The Splendid and Extraordinary Life of Beautimus Potamus.  My family inspired it, meaning mostly my daughter, granddaughters, and my mother.  I’d had a dream about one of those dancing hippos in Disney’s Fantasia, and decided for fun to write the life story about one of them. It’s a largely humorous spoof on the world we live in and is classed as an allegorical fantasy with some drama, mystery, and a terrible war.  Not one character is human and it takes place on a fantastical planet.  Think Watership Down mashed up with Dark Crytal or Avatar.

My mother at the time I worked on it lived in a long-term nursing facility, so I’d take bits of pieces of chapters, sit by her side, and read them to her every day.  Although she suffered from severe dementia, she loved the book.  Unfortunately, she passed before publishing, but I dedicated the book to her.

A couple of years ago, the book won a coveted Reviewer’s Choice Award for the Audible version.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I came up with the title from the character’s name and her many adventures.

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

I have my own voice, as does every writer, but I can’t say there is any one way to distinguish my style.  I write mostly cross-genre stories, such as Supernatural Mystery Thriller, Urban Fantasy/Science Fiction, Allegorical Fantasy/Mystery, and Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian/Adventure.  The challenge is some others prefer I stick only to one genre, and think I’d be more successful writing in a single genre. I’ve a friend, another writer who is quite successful, who tells me, “find a planet and land on it.”  But I love to explore different genres.  Depending on what the readers like best, I may flesh out one genre, but right now, I’m having a blast travelling the genre map.

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

Most of my first book is pure fiction, and only based loosely on those who inspired it.  It’s almost a re-telling of my own character, although I’m far less brave than my MC, Beautimus Potamus.  In truth, I wish I were more like her.

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

Sometimes I do travel.  Other times, I rely on the library or Google for research.  My husband and I were recently in Ireland, and I did some research while there for the next in The Raven’s Daughter series, which I am so far am planning to set in County Wicklow and Dublin City, The Republic of Ireland, and some in Belfast City, County Atrim, Northern Ireland.  We hope to return this coming year to not only visit dear friends, but for additional research on the mythology and lore of the Emerald Isle.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publisher is a gifted cover artist.

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

Not sure which novel.  For Beautimus Potamus I think the message is, “Never doubt yourself. You are far stronger and more powerful than you can imagine.”  She starts in the book as someone with horrific self-esteem, low confidence, and body image issues, but under the most challenging of circumstances, she steps up and becomes heroic, strong, and wise, even saves lives.

For The Raven’s Daughter series, I’d say at least part of the underlying message is  “Accept your true nature.”  The MC, Maggie Tall-Bear Sloan, is half Yurok and half Irish, and she shapeshifts into a green-eyes raven from Yurok legend to solve heinous crimes.  However, she is in love with her Irish side and denies her Indigenous culture and ancestry, which cases her and those who love her no small amount of anguish.  She is even in denial about her shapeshifting, dismissing it as a series of strange dreams.  She’s sceptical, stubborn and harsh (some readers dislike her), but she has a good heart, loves her family more than anything, and after time, she gradually comes around.

For CHACO, one underlying message is, “People are rarely as they seem, and anyone can change.”

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 just read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.  This is not the first book she’s written (she’s penned non-fiction), but it is her debut fiction.  Her novel is beautiful, the writing, the storyline, the internal poetry, the characters.  I am inspired by this book to try my hand a literary fiction.  It’s that good.  And Ms. Owens has a sketchy past in Africa where she may have committed murder or one of her family members may have.  Unsolved. I know is she cannot ever return to Africa.  An author with an intriguing past always has great stories to write.

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

My publisher, Gwen Gades, the Queen of Dragon Moon Press, has always been supportive and is a champion for my success both for practical business reasons, and because she is a kind person who wants to support her authors in any way she can.  She was willing to take a chance on my books that no one else wanted, and I’m forever grateful to her.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes.  I don’t make a living from it yet, but writing is my “work,” my career for certain.

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

Not really.  My latest, The Desert Raven, came out with few if any errors, the storyline connects, the characters are solid, and the story is fun. I think there are no major plot holes, if any, and the pacing and rhythm works. Additionally, although it took me longer than I’d hoped to finish it, when I sat at my desk the story practically wrote itself.  Maybe there are a few minor errors that if I find, I would have wished I’d fixed.  But, really, that’s it.

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

I learn something from all my books.  I dive into research with passion even before I put one word on paper, and in that alone, I learn things that I never would have never known otherwise.  Maggie Tall Bear Sloan, the MC in the latest book and in my first in The Raven’s Daughter series, is my alter-ego.  She, like Beautimus Potamus, teaches me much about the inside me, my flaws, my strengths, my weaknesses, my triumphs, my fears, and my wishes, are embodied in my fictional characters.  I make them better versions of me, even the male protagonist, like Chaco in my dystopian-adventure tale, CHACO, is like me in many ways.  I think that’s what writers to – craft versions of themselves in developing their characters.

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

No.  I’d leave the acting up to the professionals.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

My favorite piece of advice to writers is from Margaret Atwood.  I saw her speak at a Los Angeles Book Festival some years back. She says, “Do not write what you know.  Write what you are passionate about.”

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I hope you find joy in reading my books because I write them for you.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Beloved, Toni Morrison.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The Saggy Baggy Elephant, a Golden Book.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Life.

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

The late great Gabriel Garcia Marquez.  I always loved his work and I am anticipating the film adaptation of his One Hundred Years of Solitude, one of my favorite books ever.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Soap making, cooking, gardening, travelling, volunteering, and of course, reading.

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

Last night we watched the last episode of The Spy, a Netflix original.  Good stuff.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

No favorite color, but I do tend gravitate toward deeper reds and sage greens.  Foods:  French peasant cuisine, Mexican, Salvadorian, Sushi, Seafood, Huge fresh salads with lots of goodies in them, and good Northern Italian.  Music:  I have extraordinarily eclectic musical tastes.  Symphonic, Jazz, blues, rock.  I also enjoy classic and contemporary world music from Africa, England, Scandinavian, all the Latin American countries, Cuba, Scotland, and Ireland.

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

Probably read more and travel more.  But I cannot imagine a future where I do not write.  “Writer” is my identification; it’s who I am, what I do, and where my heart lies.

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

On a sandy tropical beach in a little hut overlooking the water, with my husband. We’d play in the surf and sit in the sand with some sweet icy rum cocktails in-hand.  Please do add a kitschy paper umbrella. Of course, I would call all my friends and my family to tell them how much I love them. Then I would craft a goodbye letter filled with gratitude for the time I had on the planet and leave the letter in the hut for a friend or relative to find.   Oh…and we’d eat.  Pig out on all our faves.

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

Peggy A. Wheeler, Writer of Fantastical Fiction.

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

My website is in dire need of updating, but it’s https://peggyawheeler.com/ .  I probably need someone with more technical experience than have I to help with updates.  Otherwise, anyone is welcome to contact me at PAWheelerwriter@gmail.com.  That’s my biz e-mail.

Amazon authors page USA https://www.amazon.com/Peggy-A-Wheeler/e/B00PRDA1I6/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peggy-A-Wheeler/e/B00PRDA1I6?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1568239091&sr=1-2

Here is my interview with Diane Saxon

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.

Hi Fiona, thank you very much for having me. My name is Diane Saxon.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m a bit of a nomad really. I was born in Lincoln, but lived in various places around the world growing up as my father was in the RAF.

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

I’m the youngest of four. I have an older brother and two sisters. We lived in Zambia when I was a little girl and also Germany. I had a fantastically free childhood running barefoot mostly, climbing trees and riding bareback horses when I had the opportunity. We travelled extensively throughout Europe in a caravan while my dad was posted to Germany and spent an entire summer on a beach in Sardinia with all the RAF cadets under my dad’s tutelage.

These days I’m happy to live in the country between cow fields and agricultural land with my own cats, dogs and chickens.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’ve recently signed a four-book deal with Boldwood Books for my new psychological crime thriller series. The first book is due for release on 1^st October 2019.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I dabbled a little, but I consider my first actual writing began in 2012 when I decided to leave the over-demanding job I was in and with my husband’s encouragement took a year out to write Loving Lydia.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

As soon as I had the first positive response from a publisher which validated my writing.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve always loved to read and I have a hugely vivid imagination, but it was the cowboy who made me write it…

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It simply came with the writing of the story.

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

I do have a style. I’m not sure I can identify it, but my stories are very character driven. They’re in my head and they direct the story.

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

The Keeper is pure fantasy, but totally based on research and experience to ensure I get the procedures right. I never base any character on someone I know, but I can sometimes just pick one idiosyncrasy that I notice and work a character around that.

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

No. I love to travel, but its not necessary. The Keeper was based around where I lived a few years back. It’s very dark and atmospheric.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Boldwood Books are fantastic. They talked to me in depth about my preferences and then went away and produced a fantastic cover for The Keeper.

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

Yeah, don’t dangle a dog lead around your neck when you’re out walking in the woods. Lol!

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?

 Yes, there are some really good new authors currently, Sarah Ward (I’ve also met her, she’s brilliant at presenting), Angela Marsons. Favourite authors are scattered across the genres:

Karin Slaughter                                               Karen Robards

Cherry Adair                                                   Anne Stuart

Karen Rose                                                     Nora Roberts/J D Robb

Linda Howard                                                Wilbur Smith

Lisa Gardner                                                   Susan Elizabeth Phillips

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

Outside of family, nobody knew until I had a contract.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. I have a full working day, every day apart from Saturday. I work at least 8 hours a day either writing or editing or marketing.

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

No. I’m still really in love with The Keeper and totally excited to see what people think about it.

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

I learn every time I write, especially when you have an excellent editor. I look to learn from them, to tweak my style. This time, as it’s a thriller, I’ve learnt to expand on the atmosphere and the surrounding area to invoke a more chilling tale.

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

I quite like the idea of Emilia Clarke for my main character, DS Jenna Morgan

And Elizabeth Olsen for Felicity Morgan, the younger sister

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Take it seriously. Write when you should be vacuuming. Write when you should be sleeping. Just write and believe in yourself. Don’t let others put you off.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Don’t be too scared. Read it to the end.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Good Sister – Karin Slaughter. I’m hooked.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No, but I remember the first book that made a real impression on me and that was The Princess Bride which my older sister, Margaret, read to me when I was about nine or ten. I fell in love. With romance, with action, with thriller all rolled into one fascinating story.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I love to laugh. I laugh most the time – sometimes inappropriately too.

I’m really tough though and rarely cry at life. Animals, films and babies make me cry.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Reading

Writing

Baking

Walking my gorgeous Dalmatian and lovely black Labrador every day in the woodlands and fields where I live.

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

The Great British Bake Off

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

I love Indian food and enjoy experimenting with different recipes.

Italian food is an absolute must in our house.

Favourite colours: Blue, purple.

Music – anything, I’m a big lover of music.

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

Scuba dive in the Caribbean

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

Investigating why I’m dying, who was killing me and could I put a stop to it.

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

She had a good life.

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

https://dianesaxon.com/

Amazon Author Page US               https://amzn.to/2jB0NKA

Amazon Author Page UK               https://amzn.to/2k01Gbq

Amazon.co.uk   –                              https://amzn.to/2U6VTUH

Amazon.com     –                              https://amzn.to/2HpjACm

Kobo                      –                              https://bit.ly/2lOSMDu

 

Here is my interview with Tanya Chris

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?

Tanya Chris

Old enough that hot flashes are my personal nemesis.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’ve lived in a few US states but mostly in Connecticut

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

My educational background is in computers, but I’m currently retired. I live a pretty introverted life with my fiancé.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My most recent release is Him Improvement, an opposites-attract story about a rich real estate developer and a used bookstore owner.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing seriously (meaning I actually finished what I wrote and then did something with it) in 2014 as part of NaNoWriMo.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think I’ve always considered myself a writer, just one who didn’t get a lot of writing done, but publishing my first book was a big step forward.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

The first book I wrote and published (it wasn’t the first book I published, but I did eventually publish it) was very wish-fulfilment. It was about a middle-aged woman with two younger lovers. I thought I’d enjoy that.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The book is called My Guys because the narrator has two guys.

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

In terms of genre, I’m all over the place, so the challenge is marketing. Not all my readers want to read all my books. But I’d say that what my books all have in common is that they’re character driven and, as my tagline says, feminist friendly.

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

None of my books are based on events in my own life, but they all include a little piece of me in there somewhere. I often use hobbies or places I know well to add color.

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

I have one book that’s based on a trip I took. It’s called High Lonesome and takes place in a mountain lodge. Other than that, most of my books are just set in the United States, typically somewhere I’ve at least visited. My default is Connecticut since that’s what I know best.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I’ve worked with a variety of cover designers, and if I only need something simple, I’ll do my own. The cover for Him Improvement was done by Alexandria Corza via Dreamspinner Press.

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

In Him Improvement, I’m trying to emphasize that compromise is possible and that people can learn and grow. Mac and Hailey, the two main characters, are in a position where they could treat each other as enemies, but they continually bend toward each other rather than away.

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?

Reading romances growing up, I was really impressed by Nora Roberts and how she could write so many books and have them all be so different. I strive to not write from a formula. In terms of new authors, I’ve got a few friends who released their first books recently and I think they’re all great but if I start naming them I’ll never stop.

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

Other writers have been great, especially those who are at the same spot in their careers or just a little ahead of me. In particular, there was one critique partner who kept pushing me to self-publish and then an in-person writing buddy who helped me with some of the early steps.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, but not one I expect to make day-job money from. I’m retired now, so this is supplemental income, but I do put a lot of hours into it every week.

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

Only the title. I came up with a few titles and ran them past some people, and they all chose this Him Improvement, but it wasn’t my favorite. I sort of wish I’d gone with the one I felt best represented the book even if it wasn’t as marketable.

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

This was my first time working with a publishing house rather than self-publishing, so there was a lot that was new. It was a great experience, which hopefully I’ll repeat.

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

The guy on the cover looks a little like Chris Evans, and I’m sure he’d be a box office draw.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

It’s not my advice but “you can’t edit a blank page.” Just keep writing, then keep editing, then keep submitting/publishing. Focus on whatever’s on your plate today, not who’s going to play the lead in the movie.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Just that I’m grateful to them, especially to my Kindle Unlimited readers who were the first to give me a chance.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Triangulation, the second book in the Borealis Investigations series. It’s amazing. More of a detective series than a romance series but there’s so much pining. I can’t wait for these two guys to get together.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No. I’ve always loved books but my memories don’t go that far back.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I was literally laughing out loud at some of the dialogue in Triangulation the other day. I usually only cry about happy things.

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

I’ve got a writing friend who lives across the country from me. I’d love to get together with him in person someday.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I’m a runner and a rock climber and I do light design for a community theater. You’ll see all that in my books.

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

I really don’t watch things. I much prefer to read.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I like sweets—chocolate, cake, all of it. My taste in music runs to Broadway musicals and pop if it’s catchy and has good lyrics. I’ve never managed to pick a favorite color. I have a least-favorite, which is pink. I’m tired of the pink.

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

I hope I don’t find out.

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

Eating all the sweets and making phone calls to tell people what they’ve meant to me.

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

I don’t want a headstone. Cemeteries feel like a waste of space to me.

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

Absolutely! Readers can visit my blog for updates or subscribe to my newsletter to have everything conveniently emailed about once a month. I have a free story collection which gets added to frequently and newsletter subscribers receive a password they can use to download the stories in mobi or epub format for offline reading.

Amazon authors page USA  https://www.amazon.com/Tanya-Chris/e/B01CT6MWRQ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1568213906&sr=1-1

UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tanya-Chris/e/B01CT6MWRQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

 

Here is my interview with Emily Alter

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

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

Hey, thank you so much for having me! My name is Emily Alter, I’m 21 –probably 22 by the time this interview goes live.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from a northern city in Spain. I also lived in an even smaller town ­(same country) that taught me to hate winter and snow with a raging passion. And now I’m going to be living in Madrid for the near future

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

So, I studied Psychology, and I’m starting a masters on Social Psychology this month –hence why I’m moving. I love everything that has to do with it, so we’ll see how it goes. As for family life, don’t know what I’m supposed to say. I only talk to my bio mother, pretty much. But I am in a poly family! And I have a Mommy/puppy relationship with my girlfriend.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Oh! I love this! So, last year I was contacted to take part in an anthology that would help kids in the Philippines. The theme is Enemies to Lovers, where I got to explore how one of my established couples in the series I’m working on got together, and after lots of work, it finally went live last month.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Ugh, now is when I sound super cliché, but… I’ve written for as long as I can remember. When I was a little kid my mother had one of like the first laptops, and I’d watch Xena the Warrior Princess and then write what would now be called ficlets about it. I wish I could have access to those files, to be honest.

But… Yeah. After that, I just kept writing, and reading, and writing some more. Sometimes it was just because I enjoyed it, and because I needed to let out all the stories, and all the overflowing imagination. Other times it was an outlet, because I needed somewhere to hide from all the bullying and toxicity that was going on in my life.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Hmm… I guess I always considered myself a writer. Now, an author? That was probably when I first got a five star review that didn’t belong to a friend or a family member, and that didn’t come from winning a high school contest.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Lots of things, honestly. More than Family is about false acceptance, about gatekeeping in the publishing industry, about issues within the queer community… There are things I’d change now, things I should edit because publishing it the way I did was kind of impulsive, when I was drowned by all the excitement of being in World Pride 2017 for the first time, but… At the same time, it was a story that I needed to tell, a struggle I kept seeing every day…

Also, I was in love with the characters, and they wouldn’t let me be.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Hmm, I’m guessing we’re still talking about my first book, and the answer is… I’m not one hundred percent sure. I kind of am, but I’m not sure what to say that wouldn’t spoil it.

Let’s just say that More than Family is about accepting that you don’t have to just be okay with someone pretending to accept you when they don’t, and accepting a chosen family is a much more beautiful thing.

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

I guess, yeah. People have said before my books aren’t the typical romances. Neither are very predictable at points. I take it as a compliment. I don’t know, to be honest. I love writing dialogue, and I love POVs that feel close to the reader and warm.

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

Which book are we talking about exactly? In general, of course there’s stuff based on my own life, and yes, I do want my books to be realistic, and reflect society (albeit I do try to avoid mentions of Trump existing, because… Trump, and a lack of energy).

I mean, I’ve been bullied like Ben is, I love Broadway the way Joshua does, even though I wouldn’t be able to make it in a million years, I am an activist, and I’m proud and loud about it the way Jake is, I was burnt out by my university and everything else going on at the time the way Elijah is, and Mason’s experience with anxiety is also pretty much based on mine, if not exactly the same. Justin is a swim instructor who would spend his whole life inside a swimming pool if he could, and I’ve been mocked about that before.

As for characters that haven’t seen the light of day yet, I have the same thoughts about education and today’s view of success as Garrett does, I once was the baby gay who wanted so badly to get into the scene but felt held back in a similar way to Alexis, and I love to eat up history facts. As for Paige, I’m nowhere near as confident as her, but we both play cello –or, at least, I did once upon a time.

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

No, I don’t travel. I do research and Google Maps becomes my best friend (along with people from the places I’m writing about), but… I mean, I wish I could just take off and go to all the places on a whim.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The covers are designed by me, and lately my girlfriend is helping in exchange for my homemade brownies (she’d literally kill for them. It’s scary).

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

In general, again? I guess the message is that love is love, but that may sound a little hollow, and it’s not all of it. Social justice is needed, and yes, love is love, but it’s not an explosive kind of thing that destroys everything in its path. It feels good, and it can be slow, and it requires communication, and consent, and all of those things.

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

This isn’t me not wanting to promote (I’m always doing that), but… I literally have no idea how to answer this. I don’t have a favorite writer, and I’m not sure I’ve read any newcomers lately (but if people hit me up in the comments, I’m definitely willing to check them out).

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

Entity… Sounds fancy. Online friends, definitely. My girlfriend, but she wasn’t in the picture while I was still unpublished.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, of course. That would be the dream. But, honestly, I’m taking it one day at a time. (Yes, I love that show, and yes, I’m still depressed it’s canceled).

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

Resolve? I’m not sure. Maybe I would’ve been a bit nicer to Cole, had him go through a bit less… Or I would’ve given Justin lots of tattoos to scandalize Cole’s parents more. Who knows?

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

I learned that it’s perfectly okay to cry with your own characters, and it’s a thing that actually happens and not just something people say for fun.

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

Resolve? I don’t know why, but when I think of Justin, I kind of picture Ricky Dillon. With shorter hair. As for Cole… I can’t think of anyone right now that fits his image, but it would have to be a wheelchair-user for sure. Representation matters. It definitely does when it comes to disability.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Carry on my wayward son?

Okay, nope, my Supernatural days are over, but… Just keep writing, and take things with a grain of salt.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Honestly, just… Thank you!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Right now I’m reading Lost and Found, by Raquel de Leon.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Nope. As in “actual book”? It would have been one of the The Famous Five books by Enid Blyton.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

What makes me laugh? Mommy’s puns.

What makes me cry? Right now, pretty much everything, but… Holding the Man.

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

Like, pretty much every author I read and obsess over.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Yeah, sure. Who doesn’t? Just because the first thing that came to mind was reading doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything else… right?

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

Lately I’m rewatching Glee with Mommy, but I’m super hooked up on Pose, Dear White People, and Mindhunter.

Yeah, it’s an eclectic mix.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Food: I’m obsessed with a Hindu restaurant here, but also Japanese food is always a win.

Colors: No idea. It used to be orange, then purple… Now I’m thinking pink.

Music: BROADWAY. ALL THE MUSICALS. IT’S NOT EVEN FUNNY

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

Social psychology, preferably working at a LGBT Center.

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

In a dungeon.

All the gangbangs. 

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

I’ve… literally just finished college. Do I have to think about this already?

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

The main way to be up to date with me is follow me on Facebook, to be fair. Also, my Patreon has lots of exclusive content, and special offers (“free” ebooks, paperbacks sent to your door…), but… Yeah, let me add the links below:

• Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/emilyalter
• Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/itsemilyalter
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/emiwhat
• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/drYm8L
• Amazon Authors page USA : http://amazon.com/author/emilyalter
• UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emily-Alter/e/B073LWQF19/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_3

More than Family: https://www.amazon.com/More-than-family-Emily-Alter-ebook/dp/B073L474JW/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Who Loves You: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Loves-You-Emily-Alter-ebook/dp/B075B6QR9K/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=who+loves+you+emily+alter&qid=1568144961&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Liberated: https://www.amazon.com/Liberated-Emily-Alter-ebook/dp/B07BV45Y4F/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=liberated+emily+alter&qid=1568145027&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Starstruck (Liberated, #1.5): https://www.amazon.com/Starstruck-Liberated-Book-Emily-Alter-ebook/dp/B07DH8DYW2/ref=pd_sbs_351_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07DH8DYW2&pd_rd_r=1fd345ed-7ee2-4d72-b493-a37474853cec&pd_rd_w=cl3GE&pd_rd_wg=SFO0F&pf_rd_p=d66372fe-68a6-48a3-90ec-41d7f64212be&pf_rd_r=AXBQSRCNMDX8QGH7MTHR&psc=1&refRID=AXBQSRCNMDX8QGH7MTHR

Trust (Demands, #1): https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Demands-Book-Emily-Alter-ebook/dp/B07G5JGYCY/ref=pd_sbs_351_6/132-8933430-2157758?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07G5JGYCY&pd_rd_r=a22b790a-3884-49e1-b531-bb2424077eb3&pd_rd_w=aI2VV&pd_rd_wg=3xpvh&pf_rd_p=d66372fe-68a6-48a3-90ec-41d7f64212be&pf_rd_r=ZH65WA2XVE3Z93DNF9YC&psc=1&refRID=ZH65WA2XVE3Z93DNF9YC

Resolve (Demands, #2): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RKLHKQS?ref_=dbs_pwh_calw_1&storeType=ebooks

Fighting Chances (an anthology I’ve been a part of, and I couldn’t be prouder of): https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Chances-Enemies-Anthology-Anthologies-ebook/dp/B07VVGTN1J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UC4TYH32YGOB&keywords=fighting+chances+anthology&qid=1568145206&s=digital-text&sprefix=fighting+ch%2Cdigital-text%2C239&sr=1-1

 

Here is my interview with Jules and Hunter

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? 

Jules: Hello, I’m Jules

Hunter: Hi, I’m Hunter and I’m 39

Fiona: Where are you from? 

Jules: I was born in Texas, grew up overseas

Hunter: I was born and raised in Norwalk, California

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

Jules: I grew up as an Army brat and lived in Europe and the Middle East most of my life. I finally ended up in Southern California where I met my husband and have had 19 exciting years with him We have a son and daughter; and a grandson and granddaughter.

Hunter: I played sports through high school mainly water polo and volleyball. After many years in construction, I moved into the electronics recycling world and have owned an electronics recycling company with my wife for 5 years now.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news. 

Jules & Hunter: We are currently working on Erased, book 2 of our Animus series. We are also outlining a few urban fantasy RH stories.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Jules: I began writing in January 2019 when an author I respect very much suggested that I write about my life experiences as they have been many and very colorful. My husband and every family member I have had been telling me the same thing so Hunter said let’s do this together and so we did.

Hunter: I also began writing in January with Jules. She is an avid reader of many genres and I knew writing was what she should be doing. As her best friend, I wanted to experience that with her and we had so much fun that we decided to keep it going.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Jules: I don’t really, this all still feels surreal to me.

Hunter: Ditto. I’m a character and world builder but I don’t necessarily feel like a writer yet.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Jules: Ultimately, Hunter. He was also the driving force for me whenever I questioned if we should actually publish Deceived.

Hunter: Watching and listening to Jules read. Her eyes light up every time and I get to watch her go through a slew of emotions.  After many years of telling her that she should write, I finally said no more excuses. I told her I wanted to write with her and be a part of making readers feel the same way Jules does.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Jules & Hunter: We went through so many titles. First we tried to make it a pun off of a Bruce Lee movie title, then it  became Gambit, then Animus, Under Their Protection and finally Deceived. Jules was diving into our FMC Kaia’s emotions trying to really get her feelings across to the readers and she said Kaia feels deceived by almost everyone right now and we both looked at the other and yelled “Deceived!”

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

Jules: I write in first person present tense. I find that with the contemporary RH genre, it is hard to make the relationships believable. It has to make sense for me and the reality of RH is in itself is a rare reality. I’m still trying to convince Hunter that we need to try an RH lifestyle to ascertain the viability of said lifestyle for our scenes. Hahaha to date, the answer is still no.

Hunter: I write in an RPG fashion. I role play each character as Jules types or we record. No, let me say it again love, NO we won’t be trying an RH lifestyle any time soon (maybe someday) and you are working your way to a smack bottom woman!!

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

Jules & Hunter: The revenge game aspect of The Animus Series is taken from Jules’ experiences in high school with Slam Books. As for the intrigue, that was mostly fiction.

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

Jules & Hunter: Travel isn’t necessarily needed for crafting. But it is definitely needed when we feel overwhelmed and want to unplug. We do like to write on the beach and in coffee shops or sometimes even when we are driving to a vacation. Not the sex scenes though! Tried that once on the 4 hour drive to Las Vegas and had to pull over a lot.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jules & Hunter: As for the concept, Jules came up with it with Hunter’s mom and the amazing George Long was our cover artist. He does covers for best-selling authors and it was our lucky day when he agreed to do the covers for our Animus series. He should be done with the cover for our next book Erased in a few days, we are so stoked to debut it!

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

Jules & Hunter: We don’t think that the reader will realize the entire message until the final book in the trilogy. The first book is mostly revenge can be cathartic and quite satisfying. In the second book Erased the message is ‘Better watch your ass because like the Animus tagline goes…What Goes Around Comes Around’ In the final book well… you will have to wait and see.

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?

Jules: My favorite new authors are Quirah Casey, Amelia Oliver and Melody Calder. As for my favorite writer that is extremely hard because I have so many. Top would have to be Laken Cane, she is the queen of chaos and melee fighting scenes. She never wastes a single word; every word drives the story further. She writes sexy alpha males and sweet sensitive ones too. Every character is so thought out and she always brings a touch of mystery to their personalities. She has a playlist for each book and every song is spot on to the situation. Most importantly she is very involved with her fans and is as loyal to us as we are to her.

Hunter: I like JK Rowling. Her skills with world and character building are phenomenal. The movies were good, but the books were outstanding and were so much more than the movies, as books tend to be.

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

Jules & Hunter: We actually have three entities that have equally supported our commitment to become published authors. Our PA Misty Anable, and authors Amelia Oliver and Melody Calder have been invaluable to us. They have been amazing, supportive, knowledgeable and the best friends an author can have.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Jules & Hunter: I don’t know if either of us see it as a career, we both love it and don’t have any plans to stop writing any time soon. We have the Animus trilogy to finish and would like to get into a few antho’s

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

Jules: I don’t think I would change a thing. I cut it up and questioned myself so many times that I had to finally let it go and take on a Zen attitude about it. We learned a lot through this process and it is an experience I wouldn’t change for the world.

Hunter: I wouldn’t change a thing. Through our process this book had gone through many different changes. Some great, some not so great. I was amazed with the end result that Jules and I were actually able to do this.

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

Jules: Too much to list but I think the biggest lesson I learned is to create a writing group with other up and coming writers.

Hunter: The most important thing I think I learned was that it’s not a race. For us it was a marathon. It took months and making sure the readers would connect with the story and feel our characters journey.

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

Jules: Arielle Kebbel, she is a beautiful fantastic actor I would like to see more of.

Hunter: Kaley Cuoco, she does funny well and nails sarcasm which is a lot like Kaia our MC

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Jules: Don’t listen to the people that try to bring you down. Keep writing if that makes you happy. There is a book for every reader and a reader for every book is what my wonderful editor Christa Desir always tells me.

Hunter: When you hit a brick wall, don’t keep ramming your head into it. Take a step back and have a piece of pie. Be constant, when writing, start and end with the same enthusiastic attitude.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers? 

Jules: Thank you for taking a chance on us. We truly want to provide you with a quality story that makes sense for you to spend your hard earned money and valuable time on.

Hunter: Sorry for what happens in our next book Erased, Jules made me do it!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Jules: A co-write by two of my fave authors Shayla Black & Lexi Blake. It is the final book in the Perfect Gentlemen Series titled At the Pleasure of the President. Fantastic series, also every book by both of these authors are awesome!

Hunter: I’m not currently, between work, writing and marketing I unfortunately haven’t had the time. Jules however tells everyone she is working on taxes and needs peace and quiet but I think she is really hiding in her office and reading.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Jules: I do, but the first book that I remember affecting me significantly was The Witch’s Sister – W.I.T.C.H  Trilogy by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. It is a fantastic YA story with a mystery. I have never forgotten it and love it to this day.

Hunter: Indian in the Cupboard. I actually prefer it when Jules read aloud to me. She comes up with the greatest voices and I can listen to her for hours. Especially the Harry Potter series, it’s my favorite and her accents are terrible.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Jules: Books and family make me do both. Also Hunter and slapstick comedy makes me laugh until I cry.

Hunter: Jules and family

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

Jules: Bruce Lee, I’ve idolized him since I was a young kid

Hunter: JFK, that man knows the answers to many secrets

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies? 

Jules: Well of course reading but I also love roller derby, showing horses and working in the pits when Hunter races.

Hunter: Love cooking, especially for Jules! It started when she broke her ankle in roller derby and Jules won’t let me stop. Racing, video games and fantasy football.

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

Jules: Oh goodness we are big TV watchers. A lot of SciFi like Orphan Black, Killjoys, Dark Matter, Deadly Class. I especially love Claws;Niecy Nash is one of my fave actors. We also have Walking Dead block party potluck viewings. We set up a projector on the side of a house and everyone brings food and we BBQ and watch it as a neighborhood.

Hunter: Anything Scify like Preacher. Reality TV junkie, The challenge, Hell’s Kitchen, Big Brother, Master Chef & Master Chef Jr. I especially love the Lord of the Rings and all of the Harry Potter and Underworld movies

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music? 

Jules: Purple is my favorite color, As for food, anything Hunter cooks and music why choose? I love all music and food, cannot pic a fave.

Hunter: Blue is my favorite color. Wu Tang and Snoop. BBQ is my favorite type of food.

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

Jules: Wait…I can still keep reading right??!!!

Hunter: Continue running our business and everything I do now.

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

Jules: I would gather all of our family and we would enjoy it together, laughing.

Hunter: Locked in a room doing naughty things to my wife..

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

Jules: She will be missed and remembered well

Hunter: Loving father, supportive husband, beast between the sheets.

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

Jules & Hunter: We do! You can find our website/blog at https://www.juleshunter.com/

Amazon preorder link

https://www.amazon.com/Deceived-Animus-Book-Jules-Hunter-ebook/dp/B07WFYTB9P

Amazon author page

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07WDSKTBM

Goodreads Reviews

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47821847-deceived?ac=1&from_search=true#other_reviews

 

Here is my interview with Kimberley O’Malley

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 there! I’m Kimberley O’Malley, and don’t you now you should never ask a lady her age? LOL! 52 next month…

 Fiona: Where are you from?

 I am from Scranton, Pennsylvania originally, but I live near Charlotte, NC now.

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

I grew up as the youngest and only girl…a position I loved and abused daily. I was raised by a single Mom and my Grandmother, two very strong women, even though they didn’t see themselves that way. I went to undergraduate at Saint Joseph’s University (The Hawk will never die!) in Philadelphia. I have been married almost 24 years, and we have two children. They’re both in high school, which is less fun than it sounds.

 Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

 Coming Back, the last in my Contemporary Romance series, Windsor Falls, releases on October 30^th. Woo Hoo!! This is my 9^th book. I also hope to release my next Cozy Mystery by the end of 2019.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I never meant to be a writer. I was however a voracious reader my whole life. In 2002, we waited to adopt our oldest child from Russia. And by wait, I mean just that. Everyday, we waited for the phone to ring telling us it was our turn to travel. We’d been told to expect to go by the beginning of July. We went at the end of September. By mid-July, I was losing it. One day, I came home from work and started writing. No intention. No plan. Just started doing that everyday, and I’d written 110,000 words in 3 weeks. If only I could do that now…but writing was therapy for me. I never did anything with it until we moved to NC in 2015 then published that first book, Coming Home, in 2017.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Great question! Writing has always come easily to me. I made money in college fixing other people’s awful papers. I remember the first time I saw my very first published paperback. I may have cried. But the very first time was probably at the Romantic Times conference in Atlanta in 2017. Coming Home had been out about 6 weeks. I checked in and then got on the elevator, and as I was putting my name tag thing around my neck, the person next to me said, “Oh, you’re an author!” I looked behind me. Mind you, there were only the two of us in the elevator. But hearing it aloud, for the first time, was phenomenal.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

See above. Writing was an escape or therapy for me.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Titles have always been easy for me. They sort of just come to me. Not so much for blurbs…

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

I am a pantser, by which I mean I do not outline ahead of time. When I start a new book, I pretty much know how it starts and ends. The rest is up in the air. Things come to me as I wrote. In fact, I’m always afraid it won’t come to me anymore. The challenge lies in time management. I work full time and have a family, so finding the time is tough.

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

The story itself is all me. I do borrow heavily from real life. I take bits and pieces of people and things I know and see. For instance, I LOVE flip flops. You just might find a few of my characters wearing them.

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

I love to travel and do as much as I can. I love to see new places and meet new people. Again, I incorporate everything I see into my books. We went to Hawaii this summer, and I decided on the planeride there that I needed to set a book there.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

All my covers are designed by the amazing Rebecca Pau of The Final Wrap. She’s brilliant and fabulous, and I would be lost without her.

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

My Contemporary Romances involve a lot of the daily things that people go through; all the difficulties. But they always have a happy ending. That’s why we read, right? For the feels and the HEA? I also write strong female characters, which I think is important. Heroines shouldn’t be sitting around waiting for a hero to rescue them. Sometimes, like in my Saving Quinn, the hero needs rescuing.

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

My best source of support is other Indie authors. I have a great bunch of other women who write. And even though most of us are far apart from each other, we all know we are there for each other.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I would love to write full time. That’s not an option for me currently. Maybe someday…

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

Hmmm…this new release has been the hardest to write by far. But that’s because I was writing it last summer when my Mom died. The book centers around a woman who lost her love and struggles to come back to her life. Writing about grief while living it proved impossible. I am so happy to have finally finished it.

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

 Perseverance

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

 HAHA!! Wouldn’t that be great? Somebody very tall and blonde. Maybe Nicole Kidman???

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Listen to Nike; just do it. We are our own worst enemies. Sit down and write. Do it daily. Keep pushing yourself.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

The fact that anyone wants to read a book I have written continued to blow me away. I hope it always will. Readers have no idea how much effect they have on authors.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I recently discovered Annie Dyer, who is the bomb! I inhaled her Callaghan Green series and have now moved onto her Severton Search & Rescue series.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Not specifically, but it probably had a horse or dog in it. I very clearly remember the Misty of Chincoteague series by Marguerite Henry.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I laugh constantly. I find the world a funny place. Well, the world is really a terrifying place, so humour keeps me sane. I also cry very easily, much to my children’s chagrin. I cry at cheesycommercials, like the ones where the long-lost son comes home and wakes them up on Christmas morning.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

 I am a soccer Mom!!! And I sued to show dogs when I had time. I also love to travel.

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

I have very eclectic taste. I am currently obsessed with Supernatural. I never watched it until about a month ago, so I am binge watching. Others I have loved are, in random order:Gilmore Girls, Friends, Alias, Haven, Lucifer, anything medical or crime, Blue Murder, Criminal Minds, Mind Hunters, etc

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

 Like many people, I love the foods which are worst for me—pizza, ice cream, pasta, Mexican, anything sweet. I love a lot of different colors, but my favorites are in the blue family. Periwinkle is my very favorite color. Music depends on my mood. I love everything from classic rock to New Age. I listen to Enya when I am sleeping. I do not listen to music when I write, unlike many authors.

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

Travel

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

Reading all the books and eating everything bad for me.

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

 I made a difference.

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

 https://www.kimberleyomalley.com/ I blog on there occasionally.

Amazon Authors page USA

https://www.amazon.com/Kimberley-OMalley/e/B06XZPZW8Y/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kimberley-OMalley/e/B06XZPZW8Y?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1568124349&sr=1-1

 

http://bit.ly/ComingHomeKOM

http://bit.ly/TakingCHancesKOM

http://bit.ly/2ndChancesKOM

http://bit.ly/SavingQuinn

http://bit.ly/FindingKat

Here are my Cozy Mysteries:

http://bit.ly/KOMcozy1

http://bit.ly/Addie2KOM

http://bit.ly/AddieBook3