Here is my interview with Cendrine Marrouat and David Ellis

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?

Cendrine – My name is Cendrine Marrouat. I’m 41.

David – My handle is David Ellis. I also just turned 41. Oh snap, Cendrine and I are twinsies!

Fiona: Where are you from?

Cendrine – I was born and raised in Toulouse, France. I now live in Winnipeg, Canada.

David – I live in a town called Tunbridge Wells in the South-Eastern area of the United Kingdom.

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

 Cendrine – I hold a bachelor’s degree in English-to-French translation.

I have two dogs and a cat.

I speak two languages fluently (French and English) and understand a third one (Spanish).

I am a photographer, poet, author, and French instructor to adults. I also work as the Head of marketing and communications at ConnexionFranco.coop, a directory dedicated to promoting all the providers of services in French within Canada.

David and I co-founded Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal, a magazine that promotes inspirational and uplifting poetry no matter the topic. We accept everyone, as long as they have something positive to say.

I am also the co-founder of FPoint Collective, a collective of photographers, and created my own poetry form, called the Sixku.

David – I’ve previously worked in Business Operations and Financial Sales for 17 years. Writing has been a constant passion of mine.

I am an award-winning poet, who has written and published multiple books. My debut poetry collection won the Readers Favorite International Silver Book Award in 2016 for Inspirational Poetry.

Cendrine and I co-founded Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal for a specific purpose, in that we wanted to increase the amount of inspirational poetry in the world.

My Father is a blind artist, who I believe I have inherited my creativity from. His website is www.blindartist.co.uk.

 Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

 Cendrine – Our inaugural issue Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal was released on October 1, 2019. We feature ten very talented poets. The issue also has sections dedicated to book reviews, writing tools, social media tips for writers, and more. Furthermore, we have also introduced submissions for 13-16 year olds, who can send us their poems via parents/guardians.

David – I just published my latest poetry collection, which is my fifth book. It is called “See A Dream Within” and it contains found poetry based on the entire collected poetic works of Edgar Allan Poe. It is full of romantic and inspirational poetry and is pretty much my own love letter to the literary genius of Edgar Allan Poe.

 Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

 Cendrine – I remember very vividly when I started writing. It was in January 2005. As to why, I still don’t know. It was just an urge!

David – I have always excelled in English, particularly in English Language. I began writing song lyrics many years ago and I found that I had more words to play with than musical structures to fit around them at the time. These pieces naturally evolved into poetry, which became a regular writing habit of mine and I’ve now been writing poetry for quite a few years too.

 Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Cendrine – The first time I wrote a poem.

David – I think it was when I first started writing original song lyrics, which I actually put to music. That would have been about fifteen years ago and I’ve certainly come a long way since then.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

 Cendrine – I had been writing poems for a year and people suggested that I should gather them into a book. Nothing earth-shattering really.

David – I had filled up my blog with many poems and my youngest brother suggested that I might want to explore trying to publish them for a reasonable price to save people having to trawl through my blog to find them all. At first, the process seemed quite daunting but now I’m addicted to it! I like the permanence of having a published book, so that people can get my poetry in convenient locations.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

 Cendrine – Titles always come to me before a line is even written. Like most of my books, I was in the shower. The whole thing came to me in a flash, and it made sense.

David – I like to play with the words, when it comes to titles. If I can incorporate multiple meanings or subtlety, then that makes things even more fun for me. Lately, I’ve found that I have been basing the names of my books on key poems that crop up in them. The titles of poems can be either found in the source text I am using or in one of the lines I have written in the poem itself. Sometimes, I enjoy combining multiple different fragments of lines within a title to give the poem an air of mystery too, as I don’t like to make anything too obvious, I prefer for readers to bring and make their own interpretations too, wherever possible.

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

 Cendrine – All the people who have read my stuff tell me that they would recognize it anywhere.

The particular challenge I have is that I am a very slow writer. Sometimes, I am just able to write a line or two in 24 hours. But it’s ok. It’s who I am, there is really nothing I can change about it.

David – I definitely feel that I write with a musicality to my words, which makes my poetry very distinct. Cendrine has told me that my writing at times can be a lot like Jane Austen, which is a wonderful compliment!

The challenge that I find with my writing style is that if I can be inspired by anything, it can sometimes be difficult to home in on a specific theme but once I do, I remain very disciplined to using that theme. Lately, my focus has been on writing found poetry and it can be a challenge to write, if your source material is short on words to begin with. However, I relish the challenge of this, there is nothing more satisfying than when you work out how to solve a literary conundrum that will excite yourself and the reader, keep writing until your prose flows like melted butter, there really is nothing better!

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

 Cendrine – All writers will tell you that their books are at least partly based on their personal experiences. However, to make the message more impactful, it is important to always have an ideal audience in mind. This comes with experience.

David – I write emotional content, which means that my words are extremely heartfelt, and I try to put myself in the shoes of the people, places or situations I am writing about. Some of my poetry has indeed been infused with personal experiences, in order to make it as relatable to the reader as possible. If I am moved to happiness or tears with my writing, then chances are the reader will share these emotions too. I want to make a positive impact on people’s lives, and I hope to bring them ways to experience this through the places that I take them with my words.

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

 Cendrine – Most of the time, I find inspiration in things around me. And as an artist, I travel in my mind too. 😉

David – All creative types thrive on enjoying new experiences, which they can incorporate into their writing and art. If I travel, then it helps refresh my writing and creativity muses. I really like to travel after creating to reward myself for working so hard. If I travel before creating something then it is because I want to fill my mind with colour and vibrance, so I will visit cathedrals, museums, historic places of interest, go on nature walks and visit the local theatres/cinemas. This stimulation is sure to give me the inspiration that I need to start tackling and finish a writing project.

 Fiona: Who designed the covers?

 Cendrine – I have designed all my covers, except for a couple of books. For the inaugural issue of Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal, I did the work as well. I just asked a friend, Karim Benyagoub, to redesign our logo, so it would pop on the cover. He is so talented!

David – I have designed all of the covers of my books. It took a few attempts to get something that I was completely satisfied with for my debut book. My latest book has two very different beautiful covers (for the Kindle and print versions) that I assembled myself from breath-taking artwork. I have been really lucky in that I have been able to use some of my father’s artwork for my previously published second poetry collection “Soul Music The Colour Of Magic”. When I start writing novels, especially if I tackle a series, I will turn to professional cover designers to help me to realise my visions for those books.

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

 Cendrine – I want people to stop running around and start smelling the roses. We are so busy looking for acceptance and focusing on negative things that we forget to take care of ourselves.

David – There are constant messages and themes in my work of being inspired to take action in your life, thinking deeply about philosophical questions you might ask yourself or I might take you on a journey and help you to get over something through the catharsis of the situation. I quickly realised early on that my most dominant poetry themes are inspirational and romantic, sometimes I will write drama to mix things up and every so often, I will explore humour too, as I sincerely enjoy making people laugh and smile.

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?

 Cendrine – Unfortunately, I do not have much time to read these days. And when I do read, it is historical books.

My favorite author is Kahlil Gibran. His words fill me with peace. I have read The Prophet and Jesus, the Son of Man many times. Still, every time I open the books, it feels like a new experience.

David – I just recently finished a trio of romantic comedy fiction books by author Rhiannon Jean, which are all well worth your time. She writes very real characters that are easy to fall in love with and root for.

My all-time favourite authors are Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. The way that they weave their worlds and make every sentence generate an experience is just simply divine. I have many other writers who I admire but these two will forever be the ones that made me fall completely in love with the craft of writing.

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

 Cendrine – A small group of dedicated folks. David is one of them.

David – I would return the compliment to Cendrine, she has been extremely supportive of my work. If I had to pick another strong influence and wonderful supporter of my work, it would be Christie Stratos, a novelist and interviewer, her passion for her craft never fails to impress me, she is a constant inspiration to me and many other writers daily. You can find out more about her at www.christiestratos.com.

 Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

 Cendrine – Absolutely!

David – Yes, I do see it as a rewarding career that gives back to you the immense joy of what you are creating and the impact that it could have on others all over the world. You may have to do other things to pay the bills until you are successful but that is the way of the world in most things that are worth fighting for.

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

 Cendrine – I would not change a thing. I am not one to regret my decisions.

David – No, not my latest book, everything about it feels simply perfect and I am extremely keen to write a sequel for it. I’ve changed the cover of my first published book because I was dissatisfied with how it came out originally but I was just starting out back then and have become much more in tune with my creative needs with every new project.

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

 Cendrine – Walks: A Collection of Haiku (Volumes 1 and 2) are a celebration of my love for the Haiku. Haiku force you to be concise. They teach you impactfulness. They are the embodiment of the “Show don’t tell” technique.

I have studied and written haiku for many years. But this series of books has taught me how to engage with my inner voice in a unique way.

David – While writing my most recent book, I gained even more admiration for Edgar Allan Poe for the way that he crafted each concept of his stories and poems, for me there really is something magical in his prose and poetry. I also came to realise that I have the potential to be like my poetic heroes of the past because I know how to correctly utilise all of the inspiration available around me to be able to channel it into vast amounts of well written poems. Writing this book has taught me that I can write at length or with brevity and still be impactful to the reader using both styles to maximum effect.

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

 Cendrine – This is not the kind of book that would be made into a film. My play, In the Silence of Words, is another story of course. I would love to direct it someday!

David – I would love to have actors read my poems! If I had to choose who, I would immediately go for Daniel Day-Lewis for the moving way he read the poetry of his late father, Cecil Day-Lewis. Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart would also be wonderful choices of people I would sincerely enjoy reading aloud my poetry, to hear them do it would make me giddy with excitement and delight!

 Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

 Cendrine – I’m not going to reinvent the wheel. Practice, practice, practice (x100). Work hard. Don’t compare yourself to others. Stop listening to your inner critic. And have fun.

David – You are going to have a lot thrown your way to distract you in life to stop you from writing. It therefore becomes imperative to make time to write, even if it is just a few minutes each day and when you do, write your heart out! It can be extremely difficult to discipline yourself, especially if you have to sacrifice sleep or entertainment but if you live for the joy of creating, it can become so much easier to make some time for your craft. Never be afraid to strike out and publish on your own if you get many rejections. Believe in yourself and your creative talents, keep honing your skills and never be afraid to put your words out to the public. Write to please yourself and not the whims of others. Take advice that makes sense to you that you believe will directly improve your work and feel free to ignore the rest, be sure you are looking to improve based on fact rather than someone else’s opinion. Be professional, kind and respectful at all times and you will gain the admiration of your peers.

 Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

 Cendrine – The world is your oyster.

David – Your support means everything to me. Please read as much poetry as possible because you never know how much of a profound impact that it will have on your life and how you see the world.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

 Cendrine – I haven’t read a book in a while.

David – I’m currently reading several modern science related Non-Fiction books, some of them relating to general scientific concepts, while others focus on the nature of creativity, music and video gaming in our lives. Regarding Fiction books, I am looking at Countdown to Omega by Robert Wingfield (Ancient Aliens meet Greek gods in an epic confrontation that spells the end of the world) and After Us by Em Dehaney (a nightmare tale set among the drowned buildings of Hurricane Katrina).

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

 Cendrine – Unfortunately, no.

David – I remember the first Terry Pratchett book that I ever read and that to me was an epiphany. I needed to use a dictionary to keep up with the intricate prose that he wrote! I will be forever grateful for the love that Pratchett gave me of written English Language and how an author can use it to expand the mind and possibilities in themselves and others.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

 Cendrine – Golden Girls and little things make me laugh. I often cry when I watch movies though or when I see cruelty.

David – Animal cruelty makes me cry, along with any moving dramatic stories in TV shows and films. Animals also make me laugh a lot, they bring so much joy into our lives. As to what makes me laugh, it is well written jokes by actors and comedians, along with laughing at absurd notions that crop up in our daily lives. Things in life can be so very frustrating, so if you can find a way to take them with a pinch of salt and a sense of humour, you are likely to feel better and live longer!

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

 Cendrine – Kahlil Gibran. He is my biggest inspiration!

David – For me, if focusing on a present person, it would be Mike Patton. I see him as a constant musical inspiration, an innovator and a genius the way he comes up with all of his lyrical ideas, along with the multitude of his singing styles. I really would like to meet him to talk about his writing and musical processes, I’m sure he would make it a very fun and memorable experience.

 If focusing on the past then I would very much like to meet any of my poetic heroes, one of the romantic poets of the 1700’s and 1800’s (there are far too many to list here), male or female. I would love to spend a day or two with them getting inside their heads and observing their writing processes. I’m sure it would be an endlessly fascinating time to be with them and soak up their poetic aura.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

 Cendrine – I am a simple girl. Music, movies, walks, etc.

David – I like to go for nature/historical walks through towns (particularly coastal towns), along with looking for interesting curios/knick-knacks and books in charity shops/thrift stores. I tend to watch a lot of films and television, they really are without a doubt a massive passion of mine. I can’t help but think that one day I might end up doing some scriptwriting as my own way of giving back to an industry that has given me so much inspiration and happiness throughout my life.

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

 Cendrine – I enjoy the dystopian genre very much. I also love watching zombie movies (The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead). Shows like This Is Us, Grey’s Anatomy and Stranger Things are in my top list.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw Ad Astra at the theatre. It was such a great movie!

David – My current TV obsessions are with The Mentalist, which I believe is my all-time favourite TV show, for the superb acting of Simon Baker and all the twists in his character, along with the hilarity and drama the supporting cast provide, they are all brilliant. I have also been binging a lot of Stranger Things (superbly acted and written show), American Horror Story, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Burn Notice, Supernatural, Mr Robot, American Gods, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Brooklyn Ninety-Nine, Rick & Morty, The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek The Next Generation…there are so many, I will have to simply draw a line under it there.

As for films, I enjoy watching action films, comedies and romantic comedies, if it has a strong story then I am likely to watch it, regardless of the genre it sits in.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

 Cendrine – French food all the way. I’m just biased, I know.

Cool colors, like blue, make my heart skip a beat.

Music-wise, I love bands like Genesis, Depeche Mode, Supertramp, and Abba; and artists like Mike Oldfield.

David – Foreign food is my jam, I adore Chinese, Indian, Mexican, French, Spanish and Italian. Nothing makes me happier than when I’m taking basic food groups too and enjoying them with a variety of sauces, chutneys and pickles.

My favourite colours are purple/dark red, azure and the ones that are found in the ocean.

As for bands/music, I am a huge fan of Faith No More/Mike Patton, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Metallica, Electric Six, Monster Magnet, Interpol, Daft Punk, Ladytron, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Marina & The Diamonds, Gwen Stefani, The Donnas, Chris Cornell/Soundgarden, The Kills, The Yeah Yeahs…I have to stop there because that is just off the top of my head and the very tip of the musical iceberg, I could keep on going forever, just like with TV shows and films!

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

 Cendrine – I would do photography, teach French to adults, and be an entrepreneur. Well, I already do all those things. 😉

David – If I’m not writing then I would imagine I would be passionate about teaching others to write or helping them learn other skills to navigate through today’s crazy world. I really can’t imagine a reality where I don’t write though, I feel that it is my calling and I intend to write my little heart out at every opportunity I can.

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

 Cendrine – I would contact the people I lost touch with but who still are in my heart. I would also make pasta carbonara (because why not?)

David – I would have to let everyone know how much I love them and the difference that they have made in my life. Since I would have no more need for money, I would donate what I have to helping out friends who are in desperate need. I would have to feast all day too, on takeaways, sweets and biscuits because at last I will not have to worry about my health or my diet for once.

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

 Cendrine – “Cendrine was flawed but deeply human.”

David – “At this point, I’ll settle for just a little peace and quiet.”

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

Cendrine – People can find my work at https://www.cendrinemedia.com.

David – My work including my books, along with a variety of Creative Resources and Artist Interviews can be found at www.toofulltowrite.com.

For more information on Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal, you can visit us at https://abpoetryjournal.com. Our submission process is open, so feel free to send us your inspirational poetry!

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For Creativity Resources, Writing Advice, Guides, Author Interviews and Poetry, visit my website/blog at:- www.toofulltowrite.com

 

https://youtu.be/GVm_JUdAbdY – Walks – A Collection of Haiku (Volume 1) – Trailer

 

https://youtu.be/_PB5qAv-_SE – Walks – A Collection of Haiku (Volume 2) – Trailer

 

– Soul Music The Colour Of Magic – Promo Video

Here is my interview with Charity Bailey

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

            Hello! Thank you so much for having me! It’s very nice to meet you!

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

            My name is Charity Bailey and I am 33 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

            I was born and raised in Wichita Kansas.

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

            I am married with a 5yo boy that keeps me on my toes. I write dark romance and I love to binge Netflix and spend time with friends and family. I don’t currently work anywhere at the moment, but I used to be a cosmetologist before I had my son.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

            I just came back from my first signing which was an incredible experience! I can’t wait to do another one. I also have a new book called “R.I.P.” coming out soon, though I’m still figuring out the release date. Sometime next month I’m planning on.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

            I’ve been writing since I was really young and least nine or ten. I’ve always loved telling stories and being able to control the way they go.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

            Probably when I decided to publish my first book. But now I believe if you’re writing, you are a writer.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

            A few things. At the core I wanted write something that was so raw it affected people on an emotional level for days. Also, the Jacee Dugard story had a bit of an impact on me while I was writing. It’s the first in a series so her story didn’t inspire the concept, but it did inspire a lot of the emotions portrayed in the series.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I thought for a while on it. I wanted it to be a clear mix of dark and light as well as incorporate something to do with sweets. While playing around with options, it just came to me and I knew that was it!

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

I think the biggest thing that is so common in all my books is the mix of light and dark concepts. Combing the funny and dreary, the sweet and the cruel. Balancing those things is so fun to me. The most challenging part for me is being sure each book is clearly its own entity without reminiscence of my prior books.

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

            There are people in the novel who were inspired by real people in my own life and events that happened for sure. Nothing is exactly based off anything real, but there are things that really occurred in my life that gave me the ideas. I’ve always thought of my characters as little pieces of my personality broken off and morphed into their own being, so I would say quite a bit.

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

            I’ve only travelled once when I was writing Anointed. It was so cool to see the place I had been researching and writing about. Mostly though I use Google street view LOL. If I could afford to travel for research though I 100% would do it as much as possible.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

            The Sweet Treats covers were designed by Murphy Hopkins.

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

To not judge people because what you think you know about them and who they are could be completely wrong. There are things about people that we could never imagine.

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?

Okay, I can’t choose between Yolanda Olson and K. Webster. They both push boundaries while telling incredible stories in such beautiful and unique ways. They are so different at the same time so it’s hard to choose between them.

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

I have had so much support from people it is hard to choose just one because I have some incredible people in my life. But I have one friend that let me talk to her for hours months and years about my stories. She not only listend but gives me encouragement and praise. She was the first person I told that I wanted to publish and has been with me every step of the way. I don’t know where I’d be without her.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Having writing be my career is the ultimate goal and what I’m working toward every day. Ultimately though, if you are continually writing and getting paid for it, I see it as a career.

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

The reason it takes me a while to publish a book is because how obsessive I am with the details. I go over it until I can’t stand to look at it and then go over it some more. I don’t publish until I know I have done everything I could possibly want to do to it. So no, I wouldn’t change a thing.

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

Every book teaches me a lot. I grow so much with every story. With R.I.P. I learned a ton about the funeral industry and things about the human body. I also learned a lot about schizoaffective disorder which was very interesting.

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

For Tavin and Alexander in the Sweet Treats books, I always pictured Lily Collins and Justin Hartley.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

I would say to embrace constructive criticism and know you can never stop learning. Write what speaks to you and don’t force anything.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

            I do this to impact you in some way, but instead, you impact me. Hearing that you loved my characters and stories is one of the most incredible feelings for me. I would be nowhere without you.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

            I am about to start ‘The Veil’ by Ruby Papciak. I’m just on a deadline so I haven’t started it yet.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

            Hmmm. I don’t. I think my first book boyfriend was Logan from the Babysitters Club though LOL

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

            A TON of things make me laugh. That’s hard to pin down, but I tend to have a dark sense of humor. There are definitely more specific things that make me cry. Animals/kids being hurt. The thought of anything bad happening to my son, onions, being yelled at.

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

            Wow…well I have a lot of these too. I think I would like to meet my birth grandparents. My mother was adopted and I’ve always been curious to see where I came from.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

            Not much since most of my time is spent writing, but I am artsy and like to do crafts quite a bit!

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

            This changes a lot. Right now,I love 13 Reasons Why, Schitt’s Creek, Daybreak, andSanta Clarita Diet. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a new movie, but I watch mostly anything if it’s good.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

            Seafood and Chinese food are my favourites. I love pink and all pastels, and am obsessed with YUNGBLUD. I also love Halsey and Melanie Martinez

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

            This is terrible! But I’ve always wanted to either be a counsellor, social worker, or a parole officer.

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

            Kissing and hugging my son and husband.

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

            Bahaha this question is great! But I have no idea! Maybe, “Look for the beauty in everyone you meet”

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

            Yes! http://charitybauthor.com/index.html and my Facebook readers group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1655826644478002/

Amazon Authors page USA https://www.amazon.com/Charity-B/e/B079K2ZMQX?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1572373353&sr=1-1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Charity-B/e/B079K2ZMQX?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1572373380&sr=1-1

Here is my interview with Jeanette Sneed

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?

Jeanetta: Hi! I`m Jeanette Sneed , I’m twenty-five!

Fiona: Where are you from?

Jeanetta: I’m from a small town in deep east Texas called Zavalla – we literally host right at 800 people.

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

Jeanetta: I’m a pharmacy technician, so I have a certification and a state registration. I just got married on October 19^th. My husband is in Wyoming working, which is when I intended to get to writing on books, but life happens. Currently, I have two dogs – a Labrabull (Maximus) and a German Shephard (Xeno.) My Shephard is crazy… she takes after her momma.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Jeanetta: Right now, life has kinda been beating me down, my husband left two days after our wedding to go to Wyoming to work. I got some pretty upsetting news at the doctor the very next day, so, nothing too great to share.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Jeanetta: I started writing in 2017, so, I would have been… twenty three, mainly I just kind of started to see if I had it in me. I’ve always loved to write, and so writing a book just kinda seemed, natural I guess.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Jeanetta: I hear people say all the time, you don’t have to be published to be a writer, you just have to put the pen to the paper. But honestly, after I got my first book published, and even then, I was reluctant to call myself that. Now I have three books available and I’m less hesitant to call myself a writer.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Jeanetta: My first book, A Beautiful Escape. It wasn’t really some Ahh-hahhh moment. I started writing it to see if I could do it, but it kinda morphed into my escape. My ex was very emotionally and mentally abusive, so I took the emotions I felt, I took the pain and the loathing for him, and I put it all into my main character. I gave her the courage to escape when I couldn’t. I gave her strength that I didn’t have.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Jeanetta: I think it just kinda… hit me one day, I was writing and the skies opened up and said “your book should be called this.” And so it was done.

Kidding, but it just came to me while I was writing one day, and it fit so well.

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

Jeanetta: I like to write in multiple points of views, my second books, a Novella, Peace and Comfort was written with 16 other authors and required me to write in first person sing POV only. So that was a challenge, and I did find that I prefer first person now. It helps to get inside my characters heads… ya know, since they’re always in mine.

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

Jeanetta: The first book, a good chunk were based on my life and my personal hell. With the other two, and my most recent work in progress, only portions. I like to give my characters quirks of my own, for example, chocolate chip pancakes being a favorite breakfast choice, or things I have heard people say – I use my mom’s words of wisdom a lot, she influences so much of my writing and she doesn’t even know it.

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

Jeanetta: Eh, not so much. Usually only if I’m traveling to see my husband at wherever he’s currently working, I do love to bring my laptop for the twelve hours a day he’s gone and get some words in. Being in new places really does help.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Jeanetta:

A Beautiful Escape – Wicked Women Designs

Peace and Comfort – I did, I had some help tweaking it just right by my friend SH Pratt, who’s also an author

Love, Despair, And Murder – Under Cover Designs

My Fourth books (currently untitled) – Under Cover Designs

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

Jeanetta: Not that I intentionally put in there, however, I have noticed that with each one of my stories a new beginning is possible, and there is Always hope, even in the darkest of places.

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?

 Jeanetta: I really enjoy reading Brittany Tarkington’s books. They’re raw, they’re realistic, and they’re believable. They aren’t centered around the fluff that so many romance author tend to lean toward.

Marcus Brown, the first book I ever read by him was Promised Land Lane, and if you haven’t read it… you need to. It’s a horror book like no other. I’ve read it time and time again, devoured the sequel, and currently waiting (somewhat impatiently) for the third to be written and released.

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

Jeanetta: My friend Gloria, and Brittany. Both have been super supportive and helped me talk through my crazy ideas. They’ve encouraged me and helped me to make each and every one of my books the greatest it could possibly be.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Jeanetta: As much as I would love for it to be, it’s not realistic for me. I get distracted too easily and I can’t focus on writing. I’m not good at promo, I’m mostly like, eh, I wrote a book, it’s on amazon, and good enough for me

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

Jeanetta: No, I love my books and I pour my everything into them.

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

Jeanetta: That I’m not as into romance as I once thought I was, Psychological thriller seems to more my genre. It’s different, it’s challenging, and my characters are normally as crazy as I am.

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

Jeanetta: Margot Robbie – just because she’s totally my girl crush!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Jeanetta: Just do what you love doing, write the book the way YOU think it needs to be written, the way your characters tell you to write it, because at the end of the day, it’s your masterpiece, and nobody else can write it quite like you.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Jeanetta: Enjoy the books, don’t be too hard on authors – you don’t know what we go through, and always leave that review, they’re so important.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Jeanetta: Nothing, I just finished Avaline Saddlebags by Marcus Brown. But I’m trying to stay away from reading and focus on making my own books come to life.

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Jeanetta: No, I just remember my mom taking my sister and I on weekly trips to the library, because my mom loved to read as much as I do. I remember always getting educational books about wildlife, though I don’t know why. The first book I remember actually reading was the Harry Potter series.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Jeanetta: I laugh at everything. I’m usually a cheerful person, and I hardly every cry, unless someone is being super hateful to me. Like… SUPER hateful, and only if it’s somebody I’m close with. Otherwise, I couldn’t care less.

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

Jeanetta: Uh, no one that I can think of off hand.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Jeanetta: Are you kidding me? I’m an introvert. My hobbies include – reading, writing, and netflixing. I have no life.

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

Jeanetta: Say yes to the dress, thirteen reasons why, HOCUS POCUS is an all time fave as well as, The Iron Giant and The Proposal. I also love literally ALL THINGS DISNEY. Mulan is my favorite Disney movie.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Jeanetta: PIZZA and PASTA. Though I’m currently going through some “Lifestyle Changes” which require me to cut out BOTH!

Favorite color is Red, and I can’t say why, I’ve just realized that normally everything I buy from ipad cases to decorations is usually red.

Music – I listen to a smidge of everything. I can go from Disney to Kane Brown, to my chemical romance in a ten minute span.

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

Jeanetta: Be a stay at home mom and enjoy time with my little. Enjoy traveling with my husband, just enjoying life in general.

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

Jeanetta: Spending as much time with family as I can. My original family and my new. They’ve always been there for me and picked me up when I thought I’d never dig myself out of the darkness, I can’t NOT imagine spending my last little bit with them.

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

Jeanetta: Never really given it much thought…

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

Jeanetta: I have a facebook page, and that’s about it, like I said – not every good at promo.

http://www.facebook.com/authorjeanettatarver

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Jeanetta+Sneed&i=stripbooks-intl-ship&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Jeanetta+Sneed&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss

Here is my interview with S. H. Pratt

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

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

Hi, I’m S. H. Pratt and you can call me Stef. As for my age… dirt? No? How about I don’t age anymore, I only level up. LOL

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am *from* Montana, but I *live* in Olympia, Washington where I count the days until I can return to Montana.

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

I’m the mom of three gifted (no really, I had them tested LOL) children – all teens. I’m a word junkie – word puzzles, games, challenges – I love them. No, my teens won’t play Scrabble with me. I live a quiet life doing all the “Mom things” and loving on our two cats. Social life – that’s non-existent by choice. I’m the youngest of seven, only one of which is a boy. I’m an oddity among the odd and proud of it. LOL

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I guess my biggest news is that, after two years off, I’ll be doing live events again beginning in June 2020. I published my 16^th book this year and hope to have some new goodies by next June as well. My goal is to have a book to release in conjunction with my first event next year.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing on and off for most of my life. I wrote an entire book – it was probably pure garbage – by the time I’d finished high school. But I can’t even access that book because it was written on a bazillion floppy disks on a Commodore 64… yikes. My first published book was in July of 2013.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Oh, I don’t know. I never was much for labels, I’ve just always been doing what I love to do.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I was bored in high school… but that book we shall not speak of. LOL As for my first *published* book, I was angry with my husband. I killed him in effigy in the book. (See, it really is true you shouldn’t tick off an author. LOL)

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

“Always, my love” is something the hero always said to the heroine so it made sense to use it as the title.

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

My style is to write the story as the characters dictate and use a whole lot of psychology to back them up. The most challenging thing I face is finding readers who don’t mind the hefty psychological roller coaster ride. LOL I think I scare some off because there is so much basis in psychology.

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

If you know me well, you can find the “Easter Eggs” of myself that I weave into every book – some are easy to find and others a bit more challenging. But I try to make my characters “people” that everyone can relate to. They have regular jobs, regular troubles and fears, but the often have extraordinary circumstances that make the story more exciting. However the extraordinary circumstances are often things you’d read about or hear about in the everyday news reports.

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

Oh man, I wish I could travel to do my research! It would make some things so much easier. Alas, no. The most travelling I’ve done for any bookish stuff would be home to Montana for pictures. I snuck my best friend out of her work and hauled her into the Crazy Mountains so she could help me capture the majesty of the mountains I wrote about in my Crazy Mountain Series.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Covers are usually a collaborative effort between me and my husband. He’s a photographer (for a hobby) and knows the Photoshop realm. He and I bounce ideas around until we have a notion of what we want then fiddle with it until it’s right. Some covers are easier than others, but all of them tell a little story about the story within.

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

In every book, I try to convey that everybody deserves love and can overcome whatever demons they are haunted by.

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?

 Oy, favorite authors… that depends on genre. I am all over the map when it comes to reading so to choose one would require a specific genre selection. One author whose book I loved was Gloria Herrmann and her book “The Pass Through”. It’s beautifully unique. But my tastes in books are entirely mood dependant and therefore different things will strike me at any given time. One time I’ll like the slow burn, the next story I’ll enjoy the combustible heat. I’m a moody reader. LOL

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

Linda, my best friend of nearly 40 years is always there. She helps me with Montana pictures (because she’s there LOL), listens to me blather about whatever I’m working on, and even went so far as to create a gorgeous scrapbook for me of my journey as a writer.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I see it as a passion that I’m lucky enough to treat as a career. I could do the nine to five but I’d rather be writing. LOL

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

In my latest? I’m going to have to say no. “Beyond the Dark” is the quintessential “light at the end of the tunnel” sort of story with a patient, slow burning love story and extraordinary friendships and family dynamics all woven together. I am super proud of that story.

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

Oh my gosh, I learned a ton! I hit so many walls with it that it took a small army of professionals to help me navigate my characters into their happily ever after. In the end, even my readers have reported learning new therapies and coping mechanisms from it.

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

Oy… I don’t know if I could manufacture an actor that compares to the picture in my head. In “Beyond the Dark”, for instance, the leading man, Malaki, was inspired by the model, Nicolas Simoes. This, however, was an altogether rare event as usually I just make up the feature I want for my characters and have no real person to draw from. But if I had to choose a close approximation of what I see for Malaki in an actor, I’d say Cheyanne Jackson would be an exceptional Malaki.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

You do you, but for the love of all that is holy, do your best you. Don’t just slap words together and toss them out as a book, take pride in your book and it’ll show.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Don’t be afraid of my books. I always make things right in the end and tissues are optional.

Seriously, don’t worry about the psychology part of my writing, just let the story take you away. I promise a happy ending always.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Right now, I’m enjoying DragonStar by C. K. Brewer – a nifty little fantasy book that is a fun read. And I’ve been reading my way through the rest of the Peace Series novellas. Sure, I wrote two of the collection but I haven’t finished reading all the other great stories the other amazing authors contributed.

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Absolutely. Green Eggs and Ham. I still love it. LOL

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My kids usually make me laugh so hard I cry. But the reality is, I’m a true Cancerian and it takes very little to draw emotions from me. I just have learned to keep them more private these days.

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

Ooh, just one is tough. There are three women who I would go far and away out of my way and spend a fortune to meet. They are Carol Burnett, Julie Andrews, and Betty White. They are just so incredible and I would be beside myself.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Oh yeah. I am a hand quilter, taught by my mom and grandmother. I also love to read (obviously LOL), watch old musical (Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, and Annie are tops), watch football (American NFL style) and baseball – the football I watch from the high school level (where my son goes to school) through the collegiate level and into professional, do puzzles – word and jigsaw, and play games – board and PC. I often do several of said hobbies at the same time. LOL

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

Well, I don’t watch TV unless its sports. But movies, like books, I’m all over the map with and am a moody watcher.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Favorite food… probably pasta or a good steak (depends on my mood – are you sensing a theme here? LOL)

Favoritecolor… deep loden green

Music… is again all over the map and mood determined. Music also drives many of my stories so I’ll hyper-focus on one song/artist through the writing of a story then move on. LOL I know, I’m odd.

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

I’d probably rejoin the nine to fivers until I could retire… unless I was independently wealthy by some miracle. Then I’d move myself back to Montana and live off the land in the shadow of the Crazy Mountains being a quiet philanthropist who bolsters children’s and service veteran’s charities.

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

Making memories with my children… all the memories.

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

I don’t intend to have a headstone, but if I did, I’d want it to say something like “She was a cool mom who wrote grand stories of adventure for us to love.” Or something cheesy like that.

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

My website is always the best way to find all the news… especially if you sign up for the newsletter (linked to the website), which is: http://shpratt701.wix.com/books-by-s-h-pratt 

The newsletter will often have contests, giveaways, and other fun things.

Plus there is always Facebook, Twitter, Bookbub, and all the other usual places:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shpratt701

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SHPratt701

Bookbub: http://www.bookbub.com/profile/s-h-pratt 

Amazon Authors page USA: http://www.amazon.com/author/shpratt 

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/S-H-Pratt/e/B00KFO1FNW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4&qid=1572335765&sr=1-4

 

 

Here is my interview with Susan Old

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?    

Susan Old, I’m 66. I was born with the last name of Old (my father was from Cornwall).

Fiona: Where are you from?

Me: Originally California, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) for two years in the Peace Corps, Central rural Illinois for twenty years, and now I live North of Seattle, Washington on the Stillaguamish River.

Fiona:A little about yourself…

Me:Before I published my first book, I was an Addiction Therapist (M.S. in Psychology), Peace Corps Volunteer in Zaire, young widow, remarried. We’ve got interesting, loving, adult kids and an amazing grandson. 2X Breast cancer survivor (Please get your yearly mammograms). I volunteer at an Animal Shelter, a Veteran’s museum, and the Unity Museum.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Me: I coded in E.R. this year, my heart stopped four times and now I have a pacemaker (bless the inventor). The week I got home from the hospital I finished my third book, I could not leave my readers hanging not knowing what happened to Miranda and the nocturnal maniacs who have invaded her life. I have a little different perspective now on what I want to focus on.

Also, my book was banned at a Farmers Market in Marysville, WA, because the market was sponsored by a church. They didn’t think it was appropriate. Ha! So, when I sell at fairs and markets I put up a sign that says banned in Marysville, and it helps sales.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing, 25 years ago, about Vampires to give me an outlet for the stress in my life. I could not write about my clients because of confidentiality so I wrote about a world where bright, snarky mortals contend with charming, seductive, aristocratic immortal serial killers. The manuscript of my first book was lost when lightning struck the power line and wiped out everything on my computer. I did not take it as a sign I should stop writing. It was a lesson learned, now I back up everything on the Cloud. It took me years to write the book over again from my notes, but this version is better.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Me: When my late mother-in-law was an author, who wrote books about English history, said she liked my writing.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Me:I wanted to read books with a strong but imperfect female protagonist. Miranda Ortega is made up of all the kick-ass women I’ve known who have taken on the world.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Me: Rare Blood (Book 1 of the Miranda Chronicles) comes from the extremely rare blood type, HH, that vampire’s prefer.About one in a million people in Europe have it, and a slightly higher percentage in Mumbai India. It came from my early musings about why a vampire might be attracted to someone. My heroine, Miranda has HH blood.

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

Me: I like to write first person. I love writing about vampires. They are fascinating, terrible, powerful, yet somehow still human at their core. I don’t like it when my editor says I’ve written too many words and begin to cut back. Sigh!

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

Me: Good question! Although I write as an escape, a lot of the difficulties, and even some of the strange rangers in my book are connected to my life. I loosely base the head of the vampire world, The Magus, on some of the psychiatrists I worked with. My main seductive vampire, who is Miranda’s love interest, Baron Tristan Mordecai, was inspired by a client who had a career in films. Women would always stare at him when he walked into a room. Writing about the death of a character I was fond of in the second book brought tears to my eyes as it brought back memories of my late husband’s passing. Miranda persists, gets stronger, and finds her voice through her struggles and challenges during the various phases of her live in all three books.Much like I have.

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

Me: No, but each book takes place in a place where I’ve resided.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Me: The original cover was taken from a picture drawn by an artist acquaintance of my daughter. In order to have a theme carry through on all three books I had the first cover redone and will reissue it. Karla Bacelis Sosa/Lily(Atelier Droeven) did the cover art for all three. The first cover is Baron Tristan Mordecai on a throne, the second is Miranda sitting on his throne in jeans, in the third Miranda has her foot on a the over throne which is laying on its side.

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

Me: My world is full of characters from all over the world. Some of my vampires are straight, some are LGBTQ. My book, like my life is better because of diversity. Also don’t be too quick to judge the characters in the books or realpeople in life as good or bad, weak or strong, they may surprise you.

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

Me:I like Tori Centanni’s Paranormal romance books about a young witch who doesn’t fit into “witch” society and faces adversity as she works as a private detective.

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

Me: My dear old friend Annette, who always has my back. We worked a lot of night shifts in a psychiatric hospital together. She helps edit my writing and says things like, “Is this what goes on in your head?”

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Me: It is now that I retired. I admire people who publish while still juggling full-time jobs and family.

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

Me: Happily, no.

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

Me: How great it feels when some one come s up and asks if out yetbecause they couldn’t put down the first one. I love telling them it will be published soon. The appreciation of my vampire fans means more to me than I expected.

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

Me: Aimee Garcia (She is in the TV show LUCIFER)

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Me: Don’t listen to self-doubt. We all have unique stories to tell. Write, write, write. Experiment with genres, you may find you have a talent for writing mysteries, ghost stories, or even political satire.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Me: Give your brain a break from reality get lost in reading/writing books.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I just finished Lord of the Dead by Tom Holland. Lord Byron becomes a vampire in a well-written dark tale. I enjoyed the way he explained why and how Byron was transformed. In my books I have all sorts of people who have become vampires like Tsarina Anastasia, Outlaw Billy the Kid, and Alexander the Great.

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Me: Winnie the Pooh

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Me: I love dark humor, like the film ‘What We Do In The Shadows’. There is a lot of dark humor in my writing. Books like, The Little Prince and Schindler’s List make me cry.

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

Me: Paul Mc Cartney and Ringo Starr. I saw the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl when I was 11, and I still listen to them all the time.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Me: Collecting vampire stuff. My favorite T-shirt has Vampira on it. My favortite mug shows Bela Lugosi as Dracula. A Navajo friend made me a beautiful silver bat necklace.

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

Me: I loved the ‘Versailles’ series. I’ve enjoyed watching The Good Place. Also ‘Happy’ about the detective who abuses substances and talks to an imaginary unicorn.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I think coffee should count as a food. Coffee completes me. I love every cuisine! Indian, African, Mexican, Thai, Japanese, etc. It’s all amazing.

I like Purple and Red.

It’s only Rock N Roll but I like it! (I saw the Stones a few years ago… still rocking! They inspire me.)

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

Me: Continue my volunteer work at the animal shelter and museums, and my garden would look a lot better.

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

Me: Send Love to all my friends and family.

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

I’ve already ordered it: “Off to see the Wizard!”

And the head stone is shaped like a book with Rare Blood written on the spine.

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

Me: My website is https://susanold.com/

My blog is https://susanold.com/blog/ .  My first book is currently available on Amazon, the second book Rhapsody In Blood will be published and available soon.

Amazon Authors page USA  https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Old/e/B079P92C56/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Susan-Old/e/B079P92C56?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_fkmr2_1&qid=1572308500&sr=1-1-fkmr2

Here is my interview with Gerald “Gerry” Cranwell

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

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

I’m Gerald “Gerry” Cranwell, and I’m 48.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in California, but grew up in Roanoke, Virginia.

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

I served for 12 years in the US Navy as a cryptolinguist, I have a BSc in Arabic and a MSc in Cybersecurity. I’ve been married for 27 years, and we have a son.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’ve just self-published my first novel, and I have three more waiting for release!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing in various ways most of my life- I’ve had a few newsletters when I was deployed, for instance- but I started my first book in 2014; I was doing our family tree and discovered various ancestors who’d fought for both sides during the Civil War, and was curious about their motives.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think when I received my first ‘review’ on my finished work- I had one of my friends read it, and they were very enthusiastic about it.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I discovered several relatives from Tennessee who’d fought on both sides during the Civil War- even from the same family. I wondered about what they thought they were fighting for. It’s too easy to view the Civil War in black-and-white (or blue-and-gray) terms, and assign motivations and beliefs to people based on what side they supported. I wanted to understand what drew a small farming community in the mountains of Tennessee to split their support North and South. I’ve also been interested in the use of intelligence-gathering and the role it played in the battles of the Civil War; that often goes unnoticed. From there, I developed the idea of a proto-intelligence officer in Confederate service (one of the reasons for this is the lack of records on the subject, giving me a freer hand than if I chose the Union, which did have an intelligence service).

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The story takes place in Spring of 1861, so it literally is the Confederate Spring. I plan to cover the entire war through the eyes of the main character, passing through Confederate Summer, Confederate Winter, and ending with Confederate Fall, which takes place in April 1865. The books address the rise and fall of the South’s fortunes.

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

 I try to write realistic characters- whatever their strengths, I want them to be relatable, with flaws or quirks which keep them human. I’d like the reader to feel that they’re hearing the main character’s perspective, their thoughts about events, and that they’d be engaged in doing so. Writing a first-person perspective, especially one which sounds reasonably close to the speech of the 1860s, is challenging- avoiding slang is especially difficult at times.

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

I try to keep it realistic- it’s based on actual events and for any intelligence-gathering/analysis technique I employ, it’s taken from something actually performed during the war; essentially, I’ve taken what was done haphazardly and turned it into a ‘what-if’, where the tools and techniques are purposely employed.

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

I’ve done a lot of travel through the region prior to writing, and during 2015 I was able to take a trek from Antietam down to Appomattox Court House, covering many of the key battlefields in Virginia.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I did, but I’m planning to find a designer for a 2^nd edition.

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

That’s a good question, and I had to sit and think about it for a while. Perhaps the idea that the messenger is as important as the message- the books really involve intelligence operations, and evaluating whether what you learned is true or false; the larger lesson is that we should stop and think about people in power urging us to act or believe a certain way- do they have our interests in mind, or theirs?

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

My favorite writer is Alistair Maclean, he did a brilliant job with creating taut thrillers with memorable characters and vividly described locations. I’m also a fan of Lindsey Davis, who wrote the Falco books. Excellent characters, gripping plots, and she places you in the heart of the Roman Empire.

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

Two very good friends, both were proofreaders and have been strong supporters.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I could see writing as a post-retirement career.

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

I’ve gone back and revised so many times since 2014, I can’t tell you how many changes I made!

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

Yes- just because I’m writing about historical events, I shouldn’t restrict myself to following them. I found myself getting too detailed regarding the Peninsula Campaign of 1862, and stalled out for months just outside of Richmond. While that happened in reality, it doesn’t work for me trying to get the book finished.

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

Honestly, I think I’d want a relatively unknown actor, so that the ‘name’ doesn’t overshadow the story.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write down every crazy idea you think of. Write down scenes, conversations, snippets of dialogue. Write down concepts and questions. Whenever you have something on your mind, write it down. You can edit it into the story, save it for another story, or delete it- or maybe it leads to another plot angle. But write!

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thanks for reading, thanks for taking a chance on self-published/indie authors, and I hope you enjoy this slice of the Civil War.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Haha, I’m translating a cookbook into English, many of the ingredients are eluding me.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Aside from kids’ books, probably King Solomon’s Mines- my grandfather gave me that when I was eight.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

That’s hard to say, it really varies based on where I am in my head.

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

Another tough question. I think Hammurabi, because so much of our current civilization and legal processes have their roots here and I’d love to know what his world was like, how he viewed it, what he was thinking when he compiled (or had it compiled) the list of laws. (By the way, these are always interesting questions because it presupposes that the meeting will take place in a mutually intelligible format.)

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Writing? My family and I like to play board games, and we’re big fans of Halloween- we usually build props for our haunted house display, so I guess you could say that’s a hobby.

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

Comedies, sci-fi, I watch a lot of documentaries. I probably should’ve put that first.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Anything spicy, I love Mexican/Indian/Middle Eastern cuisines most of all. Colors? Mostly blues and greens- I spent too much time in the desert, so anything not sand-colored. I’m more partial to classical music and classic rock.

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

Teach. I taught at a community college for a couple of years and loved it, I’d like to do that again.

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

With my family, just having a fun day together.

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

No tombstone- I want a memorial bench somewhere scenic, where people can stop and enjoy the view for a moment. It would have my name and “Take your time- Make it last”.

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

 https://www.facebook.com/GeraldCranwellWriter

https://books2read.com/author/gerald-cranwell/subscribe/23818/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1689015098/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_j3YTDb8D40WAF

Here’s my Civil War humor blog: http://cwhumor.blogspot.com/

Here is my interview with Lisa Bien

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?

Lisa Bien, 53

Fiona: Where are you from?

Philadelphia

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

I am a single mom of two boys, Jacob and Ari.

Bachelor of Arts from Temple University and Masters of Education, Holy Family University.

Lisa’s success is backed by her sterling academic and professional experience.

Degreed in education, Lisa teaches in the communication schools of both Rowan University and Temple University.

At Temple she also hosts her own TV program, Your Best Life with Lisa, on Temple TV where, with humor and raw honesty,Lisa helps her guests confront and bounce back from serious personal and professional struggles. Her professional background in public relations and marketing has been of great advantage in helping her connect with diverse audiences.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I am a regular on PHL17 in Philadelphia doing a Morning Motivation piece for the morning show.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started to write in 2009 to share my story to help inspire others.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After my first book was published. I always knew I wanted to write a book, I just was not sure what kind of book or when.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I want to help inspire others to live their best life.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I love sports and I heard a baseball player say, we have to bounce back and I was like yes! We all do and that is how I came up with Life Happens: Bounce Back! and Divorce Happens: Bounce Back!

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

I write like I talk.

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

All three of my books are based on my story and practices.

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

NO

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Laura Jacoby

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

Lisa Shiroff my publisher

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

No, I see story telling as my career.

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

No, it is a journal and I love that I can help inspire people to journal.

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

Yes, that when you push yourself, you can always produce a better product.

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

YES

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

YES, if you want to write a book – do it! Make it a priority. Don’t talk about it. Make a plan and create for it in your life to make it happen.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

To believe in the beauty of life and all that it has to offer. Never stop believing in yourself.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Choice Embrace the Impossible

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No, I loved reading Amelia Bedelia books. I remember going to the library and how much I loved books. I still enjoy going to a bookstore today.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I laugh a lot. My boyfriend makes me laugh.

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

 I would like to meet my biological father and have a cup of coffee with him. I never knew him and I want to tell him I forgive him.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

 Building my brand is where I focus a lot of my free time…not any real hobbies.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

 My favoritecolor is green. I enjoy dining out and a nice glass of wine. Red, please. I like steak and macaroni and cheese. I enjoy a nice cheese platter too.

 Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write.

What would you do? I cannot really imagine that. Hmmm. I would find another medium to share my messages.

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

I would plan the day with my two boys, Jacob and Ari, my boyfriend Gonen and my close friends. We would celebrate life. Talk about how beautiful life is and enjoy a nice meal together.

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

Lisa Bien

Loved and Wonderful Mom

Positive Person who made a Difference

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

 Yes, it’s on my website.

My website is www.LisaBien.com

Lisa Bien on Amazon USA https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Bien/e/B00N8KZH4S%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lisa-Bien/e/B00N8KZH4S/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

 

Here is my interview with Lex H Jones

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 Lex H Jones, and I’m currently 34 .

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from Yorkshire, in the North of England.

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

I grew up with my mum, dad, and sister in rural Yorkshire. I went to school and college in the same area, studying English Language and Psychology. I’ve always had an interest in creative writing, as far back as I can remember.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My first children’s book, “The Old One and The Sea”, is available in paperback, hardback and ebook from 1^st November. The book is an illustrated retelling of H.P Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos, reimagined for a younger audience and reframed in a completed different way.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I remember writing stories for the fun of it as young as about 8 or 9. I just loved creating my own stories and characters rather than just using existing ones for games and play. I used to makeup stories in my head before I started writing them down.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Probably the first time I signed a proper publishing contract for some of my work. I think that drew something of an official line in my head that ‘this was real now’.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first published book was ‘Nick and Abe’, a story of God and the Devil spending a year on earth as mortal men. The inspiration for this came from the Biblical story of Job which introduces the idea of these characters having wagers with each other, and also the idea of treating these divine beings as mortal men, and what that might look like.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title for your latest book?

The title is something of a play on the classic tale ‘The Old Man and The Sea’, but changed to be ‘Old One’, as that suits the Lovecraftian heritage of the story. It’s also very fitting because both the ‘Old One’ (i.e. Cthulhu) and the sea are key elements of the book.

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

I change my style depending on the genre that I’m writing. My most recent release is a children’s book, so that’s naturally very different to the book I wrote before, which was a gritty noir crime thriller. I find it takes a few chapters before I find the right voice for the genre, and then I’ll go back and tidy up the first few chapters at that point.

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

The book isn’t all that realistic, given that it’s about a boy who befriends a giant monster! Although it does deal with some issues that are absolutely drawn from real life, such as childhood loneliness and how children process grief.

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

I think it depends on the book. ‘The Old One and The Sea’ is set in a quiet seaside town. I like to visit places like that along the English coast at least once a year, so I drew on my memories and feelings of those places.

Fiona: Who designed the cover?

The idea for the cover was my own, as were the ideas for the illustrations through the book. I took a particular scene from each chapter and had an artist create some beautiful images for them all based on my descriptions.

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

The idea that being an imaginative and unusual child who doesn’t quite fit in, is not a bad thing. I think we’re getting better at that, as a society, but far too many still want to fit everybody into their specific little boxes.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

 At the moment, no, it’s not financially viable to do so. If I had enough success that I could live comfortably with the proceeds then perhaps, but as I value comfort and security I don’t realistically see this being an option. The idea of never knowing what income you’ll have from one year to the next doesn’t sit well with me.

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

I don’t think that I would. It went through a lot of drafts and a lot of work to get it to the final version, and I don’t think there’s anything I’d change.

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

I learned about getting the tone right for a children’s book, and also how to sit down with an artist and explain what I was seeing in my head to such a degree that they could recreate it perfectly on the page. That was an exciting new experience.

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

I think ‘The Old One and The Sea’ would work best as an animated film, rather than a live action one. And since the leads are a child and a monster (the latter of which doesn’t speak), I think it would be a case of hiring a really good child voice actor!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Just keep going. You never know which book will be the one that works, that gets a good publishing deal, or that captures readers’ imaginations. It might not be the one you’re writing now, but perhaps something you learn from writing that one will lead to your writing the one that succeeds.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading a collection of rare Victorian ghost stories called ‘A Bottomless Grave, and Other Tales’.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I think the first book I ever read properly on my own was a simplified version of A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. The unabridged version of it remains my favourite book, and I read it every year.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I’m not much of a cryer, but my sense of humour is very varied. I like all sorts of comedy films and TV shows really, both old and new. Sometimes it’s nice to hear a stand-up doing relatable material, but sometimes it’s equally fun to hear something that’s out-there and weird.

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

I think I’d like to meet Charles Dickens, just to see how he felt about the fact that his works are still so beloved. It’s more than most writers could hope for to think that, two centuries later, people are still reading and adapting your works.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Besides writing I also read a lot, and watch a lot of films, and do a fair bit of physical exercise. Nothing beyond those things, though. Writing takes up most of my creative energy so I’m not also making pottery or anything. I wish that I could, but I’m terrible at anything like that.

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

This really does depend on my mood. I like everything from sitcoms to panel shows to animated shows to live action drama. The only type of TV that I specifically don’t like is reality shows as I just find them tedious and unnecessary. But as for films, I’ll watch more or less anything if the plot is good.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Anything that’s probably not healthy for me, black and red, and musically I like most things, depending on my current environment. I love Tom Waits, for instance, but I wouldn’t put his records on at a party.

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

I think I’d want to build things. I’m quite good at manual work, fixing things in particular, so I’d probably do something like that as it does still allow a degree of creativity.

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

It depends if I only have 24 hours left to live, or if EVERYBODY does! If it was just me I think I’d be spending time saying goodbyes, but if the whole world was ending then everyone would be pretty busy and I’d probably just have a cup of tea.

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

I actually don’t think I’m going to have one. I’d rather someone plants a tree or something where my ashes were scattered. Then I can haunt a tree.

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

My Twitter: @LexHJones

My Facebook author page:  https://www.facebook.com/LexHJones/

Amazon author page: UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lex-H-Jones/e/B008HSH9BA?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1572262556&sr=8-1

 US: https://www.amazon.com/Lex-H-Jones/e/B008HSH9BA/ref=dp_byline_cont_all_1

           

 

 

Here is my interview with Susanne Bacon

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, and thank you for having me! My name is Susanne Bacon, and I am currently 51 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in Southwest Germany, where I lived for over 40 years. But at one point I met my American husband, and now my home is south of Seattle in Washington State.

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

Part of my family had immigrated to the US when I was a kid. That might account for my love for the English language. One of my two Master’s degrees is in English and American literature. After I graduated university, I became a journalist and, later, the editor in chief of a trade magazine for the industry of art, craft, and needle craft supplies. I travelled a lot, which is why I was single for a long time. When I met my husband, I was in my very late 30s. We’ve been married for over ten years now and love to explore places together; enjoying each other’s companionship very much. During the first years over here, I worked as a consultant and blogger for Messe Frankfurt Exhibition in Germany; I also was a translator, and I wrote a column for a Dutch trade magazine. But the split between two continents was exhausting, and I decided to stay closer to home. Today, I’m pretty much a home-maker with a very busy writer’s schedule.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m working on two novels and the translation of one these days; I plan to have them published in 2020.Also, I’ve been marketing what I have published so far way more intensely than ever before, this year. I have travelled outside the county, I’ve been on radio podcasts, and I’ve been interviewed for a production that got aired on YouTube last spring. Now, I’m looking forward to a TV interview I have been invited for.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Does it sound silly when I say there was no other “why” than that my mind would burst if I didn’t? I was a story teller as a kid already; my sibling asked me for extra bedtime stories often enough. As soon as I was able to spell, I borrowed my parents’ mechanical type-writer. That was at age 6 or seven. Only recently I found some of those sheets and had to laugh about how crooked the typed lines were – I was so impatient to see my words pop up on the pages that I pulled the sheets …

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I guess after I had published my first book of poetry at age 25, I began thinking of myself as a writer. Funny enough, I already had a job as a journalist at that age, which would have qualified me as one already. But I somehow separated the term writer from the term journalist. Which, in hindsight, is ridiculous, of course.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was one of poetry, and titled it “Phoenix”. Poetry is inspired by very strong emotions that are often momentary. Of course, love is the biggest motivator at the young age of 25. Today, I write novels, and the motivation behind them is way more complex. I guess, I simply wanted to share my emotions as a young woman, whereas today, in my novels, I want to send out messages.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Interesting question. These days, I’m writing a series of small-town romances, and they all have alliterative titles. I first think of the story, then try to find an alliteration that I haven’t used before and that is a hint to the topic, as well. “Delicate Dreams”, the first in the series was about a German deli, but also about dreaming of love, while dealing with grief. My latest, “Haunted Homes” is about family history haunting people of the present times, making their homes not into what they could be; it’s also about the furnishings of an old villa that are picked over by a historical museum. The one I’m currently working on is a Christmas novel called “Suddenly Snow” – imagine a small-town cut off by snow from the outer world.

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

Some readers tell me I write like Maeve Binchy or Debbie Macomber – what a huge compliment! Others say my books read like Hallmark movies. (Hello Hallmark, did you hear this?!) I think I’m a traditional storyteller. Also think cosy stories, something you wouldn’t blush to read out aloud to anybody. My biggest challenge is that I’m not writing in my mother tongue – every once in a while, a Germanism eludes me, and I’m only too glad when one of my beta-readers tells me.

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

Here comes the fun part –I actually write real people, real businesses, and real places into my books. It started out with friends who requested to be written into a novel. Others come to me and tell me about things that happened to them and ask me whether that wasn’t something to put into my “next novel”. I try to make my books realistic, but a lot of them is pure imagination and research. Such as a cocaine addict in my novel “Clean Cuts”; I certainly had to read up on that. “Delicate Dreams” though is very much based on a short stint I had as a sales associate in a German deli over here.

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

I plan to republish a WW II novel in 2020.The novel is located in the British Channel Islands during the German Occupation. Actually, I travelled there for a vacation in 1999 before the story hit me. I visited three of the islands, went through their museums, talked to veterans and museum staff, read every single book that was available back in the day. And then I wrote for an entire year. For my small-town romances I prefer to stay closer to home. But who knows what’s coming next?!

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Except for my first novel, all the cover illustrations are mine. I drew the ones for my two German poetry and short story books, I arranged photos for my small-town romances. The typography is all the publishing houses’, but I usually have a say as to what I’d like the colour scheme and the typography to be like.

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

Always. Above all I intend to spread love and mindfulness. But each novel has another message in it. About how important it is to find your place in society, about the importance of communication, about the necessity to place love and friendship above opinion, about the necessity to deal with or create changes in life, about the meaning of your own self above the importance of your family history. That pretty much sums up my small-town novel series.

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

I constantly run into authors who are new to me, literally. I try to read as much as I can, but I feel floored by the number of books I’ll never be able to read. My favourite writer is Irish author Maeve Binchy. I love how she connects her characters over her entire oeuvre, how she keeps it local and realistic for people from all walks of life. Above all I admire the love she shows for her characters and thereby for human beings. She’s struck a chord in me way before I even thought that I’d ever be able to write any novel at all.

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

There have been too many in my life who came in at different stages. The very first was a writer group I co-founded at university. Later it was colleagues and bosses at the publishing houses I worked for. Over here, in Western Washington, I find major support with fellow authors and the Steilacoom Historical Museum, a pioneer place I volunteer for. They were the first to offer me book signings and to sell my books in their museum store.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. If you don’t take writing seriously, it shows. And readers might buy one of your books but never want to read another one. I try to work on my manuscripts each and every day for at least four or five hours. Add to that marketing and PR activities. I invest in marketing materials and events. I exchange tips with fellow authors, I keep my ears open as to what my readers like. I cannot live of my books. But it’s definitely my goal. I guess, that underlines it that it’s a career to me.

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

I only published my latest book in June. It’s a bit too early for me to analyse whether I should have done anything differently. Maybe, if I found all the typos my editors and I overlooked … But seriously, right now it feels rounded out. In ten or twenty years’ time I may think differently.

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

As a matter of fact, I always do. I usually put in something that needs research. In the case of “Haunted Homes” it was easy, though. I describe how a historical museum works behind the scenes. So, that is a little autobiographic. The book before was more research intense – it deals with sudden paralysis through injury. That was an intense topic that I hope I researched and covered reasonably well.

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

I’m not sure I would even want my books to become movies. My protagonists live in my head. They might look different in somebody else’s mind. And to be honest, I don’t even know today’s actors that well anymore. A lot of them look all the same to me. So, if any of my books ever made it into a movie, I’d leave the decision entirely with the producers.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Patience, Persistence, Perpetuity. Be patient with your story development, with your writing speed, with the rewriting process, with success. Be persistent in your endeavour – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and one single book might not lead to the success you envision. What you are writing is perpetuated after you are long gone – therefore, aspire to write your best and your most honest.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you for your wonderful support. Of course, reviews are the best support next to purchases – so, please keep them coming. I promise, I’ll do my best to deliver on my side …

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am reading a really whimsical detective story, “White Corridor”, by British author Christopher Fowler. The crime story itself is riveting, and the detective department solving it is loveable up to its very most absurd traits.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I think it was Swedish author Astrid Lindgren’s “The Children of Troublemaker Street”. But my favourite first picture book as a toddler was “One Morning in Maine” by Robert McCloskey.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I’m one of those people who are built close to the water. Anything of great beauty or deep emotion will make me cry. I laugh quite easily too, as I’m a very happy being.

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

I’d like to meet all the wonderful people whom I only know via Facebook or email. They are enriching my life so much, and I’d simply love to experience their full personality in real time.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I love cooking – from doing groceries to the actual process and to eating the result. I love singing and performing on stage (I had classical singing lessons for quite a few years as a teen). Reading is another one. Of course! And I love to explore new places with my husband; it can be just something picturesque around the corner and needn’t be anything exotic or costly.

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

I love cooking shows. And I find movies with historical topics most exciting. I also love movies based on fiction of past centuries.

Fiona: Favourite foods, colours, music?

I’m all over the place foodwise. It’s easier to answer what I don’t like: Brussel sprouts, sweetly cured meats, oysters, and tofu. I love black and teal. And I listen to classical music, cool jazz, ballroom and Latin dance music, disco music of the 80s as well as some good RNB.

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

I’d be very sick or dead.

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

Definitely with my husband. When everything fails, love and friendship are the values upheld to the last. Wow, I guess that almost sounds Biblical!

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

I want my ashes to nourish a tree. The tree would be my epitaph.

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

I haven’t set up a website so far. But I share all these things and more on my public Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/susannebaconauthor/. I also have a column and other articles running at https://thesubtimes.com/author/susannebacon/.

Amazon  Authors page USA  https://www.amazon.com/Susanne-Bacon/e/B06Y16DNPY/.

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Susanne-Bacon/e/B06Y16DNPY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1572214782&sr=1-2

Here is my interview with Stuart R. West

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?

SRW: Hey, Fiona, thanks much for having me. I’m Stuart R. West, 58 years old. And I feel every year in my tired shell.

Fiona: Where are you from?

SRW: I’m from “Stuck In Kansas.” Yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. I grew up in Kansas and somehow can’t seem to find my way out for one reason or the other. The good news is Kansas is creepy, full of writing fodder. My books practically write themselves, all of them taking place (for the most part) in Kansas.

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

SRW: Fiona, I’ve done a lot of strange things over the years… I’ve been a copywriter, public relations lackey, Whizzo the Clown chauffeur, graphic artist, crappy stand-up comedian, art department manager, singer (not very well) and saxophone player (terrible!) in an alternative-funk-country- rock-comedy improv band (I wore pajamas on stage…don’t ask. It wasn’t pretty!), marketing/advertising lackey, and now a novelist with 23 or so books under my belt.

I’m married to a wonderful wife who’s much smarter than me and doesn’t suffer fools lightly. I drive her crazy. And my 27 year old daughter has sold out to The Man and is a banker. Tsk…

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

SRW: My newest book, Corporate Wolf, has been recently released through the great guys at Grinning Skull Press. It’s a darkly comedic horror whodunnit and satire of the corporate world. Just with werewolves. Think An American Werewolf in London (m)eats Office Space.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

SRW: I began eight years ago when the company I’d been suffering through for 28 years collapsed due to stupid business decisions. (They thought moving all production to China would be cheaper; they didn’t factor in the shipping costs and pay-off fees. It ended up costing more to the point of bankruptcy. We went from a company of 350 employees to a skeletal crew of 25. Rats ran through the offices because the trash hadn’t been taken out for a month. Oh, the horror!). Anyway, the reason I started writing is two-fold: A) it’s been a dream since childhood; B) Anything to avoid working for The Man again. It’s soul-deadening.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

SRW: When my first book was picked up, natch.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

SRW: Desperation? No, my first book, Tex, the Witch Boy, was partially autobiographical. Except, um, I’m not a witch nor was there a serial killer offing students at a high school. But all of the bullying stories in the book either happened to me or a friend of mine. I had a lot of anger about those days that I needed to get out. Very cathartic and it appealed to a lot of people.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

SRW: I wanted a name for a guy witch that seemed at odds with the usual gothic trappings. You can’t get any more off-beat than “Tex.”

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

SRW: I think I’m still working on my style, Fiona! If I sat down, looked at my books, I think if anything, I’d say they have an easy-breezy style and attitude . Oh! And I can’t help but put humor in my books. I don’t start that way. Just sorta happens. I’ve even had straight-up horror books, like Corporate Wolf, being infiltrated after a while by gallows humor (i.e., the “Goat Yoga” sequence).

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

SRW: Most of my books have an autobiographical slant to them. (Although, for the record, I swear I’m not a witch, serial killer, demon, werewolf, ghost, or male stripper). In Corporate Wolf, the preface says “This is a true story…kinda…sorta…” A lot of the big business stupidity in the book is based on my experience. Again…no werewolves, though. (Although, come to think of it, it might’ve made it more interesting.)

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

SRW: Not yet. Remember, I’m stuck in Kansas! And, please! For the love of God, no “Toto” jokes!

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

SRW: Over the last eight years, I’ve been with about six publishers, but by far my favourite cover artist is the talented Jeffrey Kosh, who does most of Grinning Skull Press’s covers. Just take a gander at Corporate Wolf, Twisted Tales from Tornado Alley, Ghosts of Gannaway, and Dread and Breakfast. Fantastic!

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

SRW: I dunno… Stay in milk. Drink school? No, that’s not right. How about be kind to others because you never really know what might happen.

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?

SRW: Okay, that’s not fair. I have many favourite writers who I’ve crossed paths with and to mention several of them wouldn’t be right to the others. But if anyone’s TRULY interested, send me a PM on Facebook or something and I’ll spill all.

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

SRW: Frankly, my wife’s family has been very supportive, much moreso than my own family. They don’t read. Not since they read a book called the Bible. You heard of it? I think it’s a best-seller.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

SRW: Yep! But I need to supplement it with something else, hence why I’m currently pursuing another sideline.

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

SRW: That’s another trick question, Fiona, one designed to drive writers nuts! Of course, there’re things I’d change! But that’s a deep black hole I’d never get out of if I kept going back and back and back… Nope, tuck the babies in bed and move on.

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

SRW: Yes, don’t write such long books because when I did a trade show, the weight in the suitcase was killing me!

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

SRW: Don Knotts. No, wait…

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

SRW: Not really. I haven’t met a writer yet who actually, you know, listens to me.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

SRW: Please read my books so I don’t have to rejoin the soul-destroying corporate world! I’m begging you! Tell you what…if you don’t enjoy my book, I’ll give you a guarantee: you can come to my house and punch me in the face!*

*Offer only valid within the next hour.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

SRW: The Darkest Veil by Catherine Cavendish.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

SRW: Does Highlights Magazine count? Playboy?

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

SRW: Any movie that puts dogs in jeopardy or death makes me weep like a baby. Really, really, REALLY awesomely bad movies make me laugh.

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

SRW: Maybe Edgar Allan Poe. I’d ask him…”What’s your deal, Ed?”

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

SRW: Reading, music, watching bad movies, beer.

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

SRW: Sigh… Go become a business drone again.

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

SRW: I’d probably clean out the bedroom closet. My wife’s been after me to do it for years.

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

SRW: “Well…that’s that.”

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

SRW: I do. Thanks for asking, Fiona! Here are links a-plenty:

*Amazon author page.

*Stuart R. West’s (totally inconsequential) blog: Twisted Tales from Tornado Alley

*Grinning Skull Press Horror Novels

*Crossroads Press Serial Killah Thrillas

*BWL Publishing author’s page.

*My MuseItUp Publishing books

*And the rest (like on Gilligan’s Island): Facebook, Twitter