Author of: Crowded (Deep River
High Series)
Book
blurb:
Cole Martin is trying to live for God,
even though he made a mistake that costs Emily Davis and her parents' trust in
him. Now, he is making every attempt he can to win her back. Josh Summers, the
new boy with a dark past, also has his sights set on Emily who seems to enjoy
the flirtation.
As an
introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am 24 years old. I took some creative writing and journalism
classes as a teen and am almost halfway through community college. I can be a brat and pretty snarky. Otherwise,
I'm extremely nice, loyal and caring. No, I'm not bipolar.
What is
your book about?
It's about love, friendship,
post-abortion syndrome in boys, male bulimia, guilt, nightmares, God,
forgiveness and abuse.
When and
why did you begin writing?
I began writing at 11, when I was penpals
with an aunt. It seemed like fun to write my own stories. It grew into a way to
bring my readers to or closer to God. I really enjoy the characters.
What genre
do you prefer to write in?
Teen.
What is
your biggest writing achievement to date?
4-5 star ratings on "Crowded"
What
inspired you to write this book?
Melody Carlson, Robert Liparulo, One life
to Live, personal experiences, how I would react or hope someone would react in
a certain situation, my love for teens and younger (though it may not be
suitable for under 14), stuff I hear or read about going on in this world, my
hope that their are some guys out there who have remorse for their mistakes and
it's not just fictional men, Beastly, Narnia.
Who is
your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord
with you?
Melody Carlson and Robert Liparulo. They
make you feel you are the character or at least make you see things from
another's perspective. Robert writes in a way that has action and adventure and
isn't cheesy. Melody has relateable characters, for the most part.
What book
are you reading now, and would you recommend it?
My textbooks for history and speech
communication class. Well, I have to say they are the best of the schoolbooks
I've read in college. :)
What are
your current projects?
I am working on the second book in the
series. It's about a school shooting.
Where and
when do you do most of your writing?
In my room, any time of the day.
Who
designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?
Jeanette Raliegh. I think it is. I didn't
want a male with a crewcut for my Christian book cover because guys can have
shoulder length hair and it still be short. I don't like Karen Kingsbury's
writing for that reason. She seems to think it has to be super short to be
short and I can't enjoy a book where all the guys have their hair shaved into a
buzzcut or crewcut. I asked a boy if I
could put him on the cover and he agreed.
Did you
try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that
self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?
Yes, I did. Self-publishing is much
better. Have your own rules, almost.
Where can
we buy the book?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HB1J7A/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=12SQHFMEX9GBAZY6MME1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846
Do you
have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Deep-River-High-Series/226787394036230
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cole-Martin/339426896068200
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lydia-Summers/272553136133427
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emily-Davis/297022117001365
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Josh-Summers/211513475579006
http://jesusfreak-ponderingsofanamusedwriter.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/longhairrox
Do you
have any advice for other writers?
Just don't go with every opinion you get
on your stories and look out for cyber bullies. If it sounds like good advice,
go with it. If it makes you depressed, nervous or irritated ignore what they
say.
And,
finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?
Jesus loves you. Keep writing. Listen to awesome music and be on the look
out for inspiration. Try to look for the good in others and have empathy.
Author of: Staying
the Hand of God
Book
blurb:
As planet Earth becomes inhabitable, a
small group of young astronauts become the last hope for the continuation of
the human race.
As an
introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm a freelance, non-fiction writer and
fiction author, 40 years old. ( I don't look a day over 39...) Ghost writing
and informational articles are my main focus during the day, ranging from
science and technology to nature and e-commerce. I've published three fiction
stories, all thrillers, and I have a fourth in the works. I love the
intricacies and power of the natural world and our understanding of it, which
is more than apparent in my writing, maybe to my own detriment, as I tend to
put more 'story' than 'character' in my writing. Fortunately, for me,
self-publishing has allowed me to write in my own words, and in my own style,
which is the only way I can write.
What is
your book about?
"Staying the Hand of God" is
about mankind's lack of control over its surroundings and its destiny. I try to
bring together the ideas of creation, spirituality and reality, under one
umbrella. One of the greatest conflicts throughout human history has been the
conflict between education and belief. In "Staying the Hand of God",
I try to show that both belief and knowledge are essential to mankind's
continued existence, and how too much faith in either one will ultimately end
the race as a whole.
When and
why did you begin writing?
I began experimenting with fiction
writing about six years ago, just shortly after becoming a freelance
non-fiction writer. I discovered right away that fiction and non-fiction were
VERY different...and not just for the obvious reason...or what I like to call
the "Duh-factor". I started writing fiction for one simple reason: I
had an idea one day (they come so few and far between, I have to note the
occurrences) that I thought would make a great story, so I started to write it
down.
What genre
do you prefer to write in?
I prefer the thriller genre, mainly
because it interests me so much. If you like what you write, I believe it
shows.
What is
your biggest writing achievement to date?
So far, my biggest achievement in the fiction
arena is the consideration I've received for my first story. For a new writer
and just a short story, "Mythical" has already created some
opportunities for me, most notably, its current consideration for
representation by a very high-profile literary agent. I can't divulge any
details yet, but let's just say that the same agent represents one of the best
selling fiction collections of the last ten years, and, I quote: "...would
like to consider the project"...
What
inspired you to write this book?
"Staying the Hand of God" was
inspired by exploration of all kinds, its risks and how much effort it
requires, as well as how exploration is the key to mankind's future. This story
not only highlights how fragile and rare life is in the universe is, but also
what it might take, if indeed, the geological clock of the Earth were
accelerated, or some similar disaster took place, and humans had to find
another world. The story is partially inspired by apocalyptic theories, such as
the Mayan Doomsday Prophecy, asteroid strikes and the Nemesis death star, and
the thoughts of what humans could do in the face of such power. It would be, as
if humans were trying the stay the hand of God...
Who is
your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord
with you?
I actually have two: Stephen King and
Michael Crichton; both of these authors, along with many others, make the story
real for me. I can actually see and feel what is happening during the story,
I've even caught myself staring into space, repeating a sentence or scene in my
head, visualizing it as plain as day. I hope to have the same effect on my
readers.
What book
are you reading now, and would you recommend it?
Believe it or not, I'm actually reading
some of Shakespeare's original works. A friend loaned me a collection, in the
original writing style that includes "thou" and "thee",
which is an adventure in itself to decipher, though worth every minute. I just
re-read "The Tempest", and I'm getting ready to start on "Much
Ado About Nothing". I think that everyone should periodically return to
the classics and see how their interpretations of them have changed as they've
grown older and more experienced, it is an eye-opener, to say the least.
What are
your current projects?
I currently have three stories out:
"Mythical" - a short fantasy thriller, "Underground" - a
modern, edgy thriller and my latest release, "Staying the Hand of
God" - a science fiction novel. I have two more novel-length thrillers in
the works, both are planned for release later in 2012.
Where and
when do you do most of your writing?
I write most often late at night and on
the weekends, when I can set aside a block of time for the intense thought that
goes into creating a story. During the week and during the day, I try of focus
on idea development, marketing, promotion and editing, as my analytical mind is
more accessible during the day, while my creativity and craziness tend to come
out at night and when I'm left alone for too long.
What would
you say was the hardest part of writing your book?
In my own limited experience, I would say
that developing characters and formulating a solid ending are the toughest for
me. I have trouble building well-rounded characters, probably because I'm not
very well-rounded myself. I also have trouble with ending a story. I can't
quite put my finger on it...maybe I don't want them to end...
Who
designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?
Covers are definitely important. The
story is the focus, yes, but the cover is what people see first, and it needs
to be as professional as it can be, regardless of how good the story is. I'm
lucky to have some graphic design experience, and designed my covers myself,
but if I could not have accomplished it myself, I would have paid to have them
created. Whatever it takes, put the best face on it that you can, or readers
may not get far enough to discover how good the story is. A book cannot be
judged by its cover...but the cover IS the first impression...regardless of any
clever anecdotes that are employed.
Did you
try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that
self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?
I did not even attempt traditional
publishing, at first. I went straight to online publishing, then, when I had my
online presence established, I used that to approach traditional publishers and
agents. This gave them something to see, with their own eyes, and I believe
that has given me some serious advantages when seeking out traditional literary
avenues. It not only shows them that I am serious about writing and marketing
the stories I write, but is also proves that I'm willing to work for it, which
many underestimate when considering a writing career. Writing is a job, it is a
fun job, but it is still a job...
On the
whole, how have you found self-publishing?
I've found the world self-publishing to
be a wealth of opportunity, though the toughest parts, and I'm sure I'm not the
only one to notice this, are drawing new readers and generating sales. Let's
face it, I wouldn't put my stories up for sale, if the ultimate goal was not to
sell them. My advice to those considering self-publication is to do it...and do
it now...but keep your eyes open and keep realistic expectations.
Where can
we buy the book?
"Staying the Hand of God" is
available just about anywhere you can purchase an e-book: Amazon, GoodReads,
Smashwords and it will be in the Barnes and Noble and Apple I-Stores within a
week (they take a little longer to process than most...)
Do you
have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?
I have a Facebook page and profiles on
Amazon, GoodReads and Smashwords. My blog is on GoodReads, though I'm in the
process of feeding to my Amazon profile as well.
Do you
have any advice for other writers?
The best advice that I can pass on is to
follow the rules of one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time,
Robert Heinlein...In a nutshell:
You must write: Writers write things...
You must finish what you write: Every
story must have a beginning, middle and an end...
You must not rewrite what you've written:
Editing and revisions are critical, but don't rewrite your story...
You must present your story to the world:
Just do it...
You must leave your story on the market
until it sells: Just do it...
And,
finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?
I would definitely like to thank those
that are reading and those that have taken a chance on new authors. My
philosophy - If you have a story, tell it.
Thank you to all that have read, and will
read, my stories!
Author of:
Deck of
Lies: Book 1: Justice
Book
blurb:
A House of Cards…
When you build an entire life on a
foundation of lies, it only takes one truth for the whole thing to come
crashing down. I never invited the truth in. I never went searching for it. I
never had any reason to suspect that the two people I loved most were dishonest
with me every second of every day.
I made one bad decision, and in a single
day my entire world changed. If I’m ever going to discover the truth about
myself and my parents, I have to trace all the lies back to their source. I
have to try to find the truth that they’re hiding.
The more I discover about myself, and my
past, the more I realize that lies really are better than the truth. But now
that I know the lies are all around me, I can’t stop until I’ve discovered them
all. I’ll pull each lie away, one by one, and examine it to see what’s
underneath…until this house of cards crumbles into dust at my feet.
I just hope I can survive the crash.
As an
introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I live in Kentucky and I'm completely
obsessed with watching my Kentucky Wildcats basketball. My favorite color is
green (my name means green), and even when I'm not writing I'm still sitting in
front of my laptop playing games and looking around on the Internet.
What is
your book about?
It's about a girl who discovers her
entire life is a lie. But it turns out that her new life is filled with even
more secrets and deception than the old one.
When and
why did you begin writing?
I started writing short stories when I
was around 11 because I loved books so much. Some of my earliest writing was
horror stories.
What genre
do you prefer to write in?
Young adult, the first genre I started
reading.
What is
your biggest writing achievement to date?
I think my biggest achievement in writing
was the first day I started typing on my grandmother's old electric typewriter.
If that had never happened, I wouldn't be writing now.
What
inspired you to write this book?
I think I got the idea when I started
watching "Switched at Birth," the TV show. It's about two girls who
were, as you can guess, switched at birth. It got me to thinking about how it
would feel to be taken out of one family and put in another, which isn't
exactly what's happening in that TV series but it's where the initial idea
started.
Who is
your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord
with you?
That's hard to answer. I feel like my
favorite writer is the one I'm reading right now. It constantly changes. Each
writer has their own voice and something unique to offer. Lately I've been on a
bit of a Mary Higgins Clark kick. She's great at creating fascinating
characters.
What book
are you reading now, and would you recommend it?
I've been slowly working on The Secret
Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, one of my old favorites. I would definitely
recommend it to any YA reader of any age.
What are
your current projects?
I'm working on finishing the Deck of Lies
series, and then I have several more projects I'll be publishing.
Where and
when do you do most of your writing?
I write every night, all night long. I
like it when it's quiet and the phone's not ringing so I can totally focus on
what I'm doing.
What would
you say was the hardest part of writing your book?
Choosing a cover! I'm not at all artistic
so I don't have much of an eye for those sorts of things.
Who
designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?
An up-and-coming local graphic designer
is doing all the Deck of Lies covers. She gave me several different options for
Justice and they were all so good I had trouble making up my mind. I think the
cover is one of the most important elements of any book, because it's the first
thing the reader sees.
Did you
try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that
self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?
knew I was going to self-publishing
from the beginning. In traditional book publishing, the author waits for up to
a year from the time of finishing the book to seeing it in print. I didn't want
my readers to have to wait for a year between each book of the series, because
they don't take that long to read.
On the
whole, how have you found self-publishing?
I like having control over every aspect
of the book, especially the pricing. Publishers sometimes charge way too much
for books, even Kindle editions.
Where can
we buy the book?
Justice is available at Amazon's Kindle
store. Link: http://www.amazon.com/Justice-Deck-of-Lies-ebook/dp/B006PW51F6/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1
Do you
have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?
I have both! You'll find my blog under
the "Extras" tab on my official site:
http://www.wix.com/jadevarden/jv
Do you
have any advice for other writers?
Edit, edit and then edit some more.
And,
finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?
Keep reading! Whether it's an age-old
classic, a thick educational text or a lighthearted fiction novel, every book
has something to teach us
Book
title:
Capitol Terror
Book
blurb:
Alice, a police detective, and her
partner Thomas investigate a murder by decapitation in a small Maryland town
within 20 miles of Washington D.C. Homeland Security agent Gary Bromely,
pretending to be with the FBI, confiscates their evidence. It turns out the
murder is part of a plot by Islamic extremists to attack Washington D.C. This
murder is only the first. Alice and her boyfriend Raymond are almost killed.
Thomas, who has joined Homeland Security, works with Gary Bromley and others to
find and stop the extremists before a second attack can take place.
The trail of Hamid Faiz the leader of the
extremists starts in Washington D.C. and continues through New York City and
Terrebonne, Canada. Will the Homeland Security agents be able to catch him in
time? Or will Alice, Raymond and the rest of America come under an attack from
terrorists again?
As an introduction, could you tell us a
little bit about yourself?
I have a Bachelor's of Science degree in Medical
Technology from the University of Maryland. Today 1-5-2012 is the 36th
anniversary of the first day I had a real job. I started working as a medical
technologist on 1-5-1976 in the Microbiology laboratory of the University of
Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland USA.
What is
your book about?
Capitol Terror is about the Washington
D.C. area as a prime target of attack by Islamic extremists; how the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security and other agencies work together to keep
America safe and how certain people's lives are affected by the event.
When and
why did you begin writing?
I wrote some in school. I remember one
story I wrote that my brothers and sisters really liked when we were all
children. As you grow up the demands of society pressure you to be a grown up
with a successful job, a husband and a family. Time is short for other
pastimes. Then your children grow up and you have free time. That is what
happened to me. I love words and how people use them. The idea of an attack on
Washington D.C. was on my mind as I live in the Washington D.C. area. The story
grew in my head until I had to write it down.
What genre
do you prefer to write in?
Fiction, action plus a little romance.
Mix in a little humor and a lot of suspense.
What is
your biggest writing achievement to date?
Finishing and self-publishing Capitol
Terror.
What
inspired you to write this book?
As I mentioned I live in the Washington
D.C. area. I was at work on 911 and watched the towers fall on a TV in a
conference room with other employees. The idea of a repeat attack was on my
mind and the story that became Capitol Terror grew in my head until I had to
write it down.
Who is
your favorite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with
you?
Robert Ludlum. He always had a good plot
and strong characters. The good guys are really good and right is on their
side.
What book
are you reading now, and would you recommend it?
I am currently reading a sci-fi book
called Little Women - Young Moon. It is very well written story about earth in
the future and environmental catastrophe. H. S. St. Ours is the author and yes
I definitely recommend it.
What are
your current projects?
I'm about half way done with a second novel.
It is a detective story introducing a character called Collin Carter.
Where and
when do you do most of your writing?
I have a desk In an office my husband
shares. My Jack Russell Terriers lay on the floor (with a soft blanket) near my
feet.
What would
you say was the hardest part of writing your book?
I have a propensity to Capitalize words
when I shouldn't.
Who
designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?
The cover is very important. It is a
synopsis of the theme of the book. Christine Ticali illustrated my cover.
Did you
try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that
self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?
I tried traditional publishing first. I
got about 30 rejection notices. That was a couple of years ago. When I read an
article in my local newspaper about self-publishing I looked into it. The
version of the book that I self-published is leaner in content and edited for
spelling, capitalization and typos. I have to agree that it was a bit rough at
the time I was submitting it to literary agents.
On the
whole, how have you found self-publishing?
An interesting experience. I especially
enjoy the author forums where all kinds of questions are answered and advice
given.
Where can
we buy the book?
US and other countries without a Kindle
store: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0061GJOG8
England:
http://www.amazon.uk/dp/B0061GJOG8
Germany:
http://www.amazon.de/dp/B0061GJOG8
Italy: http://www.amazon.it/dp/B0061GJOG8
Spain: http://www.amazon.es/dp/B0061GJOG8
Do you
have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?
My blog is on Goodreads.com
Do you
have any advice for other writers?
Get started. It feels wonderful to finish
a whole book.
And,
finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?
Thank you for taking the time to read.
Author of: The
Punished
Book blurb:
12-year-old
Curt Regis lives the carefree life of a beggar and a thief. Homeless since the
age of six, he uses his guile and street smarts, as well as a glib, smooth
lying tongue to reign as king of the street rats. So when he is caught breaking
into a school and is sent back into foster care for the ninth time, he is quite
confident that not only will it be a short stay, he will also be gone again in
a day or two with a new set of clothes on his back and his bag filled with
silverware, jewelry and maybe if he is really lucky, a Play station to pawn.
However,
his luck has run out. This time he is sent to what many in the corrupt
foster-care system consider the perfect home. It is a home from which no one
has ever runaway from. A beautiful home where not a word of complaint is ever
heard, where in fact, very few words are ever spoken and where the only real
sounds that disturb the stagnant air are the screams of the punished.
As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about
yourself?
I'm
44 years old, married(21 years) I have two children(the one with boy parts is
16 and the one that is forbidden to be touched by anyone with boy parts is 18)
What is/are your book/s about?
Always
they are about people. Their reactions, emotions, their past, their future.
Moby Dick wasn't about a whale, it was about a man on a quest.
When and why did you begin writing?
Unlike
almost every other author on Goodreads, I wasn't reading at the age of two and
writing my first poem by my third birthday. Quite the opposite, I hated to
write. I never learned to type and my penmanship hasn't progressed beyond a
second grade level. Since I would fret over every little error, an e-mail used
to take me close on an hour to write if the client was important enough.
But
that all changed last year at about this time. With the economy in the dumps,
my company decided to rework our website and in order to attract attention to
it, I was told I should write articles and submit them online. So I
painstakingly wrote five articles. They were terrible.
Not
terribly written, just dull. Writing about the technical aspects of LED lights
is super boring. After the fifth one, I was in open rebellion. So with
Halloween coming up, I decided to write about the two super-natural occurrences
that I had been involved with instead. The boss wasn't exactly happy, but
seeing as she's my wife, what could she do?
After
that, I said to myself, "Hey you wrote a five thousand word short story,
why not write a book? How hard could it be?" When that was done, "I
said, why not make it a trilogy? How hard could it be?"
What genre do you prefer to write in?
My
first four novels are Horror, but my latest is a suspense -thriller.
What is your biggest writing achievement to date?
No
awards or anything like that. I've been writing for just over a year and I have
yet to spend more than a few hours in that time doing any sort of promoting.
What inspired you to write your books?
Maybe
divine inspiration? I literally had only a vague story idea about a demon
possession and three months later, I had turned that into a novel.
Who is your favorite author, and what is it about their work
that strikes a chord with you?
Tolkien.
The hobbit was the first book that I fell in love with. Tolkien created such an
in-depth universe that people today are still finding their way into it.
What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?
Gerald's
Game by Stephen King. So far, I wouldn't recommend it. The main character's
voice is jarringly unfeminine. It's not that she's butch or a tom boy, it's
just that if a few words were substituted, the reader would easily believe the
character is a man. (note: I'm only 70 pages in)
What are your current projects?
Projects?
I'm sure that I will be a writer who can only work on one story at a time. I
need to breathe my characters night and day to keep them true. I am currently
writing a book about a girl who is hated, a man who is feared and a boy who is
so ignored he may as well be invisible.
Where and when do you do most of your writing?
In
the morning. I get up early and my wife sleeps in. It's a perfect setup.
What would you say was the hardest part of writing your books?
I
was in no way prepared for this, but after I finished my first novel, I proudly
put it out for my family and friends to read...and it gathered dust. Literally,
there was dust on it before it was ever cracked. I was shocked and hurt. Not
even my wife jumped at the chance. I would later find out that this is a sad
phenomenon that happens to a lot of writers. Now, when I finish a book, I put
out a little announcement on facebook and leave it at that.
Who designed your book cover/s – and was the cover something
you deemed important?
I
designed the covers using photobucket.
Did you try to go down the route of traditional publishing
first – or did you feel that self-publishing was right for you from the
beginning?
My
first book I made the mistake of sending out to agents before it was ready.
This goes back to my disappointment over not getting anyone to read it. I
watched as the thing gathered dust and finally, out of frustration, I sent it
out to agents to get their feedback. Just a note to would be writers, agents
don't give feedback, they give you rejections in form letters. The book needed
more proofing and editing. Looking back, I'm a little red in the cheeks over
the incident.
On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?
I've
had 6,000 downloads of my books. I get a steady, though small, monthly paycheck
and I have found many readers who really like my writing. I'm pretty happy so
far.
Where can we buy your books?
Currently
Amazon is the best bet for most independent authors. From a writers point of
view, Smashwords sucks (most independent items on the Nook come through Smashwords).
It sucks bad. Amazon is easy to work with, they are timely and you can make
changes in a very simple manner.
Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?
No,
I probably should, but I'm a writer. I write stories. I barely have time for
this little interview. That being said, I am on Facebook and Goodreads a few
times a week.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Go
away! I don't need the competition. Really, that's no joke. Go play in traffic.
Actually, I don't know if I can offer advice. I never took advanced English
classes or creative writing courses. In fact, one of my first classes at Hunter
college was a remedial English class and I failed that, mainly because I never
bothered to attend. But if I had to give advice... fill your mind with your
story and your characters, constantly. Everywhere you go, whatever you are doing,
have your thoughts on your characters. What would they do in a given situation?
How would they logically or illogically react? Do you let them spin out of
control on an emotional level now, or do you have them hold it together till
Johnny dies?
