Diana Rozevskis

Author of: Crystal Waters – It Began in Europe
 

Book Blurb:

Down in the depths of the Cellar at Fowesby Hall there lies a secret . . . a doorway to ancient worlds. These lands and all its strange and wonderful inhabitants are threatened by a simple mistake caused by Emma and Grace’s Gran.

The girls soon discover the fate of the ancient land of Crete rests in their hands and they are thrust onto a journey, along with Robert, Herman and his purple dog Ceber; a perilous quest full of magic, mythical beasts and unexpected twists. Will they be able to conquer the challenges that lie ahead and find what they seek, before it is too late? . . .

Join Emma, Grace and their friend’s in the first book of this epic tale of mystery and suspense that takes themes from some of the greatest legends of the world.

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My abiding love of mythology, fantasy and reading children’s books to my two daughter’s inspired me to begin writing ‘The Crystal Waters Series’ six years ago.
A multifaceted career includes graphic design, child minding and working in top salons in London; Selfridges and Harvey Nichols as a Beauty Therapist. I also studied the ancient art of Crystal Healing and my passion and fascination for Crystals soon developed.

Canadian born, I lived in Toronto until I was five years old until my British parents, yearning to be closer to our family, made the decision to move back to their hometown; Middlesbrough in the north east of England. This is where I live today with my husband David and two daughters Emma and Grace.

. . . Oh and my favourite colour is indeed purple.

What is your book about?

It’s an adventure story, mixed in with a bit of ancient legends of the world.  This first Crystal Waters book (It Began in Europe) takes two sisters, Emma and Grace, back in time to ancient Crete, after they discover their Gran’s magic crystal and the secret doorway down in her cellar.

They have a quest: to save the Gi-fyli tribe (Earth tribe) from the hideous monsters that terrorize and force them to live in the underworld caves. There are some well-known legendary beasts and some that are quite new, but there is never a dull moment for Emma, Grace, Robert, Herman (the gardener) and his purple dog, Ceber.

Along the way, they make friends with the Mer-people and the Fyli-thentro (tree tribe) who help them with the certain tasks, which they have to conquer, before they can move on.

They must find and destroy Gran’s hairbrush, which she had left behind many years ago, thus creating the monsters. Emma and Grace, having similar DNA to their Gran, are the only ones that can do this. So, the search is on to seek it out and rid the land of these creatures, once and for all.

When and why did you start writing?

I was a late starter really. I always seemed to live in my older brother’s shadow in a way, with him being so much more academic than I; straight A’s in most of his exams at school and then on to Uni to take his chemistry degree. I, on the other hand, didn’t work hard at school, as I should have, and my mum would remind me and say ‘Well, I suppose you’re definitely a more practical girl kind of girl.’

However, I always liked to tell a good story. With a good imagination and an eye for detail I was approached, on many an occasion, by my older brother, to help him with his essays for school. I would come up with the story and he would put into, what he called, ‘proper English.’

I started to write seriously six years ago, after I had taken a home-study course in Writing for Children. This course gave me the confidence I very much needed. I wasn’t getting straight A’s like my brother but I received many B plus’ which I never thought I could achieve and so it all began from there really.

Which genre do you prefer to write in?

Although I do like many different genres, I do love writing for children with themes of fantasy, legend and adventure. But I have also been known to write horror stories, with psychological ghostly twists and a bit of gore thrown in for good measure.

What inspired you to write this book?

I started writing this book when I was pregnant with my second child. Whereas some mothers-to-be crave certain foods or go off on their hormonal tangents of uncharacteristic behavior, I, on the other hand, decided to write a book.
The funny story is; I was convinced I was having a boy and so when Grace was born, Adam, in my book, was quickly changed to Grace lol.

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

Hmm, this is a rather tricky one. I have so many: Tolkien, Lewis, Austen, Grisham, Herbert, Patterson. But I think it must be said, I love JK Rowling’s work most of all. She, to me, can really tell a story in such a way that I get totally lost within the pages. Her dramatic plots and her exceptionally interesting characters, that jump from the pages and shake you firmly by the hand, are without a doubt more superior than I’ve ever read before.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

I usually have more than one book on the go. It depends entirely on my mood which one I choose to read that night.

I’m reading at the moment:
• Kiwi in Cat City (First book in the Kiwi series) by Vickie Johnstone. This is a fun and magical book.
• Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling. A great engaging book.
• All the Little Children by Christine Sutton. An extremely scary novella that keeps you on the edge of your seat at all times.

Three great books and although they are different in many ways I would still recommend them all.

What are your current projects?

With this book literally on the verge of publicity, I’m trying to organise a book launch for it. This is of course in-between writing book two (Crystal Waters – And on to North America) in this series of seven (each covering one of the seven continents of the world.)

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

Mostly in my dining room when the kids are at school or in bed. However, I’m soon to get my garage converted into another room and so I’ll be definitely claiming that as my den.

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

Although I usually enjoy doing research for a book, it can be at times very time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. I am a stickler to try and get facts right, with not only eras, geography facts, legendary stories and cultural languages. I also like to cross-reference so it all fits into place within the story.

For instance the crystals I have chosen for each book not only comes from the countries origin but they are also used in the crystal healing procedure and placed on the right Chakra of the body. And just in case there are any crystal healing therapist here, that really know their stuff, I will confirm that ‘the Crown’ was used first, instead of ‘the Base,’ as my story does go back in time and felt right to reverse the crystal placing also.

Of course when people read a book, they probably don’t realise just how much goes into it. But, for me, it makes my story feel complete, and only then I will be satisfied with it.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

I painted my lady (Iris) long before I started to write the book and so she has been with me the whole process. It seems on fitting to use her on the front cover really.

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 numerous times to go down the traditional route but I, like many others, received many rejection letters to tell me I was unsuccessful.

I even, at one point, came second in a new author competition with the promise of publication. This was of course before the company announced they were going into liquidation and they could not fulfil their obligations.

That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and self-publish. I have a story to tell and I don’t want to waste any more time. I just want to get it out there for people to read.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

I must admit, up to now it’s been quite smooth sailing and I’m now thinking why didn’t I do this before?

Where can we buy the book?

You can buy my book at Feed A Read, Amazon and other major book suppliers.

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

Yes I have a Blog page: http://diana-rozevskis.blogspot.co.uk/ and a Facebook page.

Do you have any advice for other new writers?

If you have a passion for writing and have a story to tell, that you think people will want to hear, get it down on paper and get it out there. But above all, believe in yourself and I’m sure you will one day have the success you deserve.

And, finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?

I think all I would like to say to everyone is; I hope you enjoy reading my book as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Oh, and thanks for listening!

K T King

Author of: Always There

Book blurb:

Is there a limit to how much friendships can endure or are true friends always there?

Kelly and Jake are the vision of a perfect relationship. Laura, Rachel and Mike are their closest and oldest friends, always lending an ear and giving a helping hand. One fateful day, tragedy strikes and Kelly and Jake's positive future is torn from their hands. Is everything really lost or is there still hope?

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in 1981 in South Wales where I live with my son and two dogs. I am a single mother and work part time at a local hospital. I love horse riding, reading, writing and spending time with my son.

What is your book about?

It's a story about a group of friends who have known each other most of their lives and a tragic event threatens to tear their friendship apart. They experience love, loss, betrayal and hope as they battle through the tough times they face.

When and why did you begin writing?

I was interested in writing at a very young age. I would sit in my bedroom and write stories for my eyes only. I was fourteen when I attempted to write my first novel. Unfortunately circumstances at the time prevented me from completing it. It wasn't until I was twenty seven that I started to write Always There. I began writing because I found it therapeutic and enjoyed it. It's something I have always wanted to do and will continue to do so as long as I have the use of my hands.

What genre do you prefer to write in?

Always There and my current work in progress are both Fiction Drama so I guess that must be my preference. I am hoping to branch out into other genres in the future.

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?

Always There is definitely my biggest achievement because it is the only one I have published so far.

What inspired you to write this book?

The birth of my son was my main inspiration and personal circumstances that followed his birth have also played a part.

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

I don't have a favourite, there are too many brilliant authors out there to choose from. If a book can keep me turning the pages and stop me from doing anything else, it's a good one.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

Their Newborn Gift by Nikki Logan. I am enjoying the book so far, but I don't feel I have read enough of it to make a recommendation.

What are your current projects?

My current project is A Time to Let Go which I am hoping to release before Christmas. I also have a few other ideas floating around for future projects.

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

I do most of my writing in my living room during the afternoon or the evening.

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

I found the hardest part was deciding when the book was ready to be published.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

My sister and her boyfriend designed the cover. It was very important to me and I was impressed with the end product.

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 try traditional publishing at first but I wasn't aware of the Kindle and print on demand companies at the time. When someone mentioned them to me, I researched them and decided it was the best route for me to take.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

It is a lot of hard work but worth it in the end.

Where can we buy the book?

Paperback and e-book versions are available on Amazon.

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

I have a website and a blog. My website address is www.ktking.co.uk. My blog address is www.ktkingsblog.blogspot.co.uk

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Keep writing, even when you feel like giving up.

And, finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported my writing. I appreciate each and every one of you. I hope you enjoyed reading Always There as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Scott Colby

Author of: Shotgun

Book blurb:

“Shotgun” has it all. Do you like mystery and intrigue and political machinations and worldwide conspiracies? It's got all that. Elves and demons and trolls and an amnesiac pyromancer with antlers? Check, check, check, check, check. Slightly heavy-handed commentary on the evils of Corporate America? You can't possibly miss it. Magic shotguns, semi-sentient poundcakes, talking trees, and shapeshifters? Oh hell yeah. Are you an English teacher in need of content to stir a rousing debate involving fate and free will, and whether the heroes actually accomplished something or just did what the villain expected of them? Here you go!

Roger Brooks, a mild-mannered family man, is dropped head first into this world when he accidentally takes possession of the ancient magic the evil Witch hid in his silverware drawer. As he grows into his new role of plucky hero in a city of sorcery, Roger will have to determine which of the motley cast of characters he can trust to help him unravel the Witch's dastardly plot. Can Roger stop her from changing the world forever?

“Shotgun” is an urban fantasy magnum opus, the first step in the skyrocketing career of an exciting new voice in the genre. And even if it's not, it's pretty cheap.

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm Scott Colby.  By day I'm the mild-mannered IT guy at a Boston-area non-profit.  At night, I turn into the second coming of Neil Gaiman.  I hope.

What is your book about?

My book follows the exploits of two characters suddenly thrust into a hidden supernatural subculture they never dreamed existed.  After stumbling upon an ancient elven magic that enchants his father's old shotgun, family man Roger Brooks is whisked away to the elven capital where he's faced with unraveling a conspiracy while adjusting to his new surroundings.  Talora wakes up on a park bench with no memory of her past and is immediately recruited by the very conspiracy Roger's dealing with.  When the two finally come together, it all explodes.  It's a lot of fun, and despite that rather ominous description there's a lot of light-hearted silliness along the way.

When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing way back in elementary school.  It was a way to pass the time when I got bored.  I started with silly little stories about my friends and I fighting evil monsters.  Things spiraled out of control from there.

What genre do you prefer to write in?

Typically I write fantasy.  It's a fun genre to work with.  I don't read a heck of a lot of fantasy, so I'm not entirely sure what made me gravitate to it.

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?

Finishing "Shotgun."  This is its fourth or fifth incarnation, the first of which I wrote back in high school.  So for me, getting "Shotgun" out there is a huge deal.

What inspired you to write your book?

It's always bothered me when stories delve into the supernatural and the fantastic without explaining why most people don't know that stuff exists.  If all the vampires in "Buffy" are always causing so much trouble, why doesn't everyone know about it?  So I decided that I'd create a society of elves that keeps humanity in the dark, kind of like how Agents J and K operate in "Men in Black."

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

Iain M. Banks.  His Culture novels deal with some pretty serious stuff, but there's always a bit of post-modern absurdity involved.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

I just started 1984.  I haven't read it before.  Prior to that I read "Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz, which I thought was just ok.

What are your current projects?

I'm trying to put more work into my website (www.istoleyourlunch.com) and I'm doing a lot with a video game humor site (www.dpaddbags.com).  I'm the editor of a very ambitious fantasy fiction project (www.baegtobar.com) and I'm about ten thousand words into a prequel for "Shotgun."

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

I get more done if I'm not in my apartment.  I like to work in coffee shops and bars.  I've started carrying a notebook and pen with me everywhere, and I typically crank out a paragraph or two during my lunch break.

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

Finishing it.  There's so much more I want to do with the characters and the world, and there came I point where I had to just force myself to end this first one.  There's a lot more to come.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

Jeremy Mohler (owner and Art Director over at www.baegtobar.com) did the cover.  He did a heck of a job.  I think it's important to have something that will catch the shopper's eye.

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 didn't bother with traditional publishing.  All the bookstores around me are closing.  Self-publishing is the way things should be, and I'm a huge proponent of it.  Nowadays it seems like you can't get a foot through a traditional publisher's door unless you know someone, and to me that's a load of crap.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

It's fun to be able to just put your work out there without the annoyance of finding someone to back it.  It's definitely not going to make me rich anytime soon, but I hope I can build a regular audience that regularly contributes to my beer fund.

Where can we buy your book from?

"Shotgun" is available exclusively on Amazon.com.  Amazon Prime members can borrow it for free; I still get paid when that happens, so don't feel bad about borrowing it.

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

You can keep up with me at scottcolbywrites.com.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Stick with it.  It's hard and time-consuming, but finishing a piece and getting it out there where people can read it is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had.

Steve Farndon

Author of: The Escape Company

Book Blurb:

A British crime thriller with humour.

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am definately over 21 and at present work in IT in Leicester for a well known bank (the red one who support F1). I am married with two children and two grandchildren and have a chocolate labrador called Rocco. 

My interests include Motor racing, especially Karting and Great Danes (I help out with rescuing Danes that need new homes) This is my first book of a proposed trilogy. Book 2 is well under way and due out next year. I am also writing a historical book about HenryVIII's seventh wife.

What is your book about?

Written in the first person, Escape Company. begins with two men bound together by the same experience. With both of their wives in prison, they are fired with the same idea—how to get their ladies out.  The idea becomes an obsession, with meticulous planning involving prison routines, deadlocks, and security cameras, not to mention razor wire and some very unfriendly dogs.  Our two heroes spring their wives successfully and the idea occurs to them to form a limited company—limited to certain prisoners who merit release. So Escape Company. is born, a dedicated team of lawbreakers whose services are provided to inmates with large amounts of cash.  There are rules of course. Terrorists, sex offenders, and psychos can stay where they are, but anybody else? Well, each case is decided on its own merits.

When and why did you begin writing?

In Spain on the Costa del Sol and Solihull about 5 years ago.

What genre do you prefer to write in?

Almost any except sci-fi and romance

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?

Having my first book sale on Amazon last year

What inspired you to write this book?

I have always had a fascination for prisons and escapes.

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

Difficult one - many - Stephen Leather, Martina Cole, Jeoffrey Archer,  some of Charles Dickens (but not all)

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

Just started Rumpole of the Bailey (just finished Hell, Purgatory and Heaven by Archer

What are your current projects?

Writing a book on Henry Viii's - seventh  wife - a Lady Mary Shelton (The research on this is very time consuming). She was his 4th wife after Jane Seymour and before Anne of Cleves

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

At work - I look after a banks computers (the red one who sponsor F1) - plenty of time and Internet access

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

Proof reading and getting the English correct - not my strong point

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

No one designed it - I am currently thinking about getting someone to design one - I think it is very important - it has to catch the buyers eye

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 - had it published in America years ago (before it was proof read - I have since re-wrote it, renamed it and bought the rights from the company in America

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

Its early days - hard to say - the hardest part by far is getting it noticed and marketing it.

Where can we buy the book?

Amazon - Kindle - Smashwords

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

https://sites.google.com/site/theescapecompany/

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Yes - do your research thoroughly and get it proof read and have a brill synopsis

And, finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?

Yes - please buy my book

Kelvin V A Allison

Author of: RENASCENTIA

 

Book blurb:

'birth is not the beginning; death is not the end'

Six individuals across England suddenly remember their past lives, leading back through time to the 5th century and seek each other out, stunned to discover that they each now possess supernatural abilities such as teleportation, pyrokenesis and so on. But then the memory returns that one of them is a killer and has been killing the other five for millennia. A race across England begins as the other five struggle to stay alive and break the cycle.

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am 39 years old, bald, bearded and sarcastic. Originally I come from Portsmouth on the south coast of England but four years ago i moved to Hartlepool where I now live with my partner, son, neurotic Siberian husky and a pair of kamikaze goldfish, the north east fuelling my passion for writing with its cold wind, rain and stormy seas.

What is your book about?

Basically my new novel is about past lives and the belief that there is something more than just the life we live now. I have long been fascinated by the thought of fate and of people being trapped in a never ending cycle. So I thought I would add some horror to the subject and tell the tale of people who keep returning with their memories intact but the reason why lost to them...for now.

When and why did you begin writing?

I have always written as far as I can remember, penning endless short stories or novels that never got past the first chapter before I NEEDED to write something else. It was August 2008 that I actually began my debut novel SKIN SHIFTERS and finished it two months later which was quite a fulfilling emotion. Since then I have written 17 novels in total.

What genre do you prefer to write in?

I am odd. I am in a pattern of writing a gore/strong horror novel and then following it with a novel from one of my two series (world of sorrow which is halfway through the third and final trilogy or the hope chronicles which is awaiting the last off the first trilogy) which are pop culture horror, slightly more light hearted. I need to have that break between the strong horror as i put so much into it emotion wise that i get quite grim and meloncholy. Hahahaha I suffer for my art

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?

Either having my style likened to the late author David Gemmell or writing PANDEMONIUM which is 568 pages long in just 4 weeks. It just flowed from me and seemed to write itself!

What inspired you to write this book?

Again it was purely my desire to try something that i hadnt seen in horror that often. I try and bounce various horror ideas about and have used plants, ghosts, reincarnation, scarecrows, elementals and so on ranging the locations from places such as Pripyat beside Chernobyl, a forest in japan, the london underground, the abandoned area of Detroit and so on. Variety is the spice of life!

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

Its quite strange becuase as much as i love to write horror i am not a huge fan of the genre. I love David Gemmell the late fantasy author however and have all of his novels. His character work was amazing and he had an amazing gift of introducing a loveable, likeable character who you could relate too only to kill him horribly three pages later. I love that and in my own work i try to make every character imporant.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

I have just finished reading The Laughing Corpse, book 3 of the Anita Blake series of novels and i am loving them.

What are your current projects?

Well, i have just finished RENASCENTIA so i am now looking to write World of Sorow 8; something wicked this way comes....

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

Night time is the right time for me. Once my partner and son are asleep and the fish and husky have decided to behave it is writing time and i often write from 8pm through till 2am

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

Fighting to keep with it and not start a new idea. it is something that my mind struggles with constantly. I can sit on a bus and get a new idea for a novel. Its more of a curse than a blessing to be honest though and is probably the reason i write so quickly.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

I do the majority of my covers myself but i do have friends that take photos and allow me to use them. For me the cover is important as it is the thing that catches my eye in a book store or library.

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?

No, it isnt something that appeals to me if i am honest. Self publishing allows me to retain full control and my OCD needs that hahaha. I have written 17 books in 4 years because they needed to be written not for the money. It would be nice of course but I do not write to make money and i am sure any author that is honest feels the same. If this were medieval times we would be travelling from village to village telling our tales. It is part of our souls, an integral par of who we are. I like to think that we are the children that survived adulthood.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

Scary at first but overall extremely liberating. I used to be bothered by peole asking me if i had a publishing deal and then when i tell them i self publish, frowning and saying, Ohhh..so you're not a REAL author?"
I am beyond that now. We write. They are books. We ARE authors. It is no different to the bedroom DJ that makes his music and there is no shame in it whatsoever.

Where can we buy the book?

The novel will be available through my online shop and also through LULU.com who i publish through.

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

There is my facebook page Kelvin V.A Allison novels which i keep up to date and people are more than free to add me on facebook under my name Scoobert Mills...i'm sure i am the only one hahaha.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never give up. Get your story out there. But write for yourself most of all. Don't let naysayers or skeptics knock you down because you self publish. You ARE an author.

And, finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?

Thanks for taking the time to read this and if you do read anything of mine dont hesitate to email me some feedback, good or bad. It all helps. God bless x

Linda M David

Author of: The Firestone Crystal

Book blurb:

Agathea Fulstropp is looking forward to a luxury break in the Caribbean with her parents, but is livid when they announce that the trip has to be cancelled due to work commitments!  So instead of spending six weeks sunning herself on a tropical beach, Thea – as she insists on being called – finds herself unceremoniously packed up, and sent off to stay with a grandfather she barely knows for the entire summer!  But it turns out to be the best summer of her life when her grandfather has a strange reunion with a mysterious childhood friend, and she is given the opportunity of a lifetime.

To visit a world beyond the stars, and become Earth’s first student to be enrolled in an experimental Inter-Planetary Education Programme at the Firestone Academy, where lessons in telepathy, mind-reading and astral projection are the norm.

Things, however, are not as straightforward as they seem.  One of her fellow students makes no secret of the fact that he despises her, and will stop at nothing to make her leave…she is having increasingly disturbing, vivid dreams…and just who is that hideously deformed cave creature, and more to the point, what does it want with her?

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Linda David and this is my first children's book. I am a single mother of two and currently work as a college lecturer in Childcare. I was born in Cyprus in 1967 to parents who both hail from the Caribbean island of Nevis. Much of my childhood was spent moving from place to place as my father was in the RAF (Royal Air Force), so although I was raised mainly in England, I have also lived in Germany as well as St Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies.

I have always enjoyed reading and was encouraged to do so from a very early age, and that is partly what inspired me to write. Even today I can remember the excitement and wonder I used to experience as a child when reading fantasy and adventure stories, so I hope that through my own writing, I will be able to inspire and encourage other children's interest and pleasure in reading as well.

What is your book about?

My book is basically about a young girl with very few friends who gets to go on  a great adventure when she is selected to attend a school on another planet with a range of aliens from different worlds. 

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing some 10 years ago when I went on maternity leave with my first child and needed something to occupy my time, so I began a writing course.  Eventually I got a little bored with some of the assignments, so I decided to write about something I like, and the story took off from there.  I had been adding to it on and off ever since.

What genre do you prefer to write in?

I prefer to write children's stories because I feel so nostalgic when I write.  It takes me right back to my childhood when I believed in fairies, elves and goblins, and used to search for fairy rings in the garden.

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?

This is actually my first book!  I hope it does well, because I have already begun the sequel.

What inspired you to write this book?

I would say that I have always loved writing, however, what has inspired me to continue is the support and encouragement I have had from my sisters.  I also have great admiration for J K Rowling and Oprah Winfrey, both of whom I use as my role models.

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

I have always been a Stephen King fan - not really sure why, but I have most of his books.  I love a spooky story, but I find the way he sometimes makes reference to places and people which have been in other books in his stories intriguing.  Almost like they are all interlinked and part of the same 'big picture' if you like.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

Actually, I'm re-reading (because I read all my books multiple times) Stephen King's Dark Tower series.  I just love the entire collection, especially the strange twist at the end.  I would definitely recommend them, although I think you do have to read them more than once to actually understand the story completely and put all the pieces into place.

What are your current projects?

As I mentioned, I'm working on a sequel to the Firestone series of books, which will see Thea having more adventures at the Academy and discovering more about the universe and all its secrets and inhabitants than she could ever have imagined.

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

Because I'm a full-time college lecturer, I have very little free time, and I find I write best when I'm 'in the mood'.  So I do most of my writing during the holidays, mainly Easter and Summer, although if an idea suddenly comes to me, I'll make sure I jot it down before I forget and work it into the story when I can (this mostly seems to happen when I'm in the bath for some reason).

As for where I write, I usually lock myself away in my bedroom with my laptop where there are no distractions.  My children are only allowed to disturb me if there's an emergency!  They are 15 and 11 so can cope without me for a few hours!

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

I don't think there was a hard part really - I just let the story unfold itself.  If there was a hard part, I guess it may be coming up with an idea to begin with, but once I had created a character (loosely based on myself and sister as children!) the rest seemed to just flow.  It was a case of imagining what sort of adventures I would have loved to have as a child or what sort of book I would have wanted to read.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

The Kindle cover was actually designed by myself using a crystal and some Christmas tree lights!  I know the cover is important, but I kind of like it.  When I complete the second book, I will probably get some professional input though.

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 originally try to get my book published by sending it off to agents and publishers, and although I received many rejections, I did not allow it to put me off.  Most of the rejections were the standard kind, with no explanation, however, I did receive some encouraging feedback from a couple of them which gave me the confidence to continue.  It was only after joining several writers websites that I learned more about 'print on demand' and e-book publishing.  I did some research and decided it was now or never.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

I think self-publishing is a really good option because there are many talented writers out there who are making a good living for themselves who may never have been taken on by a more traditional publisher.  This way, they get to write the stories that people obviously want to read.

Where can we buy the book?

The book is currently available on the Kindle from the amazon website:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Firestone-Crystal-ebook/dp/B006R72MNS, and the paperback version will be available by the end of the month from:

http://www.Feedaread.com.

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

I have a joint website with my sister at http://www.eternalrainbows.moonfruit.com, which will provide more information.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

My advice to other writers is never give up.  If you have a story to tell and you are confident in your own abilities, then go for it.