💟 new Interview with S. Vest
💟 Interview with Madeleine Holly-Rosing from Boston Metaphysical
💟 Guest interview with Boyko Ovcharov author
💟 Interview with Jack Croxall author
💟 Interview with Jaimie Admans
💟 Interview with British Author Dan Thomson
💟 Interview with Shari Klase author
💟 Interview with Daniel Burton
💟 Guest interview with Dallas Sutherland author
💟 Interview with Rosemary Johns
💟 Interview with Rebecca Bradley author
💟 Guest interview with Y Correa author
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Interview with author S Vest
Interview with author S Vest
Welcome Shannon!
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in a blizzard in Clinton, Iowa sometime after midnight. I’m not sure what time, which makes having any sort of astrological chart done with accuracy impossible! And if you ever live in California for any length of time, you’ll realize how important that is. Not really, I kind of like that I was born sometime in the night…
My family is from Tennessee. Chattanooga will always have a special place in my heart and I consider that my hometown. I currently live in a sweet little hidden cottage in Redondo Beach, California.
What inspires you to write?
Existing in this world and feeling as if there’s something fantastic beyond this existence inspires most of my stories. Or sometimes, it’s a just a song. A song can open up an entire world.
If your book gets made into a film, which character would you like to play?
I would play my great-aunt Bootsie at the end of Angels, Ghosts and the Otherworld. There were portraits of her all over my great-grandparent’s house. She looked so glamorous and classy. She loved gin, red dresses and laughing. She was divine in her 80’s as well. The last time I saw her alive, she wore her long silver hair in two braids and her lipstick was perfect. I didn’t get to see her enough, but the times she was around, I just adored her. I’ve always wanted to go back in time and have a gin and tonic with her and hear about her adventures.
Can you share a quote from something you have written?
“As the years passed, it became clear that Alio was a ghost, not an imaginary friend. Imaginary friends have no borders, but ghosts often do. Though he was only in my life briefly, Alio taught me a valuable lesson that would stay with me for life. Fear feeds the monsters.”
Did you self-publish or publish traditionally and why?
I self published the first paperback of Angels, Ghosts and the Otherworld for friends and family. A few strangers bought it and there were some requests for an ebook. I made attempts to do it myself, then realized that it was far too complicated for a technophobe. I revised the original, then had it edited and formatted. I hired a graphic designer to format the print version and ebook. I chose to self publish because I wanted to release the best version before moving on to the next book.
What do you consider the most important part of a good story?
Being able to relate to the characters is so important. If I pick up a book or watch a film and feel no connection with any of the characters, I don’t care about the story. Flow is something that matters as well.
What are you working on at the moment and your future plans?
The release of Angels, Ghosts and the Otherworld has been taking up the bulk of my time, but NaNoWriMo is coming which is my favorite way to jumpstart stories.
The next book is rattling around in my brain now. It’s a spin off a story based on the haunted house in Angels, Ghosts and the Otherworld. The house had a family curse connected to it. My Mom and I uncovered a few hints through some old letters we found hidden in a piano bench in my grandparent’s house. I decided to weave the truth in with fiction as a sort of closure. I can’t say too much without giving away part of the first book. But, I can say that our ancestry is Irish and I really wanted to explore the idea that the curse began generations ago. In fact, I just returned from a month in Ireland. Two weeks were spent on Inis Mor at a writing workshop. It was incredibly inspiring. Let’s just say, I know a lot more about the origins of the curse linked to the house now.
What genres do you write in and why?
I write fiction mostly. But, the first short story that was published was a true story. It was part of the anthology called Three Minus One about child loss. I read the email for submissions, burst into tears and knew that I needed to submit my story.
Angels, Ghosts and the Otherworld was written as a nonfiction serial originally. It seemed to resonate with people. I decided to publish it for my friends that were afraid of ghosts and otherworldy stuff. The stories are creepy, but some are also quite humorous. I was tired of seeing ghosts depicted as evil entities that want to possess and murder people. Most of my experiences are with nice ghosts. It was a bit scary to open up about it since I grew up in the South and was constantly warned to keep my weird experiences to myself. The funny thing is, some of the people that really love the stories are quite religious and conservative. When I tell people that I write ghost stories, it always opens up interesting conversations. I could write another book on the stories people have told me.
What keeps you motivated towards writing?
It makes me happy. I’ve tried many other things and it always comes back to the desire to tell stories. Unwritten characters also have a tendency to be insanely persistent.
What is the last book you finished reading and what did you think of it?
I finished Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Hollow City by Ransom Riggs. I loved them. The old photos are brilliant. I use photos as well and felt totally validated. Ransom is a truly gifted storyteller. I also read Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Now I want to read all of Gaiman’s books!
I’m currently reading Library of Souls (3rd book in the Miss Peregrine series) and The Princess Bride by William Goldman. I picked up The Princess Bride in Galway and read it on the flight back home. I was laughing out loud so much that the French guy next me was laughing too. I have a tendency to break rules, so since the book pretty much breaks every writing rule ever made, I love it. It works and who doesn’t love The Princess Bride? I find it inconceivable that anyone would not love that movie/book/awesomeness. That only makes sense if you’ve seen the film or read the book.
Thank you for your time Shannon.
https://www.goodreads.com/Sionan
https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Ghosts-Otherworld-Paranormal-Memoir-ebook/dp/B01L2V0C26/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_w_p_BNoWxbCP4NQNT_tt
Hello Madeleine thank you for your time in answering my questions.
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Burbank, California though I have lived all over California as well as New York and New Jersey. I currently live about 10 minutes from Burbank, so yes, I’ve come full circle.
What inspires you to write?
Pretty much whenever I get an idea. I’ve been writing stories since I was about eight years old, though I got a lot better at it after attending the UCLA MFA Program in Screenwriting. Though a film script is very similar to a comic script, it had different challenges.
If your book gets made into a film, which character would you like to play?
That’s a tough question when it comes to the comic as a little bit of me is in all of my characters. If I could, I think I’d like to play Samuel, Caitlin, and Granville as they all represent different strengths and weaknesses. However, in my anthology of short stories and novellas (Boston Metaphysical Society: Prelude), I think I’d like to play Beatrice Weldsmore from my novella, Steampunk Rat. She’s kind of a badass in her own rigid way.
Can you share a quote from something you have written?
“It was a room where deals were made and people were broken.” – Steampunk Rat.
Did you self-publish or publish traditionally and why?
I am self-published for the moment. I wanted to maintain control of my intellectual property, develop a brand, and a fanbase before I reached out to traditional publishers.
What do you consider the most important part of a good story?
Characters drive story, not the other way around.
What are you working on at the moment and your future plans?
I’m currently working on the first Boston Metaphysical Society novel, budgeting for a trade paperback of the six issue comic series and giving crowdfunding lectures. For those who don’t know, I’ve run three successful Kickstarter campaigns for the comic, lecture on crowdfunding and wrote a book for independent creators called, Kickstarter for the Independent Creator.
What genres you write in and why?
Steampunk, fantasy and science fiction. I like the fact that you can address social issues without lecturing about it.
What keeps you motivating towards writing?
I love telling stories. Plus, if I don’t write then I get a little wacky. LOL
What is the last book you finished reading and what did you think of it?
I just finished reading the anthology, The Sea is Ours: Tales of Steampunk Southeast Asia. I really enjoyed it. Excellent writing and I always love new takes on steampunk.
Below are Madeleine Holly-Rosing’s links
Website: Http://www.bostonmetaphysicalsociety.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonMetaphysicalSocietyComic/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mhollyrosing
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleinehollyrosing
Here is an interview with my Goodreads friend Boyko Ovcharov
Tell us a little about your writing history?
I have always dreamed about writing, even at a very early stage. However, I got round to writing my first book in my mid thirties, as by that time I had gained some life experience and perhaps a bit of wisdom which I could share with my potential readers, especially in English. Before writing my first book, no one had ever told me before I could become a writer. Nevertheless, after publishing a couple of books at Amazon/Createspace, I received several good reviews – something that was both encouraging and motivating.
Tell us about your writing:
I usually love the ‘inter-disciplinary’ approach – probably due to my scientific/academic background. Nevertheless, I always try to narrow my writing approach down to a few specific genres, where I might discover my strength as an Indie author.
Overall, my writing style is a bit philosophical, and yet down-to-earth; emotional to some extent, and at the same time focusing on reason (thought-provoking) ‘behind the scenes’ without imposing any unnecessary guidance.
I definitely allow my characters’ thoughts and actions to speak for themselves. Some of my readers even told me they could easily find themselves within the plot, identify themselves with some of the characters’ features, so to speak – that is one thing I may be proud of.
Tell us about your life outside of writing?
I am a lecturer in business and English outside my writing, which helps me a lot by discussing my work with my students. Everyday, I like having a good laugh with my students and colleagues, without crossing the fine line of mutual respect/tolerance, of course.
Who would you like to invite for dinner?
I would like to invite all my close fellow writers around the world who have been so supportive and helpful all the way.
Could you chose a song to go with your book?
Actually, I quote a song in my second book (Wandering Feelings), which is a folk song from the Balkans telling a dramatic story about love/romance. I also refer the readers to some love songs with a deep meaning, e.g. by Coldplay, some classical compositions etc.
Who are your favourite writers?
I could quote a few of them, for example: Dickens, Cronin, Shakespeare, Ben Johnson (the playwright), Moliere, Bergerac, Fitzgerald, John Grisham, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle etc.
What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment I am working on an adventure, somewhat sci-fi, even dystopian novel, which I am planning to publish by the end of this year, as I am still at the beginning of it, although I have got a relatively clear picture of the plot, characters and the whole story.
Something that is worth noting down regarding my 2nd book is that although it is within the genres of literature and fiction, it is based on a true story about human desire for freedom.
The book reads as a good travel story with a sense of culture and a pinch of subtle humor amidst drama as well. I suppose it touches on some innermost feelings of the human soul, both within the specific setting of Europe (West-East) and beyond, i.e. past and present.
As for filming it and making it into a play or script, several hundred readers have already expressed their approval of that. I guess, as a movie, it would definitely appeal to people who have a free spirit, open-mindedness, and above all, are true humans. It might make a deep, psychological and dramatic romantic/love story, which involves some social, cultural and historic aspects.
http://www.amazon.com/Boyko-Ovcharov/e/B009T5LXX0
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6885811.Boyko_Ovcharov
https://www.facebook.com/boykoovcharovauthor
Boyko Georgiev Ovcharov is an MBA graduate of the University of Buckingham, the United Kingdom (2002). In 2003 he also completed his scientific (MPhil) research work in the field of ICT in view of societal and economic change at the same academic institution. Besides, he holds a Master’s degree in International Economic Relations from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria (1999). Regarding his professional experience, Mr. Ovcharov has been working for more than 10 years now, including managerial posts within the Business Development Departments at some international ICT companies in Bulgaria. At present, he is a full-time lecturer in management and marketing, business and general English for students and professionals, involving preparatory courses for exams and certificates, such as: SAT, TOEFL, GMAT, FCE, CAE, CPE etc. Life after Life has been Boyko’s first/debut book, whereas Wandering Feelings is his second one, a heartfelt novel. Yet, in the near future he envisages publishing some more and bigger titles due to the fairly good reception so far. Acknowledgements to all people who have encouraged this author!
As a huge fan of Jack Croxall it has been a real honor to have him as a guest on my blog. Really interesting answers fro an awe inspiring author.
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Buckinghamshire but now I live in a crumbly old pub in Nottinghamshire, the Burnell Arms. It was a hotbed of black market trade back in its day and was even embroiled in a local murder mystery. Its history is so rich I couldn’t not include it in a story! You can read that story via this link: http://bit.ly/1teC9zS
What inspires you to write?
Good question! I’ve always written and I’m not really sure why. As a kid I used to make endless shark and dinosaur books and force members of my family to read them. I guess not much has changed! I think I just love stories. If I can’t find the one I want to read/watch/listen to, I write it.
If your books were made into films, which character would you like to play?
Tough question. I’m too old for any of the protagonists (my books are all YA), so maybe a secondary character or a villain. Maybe I could be The Monster from Wye, do some cool motion-capture acting in one of those funny green jumpsuit thingys!
Can you share a quote from something you have written?
‘You can’t save someone from their own decision.’ This quote has kind of become the catchphrase for my first book series, the Tethers trilogy. I never intended that but readers really latched onto it and I think it captures the thematic essence of the series, fate and its paradoxical nature, nicely.
What do you consider the most important part of a good story?
Interesting characters are probably the most important part of a story. I really like a good setting too though. I suppose a rich, exciting world is kind of like a character in itself.
What are you working on at the moment?
My next novel, Anchor Leg is currently in edits. If you want to know more about it, I recorded a vlog introducing it here: http://bit.ly/1relaeZ
Jack Croxall is an award-winning author and journalist. You can find out more about him and his work at www.jackcroxall.co.uk or you can follow him on Twitter via @JackCroxall
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Interview with Shari Klase author
- Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born and raised the same place I live now. Lancaster County, PA. I live in a river town, which I love. It has an old bridge crossing to York County, and it is one of the most beautiful spots in Lancaster County. - What inspires you to write? Just about anything. I love science fiction and fantasy, so anything I see or read in those genres inspire me to write. My dog inspires me. Kids inspire me. Knowing I will eventually succeed inspires me.
- If your book got made into a film, which character would you like to play? Well, I don’t write about people my age and I don’t like to act, so I wouldn’t want to play any of my characters, but I do believe I incorporate little bits of myself into all my characters.
- Can you share a quote from something you have written.
However I finally go, I figure I’m lucky. I’m not just leaving one life behind, I’m leaving many. I can save a life. I can write a book. I can heal a disease. I can love infinitely. I’m leaving a million legacies. This is from a story never published, but adequately explains my writing life. Each story is a legacy.
- Did you self-publish or publish traditionally and why?
I’ve never published a book, but most of my stories were published traditionally, through other publishers. I would go either route but always pursue traditionally first, because it is the more respected way and the better way to actually make money off of my writing.
- What do you consider the most important part of a good story?
For me, I would say it’s the story line, but of course, the beginning and the ending are of supreme importance. It has to jump out at you at the beginning and leave you feeling satisfied at the end, like a good meal.
- What are you working on at the moment and what are your future plans?
I am working on a Krampus story, and two books; one about eternal winter and another about a little girl’s trip to Heaven every night in her dreams.
- What genres do you write in and why?
Science fiction and fantasy, because I love to read and watch that myself. But I also love to write for children and I especially love to write fairy tales.
- What keeps you motivated in your writing? Trying to succeed keeps me motivated. The hopes of holding a book in my hand that I’ve written. I’ve had many anthologies, but not one book I’ve written all by myself. That desire to do that motivates me.
<li>What is the last book you've read and what did you think of it?</li>
I read a book about the Titanic because I love reading about disasters and I read Kingsblood Royal by Sinclair Lewis. I really like to read literature. This book is kind of dated but it was still fascinating. The book deals with prejudice.
Interview with Rosemary Johns – Author
- Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Guildford but raised in Oxfordshire, so Oxford is my home. I also went to University there, married there and now live here. Home – and what this means – is a question that’s often interested me. I’m more drawn to people than places, however, so as long as I’m with the people I love, I’d be happy to call anywhere home.
<li>What inspires you to write?
There are ‘big’ reasons why I write: to challenge and think about questions within societies, humanity, history and how our very brains are wired…questions that have always intrigued me. Fantasy, science fiction and dark fiction are genres, which allow me to explore these. Then there are the little things, which inspire a particular idea: a snatch of conversation, the mood of a song (music has a huge influence on me), the power dynamics in a play or movie or a photograph. I’ve also always had incredibly vivid dreams and these often spark off ideas. It’s like something glimpsed just out of the corner of your eye; a fleeting moment you have to spin out from, often adding several concepts together, until you have a story worth telling.
In Blood Dragons both lead females are strong women: one human (Kathy), in 1960s London an aspiring singer, who has to fight for every inch of independence she has and the other a Blood Lifer (Ruby), who evolved into this camouflaged and predatory species in Elizabethan times and in the present day, makes up the third in the love triangle. Kathy is from Yorkshire and my family are descended from there, so maybe I should say Kathy – however, I imagine that whoever played Ruby would have the most fun – she’s my protagonist’s ‘lover, muse and red-haired devil.’
‘You know those vampire myths? Holy water, entry by invitation only and sodding crucifixes? Bollocks to them. Because you know what? There are no monsters and no immortals. There’s just us: the Lost.’ (Blood Dragons)
I’ve been traditionally published up to now (as R. A. Johns for my short stories, for example recently by Thirteen O’clock in War and Toybox). More Tales from the Blue Gonk Café is also slated to be released soon. I’ve been lucky to have a good relationship with the editors and it’s worked out that way.
- What do you consider the most important part of a good story?
Emotions: this means psychological character motivation. Without both knowing this as a writer and engaging the reader in this (and identifying them with the protagonists and what’s happening to them) it doesn’t matter how brilliant the plot or the premise, it falls flat. Writing is all about storytelling and in the best storytelling the characters are central. Writing is a craft but it can be a hidden one – the important thing is that it draws in the reader and holds you – no matter the genre – desperate to know what happens…and desperately caring too.
<li>What are you working on at the moment and your future plans?
Blood Dragons is now completed and will be my debut novel – I’ll keep you up to date about when it’s launching! Plus I list news and events – as well as what I call ‘the dark scribblings of a fantasy writer’ – on my FB (https://www.facebook.com/RosemaryAnnJohns) and twitter:@RosemaryAJohns). I’m currently working on the second and third book in the Blood Dragons trilogy. I also head the Dreaming Spires collective of writers: a ragtag collection of Oxford novelists, poets and artists, who realised they didn’t have the skills to become superheroes and so instead create the weird worlds inside their heads…
Later this month I’m taking part in an urban photoshoot to get some shots for my new website, which is launching this summer.
I write in fantasy, science fiction and dark fiction. My debut novel Blood Dragons is urban fantasy. The thing I love about fantasy, SF and dark fiction is they can be subversive. Yet do it lightly, thoughtfully and with humour. I’m a subversive artist- I think because I come from a theatre background – most people write plays to challenge something they see around them. These genres have always been subversive and apart from the mainstream; they reflect not what is there, but alternative realities, which challenge or question yet don’t offer easy answers. They can have a complexity to them (if done well) and be truly thought-provoking, at the same time as being a thrilling or fantastical tale – I love that combination.
As a little girl, I would write stories and if I wasn’t writing, I would be reading and if I wasn’t reading, I would be daydreaming stories…I still do! The characters are all alive in my head, it’s simply a matter of getting them on the page. For me motivation on the writing side isn’t the problem and I actually enjoy the editing stage as well. The business side of writing (which is huge nowadays) is more of a struggle. This isn’t performing/interviews, which are great, it’s more putting on my business head, when I’ve been lost in my writing world. Sometimes that’s hard.
Scarborough Fair by Margarita Morris. It’s a historical fiction for YA, set both in the 1890s and the present day with a mystery at its heart. I liked it because it had convincing voices for the teenage boy and girl but also the Victorian sections. It was also slightly edgier than some YA books, in places reading like a thriller and in others historical fiction – yet all linked with multiple love stories. But most of all it’s a love story about Scarborough itself. I know Margarita as she lives in Oxfordshire.
Interview with Jaimie Admans – Author
Jaimie is a 30-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, drinking tea and watching horror movies. She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she sounds like a dying hyena. She hates spiders and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots. She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.
She has been writing for years, but has only just plucked up the courage to tell people. She is the author of chick-lit romantic comedy Kismetology and young-adult romantic comedies Afterlife Academy, Not Pretty Enough, and North Pole Reform School.
Find out more on www.jaimieadmans.com or connect on Twitter @be_the_spark
- Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in South Wales and I still live here now. I’ve been other places but always come back. I think Wales is one of those places that you never really appreciate until you leave. I live in a small village, the kind of place that isn’t on a map and delivery drivers can’t find without a phonecall for directions, but I like the quiet and the countryside! I’d hate to live in a big city now!
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- What inspires you to write?
Everything! The news, conversations, stories from people I know, public interest stories and things that go viral on the internet, things I love, reading amazing books by other authors, the list is endless really. My ears are always open for inspiration. I save everything that even vaguely piques my interest so I can easily find it again if I ever need it. My Pinterest boards are stuffed with everything under the sun!
- If your book get made into a film, which character would you like to play?
Ooh, that’s a tough one! I think I’d be a terrible actor and would rather leave it to the professionals, but I think I’d like to play Mackenzie from Kismetology. It was my first published book and is still my most successful, I had a lot of fun writing it and researching for it, it was the first time I’d tried to write a comedy, and although I feel that my writing has come on in leaps and bounds since Kismetology, and I’d probably cringe at reading it again now, I will always have a soft spot for it. I love Mackenzie, she’s probably the character who’s most like me, and the initial idea came from my own life, so I’d love to play her! (Although someone like Alicia Silverstone or Reese Witherspoon would look much better on camera than I do!)
- Can you share a quote from something you have written?
Of course! This is a little paragraph from my current work-in-progress, from one of the first few pages! The story is called Santa Claus Lane, and is a chick-lit romantic comedy.
“I’m sure you know the saying about curiosity. It gets you killed.”
“Yeah, if you’re a cat. If you’re an elf, it just annoys your very kind and generous host.” He winks at me, a wink that simultaneously makes butterflies take off in my stomach and makes me want to slap the arrogant grin right off his face.
“I’m not—” I suddenly realise how angry I am at him. Butterflies, indeed. They’re not butterflies, they’re bloody fire-breathing dragons of rage, and this is the first time I’ve seen him since the police visit with the falsified permits this morning. “I suppose you think you’re clever, do you?”
He pushes himself upright and replaces the smug grin with an innocent smirk, deliberately not answering my question.
I hate him, I know that. Gorgeous bloody prat.
“Can I come in?”
No. No, no, no, there have been far too many people in my house today and I just want to be left alone. In the silence. With no bloody whistling of Christmas carols from outside. Somehow I find myself stepping aside in the doorway. “Have you got any elves with you?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Well, shut the door behind you quickly. They’ll squeeze in any small gap. They’re like spiders. Jingly, glittery spiders.”
- Did you self-publish or publish traditionally and why?
I started off self-publishing because it seemed like a perfect fit for me at the time. A couple of years have passed since I first pressed that ‘publish’ button and self-publishing doesn’t feel like such a good fit anymore. I’m seeking an agent for my YA works now with the intention of following a traditional publication route, and I’ve been lucky enough to have a chick-lit novella published by CarinaUK this Christmas, which has been a lovely and unexpected end to the year!
- What do you consider the most important part of a good story?
That’s a difficult question because I think there’s more than one element to it. I think relating to the characters and caring about them and their goals is a huge part, no matter what genre, whether you’re writing about a young woman looking for love or an alien trying to get back to Mars, you have to make the reader care and root for the characters to achieve their goals. Maybe I’ve just answered the question without intending to – a story itself can be great, but if I don’t give a monkeys about whether the characters ‘make it’ or not, chances are I won’t continue reading it.
- What are you working on at the moment and your future plans?
I’m currently working on a chick-lit Christmas book, the one called Santa Claus Lane I mentioned earlier, and I’m about 60k into it right now but hoping to finish before Christmas and have a couple of weeks off over the holidays! In January, I have a novella that I’d like to expand into a full-length book, which means adding another 40k words. It’s a project that’s been on my mind for a while, from the moment I ended the novella I knew it wasn’t finished, so I’ve decided that’s next on my priority list. After that, I’ve got some editing to do, and then will hopefully get to give some attention to any of the ideas shouting to be heard in my head!
- What genres you write in and why?
I write both chick-lit and young adult, honestly because I love them both! I started off writing chick-lit as it was my favourite genre to read. Writing in the same genre was natural to me. My love of young adult came later, when I had an idea for a book that could only be YA, so I started reading YA books to see what it was like and if I could really write it, and I almost instantly fell in love with YA too. It’s a genre I completely missed when I actually was a teenager (many, many years ago!) and it easily became my favourite to both read and write in, but I still love chick-lit too, and would definitely like to continue writing in both genres for many years to come!
- What keeps you motivating towards writing?
I think it’s just that I have so many stories in my head! The issue is always finding the time to write them. I could write 24-hours a day for a year and I still wouldn’t be able to complete every idea that I want to write. I’ve got a long list of ‘things I’d love to write’, some are fully-formed book outlines just waiting for me to have the time to start them, and some are half-formed ideas that need more research and plotting, and every time I finish a book, my reward is getting to start another book, and that’s definitely a good motivation for me. Being able to tick things off that list is a wonderful feeling, and nothing quite beats the feel of blazing through a first draft. I love writing, and doing the actual writing is motivation in itself!
- What is the last book you finished reading and what did you think of it?
I’ve recently finished The Accidental Guest by Tilly Tennant, it was a fantastic story – the first part in a series of four novellas called Once Upon a Winter, and I’m counting down the days until the next part is out!
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http://www.jaimieadmans.com
http://facebook.com/jaimieadmansbooks
Interview with British Author Dan Thomson
1. Where were you born and where do you call home?
It is a funny question this one isn’t it? I’m from a small market town in Lincolnshire called Gainsborough. I’d often say I’m from Gainsborough, because that is where I’m from. I’ve lived here all my life. It is quite a shabby town in areas, but with recent investment, the town is ‘on the up’ as they say. Despite its downsides, I actually like my hometown. When I’ve been away I actually look forward towards the end to getting home. Home sweet home, and all that stuff! It has an old Tudor Manor House called The Old Hall.
But I was born in Lincoln hospital, about twenty minutes down the road. Our town does have a hospital, but it doesn’t have a maternity ward. I would say 95% of all Gainsborough babies are born in Lincoln hospital. Does that mean I’m really from Lincoln instead of Gainsborough? I’m not sure it does.
- What inspires you to write?
I have been writing for such a long time, from my early teens really. I have always wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember, which is such a clichéd answer I know, but it is true! Despite this not being my first published novel, The Black Petal was actually the first full-length novel I ever wrote. Of course I had written shorter stories and picture books for children when I was around ten, but this book was inspired by my love of Greek mythology. I wanted to write a book I would have wanted to read when I was a teenager. In the words of my favourite author: “Write only what you want to write. Please yourself. YOU are the genius, they’re not.”
I have ups and downs like many writers – there are even times when I think to myself that I should probably give this up. Indie authors don’t make very much money, and in a heavily saturated market it is difficult to get noticed. But then I read a lovely review of one of my books, be inspired by ideas, listen to music by one of my favourite singers … and my mind is off again. I guess I couldn’t not write. I have lots of stories to tell – some of them are not happy, some are dark, but stories are stories. Once Upon a Time will last for eternity, and that’s a special gift writers have to bestow upon the world.
<li>If your book gets made into a film, which character would you like to play?
Wow – which character would I like to play? What an inventive question. I usually get asked what famous actors would play my characters. I’m not quite sure really. There are not too many male characters in my book. Do you think I would look great in feminine attire?
I like dark characters, and there’s a ruffian in the middle of the book called Nier. He has a bunch of drunken thugs and they attack an inn. He would be fun to play. I would get to be involved in a fight scene, which would be absolutely fantastic wouldn’t it?
Sure. I love to build up my worlds with descriptive words that set the scene. It can be often criticised but I think it sets a mood and atmosphere. This following bit is just after a traumatic event with a phoenix.
He returned to Lucia and positioned himself against her so that he could whisper into her ear. “You are amazing,” he breathed gently.
He rested his chin on her shoulder and looked out across the impressive vista in awe of the vast open space that spread out in front of them. The sun slowly set in the distance, a warm infusion of bisque and saffron yellow sang out a chorus of lullabies, soothing the land into a dreamful sleep.
They continued to watch the peaceful darkness take hold. The ice and snow began to sparkle as if stars were entombed within its glacial layers and the steam rose higher and higher; the most romantic phenomenon wrapped itself around the two teenagers. A warm blanket of green light spiralled and danced atop Kackar Dagi like a tightly knit flock of swallows, playfully and gleefully allowing themselves to become one with the night’s sky.
Jack gasped as he watched the majestic spectacle as if it were a paradoxical prodigy; an unexplainable portent. He felt the warmth as if some otherworldly beings were watching out for them. Jack couldn’t let Lucia go, hugging her attentively and the harder he squeezed the closer he felt like he was home.
The aquamarine and chartreuse glow had seemingly taken over Kackar Dagi and spread upwards to join the stars in the sky – a joining bridge to the unknown galaxies and worlds that watched up above, and both teenagers gazed at one another knowing that for this priceless moment, nothing needed to be said.
- Did you self-publish or publish traditionally and why?
The Black Petal and my earlier novel Here Lies Love are published by Autumn Orchard – a small independent publisher. Having that publishing name behind a book helps to remove the stigma associated with self-publishing. Which is something I don’t believe or agree with, but it is true that people stick their noses up at self-published authors. As I’ve already said, the book market is heavily saturated with numerous books being published every week. It is so hard to get noticed, and publishers just aren’t taking risks at the moment. I had a few publishers interested in The Black Petal, but they had strict guidelines. One no longer published ‘foreign’ authors, with it being based in America. Another publisher had a rule that the minimum length of their books be 90,000 words. My book is less than that and it would mean I would have to extend the novel in places considerably. This is a YA book, and I think 90,ooo words may have been too much for a first book in a trilogy.
The first shorter novel I wrote, The Caseworker’s Memoirs, was self-published and I had a little success with travelling around my county giving talks at local libraries and book clubs. I was blown away by the support of people. Being self-published gives you a sense of achievement, but I’ve also been turned away from shops, reviewers, book clubs and more who just wouldn’t listen to what I had to say, and that all has to do with the ‘self-published’ label. I understand that many people have jumped on the bandwagon of being able to press the publish button without having professional editing, criticism and formatting done on their work – all leading to a very rookie, unprofessional look, but for authors who want to be taken seriously, this tag often lets us down.
<li>What do you consider the most important part of a good story?
Well, I guess that all depends on the type of book it is and what genre it fits in to. Although, I have to say the plot, as well as the characters are equally important. You have to be able to interact with the characters in some way – like them, care about what happens to them. If you get bored, or are disinterested in the main character, you’ll simply want to put the book down and never pick it back up again!
When the book forms part of a longer story – so if it is a two-parter, trilogy, or longer series, I don’t feel all questions need to be answered. You need to build up your plot, your bad guys, your world, and I love a good cliffhangar. It makes you want to preorder or buy the second book right away! I do know that some people disagree though, and feel that all books should be tied up nicely at the end.
I’m writing a little slowly at the moment as I am also studying a university degree. I have to write short stories, extracts, character sketches every week! Hopefully, sometime in the future, I’ll be able to collate some of my best short stories and be able to share them with my readers.
But of course The Black Petal is only the first book in a trilogy, and that means the other books need to follow. I am about 80% finished with the second book entitled The Golden Lyre. I also have another book planned in writing called Cassandra’s Shadow. I’m really excited about them both. But with my uni degree taking precedent, it is important to keep up with my studies.
I predominately write in the young adult age range which are books aimed at 14 years + really, but I do think YA books are universal for any age. Many contemporary YA books are loved by adults too. The Harry Potter books for example even have separate adult covers!
I grew up reading fantasy novels, adventure stories, alternate realities, which means obviously I swayed to writing those types of books. A great fantasy book can drag you into its world, its mythology, its hierarchy – all of which are important in transporting you away from reality. That is one of the key elements of a fantasy book. A few years ago, I read the first instalment of fantasy books by Australian author Dionne Lister. Shadows of the Realm takes you into a world of men, and dragons, of multiple realms, and multi-arc plots that weave thoroughly into every aspect of the main plot. It was amazing – I believe that is the ultimate fantasy story.
Wow! So many things. Motivation is all around us. The wonderful unbiased reviews I get spur me on. I have built up a very small fanbase and I wouldn’t want to let them down. I’m eager to share my stories with people that already know my writing style.
Music also inspires me. I can often shut myself away and listen to music. I like to learn the lyrics and get to know the song intimately. It creates new ideas and huge buzz moments for me. Music is powerful, and it gives me goosebumps when I get new ideas inspired by music.
I’m also inspired by my fellow contemporaries. As an indie author, I wholeheartedly support the indie crowd. Authors like Sharon Sant, Jack Croxall, Jaimie Admans all write hugely entertaining stories; ones that stay with you long after closing the pages. They are all immensely talented and I am inspired and motivated by their advice and their own books. I’m not competitive, I don’t get jealous by their outstanding books, but their work do spur me on to write better than I have previously. I want to join their ranks, but I always feel like I fall just that little bit short – what perfect way to never give up.
I read many books. Some for my university reading list, others because I want to. I recently read Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, which was so fantastic I can’t begin to describe. A huge, intense fantasy book that has simply unforgettable characters. I would definitely recommend that to anyone who loves a good fantasy yarn.
I’m very wary of hype books, often never reading them, or reading them way after they were released. I did give in though and recently read The Girl on the Train. I hear it is being made into a film. It surprised me as an addictive read – not quite what I was expecting, but entertaining nonetheless.
The Black Petal is available to preorder in both eBook and Paperback:
Amazon UK
Amazon US
The Book Depository
Waterstones
B & N
- Where were you born and where do you call home?I was born in Wodonga, which is a City in Victoria, Australia. I’ve moved around a bit; spent 10 years in Tasmania, and really enjoyed it there. I live in Queensland now, on the Sunshine Coast which is just north of Brisbane. It’s semi-rural, and nice and quiet. I guess you make a home where ever you go.
- What inspires you to write?I love the whole thing, the look and feel of a book, the written word and the things that can be said. These days I like to research myths and legends, and faerie tales. That sort of thing inspires my writing. I want to know about things from the past, and retell some of it in new and interesting ways.
- If your book gets made into a film, which character would you like to play?It would have to be The Biggo, but then again, he seems to only have a sort of cameo appearance.
- Can you share a quote from something you have written?‘Each time a story is told, it is different in some way, although essentially it remains the same.’
- Did you self-publish or publish traditionally and why?Well, I’m sort of in-between. I have an independent publisher (Custom Book Publications) who slogs away at marketing and distribution etc. They do this very well, but everyone knows you need to attend to this yourself. I got sick of trying to find a publisher who would accept unsolicited manuscripts without having an agent. There just aren’t that many mainstream publishers available, especially in Australia. As writers, we are all bypassing traditional publishers. Everything has opened up. No more waiting. Essentially, what I have is co-publishing. This is because my books are novellas, and not easy to market due to the small size.
- What do you consider the most important part of a good story?I think a good story needs a firm grounding, or underpinning if you like. It needs to have some input from the real world. By that I mean, the story needs to have underpinning themes that readers can relate to. Of course, I use many themes or tropes from myth, legend , and faerie tales. Other examples are literary ones like pastiche, parody, metafiction, slipstream, etc. I think if an author includes something like this, then it’s bound to help make a story a better one.
- What are you working on at the moment and your future plans?I’m working on promotional stuff, for the second book in The Landland Chronicles series. I hope to start writing the third book soon, but I think I will read some more myths and faerie tales first. I will be promoting another new book which has just been published: You’ve Got Bunyip in Ya. This one is distinctly Australian and draws from Aboriginal myth. Again, this is aimed at younger readers, and is illustrated.
- What genres you write in and why?As I’ve said, I like fantasy because myth and legend fit in so well. I’m not so much interested in the world building that some epic fantasy authors indulge in, but rather, my worlds are a backdrop for more important things that are going to happen. I’m also interested in writing historical fiction, and then again, I want to write contemporary literature. I guess I’ve got a lot to do.
- What keeps you motivating towards writing?I have always been creative, working across many fields of creativity.If I didn’t have something creative to do, life would certainly suck. It’s the inner creative drive, coupled with a will to succeed that keeps me motivated. And knowing that it can be done.
- What is the last book you finished reading and what did you think of it?Aunty Ida’s Holey Amazing Sleeping Preparation (Not Doctor Recommended) by Isa-lee Wolf. This book is quirky, more quirky than the first one. You probably wouldn’t be able to read books like this if it wasn’t for independent authors and publishers. If you like a touch of mental illness, great food, interior decoration, witty dialogue, intriguing characters, and Aunty Ida’s high tech mental health inventions, you won’t pass this one up.
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I was very pleased that my very first guest interview ever of a author was with my good friend Daniel Burton
please show you surport to this great new talent
1. Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Derby, however I call Leicester my home. Currently, I am studying journalism and media at Coventry University.
- What inspires you to write?
I love telling stories, especially if they have a deep message behind them. My debut novel, Heartbound, is all about friendship and how it is an eternal connection and part of the inspiration behind that are my friends.
<li>If your book get made into a film, which character would you like to play?
Good question! I’d have to say my main character, Davey. Several readers have said that there are distinct similarities between me and him!
“The bond of friendship will never break. It only gets stronger.”
I tried the mainstream route initially, and I did get an offer. However I had to pay a fee up front which I could not afford. Therefore, I opted for the self-publishing route. I felt I had more control over the marketing, the front cover and, most of all, the royalties. At the time, self-publishing was the best route for me and I wish I had done it sooner!
I’d have to say the message behind the story. I love stories that can teach you something or give you a message that you can carry on into your own life. For example, a story that teaches the audience how to overcome obstacles is always a winner in my eyes! I also like engaging and imaginative characters that I can relate to.
At the moment, I’m working on a new series of YA fantasy novels. I’m hoping to either go into radio or writing magazine articles after my graduation as well as running my own copy editing business, D. Burton Editing. Oh, and still writing novels of course!
At the moment, I’m still finding the genre that works best for me. Heartbound is a paranormal thriller, whereas my latest work will be YA fantasy. I have always had an interest in the paranormal and fantasy is my favourite genre to read, so that’s why I’m experimenting with this genre too.
It’s the thought of seeing my book out on the shelves or on Amazon. When I published Heartbound, and saw it on Kindle for the first time, I literally could not stop smiling! Whenever I feel like I am struggling with a novel or if I’m feeling demoralised, I quite often visit a bookshop and picture my work on the bookshelves, next to the likes of J. R. Tolkein and Stephen King. That image always keeps me motivated.
I recently finished ‘Growl’ by Elaine Pierson. It was a gripping read and really imaginative. When I finished it, I thought it was like ‘Carrie’ by Stephen King mixed with a werewolf novel and it worked! It’s a novel that always left me wanting more and wondering just what was going to happen in the next chapter or on the next page. The characters are also imaginative and original, and I found it easy to put myself in their situations throughout the novel.
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I am very pleased to interview Y Correa
- Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Yonkers, New York, United States. I currently call New Jersey home. However, I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the privilege of living in many places throughout the US and Puerto Rico. Some of them are Florida, Kansas, New York and Las Piedras Puerto Rico.
<li>What inspires you to write?
I find inspirations in so many things, if not everything. It could be a song, or a television show, or even another book. Inspiration sometimes strikes when I least expect it. It is amazing to me. There are even moments when a scent in the air can translate into an idea for a story.
Well, I have several books, however if I could only pick one, and one character therein I would have to say Aishė from “MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis”. She’s spunky, silver tongued and witty—a lot like me, so I think I could play off her part very well. * giggling *
Sure!! Here is my favorite, which is a quote from the very same story:
“Love is the result of all things conquered.”
Lots of people have asked me what that means, and it’s such a powerful quote that it’s hard to put simply. Yet, in the attempt to do so, here it is …
True love comes through acceptance, and fighting through trials. When acceptance is achieved and trails have been triumphed over, true love is the ultimate by-product. True love is unconditional, and yet unconditional love is the paramount prize.
At first I self-published, later on I was picked up by a traditional publisher–that didn’t work out very well. After that I started All Authors Publications & Promotions, a label of my own creation, whose subsidiary if All Authors Publishing House. This, of course, is the avenue in which my books are published now. It includes me and 7 other very talented authors.
We are small but mighty.
The hook. By this I mean the very first paragraph of the book, all the way through the end of the first chapter. If the author cannot get the hook just right, then readers may never get interested in their book.
Currently, my time is invested and divided between All Authors Publications and Promotions, writing books, marketing and being a single mom.
As far as my writing projects, I have quite a few going on.
I am working on a Sci-Fi Mash-up called “Genesis Ellipse …”, which I’ve dubbed my greatest work to date. I am also writing part 2 of my “Earth 8-8-2 Series” and the 2nd part of “MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis”, among a lot of other smaller projects.
Apparently, I just can’t be still. Either that, or my mind won’t shut up. LOL
I consider myself a Multi-Genre author because I dabble in everything. I currently have books in the following genres:
Recently, I wrote my first Steampunk story which will be included in the upcoming “Crackles of the Heart: Divergent Ink Anthology” due to be released July 14th. I hope to write in many more genre’s in the future.
The desire to tell a story that has never been told before. It’s the yearning to present the public with the story I want to read, in the hopes that they too can enjoy the fantasies which come from my heart.
In order to answer this question I’d have to give you some back story about my reading practices. I work hand in hand with a professional review squad called The Review Board. With this group I do lots and lots of reading. On the side I also read things for my own leisure, and books written by my author friends whom want honest feedback.
That being said, the last book I read was written by my friend A. Lopez Jr. It’s his newest release called “Night Dreams 5”, part of the “Night Dreams” collection.
I’ve always loved Mr. Lopez’s nonchalant approach to writing, and this book contains that same mannerism. However, if I were to be completely honest, it hasn’t been my favorite of the collection.
contact Y Correa at http://ycorrea.net/
https://www.facebook.com/ycorreaauthor
@YCorreaFB for Twitter
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Interview with Rebecca Bradley
- Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Gibraltar, though I wasn’t there long. We moved away when I was still a baby. I’m not sure I call anywhere home to be honest. I don’t feel particularly settled. I have an urge to up sticks and move. But at the moment, I’m living in North Nottinghamshire.
<li>What inspires you to write?
I’m one of those people who always wanted to write, but it took the approach of a significant birthday to make me sit down and do it. Now, I do it because I love it. I don’t need to be inspired, it’s there within me. A drive to create. To make my characters live and breathe. To see where they’re going with their lives next. It’s a passion.
Me? In a film? I have, as they say, a face for radio. And after a recent radio interview, I can also say, I don’t have a good voice for radio, so I’m doomed to sticking to writing on a page!
If you were to pin me down though, I think it would be too easy to say DI Hannah Robbins my protagonist, because I write in first person and I’m a retired police detective, so she’d be the obvious one to go for, so I won’t. I’m going to say Detective Superintendent Catherine Walker. She’s firm and makes some quite tough decisions that aren’t popular. Her role is being in charge of the department as a whole and she takes it very seriously and if something goes wrong on the department she sees it as a negative reflection on her. I think she’d be an interesting layered character to play.
These are the first two paragraphs of chapter one of Made to be Broken, out on 30th June.
1
2 months earlier
It was a Tuesday when she died.
They say the weather reflects these events; rain coming down in droves, slamming into windows like hell unleashed. That’s what he thought when he looked out into the weak afternoon sun. Where was hell? Where was the fury? The relentless beating of nature’s wrath at one given back too soon?
Instead the sun leaked silently into their desolate world, bleaching the room in swathes of harsh light, lifting the howling sound that came from his wife as she cradled their daughter in her arms. The nurse closed the door behind her as she left them to their grief. A world they would soon become intimate with. There was a sharp but barely perceptible click as the handle lifted back into place, the only evidence the nurse had even been there.
- Did you self-publish or publish traditionally and why?
I self-published my debut, Shallow Waters and I’m doing the same with the follow on, Made to be Broken. Initially, I was signed with an agent for Shallow Waters and I did have some interest from a publisher but the book wasn’t quite right for them. I didn’t want to let it go so I decided to put it out there myself. After, of course, having it edited and proofread and a cover designed for it. If you’re going to go the self-publishing route, you need to make sure you put everything into it if you want to be taken seriously.
<li>What do you consider the most important part of a good story?
Characters. My favourite author is Karin Slaughter because her books are so character driven. I will pick up her books without even reading the blurb. The same goes for David Jackson’s books. They can write brilliant characters. If you have characters who are alive on the page, then the readers care and become invested and want to know what happens to them, they want to follow their journey. Though, storytelling is like a rope, lots of different strands twisted together to make the whole.
I’ve just finished Made to be Broken and I’m now working on a novella in the same series. It has a slight difference though. Whereas the first two books are from DI Hannah Robbins viewpoint, this is a prequel to Shallow Waters and is about one of the detectives on the team when she joined. It shouldn’t take me long to finish that project and then it’s onto book three in the series. As yet unnamed. I hate coming up with titles. (The novella is still only, The Novella!)
Currently I only write crime, police procedural, but I do fancy spreading my wings at some point.
As for why? I always seem to have had a fascination with crime. I have read it from a young age and have continued to read it and then I joined the police service. It was a natural progression when I decided to write, that I would write crime.
There’s an inner need to create. I love it. It’s as simple as that really. I absolutely love it. To have that nugget of an idea and then several months later, after lots of self-doubt and angst (because no matter how much you love it, you still hate what you’re writing and think you’re hopeless) seeing it fully formed at the end is an amazing feeling. From blank page to full novel, through myriad of emotions.
Wicked Game by Matt Johnson. A UK based thriller about an ex SAS soldier whose past comes back to haunt him. It’s not my usual read but I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anyone who reads crime or thrillers. The author has a military background as well as a policing background and it shows.
Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Jane. I appreciate the support.
Made to be Broken
A rising death toll. A city in panic.
A young mother is found dead in her home with no obvious cause of death. As DI Hannah Robbins and her team investigate, it soon becomes clear that the woman is the first in a long line of murders by poison.
With the body count climbing, and the city of Nottingham in social meltdown, the team finds themselves in a deadly race against a serial killer determined to prove a point.
And Hannah finds herself targeting an individual with whom she has more in common than she could possibly know.
Bio
Rebecca Bradley is a retired police detective who lives in Nottinghamshire with her family and her two cockapoo’s Alfie and Lola, who keep her company while she writes. Rebecca needs to drink copious amounts of tea to function throughout the day and if she could, she would survive on a diet of tea and cake while committing murder on a regular basis, in her writing of course.
Sign up to the newsletter, on the blog at rebeccabradleycrime.com, to receive the first five chapters of Made to be Broken and for exclusive content and giveaways.
AmREADING AmWRITING 
thank you Colin, i have added you as friend on facebook 🙂
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Appreciate the add, Col.
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