Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 342
April 6, 2011
Fireside Chat with Michael R. Collings
Today's author interview is a different than some of the others I've posted on the blog. I'd like to welcome, Michael R. Collings, Professor Emeritus of English from Pepperdine University. So pull up a chair, get comfortable and let's have Professor Collings take the floor!
Briefly describe your journey in writing your first or latest book. Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?In many ways, neither I nor my writing career, fit any particular mold. My first 'publication', my doctoral dissertation (1977), was made available automatically through Dissertation Abstracts International, as was then the practice. The revised version, In Endless Morn of Light: Moral Agency inn Milton's Universe, (shortened, with all of the academic jargon eliminated and the scholarly apparatus, such as footnotes, reduced) was published by Wildside Press nearly 35 years later.
My first collection of poetry, A Season of Calm Weather (1974), appeared from a small-press publisher who dealt primarily in LDS non-fiction. After a face-to-face meeting, the publisher agreed—a bit unwillingly—to venture with poetry. That books, and the next he published, Whole Wheat Harvest: Recipes for Using Wheat Without a Grinder (1980) eventually stuttered into oblivion through lack of advertising and publisher's interest.
When I began actively writing scholarship as part of my responsibilities at Pepperdine, personal contact with editors and publishers proved invaluable. After giving a paper on Piers Anthony at an academic conference, I met the editor of a series of short studies of contemporary science fiction/fantasy authors, and was invited to write the volume on Anthony. When Piers Anthony (1983) came out, I was already writing Brian Aldiss (1986).
The very day I sent the typescript for the Aldiss study, Stephen King acknowledged the books he had published under the pseudonym 'Richard Bachman.' My publisher called that evening, and by the end of a two-hour-long conversation, I had agreed to seven books on King, beginning with Stephen King as Richard Bachman (1985). We went on to publish most of those books, plus a couple of others that came up as we worked, including a study of King's short fiction co-authored my one of my students, David Engebretson (The Shorter Works of Stephen King).
For the next 20 years or so, I wrote studies of King, Orson Scott Card, and science fiction/fantasy in general, including the first full-length annotated bibliographies of each (and Peter Straub), getting publishing contracts either through editors or publishers connected with earlier books. The companies ranged from relatively high-end academic publishers, such as Greenwood Press, to small-press publishers of books that approached being works of art (Hypatia Press).
Along the way, I wrote a number of books of poetry, four novels, a long epic poem modeled on John Milton's epic Paradise Lost…and even found an agent to handle the fiction. One of the novels made it to the last committee meeting for a major mainstream publisher, where it lost out to the other competitor. So close. Shortly thereafter, my agent radically cut her client list (I was one of the casualties) and a year later retired entirely.
My teaching and research in the seventeenth century—and my good experiences with Hypatia—reminded me that one of the time-honored means of publication was self-publication…and by that I mean hand-crafted hardcover books, complete with art-quality paper, carefully chosen fonts, and individually designed covers. Over a decade or so, I probably hand-made four or five hundred books of poetry and fiction (including publishing the epic, The Nephiad) which I sold at literary conferences, fan conventions, and readings.
In 2006 I had to retire from Pepperdine early because of severe hearing problems. I rather expected that my publishing days would be over, since concentrating enough to write was itself difficult (I am not only severely deaf but suffer from constant tinnitus—ringing, banging, pinging, cracking, hissing, etc.—in both ears). And, since I had published nearly 100 books by then, and hundreds of reviews, chapters, articles, and poems, I kind of looked forward to a rest.
Until August, 2006, when my former publisher, now affiliated with Wildside Press as editor of one of its imprints, called to ask if I would like to reprint all of my books initially published by Borgo in the 1990s. And anything else I might have squirreled away over the years. The books would be trade paper (and occasionally hardcover), with professionally designed covers, available as POD. There would even be royalties!
Since then Wildside has published nearly thirty of my books—some reprints, some first publications. The total includes six novels, six collections of poetry (including my epic!), two collections of short fiction, a book on writing poetry, a book of essays on SF/F/Horror from Beowulf to the present (with an essay on Billy: Messenger of Power, by my son Michaelbrent), and almost all of my earlier King studies.
The most recent—to be published any day now—is a revision of the wheat cook book as Whole Wheat for Food Storage: Recipes for Unground Wheat.
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?I don't belong to a regular critique group although a group of us writers from Boise met for the first time last night. Instead, I have offered dozens, if not scores, of writing workshops at literary and fan conferences—usually poetry, but occasionally prose fiction as well, and once in a while general writing (a hold-over from teaching freshman composition for nearly 30 years). Because of my hearing, traditional writers' groups are difficult for me—I can't hear well enough to understand what others may be reading, whether poetry or prose—so I prefer to run small-group or one-on-one workshops. The nice part is, however much the others say they have gained from the experience, I think I learn even more, by talking about writing principles as well as by going over written pages line by line to find out what works and what doesn't.
Did you query agents and traditional publishers? How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract?As mentioned, I did have an agent for a while. I sent a copy of one of my books (since then published by Wildside) to a friend—who was also a New York Times best-selling author—and he referred it on to an agent friend of his. I learned a great deal about the business from the agent, and we got along well. But ultimately what I had to offer was not what she felt comfortable representing. So we parted ways.
What factors influenced your decision to go with a particular agent or publisher?Almost everything I publish now comes out through Wildside eventually. They produce remarkably well-designed books—out of nearly thirty covers, for example, there is only one that I might take exception with, and even then I understand why the artist chose that representation. I know my editor personally and the publisher by reputation, and both treat me well.
I would, of course, enjoy having books available in traditional outlets as well as POD, but given the way publishing is changing recently, I am comfortable with Wildside.
What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?I've published several of my small collections of poetry as eBooks, first through Smashwords.com, then through Amazon.com's Kindle program. I decided to do so because the books are very short—in print, they might run 20-30 pages; they address specific audiences, i.e., people interested in haiku, limerick, children's verse, etc.; and they could be offered for a minimal price. Smashwords and Amazon also gave me the opportunity to create my own covers, which for me is almost as important as creating the texts. It is part of the art, the poetry of publication.
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?I've written two books under an editor, both scholarly. And I've had a number of my poems copy-edited for publication. I did not enjoy the process. Having taught writing for so long—both exposition and creative writing—I generally mean what I write. In poetry, especially, I enjoying exploring with typography, the conventions of punctuation and line formation, etc.
Usually, the editors have simply corrected my explorations, both in prose and in poetry. Occasionally they have improved the text; more often, they pulled it away from my intended course.
Now, with Wildside, I know that the editor will interfere as little as possible. He trusts me, and I trust him.
Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will publish directly for Kindle?I will probably continue to do both. I just published a semi-scholarly compilation called Names and Naming in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings: A Checklist of People, Places, and Things. I didn't even suggest it to Wildside because it is too narrow in focus, too restricted in readership.
On the other hand, I am currently completing a years-long project, Milton's Century: A Timeline of the Literary, Political, Religious, and Social Context of John Milton's Life, which is certainly among the most ambitious tasks I've undertaken. It is a monthly, at times daily timeline of events and publications that formed Milton's world, from 1600 to 1700, with some entries moving beyond that into the 20th century.
The file exceeds 4,000K…without scans or illustrations. Something that huge, I would prefer not to publish electronically. I simply don't know enough about computers to format it properly. Wildside, on the other hand, is fully equipped to publish it, possibly as two volumes.
I will probably continue to publish prose fiction and verse through Wildside as well. Their books eventually show up on Kindle, and as NookBooks and eBooks through other distributors, so I really have the best of two worlds. Right now, my two best-selling books are the Kindle editions of Wildside horror trade paperbacks, The Slab (about a haunted tract house in Southern California…that consumes people) and The House Beyond the Hill.
What lessons have you learned being an indie author vs. being traditionally published? What have you've learned during your self-publishing journey?I suppose that much of what I've already said could fit here as well. I've experienced almost every sort of publishing format possible…or at least probable…from hand-crafting to fit my own dreams and imagination to turning my 'baby' over to someone else who will make all of the decisions about how it will be presented to the world. I've been fortunate in how I've been treated…have in fact been friends with several of my publishers; but I know how easily things could have turned out otherwise.
Along the way I've learned to be stubborn…but not too stubborn. Sometimes the work needs to be defended, from over-eager editors and careless (even listless) publishers, occasionally from readers who just didn't get it but want to tell me how it should have been written; and other times the work does indeed need to be tweaked to make it better.
I've learned to adapt to change. A decade ago, I wouldn't even read an electronic book, let alone publish one. Two decades ago, I would rather have made my own books by hand than allow them to be treated as the literary equivalent of cattle. Three decades ago, I would have given anything to have a book accepted by an academic press, no matter how unreadable many of their publications might have been.
Today, I am more open. I'm figuring out how Smashwords and Amazon/Kindle work. I'm willing to work with .pdf files, both as reviewer/reader and as author sharing works with others. I don't have to see a physical book to feel a surge of pride in what I have written. It's a new world…and at sixty-plus, I'm learning to enjoy it.
What kinds of social media [twitter, facebook, webpage, blog, writing forums] are you involved with trying to garner publicity for your book(s)?I've not done much. I do have a facebook page and announce book news there. I've a webpage (starshineandshadows.com) but most of what is there are literary studies and essays. I've not yet broken ground for a blog. And I do attend a few conferences, where I participate on panels and in giving presentations and workshops, and there I will sell a few copies.
Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?They are on Amazon, Smashwords.com, Barnes & Noble, Diesel, and a few other sites. The best way to find copies is to Google my name and the title of the book. That generally brings up half a dozen outlets.
What is the best advice you can offer new authors?Read! Copiously!Write! Voluminously!Listen to what other say about your work…then THINK ABOUT IT. Make up your own mind whether that advice is right for you.The work is ultimately yours.
What's next for you?Right off, finishing Milton's Century. As I said, it's massive—printed it would come out around 1000 pages.
After that, well, I've got three novels to work on, several hundred poems to review, revise, and organize into books; much to read, and even more to think about.
Thanks for the opportunity to talk about writing. Just filling out the interview form has opened up new thoughts and possibilities. Much appreciated.
Thanks Michael for stopping by and chatting. I hope you'll come back again soon!
Briefly describe your journey in writing your first or latest book. Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?In many ways, neither I nor my writing career, fit any particular mold. My first 'publication', my doctoral dissertation (1977), was made available automatically through Dissertation Abstracts International, as was then the practice. The revised version, In Endless Morn of Light: Moral Agency inn Milton's Universe, (shortened, with all of the academic jargon eliminated and the scholarly apparatus, such as footnotes, reduced) was published by Wildside Press nearly 35 years later.
My first collection of poetry, A Season of Calm Weather (1974), appeared from a small-press publisher who dealt primarily in LDS non-fiction. After a face-to-face meeting, the publisher agreed—a bit unwillingly—to venture with poetry. That books, and the next he published, Whole Wheat Harvest: Recipes for Using Wheat Without a Grinder (1980) eventually stuttered into oblivion through lack of advertising and publisher's interest.
When I began actively writing scholarship as part of my responsibilities at Pepperdine, personal contact with editors and publishers proved invaluable. After giving a paper on Piers Anthony at an academic conference, I met the editor of a series of short studies of contemporary science fiction/fantasy authors, and was invited to write the volume on Anthony. When Piers Anthony (1983) came out, I was already writing Brian Aldiss (1986).
The very day I sent the typescript for the Aldiss study, Stephen King acknowledged the books he had published under the pseudonym 'Richard Bachman.' My publisher called that evening, and by the end of a two-hour-long conversation, I had agreed to seven books on King, beginning with Stephen King as Richard Bachman (1985). We went on to publish most of those books, plus a couple of others that came up as we worked, including a study of King's short fiction co-authored my one of my students, David Engebretson (The Shorter Works of Stephen King).
For the next 20 years or so, I wrote studies of King, Orson Scott Card, and science fiction/fantasy in general, including the first full-length annotated bibliographies of each (and Peter Straub), getting publishing contracts either through editors or publishers connected with earlier books. The companies ranged from relatively high-end academic publishers, such as Greenwood Press, to small-press publishers of books that approached being works of art (Hypatia Press).
Along the way, I wrote a number of books of poetry, four novels, a long epic poem modeled on John Milton's epic Paradise Lost…and even found an agent to handle the fiction. One of the novels made it to the last committee meeting for a major mainstream publisher, where it lost out to the other competitor. So close. Shortly thereafter, my agent radically cut her client list (I was one of the casualties) and a year later retired entirely.
My teaching and research in the seventeenth century—and my good experiences with Hypatia—reminded me that one of the time-honored means of publication was self-publication…and by that I mean hand-crafted hardcover books, complete with art-quality paper, carefully chosen fonts, and individually designed covers. Over a decade or so, I probably hand-made four or five hundred books of poetry and fiction (including publishing the epic, The Nephiad) which I sold at literary conferences, fan conventions, and readings.
In 2006 I had to retire from Pepperdine early because of severe hearing problems. I rather expected that my publishing days would be over, since concentrating enough to write was itself difficult (I am not only severely deaf but suffer from constant tinnitus—ringing, banging, pinging, cracking, hissing, etc.—in both ears). And, since I had published nearly 100 books by then, and hundreds of reviews, chapters, articles, and poems, I kind of looked forward to a rest.
Until August, 2006, when my former publisher, now affiliated with Wildside Press as editor of one of its imprints, called to ask if I would like to reprint all of my books initially published by Borgo in the 1990s. And anything else I might have squirreled away over the years. The books would be trade paper (and occasionally hardcover), with professionally designed covers, available as POD. There would even be royalties!
Since then Wildside has published nearly thirty of my books—some reprints, some first publications. The total includes six novels, six collections of poetry (including my epic!), two collections of short fiction, a book on writing poetry, a book of essays on SF/F/Horror from Beowulf to the present (with an essay on Billy: Messenger of Power, by my son Michaelbrent), and almost all of my earlier King studies.
The most recent—to be published any day now—is a revision of the wheat cook book as Whole Wheat for Food Storage: Recipes for Unground Wheat.
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?I don't belong to a regular critique group although a group of us writers from Boise met for the first time last night. Instead, I have offered dozens, if not scores, of writing workshops at literary and fan conferences—usually poetry, but occasionally prose fiction as well, and once in a while general writing (a hold-over from teaching freshman composition for nearly 30 years). Because of my hearing, traditional writers' groups are difficult for me—I can't hear well enough to understand what others may be reading, whether poetry or prose—so I prefer to run small-group or one-on-one workshops. The nice part is, however much the others say they have gained from the experience, I think I learn even more, by talking about writing principles as well as by going over written pages line by line to find out what works and what doesn't.
Did you query agents and traditional publishers? How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract?As mentioned, I did have an agent for a while. I sent a copy of one of my books (since then published by Wildside) to a friend—who was also a New York Times best-selling author—and he referred it on to an agent friend of his. I learned a great deal about the business from the agent, and we got along well. But ultimately what I had to offer was not what she felt comfortable representing. So we parted ways.
What factors influenced your decision to go with a particular agent or publisher?Almost everything I publish now comes out through Wildside eventually. They produce remarkably well-designed books—out of nearly thirty covers, for example, there is only one that I might take exception with, and even then I understand why the artist chose that representation. I know my editor personally and the publisher by reputation, and both treat me well.
I would, of course, enjoy having books available in traditional outlets as well as POD, but given the way publishing is changing recently, I am comfortable with Wildside.
What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?I've published several of my small collections of poetry as eBooks, first through Smashwords.com, then through Amazon.com's Kindle program. I decided to do so because the books are very short—in print, they might run 20-30 pages; they address specific audiences, i.e., people interested in haiku, limerick, children's verse, etc.; and they could be offered for a minimal price. Smashwords and Amazon also gave me the opportunity to create my own covers, which for me is almost as important as creating the texts. It is part of the art, the poetry of publication.
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?I've written two books under an editor, both scholarly. And I've had a number of my poems copy-edited for publication. I did not enjoy the process. Having taught writing for so long—both exposition and creative writing—I generally mean what I write. In poetry, especially, I enjoying exploring with typography, the conventions of punctuation and line formation, etc.
Usually, the editors have simply corrected my explorations, both in prose and in poetry. Occasionally they have improved the text; more often, they pulled it away from my intended course.
Now, with Wildside, I know that the editor will interfere as little as possible. He trusts me, and I trust him.
Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will publish directly for Kindle?I will probably continue to do both. I just published a semi-scholarly compilation called Names and Naming in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings: A Checklist of People, Places, and Things. I didn't even suggest it to Wildside because it is too narrow in focus, too restricted in readership.
On the other hand, I am currently completing a years-long project, Milton's Century: A Timeline of the Literary, Political, Religious, and Social Context of John Milton's Life, which is certainly among the most ambitious tasks I've undertaken. It is a monthly, at times daily timeline of events and publications that formed Milton's world, from 1600 to 1700, with some entries moving beyond that into the 20th century.
The file exceeds 4,000K…without scans or illustrations. Something that huge, I would prefer not to publish electronically. I simply don't know enough about computers to format it properly. Wildside, on the other hand, is fully equipped to publish it, possibly as two volumes.
I will probably continue to publish prose fiction and verse through Wildside as well. Their books eventually show up on Kindle, and as NookBooks and eBooks through other distributors, so I really have the best of two worlds. Right now, my two best-selling books are the Kindle editions of Wildside horror trade paperbacks, The Slab (about a haunted tract house in Southern California…that consumes people) and The House Beyond the Hill.
What lessons have you learned being an indie author vs. being traditionally published? What have you've learned during your self-publishing journey?I suppose that much of what I've already said could fit here as well. I've experienced almost every sort of publishing format possible…or at least probable…from hand-crafting to fit my own dreams and imagination to turning my 'baby' over to someone else who will make all of the decisions about how it will be presented to the world. I've been fortunate in how I've been treated…have in fact been friends with several of my publishers; but I know how easily things could have turned out otherwise.
Along the way I've learned to be stubborn…but not too stubborn. Sometimes the work needs to be defended, from over-eager editors and careless (even listless) publishers, occasionally from readers who just didn't get it but want to tell me how it should have been written; and other times the work does indeed need to be tweaked to make it better.
I've learned to adapt to change. A decade ago, I wouldn't even read an electronic book, let alone publish one. Two decades ago, I would rather have made my own books by hand than allow them to be treated as the literary equivalent of cattle. Three decades ago, I would have given anything to have a book accepted by an academic press, no matter how unreadable many of their publications might have been.
Today, I am more open. I'm figuring out how Smashwords and Amazon/Kindle work. I'm willing to work with .pdf files, both as reviewer/reader and as author sharing works with others. I don't have to see a physical book to feel a surge of pride in what I have written. It's a new world…and at sixty-plus, I'm learning to enjoy it.
What kinds of social media [twitter, facebook, webpage, blog, writing forums] are you involved with trying to garner publicity for your book(s)?I've not done much. I do have a facebook page and announce book news there. I've a webpage (starshineandshadows.com) but most of what is there are literary studies and essays. I've not yet broken ground for a blog. And I do attend a few conferences, where I participate on panels and in giving presentations and workshops, and there I will sell a few copies.
Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?They are on Amazon, Smashwords.com, Barnes & Noble, Diesel, and a few other sites. The best way to find copies is to Google my name and the title of the book. That generally brings up half a dozen outlets.
What is the best advice you can offer new authors?Read! Copiously!Write! Voluminously!Listen to what other say about your work…then THINK ABOUT IT. Make up your own mind whether that advice is right for you.The work is ultimately yours.
What's next for you?Right off, finishing Milton's Century. As I said, it's massive—printed it would come out around 1000 pages.
After that, well, I've got three novels to work on, several hundred poems to review, revise, and organize into books; much to read, and even more to think about.
Thanks for the opportunity to talk about writing. Just filling out the interview form has opened up new thoughts and possibilities. Much appreciated.
Thanks Michael for stopping by and chatting. I hope you'll come back again soon!
April 5, 2011
Panel Discussion: How much research do you do?
L.K. RigelThe natural law in the world of the Apocalypto series is an amalgam of Gnostic creationism, ancient near east fertility cults, Teilhard de Chardin's omega point theology, and my own warped imagination. Luckily, I majored in humanities with a religious studies focus, so I had already done a lot of the research necessary to create the religious underpinnings of this world.
The first book of the series, Space Junque, takes place during the apocalypse, in our world about eighty years from now. I did need to do new research to support the "science" part of the science fiction fantasy. I found out things like what's in the oil dispersants BP used in the Gulf oil spill – which is pretty scary, actually. There are constituents in that stuff that can destroy mammalian fertility throughout the food chain. Also, how long does it take for something to de-orbit? How many miles above the planet surface are satellites located? How many times a day does the space station orbit the earth?
I actually love doing research. It's good for the story, and a lot of times finding out some new item sends my brain off on new creative tangents.
Debora GearyAs little as possible. My books don't have a lot of need for research, and most of what I need can be managed with a quick Google search. I like finding images online that inspire a character or setting, but I usually try to avoid digging much deeper than that. My novella has knitting, guppy sex, and database management—sadly all from the clutter in my own head.In Matchmakers 2.0, I managed to write myself into a situation where I needed to know sexual compatibility for different astrological signs. That kind of research can be really distracting...www.novelnibbles.com www.deborageary.com
Terrence O'BrienAny work of fiction weaves around the real world. Authors use real cities, nations, historical figures, and events as a setting for the fictional story. Think of the real things as a stage on which the fiction plays out. So I have to learn about that stage before I can use it or determine how it will fit into the story. In my case, I had a fictional story taking place in modern times, but it is based on real events and organizations from eight hundred years ago.
So I studied the history of the Templars, Crusades, medieval banking, Nazari Islam, and the Church. There is enough material in that real history to inspire a thousand novels. Why make up everything when we already have such a rich trove of history at our disposal. A reader might observe he doesn't see all that history in the book, but for me greatest value of that research is in the fictional ideas it sparks.
The more I learn about the history and setting, the better the fictional ideas become. Since I wrote a book that redirects history a bit, it really does help to know what I'm redirecting.
Valmore DanielsFor the "Fallen Angels" saga, I had a very intensive research session. I've always been fascinated with the classical elements, and I explored how different cultures—Greek, Buddhist, Chinese, Western—perceived these elements and their role in their respective societies. Although I've tailored the aspects and traditions of these elements to suit my story, I've based the attributes of the elements primarily on the Western systems.
The other side of the coin is the divine element: the incorporation of angels from a biblical perspective, and how they may have influenced the entire history of humankind for purposes that may or may not be in our best interests. To research this aspect of the story, I've read and compared dozens of versions of the Book of Genesis, as well as referencing other mythologies, such as Islamic and Hindu mysticism concerning these transcendent beings.
Tiffany TurnerI base a lot of my books on fairy myths and legends. I first start with initial research which gives me a lot of my character and plot ideas to start a book. Then, as I'm writing, I continue to research as need for characters develop or an action dictates a mythical explanation. Research and writing go hand in hand. For myself, they are often back and forth. I write with a window open to search on the Internet while I'm writing a draft of a manuscript. That way I can instantly check on ideas, names, and become inspired by any research I find.Author of The Crystal Keeper Chronicleswww.tiffany-turner.comContact for Celtic CircleGaelic Harp and Irish Storytellingwww.tiffmeister.net/celticcircle.html
Dawn McCulloughMy books- The Cameo Series are set in a fantasy version of the 18th century, with the main character who is an assassin. The books have a good share of violence in them, so I did quiz my sister who is an LPN with questions that went something like, "could a person survive this?" For my first book I researched smallpox. I used Wikipedia for some basic information. For the second novel I spent a good deal of time researching the French revolution, as there was a revolution fifteen years earlier in my series. I wanted to get an idea of what some real atrocities that may have happened were like, what the leaders of the revolution were like, and what factored into the break down in society, and resulted in the revolution.
I read the book Fatal Purity: Robespierre and the French Revolution by Ruth Scurr, which is an excellent book and gave a very balanced view of who Robespierre was. I also read everything I could find online about Robespierre and the revolution. I watched the History Channel's documentary over and over, and spent some time online on ebay and auction sites looking at the antique furniture of the time. I poured over photos of France for inspiration. One of the most horrible facts I discovered was that as the revolution went on soldiers started to become bored and would bake mothers and their babies in bread ovens for fun. That was so upsetting to me that I knew I'd make mention of it in the second book.
For the third book I've done some research about drug use, specifically laundanum. There are several sites online dedicated to laundanum drinking, which is what it was apparently called back in the 19th century. I read the history of laundanum and even what the bottles it came in looked like, so I could keep it accurate. Laundanum actually dates back to 15th century. The one thing though, that I can't be certain of, is what it is really like to take laundanum, (I wasn't about to try it myself) and so in my third novel the name of the drug will have to be changed to something that doesn't exist, because I simply have no idea what affect it would really have on someone. Reading about it just won't be enough research to be accurate for me and I don't want someone to email me about how I know nothing about the topic.
While I'm here I'd love to suggest this website "Old and Interesting": http://www.oldandinteresting.com/ A site I've used many times when I want to win an argument with my editor about what the bedding was like back in the 18th century, or odd tidbits about the time period I'm writing about. As you can probably tell, research is half the fun of writing fiction for me. I really enjoy history, so doing the research for a novel is a joy for me.My website: dawnmccullough-white.comFacebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dawn-McCullough-White/125763474137312My email: dawnmcculloughwhite@gmail.com
Michael SullivanI write Medieval fantasy so there are always many things I need to research…weapons…horses…castle design…battle techniques…sword fighting. I've been writing for 30 years (pre-dating Internet) and research used to be excruciatingly difficult as the nearest library was 80 miles away. The most research I had to perform was for The Emerald Storm in which a major portion of the book occurs on a ship. So there was a lot of research on rigging, food on board, chores, language, etc. One thing I think is important for writers to keep in mind is that just because you learned something doesn't mean it has to make it into the story. Research provides realism to the scenes you are writing but some authors are so proud that they know a little fact about x or y or z that they feel compelled to work it into the story…even if it has no place. The real trick is knowing how much to leave in and how much to leave out and how to get the information across without it sounding like a college lesson.Author Site: http://www.michaelsullivan-author.com Blog: http://riyria.blogspot.com/ Twitter: author_sullivan
Daniel ArensonI write fantasy, and my novels always include mythological deities, strange creatures, and magic. I generally invent these creatures myself. In "Eye of the Wizard", there are no trolls, orcs, or elves. Instead, I invented my own creatures -- spiderlings, moldmen, grobblers, roogs, and more. However, real mythology definitely inspires me. I can spend hours reading about folklore, learning about different gods, epic stories, and magical creatures. That inspires me to create my own mythological worlds. Since my stories are often set in pre-industrial societies, I also spend hours studying history. I love reading about Ancient Rome, Egypt, Greece, Israel; medieval Europe and medieval Asia; and more. If I'm not careful, I can find myself reading history articles all day. I feel this, too, helps me create rich, authentic fantasy worlds.Book's website: http://www.danielarenson.com/EyeOfTheWizard.aspxKindle UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004LLIC3Q
April 4, 2011
Nancy C. Johnson - A Year Later and a NYT best-selling Author
I originally met Nancy last year on Kindleboards when so many of us dipped our toes into the e-publishing waters. Now almost a year later, Nancy has had a number of wonderful surprises among them being named on the New York Times best-sellers list. I'll let Nancy tell you all about it.
Do you want to talk about what's happened in the past 10 months?Hi Debra! It's been an amazing and surprising 10 months since I published my novel as an ebook. Of course, I spent lots of time working on Her Last Letter so it would be the best book I could write, and hoped readers would enjoy it, but I never visualized making it to The New York Times ebook bestseller list, or Amazon's top 100 list for ebooks. That's something you only dream about! I think making my ebook so affordable convinced many readers give it a try. Of course, I believe my novel is worth more than the price I'm currently charging for it, but I knew if readers liked this book, they would probably buy the next. I plan to make my next book very reasonable too.
What kind of marketing did you do to get the book out in front of readers?I put up a website when I published my paperback a few years earlier, and a blog, and did some local book signings, so I already had a following of sorts. Once the ebook was available I did some blog interviews, yours being one of them, and signed up with Goodreads. I also spent time on Amazon's Kindle Boards to let readers know about my book. I mentioned it frequently on the Amazon forums too, where many readers go to find new books. I also requested reviews from two professional review sites, Huntress Reviews and the Midwest Book Review early on, and believe me, that was scary! Fortunately, both Detra Fitch from Huntress Reviews and Shelley Glodowski, senior editor for the Midwest Book Review really liked my book.
Do you have an agent now? The same one you had before?I've signed with an agent, Erica Silverman at Trident Media Group in New York City, and I feel very lucky to have her and the entire agency behind me. I had another agent many years ago, and he was excellent also, and sold many books, but unfortunately was unable to sell mine.
Do you have a publishing contract for future books?No, I do not, but possibly someday. I do eventually hope to sell a book or two to a major publisher, but I'm very happy on my own right now. I am a small publisher myself, though I only publish my own books. I do enjoy being in control and making all the decisions regarding editing, covers, and all facets of the publishing process. My daughter is an excellent graphic designer and helps me immensely.
Any foreign rights sold?Trident has sold foreign rights for Her Last Letter to Truva, a well-known Turkish publisher. I can't wait to see the book when it is done! Of course, I won't be able to read it. I hope to sell rights to other foreign publishers as well.
Have you written the next book?I am writing a new book, and also planning to release one of my previously written novels.
Is there a sequel to Her Last Letter?Yes, I am writing a sequel, and hoping to complete it in the near future. I really am enjoying spending time with the characters again, and hope readers will enjoy revisiting them too once the book is published.
Any advice for newbie authors just starting out?First of all, I would say for them to rejoice that we now have the opportunity to publish our work through sites like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing, Barnes & Noble's Pubit, Smashwords, and many other sites, with more available every day! It is very difficult to break into traditional publishing, and so many talented authors now have the chance to publish their books. I hate to think of how many wonderful authors who could have been published and found readers did not, because they had not been picked up by traditional publishers. Now that doesn't have to happen. Of course, as far as authors just starting out, I would advise them to do their best work always, and not put a book out in a hurry. Take the time to do it right. Read books on writing, join writer's groups, take classes in creative writing. Whatever you can do, it all helps.
And of course, read. Nothing teaches you to write, in my opinion, as much as reading good books. Write what you love, and what excites and interests you. You'll relay that excitement to your readers.
What's up next for you?Completing my new book and starting on another one. I have ideas for several I would like to write. I would also like to spend more time reading, but time seems to be very scarce these days. But hey, I'm not complaining!
Thanks for this interview, Debra.
You're welcome Nancy and please come back again and let us know how you're doing!
Nancy's interview from May 31, 2010http://twoendsofthepen.blogspot.com/2010/05/interview-with-nancy-c-johnson.html
Website: http://www.nancy-cjohnson.comBlog: http://www.nancy-cjohnson.blogspot.comAuthor's den: http://authorsden.com/nancycjohnson
April 3, 2011
#SampleSunday-Dyla Kicks Butt!
Today's Sample Sunday is from QUEST FOR NOBILITY. Twins Darius and Dyla Telkur along with their friend, Eclair Jortac, have spent two grueling weeks competing in the Grand Competition. They have one obstacle left. Can they overcome all odds and complete it?
Chapter 18 - Race to the FinishSergeant Rikervic was an ambitious man destined for great things. He was a sergeant in the Seleas Duchy's city guard and had just received his newest assignment. He was taking over the guard detail that protected the Duchy's objective in the Grand Competition. Rikervic stood tall as he surveyed the area. No would get past him. He was here to stop the rest of the teams once and for all.
Being situated on the coast, the city of Highland had an extension and elaborate sewer system that minimized flooding during the area's violent stormy season. It was through this maze of tunnels and conduits that the last successful team had found their way into the objective site. Rikervic had laughed when the Duke rewarded the previous sergeant's failure with permanent sewer duty. No team would be afforded that route again.
Rikervic learned from his predecessor's mistake and deployed his men in two man teams to cover every entry point into the warehouse, including the sewer grates. He had assigned himself alone to the front entrance of the building to ensure he would personally meet and greet anyone, especially the duke, that might come by and check on things. He had finished checking in with his team leaders when he spied the beautiful girl walking his way.
Wow. What a looker. Haven't seen anything that good in quite awhile. This must be my lucky day.
Rikervic considered himself a ladies man. He was tall and handsome in his guard uniform and never failed to attract the attention of women in the bars he frequented. He fantasized about the glory from this latest assignment and the bevy of girls that would drool over him when they heard. Now this beauty was walking his way and even from this distance, he could tell she was striking.He studied the girl as she came closer hypnotized by the undulating sway of her hips. Her footsteps slowed until she stopped a few feet away from him. His gaze traveled her entire length, taking in every inch of her womanly curves and long raven hair."Is it allowed to talk to an elite guard on duty?" she asked, demurely lowering her blue-violet eyes. Rikervic nearly choked at her question, but regained his composure, standing straight and wearing his most commanding smile. "Of course you may," he replied puffing his chest out. "But, even if it weren't, for you, I'd make an exception."His gaze never waivered from her face as he tried to gage her reaction to his compliment. Her return smile said it all. "What can I do for you?" Rikervic asked, leaving the question opened for any kind interpretation.Dyla coyly played with her hair and looked directly into Rikervic eyes."Umm, I don't normally talk to strange men, but when I saw you standing here in your uniform, looking so tall and handsome, I couldn't help myself."Rikervic preened and his smile nearly split his face.Now here's a woman worth getting to know, Rikervic thought to himself."I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time, you look so busy," Dyla continued. "I wouldn't want you to get in trouble with your boss. Maybe I should come back later.""No worries little lady, I am in charge here," Rikervic replied, standing just a bit taller, if that were possible. He crisply snapped to attention and gave her a slight bow."Sergeant Rikervic, squad leader in the Royal Duke's city guard, at your service.""Oh my, you are in charge here. I didn't realize you were so important. I really should go and come back later.""No, no, not at all. Please stay. You're timing is perfect, I've finished checking on my men.""How wonderful," Dyla replied, stepping intimately closer to Rikervic. "You simply must tell me more, but if anyone should see us . . ."Rikervic thought for a moment and realized the girl was right. If this was heading where he thought it might, then standing in the middle of a thoroughfare was no place to conduct 'business'. "Well, why don't move to the doorway so we can escape any prying eyes."Dyla smiled and nodded accepting the offer. Rikervic drew her into the doorway moving in front of her to block any retreat. "Now let's see what you're all about," he whispered in her ear while his hand traced the skin of her open neckline."Oh yes, let's see."Quick as lightening, Dyla smashed her knee into his groin. Rikervic doubled over in agony and instantly knew he'd been made a fool. He reached up to his lapel and pressed his alarm transmitter. At the same moment, Dyla smashed her elbow against the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious. The alarm activated momentarily, but Rikervic's hand fell away as he collapsed in a heap. Dyla watched the Sergeant crumble to the ground."Men," she scoffed, "so predictable."
Chapter 18 - Race to the FinishSergeant Rikervic was an ambitious man destined for great things. He was a sergeant in the Seleas Duchy's city guard and had just received his newest assignment. He was taking over the guard detail that protected the Duchy's objective in the Grand Competition. Rikervic stood tall as he surveyed the area. No would get past him. He was here to stop the rest of the teams once and for all.
Being situated on the coast, the city of Highland had an extension and elaborate sewer system that minimized flooding during the area's violent stormy season. It was through this maze of tunnels and conduits that the last successful team had found their way into the objective site. Rikervic had laughed when the Duke rewarded the previous sergeant's failure with permanent sewer duty. No team would be afforded that route again.
Rikervic learned from his predecessor's mistake and deployed his men in two man teams to cover every entry point into the warehouse, including the sewer grates. He had assigned himself alone to the front entrance of the building to ensure he would personally meet and greet anyone, especially the duke, that might come by and check on things. He had finished checking in with his team leaders when he spied the beautiful girl walking his way.
Wow. What a looker. Haven't seen anything that good in quite awhile. This must be my lucky day.
Rikervic considered himself a ladies man. He was tall and handsome in his guard uniform and never failed to attract the attention of women in the bars he frequented. He fantasized about the glory from this latest assignment and the bevy of girls that would drool over him when they heard. Now this beauty was walking his way and even from this distance, he could tell she was striking.He studied the girl as she came closer hypnotized by the undulating sway of her hips. Her footsteps slowed until she stopped a few feet away from him. His gaze traveled her entire length, taking in every inch of her womanly curves and long raven hair."Is it allowed to talk to an elite guard on duty?" she asked, demurely lowering her blue-violet eyes. Rikervic nearly choked at her question, but regained his composure, standing straight and wearing his most commanding smile. "Of course you may," he replied puffing his chest out. "But, even if it weren't, for you, I'd make an exception."His gaze never waivered from her face as he tried to gage her reaction to his compliment. Her return smile said it all. "What can I do for you?" Rikervic asked, leaving the question opened for any kind interpretation.Dyla coyly played with her hair and looked directly into Rikervic eyes."Umm, I don't normally talk to strange men, but when I saw you standing here in your uniform, looking so tall and handsome, I couldn't help myself."Rikervic preened and his smile nearly split his face.Now here's a woman worth getting to know, Rikervic thought to himself."I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time, you look so busy," Dyla continued. "I wouldn't want you to get in trouble with your boss. Maybe I should come back later.""No worries little lady, I am in charge here," Rikervic replied, standing just a bit taller, if that were possible. He crisply snapped to attention and gave her a slight bow."Sergeant Rikervic, squad leader in the Royal Duke's city guard, at your service.""Oh my, you are in charge here. I didn't realize you were so important. I really should go and come back later.""No, no, not at all. Please stay. You're timing is perfect, I've finished checking on my men.""How wonderful," Dyla replied, stepping intimately closer to Rikervic. "You simply must tell me more, but if anyone should see us . . ."Rikervic thought for a moment and realized the girl was right. If this was heading where he thought it might, then standing in the middle of a thoroughfare was no place to conduct 'business'. "Well, why don't move to the doorway so we can escape any prying eyes."Dyla smiled and nodded accepting the offer. Rikervic drew her into the doorway moving in front of her to block any retreat. "Now let's see what you're all about," he whispered in her ear while his hand traced the skin of her open neckline."Oh yes, let's see."Quick as lightening, Dyla smashed her knee into his groin. Rikervic doubled over in agony and instantly knew he'd been made a fool. He reached up to his lapel and pressed his alarm transmitter. At the same moment, Dyla smashed her elbow against the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious. The alarm activated momentarily, but Rikervic's hand fell away as he collapsed in a heap. Dyla watched the Sergeant crumble to the ground."Men," she scoffed, "so predictable."
April 2, 2011
Funnies: My Cat Snores!
I know that there are people who suffer a snoring spouse and I've had my share of sleepless nights, but this is just too much. Enter Exhibit A:
Awww...isn't she cute?
Well, that was back in 2006 when she had just been rescued. I should have known she wasn't going to be a delicate little thing. Look at those front legs:
Fast-forward to today and this is what that sweet little kitten looks like now. Isabelle is a stunning cat, no doubt about it, but why didn't anyone ever tell me that Norwegian Forest Cats snore? She is unbelievably loud especially if she's is under our headboard. The whole floor vibrates.
"Really, are you talking about me again?"
"Can't you see that I'm busy here?"
"I'm thirsty. Meow, meow, moew!"
I suppose having 1 cat that snores is bad enough, but when Crystal joins in, it's impossible to hear the TV.
"What? Why did you wake me up?"
So life goes on in the Martin household. Writing needs to be done, blog posts need to be formatted and kitties need their lovings even if that time is when I'm trying to type. I have to say, that I've gotten very good at typing around my cat!
How about you? What does your cat or dog do to thwart your writing efforts?
Awww...isn't she cute?Well, that was back in 2006 when she had just been rescued. I should have known she wasn't going to be a delicate little thing. Look at those front legs:
Fast-forward to today and this is what that sweet little kitten looks like now. Isabelle is a stunning cat, no doubt about it, but why didn't anyone ever tell me that Norwegian Forest Cats snore? She is unbelievably loud especially if she's is under our headboard. The whole floor vibrates.
"Really, are you talking about me again?"
"Can't you see that I'm busy here?"
"I'm thirsty. Meow, meow, moew!"I suppose having 1 cat that snores is bad enough, but when Crystal joins in, it's impossible to hear the TV.
"What? Why did you wake me up?"
So life goes on in the Martin household. Writing needs to be done, blog posts need to be formatted and kitties need their lovings even if that time is when I'm trying to type. I have to say, that I've gotten very good at typing around my cat!How about you? What does your cat or dog do to thwart your writing efforts?
April 1, 2011
History of April Fools Day
The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1.
Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1
These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.
This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.
In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.
In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.
In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."
In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.
The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring.
So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.
*All of the above was taken from the website: www.april-fools.us/history-april-fools.htm and only they know whether or not the above information is accurate or if they're playing their own April Fools joke on us.
Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1
These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.
This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.
In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.
In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.
In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."
In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.
The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring.
So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.
*All of the above was taken from the website: www.april-fools.us/history-april-fools.htm and only they know whether or not the above information is accurate or if they're playing their own April Fools joke on us.
March 31, 2011
Recap of March Sponsors
March has been a busy month for the blog, but I'd like to take the time to thank my sponsors, Sandy Edwards and Delyse Trink for their support. Here's another recap of their books.
VEGAS, BABY by Sandra Edwards
Book two of the Soul Searchers series picks up where Broken Wings left off. Rio Laraquette's back in Vegas and settling into her normal routine—except that Eddie LaCall has invaded her space. The two share a mutual attraction and an undeniable connection.
When Eddie's scarred past comes back to haunt him his attachment to Rio strengthens even though neither completely trusts the other. Just when it looks like a poker tournament is bringing them together, their budding relationship gets backburnered when a stalker goes from creepy to dangerous, making several attempts on the reluctant lovers' lives.
Will these two souls—who've been searching for each other across eternity—finally get to share a lifetime together, or will they once again end up as star-crossed lovers?
Buy Links: Kindle US -- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LGTM6C
Kindle UK -- http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004LGTM6C
Nook -- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940012618948
THE CRIMSON-EYED DRAGON by D.M. TrinkIs it risky to surrender to your curiosity?What underlying attraction compels Jared to buy the majestic silver dragon, and will it lead him and his friends Griffin, Chase and Amber into inescapable danger?When he brings home the dragon statue, Jared initiates a chain of events that propelshim and his friends into an incredible adventure solving clue after clue.Will they be able to decipher the mystery before the lurking danger manifests?http://www.amazon.com/The-Crimson-Eyed-Dragon-ebook/dp/B004C44GLYhttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/30013http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Crimson-Eyed-Dragon/DM-Trink/e/2940011136252/?itm=1&USRI=the+crimson+eyed+dragon
SECONDARY TARGETS by Sandra Edwards
What would you do if you found out everything you thought you knew about your father turned out to be a lie?
After being bitten by the genealogy bug, Grace Hendricks awakens a conspiracy that's been lying dormant—ever since she disappeared shortly after her father's funeral eleven years ago. Now, here in the present, his military records have been tampered with and his death certificate is no longer on file.
In an effort to unravel the mystery she turns to Eric Wayne, an old flame she thought she'd tucked safely away into the past. Eric has no intentions of getting involved with Grace and her crazy allegations, until he realizes that someone else is buried in his former commanding General's grave.
US Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042AMG9CUK Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0042AMG9CAmazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1453829431BN Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940011965142
CRAZY FOR YOU by Sandra EdwardsCRAZY FOR YOU is a rags to riches tale set against the backdrop of the 80s, movie stars and rock-n-roll.
Roxanne Simon is a successful author and an award-winning actress who's also a bit neurotic. After she appears on a popular talk show the world is left guessing: is rock star Frank Garrett the father of her four year-old son?
Once Frank learns the true parentage of Roxanne's son, he's determined to make her pay. When he stumbles upon her weakness, he decides to use it against her. But is he prepared to see her pay the ultimate price in his quest for revenge?
Be careful what you wish for...you just might get it.
US Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WJRJ4QUK Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003WJRJ4QAmazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1453787771BN Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940012051646
VEGAS, BABY by Sandra Edwards
Book two of the Soul Searchers series picks up where Broken Wings left off. Rio Laraquette's back in Vegas and settling into her normal routine—except that Eddie LaCall has invaded her space. The two share a mutual attraction and an undeniable connection.
When Eddie's scarred past comes back to haunt him his attachment to Rio strengthens even though neither completely trusts the other. Just when it looks like a poker tournament is bringing them together, their budding relationship gets backburnered when a stalker goes from creepy to dangerous, making several attempts on the reluctant lovers' lives.
Will these two souls—who've been searching for each other across eternity—finally get to share a lifetime together, or will they once again end up as star-crossed lovers?
Buy Links: Kindle US -- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LGTM6C
Kindle UK -- http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004LGTM6C
Nook -- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940012618948
THE CRIMSON-EYED DRAGON by D.M. TrinkIs it risky to surrender to your curiosity?What underlying attraction compels Jared to buy the majestic silver dragon, and will it lead him and his friends Griffin, Chase and Amber into inescapable danger?When he brings home the dragon statue, Jared initiates a chain of events that propelshim and his friends into an incredible adventure solving clue after clue.Will they be able to decipher the mystery before the lurking danger manifests?http://www.amazon.com/The-Crimson-Eyed-Dragon-ebook/dp/B004C44GLYhttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/30013http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Crimson-Eyed-Dragon/DM-Trink/e/2940011136252/?itm=1&USRI=the+crimson+eyed+dragon
SECONDARY TARGETS by Sandra Edwards
What would you do if you found out everything you thought you knew about your father turned out to be a lie?
After being bitten by the genealogy bug, Grace Hendricks awakens a conspiracy that's been lying dormant—ever since she disappeared shortly after her father's funeral eleven years ago. Now, here in the present, his military records have been tampered with and his death certificate is no longer on file.
In an effort to unravel the mystery she turns to Eric Wayne, an old flame she thought she'd tucked safely away into the past. Eric has no intentions of getting involved with Grace and her crazy allegations, until he realizes that someone else is buried in his former commanding General's grave.
US Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042AMG9CUK Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0042AMG9CAmazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1453829431BN Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940011965142
CRAZY FOR YOU by Sandra EdwardsCRAZY FOR YOU is a rags to riches tale set against the backdrop of the 80s, movie stars and rock-n-roll.
Roxanne Simon is a successful author and an award-winning actress who's also a bit neurotic. After she appears on a popular talk show the world is left guessing: is rock star Frank Garrett the father of her four year-old son?
Once Frank learns the true parentage of Roxanne's son, he's determined to make her pay. When he stumbles upon her weakness, he decides to use it against her. But is he prepared to see her pay the ultimate price in his quest for revenge?
Be careful what you wish for...you just might get it.
US Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WJRJ4QUK Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003WJRJ4QAmazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1453787771BN Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940012051646
March 30, 2011
Review of TORC OF MOONLIGHT by Linda Acaster
4.5 stars out of 5
Obsession, possession, or something else? These are the threads that author Linda Acaster so expertly weaves in Torc of Moonlight, the first book in the Celtic Goddess Trilogy. The story revolves about students, Nicholas Blaketon and Alice Linwood and art professor Leonard Harkin. Nick goes to Hull University to play rugby and get girls, that is, until he meets history major, Alice. Alice is a serious and very shy student and keeps herself apart from anything that might resemble a friendship. All she wants to do is find the ancient shrine of the Celtic water goddess, Yslan. As soon as Nick sees Alice in a lecture hall, he is smitten, but it turns into something more like total obsession in knowing and having Alice.
Leonard Harkin is a man haunted by dreams and is on the verge of descending into madness. He believes the nightmares all stem from paintings that he's done of Alice, paintings that somehow represent so much more. Enter in our last character, that of an ancient Celtic leader, Ogrinius Licinius Vranaun, who is desperate to come back into the land of the living, and he'll do it anyway he can even if means possessing a human like Nick. The problem is though every time Orginius inhabits Nick's body, Nick has no memory of what has transpired and believes that everything relates to the wonderful and magical qualities he sees in Alice except for the memory of the tingles he feels when he's with her.
The author draws you in with her descriptive and lyrical style of writing. You can see, hear and almost feel each scene as it unfolds. They come alive and transport you to the English countryside and the celtic landmarks. I have a minor complaint though—sometimes the descriptions seem to overtake the storylines. I found myself skipping some to get back to the action of the story and for that I have deducted half a star, but that did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The riveting climax of the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Is it real or a nightmare? Can you drown in a hallucination? Both Nick and Alice are careening toward their fate, but who is actually in control?
March 29, 2011
Interview with Kate Hamilton
Briefly describe your journey in writing your first book.I had made the decision to write some time previously and for once did not wish to launch in unprepared. I had the luxury of time and opportunity. After doing some research, I realised it was good to read, write a first amateur novel to begin and then steadily learn the craft of writing. This inevitably took me on a long and wide journey visiting many wonderful authors - Dickens, James, Wharton. Then it gradually became more contemporary as I began to study my peers.
Did you approach literary agents and traditional publishers?My first novel A Symphony of Time was put forward to the second round of the waterstones/faber&faberWOW competition. On the strength of that it was picked up off the slush pile of a leading London agent. But their response was extremely slow and in the end they did not choose to publish it.
I then had interest from a publisher, but again did not go too far as I we disagreed over the moral content of the novel.
Why did you choose to publish on kindle?The timing of my discovery of kindle publishing was Heaven sent. I had been disillusioned by the dictatorship of the traditional publishing route. I felt I had valid things to say and feel freedom of speech is one of the values that are upheld by kindle.
Do you design your own covers?One of the unexpected exciting things about self-publishing is that I can use my artistic gifts and love doing my own cover design.
What has been the worst thing about independent publishing so far?What I refer to as the secretarial side. Things like struggling with file formats and getting to grips with how various forums work have taken up more time than I would have liked.
And the best thing?Discovering a whole new world of interesting people who love to communicate. The publishing industry is vast, but so far I have come across a great deal of good will. It is exciting to be on the frontier. Kindle has been my way through to the world so far. I love books, however and it would be wonderful to be picked up by the traditional publishing route too after a while. So many great authors were self published at first. So in a way I am following tradition. It was thrilling to think my work had become available to the world.
How did you feel when you made your first sale?Truly grateful. Thrilled.
What kinds of social media are you involved in?Kindleboards has been a real learning curve. Facebook and twitter. Goodreads and Librarything. I also have my own blog on my website which I enjoy writing. http://www.kate-hamilton.co.uk
What is next for you?I am working on my next romance 'CONCILIATION ', which is a historical romance set in the Regency period in England. I hope to have this published before Easter.
March 28, 2011
Guest Post by Misty Baker
Every Box Has A Lidby Misty Baker of Kindle Obsessedwww.kindleobsessed.com A few months ago, (right in the middle of a heated argument about the complexities of Follett versus Creasey) I realized something. We are naive. Our culture has groomed us to "like" certain things. We are fed the "New York Times" best-seller lists as if it was candy. "Here you go kids...Grade A, teeth rotting literary
