Naylene Rondon's Blog: More Than Scribbles, page 5
October 26, 2015
Author Interview – J.M. Garlock
J.M writes noir crime and Roman military fiction. J.M Garlock prefers to write series because it gives him the opportunity to develop and explore his characters more fully.He is the writer of The Centurion Chronicles Book 1 Invasion and The Centurion Chronicles Book 5 The Brits.
You can see his Amazon page here: http://www.amazon.com/J.M.-Garlock/e/B009WP6QPM.
Also, his Goodreads Page here: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7234330.J_M_Garlock.
Question Time!
What are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are John Keegan & Louis-Ferdinand Celine.
What are your favorite genres to write?
My favorite genre is military fiction.
What are your favorite aspects of writing?
The challenge is to blend all of the elements together & keep the reader engaged.
What time do you do most of your writing?
I write early in the morning & in the afternoon.
Do you have any writing habits?
I try to produce a certain amount of words each day.
Do you usually type or write your first draft?
I type the first draft.
How long does it take to write your first draft?
A first draft typically takes between 3 – 4 months.
Are you a self-publisher?
I’m a self-publisher for reasons too complicated to go into here.
What’s your most recent book?
My most recent book is “The Centurion Chronicles Book 5 The Brits.”
On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?
My series is going well & I wish to continue it.
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October 20, 2015
A Dip into Short Stories
I love short stories. They are the perfect reads for when your not ready to commit to a novel. You can read them in a less than an hour. Sometimes less than ten minutes.
Recently, I work my own three-part short horror story call Eric. It’s available for Free on Wattpad and Smashwords. It was inspired by a week of reading creepypastas and decided, why not write my own?
Also, last year I was in a short story workshop. I wrote Deadly Existence. So, I decided to share what I discovered when writing short stories.
You know when your writing all these story arcs in your novel. It just like you decided to use only one and write about it. They usually have one to two conflicts. With a limited word count, rather than revolving it around action, pick something to wrap the story around.
With Eric, I focused on Eric. His past, his distorted judgement, and his insanity. With Edgar’s The Masque of the Red Death, he focused on the last room with the chiming clock and the cloaked figure. So, pick something, whether it is a character, emotion, or object. You just need something to develop.
Another thing I learned is don’t be so nitpicky with details. We don’t need to know everything that happened. Go ahead and start the story halfway through and just show the resolution. Or give a backstory, but leave it vague. Or course, everyone has their own way, but this isn’t a novel. You don’t have the word count to give everything, so give hints and clues. Make suggestions and insinuations.
Well, that’s just a few paragraphs on some stuff I learned. Thanks for reading.
Also, check out Eric at smashwords and wattpad, you can read all three parts in about half an hour.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/585684
https://www.wattpad.com/173244857-eric
P.S. the wattpad one hasn’t be updated. So, I apologize for errors that can disturb your reading.
October 19, 2015
Author Interview – George
Ge
orge is a writer of sci-fi and YA fantasy from the Czech Republic. He has published several books and many short stories in Czech, and now collaborates with a profesional editor and two native speakers on translations of his works into English. The City of Wizards is the first translation. George is also avid reader of fantasy, sci-fi and YA. Recently, he read The 100 series or The Throne of Glass. George works as a professor at a University, he teaches math and statistics.
You can see his Amazon page here: http://www.amazon.com/George-Mazurek/e/B014W9STGG/.
Also, his Goodreads Page here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13310926.George_Mazurek
Question Time!
What are your favorite authors?
R. Zelazny, Sanderson, Asimov, Kass Morgan, Crichton, etc.
What are your favorite genres to write?
I write sci-fi and YA fantasy.
What are your favorite aspects of writing?
Probably story-telling itself, turning my imagination into words…
What time do you do most of your writing?
When my two little kids are not at home :-)
Do you have any writing habits?
I need silence to stay completely focused.
Do you usually type or write your first draft?
I type it.
How long does it take to write your first draft?
It depends, but around six months, I guess…
Are you a self-publisher? If yes, what made you decide to self-publish?If no, how was the process of finding a publisher?
Well, in the Czech Republic I cooperated with 3 or 4 publishing houses. I started my writing carrier by sending my short stories to several writing contests. Because I was successful, these publishers contacted me. I didn´t have to find them by myself. As for my English works, I´m self-publishers, so far..
What’s your most recent book?
The City of Wizards.
On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?
Well, it´s hard to say. Usually, inspiration comes in fragments and completely unexcpected to me.
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October 14, 2015
Me & Mr. Jones
Remember Lindsay Marie Miller, I interviewed her a back in September. She was also featured in the newsletter. She is the author of Emerald Green. Well, I just found out she published another book! It’s called Me & Mr. Jones. It’s a New Adult Romantic Suspense novel.
Here’s the Synopsis:
Finley O’Connell is a shy, reserved college student, who has no intention of ever trusting another man. At nineteen, Finley spends her Friday nights alone, studying clinical psychology to ease her mind of the abusive childhood she has yet to overcome. Her new professor, the young, charismatic Cabel Jones, begins to take an interest in Finley, whose first instinct is to run. But when an ordinary experiment turns to bloodshed, Finley must rely on Cabel, as the two hide away in a rustic, secluded cabin in the wilderness. Plagued by deception and fear, Finley soon finds herself in the arms of the one man on campus who can never truly be hers.
It’s available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble,Smashwords, and Kobo. It’s also available on iBooks.
Interested in learning more about Lindsay
Lindsay Marie Miller was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL, where she graduated from high school as Valedictorian. Afterwards, Lindsay attended Florida State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with an English Literature major, Psychology minor, and Specialized Studies in Markets and Institutions. Lindsay is the author of the romantic thrillers, Me & Mr. Jones and Emerald Green – the first a New Adult novel, the second a Young Adult novel.Emerald Green is the first installment in a four-part series, while Me & Mr. Jones will be accompanied by a sequel. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys singing, playing the piano and guitar, and writing songs. Lindsay currently resides in her hometown of Tallahassee, FL, where she enjoys summers under the sun, in the company of beloved family and friends.
Twitter: @Lindsay_MMiller
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindsayMarieMillerAuthor
www.amazon.com/author/lindsaymariemiller
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/LindsayMarieMiller
www.goodreads.com/LindsayMarieMiller
October 12, 2015
Author Interview – Tracy
Tracy Lawson knew she wanted to be a writer from the time she could read. While working toward her bachelor’s degree in communication at Ohio University, she studied creative writing with Daniel Keyes, author of Flowers for Algernon. After short stints as a media buyer and an investigative analyst, she settled into a twenty-year career in the performing arts, teaching tap dancing and choreographing musicals. Though her creative energies were focused on dance, she never lost her desire to write. She now has to her credit an award-winning nonfiction history book, Fips, Bots, Doggeries, and More (McDonald & Woodward, 2012) and Counteract and Resist, the first two volumes in the young adult dystopian Resistance Series.
Tracy splits her time between Dallas and Columbus, Ohio.
QUESTION TIME!
What are your favorite authors?
It’s hard to narrow it down–but I would say the authors who have influenced me at various points in my writing include Daniel Keyes, who was my creative writing instructor at Ohio University, Lois Duncan, who pretty much created the YA thriller genre, Roland Smith and Margaret Peterson Haddix, who both do a great job of crafting suspenseful stories for middle-grade and YA readers, and of course, JK Rowling–because she’s created stories that have captured the whole world’s imagination.
What are your favorite genres to write? What are your favorite aspects of writing?
I love writing for young adults, and I love plotting out the twists and turns of a thriller. Even though my stories are more in the action/adventure category, there is an element of romance. I probably spend the most time on the romantic scenes. It’s fun to remember the angst and awkwardness that goes with first love and guide my characters through it.
What time do you do most of your writing? Do you usually type or write your first draft?
I prefer to let the new ideas flow in the afternoon. If I can, I sit outside and write with pen and paper (I’ve also been quite productive on long flights). Then I let the written words gel and revisit them in a day or two. When I transfer it all into the computer, my scenes take shape.
Do you have any writing habits?
I am superstitious about the legal pads I use for writing, They are only for writing. I mean it. Don’t balance the checkbook or make a grocery list on that legal pad. It zaps the creative energy!
How long does it take to write your first draft?
The first draft of Counteract took a while–but I wasn’t working on it steadily. It was about three years from the first idea to a publishing contract. I got faster after that. Resist only took about a year.
Are you a self-publisher?
I have a traditional publisher for my nonfiction books. I had a different publisher for Counteract, but between Counteract andResist, it became apparent that I was going to need to make changes. I severed ties with my publisher, regained the rights to Counteract, and released it in a second edition concurrently with Resist, the second book in the series. I enjoy being in control and making the decisions for my books. I used to think that having a publisher–any publisher–made my books better or more legit that self publishing, but it’s simply not true. There are so many options available to authors these days. I think I’ll be a hybrid for a while and see how it goes!
What’s your most recent book?
Resist, the second book in the Resistance Series, was released on August 25, 2015.The narrative in Resist picks up right where it left off at the end of Counteract, and it was helpful to use that momentum and immediately draw the reader into the action as Tommy, Careen, and the other members of the Resistance flee OCSD headquarters, dodging roadblocks and the quadrant marshals. Writing Resist was different because I already knew the characters well. That’s not to say it was easy! I had to be careful to bring all the loose ends from Counteract forward as the narrative continued.
On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?
I’ve always wanted to be an author, but for most of my adult life my job as a dance teacher required most of my creative energy. I was planning to retire from most of my dance duties when my daughter graduated high school, so I focused on writing during her junior and senior years. I finished Counteract and began submitting it to publishers right before she left for college. I love reading mysteries and thrillers, and I’ve spent the bulk of my teaching career working with kids and teenagers, so it made sense to write for a young adult audience.
BOnus Book Info
Who do you trust when your world unravels and everything you believed is a lie?
For the past fifteen years, The Office of Civilian Safety and Defense has guarded the public against the rampant threat of terrorism. Teenagers Tommy and Careen have never known life without the government-approved Civilian Restrictions. For them, there’s no social media. No one is allowed to gather in public places or attend concerts or sporting events. Only a small, select group of adults have driving privileges. It’s a small price to pay for safety.
Now a new, more deadly, terrorist threat looms: airborne chemical weapons that can be activated without warning. The OCSD is ready with an antidote to counteract the effects of the toxins. Three drops a day is all it takes. It’s a small price to pay for health. 
Tommy and Careen obediently take the antidote; neither considers stopping when
strange things begin to happen. The day the disaster sirens signal the dreaded attack, Tommy shares his last dose with Careen, even though doing so might hasten his death. It’s a small price to pay for a friend. Follow Tommy and Careen as they uncover a web of lies and deceit reaching to the highest levels of the United States government and join an underground resistance group that’s determined to expose the truth.
Interested in learning more? Check out these links.
Tracy’s website and blog: http://counteractbook.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracyLawsonAuthor
Twitter: @TracySLawson
Counteract: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0996610804
Resist: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0996610820
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October 7, 2015
Peridot!!!!
I know this is a writing and book blog, but my brother requested this. He loves the gemstone Peridot, due to Steven Universe. However, he realized it isn’t a popular gemstone due to the fact most of our local jewelry departments didn’t have any and the few that did only had one or two. 
So he asked me to help him spread the word. He’s busy handing out peridot business cards at his school. —>
So, let’s all appreciate the August gemstone called Peridot. Next time when your going to buy jewelry, consider Peridot. Spread the word that peridot is good!
October 5, 2015
Author Interview – Pamela
Pamela Daniell was born and raised in Little Falls, New York. After graduation she moved to Long Island with her high school sweetheart and they were married shortly after. They soon added three biological children and adopted two through the foster care system to complete their family.
As a child Pamela loved books, and with the urging of her grade school teacher to ‘Keep on writing’ has been writing ever since. Even with her crazy work and family schedule she finds the time to bring her stories to life so others can enjoy them. She is also the author of Revelations.
Question Time!
What are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are JK Rowling and an indie one I just found Angela Stevens.
What are your favorite genres to write?
I prefer to write all types of fiction.
What are your favorite aspects of writing?
I like to create the character and she where they take me. I say see where they take me because after I create the character they develop and life of their own and tell me where they want to go and what they want to do.
What time do you do most of your writing?
I seem to write better at night.
Do you have any writing habits?
I always print each chapter. It helps me be able to edit it better when the time comes.
Do you usually type or write your first draft?
I type it.
How long does it take to write your first draft?
As a mother of 5, the time differs with each project I start. Sometimes real life gets in the way and I don’t get as much time in each day as I would like.
Are you a self-publisher?
I have been published via a traditional publisher and also self-published. I like the freedom that self-publishing gives me. I can promote how I see fit and all aspects of my story remain how I write it.
What’s your most recent book?
Revelations
On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?
I am a huge fan of the show Supernatural and I wrote a fan fic based on that show involving a Nephilim. I then decided to write about a girl who discovers she is a Nephilim and how she navigates life with angels and demons hunting her. That’s how Revelations was born.
Want to learn more about Pamela and her book, Revelations? Check out these links by clicking on them.
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October 1, 2015
Can’t Catch Sunday
Long time ago, like about two years ago, I had a booksie account. This was where you could see all my original short stories and novel ideas. Of course during the process of my novel, Native Foreigners, I started to neglect the account, using my time for a more serious project.
Back then, I entered a suspense contest and won! I called it “Can’t Catch Sunday.” Now that I look at it, it was really poor quality, however there was a word limit I had to keep. Yet, I’m still proud of it. Winning that contest really amped up my confidence on writing.
So, I decided to share it on my blog.
Here it is: Can’t Catch Sunday
“Last night, a woman’s body has been found. Her name was Marisa Albien, she was a biologist at the state’s university. The infamous S was found on her desk. This would be Sunday’s eighth murder this month…”
Seth picked up the remote and switched off the news since no one was watching it. He grabbed his backpack and stuffed it with textbooks.“You’re still going to tutor with him? I thought he creeped you out.” Adam walked into the room. His hair was still a mess from his afternoon nap. He always comes home really late and then complains that he’s tired. It made Seth wish he didn’t have a roommate.
“He does, but I need to get on A on this test.” Seth explained. He walked across the hall to Aaron’s apartment. He never liked Aaron. There was just something with him that made him difficult to be around. The fact he looked like a tall twelve year old didn’t help either.
The young man opened the door and allowed Seth to enter. After Seth put all his books down, he realized he had to go to the bathroom. “Hey, I’ll be right back.” Seth said as he stood and walked down the hallway. As he did, he noticed a door was open and a small beam of light came out of the crack.
Curiously, Seth shoved the door open and noticed about five small monitors. Each one seemed to be showing different rooms of an apartment. He assumed it was Aaron’s until he notice the layout was different. This was Seth’s apartment.
In horror, he backed out of the room and ran into the bathroom. His urge to pee was long gone as he turned on his phone and began to call Adam. “Hello.”
“Aaron is a freak. He has cameras in our apartment. The weirdo has been watching us.” Seth’s voice was filled with panic.
“Calm down, I’m going over there.” Then the phone went quiet.
When Seth opened the door, Aaron was standing there. He stared at him with big eyes. “Who were you talking too?” His voice was monotonous.
Then a door slam was heard and Adam came in with a gun in his hands. He pointed it at Aaron and spoke. “Did you really believe you could catch Sunday?”
If your bored and want to see what else I was writing two years ago, Check out my abandoned booksie account. http://www.booksie.com/alienavian Don’t ask why I chose alienavian as a username.
Also, subscribe if you prefer recent things, like new authors, cool books, and my improved writing.
September 28, 2015
Author Interview – Lenita
Hey I’m back with an Author Interview with Lenita Sheridan.
Lenita was born in Seattle, but moved to Fairbanks, Alaska when she was small. Her father was a physics professor. Later, her parents bought acreage out in the Goldstream Valley outside of Fairbanks. The woods were her playground and source of inspiration and imagination.
Once she was twenty, she moved back to Washington to look for a teaching position. She applied to graduate school and was accepted at The University of Washington where she later earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Lenita now lives on Whidbey Island where she substitute teach, write, and be a caregiver. Her favorite pastimes are reading, writing, singing, crafts, and walking her dog, a Japanese Spitz named Haley.
She is the author of Guardian of the Gauntlet and Guardian of the Gauntlet: Book II.
Now on with the questions.
1. What are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, and L. Frank Baum.
2. What are your favorite genres to write?
I like fantasy, science fiction, surrealism, and non-fiction.
3. What are your favorite aspects of writing? (plot, characters, dialogue, setting,etc.)
I just love dialogue and I’m told by my writers’ group it’s what I do best. As a fantasy writer, I like setting.
4. What time do you usually do most of your writing?
I do most of my writing in the afternoon and in the evening. Sometimes I will stay awake late at night and write.
5. Do you have any writing habits? If so, what are they?
I like to write with soft music in the background. I like Celtic folk music.
6. Do you usually type or write your first draft?
I usually write my first draft in long hand on a piece of lined paper.
7. How long does it take you to write a first draft?
It takes me one day to finish a first draft.
8. Are you a self-publisher? If yes, what made you decide to self-publish?If no, how was the process of finding a publisher?
I am self-published. I decided after years of sending off my manuscript to see what would happen if I took the reins and made it get published.
9. What’s your most recent book?
My most recent book is Guardian of the Gauntlet, Book II
10. On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?
Someone, I don’t remember who, said “I thought she was supposed to do good with the gauntlet.” That brought forth my second book which is subtitled, “The Greater Good.”
If you are interested in learning more about Lenita Sheridan or her books, check out these links.
She’ll also be featured on the monthly newsletter, so subscribe!
September 25, 2015
Skeleton Writers
I will admit it. I’m a skeleton writer.
Now, what is a skeleton writer?
That is someone who write too little details and spends each draft having to write more. I don’t spend my story cutting out details, but adding them.
Here’s how I draft as a skeleton writer.
First the bones. My first draft of a novel is more like a couple of notes in a notebook with basic characters and general plot
Second are the organs. The organs are the essentials to the story. My second draft of a novel has about five thousand words. It is the basic plot, characters, and conflict.
Third are the flesh and muscles. This is extra details like settings, character descriptions, and properly arranged conflict.
Fourth are the arteries and veins. This is to double check consistencies add more details. Why do I lack so much details? Finally, more natural speech. No more three pages of dialogue.
Fifth is the skin. This is the final draft before editing. This is where I start cutting. I look for moles or unnecessary information to remove. Also, I add more details on where it feels flat.
The last stage is editing which is grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
So this is the path of the skeleton writer. What kind of writer are you?
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