Maria Savva's Blog, page 52

Some recommendations...

Just a quick blog post today, to let you know I've added a 'Links' page to my website with links all my favourite blogs and websites. At the moment it's authors and books, but I may add other types of sites in the future. I will keep adding to the page when I find more favourites, so stay tuned...

Here's a link to the Links! Recommended author and book website and blogs

Happy browsing!

Happy New Year!

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New Year 2012 Pictures Comments - Photobucket

Thanks to all my blog followers for your support; thanks to all my readers for reading, reviewing and recommending my books; thanks to my fellow authors who encourage, inspire and offer support. I hope 2012 will bring you everything you wish for and more!

In 2012, I am planning to release at least two more books. One will be my new novel, a crime/psychological thriller; the other will be a fully revised and re-edited version of
Coincidences (the first novel I wrote) -- I'm going to publish a second edition because the first was only ever published in hardback, and is now out of print. For those of you interested in owning a First Edition copy, there are still some available through the Amazon.co.uk Marketplace. There are signed copies for £5.00 + postage and packing and these can be delivered internationally. Here's the link you need: Coincidences - hardback

The new version will be available sometime next year, hopefully, and I intend to make that available for download and also in paperback.

I also have lots of short stories that I haven't yet published. I know that there will be a 4th Volume of the BestsellerBound Anthologies produced sometime early next year, and that contains a new short story of mine.

I might also put together an anthology of my own at some point next year.

I've met some wonderful friends here on Goodreads, both readers and writers and I hope to get to know more of you in 2012.

Happy New Year!

Get great discounts on print books at Lulu.com!

Lulu.com is currently running a promotion where you can get 25% off any purchase until 6th January 2012 using the code ONEMORETHINGUK at the checkout.

I am only able to access the UK site so I am unsure whether there is a similar promotion for US customers, but I assume there must be. You just need to go to the Lulu.com homepage to check out the details of the discount code.

I also currently have a promotion running with up to 50% off my print books at Lulu, so if you use the special discount code you can get even more of a bargain!

Here's a link to my Lulu author page: Maria Savva -- Lulu Spotlight

Whilst you're there why not browse some other author pages. Here are some authors & books that I recommend:

Julie Elizabeth Powell -- Lulu Spotlight



Julie writes across the genres. She has written children's books, murder/mystery, fantasy, chick lit, short stories, poems. She is a very versatile writer and I enjoy her books immensely

Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick-- Lulu Spotlight



I can't say enough good things about Breathing into Stone, which is the only book I have read by this author. I love it! I am looking forward to reading his other books.

Alex Sumner-- Lulu Spotlight



I recently read The Magus, a murder/mystery with a paranormal twist. Definitely one of my favourite books of 2011. I am about to start the second book in the series.

Mark Rice-- Lulu Spotlight



Metallic Dreams is one of the best books I've ever read, I would highly recommend it; especially to music lovers and in particular rock/heavy metal fans.

Susan Helene Gottfried-- Lulu Spotlight



Susan Helene Gottfried writes rock n' roll fiction. After reading her short story Mannequin: A Short Story, I'm looking forward to reading her other work.

Bill See-- Lulu Spotlight




I would definitely recommend 33 Days: Touring In A Van. Sleeping On Floors. Chasing A Dream. by Bill See, former lead singer in '80s rock band Divine Weeks. It's an insightful memoir, and one of my favourite books of 2011.

Scott M Liddell-- Lulu Spotlight



Scott is a photographer, and in fact his photograph appears on the front cover of my novel Second Chances. When I contacted him to ask permission to use the photo, I discovered that he is also an author. I really enjoyed his novel The Beatle Man

Happy Reading!

My books are being featured on Addicted to eBooks

I've discovered a great new website that showcases great ebooks for under $5.99 and there are also links to free ebooks on the site.

Today, two of my books, The Dream and Second Chances are on the front page :)

Check it out: Addicted to eBooks

Authors, you can submit your books to the site, but there are a few requirements, including you have to have more than 5 reviews and your books must have been reviewed by at least one book blog before they can be considered for the website.

It seems like a great site for authors and readers.

Merry Christmas!

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Christmas Pictures Comments - Photobucket

I would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends here on Goodreads. I have to say that Goodreads is one of my favourite websites. I have met so many people here who I now consider to be good friends, from fellow authors to readers.

A special Thank You to everyone who has read a copy of one of my books this year, and an even bigger Thank You to those who have taken the time to review one of my books. I am truly indebted to every one of you who reads and spreads the word about my books. As an independent author I really do rely on word of mouth to sell books. I am a long way away from being able to make a living from writing but it is a dream that I will carry with me into the new year.

Bearing in mind that I'm not the only indie author with a dream, I plan to continue bringing you interviews with my favourite indie authors on my blog in the new year.

I hope to be releasing a new novel some time in 2012, more news about that when I have it.

I hope you all enjoy a fun-filled festive season, and that 2012 will be a good year for you.

Finally, if you're stuck for something to read over the holidays, try some of the books below -- I would highly recommend them:

An interview with fantasy author J. Michael Radcliffe

Today, I'm very happy to be introducing you to one of the nicest authors I have had the pleasure to meet on the Internet. J. Michael Radcliffe a.k.a. "Alderdrache" (which means, Elder Dragon) is a fantasy author who joined BestsellerBound in October 2010, and he is one of our most active members on the forum. He also loves cats, which means that naturally he is one of my favourite people.

His novel (book one in the Beyond The Veil series) The Guardian's Apprentice is a wonderful, fantasy tale, for lovers of magic, dragons, wizards, curses, etc., etc. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Michael has also written many short stories based around the characters in the novel (and the forthcoming books in the series):Beyond the Veil Anthology - the world of The Guardian's Apprentice, Tears for Hesh, Forsaken, and Scale of a Dragon

Michael has very kindly agreed to give away one signed copy of The Guardian's Apprentice and a pdf copy to two lucky readers of my blog. All you have to do to enter is simply 'like' this blog post or leave a comment below. Winners will be picked on the 30th of December 2011.


Here's my recent interview with Michael:

Your novels and short stories are steeped in magic, curses, witchcraft and the like.  Do you believe in magic?  If so, do you have any interesting stories you could tell us to back up this belief?


Do I believe in magic – now that is an interesting question. There are so many things in this wondrous world of ours that are unexplained – so many mysteries for which science has no answers. I certainly believe there are many things beyond our comprehension – whether or not this qualifies as magic, I’m not certain. I’m inclined to believe there are such things as spirits – or some elevated state of being beyond the physical and I’ll offer this story as an illustration.
In 2002, my father suffered a pulmonary embolism and was placed on life support. After the neurologist had informed us my father was brain dead, my sister and I had to sign the orders to disconnect life support. Late in the evening of the 2nd day, his heart finally stopped and he passed from this world. I and my sister and a couple of others were gathered around the hospital bed as he took his last breath. The moment the heart monitor flat lined and he stopped breathing, the window behind me – previously latched – blew open and a cold night wind rushed through the room, disturbing everything. Was this a coincidence? Maybe; or was it a tortured soul escaping to its final resting place? I may never really know, but I can tell you just the memory of that event gives me chills to this day.
So I suppose that is a long way of saying that yes, I would like to believe there is more to this world than just the physical, everyday things around us. ϑ

In your novel, The Guardian’s Apprentice, the character, Nisha  says: “Names can be powerful things...  To know someone’s name, especially their true name, is to have power over them.”  That made me wonder, is that why you don’t reveal your first name, and go by J. Michael Radcliffe?  Is there an element of superstition involved?





I will let you (and your readers) in on a little known secret. My first name is one I’ve never been entirely fond of; although it was the one I went by as a child in grade school. In school I was overweight and wore glasses – I also read every book I could get my hands on and did not have very many friends. As you can imagine, my self-esteem was not very high.

As an adult, I lost weight, got contact lenses and became more confident in myself, and as I transformed I also started going by my middle name “Michael”. My first name, associated with the persona of an unpopular, introverted teenager, was relegated to the past – thus the initial instead.  My wonderful wife, who actually knew me in school, tells me that I am not the same person that I was when I went by that name. So in a way, I guess there is a bit of superstition involved – I avoid using my first name, because I don’t want to be that person any longer!



Nisha is one of the characters in your book who is cursed to remain in animal form for 23 hours a day.  Her animal form is a raven. The other character, the wizard, Acamar, is a cat for most of the day.  If you could choose to be an animal for some time, what animal would you choose and why?


I would have to say either a cat or (since we ARE talking magic here) a dragon. Ironically I picture both animals – the real and the mythical – as having some of the same traits. Both are fiercely independent, strong-willed and sometimes aloof. Not that I picture myself as having those traits, mind you. Ironically my astrological sign is Leo – a big cat! ϑ







You have four cats.  What do you think each of them would be like if they had a human form?


I regret to say we now have FIVE cats – so the humans are outnumbered at our house… Each of our cats has a very distinct personality. I will give you a brief comment about each, in order from oldest to youngest.

Cocoa




Our oldest cat, Cocoa is devious – no, she is evil. She would be the person who hides under the bed just so she could grab your ankle and scare the living daylights out of you. She definitely does NOT play well with others.

Cookie



Cookie would make a good princess or perhaps a queen. She is regal, aloof and will only tolerate you for a short period of time, and even then only on her own terms. She certainly does not view me as her owner – I’m more of a butler or valet whose sole purpose is to keep the food bowl full.

Jasmine




Jasmine would be the crazy cousin escaped from the asylum; the recluse who avoids going out in public. She is very clingy, and if you don’t pay attention to her you are promptly bitten.

Maddie



Maddie is fiercely independent, going wherever she wants, whenever she wants – even though she is missing a leg. She would be the strong willed adventurer that lets nothing stand in her way. She would also be the first one eaten by a dragon.

Mickey



The youngest of our feline army, Mickey would be the big goofy brother that loves to play ‘tag’ or ‘chase’. He loves to run, jump and pounce on the others, and gets a fair amount of abuse from them for it. The other cats definitely do not appreciate Mickey, but he doesn’t let that stop him and he remains as playful as ever, like a loveable little brother.



As well as writing a novel, you have written a few short stories, indeed one of them: Tears for Hesh, is featured in the BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology Volume 1, and another:Scale of a Dragon is featured in the BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology Volume 3.  As a short story writer, myself, I know that it’s harder to sell short stories; some people seem to think that because there are fewer words in short stories they are somehow inferior to novels.  I have been trying to convince people for years that they are missing out on some great stories by only reading novels.  What would you say to encourage people to read more short stories?




I firmly believe it can be more difficult to write a short story than a novel. With a short story, you have very limited space to fully develop characters and plot. A novel may offer you the luxury of 100,000 words while a short story might just be 5,000! A well written short story is like an hors d’oeuvre – it is a little gem than can be savored quickly, while a novel is like a seven course meal that would take hours. Especially in today’s fast paced world where we all have so many demands on our time, a short story can offer the reader a little escape from reality that only lasts 30 minutes, but leaves them feeling satisfied and refreshed.





You’ve been a member at Bestsellerbound for some time and you are quite active on the board. Has having a forum like BestsellerBound helped you as an independent writer? If so, in what way?

Absolutely!! I cannot praise BestsellerBound enough. The site has allowed me to connect with such a wonderful group of people such as Darcia Helle, Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick,and of course, you! It is a great place to share ideas, concerns and seek advice. Jumping into the world of writing with no prior experience was a scary thing – this forum helped me find other authors that had the same questions I had when I first went Indie. One certainly will not get any advice or guidance from editors, agents or publishers unless you land a contract.


I know that you are working on the draft of the second book in your Beyond The Veil series.  It always interests me to hear how writers go about planning and writing a book series.  When you set out to write the story of Beyond The Veil, was it always going to be a series or is that something that you decided later in the process? If so, did you write the whole series before publishing the first one, or do you not yet know what will happen in book three?
 
I’m ashamed to admit that The Guardian’s Apprentice took me eight years to write. When I first sketched out my idea, I envisioned the story covering an arc of three books. The story has transformed over time however, and now I’m inclined to think it may conclude with two. I won’t say I’m ruling out a third book in the series or even a fourth, but I think all of the plot lines have been nicely resolved at this point. Although I had a definite idea of how the stories would progress, they are much different now than when I first started writing them.



When writing a series of books, does it put more pressure on you as a writer knowing that your audience are waiting for the next book in the series?


Yes, I believe it does. Speaking for myself, knowing there were people interested in Bloodstone definitely increased the pressure to write the story. My website has a nice analytical package that shows me how people find the site and what phrases they query to find it. Over the past year I have noticed more and more queries about book two, and I feel obligated to fulfill the promise I made to my readers. I certainly didn’t want to make them wait eight years, which is how long book one took to finish!


Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their writing that you like?


Oddly enough, I think most of my favorite authors are British. Among my top favorites:

Jonathan Stroud – author of the Bartimaeus Series, he imbues his main character – a demon – with a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor. His characters come alive in my imagination when I’m reading.
J.K. Rowling– I envy Ms. Rowling’s level of detail – she creates an entire world within her books that just draws the reader in.
Arthur Conan Doyle– I have always loved a good mystery. I love the fact that the Sherlock Holmes stories often hinge on the tiniest of clues for the solution.
James Clavell – author of two of my favorite novels: Noble House and Tai-Pan. Clavell fills his works with strong, believable characters that have depth. The dialogue is great as well.



What was the last book you read?


I am currently reading Darke the seventh book in the Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage. My reading seems to cover a wide range of genres ranging from science fiction to fantasy, naval history and YA fantasy. Perhaps ironically, since becoming a writer I have had much less time to read!



What do you think of ebooks as opposed to print?


I think ebooks have opened up a world of opportunities for independent authors to connect with readers. Before the advent of ebooks and the direct publishing route, my works would never have seen the light of day. I also think they have opened up a world of reading to the electronic generation. Although I still love the feel of turning the pages on a book, I must admit the convenience of purchasing and downloading a new book in a matter of seconds is wonderful.



Do you have any tips for someone who is considering self-publishing their own book?


Based on my experience, I would offer the following advice:

Join a writing group such as Bestsellerbound and connect with other authors

Join a critiquing group such as Critters.org where you critique the works of others and in turn have your works critiqued. It will help make your writing tighter.

Be open to criticism. I know it hurts, BELIEVE me I know. A two star review stings! But, if the reviewer is being honest (ignoring the occasional two star rant that just seems hateful) you can sometimes glean useful tips for improvement. If the reviewer says your book needs more editing – re-read your work and see if they are right. If someone says your dialogue is weak, read over it again and see if they might be right.

Keep writing. If you love to write, then DO it! Don’t let naysayers stop you from finishing a story.



How do you go about choosing a cover for your books?

Selecting and designing artwork for a cover is one of the hardest things for me. I consider it far more difficult than actually writing the story. It took me about four weeks of combing through images before I found one that was “just right” for my second book, Bloodstone – The Guardian’s Curse.



I usually start out with an idea of how I want the cover to look and the feelings I want it to evoke when someone sees it. The tough part is finding the image that fits with what is in my imagination!




Apart from the next book in the Beyond The Veil series, are you working on any other projects?


I do not have anything in the works at the moment, although I do have a rough outline for another book. This would be a departure from my current series and even from my current genre. This book would be more in the realm of science fiction, though I’m not sure yet if it will ever become a reality. I’ve also had an idea or two for another short story that touches upon characters from my current series.



Where can people buy your books?


My books are available at the following:
Amazon

Smashwords

Sony

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Do you have your own website or blog where people can read more about your work?

My website is theguardiansapprentice.com and contains a large section devoted to the various creatures and characters from the books and gives some background on them you won’t find in the novels.

I also have a blog at michaelradcliffe.wordpress.com

Thank you Michael!

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Remember, if you'd like to be in with a chance to win a signed print copy, or a pdf copy of The Guardian's Apprentice all you have to do to enter is 'like' this blog post or leave a comment for Michael below!
Good luck! :)

Free Kindle books from BestsellerBound Authors!

A few BestsellerBound members currently have free books available on Amazon.

I thought I would let you know about them.

Here's a list of some of the delights you can get for free for your Kindle :)







Enemies and Playmates by Darcia Helle

I've read this novel, and it's amazing. Grab it while it's free, and I am sure you'll want to try some other books by Darcia Helle. Darcia writes suspense novels and also short stories. There is always a dark side to her writing, but there is also a healthy dose of humour and a touch of romance in most of her tales. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, she's one of my all time favourite authors.

Here's the link to the FREE Amazon ebook: Enemies and Playmates





Tears for Hesh by J. Michael Radcliffe

Tears for Hesh is a fantasy short story. I read it as part of the BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology Volume 1, and really enjoyed it. I have just finished reading The Guardian's Apprentice by the same author, and can't recommend it highly enough. I'm definitely becoming a fan of J. Michael Radcliffe. He is one of our favourite Bestsellerbound members.

Here's the link you'll need to download a free copy of Tears for Hesh on Kindle: Tears For Hesh





Ripples by
Thomma Lyn Grindstaff

Thomma has only recently joined BestsellerBound, but she has definitely won our hearts. She fits in well in our friendly and fun community.

I haven't read this short story, Ripples, but intend to do so, and I also want to try some of her other books.

Here's the link to the free book on Amazon: Ripples






T'on Ma by Magnolia Belle

Magnolia Belle is one of our most active members on BestsellerBound. She's had a story featured in the BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology Volume 1, which I really enjoyed. She created a great book trailer for the Anthology. I haven't read T'on Ma yet, but it's on my to-read list.

Here's the link you'll need to download the free novel: T'on Ma

The BestsellerBound Anthologies are free on Amazon, of course. Well, Volumes 1 & 2 are free, and we're hoping that Volume 3 will be free shortly.

Here are the links to Volumes 1 & 2 on Amazon:



Volume 1





Volume 2

Happy reading!

Get a free ebook copy of Pieces of a Rainbow!

I've decided to give away ebook copies of my short story collection, Pieces of a Rainbow. This is for promotional purposes.

At the moment it's free on Smashwords.com: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

Smashwords is a great website. If you're not already a member, you will have to sign up before you can download your free copy of Pieces of a Rainbow, but it's well worth becoming a member. There are lots of great reads there. Smashwords always has lots of freebies and you can download ebooks in any format you like, so whether you have a Kindle, Sony e-reader, Nook, etc., etc., there will be a format on Smashwords that will suit your ereader.






Pieces of a Rainbow should also be available free on Nook at Barnes and Noble. I will announce that when it happens.

If you prefer shopping at Amazon (it still seems to be the most popular website for ebooks), I have reduced the ebook price for Pieces of a Rainbow to $0.99/£0.86. I'm hoping it will soon be available free on Amazon, but that's not up to me, Amazon decides which books it gives away free. Often, when a book is free on Smashwords or Barnes and Noble, it will also become free on Amazon. If/when it does, I will announce it here.

For those of you who have never heard of Smashwords, however, I would recommend you have a look at the website.

Happy Reading!

A chat with author Julie Elizabeth Powell

Back when I started interviewing authors on my blog, I think Julie Elizabeth Powell was one of the first, if not the first author I introduced you to.

Since my last interview with Julie, she has written 3 more books, so I thought it would be a good time to catch up with her and see what's new.

Julie is also giving away a few ebook copies of her books to lucky readers of my blog who leave a comment or 'like' the blog post. So, leave a comment or 'like' the post and you never know, you could be a winner! The prize will be an ebook copy of your choice from Julie's 9 books.

Here's the interview:

When I met you on Goodreads in 2008, you had only one book, I think, Gone. In less that 3 years, you’ve published another 8 books. That is a wonderful achievement. I have read all the books, and enjoyed them. Are you just a very fast writer or were some of the books written years ago and only recently published?




Thank you for saying you enjoyed my books. So to answer your question, sometimes I write fast, so fast that I can’t keep up with all the words flowing from my brain. Other times, however, the thinking stage takes far longer than I’d wish. Gone was my first book and, yes, I would say I wrote it quickly but rewrote it more than once, although the first chapter I rewrote many, many times until I was satisfied. Gone was the first piece of writing that I thought worthy of keeping...and I’d found Lulu in 2007 – Fate maybe?
All my novels came into being after 2000, when the idea came from the question: ‘Where had my daughter gone?’ during those waiting years. One night I thought, ‘she must be somewhere’, and so Gone was pulled from my imagination. The Star Realm developed from the world I’d created in Gone – Avalon was just too good to waste – and I thoroughly enjoyed the fun of it...and so on. Sometimes I’d get another idea and I knew I had to get it down before it was lost. Some were half written with notes, and I switched from one to the other when my imagination just wouldn’t let me stop. I couldn’t write Slings & Arrows until Samantha died for the second and final time, well after I’d written Gone. Slings & Arrows was the most difficult to write, yet I’m glad it’s done...it just may help others too.
So I would say that on the whole I’m quite fast, especially when an idea takes root. Rewriting is essential, as I’ve learned so much since rewriting, finishing and finally publishing Gone in 2007.




Since I last interviewed you, you’ve taken the plunge into e-publishing and your 9 books are all available on Kindle at Amazon. Have you considered investing in an e-reader yet, or are you still a traditional paperback/hardback reader?

I do prefer a ‘real’ book in my hand, the feel, smell etc. but yes, I’d like a Kindle mainly so that I can buy more books because the prices are so reasonable and I wouldn’t have the problem of where to store them (time to read them would be great). I hate getting rid of books but sometimes... With a Kindle, for example, I would be able to sit in comfort too, rather than in front of the computer – still a screen, yes, but a compromise.

Your three latest books are again different to your other books. You’ve dived into short story writing with Figments and a humourous almost chick-lit book with Misadventures Of Fatwoman andOf Sound Mindis a psychological/fantasy tale. How important do you think it is for a writer to experiment with different forms of writing?



I love to experiment with various genres. It’s challenging and great to see ‘if I can do it’, yet I don’t think my writing style changes, and of course I have to research. Fantasy will always be my favourite (I can cheat /get away with so much /have great fun). I’d like to mix up genres too and just see where it leads but for now I must be good and finish my current work. Though I have something else that is half-written with notes so I might go with that next, unless my writing fairy visits in the night? Yes, I think it’s important for writers to try all aspects of writing – it’ll not only exercise the brain but it also might bring surprises.

Were the short stories and poems in Figments written as a collection, or did you put the book together by publishing stories and poems that you have written over the years?

Some of Figments did come from sketches of things I’d written and shelved when I’d decided to ‘go back to school’ fifteen years ago, where I had to complete GCSE English, Maths then do A levels, then of course University. However, most I had to rewrite, and many I steered into a whole other direction, just picked up the spark and ran with it. Some stories I’d just thought of there and then while I was putting together the collection. Dark Corners and The Pandora Dress were completely new. Santicore Ockle too was new, as the name just popped into my head and I thought, ‘what a terrible, yet interesting name, what would someone do if they had it?’ The Box That Jane Built was partly written a couple of years ago because of something Stephen King said but I can’t even remember what that was now, so I was able to finish it the way I thought best. I did wonder if it could become a novel but it stopped where it did and I can’t force these things. Heartsongs I wrote after they came to me in a dream about five years ago. I’m no poet but felt they needed to be included in the collection. Chocolate Cake, however, was new and the quickest and most fun to write.

One of the short stories from your collection, Figments, has been included in the BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology Volume 3. As you know, we produce these free anthologies on BestsellerBound to help promote independent writers. Have you come across any good promotional tips for self-published authors that you can share with us?




Self-publishing gives writers total control, I like that, yet I think it has to be as professional as possible. Editing is imperative but I find I can only do my best and hope that people will forgive typos – and even books from publishing houses have mistakes. I would say that spelling and grammar are more important and don’t forget an easy layout. Honing writing style is always worth the effort. I like Lulu as it’s easy, free and I can re-launch any time I wish. It’s also easy to upload your own cover now. You must love writing and not expect fame or riches – of course we all want our work to be recognised but that’s not what it’s about. However, don’t give up.

One of my favourite short story writers, James Everington included a short piece at the end of his short story collection The Other Room describing the inspiration behind some of the stories in his collection. Could you pick two of your favourite short stories (or poems) from Figments and tell us the story behind the story/poem?

The Old Bookshop is one of my favourites from Figments because it started off as an exercise in ‘how to use the senses’ in writing and ended up with a far deeper meaning. Escaping, new beginnings, not being afraid of change and self-worth, are only a few of the themes – I also couldn’t resist including a pinch of magic. I do love bookshops and wish that the old kind could come back into fashion. The Box That Jane Built was only to see what I could do without thinking...just letting the story lead me, and I think it worked. It’s dark and its subtext sinks to many levels yet the face of it is all that is needed to bring tingles to the spine – that’s only my opinion.

Short stories often get bad press, and are often ignored in favour of novels, with common complaints being that there is not enough time for character development, not enough time for a full story to be told in a short story. I completely disagree and would argue that some of the best literature I’ve ever read has been in the short story form. What would you say to encourage more people to read short stories?

Yes, some short stories are sadly missed because of bad press. However, I would say that a character can be ‘built’ with only one line, sometimes even a word. And a story is a story whatever its length and the enjoyment is in the reading. Sometimes, yes, I am disappointed that a story is so good I don’t want it to end, but then I feel that with many novels – it’s not its length but its potency that matters. Short stories can also give readers a ‘feel’ for a writer, so they can find out their versatility and reach into their imagination.

As well as short stories, your collection, Figments, also includes poetry. One of my favourites is Chocolate Cake. What do you think is the secret of a good poem?



I'm glad you enjoyed Chocolate Cake, it was fun, and to tell you the truth I wrote it in a matter of minutes, almost as if it had been waiting for just that moment! Secret of a good poem? How it makes you feel is the simple answer, I think, and don’t worry about rhyming or framing...a poem can be anything you like as long as the feeling is understood.

I read somewhere recently that you design all your own book covers. I saw that you re-designed some of the older ones, and I must say I’m very impressed by the designs. Why did you decide to change some of the covers and can you give any tips to other self-published authors as to how you go about designing the covers?



Thank you for the complements on my cover designs. With Gone, I went with what Lulu offered at the time – their templates /photos, and was quite happy to have found a reasonable front for my story. However, by the time I’d written the others, Lulu had changed and allowed a more sophisticated wizard – and I have a great design programme so that I can upload easily. So, I look to the Internet for photos – morguefile, for example, has a wealth of pictures for use (and I cite them of course...they say it’s no problem to do this), then use my programme (Craft Artist professional from Serif) for backgrounds, colour, text, etc. then save it to import. Uploading to lulu is easy where I use the wizard to finish. I love doing it and would encourage others – it gives even more control over your work.
I re-designed my older covers because I could and it was fun to do so and I’m far more pleased with them because they’re mine. The new covers can be found on my USA account (the one I use to post USA reviews) www.lulu.com/spotlight/JEP while some of the older ones are on www.lulu.com/julizpow my UK account.

Of Sound Mind is an interesting book about mental illness and the blur between reality and fantasy. In this book we are taken to the land of Mageia, a fantasy world with strange characters as its inhabitants. I was amazed by your imagination in creating the world of Avalon for your children's book trilogy, and similarly amazed at the characters you created in Mageia. I know you once said that Avalon really exists and so do the characters, would you say the same about Mageia?

All my characters and places are real to me. I see them as clearly as anywhere in our supposed reality. I’ve often wondered if anything is real and if so, why? Why shouldn’t the worlds created from our minds be as authentic as what we presume surround us every day? Oh my, that makes me sound a touch crazy...or just touched! I’ve no idea what other writers think or feel but for me the worlds I create exist. Think of it this way, when you read a story, how real is the place? Can you see it? Do you feel it? Does your mind see you there? How true does it seem to you? And the characters – do you feel their pain, their laughter, their madness? Now then, does that make it all existent? It does for me.

The character Jorga in Of Sound Mind has telekinetic ability. Have you ever known anyone with such ability?

I’ve never known anyone with telekinetic ability but like inKnowing Jack, I’m sure the brain is capable of much more than we understand. Jorja is still untapped and I hope to write a sequel, therefore bringing Mageia and her powers to life in even more detail. Jack, by the way, was kindled from how my son has such amazing intuition. I will never underestimate the power of the brain.



Of Sound Mind touches on the subject of treatments for mental illness. How did you go about researching the topic?

As I’ve said, the brain is an incredible entity, there is so much we don’t know or understand. I have suffered from depression for many years and am terrified it will get the better of me one day so much so that on the face of it nobody would know. The thought of being ‘put away’ is terrifying and my imagination can easily see the horrors. With those feelings in mind, I’ve read many accounts and researched on-line how the brain might see things and why it acts the way it does. My worry is not so much the ‘illness’ as the people who may be in charge of it. But Jorja isn’t crazy, is she?

In Misadventures of Fatwoman you bring us a totally believable character, Andie, who is obsessed with her weight. I found that the book touched upon many of the insecurities women feel these days with the pressure to look perfect. It’s also a very funny book. What was the inspiration behind the book and how long did it take to write?

The inspiration behind Misadventures Of Fatwoman – me of course! Food and me have a love /hate relationship and ever since I can remember I’ve always hated the way I look. This leads to lack of confidence and feeling undervalued, and I believe many, many women feel this way. Yes, there are media pressures and all women are targeted to be ‘perfect’. My way of dealing with some of it is to laugh and through Andi, I hope to make others aware that they can be cruel and that nobody is perfect and can never be (and what is perfect anyway? It’s like normal – what’s that?) Making it a comedy is vital because laughter can only forbid the demons entry.
It didn’t take long to write once I’d focussed upon finishing it.

Do you write every day?

I try to write every day, however, life distracts me...once I’m at the keyboard though, my brain is overwhelmed with words and I can’t write fast enough. It’s great to be ‘in the zone’ and even if I’ve been away from the computer for a while, my brain is still working on stories.

In your opinion is there such a thing as writer’s block (personally, I don’t believe in it)?

I don’t think there’s an actual block to writing, only a bit of a halt to an idea or scene. I think that’s why I often write more than one story at once so that I’m never stuck.

Other than writing, I know you like to make things, jewellery, homemade cards etc. Is that just for fun, or do you think that will turn into a business idea?

Yes, cards, scrapbooking, jewellery making – see, distractions? I love being creative and I like to see the pleasure when I give family and friends whatever it is. Encaustic Art is one of my favourites, as it’s perfect for fantasy work and there are no two pictures alike. It’s all just for fun, although I did put on a show once for handcrafted cards for orders (I only make one-offs /personal to...) but it didn’t work out. I can only think that people can’t afford quality and would prefer to buy 10 for a £1 at the discount store. I can’t blame them, money is too hard to find.

You’re currently working on book three in your Avalon trilogy. Do you have an estimated date when that will be released?



Oh dear, the last in the trilogy...I’m about halfway through, however, despite the distractions I keep...or rather the characters lead me down extra paths – it’s fun but taking an age. I also have to keep in mind all the threads from book one and two and of course stay on track for the (I hope) surprising end. Maybe early next year it’ll be done – don’t forget all that editing I’ll have to do and the cover and I’d like to include some drawings for the interior...I’m trying to finish, honest I am!

You’ve recently joined Twitter. What do you think of it?

Twitter is weird! It’s probably me not having time to understand its mechanisms, however, I am grateful to anyone who mentions me and apologise for not ‘whatever it is I’m suppose to do’.

In one paragraph, explain to people why they should read independent books.

You should read my books because: (feels like a competition question) they’re good. How lame is that? Gone is a unique fantasy and it’ll make you think differently – Slings & Arrows is important too, as it’s the true account of what happened to my daughter and the spark for Gone. All my fictional books will entertain and grip you in ways you’ll enjoy – what else can I say except I hope you do read them, they’ll carve new pathways into those ever-thirsty brains.


Thank you, Julie!!

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Remember to leave a comment or 'like' this blog post to be in with a chance to win an ebook copy of your choice of Julie's books. Winners will be picked on 15th December 2011. Good luck!

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