Colleen Young's Blog, page 12

Fighting Prose Interview with Isabella Morgan

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds. This week we’re talking to Isabella Morgan. She’s a rocking book blogger turned writer. She takes amazing photos of books and I can’t wait to dive into her first novel. Read below to find out about her process!

How long have you been writing?

I guess you could say I've been writing since high school. I had met a friend in one of my classes who was into writing, and I told her that I loved reading and she challenged me to write a story after reading her work. That night I had gone home and began writing a story, and even though I hadn't passionately written much between then and now, it definitely lit a fire inside of me that I never thought I had before when it came to writing.

How long did it take you to write your debut novel?

Under The Scars took me about five years to complete from idea to hitting publish. It was a long time coming, and I think I seriously dedicated the last year towards it from where I had stopped before. It was a really hard book to write just because it deals with a lot topics, but also a lot of the writing had to do with my own personal experiences that you'll read about at the end of the book in my author's note.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

My favourite Genre to read and write is romance. I'm a hopeless romantic at heart, and honestly I feel like whatever you read, there will always be some sort of connection to yourself and the book. Being a reader and writer of Contemporary romance, I find myself being able to connect to a lot of parts in a book, because they're stories you can imagine yourself living in, or one your best friend went through. Although it's fiction, it still has a way to relate to someone someway or another.

Tell me about your process: how do you get in the mood to write? How do your characters come together? How do you get your ideas?

Oh man that's a loaded question! Getting in the mood to write is always tricky. I could be doing something that needs my full attention and I've got ideas running through my head at all times of the day except for when It's time to actually sit down and write. Sometimes I'll just sit in front of the computer and stare at it, or I'll write the major parts that happen in the book and then come back to fill in the rest. That way I'm able to get down what I know I want to happen and work on the parts I'm unsure about. My characters kind of come together right from the beginning. The names however change from time to time. When it comes to writing, I generally have an idea if I'm doing an inter-connected standalone series or just a standalone in general. The characters come out from people I've met, my own personal habits, random things I may hear people say. They start off as an Idea and the more I write them, the more they become real to the story. Just like us, we all need time to grow and I think that's what happens with my characters. My ideas are kind of the same. I could be at a concert, and during that whole time I've somehow come up with three different story ideas. They just come generally at the most random times, and I cant even tell you how many journals I own that I've had to purchase on the spot of wherever I am just to get ideas down (I'm better writing than typing onto my phone)

What do you admire the most about the writing world?

How do I even begin answering this? I think there are a lot of fellow Canadian writers that I truly admire, and many of them have actually become good friends of mine! I think (just to name a few) some authors that I admire would be Kennedy Fox (They're ALWAYS writing and have books out like every three months!) Teagan Hunter (She's an incredible bad-ass woman who loves pizza as much as I do, and is always inspiring me) and Staci Hart (She's honestly the best, and so down to earth! I love her writing style!)

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

When I'm not frantically staring at my screen or scrolling through youtube (When I should be writing) I'm a Early Childhood Educator (ECE for short) Basically I teach children from infancy to age 13, and although kids can be crazy, I love what I do! Right now I'm a supply ECE for the school board, and I'm hoping to get a permanent position sometime this school year (If I'm lucky!) But if I have, by some miracle, the luck in my hands, I'll be able to get an Internship for a publishing house to get my foot into the door and possibly learn more about a career I've been more passionate about lately especially with my book releasing.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

OH. MY. LANTA. All the time! I don't even know how it happens every time, but I'm pretty sure I have writer's block about 80% of the time. I think I just need to be somewhere secluded with no WI-FI so that I can actually sit my butt down and just write. Or just have someone constantly body guard me anytime I try to leave my office to go watch T.V.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Make sure you have some sort of plan. Whether it's sticking to your deadlines, (Or being okay with pushing some) getting feedback from readers you trust, but also write from what you know. If you want your characters to be realistic, you need to pave them a way that makes them vulnerable. Above all... Don't be afraid to use your voice. After all, this is YOUR STORY. You won't be able to please everyone, but if it's something you're passionate about, others will love it as much as you do!

Have you always been creative? Has it always been writing?

I actually used to love to draw and paint. That was my main creativity. I still have tons of old school sketches alongside my paintings which are somewhere in the basement collecting dust at the moment. Growing up I actually wanted to be an Art Teacher. When I got older and writing started coming into my sight, I was told that it wouldn't be a steady career. Of course my teenage self thought that meant I shouldn't try because it would never happen. As you can see I turned that more into a challenge and proved that I could become an author. Before becoming an author though, I was a book blogger (still am!) where I read and write reviews for authors, which has been the best four years that I continue to do!

What is your dream writing location?

I think I've created a pinterest board of some of my favourite writing spots and it's so varied, it's not even funny! I think ideally, I want to be in the cottage/mountains away from the city (Since I currently live in the city). I want there to be reception of course, but far enough away that I could blast my music and not be bothered by anyone. If I had to be closer to the city, I just want to have a big room with all my books, a nice "Nest chair" and a big window I can have my desk facing to look out of (Rather than the white wall I'm currently staring at as I write this now!)

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Considering I only have one book out at the moment, I think I would bring Eden to life. She's honestly like the best friend everyone wants to have. Her and Violet have been tight since high school and it's rare now to have friends so close from when you were younger. She's spunky, but also is ALWAYS there for you when you really need a friend. (I also can't wait to write her story next!)

Links to Isabella

Website

Instagram

Under the Scars

Facebook

Good Luck with Everything Isabella!

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen

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Fighting Prose Interview with Brittney Kristina

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds. This week we’re talking to Brittney Kristina. An award winning teen author (that’s still a teen)!

I had the pleasure of meeting this young lady many years ago when she was a sweet sixteen-year-old trying to sell her self-published book. I remember being so impressed with her. I was well into my thirties before I was brave enough to publish a book! I asked her, “What do people in school say about you? Have they read your book?” She said, “They call me the girl who wrote that book.” This made me laugh because people will be inspired by the girl who wrote a book in high-school for the rest of their lives. Of all the things I could be remembered for, I think that’d be one of the best.

Check out Brittney’s interview below!

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing since I was about 4 -- I was always telling stories, according to my mom. All I know is that I finished writing my first 60-paged book in the 4th grade.

Of the books on your shelf, which is your favorite?

My favorite book would have to be (oh, this is tricky) Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer. But, I must warn you -- my favorite book changes every day!

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

Physiological Thriller and Dystopian, but most certainly Weird Fiction. I love anything that causes me to question this world's existence, anything that blends words together so well and so strangely that I'm always asking. I love to be confused, curious. That's why I write such unique books. I want my readers to be curious about things.

Tell me about your process: how do you get in the mood to write? How do your characters come together? How do you get your ideas?

Well, space is key. I love writing beside a big window with a tree out front, beneath dim lighting, the soft, warm glow of a lamp, my essential oils diffusing into the air, a cup of fresh coffee at my side. I love those aesthetics. My characters come together slowly, as the story gets on, so that way they build naturally, and my readers can feel most infested, and so can I. I find my ideas everywhere, randomly. They're hard to find, but they're easy to see.

What do you admire the most about the writing world?

Just... writing. The fact that everyone can come together and make something from nothing and support each other. We can bounce ideas off one another and therefore come up with extraordinary stories that the world can read and bond through.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I love yoga, running, swimming laps, doing anything active, really. I bullet journal, re-organize my room nearly every day, read, and watch (probably too much) YouTube. I have a blog where I suppose I do write posts, but I also manage that, as well as manage a bookstagram account. I'm also a full-time college student and a part time Student Editorial Assistant for my college's Alumni Magazine. I keep myself pretty busy, aha.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Funny you should ask. I'm actually in writer's block right now -- I have not written anything, really, since finishing up my second book, Fifty Days. I'm sort of in a creative rut when it comes to fiction. I just began a Creative Writing class (My first one ever, actually!) at University, so I hope that gets me motivated to plan and work on more creative projects! In the past, I'd just sit down and make myself write. That's how I'd get out of it, and it usually worked. However, in middle school and high school, writing was the only hobby I had besides swimming for the swim team. Now, life is a little busy. It's a little harder to sit down and find the time, especially when you're not completely motivated or don't have any new ideas.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Just. Write. Stop putting it off and doubting yourself. If you really, truly want to write, you'll find the time. Clear your mind and dive into your story and let your mind create a world you've always dreamed of seeing on paper.

Have you always been creative? Has it always been writing?

Yes, I've always been pretty creative. I love bullet journaling, drawing, painting, cooking, organizing and decorating my room, and I'm just now getting into fashion. I've always had a lot of creative interests.

What is your dream writing location?

On a balcony in Paris, France with a latte and a paper and pencil, a lovely view, chill air, a few trees, light French music. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it!

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

"How much money have you made?" It's actually quite annoying, and causes me to doubt myself as an author, wonder if this is really what I want to continue doing. I have made $16 this summer, just off my second book, which is nothing in comparison to other authors, but is indeed something. I'm proud of it, but others may not understand. It's important to keep your head up and remember that it's not about the money, it's about doing what you love. Any profit is something, even if it's 25 cents. It's also difficult (but possible, if you work hard) to make a profit from a self-published book. If you want to solely make money, self-publishing novels probably isn't for you, haha. Write for you, and you alone, and THAT'S how you write a great book.

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

ACE! Definitely Ace! He is the male character in my second book, Fifty Days. He was my best friend during my senior year of high school, I don't even care how crazy that sounds, aha!

Links to Brittney

Website

Instagram

Forsaken by Brittany Kristina

Fifty Days by Brittany Kristina

Good Luck with Everything Brittney!

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen

The Write Place - Writing Prompt - September

The prompt: You discover a trap door in your home that you never knew about was given to the same group of people. Everyone had a different version of where to take the prompt, we hid bodies, found family secrets, looked for buried treasure and had surprise endings.

In this month’s workshop I enjoyed the conversations from the writers about the ideas they had and dismissed. How they struggled to keep the prompt within the 500-word limit. How they enjoyed breaking free from their current work and playing with something new for a time. How they feel inspired to elaborate more on the ideas that the prompt stirred inside them.

Keep reading to find out how I did with the prompt and let me know if you do it too. I’d love to read along!

 

 Trap Door - by Colleen Young

The kettle on the stove alerts me that hot water needs my attention. I run across the apartment and trip over the corner of the rug in the kitchen. My knee breaks the fall, I slam hard onto the floor.

“Mother!” I want to scream all the curse words, but I made a no cursing vow with myself, “of pearls!” My knee! There is an indentation on it and a reddish bruise forming. “When in the…. H E double hockey sticks?” I say standing up and hobbling to the stove to stop the deafening noise from filling the air.

I look from my knee to the carpet. Since I am a drifter as my mom calls me - she says I have an eighteen-month alarm clock that rings and tells me it’s time to move on. I find apartments that are furnished. Like this one. It’s one of eight in an old Victorian house.

Somehow, I’ve never seen this divot on the floor.

“What is that?” I ask myself. I talk out loud. It makes living alone not as lonely.

The hair on the back of my neck stands up. I push the kitchen table and rolling island out of the way so I can peel up the corner of the rug. A handle, big enough for my pointer finger to slip into is sunk into the wood. 

“No flipping way? A door?”

I should call the landlord and tell him about this. Who am I kidding? He already knows. If my mother were here, she’d say “curiosity killed the cat.” My fingers twitch wanting to pull the door open. I must see what’s inside the trap door. I leave the room, grab a flashlight and stick my finger in the hole. I yank the door open and wait. My heart pounds.

“You are such a chicken.” I tell myself.

Without fear I push my head into the hole and scan the surroundings with my Maglite. It’s only dirt and…

“What the freak… is that?”

I hesitate, but put my feet into the hole and onto the hard ground under the house. There’s enough room so I can waddle, like a duck. A smart person would call the cops before doing something this stupid. But I just need to see what is over there to figure out what I am seeing.

“Ahhh.”

It’s a sleeping bag, a few Milk crates set up like a night stand, and a few items on the nightstand.

Someone lives under me. Maybe? Or they used to? For how long?

I sweep the Maglite around. Just to double check. I don’t see anyone, but the house is huge and the light only reaches so far. I guess this is a friendly homeless person. I can’t blame them for needing to find somewhere to hide out and this is a perfect location. Out of the rain and you get residual heat in the winter. This homeless person is smart.

A shoebox on the nightstand catches my eye. The hair on the back of my neck stands up. I shouldn’t be going through someone’s personal effects but I need to know who my roommate is, if I will allow them to keep living here. I pull out the box and pop open the lid.

“Oh, shit!” I say while looking at picture, after picture, after picture of myself. 

                        

Fighting Prose Interview with Beverly Owens

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. This week we’re talking to Beverly Owens who is a fun retiree that enjoys writing mysteries.

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing for a very long time but didn't get serious about it until two years ago. I threatened for years that I had a book or two in me and decided to tell one when one day a character entered my mind and wouldn't leave. I could see her she was determined that I write her story and introduced me to a couple of her friends and family. I sat down, not knowing what I was doing and began to type. I self-published that first book 6 weeks after I began writing it. Roni is the main character in my first four books in the Roni Rainer Mysteries series. Earlier this summer, I started my second series when Taylor came to me one day as I did this dishes. She said that Roni wouldn't mind if it allowed her a little vacation. Writers will understand this....

Of your books, which is your favorite?

They are all my babies. I love writing about Roni a whole lot but Taylor in the new series is fun to write, too. She is very different from Roni. I wouldn't be able to tell you that I have a favorite daughter and I can't say that I have a favorite character or book.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I've been an avid reader ever since I learned that I could escape into a book. For years, I read Mysteries. Then I got into historical fiction, found that I love to read Fantasy and then I discovered Cozy Mysteries. I'll read any genre if the blurb captures my attention.

Tell me about your process: how do you get in the mood to write? How do your characters come together? How do you get your ideas?

I'm always in the mood to write. I treat it like a job. Every day I get up, drink some coffee while checking emails and social media. I get dressed like I'm leaving the house and then sit down to type. I won't stop until I've typed at least 2,000 words (sometimes when I'm in the zone I type more). My poor old brain is crowded with characters... they just kind of show up. My ideas come to me in a variety of ways. I might stand at the sink doing dishes or riding in the car to do an errand. Taylor came to me one morning as I stood at the sink brushing my teeth. Crocheting, believe it or not, opens my mind up to ideas, too. Once an idea takes form, I talk to my husband about it. He is supportive and often helps me work through parts that have me stumped.

Who do you admire the most in the writing world?

My goodness I have read so many really talented authors in my decades of reading. Two people stand out as ones that I admire. Jean Auel who wrote the Earth's Children books is one. She just blew me away with her extensive research and telling such a good story that she pulled me into a prehistoric world that was believable and fascinating. Steven King is also an author that I admire a great deal. The man is a true wordsmith! I don't and won't read any of his horror books because the man is so talented with showing you something with words that I would never sleep again. I love his other works, though. As you read his books, you SEE the story. That is a talent!

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I read a lot! I love to crochet gifts for the family and for our home. Cooking brings me joy, especially when my husband enjoys what I've placed on a plate in front of him. My biggest joy is when my girls come home for a visit bringing my two granddaughters with them. They keep me busy on those visits. Other than that it is the basic keeping the house clean.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Yes, and it messed with my head. I was working on my third book and everything just stopped. I would sit down and nothing would come to me... nothing! I worried and fretted and thought I was through. I just put it away for a while. I would think about it every once in a while but nothing came to me. It was in November 2017 when I started that book and it wasn't until February 2019 when the block broke away. I sat down to crochet one day and as the yarn ran across my hook, my mind wandered and the solution came to me. I sat down that afternoon and finished the book in less than a month.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Believe in yourself would be the first piece of advice. If you are a writer, it will come out of you because it has to. Stick with it and remember the first draft is just that a draft. It will need to be polished and pretty later but the first thing is to write the basic story. After you have written it, read it and then read it again and then again. Each time you work on it, it gets better. Also, read a lot. Read what others are doing in your genre and in other genres. If you see that certain tropes are being overdone, don't fall into that trap. Find something original and different for your books. Write what you know! Research it if you don't have firsthand knowledge. And please, please for the love of Pete, do not put your setting in a real area that you have never been to or researched. Fantasy writers can create their own worlds but if you pick a real setting know the terrain, the weather and the flora and fauna. Your readers will pick up on your lack of knowledge.

Have you always been creative? Has it always been writing?

I've always been creative. Storytelling has always been a part of me whether verbal or the written word. Crafts have always been a huge part of my life. Crocheting, needlepoint, and cross-stitch have taken up more than a few hours of my time.

What is your dream writing location?

A cabin in the mountains somewhere surrounded by nature.

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

You mean they aren't real? I would love to spend time with Kitchi from the Roni Rainer books. He is so spiritual! Aunt Flossie in the Cabin 9 books is just a hoot and I would like to spend some time with her as she explains numerology and the spirit world to me.

Links to Beverly:

Books

Website

Instagram

Good Luck with Everything Beverly!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen

Fighting Prose Interview with Beth Vrabel

Welcome to my in-depth author series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds. This week I’ve interviewed Beth Vrabel.

Since our last names start with V (hers) and Y (me), Beth and I ended up sitting next to each other at a book festival many years ago. Those of you that have been to book festivals know how small those tables are… Beth and I broke the ice within the first hour. It was an interesting festival (to say the least) with very little foot traffic. All we had for entertainment were people watching and seeing who could crack the most jokes. (However, I think Beth’s daughter might have won.)

For me, it was one of those moments - I knew that if Beth was my neighbor, we’d end up being best friends. She’s confident and has a great sense of humor and we’ve stayed in touch ever since.

Continue reading to find out just how hilarious she is!

How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first story when I was about 11 years old. My mom read this terrible little story and didn't focus on misspelled words, mucked-up plot points or missing grammar. She just said, "Someday, Beth, you're going to write a story, and it's going to be published." Sounded like a good enough life plan, one that would mesh well with my other goals at the time (becoming a professional roller skater and a Yellowstone Park ranger), so I went with it. Eventually, those other dreams died, but I stuck with the writing. My first career was in journalism. I transitioned into writing books when my kids were toddlers and I stayed home with them.

Of your many, many books, which is your favorite?

Right now, I'm most excited about THE HUMILIATIONS OF PIPI MCGEE (out Sept. 17). Every school year of Penelope's life has been marred with humiliation—everything from drawing herself as bacon in kindergarten to peeing her pants on the third grade field trip, to seventh grade, when the shame was so intense Penelope never, ever talks about it. She has one more year before high school, and she's determined to gain redemption for all of her humiliations. But she'll settle for revenge.

This was so much fun to write---and super cathartic, too. I not only delved into my own embarrassing moments (I'm looking at you, mullet of 1996), I also crowd sourced my friends and families for cringe-worthy memories they couldn't get over. Almost all made it into Pipi's story.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I love reading middle grade, which is also what I write. But when I'm actively on deadline, I try to read outside that genre so I keep my own voice and storyline distinct in my mind. I've been on a big Stephen King kick lately, which is about as far from middle grade as you can get!

Tell me about your process: How do you get in the mood to write? How do your characters come together? How do you get your ideas?

I feel like my process is constantly evolving. It used to be sitting in the middle of a busy coffee shop, I think because the buzz of it was the closest thing to working in a newsroom. We recently moved back to New England, and I have a big office right next to the kitchen. So now my process kicks off with mellow music (I love me some Flora Cash), lighting a candle and sitting in a big cozy chair. My laptop is in front of me, my coffee beside me, and my pain-in-the-butt dog curled behind my head. My ideas come from everywhere—a song lyric, a conversation with my kids, a memory I keep reliving in the shower or as I fall asleep. Once I have a snippet of an idea, I use Scrivener, a writing platform, to create character profiles, including pictures, characteristics and backstory. I plot snapshots (3-5 sentences) of what I think should happen in each chapter, which Scrivener saves like index cards. When I'm actually writing, those index cards are a guide, but if I'm really cooking, the characters take over. When I'm close to deadline and in must-write-or-else mode, I'm most likely sitting at the kitchen counter with a bag of chips or a box of Cheez-its.

Who do you admire the most in the writing world?

Jason Reynolds is a definite favorite. His personal story—not reading a full novel until he was in high school—is inspiring. His work is astounding. I could barely breathe while reading LONG WAY DOWN, which entirely takes place during the span of one elevator ride. Every interview Reynolds gives or opportunity he seizes to speak focuses on children and how they can be empowered. If we're talking broadly, I think the group I admire most would be librarians. These dedicated, book-loving people are on the front lines of communities and schools, making sure that everyone who walks through the door has access to stories that honor, reflect or change them, and in doing so, can change the world.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I love going for runs.* *When I say run, I really mean a fast, stumbling walk.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Yes! I rearrange furniture. That doesn't really seem to help but at least I'm doing something. My daughter will come home from school, see everything swapped around and sparkling clean, and will give me a hug. "Poor Mom. Bad writing day?"

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Get a dog, maybe even two. They make sure you take a walk once in a while, keep your lap warm while you write, force you to share your snacks, and are excellent fodder for Instagram posts.

Have you always been creative? Has it always been writing?

You know, I always thought writing was my only creative knack, but I've started taking on more and more home improvement things—such as refinishing and reupholstering furniture—and I guess that counts.

What is your dream writing location?

I always think a dock in the middle of a serene lake would be amazing, but I know I'd probably trip and dump my laptop into the water. Sometimes I also think about going on one of those writing retreats where I'd be in a little cottage in the woods with no wifi, just my laptop and unlimited snacks. But then I'd probably tear through my data plan and eat unlimited snacks. Maybe a castle in Scotland? I've never been there, but it seems pretty ideal.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

People ask if I want them to be movies. Of course, I want them to be movies. *Shoots stink eye at Netflix.*

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Tooter, the fat, farting dog in A BLIND GUIDE TO STINKVILLE. Sure, I already have two fat, farting dogs, but with Tooter we could be a pack.

Beth Vrabel is author of the Cybils'-nominated Caleb and Kit, ILA award-winning A Blind Guide to Stinkville, JLG-selection A Blind Guide to Normal, The Reckless Club,and the Pack of Dorks series. She has received starred and positive trade reviews across the board for all of her novels and is active in school and library visits around the country. She and her family live in Connecticut.

Social Links to Follow

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Website

Thank you for reading!

XoXo, Colleen

BREAKING NEWS! Exclusive Interview with Samson Wallis!

We’ve secured an exclusive interview with Samson Wallis on the Russian, Ural Airlines Airbus A321 passenger jet that had to emergency land into a corn field on August 15th, 2019. Since Wallis’s crash he’s been a big advocate for Drone safety and agreed to speak with us.

Mr. Wallis tell us what you’ve been up to.

Just been busy with my personal life and my job. Which I am here to discuss.

This reporter would like to state that Mr. Wallis smiled and many women in room were blushing.

Speaking of your personal life. How is Cory?

I’m not talking about my personal life, I am only discussing this incident.

All right, we had to try!

I understand. You’re not the only one to try.

So, this wreck, that’s scary. What do you know?

Well, I know as much as you do. That an Airbus took off with over two-hundred passengers and crew members on board and that they collided with a flock of birds.

I’m surprised that birds could take down a plane, are you?

No, I’m not. Unfortunately, I know, better than most, it can take something much smaller to cause an accident. This happens often with birds. In this particular situation the birds were sucked into the engines causing them to stall. Luckily the pilots had been trained appropriately and landed in a corn field off the end of the runway.

That sounds a lot like what Captain Sully Sullenberger went through a few years ago.

Yes, exactly. Only a pilot with experience and quick instincts can make it out safely from something like that. All those passengers, I’m sure are more than thankful for Yusupov and Murzin’s quick thinking. Every single one of them survived which is a miracle.

What does it take to be able to have those types of instincts?

Time. Yusupov had over 3,000 hours and that’s a good amount of “practice.” What we pilots are doing in those simulators, with all of our training, and flight time in the sky is learning not only how to think in an instant but also to trust our instinct and not freeze up when and if the time comes to use our skills.

It’s nice to be able to report good news too.

I can’t agree more.

Our time is up. Is there anything else you’d like to add for your many adoring fans?

Nope, that’s it for me.

 

This reporter thinks he has something to hide but I guess I’ll never know.

C.Young 2019

Fighting Prose Interview with Nannette Kreitzman

Welcome to Fighting Prose. An in-depth author interview series about writing.

I’m starting out this series with a bang! Nannette is a sweet woman that I’ve become acquainted with through social media. She’s interactive, supportive and sweet. Keep reading to find out all about her, her process and how she’s filled her empty nest with fun short stories.

How long have you been writing? 

I have written little snippets and scenes my whole life.  I started writing complete short stories last October and now have self-published seven of them. 

What's your favorite of your short stories? 

That’s a hard one.  Discovering Me is fun because it let me explore my dark side.  I have a sweet spot for Spitfire’s Gift because of my history with horses and, well, cowboys are a weakness.  But the two Willow stories tap something in me.

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Another hard one.  Willow is a vulnerable yet strong woman.  I think she’d make a great friend.  Joe, in Spitfire’s Gift, is a cowboy, and I think I mentioned how I felt about them. 

What's your favorite genre to read? Write? 

I love reading historical fiction.  As for writing, again, I don’t call the shots.  That’s why all my stories are so different.

Tell me about your process: How do you get your ideas?

My ideas, without fail, come to my while I’m walking my dog.  She’s my little furry collaborator!  My memory is horrific, so I dictate a lot of notes (that Siri loves to play pranks with) and then come home and write.  I’m one of the weird ones that edits as I write.  It helps me shape the story. 

Who do you admire the most in the writing world?

My favorite author is Diana Gabaldon.  Her writing is amazing, her dialogue full of playful banter, and the love story between Jamie and Clair is epic in her Outlander series.  Beyond that, I have recently met so many authors through Instagram that inspire me, are supportive, and have so much talent.  Meeting these people has been a life changer.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing? 

I love to read and am currently trying to ever so slowly make my way through a growing list of indie writers.  Beyond that, taking care of my home and family, which has become much easier now that my kids are grown!

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

I haven’t had writer’s block since I started writing in earnest last October.  All those years before when I couldn’t come up with enough ideas for a full story, was that writer’s block or lack of imagination?  Most likely I was just too distracted with everyday life.  My hat’s off to those authors with young children!  Now that I have that proverbial empty nest, there is less interference.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

 My best advice is not to get in your own way or get stubborn with an idea.  If your characters keep swaying away from the plot, maybe it’s for a good reason.  The first concept I had for Willow’s Tale was a little boy laying in the grass looking at ants.  It morphed into Willow trying to distract herself while be assaulted in a meadow.  Stay open minded.

Have you always been creative?

I’ve been creative in many ways over my lifetime.  I’ve sketched, crocheted, dabbled in poetry, worked with horses (believe me - that takes some creativity!), and even did a little acting in high school plays (but no need to go there!).  Writing has always meant the most to me and I feel it’s my best talent.

A big THANK YOU to Nanette for letting us poke her brain. I’ve read Discovering Me and thought Nanette did a fantastic job. I gave her 5 stars! You can follow Nanette on Instagram and all her short stories are on Amazon .

If you’re interested in being a part of our Fighting Prose series send us a message and remember to support an Indie!

XoXo-Colleen

The Write Place - August 2019

Let’s talk about OUTREACH! After I published my first books in 2016 and stayed active in the writing community I began receiving a lot of the same questions.

Questions like:

How do you make the time to write?

I feel like I’m creative, but I just don’t know where to start?

Oh, I just feel like if I ever let people read my writing, they would judge me and think I was weird or stupid!

The more questions I received the more I became certain that I needed to start something that was creatively and educationally driven. My town is rather small and the writing community is non-existent. I came up with a few ideas and talked to the director of my local library, and that’s how I launched The Write Place.

The idea behind The Write Place in its infancy was to be a place for people who want to write, will make the time by simply by showing up. That way if they committed to coming to each meeting they’d have at least 6 hours of writing completed by years end. Each month we would discuss a topic, always changing it depending on the needs of the group. But like most things you need to tinker with them in order for them to succeed. Our main issue was that people who were trying to find their creativity were struggling to fill the time with work to complete.

The Write Place is now in its toddler years and it’s grown into a place where people who always wanted to write are now writing. Where people who have written a lot but have been stagnant are finding their groove. I am most proud of the fact that it’s a place in my community where writers are meeting and cultivating an environment that they feel open about expressing themselves to people who will truly understand.

Since May of 2018 (when I launched the group) this month’s meeting was the first month that we didn’t have an exercise or prompt to follow. Instead, I told the group to submit something–anything that they were comfortable with us reading. It pulled the members out of their protective shells and they worked on those projects they’d been talking about for so long. We had a non-fiction writer submit the beginning of an educational reference book for teachers, a young man submitted the first few pages of his graphic novel, a talented young woman who is an avid reader but new to writing wowed us with a piece she’d written only 24 hours prior. It was heartwarming to know that the environment that I’ve been cultivating and working hard on is helping so many people get their footing in this creative world. Seeing the light glow in other artists’ eyes is a huge part of this journey for me.

Next month, we’ll be doing a prompt and I can’t wait to see how it turns out! If you’d like to participate along with us let me know.

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Update on book #5

Hello! I wanted to shoot you all a quick message on where I am at with my next book.

First I want to give a little background: I am started to work last summer and I had trouble juggling everything so writing was something that got neglected. On top of that, I had a lot of "creative wounds" to work on healing. While I nurtured those the building up of creative energy inside me continued to grow.

I am now happy to say that I'm steadily working on the first draft of Delia's book - Book #5. The goal is to have it completed by years end!

Thank you for your patience through this transition.

Cover Reveal for All's Wright in Love & Lies

Cover Reveal

Here's the beautiful cover to All's Wright in Love & Lies! I hope you're as excited to read it as I am to share it with you. Keep checking back to find out how you can get your hands on it!