Cindy Tomamichel's Blog: World Building, page 9

Linda O’Connor: author interview

Today I introduce Linda O’Connor, a romance writer and author of the upcoming novella “Perfectly Crazy in Love”.

What is your current project?

I’ve written six books in the Perfectly Series and the sixth one was going to be the final one, BUT haha, I’ve joined a group of 22 authors to create a boxed set, Sultry Nights, due out on November 7. My story is a novella called Perfectly Crazy in Love. Here’s a little about it :

Dr. Patty Kelt is trying to get Dr. Ken Marshall’s attention. They’ve been friends for four years, and it’s time to turn it up a notch. She wants him to see her as smart, competent, strong, and sexy. So far she’s just managed crazy. Ken’s used to solving problems and giving advice. Crazy he could handle. But dealing with crazy in love? That’s entirely new.

Perfectly Crazy in Love…it’s not as easy as it looks.

 

Plotter or pantser? How do your novels come together?

I always start knowing the beginning, middle, and end of the story, but I work best if I panster for the first six chapters and then outline a rough plot after that.

What’s the craziest thing you have googled in the name of research?

Grammar tips like how to use a comma.

C. H. Clepitt: author interview

Today I introduce C H Clepitt, a British writer and author of the recently released book “Everything is Better With a Cape”.

What is your current project?

My current solo project is a fantasy book designed to tie in with The Book of Abisan. The working title is “The Smuggler’s Daughter”. I have posted the first two chapters on Newsnibbles, so if you are interested in having a sneak peek – www.newsnibbles.co.uk

A writing routine or inspiration? What works best for you?

I don’t really have time for a “routine”, as I work full time, and have to do boring stuff like eating and sleeping and the like, so it’s more stolen moments here and there. I do OK though, and have quite a few books and stories already released.

What has been the most surprising thing you have discovered since being a published author?

That people actually want to read my books and enjoy them! That always amazes and thrills me. I love hearing from readers who tell me that they enjoyed one of my books, it makes it all worthwhile.

What is your favourite imaginary world that’s not your own?

That’s a tough one. I like worlds I can completely immerse myself in, and that means a lot of building. So I like the Akurite Empire built by Samuel Z Jones, even more so now I’m working with him, as I actually get to play in it! I also really liked the sort of “future world” that we had a brief glimpse into in Jill by Rose Montague. I really hope we get to explore it more in further books.

Is there a book (fiction or non-fiction) you would recommend writers should read?

Every writer should get a good grounding in the classics. You don’t have to like them, but you should definitely read them, you’ll be a better writer for it.

If you travelled in time, when would be your choice? Would you prefer magical or technological means of travel?

If I were going to travel in time, I would first want a machine to make me a man, and second I would need to be rich. That is the only way you would get to experience anything safely. Then I’d explore all the eras, talk to people, find out their thoughts and passions. I’d meet all the great writers and talk to them, I’d love it. I wouldn’t mind if it was magic or tech, as long as whatever it was I had complete control of it.

Name 5 fictional characters you would invite to a dinner party.

Jade Smith, Nobody Owens, Susan Trinder, Ned Sprinks and Lidia Bennett. That should make for some interesting dinner conversation. Now, who can tell me where they all appear? Post a comment below!

Why do you write in multiple genres? What about it appeals to you?

I write across multiple genres as I don’t like labels. My stories include elements of all sorts of genres, so are really hard to pin down. I like to think that if you like one of my stories, you will likely like all of them, and the one thing they all have in common is the writing style, and witty authentic characters and character interaction.

What is the next project?

I am currently working on a project with prolific fantasy author Samuel Z Jones. We are writing serial fantasy fiction (basically a soap opera with magic) which will be released in a quarterly magazine. To find out more check out https://www.facebook.com/mantichoremag/

People want to know more! Where can we buy the latest book and where are you on the internet?

They do? Well, gorsh… OK, so, all my books are available on Kindle if you search C H Clepitt, and if you prefer paper you can get them on Lulu.com. If you want a signed copy you can contact me through my website.

Website: http://www.chclepitt.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chclepitt/ and https://www.facebook.com/iworeheels/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BadgersTweetToo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6941350.C_H_Clepitt

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/C-H-Clepitt/e/B00ITEFH0M/

 

Enjoy this blog? Have a think about signing up via my website or catch them as they fly around the ether on twitter or facebook . They will stay where they are pinned on pinterest .

In the meantime, click and have a read of Druid’s Portal

The post C. H. Clepitt: author interview appeared first on Cindy Tomamichel.

Nano – the Power and the Glory

So November has rocked around, and Nano has started. Grab your snacks, coffee and keyboard and write. There you go – November has finished and you have a novel. Simple, isn’t it?

Well, it tends to be a long month, and most wrimos go through a few stages.

Day 1 (1,667 words)

Either blind panic, or oh, look I have written 3,000 words. This is just impossible / so easy. Neither of these states last.

Day 7 (11,669- words, dude)

You will be in a routine by now and feeling ok. Make sure you keep up the daily exercise, and say nice things to your family. They are sick of your novel by now.

Back up your work.

Day 15 (25,005 half way)

Despair may set in at this point for a number of reasons.

You hate what you have written. We all do. Plug on and don’t listen to yourself, and do not edit.
You have run out of ideas. This happen too- take a walk, a break, or check the Nano forums for prompts and ideas. At this stage the travelling shovel of death or a team of ninjas may need to appear. At the very least they will be entertaining to write, and remember you are allowed to edit after November.
You are so far behind you will never catch up. This happens too. You can try a ‘Night of Writing Dangerously’ Nano event, or change your location to a café or library. Ask yourself why as well, you may be able to overcome the problem by stepping away from the panic.

Back up your work again. Be nice to your family – they hate your novel by now.

 

Day 21 (35,007 words)

You can start validating your novel from day 20. This can be the cause of triumph and a happy dance (or complete bodily collapse) if you are at this stage. However, for those on par, it can be a source of angst and envy to watch your buddies achieve their winner purple bars. Don’t worry – keep on going, and congratulate everyone else. Unless your friends are total monsters, they will spend some time encouraging you to the final goal.

Did I mention backup your work?

Be nice to your family – they want to print your work and beat you over the head with it.

Day 30 (50,000 words and GOAL!!)

Did you make it? Well done – validate and get your winner bar and goodies. While you are in the happy mindset, go and donate and get a halo as well. Celebrate with your family and friends, and get some sleep. Apologise for being a vacant drooling snack-eating zombie for the last 30 days.

If you didn’t make it, well you gave it a shot. You can still keep on writing and finish in your own time. Whatever you end up with – it is more than what you had November the 1st, isn’t it? And that’s no small thing.

December –but what happens now?

I personally keep on going at a slower rate till Christmas when I have usually finished the story. This may or may not suit you and your circumstances. I find keeping the momentum going is important, otherwise I might have to face the horrors of an unfinished project that I have lost steam and/or plot details.

However, once the draft is finished, leave it for a while. The exhilaration of creation takes a while to wear off, and until then it will be marvellous and you won’t be able to edit with any success. There are Camp Nano events in April when you can edit, and this is certainly a productive way to go if you hate editing. If you even think of looking at it – go clean the house, it will need it. Don’t even think of submitting it to a publisher – I have heard they shudder at the word Nano, simply because a draft is not a finished manuscript.

This is a good time to sort out your files as well, before you forget. Organise them so you know what is what. Backup again. If you haven’t finished the draft – you may have found this is the first in a mega epic- then sit down and pour out all the notes and thoughts and scraps of dialogue in your head in a file. Keep a notebook or a recording app handy for stray thoughts for a few weeks as the story settles. Once the fire of creation is gone, well it would be horrible to lose these ideas.

So now you know – you are a writer. Go and get on with the next story.

This is the third in a three part series on Nanowrimo, have a read of the “Adventures in Nanoland” and “Prepping for the Nanopocalyse”.

 

Enjoy this blog? Have a think about signing up via my website or catch them as they fly around the ether on twitter or facebook . They will stay where they are pinned on pinterest .

In the meantime, click and have a read of Druid’s Portal

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Kim Hotzen: author interview

I have Kim Hotzen on the blog today, a fellow Soul Mate author and she has been kind enough to share a little about her upcoming book “Concealed Love” and “Time for Love in Paris” which was a RONE finalist as well as a fantastic giveaway! To win an ebook of “A Time for Love in Paris” comment below!

Concealed Love (to be released in November)

Brooke Anderson dreams of escaping her troubled past and starting her own business as an event planner. When she crosses paths with her childhood sweetheart, Adam, she falls hard for him and their relationship promises to be her salvation.

But Brooke’s ex-boyfriend, Carlos, is a vengeful drug dealer, who will not let go of her easily. As Brooke struggles to free herself from his control, an earthquake rattles the city of San Francisco, threatening to bury Brooke and her chance of love in the rubble.

A Time for Love in Paris

In 1975, Elise Sutherland, a young woman from Scotland, travels to Paris, France, to study art at the illustrious Fine Arts School of Paris. Stumbling upon a mysterious, old book in the infamous Shakespeare & Company bookstore, her world opens up an undiscovered realm. Elise finds Paris at the turn of the century a very different place, succumbing to the charms of Michel Flaubert, a masterful painter and sculptor. Acting as Michel’s muse, Elise shares his passion for art and  architecture. When their love deepens beyond infatuation, Elise and Michel struggle with the impossible boundaries of their relationship and they are threatened by the presence of Michel’s friend, Henri, whose jealousy will have long-lasting consequences. When Michel departs on a visit to Lyon, Elise believes it is forever. She returns to her modern life, where she lives for decades as a solitary woman in France.

Michel Flaubert is a successful painter in 1895 Paris. As his career takes off, he discovers an unusual woman lurking inside his studio. Perplexed by her manner, Michel finds her beauty breathtaking and he endeavours to paint her. There is simply no other woman in Paris like Elise. Though puzzled by her frequent disappearances, he embarks on a love affair with her that turns into true love. When Michel returns from a brief absence, he discovers that Elise has vanished without a trace.

In 2015, when the Louvre museum houses a temporary exhibition of Impressionistic art, Elise spots a statue crafted in her likeness. Only one man’s hands had the ability to create such a masterpiece—Michel Flaubert. Elise must decide if she is willing to travel back one last time in the hopes of locating her long lost lover. But first she must unearth the book. Will she find it? If she succeeds, Elise realizes that returning this time will bring her into a dangerous period with Europe on the brink of  World War II. If she goes, will she find Michel in time? Will she have one more opportunity to experience lasting love, before it’s too late?

Excerpt:

Seeing it now, existing in the permanence of marble, pierced Elise’s thickly preserved armor. Her lover, the painter, promised an everlasting symbol of his love for her but she hadn’t had the chance to see it finished. She hadn’t forgotten his hands and the trembling vibration they caused as they connected with her naked skin. Her meticulous lover had demanded endless days of posing, sketching, and sculpting while their love had been born.

There had also been light. Indoor and outdoor light, morning light and candlelight. Sketching, en plein air. Halos of soft light shining from the glow of candles onto their nude bodies. He had loved her, after all.

Burning liquid filled Elise’s eyes as she relived the pain of losing him. Like reopening an old wound, the scar tissue was peeled back, exposing the inner flesh inside. Her wound had been severe, bleeding and festering for decades. Elise hadn’t wanted this pain to consume her. She’d strived to forget him over the years. The shock of seeing the statue sent her tail-spinning into remorse and doubt. Did I make the right choice? Did I?

“Oh my . . . How?”

Her voice broke, barely a whisper. Snippets of memories and submerged bits flooded back. The proof of their love sat mere inches away from her, both frightening and exciting. Blinking, Elise released her hands from her throat, sliding them over her chest, settling on the slight hardening in her abdomen.

She pictured herself as the winsome young woman she once was. On the brink of adult life, with the world in front of her. Men who stopped as she passed by, whistling and admiring her femininity and natural allure.

She’d been sought after by a man who’d turned his studio upside down for her. His passion and his inspiration being her and her alone. Wonderful days filled with music, laughter, and the promise of romance.

And then, her lover had disappeared.

So – to win a copy of this – please comment below. Thanks Kim!

Chase Kim around the internet:

Website: http://www.kimhotzon.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kim-Hotzon-Author/985072381510874

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimHotzon

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kimhotzon/hands-full-of-ashes/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6491250.Kim_Hotzon

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Kim-Hotzon/e/B008JFTZV8/

 

Enjoy this blog? Have a think about signing up via my website or catch them as they fly around the ether on twitter or facebook . They will stay where they are pinned on pinterest .

In the meantime, click and have a read of Druid’s Portal

 

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Susan B. James: author interview

Today I introduce Susan B James, a fellow Soul Mate author, and talk about her contemporary time travel novel – the recently released Maybe This Time.

What is your current project?

Blurb for “Maybe this Time”

Their Happy Ever After is over before it begins unless they can change time.

 London 2001

Popular stage actress Jennifer Knight just turned forty-nine and she’s fine with her life, thank you very much.

Or she was until her beloved niece accidentally time travels them both to 1988 bringing her face to face with her first husband.

Computer guru, Lance Davies is more comfortable with machines than people. He never knew how to handle his beloved, mercurial Jen. But now her future self is here in front of him and he wants another chance.

Jen’s traitorous body insists that home is in Lance’s arms, but her heart has trust issues.

When Lance follows Jen into the future, time tangles. According to the computer they both died.

Their hope of a future together is over unless her genius brother can help them change time.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073DJ2RK4/

 

What do you like to read, and has this changed over time?

You are speaking to a confirmed bookaholic. I read Romance – contemporary and regency and romantic suspense. I prefer them seasoned with humor. I also read fantasy, magic realism, sci-fi, mystery, YA, Children’s mid-grade novels, Children’s picture books. When I don’t have a book handy, I read signs and cereal boxes and peer over people’s shoulders to see what they are reading.

What ’s the craziest thing you have googled in the name of research?

That’s a hard one. I spend a lot of time on Google. Naturally I have done a lot of time travel research. I guess I would have to say Leprechaun reproduction. I didn’t find anything. There is very little on the internet about Leprechauns, which left me free to make my own legends.

What has been the most surprising thing you have discovered since being a published author?

I’m not sure. It feels like a very happy thing to be. I think I was surprised to find out how much work it is to publicise a book and to get reviews.

Tell us about a life experience that ended up in your fiction work.

In “Maybe This Time” Jennifer Knight is an actress. So am I. I drew on my experience working on Broadway to describe the backstage area. In Time and Forever, Sherry kissed a stranger on a London Tube. I once kissed a stranger on a New York subway. It was a magical experience I never forgot.

What ’ s your favourite imaginary world that ’ s not your own?

NOOOOOO! Don’t ask me that. Jayne Castle’s Harmony world. Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon World. Tamora Pierce’s Tortall. JD Robb’s futuristic New York.  Jude Deveraux’s Montgomery family. This could go on a long time.

If you travelled in time, when would be your choice? Would you prefer magical or technological means of travel?

Well, my first two books –Time and Forever and Maybe This Time use a twist on enhanced virtual reality. It’s kind of techy and magic at the same time. Lord Bryon’s Daughter involves using an ancient spell. It’s a kind of magic and techy. I love combining the two.

If you were stuck on a desert island for eternity and could only take one book, what would it be?

Bookaholic, remember? One book would be my personal hell. How about the collected works of L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables) and Susan Elizabeth Phillips (romantic comedy) in one volume.

What is the next project?

As soon as I finish up Kate’s Hero. (Set in Ireland. 2 stubborn people. An elderly matchmaker and a leprechaun with a mission. What could possibly go wrong?) I will start the second Draft of Lord Bryon’s Daughter. (Victorian heroine – Ada Lovelace, Lord Byron’s daughter, time travelling to Wartime Britain in 1941)

People want to know more! Where can we buy the latest book and where are you on the internet?

Time and Forever is available as an eBook, audiobook, and paperback. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I3PFF40/

Maybe This Time is currently an eBook. The paperback is available now for pre-order. https://www.amazon.com/Maybe-This-Time-Susan-James/dp/1682914941

The audiobook will come out in December.

Links:

Writing: www.susanbjames.blogspot.com

Twitter: @susanjberger

Facebook Author page https://www.facebook.com/SusanJames/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bergersusanjames/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7791397.Susan_B_James

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3027649.Susan_J_Berger

Acting: www.SusanBergerActor.com

 

Enjoy this blog? Have a think about signing up via my website or catch them as they fly around the ether on twitter or facebook . They will stay where they are pinned on pinterest .

In the meantime, click and have a read of Druid’s Portal

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New Scifi Anthology: Quantum Soul

The world of science fiction is waiting with bated breath as tomorrow sixteen authors reveal their answers to the question – What is Life?

This anthology is a collection of indie and hybrid (self/traditional) authors.

Click on the picture to buy!

There is a facebook launch event on Oct 19 for it – click on this link to tell us you are interested!

Lots of fun chat, competitions and some great new authors to find – hope to see you there.

 

 

 

 

Here is a sneak peak at the contents:

By Design by Alan Van Meter

What Measure is a Homunculus? by Ricardo Victoria

New Year by GD Deckard

The Machine in the Mountain by Darran Handshaw

Aether Technician by Jim Webster

When Words are not Enough by Cindy Tomamichel

Soul Mates by Victor Acquista

The Endymion Device by Lyra Shanti

Patient Data by Claire Buss

The Trees of Trappist by Brent A. Harris

Pixels by Greg Krojac

Wondrous Strange by E.M. Swift-Hook

The Dream Miner’s Drill by CB Droege

Project Chameleon by Jeanette O’Hagan

Second Contact by Leo McBride

Shepherd of Memory by Rob Edwards

The links take you to their Amazon pages where you can seee what else they write. Remember – Christmas is coming, and there is no finer or more welcome present than a good book!

 

Enjoy this blog? Have a think about signing up via my website or catch them as they fly around the ether on twitter or facebook . They will stay where they are pinned on pinterest .

In the meantime, click and have a read of Druid’s Portal

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Rod Chapman: author interview

Today I introduce R.S. Chapman, an American writer and fellow Soul Mate author of the recently released western romance book “The Rancher’s Conditions”.

What is your current project?

Presently I’m ‘spiffing’ up a second novel, due to be published in about 4 months. It’s “Joshua’s Wish”, in which a young widow falls for the town’s most eligible bachelor whose memories of a previous marriage block any chance of commitment.

A writing routine or inspiration? What works best for you?

A routine works best, once I have found my inspiration.

What do you like to read, and has this changed over time?

I’m a sucker for a good romance. Not much interested in heroes. Women are ALWAYS more interesting than men!

What has been the most surprising thing you have discovered since being a published author?

How difficult learning the ropes and my way around this entire process. I have a doctorate, but damn! This is NOT easy…

Tell us about a life experience that ended up in your fiction work.

I am (although mostly was now) a person who stutters, and the young boy in ‘Joshua’s Wish’ is based on this problem.

Your recent book The Rancher’s Conditions is western romance. Do you write in other genres, and if so what?

I have several screenplays in Science Fiction and crime.

If you travelled in time, when would be your choice? Would you prefer magical or technological means of travel?

I’d rush back to Civil war times, via stagecoach.

You wrote your books earlier in your career. How did it feel to reread them and did you have to make many changes?

My college writing was interrupted by a 40+ year stint as a dentist, so I merely revitalized them. So far, I have five contracts with SMP.

What is the next project?

Still working on three more romances (kinda scattered…)

People want to know more! Where can we buy the latest book and where are you on the internet?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075DBWSGD/

Website: http://rodchapmanalittleromanceink.com/

 

Enjoy this blog? Have a think about signing up via my website or catch them as they fly around the ether on twitter or facebook . They will stay where they are pinned on pinterest .

In the meantime, click and have a read of Druid’s Portal

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Prepping for the Nanopocalypse

So, you have taken your courage in both hands and signed up for Nano – congratulations! I have done it a few times now, so I thought I might share some tips on how to prepare for the month and keep your partner and your sanity.

For your partner and family

Nano is all about you – or at least you will have such an intense relationship with your novel writing that other people seem to fade away. This is probably not great for your relationship, and it can be quite boring to listen to as well.

To avoid getting things thrown at you, or hearing the door slam and wondering why, make sure you break up your writing with family time, and talk about things other than your book. Do some housework, cook, or contribute in some way. 1,667 words a day can be squeezed into commute time, early morning or late evening or lunch breaks without huge disruptions to family life. The time taken by social media or TV is an ideal swap for writing time.

If you are in the position where someone you know is doing Nano, you may well be familiar with the vacant gaze into space when creation is happening, or the lost conversation as a side thought hits them. You have my sympathy! For November, they are following a dream, and provision of coffee/tea/snacks and scrap paper is helpful. Of course, don’t pander to the grumpy writer, this is a stereotype that no one needs to continue. Do take this as a opportunity to slack off on the housework and do nice things for yourself as they won’t notice.

Housework

Even dreamers must eat, and no one wants to wake up in December to a house that looks like it needs to be condemned! So October is the time to cook and freeze dinners, stock the pantry with snacks and easy to make meals. Give the house a good scrub and clean, and do a bit of garden work. Then the basic maintenance can be a chance to let your mind wander as you sort out plot tangles.

It is also a good idea to get your Christmas shopping done now. I know, it’s early, but think of the glow of satisfaction with it done.

Self Care

November will be a time of decreased activity – and all that sitting, mainlining oreos and coffee is not healthy. Spend some time in October thinking about when is the best time to write, and slot in exercise time. It does help you think – even a walk around the block or dashing up and down stairs or a yoga dvd will help your body and creativity. If you have a dog – make sure they get a walk every day, and start a routine with them now, so they will beg you in November as a reminder.

If you work as well, this is a great time to try and get ahead so next month is easier. There is no doubt it is harder, so give some thought as to how you can reduce stress on yourself.

Novel Prepping

Now this can be a curly subject as plotters (one who outlines the plot) and pantsers (writing without an outline, by the seat of your pants) draw a line in the sand. It is up to you and your style.

As a pantser, I thoroughly recommend at least a rough idea! I make some notes, even write out any scenes and one year I drew a map, for a fantasy quest novel which became a rough plot outline. Given the daily pressure, and how frantic you may feel if you fall behind, I do recommend some sort of idea – notes, map, scenes, dialogue that will help you over a rough spot of utter mental blankness. Mind mapping (connecting circles of ideas) is a useful technique to prompt ideas without getting into too much detail.

For plotters, October can be bliss as you draw up character sheets, chapter outlines, research and delve into details. Scrivener is a program that may appeal to plotters.

Whatever your style, follow the Nano forums, for advice, fun and ideas. Ask around on facebook and find some friends to be buddies with- and see if you have a competitive streak. Sign up to your region – there may be wrimos nearby that you can meet.

If you are into numbers and find a sense of achievement in spreadsheets, spend some time building a chart to see your progress. They have them on the Nano website, but you can make your own as elaborate and colourful as you like. Average word count? Weekly targets? Excel can do all this and more.

People with some graphic abilities may even mock up a cover design – and it will stop you procrastinating doing it during Nano. Canva (online) or Powerpoint are good programs.

If you are a social media announcer, there are plenty of badges to announce your commitment to the world – check the website.

But what if this is my first book? I have no idea of my writing style!

Well, this is a good chance to find out! As the outline can destroy the book for a pantser (and we don’t want that) I think start with a rough idea of the whole, and perhaps plan out your first chapter. Then when you have written that, you will either feel the urge to stop and plan because the unknown gives you the heebie jeebies (hint: you are a plotter). Or you will forget your notes because someone has just turned up with a raygun and a back up squad of ninjas and you can’t wait to see what happens (hint: you’re a pantser).

So Nano can be utterly absorbing and exhilarating – but it should not take over your life. It can be a time when you discover you really can write a book, or perhaps find out that it is just not for you. Either way, prepping can help you give it your best shot.

This is the second in a three part series on Nanowrimo, have a read of the “Adventures in Nanoland’ and stay tuned for the next blog on what to expect and getting through nano- “Nano – the Power and the Glory”.

 

Enjoy this blog? Have a think about signing up via my website or catch them as they fly around the ether on twitter or facebook . They will stay where they are pinned on pinterest .

In the meantime, click and have a read of Druid’s Portal

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Madelyn Hill: author interview

Today I introduce Madelyn Hill, an American writer and fellow Soul Mate author of the recently released Highland Wild Thistle series (Faith and Hope) and the upcoming book “Highland Honour”.

What is your current project?

Highland Honor (Book 3 of the Wild Thistle Trilogy) is in the hands of the editor. I’ll give you the pitch line: She heals. He wars.

Plotter or pantser? How do your novels come together?

I am really a panster. I get an idea do some research, do a quick character sketch and just start typing. However, there are definitely points in the story where I have to do some plotting. But the plotting is bits and piece. For example, at the end of a scene or chapter I will say Character 1 needs to do this and react this way, Character 2 needs to do this and instigate this.

If you could go anywhere for your next holiday, where would it be and why?

Hands down, Scotland!!!

What has been the most surprising thing you have discovered since being a published author?

The business side of writing. Today, authors are expected to do most if not all of their promotion and marketing. There is always something that needs to be done. Since I’m a techie, I have creating some ways to help cross promote with one post and use crowd promoting services as well.

What has been the most exciting moment you have had in becoming an author?

Of course the publish date of my first book, but when the book arrived in paperback format- it was exhilarating!

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

For the main characters the names seem to just pop into my head. For secondary characters I tend to search sites for historical names and names specific to the culture.

If you travelled in time, when would be your choice? Would you prefer magical or technological means of travel?

Even though I love technology, I think it would be more fun to travel magically. Twinkling my nose, jumping on a broom, or the swish of a wand.

Name 5 fictional characters you would invite to a dinner party.

Hmmm. This is tough! I think I’d start with Elizabeth Bennet (Pride & Prejudice), Kit (Witch of Black Bird Pond), Jamie (Outlander), Father Timothy Kavanagh (Mitford Series), Claire (Garden Spells)

What is the next project?

My next project is a new series set in the Regency time period and the intrepid Lady Eugena. She’s smart, feisty, a little too tall for fashion, and solves mysteries alongside an interloper of the ton, American Sebastian Paxton.

 

People want to know more! Where can we buy the latest book and where are you on the internet?

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Madelyn-Hill/e/B00ELRG34U/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/madelyn.hill.94

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMaddyHill

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/madelynhill68

Google+: https://plus.google.com/114516945477909725310

Subscribe to my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bPejTD

 

Enjoy this blog? Have a think about signing up via my website or catch them as they fly around the ether on twitter or facebook . They will stay where they are pinned on pinterest .

In the meantime, click and have a read of Druid’s Portal

The post Madelyn Hill: author interview appeared first on Cindy Tomamichel.

Adventures in Nano Land

We live in a world full of acronyms, some sound mysterious and interesting and turn out to be accounting shorthand. Others – like Nano – are simple and elegant, yet hidden behind those four letters is a world of mystery, imagination and creative frenzy. Once you know what Nano stands for, your life will never be the same again. Every October, the whisper will rise nano – nano is coming. Will you answer the call?

Ok, I might be exaggerating a little bit. Nano is National Write a Novel in November, often NaNoWriMo, with participants being wrimos. Entry to this experience can be found at https://nanowrimo.org/  where you can login and explore.

So what is it? Basically, the idea is to sign up and write 1,667 words a day for the month of November – every day. This gives you 50,000 words in a month. There is no compulsion, no punishment for not finishing, and you write it on your own software.

To become a wrimo:

Register and pick a login name etc, then you can add your book details after October. From now on you are part of the Nano family, and receive pep talk emails, you can make buddies and join in the forums which are fantastic resources.
Prepare for your book writing frenzy in October. Plan, sleep, sharpen pencils – whatever works.
Write in November – each day you can update your word count, and there are fancy graphs and badges to help enhance your feelings of achievement.
Once you get to 50,000 words, you can validate. This involves copy-pasting the entire thing into the site (it will tell you where) and then you get a winners purple bar on your profile avatar, and winner goodies, such as discount scrivener.

Other places to get involved in Nano (from website)

Use the hashtag #NaNoWriMo, and tag it in your tweet, Instagram photo, or Facebook post:

On Facebook: @NaNoWriMo

On Twitter: @NaNoWriMo

On Tumblr: @NaNoWriMo

On Instagram: @NaNoWriMo

On Pinterest: @NaNoWriMo

On YouTube: Use the hashtag #NaNoWriMo

Or search for groups on facebook.

But why would I do this to myself?

There are lots of people that are passionate about Nano, and probably just as many people that hate it as well. The pressure is not for everyone, and fast writing may not suit you or your style. So if it sounds terrible to you, well, most likely it will be. But many things in life can be surprising.

The first person who ate an avocado or an oyster was in a similar situation. Is it insane? Maybe. But in this pressure cooker of a month a writer can bathe in a creative sauna of expression, their characters will be with them constantly, and the words will flow like you always dreamed they would. Your inner editor and critic are locked up, and you are only allowed to create. The sheer intensity of this experience is something that makes the month worthwhile. Sure, there will be times when the words halt, when too much coffee gives you the jitters, but out of it – in only a month – you have a novel that did not exist in October.

Not everyone will win, I won’t lie and say it is easy by any means. Some years I have squeezed the words out, getting right down to the last minute of day 30 to validate my 50,001 words and fallen into bed exhausted. Generally, only 1 out of every 6 participants will finish.

There would be many that criticise Nano, that something written that fast cannot be good. But people will criticise everything, so ignore them and the horse they rode in on! There are many success stories of published books from nano – the second in my Druid’s Portal trilogy was a nano book. Nano is also a charity, with donations and merchandise profits going to help young writers.

So if you have a book in you – join in the Nano community and you give it the best chance to be written. The support is tremendous, and the forum camaraderie is amazing. Are you a writer of novels, or do you just like to talk about the novel you could write? Nano will give you the answer.

This is the first in a three part series on Nanowrimo, so stay tuned for the next blogs on “Prepping for the Nanopocalypse” and “Nano – the Power and the Glory”.

 

Enjoy this blog? Have a think about signing up via my website or catch them as they fly around the ether on twitter or facebook . They will stay where they are pinned on pinterest .

In the meantime, click and have a read of Druid’s Portal

The post Adventures in Nano Land appeared first on Cindy Tomamichel.