Joseph Lewis's Blog, page 6
April 19, 2024
Meet Haris Orkin – An Author!
I almost departed my usual title and changed the name of this post to Meet Haris Orkin – An Author and so much more. I could have, maybe should have, but didn’t. But Orkin is truly much more than an author.
Haris Orkin and grew up in Chicago and lived in Los Angeles for forty years, but is now a resident of Ashland, Oregon. Along the way, he earned a MFA in creative writing from the University of Southern California and wrote screenplays, two of which were bought by Hollywood. But that is just the tip of who Orkin is, as you will see when you read this fascinating interview with this fascinating author. Here is my interview with Haris Orkin- so much more than an author!
What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author?
I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember, throughout elementary school and high school. I wrote plays in college and majored in English Composition and Economics. (I thought I was going to be a lawyer), and I have an MFA from USC in creative writing. I love telling stories and I seem to have stories to tell.
As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?
Possibly the fact that I’ve written professionally in so many different genres and mediums. I’ve written stage plays, radio plays, TV and radio commercials, movies, video games, VR games, and novels. So I have a wide breadth of experience in many different mediums. Much of my work has an element of comedy and/or satire. My novels are comedy thrillers.
How do ideas for your stories present themselves? How do you know what story lines to follow and which to ignore?
I spend time brainstorming ideas, though sometimes I’ll see something on the news or read something in a magazine that will inspire me. I usually start with character, and from character I create the plot. For me, everything flows from character.
What genre do you write, and why?
I’ve been writing a series of comedy thriller novels for the last six years. The first book was based on a screenplay I optioned to a Hollywood studio. The script was never made, but I loved the characters and the story, so I turned it into a novel. I wanted to write a modern-day version of Don Quixote.
The main character, James Flynn, lives in a psychiatric hospital in Pasadena, California. He believes his hospital is the headquarters of His Majesty’s Secret Service and that he’s a Double O agent with a license to kill. In each book, he ventures out into the world, but instead of tilting at windmills, he finds super criminals who are just as delusional as he is.
Humor comes naturally to me, so my books usually end up funny. Though I am writing a stand-alone straight thriller right now, even then, some characters are smartasses. In my video game work, I’ve written everything from sci-fi to fantasy to westerns to horror. Even within all those genres, I try to sprinkle a little comedy throughout.
Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?
The reason I got into writing video games is because at one time I was one of the best Soldier of Fortune 2 players in the world. I was recruited to compete online in tournaments and I ended up meeting the creator of the game. I’d play video games with my son all the time and he always kicked my butt. So I stayed up late and practiced and got really good at that one particular game. Of course, I’ve lost those skills now. I don’t have the fast twitch hand-eye coordination I used to and I don’t have the inclination to practice all that much. But I’m still a gamer. You have to be if you work in the industry.
I also make a mean pot of chili.
If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?
It’s hard to narrow it down to two … but I’ll tell you the two that probably inspired the James Flynn Escapades. From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming, and Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. I read them both at a formative age and somehow they both invaded by tender virgin psyche. I love gritty thrillers and mysteries, and I love books that are full of satire and comedy. I love James Bond movies. I love Westerns. And I love Mel Brooks and Monty Python comedies.
What authors do you read regularly? Why?
I have a very eclectic taste. I love gritty thrillers with flawed and memorable characters and a touch of humor. I love Elmore Leonard, Carl Hiaasen, and I’m a big Stephen Hunter fan. Donald Westlake wrote great comedy thrillers. I’ve been reading the Charlie Parker thrillers by John Connolly. I love the mix of mystery, dark humor and supernatural creepiness. James Lee Burke writes beautiful prose. So does Amor Towles. (A Gentleman in Moscow was genius.) Don Winslowe writes fantastic thrillers. Recently, I discovered S.A. Cosby. He writes great Southern Noir. I love the comic novels of Christopher Moore and Caimh McDonnell. Of course, I already mentioned Kurt Vonnegut. I also read a lot of nonfiction. Especially if I’m deep into researching a particular subject for a book I’m working on. I’m currently reading a biography of Thomas Edison and a book about far-right militia groups called Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America.
If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?
This is tough … just five? Can we bring dates? Kurt Vonnegut because he’d be both funny and interesting as hell. Mel Brooks because he’s Mel Brooks and would be hilarious. I was actually on a panel with his son, Max, at Comic-Con, on the science of zombies. Mark Twain because he’s a huge inspiration and a great wit.
Albert Einstein because he’s brilliant, had a great sense of humor, and I imagine he’d like Mel Brooks. My late father because he was also hilarious as hell and would love having dinner with Mel Brooks, Mark Twain, Albert Einstein, Kurt Vonnegut … and me.
What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?
I write most every day, often seven days a week, and from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on most days. Then I go to the gym or go for a walk or a hike or go do something with my wife. I always have something I’m working on. I’ll occasionally take breaks, like vacations or staycations. Since I started as a screenwriter, I learned to build stories by creating outlines. I don’t always stick with the outline, but it gives me a starting point.
When writing, how much do you read? Do you read in or out of your genre?
I read all the time. Even when I’m writing. I’ll read books in and out of my genre.
Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (In writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time?)
I originally wanted to be a screenwriter, and I had some success with that. But not as much success as I wanted. I sold several scripts, but only had two made. That was important to me at the time and crushing when I didn’t succeed the way I wanted to. But I love writing novels even more. I optioned my James Flynn Escapade series to a Hollywood production company and I’m not sure I want to write the scripts. When I write novels, I don’t have to compromise anything. It’s totally my vision. And that’s not how film and TV works.
What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?
Persistence is the key. That ten-thousand-hour rule Malcolm Gladwell talked about. It takes time to learn how to write and find your groove. And even then, I still get nervous every time I start a new book. The important thing to remember is to just keep writing. Even if you think what you’re writing sucks. You can always go back and fix it later.
How did you “teach” yourself to write or did it just come naturally? What lessons would you pass on to others?
Part of what I do comes naturally, but most of it doesn’t. I’ll refer back to that 10,000-hour rule. Do I think an MFA in creative writing is necessary? No.
How do you handle a negative critique?
Much better now than when I was younger. It was crushing to me when I was younger. But working in Hollywood and getting notes from Hollywood executives helped me to build up emotional callouses. You can’t take it personally. Everybody has an opinion. But the important thing to realize is … it’s just one person’s opinion. However, if enough people have that same opinion, then that’s a good indication that you might need to fix something.
Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?
I’ve had to learn to write in all kinds of genres and I love the variety.
How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?
That’s a big question. All the elements are important, but to me the most important element of all is character. For me, the characters always drive the plot. Sometimes the setting can almost be another character.
Do you see yourself in any of the characters you create? How/Why?
I see myself in all of them: The men, women, heroes, villains. Every single character has a little bit of me in them.
Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?
The first character that came to mind is Don Quixote. There is something so heart-breaking and human and heroic about that character. I wanted Flynn to embody those same emotions and characteristics.
Tell us about your most recent book. How did you come up with the concept?
My most recent book is the fourth novel in the Flynn Escapade series. License to Die. I already talked about how Don Quixote was an inspiration for the Flynn character. It’s been challenging writing a series. I want the character to grow, but I don’t want to lose the spark I had creating him. I have to figure out how much to explain from the earlier novels without spoiling them, for those who haven’t read them yet. I want each book in the series to work on its own.
For License to Die, I wanted to put Flynn in more danger and raise the stakes. And I wanted Flynn to fall in love. He ends up in a state psychiatric hospital based on Napa State Hospital in Northern California. It’s full of serial killers, spree killers, and every other type of violent criminal imaginable. All found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Most of my titles make fun of the Bond titles of the books and movies. In this case, I was making fun of License to Kill. There’s a quote in my new book that explains it. “Very few people have a license to kill. Everyone has a license to die.”
From your book, who is your favorite character? Who is your least favorite character? Why?
I don’t want to give away spoilers and I would need to in order to describe my favorite characters in License to Die. But as far as the continuing characters go, I love all my characters. They’re my children. Can you have a least favorite child? I guess so. But even my villains aren’t all bad. Each of them believe they are the hero of their own story. None of them are pure evil. They all believe they are making the world a better place.
Some day, I’d like a taste of that chili Haris makes. Until then, I will sit down with Orkin’s latest and enjoy his book. I hope you check it out, too.
Author/Media Contact Information:
Link to Amazon and B & N:
License to Die by Haris Orkin, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
April 11, 2024
Authenticity in Fiction
There are some things that irritate me more than others, but when I sit down to watch a TV show or a movie, or read a book, I would like it to be accurate in its details. For example, a car goes under water, and a “hero” dives in to save the passengers. There is a struggle to get the door open or to break the glass, and time is ticking away. The “hero” isn’t an Olympic swimmer or diver. He’s a cop. But in the amount of time it takes for the “hero” to get not one, but two passengers out of the submerged vehicle, any normal individual would have run out of air and become fish food, just like the passengers in the car.
Typically, I shake my head and point out to my wife the fallacy, and she will say, “Joe, it’s just a TV show.” I normally respond with, “But …” and Kim will cut me off and say, “Joe, just watch the show.” Well okay, but why not have some accuracy in what is portrayed?
I began reading Tony Hillerman back in college. He is deceased now, but his daughter has taken up the mantel. Hillerman wrote a tight, but simple mystery featuring Navajo Nation police as the main characters. Throughout the story, Hillerman weaves Navajo culture, setting, and history into the story, and I discovered early on, it was the Navajo culture and spirituality that drew me in. So much so, in my nine books (my tenth comes out January 2025), I developed Navajo characters into my story. But because I’m a gringo and my dealings with the Navajo Nation were through books and an occasional TV show or movie, I had to research like crazy and rely on experts.
Fortunately, Robert Johnson of the Navajo Nation Museum and Brenda Hat, a Navajo, were more than happy to help me. Eric Painter, a teacher who taught on the Navajo Nation Reservation was helpful with setting and culture. I found several sites on the Internet about the Navajo language and culture, and I am on an email list that once a week or so, I get a lesson on Navajo culture and beliefs.
I believe so strongly in accuracy, even in fiction, that when someone reads my books, I am fairly certain one would have a hard time crying foul. And it isn’t just about my Navajo characters and their culture.
I rely on three law enforcement friends, who have become characters in my books, though their titles might be different. Police Chief Jamie Graff (a Chief of Detectives in my books) has not only shared redacted warrants and such with me, but has been a wealth of information for me on tactics. Sheriff Deputy Earl Coffey, (his title in my books) has shared his SWAT training and tactics with me, as well as police procedure and courtroom proceedings. My nephew, Sheriff Deputy Alex Jorgenson (a detective in my books) has shared much of the same, and even helped me with weapons and uniforms, right down to the type of boots that are worn (for him, four, one for each season) as he tromps around Northern Wisconsin. His father, my brother-in-law, Brian, helped me with hunting in my book, Betrayed, which was extremely helpful and necessary to the storyline. Helpful, because I don’t own a rifle or handgun and I don’t hunt. Furthermore, I have only fired a rifle a handful of times. A friend, Roger Spencer helped me with fishing, including the gear, boat, and trailer for my book, Blaze In, Blaze Out.
For my recent book, Fan Mail, I relied heavily on a former high school classmate, now a lawyer, Mike Plaisted, who helped with verbiage, charges and assorted courtroom drama and interplay between the judge, defense lawyers, prosecuting attorneys and such.
Early on in every book, I used a former student of mine, James Dahlke, (sometimes referred to as Skip Dahlke in my books) who is now a forensic scientist. He has helped me with forensics and with how evidence is handled and what can and can’t happen in a lab.
Sharon King and Filippa Unger are not only friends, but are nurses who have helped me with all of my medical questions, especially with what might take place in surgery and in a hospital.
I know I’m not the only author who seeks to be accurate in writing. Among many others, David Rabin (In Danger of Judgment) and Cam Torrens (Stable) are friends who write for the same publisher as I do, who use their backgrounds and knowledge in crafting their stories for accurate portrayal. If you’ve not read these two books or checked out their writing, and if you enjoy thriller-mystery-suspense, you are missing out.
Accuracy doesn’t have to be intrusive. I don’t get on a soapbox and chortle on about this or that in my books. But I believe readers enjoy authenticity, even in fiction, and many, like me, are turned off at something that just doesn’t “feel” right, is unbelievable, or is inaccurate.
Earlier this week, I was interviewed on the Horizons Author Lounge about my writing and in particular, my book, Fan Mail. In case you missed it, you can find a recording of it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMaIO4wZjiw
Last, my book, Stolen Lives, Book One of the Lives Trilogy, will be on sale on Amazon for FREE for the Kindle version beginning Sunday, April 14 through April 17. Here is the link and the book description:
2021 Finalist, The Best Thriller Book Awards on BestThrillers.com
2021 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
“Stolen Lives represents an exciting probe of abduction and unusual connections between fourteen-year-old victims, and is recommended reading for thriller and intrigue fans…” -Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
“A harrowing and unforgettable FBI thriller.” –BestThrillers.com
“A riveting murder mystery that slowly unravels a puzzling crime that will have readers furiously flipping pages.” –Literary Titan
Three twelve-year-old boys are inextricably linked by abduction and murder.
Two boys were just abducted off a safe suburban street. Kelliher and his team of FBI agents have 24 hours to find them or they’ll end up like all the others… dead! They have no leads, no clues, and nothing to go on. And the possibility exists that one of his team members might be involved. A fourth boy, George Tokay, a Navajo, holds a key piece to this puzzle and doesn’t realize it.
Kelliher and his team have been on this case for two years. There isn’t much to go on, and each time he gets a break, potential witnesses are found dead. The stories of these boys are like loose threads on a sweater: pull the wrong one and it unravels completely. Slowly, Kelliher realizes that there may be one or more members of his team behind it all. https://amzn.to/3oMo4qZ
March 27, 2024
Meet Travis Tougaw – An Author!
After rereading my interview with Travis Tougaw, I was struck by how many similarities there are between us. Both of us are authors with Black Rose Writing, and we write in the same genre, thriller-suspense, though I am more thriller-crime-mystery with a strong coming-of-age thread running throughout. But both of us have a passion for teaching- Travis with English, and me with psychology, and both of us have a passion for music, though Travis is much more accomplished than I am or was. Travis is a multiple instrument musician, while I was a drummer and a singer.
I think that’s why I enjoy interviewing other authors. I never know what I might encounter, and I have to admit that with each interview I do, I learn something- not only about the individual I’m interviewing, but I learn something about myself.
I think you’ll enjoy my interview with Travis Tougaw!
What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer from the time I was in elementary school. I’m drawn to the power of stories to connect people. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in short story and essay writing, and I even wrote the text for a picture book that never materialized (but I had an incredible title for it). I’ve found that writing novels and telling stories in a longer form is most appealing to me, as it gives me the most room to watch characters grow and explore more complex plots.
As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?
There are a lot of writers who tell amazing stories about characters with an unusual talent or ability or some other exceptional quality that sets them apart. I try to focus on everyday people- people you might bump into at the grocery store, who find themselves in an unusual situation. In my novel Foxholes, I draw heavily from my military experience, but the main character isn’t a super soldier or war hero; he’s a regular guy who had a desk job that happened to be in a combat zone.
How do ideas for your stories present themselves? How do you know what story lines to follow and which to ignore?
Many times, I’ll have a climatic moment in mind, so I ask myself how to get there. That usually leads to developing characters and finding a plausible storyline. Then, I’ll back up to the beginning and start telling myself the story, often when I’m out walking the dog. Those walks are some of the best “writing” sessions because they help me see where potential wrong turns are. By the time I get around to sitting at the keyboard, I can work on putting my ideas into words and refining the plot lines I’ve already thought through.
What genre do you write, and why?
I write mystery/thrillers because that’s what I enjoy reading. I love a tense story that keeps you glued to the page, desperate to find out what happens next, and I hope my readers experience that in my writing.
Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?
I started playing music when I was sixteen. I began with acoustic guitar and gradually added other instruments. I now play guitar, bass, mandolin, lap dulcimer, and hammered dulcimer, and I toy around with some percussion instruments. Also, I’m not sure if I’d call this a talent, but I love trivia. I compete in an online trivia league, and I’m waiting to get my chance on Jeopardy.
If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?
When I was in middle school, I read Son of Interflux by Gordon Korman a half dozen times. It’s not a classic, and definitely not something you can impress people at parties with by telling them you read it. But I love the way he crafts memorable characters and puts them in tricky situations, and the reader gets to see them grow and change. That’s probably the book that made me think about writing as a viable occupation. For something a bit more academic, I love Flannery O’Connor’s Wise Blood. Grace and redemption are recurring themes in my work, and I admire how O’Connor can pull on those threads in surprising ways.
What authors do you read regularly? Why?
I read every new book Harlan Coben, Ruth Ware, and Lee Child publish. They write mystery/thrillers, but they each have their own spin on the genre. Coben always comes up with a plot twist that, even though I know a plot twist is coming, leaves me thinking, “How did he do that?” Ware creates great characters and puts us in their heads, so we can feel the tension they’re experiencing. Child has built such a strong brand with Jack Reacher that he can really go over the top with characters and plot elements. Some of the things he does would feel like parody coming from another writer, but with him, you can’t help but enjoy the ride. So much to admire about what all three of them can do.
If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?
Rich Mullins (who was a singer/songwriter who died in 1997), Flannery O’Connor, Ernest Hemingway, Jonathan Swift, and J. Edgar Hoover. Rich, Flannery, and Ernest because they’ve all had a lot of influence on my writing, and I think it would be fun to talk to them about creativity and art. Jonathan Swift, because one of my English professors at Angelo State and I had a long-running argument about some of the meaning and themes in Gulliver’s Travels, and I’d like to definitively settle that. And Hoover, because…well, I have some questions about a particular era of American history.
What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?
I used to outline extensively. If I didn’t have it in my plan, it didn’t happen in my story. Now, I have a general idea of what’s going to happen. The narrative arc is laid out in my mind, but I don’t know exactly how I’m going to get there. One of my happiest moments while writing Foxholes was when a character who I thought was a mere plot device to move the action forward ended up being a central figure in the plot. I would not have planned it out that way before I started writing, but I was glad I allowed myself the freedom to discover that this character was much more important than I initially gave him credit for.
When writing, how much do you read? Do you read in or out of your genre?
I read every day. I’m a slow reader, but I’ll finish around thirty books a year, sometimes more. I read primarily in my genre, but if I see something that looks interesting, I’ll definitely check it out. Some of the best advice that was ever given to me was to read plays to learn how to write good dialogue, and poetry to learn how to use imagery effectively. I never want to get stuck reading one genre only because there’s so much out there we can learn from.
Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (In writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time?)
I started a PhD program years ago, and my goal was to become an English professor. I had taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy while I was on active duty and wanted to teach college as my permanent career. With a full-time job and a young family at that time, it just didn’t work out, and I pursued other career options. I still have a passion for teaching, but I’m glad it didn’t work out for me because taking that path would have closed off the path I’m on now.
What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?
Community is really important. Writing is such a strange and lonely hobby. You spend hours alone working on a project and then beg people (agents, editors, reviewers, readers) to notice and appreciate your work. It’s not for the faint of heart. Having other writers you can share the experience with is extremely valuable.
How did you “teach” yourself to write or did it just come naturally? What lessons would you pass on to others?
I have a master’s degree in English with a concentration in writing. I’ve been part of critique groups, attended conferences, and I’ve read I don’t know how many books about writing. So, I’ve taken in a lot of information about the craft. What I’ve found, though, is all of that information is useless if you don’t put it into practice. The more you write, the more you can discern what information is helpful for you and what is not. Two of my professors and an author whose conference I attended are in my head (in a good way) every time I sit down to write. Some of the other instruction I’ve received has proven to be less useful, but those three individuals have been invaluable to me.
How do you handle a negative critique?
Usually, I start by thinking something snarky, like, “You obviously have no taste, and your critique says more about you than it does about me.” After a while, when I’m less defensive, I’ll reconsider the critique and see what improvements I could make and how I can get better.
Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?
I tried to write a young adult sci-fi novel, and it just didn’t work. I couldn’t find a good narrative voice for the YA audience. And, I found that I was much more into the fiction aspects than the science.
How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?
For me, character is a universal element for all stories. If I don’t have a character the audience can root for, or at least be interested in, the plot won’t matter. People gravitate toward stories to connect with the experiences of other people, whether real or imagined, so you have to have strong characters to make a story work. Setting and atmosphere vary in importance from story to story. I like to use the setting to shape the characters. I’ll often use setting and atmosphere together. I recently wrote a short story where the main action takes place in a cabin in the woods. Much of the tension in the story, and the characters’ motivations, comes from the time of year, weather, and one of the character’s experiences in those woods. In general, I start with characters and plot, and then use setting and atmosphere to support the story.
Do you see yourself in any of the characters you create? How/Why?
I try not to put myself into any of my characters, probably because I don’t consider myself to be nearly as interesting as someone I can create. Sometimes I’ll have shared experiences with a character, but I try to make sure the reactions and motivations of that character are his or her own.
Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?
My favorite character from my writing is part of the supporting cast in a novel that is not out in the world yet. His name is Ambrose, and he has the tendency to wax philosophical about even the most mundane topics. I had a lot of fun crafting his dialogue. From other writers, I’ll go back to Flannery O’Connor. Hazel Motes from Wise Blood is an incredible character. Watching his journey from a young man filled with ideals and principles to a cynic who refuses to accept his moment of grace is an unforgettable reading experience.
Tell us about your most recent book.
My novel Foxholes was published with Black Rose Writing this past January. It’s about an Air Force veteran, Nick, who’s running for the Senate. Vince, another Air Force veteran, recognizes him from their time together in Afghanistan and is determined to prove that Nick committed murder when they were both deployed.
How did you come up with the concept?
When the U.S. was withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2021, I thought about my time there while on active duty. I started thinking about the effect the withdrawal might have on other veterans, and the effects of deployments in general. Somewhere along the way, I stumbled on the idea of a veteran having a flashback to a crime he didn’t think was prosecuted properly, and the story grew from there.
How did you come up with the title?
In the military, we had a saying that there are no atheists in the foxhole. In other words, when the bullets start flying, people come to terms with what they believe. That concept of truth coming out under pressure is an important theme in the book, so Foxholes seemed like an appropriate title.
From your book, who is your favorite character? Who is your least favorite character? Why?
I really like Hadley Collins, an amateur detective who gets involved in the investigation. She has a lot of personality and is really good at what she does. I liked her enough that she got her own book, Captives, the next book in the series. It tells her story. For a least favorite, there are a few characters in the book that I wouldn’t want to hang out with, but I won’t name names here to avoid plot spoilers.
What is your goal with Foxholes?
I’d love to hear from readers that the story resonated with them. Even if they can’t personally relate to the plot, it would be incredibly rewarding to know that there was some element in a character or in the theme that they could identify with.
I hope you enjoyed the interview as much as I did. Please let me know what you think by commenting below. And I hope you check out Travis’s book, Foxholes. I know I’m going to.
Author/media contact information:
Website: https://travistougaw.com
Email: tb2gaw@hotmail.com.
Link to Amazon:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Foxholes-Marcotte-Collins-Investigative-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B0CG6SZRTX/
Link to B&N:
March 20, 2024
Meet Gayle Brown – An Author!
Gayle Brown is a first-time author with a terrific book out, A Deadly Game. Like me, she writes in the thriller-suspense genre, and her book is published by the same publisher I have, Black Rose Writing. There are other similarities, that I will let you discover for yourself as you read the interviewer. But there is one I have to mention, because it made me laugh out loud.
Do you remember the old fashion ditto machines? As teachers, we’d struggle with the possibility of having ink all over your fingers for days, along with having clothes ruined. But, oh the smell? Right? Name a kid who is now advanced in age who didn’t shut the eyes and inhale deeply!
Okay, enough of that. I hope you enjoy Gayle’s interview.
What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author?
Since I could hold a crayon in my hand, words and stories have flooded my brain, even using the walls as my paper, much to my parents’ dismay! My first clear memory of loving writing was in third grade when my teacher handed us a fresh-off-the-press ditto with a small picture in the right-hand corner. She told us to use that picture as a prompt. I filled the front and back of that paper (after inhaling the ink scent) and never looked back from there. Whenever given the chance to write, I wrote, including for my high school newspaper. In my forties, I wrote a children’s book, but a novel continued to poke at me. Finally, a few years ago, I tried my hand at writing my first novel. With so many stories to tell, I could no longer ignore the calling.
As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?
My unique voice sets me apart from other writers and authors. I tend to use dry humor even in the darkest of situations. Also, my personal experiences add to my uniqueness. No one else has lived my life, so I draw from those experiences in my writing.
How do ideas for your stories present themselves? How do you know what story lines to follow and which to ignore?
Ideas are all around me. Every day, I observe people and places, drawing from what I see and hear. Often, I think about what if? That question tends to spark an idea and sets my storyline in motion. I follow whatever storylines flow from my mind to the page. I let the story tell me what needs to be written. It isn’t until revision that I see what needs to stay and what needs to go.
What genre do you write, and why?
I write thriller/mystery/suspense because I love books with twists and turns. I like it when an author keeps me on my toes guessing, only to be shocked by the ending. I want to create that same element of surprise for my readers.
Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?
My kids would tell you I am a good mom. (I asked them what other talents I have, and this was a direct quote!) But I’d say I’m also good at teaching!
If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo blew me out of the water! It was so well written, and the way Taylor Jenkins Reid tied the (she shocked me with the connection) story together was phenomenal, and it was such an emotional read. I read it in a day. I also loved The Guest List by Lucy Foley. She writes twists and suspense beautifully. I like to read hers for inspiration on how to weave in suspense, red herrings, and plot twists.
What authors do you read regularly? Why?
Lucy Foley, Emily Henry, Elle Cosimano, and Taylor Jenkins-Reid are among my favorite authors to read and learn from. I take notes about their styles and use them to learn my craft (a good writer never stops learning) and to read for enjoyment.
If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?
I would have dinner with my deceased paternal grandmother since I never had the chance to meet her. I’ve heard amazing stories about her, and it saddens me I never knew her. Another person would be Malala Yousafzai because she is a trailblazer, almost losing her life to be educated in a society that looks down upon women gaining knowledge. She is genuinely one of the bravest people I’ve learned about. Three more people: 1. Queen Elizabeth II, I mean, who wouldn’t want to have dinner with such a powerful matriarch?! 2. Martin Luther King, Jr. because I admire his tenacity and courage, and 3. Charles Schultz because I’m a huge Peanuts fan.
What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?
When working on a manuscript, I try to write at least two hours a day for at least five days a week. Of course, life gets in the way, and I don’t always stick to that routine, but that’s the goal. I am 100% a pantser. I’ve attempted outlines with two novels, but they sat underneath a notebook on the corner of my desk. I started the novel with what the outline proposed, but as I wrote, the story went off in a different direction. I love watching it unfold on the page. Since I don’t follow where I think it’ll go, the story surprises me, and I love that!
When writing, how much do you read? Do you read in or out of your genre?
I read a book a week, on average, in all genres. I’ve recently discovered historical fiction and have found myself loving it, much to my surprise. The only genre I tend not to read is fantasy. Other than that, I’m pretty open to anything. I read certain books for enjoyment and others for craft purposes, but I never combine one book for the two purposes.
Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (In writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time?)
Outlining! I spent days outlining a book and didn’t use it at all. Somehow, I managed to do the same thing again, thinking it would be different this time. Nope. Same outcome. But here’s what I learned: outlining helps me settle my mind––it’s like a security blanket, giving me the confidence to know I have enough material to write an entire novel from start to finish.
What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?
Listen to your gut. Trust your instincts. Love what you do. And never stop learning your craft.
How did you “teach” yourself to write or did it just come naturally? What lessons would you pass on to others?
Writing comes naturally to me, but the one piece of advice that I would say to myself and to anyone else out there is to write, write, write. The more you practice, the more proficient you will be. Like anything else in life, it takes time. The 10,000-hour rule applies here as well. I’d also suggest hiring a writing coach or joining a group (not necessarily one that gives feedback, but one that will support you in your endeavors) because writing is a solitary activity. You need others to ping ideas off of and to be surrounded by a community of people who get what you’re going through.
How do you handle a negative critique?
I handle a negative critique by initially allowing myself the visceral emotional reaction, then setting it aside for a week. With that emotional distance, I can look at it objectively. Often, it isn’t as harsh as it felt at first. But if it is, I consider the source. If it’s an internet troll, then I disregard it. If it’s someone I trust, I use that to guide me in my next writing.
Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?
I haven’t attempted fantasy because I think creating a whole new world would be difficult. It would be hard to explain how everything works in a made-up world. I admire any fantasy writer for being able to do that, plus for writing lengthy novels.
How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?
Character, setting, and atmosphere are essential to a story. Without these elements, you don’t have one. However, the hero’s emotional journey draws in the reader. If the character is unlikeable or doesn’t change in some way, the story tends to fall flat, and the reader can’t connect with the character. We read to feel.
Do you see yourself in any of the characters you create? How/Why?
Yes! The way my characters see their worlds, approach their problems, and attempt to solve them are very much like mine. Also, their internal thoughts mimic my own at times. In my debut novel, I relate to Nicole’s quandary about wanting to protect her child at all costs. As a mother, or for any parent, it’s a precarious situation to be put in. Would I be willing to go to jail for my child? I say yes, but what would I really do when push comes to shove? I hope I never have to answer that question!
Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?
Yes, Nicole in A DEADLY GAME, my debut novel, because being a mom is such an emotional journey, and I feel badly for the position she’s put in. I often have this discussion with other moms, asking how far they are willing to go to protect their children. In theory, we’re all willing to do whatever, but what if you doubt your child’s innocence? What if that means going to jail for your child? Difficult topics to think about.
Tell us about your most recent book. How did you come up with the concept? How did you come up with the title? From your book, who is your favorite character? Who is your least favorite character? Why?
I came up with A Deadly Game after watching the show Your Honor with Brian Cranston. As I watched him break rules and laws to protect his son, I asked myself, “How far would I go to protect my child?” My son was about to go to college, and I thought, “What if he does something wrong? Would I protect him? Would I lie for him? Break the law? At first, I thought there was no way, but then I thought, would I really want him to go to jail? And what if I didn’t believe my child? Then what? All these questions led me to write the novel. I picked the title because it captures the book’s theme and is a play on words since it has a double meaning. My favorite character is Phil because he’s quirky and loyal. I love his personality. Without giving away any spoilers, I can’t say who my least favorite character is, but I’m sure we can agree on the same person after you read the book!
I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did. But more than that, I hope you check out her book A Deadly Game. It has earned terrific reviews so far, and I can guarantee I’m getting a copy.
Thanks for following along on my writing journey. I’d like to hear your comments on this interview. Please use the section below. And until next time …
Author contact info:
Gayle Brown email:
For media inquiries, please contact Cindy Bullard of Birch Literary: www.birchliterary.com
Book link for Amazon:
Book Link for B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-deadly-game-gayle-brown/1144321339?ean=9781685133320
Author Website:
March 15, 2024
Chasing … What?
I am a TikTok subscriber (@josephlewis5566), one of the few remaining social media platforms I belong to. Earlier this month, I threw in the towel on Facebook, and when Twitter became X, I removed myself from that platform, too. One show on TikTok I enjoy watching is the Graham Norton Show. Mostly funny, and at times, irreverent. I always end up laughing.
Recently, I watched an interview with a very young Matt Damon, who is one of my favorite actors. The question and resulting story he told was meant to be funny, but to me, it was thought-provoking. He won an Oscar as a co-writer with his friend and fellow actor, Ben Affleck for Good Will Hunting at age twenty-six.
Damon said, (paraphrasing poorly even though the gist is accurate), he went to his friend’s apartment after the ceremony and just stared at his award. He said he was “lucky enough” to have won an Oscar early in his career, so he didn’t have to spend his life chasing after one. He said, “Can you imagine being 70 or 80 and winning or even never winning an Oscar? You look back and ask, ‘What have I done with my life? I wasted it!’”
I stopped listening at that point, lost in my thoughts about age, winning awards, and the thought of wasting a life.
I was 34 years old in 1987 when Dusty and Me, the first and only short story I had submitted for publication, was published, and I earned $300 and thought I had won the lottery. By happenchance, I met a very nice lady, who was the mother of a child actor. (She, along with her son, will remain nameless.) This lady was interested in my story as a vehicle for her son and had approached a producer and a director in hopes of it being made into a movie. Both the producer and director loved my short story, but explained that movies based on a farm in rural America didn’t fare well at the box office, at least back then. My hope of “making it” in Hollywood as a writer was dashed. Bummer! But I kept writing.
In the summer of 2014 and at the age of 60, my first book, Taking Lives, the Prequel of The Lives Trilogy, was published. Taking Lives, along with the first book of the trilogy published later that fall, Stolen Lives, hit #3 and #4 on Amazon. Those two books gave birth to seven others, and my tenth book overall will be published at the beginning of 2025. More importantly, my newfound passions, writing and storytelling, had begun. Again, at the age of 60.
Have I ever wondered what might have become of me if Dusty and Me was made into a movie? Of course! Do I ever wonder where I might be if I had begun writing sooner? Sure! But I never, not one time, thought to myself that I wasted my life before the age of 60. And with twenty or so awards that my books have earned, did I ever think, ‘If only I had started earlier …’ No, not one time.
The awards and seeing my books on a bookshelf or on Amazon are nice, even thrilling. But the greater joy for me is the act of creating. When I sit down with my laptop and create a story, that’s where I find joy. That feeling is unequaled. It’s the joy of creating characters and throwing them in perilous situations that makes me happy. I don’t chase awards. Instead, I chase story ideas and play ‘what if’ continuously until the story sounds right and has a satisfying ending.
And I have a wonderful life! Besides writing, I have an understanding wife who gives me the freedom to write. I have two daughters, a son-in-law and a soon-to-be son-in-law, who give me joy. I have a grandchild for whom I get to be grandpa. They make me rich beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve lived in six states working with kids, and I’ve loved every minute of it. And like icing on a cake, I get to write and create stories. There is nothing about my life that was wasted. I embraced every moment- even the downs along with the ups.
I think those of us in any industry who chase awards or paychecks, who seek a fancier, bigger house, or a newer car, miss out on the day to day. They miss the opportunity to see the joy and beauty of their life as it happens, and not so much as it happened. Do you see the difference?
One is happening in real time right before their eyes, and one is in retrospect- it has happened, and it is done. If we take the time to notice, appreciate, and live in the moment, our lives are so much better, so much more. Yes, I reminisce and reflect on days gone by. But in no way do I dwell in the past, but simply appreciate what it took to get me to where I am today. I appreciate the trials and difficulties, as well as the successes that made my life what it is. Every scar made me who I am, and those trials, difficulties, and scars sometimes end up in my stories.
For me it’s the ride and who I’m riding with that bring me joy. And, of course, creating stories along the way.
For your convenience, I’ve added the link and description for Taking Lives, the Prequel to The Lives Trilogy, and for Stolen Lives, the First Book of the Trilogy, along with book Two, Shattered Lives, and book Three, Splintered Lives. Of course, you can find all my books, links and descriptions on my website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com
The Lives Trilogy Prequel, Taking Lives:
FBI Agent Pete Kelliher and his partner search for the clues behind the bodies of six boys left in various and remote parts of the country. Even though they live in separate parts of the country, the lives of Kelliher, 11-year-old Brett McGovern, and 11-year-old George Tokay are separate pieces of a puzzle. The two boys become interwoven with the same thread Kelliher holds in his hand. The three of them are on a collision course and when that happens, their futures grow dark as each search for a way out. https://amzn.to/34nXBH5
Book One, Stolen Lives: Editor’s Pick by BestThrillers! Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner! A Crime Thriller finalist in the 2021 Best Thriller Book Awards!
Two thirteen-year-old boys are abducted off a safe suburban street. Kelliher and his team of FBI agents have 24 hours to find them or they will end up like the other kids they found- dead! They have no leads, no clues, and nothing to go on. To make the investigation that much tougher, Kelliher suspects that one of his team members might be involved. https://amzn.to/3oMo4qZ
Book Two of the Lives Trilogy, Shattered Lives:
The boys are home, but now they have to fit back in with their families and friends. Their parents and the FBI thought the boys were safe. They were until people began dying. Now the hunt is on for six dangerous and desperate men who vow revenge. With no leads and nothing to go on, the FBI can only sit back and wait. A dangerous game that threatens not only the boys, but their families. https://amzn.to/2RAYIk2
Book Three of the Lives Trilogy, Splintered Lives:
Three dangerous men with nothing to lose offer a handsome reward to anyone willing to kill fourteen-year-old Brett McGovern. He does not know that he, his younger brother, and a friend are targets. More than anyone, these three men vow to kill George, whom they blame for forcing them to run and hide. A fun vacation turns into a nightmare and ends where it started, back on the Navajo Nation Reservation, high on a mesa held sacred by George and his grandfather. Outnumbered and outgunned, George will make the ultimate sacrifice to protect his adoptive father and his adoptive brothers- but can he? Without knowing who these men are? Or where they are? Without knowing whom to trust? Is he prepared for betrayal that leads to his heartbreak and death? http://bit.ly/SplinteredLives
February 16, 2024
An Interview and Sculpting Sentences
One week ago, I was interviewed by Peter Okonkwo for P English Literature and it was a delight. He explored all things writing, but focused on one of my earlier books, Caught in a Web, because I just completed the second draft of my newest book, Black Ye’ii (The Evil One), scheduled for publication through Black Rose Writing January 2025. My newest book is a kind of sequel to Caught in a Web, but while it references action that takes place in this book, Black Ye’ii (The Evil One) is a stand-alone.
You can find the full interview here on YouTube. Here is a link to it
Besides any number of interesting questions and conversation, he asked a question about sentence length. I hadn’t considered it before, and it caught me a bit off guard. Having thought about it since, I’d like to expand on my answer.
When I sit down to write, I don’t necessarily consider sentence length as much as I consider sentence quality. I’ve read some dreadfully long sentences, as I’m sure you have, and I find myself skipping over them like someone stepping over cracks in a sidewalk. I’d rather get to the “good part” and tend to skip over long paragraphs of description and prose.
I seek action. I seek colorful, well-crafted characters, and depth in setting and atmosphere. I want to get so lost when I read, I forget I’m reading. Any reader seeks to be transported into the world created and crafted by a talented author. Don’t forget, any good author is also a well-rounded reader. As an author, I seek out that which I write (for the most part).
About the only time I consider sentence length is when I get to high petroleum action. I shorten the sentences purposely, because I’ve found the shorter the sentence moves the story along faster, and this is especially important in an action scene. I follow this axiom: the longer the sentence, the slower the story passage; the shorter the sentence, the faster the story passage.
Because I write thriller-crime-mystery, my stories simmer slowly until I stomp on the pedal. This takes place, generally, at the climax, but it can take place anywhere along the story, especially if there is more than one storyline. And, in each of my books, there is more than one storyline, so my readers have come to expect moments in my stories where the pedal is mashed on the floor, and moments when the ride is at a more leisurely pace.
As a reader, pick up the book you’re reading and see if I am correct in my assessment of sentence length: the more the action, the shorter the sentence. As a writer, check your draft or manuscript and try to spot areas where you are unintentionally slowing down your story, even though you mean for it to speed up.
One last thing to mention: in an action sequence, try to stay out of a character’s head. The reader wants action and doesn’t want to slow down as a character is considers, even dwells on a moral or ethical dilemma. Save that for after the action, giving you and your reader an opportunity to catch breath.
I’d love to hear what you think, so please drop a comment below. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …
Caught In a Web:
A gang out for revenge and a 14 yr old boy is the target. A PenCraft Literary Award Winner!
“…one of the year’s best conspiracy thrillers”–Best Thrillers. “…the right blend of tension and intrigue …” Midwest Book Review https://amzn.to/2GrU51T
February 2, 2024
Meet Kathie Giorgio – An Author!
As a former coach and high school administrator, I don’t find myself intimidated often. However, when I tackled my interview with Kathie Giorgio, I have to be honest and say I was a tad nervous. And now that the interview is published, I am more than a tad nervous.
You see, Kathie is not only a writer, but also has been in the business of helping others with their writing for nineteen years and counting. That in itself made me nervous, since I have this fear of her reading this with a red pen handy. Not only does she write her own books and help others with their writing, she sings and paints, and is learning to play the piano.
Which made this a fun interview for me is that she comes from Waukesha, Wisconsin. Those that know me, know that I taught and coached at Waukesha North High School, where once upon a time, Kathie graduated from. We didn’t know each other back then, however. What is really cool is that if you know my writing, my stories take place in Waukesha, and my teen characters attend Waukesha North High School, just as she and I did. In fact, we know some of the “real life” characters who make an appearance in my books.
So, here is my interview with Kathie Giorgio, and please, go easy with that red pen.
What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author?
I honestly don’t remember when I started writing. It was just something I did. I liked to trace the pictures in my picture books and then rewrite the stories the way I felt they should be written. In the fifth grade, I read a short story to the class and my teacher told me I was a writer. It fit like a perfectly worn coat. So I buttoned it up and kept it on for the rest of my life.
As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?
I don’t give up. Even if I start something and I hear myself thinking, ‘This is stupid, it will never go anywhere’, I stick with it. Often what I thought was the worst writing ever turns out to be the best. I trust my brain. I trust my imagination. And I’m not afraid to write the truth. My work has been banned in some places; but I write it anyway.
How do ideas for your stories present themselves? How do you know what story lines to follow and which to ignore?
Often, stories present themselves from lines I overhead on the news or in conversations. My latest novel, Hope Always Rises, came from a conversation I heard between two women in a coffee shop. I follow all storylines; I don’t ignore any of them. They show up for a reason. So I write them.
What genre do you write, and why?
I write literary fiction, essays, and poetry. I love literary fiction because of the lyricism of the language and the hard-hitting topics. Essays and poetry just seem to happen – some things can’t be fiction, but have to be what I’ve really experienced. So I use essays and poetry for that.
Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?
I teach and have helped hundreds of writers improve their writing and break into print. I own my own business, an international creative writing studio, so I guess you could say I’m talented at running a business that nobody thought would survive – it’s 19 years old now and I have successful students from around the world. And I paint and sing, and I’m learning to play the piano.
If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?
My favorite book ever is John Irving’s The Hotel New Hampshire. His characters are wonderfully quirky, yet so amazingly real. He showed me, through his character named Suzy the Bear, a woman in a bear suit, that nothing is too weird as long as it rings true. I also love any of Ellen Gilchrist’s books. She is a brave woman that dared to write about things that women weren’t supposed to even think about, let alone write about. She taught me not to censor myself.
If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?
Five? Why five? I enjoy intimate dinners, with a chance to really talk to the person I’m with. I would choose Ray Bradbury and I would like to thank him. When I was seventeen years old, I wrote to him, asking him how to become a writer. He wrote back, and one of the most important things he said was that I needed to read everything. And so I do. I’d also like to have dinner with a mentor. Her name was Ellen Hunnicutt. She was the first person to tell me I was writing literary fiction, and that I had the voice of a novelist. She gave me a great sense of confidence.
What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?
I write primarily in the afternoon. I meet with clients in the morning, have lunch, get back to my desk at 1:00, and write until the evening clients and classes start, usually around 5:00. I don’t write on Wednesdays, when I have an afternoon class, and I don’t write on the weekends. I never outline, but I consider the whole planner/pantser thing a fallacy. Most writers are a combination of both. For me, I write straight out of my head for the first draft, even if it makes little sense. Then, from the second draft on, I put on my editing hat and hone it so it all falls into place. There might be a few flights of fancy during subsequent drafts, but it’s mostly hunkering down and getting the job done. But that first draft – oh, heaven. Just write.
When writing, how much do you read? Do you read in or out of your genre?
I read everything. All the time.
Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (In writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time?)
If by “not working out”, you mean I didn’t finish, then no. I’m a bear about always finishing what I start. If you mean that I finish it, but it doesn’t go anywhere, sure. Some of my early novels have never been published. And because of who I am now, I wouldn’t want them to be.
What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?
Find yourself a community of honest writers, led by a writer who also has the ability to teach. Then open your ears and get ready to work.
How did you “teach” yourself to write or did it just come naturally? What lessons would you pass on to others?
Learning to write has always been a combination of teaching myself and having some amazing teachers. I’m 63 years old, but I’m still friends with my high school creative writing teacher. Having a teacher who believes in you is a godsend. They teach, but they also give you free rein to experiment. As to what lessons I would pass on to others – you’d have to be one of my students to learn that.
How do you handle a negative critique?
I listen to what is being said, then apply it to what I really want to accomplish with the work. If it fits my goal, I take the critique to heart. If it doesn’t, I throw it out.
Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?
Nope. I write them all.
How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?
Lordy. Of course they’re very important. A story without these is like a recipe without ingredients.
Do you see yourself in any of the characters you create? How/Why?
My characters may have experienced something I experienced, but they are always purely themselves. If I wanted to write about myself, I would write memoir.
Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?
James, from my first novel, The Home For Wayward Clocks, is always in my head, even though in the sequel, Learning To Tell (A Life)Time, he was dead. Hope, the main character in my most recent novel, Hope Always Rises, has not left me yet, since finishing the book. They are both such brave characters.
Tell us about your most recent book. How did you come up with the concept?
As I said earlier, I was in a coffee shop when two women, in the booth behind me, began to talk very disparagingly about a “friend” of theirs who had chosen to end her life. These two women used words such as selfish, monster, irresponsible, hateful. Working with writers as I do, and for 28, almost 29 years, I’ve seen a lot of these choices and these women made me purely angry. I got up and said to them, “It’s fine that you’re wondering how she could do this. But you should be asking in a way that means you’re wondering what kind of pain she must have been in to make her think that this was the right thing to do.” Then I went home and started writing the book.
How did you come up with the title?
I have absolutely no idea. It came when I was writing a scene in Hope’s past, where her art teacher encouraged her, during times of sadness and depression, to remember her own name. When Hope asks why, the teacher said, “Hope always rises.” And I sat back and thought, There’s my title.
From your book, who is your favorite character? Who is your least favorite character? Why?
Hope is my favorite character. She is open and honest, and so, so brave. I think she will teach a lot of readers with her example. I don’t have a least favorite character. I love them all.
What’s next?
My next novel, Don’t Let Me Keep You, was accepted by Black Rose Writing and was released on 10/3/2024. It’s literary fiction with an unusual format on the subject of motherhood, particularly letting your children go as they become adults. But it’s also about how parental expectations and influences affect our children, and affect us too as we grow alongside them.
There you have it. I hope you enjoyed my interview with Kathie Giorgio, and I encourage you pick up her books, Hope Always Rises and Don’t Let Me Keep You. I hope you were gentle with the red pen, and I would love to hear your thoughts. Use the comment section below. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey …
Author/media contact information
Kathie Giorgio
234 Brook Street, Unit 2
Waukesha, WI 53188
Email: kathie11@aol.com
Author website: www.kathiegiorgio.org
Studio website: www.allwritersworkshop.com
Represented by: Kathleen Eull, Pyxis Creative Solutions
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathiegiorgioauthor
X (Twitter): @KathieGiorgio
Instagram: @kathiegio1
Book Links:
Hope Always Rises
Amazon:
Barnes and Noble:
January 27, 2024
The Role of the Writer
Whenever I read a quote by Anais Nin, I find it thought-provoking as it settles in my head, and I find myself keep coming back to it. There are other writers with thoughts and quotes who do the same to me, but Nin is at the top of the list. I couple this with Robert Frost’s quote, “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” Between the two quotes, you have your goal as a writer crafting your story.
First, Nin. It isn’t enough to repeat that which has already been said. Read one or two stories with the same or similar theme, and the reader gets bored. Instead, ask yourself the question, ‘What is it that you are afraid to say? What is it that you are afraid to put down on paper?’ It doesn’t matter what it is, but the answer to those two questions is exactly what you need to write. Those are your marching orders.
Frost spoke to the feeling and tone of the writer and the piece that was written, and it is important to remember and serves as a validation of your writing. If you don’t ‘feel’ what the characters feel, if you aren’t moved to laugh or to weep in your story, rest assured your reader won’t either. They just won’t. And, if they don’t, perhaps you have yourself a lifeless, boring story that will cause the reader, at best, to yawn their way through it, and at worst, cause the reader to set the book aside and not finish it.
Faulkner said it a little differently, but his quote speaks more to the idea that if there is a story in you, just get it down. Get the first draft written. Terry Pratchett said, “The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” That’s important to remember. In the first draft, JUST WRITE. Don’t filter it. Don’t tone it down. JUST WRITE. Don’t worry about sentence structure just yet. Certainly don’t worry about societal politeness … yet. JUST WRITE. Get the story down. Take chances and let the story unravel on its own. The first draft is yours and is yours alone. After that draft is written, tweak, rewrite, and craft to your heart’s content. You need to do that anyway, but save it until after your first draft is written.
When Stephen King wrote, The Stand, or when William Golding wrote, Lord of the Flies, do you think they thought, ‘Well, I shouldn’t say this or put this in there. It’s just too … (fill in your own word)? No, they didn’t care. They had a story to write and they wrote it. They didn’t care about political niceties or what polite society might think. In both books (two of my absolute favorites of all time), they told a story- lumps and bumps and all. And in both cases, the stories are timeless.
There are times, more than not, when I sit down to write with an intention of crafting a scene or a bit of dialogue, but as I write, the characters take over and do or say the unexpected. In my last book, Fan Mail, the characters wrote that story. All I did was guide them as best I could, which at times in the book, was like herding cats. But it worked!
When I wrote, Blaze In, Blaze Out; Betrayed; Spiral Into Darkness; and Caught in a Web, I had a story to tell. Same characters for the most part, but different stories. I highlighted one or two characters verses another one or two, but in each case, I let the characters take control of the story.
Some readers didn’t like the fact that two of my characters are gay. That’s okay with me. I realize my stories aren’t for everyone, even though I’m not explicit or graphic. Not at all. But I realize there are gay kids in the world. I’ve met with them in my counseling office or coached them on my basketball team. Many of the things my characters say and do come right from the kids I worked with, coached, or watched and overheard.
But in the case of each of my books, the story is the story, and I unleashed the characters to tell it. It’s the only way I know how to write, and it is the only way I will write. I will always keep true to myself, and that means, I will keep true to my characters as they live and grow in my books.
In truth, the only time I knew how the story/book was going to end, including the words, the setting and the action, was in Fan Mail. It was after the first four chapters were written. The ending came to me. I stopped where I was and wrote the final three chapters, and when done, I wrote the rest of the story to meet the ending in those three chapters. Did I rewrite or tweak what I had previously wrote for the ending? Hmmm, not much, actually. That ending moved me, and still does. It moves the reader, speaks to their heart. At least, that is what they tell me in their reviews or in email or in person.
Have you ever read a book or story and come across a chapter, maybe more than one chapter, where nothing seems to happen or perhaps, is repetitive because it retells the same action and message as a previous chapter? Boring, right? You might even question whether to continue reading the story. It’s because the story doesn’t move.
In the same way as the story has to grow on its own, the story has to keep moving. To help in this process, you might want to consider the question: How do I want the story to end? What is the ending? Once you have this solidified, simply write to that ending.
However, sometimes, the ending doesn’t show itself right away. The story will unfold on its own and in its own time. But at some point, the ending will reveal itself and when that happens, write to the ending. When you edit, you can make sure there are no dead spots, and you can limit needless repetition. Good editing does this anyway, so this serves as a reminder to do so.
I hope this article helps you as a writer, and for the reader, helps you, as you read various books and stories. You can find more tips, as well as author interviews, my books and links for purchase, and other various articles if you go to my author website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com
Please let me know what you think using the comment section below. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …
January 23, 2024
A Deal on Caught in a Web!
My publisher, Black Rose Writing, is offering just for Today, January 23 and for Tomorrow, January 24, my book, Caught in a Web, for $.99 on Kindle!
Caught in a Web is a PenCraft Literary Award Winner and has excellent reviews both on Amazon and on Goodreads. BestThrillers said, “This important, nail-biting crime thriller about MS-13 sets the bar very high; one of the year’s (2018) best conspiracy thrillers!” Midwest Review said, “The result is an involving detective piece that probes the worlds of teens and gang members with an equal attention to precise, staccato details that flow smoothly into a story that creates a satisfying conclusion to all conundrums.” Sharon K, a Reviewer wrote, “Excellent read! I have been awaiting the next book from this author and was not disappointed! I couldn’t stop reading and was caught by several unexpected twists in the plot. A must read!”
Caught in a Web is a Crime Thriller full of Suspense, and has quite the Mystery to it.
High school students die from a drug overdose, leading detectives to unravel a gang-controlled drug trade and prevent a revenge murder in a crime-infested Milwaukee area. MS-13, a notorious, violent gang, wants to find out who is cutting in on their territory and teach them a deadly lesson as a deterrent to others with similar ideas.
But the enforcer sent to the Milwaukee area from Chicago has an ulterior motive: revenge on fifteen-year-old George Tokay. He doesn’t know it, and neither does law enforcement. You can find Caught in a Web at:
As I wrote in a previous post, my book #10, titled Black Yé’ii (The Evil One) due for publication January 2025 is a sequel of sorts to Caught in a Web. At the end of Caught in a Web, a pact was made and a secret was kept to ensure the safety of those involved. However, someone shared the secret. Now lives are in danger and MS-13 is back in town to finish what they had begun.
I hope you take advantage of this $.99 deal for the Kindle version of Caught in a Web, again, for today, January 23 and for tomorrow, January 24 only. Let me know what you think, and as always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …
January 12, 2024
Meet Lisa Febre – An Author!
Lisa Febre is a professional musician. She’s lived and worked all across the country and performed the full spectrum of music from a Historical Bach Society in Massachusetts to shows on the Las Vegas Strip. Currently, she lives in Los Angeles now, where she has played in a few movies, television shows, and freelance throughout the area. She is married to a film/television composer, and they have a blended family—Lisa has one son and her husband has two sons.
What struck me, though, and I’m sure you’ll catch it as you read the interview, is her positive attitude. Finding something to work with in the toughest of times, seeing the benefit or the good in something negative happening in her life. It takes a strong individual to do this, especially when your life is in doubt.
Honestly, I’m impressed as hell with Lisa Febre, and I believe as you read this interview, you will be too.
What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author? Although I am a trained musician and have focused my entire life on pursuing that, I have always enjoyed writing. When I was a child, my mother gave me her old Smith-Corona manual typewriter and taught me how to touch type. I was about 8 years old, and the stories were just pouring out of me! As I got older, though, I discovered I tended toward more critical and journalistic writing. I took a few writing courses in college, but never really thought anything would come of it.
After college, I just wrote more for my edification, posting essays on music and teaching on my personal website for my students and their parents to read. Eventually, I had a food blog—I’m vegan, and back in the early 2000s it was not only strange to be vegan, but it was still weird to take pictures of food for a website. I was “discovered” by a Canadian Publication called T.O.F.U. and for most of the 2010s I was a regular contributor to the magazine.
I guess I never “decided” to be an author, but sort of fell into it. I had been blogging about my cancer journey and had nearly 1500 followers—which to me felt like I’d hit the jackpot! But, I wasn’t exactly “baring my soul” on the blog. I was using the blog to reveal to myself what were the most salient parts about my cancer journey and was writing on the side what I imagined would eventually be a self-published book.
As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?
I can only compare myself to other cancer memoir writers and say that mostly, the books out there have more to do with the logistics of having cancer—what the tests are like, what the drugs are, what treatments they got. Even if it’s a memoir, the authors rarely dive deep into the emotional side of having this happen to them. I don’t blame them, it’s natural to want to protect yourself during the most raw and terrifying time of your life.
How do ideas for your stories present themselves? How do you know what story lines to follow and which to ignore?
I know this question is meant more for fiction writers, but the memoir format has always held a bit of fascination for me. These are the types of books I like to read (most of them are not cancer memoirs) and I often wondered, “Why did they decide to have this secondary story winding through the main storyline?” And even more fascinating to me, “Did that really happen?” I always wondered how these people put together their own stories in such a way that it made their otherwise regular life seem interesting. I wondered if I could do something like that, and luckily the answer revealed itself to me as I was writing.
In the beginning, because I was literally writing the story as it was happening to me in a linear fashion—this happened in September, this happened in December, etc.—but then realized that this is not how you tell a story, even a true story. There has to be more to it than just “this happened and then that happened.” I discovered I could use flashbacks and essays effectively, so even though the main story of the cancer treatments flows through the book in the proper order, it’s punctuated with other stories so that the reader can learn more about me and why I am reacting or thinking the way I am. I also discovered it was useful to take the reader out of the intense cancer story, to give them a break, too. But it also challenges them to see the metaphors not just in my life, but in their own as well. I like to call it the “Babbling Brook” through my story.
What genre do you write, and why?
Right now, I’ve only had one book published, so I can only claim to write in the Memoir genre. But I feel like there is a fictional story kicking around in my head. Other than that, I tend toward more journalistic writing, and could see myself having a second career as a journalist.
Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?
As I mentioned before, I am a professional musician, so that’s what I do “in real life.” I have been practicing Ashtanga Yoga since 1998 and through that practice have learned to never underestimate what can be accomplished with discipline and dedication.
If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?
I can never get The Wall by Marlen Haushofer out of my head—what blows me away is that she wrote it by hand, just as her character does in the book. I love that there are so many theories about what the book is really about, and I guess I read it at a particular point in my life where it spoke to me as a woman. No matter how many years go by, I will find myself on a walk thinking about this book.
Of course, here is where I reveal my nerdy roots—I love the Lord of the Rings. I read it for the first time in high school and compared to all the dry required reading we had to do in AP English, this blew my mind. This was back in the “olden days” when the movies didn’t exist, so it revealed to me just how fertile my imagination was. All it took was for Tolkien to pull back the curtain and I was swept away into Middle Earth.
What authors do you read regularly? Why?
Stephen King has to be my number one because he’s my go to for a good time—my favorite book of his is, The Eye of the Dragon. My copy has been read so many times it’s falling apart. Other than that, I am very open to reading anything by anyone. If someone gives me a recommendation, I’ll read it!
If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?
Mark Twain—Imagine what a fun time this would be! I’d love to hear his commentary on our modern world.
Mr. Rogers—I’d like to thank him for being a part of my childhood. I’d also love to pull out my cello and have him sit at the piano so we could play together for the other guests.
Bill Nye—he makes being a nerd look cool!
Gilda Radner—Oh my goodness, this would be just a fantastic, good time with her there!
Michelle Obama—I may not be a little girl, but I still look up to her.
What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?
Because I’m a musician, I already have the routine of a daily practice. Writing is just a part of that daily routine—even if I don’t have a word count goal, I feel like I’ve accomplished something if I can at least edit or add to something I’ve already written. Of course, if something inspires me, I just rush to the computer and start typing no matter what else might be going on!
When writing, how much do you read? Do you read in or out of your genre?
At first, I thought it would be really difficult to read anything while I was trying to write my book, but it turned out that it helped me quite a bit.Sometimes a phrase or an idea in another book would touch me in some way, which would then inspire me to try a different angle or idea in my own way. While I was writing my book, I mostly read memoirs so that I could see how they were organizing their stories. But when left to my own devices, I will read literally anything you put in front of me. I love horror, thrillers, romance, biographies, histories, you name it, I’ll read it.
Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (In writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time?)
I often feel like my music career has been a constant stream of starts and stops. I’ve moved around the country so much that it’s been difficult to get a professional foothold anywhere. There were so many almosts when it came to lost auditions or missed opportunities, but at the same time, I just picked myself up and started over again. I always wished that I had played in the recording studios here in Los Angeles—I played for a few movies, but then that seemed to be over. Maybe I did something wrong, maybe someone didn’t like me, but whatever it was, it was out of my hands. Rather than moan about it, I just figured there must be something else out there waiting for me.
What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?
I am working with a new writer right now, helping them craft their own memoir, and without even thinking about it, I said to them, “Don’t worry about what it is, just write it down.” I heard myself say it and thought, “I should probably take my own advice!” It helped me take a step back from my own writing, to stop criticizing myself, and just write. It’s up to the readers, publisher, editors, and critics to decide if it’s good or not.
How did you “teach” yourself to write or did it just come naturally? What lessons would you pass on to others?
I suppose it just came naturally to me. When I was younger, I tended to imitate things I was reading. As I got older, of course, I had teachers who shaped what I was doing. Almost like my music teachers were shaping the way I played. You can’t teach musicality or creativity, you can only shape and direct the student to become the best version of themselves they can be.
How do you handle a negative critique?
Again, I think because I’m a musician, this is easier for me to deal with than it might be for others. I mean, I’ve been singled out and criticized in front of an entire orchestra, and that’s a lot worse than seeing something written on the screen that I can just scroll past or ignore. Sometimes what I think is “negative” probably isn’t at all when it comes to my writing, but I take it to heart and ask myself, “Is there something I can do to address this point?” One of my beta readers told me I used too many run-on sentences. I was initially upset, but once I dove in and made the changes, I saw that my writing was becoming better. And it was all because of that remark!
Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?
I’ve tried writing some fiction, but I get bogged down in the exposition. It’s like I should be on a team of writers, where I just give the set-up and someone else writes the rest. I need to learn to get past that point and trust the characters to direct the story.
How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?
Because my book is a memoir, I think it was important to really describe things carefully—everyone lives in a regular house with regular people, just like me. But why does my story seem more interesting to people than their own? I just describe it in a more colorful way. There’s nothing inherently “special” about me. I’ve just figured out the right angle for the mirrors to reflect the smoke.
Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?
I first read Black Beauty when I was very young because I loved horses (and still do). The character Ginger really touched me, going from a sassy steeplechaser to a broken cab horse. She had a traumatic life from start to finish. I remember breaking down into tears when the cart carrying her body passes by Beauty in the street—I was so young, and so this affected me deeply. But, then again, I think that’s what Anna Sewell had intended with the book. She definitely solidified my love and respect for horses and all animals.
Tell us about your most recent book.
My first book is titled: Round the Twist: Facing the Abdominable—it’s a memoir about my diagnosis of stage-4c colon cancer.
When I first received the diagnosis, I started combing the internet for information on cancer diagnoses in people under 50 (I was 47 at the time), and it seemed like there just wasn’t any good information out there. Colon Cancer is historically a disease for older people (the average age is something like 72!) so a lot of the information was geared towards them. This didn’t help me emotionally. I realized I was not the only younger cancer patient out there who felt unseen. So I set out to write the book that didn’t exist.
Gone ‘round the twist’ is a saying that basically means someone has been driven to the brink. “You kids are driving me crazy!” kind of thing. The Abdominable, though I wish I were the one to have made up that word, came from a little boy. I tell the story in the book!
My favorite character in the book has to be my surgeon. He only makes a few appearances, kind of like a secret agent. But everything he does in the book is 100% true. Even now, reading what I wrote about him, I am amused and delighted by his quirky personality! My least favorite is the cancer itself.
Did you see what I meant when I wrote she is a positive and strong individual? Lisa, our paths will cross again, and I look forward to it. Until that day, God Bless, keep writing, and remain the strong, positive individual I’ve come to know doing this interview with you.
Author/Media Contact Information:
Website: http://lisafebre.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisafebreauthor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisafebreauthor/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/D6X_-49jZH8
Links for Book:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Round-Twist-Memoir-Cancer-Survivor/dp/1685132669
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/round-the-twist-lisa-febre/1143712533
