Elizabeth N. Harris's Blog, page 3
July 13, 2020
Marla Skidmore
Author of the Week Marla Skidmore talks about writing, Albert and her love of history.
Come and see what she's been up to!
Who is the worst villain you’ve ever written, and why?
Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham an actual historical character - the more I researched him the more I came to dislike him – he was shallow, vainglorious and without conscience, ready to betray/abandon his allies as soon as things became difficult for him. He was the perfect villain for my first novel
He sounds dreadful, what is next on your list to write/publish?
About to be published is ‘A Chorus of Seven,’ a collection of short stories and poems by an author group to which I belong – there are seven of us who have each contributed seven pieces of work. A work in progress (two thirds written) is ‘King’s Pawn’ Part 1 of ‘Renegade’ which is the sequel to ‘Renaissance – The Fall and Rise of a King.’ It is the story of Francis Viscount Lovell, a man surrounded by myths and legends after he mysteriously disappeared (last seen swimming across the river Trent on his horse) at the end the battle of Stoke Field, the last battle of the Wars of the Roses. Also partly written (not so far along though) is ‘Forget Me Not’ a romantic murder mystery set during the Napoleonic Wars.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
Come and see what she's been up to!
Who is the worst villain you’ve ever written, and why?
Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham an actual historical character - the more I researched him the more I came to dislike him – he was shallow, vainglorious and without conscience, ready to betray/abandon his allies as soon as things became difficult for him. He was the perfect villain for my first novel
He sounds dreadful, what is next on your list to write/publish?
About to be published is ‘A Chorus of Seven,’ a collection of short stories and poems by an author group to which I belong – there are seven of us who have each contributed seven pieces of work. A work in progress (two thirds written) is ‘King’s Pawn’ Part 1 of ‘Renegade’ which is the sequel to ‘Renaissance – The Fall and Rise of a King.’ It is the story of Francis Viscount Lovell, a man surrounded by myths and legends after he mysteriously disappeared (last seen swimming across the river Trent on his horse) at the end the battle of Stoke Field, the last battle of the Wars of the Roses. Also partly written (not so far along though) is ‘Forget Me Not’ a romantic murder mystery set during the Napoleonic Wars.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
July 6, 2020
Leon Stevens
Author of the Week, Leon Stevens!
Hello! This week we welcome Leon Stevens to the Author of the Week spotlight. Leon has released two books, shall we see what he's been up to?
Hi Leon, welcome to your interview, it's taken a while to get here! Let's start with learning a little about you.
I’m a pretty private person. I enjoy learning (I have a couple of degrees). A lot of who I am comes out in my writing and my music. I thought at one point I would be a performer (Rockstar!!), then I got into classical guitar and folk music. Performing wasn’t my forte, so I switched to teaching. I enjoy being active: running, cycling, and yoga.
You sound like a very talented person Leon, what got you into writing? Who encouraged you the most to write?
The voice inside me. I needed a way to put all my thoughts down as a way to make sense of the world around me. It started with songs/song lyrics, then progressed to poetry (which isn’t much of a stretch). Finally, I had story ideas, so I thought that I should write those down before I forgot them. I guess I’m my biggest fan…
To find out more go to
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
Hello! This week we welcome Leon Stevens to the Author of the Week spotlight. Leon has released two books, shall we see what he's been up to?
Hi Leon, welcome to your interview, it's taken a while to get here! Let's start with learning a little about you.
I’m a pretty private person. I enjoy learning (I have a couple of degrees). A lot of who I am comes out in my writing and my music. I thought at one point I would be a performer (Rockstar!!), then I got into classical guitar and folk music. Performing wasn’t my forte, so I switched to teaching. I enjoy being active: running, cycling, and yoga.
You sound like a very talented person Leon, what got you into writing? Who encouraged you the most to write?
The voice inside me. I needed a way to put all my thoughts down as a way to make sense of the world around me. It started with songs/song lyrics, then progressed to poetry (which isn’t much of a stretch). Finally, I had story ideas, so I thought that I should write those down before I forgot them. I guess I’m my biggest fan…
To find out more go to
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
June 29, 2020
C.B Gabriel
This Weeks author of the week is C.B Gabriel who speaks candidly about her debut book and what's next for her
Welcome to this week's Author of the Week, I spoke to C.B Gabriel about her debut novel and what plans she has next. Read on to find out more!
Tell me a little about yourself, where do you live, family, hobbies!
I live in Kingston, Ontario, and when I'm not writing, I spend most of my time working as a canine massage practitioner. My 'woof' babies, Molly, a beagle-dachshund mix, and Talullah, a hound, both love their weekly massages! I'm also a yoga teacher and a visual artist. I love to lie down on the couch in front of the television with my sketchbook and marker, and then I just let the art flow. Of course, I spend a lot of time with my wonderful boyfriend, and much to his chagrin, he listens to me sing (badly!)
I'm sending him some earplugs! What got you into writing?
I never thought I would become a writer. I originally planned on law school, so I finished my B.A. Hons. in Classical Studies at Queen's University in 2009. However, in 2013, I survived a very serious illness, and I found that as soon as I put the pen to the paper, I just couldn't stop. I found the writing process so therapeutic I eventually joined a formal writers' group, and then I was fortunate enough to create two novels. Trey & Kate is my debut published novel.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
Welcome to this week's Author of the Week, I spoke to C.B Gabriel about her debut novel and what plans she has next. Read on to find out more!
Tell me a little about yourself, where do you live, family, hobbies!
I live in Kingston, Ontario, and when I'm not writing, I spend most of my time working as a canine massage practitioner. My 'woof' babies, Molly, a beagle-dachshund mix, and Talullah, a hound, both love their weekly massages! I'm also a yoga teacher and a visual artist. I love to lie down on the couch in front of the television with my sketchbook and marker, and then I just let the art flow. Of course, I spend a lot of time with my wonderful boyfriend, and much to his chagrin, he listens to me sing (badly!)
I'm sending him some earplugs! What got you into writing?
I never thought I would become a writer. I originally planned on law school, so I finished my B.A. Hons. in Classical Studies at Queen's University in 2009. However, in 2013, I survived a very serious illness, and I found that as soon as I put the pen to the paper, I just couldn't stop. I found the writing process so therapeutic I eventually joined a formal writers' group, and then I was fortunate enough to create two novels. Trey & Kate is my debut published novel.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
June 22, 2020
Judith Pettijohn McConnell
This week I interviewed Judith Pettijohn McConnell. As part of the Supporting Indie Authors project.
Hello Judith, how wonderful to finally get to interview! Let's start with you telling me a little about yourself.
I live in a Chicago suburb near my real estate broker daughter, son in law and grandchildren. My son and his wife live near Sacramento where he teaches first grade; especially teaches his students to love to write and they are good at it. I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, including my cousins; while not writing which is most of the time. I delve deeply into genealogy and play Scrabble whenever possible. I have actually played against myself when no opponent is available.
What got you into writing?
Okay, I started at age six, my handwriting evolved to print form now and wrote notes or verses on the inside of greeting cards to my Grandparents (as I lived with them). Mostly, because Hallmark doesn’t ever say what I want to say the way I want to say it.
That's so sweet. What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing?
Truly, love everything about writing. Marketing not so much.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
Hello Judith, how wonderful to finally get to interview! Let's start with you telling me a little about yourself.
I live in a Chicago suburb near my real estate broker daughter, son in law and grandchildren. My son and his wife live near Sacramento where he teaches first grade; especially teaches his students to love to write and they are good at it. I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, including my cousins; while not writing which is most of the time. I delve deeply into genealogy and play Scrabble whenever possible. I have actually played against myself when no opponent is available.
What got you into writing?
Okay, I started at age six, my handwriting evolved to print form now and wrote notes or verses on the inside of greeting cards to my Grandparents (as I lived with them). Mostly, because Hallmark doesn’t ever say what I want to say the way I want to say it.
That's so sweet. What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing?
Truly, love everything about writing. Marketing not so much.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
June 15, 2020
Abigail Wildes
This weeks Author of the Week is the amazing Abigail Wilde. Abigail's debut book Tea with Death is out now.
What is next on your list to write/publish?
I have a series of small books that are in the works (think Edward Gorey!). I’m working on the 2nd poetry collection, that one will be- Let’s Eat Cake, it goes nicely with Tea with Death. Then the 3rd will be either, Dig My Grave or Find MyGrave. So that all three combined (years from now) will be- Tea, Cakes & Graves. I’m working, slowly, on dark dictionary-that will be a dictionary with only dark words and will have their definition, macabre use of the word, its origin, and a few language translations. It’s mostly a novelty but will be pretty cool. I have many other things I’m working on but my “want to” list is probably in the hundreds!
I love the sound of the dark dictionary, and your poem series sounds wonderful. Who is your favourite author, and why?
Neil Gaiman. He’s just amazing.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
What is next on your list to write/publish?
I have a series of small books that are in the works (think Edward Gorey!). I’m working on the 2nd poetry collection, that one will be- Let’s Eat Cake, it goes nicely with Tea with Death. Then the 3rd will be either, Dig My Grave or Find MyGrave. So that all three combined (years from now) will be- Tea, Cakes & Graves. I’m working, slowly, on dark dictionary-that will be a dictionary with only dark words and will have their definition, macabre use of the word, its origin, and a few language translations. It’s mostly a novelty but will be pretty cool. I have many other things I’m working on but my “want to” list is probably in the hundreds!
I love the sound of the dark dictionary, and your poem series sounds wonderful. Who is your favourite author, and why?
Neil Gaiman. He’s just amazing.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
June 8, 2020
Lisa Richman
This week we're in for a treat, the author of the week is Lisa Richman, whose book, Tavi's Tails is about her fur baby Tavi. Shall we see what Lisa has to say about her book and Tavi?
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
Welcome Lisa, so glad you were able to make time for our interview, tell me a little about your book.
My book is called Tavi Tails – The Diary of a Dog. I started typing for Tavi, our expressive and opinionated English Golden Retriever, on his Facebook page (facebook.com/TaviTail) when he was only seven weeks old. With nearly 5000 followers, it has been incredibly gratifying to see how he helps people smile and think, and look at life from a unique perspective. His book is a chance to do that on a broader scale, and if ever there was a time the world could use more laughs and warm fuzzies, this is it. I originally thought of writing this book for young adults and dog lovers of all ages. I now believe that Tavi’s canine insights on love and family will provide inspiration to all readers and that his story will make them smile. It has been especially rewarding to receive letters from teachers using this book to help students during this tough time in quarantine.
Wow, that is such a motivational thing to do. How wonderful. Tell us about yourself!
I live in Northern Michigan – up at the top of the ring finger, if you do the Michigan hand thing. I am married with two sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and a spectacular granddaughter. Our three dogs round out our immediate family and are also the inspiration behind the book.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
Welcome Lisa, so glad you were able to make time for our interview, tell me a little about your book.
My book is called Tavi Tails – The Diary of a Dog. I started typing for Tavi, our expressive and opinionated English Golden Retriever, on his Facebook page (facebook.com/TaviTail) when he was only seven weeks old. With nearly 5000 followers, it has been incredibly gratifying to see how he helps people smile and think, and look at life from a unique perspective. His book is a chance to do that on a broader scale, and if ever there was a time the world could use more laughs and warm fuzzies, this is it. I originally thought of writing this book for young adults and dog lovers of all ages. I now believe that Tavi’s canine insights on love and family will provide inspiration to all readers and that his story will make them smile. It has been especially rewarding to receive letters from teachers using this book to help students during this tough time in quarantine.
Wow, that is such a motivational thing to do. How wonderful. Tell us about yourself!
I live in Northern Michigan – up at the top of the ring finger, if you do the Michigan hand thing. I am married with two sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and a spectacular granddaughter. Our three dogs round out our immediate family and are also the inspiration behind the book.
N Gray
Today I interviewed Author N Gray, Ms Gray has been writing a while and has several books under her belt. This busy mum not only runs her household and works but also manages to find time to write! Shall we see how!
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
So Ms Gray, tell me about the books you've written so far.
Hi Elizabeth! We get to chat at last! So far I've published three Short stories: The Hunter, Creature Features, What’s for Dinner? I have written a Paranormal Romance Series: Ulysses Exposed, Voodoo Priest, Butterflies & Hurricanes, Salvation. I'm very excited about my new Thriller series:
Nightcrawler (this is the prequel novella and can only be found as part of the Notorious Minds Boxset- a collection of thriller/mystery novels from a variety of award-winning and bestselling authors), Deadly Pattern, Devil Mountain and Chasing the Devil.
Busy, busy! Tell me a little about yourself.
I’m forty years old and live in Cape Town, South Africa. I have a ten-year-old girl, hubby, and two fur babies. I write, read, enjoy walks on the beach, and wine tastings. I still have a day-job as an analyst for an insurance company, but I always find time to write at night, or over weekends.
It sounds like you have a busy schedule! What got you into writing?
I wrote my first story when I was about nine or ten and used my mother’s old typewriter. I made so many mistakes but that kickstarted my creativity. I’ve always written stories since then, but then life happens, and you need to earn a living. When it became easier for people to write and publish their own stories/books, that’s when I decided that I should take it seriously and do it. In 2017, I published a collection of my short stories, and the rest is history.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
So Ms Gray, tell me about the books you've written so far.
Hi Elizabeth! We get to chat at last! So far I've published three Short stories: The Hunter, Creature Features, What’s for Dinner? I have written a Paranormal Romance Series: Ulysses Exposed, Voodoo Priest, Butterflies & Hurricanes, Salvation. I'm very excited about my new Thriller series:
Nightcrawler (this is the prequel novella and can only be found as part of the Notorious Minds Boxset- a collection of thriller/mystery novels from a variety of award-winning and bestselling authors), Deadly Pattern, Devil Mountain and Chasing the Devil.
Busy, busy! Tell me a little about yourself.
I’m forty years old and live in Cape Town, South Africa. I have a ten-year-old girl, hubby, and two fur babies. I write, read, enjoy walks on the beach, and wine tastings. I still have a day-job as an analyst for an insurance company, but I always find time to write at night, or over weekends.
It sounds like you have a busy schedule! What got you into writing?
I wrote my first story when I was about nine or ten and used my mother’s old typewriter. I made so many mistakes but that kickstarted my creativity. I’ve always written stories since then, but then life happens, and you need to earn a living. When it became easier for people to write and publish their own stories/books, that’s when I decided that I should take it seriously and do it. In 2017, I published a collection of my short stories, and the rest is history.
Gauri Shanbhag Wagle
This weeks Author of the Week Is Gauri Shanbhag Wagle who kindly took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to me! Let's see what Gauri had to say!
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
Let's start with your book,s what have you published Gauri?
1) CORPORATE ARMAGEDDON – a fiction book (novel) written by me independently and self -published.
2) NEGATIVE TRAITS WHICH CONCEAL YOUR POSITIVE TRAITS- a non fiction self help book written by me independently and self- published
Tell me a little about yourself, where do you live, family, hobbies!
I am an HR professional having 7 years of work experience. Currently, I am remotely working from Singapore, for an educational institution in Mumbai called THE LEARNERS HUB, in the capacity of Corporate Communications manager and HR. I have vast experience in Recruitment as well as in facilitating Training and Developmental activities for my employees. I was instrumental in setting up a Training department in my previous organization thus fostering a learning environment conducive for skill enhancement and personality development. Currently, I am based in Singapore since my husband was transferred here. However, I am from Mumbai, India.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
Let's start with your book,s what have you published Gauri?
1) CORPORATE ARMAGEDDON – a fiction book (novel) written by me independently and self -published.
2) NEGATIVE TRAITS WHICH CONCEAL YOUR POSITIVE TRAITS- a non fiction self help book written by me independently and self- published
Tell me a little about yourself, where do you live, family, hobbies!
I am an HR professional having 7 years of work experience. Currently, I am remotely working from Singapore, for an educational institution in Mumbai called THE LEARNERS HUB, in the capacity of Corporate Communications manager and HR. I have vast experience in Recruitment as well as in facilitating Training and Developmental activities for my employees. I was instrumental in setting up a Training department in my previous organization thus fostering a learning environment conducive for skill enhancement and personality development. Currently, I am based in Singapore since my husband was transferred here. However, I am from Mumbai, India.
D.A Charles.
This week I spoke to D.A.Charles, known as Dee. Dee's book series has been published courtesy of Stories About Us, a very special project initiated to bring diverse voices to entertainment by Michaels.Adams. Dee says that Jd Michaels and Alec Frazier are a wonderful team to work with. The Storiesaboutus team publish books by disabled and deaf authors, concentrating on getting their art out there. To find out more go to http://www.storiesaboutus.org/
Dee is running a .99 cent sale on Shattered in the Kindle ebook store through the month of May to honour her mom’s birthday.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
So Dee, how wonderful to meet you, tell me a little about yourself!
Hi Elizabeth! I’m Dee. I was raised by a parent with a disability, have worked in Home and Community-Based Care providing direct care for members of the Disability Population my entire adult life. I began writing fictional stories featuring disabled main characters to help raise awareness, and contribute to the disability narrative in entertainment. My writing cave is nestled in the forests of Central Pennsylvania, where I also enjoy gardening, playing with my four-legged grey tailed dogs, and occasionally make time to scrapbook or craft a stained glass treasure. Alec Frazier is a fellow author, who directs his own Disability Advocacy Firm—Autistic Reality, and is a published pop culture critic. I'm lucky to count him a friend.
Dee is running a .99 cent sale on Shattered in the Kindle ebook store through the month of May to honour her mom’s birthday.
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
So Dee, how wonderful to meet you, tell me a little about yourself!
Hi Elizabeth! I’m Dee. I was raised by a parent with a disability, have worked in Home and Community-Based Care providing direct care for members of the Disability Population my entire adult life. I began writing fictional stories featuring disabled main characters to help raise awareness, and contribute to the disability narrative in entertainment. My writing cave is nestled in the forests of Central Pennsylvania, where I also enjoy gardening, playing with my four-legged grey tailed dogs, and occasionally make time to scrapbook or craft a stained glass treasure. Alec Frazier is a fellow author, who directs his own Disability Advocacy Firm—Autistic Reality, and is a published pop culture critic. I'm lucky to count him a friend.
Edgar Ramirez
It was my pleasure to interview Edgar this week, Edgar is also running his own interview page as part of the Supporting indie Authors. I'm so proud to have interviewed Edgar about his two books.
This week I interviewed EdgarJourney Home: Aeternus Pond Series - Book 1, a grandfather of two, with two books already under his belt. Shall we see what Edgar's been up too and what he has coming up.!
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
Hello Edgar, welcome to your interview, it's time to get nosey! Let's start with a little bit about yourself!
I was born and raised in New York City, and am currently living in Livingston, New Jersey with my wife, Jeanne. I have two grown sons and recently, the wife and I became grandparents for the second time. They are the biggest reasons I wanted to get my books published. I work as a computer specialist at a public-school system by day, and I write at night. I consider myself a storyteller, more than an author. The distinction, I would prefer to be amongst the crowd, telling the story, instead of alone in a room, writing it. During my downtime, I enjoy photography, fishing, and nature walks. During fishing trips with my dad, I would often go off on nature walks on my own. Whether on the sand dunes by the seashore or in the woodlands by a lake, I enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds of nature. These experiences inspired the settings for my books.
This week I interviewed EdgarJourney Home: Aeternus Pond Series - Book 1, a grandfather of two, with two books already under his belt. Shall we see what Edgar's been up too and what he has coming up.!
https://www.elizabethnharris.net/post...
Hello Edgar, welcome to your interview, it's time to get nosey! Let's start with a little bit about yourself!
I was born and raised in New York City, and am currently living in Livingston, New Jersey with my wife, Jeanne. I have two grown sons and recently, the wife and I became grandparents for the second time. They are the biggest reasons I wanted to get my books published. I work as a computer specialist at a public-school system by day, and I write at night. I consider myself a storyteller, more than an author. The distinction, I would prefer to be amongst the crowd, telling the story, instead of alone in a room, writing it. During my downtime, I enjoy photography, fishing, and nature walks. During fishing trips with my dad, I would often go off on nature walks on my own. Whether on the sand dunes by the seashore or in the woodlands by a lake, I enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds of nature. These experiences inspired the settings for my books.
