Lily Lawson's Blog: Lily's log, page 4

Bambi Sommers Interview

When and how did you start writing?

 

I’ve written all my life, but not normally stories. Poems, song lyrics, press releases… Lots of press releases, radio ads. I wrote my first book when I was 61 after receiving an email from Simon and Schuster announcing their romance writing contest.

Tell me about your books

 

I have nine on Amazon at this time. They’re all romantic suspense. I love reading about alpha men and women strong enough to be with them. Writers usually write what they love to read.

How does a story begin for you? Is it an idea, a conversation, a title, or an image?

 

I like to start out with a conversation. It may not be in the book, but it’s definitely in my head.I find writing a conversation can involve the reader immediately.

Writing fiction is different to writing ads and press releases did you find it a big adjustment?

 

I wouldn’t say it was such an adjustment, more of an adventure. In fact, once I started writing, I wanted to do it more often than not and, luckily, the words flowed.

Has being an editor changed how you write?

 

Most definitely! In fact, I was never crazy about the first couple pages of my first book. So I recently decided to just rewrite those couple pages. Just tweak it a bit. Re-reading my work made me realize how much I have learned. Everyone learns from being a writer but I learned from being an editor. So I am currently revamping all of my books.

What do you consider your greatest writing accomplishment?

 

My greatest writing accomplishment? That’s a tough one. And I think it’s being able to share my work and my knowledge. This summer I started to teach a writer’s workshop at our local library. I have found working with other writers, and passing along any knowledge I might have has been a real boost for me. So much so, I believe I may be learning even more than my students.

What was your biggest challenge?

 

The biggest challenge I faced wasn’t so much writing, as it was taking that first year and trying to learn everything I could about being an author, publishing, Amazon, advertising, marketing. As all writers know, and would-be writers need to know, you are not just a writer. You are a business owner. you take care of every aspect of that business.

What advice would you give other writers?

 

I tell my editing clients to keep their feet on the ground. Go into this business with your eyes wide open. After all, it is a business. You may not get sales at first. You may have to rework and rework and rework how you advertise, how you market. There are so many of us who are self publishing. It’s like standing in the middle of a crowded concert and shouting to get the band to hear you over all the music and the noise. That’s what it’s like getting your book seen. But it’s worth it. Don’t go into this business and give up right away if your dreams don’t come true. Give yourself some grace. Take the time. Learn the business.

What would you do if you didn’t write?

 

I’ve already done what I would do if I didn’t write. I was in radio for 18 years then I managed a multi doctors office for the next 15. Plus I had other jobs along the way. If I didn’t write at the moment, I would do something else creative. In fact, I still take time out to do things I love such as read, and fiber arts.

What is your ultimate dream as a writer?

If I have one dream as a writer, it would be to write something which may impact the reader in a significant way. Now that would be top of the heap.I haven’t tried that yet. For now, I’m very happy writing when I can, and mostly growing my editing  business.

 

What are your current projects? What should we be looking out for?

 

I have been working on a book for about two years, which is way too long for me. So long in fact, I’m not sure I will ever really publish it. I got lost along somewhere along the way when my editing business became busy and I began editing more than writing. I will tell you if I do publish the book, it’s a romcom, and it’s about a woman whose name is Hell.

Biography

When Bambi Sommers started writing romance thrillers, she felt like she’d come home. Years in a career which included writing ads for radio and television, along with loads of press releases, coupled with her voracious reading led her in the direction of her own stories. Diving into them with heart and humor, characters continue to take shape for each book and she continually hopes you’ll find entertainment, comfort and family in all.

She resides in Northeastern Ohio with her husband and four very personable (and extremely spoiled) felines where she runs her own editing business.

Feel free to reach out to her at sommersbambi@gmail.com or visit her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or her website at bambisommers.com. to share my  story.    I semi-retired in  2017, kept a  part-time  job & started  writing. Two years later, I saw  the need for  affordable  editors and offered my services.  By the end of  that  year  I had  enough  work to quit my job. Grateful doesn’t begin to describe how I feel!

Tanya Packer Interview

When and how did you start writing?

I gave up my dream to write when I was in high school due to a teacher. I came back to writing when my son was very young.

Tell me about your books

My first 3 are devotional books. I have a middle grade fantasy series, 2 of my middle grade fantasy books are published, Nadira’s Storykeeper and Nadira’s Lost Children. I have 1 middle grade book in the developmental edit stage, and book 4 is my WIP.

I also have a picture book due out any day now!

How does a story begin for you?

My middle grade fantasy started with massive amounts of research!

Is it an idea, a conversation, a title, or an image?

My devotional books came because of a conversation with my son. My middle grade fantasy series came together in 2 ways: a conversation then a picture that sparked 3 characters.

What writing advice have you been given that really helped you?

Find what works for you, plan or pants or something in between. Don't force yourself to use someone else’s method.

What do you consider your greatest writing accomplishment?

Originally, my answer was my middle grade fantasy series, but now that I’ve written a picture book, I have to say that is definitely my greatest accomplishment.

What was your biggest challenge?

Getting reviews lol, seriously though I would say finding the time to write lately.

What message do you want people to get from your books if any?

I want kids to see themselves and friends in my books. My hope is that my diverse cast of characters will allow all kids to find someone to relate to.

Has a book really touched you? Made you rethink your views on life? If so, what was it?

A few come to mind... but I can’t think of their proper titles and all my books are in storage.

What would you do if you didn’t write?

Save money? Day dream? Have more time for my other hobbies.

What is your ultimate dream as a writer?

I will be happy if I get letters from kids telling me they loved my characters.

What are your current projects? What should we be looking out for?

I'm working on book 4 of my mg fantasy series and I have 12 other picture books I’m playing with.

Biography

One Thanksgiving I was blessed with the birth of my handsome son, and I started telling him stories. As I whispered stories to him and we played with his Lego figures, the desire to write was rekindled. Eventually, I began writing him stories. Kaylee's Adventures was a joy to write. Every day my son would hurry home from school to hear what I had worked on and together we would chat about what Kaylee had done that day and what her next adventure should be. The idea for the devotional books came from a discussion one night with my son. He was frustrated that he never got to know the characters in his devotional. We often spent time dreaming about each character's backstory. If you're interested in learning the difference between a devotional and a book, check out this link: https://tanyapacker.com/2019/06/10/whats-the-difference-a-books-a-book-right/

The inspiration for Timothy's Adventures came from a discussion with one of my cousins at a family reunion. He suggested I join my two passions together and write an anti-racism/anti-bullying devotional book. My three delightful devotionals generate meaningful discussion for the entire family and will capture your children's attention from beginning to end. After publishing Timothy's Adventure, my husband, son, and I had a discussion about what I would write next. When I told them I was going to write a middle-grade fantasy they both said I didn't know anything about fantasy, but I have loved every minute of sharing my fantasy writing journey with them! I am thrilled to share the fruits of that journey with you, Nadira's Storykeeper and Nadira's Lost Children with you! I am an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and active with the online writing community. I have a Master of Divinity where I specialized in educational ministries. The inspiration for my books comes from working with families and young people for over fifteen years and from my love of classical works like Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Mary Poppins, Neverending Story, Bridge to Terabithia, Magic School Bus, and Labyrinth.

You can find Tanya via these links

Website - https://tanyapacker.com/

Merchandise website - https://www.tanyapackerstore.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TanyaPackersbooks

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13480019.Tanya_Packer

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ca/Tanyakidsbooks/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tanya_packer/

Phoning it in

'The innocence of youth had taken early departure. His eyes surveying for opportunity. Accusations met with beseeching eyes. The guilt transferred to whoever his gaze fell upon.'

This is my response to an image someone shared in a writing group. I wrote it in about 5 minutes. It made me think.

Why is my writing sometimes what might be considered good? And why does it sometimes seem like I am chucking words at a page to reach the word count and producing less than quality worK?

There was no pressure to write anything at all. If I don't think through my idea and just write that can sometimes work out better than deliberating over it. Yes I can make a story or poem shine a bit brighter if I spend time polishing it. I am not precious at all about my work as long as it's my work we are talking about needing improvement and not me (although of course I need improvement too).

I think sometimes my wish to impress elevates my writing. If I am chucking it into the void where it will lie forgotten does it matter if it's a bit raggedy ? Admittedly the clock can also play a role. If it needs to be written when if it was up to me I wouldn't be writing that can maybe reflect in the content. Writing when I am called to write can produce a better quality of work. Unfortunately life does not always work that way.

The more I write the more I am called to and the more I am called to the less likely I will be phoning it in.

Image by Jan Vašek from Pixabay

Things to bear in mind when living with a writer

1. We may keep strange hours. We can be either up at dawn, awake till the early hours or waking up at intervals to get the writing done. Some of us don’t seem to have a sleep pattern at all.

2. We can forget to eat, well properly anyway. We can survive it seems on snacks and mainlining caffeine/water etc

3. We need lots of storage – for the books, stationery, bookmarks, and general paraphernalia we seem to acquire.

4. If you tell us something interesting you may end up in a spontaneous interview because we are trying to see if we can use anything you say.

5. Yes, we need to be on social media a lot. I am maybe a little addicted.

6. Our search history is weird and we have monkey brains – or is that just me? We have no real intentions of harming anyone – for one thing we would have to leave the computer to do so.

7. Housework/food shopping etc can be an unwelcome interruption – I have to write tasks down or they won’t get done at all.

8. We can walk around muttering to ourselves what would appear senseless nonsense – we are trying to work out what happens next or fix the sentence/poem we are unhappy with.

9. We will say ‘Yes!’ for no apparent reason and/or get very excited because 8 finally paid off.

10. We will ask vague questions without explanation like ‘What does X mean to you?’ or ‘What would you do/say if X happened?’ These are fictional and there is no need to call for medical/police assistance.

11. We will talk to you about people/books you have never heard of and probably are not interested in.

12. We will gift you friends’ books for your Birthday/Christmas/special occasion and want your detailed opinion so we can write a review.

13. Losing an internet connection can spoil our day especially if we have the same provider for our mobile.

14. Yes, we do need to have our phone with us all the time – to make notes/do research etc.

15. We are great at finding obscure stuff – we are researchers after all.

16. We know a lot of obscure facts we will never use.

17. We may ignore you if you speak to us – we are in our writing world – please do not be offended. If you really want our attention, bring drinks and/or snacks.

18. Yes, it is normal to have 27 moods in one day for no discernible reason – we have to read our work.

19. We do appreciate you looking at 9 versions of our book cover with very slight, almost impossible to determine changes.

20. We may ask you to help us act out our words. There is no need to fear we just want to check the angle of the knife and if using the other hand makes much difference, we will not actually stab you. Killing our darlings is writing terminology.

21. We may wish to go to strange locations to help us with the setting of our book. These places may never appear in anything we write.

22. We can spend all day ‘busy’ and end up with the same amount or even less words than we started with.

23. Looking off into the distance or staring out the window is actually work – honest.

24. We can hang out in groups which, trust me, is better for the rest of the population.

25. If you are with us for the potential financial rewards, you would be better off buying a lottery ticket.

Ivy Logan Interview

When and how did you start writing?

I always had a love for stories whether books or movies, since I was a little girl. Somewhere along the way, I started telling stories first to my classmates and much later to my young children.

But it was my husband encouraged me to start writing.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C9HTV212/ref=

Tell me about your books?

I write about imperfect families, flawed characters and love and redemption. I often happen to use the canvas of fantasy for my writing.

Writing about strong women, I’m continuously inspired by such women from all walks of life - whether authors or ordinary women or sportswomen and I never hesitate to give them a shoutout when I can.

What inspired you to write your series?

All my life growing up I read stories about hapless princesses who were waiting for the right man to come along and rescue them. Whether from a tower or a dragon or an evil witch. I wanted a princess who needed a prince in her life because she loved him not because she wanted his protection. I needed a princess who could be a warrior as well as a mother, a daughter and a wife and so I created her.

Thus Broken, my debut happened because I was jaded and weary of ‘princesses’ who needed a prince to rescue them. I wanted a girl who was kind and loving but able to stand up for herself, protect herself. The kind of woman who would say, “Hey wait up, let me rescue you.”

Did you plan the series out or are you taking it one book at a time?

I believe that young girls need inspirational fictional figures to look up to. I work with that premise on each book and I have an overall sense of the direction I’m going in but I don’t have preset detailed notes for each plot or character. I’m a true blue pantser.

What was your biggest writing challenge?

Writing Redemption. Metamorphosis ended on a bit of a cliff hanger and Broken, had ended with a sort of a happily ever after. Yet, I wanted to bring characters from both books together (though both books were quite disparate from each other ) even though they were set in different times. Accomplishing that, and doing a great job at it (thanks to the help of all the alpha and beta readers) is what makes me feel like I crossed a major hurdle.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C9HTV212/ref=

What do you consider your greatest writing accomplishment?

People have told me that I was taking a huge risk writing a series about different characters and also different POVs in each book this but to tell you the truth I’m a person who follows my heart and the story. These were the stories waiting to be told and they had to be told in a certain way.

What do you want your readers to feel when they have closed the last page of your book?

Sad that the story is over, that they had to say good bye to characters they had grown to genuinely care about. But I also want them to feel joyful that the story has reached the kind of ending that they might have never envisaged. I love surprising my readers, because as a reader that’s what I love—surprises. And also, I want them to look forward to more from me as a writer.

Has a book really touched you? Made you rethink your views on life? If so, what was it?

Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. She taught me that being a princess (read, being a better person) is about caring, being genuine irrespective of your personal circumstances. Wealth does not make a princess. One’s behavior does. Now think about that!

What would you do if you didn’t write?

I was an HR professional for 10 years after completing my post-graduation qualification, and I was pretty great at my job. But this, right here, writing is where I truly found myself. So, if I was not writing I hope it would be doing something like helping writers promote their work. I’m great at writing blurbs and marketing promos for books. Many say I have found my true calling.

What is your ultimate dream as a writer?

I have an affinity for words. I write better than I talk. Seeing my words on paper, seeing a story unfold, and when other people appreciate my writing that’s what makes it rewarding. But people buying my books, talking about my books and a movie, the typical writer’s dream, that’s my dream too.

What are your current projects? What should we be looking out for?

I’m working on a fantasy thriller called Mother Knows Best. And I have Book III of my series, The Breach Chronicles, Redemption, due for release on 23rd September 2023.

Biography

Ivy’s stories are often a blend of a fractured fairy tale and a dark fantasy but are also, always full of love and light. These original tales, pushing the barrier between fantasy and reality, challenge myths—does a dragon always have to be terrifying, why does the prince face the dragon, is a happily ever after defined by only two people madly in love, do blood diamonds only have to appear in gritty movies and non-fiction books? Can fantasy stories be about vulnerable characters and situations that we see in the world around us? Can fantasy books be written for non-fantasy lovers? Why exclude readers who love thrillers, mysteries, adventures and romance? The Breach Chronicles is for everyone—grown-ups and children. Ivy loves coloring outside the lines and her stories hold meaning for everyone who reads them. It is interesting to note that Ivy enjoys writing clean stories about strong women and young girls who are far from perfect but find it in themselves to stand against injustice. Her characters are fighters, but they love, cry, hurt, and bleed. They believe in family, friendship, and sacrifice. They might live in fantasy worlds, but they are real, fragile and vulnerable, while being strong as you and I.

LINKS

Broken (Broken But Not Lost)

Kindle Edition

https://mybook.to/Brokenkindlecopy

Broken (Broken But Not Lost)

Print edition

https://mybook.to/BrokenPrint

Metamorphosis ( The Girl With No Face)

https://mybook.to/yLH6Yg

You can find Ivy on her website https://www.ivylogan.com/

Follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/Ivyloganauthor

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ivyloganauthor

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

Reasons to review?

Authors are always banging on about reviews. They shout on social media, in their newsletters, on their website, requests at the end of their books, in interviews ... they won't shut up about it. If you are not an author you may wonder why.

Imagine you were looking for somewhere to have a meal and there are three similar places to choose from. Your choices are -

The Sumptuous Star - EVERYBODY's been and raves about it, you have to book weeks in advance and even then it might be 6pm on a Tuesday at the table next to kitchen with no leg room and a limited menu as the HUGE menu is only available at the weekend. You need a mortgage to pay for three courses.

Hope Hotel - mixed reviews but you can get a table next week after happy hours' over if you book now. You can choose from the whole menu. Your fussy friend and their picky partner are regulars. The menu is priced to give options for every budget.

The International Indie - You came across it when the traffic got diverted that time. No-one's heard of it but a leaflet came through the door that they are doing a free dessert with every main this weekend and they have availability when you called. Their menu offers a range of very good food and they will adapt for dietary requirements.

Which one would you choose and why?

Heather Lynn Interview

When and how did you start writing?

I started writing about 13 years ago when I realized I had a story in my heart. At that time, I was in my early forties and my youngest had settled into school. My education and background was (and is) strictly science, so my writing up to that point was more science-y—research/essay type of thing—but I thought “What the heck?”. So, I started to do my research…

Tell me about your books

From the beginning, my story was to be a saga. It seems that most of my favourites over the years have been series’ that take you through the MC’s life, rather than a particular event: Outlander, of course! (Diana Gabaldon), Into the Wilderness (Sara Donati), Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean Auel), Twilight (Stephanie Meyer). That’s what I wanted for my characters—their lives. (Wrings her hands and cackles maniacally.)

Book 1, Sky Watcher: A Shadow in Time begins when Charlotte attempts to prevent the hanging of a woman she thinks may be an ancestor, back in 1818. Charlotte has come to find that her beliefs align with those of Wicca and she uses those beliefs, together with her stones, to travel back. Of course, once she arrives, she meets an array of characters and is befriended by the owners of the general store. As life moves forward there is true friendship, love, jealousy, hatred, murder, devastation, and learning. We are a part of her life as she celebrates her beliefs, uses her knowledge for herbal healing, and fights with her own feelings on falling in love, returning home, and missing her best friend who remains in the future. How she becomes “Sky Watcher” is a significant part of the story, but not something I will give away.

My goal is to leave the reader in love with my main characters (as I am): I want to leave them wanting more, and happy to know there is more.

How does a story begin for you? Is it an idea, a conversation, a

title, or an image?

I will say this … Several years ago, I was struck by an idea—a story about a young woman deliberately going back in time for a specific purpose. I knew her basic personality traits, but I had to conceive of a way to get to 1818 that was as believable as fiction will allow.

I considered this and that—standing stones, a time machine, a clock, already been done. Magic? Perhaps… As I researched a variety of beliefs and powers, two things came to me hand-in-hand, Wicca and the powers within stones/crystals. I read much about Wiccan rituals, Sabbats, moon phases, herbals and found it extremely interesting. When I stumbled upon the “magic” within stones and crystal, I found it fascinating. I was driven to write by these new interests, incorporating them into the story as I meshed them together, infusing them into my main character’s belief system.

Books 1 and 2 were actually written together because they occur at the same time. By that I mean, book 2 is kind of what would have happened in book 1 had Charlotte chosen differently—enough said. They had to be planned and written at the same time.

Did you plan your series from the beginning, or did/do you take

it one book at a time?

I planned the bones of this story from the beginning. As it will be 5 books in total (I think), I only planned the major events, but they were all planned as I wrote the first and second books. This is good and bad. Good because I know where I’m going as I steer my way through the story. Bad because I am always sooooo ready to move on to the next plot point. Sometimes it’s difficult not to jump ahead to the next book. That being said, the final lines of the saga were written as I wrote book 3. I couldn’t help myself…

What was your favourite research activity you have done for a

book?

Hmmm, that’s a good question . . . I have had to research a lot: Wicca, powers in stones, herbal healing, dates and moon phases, Native American totems, the list goes on. I think most interesting/fun were the stones and totems. I’ve always enjoyed picking up stones that looked pretty, but when I learned about the “magic” within stones and crystal, I found it fascinating. Who knew?! Suddenly, as fast as I was writing, I was collecting various stones, making the odd bit of jewelry with them, and displaying them in my office. Now, I have a nice collection which includes all of Charlotte’s favourites (moonstone, bloodstone, jet, malachite) and more!

Totems are also interesting and wonderful symbols to use in writing. They possess very real power and magic, and adding them to a work of fiction gives them that much more potential. I love the symbolism I have used throughout my story. I am completely obsessed with one symbol in particular—the dragonfly. In my home, I have dragonflies inside and out, I even got a tattoo of one a couple of years ago. Yep . . . obsessed!

What do you want your readers to feel when they have closed

the last page of your book?

Well, for books 1-4, I’d like them to ask “When’s the next one coming out? I want to know! I need to know!!” But, when the last page of the last book is read, I want them to feel warm and fuzzy, to have enjoyed the journey, and maybe feel a little disappointed that it’s over.

What advice would you give other writers?

Just do it! It takes time, maybe more than you have, but just keep at it. Learn how others have proceeded and the steps you need to take to get yourself out there. Ask questions of the #writingcommunity, they are all around you, always there and willing to help. Don’t give up on yourself or your writing, just don’t . . . You can do it!!!

What would you do if you didn’t write?

To be honest, I’m not sure what else could have captured me this way, but I’ll tell you this, the house would be cleaner!!!

What is your ultimate dream as a writer?

The ultimate dream?

I guess I would just like people to enjoy my story (series) and tell others.

(It would be great to break even on my expenses so far, too! **wink**)

What are your current projects? What should we be looking out

for?

Currently, I’m working to finish up book 4, which as yet has no title. I hope to get it out before the year is out!!! That said . . . I gotta get to it!

Bio

Heather Lynn, born in Toronto, Ontario, lives with her family just north of the city. Her education in biology and health sciences has supported an ongoing interest in physiology and the potential of herbal healing. In addition, she has been intrigued by the possibility and impossibility of time travel since childhood. When she's not writing, Heather enjoys family time, working in her garden, and learning more about the 'power' of stones.

You can find Heather on her website https://www.heatherlynnbooks.com/

and follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/SkyWatcher_HL

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

and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SkyWatcher.HL

João F. Silva Interview

When and how did you start writing?

I’ve always written bits and pieces growing up. I used to write very introspective and stream of consciousness pieces for myself when I was in college. In 2015, I attended a short course on fiction writing, which gave me some much-needed tools to attempt writing a contemporary thriller, but due to massive life changes, I never really had the stability in my life to dedicate myself to writing. So, it wasn’t until 2018 that I first tried to give writing a serious try at writing—in English this time, since Portuguese is my native language. The first few attempts at writing a novel in English were a complete disaster, but I didn’t give up and in 2020 I started writing what is now my debut novel.

Tell me about your books

So far, the only book I have published is Seeds of War. It’s a gritty epic fantasy story for adults and the start of a new series called The Smokesmiths. I think it’s a perfect book for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Mike Shackle, Peter McLean and Ed McDonald. It’s a multi-POV story, with alien creatures, smoke-based magic, politics, found-family and flawed characters doing what they can to survive in a harsh world.

What inspired you to write this book and the others that follow?

The original inspiration was my exhaustion of chosen-one and farmboy-to-hero tropes in fantasy books. It seems at the time that every book I picked up had those tropes and while I liked the familiarity, I was… tired of them. So, I decided to write a book with no heroes, just flawed characters who sometimes make very questionable decisions. And instead of a farm boy teenager protagonist, I wanted to split the attention between three main characters: a middle-aged single mother, an elderly man and a chronically-ill younger man. I also drew a bit from my own experience as an immigrant and all the three characters are sort of rootless people, who are struggling in different ways with the concept of ‘home’, although that isn’t super noticeable in the book because I didn’t want the themes to overshadow the story.

Have you planned your series out or are taking it one book at a time?

I have at least three books and one prequel novella planned in this series, but it’s highly possible that I will end up writing more books than that in the series.

What writing advice have you been given that really helped you?

Very early on, before I discovered outlines, I used to try to ‘pantse’ a story with no aim and seeing where it went. But I never ended up finishing them. Then I took a short course where the instructor helped us structure the ideas into something into the shape of an outline, and it immediately clicked for me. It was exactly what I needed. I don’t think I’d be able to finish novels if it hadn’t been for that.

What’s the best thing someone has said about your writing?

I think my favourite comment was from a reviewer who finished Seeds of War and said it was the ‘perfect summer fantasy read’. It will be hard to beat how awesome that comment was!

Has a book really touched you? Made you rethink your views on life? If so, what was it?

Yes. Kings of Paradise by Richard Nell. It’s a gritty and brutal epic fantasy book with three main POV’s, much like Seeds of War. The depth of the emotions of the characters, the hardships they go through and the way they overcome their challenges was just so well done I couldn’t read anything after that for like almost a month. People say the book is brutal and too dark, but I think by seeing how deep the characters dug and how they persevered in such a brutal world when most people would call it quits is… empowering. It gave me hope: if the characters can survive and make it despite absolutely insane ordeals, then I, too, can overcome whatever is in front of me.

What advice would you give other writers?

Always hone your craft, and find your niche, your community. The community can help you in more ways than you can imagine, but you must find it first and cultivate relationships with people. And don’t listen to the opinions of those whose opinion shouldn’t matter to you. This applies when finding beta readers and critique partners: if they don’t read or write in your subgenre, then their opinion is worth much less than that of those who do. So, find them, find your people!

What is your ultimate dream as a writer?

The pipe dream is to be a full-time author and have my current income be replaced exclusively by income from writing. That would mean many people have liked my books enough to support me.

What are your current projects? What should we be looking out for?

I’m currently working on a prequel novella for The Smokesmiths, which I’m hoping will be out by the end of the summer or early autumn. It will be free to whoever subscribes to my mailing list. I’ll also be working on Book Two in the series, which hopefully will be out by the start of next year.

Bio

João F. Silva was born in a small town in Portugal but now lives in London, with his three feline co-workers/bosses. He writes Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror and has been on the jury for the 2020 and 2022 editions of the Best Newcomer Award at the British Fantasy Awards. His short fiction was published in Grimdark Magazine and Haven Speculative. His novel Seeds of War is the first instalment in the upcoming Smokesmiths series.

Here are the links:Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BYTV3STBUniversal link: https://books2read.com/SeedsOfWarGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123513801-seeds-of-warTwitter: https://twitter.com/JoaoSilvaWritesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joaosilvawrites/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joaosilvawrites

Jane Langan Interview (short stories)

Q1. What inspired you to write this book?

A1. That’s a tricky question as each story came from a different place. Some of the stories, like Púca and The China Doll were written for my masters in creative writing with the Open University (OU). Others came from writing prompts or just out of my imagination. The Solstice Baby story is a version of my story. I’m adopted and my parents got me on the Winter Solstice, other than that the story is pure fiction.

Q2. What did you learn when writing your book?

A2. I have always written something. I have written a diary since I was a child and still do. I have written a blog since 2009. I have written poetry and stories in the back of notebooks for years. I just decided, around the time I was fifty, that I should stop putting them at the back of the books and bring them to the front.

What I have learned is that writing is a job. You need to set time for it and then put your pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard and just write – it may be nonsense and it may be nothing. But occasionally a gem of a thing emerges. I have also learned my grammar is rubbish and I have to work really hard to ensure it isn’t!

I also learned, when I was editing The Solstice Baby and Other Stories, that all these stories hold up in their own right (in my opinion) even the ones I thought weren’t as good after I had just written them. They are a body of work, which I have poured and stressed over and I should be proud of that.

Q3. Which is your favourite story in your book?

A3. That’s like choosing a favourite child, but if I must – I like Socks – It’s a 50-word story that really gets to the essence of being a parent. For a longer piece, probably Púca – not necessarily because I think it is the best story, but because I poured everything, I had into it. It was the first story I handed in as a TMA for the OU – It has been rewritten, renamed and all sorts. It is also, probably, the closest to the style of fiction I like best. I like stories set in reality, but with a twist.

Q4. You say you treat writing as a job, how many hours a day do you write?

A4. My day starts and 9am and usually finishes about 3pm so I can cook dinner for my family – my husband works shifts and my youngest daughter gets in about 4pm after school - they are usually famished. I can’t always write all day – like most writers I have a side hustle – I have a little shop on Etsy that sells gifts and curated vintage things. Most mornings I fill in the spreadsheet to show what I have sold, print out packing slips and postage labels and at lunch time package up things. I go to the post office every other day, except at Christmas time when it gets really busy and I have to go daily. After I have done that, I check the Castle Priory Press email and respond to any queries there if Ruth hasn’t got there first. I also make any amendments to the website etc. After that it’s time to write – usually by about 10am – 11am. I write poetry, short stories and novels. When I am novel writing, I tend to be quite focused and do nothing but that. When I am working on poetry or short stories, I also look at competitions I can enter or magazines who are looking for submissions. Sometimes, If I don’t feel I have done enough, I will work in the evenings. Especially if my husband is on the late shift.

Q5. If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

A4. I was quite wild as a teenager, but always into reading and writing. The only O level I got an A in was English Literature. I also did OK in English Language – although I think the curriculum back then let me down, which I realised when I came to do my BA and realised how awful my grammar was. That stopped me writing. My first degree was in Drama and English Literature – In the first year my English lecturer made me feel like a complete idiot, sent me to ‘special’ classes to help my grammar and made me rewrite numerous essays – I only just scraped through my first year. The whole thing bashed my confidence and I stopped writing creatively for a quite a while. If that hadn’t happened, I think I would have gone down the master’s route sooner. And the more I write, I believe, the better I become at it.

I read somewhere that it takes about six novels to become a good novel writer – I have written three. The first still needs so much editing it scares me. The second is in a good place but I know it could be better. The third is written but again needs editing. So, I just have three more to go and then who knows.

My review of The Solstice Baby and Other Stories

J M Langan's short stories are varied in length and genre. There will be something for everyone within these pages. It's broken down into 6 helpful sections so you can choose the order or leave some out if a section is not for you. I missed out most of the horror section.

Some will surprise you, some you will find have taken up residence in your head, all well written and all pulling you in. 'Socks' and the 'Self cleaning woman' come to mind although all are worthy of praise. An enjoyable collection. Very happy to read more by the author.

Biography

1 husband, 2 children, 2 cats, 1 camera, 1 laptop, 1 blog ...My name is Jane, but if you type in MuddyNoSugar into Google you'll find me.I've been blogging since 2009. I blog about the world we live in, my kids, CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia), mental health, the menopause, grief, and what makes me grumpy.

I have successfully completed my masters degree in creative writing and I'm currently working on my second novel.I have a book of poetry called Blood Kisses published and available here. I also have some of my poems published here and in various other online magazines.

I was co-founder and editor of the online creative arts magazine Makarelle and now I'm in the process of setting up a small independent publishing house with my friend and fellow writer RE Loten - more about that here.As none of my writing makes me a living (yet!), I also have a little gift shop full of lovely handmade and vintage things - you can check that out here.

If that's all a bit much link wise, just use my linktree.This is my Linktree I am available for any freelance writing work.

Wendy Bayne Interview

When and how did you start writing?

I was 63 when I penned my first book. I was done out of boredom. I retired early from a successful career in healthcare as an ICU nurse and was awaiting surgery.

I have always loved historical novels and murder mysteries were a particular favourite of mine.

I had no idea what I was doing after reading every book in our house more than once. I sat down with my laptop each day and let my imagination run wild it took me 18 months to complete my first book.

It was rough and rambling. Finally, I hired an editor, which was a terrible idea. In my naivety, I published through their company and issued a less-than-polished book trusting their experience in the business.

I took back control of my book and felt demoralised, ready to pitch it all out the window until one of my sons suggested I publish independently. Unfortunately, it still wasn’t perfect, and it took me several rewrites to develop something that I was satisfied with and turned it loose on my beta readers.

It reignited my desire to write, but my goal to become a famous writer had changed to just producing something that could be a legacy for my family.

Tell me about your books

My books are mid-19th-century British thrillers with murder, mayhem and a touch of romance and humour. My Main character is a young upper-class woman Lissa (Clarissa) Turner Johnson, later Lady Tinely, who discovers her real Father is a spy for the British Crown. Hence the subtitle for my book Crimes Against the Crown.

How does a story begin for you? Is it an idea, a conversation, a title, or an image?

Since my books are a series, they sort of catapult from one event after another, usually inspired by some historical event of the period.

The first book was inspired by writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Charlotte Bronte and Charles Dickens.

What was your favourite research activity you have done for a book?

I have a cast of characters that revolve around my MCs, and I feel the need to portray real life as well as the main event. So I try to make them look and sound believable. It takes a great deal of time to research the conditions in the British Isles for the period.

But I love it, though sometimes, I get caught up in the rabbit hole of research and need to pull myself, allowing the reader to use their imagination to colour in the scenes I create.

What do you want your readers to feel when they have closed the last page of your book?

I want my readers to feel that they have been beside Lissa, discovering her world as she experiences what happens around her and to her.

One of your books was described as ‘Jane Austen meets James Bond’. What’s the best thing someone has said about your writing?

One reviewer called me the mastermind of epic historical fiction. I would beg to differ, but I must admit it made me think that there is an audience for historical fiction, and I wasn’t being a fool for putting my offerings out to the public.

What advice would you give other writers?

Have patience, work and rework your book. Look at it with a ruthless eye and not as if it was your baby. And take criticism with a grain of salt. Not everyone is right when they critique your work, so try not to take it all to heart. Something I still struggle to do.

“In my experience, nothing is harder for the developing writer than overcoming his [or her] anxiety that he is fooling himself and cheating or embarrassing his family and friends.”

-John Gardner, novelist and literary critic

Has a book really touched you? Made you rethink your views on life? If so, what was it?

When I first read Jane Eyre, I realised people decide their destiny, not family, friends or socio-economic background. We choose our path. So to coin a phrase, “choose wisely”.

What would you do if you didn’t write?

Read. I am a voracious reader.

What is your ultimate dream as a writer?

To leave a part of me behind that says that Wendy Bayne had a passion for storytelling.

What are your current projects? What should we be looking out for?

I am writing my 16th book in my series and editing book 9, titled Retribution, a story of international intrigue, lost love, and revenge.

Bio

Wendy Bayne is a Canadian author who has always been fascinated with the 19th century since finding herself lost in the works of well-known authors such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, and Thomas Hardy.

She weaves historical facts from the 19th century into the fictional world of Lord and Lady Tinley by adding intrigue and suspense, a few outrageous personalities, murder, and more than one harrowing rescue, all in service to the Crown and the peace of the realm.

So, why did she choose the post-Napoleonic period for her books? It was an exciting time, a world aswirl in silks, seduction, and the intrigue of the post-war period, full of political and economic duplicity.

Radical new ideas and innovations were clashing with the past's conventional thinking. Moreover, society was changing; people challenged class norms and their society's fundamental values. As a result, there was a renewed interest in the novel during the late Georgian and Victorian eras. A key theme of these novels was social commentary, satirising the nobility's lifestyle and offering keen observations regarding the class and gender distinctions of the time.

It was a period marked by change and one in which you can find relevance to today's struggles and conflicts. Therefore, she endeavoured to infuse my cast of characters with values significantly opposed to the era, thus making them curiosities to the others in their class.

You can follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/bayne_wendy