Aynoit Ashor's Blog, page 8

#WriterWednesday with Sibel Hodge

Today's interview is with the Harry Bowling Prize (2008) and The Yeovil Literary Prize award winner, Sibel Hodge!

Sibel, you were born in the UK, but I see that you have dual nationality.  Tell us more about that:   I have have dual British/Turkish Cypriot nationality but I spend most of my time in North Cyprus now - the weather's a lot better!

What was your favorite book as a child?  Go Ask Alice by Anonymous. It was about a teenage girl who got hooked on drugs and really affected me on a deep level.

When did you first know you wanted to write books? I've always wanted to write women's fiction. As a little kid, I was always scribbling stories. In the UK I was too busy in the rat race, paying the mortgage, to have enough time to actually concentrate on writing. But when I moved to North Cyprus four years ago, I finally had the time, peace, and relaxed lifestyle to give me the inspiration I needed to start my novels. In fact, the idea for my debut romantic comedy novel, Fourteen Days Later, came to me while sitting on the terrace, watching the stunning Cyprus sunset.

Man, would I love to sit and watch that sunset.  It sound like a perfect way to end the day.  What do you like to do for fun? I like swimming, Yoga, annoying my husband!

Sounds like we have a lot in common.  Yoga give me a peace of mind and so does annoying my husband.  A day is not complete unless it includes annoying him.  Sibel tell us about your book:  Be Careful What You Wish For is A chicklit comedy mystery.  Armed with cool sarcasm and uncontrollable hair, feisty insurance investigator Amber Fox is back in a new mystery combining murder and mayhem with romance and chicklit…
Three deaths.
A safety deposit box robbery.
The boxing heavyweight champion of the world.
Somehow, they're all related, and Amber has to solve a four year old crime to find out why.
Be Careful What You Wish For is the second Amber Fox murder mystery that follows on from The Fashion Police.

Who is your favorite Be Careful What You Wish For character? Ooh, that's sooo hard! I love all my characters, even the nasty ones. Amber Fox, the lead female character, is close to my heart. She's got a lot of me in her. She's feisty, kick-ass, sarcastic, quirky, but at the same time she's got a vulnerable, sweet side.

It sounds like a fun book.  Why did you write it?  Because if I didn't write all the voices in my head would take over and I'd need to be medicated.contain a lot of real-life events in there. Better not say which ones in case I incriminate myself!

Why should a reader purchase Be Careful What You Wish For? Fans of authors like Janet Evanovich, Kate Johnson, and Gemma Halliday would enjoy this book, but it's for anyone who wants a fun read with a great mystery.

Sibel, what other books have you written? Fourteen Days Later, My Perfect Wedding, which are both romantic comedies and The Fashion Police, it's comedy mystery.

To purchase Be Careful What You Wish For visit:
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Smashwords

Thank you for taking time to interview with me Sibel! 

There ain't nothing like Hip-Hop Music.

I l-o-v-e Hip-Hop music.  It is my background music, the soundtrack of my life.  I'm not talking about the "sucker emcees" of the new era.  I mean REAL Hip-Hop music.

A friend of mine has introduced me to something I think is the best thing in the WORLD: Christian Hip-Hop.  Now to some, that may sound like an oxymoron but to me it's the Truth.  I spent the weekend with my husband and kids discovering new songs and artists. 

My new discovery has thrust me into a world I have been missing out on!  A world of positive, uplifting music.  I'm tired of the garbage played on the radio (that's why I don't listen to it).

Okay, for all you Hip-Hop heads, this music is FAR from weak.  It's not the cat-in-the-hat, Dr. Seuss rhymes you may associate Christian Hop-Hip with.  No, this music bangs and it bangs HARD.  My favorite artist right now is Lecrae.  His message is strong and he's speaking to those who lived a hard life and those who haven't.  (I will post one of Lecrae's songs in the future.)  But my favorite "amp me up" song would have to be "Streets of Philadelphia" on DJ Official's Entermission CD. 

Warning: This song will make you think it's not speaking the Word.

#WriterWednesday May 11

Next up for Writer Wednesday interview..... GARY HOOVER!  Author of the Science Fiction, Fantasy Fiction book Land of Nod.

Gary was born and raised in Pittsburgh, currently living in Jersey.  He says, "..but I don't have a deep, rich tan, huge hair or chiseled abs . . . and I've never 'whacked' anybody."  Let's chat with Gary about his first book, Land of Nod.

What do you like to do for fun?   Cars, motorcycles - I love studying how things work and watching them pushed to their limits.  I've got a Koi pond and I enjoy sitting and watching them . . . though if I ever get my hands on the Heron that ate several of them, while I'll . . . I also run Half-Marathons . . . actually it should be singular - 'Half Marathon'.  I use that as an excuse to go to Disney World now that my son is too old to go with me.  I'd look like an idiot going there without an excuse . . . now I just look foolish.  I guess you could call 'going to Disney World' a hobby.

Think back to your childhood.  What was your favorite book? Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy - It just tickled my brain and helped me look at things a little differently than I had before I read it.  It was great to see what happened when an author didn't follow the rules.

When did you know you wanted to write books?   For as long as I can remember.  I've always loved telling stories.  When I was in college, my mom pulled out some stories that I had written in elementary school.  After reading through some of them, I asked her:  "Why the heck didn't you seek professional help for me."
How long have you been writing?  Most of my life - but in scattered efforts.  I've only been working seriously for approximately the last two years.

Here's a challenge.  Tell us about your book in five sentences:  It's the story of a 14 year old boy, Jeff Browning, whose father disappeared mysteriously prior to the opening.  Jeff finds a portal in his father's office and suspects his father may have passed through that portal.  He enters the portal and finds himself in a strange, foreign world populated by alien creatures and he's nearly killed within minutes of arriving.  A family rescues him and treats him very well, but they also seem to think he's something more than he is.  Before Jeff knows what's happening, he's caught up in a war with creatures who have been haunting his nightmares.

Is "Land of Nod" part of a series?   Yes, it's the first book in a trilogy and it ABSOLUTELY will be a trilogy.  The trilogy defines the complete story arc and there will not be any 4th, 5th or 6th books no matter how much anyone offers me . . . well, then again, everybody has a price.  I just think mine's higher than anyone is likely to offer. . .  Maybe I should go back and take the all-caps off of 'absolutely' . . . nah, too lazy for that.

Why did you write "Land of Nod"?   I absolutely (lower case) love the feeling of being immersed in a good story and transported to another world . . . one that works so well that I can't wait to get home, pick up where I left off, and find out what happens next.  I've tried to do that with this book and I hope I can give that gift to readers.  I've had some very complimentary notes that make me feel I may have accomplished that goal for at least a few readers.

[image error] Tell us about your favorite "Land of Nod" character:  Toward the end, there's a character named Dave who is loud, filthy repulsive and will say pretty much whatever's on his mind.  He says the kind of things I would love to be able to say but can't (though my wife may tell you I overstate my restraint . . . but she's just a $##^%$#$# ).

Is there anything in "Land of Nod's" plot that happened in your real life?   Many elements are based - very loosely - on things I've experienced, but nothing specific.
Why should a reader Land of Nod"?   It's the kind of fun, adventure story that doesn't go in and out of style nearly as easily as the publishing industry seems to think it does . . . and there are no vampires.Purchase Land of Nod here:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Land-of-Nod-The-Artifact/Gary-Hoover/e/2940012665041/?itm=2

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/24547?ref=garyhoov

Eighty-three? Not that bad.

Eighty-three really isn't that bad.  My brother was born in 1983 during a winter storm but I'm not talking about him.  Eighty-three represents the total number of books I sold in my first full month of eBook sales.  (The total includes sales from Smashwords, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.)  Believe it or not, I sold more eBooks in one month than I ever did in paperback books.  (My first novella, I Wish I Would've was published in May 2009.)  My numbers this month look like they will be better than last month.  I will say that I have learned more in the last three months about self-pubbing and I am getting more exposure. 

Another note about last month, I received wonderful reviews and emails from readers.  One reader emailed me to tell me about an experience she had that was almost the exact experience as the boy in Sixty-7.  (It was a good experience.) 

Here's her review:  "After reading the first novel in Aynoit Ashor's "Family Secrets Series", I quickly grabbed this download and headed to my favorite coffee shoppe. I was not disappointed and as before I could not put it down until finished. Once I finished reading Sixty-7, I found myself reflecting on my childhood (I was blessed) and those of some of my friends and relatives (who faced ugly trials as children). I have to point out that I related so much to a particular event in the novel that I had to stop and regroup before I continued on. (Don't want to give anything away, so I will email the author.) It is an emotional read well worth your time. I await the next in the series!!"
Well, I am working on Novella #3 in the Family Secrets Series, the working title is Too Young for What. 

Mother's Day Reflection

Yesterday was Mother's Day here in the US.  My life wasn't all sunshine and candy but mom and I have a great relationship.  I have great memories growing up with my mom.  One of my favorite memories is her taking me to the creek.  We got sandwiches, drinks and chips from Wawa.  She took a blanket out of her trunk and we sat by a creek.  Mom let me put  my feet in the creek and walk around in the cool water.  If I remember correctly, she put her feet in to.  On days when I came in from playing in the snow, she would give me hot chocolate with marshmallows.  When I was about nine years old, my mom became the single mother of four and she worked hard.  When she got home from work, mom laid on the couch and took a nap.  She would turn on The Andy Griffith Show.  It always amazed me that when I tried to turn the channel, her eyes would pop open and she would tell me, "I'm listening to that." 

Now I'm a mom and I wouldn't change it for the world.  I know my mom made mistakes and the greatest thing about being a mom is not doing the things to my children that I didn't like my mom doing to me.  That's the good thing about being a mom.  A mom has the opportunity to make life better for their children (than it was for them).  I pray that I am raising my children to be productive adults.  I also hope that I am giving them childhood memories they will cherish as adults.

#SampleSunday Mother's Day Edition

"Sixty-seven percent of juvenile males who are in jail for murder are there for killing their mother's abuser." This Mother's Day, I share a sample of  Sixty-7 with you:

            The entire courtroom watched as I sat quietly in the witness chair.  I could not keep my legs still because of my nervousness.  I looked over toward my mom.  Her head was bowed like she was in prayer.  I saw tears dropping from her cheeks into her lap.  I thought of a statistic I read:   "67% of juvenile males who are incarcerated for murder or homicide are there for killing their mother's abuser."              "Mom, it's not your fault," I slowly said to her.  She was sitting across the room.  "You did all you could do for me.  I know you wanted better for me," I looked her in the eyes, "all mothers want better for their children.  I know you didn't have a lot growing up and you wanted me to have the best.  But you are not the only reason why my life has changed.  There were many factors that shaped my life and my decisions."            I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as I began to tell the court room my story.              I didn't really mind the fall, or winter, for that matter.  Some people complained because it was so cold but the cool fall air always made me feel like things were going to change.  This usually happened to people in the spring but I guess I felt this way because as a child my year revolved around school.            It was cold the day we got in his car.  Me and Mom stood at the bus stop with orange and yellow leaves raining down on us.  I looked up at the trees and saw their branches were becoming naked.  As I breathed in and out, I could see "smoke" coming out of my mouth.  I turned my mouth into a puckered circle and tried to blow "O's" like the ones I saw some grown-ups blow out of their mouths when they smoked cigarettes.  My "O's" didn't work.  I shrugged my shoulders, knowing I wasn't defeated.  I just needed more practice.  I thought about Dad.  He always told me to practice everything I did.  It would make me better.              I pulled out my favorite comic book, it was rolled up neatly in my back pants' pocket, then sat down on the cold bench.  We had just picked up the comic from the magazine aisle of the grocery store.  I sat down and read as my favorite superhero continued his adventures from last month.  I knew he was stuck in a jam and needed to fight his way out of it.  His arch rival always seemed to win at the end of the previous comic but within two pages next month's comic, he was on top.  He would fight his way out of his mess any way he could.  I loved that about him.  He would figure out a way to make things right, no matter what.              I was wearing my favorite winter gloves, the ones that showed pictures when they got cold. But, the thick gloves made it hard for me to turn the pages.  I took one off and delicately turned the pages of my newest beloved comic book with the ungloved hand.  I looked up at Mom's pretty, dark chocolate face.  I wanted to be sure she was not going to fuss at me about taking off the glove in the cold.  She checked her watch impatiently.  The frown on her face let me know the bus was late.               That was when he pulled up in a little silver-blue Omni with a hatch back.  Rock Box was blaring from his car stereo and poured out of his closed windows.  Mom looked at his car as he pulled up in front of us.  She was not impressed.  When the putt-putt stopped in front of Mom, he reached over the passenger seat and slowly rolled down the window.              "Hey cutie, I noticed the bus was running late.  Where you going?" when Mom didn't answer he shouted out the window, "Do you need a ride?"  Mom rolled her eyes and said we were heading home.  He continued shouting out the window, "There was an accident downtown.  I don't mind taking you where you need to go." Mom looked at her watch and hesitated.  She told him she didn't mind him dropping us off at home.  He smiled and got out the car to open the passenger side door for us.              Mom looked at me and took a deep breath, "Get your things together.  We're gonna get a ride home so we don't have to wait out here in the cold."  After hearing her, my mouth hit the floor. She told me to never ride with strangers and I wasn't sure if she knew him or not.  "Don't ride with strangers, don't talk to strangers", but she was always talking to people she didn't know.  It seemed like those types of rules are different for adults.  I welcomed the warmth of his heater as we got in the car.  My butt had gotten numb from sitting on the cold bus stop bench.  Once we got in the car he started talking slick to my Mom.  Yes, I may have only been ten at the time but I knew game when I heard it.            I discreetly looked him up and down, out of the corner of my eye.  He was wearing a black leather jacket, white sneakers with black stripes and blue jeans.  There was something about him that made me not trust him.  I couldn't figure it out.  They say children have an intuition about them that goes away as they become adults.  Mine was kicking in, big time.            He asked about my father, "so when was the last time you saw him?" Mom told him about the last visit we had with my father.  The one when they broke up.              Mom confronted Dad because he had some broad's name on the visiting list.  Dad tried to deny it, but I saw the name there too.  I didn't say anything, though.  I knew to stay in my place or they would both gang up on me like they always did when I tried to defend the one I knew was right.  The more Dad denied her name being on the list, the louder Mom got.  It wasn't until a guard threatened to end the visit that she calmed down.  Once she was done arguing, me and Dad talked about my comic books.  It was a nice visit for the last twenty minutes, but when the visit was over, everyone understood that Mom and Dad had broken up.  *********************************************Want to know what happens?  Order your copy of Sixty-7.

April Reflection

I've neglected my blog.  I would use "I'm busy" as an excuse.  It's true, I've very busy, but I should not be neglecting my blog.

Last month was very eventful.  I raised money for Child Help, spoke to the members of the Colonial Heights Domestic Violence Task Force and I read from I Wish I Would've at a fundraiser for Girls Rock! RVA. 

In April was my first full month of selling eBooks. I had a total of 84 eBook downloads/sales (16- Sixty-7; 68- I Wish I Would've ).  I am proud of this number.  It's more copies than I sold in total of paperback books.  Therefore I will be able to donate something to Child Help. 
Speaking to the Task Force put me in a place I had not been in a long time.  The talk reminded me that I had been in a bad relationship.  Because my (current) husband is so good to me, I tend to forget about what happened to me in the past.  I was lucky to not continue the cycle.  I was lucky to find a man who loves me the way "Christ loves the church".  My talk put me in a bad place for a few days.  I knew I was in a bad place and I told those who would be in contact with me that I was in a bad place and the reason why.  Some may ask me why I don't just let it go.  I don't and won't let it go because God put me through that experience so I could help others get out or not get into an abusive relationship.

On April 28th I read to supporters of Girls Rock! RVA.  This is a week long summer camp for girls 8-18.  While at camp, the girls will learn how to play an instrument, one they may have never touched before.  They make a band with fellow campers and write their own song.  My fourteen year old daughter has been going to this camp for the past three years in Washington, DC.  She loves it.  We are happy there will be a camp closer to home, in Richmond.

So that's a recap of April, my busiest month so far.  May and June will be just as busy if not more so.  I have two weddings to attend in May, they are both the same weekend, and two to attend in June.  Love is in the air!

#WriterWednesday

Hello everyone!  Here's my first indie author interview.  The first group of indie authors I invited to interviews are in the Book Junkies Group on Facebook.  This group of writers is so supportive of each other. We have a great time in the group.  Well enough about that, let's talk to Stephen Hise.  He's up first!

Where are you from? I now live in Arizona, but came here from Central Missouri. When did you first know you wanted to write books?  I've been involved in technical writing for a long time, but used to write little humorous short stories going back to the 6th or 7th grade. What was your favorite book as a child?  The first book I remember really liking as a child was "The Boxcar Children."  It was a fun book; the kids had neat little adventures. Tell us a little about your book. The title of my book is "Upgrade" I guess it would be classified as romance/suspense.  The story is about a wealthy but unattractive young man who undergoes a medical procedure that changes the way his appearance is perceived by others. Brain researchers know there are some decisions the brain makes rather than the conscious mind. Innumerable brain processes are never entrusted to the conscious rational mind; but instead are hard-wired in the brain itself. In effect, our brains make a whole lot of decisions without consulting us. What we think of as "deciding" may in some cases be nothing more than the conscious mind rationalizing a decision already made by the brain. The premise of the book is that a scientist has discovered the exact optical metrics the human brain uses to categorize attractiveness, and he has developed a procedure that alters the face in a way imperceptible to the patient, but causes others to see him as attractive. Who is your favorite character in Upgrade?  I really loved Marcy.  She is just wicked and manipulative enough to be fun. Why did you decided to write Upgrade?  In the course of home-schooling my teenaged daughter, one of the subjects was creative writing. We had watched a Twilight Zone marathon one day and I assigned her to come up with a story line for her very own Twilight Zone episode. She struggled with it at first so she challenged me to do the same. My book is the result of the idea I formulated in response to her challenge. Is there anything in Upgrade's plot that happened in your real life?  The science is secondary to the human relationships in the story. None of the characters are based on actual people, but I suppose they represent composites of people I have known. Why should a reader purchase Upgrade?  This book is somewhat different in that some readers have told me it has made them think long and hard about the issues of relationships and attractiveness, but it doesn't have to be read that way. It does not force the reader in that direction. Have you written any other books?  I contributed to a short story anthology with my daughter Anneleise and my son, Cole. That book is called Creepier by the Dozen and is only available on Smashwords.
You can find Stephen Hise on the web at http://StephenHise.com

To purchase Upgrade:Ebook price: $1.99 Smashwords.com
(Read free sample section prior to purchase at Smashwords.com)
Also availble from Kindle bookstores - Kindle USA and Kindle UK
Print Edition price: $14.75 + shipping at Amazon.com and WordClay.com

BOOKALICIOUS TRAVEL ADDICT: Book Review -- I Wish I would've by Aynoit Ashor

BOOKALICIOUS TRAVEL ADDICT: Book Review -- I Wish I would've by Anyoit Ashor: "I bought this book from Smashwords, for my kindle, for just 99p. From the start of the book I was gripped and could tell it would be 99p wel..."

An eBook and 2 causes for $0.99!

I was calling my fund raising "An ebook and a cause for $0.99".  But that has changed. 

Recently I heard that JA Konrath, self publishing guru, would donate $500 First Book if his first book hit the Top 100 on Kindle. (It did.)  This inspired some other self-publishing authors to donate to First Book, too.  I'm included in that "some". 

So, I will donate $100 per book that hits the Top 5000 on Kindle.  So not only will I be donating to Child Help, (see "Her Story Changed My Life") but First Book will benefit.  Visit "No Trees Harmed" for a list of authors donating to First Book.

Help me reach these goals by purchasing my eBooks via Kindle or Nook.