Maria Hammarblad's Blog, page 52
October 17, 2012
Oopsie, I didn't think that through!
I mentioned yesterday I'm going on tour with Undercover. It starts next week, so I really need to get typing on the guest blogs. It's a funny thing; on my own blog I can talk at great length about anything that pops into my head, but when guest blogging I like to be a little more serious and ambitious. My own blog is like my corner of the sofa; comfortable. I don't need to dress up to go there.
Anyway, I looked around at the webpages hosting me, and thought, "Hmmmm..." Most of them are pages with steamy erotic content. I had some pretty hot scenes in Undercover, but we cut most of them out in editing together with the gruesome murders. Even if these things were still in the book, I wouldn't be anywhere near the skills of authors who specialize in writing erotica. Don't get me wrong - I don't mind - I just don't know what I could possibly say that will appeal to these readers. I don't want to bore anyone.
Talking to fellow author and good friend Christy Elkins gave me an idea. I'll start off with sharing one of the deleted scenes, and see if the visitors seem to like it. =)
When I named the book, I sort of thought of spies working under cover, not of things happening under covers... LOL!
Anyway, I looked around at the webpages hosting me, and thought, "Hmmmm..." Most of them are pages with steamy erotic content. I had some pretty hot scenes in Undercover, but we cut most of them out in editing together with the gruesome murders. Even if these things were still in the book, I wouldn't be anywhere near the skills of authors who specialize in writing erotica. Don't get me wrong - I don't mind - I just don't know what I could possibly say that will appeal to these readers. I don't want to bore anyone.
Talking to fellow author and good friend Christy Elkins gave me an idea. I'll start off with sharing one of the deleted scenes, and see if the visitors seem to like it. =)
When I named the book, I sort of thought of spies working under cover, not of things happening under covers... LOL!
October 16, 2012
Going on tour with Undercover!
It's time to go on tour. I haven't given Undercover the attention it deserves, but thanks to Bewitching Book Tours, that is about to change. Roxanne who books the tours is absolutely wonderful. They have really good pricing, and are super-helpful.
There will be guest blogs, interviews, and even a review. Right now I have no clue what to blog about, but I'm sure something will come to mind once I start typing. I hope... LOL!
This is my plan for October and early November:
October 22, Guest Blog at Day Dreaming Book ReviewsOctober 23, Guest Blog with Melissa StevensOctober 24, Guest blog at Avril's BlogOctober 24, Guest at Books Amour October 25, Guest Blog at Paranormal Romantic SuspenseOctober 26, Promo at Reginamayross's BlogOctober 29, Interview at Sugarbeat's Books October 31, Interview with Michelle @ Mom with a KindleNovember 1, Guest Blog at Lisa's World of BooksNovember 2, Promo at SmartMouthTexanNovember 5, Guest Blog with Sarah BallanceNovember 5, Review of Undercover by Storm Goddess Book ReviewsTBD, Guest at evolvedworld.com
You can check out the upcoming tour stops and read older interviews and blogs on this page.
If you would like to host me, or maybe read and review one of my books, leave me a comment. =)
There will be guest blogs, interviews, and even a review. Right now I have no clue what to blog about, but I'm sure something will come to mind once I start typing. I hope... LOL!This is my plan for October and early November:
October 22, Guest Blog at Day Dreaming Book ReviewsOctober 23, Guest Blog with Melissa StevensOctober 24, Guest blog at Avril's BlogOctober 24, Guest at Books Amour October 25, Guest Blog at Paranormal Romantic SuspenseOctober 26, Promo at Reginamayross's BlogOctober 29, Interview at Sugarbeat's Books October 31, Interview with Michelle @ Mom with a KindleNovember 1, Guest Blog at Lisa's World of BooksNovember 2, Promo at SmartMouthTexanNovember 5, Guest Blog with Sarah BallanceNovember 5, Review of Undercover by Storm Goddess Book ReviewsTBD, Guest at evolvedworld.com
You can check out the upcoming tour stops and read older interviews and blogs on this page.
If you would like to host me, or maybe read and review one of my books, leave me a comment. =)
October 15, 2012
Be positive! =)
I bet you've heard the old saying, "What goes around comes around." I am a firm believer in this. I think everyone, at least to a certain extent, creates their own reality through thoughts and behaviour. My faith says everything you send out comes back to you threefold. You don't have to believe that, but bear with me here. :-)
Some people have a negative disposition. They always find something to complain about, and the entire world is against them. If something goes their way, they think it'll never last. They might even play out scenarios of why it will go wrong until it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If something goes badly, it's just the way their whole life has been. (Anything good is quickly forgotten.) Alternately, they think they're absolutely brilliant, everyone else are idiots working against them, and should be complained over at great length. I think everyone knows someone like this, and try to avoid them. No one wants to be around people who just complain and bring everyone else down.
Time for a disclaimer: I'm not talking about people who are clinically depressed and might need medication and professional assistance to find balance. Seriously though, I know people who answer a friendly, "Have a great day," with a long explanation of why it will be the worst day ever. If I say, "Have a great day," the next day again, it repeats all over. In my opinion, the correct answer is along the lines of, "Thank you, you too."
The positive change must come from within. No one can do it for someone else. Sadly, the people on the negative side tend to wait for someone else to fix everything for them, and make them happy.
Other people always seem to find a smile, and have a generally positive outlook. They give off positive energy and bring others up, and people like to be around them. When something goes well, they're generally grateful, and when something goes bad, they have the ability to cope and solve problems. If they need help, friends and family are quick to lend a hand, because they're so nice.
I'm stereotyping now, of course. Most people fall somewhere between the edges of positive and negative. Still, give it a thought, and figure out where on the spectrum you want to be. Once a person begins, smiling and thinking positive thoughts grows into a habit. When you start, you might have to make yourself think, "This will be a wonderful day," but after a while the thought comes on its own.
Don't get me wrong - everyone needs to vent from time to time, but there's a difference between discussing something and whining endlessly. If people ignore you and start screening your calls, you've probably crossed the border to whining. Also, ask yourself what your complaining will do to the person you're talking to. If someone says, "Good morning," and you answer, "No, it's horrible," you might be ruining someone else's day besides your own.
Some people have a negative disposition. They always find something to complain about, and the entire world is against them. If something goes their way, they think it'll never last. They might even play out scenarios of why it will go wrong until it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If something goes badly, it's just the way their whole life has been. (Anything good is quickly forgotten.) Alternately, they think they're absolutely brilliant, everyone else are idiots working against them, and should be complained over at great length. I think everyone knows someone like this, and try to avoid them. No one wants to be around people who just complain and bring everyone else down.
Time for a disclaimer: I'm not talking about people who are clinically depressed and might need medication and professional assistance to find balance. Seriously though, I know people who answer a friendly, "Have a great day," with a long explanation of why it will be the worst day ever. If I say, "Have a great day," the next day again, it repeats all over. In my opinion, the correct answer is along the lines of, "Thank you, you too."
The positive change must come from within. No one can do it for someone else. Sadly, the people on the negative side tend to wait for someone else to fix everything for them, and make them happy.
Other people always seem to find a smile, and have a generally positive outlook. They give off positive energy and bring others up, and people like to be around them. When something goes well, they're generally grateful, and when something goes bad, they have the ability to cope and solve problems. If they need help, friends and family are quick to lend a hand, because they're so nice.
I'm stereotyping now, of course. Most people fall somewhere between the edges of positive and negative. Still, give it a thought, and figure out where on the spectrum you want to be. Once a person begins, smiling and thinking positive thoughts grows into a habit. When you start, you might have to make yourself think, "This will be a wonderful day," but after a while the thought comes on its own.
Don't get me wrong - everyone needs to vent from time to time, but there's a difference between discussing something and whining endlessly. If people ignore you and start screening your calls, you've probably crossed the border to whining. Also, ask yourself what your complaining will do to the person you're talking to. If someone says, "Good morning," and you answer, "No, it's horrible," you might be ruining someone else's day besides your own.
October 12, 2012
Lost in space - excerpt from Kidnapped
It's Friday and I don't have anything particularly intelligent to say, so... Here's an excerpt from Kidnapped!
Patricia followed Travis through the corridor, down a bend she hadn't seen before, and stopped and stared as they entered a gigantic mess hall. Their steps echoed between the walls, and the mere size and emptiness of the room made it eerie.
She stayed closer to him than she would have thought she wanted. He was still scary, but he was also somewhat familiar, and she no longer assumed he would immediately kill her. That might not be true when it came to whatever murderous robots, ghosts, or aliens might be lurking in the shadows in a room so vast she couldn't even see the end.
Travis veered off towards a long row of cabinets, opened one, and tossed something resembling an energy bar to her. She fumbled with it but managed to catch it, and he shook his head at her clumsiness as he headed for a chair. Patricia followed, and took a seat opposite him, trying to break through the thick foil separating her from the first meal she'd seen for what might be days.
"This is what you call food? Wow, this won't make you fat."
He shrugged slightly. "Food is fuel for a biological machine. It contains everything you need."
She took a tentative bite of it and grimaced at the lack of taste, but kept on eating. "Why are you alone here?"
She didn't expect him to answer, but he did. "I'm the only one required for this mission."
Patricia couldn't stop herself, and her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh yes, kidnapping girls from distant planets. Must be hard work."
"It could be worse; you could be dead. You still can be." His voice didn't betray any emotion at all, and she couldn't figure out if his words were a threat or not.
She ignored his steady gaze on her and munched her food until it was all gone. After folding the wrapper up neatly there didn't seem to be anything more to do, and she blurted out, "Can I ask you something?"
He shrugged. She wanted to find out about his face, but that seemed too forward, so instead she asked, "Why do you wear one glove?"
Travis quirked an eyebrow, and replied, amused, "All this technology, all these possibilities, and you want to know why I wear one glove?"
When put like that, it did seem kind of shallow. "Well, I guess I could ask you how to fly the ship, how to get home, who the rebels are, where you're really taking me, or what'll happen to me, but I doubt it'll do me any good, so yeah, why do you wear one glove?"
He sighed, and she wondered why his face no longer frightened her. "Fair enough I guess."
He pulled it off, and she oohed softly as she saw an intricate construction of metal rods, hydraulic tubes and multicolored electrical wires. He said flatly, "I wear the glove because I don't like this."
Flexing the fingers he continued, "It's strong, and it shoots people, so I never have to worry about losing my gun, but I still don't like it."
Meeting his eyes, she thought this was probably more than he'd confessed even to himself before. "What happened?"
It wasn't the most tactful question, but it jumped out of her mouth before she even thought about it. She didn't expect him to answer, and he looked surprised too as he said, "My commanding officer cut my arm off as a punishment for not obeying. It was rather messy, but still she did it herself, with an electric knife."
He met her eyes and continued in a detached voice, "There are better artificial limbs out there, but she likes me to have this one. It's supposed to remind me there's a price for disobedience."
Patricia felt a knot of sympathy in her stomach. It would probably be wise to let the subject rest, but she ignored common sense and let compassion paired with curiosity get the better of her. "Does it hurt?"
Patricia followed Travis through the corridor, down a bend she hadn't seen before, and stopped and stared as they entered a gigantic mess hall. Their steps echoed between the walls, and the mere size and emptiness of the room made it eerie.She stayed closer to him than she would have thought she wanted. He was still scary, but he was also somewhat familiar, and she no longer assumed he would immediately kill her. That might not be true when it came to whatever murderous robots, ghosts, or aliens might be lurking in the shadows in a room so vast she couldn't even see the end.
Travis veered off towards a long row of cabinets, opened one, and tossed something resembling an energy bar to her. She fumbled with it but managed to catch it, and he shook his head at her clumsiness as he headed for a chair. Patricia followed, and took a seat opposite him, trying to break through the thick foil separating her from the first meal she'd seen for what might be days.
"This is what you call food? Wow, this won't make you fat."
He shrugged slightly. "Food is fuel for a biological machine. It contains everything you need."
She took a tentative bite of it and grimaced at the lack of taste, but kept on eating. "Why are you alone here?"
She didn't expect him to answer, but he did. "I'm the only one required for this mission."
Patricia couldn't stop herself, and her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh yes, kidnapping girls from distant planets. Must be hard work."
"It could be worse; you could be dead. You still can be." His voice didn't betray any emotion at all, and she couldn't figure out if his words were a threat or not.
She ignored his steady gaze on her and munched her food until it was all gone. After folding the wrapper up neatly there didn't seem to be anything more to do, and she blurted out, "Can I ask you something?"
He shrugged. She wanted to find out about his face, but that seemed too forward, so instead she asked, "Why do you wear one glove?"
Travis quirked an eyebrow, and replied, amused, "All this technology, all these possibilities, and you want to know why I wear one glove?"
When put like that, it did seem kind of shallow. "Well, I guess I could ask you how to fly the ship, how to get home, who the rebels are, where you're really taking me, or what'll happen to me, but I doubt it'll do me any good, so yeah, why do you wear one glove?"
He sighed, and she wondered why his face no longer frightened her. "Fair enough I guess."
He pulled it off, and she oohed softly as she saw an intricate construction of metal rods, hydraulic tubes and multicolored electrical wires. He said flatly, "I wear the glove because I don't like this."
Flexing the fingers he continued, "It's strong, and it shoots people, so I never have to worry about losing my gun, but I still don't like it."
Meeting his eyes, she thought this was probably more than he'd confessed even to himself before. "What happened?"
It wasn't the most tactful question, but it jumped out of her mouth before she even thought about it. She didn't expect him to answer, and he looked surprised too as he said, "My commanding officer cut my arm off as a punishment for not obeying. It was rather messy, but still she did it herself, with an electric knife."
He met her eyes and continued in a detached voice, "There are better artificial limbs out there, but she likes me to have this one. It's supposed to remind me there's a price for disobedience."
Patricia felt a knot of sympathy in her stomach. It would probably be wise to let the subject rest, but she ignored common sense and let compassion paired with curiosity get the better of her. "Does it hurt?"
October 9, 2012
The dangers of home-made cannons...
When I came home from work this fine afternoon, Mikey met me outside, fiddling with a little piece of wood. I said, "Hey, I brought dinner. Wha'cha doin'?"
He seemed really into this project, whatever it was. "Building a cannon. I need a little rock or something..."
The piece of wood had a hole in it, and on the other side, something stuck out. It kinda looked like a twig, and my mind was fixed on dinner, so I didn't think much of it. I headed into the carport towards the door.
"There we go. Are you ready?"
Saying 'yes' would probably expedite the project. "Sure."
In retrospect, "No" would have been a more prudent answer. He put a cigarette lighter towards the twig that, of course, wasn't a twig at all, but the fuse of a fire cracker. A split second later, a boom emphasized by the carport rang in my ears, and my chest stung from being struck by a large piece of wood. I didn't even have to try to sound accusing. "You shot me!"
Over from the neighbour's, a woman hollered, "Oh my God, what are they doing? I think he shot her."
Mikey said, "Oops, guess the firecracker was stronger than the wood," and I almost folded over laughing as we hurried inside.
Most people probably haven't been shot with a part of a home made wood cannon... This will be fun to tease him with for ages. XD
He seemed really into this project, whatever it was. "Building a cannon. I need a little rock or something..."
The piece of wood had a hole in it, and on the other side, something stuck out. It kinda looked like a twig, and my mind was fixed on dinner, so I didn't think much of it. I headed into the carport towards the door.
"There we go. Are you ready?"
Saying 'yes' would probably expedite the project. "Sure."
In retrospect, "No" would have been a more prudent answer. He put a cigarette lighter towards the twig that, of course, wasn't a twig at all, but the fuse of a fire cracker. A split second later, a boom emphasized by the carport rang in my ears, and my chest stung from being struck by a large piece of wood. I didn't even have to try to sound accusing. "You shot me!"
Over from the neighbour's, a woman hollered, "Oh my God, what are they doing? I think he shot her."
Mikey said, "Oops, guess the firecracker was stronger than the wood," and I almost folded over laughing as we hurried inside.
Most people probably haven't been shot with a part of a home made wood cannon... This will be fun to tease him with for ages. XD
October 8, 2012
It's just a book =)
Books and reviews are funny things. Maybe not always ha-ha-ha funny, but still. =) I know many authors who live and die (hopefully not literally, lol) with their reviews, and if someone says something bad about the book they're heartbroken. Here's the thing though: we're all different.
I don't like all food. I wouldn't even be able to swallow some courses that might seem heavenly to other people. (Seeing photos of bacon on Facebook makes me queasy.) I don't like all clothes, hairstyles, cars, or colours. I don't like all kinds of music, and I don't like every book I read. (Heck, I don't even like every book I write LOL!)
There's this one highly praised series of novels I've tried to read several times. In my eyes, the ideas are interesting, but poorly executed. The author jumps between past and present tense all over the place, sometimes shifting in the middle of a sentence, and to make it even better, it's written in first person, which I kinda don't like. Everyone else says, "This is awesome," and I can't get past the first few pages. It just doesn't click for me. I want to like it, it's a scifi/fantasy/romance thing and I ought to love it, but I just... hate it. LOL! Knowing this, I can't expect everyone in the world to love my books.
Sometimes, a "bad" review can teach you things about yourself, your books, and your writing style. Other times, a bad review just means that a person doesn't like the material, for whatever reason. It's okay. Authors put a lot of themselves into their books and this makes it difficult to distance oneself from readers and their opinions, but honestly, readers are entitled not to like everything they see.
This subject popped into my head today because I got an e-mail from an online friend, saying, "I just finished reading Undercover. Hope you don't hate me when you see the review." It made me chuckle, and all the doggies looked up, clearly wondering if their mommy finally went mad, sitting in the sofa, laughing to herself.
Undercover is a great example, and it's the book I've written I'm most ambiguous about myself. I love the characters, but I generally want storylines to be happier than this one. If someone else wrote it and I read it, I would love it. Now it makes me wonder what dark things really lurk in my subconscious. Readers seem equally divided. Some love it, others hate it with a passion. One review on Goodreads gives it five stars, and says, "Instead of trying to establish a firm line between the subjective notions of 'good' and 'bad' Hammarblad conveyed a situation in which the lines were blurred. If the riveting plot isn't enough, the philosophical stimulation should be." When I read that the first time, I thought, "Yay, this person really got me."
Another review on Goodreads gives it one star, and says, "I was extremely glad I didn't sit through the whole thing. Sorry, I read far, far past my tolerance." I'm sorry for that reader; she might have expected something completely different, and she's disappointed.
Moral of the story? I dunno. Just thinking out loud, I suppose. =)
I don't like all food. I wouldn't even be able to swallow some courses that might seem heavenly to other people. (Seeing photos of bacon on Facebook makes me queasy.) I don't like all clothes, hairstyles, cars, or colours. I don't like all kinds of music, and I don't like every book I read. (Heck, I don't even like every book I write LOL!)
There's this one highly praised series of novels I've tried to read several times. In my eyes, the ideas are interesting, but poorly executed. The author jumps between past and present tense all over the place, sometimes shifting in the middle of a sentence, and to make it even better, it's written in first person, which I kinda don't like. Everyone else says, "This is awesome," and I can't get past the first few pages. It just doesn't click for me. I want to like it, it's a scifi/fantasy/romance thing and I ought to love it, but I just... hate it. LOL! Knowing this, I can't expect everyone in the world to love my books.
Sometimes, a "bad" review can teach you things about yourself, your books, and your writing style. Other times, a bad review just means that a person doesn't like the material, for whatever reason. It's okay. Authors put a lot of themselves into their books and this makes it difficult to distance oneself from readers and their opinions, but honestly, readers are entitled not to like everything they see.
This subject popped into my head today because I got an e-mail from an online friend, saying, "I just finished reading Undercover. Hope you don't hate me when you see the review." It made me chuckle, and all the doggies looked up, clearly wondering if their mommy finally went mad, sitting in the sofa, laughing to herself.
Undercover is a great example, and it's the book I've written I'm most ambiguous about myself. I love the characters, but I generally want storylines to be happier than this one. If someone else wrote it and I read it, I would love it. Now it makes me wonder what dark things really lurk in my subconscious. Readers seem equally divided. Some love it, others hate it with a passion. One review on Goodreads gives it five stars, and says, "Instead of trying to establish a firm line between the subjective notions of 'good' and 'bad' Hammarblad conveyed a situation in which the lines were blurred. If the riveting plot isn't enough, the philosophical stimulation should be." When I read that the first time, I thought, "Yay, this person really got me."
Another review on Goodreads gives it one star, and says, "I was extremely glad I didn't sit through the whole thing. Sorry, I read far, far past my tolerance." I'm sorry for that reader; she might have expected something completely different, and she's disappointed.
Moral of the story? I dunno. Just thinking out loud, I suppose. =)
October 4, 2012
Interview with Stephen C. Ormsby
Today is quite a treat; for the first time, I have the pleasure to introduce an author from Australia on the blog. I'm relieved to see someone spell the way I do... colour, labour... A Warm Welcome to Stephen Ormsby!
Stephen C. Ormsby, writer from Down Under!
Stephen, welcome here. Please tell us your latest news!
I’ve published my first novel called Long Lost Song and the last month has flown by with publicizing that, as well as organizing a series of author interviews (I now have more than 50). In fact, this Sunday (26 August) I am doing my official book launch at Stockyard Gallery in Gippsland with a special guest Jack Dann.
Ooopsie, I was a little slow with putting this up. Apologies!
If you were to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Another edit of the book! I am sure there is mistakes in it, but having the book released makes up for that.
Who is your favorite author, and what really strikes you about their work?
Yeah, this rotten question. I have so many authors that I read, but I can never work out who I read like. Some of my favourites are Tad Williams, Joe R Lansdale, Neal Stephenson and Kevin J Anderson, but I feel as though I do not write similarly to any of them.
What strikes me about them all is they have style in spades. Each one of them embraces me and does not let go – even after the book has finished. Their books linger for me, which I have always believed is the mark of a great author. Something I aspire to in my own fashion.
Is there a single book or author that made you want to write?
Ouch, that’s tough. Probably Dune by Frank Herbert and the first Shannara series by Terry Brooks. But I have always read books, rifling through Mum’s books at an early age. I could not be stopped and even read Colin Wilson at an almost too young an age. Each and every moment I have some form of book in my hand – either a real book, a kindle or my phone. Each one makes me want to write.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I remember writing a script for a Claymation piece, which was very derivative of LOTR and Shannara. I still have the story some thirty years later. I have been writing ever since, but it is only with my second wife (and her massive support) that I have the belief to actually publish.
How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?
The family I married into is rather strange anyway! Oh, and I’m not insulting them – they revel in their strangeness. This helps, as it allows me to be a lot more open. Since meeting Marieke, I have released a book, written plays, owned a business and shop, and soon I’ll be a teddy bear for a local theatre company. Nothing I would have expected in my life five years ago, and it makes me thankful.
Marieke is involved in every way. I write the words but she helps me envisage it with her photos, her extensions on my thoughts and by running my new ideas by her. We thrash them out really well. My rock and my muse is my wife.
Do you have a favorite object pertinent to your writing? (Pen, coffee cup, pet, blanket, chair…?
Not a thing really. It’s routine. I love having a routine. It’s starts with the normal kid run, then a coffee with Marieke. Start the usual activities – social media or cleaning up blog interviews – then by 10(ish), hit the keyboard. I write until I get hungry, eat and get back to writing with an aim of finishing at 3, but lately I have been setting my goal at 1000 words a day and achieving it rather easily (in a couple of hours or so – that’s in second draft even).
I love my coffee cup (I have a special one!) and my fountain pen.
What do you love about your latest book?
That it’s finished! Oh, and that people can buy it. It was a two year labour of love for me (and my wife).
Can you tell us something behind-the-scenes about this book that the readers would love to hear - something not easily found on your website?
It was a fifteen year old idea for me that centred around Robert Johnson, a 1930’s blues musician but also an enigma in that he only recorded 30 songs and is remembered for it. Marieke inspired the ending for the book.
What is your favorite review of your book?
The first one where I got four stars for Long Lost Song.
Do your fictional characters develop on their own, or do you have their lives planned out in advance?
The idea for the story comes to me with a minor premise of character, then they run loose! Some stay with me until I can write them out, but they will not tell me their story. Confusing. Apart from that, I have a huge backlog of stories going off. Each one takes up room building themselves into something.
Do you base any of your characters personalities off people you know, and if so, do you tell them?
Ricky Jensen was based on Robert Johnson. I didn’t even bother really hiding it! Michael Decker was not based on anybody but turned into a variation of me. I don’t think I told me until Marieke pointed it out to me.
How does it feel when you write?
I love sitting there, not thinking, but watching my fingers go hell for leather. That is the most amazing feeling. Having to think of the story does not feel right to me. The characters let me know allowing me to be a portal for their stories.
I hear the ambulances already. Did somebody say psychopath?
Hahaha! What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in writing?
Continuing to write whilst married to my first wife. It was about other things for her ie me climbing the corporate ladder, the big house etc and it really strangled that side of me. I have always felt that Long Lost Song would never have been happened if I have stayed there.
I have three books that I wrote during that marriage – all of which were never read by her. Now that I have published, I plan to go back to them now that I have people around me who think I can actually write.
I'm happy you pushed on with your writing. Of all the wonderful pieces you’ve written, which is your favorite?
So far, I have release one novel (Long Lost Song), and three shorts. They are The Gift, Scientist and All Good Socks go to Heaven. Each and every one of them is special to me in different ways. I have a special place in my heart for the old scientist though. He goes through so much but still have a happy ending (of sorts).
What’s your favorite place you’ve visited? Do you have a “must see” destination on your bucket list?
I loved Paris and Bangkok, but would love to take my wife overseas generally. That and a book tour to America for the whole family. You’ve have to get on to that one for me, Maria. Get me on the best sellers list and we’ll be seeing you soon.
I'll see what I can do. It would be cool to have you here!
Is there something funny about you people don’t know?
Let me just ask the wife first. I go off on little verbal tangents where I channel some of the weirdest people. Recently my wife recorded me doing my own radio play where I turned into Edna the witch that wanted to eat the short and curlies of marching fish. Very strange for a few minutes. There is still a recording of this somewhere and I can’t believe it was me.
Too funny! Anything else you want to share?
I live in Australia
Blurb:
A virus is decimating America today and Michael Decker is the culprit. Or is he?
Is it the work of a curse recorded into a song by 1930's blues musician Ricky Jensen?
Long Lost Song tells the story of Ricky and Michael as they battle their personal and real demons while the world reaches end times of biblical proportions.
One question remains. How do you stop a devil of a song made to break a crossroads deal?
Buy the book on Amazon
Stephen has more stories available, see them all on his Amazon Author Page.
See more of Stephen:
Blog: Stephenormsby.wordpress.com Twitter: @Quiet_Noise Facebook: https://facebook.com/QuietNoise
Stephen C. Ormsby, writer from Down Under!
Stephen, welcome here. Please tell us your latest news!
I’ve published my first novel called Long Lost Song and the last month has flown by with publicizing that, as well as organizing a series of author interviews (I now have more than 50). In fact, this Sunday (26 August) I am doing my official book launch at Stockyard Gallery in Gippsland with a special guest Jack Dann.
Ooopsie, I was a little slow with putting this up. Apologies!
If you were to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Another edit of the book! I am sure there is mistakes in it, but having the book released makes up for that.
Who is your favorite author, and what really strikes you about their work?
Yeah, this rotten question. I have so many authors that I read, but I can never work out who I read like. Some of my favourites are Tad Williams, Joe R Lansdale, Neal Stephenson and Kevin J Anderson, but I feel as though I do not write similarly to any of them.
What strikes me about them all is they have style in spades. Each one of them embraces me and does not let go – even after the book has finished. Their books linger for me, which I have always believed is the mark of a great author. Something I aspire to in my own fashion.
Is there a single book or author that made you want to write?
Ouch, that’s tough. Probably Dune by Frank Herbert and the first Shannara series by Terry Brooks. But I have always read books, rifling through Mum’s books at an early age. I could not be stopped and even read Colin Wilson at an almost too young an age. Each and every moment I have some form of book in my hand – either a real book, a kindle or my phone. Each one makes me want to write.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I remember writing a script for a Claymation piece, which was very derivative of LOTR and Shannara. I still have the story some thirty years later. I have been writing ever since, but it is only with my second wife (and her massive support) that I have the belief to actually publish.
How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?
The family I married into is rather strange anyway! Oh, and I’m not insulting them – they revel in their strangeness. This helps, as it allows me to be a lot more open. Since meeting Marieke, I have released a book, written plays, owned a business and shop, and soon I’ll be a teddy bear for a local theatre company. Nothing I would have expected in my life five years ago, and it makes me thankful.
Marieke is involved in every way. I write the words but she helps me envisage it with her photos, her extensions on my thoughts and by running my new ideas by her. We thrash them out really well. My rock and my muse is my wife.
Do you have a favorite object pertinent to your writing? (Pen, coffee cup, pet, blanket, chair…?
Not a thing really. It’s routine. I love having a routine. It’s starts with the normal kid run, then a coffee with Marieke. Start the usual activities – social media or cleaning up blog interviews – then by 10(ish), hit the keyboard. I write until I get hungry, eat and get back to writing with an aim of finishing at 3, but lately I have been setting my goal at 1000 words a day and achieving it rather easily (in a couple of hours or so – that’s in second draft even).
I love my coffee cup (I have a special one!) and my fountain pen.
What do you love about your latest book?
That it’s finished! Oh, and that people can buy it. It was a two year labour of love for me (and my wife).
Can you tell us something behind-the-scenes about this book that the readers would love to hear - something not easily found on your website?
It was a fifteen year old idea for me that centred around Robert Johnson, a 1930’s blues musician but also an enigma in that he only recorded 30 songs and is remembered for it. Marieke inspired the ending for the book.
What is your favorite review of your book?
The first one where I got four stars for Long Lost Song.
Do your fictional characters develop on their own, or do you have their lives planned out in advance?
The idea for the story comes to me with a minor premise of character, then they run loose! Some stay with me until I can write them out, but they will not tell me their story. Confusing. Apart from that, I have a huge backlog of stories going off. Each one takes up room building themselves into something.
Do you base any of your characters personalities off people you know, and if so, do you tell them?
Ricky Jensen was based on Robert Johnson. I didn’t even bother really hiding it! Michael Decker was not based on anybody but turned into a variation of me. I don’t think I told me until Marieke pointed it out to me.
How does it feel when you write?
I love sitting there, not thinking, but watching my fingers go hell for leather. That is the most amazing feeling. Having to think of the story does not feel right to me. The characters let me know allowing me to be a portal for their stories.
I hear the ambulances already. Did somebody say psychopath?
Hahaha! What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in writing?
Continuing to write whilst married to my first wife. It was about other things for her ie me climbing the corporate ladder, the big house etc and it really strangled that side of me. I have always felt that Long Lost Song would never have been happened if I have stayed there.
I have three books that I wrote during that marriage – all of which were never read by her. Now that I have published, I plan to go back to them now that I have people around me who think I can actually write.
I'm happy you pushed on with your writing. Of all the wonderful pieces you’ve written, which is your favorite?
So far, I have release one novel (Long Lost Song), and three shorts. They are The Gift, Scientist and All Good Socks go to Heaven. Each and every one of them is special to me in different ways. I have a special place in my heart for the old scientist though. He goes through so much but still have a happy ending (of sorts).
What’s your favorite place you’ve visited? Do you have a “must see” destination on your bucket list?
I loved Paris and Bangkok, but would love to take my wife overseas generally. That and a book tour to America for the whole family. You’ve have to get on to that one for me, Maria. Get me on the best sellers list and we’ll be seeing you soon.
I'll see what I can do. It would be cool to have you here!
Is there something funny about you people don’t know?
Let me just ask the wife first. I go off on little verbal tangents where I channel some of the weirdest people. Recently my wife recorded me doing my own radio play where I turned into Edna the witch that wanted to eat the short and curlies of marching fish. Very strange for a few minutes. There is still a recording of this somewhere and I can’t believe it was me.
Too funny! Anything else you want to share?
I live in Australia
Blurb:A virus is decimating America today and Michael Decker is the culprit. Or is he?
Is it the work of a curse recorded into a song by 1930's blues musician Ricky Jensen?
Long Lost Song tells the story of Ricky and Michael as they battle their personal and real demons while the world reaches end times of biblical proportions.
One question remains. How do you stop a devil of a song made to break a crossroads deal?
Buy the book on Amazon
Stephen has more stories available, see them all on his Amazon Author Page.
See more of Stephen:
Blog: Stephenormsby.wordpress.com Twitter: @Quiet_Noise Facebook: https://facebook.com/QuietNoise
October 1, 2012
Review: Story Time by Linell Jeppsen
Story Time is a post-apocalyptic epic, following several groups of humans as they try to survive the end of the world. Whatever you can imagine happening to this poor planet happens, and then some. Jeppsen shows remarkable insight in human psychology - when everything falls apart, the greatest threats still come from other people. The book is intriguing, suspenseful, and well written.
It took me a few chapters to get to know the characters properly. Once I figured out who is who, and when and where everything takes place, they came to life, and I HAD to see what would happen to them. I put the book down several times thinking I needed to go do other things, but made up excuses to keep reading.
The plot is extremely ambitious, and there are many events I would have loved to learn more about. Story Time triggered my imagination, and that's a good thing.
If you're looking for an adventure with an otherworldly twist, this might be a book for you. I enjoyed it greatly, and I'm off to go look for more books by Linell Jeppsen.
Blurb:
In the not too distant future a young woman bears witness to the end of her world. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions rock the planet, reducing cities to smoking rubble, burying entire islands and coastlines beneath cataclysmic waves.
Religious fervor and human evil erupt and entwine, becoming a maelstrom of madness in the days after, bringing with it the horror of apocalyptic war.
As a population in the depths of despair struggles to overcome insurmountable odds, can a single glimmer of hope flare into a beacon for the survivors?
This is her tale…the world is ours…and now, it’s STORY TIME.
It took me a few chapters to get to know the characters properly. Once I figured out who is who, and when and where everything takes place, they came to life, and I HAD to see what would happen to them. I put the book down several times thinking I needed to go do other things, but made up excuses to keep reading.
The plot is extremely ambitious, and there are many events I would have loved to learn more about. Story Time triggered my imagination, and that's a good thing.
If you're looking for an adventure with an otherworldly twist, this might be a book for you. I enjoyed it greatly, and I'm off to go look for more books by Linell Jeppsen.
Blurb:In the not too distant future a young woman bears witness to the end of her world. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions rock the planet, reducing cities to smoking rubble, burying entire islands and coastlines beneath cataclysmic waves.
Religious fervor and human evil erupt and entwine, becoming a maelstrom of madness in the days after, bringing with it the horror of apocalyptic war.
As a population in the depths of despair struggles to overcome insurmountable odds, can a single glimmer of hope flare into a beacon for the survivors?
This is her tale…the world is ours…and now, it’s STORY TIME.
Reading right now: Story Time by Linell Jeppsen
I bought "Story Time" a while ago after talking to Linell Jeppsen on an Amazon discussion board. Since then, it has napped in my Kindle. I've had a bad conscience for not even looking at it, but the time wasn't right. I started reading it the other night, and I've read about half.
Story Time is a post-apocalyptic epic. Anything that could possibly happen to Earth happens. The book has rather short chapters which skip between a number of main characters, and it took me a little while to get into who is who, and where and when they are. I need some time to establish rapport with characters, and I would have liked to follow each a little longer at a time, at least in the beginning of the book, but that is my personal preference.
Some parts are written in first person, as one of the characters actually tell her story, and other parts in third person. That could be really weird, but since the "I" parts are actually told by the character to an audience, it works.
I mentioned how anything that could possibly happen to Earth happens. If you can imagine a natural disaster, it's in the book. On top of that, aliens arrive. Not just one kind of aliens, but three, and I have to admit I zoned out for a bit when they were introduced. I write science fiction, and love the very idea of aliens, but for a little while, it was just too much to be believable. Jeppsen has a good explanation for their appearance, and they are vital for the story line, but I still had a "Really?" moment when they were introduced. A couple of chapters later I got over it. :-)
If you're looking for some good entertainment, Story Time is definitely worth looking into.
Blurb:
In the not too distant future a young woman bears witness to the end of her world. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions rock the planet, reducing cities to smoking rubble, burying entire islands and coastlines beneath cataclysmic waves.
Religious fervor and human evil erupt and entwine, becoming a maelstrom of madness in the days after, bringing with it the horror of apocalyptic war.
As a population in the depths of despair struggles to overcome insurmountable odds, can a single glimmer of hope flare into a beacon for the survivors?
This is her tale…the world is ours…and now, it’s STORY TIME.
Story Time is available as e-book or paperback Click here to see it on Amazon.
Story Time is a post-apocalyptic epic. Anything that could possibly happen to Earth happens. The book has rather short chapters which skip between a number of main characters, and it took me a little while to get into who is who, and where and when they are. I need some time to establish rapport with characters, and I would have liked to follow each a little longer at a time, at least in the beginning of the book, but that is my personal preference.
Some parts are written in first person, as one of the characters actually tell her story, and other parts in third person. That could be really weird, but since the "I" parts are actually told by the character to an audience, it works.
I mentioned how anything that could possibly happen to Earth happens. If you can imagine a natural disaster, it's in the book. On top of that, aliens arrive. Not just one kind of aliens, but three, and I have to admit I zoned out for a bit when they were introduced. I write science fiction, and love the very idea of aliens, but for a little while, it was just too much to be believable. Jeppsen has a good explanation for their appearance, and they are vital for the story line, but I still had a "Really?" moment when they were introduced. A couple of chapters later I got over it. :-)
If you're looking for some good entertainment, Story Time is definitely worth looking into.
Blurb:
In the not too distant future a young woman bears witness to the end of her world. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions rock the planet, reducing cities to smoking rubble, burying entire islands and coastlines beneath cataclysmic waves.
Religious fervor and human evil erupt and entwine, becoming a maelstrom of madness in the days after, bringing with it the horror of apocalyptic war.
As a population in the depths of despair struggles to overcome insurmountable odds, can a single glimmer of hope flare into a beacon for the survivors?
This is her tale…the world is ours…and now, it’s STORY TIME.
Story Time is available as e-book or paperback Click here to see it on Amazon.
September 29, 2012
Welcome Stephanie Burkhart
It is my absolute pleasure to introduce a very talented author, and fascinating person. Welcome Stephanie Burkhart!
Stephanie Burkhart, writing Romance under the Moonlight
STEPH: Maria, thanks so much for having me here today.
MARIA: It's a pleasure to have you here. Let's get to know you a bit – who is your favorite author and what really strikes you about their work?
STEPH: It's a toss up between Victoria Holt and JK Rowling. I love Holt's gothic romance, the dark, dangerous hero and the heroine in distress. She had a strong understanding of historical elements. While her writing is more "telling" in nature, (than showing) as a teenager in the 80's, I found myself just losing myself in her stories.
I love Rowling's imagination and creativity. The world of Harry Potter is so unique. Her writing engages me as a reader and keeps me flipping the pages. Her characters are interesting, and her writing style is easy to read. If you read too fast though, you'll miss something that turns up in a future plot point. Her writing voice reads very naturally and I think that's what allows her to connect with young adults and readers.
My goal as a writer is to make my readers lose themselves in the story by using a natural voice and an easy writing style.
MARIA: What do you love about your latest book?
STEPH: My latest book with Desert Breeze Publishing is "The Green Rose," a fantasy romance, and I love the journey that Sonia, the heroine, takes in the book. She's determined to find her kidnapped father, but after Gabriel's betrayal, trust is an issue with her. It's up to Ivánstan to earn her trust.
MARIA: What is your favorite review of one of your books?
STEPH: My favorite review was given by Long and Short Reviews for my paranormal romance, "Twilight Over Moldavia." The adventure Stefan and Caroline take was one that really resonated with me. They hardly know each other, but come together over a shared problem. It's a very suspenseful story.
Here's a snippet: "Twilight Over Moldavia is even better than the first book in the series. It is an excellent story filled with just the right balance of romance, magic, and danger. Stefan and Caroline’s story certainly has a happy and satisfying ending, but the epilogue opens up a whole new story line. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this exciting series." – Poinsetta, 5 Stars, Long & Short, Nominated for Book of the Month, FEB 2012.
MARIA: Do your fictional characters develop on their own or do you have their lives planned out in advance?
STEPH: Well I plan, but only a little. I plan out their physical traits, their strengths and weaknesses, and I give them a job. After that, they're on their own.
MARIA: What type of scene do you enjoy writing the most?
STEPH: The love scene! What I love about writing romance is that when you start the story you meet the hero and heroine at certain points in their lives. They come together over a common problem and struggle against their internal conflicts until they reach that moment where they want to take on hope and love. As a reader, (and writer) I've gone on this amazing journey with them and I want the reward of a love scene.
MARIA: Would you share with us what inspired you to write "The Green Rose?"
STEPH: I'm on Writing.com and I came across a writing prompt: Write a fantasy with a spoon, honey, and a flower, no more than 4,000 words. I wrote a scene where Ivánstan meets the 3 witches and figures out their riddle so they have to give him the green rose. I really wanted to expand on this scene, thus the novel was born.
MARIA: What's your favorite place you visited? Do you have a must see destination on your bucket list?
STEPH: My favorite destination had to be Berlin. While I was in the US Army I visited Berlin in 1988 before the fall of the wall, in 1990-2 and in 1996. The city changed so much during those years and I was thrilled to have a front row seat.
I would love to visit England since I've never been.
MARIA: Oooh, I love England. Is there something about you that isn't well known that you'd like to share?
STEPH: I was married in Nykobig, Denmark in 1991.
MARIA: That's cool, I had no idea! Thank you for visiting me. I loved having you here!
Enjoy this Excerpt from "The Green Rose"
Sonia gazed at the brick house on the opposite shore, cupping her chin in her hand. Draco sat next to the shore, his wings resting over his back and his tail dipped into the water. Hiro perched on a branch overhead.
"I wonder how Ivánstan fares?"
Draco snorted. Sonia wasn't sure if that was an "I-don't-know" or a response to something else.
"I wish I was there with him."
Draco flicked his tail against the water, spraying mist into the air. Sonia found the light drizzling of water refreshing.
"He's a good man -- and handsome. I enjoy his company."
Draco snapped his forked tongue, catching a fly. Sonia tamped down the urge to roll her eyes. And here she thought they were having a conversation.
"He understands you better than you think."
"I'm not so sure, Hiro." Sonia walked up to Draco and placed a hand on his relaxed wing. "I care for Ivánstan very much."
The dragon swung his head in her direction, the slits in his eyes widening and softening. The prick of a blade pierced her back. She froze. Draco's eyes peered past her to the man holding the blade, but he remained still.
"You care for dragons, Sonia?"
"Gabriel."
"Aye, it's me. What a fool you are to let down your guard and confess your heart to a beast that doesn't understand a word you say."
"You're a coward and a traitor."
"Oh, don't try to goad me. I have the advantage."
The Green Rose is available as an ebook only.
Buy links:
Buy from the publisher Amazon for Kindle Barnes & Noble for Nook All Romance Ebooks
See more of Stephanie Burkhart:
Website: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/
Stephanie Burkhart, writing Romance under the Moonlight
STEPH: Maria, thanks so much for having me here today.
MARIA: It's a pleasure to have you here. Let's get to know you a bit – who is your favorite author and what really strikes you about their work?
STEPH: It's a toss up between Victoria Holt and JK Rowling. I love Holt's gothic romance, the dark, dangerous hero and the heroine in distress. She had a strong understanding of historical elements. While her writing is more "telling" in nature, (than showing) as a teenager in the 80's, I found myself just losing myself in her stories.
I love Rowling's imagination and creativity. The world of Harry Potter is so unique. Her writing engages me as a reader and keeps me flipping the pages. Her characters are interesting, and her writing style is easy to read. If you read too fast though, you'll miss something that turns up in a future plot point. Her writing voice reads very naturally and I think that's what allows her to connect with young adults and readers.
My goal as a writer is to make my readers lose themselves in the story by using a natural voice and an easy writing style.
MARIA: What do you love about your latest book?
STEPH: My latest book with Desert Breeze Publishing is "The Green Rose," a fantasy romance, and I love the journey that Sonia, the heroine, takes in the book. She's determined to find her kidnapped father, but after Gabriel's betrayal, trust is an issue with her. It's up to Ivánstan to earn her trust.
MARIA: What is your favorite review of one of your books?
STEPH: My favorite review was given by Long and Short Reviews for my paranormal romance, "Twilight Over Moldavia." The adventure Stefan and Caroline take was one that really resonated with me. They hardly know each other, but come together over a shared problem. It's a very suspenseful story.
Here's a snippet: "Twilight Over Moldavia is even better than the first book in the series. It is an excellent story filled with just the right balance of romance, magic, and danger. Stefan and Caroline’s story certainly has a happy and satisfying ending, but the epilogue opens up a whole new story line. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this exciting series." – Poinsetta, 5 Stars, Long & Short, Nominated for Book of the Month, FEB 2012.
MARIA: Do your fictional characters develop on their own or do you have their lives planned out in advance?
STEPH: Well I plan, but only a little. I plan out their physical traits, their strengths and weaknesses, and I give them a job. After that, they're on their own.
MARIA: What type of scene do you enjoy writing the most?
STEPH: The love scene! What I love about writing romance is that when you start the story you meet the hero and heroine at certain points in their lives. They come together over a common problem and struggle against their internal conflicts until they reach that moment where they want to take on hope and love. As a reader, (and writer) I've gone on this amazing journey with them and I want the reward of a love scene.
MARIA: Would you share with us what inspired you to write "The Green Rose?"
STEPH: I'm on Writing.com and I came across a writing prompt: Write a fantasy with a spoon, honey, and a flower, no more than 4,000 words. I wrote a scene where Ivánstan meets the 3 witches and figures out their riddle so they have to give him the green rose. I really wanted to expand on this scene, thus the novel was born.
MARIA: What's your favorite place you visited? Do you have a must see destination on your bucket list?
STEPH: My favorite destination had to be Berlin. While I was in the US Army I visited Berlin in 1988 before the fall of the wall, in 1990-2 and in 1996. The city changed so much during those years and I was thrilled to have a front row seat.
I would love to visit England since I've never been.
MARIA: Oooh, I love England. Is there something about you that isn't well known that you'd like to share?
STEPH: I was married in Nykobig, Denmark in 1991.
MARIA: That's cool, I had no idea! Thank you for visiting me. I loved having you here!
Enjoy this Excerpt from "The Green Rose"
Sonia gazed at the brick house on the opposite shore, cupping her chin in her hand. Draco sat next to the shore, his wings resting over his back and his tail dipped into the water. Hiro perched on a branch overhead. "I wonder how Ivánstan fares?"
Draco snorted. Sonia wasn't sure if that was an "I-don't-know" or a response to something else.
"I wish I was there with him."
Draco flicked his tail against the water, spraying mist into the air. Sonia found the light drizzling of water refreshing.
"He's a good man -- and handsome. I enjoy his company."
Draco snapped his forked tongue, catching a fly. Sonia tamped down the urge to roll her eyes. And here she thought they were having a conversation.
"He understands you better than you think."
"I'm not so sure, Hiro." Sonia walked up to Draco and placed a hand on his relaxed wing. "I care for Ivánstan very much."
The dragon swung his head in her direction, the slits in his eyes widening and softening. The prick of a blade pierced her back. She froze. Draco's eyes peered past her to the man holding the blade, but he remained still.
"You care for dragons, Sonia?"
"Gabriel."
"Aye, it's me. What a fool you are to let down your guard and confess your heart to a beast that doesn't understand a word you say."
"You're a coward and a traitor."
"Oh, don't try to goad me. I have the advantage."
The Green Rose is available as an ebook only.
Buy links:
Buy from the publisher Amazon for Kindle Barnes & Noble for Nook All Romance Ebooks
See more of Stephanie Burkhart:
Website: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/
