Zoe Adams's Blog, page 15
July 4, 2013
Meet director... Jay Smith!
To all who are reading this,
As you probably know, I am lead scriptwriter on the project known as, Zombie Squad.
As part of this exciting project, we're hoping to meet the cast and crew. Here's your chance to meet the director, Jay Smith, with fun and interesting facts from the man himself.
---
1. At the age of five, Jay inspected a drain. And then got his bum stuck in it!
2. After watching the television programme Gladiators, he would pretend to be a gladiator, charging around in a make-shift costume.
3. As a child, he would leap from piece of furniture to furniture, pretending to be Superman.
4. He blames most of his faults on his Asian heritage.
5. During his time at university, Jay holed up in the boot of his friends car and was nearly crushed by the spare wheel!
6. When going to light a cigarette he nearly blew himself, due to the amount of deodorant he was wearing at the time!
7. He text a friend his Subway order for lunch and was unable to spell lettuce (spelt: letus), but could spell cucumber. It had his friend baffled!
8. He wears his pants in a "gangsta" fashion, halfway down his bum.
9. In the shower, he sings to his bathroom tiles.
10. One of his guilty pleasures is the music of Miley Cyrus.
Jay enjoys: filming, talking about his imaginary cow (Daisy) and extreme sports.
Jay dislikes: constant racism, impoliteness and brown sauce.
He loves to be around creative people as he finds them stimulating to the senses.
His favourite food is lasagne.
His favourite colour is blue.
His ideal woman is Megan Fox.
His hero is Don Vito.
His most embarrassing story (that he wants to share with you) is that during primary school he wet himself in front of teacher and classmates alike.
You can stalk Jay and hear about his personal experiences on Zombie Squad through Twitter: https://twitter.com/JayLSmith28
And Google +: +Jay Smith
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently: Breathe by Sarah Crossan.
As you probably know, I am lead scriptwriter on the project known as, Zombie Squad. As part of this exciting project, we're hoping to meet the cast and crew. Here's your chance to meet the director, Jay Smith, with fun and interesting facts from the man himself.
---
1. At the age of five, Jay inspected a drain. And then got his bum stuck in it!
2. After watching the television programme Gladiators, he would pretend to be a gladiator, charging around in a make-shift costume.
3. As a child, he would leap from piece of furniture to furniture, pretending to be Superman.
4. He blames most of his faults on his Asian heritage.
5. During his time at university, Jay holed up in the boot of his friends car and was nearly crushed by the spare wheel!
6. When going to light a cigarette he nearly blew himself, due to the amount of deodorant he was wearing at the time!
7. He text a friend his Subway order for lunch and was unable to spell lettuce (spelt: letus), but could spell cucumber. It had his friend baffled!
8. He wears his pants in a "gangsta" fashion, halfway down his bum.
9. In the shower, he sings to his bathroom tiles.
10. One of his guilty pleasures is the music of Miley Cyrus.
Jay enjoys: filming, talking about his imaginary cow (Daisy) and extreme sports.Jay dislikes: constant racism, impoliteness and brown sauce.
He loves to be around creative people as he finds them stimulating to the senses.
His favourite food is lasagne.
His favourite colour is blue.
His ideal woman is Megan Fox.
His hero is Don Vito.
His most embarrassing story (that he wants to share with you) is that during primary school he wet himself in front of teacher and classmates alike.
You can stalk Jay and hear about his personal experiences on Zombie Squad through Twitter: https://twitter.com/JayLSmith28
And Google +: +Jay Smith
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently: Breathe by Sarah Crossan.
Interview With... Shaun Allan
To all who are reading this,
Kicking off this month's guest interviews is a good friend and fellow local author, Shaun Allan! So please, sit back and enjoy the ramblings of this intriguing and genuine author...
---
Name: Shaun Allan
Age: Older than you!
Location: Grimsby
Hi Shaun, thanks for coming along! What are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I'm me. That's interesting enough on its own!
2. I love Egypt.
3. I have a writing inspired tattoo.
What made you want to be a writer?
I've always written, but hearing my English teacher reading To Kill A Mockingbird to our class pushed me into wanting to not just write, but to be a writer! I wanted to hold people like that. Enthral and unnerve and capture their imaginations.
What motivates you to write?
It's the best way to keep my Muse from wrecking the inner halls of my mind. He's a sort of Jester who likes to play with my thoughts and he can be a little sod when he wants. If I don't write, he gets bored and drives me insane.
Do you have a particular writing process?
Not really. I write and see what happens. I meet characters when they appear. And I write when I can, which isn't as often as I'd like, but when's when I can squeeze it in.
How do you manage the deadly problem that us writers block?
I write something else. If I'm working on a story and get stuck, I'll turn to another story, or write a blog entry. It's sort of like, if you've forgotten something, stop trying to think about it and it'll suddenly pop back into your mind. If the words won't come, write other words and soon enough the others won't want to be left out and will make themselves known.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
Don't use the word 'nice' as it's bland. Mr Staniforth, the teacher, told us that. Sometimes, however, it has to be used because it's all there is. Which is nice.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
Hmm... I suppose this should be something deep and classical. I'd probably think Stephen King's On Writing book was a good one. It was a sort of memoir but with tips in it too. It meant a lot that someone I read a lot of write in a similar fashion to myself.
Also, there's Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. This was after writing Sin, but I found the first two chapters were very similar (they've even been compared) which sort of gave Sin, himself. Also, I could relate to the attitudes and self image.
I think To Kill A Mockingbird is the most influential book in my life, but that was from it being read to me rather than reading it myself (though I have more than once).
Have you ever derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
ALWAYS! Sin and Dark Places have locations from my home town. People from my past appear as characters. They say 'write what you know'. So I, after a fashion, did.
Your first major publication is Sin. Have you had any publications prior to this?
I was published - both in short story form and poetry - a good few times in various small magazines in the UK and in the US. Sin was the first time I'd finally completed something major, however.
What is Sin about? It certainly sounds interesting!
On the surface, it's about a man around whom people die. He can't help this and goes to great lengths to try and prevent it. Deeper, it asks the questions of whether it's right to kill a killer. If you knew someone would kill a hundred people, is it OK to kill them - or are you then, just as bad. And what if the killer were you?
Sin can't control his actions. He doesn't know why these things are happening to, and because of, him. At times, we've all felt as if we're not in control of our own lives. No matter what we try to do, something bad happens. Sin has these issues in the extreme, and must go to extreme measures to try and solve the problems. How far would you go when it feels your world is ending and it's all because of yourself?
What drove you to write a dark and disturbing tale?
I didn't know it was going to be like this when I started writing it. It could, quite easily, have been a comedy. Originally, Sin was a short story (which now makes up the Prologue) and I thought that would be it, but his voice wouldn't stay quiet and the book sort of wrote itself. Most of my stories seem to be dark - although I do try to interject humour into them. I suppose, they're my way or exorcising my own demons. Or exercising them.
Some say that you and Sin are the same people. Care to elaborate?
I think they're possibly correct, after a fashion. I call Sin my Dark Half (in tribute to the Stephen King book of the same name). He's my outlet for odd thoughts and dark times. There's a great deal of me in the character - his sense of humour, some of his own life experiences (even those not written about yet), his random, tangential thoughts. As much as he could very well be a bad guy, he really doesn't want to be. Maybe that's me too?
What does the future hold for you as a writer?
A worldwide smash hit. Top 10 in all the bookstores.
Or at least a sequel to Sin, a Darker Places, and hopefully the completion of my children's book - which needs a fair bit of work!
Thank you for such a fantastic interview Shaun!
Be sure to check out Sin, and many more of Shaun's work on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
You can also find Shaun here:
http://www.shaunallan.co.uk
http://flipandcatch.blogspot.com
http://singularityspoint.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/singularityspoint
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Breathe by Sarah Crossan.
Kicking off this month's guest interviews is a good friend and fellow local author, Shaun Allan! So please, sit back and enjoy the ramblings of this intriguing and genuine author...
---
Name: Shaun AllanAge: Older than you!
Location: Grimsby
Hi Shaun, thanks for coming along! What are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I'm me. That's interesting enough on its own!
2. I love Egypt.
3. I have a writing inspired tattoo.
What made you want to be a writer?
I've always written, but hearing my English teacher reading To Kill A Mockingbird to our class pushed me into wanting to not just write, but to be a writer! I wanted to hold people like that. Enthral and unnerve and capture their imaginations.
What motivates you to write?
It's the best way to keep my Muse from wrecking the inner halls of my mind. He's a sort of Jester who likes to play with my thoughts and he can be a little sod when he wants. If I don't write, he gets bored and drives me insane.
Do you have a particular writing process?
Not really. I write and see what happens. I meet characters when they appear. And I write when I can, which isn't as often as I'd like, but when's when I can squeeze it in.
How do you manage the deadly problem that us writers block?
I write something else. If I'm working on a story and get stuck, I'll turn to another story, or write a blog entry. It's sort of like, if you've forgotten something, stop trying to think about it and it'll suddenly pop back into your mind. If the words won't come, write other words and soon enough the others won't want to be left out and will make themselves known.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
Don't use the word 'nice' as it's bland. Mr Staniforth, the teacher, told us that. Sometimes, however, it has to be used because it's all there is. Which is nice.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
Hmm... I suppose this should be something deep and classical. I'd probably think Stephen King's On Writing book was a good one. It was a sort of memoir but with tips in it too. It meant a lot that someone I read a lot of write in a similar fashion to myself.
Also, there's Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. This was after writing Sin, but I found the first two chapters were very similar (they've even been compared) which sort of gave Sin, himself. Also, I could relate to the attitudes and self image.
I think To Kill A Mockingbird is the most influential book in my life, but that was from it being read to me rather than reading it myself (though I have more than once).
Have you ever derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
ALWAYS! Sin and Dark Places have locations from my home town. People from my past appear as characters. They say 'write what you know'. So I, after a fashion, did.
Your first major publication is Sin. Have you had any publications prior to this?
I was published - both in short story form and poetry - a good few times in various small magazines in the UK and in the US. Sin was the first time I'd finally completed something major, however.What is Sin about? It certainly sounds interesting!
On the surface, it's about a man around whom people die. He can't help this and goes to great lengths to try and prevent it. Deeper, it asks the questions of whether it's right to kill a killer. If you knew someone would kill a hundred people, is it OK to kill them - or are you then, just as bad. And what if the killer were you?
Sin can't control his actions. He doesn't know why these things are happening to, and because of, him. At times, we've all felt as if we're not in control of our own lives. No matter what we try to do, something bad happens. Sin has these issues in the extreme, and must go to extreme measures to try and solve the problems. How far would you go when it feels your world is ending and it's all because of yourself?
What drove you to write a dark and disturbing tale?
I didn't know it was going to be like this when I started writing it. It could, quite easily, have been a comedy. Originally, Sin was a short story (which now makes up the Prologue) and I thought that would be it, but his voice wouldn't stay quiet and the book sort of wrote itself. Most of my stories seem to be dark - although I do try to interject humour into them. I suppose, they're my way or exorcising my own demons. Or exercising them.
Some say that you and Sin are the same people. Care to elaborate?
I think they're possibly correct, after a fashion. I call Sin my Dark Half (in tribute to the Stephen King book of the same name). He's my outlet for odd thoughts and dark times. There's a great deal of me in the character - his sense of humour, some of his own life experiences (even those not written about yet), his random, tangential thoughts. As much as he could very well be a bad guy, he really doesn't want to be. Maybe that's me too?
What does the future hold for you as a writer?
A worldwide smash hit. Top 10 in all the bookstores.
Or at least a sequel to Sin, a Darker Places, and hopefully the completion of my children's book - which needs a fair bit of work!Thank you for such a fantastic interview Shaun!
Be sure to check out Sin, and many more of Shaun's work on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
You can also find Shaun here:
http://www.shaunallan.co.uk
http://flipandcatch.blogspot.com
http://singularityspoint.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/singularityspoint
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Breathe by Sarah Crossan.
June 24, 2013
Interview With... Pyxi Rose
To all who are reading this,
Today is the last blog interview of the month. And it is a rather special blog post, as we are a special stop off on author Pyxi Rose's blog tour! So sit back and enjoy the dark paranormal romance that lies in wait from this Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly author.
---
Name: Pyxi Rose
Age: 31
Location: Tuscarora, PA.
Hi Pyxi! What are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I adore all spicy food, including spicy chocolate. Yum!
2. I am an atheist and I have been for a very long time.
3. I have pendulaphobia, the fear of swinging things. I know it sounds silly bur it causes sever panic attacks and I had had it all my life.
What made you want to be a writer?
I wish I could say I have always wanted to be a writer. But it would be a lie. At an early age, I started working animal care, first at a vet clinic doing grooming and later managing a pet store. From there, I went into animal research before ending up training dogs at NCSU Vet School. It wasn't until after my son was born that I truly started to take my writing seriously. It was always just an outlet for me when I was stressed, but now I can't imagine doing anything else.
What motivates you to write?
This one is an easy question. I write because if I don't, I would go mad. Even before I decided to publish anything, I wrote all the time. I have thousands of filled journals and notebooks. For me, writing is therapeutic. I am not a stranger to tragedy, and if it wasn't for my writing, I wouldn't be here today.
Do you have a particular writing practice?
I do. Don't laugh. I write everything longhand before I type it up. It's an old habit I can't break and it does help perfect my craft. I catch some of the smaller errors my mind would overlook if I was just tying it.
How do you manage the deadly problem that is writer's block?
Music. And push myself to write everyday, regardless if I am inspired or not. Write. Every. Day. And if that doesn't help, I read. That normally helps me if I am in a writing funk.
What is a piece of writing advice?
"Wrote the book you want to read, the one you cannot find." - Carol Shields.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
Wuthering Heights is probably one of my most read books in my library. The darkness in Bronte's work has bled through to my own words. Wuthering Heights is one of those books that sticks with you. It's the brutally honest and raw side of human nature and while it is darkness, there is beauty in that.
Have you ever derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Sure! One of my book's locations is Saluda, NC and it is a place I know very well. I grew up in those mountains and I miss them dearly. I try to go camping at the waterfalls as much as possible but since having my son, it's been hit and miss. I do miss them every day, though.
Your first major publication is The Ninth Taghairm Chronicles: Redemeption. Have you had any publications prior to this?
I have had a few poems here and there published when I was younger but this is my first full length novel to hit the shelves. And I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing literary family as Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. I am so grateful for the support and love we have for each other!
What is The Ninth Taghairm Chronicles: Redemption about? It certainly sounds interesting!
Redemption is the first book of nine about Scottish Oracles called Taghairms. With Redemption, we start of the line of sisters and she is different from the others. For a crime of retribution, she is cursed to have the soul of an immortal bur to live and die as a mortal, only to be reincarnated and do it all again. With each lifetime more horrific than the last, she remembers every detail and she suffers it waiting for her deity to grant her forgiveness. Secrets are revealed and lovers meet and in the end, not all are left standing.
What drove you to write dark paranormal romance?
For me, it is liberating to write in a genre where anything goes. The possibilities are endless and with my characters, the darkness makes them more real. I tend to read this genre as well.
What drove you to writ under the pen-name Pyxi Rose?
To be completely honest with you, I have been going by Pyxi since high school. My real name is apparently hard to pronounce and it would be easier on my son if I decided to write more adult novels. Rose is my real middle name.
Are you planning to continue The Taghairm Chronicles as a series and what does the future hold for you as a writer?
Yes. There will be nine full length novels in this series and one novella. Each Taghairm will get their own book and the novella will be out Laylah and Rasi. As far as the future, I just want to write. On top of working on The Taghairm Chronicles, I am working on a standalone PNR about the reversal roles with angels/demons. Hoping to have this one ready for submission by the end of July.
Thank you so much for having me Zoe!
And thank you, for such a fantastic interview Pyxi!
Be sure to check out The Ninth Taghairm Chronicles: Redemption on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
You can also find Pyxi here:
http://www.facebook.com/TheTaghairmChronicles?fref=ts
http://www.twitter.com/taghairmpyxi
http://www.goodreads.com/PyxiRose
http://thetaghairmchronicles.blogspot.com
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Skylark by Meagan Spooner
Today is the last blog interview of the month. And it is a rather special blog post, as we are a special stop off on author Pyxi Rose's blog tour! So sit back and enjoy the dark paranormal romance that lies in wait from this Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly author.
---
Name: Pyxi RoseAge: 31
Location: Tuscarora, PA.
Hi Pyxi! What are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I adore all spicy food, including spicy chocolate. Yum!
2. I am an atheist and I have been for a very long time.
3. I have pendulaphobia, the fear of swinging things. I know it sounds silly bur it causes sever panic attacks and I had had it all my life.
What made you want to be a writer?
I wish I could say I have always wanted to be a writer. But it would be a lie. At an early age, I started working animal care, first at a vet clinic doing grooming and later managing a pet store. From there, I went into animal research before ending up training dogs at NCSU Vet School. It wasn't until after my son was born that I truly started to take my writing seriously. It was always just an outlet for me when I was stressed, but now I can't imagine doing anything else.
What motivates you to write?
This one is an easy question. I write because if I don't, I would go mad. Even before I decided to publish anything, I wrote all the time. I have thousands of filled journals and notebooks. For me, writing is therapeutic. I am not a stranger to tragedy, and if it wasn't for my writing, I wouldn't be here today.
Do you have a particular writing practice?
I do. Don't laugh. I write everything longhand before I type it up. It's an old habit I can't break and it does help perfect my craft. I catch some of the smaller errors my mind would overlook if I was just tying it.
How do you manage the deadly problem that is writer's block?
Music. And push myself to write everyday, regardless if I am inspired or not. Write. Every. Day. And if that doesn't help, I read. That normally helps me if I am in a writing funk.
What is a piece of writing advice?
"Wrote the book you want to read, the one you cannot find." - Carol Shields.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
Wuthering Heights is probably one of my most read books in my library. The darkness in Bronte's work has bled through to my own words. Wuthering Heights is one of those books that sticks with you. It's the brutally honest and raw side of human nature and while it is darkness, there is beauty in that.
Have you ever derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Sure! One of my book's locations is Saluda, NC and it is a place I know very well. I grew up in those mountains and I miss them dearly. I try to go camping at the waterfalls as much as possible but since having my son, it's been hit and miss. I do miss them every day, though.
Your first major publication is The Ninth Taghairm Chronicles: Redemeption. Have you had any publications prior to this?
I have had a few poems here and there published when I was younger but this is my first full length novel to hit the shelves. And I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing literary family as Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. I am so grateful for the support and love we have for each other!
What is The Ninth Taghairm Chronicles: Redemption about? It certainly sounds interesting!Redemption is the first book of nine about Scottish Oracles called Taghairms. With Redemption, we start of the line of sisters and she is different from the others. For a crime of retribution, she is cursed to have the soul of an immortal bur to live and die as a mortal, only to be reincarnated and do it all again. With each lifetime more horrific than the last, she remembers every detail and she suffers it waiting for her deity to grant her forgiveness. Secrets are revealed and lovers meet and in the end, not all are left standing.
What drove you to write dark paranormal romance?
For me, it is liberating to write in a genre where anything goes. The possibilities are endless and with my characters, the darkness makes them more real. I tend to read this genre as well.
What drove you to writ under the pen-name Pyxi Rose?
To be completely honest with you, I have been going by Pyxi since high school. My real name is apparently hard to pronounce and it would be easier on my son if I decided to write more adult novels. Rose is my real middle name.
Are you planning to continue The Taghairm Chronicles as a series and what does the future hold for you as a writer?
Yes. There will be nine full length novels in this series and one novella. Each Taghairm will get their own book and the novella will be out Laylah and Rasi. As far as the future, I just want to write. On top of working on The Taghairm Chronicles, I am working on a standalone PNR about the reversal roles with angels/demons. Hoping to have this one ready for submission by the end of July.
Thank you so much for having me Zoe!
And thank you, for such a fantastic interview Pyxi!
Be sure to check out The Ninth Taghairm Chronicles: Redemption on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
You can also find Pyxi here:
http://www.facebook.com/TheTaghairmChronicles?fref=ts
http://www.twitter.com/taghairmpyxi
http://www.goodreads.com/PyxiRose
http://thetaghairmchronicles.blogspot.com
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Skylark by Meagan Spooner
June 23, 2013
Interview With... Amelia Hamilton
To all who are reading this,
Today's blog entry is the first of I hope many. Instead of meeting an author, today you meet a character, and learn more about their world, and the books they feature in.
Today's character is Amelia Hamilton, from the Sarah Jayne Carr's popular science-fiction JackRabbit7 series, published by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Press.
---
Name: Amelia Noelle Hamilton.
Age: 23.
Location: Enumclaw, Washington.
Hi Amelia! Can you introduce yourself for the readers please?
My name is Amelia Hamilton. I'm 23-years old with dark hair and hazel eyes. I'm a Capricorn, a klutz, and a vegetarian. You want me to be more specific? Did I mention my grandfather faked his own death? Now, he's resurfaced and is trying to kill me.
So... Tell us about yourself.
Believe it or not, there are two underground agencies in my life: the Physician Coalition and the Insurance Agency. To make it simple, they're the good guys and the bad guys, but I'm caught somewhere in-between. My days feel like I should live inside a comic book wearing spandex and a cape. Seriously. The situations I endure are not pretty and a lot of them involve death.
What's a day in your life like?
In my old life? I worked at a diner for a money-hoarding Italian named Lorenzo. When I was fired, I thought it was the worst day of my life. Now, friends and family are dropping like flies around me. At this point, any day is a blessing where I can stay alive and not to have to attend another funeral.
Describe yourself in five words.
Stubborn. Naïve. Clumsy. Apprehensive. Determined.
How would others describe you? (In five words).
That's going to vary with who you ask! I'll go with loyal, sincere, clumsy, driven and trustworthy.
Do you have an anthem for your life? And by that I mean a song.
In Embracing Hamilton? What I've Done by Linkin Park. I make some serious mistakes in this story. I'll never be able to wash my hands of one of them.
What film title sums up your life at the present moment and why?
Clear and Present Danger. Each day, it's harder to stay alive in my world. Noose can't even protect me these days. If you want to know who Noose is, you'll need to read the story.
What book titles sums up your love life at the present moment and why?
At the beginning of Revealing Hamilton? Torn by Christine Hughes. I'm torn about a few men in mu life at this point in the story.
What motivates you?
Keeping my grandfather alive while he's trying to kill me. My life truly is a double-edged sword.
What's your aim in life?
To find out what happened to my family and how to rid myself of this curse.
What's your biggest fear?
Needles and mosquitoes. I don't know which is worse.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
I don't want to give away any of the story so I'm going to be vague. My brave effort to try and protect a certain little boy.
Who do you admire the most?
I admire Donovan's family a lot. They've stuck together through thick and thin. When I was in various foster homes, they were like a second set of parents to me.
You're having an intense spring clean, in the middle of summer. What is easy to throw away? What is hard to part with?
Easiest to throw away? Probably anything from Connor. The hardest thing for me to part with isn't tangible. It's my past. Regardless of the season, it's always going to be there to haunt me. Oh! Here's something tangible. I won't let go of my birth certificate. It's the only proof my true last name is Hamilton. My grandfather has insiders working for the state, They try to change my name all the time. Bunch of jackasses...
What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
I'm hungry... Anything without meat. I'm a vegetarian. If you read pRevealing Hamilton, you'll learn what happened in my childhood that made me dislike poultry.
---
Check out Sarah Jayne Carr's amazing JackRabbit7 series on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
You can also find Sarah here:
www.facebook.com/authorsarahjcarr
www.twitter.com/@sarahjcarr1
www.sarahjcarr.com
http://www.goodreads.com/SarahJCarr
http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/SarahJCarr1
http://www.sarahjcarr.com
http://www.amazon.com/author/sarahjcarr
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Skylark by Meagan Spooner.
Today's blog entry is the first of I hope many. Instead of meeting an author, today you meet a character, and learn more about their world, and the books they feature in.
Today's character is Amelia Hamilton, from the Sarah Jayne Carr's popular science-fiction JackRabbit7 series, published by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Press.
---
Name: Amelia Noelle Hamilton.Age: 23.
Location: Enumclaw, Washington.
Hi Amelia! Can you introduce yourself for the readers please?
My name is Amelia Hamilton. I'm 23-years old with dark hair and hazel eyes. I'm a Capricorn, a klutz, and a vegetarian. You want me to be more specific? Did I mention my grandfather faked his own death? Now, he's resurfaced and is trying to kill me.
So... Tell us about yourself.
Believe it or not, there are two underground agencies in my life: the Physician Coalition and the Insurance Agency. To make it simple, they're the good guys and the bad guys, but I'm caught somewhere in-between. My days feel like I should live inside a comic book wearing spandex and a cape. Seriously. The situations I endure are not pretty and a lot of them involve death.
What's a day in your life like?
In my old life? I worked at a diner for a money-hoarding Italian named Lorenzo. When I was fired, I thought it was the worst day of my life. Now, friends and family are dropping like flies around me. At this point, any day is a blessing where I can stay alive and not to have to attend another funeral.
Describe yourself in five words.
Stubborn. Naïve. Clumsy. Apprehensive. Determined.
How would others describe you? (In five words).
That's going to vary with who you ask! I'll go with loyal, sincere, clumsy, driven and trustworthy.
Do you have an anthem for your life? And by that I mean a song.
In Embracing Hamilton? What I've Done by Linkin Park. I make some serious mistakes in this story. I'll never be able to wash my hands of one of them.What film title sums up your life at the present moment and why?
Clear and Present Danger. Each day, it's harder to stay alive in my world. Noose can't even protect me these days. If you want to know who Noose is, you'll need to read the story.
What book titles sums up your love life at the present moment and why?
At the beginning of Revealing Hamilton? Torn by Christine Hughes. I'm torn about a few men in mu life at this point in the story.
What motivates you?
Keeping my grandfather alive while he's trying to kill me. My life truly is a double-edged sword.
What's your aim in life?
To find out what happened to my family and how to rid myself of this curse.
What's your biggest fear?
Needles and mosquitoes. I don't know which is worse.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
I don't want to give away any of the story so I'm going to be vague. My brave effort to try and protect a certain little boy.
Who do you admire the most?
I admire Donovan's family a lot. They've stuck together through thick and thin. When I was in various foster homes, they were like a second set of parents to me.
You're having an intense spring clean, in the middle of summer. What is easy to throw away? What is hard to part with?
Easiest to throw away? Probably anything from Connor. The hardest thing for me to part with isn't tangible. It's my past. Regardless of the season, it's always going to be there to haunt me. Oh! Here's something tangible. I won't let go of my birth certificate. It's the only proof my true last name is Hamilton. My grandfather has insiders working for the state, They try to change my name all the time. Bunch of jackasses...
What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
I'm hungry... Anything without meat. I'm a vegetarian. If you read pRevealing Hamilton, you'll learn what happened in my childhood that made me dislike poultry.
---
Check out Sarah Jayne Carr's amazing JackRabbit7 series on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
You can also find Sarah here:
www.facebook.com/authorsarahjcarr
www.twitter.com/@sarahjcarr1
www.sarahjcarr.com
http://www.goodreads.com/SarahJCarr
http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/SarahJCarr1
http://www.sarahjcarr.com
http://www.amazon.com/author/sarahjcarr
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Skylark by Meagan Spooner.
June 18, 2013
Done For You
To all who are reading this,
I am thrilled to announce that I am about to become one of Breakwater Theatre's new scriptwriters, amongst some other amazing talent out there.
The theme of the play is Healthy Obsessions, and the play I wrote is entitled Done For You, and is inspired by the song of the same name by Black Veil Brides, from the latest album, Wretched and Divine.
Are you interested in supporting local theatre? If the answer is yes, then here's how I described the play to the director:
"You've met a boy. He's a little unorthodox, but that doesn't matter, because you are too. You'd do anything for them - even having major surgery. Is it love, or is it an obsession?"
There are a lot of things I could say about this play. How I was influenced, how the process of writing a stage play was, if and what research I undertook, whether it was an emotional or personal experience writing it - the list is endless.
I will be answering questions after the play has been performed and if you can't make it, I shall be posting a blog, and perhaps a V-Log too all about it.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me during this, and if you can make it, it would be great to see you!
Details are here:
Venue: BamBoogie, Grimsby Town. Near The Bank at Grimsby Railway Station.
Time: 7:30.
Price: £5 Tickets are available on the door and from: http://breakwatertheatre3.eventbrite.co.uk/
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Undone by Cat Clarke
I am thrilled to announce that I am about to become one of Breakwater Theatre's new scriptwriters, amongst some other amazing talent out there.
The theme of the play is Healthy Obsessions, and the play I wrote is entitled Done For You, and is inspired by the song of the same name by Black Veil Brides, from the latest album, Wretched and Divine.
Are you interested in supporting local theatre? If the answer is yes, then here's how I described the play to the director:"You've met a boy. He's a little unorthodox, but that doesn't matter, because you are too. You'd do anything for them - even having major surgery. Is it love, or is it an obsession?"
There are a lot of things I could say about this play. How I was influenced, how the process of writing a stage play was, if and what research I undertook, whether it was an emotional or personal experience writing it - the list is endless.
I will be answering questions after the play has been performed and if you can't make it, I shall be posting a blog, and perhaps a V-Log too all about it.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me during this, and if you can make it, it would be great to see you!
Details are here:
Venue: BamBoogie, Grimsby Town. Near The Bank at Grimsby Railway Station.
Time: 7:30.
Price: £5 Tickets are available on the door and from: http://breakwatertheatre3.eventbrite.co.uk/
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Undone by Cat Clarke
June 17, 2013
Interview With... Khelsey Jackson
To all who are reading this,
Join me on a journey of multiple genres and sights as I meet fellow Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing author, Khelsey Jackson and learn more about her novel, The Beast and the Homecoming Queen.
---
Name: Khelsey Jackson
Age: 25
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Hi Khelsey, thanks for joining me! So what are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I drink coffee all day.
2. I'm addicted to nail polish.
3. I'm pretty sure that I couldn't live without chocolate.
What made you want to be a writer?
I was reading Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series for a seventh time and thought I could write a book. I started Kallos that night.
What motivates you to write?
When I get an email or a message from someone telling me how much they loved my book, it makes everything worth it.
Do you have a particular writing process?
I do. I need loud Dubstep music on Pandora and I always need a drink.
How do you manage the deadly problem that is writers block?
I will read other books or reread what I wrote.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
My grandma told me to write what I love, and that is what I do.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
I have a few. Cynthia Eden, Richelle Mead and AM Hudson. I think because I adore all of their books it made me want to a better author and hopefully I can be where they are at.
Have you derived any inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Hmm... I don't think I did!
Your latest release is The Beast and the Homecoming Queen. What are your other publications for those who don't know?
I have a lot! I have the prequels to the Kallos series: Sean & Ian, Acidalia, Aphrodite's Curse and then the first book in the Kallos series, Kallos.
I also have a vampire series called Darkwood Manor: First Bite and Love Bite.
I have an erotic series called Incubus. Phoenix's Heart is the first in the series and I'm working on book two with Max and Megan's story.
I feel like I'm forgetting some!
What is The Beast and the Homcoming Queen about? It certainly
sounds interesting!
Quinn hasn't had an easy life. Her mother was killed in a car accident when she was just a baby and her father was found murdered with unexplained bite marks on his body. The only person she had left was her sister... That is until her evil step-mother took her away living Quinn alone in a massive house.
Enter Senior and Kaden Webb. He is dangerous and Quinn is immediately drawn to him. Her best friend Breanna doesn't like him and thinks she should be with someone like Justin Keto, her long time crush. Quinn finds herself torn between the two boys until Justin makes the first move and asks her to the homecoming dance. Here she finds out nothing in her life has been what it seemed... Including Justin and Kaden.
Turns out Quinn is a werewolf and Justin is destined to help her lead the pack as her mate. As if that wasn't enough to deal with, both Kaden and Justin must move in with her for safety's sake. Theirs and hers. It's a good thing that two jealous werewolves in love with her and living under the same roof is the least of her problems, right?
What drove you to write fantasy?
I love the fantasy world. I love the idea of anything can happen, and I can make anything happen.
Your Amazon.com Author Page states that you moved to Las Vegas when you were 18. What made you decide to move and has it influenced you with writing?
I moved to Vegas because my dad lived here. I started working and met my husband. I don't know if I would have become an author if I hadn't moved here. My husbands pushed me to do what I loved, and that was writing.
You have a series of successful books available on Amazon, but what does the future hold for you as a writer?
I love writing series' and I plan on writing more in each. The Kallos series is endless, I'm not sure how many books will be in it!
Thanks for such a fantastic interview Khelsey!
Be sure to check out The Beast and the Homecoming Queen on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. Coincidentally, you can get a free copy of First Bite, the first in the Darkwood Manor series on Amazon - but hurry, today is the last day!
You can also find Khelsey here:
https://www.facebook.com/khelseyrjackson
Twitter: @KhelseyrJackson
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick
Join me on a journey of multiple genres and sights as I meet fellow Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing author, Khelsey Jackson and learn more about her novel, The Beast and the Homecoming Queen.
---
Name: Khelsey Jackson
Age: 25
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Hi Khelsey, thanks for joining me! So what are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I drink coffee all day.
2. I'm addicted to nail polish.
3. I'm pretty sure that I couldn't live without chocolate.
What made you want to be a writer?
I was reading Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series for a seventh time and thought I could write a book. I started Kallos that night.
What motivates you to write?
When I get an email or a message from someone telling me how much they loved my book, it makes everything worth it.
Do you have a particular writing process?
I do. I need loud Dubstep music on Pandora and I always need a drink.
How do you manage the deadly problem that is writers block?
I will read other books or reread what I wrote.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
My grandma told me to write what I love, and that is what I do.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
I have a few. Cynthia Eden, Richelle Mead and AM Hudson. I think because I adore all of their books it made me want to a better author and hopefully I can be where they are at.
Have you derived any inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Hmm... I don't think I did!
Your latest release is The Beast and the Homecoming Queen. What are your other publications for those who don't know?
I have a lot! I have the prequels to the Kallos series: Sean & Ian, Acidalia, Aphrodite's Curse and then the first book in the Kallos series, Kallos.
I also have a vampire series called Darkwood Manor: First Bite and Love Bite.
I have an erotic series called Incubus. Phoenix's Heart is the first in the series and I'm working on book two with Max and Megan's story.
I feel like I'm forgetting some!
What is The Beast and the Homcoming Queen about? It certainly
sounds interesting!Quinn hasn't had an easy life. Her mother was killed in a car accident when she was just a baby and her father was found murdered with unexplained bite marks on his body. The only person she had left was her sister... That is until her evil step-mother took her away living Quinn alone in a massive house.
Enter Senior and Kaden Webb. He is dangerous and Quinn is immediately drawn to him. Her best friend Breanna doesn't like him and thinks she should be with someone like Justin Keto, her long time crush. Quinn finds herself torn between the two boys until Justin makes the first move and asks her to the homecoming dance. Here she finds out nothing in her life has been what it seemed... Including Justin and Kaden.
Turns out Quinn is a werewolf and Justin is destined to help her lead the pack as her mate. As if that wasn't enough to deal with, both Kaden and Justin must move in with her for safety's sake. Theirs and hers. It's a good thing that two jealous werewolves in love with her and living under the same roof is the least of her problems, right?
What drove you to write fantasy?
I love the fantasy world. I love the idea of anything can happen, and I can make anything happen.
Your Amazon.com Author Page states that you moved to Las Vegas when you were 18. What made you decide to move and has it influenced you with writing?
I moved to Vegas because my dad lived here. I started working and met my husband. I don't know if I would have become an author if I hadn't moved here. My husbands pushed me to do what I loved, and that was writing.
You have a series of successful books available on Amazon, but what does the future hold for you as a writer?
I love writing series' and I plan on writing more in each. The Kallos series is endless, I'm not sure how many books will be in it!
Thanks for such a fantastic interview Khelsey!
Be sure to check out The Beast and the Homecoming Queen on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. Coincidentally, you can get a free copy of First Bite, the first in the Darkwood Manor series on Amazon - but hurry, today is the last day!
You can also find Khelsey here:
https://www.facebook.com/khelseyrjackson
Twitter: @KhelseyrJackson
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick
June 15, 2013
Happy Father's Day!
To all who are reading this,
Today is Father's Day, a day when we should celebrate all of the things that our fathers have done for us, whether we get along with them or not.
My own father always says these things are too gimmicky and that he doesn't want anything. Having three children is enough for him and that's the best gift he could ever have. Which is very sweet, but I'm sure he wishes we'd all bugger off sometimes...
I love my father dearly. He is a courageous man who does everything he can to support his family - putting food on the table, making sure our house is heated and becoming a taxi man when needed to. A racing fanatic, he enjoys the MotoGP and the F1, something I have gotten into as well. We garden together. He told me stories to fend off the nightmares of youth, and made me want to tell my own stories.
He supports my career as a writer, freelancer and now lead scriptwriter, and often helps on the side of research, giving me knowledge when he knows the answer and has gotten to it faster than the internet on a laptop, or a mobile phone, or an iPad. He pushes me to achieve my best, and only my best, whether this was at school, university or my career.
Yes, we've argued. He's been overprotective, but what father isn't? At the end of the day, I couldn't imagine a life without him by my side.
He's one in a million.
So today readers, take a moment out of your busy days to thank your dad for everything he has ever done for you. He loves you, as much as you love him.
Yours with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading:
Me and my lovely Dad at the Amaryllis Restaurant in Kos (2012)
Today is Father's Day, a day when we should celebrate all of the things that our fathers have done for us, whether we get along with them or not.
My own father always says these things are too gimmicky and that he doesn't want anything. Having three children is enough for him and that's the best gift he could ever have. Which is very sweet, but I'm sure he wishes we'd all bugger off sometimes...
I love my father dearly. He is a courageous man who does everything he can to support his family - putting food on the table, making sure our house is heated and becoming a taxi man when needed to. A racing fanatic, he enjoys the MotoGP and the F1, something I have gotten into as well. We garden together. He told me stories to fend off the nightmares of youth, and made me want to tell my own stories.
He supports my career as a writer, freelancer and now lead scriptwriter, and often helps on the side of research, giving me knowledge when he knows the answer and has gotten to it faster than the internet on a laptop, or a mobile phone, or an iPad. He pushes me to achieve my best, and only my best, whether this was at school, university or my career.
Yes, we've argued. He's been overprotective, but what father isn't? At the end of the day, I couldn't imagine a life without him by my side.
He's one in a million.
So today readers, take a moment out of your busy days to thank your dad for everything he has ever done for you. He loves you, as much as you love him.
Yours with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading:
Me and my lovely Dad at the Amaryllis Restaurant in Kos (2012)
Interview With... Gabriella Lepore
To all who are reading this,
Join me on this fantastical journey as I meet fellow Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing author, Gabriella Lepore and learn more about her novel, Evanescent.
---
Name: Gabriella Lepore
Age: 28
Location: Wales, UK
Hi Gabriella, thanks for joining me! So what are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I love witches.
2. I rarely make it through an entire movie.
3. I'm scared of fish.
What made you want to be a writer?
I've always wanted to be a writer, ever since I can remember. It was just something I felt was right for me.
What motivates you to write?
I enjoy the whole process, and if I'm really involved in a project, I can't wait to get home and work on it! I find that listening to music is probably my best motivator.
Do you have a particular writing process?
I like to visit new places when I'm trying to come up with book ideas. I always write the rough drafts in notebooks first, then when I transfer it to my laptop, I can change and develop the plot as I go along.
How do you manage the deadly problem that is writers block?
Give in to it! I often try to write when I have writers block, but then I look back at what I've done and can see that nothing flows or works. That's why I think it's better to just accept it, and when the time's right, inspiration will come to you.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
Only write if you're enjoying it. If you're not enjoying writing it, how can you expect anyone to enjoy reading it.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
Probably Pentecost and the Chosen One by W J Corbett. I love W J Corbett's sense of humour and wit. It made me want to write eccentric characters - my favourite kind of character!
Have you derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Always from places; forests, old buildings, castles. Anywhere that looks vaguely haunted.
Your first major publication for Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly is Evanescent. Have you had any publications prior to this?
Yes, I have three YA novels: The Witches of the Glass Castle, How I Found You and Evanescent. They're all supernatural, and each explore witchcraft in different forms.
What is Evanescent about? It certainly sounds interesting!
The book begins when Bronwen is woken in the night by her grandmother who warns her about a supernatural threat to her life. Bronwen is forced to go in search of three mysterious boys who've made their home in a castle in the hills, in the hope that they will help her. As the story unravels, secrets are revealed and Bronwen learns that the boys have been made immortal by a witch's curse. To fight for Browen's life, the boys as for one thing in return: freedom for their own lives.
What drove you to write about the supernatural world?
I love all things supernatural! It captures the imagination like nothing else.
On your website, it mentions that you hold writing workshops and events. Could you tell us more about these events and your thoughts on such?
Yes, for the past couple of years I've been visiting schools and libraries to promote literacy. Usually I'll begin with a group discussion, followed by construction of a short story. It's been a fantastic experience, and I've loved doing the workshops. I've met some amazingly talented kids along the way!
Are you planning on continuing Evanescent as a series, and what does the future hold for you as a writer?
At the moment, there isn't a follow up to Evanescent, but maybe I'll do something in the future. I'm working on a new YA at the moment, and hopefully many more to come!
Thanks for such a fantastic interview Gabriella!
Be sure to check out Evanescent on Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. You can also find Gabriella here:
https://www.facebook.com/facebook#!/pages/Gabriella-Lepore-Books/240139339377522?fref=ts
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Trouble With Fate by Leigh Evans.
Join me on this fantastical journey as I meet fellow Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing author, Gabriella Lepore and learn more about her novel, Evanescent.
---
Name: Gabriella LeporeAge: 28
Location: Wales, UK
Hi Gabriella, thanks for joining me! So what are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I love witches.
2. I rarely make it through an entire movie.
3. I'm scared of fish.
What made you want to be a writer?
I've always wanted to be a writer, ever since I can remember. It was just something I felt was right for me.
What motivates you to write?
I enjoy the whole process, and if I'm really involved in a project, I can't wait to get home and work on it! I find that listening to music is probably my best motivator.
Do you have a particular writing process?
I like to visit new places when I'm trying to come up with book ideas. I always write the rough drafts in notebooks first, then when I transfer it to my laptop, I can change and develop the plot as I go along.
How do you manage the deadly problem that is writers block?
Give in to it! I often try to write when I have writers block, but then I look back at what I've done and can see that nothing flows or works. That's why I think it's better to just accept it, and when the time's right, inspiration will come to you.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
Only write if you're enjoying it. If you're not enjoying writing it, how can you expect anyone to enjoy reading it.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
Probably Pentecost and the Chosen One by W J Corbett. I love W J Corbett's sense of humour and wit. It made me want to write eccentric characters - my favourite kind of character!
Have you derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Always from places; forests, old buildings, castles. Anywhere that looks vaguely haunted.
Your first major publication for Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly is Evanescent. Have you had any publications prior to this?
Yes, I have three YA novels: The Witches of the Glass Castle, How I Found You and Evanescent. They're all supernatural, and each explore witchcraft in different forms.
What is Evanescent about? It certainly sounds interesting!
The book begins when Bronwen is woken in the night by her grandmother who warns her about a supernatural threat to her life. Bronwen is forced to go in search of three mysterious boys who've made their home in a castle in the hills, in the hope that they will help her. As the story unravels, secrets are revealed and Bronwen learns that the boys have been made immortal by a witch's curse. To fight for Browen's life, the boys as for one thing in return: freedom for their own lives.What drove you to write about the supernatural world?
I love all things supernatural! It captures the imagination like nothing else.
On your website, it mentions that you hold writing workshops and events. Could you tell us more about these events and your thoughts on such?
Yes, for the past couple of years I've been visiting schools and libraries to promote literacy. Usually I'll begin with a group discussion, followed by construction of a short story. It's been a fantastic experience, and I've loved doing the workshops. I've met some amazingly talented kids along the way!
Are you planning on continuing Evanescent as a series, and what does the future hold for you as a writer?
At the moment, there isn't a follow up to Evanescent, but maybe I'll do something in the future. I'm working on a new YA at the moment, and hopefully many more to come!
Thanks for such a fantastic interview Gabriella!
Be sure to check out Evanescent on Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. You can also find Gabriella here:
https://www.facebook.com/facebook#!/pages/Gabriella-Lepore-Books/240139339377522?fref=ts
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Trouble With Fate by Leigh Evans.
June 13, 2013
Interview With... VJ Chisholm
To all who are reading this,
Join me on this mystical journey as I meet Vamptasy author, VJ Chisholm and learn more about her novel, Magick Weaved on a Samhain Eve.
---
Name: VJ Chisholm
Age: 30
Location: Scotland, UK.
Hi VJ, thanks for joining me! So what are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I was a practising Wiccan from the age of 13, until I was 29.
2. I have a wee crazy dog, who is blind and never ending hyper, called Chase, that lives with me.
3. I hate the colour pink.
What made you want to be a writer?
I wrote poetry from an early age and did drama classes of every kind. I think it was just something that came to be over time. It definitely grew from being around my Nana - who was a fab storyteller, who with no more than just some names suggested to her for characters by myself (as a cheeky young child), could make up these amazing stories on the spot.
What motivates you to write?
I have such a passion for reading and learning, and I guess I'm the sort of person who always thinks about these "What If" moments in life. Then that gets my mind going into, "Oh, that could make a great story", mode and then I just see where that takes me.
Do you have a particular writing process?
I normally come up with one small thing about a character or plot, and then build it all up from there! With Alexia in Magick Weaved, it was her sassy humour and witchy nature that came first. Then the idea of setting it during Samhain, then her looks came into play! At that stage, I get my character notebook out where I take every mini detail of her down, from the colour and length of her hair to what colour her top is or what babydoll she's wearing from one page to the next. I then create a second notebook and pack it full of mini details that are needed in setting the scene for each chapter and another one, for the whole novella. Then I take all the notes I've made and get to work at putting them altogether but honestly, once I get a feel for the characters they totally take over the show!
I often find myself into some music as I write. I find the beat of the music will really help to visualise the scene I'm working on.
How do you handle the deadly problem that is writer's block?
I know that if I get hit by a block, I have to step away from my laptop and go out for a few ours, or chill out with a DVD. If I don't, then I just get more and more jammed up on myself and so flustered I will start to see problems where there were none before. After that, I will go back and look over what I have already written and start editing it. I find that will often help me to break back into full on writer mode. On the rare occasions that doesn't work, I will often jump ahead of myself and focus on another chapter completely and then go back later to the part I got the block on, before merging the two parts together.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
The best advice I ever got was simple, but it was everyday advice, but I use it for my writing:
Don't let fear stop you from doing what you love - go for it! If it works for you and excites you, then hopefully, it will do the same for others.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
Oh... Erm... Pass!
Have you ever derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Yes, places I have visited or things I have seen over the years. I think this comes across more in another book I'm currently working on called The Pack. I've travelled a lot to the States over the years and that definitely comes across in my work I think, especially when I'm talking about cities or sights.
Your first major publication is Magick Weaved on a Samhain Eve. Have you had any publications prior to this?
No Magick Weaved is my first publication to date.
What is Magick Weaved on a Samhain Eve about? It certainly sounds interesting!
It's about a woman called Alexia, who is a lively, single, sassy and sexy coven witch, yet she finds her sex life (or lack of it) the hot topic of her fellow coven sisters after one of their full moon meetings. Add to the mix the discovery of an old spell and Alexia's life starts to change very quickly as a spirit named Lance appears. Combine the heat of the full moon and a hint of destiny... Well, let's just say Alexia's world starts to change around her very quickly after that.
What drove you to write fantasy?
I love reading the genre and it's also a topic that just appeals to me! I totally believe in things like magick, spirits, angels etc. There are so many unanswered questions out there that everyone has a different take on - it just sets my mind alight with ideas that make me go, "Ohhh, yes that would be amazing if that happened!"
Your Facebook Page states that you studied Animal Care. What made you go into this? What's your favourite animal and why?
Well from a young age, animals and Holistic Healing were one of my first big passions in life. I grew up in a household of 2-4 cats at any one time! I just knew I wanted a career that would allow me to interact with animals on a daily basis. I knew I didn't have the makings of a vet in me, so I trained to be a vet nurse and then later on, I set up a calling cat sitting service, which I ran for nine and a half years. There was never a dull moment in doing that job. I may write a non-fiction book about my time as a cat sitter one day, as there are so many funny stories I could tell about that time in my life.
Are you planning on continuing Magick Weaved as a series, and what does the future hold for you as a writer?
I'm currently working on the sequel to Magick Weaved called The Turn of the Wheel, in keeping with the Wiccan Sabbath theme. In Magick Weaved we leave Alexia and Lance just as they decide to accept their relationship and Alexia's big news unties them. So we're going to see how they deal with the daily life issues and how they keep their sex life going around these new challenges. We'll also leanr more about Alexia's past, as well as Lance's.
I have no less than another three other books I'm trying to work on!
One as I mentioned is called The Pack, which is very much a paranormal action series. I hope this will be a big series as I just have so much fun writing about these characters. It's more witch based, but we have some werewolves and other supernaturals in the mix.
I have a darker, edgier book, which is based on a very twisted unhealthy relationship between the two main characters.
Then I have a much softer, sweeter love story as well, that is in the very early stages of the process.
Thanks for such a fantastic interview, VJ!
Be sure to check out Magick Weaved on a Samhain Eve on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. You can also find VJ here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VJChisholm-author-page/276730849033914
Twitter: @VJChisholmbooks
https://sites.google.com/site/vjchisholmbooks/
http://vjchisholmbooks.wordpress.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5299523.V_J_Chisholm
http://pinterest.com/vjbooks/boards/
http://plus.google.com/103321254731121363476/posts/p/pub
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Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
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Currently reading: The Trouble With Fate by Leigh Evans.
Join me on this mystical journey as I meet Vamptasy author, VJ Chisholm and learn more about her novel, Magick Weaved on a Samhain Eve.
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Name: VJ Chisholm
Age: 30
Location: Scotland, UK.
Hi VJ, thanks for joining me! So what are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I was a practising Wiccan from the age of 13, until I was 29.
2. I have a wee crazy dog, who is blind and never ending hyper, called Chase, that lives with me.
3. I hate the colour pink.
What made you want to be a writer?
I wrote poetry from an early age and did drama classes of every kind. I think it was just something that came to be over time. It definitely grew from being around my Nana - who was a fab storyteller, who with no more than just some names suggested to her for characters by myself (as a cheeky young child), could make up these amazing stories on the spot.
What motivates you to write?
I have such a passion for reading and learning, and I guess I'm the sort of person who always thinks about these "What If" moments in life. Then that gets my mind going into, "Oh, that could make a great story", mode and then I just see where that takes me.
Do you have a particular writing process?
I normally come up with one small thing about a character or plot, and then build it all up from there! With Alexia in Magick Weaved, it was her sassy humour and witchy nature that came first. Then the idea of setting it during Samhain, then her looks came into play! At that stage, I get my character notebook out where I take every mini detail of her down, from the colour and length of her hair to what colour her top is or what babydoll she's wearing from one page to the next. I then create a second notebook and pack it full of mini details that are needed in setting the scene for each chapter and another one, for the whole novella. Then I take all the notes I've made and get to work at putting them altogether but honestly, once I get a feel for the characters they totally take over the show!
I often find myself into some music as I write. I find the beat of the music will really help to visualise the scene I'm working on.
How do you handle the deadly problem that is writer's block?
I know that if I get hit by a block, I have to step away from my laptop and go out for a few ours, or chill out with a DVD. If I don't, then I just get more and more jammed up on myself and so flustered I will start to see problems where there were none before. After that, I will go back and look over what I have already written and start editing it. I find that will often help me to break back into full on writer mode. On the rare occasions that doesn't work, I will often jump ahead of myself and focus on another chapter completely and then go back later to the part I got the block on, before merging the two parts together.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
The best advice I ever got was simple, but it was everyday advice, but I use it for my writing:
Don't let fear stop you from doing what you love - go for it! If it works for you and excites you, then hopefully, it will do the same for others.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
Oh... Erm... Pass!
Have you ever derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Yes, places I have visited or things I have seen over the years. I think this comes across more in another book I'm currently working on called The Pack. I've travelled a lot to the States over the years and that definitely comes across in my work I think, especially when I'm talking about cities or sights.
Your first major publication is Magick Weaved on a Samhain Eve. Have you had any publications prior to this?
No Magick Weaved is my first publication to date.
What is Magick Weaved on a Samhain Eve about? It certainly sounds interesting!
It's about a woman called Alexia, who is a lively, single, sassy and sexy coven witch, yet she finds her sex life (or lack of it) the hot topic of her fellow coven sisters after one of their full moon meetings. Add to the mix the discovery of an old spell and Alexia's life starts to change very quickly as a spirit named Lance appears. Combine the heat of the full moon and a hint of destiny... Well, let's just say Alexia's world starts to change around her very quickly after that.What drove you to write fantasy?
I love reading the genre and it's also a topic that just appeals to me! I totally believe in things like magick, spirits, angels etc. There are so many unanswered questions out there that everyone has a different take on - it just sets my mind alight with ideas that make me go, "Ohhh, yes that would be amazing if that happened!"
Your Facebook Page states that you studied Animal Care. What made you go into this? What's your favourite animal and why?
Well from a young age, animals and Holistic Healing were one of my first big passions in life. I grew up in a household of 2-4 cats at any one time! I just knew I wanted a career that would allow me to interact with animals on a daily basis. I knew I didn't have the makings of a vet in me, so I trained to be a vet nurse and then later on, I set up a calling cat sitting service, which I ran for nine and a half years. There was never a dull moment in doing that job. I may write a non-fiction book about my time as a cat sitter one day, as there are so many funny stories I could tell about that time in my life.
Are you planning on continuing Magick Weaved as a series, and what does the future hold for you as a writer?
I'm currently working on the sequel to Magick Weaved called The Turn of the Wheel, in keeping with the Wiccan Sabbath theme. In Magick Weaved we leave Alexia and Lance just as they decide to accept their relationship and Alexia's big news unties them. So we're going to see how they deal with the daily life issues and how they keep their sex life going around these new challenges. We'll also leanr more about Alexia's past, as well as Lance's.
I have no less than another three other books I'm trying to work on!
One as I mentioned is called The Pack, which is very much a paranormal action series. I hope this will be a big series as I just have so much fun writing about these characters. It's more witch based, but we have some werewolves and other supernaturals in the mix.
I have a darker, edgier book, which is based on a very twisted unhealthy relationship between the two main characters.
Then I have a much softer, sweeter love story as well, that is in the very early stages of the process.
Thanks for such a fantastic interview, VJ!
Be sure to check out Magick Weaved on a Samhain Eve on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. You can also find VJ here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VJChisholm-author-page/276730849033914
Twitter: @VJChisholmbooks
https://sites.google.com/site/vjchisholmbooks/
http://vjchisholmbooks.wordpress.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5299523.V_J_Chisholm
http://pinterest.com/vjbooks/boards/
http://plus.google.com/103321254731121363476/posts/p/pub
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Trouble With Fate by Leigh Evans.
June 8, 2013
Interview With... Kim McNiel
To all who are reading this,
Join me on a super hot journey as I meet Hot Ink Press author, Kim McNiel and learn more about her erotic novel, Caleb.
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Name: Kim McNiel
Age: Old
Location: Spring, Texas
Hi Kim, thanks for joining me to kick off this month's interviews! So what are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I have a pet lizard.
2. I live with my ex-husband.
3. I love spinach!
What made you want to be a writer?
I'm not sure. I just always wanted to do it.
What motivates you to write?
Music is a huge inspiration to me.
Do you have a particular writing process?
Nope, I'm a total pantster!
How do you handle the deadly problem that is writer's block?
I usually pull away from the computer and watch TV or go see a movie to snap out of it.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
Pen to paper, everyday and never let anyone tell you that you can't write.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
I think the story Bama Sweetheart, because I saw how different styles were done and learned how to get a sense of humour into a story.
Have you derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Oh definitely. All of my books are written in my own town in Texas or nearby towns.
Your first major publication is Caleb. Have you had any publications prior to this?
Only one, and it was written under a pen name.
What is Caleb about? A name for a title holds a lot of mystery for readers!
Caleb is the main character name. Caleb loves the ladies and can't keep his ego in his pants. With a new set of legs to wrap around him every two nights, he never thinks about what he'd do if Sarah caught him - until she does. The repercussions are cataclysmic, giving him a second chance at life. Who is Caleb really? The ego or the man he professes to be? This playa plays to win.
What drove you to write contemporary romance and erotica?
Good question and I wish I had an answer. I just started writing and this is how it came out.
Are you planning on continuing writing other such contemporary romance and erotica novels, and what does the future hold for you as a writer?
Absolutely. I'm writing a sequel to Caleb now, and also working on a paranormal story as well. Definitely have plans to write more romance and erotica, these are just the two on my plate at the minute.
Thanks for such a fantastic interview, Kim!
Be sure to check out Caleb on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. You can also find Kim here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kim-McNiel-Author/506210482764899
Twitter: @KimMcNielauthor
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Ash by James Herbert.
Join me on a super hot journey as I meet Hot Ink Press author, Kim McNiel and learn more about her erotic novel, Caleb.
---
Name: Kim McNiel
Age: Old
Location: Spring, Texas
Hi Kim, thanks for joining me to kick off this month's interviews! So what are three interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I have a pet lizard.
2. I live with my ex-husband.
3. I love spinach!
What made you want to be a writer?
I'm not sure. I just always wanted to do it.
What motivates you to write?
Music is a huge inspiration to me.
Do you have a particular writing process?
Nope, I'm a total pantster!
How do you handle the deadly problem that is writer's block?
I usually pull away from the computer and watch TV or go see a movie to snap out of it.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
Pen to paper, everyday and never let anyone tell you that you can't write.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
I think the story Bama Sweetheart, because I saw how different styles were done and learned how to get a sense of humour into a story.
Have you derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Oh definitely. All of my books are written in my own town in Texas or nearby towns.
Your first major publication is Caleb. Have you had any publications prior to this?
Only one, and it was written under a pen name.
What is Caleb about? A name for a title holds a lot of mystery for readers!
Caleb is the main character name. Caleb loves the ladies and can't keep his ego in his pants. With a new set of legs to wrap around him every two nights, he never thinks about what he'd do if Sarah caught him - until she does. The repercussions are cataclysmic, giving him a second chance at life. Who is Caleb really? The ego or the man he professes to be? This playa plays to win.What drove you to write contemporary romance and erotica?
Good question and I wish I had an answer. I just started writing and this is how it came out.
Are you planning on continuing writing other such contemporary romance and erotica novels, and what does the future hold for you as a writer?
Absolutely. I'm writing a sequel to Caleb now, and also working on a paranormal story as well. Definitely have plans to write more romance and erotica, these are just the two on my plate at the minute.
Thanks for such a fantastic interview, Kim!
Be sure to check out Caleb on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. You can also find Kim here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kim-McNiel-Author/506210482764899
Twitter: @KimMcNielauthor
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Ash by James Herbert.
