Jennifer Malone Wright's Blog, page 19

Pulse of Heroes on Tour! Spotlight and Giveaway

Pulse of Heroes
An Epic Tale of Immortals
A. Jacob Sweeny brings us an awesome tale in Pulse of Heroes. I am posting my review from when I read it before and the giveaway for a print copy is below, so be sure to enter.

Book Description:
A suspenseful, passionate, paranormal romance that sweeps through the emotions of first love and heartache as it traverses centuries and continents.

Michelle used to feel like she was behind in everything, especially school and relationships. Her great aunt from the old country says she is like a bland meal, "no salt or pepper". But in junior year, everything changes. Her father takes a position on the Town Council, a popular boy in school becomes interested in her, and most importantly, the Hekademos Learning Center, a private school for 'troubled' students, moves into her quiet neighborhood amidst the protests of the entire town.

After seeing the School Regent out with a group of young guys just before Christmas, Michelle is convinced that there is something odd about them. Her curiosity gets the better of her and she embarks upon a mission to figure out what is really going on. After an embarrassing fall over the school wall, Michelle meets Elliot and her ordinary ‘bland’ life changes its course forever.

Elliot is no ordinary human. In fact, no one at the Hekademos Learning Center is. Beautiful and fierce, they have survived throughout the millennia by weaving in and out of human events. Through them, Michelle learns that history and myths from around the world are dotted with references to their kind. Michelle falls madly in love with the ever-striking and mysterious Elliot and, as much as he tries to fight it, he develops strong feelings for her as well. Although Elliot carries numerous painful memories from his many pasts, he disregards his own better judgment and the advice of his friends, and finds himself falling for Michelle‘s offbeat personality. Their feelings grow in intensity, but when History catches up with them, the difference between their life paths threatens to destroy any future that they might have had together.

Michelle learns that there are infinite shades of gray between black and white, and has to deal with the bundle of contradictory emotions called love. After some unexpected twists during a family trip to Europe, she has to trust her intuition in order to face the danger and uncertainty of being drawn into Elliot’s wondrous world. Ultimately, it is up to Michelle to make the split-second, life-altering decision that will either tear them apart forever, or give them another chance.

My Thoughts:I read this book with very high expectations because there are tons of great reviews out there for Pulse of Heroes already and let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed one bit.Pulse of Heroes is a pretty long book, it’s about five hundred pages, and the first half is the story build up. We get to know Michelle and Elliot, and the other characters. The story begins to unfold page after page, and with each of those pages you are sucked deeper into the world of Pulse of Heroes. One thing I really liked about the first part was the setting. I am originally from the area in which the book is set and it made me miss home. Also, the ocean, several scenes in this book took place by the ocean, near a town I used to visit all the time as a child. It definitely brought back some memories for me.Anyhow, back to the book!Elliot is around 5000 years old. I can’t ever imagine being around that long. He and his friends, who are like his family, are all the same. They don’t die and they don’t age, no one really knows what they are. They are all super hot and full of knowledge from their long past’s. Michelle is young and conflicted in a lot of ways. I found Michelle, really, really grew on me throughout the book. She turns out to be stronger than she even realizes. When I hit part two, I literally did not put the book down unless I had to. (Which is often because I have five kids) The speed picks up and the adventures begin. I absolutely loved going to foreign countries with Michelle and Elliot and the others. Something else I admire about the writing in this book is that it is obvious how much effort was put into the research. A. Jacob Sweeny did a wonderful job with this novel and I am left wanting more! I can’t wait for the next in the series, Of Blood and Pulse to be released soon!

Find Pulse of Heroes on
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Tour brought to you by Tempting Book Tours
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And Now the Giveaway
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Interview with John & Toni Rakestraw, authors of Titanic Deception

Hello Readers, sorry it's been a bit before a new interview came up. My whole family got sick with the flu...yuck. I'm not going to go into that right now because we have another awesome interview to get on with!

Today we have John and Toni Rakestraw hwo have written a book together called Titanic Deception, which launched April 15th! You can check out their book at Amazon.com.

Congrats John and Toni!

Here is the synopsis of their book...
Michael Kearney works for a large Wall Street firm. He overhears a story about why the Titanic really sunk, and decides to look into it more himself. He reads his great-grandmother’s diary, which tells her tale of surviving the wreck. He finds some corroboration of the story and creates a blog to share the findings with the world. He is contacted by Soft Kitty, an ex-CIA conspiracy theorist, who tells him he’d better stop or he’ll put himself in danger. Michael teams up with Soft Kitty, and together they take on Michael’s boss, who actually runs a company that fixes things for the rich and powerful. Afraid of being exposed, his boss, Douglas Chandler, goes after Michael in any way he can to get ahold of the diary. Michael finds his routine life completely turned on its ear as he tries to evade capture and certain death while keeping the diary safe.

The story wends its way from 1912 to present day, weaving the stories of Alice, Michael’s great-grandmother, and Michael together. Both find love, and must do what they can to protect it in the face of great odds they never imagined.



And now the interview!

Do you prefer YA or Adult?

We like to read both types. For example, we read many YA books out loud to the family; it’s fun to share a book this way, and we’ve been doing it for years. Some of our favorites have been the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and the Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles series by Rick Riordan.

What is your opinion on Indie publishers versus Self publishing?

Authors have a plethora of choices now, so they can choose what fits them best. Some do best self-publishing, while others prefer small indie publishers or going for a contract with the big publishers.  We don’t think the author’s choice reflects on the quality of their work... just what works best for them. We’re self-publishing; first of all because it lets us use the launch date we wanted, but mostly because it puts us in charge of all aspects of our book.

How did you get started?

This is where we say we’ve been writing ever since we could pick up a pencil, right? I think we should answer this one individually.

Toni: I started writing stories in elementary school, and I had a couple of poems accepted into anthologies, but I didn’t write a lot until a few years ago, when I took a job ghostwriting web content. I burned out on that in a few years. I started playing around with a few ideas in my head and got a short story published in an anthology at the end of 2011. Our current book started as a project for NaNoWriMo. I admit I struggled with it; thank goodness John was there to help me work through all the tangles that got in my way. This is our debut book.

John: I came to the game later in life... I had a reading problem in grade school; I have great comprehension, I just couldn’t read all the words. I would quickly look at a piece and get the idea. But, if you had me read it out loud to you… well, it wasn’t pleasant. I got help in fourth grade by a wonderful reading teacher. By sixth grade, I was reading at a high school level. At that moment, I started to read Uncle Tom’s Cabin, this was my first novel. I had read comic books, short stories… but this was my first venture into the REAL book section in the library. My world was about to change. I had such vivid movies come to life in my head. People and places formed out of thin air. They became so real to me, as if they were my friends and family. I got to the end of the story and tears came to my eyes… not because how this wonderful story ended, it ended beautifully. I was sad that it was over. I would never see or hear any more about these new friends. I went back to the library, asking if there was more to this story. Was this all there was? The lady at the desk sadly looked me in the eyes and said… “No, that is all there is for that story.” She then got up and walked around that desk and turned me around, so that I could see the rest of the library. She stood behind me and said these magical words, “Right now, on all those shelves, are more worlds, friends and family, just waiting for YOU. They’ve been sitting there in anticipation… knowing one day you would come looking for them. Go, a lifetime awaits you.”

Because of my early issues and dyslexia, my writing skills sucked. I lost those years where that gets cemented into your head. Writing was a chore; I would panic at the idea of writing.  Then a magical thing came into my life, computers with word processors. In 1989, I was introduced to an Apple IIe in college for the first time. You could write and save it on a floppy disk. No more crossing out stuff, no more tearing the pages out of a note book and throwing it away. You could just write, put all your thoughts down, and then go back and edit later! Over the next 20 years, Toni taught me how to believe in my writing and learn all those rules of grammar that I ran from before. Plus, I have a world class editor in the house, my wife,Toni, and her protégé, our oldest son, Callum, to keep me in line. The next step was writing a book.

Give us a sample of your work.

Sylvia was finishing her shift at the park in the food tent. She wrapped up the last of the leftovers and put them on the cart to be transported back to the storage facility. She grabbed a wet sponge and wiped down all the tables.

“Good night, Sylvia,” Marilyn called as she ducked out of the tent. Sylvia sighed. Looked like she’d be the one taking the cart back to storage. Again. She put the sponge away and washed her hands. She reached into her pocket and pulled her gloves out. The air was getting nippy; she didn’t want her fingers to get too cold. The soft wool felt good on her hands. She pulled her hat onto her head, then grabbed the cart and pushed it out of the tent.

A few people waved at her as she passed by on her way to the park entrance. She stopped for a moment to push a stray curl out of her eyes. The wind was picking up tonight. The bare branches danced above her. It was going to be a cold night. The sky was clear and a couple stars twinkled down, crystal clear in the chilly air. As she pushed the cart out of the park entrance, she found herself thinking back to the millions of stars she had enjoyed as a kid when she lived in Nebraska. These city lights just didn’t allow them to show like she remembered them. Behind her, unnoticed, Ferguson trailed in the shadows.

She turned the corner, still lost in thought. She saw a movement out of the corner of her eye and the cart crashed onto its side, food spilling everywhere. Suddenly she was in the dark and she felt hands lifting her bodily up and tossing her onto a padded seat. A body slid in next to her and a car door slammed. Her heart beat wildly as she tried to make sense of the past few seconds. She heard a shout outside the car, then the sound of hands banging on the window. Was that Jim’s voice? What was he doing here? He’d left the food tent before she had. The window whirred as it lowered.

“What are you doing?” Ferguson shouted. “I wasn’t told about this! Where are you taking her?”

“Looks like you’re left out in the cold, buddy,” a voice next to her said, then she heard two shots erupt from the seat beside her. After a few moments, the window closed. Outside the car, Jim Ferguson toppled to the sidewalk. Blood pooled beneath his head as his eyes stared sightlessly at the sky. An item clattered to the ground beside him, rolling into the pool of blood.

Do you think that the future is ebook or print?

Toni: Probably ebooks, but I hope print never goes out of style.

John: Paperbacks, hardcover books and unbound tomes are flawless amusement. They are a great way to cure boredom. You have no batteries, cords, ear buds; they are easy on the eyes, you can get hours of enjoyment from them, and best of all, there are no commercials! They are some of the best movies I have watched in the theatre of my mind. I didn’t have to wait in huge lines and buy overpriced treats. I can pick up a book anytime and be transported to an alien world, or run through the streets of London with Holmes and Watson. I have had the great pleasure to be entertained beyond my wildest dreams, all from the words that have been placed on simple paper.

I can see ebooks being the new norm... but, in the last 30 years, I’ve seen the storage of electronic data go through many different media. There has been cassette tapes, 5-1/4 and 3-1/2 inch floppies, hard drives, optical drives, CDs, DVDs, memory sticks, SD cards, thumb drives and now Flash drives for netbooks.

In that same amount time, I have bought hundreds of paper books; just in the last few weeks I purchased new paper books. These same paper books have been around for hundreds of years and they need no new media reader. AlI you need to do is learn to read. They can be opened by anyone and enjoyed by all.

That is the differance of books and handwritten media. They are almost timeless. Our instant e-books and photos are limited by their technology short comings and short life span.

Have blog tours helped you reach more fans?

We haven’t done too many blogs yet, but we are happily anticipating that we may reach some new readers this way.

Do you prefer technical or free style writing?

I just like to write. I love when scenes begin to unfold beneath my fingers. Not so much when I have to pull them out, kicking and screaming.  I have done lots of technical writing, and while it gets the job done, I prefer to just let it flow.

Dream place to live and why?

Toni: I would love to live in the UK someday. I love the rugged coastline and beautiful scenery. Instead, I get my dose of the UK from British television. Both John and I have ancestral roots in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.

John: I thought by this time we would have flying cars and weekend golf trips to Mars... since that hasn't happened, the UK fits wonderfully with my laidback style.

Where can we find your page/address?

Our author site is Rakestraw Reads (http://rakestrawreads.com). We also have our editorial site, Rakestraw Book Design (http://rakestrawbookdesign.com). On Facebook, we have a page dedicated to Titanic Deception: http://www.facebook.com/TitanicDeception

facebook or google+? Who wins in your book?

Toni: This is where we part company. I love Facebook, and I’m learning to appreciate Twitter. John has loved Google+ since the beginning, and he really makes it work.

John: I like Google+ and Twitter for business, and Facebook is for my friends and family.

Best books you have read.

Toni’s faves: All the Harry Potter books. They entranced me completely. Others that remain in my library for repeated reading include The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley and The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher.

John’s faves: Rogue’s Curse by Jason Beymer, any book by Harry Harrison, love Clive Cussler, Shakespeare, all the writers that I have interviewed and of course the list that Toni mentioned.

Who does your cover art? Do you design it yourself?

Toni: Our daughter, Morwenna Rakestraw, designed our cover art. We helped pick out the stock images, but it is her artistry that blended them all together to create the cover for Titanic Deception. She found the right font and the best way to display the title so it is easily read at any size, yet still fits the story.

We got the cover printed and framed to hang on our wall. May be a bit silly, but it’s wonderful to be able to admire her work whenever we walk by.

John: I think that the artist who did our cover is magnificent and everyone should hire her! I'm also talking as a proud father, which makes no difference when it comes to how wonderful she is as an artist.

Are you on goodreads? If so, please share your page address and has it helped you reach more fans?

Here is Toni’s Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/48...

To be honest, I’m still figuring Goodreads out.  If any readers have tips to share, I’d love to hear them!

How do you feel about all the bookstores starting to close? Do you think that it is just the corporate ones in trouble? Or do you feel that the small/independent ones are in danger too?

Toni: It makes me sad that bookstores are closing; we have spent many enjoyable hours browsing through them before making our final choices. We’ve lost both small and large bookstores in our community. I think the independent bookstores that are most successful are the ones that make an effort to make a niche for themselves. Maybe they host a lot of book signings, provide entertainment and readings, or make room for local writers’ groups. I hope that independent bookstores would be open to hosting signings with more indie writers as small publishers and self-publishing becomes the norm.

John: I too hate to see any business close. Bookstores hold a special place in my life, especially indie bookstores. That is where I, as a teenager, found people who played D & D and many different boardgames, and who had the same love of books as me! These wonderful shops in the 1970's and 1980's were our social media hubs. It’s a shame that the geeks who started these wonderful stores gave birth to the geeks who moved their customers to the internet and closed them down. Amazon is wonderful for writers; we have gained a distribution channel for indie authors and publishers. We can start writing a book in November and publish it by April. But, at the same time we have lost our local bookstore.

The hard part is... how many of these indie bookstores really support local indie writers? Did they stock their books? Did they open their doors to the self-published authors out there? I know they only have so much space for books, and the readers want the best sellers, which sell, whereas an unknown writer is a risk. Special markets can bring you customers, but named authors sell books. Plus, when you can buy books at a great price online, the selection is huge, shelf space isn't an issue online and you can buy 24/7 every day of the year. It is hard to compete with that. I truly hope, as Toni has written, that the indie can find their niche.

Why I Wrote A Guide to Self Publishing and Marketing

This is going to be one of those posts that I talk about my successes in self publishing. I normally don't talk (very) publicly about my sales numbers and stuff. But, one of my goals is to help other authors and to help others, they must know that there is hope and possibility...with hard work and determination.

I am going to begin with a story.
It has been one year since I published The Birth of Jaiden. It took me years to write Jaiden because I have 5 children and we spent most of the time in the military so I was on my own with the kids a lot. When I published The Birth of Jaiden, I was in a hurry. I was excited that the time had finally come, but I learned a lot of lessons along the way.

I learned a lot about what to look for and what needs done regarding editing, I learned about covers and the self publishing industry. Note that I have been researching the publishing industry for ten years. Research is something I push on everyone...research the industry, research your topic, research the craft, research, research research. Got it.  Anyhow, back to the topic at hand. I realized that I had to make some of these mistakes that I made by publishing it because I didn't have the networking skills that I have now.

After I published The Birth of Jaiden, I went crazy with offline promotion. I had a huge launch party, I carried books in my car, I went to every business in town, flyers, bookmarks, business cards...I cover a lot of offline promotion in the guidebook too, but I realized that offline promotion is also as important as online.

I sold far more books offline than online. I sold over 250 print books within a couple months.

Now, the months passed on and I was lucky to sell a couple of books online. I gave away tons. I organized my own book tour, I promoted. Nothing.

Then I wrote The Vampire Hunter's Daughter series. TVHD is a series of shorts that make one story. A serial novel as some might call it. This one moved more than The Birth of Jaiden, but not what I would like. I was lucky to make 20 bucks on Amazon. Then, suddenly, in January. The Vampire Hunter's Daughter part 1 went free on Amazon. This helped a little, but I started some new promotional efforts that surged the sales. November 2011, I made 19 dollars, December I made 40 dollars, January, 93 dollars, Feb, 383 dollars, and March I made about 980 dollars. This is on Amazon alone, I got a nice little bit coming from Smashwords too. March's numbers equaled out to about 2500 books at $0.99. /Updating to note that more payment records came in for Smashwords came in and it was over 1000 dollars.

I hate posting these, because it always seems like bragging. But you have to know that there are so many tips and tricks that I have been working on over the months. Experimenting and finding out what works and what doesn't is a lot of what I've put into the guidebook. So, if you think I'm tacky, go right ahead. It took a lot for me to get the guts to tell you guys.

I wrote this guide to help authors who are going this road alone. But, these author must always remember that you aren't alone, there are thousands of others just like you trying to make it out there. If you network properly, you can build circles of friends who will help you through the thick and thin.

All in all, I'm still learning, I'm always experimenting with marketing and sales. I work my butt off to see what works and what doesn't. But, we need to remember that it begins with the writing. The writing is what we love, it is why we are who we are, so let's make the writing the very most important factor of the process of publishing and marketing.

Here are what some people have said about my guide book.

"If you make the informed decision to self-publish, learning the business end of publishing isn't easy. Jennifer Malone Wright offers advice and inexpensive ideas to market and promote your indie books based on her direct experience with the process. If you want to learn from someone who's been there, this book will get you started down that path." --Michelle Devon, Managing Editor, Twin Trinity Media, LLC

"To succeed at self-publishing you need a dream, that spark of imagination that sets you on the path of your writing adventure. Then you need the drive to get the book written, edited and out there. And lastly, you need the determination to make it a success. Jennifer Wright has all of these qualities topped with unbridled enthusiasm. She knows how to get it done!" --L.A. Freed, Independent Publisher, Lafingdog.com

"No one likes the process of self-promotion. It's uncomfortable and awkward. After all, didn't our mothers tell us not to brag? But with Jennifer Malone Wright's suggestions, marketing gets easier. Her innovative ideas and willingness to experiment with her own work have made her the go-to girl for social media advice and marketing your self-published book." --Luci Cosway, Romance and Erotica Author

"A must have for any writer wanting to break into the self-publishing world. Jam-packed with information, resources and the author's personal experience, this guide is an invaluable tool. I'm certain it will help you as much as it's helped me!" --Rose Shababy, Author

You can get this guide for $2.99 on Amazon and Smashwords right now, it's normally $5.99 OR you can check out my home page to see a way to get it for free.

If you do read this guidebook, please take a moment to leave a review on what you thought about it.

Interview with Gabrielle Franchetti Author of Crimson Rose

Interview with Gabrielle Franchetti Author of Crimson Rose Hi everyone, sorry I've gotten a bit behind with interviews, we are getting back on track now. As you can see, today's interview is with Gabrielle Franchetti, author of Crimson Rose. Make sure to read the interview and check out the wicked book trailer for Crimson Rose that is posted below.

Off topic, just for a sec, make sure to check out the super duper giveaway we are having at The Vampire Hunter's Daughter Fanpage! It's worth entering, for sure!

OK, now on with the interview....
My name is Gabrielle Franchetti. I am a full time college student majoring in Neuropsychology, and minoring in English. My hobbies include reading, writing, drawing and exercising. I have a few awards from high school that I received for culinary, writing, and English literature. One award in particular I have just received by winning a contest is to have my book cover professionally designed. The contest award also includes a side bar banner, T-shirt design, and book announcement banner as well as a promotional advertisement banner. My contact information consists of my Facebook pages and twitter (see below), along with my book trailer.  

1. When did you start writing/painting/playing music/doing photography?
My writer career started when I was nine years old with the help of my writing teacher, Mrs. Parlante. We had an assignment in class do write an experience we had that we remember most. Mine I imagined in my head because I felt an enchanted journey was a worthy experience. Mrs. Paralnte helped start my writing career when I decided to write about something that I came up with on my own. I absolutely loved creating new worlds and characters to explore within that world. It always has taken me away to different adventures, and most of the time I am anxious as to where it will lead me next.

2. Any new projects coming up?
Yes, actually quite a few.
The Crimson Rose series consist of four books, after them I am giving each main character their own short novel to explain their story of how they arrived in the first. In addition, when I was younger I wrote over eight short stories, I am now going back to them and turning them into full-length novels. They all consist of different genres and a unique plot accompanied by its characters. I am currently working on all of this at once in order to have them published soon.  

3. What is your opinion on people who post bad reviews?
To me, bad reviews are constructive criticism. I take any negative review and apply it to my work to better my writing in order to please my fans. I welcome both types, which is why I think my writing has evolved so much over the years.  

4. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
Decline and passion are the two things needed to write a novel. I know how much blood sweat and tears goes into finishing a book, especially if they are hit with writers block. Pushing through it, and brainstorming is key; even if you must go over ideas with a trusted friend. Taking a break from writing is also sometimes crucial. Too much of one thing is not always the right thing. For the passion; I learned from a great writer David Morrell why I wanted to be a writer. His question, "Why do you want to be an author?" would always haunt me because I would always get the answer wrong. Eventually I figured out the correct answer was "…because I need to be. Because there is something inside me screaming with an undying need to write." Also, keeping blank books around the house is great inspiration. Whenever they feel like they are dragging, looking at a blank book and envisioning yours in its place, in your hands will get the adrenaline pumping to finish the book.  

5. How do you build your character world?
Usually I have no issues with creating worlds or plots. I start with a conflict; work around it and create the beginning of the story as well as the end. The writing process comes after I have developed my characters in means of interviewing them and putting myself in their shoes,  

6. Any shout outs to people who have helped you along the way?
Yes. Patrick Cahill, Elise Tiralli, my family, Amy Bennet, Melissa Coulson, Don Luciano, Sarah Jane, the Hutchinson family, and all my fans who helped me win the contest for my book cover. All of you have done nothing but inspire me and push me forward when I felt like quitting. I cannot thank you enough.  

7. Any favorite bands? Do you use music to inspire you as you create your art?
My favorite bands consist of the eighties. Listening to music while I write is what drives me to use the five senses. I feel it is important to do this in order for the reader to feel exactly what the characters are. It is how the connection between reader and character can be made while also bringing the character to life. Music is my drive when I write without it writing may be more difficult.  

8. Will you ever stop creating art? and have you ever had a moment that you felt like quitting and why?
No, I will not because I never seem to run out of ideas for a new book. Even while I am working on my current book, I may get a random idea for another story. I love brainstorming ideas for plot and creating characters that will bring the story to life. Yes, I have felt like quitting from an inner conflict I suffered with. My friends and family pushed me on however, and I am very grateful now that they did.  

9. Do you use video to promote your work? Do you think that giving people a visual helps with sales? 
Yes, I do use video to promote my work. There are some people who would much rather see and hear what it is about rather than read it. I also thinks giving a visual aid helps too because it helps them understand what the book is about, what the characters look like and the setting. People who are visual like me, like to watch something and also read it.  

10. Favorite book?
My favorite book besides LOTR, is Metro 2033. It is originally a Russian novel but had been translated to many other languages with one of them being English. The book describes the consequences of atomic war and how the world above can no longer be inhabited. The survivors strive for existence in the metro tunnels below ground and away from the dangerous mutant beasts that have sprouted above due to the radiation of atomic war.    

11. If you had the chance to live in a book, what book and what character would you be?
I would be honored to live within the LOTR novels. To be honest, I do not know what character I would chose to be because I fell in love with them all. I love the feel of the books and how they take me away every time I read them.    

12. Who does your cover art? Do you design it yourself?
My cover art was done by a very talented artist name Aedo Morin. I am looking to having him design the cover art for my other novels as well.  

13. Did your art come from just a need to express yourself or a particular experience that you had?
Most defiantly to express myself, yes and the need to have my work be someone besides in my computer. I want other people to become a part of this journey, with the characters and be able to fall in love with everything about them. My art is my way of letting loose, if I am stressed, depressed or just not feeling well that day. I put myself into my book as I think all authors do.  

14. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I am determined to be published way before I descend into those five years. I plan on having my other books almost finished and myself doing well in school as I am now.  Hopefully I can get my drawings out to the public by that time also. In five years, I see myself working the best I can to do what I want to achieve in life.  

15. What has been the hardest thing during the process of creating your art?
I would say developing my characters to the point where they come alive. I put them through personal interviews and have them speak to different people so that way when I write with them in the book, each one is unique and has their own personality. I take pride in my characters, so I like taking the extra time to develop them.  

My Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/Gab77runner  
My Facebook page for "Crimson Rose": https://www.facebook.com/CrimsonRosegf  
My book trailer for "Crimson Rose":http://youtu.be/n7s8A2s6bBA  
My Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/italianchickie

Interview with R.F. Ricks Author of Foolish Endevors

Interview with R.F. Ricks Author of Foolish Endevors!

Our author interview this time is with R.F. Ricks. Here is a little bit about her before we move onto the interview questions.

R.F. Ricks is the author of erotica novel "Foolish Endeavors" and upcoming mystery erotica "Emotions of a Broken Heart". Born in Charleston, WV, her family moved to Atlanta shortly afterwards so she considers herself a native of Atlanta, GA. Her passion for writing has taken her down a path of never-ending possibilities and adventures. She brings you into a whole new world of love, ecstasy and eroticism. Her desire is that her audience will lose themselves in the lives of the fiery characters and hopefully explore fantasies of their own and release all inhibitions. Visit her on www.jaylijazpublishing.com or jaylijazpublishing1@blogspot.com

And here are some of the places where you can find her on the web!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.rfricks or fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/jaylijazpublishingcom/111522732255873

Twitter: Jaylijaz_erotic
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/teia155
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/laydeer
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jaylijazpublishing 1. Any new projects coming up?
Yes, I am currently working on an erotica anthology ~ 28 short shorts with a special twist (not to be revealed at the moment).  I am also working on my 2nd novel, Emotions of a Broken Heart, an erotica with a murder/mystery background. 

2. What is your opinion on people who post bad reviews?
I believe that honesty is the best policy, however I also believe that delivery is extremely important.  Constructive criticism is expected in anything that you do, but if the delivery is bad it's no longer constructive.  Nothing that you say to a writer or anyone should be said to be hurtful. 

3. Are you an independent artist or are you represented by an agency?
I am an independent artist.

4. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
I would advise anyone entering into writing erotica to be ready for criticism and judgment from people.  When I first released Foolish Endeavors, I received a lot of great feedback, but there were also the negative comments and attacks on my character.  For a moment, I began to rethink my decision to continue writing erotica, but thankfully I had the courage to keep moving forward. And today I am so happy that I did. 

5. Have you made any mistakes along the way...for example; do you want to share anything be it a publishing company/agency that people should avoid? 
Under no circumstances should a writer edit their own work.  I made that mistake with my 1st novel, and have vowed never to do the same thing again.  When you edit your own work, it is so hard to find errors, because you continue to read it how you "meant to write it" now how it ended up on paper.  In the end, it is worth it to shop that one expense out to someone qualified to do the job. 

6. What are your habits when you sit down to create? Do you have to be in a certain room? outside? Are you naked? Lol 
I enjoy setting a romantic mood.  Candles, soft, sexy music, a little wine.  Anything that gets you in the mood.  At times, my mood can be set by sitting an Starbucks or Barnes and Noble and just people watching.  And being naked is a great idea.  I think I'll have to try that one!

7. Do movies inspire you and if so, which ones? 
Yes, movies do inspire me.  I am a very open-minded woman and I love erotica in all forms.  I don't mind popping in a porno or just looking at some erotic photos.  They are mood stimulators for me; a surefire way to get the creative juices flowing. 

8. Anything exciting coming up in the near future?
In addition to writing, I am also venturing into starting my own adult toy company. 

9. Do you think that the future is ebook or print?
Definitely e-book.  Although I prefer to touch the book and feel the pages on my fingers, the world is about everything that is convenient. 

10. Any websites you would like to share?
Your own? or one that has helped you as an artist? Definitely my website ~  www.jaylijazpublishing.com

11. Any causes you are passionate about ?
You can include a website address if you like. I am extremely passionate about fathers' rights.  I believe that the system is set up in favor of mothers.  I am not opposed to that, but I believe that the lack of support for fathers in regards to visitation, child support, etc is something that needs to be revamped.  I have seen too many women use children as a pawn against their fathers and I believe that our children's feelings should be the most important thing to us as parents, not our own emotions.  I don't have a particular website to mention at this point, but one is definitely forthcoming.

12. Do you prefer technical or free style writing?
Free style writing. 

13. Are you a dirty or clean writer?
Very, very dirty.  Clean is overrated. :)

14. First kiss....passionate or awkward?
Extremely passionate

15. Favorite book?
June Bug by Chris Fabry

16. Are you comfortable with your sexuality and does it play a huge role in your art?
I am extremely comfortable with my sexuality.  I believe one must first learn to please themselves before they can ever completely satisfy someone else. Yes, it plays a major role.  I have to be comfortable with the subject that I'm writing about and extremely open-minded so the reader can feel what I'm feeling or to enable them to personalize the experience for themselves.  The reader should never feel apprehension in your words.

Big Thanks to R.R. Ricks for joining us today! Make sure to find her on the web and check out her book!































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Winner of the signed copy of The Birth of Jaiden

And the winner is....
Sarah Clark!
Congrats, Sarah. I have sent you an email with instructions on what to do!

Thank you all for entering and look for another giveaway very soon!

Interview with Christina M. Worrell Author of Shade,s Loss

Interview with Christina M. Worrell Author of Shade,s Loss Our Interview today is with Christina M. Worrell, author of Shade's Loss. If you want to check out her fan page, today is a great day for it because today, Friday March 23rd is her release party! It's Twelve hours of music, games, prizes and fun!

Be sure to go like her fan page and check out the release party.

Here is a little bit about Christina...
My name is Christina Worrell. You can call me Kristi though. I'm a married, mother of two, stay at home mom. Though now I can say I have a career in writing. I have read books since I could hold one in my hands. When I was nine I decided I just had to write, my imagination and dreams would take all day to explain. I won awards in various areas such as the Service Merchandise Student Writer's Showcase in 1992. Then when I got to be a teen I wrote poetry. It was mostly the emotional angst kind. You can find it on poetry.com. I started writing stories by hand when I was 19, and now at 30, I have finally published one with Midnight Hour Publishing. It took me ten years of writing by hand and not giving up just to accomplish this dream. So never give up or you may never know your limits!

On with the interview...

1. What inspired you to do it?

Mainly my teachers urged me to write. I got a major opportunity to write when I was nine. The whole school participated in a contest. We could do anything from writing lyrics to stories. I wrote both. The lyrics I got stumped on but my story was not only best in my grade but also best in my school. I went to state against all school ages and realized I was one of the only middle schoolers to get that far. All I saw was teenagers. Out of several hundred students there I placed in the top ten percent. I still have the certificates.

2. Do you find that it is hard to get people excited about what you do?

Oh yes, very. Facebook seems to me the best place to get started since it is such major social circle. Every day I'm on trying to make friends, build my fan base, run my pages, and get the books finished. I have to thank my administrator H'deel Batnij for her loyal and hardworking accomplishments. She got my Facebook page, Shade's Loss, over a hundred likes. I think it takes working together to get the word out about these books.

3. What projects have you done?

 Honestly not many. I had one interview so far. The only other thing I ever did was write an essay for the GED school to promote adults to attend and get their GED. I was to speak in each county, but due to medical concerns, I had to drop out.

4. What is your opinion on people who post bad reviews?

       Not every person will enjoy what they read about. Some think Stephanie Meyers should shut her computer off and never write. There are others like me though who think she has talent. It comes in many forms. Every author writes in a different fashion and appeals to different readers. Therefore, there'll be some who don't like sparkly vampires and some that do. There'll be some who think I'm one of the worst writers out there and some who are addicted to my books. I'll be honest anything under three stars is going to make me freak out 'lol' but just as I can't rate every book I've read a five star, neither can they.

5. Do you have any particular networking groups you would like to share that have helped you move forward with your success?

Actually there is yes. This group is an inspiration to new writers and deserves recognition. Kim Mutch Emerson is the head of the group, MasterKoda (www.masterkoda.com). They have a conference coming up March 28th. We'd like to invite you to join us at www.masterkoda.com/master-koda-conference.

6. Anything you would like to share with readers on a personal note that would allow them to get to know you better?

I'm no different than other readers. I love Sherrilyn Kenyon, Richelle Mead, and P.C. Cast. I love curling up in a quiet room with my cat Gizmo and reading. I have bad days and good. I could share a secret that would surprise some readers. I write paranormal romance but unlike most authors I'm a 30 year old Goth lol. I know it's a teenager thing but I cannot give up my black and purple. Marilyn Manson is amazing and I think he rocks. I still head bang to a good metal song. Oh and I love plants but I kill most of them. Sigh, the Bonsai's are the worst kind… sadly I can't walk away from one sitting on a shelf at a store.

7. What are your habits when you sit down to create? Do you have to be in a certain room? outside? Are you naked? Lol.

No I'm not naked but sometimes I wish I were. I usually sit in my kitchen on the side of the table so I can face the living room and watch my kids watch TV. I prefer to hide but with kids I got to be a mom and still write. I put my earbuds in and turn a playlist on and try not to zone out too much.

8. Any favorite bands? Do you use music to inspire you as you create your art?

I adore Marilyn Manson....Wait... I already said that. Nickelback, Three Doors Down, Crossfade, Framing Hanley, Saving Abel, Art of Dying, Skillet, Papa Roach, Saliva, Disturbed, Godsmack, Live, Bon Jovi, Lacuna Coil, Rob Zombie, Seether, Slipknot, and many many more… They make me emotional which bleeds into my story from time to time.

9. Did your art come from just a need to express yourself or a particular experience that you had?

I had a traumatic childhood and reading was the only release I could find. I'd always finish my schoolwork in under ten minutes so that I could hide from the world. I could not bring myself to create an imaginary friend because deep down I knew there was no such thing. I immersed myself into the books and pretended I was the heroine and living an adventure, going somewhere in my life and not a miserable child all alone in the world. When I realized I wanted to write I created literary adventures for myself.

 10. How do you build your character world?

I create characters that stand for something. That reach out and touch my readers. My main character Shade has lost her parents, was abused, and has secluded herself from the world. She has an older protective brother who loves her dearly. They're all alone in the world and support each other in every way. When Shade's brother is torn from her and she lands into the arms of a cold, old world, assassin vampire, she thinks she has lost everything. Shade has two weeks to decide if she wants to be a vampire, but a demon attacks her and she barely hangs on long enough for the vampire, Damon, to reach her and turn her. She fears men and when he changes her she doesn't think like a vampire. She reacts the way any heart broken, fearful, emotional teen would. She shuts down, builds her walls and hides in her sanctuary. Shade has to slowly learn to trust the only person in the world who cares about her. Over a series of several days her world was turned upside down and she has to learn to stand on her own and trust others. She realizes she's not some elfin brittle girl but a mighty, bloodthirsty vampire.

 11. Will you ever stop creating art? And have you ever had a moment that you felt like quitting and why?

Truly no I'll write until the day I die. Yes I've considered it many times but nothing good ever comes easy. The harder you fight for it, the more it means to you, and I've fought tooth and nail to write. I've thought, due to medical reasons, I was dying and yet I never stopped writing. I fought harder so I could leave a legacy behind for my family, something that'll be there for them when I'm gone. I'll never be healthy, but I have a few books left in me for sure.

12. If you could go back in time and meet one person who would it be and why?

There's only one person in the world I want to meet. He's my brother that was adopted out before I was ever born. We share the same birthday and I feel maybe inside more than that. I use to wake every morning and tell my mom my dreams. She'd pay some attention but mostly my dreams were vivid, detailed and very long. When I woke and told her the dream of where I was in an orphanage with an older brother and we ran away, it got her attention. I have to say here that until that moment I'd believed I was the oldest of three children and didn't know anything about not one but two adopted siblings. I explained that in my dream my brother and I ran away and he got shot. He died and the dream skipped to us standing over his headstone in a graveyard. He told me how much he loved me and how sorry he was he couldn't be with me anymore. He'd always protect me though and watch me from above. I cried while he told me goodbye. I stood there staring at this grave and seeing him beside me but unable to touch him, to go to him. When I told my mother this she cried. Later she explained I wasn't the oldest but the middle child. My book Shade's Loss is dedicated and about my brother. Shade's brother Mikhail is named after mine, Michael Edward Dugdale.

13. If you could choose a paranormal lover, what would it be and why? examples...vampire, fairy, zombie (any paranormal creature).

I'm addicted to anything paranormal but my passion is vampires in particular. All my books have either a vampire or a fallen angel in them. I'd want my vampire to bite me and make me healthy and whole. I want to be fast, strong, and immortal. Unfortunately I'll never attain this dream so I will create characters that can be strong and immortal.

14. If you had the chance to live in a book, what book and what character would you be?

That is a tough one because there are quite a few female vampire heroines, so very tough to choose. I think though out of all it would be either Rose from Vampire Academy or Zoey from House of Night. Both are badass vampires. Zoey though is also a high priestess who does magic like Wicca. She is very powerful and her character reminds me in some ways of myself. Both females are in my opinion very detailed. You can literally envision them. I'm a slacker of detail unfortunately but I try.

I appreciate being asked to do this interview. I think I answered all the questions from the bottom of my heart. I'm a writer so I may have been a little too detailed lol but I hope others look at this and go 'wow her interview rocked! I got to see what she has written.' Just in case that happens I will leave my links below. Feel free to message me anytime!

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/FaellinAngel
Shade's Loss Page with character bio's: https://www.facebook.com/shadesloss
My personal blog: http://faellinangel.blogspot.com/
My website: http://faellinangelsrealm.spruz.com/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/142832
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7148493-kristi-worrell

Author Interview with Doug Simpson

Interview with Doug Simpson, author of Soul Awakening.
Today our interview is with Doug Simpson, author of Soul Awakening! Here is the description of his book.

Soul Awakening is a work of fiction, inspired by a series of actual events. It involves the apparently accidental, though actually orchestrated by Divine Intervention, meeting of three total strangers, and their ultimate discovery that they shared previous lifetimes together. It includes episodes of spirit communication, messages from God, past-life regression sessions, Guardian Angels, past-life recall while awake, and Soul Attraction, the reincarnation of groups of souls together, in more than one lifetime.

Sounds cool, huh! Well, let's get on with the interview and see what Doug is all about!

1.      When did you start writing?

Writing has always been something I instinctively knew that I wanted to do. For some forty years I attempted a number of times to write a novel, but for assorted reasons I either abandoned the manuscript or produced a work of inferior quality.

2.      What inspired you to finally do it?

After I retired I had time on my hands, and I spent a number of years researching the archived readings of the legendary American mystic from Virginia Beach, Edgar Cayce. In a self-induced, coma-like, trance state, Edgar gave over 15,000 readings, and retrieved an unimaginable quantity and quality of information in a number of subject areas. More than ten thousand of his readings were medical readings where he was able, in his coma-like state, to diagnose medical problems that, at times, doctors could not find or identify, and to prescribe treatments and remedies that had, at times, not yet been invented. Some of Edgar's 'patients' were over a thousand miles away when their readings took place. The second largest group of readings given by Edgar was life or reincarnation readings, and it was this group of approximately 2500 readings for about 2000 different people that mesmerized me. It was the information contained in these reincarnation readings that gave me the inspiration to start writing articles using the Edgar Cayce readings. I have had over twenty Edgar Cayce articles published in seven countries. I do not publish my articles on my website, but instead, refer visitors to my site to the actual magazines and websites where my articles can be found. This can develop into quite an adventure itself. Interested readers are encouraged to visit my website at http://dousimp.mnsi.net.

3.      Do you find that it is hard to get people excited about what you write?

I remembered reading a newspaper article a few years back where something like 40% of Americans surveyed believed in reincarnation. That is a lot of potential readers! I believe the problem with reincarnation is that many believers are reluctant to come-out-of-the-closet, so to speak. When was the last time someone came up to you and asked: 'Do you believe in reincarnation?' My writing gives believers and the curious an opportunity to read and investigate in private. We believers have a grand time exchanging information and experiences. I like to think that I am opening a doorway for the closet believers to locate and exchange information.

4.      What projects have you done?

After I had written and published about twenty articles, I started working on the manuscript that became my first novel, Soul Awakening, published in October of 2011. It is a spiritual mystery/romance delving into reincarnation, past lifetimes, spirit communication, messages from God, past-life regression sessions, Guardian Angels, past-life recall in the awake state, and soul attraction, the reincarnation of groups of souls together in more than one lifetime.

5.      Any new projects coming up?

Book II in my series on souls, currently titled Soul Rescue, should be out this fall. A rough draft of book III, currently titled Soul Justice, has been completed, and I have started into book IV, currently titled Soul Karma. I also continue to publish Edgar Cayce articles.

6.      Do you have any particular networking groups you would like to share that have helped you move forward with your success?

I have been very thankful for Facebook and LinkedIn. I have met hundreds of friendly people who are willing to offer advice, suggestions, and to interview me, like you Jennifer, and help publicize my work. Many thanks to you, Jenn, and to the many others that have taken the time to care.

7.      Are you an independent writer or are you represented by an agency?

I found it very difficult to derive any interest in Soul Awakening from the big agencies and publishers, so I looked into the growing self-publishing industry. Fortunately, I discovered Book Locker, and have been very happy with their services.

8.      What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

I am still pretty new at this and do not consider myself experienced enough to be giving advice to new writers, but there is one thing that I would like to stress to the oft-discouraged beginners. Follow your dream and never give up. It took me over forty years to produce a worthwhile manuscript.

9.      What are your habits when you sit down to write? Do you have to be in a certain room? Outside? Are you naked? Lol

I am very fortunate to be retired and on a decent pension. This allows me to write at any time of the day, on most days. I do write on the computer, always indoors, and dressed.

10.  Do you prefer YA or Adult?

Because I write about survival of the soul after the death of the body, and the reincarnation of souls, I recommend my work for adults only.

11. Give us a sample of your work.

Opting for the circular path, Dacque noticed a woman on a bench to his right, with her face in her hands. As he shortened the distance between them, he could hear her sobbing, but decided that it was most-appropriate that he discreetly walk-on-by, pretending to ignore her. Fat chance. In his head, as clear as if it were spoken in his ear by some elf sitting on his shoulder, he heard: "Oh no you don't! Get back there!"

Dacque commenced an immediate U-turn, without signaling, and was fortunate that he had no tail-gaiting foot-traffic to wreck-havoc for. Backtracking to the woman on the bench, he stood in front of her for a long moment. When it became obvious that she was unaware of his presence, Dacque slowly approached the bench and settled in beside her. "Are you okay, Miss?"

The woman lifted her face from her hands, obviously startled, and Dacque immediately noticed the blood-shot eyes and the tears trickling down her cheeks. "I'm just wonderful!" she blurted out, sarcastically, "Please leave me alone."

"I can't do that! God told me to help you!"

The young woman glared at Dacque, open-mouthed. "What did you just say?"

"God ....... told ....... me ....... to ........ help ....... you!"

The two of them silently sat there, sharing a park bench on a quiet spring morning, and stared into each other's eyes.

Finally, the young woman wiped the tears from her cheeks and said softly, "Say that one more time so that I'm completely clear on what I think I am hearing."

"God told me to help you. He occasionally leads me to people who need His help."

The staring session resumed. Eventually, Dacque could detect the faintest smile beginning to appear at the edges of the young woman's makeup-less lips. "I am certainly not prepared to believe what you are telling me, and fortunately for you, you do not appear to be a dangerous character, so I will give you an opportunity to convince me that you are not an escapee from the loony-bin."

"Fair enough! I accept the challenge!" Dacque replied. "As I walked by, I noticed you with your face in your hands, and then heard your sobs, but kept on walking. Then, I heard, as clear as I hear you now: 'Oh no you don't! Get back there!' "

"And that's how God speaks to you?"

"Sometimes! When I am awake, and when I am ignoring his previous instructions. He also pays me visits when I am asleep or in a semi-conscious state. I can't swear to you that it is God. It is hard for me to accept that God would actually bother to deal with me directly. It could be an Angel or another one of God's helpers. The instructions I receive always involve doing good, never evil."

"Okay, I'm still not admitting that I believe you, but I will listen to you, at least for a few minutes. So, how are you supposed to help me?"

"I don't know, yet, because I do not know why you were crying. I also have not been told what I am to do next."

"I'm really not in the habit of sharing my problems with total strangers on park benches."

"I should hope not. I am not asking you to tell me anything about yourself, just why you were crying? Do you have a pain in your belly? Did a pigeon poop on your head? What caused the tears to flow on this beautiful spring morning?"

12.  Favorite character you have written and why.

The protagonist in all of my four novels is a gentleman about my age, by the name of Dacque LaRose, and featured in the above excerpt from Chapter Two of Soul Awakening. He is totally fictional, but I have blessed or cursed him with many of my characteristics.

13. Do you think that the future is eBook or print?

With today's technology, eBooks will become even more popular, but I think that print books will also survive, just like movies survived the invention of television.

14. Where have you had the most success in selling your work?

Definitely eBooks.

15. Any websites you would like to share?

My articles and author interviews/features can be accessed through my website at http://dousimp.mnsi.net. My book website is at http://booklocker.com/books/5754.html.

16. If you could go back in time and meet one person who would it be and why?

I would have loved to have lived at the time of, and known, Jesus. I would have loved to ask Him how the world would have been different if Adam had not succumbed to the temptations in the Garden of Eden.

17. Favorite holiday...Halloween or Christmas?

Christmas! All of our children and grandchildren join us on Christmas morning for a Christmas breakfast and gift opening. They are then free to visit elsewhere for the rest of the day. We found this worked much better than trying to achieve the impossible of scheduling a Christmas dinner without conflicts.

18. Why do you think that the paranormal genre is so popular?

Many people lead hectic lives. Some believe in survival of the soul after death. Some feel reassured if they believe that there is hope that there is not just one life in human form and then the game is all over. Envisioning the what-ifs makes people feel better about their lot in life, and gives them hope for a better situation the next time around.

19. Facebook or Google+? Who wins in your book?

Definitely Facebook for me! I am still trying to figure out how Google+ works.

20. Who does your cover art? Do you design it yourself?

My publisher, Book Locker, has a cover designer. I gave him an idea of what I had in mind for the cover of Soul Awakening and he produced a masterpiece.

21. Do you sell your work in any stores? If so, where?

Soul Awakening is available in print and eBook format through most booksellers around the world.

Author bio:

Doug Simpson is a retired high school teacher who has turned his talents to writing. His first novel, a spiritual mystery titled Soul Awakening, was published in the United States in October of 2011, by Book Locker. Check it out at http://booklocker.com/books/5754.html . It is available in print and eBook format through most book stores around the world. His magazine and website articles have been published in 2010 to 2012 in Australia, Canada, France, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. His articles can be accessed through his website is at http://dousimp.mnsi.net.

Bookstores

Amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Awakening-Doug-Simpson/dp/161434518X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318345719&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Book Locker  http://booklocker.com/books/5754.html

Barnes & Noble  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soul-awakening-doug-simpson/1106466763?ean=9781614345183&itm=1&usri=22doug%2bsimpson22

Books-A-Million  http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Soul-A...

Chapters.Indigo  http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Soul-Awakening-Doug-Simpson/9781614345183-item.html?ikwid=%22doug+simpson%22&ikwsec=Books

eBooks

Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Awakening-ebook/dp/B0063HVZ58/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1320714369&sr=1-1-fkmr0

B&N  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soul-awakening-doug-simpson/1106466763?ean=2940013642362&itm=1&usri=22soul%252bawakening22

Stalker pages:

Book website   Book Locker  http://booklocker.com/books/5754.html

Website   http://dousimp.mnsi.net

Facebook*** https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003060595183

Author Interview with L.D. Hutchinson

Author Interview with L.D. Hutchinson
Our next interview is with author L.D. Hutchinson author of the upcoming release Shadows in the Dark. There is going to be an awesome release party on Facebook April 6th with thirty six hours of music, games, freebies, and fun! So you should check that out here.

L.D.Hutchinson was born in Uniontown Pennsylvania and has been writing since she could spell, she picked up a pen and never put it back down always pulling out idea's. Shadows in the Dark her first release and the first book in a Novella series that's been floating around in her head for the past 7 and a half years. She lives with her two dogs and three cats in Ohio. She's currently at work going to college to major in English lit and Minor in Art. Her next book to be released is a full lengthed Novel called Book of Curses, and maybe even a Anthology or two here or there. You can find her reading a book or two at home while constantly checking her Facebook and E-mail, pondering about her next book or the next good game to play.

Now on with the interview... Let's see what L.D. Is all about...

1.Who does your cover art? Do you design it yourself?  

L.D: I generally design all my Cover Art on my own, using Photoshop CS3 and my friends for the people on the front. As of late though, I've decided to test the art of others and see if I like it or not.

2. If you could choose a paranormal lover, what would it be and why?

L.D: If I could chose a Paranormal lover, I'd have to pick a Fey. They're complex, kind of like me. They can be kind and loving one moment and in another kill you without a beat. They always tend to look so inhuman too, sharp features, the pointed ears... I think they're more attractive than any other creatures too. Beside's who wouldn't want a bad-ass lover like that?

3. Do you prefer YA or Adult?

L.D: I have no preference to be honest. I think they both offer different things and are unique in their own ways, though I do read more YA than I do Adult.

4. Any favorite bands? Do you use music to inspire you as you create your art?

L.D: I have so many favorite bands, and they're what help me create each character, each world, story line and more! The top ones who help me though are Framing Hanley, Avenged Sevenfold, The Script, Paramore, Flyleaf, Linkin Park, and 10 Years.

5. What projects have you done?

L.D: So far, Shadows in the Dark. The first book in my new series that comes out as of March 25th 2012. It's a Vampire type story, lot's of gruesome things in it even some creature's I made on my own.

6. Any new projects coming up?

L.D: Yes! I'm always writing new books, or short stories. Right now there's a Anthology that I'm helping put together as well as submitting stories into, and four other books! The Renning Chronicles, the sequel to Shadows in the Dark and two books I can't tell you anything about yet!

7. When did you start writing? 

L.D: I started writing when I was about eight years old, I read my first book then - Hawksong and after that I was inspired enough that I have yet to ever put a pen down! It even got me in trouble in school sometimes haha.

8. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

L.D: I'd have to say, don't give up no matter what. Just keep pushing forward and finish a book, take that leap of faith and just try! Even if your book has tons of bad reviews you just need to take them boldly use them as help and keep going, it'll be worth it in the end.

9. What are your habits when you sit down to create? Do you have to be in a certain room? outside? Are you naked? lol

L.D: Generally I have to be sitting anywhere I feel comfortable, may it be the car, my bedroom or just on the floor somewhere. I have to have Music on though, that is a must or else really I feel too distracted from the silence or chatter of other things.

10. Why do you think that the paranormal genre is so popular?

L.D: I think the Paranormal Genre is as popular as it is because everyone need's an escape from reality. They need something they can't compare to completely, something that's unique and different... Maybe even something that's so horrifying someone can feel the bad things in their life are simple and easy.

11. Are you clumsy or graceful?

L.D: Haha! I'm extremely clumsy, it's not even funny!! I have a tendency to run into things or knock over anything within five feet of me, it surprises me I'm even able to have as many drawings and hand written stories as I do due to constantly spilling things or ripping something!

12. Best books you have read?

L.D: The best books I've read...hmm.. Well, that would have to be Dracula, The House of Night Series, The Vampire Hunter's Daughter Series, Iron Fey Series, Infernal Devices, Mortal Instruments, Death Metal, Anything Shakespearean, The Night Huntress, and The Darkest Powers... So far anyways. Each one has a unique, well written story that's managed to stand out in my mind compared to anything else I've read.

13. Favorite book.

L.D: Well, this is hard... I'd have to say it's between either any of the Iron Fey books or any of the Night Huntress books. Strong Characters, unique storyline, boldly written, I love them and can read them over and over.

14. Favorite character you have written and why.

L.D: My favorite character I've written?... Well, That would have to be Harley Quinn, the character in one of my New books that I've yet to release the name to. Yes, she's named after the notorious Harley Quinn of the Batman series. She's unique, name wise and personality, she's stubborn, determined, strong willed, very much so bold about what she says and does, and just all around fun to write.

15. How do you build your character world?

L.D: I listen to music, the song doesn't matter I listen to the word's in the lyric's and the way they're sang. Each one tells it's own story and once I've gotten a picture in my mind I start thinking about what could on in that world, what creatures could lie around each corner. It's almost like drawing a picture to me, throw a few things in here and a few there and bam! You've gotten yourself a masterpiece worthy to show the world.

http://www.cafepress.com/ldhutchinsonmerch (T-Shirts for shadows in the Dark sold there) 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW1QQpvfwuU&lr=1&feature=results_video&ob=0 (Shadows in the dark trailer)
http://www.facebook.com/IridescentHeroine (RL Facebook)
http://www.facebook.com/ShadowsITdark (Shadows page)
http://www.facebook.com/Whatistherenningchronicles (Renning Chronicles link page)
http://www.facebook.com/Leahdianehutchinson (Author Page)

Interview with Nilsa Rodriguez author of The Rising Moon

Today our interview is with Nilsa Rodriguez, author of The Rising Moon! The Rising Moon is a great paranormal book with shifters and vampires. My review can be found here.

We are luck to get a good excerpt of the first chapter for this interview as well, so stick with us!
1. When did you start writing?

It all began when I was a little girl and in order to tease my older sister, I would write and draw comic books about her. It was titled "Edna from outer space." Basically, I was insinuating that she wasn't human, but really an alien from outer space. LOL It would take a long time after that to really take my writing more seriously. I began writing my novel in 2009.

2. What inspired you to do it?

I always knew I wanted to write a novel and one day the story just came to me. I could not do anything, but write it. I believe my love for books is what inspired me to write.

3. Any new projects coming up?

I'm currently working on book two for The Rising Moon and another YA fiction book titled La Rosa from the block. It's sort of a West Side Story meets Pretty in Pink meets Romeo and Juliet?

4. What is your opinion on people who post bad reviews?

I don't really have an opinion about it…I mean it's their opinion on rather they like a book or not. What may not be someone's cup of tea might be for another. As a writer, I take all reviews and critique seriously both the good and the bad. It's a learning process and it's good to learn from our flaws.

5. Do you have any particular networking groups you would like to share that have helped you move forward with your success?

Yes. I really enjoy being a part of Author Central on Facebook. I've met lots of interesting writers and authors on that site that are quick to answer questions, post opinions and suggestions on how to market your book. I've made some really good friends on that site. "Shout out to all the awesome people on Author Central!" ^-^

6. Are you an independent author or are you represented by an agency?

I'm an independent author for the moment, but I do hope to eventually work with an agency.

7. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

First, I would advice you to join a group or an online group where you can meet other people who already have been there. Who are experienced and ready to give you advice on what to do with your writing aspiration. Never give up. Follow your heart and always dream big!

11. What are your habits when you sit down to write? Do you have to be in a certain room?

I usually write in the sunroom at the back of the house. I always carry a little notebook with me throughout the day,  to jag down any ideas that pop into my head. At the end of the day after I have already fed my family and they're asleep and the house is quiet, is when I usually put on my writers cap and begin writing.

12. Do you prefer YA or Adult?

I enjoy reading both YA and Adult. I guess it all depends on the story line. If it's interesting enough, I will read it.

13. Give us a sample of your work.

Here is an excerpt of  THE RISING MOON: 

                                                        ∞ Chapter 1 ∞

                    THE AIR FELT THICK as a sauna. Clouds clustered overhead, like black mountains violently unleashing a torrent of lightning bolts that lit up the sky, making the night bright as day. I felt in the pit of my stomach that something terrible was brewing outside. The storm was unlike any other I have ever seen before…it seemed supernatural.

            "Lia!" hollered John. His voice sounded impatient and thunderous as the storm outside. "Li-a!"

            I rushed out of bed and met him in the kitchen.

            He was drunk again. The smell of whisky reeked through his pores and clothes and met me at the doorway.        He wasn't always an alcoholic. He once was happy and full of life, but it all changed the night his wife Veena died. Her sudden and horrific death was too much for him to bear.

            The night she died, John was returning late from a hunting trip and accidentally struck an animal as he drove up the dark and narrow road that led to our house. The animal was quick and John couldn't make out what it was. All he knew was he struck it hard because the whole front bender on his truck was damaged.

            He got out, reached for his shot gun, and followed the animal into the woods, but although the animal was injured, it was still fast enough to outrun him so he decided to leave the animal alone.

            When he got home, Veena wasn't there. I was asleep and John awoke me, asking me if I knew where she was. It wasn't like her to be out so late or to not answer her cell phone---especially after he's called her four times, one phone call after the other. Worried, John set out to look for her while I asked the other ranch workers if they've seen her.

            After searching for nearly two and a half hours, John found her lifeless body a hundred yards from the house in a pool of blood. She was badly injured. She had deep wounds across her face, her ribs were crushed and her legs were broken.

            The medical examiner declared the cause of the death as being mauled by an animal. John felt that if he'd killed the animal he injured with his truck earlier that night; Veena would still be alive today. He blamed himself for her death and ever since that night, he hasn't been the same.

            "Listen girl," he said. "It seems Star has gotten out again and the storm is picking up pretty bad out there. See if you can get that stupid horse to return back to the stables. God only knows why she listens to you and not me."

            Star's an Appaloosa mare and the latest addition to the ranch. Her temperament was supposed to be gentle, but since her arrival four months ago, John hasn't been able to tame her. I'm the only person on the ranch she allowed near her. I didn't mind it at all. There was something about her human-like brown eyes that comforted me as much as I comforted her.

            "Well, are you going?" he asked reaching for a chair, but nearly missing it.

            I really had no other choice but to go out in the storm. We didn't own the ranch we lived in, the Ulric's did. And if they saw John, or smelled him for that matter, in the condition he was in tonight they'd surely run us out in a heartbeat.

            "Go on now," he said as he swooshed me with his hand.

            "Yes sir," I grumbled.

            Not caring to change out of my blue cotton night gown, I quickly put on my boots and at the sound of a roaring thunder, I reached for my raincoat and headed out the door.      The howling wind and blinding rain was harsh and poured down unsteady. It came at me from all directions, slapping me as I attempted to make my way through. I pulled the strings on the neck of my hood to keep it from falling, but it was no use, my hair was already drenched and now stuck to my stinging face.

            "Star!" I shouted over the smacking rain. "Where are you girl?"

            Unable to see where I was going, I stepped on a thorny bush beside the stable wall. Blood ran warm and quick down the side of my leg. With a slight limp, I hopped into the stables and examined the wound. I was relieved that it was just a mere scratch, but boy did it sting! I limped over to where the horses were and to my surprise Star was there staring at me with those large brown eyes.

            It was obvious by the look of her chestnut coat that she was dry. What John saw outside the stable wasn't Star or any of the horses because all six of them were dry and cozy in their stall. 

            Bordering with the Shoshone National Forest it wasn't rare to come across a wild animal every now and then. We've been visited by grizzly bears, coyotes, elks, and wolves on the property many times before. 

            John was drunk and the storm was blinding. There was no way he could've known what he saw out there wasn't Star. I'm sure he must've saw something, but whatever it was the bullying storm chased it away. I locked the stable doors and rushed back home.

             I limped back to my room closing the door behind me. I wrapped my dripping hair in a towel and wiped the blood off my leg. The wind was becoming fainter, more like a whisper as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling. I turned on my side and faced the window as a cool breeze crept in through a crack in the window frame. The sheer ivory curtains swayed gently, twinkling against the dark wood panel walls and floor.

            Hugging my pillow tight, I began to think of Veena. On how her brown eyes always sparkled when she smiled and how her short dark hair always smelled like lavender. She was the only person who truly understood me. She and John treated me like family and I was grateful for that, and just like John, I missed her too. Especially on nights like tonight.

The following morning the sky was blue and promising. I pulled myself out of bed and headed to the bathroom. I stood there brushing my teeth glancing hard and deep at the person staring back. I wondered if I looked like my father. Was he pale like me? Or maybe I looked like my mother?

            I looked closely into my large blue eyes. At the white pigment in the iris of my left eye that resembled a half moon. I was five years old when it first appeared.

            Dr. Parker, a medical doctor from River View Hospital, diagnosed it as heterchromia. He told me it was mostly common in animals, but it can also be past down genetically in humans. I always wondered which of my parents had it.

            No matter how many times I tried to remember them, I couldn't. All I knew was what was told to me: that they were killed in a car accident when I was four years old. When I thought back to my early childhood, all I could remember were the countless nurses and doctors from River View Hospital. I was sent to live there after my first foster parents, claimed I would howl at the moon and constantly suffer from night terrors.      

            Although they tried their best to comfort me, their attempts had reached its limit on the day they found me asleep outside, naked and covered in dirt and leaves. They felt I was too much for them to handle so they decided to return me to the state, which then sent me to River View where I was diagnosed with Lycanthropy, a rare psychotic disorder that causes the person to believe they can transform into an animal.

            During my time at the hospital, Dr. Parker helped me overcome the night terrors that he believed triggered the disorder through medication and psychotherapy. I haven't had any night terrors in a very long time. But ever since the night Veena died, my nightmares have returned and several times, I've found myself waking up in the woods.

I pulled out my favorite dark blue jeans, white cotton blouse and red hooded sweater from the closet and got dressed. Today was the beginning of my senior year at Lander Valley High School. I knew I should have felt like the rest of the students and be happy about starting my senior year, but I wasn't. I just wanted the year to fly by, graduate, and put the whole high school years behind me.

            I swung my backpack over my shoulder and headed out the door. As I walked through the wood paneled living room, I picked up the quilt I covered John in last night and neatly placed it over the couch. The room was once the place where we would gather and watch TV as a family, but until recently had evolved into an uninviting cave.

                                                                   *****
15. Any causes you are passionate about?

Ian Somerhalder who plays Damon on the TV series The Vampire Diaries has an awesome organization called ISF. It's an organization that brings awareness on how we can do our part to not only make the environment better, but to also help the animals that have no voice. To learn more about ISF go to:  http://www.isfoundation.com

16. Do you like vampires who sparkle or bite?

Sparkle? Are you kidding me? I like my vampires to bite.

17. Favorite book.

Too many to list, but I will mention the one I'm currently enjoying which is The Wolf Gift, by Anne Rice.

18. Who does your cover art?

My cover art was designed by the very talented Barbara Neal. To see more of her awesome artwork go to: http://mistraven.daportfolio.com/

19.Where can we find your page/address?

I can be found at:
Website: www.nilsarodriguez.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Nilsa-Rodriguez/257970040897033

Blog: http://nilsa-rodriguez.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @Nilsa1221

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/NilsaRodriguez

Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/The-Rising-Moon-Nilsa-Rodriguez/dp/0983910200/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1331605137&sr=1-1-catcorr

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80024

14. Do you use video to promote your work?

Yes. Here is the to the official book trailer for THE RISING MOON