Rebecca Nolan's Blog - Posts Tagged "interview"
Interview with the Talented Phyllis aka T.R. Stampz
My dear friend Phyllis has a wonderful and very sexy alter ego T.R. Stampz. This girl can write the HOT stuff like none other I have read. Talk about making a girl all hot and sweaty...These guys do that and more. T.R Stampz has a way of writing bad boys that makes you suck in a breathe and fan yourself as you read. But... don't let that fool you, this isn't all about sex, there is a depth to her characters that makes them real. It isn't all wham, bam and thank -you sir. So if you like you bad boys, good in all the right places and hot little stories that make you go Mmmm, then please don't let this budding Author slip you by!
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a wife, mother, and grandmother. I live in a very small farm town in southwestern Ohio in converted chicken house. I have worked a variety of jobs in my life ranging from department store clerk to restaurant manager to factory worker. My most recent adventure in the working world, other than writing, was as a license medical massage therapist. I love reading, writing, and crocheting.
What is the title of your new book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
My newest book is called Hot Ridez and will be released on April 30th. Hot Ridez is a collection of erotic stories with a bad boy theme. The boys are definitely bad in a very good way.
If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
What a fantastic question. I would have to say that if I could give a voice to one of my characters it would have to be Daphne from Riding Vinny. I believe she would tell you being married for safety or for love isn’t always easy and love isn’t always safe but with the right person can be easy.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I am currently working of several different books. My first full length novel, yet untitled, I would like to publish under my real name is about a rollercoaster romance between a football player and a sports reporter. I am also working on another erotica collection called Bike Night at Jackass Flats. This collection will follow the adventures of three best friends as they attend and event held at a local bar.
What made you start writing and did you go down the path of self-publishing or did you seek out a publisher?
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. The first thing I ever wrote was a letter to my sister when I was about 8 years old. I just recently found out that even though it has been over 30 years since that letter was written, she still has it. I would love to be able to see it again and know what I wrote. I have always used letter writing as a way to express my feelings. I grew up in a tumultuous house where feelings were never expressed. So I would sit and write letters to imaginary people to express myself. Later, I started writing short stories from journal entries I had written.
I have never self-published any of my work. I was actually very fortunate in becoming friends with Danielle Zwissler of Firefly and Wisp Book Publishing. I became an editor and decided on a whim to submit one of my short stories. She asked if I could write more with a similar theme because she would like to publish them as a collection. That collection is Hot Ridez.
Is there an Author who has influenced you or one that you would really like to meet?
Wow, there are so many wonderful authors out there that I have influenced me in some way or another. It is hard for me to choose just one. At one time I would have said the author I would love to meet is Stephen King, but recently I have moved away from him. I think I would have to say who I would like to meet most now would be indie author, Christy Mazzetti Watson. She is a friend on Facebook and has encouraged me through some very difficult times. I would love to be able to thank her in person.
List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?
I am currently reading the Detective Marcella Mysteries series by Dana Donovan. It is an amazing series about a witches, magic, and murder mystery. I am currently reading book 6 in the series. The characters are fun and the plots keep you guessing. I would and have recommended this series to many of my friends.
If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?
Hmmm, since my books are not exactly made for TV or even one that would be seen on the shelves at your local video store, unless you go behind the curtain in the back of the store, I have not really given any thought as to who I would choose to play the characters. The only character I had a real idea of what he looked like is Drew from Drew’s Hot Lap. That character had a face before I even started that story. Drew has always been NASCAR driver Tony Stewart.
Ok Now for some fun J ….
Sleep in or get up early?
I am definitely a stay up all night and sleep all day type of person. Unfortunately, I am married to someone who is in bed early and up before the sun.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee with cream and sugar or as my friends would say cream and sugar with a bit of coffee.
Sweet or Savory?
Wow! This one is hard. It really depends on my mood and what I am writing at the time. If it is something sad then sweet all the way, but if I am writing a scene where the character is showing a lot of attitude, then definitely savory.
EBook or paperback?
I have to have both actually. I love the feel of a book in my hand, the smell of the paper, and the sound of a page being turned. I love being able share what I am writing with others, but they are warned ahead of time, if they wrinkle the spine or dog ear the pages then they will never get to borrow another of my books. My paperbacks are my babies. I love the convenience of an eBooks for when I am on the go. I love how I can take my book on my phone or tablet without having the weight of the paperback.
One of your favorite quotes -
I have so many, but I think one of my most recent favorites is from the movie Dad starring Jack Lemmon and Ted Danzan. This line is delivered by Jack’s character when he was speaking to his wife. "Dying is not a sin, but not living is."
Lastly where can readers find you?
My blog: http://www.wix.com/trstamp2/t-r-stamp... This is still a work in progress and the blog is not functional yet.
My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/trstamp
My Goodreads author page:
Twitter: TRStampz
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a wife, mother, and grandmother. I live in a very small farm town in southwestern Ohio in converted chicken house. I have worked a variety of jobs in my life ranging from department store clerk to restaurant manager to factory worker. My most recent adventure in the working world, other than writing, was as a license medical massage therapist. I love reading, writing, and crocheting.
What is the title of your new book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
My newest book is called Hot Ridez and will be released on April 30th. Hot Ridez is a collection of erotic stories with a bad boy theme. The boys are definitely bad in a very good way.
If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
What a fantastic question. I would have to say that if I could give a voice to one of my characters it would have to be Daphne from Riding Vinny. I believe she would tell you being married for safety or for love isn’t always easy and love isn’t always safe but with the right person can be easy.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I am currently working of several different books. My first full length novel, yet untitled, I would like to publish under my real name is about a rollercoaster romance between a football player and a sports reporter. I am also working on another erotica collection called Bike Night at Jackass Flats. This collection will follow the adventures of three best friends as they attend and event held at a local bar.
What made you start writing and did you go down the path of self-publishing or did you seek out a publisher?
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. The first thing I ever wrote was a letter to my sister when I was about 8 years old. I just recently found out that even though it has been over 30 years since that letter was written, she still has it. I would love to be able to see it again and know what I wrote. I have always used letter writing as a way to express my feelings. I grew up in a tumultuous house where feelings were never expressed. So I would sit and write letters to imaginary people to express myself. Later, I started writing short stories from journal entries I had written.
I have never self-published any of my work. I was actually very fortunate in becoming friends with Danielle Zwissler of Firefly and Wisp Book Publishing. I became an editor and decided on a whim to submit one of my short stories. She asked if I could write more with a similar theme because she would like to publish them as a collection. That collection is Hot Ridez.
Is there an Author who has influenced you or one that you would really like to meet?
Wow, there are so many wonderful authors out there that I have influenced me in some way or another. It is hard for me to choose just one. At one time I would have said the author I would love to meet is Stephen King, but recently I have moved away from him. I think I would have to say who I would like to meet most now would be indie author, Christy Mazzetti Watson. She is a friend on Facebook and has encouraged me through some very difficult times. I would love to be able to thank her in person.
List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?
I am currently reading the Detective Marcella Mysteries series by Dana Donovan. It is an amazing series about a witches, magic, and murder mystery. I am currently reading book 6 in the series. The characters are fun and the plots keep you guessing. I would and have recommended this series to many of my friends.
If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?
Hmmm, since my books are not exactly made for TV or even one that would be seen on the shelves at your local video store, unless you go behind the curtain in the back of the store, I have not really given any thought as to who I would choose to play the characters. The only character I had a real idea of what he looked like is Drew from Drew’s Hot Lap. That character had a face before I even started that story. Drew has always been NASCAR driver Tony Stewart.
Ok Now for some fun J ….
Sleep in or get up early?
I am definitely a stay up all night and sleep all day type of person. Unfortunately, I am married to someone who is in bed early and up before the sun.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee with cream and sugar or as my friends would say cream and sugar with a bit of coffee.
Sweet or Savory?
Wow! This one is hard. It really depends on my mood and what I am writing at the time. If it is something sad then sweet all the way, but if I am writing a scene where the character is showing a lot of attitude, then definitely savory.
EBook or paperback?
I have to have both actually. I love the feel of a book in my hand, the smell of the paper, and the sound of a page being turned. I love being able share what I am writing with others, but they are warned ahead of time, if they wrinkle the spine or dog ear the pages then they will never get to borrow another of my books. My paperbacks are my babies. I love the convenience of an eBooks for when I am on the go. I love how I can take my book on my phone or tablet without having the weight of the paperback.
One of your favorite quotes -
I have so many, but I think one of my most recent favorites is from the movie Dad starring Jack Lemmon and Ted Danzan. This line is delivered by Jack’s character when he was speaking to his wife. "Dying is not a sin, but not living is."
Lastly where can readers find you?
My blog: http://www.wix.com/trstamp2/t-r-stamp... This is still a work in progress and the blog is not functional yet.
My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/trstamp
My Goodreads author page:
Twitter: TRStampz
Interview with Australian Author Aiki Flinthart
Aiki Flinthart lives in Brisbane, Australia - but is not at all afraid of drop-bears or venomous beasties. IRON is her tenth published novel and the first in the Kalima Chronicles opening trilogy. After the insane success of first series - 80AD (a 5 book YA fantasy series set in 80AD Earth) - she decided to take up writing more seriously. She's since had short stories shortlisted in the Australian Aurealis Awards, published in online e-mags and anthologies, and shortlisted in the Writers of the Future Competition. 2018 also saw the release of her YA urban fantasy action/adventure trilogy: Shadows, to critical acclaim.
When she's not writing or giving workshops on writing, Aiki does martial arts, archery, knife-throwing, lute-playing, belly-dancing, painting and runs a full time business. Sometimes she even sleeps. Sometimes.
Her new book IRON is due for release this month as the first book in the up coming Kalmina Chronicles. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview her about the new book, what the future holds and other fun facts.
What is the title of your new book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
Title: IRON
Sci-Fantasy with a kick-ass heroine struggling to find her place and to prevent the first-ever war on her planet. Sword-fights, political upheaval, just a dash of something like magic.
If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
Alere would probably tell the people of our world to stop f*cking it up. Her world, Kalima, was colonised by idealists escaping the environmental destruction and religious wars of Earth. Now Kalima’s 700 years of peace is under threat because humans are too stupid and ambitious for their own good.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
IRON is the first in the opening trilogy to the Kalmina Chronicles. It will be followed by FIRE and STEEL (both already written and almost ready to go – will be published in 2019.)
At the moment, though, I’m working on a novel set in 1486 – the origin story to my Urban Fantasy Ruadhan Sidhe “Shadows” trilogy that came out earlier in 2018. That one’s proving a big challenge. It’s 24 short stories all from different viewpoints of medieval women; and all coming together in an attempt to foil a plot to assassinate King Henry VII.
What made you start writing and did you go down the path of self-publishing or did you seek out a publisher?
I’ve always written. When I was younger it was appallingly bad romances. Seriously. So bad. I only found my feet when I decided to write the five-book 80AD series for my son. He loved it, so I figured I should get it published. But I was just too impatient to wait around for years as publishers hemmed and hawed over it. So I self-published. That series has now had over 400 000 downloads and I get fan mail from people of all ages and from all over the world. That made me realise maybe I could do this writing thing after all.
Is there an Author who has influenced you or one that you would really like to meet?
I read so much and so widely as a kid, teen and young adult that I would be hard put to say any one author influenced me. I read everything from Sci-fi and fantasy, to historical romance, to all the classics, Shakespeare, mythology, mysteries, detective novels, spy novels, action/thrillers. And I think they’ve all contributed and helped make my writing deeper and richer.
What drew you to that genre? Or do you have more than one genre you write?
I tend to write YA sci-fantasy/fantasy stories, even though I’ve read and enjoyed many genres over the years. I love to write empowered women who rescue themselves and have equal relationships with the men in their lives. I do still have a soft spot for historical romance, but I’m not sure I could write one without some fantasy element in it, somewhere. I have, however, published one of my contemporary romances – mainly because the heroine kicked ass and rescued herself, and I think the world needs more recognition of women like her, because they’re everywhere.
What inspires you to tap into that creativity?
In the case of IRON, it was a combination of a name (a business name I saw “Alere” that made me think – that would be a good character name), sending my husband and son on a weekend blacksmithing course, and my own background as a geologist. After my husband got into blacksmithing, and we were watching Youtube videos on the subject, I suddenly realised how difficult our world’s culture/civilisations would be to create without readily-available iron. Which lead me down the path of creating a world without that as a resource. Which automatically begs the question: what then happens if you do find iron?
Chaos – that’s the answer.
If you could time travel, even to a fictional place, where and what era would it be? Why?
Ohhh- there are so many! And I suspect the reality would never live up to the fictional versions that we writers make up about even real places. As long as I could go back and not be seen (and also have a good supply of clean water, women’s sanitary products, and uncontaminated food), I’d love to visit ancient China. Oh, and Regency England. Oh, wait- and Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonworld planet, Pern. Oooh – and … ah, I could go on all day. Sigh.
List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?
I re-read Lao Tse’s The Art of War, recently. Such an interesting insight into the mind of a brilliant strategist. Then I had fun romping through space with several of the Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan Saga books. They are a great read. Lastly, but not leastly, I’ve just finished David Farland’s first Runelords book (I met David a couple of years ago and was able to snaffle an autographed copy of book 1). Such great worldbuilding.
If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?
Argh – that’s so difficult. Felicity Jones (Rogue 1 Star Wars) would be a pretty decent Alere, I think. Her character of Jyn erso had a similar gritty determination as Alere. Dylan O’Brien (Maze Runner) would make a decent Corin (roguish, fun). Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age of Extinction) has the right look for Kett (strong silent type).
Sigh… nice dream! Any producers out there listening?
Ok Now for some fun ….
Sleep in or get up early? OMG- Definitely sleep in. And stay up late. My brain doesn’t seem to get into creative mode until at least 9pm. Stupid full time-work and its stupid early hours disrupting my much-more-important creative time.
Tea or coffee? Chai tea. I LOVE the smell of coffee. And I keep tasting it every once in a while, just in case my tastebuds have spontaneously changed their minds. Nope, it always smells better than it tastes.
Sweet or Savory? Savoury for sure. Chips/Crisps are my weakness. I have to speak very sternly to myself about how bad they are for me. Frequently. *sneaks off to eat chips*
Ebook or paperback? I still prefer paperback – probably partly because my phone screen is ridiculously small and also cracked. One of these days I may invest in an e-reader, but the situation out there changes so fast it’s hard to know what e-reader will still be viable next week.
One of your favorite quotes - There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for. (JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers)
And a bonus quote
Well-behaved women seldom make history. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
If you would like to get your hands on a copy of IRON read below:
IRON will be officially available on all good retailers on the 28th October. Use this url to pre-order from your favourite ebook retailer.
books2read.com/u/31xdJr
Or you can buy direct from Aiki's website on the 28th of October.
Print copies available from good online retailers, or order in your nearest bookstore.
If you live in Brisbane or SEQ, Aiki will be In Conversation with Dr Jo Sparrow at Bookface Orion, Springfield on the 21st of November 6:30pm-7:30pm. Come along, meet the author, ask questions, maybe even request a demo of a fighting technique. Tickets are FREE here: https://www.facebook.com/events/19335...
Find Aiki here: www.aikiflinthart.com
Or follow her on Twitter or Instagram a @aikiflinthart
And on Facebook: Aiki Flinthart
When she's not writing or giving workshops on writing, Aiki does martial arts, archery, knife-throwing, lute-playing, belly-dancing, painting and runs a full time business. Sometimes she even sleeps. Sometimes.
Her new book IRON is due for release this month as the first book in the up coming Kalmina Chronicles. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview her about the new book, what the future holds and other fun facts.
What is the title of your new book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
Title: IRON
Sci-Fantasy with a kick-ass heroine struggling to find her place and to prevent the first-ever war on her planet. Sword-fights, political upheaval, just a dash of something like magic.
If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
Alere would probably tell the people of our world to stop f*cking it up. Her world, Kalima, was colonised by idealists escaping the environmental destruction and religious wars of Earth. Now Kalima’s 700 years of peace is under threat because humans are too stupid and ambitious for their own good.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
IRON is the first in the opening trilogy to the Kalmina Chronicles. It will be followed by FIRE and STEEL (both already written and almost ready to go – will be published in 2019.)
At the moment, though, I’m working on a novel set in 1486 – the origin story to my Urban Fantasy Ruadhan Sidhe “Shadows” trilogy that came out earlier in 2018. That one’s proving a big challenge. It’s 24 short stories all from different viewpoints of medieval women; and all coming together in an attempt to foil a plot to assassinate King Henry VII.
What made you start writing and did you go down the path of self-publishing or did you seek out a publisher?
I’ve always written. When I was younger it was appallingly bad romances. Seriously. So bad. I only found my feet when I decided to write the five-book 80AD series for my son. He loved it, so I figured I should get it published. But I was just too impatient to wait around for years as publishers hemmed and hawed over it. So I self-published. That series has now had over 400 000 downloads and I get fan mail from people of all ages and from all over the world. That made me realise maybe I could do this writing thing after all.
Is there an Author who has influenced you or one that you would really like to meet?
I read so much and so widely as a kid, teen and young adult that I would be hard put to say any one author influenced me. I read everything from Sci-fi and fantasy, to historical romance, to all the classics, Shakespeare, mythology, mysteries, detective novels, spy novels, action/thrillers. And I think they’ve all contributed and helped make my writing deeper and richer.
What drew you to that genre? Or do you have more than one genre you write?
I tend to write YA sci-fantasy/fantasy stories, even though I’ve read and enjoyed many genres over the years. I love to write empowered women who rescue themselves and have equal relationships with the men in their lives. I do still have a soft spot for historical romance, but I’m not sure I could write one without some fantasy element in it, somewhere. I have, however, published one of my contemporary romances – mainly because the heroine kicked ass and rescued herself, and I think the world needs more recognition of women like her, because they’re everywhere.
What inspires you to tap into that creativity?
In the case of IRON, it was a combination of a name (a business name I saw “Alere” that made me think – that would be a good character name), sending my husband and son on a weekend blacksmithing course, and my own background as a geologist. After my husband got into blacksmithing, and we were watching Youtube videos on the subject, I suddenly realised how difficult our world’s culture/civilisations would be to create without readily-available iron. Which lead me down the path of creating a world without that as a resource. Which automatically begs the question: what then happens if you do find iron?
Chaos – that’s the answer.
If you could time travel, even to a fictional place, where and what era would it be? Why?
Ohhh- there are so many! And I suspect the reality would never live up to the fictional versions that we writers make up about even real places. As long as I could go back and not be seen (and also have a good supply of clean water, women’s sanitary products, and uncontaminated food), I’d love to visit ancient China. Oh, and Regency England. Oh, wait- and Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonworld planet, Pern. Oooh – and … ah, I could go on all day. Sigh.
List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?
I re-read Lao Tse’s The Art of War, recently. Such an interesting insight into the mind of a brilliant strategist. Then I had fun romping through space with several of the Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan Saga books. They are a great read. Lastly, but not leastly, I’ve just finished David Farland’s first Runelords book (I met David a couple of years ago and was able to snaffle an autographed copy of book 1). Such great worldbuilding.
If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?
Argh – that’s so difficult. Felicity Jones (Rogue 1 Star Wars) would be a pretty decent Alere, I think. Her character of Jyn erso had a similar gritty determination as Alere. Dylan O’Brien (Maze Runner) would make a decent Corin (roguish, fun). Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age of Extinction) has the right look for Kett (strong silent type).
Sigh… nice dream! Any producers out there listening?
Ok Now for some fun ….
Sleep in or get up early? OMG- Definitely sleep in. And stay up late. My brain doesn’t seem to get into creative mode until at least 9pm. Stupid full time-work and its stupid early hours disrupting my much-more-important creative time.
Tea or coffee? Chai tea. I LOVE the smell of coffee. And I keep tasting it every once in a while, just in case my tastebuds have spontaneously changed their minds. Nope, it always smells better than it tastes.
Sweet or Savory? Savoury for sure. Chips/Crisps are my weakness. I have to speak very sternly to myself about how bad they are for me. Frequently. *sneaks off to eat chips*
Ebook or paperback? I still prefer paperback – probably partly because my phone screen is ridiculously small and also cracked. One of these days I may invest in an e-reader, but the situation out there changes so fast it’s hard to know what e-reader will still be viable next week.
One of your favorite quotes - There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for. (JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers)
And a bonus quote
Well-behaved women seldom make history. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
If you would like to get your hands on a copy of IRON read below:
IRON will be officially available on all good retailers on the 28th October. Use this url to pre-order from your favourite ebook retailer.
books2read.com/u/31xdJr
Or you can buy direct from Aiki's website on the 28th of October.
Print copies available from good online retailers, or order in your nearest bookstore.
If you live in Brisbane or SEQ, Aiki will be In Conversation with Dr Jo Sparrow at Bookface Orion, Springfield on the 21st of November 6:30pm-7:30pm. Come along, meet the author, ask questions, maybe even request a demo of a fighting technique. Tickets are FREE here: https://www.facebook.com/events/19335...
Find Aiki here: www.aikiflinthart.com
Or follow her on Twitter or Instagram a @aikiflinthart
And on Facebook: Aiki Flinthart
