Samantha March's Blog, page 22
July 31, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Viewer Discretion Advised by Cindy Roesel
Thank you to Cindy Roesel for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Viewer Discretion Advised. Please visit her page on CLP Blog Tours for more information!
**Interview**
First of all, I have to thank you MISS SAMANTHA MARCH and CHICK LIT PLUS for hosting me and VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED! I am so happy to be part of this whole BLOG TOUR thing! IT IS SO INCREDIBLY COOL! IT IS SO NOW! It is what is happening! REALLY! When I wrote my book, even before, I couldn’t wait to finish so I could do this super new blog tour thing! Thank you for letting me be a part! You are such an innovator! I hope you’re going to let me do another one! Anyway….. And you are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO pretty, too! And you’ve written your own novel! DAMN, GIRL!
When did you know writing was for you?
I’ve been a storyteller all my life and becoming a writer was a natural transition. I studied communications in college and was fortunate to secure an internship at CNN in NYC where I got my first taste of broadcast journalism. From there I was hooked. A lot of people go into television because they want to be on television. Being recognized ended up being the thing that always freaked me out. I loved the whole process of creating and writing a live show and working on the edge. I also enjoyed writing long-form specials. I won my Emmy for an hour long special I wrote and produced on the candidates running for Governor in Connecticut. Writing VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED was the natural transition after TV news.
How would you describe your book?
My novel, VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED is a modern twist on “Sex and the City” meets “Broadcast News.” It’s a fun mocha light frappachino. I have great characters, fun plots, lots of action all set in sizzling Miami! It’s all about mind candy, a day at the beach, a few hours on the plane to distract you while you travel.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The hardest part of writing for me is sitting in the chair and writing. Once I’m in the chair, you can’t get me out. I come from news and I’ve been known to be there for a very long time! You probably won’t believe me, so I won’t even go there. But I write for a long time and then I crash. It’s not the healthiest and I don’t recommend it, but it’s what I do. I’d love to do the 9-1 or 3-8 thing but I don’t get that at all.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I read everything and I mean everything! I’d have to say my greatest influences are Charles Dickens and Mario Puzo, so that gives you an idea! I review for Chick Lit Central, and I read everyone you host, so that tells your readers something! I am never without a book. In Miami, we have one of the best independent bookstores in the country and we get fabulous authors everyday and I go to all the readings, so I’m all about books 24/7/365-366-leap year!
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
What I’d like readers to take away from VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED is that if you work very hard, despite having the odds against you, including the economy being in the dumps you can do well. I was the first one in my family to graduate from college when doom and gloom was knocking on the front door. In VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED, Charley gets knocked on her ass and fired, but she has friends and she remembers contacts she’s made in the past. Work hard and be smart!
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
EXTREMELY! As I said at the beginning of this interview, women like you, Samantha March and Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours are on the cutting edge of what’s happening in promoting authors and books. Publishers used to send authors out all the time, but that’s not happening now. Social media is what it’s all about. Even the so-called big authors don’t get a budget to tour anymore. They do blog tours, facebook and twitter. Forget about travelling. I did something really neat last month. I was invited to a bookstore at Miami International Airport to promote VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED. It was great. I met people from all over the country. The cool thing is the people I met talked about it on my website.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Go for it! If you want to write, then write! Know that writing it writing. There is no magic to getting the words down on the paper except a lot of hard work. But it’s the most fulfilling experience in the whole world when you see something that you’ve worked on finally published. I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of holding VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED in my hands. Maybe Samantha, you can help me out. It is so incredible humbling. I worked and doubted myself and didn’t think I could do it and often felt like a failure and somehow it all came together. There were other people who believed in me and I’m grateful for their love and friendship.
Would be writers need to find a group of other would-be writers in their community, at a local community college, center or on-line. Writers are really good at supporting one another and that’s what you need. But the most important thing you need to do is to write. Feel free to contact me at my website cindyroesel.com if you have any questions.
Once again, thank you so much Samantha March and Chick Lit Plus for hosting me and VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED. We are so lucky to be on tour with you! This is going to be a blast!
Remember if anyone has any questions, please just contact me and I will get back to you ASAP!Happy summer!
**Excerpt**
PROLOGUE TODAY…MIAMI
“What the hell is going on?” Charley yelled as she walked into the newsroom. A crowd of people gathered around her main anchor. Lady Gaga singing. Is that a CD, or is the Fame Monster a guest on tonight’sshow? A guest I didn’t approve. But OMG, how on earth did we possibly book her? Seventeen minutes and twelve seconds until the next newscast. Why aren’t scripts being ripped? Why aren’t editors editing video? Why are those phones ringing off the hooks? She pushed through the crowd. Once spotted most of the staff walked away from whatever had captured their attention. And then Charley saw him – the poker face poser giving his all - hoping to make everyone just dance. “What the…” Charley barely caught her jaw. Some guy peeling off his pants in front of her main anchor, and revealing a very revealing g-string. “Please leave,” Nancy whimpered, trying to cover her face, but the stripper kept pulling her hands away. “You know you want it, News lady,” he growled. The banana boat in his sequin-covered g-string made it obvious he was excited to be performing.Nancy was on the verge of crying. The last thing Charley needed from her anchor that was only minutes away from going on live television. “Whoever you are, you need to leave,” Charley demanded getting an eyeful of ass. She saw his shirt lying next to the boom box and picked it up. “Now,” she threw the shirt at him. “Who the hell are you?” crossing his arms and tapping his feet. He wasn’t used to having his performance cut short. Charley stopped herself from grabbing the little shit by the neck and instead counted, “One, two, three...” She looked around the newsroom, and announced, “Anybody involved in the next newscast, which is less than ten minutes away, get to work.” Charley stared into the stripper’s face. He looked uncomfortable. “I’m the boss, that’s who. And forget the paparazzi, you fame-monger-wanna-be, we’re calling the police and they’re going to put your little g-stringed ass in jail.” The stripper located his pants and stepped into them. Then he picked up the boom box. “Her husband hired me for her birthday. Your loss, sweetheart,” he stared coldly at Nancy. “I’m out of here,” the stripper looked Charley up and down. “Here’s my card, Boss Lady,” he winked. “I’ll give you a good deal.” “Make sure he leaves,” Charley told Carlos, one of her editors who was a former University of Miami Hurricanes linebacker. It was no secret Carlos enjoyed making believe he was Mike Tyson before Tyson had a meltdown and started eating people’s ears. Charley tossed the stripper’s card in the trashcan and walked over to Nancy. Tears were streaking her make-up. “Nancy, follow me.” This is just great. Charley grabbed Nancy’s hand and led her down the hall and into her office. She shut the door and drew the shades. “Would you like a soda? Chocolate?” Charley reached for her purse, and pulled out several vials. “Valium? Xanax? Anything?” Nancy started to hyperventilate. “My hus, husb, husband… It’s my bir, birth, birthday…” “Nancy, just sit there. Breathe, breathe… Look at me,” Charley gently rubbed Nancy’s hands. “Nancy, we have less than six minutes until the show. You have no co-anchor tonight. It’s just you. You need to focus on being the professional you are. Forget your husband. Breathe,” Charley paused to make sure Nancy was listening. Her eyes were closed, and Charley could tell Nancy was hanging on her every word. “Nancy, YOU are a star. We NEED you. South Florida NEEDS you.” Charley looked at her watch. “We NEED you, you, Nancy!” Nancy drew in a breath, tightened her hands into a fist before releasing them and reopening her eyes. She stared off at some distant place for inspiration. “Yes,” Nancy said. “They need me. I can do it.” “You, Nancy, we need you. Can YOU do it, you?” Charley watched Nancy take a deep breath and calm down. “Yes, yes, I can,” Nancy smoothed her skirt and jacket. Charley looked at her watch. Just enough time to get on the air. “Go to the set. Touch up your eyes and blush. I’ll have water brought out to the set.” Nancy, stood up, grabbed Charley and hugged her. “Thank you, Charley.” Charley stepped back and pointed towards the door. “You’re a star. Go Nancy, now.” Nancy turned and walked out of Charley’s office before breaking into a sprint. “Send water out to Nancy,” she said into her speakerphone. “On the way,” someone answered. Charley sat down in front of six television monitors - four local English speaking and two Spanish language stations. Charley would usually split her attention between all six monitors, but tonight, her full attention was on WCAR. She quickly said a prayer Nancy would be able to keep it together for the next thirty minutes. After that, Nancy can do whatever she wants to whomever she wants. What kind of husband sends his wife a stripper for her birthday? To her work place? The bastard compromised my newscast. He deserves to be castrated. The opening started. Please God, I’ll go to church this week, I promise. “Good evening. I’m Nancy Dennison. Topping tonight’s news, more traffic nightmares for South Floridians…” Damn, she’s good. Nancy’s eyes had an extra sparkle. Her makeup was flawless. Forget
news. I’m a babysitter. No, make that a shrink. ********************************************************************************** **Everyone who leaves a comment on Cindy's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Viewer Discretion Advised before August 20 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.** Author Bio:
CINDY ROESEL is an Emmy Award winning television broadcast journalist. After working for twenty years in newsrooms filled with ambitious backbiting adrenalin junkies, she's turning her experiences into novels. Cindy lives in Miami with her shih tzu, Sassy.
Connect with Cindy!
www.cindyroesel.comcindyroesel.blogspot.comwriteoncindy@yahoo.comcindyroesel.facebookcindyroesel.twittercindyroesel.LinkedIn Buy the Book! AMAZON.COM www.amazon.com/dp/09851281000 B&N.com www.barnesandnoble.com/w/viewer-discretion-advised-cindy-roesel/1109713715?ean=9780985128104
**Interview**
First of all, I have to thank you MISS SAMANTHA MARCH and CHICK LIT PLUS for hosting me and VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED! I am so happy to be part of this whole BLOG TOUR thing! IT IS SO INCREDIBLY COOL! IT IS SO NOW! It is what is happening! REALLY! When I wrote my book, even before, I couldn’t wait to finish so I could do this super new blog tour thing! Thank you for letting me be a part! You are such an innovator! I hope you’re going to let me do another one! Anyway….. And you are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO pretty, too! And you’ve written your own novel! DAMN, GIRL!
When did you know writing was for you?
I’ve been a storyteller all my life and becoming a writer was a natural transition. I studied communications in college and was fortunate to secure an internship at CNN in NYC where I got my first taste of broadcast journalism. From there I was hooked. A lot of people go into television because they want to be on television. Being recognized ended up being the thing that always freaked me out. I loved the whole process of creating and writing a live show and working on the edge. I also enjoyed writing long-form specials. I won my Emmy for an hour long special I wrote and produced on the candidates running for Governor in Connecticut. Writing VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED was the natural transition after TV news.
How would you describe your book?
My novel, VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED is a modern twist on “Sex and the City” meets “Broadcast News.” It’s a fun mocha light frappachino. I have great characters, fun plots, lots of action all set in sizzling Miami! It’s all about mind candy, a day at the beach, a few hours on the plane to distract you while you travel.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The hardest part of writing for me is sitting in the chair and writing. Once I’m in the chair, you can’t get me out. I come from news and I’ve been known to be there for a very long time! You probably won’t believe me, so I won’t even go there. But I write for a long time and then I crash. It’s not the healthiest and I don’t recommend it, but it’s what I do. I’d love to do the 9-1 or 3-8 thing but I don’t get that at all.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I read everything and I mean everything! I’d have to say my greatest influences are Charles Dickens and Mario Puzo, so that gives you an idea! I review for Chick Lit Central, and I read everyone you host, so that tells your readers something! I am never without a book. In Miami, we have one of the best independent bookstores in the country and we get fabulous authors everyday and I go to all the readings, so I’m all about books 24/7/365-366-leap year!
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
What I’d like readers to take away from VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED is that if you work very hard, despite having the odds against you, including the economy being in the dumps you can do well. I was the first one in my family to graduate from college when doom and gloom was knocking on the front door. In VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED, Charley gets knocked on her ass and fired, but she has friends and she remembers contacts she’s made in the past. Work hard and be smart!
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
EXTREMELY! As I said at the beginning of this interview, women like you, Samantha March and Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours are on the cutting edge of what’s happening in promoting authors and books. Publishers used to send authors out all the time, but that’s not happening now. Social media is what it’s all about. Even the so-called big authors don’t get a budget to tour anymore. They do blog tours, facebook and twitter. Forget about travelling. I did something really neat last month. I was invited to a bookstore at Miami International Airport to promote VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED. It was great. I met people from all over the country. The cool thing is the people I met talked about it on my website.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Go for it! If you want to write, then write! Know that writing it writing. There is no magic to getting the words down on the paper except a lot of hard work. But it’s the most fulfilling experience in the whole world when you see something that you’ve worked on finally published. I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of holding VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED in my hands. Maybe Samantha, you can help me out. It is so incredible humbling. I worked and doubted myself and didn’t think I could do it and often felt like a failure and somehow it all came together. There were other people who believed in me and I’m grateful for their love and friendship.
Would be writers need to find a group of other would-be writers in their community, at a local community college, center or on-line. Writers are really good at supporting one another and that’s what you need. But the most important thing you need to do is to write. Feel free to contact me at my website cindyroesel.com if you have any questions.
Once again, thank you so much Samantha March and Chick Lit Plus for hosting me and VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED. We are so lucky to be on tour with you! This is going to be a blast!
Remember if anyone has any questions, please just contact me and I will get back to you ASAP!Happy summer!
**Excerpt**
PROLOGUE TODAY…MIAMI
“What the hell is going on?” Charley yelled as she walked into the newsroom. A crowd of people gathered around her main anchor. Lady Gaga singing. Is that a CD, or is the Fame Monster a guest on tonight’sshow? A guest I didn’t approve. But OMG, how on earth did we possibly book her? Seventeen minutes and twelve seconds until the next newscast. Why aren’t scripts being ripped? Why aren’t editors editing video? Why are those phones ringing off the hooks? She pushed through the crowd. Once spotted most of the staff walked away from whatever had captured their attention. And then Charley saw him – the poker face poser giving his all - hoping to make everyone just dance. “What the…” Charley barely caught her jaw. Some guy peeling off his pants in front of her main anchor, and revealing a very revealing g-string. “Please leave,” Nancy whimpered, trying to cover her face, but the stripper kept pulling her hands away. “You know you want it, News lady,” he growled. The banana boat in his sequin-covered g-string made it obvious he was excited to be performing.Nancy was on the verge of crying. The last thing Charley needed from her anchor that was only minutes away from going on live television. “Whoever you are, you need to leave,” Charley demanded getting an eyeful of ass. She saw his shirt lying next to the boom box and picked it up. “Now,” she threw the shirt at him. “Who the hell are you?” crossing his arms and tapping his feet. He wasn’t used to having his performance cut short. Charley stopped herself from grabbing the little shit by the neck and instead counted, “One, two, three...” She looked around the newsroom, and announced, “Anybody involved in the next newscast, which is less than ten minutes away, get to work.” Charley stared into the stripper’s face. He looked uncomfortable. “I’m the boss, that’s who. And forget the paparazzi, you fame-monger-wanna-be, we’re calling the police and they’re going to put your little g-stringed ass in jail.” The stripper located his pants and stepped into them. Then he picked up the boom box. “Her husband hired me for her birthday. Your loss, sweetheart,” he stared coldly at Nancy. “I’m out of here,” the stripper looked Charley up and down. “Here’s my card, Boss Lady,” he winked. “I’ll give you a good deal.” “Make sure he leaves,” Charley told Carlos, one of her editors who was a former University of Miami Hurricanes linebacker. It was no secret Carlos enjoyed making believe he was Mike Tyson before Tyson had a meltdown and started eating people’s ears. Charley tossed the stripper’s card in the trashcan and walked over to Nancy. Tears were streaking her make-up. “Nancy, follow me.” This is just great. Charley grabbed Nancy’s hand and led her down the hall and into her office. She shut the door and drew the shades. “Would you like a soda? Chocolate?” Charley reached for her purse, and pulled out several vials. “Valium? Xanax? Anything?” Nancy started to hyperventilate. “My hus, husb, husband… It’s my bir, birth, birthday…” “Nancy, just sit there. Breathe, breathe… Look at me,” Charley gently rubbed Nancy’s hands. “Nancy, we have less than six minutes until the show. You have no co-anchor tonight. It’s just you. You need to focus on being the professional you are. Forget your husband. Breathe,” Charley paused to make sure Nancy was listening. Her eyes were closed, and Charley could tell Nancy was hanging on her every word. “Nancy, YOU are a star. We NEED you. South Florida NEEDS you.” Charley looked at her watch. “We NEED you, you, Nancy!” Nancy drew in a breath, tightened her hands into a fist before releasing them and reopening her eyes. She stared off at some distant place for inspiration. “Yes,” Nancy said. “They need me. I can do it.” “You, Nancy, we need you. Can YOU do it, you?” Charley watched Nancy take a deep breath and calm down. “Yes, yes, I can,” Nancy smoothed her skirt and jacket. Charley looked at her watch. Just enough time to get on the air. “Go to the set. Touch up your eyes and blush. I’ll have water brought out to the set.” Nancy, stood up, grabbed Charley and hugged her. “Thank you, Charley.” Charley stepped back and pointed towards the door. “You’re a star. Go Nancy, now.” Nancy turned and walked out of Charley’s office before breaking into a sprint. “Send water out to Nancy,” she said into her speakerphone. “On the way,” someone answered. Charley sat down in front of six television monitors - four local English speaking and two Spanish language stations. Charley would usually split her attention between all six monitors, but tonight, her full attention was on WCAR. She quickly said a prayer Nancy would be able to keep it together for the next thirty minutes. After that, Nancy can do whatever she wants to whomever she wants. What kind of husband sends his wife a stripper for her birthday? To her work place? The bastard compromised my newscast. He deserves to be castrated. The opening started. Please God, I’ll go to church this week, I promise. “Good evening. I’m Nancy Dennison. Topping tonight’s news, more traffic nightmares for South Floridians…” Damn, she’s good. Nancy’s eyes had an extra sparkle. Her makeup was flawless. Forget
news. I’m a babysitter. No, make that a shrink. ********************************************************************************** **Everyone who leaves a comment on Cindy's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Viewer Discretion Advised before August 20 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.** Author Bio:
CINDY ROESEL is an Emmy Award winning television broadcast journalist. After working for twenty years in newsrooms filled with ambitious backbiting adrenalin junkies, she's turning her experiences into novels. Cindy lives in Miami with her shih tzu, Sassy.
Connect with Cindy!
www.cindyroesel.comcindyroesel.blogspot.comwriteoncindy@yahoo.comcindyroesel.facebookcindyroesel.twittercindyroesel.LinkedIn Buy the Book! AMAZON.COM www.amazon.com/dp/09851281000 B&N.com www.barnesandnoble.com/w/viewer-discretion-advised-cindy-roesel/1109713715?ean=9780985128104
July 29, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Pickin' Tomatoes by JW Bull
Thanks to JW Bull for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Pickin' Tomatoes. Please visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
Recently, my mom showed me a story I wrote when I was in second grade. It was about a cat named Geritolwho lived forever. It made me laugh – I guess even back then I had an affinity for writing comedy (or maybe I just watched too much TV. Who writes a story about a cat named after a vitamin?) It wasn’t until years later, 2002 to be precise, that I decided to give writing a serious try. I wrote and illustrated a children’s picture book called Bubby’s Grand Adventure and I was hooked. Writing wasn’t hard, anyone could do it. I gobbled up how to books. I bounded to writing workshops. I proudly mailed query letters. I was like an overeager puppy. It was only a matter of time before I tripped over my oversized ego. I had no idea what I was doing. Years, books, and a multitude of rejection letters later (try saying that five times fast), I wrote Pickin’ Tomatoes.So when did I figure out writing was for me? This year. It took me that long to find my voice in my stories and hone my writing skills. It took me that long to realize what writing means to me. It’s all about the journey.
How would you describe your books?
Wacky with moments of wisdom.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you? Organization – outlines, especially. When I’m in the zone, I just write and it flows. I never know what’s going to happen before I write it. But I’m working on a mystery right now, Musical Chairs, and you’ve got to be organized writing mysteries. Let’s just say, Yellow Post-it sticky notes are quickly becoming my best friend…
What are your favorite genres to read? I love fantasy. I’m a huge Lord of The Rings fan. I read the whole series every year. In fact, one of my main characters in Musical Chairs is nicknamed after Strider in The Lord of the Rings.
What do you want readers to take away from your story? Entertainment. If I can make a reader laugh and escape reality for just one moment, I will have done my job.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? It can be really important or detrimental to your career. Social media is instantaneous. Once it’s out there, it’s out there.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? Find your voice in your story. Figure out what writing means to you. And most of all, don’t settle for rejection. No doesn’t always have to mean no. Sometimes with writing, no can lead to not yet. And, with a little work and persistence, not yet can lead to success.
**Excerpt*
*
I gaze at my second simmering chicken, trying to ignore the stinging pain on my face. Let me tell you, it was a fierce battle. I ran into some problems with the cognac. Julia said to pour in a quarter cup cognac and, averting your face, ignite the liquid. Well, my match blew out because I had the ceiling fan on to get rid of some of the garlic smell in the house. So I turned off the fan, lit another match, and forgot to avert my face. The alcohol ignited with a whoosh! Before I knew what had happened, my eyebrows and eyelashes were singed, my face blackened. The protective eye gear would have been quite handy at this point, but I had taken the goggles off to reapply my makeup. I mean, who wants to cook with a greasy complexion and no lipstick? Well, minor mishaps. That’s why Neosporin and Band-Aids were invented, for times just like these. An hour later, my coq au vin is done. I jab my fork into the blackened chicken—maybe watching TV while cooking isn’t a good idea—and raise it to my mouth. It should be better this time. No soap, just water, and limited amount of garlic. Julia called for two mashed cloves of garlic but I thought that a bit much. That was forty-some sections of garlicAs I plunge the bite of chicken into my mouth, a horrible taste accosts me. Like bitter licorice with tinges of garlic. Darting to the sink, I spit it out, rinsing my mouth over and over with the sink sprayer. Has The Chef of Hearts been defeated by birds and booze? Is this as good as it gets? I don’t know and don’t care. There are far more pressing matters at hand. Drying my mouth off with my shirt, I reach for the phone and dial. “Yes, I’d like to order a large pepperoni pizza, please.” Cooking works up an appetite.
*Note to myself: Always wear safety gear. Watch amount of garlic! Never use Jagermeister as a substitute for wine.***************************************************************************** **Everyone who leaves a comment on JW's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Pickin' Tomatoes before July 30 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.** Author Bio:
J. W. Bull lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two sons. Although she has worked as a sous chef for Lavande Restaurant, she currently is a private violin teacher and a member of The Georgia Symphony. She is also finishing another novel, Musical Chairs, a mystery involving Maggie’s cousin—Molly Malone, plucky part-time symphony player and fulltime Irish fiddler. It’s a hilarious spoof on symphonies, Irish fiddling, and mysteries that continues the Malone saga. Connect with J.W.! GoodReadsFacebookTwitter
Buy the Book!
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
Recently, my mom showed me a story I wrote when I was in second grade. It was about a cat named Geritolwho lived forever. It made me laugh – I guess even back then I had an affinity for writing comedy (or maybe I just watched too much TV. Who writes a story about a cat named after a vitamin?) It wasn’t until years later, 2002 to be precise, that I decided to give writing a serious try. I wrote and illustrated a children’s picture book called Bubby’s Grand Adventure and I was hooked. Writing wasn’t hard, anyone could do it. I gobbled up how to books. I bounded to writing workshops. I proudly mailed query letters. I was like an overeager puppy. It was only a matter of time before I tripped over my oversized ego. I had no idea what I was doing. Years, books, and a multitude of rejection letters later (try saying that five times fast), I wrote Pickin’ Tomatoes.So when did I figure out writing was for me? This year. It took me that long to find my voice in my stories and hone my writing skills. It took me that long to realize what writing means to me. It’s all about the journey.
How would you describe your books?
Wacky with moments of wisdom. What is the hardest part of the writing process for you? Organization – outlines, especially. When I’m in the zone, I just write and it flows. I never know what’s going to happen before I write it. But I’m working on a mystery right now, Musical Chairs, and you’ve got to be organized writing mysteries. Let’s just say, Yellow Post-it sticky notes are quickly becoming my best friend…
What are your favorite genres to read? I love fantasy. I’m a huge Lord of The Rings fan. I read the whole series every year. In fact, one of my main characters in Musical Chairs is nicknamed after Strider in The Lord of the Rings.
What do you want readers to take away from your story? Entertainment. If I can make a reader laugh and escape reality for just one moment, I will have done my job.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? It can be really important or detrimental to your career. Social media is instantaneous. Once it’s out there, it’s out there.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? Find your voice in your story. Figure out what writing means to you. And most of all, don’t settle for rejection. No doesn’t always have to mean no. Sometimes with writing, no can lead to not yet. And, with a little work and persistence, not yet can lead to success.
**Excerpt*
*
I gaze at my second simmering chicken, trying to ignore the stinging pain on my face. Let me tell you, it was a fierce battle. I ran into some problems with the cognac. Julia said to pour in a quarter cup cognac and, averting your face, ignite the liquid. Well, my match blew out because I had the ceiling fan on to get rid of some of the garlic smell in the house. So I turned off the fan, lit another match, and forgot to avert my face. The alcohol ignited with a whoosh! Before I knew what had happened, my eyebrows and eyelashes were singed, my face blackened. The protective eye gear would have been quite handy at this point, but I had taken the goggles off to reapply my makeup. I mean, who wants to cook with a greasy complexion and no lipstick? Well, minor mishaps. That’s why Neosporin and Band-Aids were invented, for times just like these. An hour later, my coq au vin is done. I jab my fork into the blackened chicken—maybe watching TV while cooking isn’t a good idea—and raise it to my mouth. It should be better this time. No soap, just water, and limited amount of garlic. Julia called for two mashed cloves of garlic but I thought that a bit much. That was forty-some sections of garlicAs I plunge the bite of chicken into my mouth, a horrible taste accosts me. Like bitter licorice with tinges of garlic. Darting to the sink, I spit it out, rinsing my mouth over and over with the sink sprayer. Has The Chef of Hearts been defeated by birds and booze? Is this as good as it gets? I don’t know and don’t care. There are far more pressing matters at hand. Drying my mouth off with my shirt, I reach for the phone and dial. “Yes, I’d like to order a large pepperoni pizza, please.” Cooking works up an appetite.
*Note to myself: Always wear safety gear. Watch amount of garlic! Never use Jagermeister as a substitute for wine.***************************************************************************** **Everyone who leaves a comment on JW's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Pickin' Tomatoes before July 30 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.** Author Bio:
J. W. Bull lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two sons. Although she has worked as a sous chef for Lavande Restaurant, she currently is a private violin teacher and a member of The Georgia Symphony. She is also finishing another novel, Musical Chairs, a mystery involving Maggie’s cousin—Molly Malone, plucky part-time symphony player and fulltime Irish fiddler. It’s a hilarious spoof on symphonies, Irish fiddling, and mysteries that continues the Malone saga. Connect with J.W.! GoodReadsFacebookTwitter
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Interview and Excerpt: What a Texas Girl Wants by Kristina Knight
Thank you to Kristina Knight for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from What a Texas Girl Wants. Please visit her page on CLP Blog Tours for more information!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you? – Oh, from the time I was about six. I just didn't know how to make writing work for me. From the minute I could read I started imagining alternate endings to books (especially the ones that ended sadly!) and characters of my own started appearing in my head. The writing bug definitely hit me early, but I was under the (mistaken) impression that writers needed to be Interesting – and I didn't think I was. At all. So I went into journalism because it would allow me to write and get paid at the same time.
How would you describe your books? – Sassy and sexy with a hefty dollop of humor thrown in.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you? – The beginning is the hardest. I'm not a writer who can write ahead when something is off. I wish I was. So until I get the goals and motivations for my hero and heroine right, it's hard for me to move forward. Once I have those down, the rest flows much easier.
What are your favorite genres to read? – Contemporary and Suspense, although I read across the genres. As long as it's a good story with fun characters, I'm hooked. And I do read outside the romance genre – mysteries are my favorites…The only thing I don't read is horror. I'm a major wimp. Can't watch horror movies or read horror books without the need of a double Prozac.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?– That love really does conquer all – and I'm not just talking about romantic love. I believe we need to be more accepting of ourselves and do a little self-exploration to find out what is important to us on a personal level. Loving other people is easy, loving ourselves can be so much harder…but life is a lot sweeter once we accept our personal short-comings and love ourselves.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? – Hugely. The days of readers feeling 'separate' from authors are over, I think. Readers want to know about the authors they read almost as much as they want that next story. I don't think authors need to spend 24 hours a day on social media, but I do think social media can help authors become more than a name on a book, and I think that connection can help to sell more books.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? – Keep learning, keep trying new things and don't give up. I wrote three books before What a Texas Girl Wants sold to Crimson Romance. I was lucky to find a core group of critique partners who pushed and prodded me to write better. I scoured every rejection letter – the personalized rejections and the form letters – to get an idea of what I needed to do to improve, and I put that advice to work on each following book. And I'm still learning, trying new things and getting better.
**Excerpt**
The problem was she did want to kiss her new husband. A little bit too much. And he wasn't her husband. Not really. Sure he was a husband on paper but according to their rules - her rules - he wouldn't be a long-term husband. He wouldn't be the life partner she needed or the stomach-fluttering, romantic partner she wanted. She needed to remember that so she wouldn't get attached to him. Jackson released her but instead of ducking back into the truck like she wanted, she rested her hands lightly against his ribs. She gazed up at the man she would have done anything for in college and wondered for the first time if he had changed as much as she had. Realized she wanted to know him and not just for the next four weeks. "I'm sorry. You just. . .surprised me before," she said, and then stepped up on her tip-toes to kiss him back. His lips were firm and he tasted of Dr. Pepper. For a second Kathleen tried to convince herself it was the sugar rush from the soda that made her heart race. But it wasn't. It was simply Jackson. Rubbing her mouth against his, back and forth, back and forth, she let her fingers walk up his ribcage and felt the muscles in his abdomen shiver in response. Good. So he wasn't any more immune to her than she was to him. At least they were on even footing there. Good chemistry would help them fake the honeymooning love-birds her family would expect to see.
*********************************************************************************** Author Bio:
Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police—no, she wasn't a troublemaker, she was a journalist. When the opportunity to focus a bit of energy on the stories in her head, she jumped at it. And she’s never looked back. Now she writes magazine articles by day and romance novels with spice by night. She lives on Lake Erie with her husband and four-year-old daughter. Happily ever after. Connect with Kristina! Website: http://www.kristinaknightauthor.com FB: http://www.facebook.com/kristinaknightromanceauthor Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorkristina Buy the Book! AMA: http://www.amazon.com/What-Texas-Girl-Wants-ebook/dp/B008195BIS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1336496939&sr=1-1 B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-a-texas-girl-wants-kristina-knight/1110496096?ean=9781440544637 Crimson: http://www.crimsonromance.com
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you? – Oh, from the time I was about six. I just didn't know how to make writing work for me. From the minute I could read I started imagining alternate endings to books (especially the ones that ended sadly!) and characters of my own started appearing in my head. The writing bug definitely hit me early, but I was under the (mistaken) impression that writers needed to be Interesting – and I didn't think I was. At all. So I went into journalism because it would allow me to write and get paid at the same time.
How would you describe your books? – Sassy and sexy with a hefty dollop of humor thrown in.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you? – The beginning is the hardest. I'm not a writer who can write ahead when something is off. I wish I was. So until I get the goals and motivations for my hero and heroine right, it's hard for me to move forward. Once I have those down, the rest flows much easier.
What are your favorite genres to read? – Contemporary and Suspense, although I read across the genres. As long as it's a good story with fun characters, I'm hooked. And I do read outside the romance genre – mysteries are my favorites…The only thing I don't read is horror. I'm a major wimp. Can't watch horror movies or read horror books without the need of a double Prozac.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?– That love really does conquer all – and I'm not just talking about romantic love. I believe we need to be more accepting of ourselves and do a little self-exploration to find out what is important to us on a personal level. Loving other people is easy, loving ourselves can be so much harder…but life is a lot sweeter once we accept our personal short-comings and love ourselves.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? – Hugely. The days of readers feeling 'separate' from authors are over, I think. Readers want to know about the authors they read almost as much as they want that next story. I don't think authors need to spend 24 hours a day on social media, but I do think social media can help authors become more than a name on a book, and I think that connection can help to sell more books.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? – Keep learning, keep trying new things and don't give up. I wrote three books before What a Texas Girl Wants sold to Crimson Romance. I was lucky to find a core group of critique partners who pushed and prodded me to write better. I scoured every rejection letter – the personalized rejections and the form letters – to get an idea of what I needed to do to improve, and I put that advice to work on each following book. And I'm still learning, trying new things and getting better.
**Excerpt**
The problem was she did want to kiss her new husband. A little bit too much. And he wasn't her husband. Not really. Sure he was a husband on paper but according to their rules - her rules - he wouldn't be a long-term husband. He wouldn't be the life partner she needed or the stomach-fluttering, romantic partner she wanted. She needed to remember that so she wouldn't get attached to him. Jackson released her but instead of ducking back into the truck like she wanted, she rested her hands lightly against his ribs. She gazed up at the man she would have done anything for in college and wondered for the first time if he had changed as much as she had. Realized she wanted to know him and not just for the next four weeks. "I'm sorry. You just. . .surprised me before," she said, and then stepped up on her tip-toes to kiss him back. His lips were firm and he tasted of Dr. Pepper. For a second Kathleen tried to convince herself it was the sugar rush from the soda that made her heart race. But it wasn't. It was simply Jackson. Rubbing her mouth against his, back and forth, back and forth, she let her fingers walk up his ribcage and felt the muscles in his abdomen shiver in response. Good. So he wasn't any more immune to her than she was to him. At least they were on even footing there. Good chemistry would help them fake the honeymooning love-birds her family would expect to see.*********************************************************************************** Author Bio:
Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police—no, she wasn't a troublemaker, she was a journalist. When the opportunity to focus a bit of energy on the stories in her head, she jumped at it. And she’s never looked back. Now she writes magazine articles by day and romance novels with spice by night. She lives on Lake Erie with her husband and four-year-old daughter. Happily ever after. Connect with Kristina! Website: http://www.kristinaknightauthor.com FB: http://www.facebook.com/kristinaknightromanceauthor Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorkristina Buy the Book! AMA: http://www.amazon.com/What-Texas-Girl-Wants-ebook/dp/B008195BIS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1336496939&sr=1-1 B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-a-texas-girl-wants-kristina-knight/1110496096?ean=9781440544637 Crimson: http://www.crimsonromance.com
July 23, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Brownie Fix by Ellen Cardona
Thanks to Ellen Cardona for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Brownie Fix. Please visit her page on CLP Blog Tours for more information!
[image error] **Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?I started writing in 4th grade. I guess it was fan fiction for The Empire Strikes Back. Yikes. I just dated myself. I made up a story, but then I abandoned it after I received some criticism. I turned my passion for writing to English Lit. and writing literary papers. It wasn’t until my mid 30s when I got the guts to take a creative writing class for one of my graduate classes that the light bulb in my head turned on again, and the power stayed on this time.
How would you describe your books?Strong Female Characters. Brownie Fix and my second book, Raven’s Return, which will be released in December, have strong female characters. They don’t know how strong they are at first until they are faced with obstacles and discover their inner strength.
Is Brownie Fix a personal story for you?Absolutely. It’s my first book, and my writing mentor told me that your first book is about yourself. Brownie Fix is about my struggles with postpartum depression, but it is very exaggerated. If I wrote about myself, it would be very boring. What is not exaggerated is the raw emotion that surfaces in the book. Those emotions are mine.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?Copy Editing. I found that I had to make a list on how to spell words and keep it consistent. Is it gray or grey? Is it long-sleeved or long sleeved? You have to be consistent. Also, I cannot stand typographical errors, and I had them in my first printing. I didn’t catch them because I was so used to looking at my words. Luckily, I found a very good copy editor.
What are your favorite genres to read?Horror and the Classics. They don’t really go hand in hand, but they work for me. I grew up on Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Dean Koontz, but I also studied the classics, especially Virgil, Dante, and Shakespeare. I love the classical allusions and how they are tied together. I guess that’s why my real job is an English professor.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?I want my readers to know that there’s hope even when the walls of depression have closed around you and shut out the light. Persey, the main character in Brownie Fix, really finds herself in the bottom of a dark hole, but she climbs out of it. I want my readers to know that if they’re in the hole, they can climb out. You can touch the light, but you have to start climbing.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?Very important. I’m a self-published writer, and marketing has to be the hardest part. I immediately set up a website, Facebook and Twitter pages, and a blog. You have to put yourself out there, and the best way to do it is with social media. The blogging community is huge, and I really never thought about it until I had to market Brownie Fix. I have my own blog, but I just use it for therapy. I never thought people would read it, but they do. I’m just starting to get to involved in blogging, and there are so many opportunities out there. It’s exciting.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Do not give up. Keep writing. Do not do what I did and let the criticism get you down and not write. I hate to tell you, but the muse does not exist and the story does not write itself. You have to write it and just keep at it. It’s all up to you.
[image error] **Excerpt**
Chapter Two: Unpleasant MemoriesAs the nurses in the hospital prepared Persey for thebirth of the living child inside her, she remembered thedead child that she lost last year, fifteen months ago.That day, Persey started out excited and so happythat she was pregnant, if only for five weeks. She andHayden were in an examination room, which wascovered in mauve colors that were supposed to becalming for the patients.She was on her back in stirrups and was waiting onthe nurse, who was going to run a test to check on thebaby’s heartbeat. The mauve colors were not workingon Persey, for she was a bundle of nerves when she sawthe metallic thing coming toward her.“I’m going to rub some jelly on this; it will be a littlecold,” said the blonde nurse with the skinny, sized twobody. She held a strange phallic-looking probe, aninternal sonogram. The nurse, in her blue scrubs andher black pants, smiled with her flawless white teeth.Staring at the probe in horror, Persey spread her legsfor the thing that looked so familiar, yet so horriblyalien. “How appropriate. You put a condom on it,” shesaid and smelled rubbing alcohol and lubricating jelly.“We thought you’d appreciate that fact. Seriously,though, it’s the only way I can see the baby this early.I’m sorry,” the nurse replied and guided the metallicprobe closer. “Don’t worry, I put some jelly on it, and itwill ease on in.”“Yeah, where have I heard that before?” askedPersey, winking at Hayden, who had been unusuallyquiet in the corner of the mauve room.
[image error] **Everyone who leaves a comment on Ellen's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Brownie Fix before July 30 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Ellen Cardona wrote Brownie Fix to help deal with the postpartum depression she experienced after one of her pregnancies. Through her writing, she found that postpartum depression was real but conquerable, especially when one has the help of some dark chocolate and even darker humor. When Ellen is not writing, she teaches literature to college freshmen and attempts to help them understand the writing process, though they think she’s crazy because of her love for literature and writing. Ellen graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a PhD in Humanities with a specialization in Literature. Even though she has published several academic works on Ezra Pound, she could not ignore her true passion as a fiction writer. Ellen lives in Richardson, Texas and continues to learn daily from her husband and two children. In good times and bad, she still enjoys her brownies.
Connect with Ellen!
Website (AND TO DOWNLOAD THE FIRST CHAPTER FREE!): http://www.ellencardona.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EllenCardona
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ellencardona <http://twitter.com/#!/ellencardona> <http://twitter.com/#!/ellencardona>
Blog: http://ellencardona.com/blog/
Email: ellen (at)ellencardona(dot)com
Buy the Book!
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005IC38EU/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=ellencardonac-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B005IC38EU&adid=1AR1GXZZAECEWZJEMZMT&&ref-refURL=http://ellencardona.com/
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brownie-fix-ellen-cardona/1105068099?ean=2940013043732&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-plecO0ACyhE-_-2:2940013043732 &
Paperback at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brownie-Fix-Ellen-Cardona/dp/1466221518/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1341330305&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=ellen cardona
[image error] **Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?I started writing in 4th grade. I guess it was fan fiction for The Empire Strikes Back. Yikes. I just dated myself. I made up a story, but then I abandoned it after I received some criticism. I turned my passion for writing to English Lit. and writing literary papers. It wasn’t until my mid 30s when I got the guts to take a creative writing class for one of my graduate classes that the light bulb in my head turned on again, and the power stayed on this time.
How would you describe your books?Strong Female Characters. Brownie Fix and my second book, Raven’s Return, which will be released in December, have strong female characters. They don’t know how strong they are at first until they are faced with obstacles and discover their inner strength.
Is Brownie Fix a personal story for you?Absolutely. It’s my first book, and my writing mentor told me that your first book is about yourself. Brownie Fix is about my struggles with postpartum depression, but it is very exaggerated. If I wrote about myself, it would be very boring. What is not exaggerated is the raw emotion that surfaces in the book. Those emotions are mine.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?Copy Editing. I found that I had to make a list on how to spell words and keep it consistent. Is it gray or grey? Is it long-sleeved or long sleeved? You have to be consistent. Also, I cannot stand typographical errors, and I had them in my first printing. I didn’t catch them because I was so used to looking at my words. Luckily, I found a very good copy editor.
What are your favorite genres to read?Horror and the Classics. They don’t really go hand in hand, but they work for me. I grew up on Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Dean Koontz, but I also studied the classics, especially Virgil, Dante, and Shakespeare. I love the classical allusions and how they are tied together. I guess that’s why my real job is an English professor.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?I want my readers to know that there’s hope even when the walls of depression have closed around you and shut out the light. Persey, the main character in Brownie Fix, really finds herself in the bottom of a dark hole, but she climbs out of it. I want my readers to know that if they’re in the hole, they can climb out. You can touch the light, but you have to start climbing.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?Very important. I’m a self-published writer, and marketing has to be the hardest part. I immediately set up a website, Facebook and Twitter pages, and a blog. You have to put yourself out there, and the best way to do it is with social media. The blogging community is huge, and I really never thought about it until I had to market Brownie Fix. I have my own blog, but I just use it for therapy. I never thought people would read it, but they do. I’m just starting to get to involved in blogging, and there are so many opportunities out there. It’s exciting.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Do not give up. Keep writing. Do not do what I did and let the criticism get you down and not write. I hate to tell you, but the muse does not exist and the story does not write itself. You have to write it and just keep at it. It’s all up to you.
[image error] **Excerpt**
Chapter Two: Unpleasant MemoriesAs the nurses in the hospital prepared Persey for thebirth of the living child inside her, she remembered thedead child that she lost last year, fifteen months ago.That day, Persey started out excited and so happythat she was pregnant, if only for five weeks. She andHayden were in an examination room, which wascovered in mauve colors that were supposed to becalming for the patients.She was on her back in stirrups and was waiting onthe nurse, who was going to run a test to check on thebaby’s heartbeat. The mauve colors were not workingon Persey, for she was a bundle of nerves when she sawthe metallic thing coming toward her.“I’m going to rub some jelly on this; it will be a littlecold,” said the blonde nurse with the skinny, sized twobody. She held a strange phallic-looking probe, aninternal sonogram. The nurse, in her blue scrubs andher black pants, smiled with her flawless white teeth.Staring at the probe in horror, Persey spread her legsfor the thing that looked so familiar, yet so horriblyalien. “How appropriate. You put a condom on it,” shesaid and smelled rubbing alcohol and lubricating jelly.“We thought you’d appreciate that fact. Seriously,though, it’s the only way I can see the baby this early.I’m sorry,” the nurse replied and guided the metallicprobe closer. “Don’t worry, I put some jelly on it, and itwill ease on in.”“Yeah, where have I heard that before?” askedPersey, winking at Hayden, who had been unusuallyquiet in the corner of the mauve room.
[image error] **Everyone who leaves a comment on Ellen's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Brownie Fix before July 30 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Ellen Cardona wrote Brownie Fix to help deal with the postpartum depression she experienced after one of her pregnancies. Through her writing, she found that postpartum depression was real but conquerable, especially when one has the help of some dark chocolate and even darker humor. When Ellen is not writing, she teaches literature to college freshmen and attempts to help them understand the writing process, though they think she’s crazy because of her love for literature and writing. Ellen graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a PhD in Humanities with a specialization in Literature. Even though she has published several academic works on Ezra Pound, she could not ignore her true passion as a fiction writer. Ellen lives in Richardson, Texas and continues to learn daily from her husband and two children. In good times and bad, she still enjoys her brownies.
Connect with Ellen!
Website (AND TO DOWNLOAD THE FIRST CHAPTER FREE!): http://www.ellencardona.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EllenCardona
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ellencardona <http://twitter.com/#!/ellencardona> <http://twitter.com/#!/ellencardona>
Blog: http://ellencardona.com/blog/
Email: ellen (at)ellencardona(dot)com
Buy the Book!
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005IC38EU/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=ellencardonac-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B005IC38EU&adid=1AR1GXZZAECEWZJEMZMT&&ref-refURL=http://ellencardona.com/
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brownie-fix-ellen-cardona/1105068099?ean=2940013043732&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-plecO0ACyhE-_-2:2940013043732 &
Paperback at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brownie-Fix-Ellen-Cardona/dp/1466221518/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1341330305&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=ellen cardona
July 21, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Paula Takes a Risk by Randi M. Sherman
Thank you to Randi M. Sherman for dropping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Paula Takes a Risk. Please visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?I’ve enjoyed writing and developing characters since I was a teenager. I spent my 20s and part of my 30s performing at amateur nights in Los Angeles stand-up comedy circuit and more recently I’ve studied improvisation in the San Francisco Bay Area. Because I was raised to have practical, albeit less exciting values which included a steady income and a solid career, I felt I needed put my creativity and dreams on hold and pursue a professional career. I always regretted not following my dream and I decided to do something about it. That’s where Paula Takes A Risk comes into play. I continued being funny and sharing my anecdotes. Eventually my stories just grew too big, and became too involved to share at cocktail parties. I found, in most instances other people want to get a word in edgewise and sometimes they need to go to the bathroom. Since it would impractical and rude to put a bookmark in my mouth and put me on their bedside table or in their beach bag until they had more time to dedicate to the stories – I decided to write them down.
How would you describe your books?Entertaining, and thought provoking thru humor
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?I love description and a lot of it. I want the reader to know and enjoy every aspect of my characters. Sometimes it gets out of control. Similar to real life, in writing there is such a thing as too much information (TMI). So there is a lot of editing, or shall I say …deleting.Systemic Descriptionosis – Adverb and adjectives that increase in volume and spread throughout, story-wide, affecting a narrative, causing confusion or boredom. The suspected causes of this condition are the tendency to allow one’s imagination run wild and the regular use of a thesaurus. No cure is known at this time. However, constant monitoring and the occasional excision of excess words are recommended.If you experience these symptoms, please contact a writing guide such as the Chicago Manual of Style, immediately.
What are your favorite genres to read?Any biography or true crime novel piques my interest. Smartly written humor novels are a favorite of mine. And cookbooks – I love cookbooks.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?I hope that my readers will be inspired to a risk or make a change. Don’t be afraid to make your dream(s) come true. And… remember to laugh.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?Although it would be great to type the last period (.) on the last page of your novel and poof! It’s listed on the top of the New York Times Best Sellers list. Unfortunately, that’s not the way it works.Because of the amount of books published each year, and the cost associated with promotion, authors can no longer count on the large publishing houses to spearhead the publicity. Publicity firms/ services could be expensive and outcomes often disappointing.For these reasons, Social Media is a vital tool for the promotion of a book or product. Most authors, with the exception of those who write books about sales and marketing, are not salespeople. Many of us are quiet and yes, even shy. But, do not mistake shyness for apathy. Our books are our creations (children) and we are fiercely protective and interested in their handling and exposure. Social Media now allows the author to manage the introduction, direction and publicity of their work.Because I am from the generation of handwriting thank you notes, creating and nurturing meaningful relationships, and What would be your advice to aspiring writers?Don’t make writing a chore. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy small victories. Congratulate yourself.
**Excerpt**
Paula squinted from the sudden blast of sunlight when she walked outside onto the terrace of the tennis clubhouse. After a minute, her eyes adjusted and she saw her mother wildly waving her hand in the air. “Paula, honey. Over here.” Paula plastered on a fake smile and walked through the maze of white wrought iron tables and green canvas umbrellas until she reached her mother, who sipped a martini and sat with her feet propped up on a chair. Dorothy Tenenbaum was very tan. She had dyed beige hair, wore beige lipstick, beige fingernail polish and about fifteen pounds of jewelry purchased through a home shopping network. Although she had never stepped foot onto a tennis court in her life, she was decked out in her tennis togs. An enormous sun visor and huge sunglasses covered her face from her hairline down to the bottoms of her cheeks. She looked like a lemur with a hat. Paula bent over to kiss her mother, but was stopped when the bridge of her nose met the brim of Dorothy’s sun visor. They both forced a laugh, then gave each other California air-kisses. As Paula plopped down on the green cushion that covered the white wrought iron chair, it made a fart noise. Paula was too consumed with self-pity to even notice.
Author Bio:
Randi Sherman, a native Californian, lives in San Francisco. With her tremendous grasp of the obvious, Randi has always had the ability to find humor in the mundane and share the laughter. She dares to examine and discuss everyday foibles, which obliges people to stop taking themselves too seriously.
Developing characters and writing have been a part of Randi’s life since she was a teenager, umm-mmum-mumm years ago. She spent time performing stand-up comedy at Los Angeles club amateur nights and studied Improvisation in the Bay Area. Realizing that she preferred having an income, living indoors and eating regularly, she reluctantly put her dreams on hold and entered the corporate world, yet never left behind her sense of humor and creative storytelling ability, skills which were not always appreciated during budget and strategy meetings.
Now, after living indoors for a while and eating, albeit too much, her book, Paula Takes a Risk is here. Randi’s unique wit, writing style and candor will surely make the reader sit up, stand up, roll over or assume an interested leaning position and take notice.
Randi would never claim to have a genius IQ, the body of a super model or always have the right thing to wear. However, she can spell the words, “smart” and “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Randi maintains a trim, well-toned body that is cleverly concealed beneath twenty pounds of soft protective layering and she has the appetite of a bird. (By “bird” I mean vulture.) Her entire wardrobe consists of black, black and varying degrees of black, except for those items that are covered with lint because she put them through the wash with a tissue.
Things that Randi cannot live without: people to laugh with, her car horn, a gym membership where there are chubby women who break into a sweat while putting on a jog bra, wine, waist capes, and her partner, Carol.
Randi does not like mean-spirited people, liver, left-overs, communal dressing rooms, tight underwear, and people who point.
Randi is five-foot-seven.
Connect with Paula!
paulatakesarisk@gmail.com http://paulatakesarisk.comhttp://randimsherman.blogspot.com/ Buy the Book! http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore/title/119734000004536283/Randi-M.-Sherman-Paula-Takes-a-Riskhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=paula+takes+a+riskhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paula-takes-a-risk-randi-m-sherman/1108568694
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?I’ve enjoyed writing and developing characters since I was a teenager. I spent my 20s and part of my 30s performing at amateur nights in Los Angeles stand-up comedy circuit and more recently I’ve studied improvisation in the San Francisco Bay Area. Because I was raised to have practical, albeit less exciting values which included a steady income and a solid career, I felt I needed put my creativity and dreams on hold and pursue a professional career. I always regretted not following my dream and I decided to do something about it. That’s where Paula Takes A Risk comes into play. I continued being funny and sharing my anecdotes. Eventually my stories just grew too big, and became too involved to share at cocktail parties. I found, in most instances other people want to get a word in edgewise and sometimes they need to go to the bathroom. Since it would impractical and rude to put a bookmark in my mouth and put me on their bedside table or in their beach bag until they had more time to dedicate to the stories – I decided to write them down.
How would you describe your books?Entertaining, and thought provoking thru humor
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?I love description and a lot of it. I want the reader to know and enjoy every aspect of my characters. Sometimes it gets out of control. Similar to real life, in writing there is such a thing as too much information (TMI). So there is a lot of editing, or shall I say …deleting.Systemic Descriptionosis – Adverb and adjectives that increase in volume and spread throughout, story-wide, affecting a narrative, causing confusion or boredom. The suspected causes of this condition are the tendency to allow one’s imagination run wild and the regular use of a thesaurus. No cure is known at this time. However, constant monitoring and the occasional excision of excess words are recommended.If you experience these symptoms, please contact a writing guide such as the Chicago Manual of Style, immediately.
What are your favorite genres to read?Any biography or true crime novel piques my interest. Smartly written humor novels are a favorite of mine. And cookbooks – I love cookbooks.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?I hope that my readers will be inspired to a risk or make a change. Don’t be afraid to make your dream(s) come true. And… remember to laugh.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?Although it would be great to type the last period (.) on the last page of your novel and poof! It’s listed on the top of the New York Times Best Sellers list. Unfortunately, that’s not the way it works.Because of the amount of books published each year, and the cost associated with promotion, authors can no longer count on the large publishing houses to spearhead the publicity. Publicity firms/ services could be expensive and outcomes often disappointing.For these reasons, Social Media is a vital tool for the promotion of a book or product. Most authors, with the exception of those who write books about sales and marketing, are not salespeople. Many of us are quiet and yes, even shy. But, do not mistake shyness for apathy. Our books are our creations (children) and we are fiercely protective and interested in their handling and exposure. Social Media now allows the author to manage the introduction, direction and publicity of their work.Because I am from the generation of handwriting thank you notes, creating and nurturing meaningful relationships, and What would be your advice to aspiring writers?Don’t make writing a chore. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy small victories. Congratulate yourself.
**Excerpt**
Paula squinted from the sudden blast of sunlight when she walked outside onto the terrace of the tennis clubhouse. After a minute, her eyes adjusted and she saw her mother wildly waving her hand in the air. “Paula, honey. Over here.” Paula plastered on a fake smile and walked through the maze of white wrought iron tables and green canvas umbrellas until she reached her mother, who sipped a martini and sat with her feet propped up on a chair. Dorothy Tenenbaum was very tan. She had dyed beige hair, wore beige lipstick, beige fingernail polish and about fifteen pounds of jewelry purchased through a home shopping network. Although she had never stepped foot onto a tennis court in her life, she was decked out in her tennis togs. An enormous sun visor and huge sunglasses covered her face from her hairline down to the bottoms of her cheeks. She looked like a lemur with a hat. Paula bent over to kiss her mother, but was stopped when the bridge of her nose met the brim of Dorothy’s sun visor. They both forced a laugh, then gave each other California air-kisses. As Paula plopped down on the green cushion that covered the white wrought iron chair, it made a fart noise. Paula was too consumed with self-pity to even notice.
Author Bio:
Randi Sherman, a native Californian, lives in San Francisco. With her tremendous grasp of the obvious, Randi has always had the ability to find humor in the mundane and share the laughter. She dares to examine and discuss everyday foibles, which obliges people to stop taking themselves too seriously.
Developing characters and writing have been a part of Randi’s life since she was a teenager, umm-mmum-mumm years ago. She spent time performing stand-up comedy at Los Angeles club amateur nights and studied Improvisation in the Bay Area. Realizing that she preferred having an income, living indoors and eating regularly, she reluctantly put her dreams on hold and entered the corporate world, yet never left behind her sense of humor and creative storytelling ability, skills which were not always appreciated during budget and strategy meetings.
Now, after living indoors for a while and eating, albeit too much, her book, Paula Takes a Risk is here. Randi’s unique wit, writing style and candor will surely make the reader sit up, stand up, roll over or assume an interested leaning position and take notice.
Randi would never claim to have a genius IQ, the body of a super model or always have the right thing to wear. However, she can spell the words, “smart” and “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Randi maintains a trim, well-toned body that is cleverly concealed beneath twenty pounds of soft protective layering and she has the appetite of a bird. (By “bird” I mean vulture.) Her entire wardrobe consists of black, black and varying degrees of black, except for those items that are covered with lint because she put them through the wash with a tissue.
Things that Randi cannot live without: people to laugh with, her car horn, a gym membership where there are chubby women who break into a sweat while putting on a jog bra, wine, waist capes, and her partner, Carol.
Randi does not like mean-spirited people, liver, left-overs, communal dressing rooms, tight underwear, and people who point.
Randi is five-foot-seven.
Connect with Paula!
paulatakesarisk@gmail.com http://paulatakesarisk.comhttp://randimsherman.blogspot.com/ Buy the Book! http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore/title/119734000004536283/Randi-M.-Sherman-Paula-Takes-a-Riskhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=paula+takes+a+riskhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paula-takes-a-risk-randi-m-sherman/1108568694
July 18, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: The Cowboy Singer by Paula Tiberius
Thank you to Paula Tiberius for stopping by with an interview and excerpt from The Cowboy Singer. Please visit her tour page on CLP Blog Tours for more details!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I realized I wanted to write after I directed my first short film "Oxanna" in 1994. My mom wrote a short story that I adapted for its screenplay, and after that I realized - hey, I can do this too. Why don't I try? So I started writing with partners at first for my next two shorts, then my feature film Goldirocks just poured out straight from my heart, solo style.
How would you describe your books?
Well I only have one book so far! But I would describe The Cowboy Singer as adorable, fun and easy to read. I have many more screenplays than books - those run the gamut from easy-breezy romantic comedies to serious family drama to historical political drama. My next book is a romance about a rich girl who falls for a guy on the other side of the tracks. It's set in Los Angeles which really works because the disparity of incomes here is astounding. The leading man also has a bit of a hang-up with destroying other people's relationships, so the heroine has some interesting challenges.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Finding time to write! Sometimes I'm amazed at how much I took for granted all that endless glorious free time before I had my daughter. Now I truly have to work at scheduling the hours to work on my projects. The good news is that this hurdle has given me a remarkable ability to plough straight through writer's block, indecision, or any other maladies that used to trip me up when I was sans child. Now it's more like 'you have an hour - write!' - then I just work like crazy until I'm forced back into something far higher on the priority list, such as finding a juice box, or gluing eyes back onto a teddy bear.
When it comes to the nitty gritty of the work though, I guess the most difficult part for me is getting to the end of the outline - I always want to stop halfway and just get to the writing already, which I've proven many times is a big mistake.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I'm very eclectic in my tastes, but overall I tend to stay in the contemporary time period. I love British chick lit because that special brand of self-deprecating humor just cracks me up, but i've also read tons of American romances, lots of literary fiction, biographies. I absolutely couldn't put down The Glass Castle a few years ago and have given it to countless friends. I trust the New York Times Book Review for the most part, and referrals from friends. That keeps me bouncing from genre to genre pretty steadily. And now that I'm discovering the indie book scene on Twitter, there are always great deals and free books everywhere you look which is hard to resist!
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Two things: You can always start over and reinvent yourself successfully no matter what situation you're in, and that kindness and musical ability are an incredibly sexy combination in a man!
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Incredibly important. Social media has revolutionized indie publishing. I've met so many authors on Twitter alone that I connect with on a daily basis. It's literally a community at your fingertips. You can get great advice (I'm all about @livewritethrive right now), read reviews, discover forums - and just generally feel like you know what's happening in the indie book world within minutes. Plus you're reaching people directly that might be interested in your work. For me, it's about finding that woman in North Dakota who really wants to read a romantic story set in Texas - she finds my book on Facebook or Twitter, loads it on to her kindle and enjoys a great read. How else can this be accomplished but through social media? Okay, a huge marketing campaign executed by a large publishing house sounds good too. But in the meantime, I'm still able to bring people joy one at a time.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Sit in your chair and write. If that sounds too simple, give it a try - it works! Also, write an outline. Even if it's just on a cocktail napkin. It's your lifeline while you're navigating the deep waters of individual scenes. If something's giving you trouble, you can move on and you won't get lost because you have a map.
Also, start a blog. It doesn't matter if it's just your bio and contact information for now, but put something up there because people want to know who you are when they read your work. Also, it's a great place to do creative writing without the pressure of having to say anything particularly important. You can hone your chops while entertaining your mom and friends, and if you start to get a real following, then you've suddenly got a built-in audience for your book.
**Excerpt**
If the outside of the building looked like a saloon, the similarities ended there. Inside, the large one-story space was converted into a state-of-the-art recording studio.“Wow, you’d never know all this was behind those walls.” She glanced at the endless control board, and the soundproof glass window that looked out onto the performance area. “Glenn, this is April. She’s going to sit in for a few takes.”Glenn was the recording engineer sitting in an ergonomic chair behind the control board. His fingers left their post at the endless array of buttons to reach out and shake her hand. Glenn had a firm handshake and a friendly face. April liked him immediately, especially when he offered her some iced tea and showed her the most comfortable chair to sit in. James was clearly in work mode, listening to something on headphones. April felt like she was intruding somehow, on his private world. A wave of insecurity washed over her. Where was this lack of confidence coming from? She’d just railroaded her way into immediate employment next door, for Heaven’s sake. And suddenly she was reduced to that timid schoolgirl again? Ridiculous. He invited her, after all. She really needed to work on her self-esteem. “Let’s take it from the top, Glenn?” “Sure, Boss.” Glenn’s fingers returned to their stations. “For the millionth time, please don’t call me Boss.” James made a face at Glenn, then turned his attention to April and flashed a big smile. It was as if a lightning bolt hit the top of her head, a warm feeling radiating down through her body. “Are you good?”“I’m good, Boss.” Her joke elicited another face from James and a chuckle from Glenn.“Don’t make me regret inviting you here,” James teased as he disappeared into the performance room. April wheeled her padded chair closer to Glenn to watch the action, careful not to get in the way. That’s when she saw her. A gorgeous, tall, blonde singer standing at a microphone in one of the isolation booths. April hadn’t noticed her before and now there she was in all her alluring glory. In fact, she looked familiar. “Who’s that?” April asked Glenn casually. “You don’t recognize her? It’s Nadine Woods.” April felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Of course James probably had dozens of beautiful, famous friends and colleagues. Why was she surprised? And more importantly, why did she care? It’s not like he was going to be her boyfriend! April laughed quietly to herself, realizing how **Everyone who leaves a comment on Paula's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of The Cowboy Singer before July 23 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I realized I wanted to write after I directed my first short film "Oxanna" in 1994. My mom wrote a short story that I adapted for its screenplay, and after that I realized - hey, I can do this too. Why don't I try? So I started writing with partners at first for my next two shorts, then my feature film Goldirocks just poured out straight from my heart, solo style.
How would you describe your books?
Well I only have one book so far! But I would describe The Cowboy Singer as adorable, fun and easy to read. I have many more screenplays than books - those run the gamut from easy-breezy romantic comedies to serious family drama to historical political drama. My next book is a romance about a rich girl who falls for a guy on the other side of the tracks. It's set in Los Angeles which really works because the disparity of incomes here is astounding. The leading man also has a bit of a hang-up with destroying other people's relationships, so the heroine has some interesting challenges.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Finding time to write! Sometimes I'm amazed at how much I took for granted all that endless glorious free time before I had my daughter. Now I truly have to work at scheduling the hours to work on my projects. The good news is that this hurdle has given me a remarkable ability to plough straight through writer's block, indecision, or any other maladies that used to trip me up when I was sans child. Now it's more like 'you have an hour - write!' - then I just work like crazy until I'm forced back into something far higher on the priority list, such as finding a juice box, or gluing eyes back onto a teddy bear.
When it comes to the nitty gritty of the work though, I guess the most difficult part for me is getting to the end of the outline - I always want to stop halfway and just get to the writing already, which I've proven many times is a big mistake.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I'm very eclectic in my tastes, but overall I tend to stay in the contemporary time period. I love British chick lit because that special brand of self-deprecating humor just cracks me up, but i've also read tons of American romances, lots of literary fiction, biographies. I absolutely couldn't put down The Glass Castle a few years ago and have given it to countless friends. I trust the New York Times Book Review for the most part, and referrals from friends. That keeps me bouncing from genre to genre pretty steadily. And now that I'm discovering the indie book scene on Twitter, there are always great deals and free books everywhere you look which is hard to resist!
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Two things: You can always start over and reinvent yourself successfully no matter what situation you're in, and that kindness and musical ability are an incredibly sexy combination in a man!
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Incredibly important. Social media has revolutionized indie publishing. I've met so many authors on Twitter alone that I connect with on a daily basis. It's literally a community at your fingertips. You can get great advice (I'm all about @livewritethrive right now), read reviews, discover forums - and just generally feel like you know what's happening in the indie book world within minutes. Plus you're reaching people directly that might be interested in your work. For me, it's about finding that woman in North Dakota who really wants to read a romantic story set in Texas - she finds my book on Facebook or Twitter, loads it on to her kindle and enjoys a great read. How else can this be accomplished but through social media? Okay, a huge marketing campaign executed by a large publishing house sounds good too. But in the meantime, I'm still able to bring people joy one at a time.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Sit in your chair and write. If that sounds too simple, give it a try - it works! Also, write an outline. Even if it's just on a cocktail napkin. It's your lifeline while you're navigating the deep waters of individual scenes. If something's giving you trouble, you can move on and you won't get lost because you have a map.
Also, start a blog. It doesn't matter if it's just your bio and contact information for now, but put something up there because people want to know who you are when they read your work. Also, it's a great place to do creative writing without the pressure of having to say anything particularly important. You can hone your chops while entertaining your mom and friends, and if you start to get a real following, then you've suddenly got a built-in audience for your book.
**Excerpt**
If the outside of the building looked like a saloon, the similarities ended there. Inside, the large one-story space was converted into a state-of-the-art recording studio.“Wow, you’d never know all this was behind those walls.” She glanced at the endless control board, and the soundproof glass window that looked out onto the performance area. “Glenn, this is April. She’s going to sit in for a few takes.”Glenn was the recording engineer sitting in an ergonomic chair behind the control board. His fingers left their post at the endless array of buttons to reach out and shake her hand. Glenn had a firm handshake and a friendly face. April liked him immediately, especially when he offered her some iced tea and showed her the most comfortable chair to sit in. James was clearly in work mode, listening to something on headphones. April felt like she was intruding somehow, on his private world. A wave of insecurity washed over her. Where was this lack of confidence coming from? She’d just railroaded her way into immediate employment next door, for Heaven’s sake. And suddenly she was reduced to that timid schoolgirl again? Ridiculous. He invited her, after all. She really needed to work on her self-esteem. “Let’s take it from the top, Glenn?” “Sure, Boss.” Glenn’s fingers returned to their stations. “For the millionth time, please don’t call me Boss.” James made a face at Glenn, then turned his attention to April and flashed a big smile. It was as if a lightning bolt hit the top of her head, a warm feeling radiating down through her body. “Are you good?”“I’m good, Boss.” Her joke elicited another face from James and a chuckle from Glenn.“Don’t make me regret inviting you here,” James teased as he disappeared into the performance room. April wheeled her padded chair closer to Glenn to watch the action, careful not to get in the way. That’s when she saw her. A gorgeous, tall, blonde singer standing at a microphone in one of the isolation booths. April hadn’t noticed her before and now there she was in all her alluring glory. In fact, she looked familiar. “Who’s that?” April asked Glenn casually. “You don’t recognize her? It’s Nadine Woods.” April felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Of course James probably had dozens of beautiful, famous friends and colleagues. Why was she surprised? And more importantly, why did she care? It’s not like he was going to be her boyfriend! April laughed quietly to herself, realizing how **Everyone who leaves a comment on Paula's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of The Cowboy Singer before July 23 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
July 16, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons by Denise Grover Swank
Thank you to Denise Grover Swank for stopping by with a Q&A and an excerpt from her latest novel, Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons! Please check out her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more details!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you? When I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to write. No, not write, tell stories. The desire to put words together in profound ways came later. First was the love of creating a story.
You write in many different genres. How hard is to go back and forth?Actually, yes. Particularly between The Chosen series and the Rose Gardner Mysteries. The voices are so completely different. I usually have to back and read part of the last book to recapture the voice.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?It depends on the book. For The Chosen series, it's putting my characters through so much pain when writing the first draft. For Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons, the hardest part was getting back into Rose's head. But once I did, the story just poured out. Her stories always do.
What are your favorite genres to read?My favorite genre changes all the time. LOL My last one was paranormal YA. Currently, I find myself drawn to adult contemporary romance. It will probably change to something else next month. ;)
What do you want readers to take away from your story?I want readers to see that we need to trust our instincts and not do what other people tell us we should do. And, of course, I hope readers love Rose as much as I do.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?Social media is VERY important. I don't care if you're self-published or traditionally published. Authors need to connect with their readers to let them know when their next book is coming out. But I take social media to a deeper level. I used Facebook and Twitter to actually connect and interact with my readers. I love being able to talk to them about what they loved about my books. And I think they like getting a little insight into my everyday life, which is FAR from glamorous. I like that they can see I'm a real person.
You started off self-published and had a ton of success! You recently landed an agent – how was that news, and how did you celebrate?I was THRILLED when Amanda Luedeke of MacGregor Literary sent me an email telling me that she wanted to talk to me on the phone about offering representation. She'd read my book Chosen, had checked me out online, and offered to help me with secondary rights such as negotiating foreign rights offers. I'll admit, after the initial excitement wore off, I asked myself "Why do I NEED an agent?" I interviewed several of her clients and talked to several authors I know, both traditionally and self-published. I ultimately decided that I couldn't do EVERYTHING. There are only so many hours in the day. So it's nice to turn something I know nothing about over to someone who does. Also, Amanda and I are both thinking long term. I would love a traditional book deal but not until a traditional publisher has something to offer me that is worth taking. She's helping me think about what I need to do to get there.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? Writing a book is HARD. Every book I write, I ask myself "why did I think writing a book was a good idea?" But that's just the labor pains. Also, writing takes practice, practice, practice and more practice. Write every single day until you get into the habit of writing. Get to the point that if you have a day when you don't write or edit, you feel like something big is missing. Authors are expected to produce more books at a faster pace. You might as well start getting used to it now. I tell people that I've never worked harder in my life. I work seven days a week, sometimes 12-14 hours a day. Even so, I've never been happier in my whole life.
**Excerpt - Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons** Half running and half jogging, by the time I reached the majestic steps to the old stone courthouse, I was a sweaty mess. The reflection in the window told me my hair had fallen from the stifling humid air, and the sweat on my forehead plastered the strands onto my face.After passing through the massive wooden front doors, I stopped at security. An elderly security guard lifted a hand in warning. “You can’t come in without shoes, ma’am.”I waved my heels. “I have shoes.”“You have to be wearin’ shoes.” He raised his bushy eyebrows.“Don’t I have to send them through an x-ray machine?”The man leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. “This ain’t the airport, ma’am.”“But my shoe’s broken.” I demonstrated the floppiness of the heel.“No shoes, no entrance.”“But I’m due for jury duty at nine!”“Then you’re in a heap o’trouble. You don’t show and they’ll issue a warrant for your arrest. As it is, you’re already late.”I bet Officer Barney Fife would volunteer to carry that warrant out. Once a lawbreaker, always a lawbreaker echoed in my head. “Fine,” I muttered, bending down and slipping my feet into my shoes. I limped past the guard.“Hold up there! You can’t just go in. We need to examine your purse.”I handed it over with an exaggerated sigh.The guard looked me up and down before putting it on the conveyor belt. “Come around this way.” He waved to the end of the machine.I walked over and waited as he ran the belt back and forth, back and forth, until he finally rolled my purse out and examined the contents.“If you could just hurry a bit.” I said. “As you already know, I’m late for jury duty.”His face lifted from studying my purse and he watched me for a second. “Security can’t be rushed, ma’am. Are you wanting me to hurry ’cause you’re tryin’ to hide something?”“No! No! I swear, I’m just so late—”He closed my purse and pushed a button on his radio strapped to his shoulder. “Ernie, I’m gonna need some assistance. Gotta 10-66. Over.”“Copy that. I’ll be there in five. Over.” The radio crackled.“Ma’am, if you could have a seat.” He waved to a plastic chair against the wall.“What? I can’t go?”“No, I need to do a patdown and I need another officer present to ensure that you’re not sexually harassed.”“What?”“Ma’am, take a seat or I’ll be forced to inform the judge that you’re obstructin’ justice.”I flopped in the chair, indignation rising. He was discriminating against me because of my shoes. After sitting for several minutes, I realized I hadn’t been to the bathroom since I’d gotten up, and I’d had two cups of coffee. “Do you think I could go to the bathroom really quick?”He shook his head. “Nope. The restrooms are located in a secure area.”The entryway was hot and I waved my hand to try to cool off with little success while I crossed my legs back and forth. Thinking about having to go only made it worse. I watched the minute hand on the industrial wall clock move slowly around the face. Over ten minutes had passed and no Ernie. I stood. “Look, I really need to go report for jury duty. If you could just let me go—”“Sit.”“You can even pat me down, I swear I won’t sue you.”“Sit.”I was about to protest when I heard a familiar voice. “Well, well, well. It didn’t take you long to get into more trouble.” The police officer who’d given me the ticket hooked his thumbs into his belt and rocked back on his heels with a smug smile. “I can’t say I’m surprised.”The security guard pointed toward me. “You know this one, Ernie?” His voice rose.“Oh yeah, I just gave her a ticket for illegally parking.”“I was gettin’ change,” I huffed.“Then last month, there was the whole business with her mother’s murder.” He half-whispered the last word.The security guard raised his eyebrows and appraised me with the new information. His hand rested on the butt of his gun.“I was innocent! Daniel Crocker killed Momma.”“Ma’am, I’m gonna need you to stand and spread your feet and hold your arms out, away from your body.”I considered protesting. This was unfair, but I figured if I put up a fuss Officer Ernie would be only too happy to haul me down to the police station, a place I had no intention of going back to. “Hey,” I said as the guard started patting my sides. “This is the county courthouse and you’re a city police officer. What are you doin’ here?”Ernie shifted his weight. “Robbie is off with gout so I’m dropping in to help Ol’ Matt when he needs assistance. Not that it’s any of your business.”The guard moved down my legs and finally dropped his hands. “She’s clear.”“You sure?” Officer Ernie asked. “She’s a sneaky one.”“Yeah, I’m pretty sure.”Ernie stuck out two fingers in the shape of a V and moved them from his eyes to me and back again. “I’m watchin’ you.”
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you? When I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to write. No, not write, tell stories. The desire to put words together in profound ways came later. First was the love of creating a story.
You write in many different genres. How hard is to go back and forth?Actually, yes. Particularly between The Chosen series and the Rose Gardner Mysteries. The voices are so completely different. I usually have to back and read part of the last book to recapture the voice.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?It depends on the book. For The Chosen series, it's putting my characters through so much pain when writing the first draft. For Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons, the hardest part was getting back into Rose's head. But once I did, the story just poured out. Her stories always do.
What are your favorite genres to read?My favorite genre changes all the time. LOL My last one was paranormal YA. Currently, I find myself drawn to adult contemporary romance. It will probably change to something else next month. ;)
What do you want readers to take away from your story?I want readers to see that we need to trust our instincts and not do what other people tell us we should do. And, of course, I hope readers love Rose as much as I do.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?Social media is VERY important. I don't care if you're self-published or traditionally published. Authors need to connect with their readers to let them know when their next book is coming out. But I take social media to a deeper level. I used Facebook and Twitter to actually connect and interact with my readers. I love being able to talk to them about what they loved about my books. And I think they like getting a little insight into my everyday life, which is FAR from glamorous. I like that they can see I'm a real person.
You started off self-published and had a ton of success! You recently landed an agent – how was that news, and how did you celebrate?I was THRILLED when Amanda Luedeke of MacGregor Literary sent me an email telling me that she wanted to talk to me on the phone about offering representation. She'd read my book Chosen, had checked me out online, and offered to help me with secondary rights such as negotiating foreign rights offers. I'll admit, after the initial excitement wore off, I asked myself "Why do I NEED an agent?" I interviewed several of her clients and talked to several authors I know, both traditionally and self-published. I ultimately decided that I couldn't do EVERYTHING. There are only so many hours in the day. So it's nice to turn something I know nothing about over to someone who does. Also, Amanda and I are both thinking long term. I would love a traditional book deal but not until a traditional publisher has something to offer me that is worth taking. She's helping me think about what I need to do to get there.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? Writing a book is HARD. Every book I write, I ask myself "why did I think writing a book was a good idea?" But that's just the labor pains. Also, writing takes practice, practice, practice and more practice. Write every single day until you get into the habit of writing. Get to the point that if you have a day when you don't write or edit, you feel like something big is missing. Authors are expected to produce more books at a faster pace. You might as well start getting used to it now. I tell people that I've never worked harder in my life. I work seven days a week, sometimes 12-14 hours a day. Even so, I've never been happier in my whole life.
**Excerpt - Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons** Half running and half jogging, by the time I reached the majestic steps to the old stone courthouse, I was a sweaty mess. The reflection in the window told me my hair had fallen from the stifling humid air, and the sweat on my forehead plastered the strands onto my face.After passing through the massive wooden front doors, I stopped at security. An elderly security guard lifted a hand in warning. “You can’t come in without shoes, ma’am.”I waved my heels. “I have shoes.”“You have to be wearin’ shoes.” He raised his bushy eyebrows.“Don’t I have to send them through an x-ray machine?”The man leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. “This ain’t the airport, ma’am.”“But my shoe’s broken.” I demonstrated the floppiness of the heel.“No shoes, no entrance.”“But I’m due for jury duty at nine!”“Then you’re in a heap o’trouble. You don’t show and they’ll issue a warrant for your arrest. As it is, you’re already late.”I bet Officer Barney Fife would volunteer to carry that warrant out. Once a lawbreaker, always a lawbreaker echoed in my head. “Fine,” I muttered, bending down and slipping my feet into my shoes. I limped past the guard.“Hold up there! You can’t just go in. We need to examine your purse.”I handed it over with an exaggerated sigh.The guard looked me up and down before putting it on the conveyor belt. “Come around this way.” He waved to the end of the machine.I walked over and waited as he ran the belt back and forth, back and forth, until he finally rolled my purse out and examined the contents.“If you could just hurry a bit.” I said. “As you already know, I’m late for jury duty.”His face lifted from studying my purse and he watched me for a second. “Security can’t be rushed, ma’am. Are you wanting me to hurry ’cause you’re tryin’ to hide something?”“No! No! I swear, I’m just so late—”He closed my purse and pushed a button on his radio strapped to his shoulder. “Ernie, I’m gonna need some assistance. Gotta 10-66. Over.”“Copy that. I’ll be there in five. Over.” The radio crackled.“Ma’am, if you could have a seat.” He waved to a plastic chair against the wall.“What? I can’t go?”“No, I need to do a patdown and I need another officer present to ensure that you’re not sexually harassed.”“What?”“Ma’am, take a seat or I’ll be forced to inform the judge that you’re obstructin’ justice.”I flopped in the chair, indignation rising. He was discriminating against me because of my shoes. After sitting for several minutes, I realized I hadn’t been to the bathroom since I’d gotten up, and I’d had two cups of coffee. “Do you think I could go to the bathroom really quick?”He shook his head. “Nope. The restrooms are located in a secure area.”The entryway was hot and I waved my hand to try to cool off with little success while I crossed my legs back and forth. Thinking about having to go only made it worse. I watched the minute hand on the industrial wall clock move slowly around the face. Over ten minutes had passed and no Ernie. I stood. “Look, I really need to go report for jury duty. If you could just let me go—”“Sit.”“You can even pat me down, I swear I won’t sue you.”“Sit.”I was about to protest when I heard a familiar voice. “Well, well, well. It didn’t take you long to get into more trouble.” The police officer who’d given me the ticket hooked his thumbs into his belt and rocked back on his heels with a smug smile. “I can’t say I’m surprised.”The security guard pointed toward me. “You know this one, Ernie?” His voice rose.“Oh yeah, I just gave her a ticket for illegally parking.”“I was gettin’ change,” I huffed.“Then last month, there was the whole business with her mother’s murder.” He half-whispered the last word.The security guard raised his eyebrows and appraised me with the new information. His hand rested on the butt of his gun.“I was innocent! Daniel Crocker killed Momma.”“Ma’am, I’m gonna need you to stand and spread your feet and hold your arms out, away from your body.”I considered protesting. This was unfair, but I figured if I put up a fuss Officer Ernie would be only too happy to haul me down to the police station, a place I had no intention of going back to. “Hey,” I said as the guard started patting my sides. “This is the county courthouse and you’re a city police officer. What are you doin’ here?”Ernie shifted his weight. “Robbie is off with gout so I’m dropping in to help Ol’ Matt when he needs assistance. Not that it’s any of your business.”The guard moved down my legs and finally dropped his hands. “She’s clear.”“You sure?” Officer Ernie asked. “She’s a sneaky one.”“Yeah, I’m pretty sure.”Ernie stuck out two fingers in the shape of a V and moved them from his eyes to me and back again. “I’m watchin’ you.”
June 20, 2012
Finding the Location
I mentioned in my last post that I was going to start working on the planning and researching aspects of my third book while The Green Ticket is with my editor. I have slowly but surely been putting some pieces together, and I’m getting more and more excited to get to the actual writing part! My fingers are itching to just start, but I’m basing this novel in a fictional town in Maine – a state I have never visited nor know that much about. I was able to order some great brochures from the Maine visitor’s website, and they also sent me a full-scale map of the state, which has become my best friend. Being from the Midwest, I have no clue how people from New England talk, act, their mannerisms, etc, etc, so I’m reading books where characters are based there, doing a lot of online research, and also getting the help from some wonderful people who are familiar with Maine. Big thanks to fellow author Erik Atwell who already has been a huge help to me!So not only am I figuring out my setting, I also have to meet my characters. This story will have two female leads, and right now I am building up the first. I’ve already changed her name – twice – and now I’m working on her family life. Another big thanks to Josie Ann with eBook Addict, as she sent me some fabulous character interview questions that I am using. These are so great to get to know the characters. Not only am I finding out their family information, job, and goals, but also what kind of car they drive, their worst memory from childhood, and their favorite weather and food. I am going into as much detail as I can on the questions, and I just know it will make my writing process much easier when I get to that point.
So for now, I’ll keep interviewing, keep researching, and maybe even plan a trip to Maine ;) I’ve always wanted to visit, so these seems like a good excuse for a vacation!
June 18, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: BaSatai: Outside In by Suzan Battah
Thank you to Suzan Battah for stopping by with a Q&A and an excerpt from BaSatai: Outside In! Please check out her tour page on CLP Blog Tours for more details!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?I was about 14 or 15 years old and loved being in libraries and adored bookstores. I was caught reading the ending of a book, which I was so embarrassed about but I wanted to know whether the ending was going to be good enough to read the whole 400 pages, it was. I knew I wanted to be a writer since I spent endless hours creating stories and characters.
How would you describe your books?Armani is plagued by a curse in her blood. She's remained hidden on earth with her human adoptive father for 17 years but everything is about to change when she turns 18 and the curse matures in her blood making her an open target. Her Guardian and Elite BaSatai Warriors have come to train her and cross her over for better protection but Armani isn't ready to leave earth. She doesn't believe she's the one cursed. BaSatai: Outside In takes a look at the same YA issues teenagers face such as bullying and image insecurity with a Supernatural twist and problems.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?Being a self published writer the hardest process is marketing and finding the time and money to market my books. I love writing and don't regret my decision to self publish. The publishing market is so different now. There is lots of talent out there and lots of crap as well. But every reader has a right to make their own decisions on what they love and what they don't.
What are your favorite genres to read?I love to read Regency Romance, YA Paranormals and Contemporary Romance.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?I'd really love for readers to understand that we are not all the same and it's okay to be different and unique in our own ways. Stand up for each other and don't let bullying be apart of our society.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?Extremely important. Social media is a way to get a message across the world digitally without time restraints. Authors should be using it to reach out to readers, fans and networking with other writers. I find it difficult to maintain it sometimes because of fulltime work commitments but I'm getting there I hope.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?Keep Writing! Laugh lots, have fun, practice your craft, study your craft, use a good editor, don't take criticism to heart, not every reader will love your work, keep writing and write because you love to write not because you think you're going to make it big.
**Excerpt - BaSatai: Outside In**
“What the… ” Armani trailed off, surprised by another new face, another BaSatai; this one with a serious look on his face. The difference between this guy and Karhl was obvious in the way her heart pounded a thousand times a minute. Warmth spread in her insides when he looked at her. No, no, no! Why now? Her emotions, too fragile from two shock arrivals, were making her giddy; it wasn’t really her heart responding to his smile. Jet-black hair stood on end like Karhl’s, with similar track patterns on the sides. They were complete opposites. In her view, Karhl’s golden appearance paled in comparison to the olive-tanned skin, dark chocolate eyes, and lean solid build of the BaSatai waiting for her to take his hand. Armani’s heart tripped and fell – just at the wrong time. He waited for her to take his hand. She took in a refreshing breath, allowing the cool scent of him to overwhelm her senses in a most enjoyable way. She slipped her hand into his. Their first touch sparkled with fuzzy warmth. His eyes brightened. He pulled her up as if she were weightless. The closer she stood to him, the more nervous she got. Taking a step back, she braced one hand against his chest and backed against the wall. Her fingers skimmed across the fabric of his t-shirt and jeans, amazingly soft and warm before her hand dropped away. “Are you all right?” he asked, his voice smooth and deep. She nodded, speechless again in a different way. The accent in his English wasn’t as obvious as Karhl’s, but it was still there. He lifted a hand as if to touch her cheek, but instead he dropped it back down. The energy was there again, quivering beneath the surface, stronger, more intimate than the connection with Karhl.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Suzan's tour page will be entered in the BaSatai giveaway! You can win: 1) a $30 Amazon gift card 2) a $25 JC Penny's gift card, or 3) 5 winners will receive an eBook copy of BaSatai: Outside In. If you purchase your copy of BaSatai before June 25 and send your receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, you will get five bonus entries!***
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?I was about 14 or 15 years old and loved being in libraries and adored bookstores. I was caught reading the ending of a book, which I was so embarrassed about but I wanted to know whether the ending was going to be good enough to read the whole 400 pages, it was. I knew I wanted to be a writer since I spent endless hours creating stories and characters.How would you describe your books?Armani is plagued by a curse in her blood. She's remained hidden on earth with her human adoptive father for 17 years but everything is about to change when she turns 18 and the curse matures in her blood making her an open target. Her Guardian and Elite BaSatai Warriors have come to train her and cross her over for better protection but Armani isn't ready to leave earth. She doesn't believe she's the one cursed. BaSatai: Outside In takes a look at the same YA issues teenagers face such as bullying and image insecurity with a Supernatural twist and problems.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?Being a self published writer the hardest process is marketing and finding the time and money to market my books. I love writing and don't regret my decision to self publish. The publishing market is so different now. There is lots of talent out there and lots of crap as well. But every reader has a right to make their own decisions on what they love and what they don't.
What are your favorite genres to read?I love to read Regency Romance, YA Paranormals and Contemporary Romance.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?I'd really love for readers to understand that we are not all the same and it's okay to be different and unique in our own ways. Stand up for each other and don't let bullying be apart of our society.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?Extremely important. Social media is a way to get a message across the world digitally without time restraints. Authors should be using it to reach out to readers, fans and networking with other writers. I find it difficult to maintain it sometimes because of fulltime work commitments but I'm getting there I hope.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?Keep Writing! Laugh lots, have fun, practice your craft, study your craft, use a good editor, don't take criticism to heart, not every reader will love your work, keep writing and write because you love to write not because you think you're going to make it big.
**Excerpt - BaSatai: Outside In**“What the… ” Armani trailed off, surprised by another new face, another BaSatai; this one with a serious look on his face. The difference between this guy and Karhl was obvious in the way her heart pounded a thousand times a minute. Warmth spread in her insides when he looked at her. No, no, no! Why now? Her emotions, too fragile from two shock arrivals, were making her giddy; it wasn’t really her heart responding to his smile. Jet-black hair stood on end like Karhl’s, with similar track patterns on the sides. They were complete opposites. In her view, Karhl’s golden appearance paled in comparison to the olive-tanned skin, dark chocolate eyes, and lean solid build of the BaSatai waiting for her to take his hand. Armani’s heart tripped and fell – just at the wrong time. He waited for her to take his hand. She took in a refreshing breath, allowing the cool scent of him to overwhelm her senses in a most enjoyable way. She slipped her hand into his. Their first touch sparkled with fuzzy warmth. His eyes brightened. He pulled her up as if she were weightless. The closer she stood to him, the more nervous she got. Taking a step back, she braced one hand against his chest and backed against the wall. Her fingers skimmed across the fabric of his t-shirt and jeans, amazingly soft and warm before her hand dropped away. “Are you all right?” he asked, his voice smooth and deep. She nodded, speechless again in a different way. The accent in his English wasn’t as obvious as Karhl’s, but it was still there. He lifted a hand as if to touch her cheek, but instead he dropped it back down. The energy was there again, quivering beneath the surface, stronger, more intimate than the connection with Karhl.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Suzan's tour page will be entered in the BaSatai giveaway! You can win: 1) a $30 Amazon gift card 2) a $25 JC Penny's gift card, or 3) 5 winners will receive an eBook copy of BaSatai: Outside In. If you purchase your copy of BaSatai before June 25 and send your receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, you will get five bonus entries!***
June 6, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Willow Pond by Carol Tibaldi
Thank you Carol for stopping by with a Q&A and an excerpt from her novel Willow Pond! Please check out her tour page on CLP Blog Tours for more details!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I was around eight years old when I wrote my first short story and loved doing it so much I knew it was something I wanted to do forever. I loved reading so much the two kind of went hand in hand. At that age it was just fun for me.
How would you describe your books?
I love to write historical fiction because I like to learn about other times. I want to transport myself and the reader to another time and place.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Coming up with an idea that actually works and after that it would probably be sitting down and doing the actual writing. I’m a great procrastinator.
What was your research process like for Willow Pond?
Willow Pond required a lot of research both online and in the library. I read books and newspapers from the era. I researched bootleggers and speakeasies because I wanted everything to be authentic. I read about the clothes they wore and the expressions they used because I wanted them to look at sound the way they would have back then too.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I have eclectic taste. If I find a story I like I’ll read it and not pay much attention to the genre.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Mostly I hope they enjoy reading it and are entertained.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
I think writers must be involved in social media today. Twitter and Facebook are especially important to connect with other writers, though I think that spending too much time on either one of them isn’t a good thing either because then we aren’t writing. Now we have Pinterest, but I haven’t used it yet, even though I have people following me!
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Keep working to improve your writing. Join a writer’s group and take the advice of more experience. Read as much as you can in your own genre, but in other genres also. Most of all, never give up.
**Excerpt - Willow Pond**
Virginia stretched like a sleek black cat in the four poster mahogany bed, trying not to purr as she gazed at Rudy Strauss' retreating figure. She'd bought the huge bed from a redheaded woman who owned an antique shop in Greenwich Village. The woman liked to tell tall tales, like the one she'd told Virginia about the Prince of Wales having once owned the bed. Virginia hadn't minded. She liked stories.Rudy was patient where other men rushed, and that had made for a most enjoyable afternoon. Tired, spent and more thoroughly satisfied than she'd ever admit, she reluctantly slid off him and rested her hand on his chiseled abdomen.“Never let anyone tell you that you aren’t good for anything, Rudy.”A slow, stupid grin of male pride stretched across his dark features.“Not for that, anyway,” she said, smiling in spite of herself.He looked at her blankly. She shrugged, then pointed to a bottle of champagne chilling in a wooden bucket on the bedside table. “Go ahead and open it. I’d say we’ve earned a bit of refreshment.”“The whole day’s been great,” Rudy said, heading toward the bucket. Virginia watched his big fingers pick at the foil on the top of the bottle. Skillful fingers despite their size, she thought. The foil peeled off neatly and he dropped it on the table before addressing the cork. “Your life’s the bees knees, baby. You’ve got the greatest speak in the city.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, looking at her from the corner of his eye. “Any regrets?”She flicked an eyebrow in question. “Like what? Meeting you?”“Kids, marriage, you know.”“What are you, a comedian?”
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I was around eight years old when I wrote my first short story and loved doing it so much I knew it was something I wanted to do forever. I loved reading so much the two kind of went hand in hand. At that age it was just fun for me.
How would you describe your books?I love to write historical fiction because I like to learn about other times. I want to transport myself and the reader to another time and place.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Coming up with an idea that actually works and after that it would probably be sitting down and doing the actual writing. I’m a great procrastinator.
What was your research process like for Willow Pond?
Willow Pond required a lot of research both online and in the library. I read books and newspapers from the era. I researched bootleggers and speakeasies because I wanted everything to be authentic. I read about the clothes they wore and the expressions they used because I wanted them to look at sound the way they would have back then too.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I have eclectic taste. If I find a story I like I’ll read it and not pay much attention to the genre.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Mostly I hope they enjoy reading it and are entertained.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
I think writers must be involved in social media today. Twitter and Facebook are especially important to connect with other writers, though I think that spending too much time on either one of them isn’t a good thing either because then we aren’t writing. Now we have Pinterest, but I haven’t used it yet, even though I have people following me!
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Keep working to improve your writing. Join a writer’s group and take the advice of more experience. Read as much as you can in your own genre, but in other genres also. Most of all, never give up.
**Excerpt - Willow Pond**
Virginia stretched like a sleek black cat in the four poster mahogany bed, trying not to purr as she gazed at Rudy Strauss' retreating figure. She'd bought the huge bed from a redheaded woman who owned an antique shop in Greenwich Village. The woman liked to tell tall tales, like the one she'd told Virginia about the Prince of Wales having once owned the bed. Virginia hadn't minded. She liked stories.Rudy was patient where other men rushed, and that had made for a most enjoyable afternoon. Tired, spent and more thoroughly satisfied than she'd ever admit, she reluctantly slid off him and rested her hand on his chiseled abdomen.“Never let anyone tell you that you aren’t good for anything, Rudy.”A slow, stupid grin of male pride stretched across his dark features.“Not for that, anyway,” she said, smiling in spite of herself.He looked at her blankly. She shrugged, then pointed to a bottle of champagne chilling in a wooden bucket on the bedside table. “Go ahead and open it. I’d say we’ve earned a bit of refreshment.”“The whole day’s been great,” Rudy said, heading toward the bucket. Virginia watched his big fingers pick at the foil on the top of the bottle. Skillful fingers despite their size, she thought. The foil peeled off neatly and he dropped it on the table before addressing the cork. “Your life’s the bees knees, baby. You’ve got the greatest speak in the city.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, looking at her from the corner of his eye. “Any regrets?”She flicked an eyebrow in question. “Like what? Meeting you?”“Kids, marriage, you know.”“What are you, a comedian?”
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