Joyce T. Strand's Blog, page 25

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Author Emma Faragher

Emma Faragher, Author
THE HOUSE
The Trix SinClara Series
British author Emma Faragher created Trix SinClara, a spaceshifter who needs to protect those around her. THE HOUSE is the first book in this urban fantasy series, where, “Growing magic and rogue vampires turn Trix's life upside down.”
Currently studying at Sheffield University, Faragher balances her writing with her studies and hobbies. She has been writing for pleasure for many years. THE HOUSE is her first published work.
Don’t miss the excerpt at the end of the interview.





Q: How would you describe THE HOUSE to your readers? Supernatural? Fantasy? Romance? Suspense? Why should they read it?
Emma Faragher: It’s an urban fantasy set in the future. It’s a new take on the supernatural community with characters I feel readers will really be able to relate to.
Q:  Tell us about Trix SinClara.  Who is she? Is she based on a real person?  How did you create her?
Emma Faragher: She’s not based on a real person. In real life a person is made from the genetics of two people and a whole lot of environmental influences. So I put her together as a basic person in my mind, allowing her to pretty much form herself. Then I added in her life story to the genetics. The death of her parents, a controlling grandfather, rebellious teen years, the teasing at school from the witches for not being enough like them etc. Other traits just sort of formed as I went along, like the great need she has to protect those around her. That’s actually one of her main driving forces throughout the series, a need to keep others safe. It felt more like I was getting to know her than making her up.
Q:  You tell your story from the first person perspective of your protagonist. What are the advantages of using the first person?
Emma Faragher: I feel that using the first person allows the reader to really get inside the head of the protagonist. They are intimately involved in the story as they follow Trix’s closest thoughts and secrets. They see the world through her eyes rather than as an outsider.
Q:  Do you write for entertainment and/or are you delivering a message?  Educating?
Emma Faragher: I write because I have to. I have a story inside my head and I need to get it out or it will drive me crazy. I don’t deliberately put a message into my books. It’s more that the issues just come up occasionally. Trix is different, the witches don’t like her because of her abilities and the humans don’t like her because she’s supernatural. She always has to hide parts of who and what she is to function in the world. I think that’s how a lot of 22-year-olds feel. It’s not a message but it’s something I know a lot of people will relate to. The out-of-control feeling you have as you’re just starting to find yourself as an adult and realizing that life isn’t quite as long as you thought.
Of course I think that if you look hard enough there is a message in almost all published works. I dissected enough of them at school in English not to want to do it as an adult. Reading is an escape for me and I want my readers to be absorbed into the world I have created rather than always dissecting the word choice to infer a message. Of course if anyone wants to do that for Trix’s story I wish them all the best. I’m sure they’ll find something.
Q:  In a world of shifters and vampires, how important is credibility? What do you do to help readers buy into your supernatural world?
Emma Faragher: Credibility is very important to me in a fantasy book. I have a background in science so I like to be able to explain as much as I can. The magic has to have rules and restrictions. As well as side effects. Trix is a telepath, she could do incredible or terrible things with that power, but it might just drive her insane along the way. But there has to be limits.
In the world I created, magic is more of a different type of energy, like heat or electricity. The witches have done plenty of scientific experiments over the years. The vampires for instance, aren’t dead and they aren’t immortal. They simply survive off of magical instead of chemical energy. When the magic runs out, they die. Then since the sun interacts with the magic the vampires have, they are more powerful at night. Because I had to keep some of the folklore intact.
Of course the rest of the world has to make sense too. Water and food has to come from somewhere. Government and leadership have to be established. A social order. The how and why of everyday events need to make sense or the rest will just flow into chaos.
Q:  Do villains and heroes play a part in your story?  What are characteristics of heroes and villains in the supernatural?
Emma Faragher: There aren’t so much villains and heroes in my books. I feel that a villain knows that what they are doing is bad. They do it to hurt people. The “bad guys” in my world are doing what they think is best for the people around them. There are a lot of long games played by some of the characters that will come out as the series progresses. And some politics that requires compromises Trix never thought she’d have to make. There are of course a few very selfish characters who are purely out for personal gain, so they might be counted as villains. Trix isn’t really a hero as she doesn’t see herself that way. She’s just someone who is trying to survive a changing world and to keep those around her safe. She’s not out to save the world, just keep her little corner of it from sinking.
Q: What inspired you to write about a supernatural world?
Emma Faragher: Mostly, it’s what I read. I get very absorbed into my reading and writing. I’ve read non-fantasy books and some of them didn’t affect me very well. I was angry for days after reading Martin Cole’s The Take, because the characters were angry and violent. That doesn’t happen so much with fantasy and supernatural books, as they are further removed from the real world. I’m not crazy though, I promise. So I read and write fantasy, I like the freedom of it too, the escapism of entering a completely different world and being able to make up the rules. A fascination with ancient mythology probably helped my along that path a little bit too.
Q: How do you help readers care about your characters?
Emma Faragher: My characters all have back stories, like real people. They have heartbreak and great achievements. I try to really bring my characters to life so that readers feel that they could almost interact with them. Many of my characters would make really fantastic friends to have and I’ve tried to put that across. The loyalty and the fact that they keep trying is what many people are drawn to in a person and in a character. Not for everyone of course, but it’s impossible to do anything that pleases everyone.
Q:  What’s next?
Emma Faragher: I’m writing book 2 “The Solstice” and I’ve a few short stories up my sleeve. There’s an anthology of indie published authors I’m writing something for at the moment. Which will hopefully be out (for free) some time in August or September.
I’ve also started editing my first novel, the prologue is up on my blog if anyone is interested and I’m debating a way to get it up chapter by chapter. It’ll be published eventually but for now I’m focusing on Trix and her story, because there is still a lot more to say.Q:  Tell us about Emma Faragher. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Emma Faragher: I like to do lots of things. I love my university course, so I actually enjoy studying. Especially since I live with such a great group of people, just being around the house is fantastic.
I’m a fair weather outdoors person, in other words, I love to go walking in the woods or on the beach in the sunshine. (Of course with the British weather I always take a coat anyway). I’ve always been one of those people with too much curiosity and not enough “stop that might be dangerous”. I’m fond of high places; trees, cliffs, climbing frames. Which I’ve recently learn scared my mother half to death when I was younger!
I also do some crafty things. A bit of sewing, since I prefer my clothes to fit properly, some scrapbooking and card making. I took up knitting last Christmas and made some great prezzies for my family. And I’m also fond of baking, funnily enough, my housemates are also fond of my baking. With all that it’s a miracle I even have time for writing! But I don’t do everything all at once.
About Emma Faragher
Born in the UK, Emma grew up with a love of books. She always looked forwards to her school's weekly trips to the library from the age of 5. Then progressed to exploring bookshops, before finding Amazon and getting a Kindle.
She started writing night time stories for family friends when they were on holiday together and never stopped, moving on to writing books aimed at adults as she became one herself. Her first full novel was started at age 16 and finished age 18. It has yet to see the light of day but ignited further a passion for writing that could not be denied.
Currently studying at Sheffield University she is the author of the "Trix SinClara" series. An urban fantasy set in the future and following a shapeshifter as she is thrust into responsibility she never imagined she'd have. The first book in the series, THE HOUSE is currently published and available, with others coming soon.
Emma balances writing with studying and her other hobbies. Always busy she sometimes finds time to sit and read a book as well. Escaping into other worlds.
About THE HOUSE

Shifters are going missing.
Growing magic and rogue vampire turn Trix's life up side down. Then shifters start to disappear without a trace. Leaving Trix in charge of the House, where wayward shifters go for comfort and control. But to help, Trix needs to get control of herself and her magic. Her shifting has always been natural to her. But her magic is growing and telepathy is not something easy to deal with. It might just drive her mad, and take everyone else with her.
The witches won't help and rules are changing. There is more at stake than any of them realize. The House may just become the centre of the biggest disaster the supernatural community has ever seen. Can Trix pull everyone together before it's too late?
Excerpt
Excerpt (Chapter 2)
“What do you want?” my voice didn’t crack and I managed to slow my heart down to an acceptable level, yet fear crawled through my insides making them feel like lead. I was fairly sure what they wanted, unfortunately for us we probably wouldn’t want to give it to them. Vampyre most often wanted two things, both of which they could and would take from us. Companionship, and when you’re over five hundred companionship means more than just a friendly chat, and blood. They craved blood, needed blood mostly, unless they were very closely tied to their “master”. They were going to struggle with the latter since I was fairly sure that shifter blood would do more damage than good, not that we’d be in much shape to appreciate it by that stage.“You my sweet, I, we, want you.” The vampyre in front of me spoke, his voice was clear and menacing but I’d heard worse. I could probably do worse, just not right at that moment in time. I was having enough trouble keeping my voice even at all.“Sorry but we’re not currently available, have to get home, meet our curfew.” I said absently, I sounded like I was discussing the weather, because that’s the only way I could not sound terrified. “So if you’ll kindly step out of the way we’ll be going now.” I finished and I felt Stripes’ hand in mine, hot and moist with her pulse strong and fast. It didn’t help me relax and I felt my own pulse speed in time with hers. It felt like my heart was trying to beat it’s way out of my chest.“Oh but there’s nobody else here for you to go with. Two young women out alone at night, you should know better.” It seemed the one in front of me was the leader; he was the oldest and so far the only one to have spoken at all.“We aren’t defenceless.” I said, much more confidently than I felt. It was true; we weren’t defenceless. It just happened our defences would likely do little to deter them unless we could shred them, or at least a few of them, into pieces. Which was highly unlikely considering that vampires are almost as fast as we are.“I don’t see anyone here to protect you and there is nowhere in your very, charming, outfit for you to hide a weapon.” He sneered and I faltered. They had no idea what we were, which made no sense. I debated telling them, but then again that would take away our chance of surprising them. Yet, I might hold enough clout to get them to think twice, at least long enough to get away. I dithered to and fro for a matter of moments before choosing, I just had to pray it was the right choice.
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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Author Lady Harris

Lady Harris, Author
IDENTITY THEFT
Author Sharea “Lady” Harris uses the misfortune of having had her identity stolen to bring us her newest novel IDENTITY THEFT—“ a drama, with a pinch of comedy and suspense.” The prolific Lady Harris also has written and produced plays; written and published two poetry collections; written a screen play; and plans to release her third book next year.
When she’s not writing or producing plays, her favorite past time is to go to the beach with her husband and two girls.
Don’t miss the excerpt following her interview.





Q: You are an author of novels, poetry, and plays and also a producer and director of plays. What led you to write your latest novel IDENTITY THEFT?Lady Harris:IDENTITY THEFT was inspired by a personal experience: my Identity was stolen recently. I have found it easier to cope with certain situations in life by writing them down and creating your own ending. You will find in the book how I used a comedic edge. Q: Would you characterize IDENTITY THEFT as a thriller? Why? What makes it a thriller?Lady Harris: I would characterize it as a drama, with a pinch of comedy and suspense. Mostly because "Island," doesn't catch wind that her identity has been stolen until it’s too late and she's fighting to get her life back. Q: Did you write IDENTITY THEFT primarily to entertain? Or did you have a message you wanted to deliver? Did you want to influence or educate? Are there lessons to be learned from your book about the topic?Lady Harris:IDENTITY THEFT was written as a release for me and to raise awareness. There are many people who have had their identity stolen in a variety of ways... wether it be credit cards, bank fraud, filing taxes and receiving refunds or even as small as stolen ID's and impersonation. Q: How do you introduce and develop your characters to make your readers care about them?Lady Harris: I introduce my characters with description and situations; their past lives and mannerisms build their personalities throughout the story. Q: What makes a hero? What makes a villain? Does IDENTITY THEFT have heroes and villains?Lady Harris: A hero, against all odds accomplishes his goal of saving someone, or something in a story. A villain goes against the grain; the fighter for evil... depending on the situation. In IDENTITY THEFT "April," would be the villain, the theft. Island would be the hero. Q: How important is setting to telling the story? Could you have located the novel in any place at any time?Lady Harris: Setting is everything in any story, it creates the atmosphere or tone of the story. If it were to storm at a football game the story would change, the field would be slippery. In IDENTITY THEFT the setting created the situation...in any other setting Island may have been safe from theft. Conscious to her surroundings and not so careless. Q: How do you make your story credible? Did you do research on identify theft? Do you have experience with it? Do you know someone either guilty of it or a victim of it?Lady Harris: My credibility for IDENTITY THEFT is from personal experience. It took me two long years to get my life back and to prove I am...Me.  Q: What’s next? More novels? Plays?Lady Harris: I just sent my third novel "Office Secrets" to editing hoping to release it early next year. I will also be producing my original play Confrontationwith a new cast for a three-city tour Spring of 2014.  Q: Do you have plans for releasing IDENTIFY THEFT in e-book format? What do you think about e-books?Lady Harris: With my publisher Publish America, I have to wait a couple months for the E-book version. E-books are great for the new school, lol but I prefer to sit in a hot tub with my paperback, with my kindle I would be afraid of the steam destroying it or carelessly dropping it in the water.  Q: Tell us something about you. What do you like to do when you’re not writing, producing, or directing?Lady Harris: When I am not indulged in my crafts, I absolutely love the beach with the family—my husband and two girls. The get away is relaxing and satisfying. 
About Sharea “Lady” Harris
Sharea “Lady” Harris was raised in Buffalo, NY where she was introduced to poetry, arts and writing; and now resides in Charlotte, NC. She began writing her first novel “Betrayal” at the age of 19 and published it in 2010; since then she has published two poetry collections, and has just released her next novel entitled IDENTITY THEFT.  She believes in variety and diversity, and you can see this in her works. She never bores with the same subject but challenges her talent and reaches higher with each idea. She is now putting the finishing touches of her first Erotica collection of short stories entitled “Office Secrets”. 
 Since her move to Charlotte she has expanded her talents in visual and performing arts. Producing her first stage play at the African American Cultural Center in 2004 “Confrontation”, and went on to produce her second stage play “Games” in 2012. Between writing and putting on stage plays Sharea has also produced poetry contests, MC Battles, and her live sketch comedy series entitled “Skitz,” at venues in Charlotte and Monroe, NC  including but not limited to “The Neighborhood Theater”, The CAST Theater; The Rendezvous Lounge, Upscale Lounge, and The Venue. 
 Sharea continues to write research and explore new ideas to further her writing career. She has completed her first screen play entitled “What You Don’t Know,” and plans to shoot it in the near future adding another notch to her belt.

About IDENTITY THEFT

She lurks behind smiles and friendly gestures, seeking angles and loop holes. She's clothed in insecurities and misery; but you'd never suspect a thing. She's intentionally watching your every move. She knows you better than you think. While she laughs with you she jots down everything; with her photographic memory. She slides right between conversations baiting, faking and gaining access to all aspects of your life. She is plotting, watching, learning and becoming. Soon you'll see when someone steals your IDENTITY.
Excerpt
INTRODUCTION     She undresses and walks towards the shower, physically and mentally exhausted. She reaches down and turns both knobs hot and cold the same way, with the exact same degree of turn. The lavender scent from the fresh towels relaxes and soothes her while she waves her hand under the shower head from left to right, testing it until the water feels just right. She shakes the water off her hands pulls her shirt over her head and steps in the shower. The day washes away as the pressure from the water, like a million hands, beating and thumping at her tired frame. Standing there, she conjures up her next plan; she wonders what the game will be this time around.  She finishes up and steps out of the shower, releasing a cloud of steams into the tiny hotel bathroom. Then she wraps the large white towel around her dripping wet body. She taps her face with the white towel and tucks it under her arm, making sure that it’s secure; then grabs the soapbox from off the sink area, opens it and lets the small box of soap slide into her hand. She turns on the water and rubs her hands quickly together. Once the lather builds, she drops the soap and washes her face.  It was the same routine in every new city.       She finishes her ritual and stares at her reflection in the half steamed mirror. She smirks, letting out a whimper of a sigh. “Time is money”, she states as if she was not the only one in the room. She learned to talk to herself years ago, as she could only really trust three people. She stood by the quote, “Me, myself, and I”, and she used it often. Looking at the bags she so messily left thrown across the bed.  She sighs again and continues towards the bed. As she straightens up, she rips off the airways tags that revealed the location of her last life.         I won’t need these anymore. She tosses them onto the bed and opens each bag. There were three bags total, not including her pocketbook.  She begins to fumble through their contents. She searched for about five minutes before finally coming across a fully packed, old wallet. She exhales and kisses the large black leather wallet, they had been together for so long. She flops down onto the bed with ease, her feet lifting slightly off of the floor while her body bounced twice from impact on the pre-made hotel bed.      She opens her wallet and flips through its contents. There are so many different possibilities, sizes, names, and ethnicities. Who will it be this time? Who deserves a role in her evanesce life? She crosses her legs, becoming frustrated with the thought of becoming someone else all over again. This game was becoming increasingly old. What she needed was a retirement plan. One big shot to live and never have to leave again. These were her thoughts, but she knew that day would never come. That day was just a fantasy in her world.      This was her life, her life for so long. She created rules along the way from mistakes. Rule one you should never leave money in a hotel room after a job. Never get caught with more than one ID on the street; work alone, and last but not least never get too close to them, make the mark your friend but never ever catch feelings for a mark.    “Let’s see here, hum.” She pulls out three choices, folds the wallet back up, and places it safely beside her.  She spreads the three driver’s licenses in her right hand as if she was playing spades and really needed these last books to win.  She stares at the ID’s, tilting her head back and forth, slowly analyzing her next identity. Pulling the center card out and sitting the other two cards down, she continues to stare with a sneaky smirk on her face.      “Tajanae’ Winters’ it is.” She stands up and holds her hand out as if to give her ID to a greeter. “I’m Tajanae’ Winters. I am here to visit some guests.” She pauses, and moves her hair around while staring in the mirror over the desk. “I could easily be a Tajanae’. My friends could call me Taj.” Smiling, she turns her attention back to her luggage. “Now what would Taj want to wear today?”
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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Author and Nutritionist Patricia Dean-Escoto

Patricio Dean-Escoto,  Author
THE TOP TEN FOODS FOR PREVENTING 
BREAST CANCER
Author and Nutritionist Patricia Dean-Escoto features her book THE TOP TEN SUPERFOODS FOR PREVENTING BREAST CANCER. A breast-cancer survivor, Patricia believes that we should place more emphasis on preventing breast cancer, and writes about the value of nutrition. She is currently working on her next book on nutrition, exercise, and cancer recovery.
Patricia is an avid cyclist and when she’s not writing likes to put in 100 miles a week on her bike.





Q:  Your book THE TOP TEN SUPERFOODS FOR PREVENTING BREAST CANCER represents more than just a book. What inspired you to write it?  Tell us a little about your consulting business “Pathways2Healing.”
Patricio Dean-Escoto:  My intension for writing THE TOP TEN SUPERFOODS FOR PREVENING BREAST CANCER was to share not only my personal story with readers, but to also help those interested in arming themselves against a deadly disease, that despite our best efforts, continues to claim thousands of lives each year.  I strongly believe the best way to cure cancer is to prevent it.  Sadly, only a tiny fraction of the billions of dollars collected each year, by the various charities and organizations throughout America, goes to educating the public about prevention. 
Having also worked in the Healthcare industry for a number of years, I have seen firsthand what insurance companies call wellness and prevention.  It’s a system of ‘managed’ care, one that is centered on illness after its onset rather than educating the public about what they can do to prevent disease.  Mainstream medicine considers the mammogram to be a part of a person’s prevention plan, along with the cessation of smoking.  However, by the time a tumor is detected in a mammogram, it has been growing for anywhere from 2 to 5 years.   
There is so much evidence showing a direct link between nutrition and the development of cancer, but no one is talking about it.  These were my main reasons for writing the book - to help those who want to focus on prevention. 
Q: What qualifies you as an author to write this book?  
Patricio Dean-Escoto:  Besides being a breast cancer survivor, I am also a certified nutritionist.  After my own diagnosis, I decided to go back to school to study nutrition and its effects on the body. 
Q: What would you list as the most important tip regarding foods and preventing breast cancer?
Patricio Dean-Escoto:  The most important tip I can give others regarding foods and the prevention of breast cancer is to know that our body is a fine tuned machine that requires good quality nutrition in the form of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.  Like our cars require gasoline to run, our body requires foods to function properly on a cellular level.   Therefore, it is important to consume good quality food in the form of organic fruits, vegetables, and meats.  Also, I would warn against consuming high amounts of empty calories.  These include sugars, soda, and highly processed foods.  These items are devoid of any nutrition and actually get in the way of our ability to digest and assimilate the nutrients we need.
Q: What kind of research do you use to corroborate your tips?
Patricio Dean-Escoto:  My research for my tips, as well as the research in my book, is based on hundreds of peer-reviewed studies done by such organizations as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), The New England Journal of Medicine, The American Cancer Society, and nutrition experts in the field.
Q:  One of your reviewers praised you for breaking down complicated information “into such a fact-filled and reader-friendly educational tool.” How did you make complicated information easy to understand?
Patricio Dean-Escoto:  My background is in education.  I have a master’s degree in training and performance improvement and spent years as an elementary school teacher and Instructional Designer.  I believe it was that experience that made it easy for me to turn highly technical and medical topics into language the average person could understand.  
Q: Why do you think we consumers—especially women with the highest likelihood of breast cancer—lack the knowledge you are sharing?
Patricio Dean-Escoto:  I don’t believe the current focus in the medical community is on nutrition as prevention, but rather on pharmaceuticals as a treatment.  Evidence of this is that nutrition courses in medical schools are offered as an elective.  Many physicians are simply not versed enough about the topic to share it with their patients.  The power of food has been known for thousands of years.  In fact, the father of Western Medicine, Hypocrites, is credited with saying ‘Let food be thy medicine, and medicine thy food’.  However, over the past 50 years, his philosophy has taken a backseat to the pharmaceutical industry and our own need for a quick fix.   This is what is being pushed on the public.  Additionally, we are constantly being bombarded with conflicting information when it comes to nutrition.  Every time a new study comes out, it’s talked about in 20-second blurbs by the media.  The full context of it is never accurately shared.
Q: How would you respond to skeptics who doubt that diet influences cancer onset?
Patricio Dean-Escoto:  Currently, there is so much evidence showing a direct correlation between diet and the development of cancer.  Food affects us on a cellular level.  We also know that cancer happens at the cellular level.  Based on this, it’s not hard to see the role poor nutrition plays in the development of cancer and, alternatively, how proper nutrition can help prevent this disease.     
Q: What’s next? Will you be writing additional books on this topic?
Patricio Dean-Escoto:  Yes.  I’ve currently completed my certification as a Cancer Exercise Specialist and am now working on a book on nutrition, exercise and cancer recovery.
Q: What do you do for fun when you’re not writing or running your business? Movies? Music? Books? Running?
Patricio Dean-Escoto:  When I’m not writing, I like to cycle.  I’m an avid cyclist and try to put about 100 miles a week on my bike.  

About Patricia Dean-Escoto
Patricia Dean-Escoto is a certified nutrition consultant and breast cancer survivor.  Born in Montclair, New Jersey, she earned her master’s degree in Education from Capella University.  She has more than 20 years of experience working in both the field of education and healthcare.  In 2006, after being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, Patricia returned to school to study nutrition.  She is a graduate of Bauman College, where she earned her certification as a Nutrition Consultant.   Recently, she hosted a year-long radio show called Pathways to Healingon the Voice America network where she interviewed experts in the field of health and wellness.  She is a Raw Foods chef and author of 'The Top Ten Superfoods for Preventing Breast Cancer'.  Patricia is also a Certified Cancer Physical Trainer.  Her company, Pathways2healing, works exclusively with cancer patients in the area of nutrition and exercise.  She lectures both locally and nationally on the topic of nutrition and cancer prevention.   She and her husband currently reside in Delaware.
About THE TOP TEN SUPERFOODS FOR PREVENTING BREAST CANCER
The war on cancer has raged on for more than forty years.  Yet the incidence of breast cancer continues to rise with an average of 180,000 new cases reported each year.  In 2011, cancer surpassed heart disease as the number one killer of Americans.  All of this leads one to the natural conclusion that we are not winning this war.  While the medical community’s focus continues to be on treatment with the latest drug, nature has provided us with a natural way to help prevent this deadly disease.  In her new book, breast cancer survivor and nutrition consultant, Patricia Dean-Escoto reveals the top ten Super Foods for preventing breast cancer.    Written in clear, easy-to-understand language, citing numerous scientific research studies, The Top Ten Super Foods for Preventing Breast Cancer explains:
Estrogen’s role in the development of breast cancerEnvironmental contributors to breast cancerThe role nutrition plays in the prevention of breast cancerHow inflammation contributes to breast cancerThe research-backed top ten foods for preventing breast cancerHer H.E.A.L.T.H.Y.™ eating food model for cancer prevention
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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Author, Missy Michaels

Missy Michaels brings us her novel TO THE SWIFT, which she considers “a suspense novel with a few hot scenes” that was "definitely" written to entertain her readers.  Reviewers concur: “The suspense in this book is amazing and it has many surprises.” They also appreciate her characters, particularly the main character Monica. 
Missy is a well-traveled writer who loves road trips and has a resistance to flying. She collects Hot Wheels and enjoys jazz bands. TO THE SWIFT is her first novel.
Q: What inspired you to write TO THE SWIFT? Where did you get the idea?
Missy Michaels: I have enjoyed writing since elementary school when I started writing plays in my free time. I knew that I would write a novel one day. The idea for TO THE SWIFT came from family stories my grandmother told, my own experiences and from having a great imagination.
Q: Did you include any real experiences in your plot? Did your upbringing influence your story?
Missy Michaels: I did include a few real experiences and the majority of the children’s dialogue included in the book are actual quotes from my own children when they were small and cracking me up. My upbringing definitely influenced my story. The characters Jack and Adrienne are modeled after a real married couple in my family.
Q: How did you come up with the title TO THE SWIFT?
Missy Michaels: Ecclesiastes Chapter 9 in the Old Testament of the Bible.
Q: How do you help readers care about your lead characters Monica and Daniel? 
Missy Michaels: By inviting them into their kitchen, their bedroom, their daily lives and into their conversations and interactions with their children and each other.
Q: How important are setting and backstory to your novel?
Missy Michaels: I wanted a very realistic setting that readers could envision and relate to. I wanted to provide just enough backstory to make their actions make sense to the reader.
Q: Do you consider TO THE SWIFT primarily a romance or a suspense novel?
Missy Michaels: I consider it more of a suspense novel with a few hot scenes.
Q: Did you write TO THE SWIFT primarily to entertain? Educate? Influence? Deliver a message?
Missy Michaels: I definitely wrote it to entertain the reader.
Q: Are heroes and villains part of  TO THE SWIFT? What are characteristics of a memorable hero and villain?  
Missy Michaels: I think Felix is a villain who is not completely bad but reacting to his circumstances in an unusual way. I think memorable heroes and villains have strong personalities or interesting or unusual quirks that make them stand out.
Q: In your opinion, what are the most important elements of a compelling story?
Missy Michaels: Believability and a character to care about, wonder about or be intrigued about.
Q: Tell us something about yourself. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Do you have any special hobbies? What are some of your favorites—author, book, movie?
Missy Michaels: I really enjoy eating out and going out to listen to live music and I’ve always enjoyed taking road trips. One of my hobbies is collecting Hot Wheels. I read so many different authors that it’s hard to pick just one. One of my favorite books is Outtakes from a Marriage by Ann Leary. That is a very enjoyable book. Ann Leary is very funny.
About Missy Michaels
Missy Michaels was born in Fort Hood, TX and raised in Springfield, MO. She has also lived in Indianapolis, IN; Breaux Bridge, LA and Memphis, TN and she currently resides in Dallas, TX. Missy loves road trips, emphasis on road, as she has a lifelong fear of flying. She is in the process of planning her very first plane trip but the details are very intricate so it could take a while.  She also loves eating out, jazz bands, and collecting Hot Wheels. Her favorite movie is Lion King.
TO THE SWIFT is her first novel so at this moment it is her absolute favorite novel ever. Her love affair with words started at the age of five. She was inspired by a 4 year old neighbor who already knew how to read and she didn't know yet. She learned how to read and started reading everything in sight. Books, cereal box panels while she ate breakfast, the ingredients list on lotion bottles and everywhere else she saw words. She's observant and has a wonderful imagination and is starting work on her second novel!

About TO THESWIFT

Monica Jerome grew up wealthy, pampered and carefree in Lafayette, Louisiana. Daniel LeBlanc grew up poor in the nearby town of Breaux Bridge. Daniel meets, pursues and marries Monica after only a four month romance. After nearly ten years of marriage and the birth of their daughter and two sons they decide to leave the bayou country of Louisiana to move to Memphis, TN.
After settling into a front office position with a luxury hotel in her new city Monica finds herself being preyed upon by an obsessive stalker. Unbeknownst to her, it is someone she trusts and considers not only her co-worker but a new friend. A spur of the moment decision to save a marriage has totally unexpected repercussions. What happens when a friend quietly and persistently unleashes his own agenda to make devastating changes to the outcome the couple desperately seeks?
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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Fantasy Author Andi O’Connor

Andi O'Connor, Author
THE LOST HEIR
Fantasy author Andi O’Connor offers readers a new world, Dragonath, which she created in her first novel in the Dragonath Chronicles series – THE LOST HEIR. One reviewer says, “The Lost Heir is a uniquely engaging story that drives the reader through the story at a steady pace, but still takes the time to slow down and allow for the characters to internalize and develop.”
Andi writes to entertain her readers and to attract those who otherwise might not read. She also strives to deliver a message regarding the empowerment of women. Andi is a member of several writing organizations, is working on the second novel for the Dragonath Chronicle seires, and has completed a novel for her second fantasy series. She is also a ballet dancer.
Q: Why did you choose to write fantasy—the Dragonath Chronicles—with THE LOST HEIR as the first book?
Andi O’Connor: Fantasy is one of my favorite genres to read, so when I decided to write it just seemed natural. I cannot give an actual reason for why I chose to write THE LOST HEIRother than the idea intrigued me.  I enjoyed writing short stories as a child, and I thought tackling a novel would be something fun to do. I never really expected that writing would turn into my career.
Q: One of the reviewers of THE LOST HEIR says, “The characters within The Lost Heir are readily relatable and can be empathized with easily.” How do you make your characters engaging to your readers?
Andi O’Connor: This is a great question, and one to which I don’t really know how to answer. I would imagine that my writing process is quite unconventional. I don’t plan, outline, or make any form of character sheets. When I begin a novel, I have enough of an idea to get the words to flow, and I just start writing. The plot and characters develop as I go along, and I really have no idea what will happen in the next paragraph, let alone at the end of the book.
So, to answer your question, there isn’t any form of ‘scientific’ way I go about creating my characters. Just like in real life, their personalities grow and develop as the novel progresses, based on the situation they experience. There are times when I try to put myself in their shoes and think of how I would react, but most of the time I let them tell me.
Q: Can you explain the significance of your cover? What are the hands holding?
Andi O’Connor: It is called a kraylock and is what allows people to wield méno (magic). I don’t want to give too much away, so you’ll have to check out THE LOST HEIR ;-)
Q: Why do you like elves? Why do you wish they were real?
Andi O’Connor: Another difficult question! I suppose it is because elves are quite similar to humans, yet generally don’t have the faults typical of the human race. They have an aloofness and air of superiority that I find admirable and intriguing. They possess an unwavering sense of dedication and loyalty to their purpose and their people and act with dignity and respect. There are of course exceptions to the rule. Not all elves in the fantasy world fit into this description, but these are the elves I am totally enamored with. In a way, I find them to be a depiction of what humans were supposed to be.
Q: How do you make your fantasy world credible? Is credibility important in the world of fantasy?
Andi O’Connor: There are many things that are different about the world of Dragonath, but there are also many aspects that are the same, or similar enough to be relatable to the reader, which I think is extremely important. When creating a fantasy world, it will be credible as long as it ‘works’. By that, I mean that whatever makes up the world is explained and consistent, and that the characters react properly to the characteristics and cultural societies of that world.

To me, credibility is what makes the fantasy genre so alluring. Fictional worlds that are believable, with characters that are relatable, draw us into the world. We can immerse ourselves in the story and are able to convince a tiny part of our minds that the world could be real. That maybe, just maybe, it exists. And I think that is the true magic of fantasy.
Q:  Do you write largely for entertainment, or do you also try to deliver a message? To educate or inform?
Andi O’Connor: I have never believed that books were or should be mutually exclusive when it comes to entertainment and education. Everything I write has a message or something for the readers to consider and learn from. I am a big proponent of female equality and the empowerment of women, and much of my writing deals with that specific issue.
Dragonath is a society in which women are equal to men. They are not viewed as property, and it is tradition to keep their surname in marriage and pass it on to their daughter(s). They are not restricted to stereotypical female jobs, and can do anything they want as long as they display the appropriate qualifications. As an example, Andillrian is the first woman chosen for the palace guard. She is an exceptionally gifted warrior who earns her rank and standing because of her abilities, not because of her sex.
Of course, people are people. Not everyone shares the same opinion of female equality. In THE LOST HEIR, there is such a conflict that develops between Mionee and Garenth, and I use Mionee’s experiences to hopefully help women realize that such treatment is not right and that they do not have to sit quietly and accept it.
Q:  Do you include villains and heroes in THE LOST HEIR? What are the characteristics of each?
Andi O’Connor: Yes, both villains and heroes are included in THE LOST HEIR. Again, I don’t want to give away too much, but the characteristics are broad and are meant to show that both heroes and villains come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes the smallest and humblest of deeds can make all the difference in another’s life. Nothing should be downplayed because it may seem insignificant. Just because someone starts as one, doesn’t mean they can’t become the other.
Q: Who are your targeted readers? Is your novel largely for youth? Adults?
Andi O’Connor:  THE LOST HEIR was originally intended for adults, but I have had a great deal of interest from young adults. I would say it is mostly suitable for ages 15-plus.
Q:  What’s next?
Andi O’Connor: I am currently working on Awakening, which is the next book in The Dragonath Chronicles, and plan to self-publish that by 2015.  My second fantasy series is under works, and I have finished the first book titled Silevethiel. I hope to get that traditionally published, but we’ll see!
Q:  Tell us something about Andi O’Connor. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Favorite movie? Favorite author? 
Andi O’Connor: I’m a ballet dancer and go to class as many times a week as my schedule allows. I also play Lord of the Rings Online and read.
About Andi O’Connor
THE LOST HEIR is Andi O'Connor's debut novel.  She is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, the National Writers Association, The Association of Writers & Writing Programs, and the Boston Chapter of the Women's National Book Association. In her writing, Andi aims to bring the gift of reading to those who might have otherwise turned it aside, and she hopes her readers will embark on the most inspiring and exciting journey imaginable.

About THE LOST HEIR

Always a meticulous planner, Darrak Hunter leads a dull life until his dreams become plagued with visions of a peculiar and distant world.  Waking up to a brilliant purple sun looming ominously in the sky, Darrak is met by a mysterious violet-eyed sorcerer who whisks him away from the struggling Earth.
Thrown into the clutches of a foreign world where magic is reality and not all is as it seems, Darrak embarks on a journey where he is forced to come to terms with his past and do what he can to shape the future.  Accompanied by a talented swordswoman, a prince, and a beautiful young sorceress, he must overcome cunning plots of treachery and betrayal to discover the strength to stand against a destructive black magic and an enemy who is a master at deception.LinksPurchase LinksBarnes and Noble Books a MillionAmazon 
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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: YA Author, Andrea Buginsky

Andrea Buginsky, author
THE CHOSEN
YA Author Andrea Buginsky brings us THE CHOSEN,  “a great YA fantasy” according to reviewers. Andrea writes to inspire young readers to “imagine and create.” She produces a fantasy world with a heroine who doesn’t “feel like a heroine.”
When not writing her novels, Andrea is a free lance writer. She grew up with heart disease, which she describes in her book My Open Heart. She considers herself a “kid at heart,” and loves to fantasize. Family is important to her.
Be sure to explore the excerpt of THE CHOSEN at the end of her interview.



Q: If you could describe the purpose of THE CHOSEN to its readers what would you say to them?
Andrea Buginsky: I wanted to create a heroine that didn’t feel like a heroine. Halli had a lot to learn about herself and the world around her. She had to overcome her shyness, and learn to believe in herself. I wrote Halli this way because I thought my readers would identify with her.
Q: Why do you write for young readers?
Andrea Buginsky: I loved reading when I was young. Books gave me a chance to escape my world and enter thousands of others. They inspired me to use my imagination and create. I wanted my books to do the same for today’s young readers, to teach them to reach for the stars, and make their dreams come true.
Q: In the fantasy world of THE CHOSEN, what pulls in your readers? Do they care about your characters? Or is the primary reason for their interest suspense?
Andrea Buginsky: I’d like to think that it’s the characters that pull my readers in. Halli is the spotlight character, but she is surrounded by five other main characters who have their own individual character traits. I created these characters differently so my readers could find one they could relate to.
Q: What makes your readers care about your characters?
Andrea Buginsky: They’re real. They have issues, feelings and flaws. They can make you laugh or cry. You can get a real feel for who they are, and imagine them becoming your friends.
Q: How important is believability? What do you do to make the world of THE CHOSEN credible?
Andrea Buginsky: Since I write fantasy, I’m not overly concerned with believability, at least not on the surface. I do want my characters to fit their world and their role. I think I made THE CHOSEN’s world real by creating a variety of places these characters come from that are unique from one another, just like our world.
Q: Do your characters push you around and make you write what they want? Or are you in control?
Andrea Buginsky: I feel mostly in control, but sometimes they’ll reach out and tell me what they want to do. I honestly wish they would do that more often. It makes the writing more interesting, and the story, too, I believe.
Q: What are the characteristics of a hero? A villain? Are they relevant to THE CHOSEN?
Andrea Buginsky: I believe a true hero is someone who can overcome obstacles to help someone else in need. They’re not looking to be a hero. Villains, on the other hand, are all about showing off. They’ll do anything to get attention, even if it’s negative attention. Heroes and villains are both absolutely relevant to THE CHOSEN.
Q: Why are you a writer?
Andrea Buginsky: Because I love to create my own worlds, characters and stories, and I wanted to share them with readers.
Q: What else have you written besides THE CHOSEN?  What’s next?
Andrea Buginsky: (1) Nature’s Unbalance, which is the second book in THE CHOSEN series. (2) My Open Heart, an autobiography of growing up with heart disease. (3) The third book in THE CHOSEN series, which has not been published. I’m currently working on a new YA fantasy series
Q:  Tell us something about Andrea Buginsky? What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Andrea Buginsky: I’m a kid at heart. I love to fantasize. I watch a lot of TV and movies, read, and daydream. I’m very big on family, and like to spend time together. Now that I’m in Kansas, that time together is more over the phone than in person, but staying connected to my family is very important to me.
About Andrea Buginsky
Andrea Buginsky is a freelance writer and author. THE CHOSEN was her first book, and was followed by “My Open Heart,” an autobiography about growing up with heart disease. “Nature’s Unbalance” is the second story in THE CHOSEN series. Andrea plans to write more in the series. She’s already done with the first draft of book 3 and has a concept for book 4. You can find Andrea on her website, Andi’s Realm. Her books are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Remember to sign up for Andrea’s  newsletter to stay up-to-date on all of her exciting events.
About THE CHOSEN

Halli is a shy, young dwarf who has no idea of her true calling. When the evil Prince Gastle sets out to destroy the world of Phantasma, Queen Laurali of the Elves comes to tell Halli she's a Holy Paladin with the power to heal, and will join The Chosen, a group of brave warriors being sent to defeat the evil beast and save Phantasma. Will Halli be accepted by her group, and be able to keep them alive through their adventures? Will the evil Prince Gastle be defeated, freeing Phantasma from his destruction? Only time will tell.
Excerpt
Queen Laurali and Halli set off on their ride from Drumple to the Castle of the Elves.  Along the way, the Queen told Halli about the journey she was about to take.            “You’re going to meet a special group of people.  They are called The Chosen.  Striker is the leader of the group.  He and his family are elves too.  He and his wife, Kaidyla, are hunters.  Their daughter, Lumina, is a druid.  She has magical powers that can help during battles, and she can also heal.  Their good friends, Silvorhawk and Redsham, are Goliaths.  Silvor is a mage, with the power to control both fire and ice.  Red is a shaman.  They grew up with Striker.  He and Silvor were raised together like brothers.”            Halli silently took in all of this information about the group she was soon to join.  Her eyes grew big when the Queen mentioned Red and Silvor were Goliaths.  She had heard her whole life about the gentle giants who lived in Phantasma, but had never met one.  She knew they weren’t as big as the Great Giants of Phantasma, like Prince Gastle, but that they were still very large in size in comparison to other creatures in the land, especially dwarfs.            “They sound like a good mix.  But you said that Lumina was the only healer, and only a partial one?  That means that I’ll be responsible for keeping this group alive.  I don’t know if I’m ready for that.  I don’t even know how to use my powers yet...”  Halli trailed off quietly, nervous about what Queen Laurali told her about The Chosen.            The Queen smiled.  “Don’t worry, Halli.  I have a lot of confidence in you, and I know that you can handle this.  Remember, I’ve known you since the day you were born, and I saw something in you that day that told me you are the best healer for this quest.  You just have to trust yourself.”            They rode silently for a while, and stopped under a large oak tree for lunch.  It was here that Halli finally had the courage to ask Queen Laurali something that had been burning in her mind since she told her who she was, and that it was time to fulfill her destiny.            “Queen Laurali, what exactly is this mission you’re sending The Chosen, and me, on?”            The Queen smiled gently.  She knew she needed to choose her words carefully so she wouldn’t terrify the young dwarf.  “Halli, Prince Gastle must be stopped.  The only way I know how to stop him is to send my best warriors after him.  The Chosen is the best group of warriors I know, and I have faith that they’ll be able to conquer him.  But they need a strong healer to help them, and I know in my heart that that’s you.”
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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Legal Suspense Author A. Wayne Gill

A. Wayne Gill, Author
THE RUNNER
Lawyer A. Wayne Gill has authored THE RUNNER, a Christian legal thriller with “a good, intense storyline” according to reviewers. The first of a series, THE RUNNER features Michael Knight, a lawyer trying to figure out his life.
Head of his own successful law firm, Wayne has experienced the life of an attorney, but he claims his lead character is different from him.  In addition to writing and practicing law, Wayne has received numerous business and humanitarian awards. He is involved in many enterprises and when he has spare time, he prefers spending it with his family or reading.




Q:  What inspired you to write THE RUNNER? Given that you have a successful law practice, why start to write? Who or what influenced you to write?
Wayne Gill: I have always loved to write. My first experience with writing was when I was 6 years old. I entered a poetry contest at my elementary school and ended up winning first place. I wrote the poem on Martin Luther King. He has always been an influence on me not just in writing but also in my overall life.
Q:  THE RUNNER has been described as “A legal thriller filled with excitement and mystery” and also as a novel that “will interest those wishing to intersect the Christian faith with law.” Was it your intent to write a thriller or deliver a message about Christianity?
Wayne Gill:  My intent was for it to be a combination of both. Initially, the concept was to speak about people running away from God. Then when I sat down to outline the book, I wanted to keep the readers enthralled so I went in the route of suspense.
Q: How much of you, the lawyer, is incorporated in Michael Knight?
Wayne Gill:  There certainly are similarities between Michael and myself. However, Michael is a fictional character and his experiences beginning law school are different than mine.
Q: How did you make your characters engaging, especially Michael Knight? Why do readers care about him?
Wayne Gill: I strived to make the characters relate to everyone in some degree. In Michael’s case, I think readers understand where he is coming from and have been through a similar experience that he has.
Q: What makes a good villain? Can you say who is the villain in THE RUNNER?
Wayne Gill:  Villains have to be multi-dimensional. The reader needs to find them relatable and surprising or your story is going to be dull. You know I want the readers to develop their own ideas on the villain.
Q: “THE RUNNER delivers suspense, thrills, romance, mystery and excitement.” How do you create suspense, thrills and excitement?
 Wayne Gill: I think the key to creating these elements is by producing these multidimensional characters. Without a strong character, your story just can’t go anywhere.
Q:  Who are your targeted readers and what are they looking for in your books?
 Wayne Gill: As a spiritual work of fiction, the Christian community is certainly a “targeted” audience but with that said the messages of THE RUNNER are for everyone. I think that many young adults will find this book extremely relatable to their everyday lives.
Q:  If your book became a movie, who do you envision playing Michael Knight?
Wayne Gill:  I would say Tom Welling. He was the actor on the TV show Smallville. That is the physical appearance I had imagined when creating Michael. He would be an overall good fit for Michael and his small town appeal.
Q:  What’s next?
Wayne Gill: Well the tales of Michael Knight have just begun. I am right now in the middle of writing the second book in the Michael Knight series. Michael is in for quite the journey!
Q:  What do you like to do when you’re not practicing law or writing? (although it’s hard to believe that you have time for much else!)
Wayne Gill: Haha!  Yes, I tend to always have a full schedule. In my spare time, I love to read and also spend time with my family.
About Wayne Gill
When he isn’t crafting legal dramas, Wayne Gill serves as CEO and Managing Partner of Gill Law Firm, a law firm with offices in Florida and Georgia that serves some of the top companies in the world, including AT&T, Hilton Hotels Corporation, SunTrust Bank, and JM Family Enterprises.A husband and father, Wayne is the recipient of numerous civil, professional and humanitarian awards, including Northwood University’s Arthur E. Turner Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Betterment of Mankind. He is also the co-founder of the Oasis Compassion Agency, a ministry to the disadvantaged in the community. THE RUNNERis the first book in the Michael Knight series.Wayne has been recognized among the 50 Most Powerful Black Professionals in South Florida and the Who’s Who in Black South Florida. He’s received Macy’s Crystal Award for Outstanding Minority Business Advocacy, and he’s received several honors from NMSDC affiliates and the local Bar Associations. In 2002, he received Northwood University’s Arthur E. Turner Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Betterment of Mankind. He is a board member of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County and Secretary of the Board for The Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council.About THE RUNNER
Welcome to THE RUNNER. 

THE RUNNER is the first book in a seven-part series that follows the life of Michael Knight, a young man who is conflicted about his future and who embarks on a long journey of self-discovery. In that sense, Michael is like many of us. I don’t think anyone ever just “arrives.” We all have to go through things in life in order to learn and grow.
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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Authors Lynne and Valerie Constantine

Lynne and Valerie Constantine, Co-Authors
CIRCLE DANCELynne and Valerie Constantine shared the experience of growing up together in the U.S. as second-generation sisters in a Greek family. They drew on this experience to write CIRCLE DANCE, a novel reviewed as a “real page turner” “with lots of twists and turns” and “all about real people:” two second-generation Greek sisters and their adult life experiences. Reviewers are quick to add that, “This story will resonate with Greeks and non-Greeks alike.”
Although the two sisters enjoyed collaborating on CIRCLE DANCE, they are currently working on individual projects. Lynne has finished the first draft of her next book, a thriller, and is going through the editing process. Valerie is working on a contemporary novel.  
Don’t miss the excerpt from CIRCLE DANCE at the end of the interview.   
Q: What inspired you to write CIRCLE DANCE?            Lynne and Valerie Constantine: The realization that our experience growing up as second generation Greeks was one that our own children would not share was the inspiration for CIRCLE DANCE. We had talked a long time about collaborating on something together and the more we talked, the more we liked the idea of telling a story about family from our experience growing up in a close knit and very large Greek American family. We thought this would be a wonderful legacy for our children (and eventual grandchildren) – a look into an old country/new world drama that they would never experience as third and fourth generation Americans.
Q: You write about a Greek-American family. How universal is your story? Could it be a story about any family?
Lynne and Valerie Constantine: There is a two-fold answer to this question. First, the Parsenis family happen to be Greek but they could be any close family. The struggles they face are universal – realizing and nurturing one’s own identity; generational differences; growing into independence and confidence; divorce to name a few. So on that level, the story is about our humanness.
Secondly, there is the added element of their ethnicity and heritage. However, we all have cultural roots somewhere outside of America, it’s just that in CIRCLE DANCE those roots are recent. Second and third generation Americans may find the story more immediate, but certainly the story is universal.
Q: What is it like writing together as sisters? Do you typically agree on plot points? Does one of you excel at character development and the other at setting and plot? How do you decide when you disagree?
Lynne and Valerie Constantine: There are pros and cons to collaboration, but we both agree that the pros far outweighed the cons, especially for a first novel. Writing is a solitary experience and can be a rather scary one as well. It was great to have someone to bounce ideas off, to talk about characters and even to banter with the dialogue. There was also the added advantage of being accountable to one another in our commitment to write so many pages a day. It ratcheted up the self-discipline factor.
The disadvantage to writing with a co-author is that, by necessity, the book starts off as very plot driven vs. character driven.  We created the plot together over a series of many meetings and then assigned chapters to each other on a weekly basis. With this method, it is more difficult to allow the characters to evolve as organically because of previously agreed upon plot lines. This was one of the major driving factors in our decision to revise and rewrite parts of the book last summer and re-launch it in the fall. We both felt we knew the characters well enough to go back and change things based on how they would actually act vs. what we had originally plotted.
We each have our strengths and weaknesses, but they seem to complement each other in a way that works. There were some disagreements and sometimes it was difficult to give or to hear criticism, but we were both determined to put feelings aside in order to produce the best work that we could.  When there was a disagreement, whoever felt most passionately about it typically got her way.
Q: Your reviewers praise your “character development”… “The Constantine sisters have created characters you become invested in; they’re real and identifiable.” How do you create engaging characters?
Lynne and Valerie Constantine: We spent a lot of time talking about the characters as we created them. We developed character sketches that in addition to physical traits, included things like: pet peeves, favorite book, unconscious motivations, regrets, dreams, and hopes. Much of what we came up with we knew would never make it into the book but would form a basis for writing the characters as real people. When we edited the book we would always ask, “Is this something he or she would say, or do?” If it didn’t ring true then we would modify it.
Q: How would you define “hero” and “villain?” Does CIRCLE DANCE incorporate heroes and villains?
Lynne and Valerie Constantine: I would define a hero as one with integrity and bravery – bravery in facing self and others honestly, integrity in the way they lead their lives. A villain is the direct opposite – one whose own desires and well being come before others, even if that means bringing harm to or the downfall of another.
There are both in CIRCLE DANCE, although I would argue that there is no perfect hero and no perfect villain, either in literature or in real life.  The closest character to a true villain is Stewart. He is a tragic figure in that his inability to overcome his upbringing blinds him to the blessings in his life and prevents him from enjoying the love and acceptance finally available to him.  Peter is another character who has villainous qualities that are disguised by his charisma and charm and do not emerge until the end of the book.
The character closest to a pure hero in the story is Sophia, the wise YiaYia (grandmother) whose life is an example to her granddaughters of virtue, forbearance and forgiveness.
Q: Your reviewers like that “The story pulls you in almost immediately, and doesn't let up until the last page.” How do you build this suspense?
Lynne and Valerie Constantine: Editing, editing, editing. Seriously though, having other people you trust read the drafts and make their comments, having a good editor, and then putting the book down for awhile and picking up again for more editing – these are all the things that help improve the pacing and storyline.
Aside from the two main storylines of the sisters, there is a sub-plot regarding the family business that adds quite a bit of intrigue. This story line is interwoven with the other two and adds to the tension of the book.
Q: How helpful was your personal background to creating your story?
Lynne and Valerie Constantine: It was an important ingredient, perhaps the most important. The fact that it was a background we shared was important as well. We talked about so many stories we had heard growing up, so many shared experiences. They were the heartbeat of the story.
Q: Do you write largely for entertainment, or do you also try to deliver a message? To educate or inform?
Lynne and Valerie Constantine: I think both. Certainly we wanted the book to be entertaining, but we also hoped to send a clear message about what it means to be a family – the traditions, the expectations, the disappointments – and how central these lessons of family are to the people we ultimately become. We also wanted to dispel some stereotypes about Greek families and portray the segment of Greeks that have fully assimilated yet still hold firm to their traditions and customs.
Q: Why are you a writer? What’s next? Will you be writing another book together?
Lynne Constantine:  Being a writer provides me an entrée to a variety of different worlds and allows me to live vicariously through my characters.  I tend to become bored when I finish a project – for me it’s all about inspiration and creation. As a writer, I am limited only by my imagination. I find it gratifying to breathe life into a story and watch what unfolds. I feel extremely grateful to have found a profession that ignites my passion and allows me to follow my heart.
I’m currently working on a thriller. The first draft is complete and I will be spending the next several months editing and refining my research.
Valerie Constantine:  I am a great people watcher. I remember sitting in a classroom, or large gathering or on a bus and wondering what someone’s life might be like – what their house looked like, what kind of family they came from, the job they had. It’s like going on an adventure into a place you’ve never been or seen, something so very different from your own life. That is the world I can disappear into when I write – I can imagine other lives and other places. I love this make believe world and my characters become people I mentally and intimately live with as I write. Someone once told me it’s a great profession for someone who likes to tell lies. I’m working on a contemporary novel right now.
As much as we enjoyed writing together, at this point we are working on different projects but wouldn’t rule out the possibility of a sequel or prequel to CIRCLE DANCE.
Q: Tell us something about yourselves. We know that you are sisters. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Valerie Constantine: I love spending time with my kids who are now grown and living all over the U.S. I’m involved in community philanthropic organizations and also volunteer in work to end human trafficking. We live in Annapolis, a beautiful town on the Chesapeake Bay where we enjoy nature and bird watching. And I love reading – fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, magazines – if it’s printed, I’ll read it.
Lynne Constantine: I love to read and spend time outdoors. We live near the beach and my favorite activity is to take the kids, a good book, and our beach gear and spend the day relaxing while inhaling the salt air. I like to spend time at the gym or walking.  I also enjoy photography and putting together video slide shows and digital photo albums. I’m involved in my church and local community.
We try to get together as often as possible and usually Skype or talk every day. When we can steal away for a weekend, our faces are sore from laughing so much by the end of it. We understand each other in a way that no one else does. We are looking forward to attending Thrillerfest together this July in New York.
About Lynne Constantine
Lynne wrote her first book, CIRCLE DANCE, with her sister Valerie. CIRCLE DANCE was a legacy of love fueled by the desire to pass on to their children the traditions and experiences unique to them as second generation Greek Americans. Lynne was raised in a close-knit family surrounded by an extended family and “adopted” family through the Greek community.
Lynne attended Hellenic College where she earned her undergraduate degree in Human Development. She went on to earn her masters degree in Business Administration at Johns Hopkins University.
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Lynne relocated to the New York area with her husband and children. She enjoys traveling, spending time on the beach and taking walks with her family and their adorable golden retriever. 
Lynne is currently at work on her next book, a thriller.
About Valerie Constantine
Valerie Constantine was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She has always loved books and spent many nights reading by the light of her bedside lamp until 3 a.m. (Those were the days when she was able to stay up that late.) She graduated from Nancy Drew to Shakespeare and went on to study at the University of Maryland where she received a degree in English Literature. She is an active community volunteer working with Free the Slaves in Washington, D.C. – an organization that fights human trafficking – and also with Caritas Society of St. John’s College Annapolis, which raises funds for student financial aid. In her spare time she reads, kayaks and travels. She spends part of the year in England and lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and Zorba, their brilliant King Charles Cavalier.
About CIRCLE DANCE
Young, smart and beautiful with everything figured out – or so they thought. Born into a prosperous Greek American family, sisters Nicole and Theodora have achieved the perfect balance between the old world rich in Greek tradition and the freedom of life in America. Headstrong and independent, Nicole plunges into life head-first, too often ignoring the risks. Her talent and astute business acumen make her the perfect heir to her father's empire, but his old-world attitudes prevent him from giving the top spot to a woman. Nicole's world spins out of control when she falls for a married senator who shares her heritage and her dreams. While struggling to navigate previously uncharted moral waters, she uncovers treachery and corruption that will break both her sister's and her father's heart. The decisions she makes will affect the happiness of those closest to her and will define the woman she is to become.

The young and conventional Theodora weds and quickly learns that marriage is not the paradise she envisioned. She must soon confront the growing suspicion that her husband is not the man he seems. Forced to endure the constant disdain and disapproval of her patrician mother-in-law, she resigns herself to the fact that she will always be considered an outsider. As she struggles to succeed at her marriage, she seeks the wisdom and council of her beloved Greek grandmother who has been happily married for over half a century. Ultimately she must come to terms with the reality of her own life and take responsibility for the role she has played in deceiving herself.
 As the dramatic plot unfolds, the two young women must confront deceit and betrayal and their own shortcomings – while they struggle to preserve the values they cherish. Set in Baltimore, Annapolis and the tiny island of Ikaria, Greece, Circle Dance provides a view into the lives of a dynamic family that has successfully achieved the American dream without abandoning the customs and traditions handed down through their Greek heritage. Artfully intertwined plots bring generations together in a dance of rejoicing and mourning, loss and healing that will keep readers enthralled until the last page.
Excerpt
CHAPTER 5
            Theodora wouldn’t be wearing that rapturous smile if she knew what her fiancée had done last night, thought the woman in the third row. She almost felt sorry for her. Almost. It could have been her up there—would have been—until she’d discovered that Stewart’s abundance of charm and good looks was in perfect proportion to his lack of character and moral fiber. Not that she really cared all that much for morality. She did, however, care about being made a fool. Stewart was enjoyable, like an expensive meal, as long as you knew what you were buying. She’d made the right choice when she’d left him and married his best friend. Her husband’s devotion was unwavering and she squeezed the hand holding hers gratefully. How sweet of Caroline to invite them and how generous to insist they stay with her and Graham. It had been reminiscent of old times. The second to last step leading to their old hiding place still squeaked. Of course, with everyone else sound asleep, they were the only ones who heard it.
            Nicole’s gaze swept across the church, filled to overflowing and bathed in white roses and baby's breath.  Sun poured through the tall stained glass windows, intensifying the grandeur of the gold candelabra and icons.  She glanced down at the white crowns waiting to be placed on the heads of the bride and groom, and was struck again by the ritual of the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony.  There was no mistaking the joy on Theodora’s face, and Nicole thought that maybe she had misjudged the situation.  Theodora was always the more levelheaded of the two.  Perhaps she was feeling more left out than she thought.  She was standing up here as her sister’s maid of honor and she would choose to be happy for Theodora and embrace her new brother-in-law. She caught Theo’s eye and they smiled warmly at each other. 
            The priest nodded at Paul, signifying that it was time for the rings, and taking them, made the sign of the cross on the foreheads of Stewart and Theodora.  This was performed three times.  He then handed the rings to Paul, who stood before the couple and placed the gold rings on their fingers.  While the priest chanted a prayer, the rings were interchanged three times.  The crowns were then placed on their heads and also interchanged three times, all in the name of the Holy Trinity.
            Sophia dabbed at her eyes with a corner of the white handkerchief she held in her hand.  She looked away from her granddaughter and remembered her own wedding sixty years ago.  The small village church had been packed with all those who lived on the island.  Her mother spent months working on the handmade dress Sophia had worn.  She was just a child, she thought, with no idea of the magnitude of the vows she was taking.  It seemed as though only a moment in time had elapsed and yet she sat here where her children had been baptized and married.
Links
Lynne Constantine: Website Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LynneConstantinFacebook GooglePlusGoodreads 
Valerie Constantine: Website  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/vconstantine2Facebook GooglePlus 
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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: "Tips for Those Who Are Celiacs or Gluten Intolerant" by Lorna Foreman

Lorna Forman, Author
WHEAT WATCHERS
In the following article, Lorna Foreman offers tips for those who are gluten intolerant or celiacs.  Her book WHEAT WATCHERS: A RECIPE BOOK FOR GLUTEN INTOLERANT APPETITES originated when she learned she was, at best, gluten intolerant.  

Lorna has been a journalist for ten years, writing on the arts, and also writing and producing a local community TV show. For more information on her and WHEAT WATCHERS, check out the information following her article. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to enter a giveaway at the end of this post.

            Tips for Those Who are Celiacs or Gluten Intolerant                                                By                                      Lorna Foreman 
Of course it would be much simpler if onechose going gluten free, but there are many who have been informed that they are either Gluten Intolerant or Celiac. Being diagnosed as having Celiac disease doesn’t give one a choice and that can be daunting.
            It was back in 1996 that I started noticing symptoms that my doctor thought could be related to Celiac Disease. There was not a lot of information around at the time. I refused to have the biopsy to determine if I were a Celiac but decided to go gluten free and see what happened. The symptoms went away. Years later (I had first started this adventure in 1996) I had a blood test which showed me as being just intolerant. Just - well it still means no gluten as far as I am concerned.            The first tip I can offer? I ruthlessly went through all my cupboards and got rid of all products that contained any trace of wheat. Since 1996 it has become easier as now more products like vitamin supplements are not using wheat but back then I had to get rid of sauces, some vitamins, soups and many more items. Once I got a couple of cardboard boxes filled with the offending products I gave them to my friends. What to do next?            Tip #2 - Off I went to a nutritionist...well two actually. If you can, that is a really important tip as we still need to find other sources of the nutrients we are giving up in not eating wheat and other products containing gluten.             The first one really didn’t do much as she just eliminated the offending products from our Canada Food Guide. I was not told what to replace them with. The second nutritionist was wonderful. I lucked out because she had just finished a holistic nutrition course and was really eager to use me as an experiment in a way. Actually I then took a correspondence course myself in holistic nutrition. I wanted to be able to control my diet as I went along.            Tip #3 - Refuse to feel that you are deprived. It is a matter of attitude. I decided that if this were the way it was, then I would treat it as a great adventure. That is how I put together my cookbook WHEAT WATCHERS. And it certainly was an adventure.
Tip #4 - If you have a family it is a little more difficult (or fun depending on your attitude). At first I used to apologize to the friends I had over for meals..... “sorry, this is gluten free pasta," or whatever else I was serving. Then it struck me that everything I was making was not meant to be exactly what I had been used to, so decided that I would just treat it as giving them something new or at least variations on tried and true meals. It worked. My husband had been the cook in our family (we had no children) and he did have to learn new ways of doing what he loved cooking. In fact he gave up when he discovered he was diabetic and so I ended up learning to cook not only for gluten intolerant me, but a diabetic. What a lesson and that was where the nutrition course helped. Just don’t tell anyone. Just say you are trying something different. Nobody knew the spaghetti was brown rice and gluten free...nobody knew my dishes were mostly made from scratch which is the best way to void hidden gluten and except for bread, it was just all good food.
Tip #5 - This may seem pretty obvious but DON”T CHEAT. Celiacs don’t have the choice but when you cheat once, it is soooo easy to do it again.
            Tip #6 - Enjoy the adventure. Look at the fact that your body is smart and 
eliminating the offending gluten has numerous health benefits.
About Lorna ForemanWriter and artist, Lorna Foreman, has been a journalist for over ten years, writing on the arts.  As well, she is a regular contributor to Fifty-Five Plus magazine, having written her column, The Rest is Best since 1998.  Lorna wrote, produced and hosted 30 half hour programs entitled Welcome to My Studio for the local community television channel.  She is also a contributor to the online newspaper, Cornwall Free News and is currently working on two children’s books.

WHEAT WATCHERS is primarily for Celiacs and Gluten Intolerant people and it is her first cookbook. She has also written When Life Becomes Real, a compilation of 11 years of her columns. Lorna lives in Cornwall, Ontario with her two cats who are not gluten intolerant but like watching her cook just in case she has something for them. She works with a business partner giving workshops that deal with making changes in your life, something people resist and need to understand how to make into an adventure.About WHEAT WATCHERS
by Lorna ForemanOn the practical side, WHEAT WATCHERS came about when I was told I was possibly a Celiac-or at best-gluten intolerant. That was in 1996 and it was a shock. I did wonder if I would ever enjoy eating again. Besides the problem with wheat, I am mildly lactose intolerant which presented a double whammy. Little did I know what an adventure I was undertaking-and adventure it was-and still is.In 1996 trying to stay away from gluten, especially in a small city, was a real challenge. But I am always open to new directions and I set off to assemble a new library of cookbooks. I was dismayed at the dearth of cookbooks dealing with gluten free diets so the obvious thing was to write my own. That is how this cookbook was born. 

I spent most of a year translating ordinary recipes into “Lorna Approved” ones. I also invented some of my own. They are a result of much trial and error since it is not always possible to just exchange gluten free flour for wheat flour. Textures had to be taken into consideration as well as what keeps batters together.My late husband was the cook in our family as I professed to ‘hate cooking.' He helped considerably with some of the dishes, but the baking was strictly my responsibility. After all it is the desserts that give the Gluten Intolerant and Celiacs the most grief.After vowing to my mother how I would never bake, she must be dancing and laughing “up there” when she sees me having such a good time in the kitchen. I had a lot of fun over that year and still challenge myself to discover or translate a new recipe.
Links Purchase  
Facebook Giveaway First prize, second and third prize: Autographed Copy of WHEAT WATCHERS CLICK HERE for information about giveaway

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Author Ali Berlinski

Ali Berlinski, Author
a beautiful messFormer teacher turned author Ali Berlinski brings us her personal story in a beautiful mess, challenging each of us to accept our own. With a mantra to help people “say yes to their mess,” she divulges her life with her dysfunctional family using humor.
Currently living in Spain, the author intends to always be a writer and really enjoys eating!
Q: How would you characterize your book, a beautiful mess? 
Ali Berlinski: If Carrie Bradshaw and David Sedaris had a literary lovechild it would be my book.   It’s a creative non-fiction book based on my experience growing up with divorced single-parents, multiple half-siblings, biracial, losing a loved one, overcoming depression, getting your heart broken, and dealing with my mom’s cancer.  
Q: What inspired you to write a beautiful mess? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Ali Berlinski: I’ve always wanted to be a writer.  In fourth grade my teacher told me I was the second best writer in class.  Sounds mean, but it was the first time I had heard the words “you are” and “best” in the same sentence.  While I was always good at many things, I never felt like I was talented at anything until I found writing.  After that, I dreamed of becoming a writer.  That is, until I got a little older and a bit more cynical and realized a writer is an artist, and I like to eat.  I didn’t want to be a starving artist so I talked myself into picking a safe job, like teaching.  I did, and to my surprise, loved it, but I’ve always been a writer.  When I was 23 I finally decided to take a gamble on myself.  I quit my job, moved to Spain, and wrote my book.  I guess it just all goes to show, you can’t run from who you really are.
Q: Why did you write your book? Are you writing to deliver a message, to educate and/or to entertain?
Ali Berlinski: It takes a lot of balls to tell the world some of your most intimate details of your life, especially when those details are messy. I wouldn’t have done it unless I thought people could get something out of it. Writing the book was my therapy; hopefully, others will find its humor to be therapeutic as well.
Q: How do you make your readers care about your book?
Ali Berlinski: As colorful as my life is, I think my story is very relatable. Maybe you won’t have a gay-deaf brother like me, but you’ll understand what it’s like to have a complicated family. I have been blessed to have a very unique life yet my problems are just like everyone else’s. People will care, because it’s not just my story, it’s theirs.
Q: How important is humor in your writings?
Ali Berlinski: Humor is fundamental to my writing.  My mantra is that I help people say yes to their mess. 
Q: Who are your target readers? Who do you think will most benefit from reading your story?
Ali Berlinski: I think anyone in need of a good laugh will benefit from reading my story. People say laughter is the best medicine; however when times get hard, it’s really easy to forget how. That’s where I come in; I help people find a way to laugh at life’s hardships. It’s not always easy but you have to try.  The next one will probably be on the many idiosyncrasies of living abroad, specifically in Spain.  It’s a rollercoaster, unnerving but entertaining at the same time.
Q: You currently live in Spain. Why?
Ali Berlinski: I moved because I knew I needed a big change in my life.  When I moved to Galicia, a small autonomous community in Spain, I instantly fell in love.  I loved everything about my new surroundings.  Then ten months later, I fell in love again, with a guy from Galicia.  So for the time being, I’m here, indefinitely. 
Q: You funded the publication of a beautiful mess in a unique way. Can you tell us about it?
Ali Berlinski: Well, my book is the first book EVER to get published completely by crowdfunding.  So, that’s exciting.  Now you’re probably wondering, what’s crowdfunding? No worries, I didn’t exactly understand it at first either. Crowdfunding means I raised money to publish my book through various supporters and fundraisers.  It allows authors and readers a way to be more hands on in the publishing process.  Another great thing about my publishing company Pubslush, is that it donates a book to charity for every book that’s sold.  I really can’t say enough good things about it.

Q: Tell us something about you. What do you do when you’re not writing? Do you have any hobbies? Favorite movies? Books? Etc.
Ali Berlinski: When I’m not writing I’m either teaching, reading or eating.  I’d say I spend ninety percent of my time eating, cooking, or thinking about eating.  In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if I was a sleep eater.
About Ali Berlinski
Imagine what your life would be like if you laughed through all the mayhem. Ali Berlinski is an expert on making complicated family relationships and messy situations comedic. A biracial child of divorce, Ali grew up between two coasts and two families. With a gay deaf brother, ex-nanny step mother, and celebrity ex-boyfriend, it's no surprise that her personal life served as fodder for her first book, a beautiful mess.
The literary lovechild of David Sedaris and Carrie Bradshaw, Ali's charming collection of anecdotes sheds precious, unconventional insight on her quest to use laughter to embrace the lighter side of heartache, cancer, depression, divorce. Her story reminds us that sometimes we all need a little help putting the fun back in dysfunctional. Can we be happy with this life? Ali Berlinski will help you say yes to your mess.
#mymess
About a beautiful mess
Imagine what your life would be like if you laughed through all the mayhem? Biracial and bicoastal, Berlinski spent her childhood flying between the dysfunctional families of her divorced parents, always feeling like an outsider. Fortunately, she never lost her sense of humor, which is apparent on every page of her debut story collection, a riotous and revealing exposé of the new normal and the consequences of too much air travel, cultural diversity, and conflicting and conflicted parents. With an open heart, she recounts her somewhat misspent youth and a wildly exciting (though equally torturous) love affair with the guy of her dreams, eventually leaving it all to start again abroad.

She’s Carrie Bradshaw reimagined as a third grade teacher in Brooklyn with zero interest in Manolo Blahnik. She’s a tough New Yorker with a tender twist of California sunshine whose journey will be oddly familiar and utterly unique to anyone who’s ever believed that love would save them – if not with this guy, then maybe with the next.
As her grandfather once said, “Well, it may not be the party you hoped for, but since we’re here, we might as well dance.” So now she lives in Spain and, despite everything, continues to dance through this messy, magnificent life. Say yes to your mess.
Links
Purchase site: Pubslush Goodreads Blog/Web site Facebook page Twitter address: @aliberlinski