Kitty Honeycutt/Morrigan Austin's Blog, page 9
July 15, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, ANDERSON O'DONNELL
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR OF, "KINGDOM" ANDERSON O'DONNELL
[image error]
From the private notebook of Anderson O’Donnell. Originally scheduled to run in The Republic, Tiber City’s largest newspaper, this article was never submitted for publication.
Earlier this year, I had an opportunity to interview the leader of the Zero Movement and one of the world’s most controversial artists, Tiber City’s own Cording Jax. We meet in Fat Boy, a Glimmer District hotspot frequented by the Zeros. The place, a strange mix of overpriced drinks and Atomic-age Americana, lays claim to some curious Cold War relics, the authenticity of which, like the bones of Catholic saints, are disputed.
For those who aren’t familiar with the Zeros (could there really be anyone who isn’t?), here’s a little crash course: The Zeros display their work on high-definition monitors which display a real-time image of the data flowing throughout various cities across the globe. These guys aren’t just artists; they’re hackers, skilled at tapping into rich veins of data across the globe. Once he or she has selected a stream of data to follow, the Zero artist—using various computer-imaging techniques—manipulates this data into “art.” Zeros were always trying to gather data streams from unique, often catastrophic events—assassinations, typhoons, wars, celebrity deaths, etc.
Most artists were content to use 3-D “hyperbolic geometry” programs, thereby transforming the data, which, in its raw form, appeared as an unintelligible stream of letters, 1s, and 0s, into a series of more traditional images—circles, squares, triangles—that would rotate in every direction—growing in size, then decreasing, then growing once again—in an attempt to convey the very rhythm of human life.
Cording Jax, however, has taken the concept of Zero art to another level.
…
It was a little after midnight when Cording strolled into Fat Man—unshaven with bloodshot eyes, ripped jeans and an old Tiber City Black Sox tee shirt. He smelled like sweat and stale cigarettes and couldn’t stop fiddling with his lighter. We shook hands, and I bought him a drink—Redbull and Vodka—before we sat down at the bar. The place was almost empty, except for a few Zeros crowded around a laptop in the back corner of the bar.
“Late night?” I asked.
“Man, every night is a late night,” Jax replied, taking a gulp of his drink.
I put my digital recorder on the sticky tabletop.
“You mind if I record this,” I asked.
Go ahead,” Cording replied. “
I pushed down on the red record button and the device kicked to life, the tiny LCD screen glowing as the seconds ticked away.
“You’re being hailed as the leader of the Zero Movement. Is that an accurate label?”
Jax laughed and shook his head, looking younger than when he first entered the bar.
“The movement…it’s not the kind of thing that can have a leader. Each of the artists who work with digital canvases…they’re doing their own thing, and sure as hell don’t answer to me or anyone else.”
“I can understand that,” I said, nodding. “Maybe leader is the wrong word. But it seems like your newest works demonstrate something of an evolution beyond the traditional Zero 3D imaging? Is that accurate?”
Jax smiled. “Maybe. I dunno. I’ve heard some people call it a de-evolution…a step backward. Some people aren’t feeling the abstract nature of what I’m doing.”
“It is different though,” I pressed. “You’ve stopped transforming the data into designs; into landscapes or portraits or geometric images, correct?”
“Yeah, its different. I’m not interested in transforming the data anymore. That’s…that’s not being honest. Its, in a way, hiding things. So yeah, I am doing something different—I’m only working with the raw data, the alpha-numerics, the ones and zeros. No more pretty pictured or shapes.”
“But that’s not all,” I continued, aware that somewhere in the bar a jukebox had kicked on, playing old records from the 1940s: the kind that sounded like empty highways and radio static. “You’re not just capturing raw transmissions of data captured during major events—you’re taking these transmissions and juxtaposing them with transmissions from other major events scattered across the globe.”
“You’ve done your homework,” Jax affirmed, as he spun his lighter around on the table.
“How is that different from representing the flow of data over a city with 3D imaging? You mentioned it was more honest. Can you elaborate on that?”
“I’m not interested in how I think the data should look; in how it should be represented. I’m interested only in what’s inside the data. Its like when a sculpture sees a lump of clay: he’s not molding the clay into his own design; he’s bringing to the surface what’s already there. The job of any artist—whether we’re talking about sculptures or Zeros or fucking Da Vinci—is to facilitate; to use their skill to help the object of the art to become fully realized.
He slumped back in his seat, lighting another cigarette as he looked around the bar. I had some copies of his work in front of me: the raw transmission of rata data flows captured during solar eclipses, a recent cross-border skirmish between Neo-Persia and Israeli, a terror attack on the New Delhi subway—was there a pattern there? I pushed the images across the bar to Jax.
“What am I seeing here,” I asked. “Is it just ones and zeros? Simple binary code?” What’s in there that you’re trying to bring to the surface?
“Maybe there’s nothing,” Jax said, smiling as he took another sip of his drink. “But we probably wouldn’t be sitting here if that was it, right?”
“So what is it?
Jax looked away, out over the bar into the darkness.
“I’m not exactly sure,” he mumbled. “I just…there is something there and I get that some people are pissed that I’m moving away from the traditional Zero stuff but dude, all I know is there I’m close…I’m so close.”
“Close to what?”
“That’s just it!” Jax exclaimed. “I’m not sure…but there are things in the data streams…Warnings…its hard to describe. Sometimes I swear I’m just hallucinating…But other times, it seems so real. But on their own, they are incomplete…Together, they show patterns…I know it.
The bar seemed to recede and we were alone in the darkness and in that moment I realized that there was an energy radiating from Jax—a force that was neither good nor bad but maybe both and I was afraid.
“Is this about the prophecy,” I managed to croak.
For a moment Jax said nothing, his eyes no longer bloodshot but bright and strong and just as he opened his mouth to respond—maybe—his phone rang.
And then the spell was broken and the bar snapped back into focus and Jax was taking a call, nodding and making affirmative grunts. Seconds later the call was over and Jax was getting up, thanking me for the interview and explaining he had to leave.
By the time I realized what was happening, Jax was gone, and I was alone at the bar with his empty glass. But there was something else as well: Jax had left his lighter next to my glass. I picked it up, turning it over in my hand and trying to figure out what just happened. And that was when I realized it wasn’t a lighter at all: the bottom snapped open revealing a USB plug.
I turned off the recorder, paid my tab, and left.
…………………………
Anderson O'Donnell lives in Connecticut with his wife and son. Kingdom is O’Donnell’s full-length debut, and the first installment of the Tiber City Trilogy. It is now available in paperback and e-book formats exclusively via Amazon.
Exile, the second installment in the Tiber City Trilogy, is set for release in the summer of 2013.
To learn more please visit, http://www.tibercitynoir.com
[image error]
From the private notebook of Anderson O’Donnell. Originally scheduled to run in The Republic, Tiber City’s largest newspaper, this article was never submitted for publication.
Earlier this year, I had an opportunity to interview the leader of the Zero Movement and one of the world’s most controversial artists, Tiber City’s own Cording Jax. We meet in Fat Boy, a Glimmer District hotspot frequented by the Zeros. The place, a strange mix of overpriced drinks and Atomic-age Americana, lays claim to some curious Cold War relics, the authenticity of which, like the bones of Catholic saints, are disputed.
For those who aren’t familiar with the Zeros (could there really be anyone who isn’t?), here’s a little crash course: The Zeros display their work on high-definition monitors which display a real-time image of the data flowing throughout various cities across the globe. These guys aren’t just artists; they’re hackers, skilled at tapping into rich veins of data across the globe. Once he or she has selected a stream of data to follow, the Zero artist—using various computer-imaging techniques—manipulates this data into “art.” Zeros were always trying to gather data streams from unique, often catastrophic events—assassinations, typhoons, wars, celebrity deaths, etc.
Most artists were content to use 3-D “hyperbolic geometry” programs, thereby transforming the data, which, in its raw form, appeared as an unintelligible stream of letters, 1s, and 0s, into a series of more traditional images—circles, squares, triangles—that would rotate in every direction—growing in size, then decreasing, then growing once again—in an attempt to convey the very rhythm of human life.
Cording Jax, however, has taken the concept of Zero art to another level.
…
It was a little after midnight when Cording strolled into Fat Man—unshaven with bloodshot eyes, ripped jeans and an old Tiber City Black Sox tee shirt. He smelled like sweat and stale cigarettes and couldn’t stop fiddling with his lighter. We shook hands, and I bought him a drink—Redbull and Vodka—before we sat down at the bar. The place was almost empty, except for a few Zeros crowded around a laptop in the back corner of the bar.
“Late night?” I asked.
“Man, every night is a late night,” Jax replied, taking a gulp of his drink.
I put my digital recorder on the sticky tabletop.
“You mind if I record this,” I asked.
Go ahead,” Cording replied. “
I pushed down on the red record button and the device kicked to life, the tiny LCD screen glowing as the seconds ticked away.
“You’re being hailed as the leader of the Zero Movement. Is that an accurate label?”
Jax laughed and shook his head, looking younger than when he first entered the bar.
“The movement…it’s not the kind of thing that can have a leader. Each of the artists who work with digital canvases…they’re doing their own thing, and sure as hell don’t answer to me or anyone else.”
“I can understand that,” I said, nodding. “Maybe leader is the wrong word. But it seems like your newest works demonstrate something of an evolution beyond the traditional Zero 3D imaging? Is that accurate?”
Jax smiled. “Maybe. I dunno. I’ve heard some people call it a de-evolution…a step backward. Some people aren’t feeling the abstract nature of what I’m doing.”
“It is different though,” I pressed. “You’ve stopped transforming the data into designs; into landscapes or portraits or geometric images, correct?”
“Yeah, its different. I’m not interested in transforming the data anymore. That’s…that’s not being honest. Its, in a way, hiding things. So yeah, I am doing something different—I’m only working with the raw data, the alpha-numerics, the ones and zeros. No more pretty pictured or shapes.”
“But that’s not all,” I continued, aware that somewhere in the bar a jukebox had kicked on, playing old records from the 1940s: the kind that sounded like empty highways and radio static. “You’re not just capturing raw transmissions of data captured during major events—you’re taking these transmissions and juxtaposing them with transmissions from other major events scattered across the globe.”
“You’ve done your homework,” Jax affirmed, as he spun his lighter around on the table.
“How is that different from representing the flow of data over a city with 3D imaging? You mentioned it was more honest. Can you elaborate on that?”
“I’m not interested in how I think the data should look; in how it should be represented. I’m interested only in what’s inside the data. Its like when a sculpture sees a lump of clay: he’s not molding the clay into his own design; he’s bringing to the surface what’s already there. The job of any artist—whether we’re talking about sculptures or Zeros or fucking Da Vinci—is to facilitate; to use their skill to help the object of the art to become fully realized.
He slumped back in his seat, lighting another cigarette as he looked around the bar. I had some copies of his work in front of me: the raw transmission of rata data flows captured during solar eclipses, a recent cross-border skirmish between Neo-Persia and Israeli, a terror attack on the New Delhi subway—was there a pattern there? I pushed the images across the bar to Jax.
“What am I seeing here,” I asked. “Is it just ones and zeros? Simple binary code?” What’s in there that you’re trying to bring to the surface?
“Maybe there’s nothing,” Jax said, smiling as he took another sip of his drink. “But we probably wouldn’t be sitting here if that was it, right?”
“So what is it?
Jax looked away, out over the bar into the darkness.
“I’m not exactly sure,” he mumbled. “I just…there is something there and I get that some people are pissed that I’m moving away from the traditional Zero stuff but dude, all I know is there I’m close…I’m so close.”
“Close to what?”
“That’s just it!” Jax exclaimed. “I’m not sure…but there are things in the data streams…Warnings…its hard to describe. Sometimes I swear I’m just hallucinating…But other times, it seems so real. But on their own, they are incomplete…Together, they show patterns…I know it.
The bar seemed to recede and we were alone in the darkness and in that moment I realized that there was an energy radiating from Jax—a force that was neither good nor bad but maybe both and I was afraid.
“Is this about the prophecy,” I managed to croak.
For a moment Jax said nothing, his eyes no longer bloodshot but bright and strong and just as he opened his mouth to respond—maybe—his phone rang.
And then the spell was broken and the bar snapped back into focus and Jax was taking a call, nodding and making affirmative grunts. Seconds later the call was over and Jax was getting up, thanking me for the interview and explaining he had to leave.
By the time I realized what was happening, Jax was gone, and I was alone at the bar with his empty glass. But there was something else as well: Jax had left his lighter next to my glass. I picked it up, turning it over in my hand and trying to figure out what just happened. And that was when I realized it wasn’t a lighter at all: the bottom snapped open revealing a USB plug.
I turned off the recorder, paid my tab, and left.
…………………………
Anderson O'Donnell lives in Connecticut with his wife and son. Kingdom is O’Donnell’s full-length debut, and the first installment of the Tiber City Trilogy. It is now available in paperback and e-book formats exclusively via Amazon.
Exile, the second installment in the Tiber City Trilogy, is set for release in the summer of 2013.
To learn more please visit, http://www.tibercitynoir.com
July 14, 2012
INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR, BROOKLYN JAMES
INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR OF, "THE BOOTS MY MOTHER GAVE ME," BROOKLYN JAMES
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Here is the Amazon link for The Boots My Mother Gave Me: http://www.amazon.com/The-Boots-Mot..... (THIS BOOK IS FREE TODAY ON AMAZON!)
Hello Brooklyn, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. It is a pleasure to have the chance to get to know more about you and your writing. First tell us about your newest novel and why you decided to write it.
Hi Kitty. Thank you for hosting me! My newest novel is Vigilare: Hell Hound. It is the second in the Thriller trilogy, Vigilare. This particular series has a digestible paranormal spin, grounded in a scientific discourse around blood, allowing the mind to wander with thoughts of what if?
"Vigilare walks the line between a thriller and a supernatural adventure while safely anchored in a scientific discourse around blood that James put together so well that it's reminiscent of a Douglas Preston or Michael Crichton novel. With action, romance, a strong female hero and a likable group of characters, Vigilarereads like a good action movie." -Gabino Iglesias, Austin Post.
I love books that are more than just the words on the page. Books that make me think and reflect on life as I know it, and life outside of my box. You know, books that take over the imagination, allowing it to explore and expand beyond the every day.
The series features a detective team in Gina DeLuca and Tony Gronkowski. They investigate a string of murders among Vanguard's most loathsome population, rapists and pedophiles. With fed up citizens, the city is on the verge of a vigilante uprising in support of their seemingly superhuman Vigilare with the sparkling emerald green eyes. Friend or foe, Vanguard Police Department has a job to do in bringing the vigilant one to justice, causing their own internal battle with right and wrong. Following their leads, Detectives DeLuca and Gronkowski find themselves pulled into a mysterious world of super blood and super powers, and closer to the Vigilare than ever expected. It's a race to the finish between Detectives DeLuca and Gronkowski, and the Vigilare, to figure out who she is and why she exists.
Upon release of my first book in this series, Vigilare, I had questions from readers and book clubs. "What is a Vigilare?" With the release of my newest book in the series, Vigilare: Hell Hound, now I'm questioned with, "What is a Hell Hound?"
Please allow me to defer, Vigilare in the Italian derivative of Latin, means: to watch out, to guard, to protect, to keep an eye on. As far as its pronunciation, technically, it is pronounced vi-gi-la-re. In its conception, I wanted a word that was similar to vigilante, yet unique. I keep it simple, pronouncing it vigil-are (like vigil-air).
To me, in the context of my novels, my Vigilare is a vigilant guardian, with intent to serve retribution style--an eye for an eye. Much like Batman, Vigilare is chosen for her position, a divine assignment. One Amazon Review said, "CSI meets Batman. Gotham has Batman. Vanguard has Vigilare!" The Vigilare does not willingly choose her role. Which allows me to play with the notion of good and evil, and how good can be and commit evil, even when it may seem justified. There's a fine line between right and wrong. It all depends on perspective. I love toying with that idea, and propelling readers to do the same, hopefully invoking internal questions. You know, what would YOU do and how would YOU feel if bestowed such a power? Would you consider it a blessing or a curse?
Hell Hound - is actually a character in book #2 of the series, a rival Vigilare, so to speak. I capitalize it, as it is the title of the character. However, it's derived from Hellhound--a supernatural dog, most commonly associated with folklore, specifically Greek Mythology. The most popular, or dangerous, if you will, being Cerberus.
In the words of my manic Hematologist from the novels, Dr. Godfrey, "In Greek mythology, Hades is the god of the underworld. The devil, one may conclude. A Hell Hound is a hound of Hades, or a dog of Hell in the literal translation. They are the guards to the underworld, relegating who is sucked in and who is declined access. As described in legends, Hell Hounds have glowing red eyes and supernatural abilities. They’re rarely seen, very phantom-like. They may appear as if out of nowhere and vanish with the blink of an eye. An elusive creature. Hell Hounds are associated with fire and often have fire or heat-based abilities.”
So, you see, Vigilare: Hell Hound is a play on Greek Mythology's Cerberus...the three-headed Hellhound. I found the premise fascinating, and it plays so well into the plot, I had no other choice but to make it the title of book #2. And it made for a menacingly delicious cover. Besides, who doesn't like a good fireball slinging?
Couple that concept with the new character, Maxim Kiesel--the steel-blue-eyed prodigy with an icy touch, and you have a good climactic scene. Do you fight fire with ice? Or do you fight fire with fire? Read Vigilare: Hell Hound, and you'll surely find out! The colors alone provided an interesting education for me. Steel blue, violent red, emerald green...who knew so much could be attributed to color? Think maybe we've found our new eye color for book #3...
Either way you cut it, Vigilare, the series, is dark, intense and intriguing. With action, suspense, science, twist and turns, and of course a sprinkling of romance, I think most readers will find their curiosity piqued. The content is mature, and at times menacing, although the disturbing subject matter is handled with care. Amongst all of that, there is some humor, some zingers, and true sincerity. It's a sexy series. It has been garnered with tags such as scientific thriller, thriller suspense, detective mystery, paranormal romance, superhero, and women's sleuth.
In book #1, Vigilare, Detective DeLuca and Gronkowski, and the Vigilare, along with readers, figure out who she is and why she exists. Now with the release of book #2, Vigilare: Hell Hound, our Vigilare is propelled into a twist on Greek Mythology's Cerberus--Hell Hound--a rival Vigilare with fire capabilities. ETNA harbored her blood. Have they created a monster they cannot control? Vigilare comes face to face with her past in the form of the hellish one. Will Vigilare give up her role, sacrificing her immortality to stop Hell Hound?
"I'm not well versed in Greek Myth, but I enjoyed the spin. And the paranormal aspect was vibrant and colorful. Very well crafted by the author, yet not too flamboyant to turn me off. As usual, James plays with contrasts. You have the Hell Hound with fire capabilities, whose favorite weapons are fire balls. And then, you have newcomer, Maxim Kiesel. He has "steel blue eyes" and an icy touch. Fire and ice! It's fascinating really, the whole Rh-negative blood factor James weaves into the story. It is this factor that makes the Vigilare super human. It makes so much sense, it leaves me wondering just exactly how unique is Rh-negative blood? Again, Brooklyn James has done a fine job of tightly knitting together a storyline and a cast of characters to peek and keep any reader's interest. With the combination of action, suspense, intrigue, romance (this is a very SEXY series), science and heart--Vigilare: Hell Hound is a fast, entertaining read." -Amazon Review
Tell us about some of your hobbies, things you like to do in your spare time.
As a writer, of both books and songs, I live in my head a lot of the time. Needless to say, I am full-up on mental stimulation. Therefore, in my spare time, I quite enjoy challenging myself physically. It helps offset the mental ruckus. I like running, weight training, yoga, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, camping...pretty much any and all physical activity. It helps me stay grounded, too. I've always had a visceral connection with nature, which I find very humbling. We are so small in the grand scope of things. When I get frustrated with technology, all the ins and outs of everyday writing, promoting, hustling...I escape with a good run at the lake, or a punishing sprint at the track, maybe a much-needed, centering Bikram yoga session. 90-degrees and 80-percent humidity for an hour and half while holding yoga positions, will center anyone. Or at least leave one feeling as limber as Gumby!
Other than that, I love to read, spend time with family and friends, bake, catch a good movie. I enjoy putting puzzles together, and I will dance until my feet are sore, whether at a country or hip-hop club. If it's got a beat, I like to feel and express it! I like to think I move like Madonna, but in reality it's probably more like watching Elaine from Seinfeld...lol. I'm a huge fan of music. Living in Austin, we are so fortunate to have live music here, every night of the week. I love finding new bands and artists. Oh, and I like to work on cars. Not the difficult stuff (ie. engines, transmissions). But I can manage plugs and wires, oil change, balancing tires...you know, the novice stuff. I find it relaxing. And I like getting my hands dirty. Makes me feel like a kid again. Making mud-pies just doesn't cut it anymore, but playing in grease still gets me excited...lol.
A few things I would love to make time for as far as hobbies: I would love to take a culinary/cooking class, an art class sounds intriguing (I admire people who can paint, draw, illustrate), and I have a strong desire to take up boxing (seems like a nice alternative to anger management therapy).
What is the one most rewarding thing in your life right now?
I feel blessed and fortunate to have found an audience for my writing, both books and music. It never ceases to amaze me how welcoming the human spirit is, and how people will choose to embrace and encourage independent talent. As writers, we write with the hope of connecting and entertaining folks. I have three books, and one album out currently. People are actually subscribing to them, be it in tangible or electronic format. Everyday I wake to find another book or another album has been purchased, even if just one, I find that most rewarding. Thank you readers, fans and music lovers everywhere for supporting independent artists!
And my love life is quite rewarding currently. That's always a feather in one's cap...lol.
When reading for pleasure do you tend to stick to the same genre you write or do you like to read other genres as well?
I LOVE words and stories of all kinds. I've always been a curious soul, one who likes to know more about what I already know, and superbly interested in things I do not. I like a good thriller, a good inspirational read, a steamy romance, I love biographies (especially of musicians and artists), I enjoy philosophy. From scientific to paranormal, I like it all. I would say there are a few requirements for me in considering a good read: I like an underlying romance (what are we if not loving and passionate souls). I like a book that I come away from with a different perspective...teach me something, show me something, help me to grow and evolve. And I always love a good, hot, scorcher of a sex scene!
On my nightstand currently, I have The Selected Poems of D.H. Lawrence, What's Bred In The Bone by Robertson Davies, Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. And in my ereader, I have The Sin Collector by Jessica Fortunato and Anne Rice's Taltos, Book 3 in theMayfair Chronicles (An Amazon review said Vigilare: Hell Hound had some similarities...now I have to read it and find out for myself...lol). And I'm also reading a manuscript from my niece. She's thirteen and a Twilight fan. She has written her first book, Moon High. I'm actually, quite enjoying it!
Oh, and I found Taltos on Scribd. I read the free preview there, then downloaded the ebook. For readers and writers alike, Scribd is a great resource I simply happened upon. You can go there and get sneak peeks, you know, a look inside the book, then decide for yourself if you want to purchase the entire novel. I have found several 'to-reads' from Scribd.
When was it that you realized writing was what you wanted to do with your life?
I have written as long as I can remember, songs, short stories, poetry. I've been a songwriter for several years in Nashville, Los Angeles and here in Austin. I even toyed with screenplays in Los Angeles. In fact, the Vigilare series is an adaptation from a screenplay. I would say the moment I realized I wanted, or could write was with the release of my first novel, The Boots My Mother Gave Me. I was in studio recording my first full length album at the same time I wrote the manuscript. By the time we finished the album and the manuscript, I realized some of the chapters in the book and titles from the album correlated, which only makes sense as they came out of the same creative stream of consciousness. We released the album and book together, the album serving as an original music soundtrack to the novel. You know, the same way a movie would have a soundtrack. It made perfect sense to me as a singer/songwriter. We are part of the live music scene here in Austin, gigging a few nights a week with acoustic music sets. The idea kind of took off, people were receptive to the idea of a book and music soundtrack combination. That's when it became great fun for me, mixing the two mediums.
The Boots My Mother Gave Me is a coming of age story about a young girl overcoming an abusive childhood. As part of her evolution, she uses her devices as a singer/songwriter to come to terms with her past. I always have believed Creativity is Therapy, and that notion plays out in the novel. Within each of us resides the power to rewrite the script of our lives, coming to terms with it, overcoming it, and graduating to a higher level of existence.
The Boots My Mother Gave Me was a Quarter Finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. That was the turning point for me. After receiving that honor and seeing there was an audience for my writing, I thought, Maybe I really can write. It's hard to imagine the reality of making your vacation your vocation. It doesn't seem like work. It's been full speed ahead ever since. Back to my previous answer, I am still amazed at the acceptance and readership I have gained over the past few years. Needless to say, my readers inspire me and encourage me to continue writing.
When can we expect your next book out and can you give us a sneak peek?
My next book, along with its original music soundtrack will release this fall. I don't do soundtracks for every book. The Vigilare series does not have a soundtrack, as it would require music outside of my abilities. Most of my music is roots based, Americana, Country, Blues. I think Vigilare would need an Evanescence sound, which I love, however, do not have the capacity to create...lol.
Anyhow, the next book will have a music soundtrack. That book will be entitled, Kinnected, playing on the family (ie. kin) drama aspect. It will be a similar read to The Boots My Mother Gave Me, in that it will be in the women's fiction genre, and a coming of age story about a young girl growing up and overcoming her parents' downfalls as drug addicts. Her grandfather, her confidant, avidly tells her, "It's all Kinnected." Not only does this book explore drug abuse, the human spirit in overcoming adversity, it also takes on illiteracy and its definition thereof. Our female heroine, seventeen year old, Shelby Lynn's grandfather is technically illiterate. However, he is capable, mechanically, spiritually, and mentally. He is Shelby's saving grace, caring for and encouraging her, always. A veteran, a good and kind example to his granddaughter, allows us to ponder illiteracy. Even though he may not have the appropriate skill set to be deemed literate from a reading and writing standpoint, his experiences and advice to young Shelby are pivotal in molding the well-educated, highly motivated, survivor she becomes. There will also be a little mystery entwined in this book as Shelby and her bestfriend, Dylan Cooper, find the remains of a human skull while paddleboarding a nearby riverbed, leading to a shocking conclusion. As her grandfather says, "It's all Kinnected."
I'm also working on the precursor to the Vigilare series. I have one more book to write in the original trilogy. In the meantime, I find myself inspired to include a prequel. In Vigilare: Hell Hound, a revelation occurs as the Vigilare comes face to face with her past. Out of that, a love story ensues, that finds its setting in New Orleans. Therefore, the precursor to the series will be Jolie Blonde, yes a twist on the tragic Cajun National Anthem, Jole Blon. This book will reveal the earlier life of Vigilare, and how her past led to her supernatural future. With mystery, lore, love and lust, Jolie Blonde is reminiscent of a gothic romance, hopefully in the vein of early Anne Rice novels. This book will also have an original music soundtrack with Cajun nuances, to include a cover of Jole Blon. We're hoping to release this combination next Spring, with the third and final installment in the Vigilare series to follow.
Back in your high school career, who was the one teacher you would say made a profound difference in your life, if any?
I grew up in a very small town with an incredibly generous student to teacher ratio. I am thankful for the education I received due to that favorable statistic. And I had many memorable, inspiring teachers. However, as most writers, I would attribute this honor to my high school English Teacher, Mrs. Anne Arehart Coyle. She made the acknowledgments section in The Boots My Mother Gave Me: "You signed my yearbook, The world is your oyster. I believed you. Thank you for believing in me."
Mrs. Coyle was the first person to encourage my writing, among other things. She thought I should be an actress...lol. In our class play, Our Town, I played Emily Webb. I saw her a few years ago at a book signing, she said, "You were the best Emily I've ever seen. Are you doing any acting?"
Not only did she see something in me, and encourage me to see something in myself, she inspired me to fall in love with literature. Through her teachings, assignments, book reports and writing projects, my formal writing education began.
What dreams do you have for future generations that you'd like to share with others?
I think it's a given that future generations will be more technologically competent than their predecessors, as the speed of technology only seems to be snowballing as we progress as a society. But, I hope that future generations can graduate to a higher level of acceptance and understanding. I hope that through all the technological advancements, future generations will not forget to feed their human spirits as well. I think dreaming for future generations is synonymous with a parent dreaming for their children. It's a universal hope for each generation to have more, be more. But in the midst of all of that, we want our children to be happy. Happiness stems from many different things: success, love, acceptance, friendship, giving back. In a perfect world, future generations from all walks of life and socioeconomic situations would have the opportunity to be educated, involved, aware and informed. I want that for future generations. Every monumental historical change in society has arisen from first education (awareness and information), then that awareness has to be carried into action and implemented, hopefully peacefully and diplomatically. I wish them courage and humility. Above all, harmony and respect, for themselves and others.
One off the board question I like to ask, is what are your views as far as 2012, and do you believe in the Mayan Calendar?
Good question! I can't say that I disbelieve in the Mayan Calendar. I find it quite fascinating. And from a writer's perspective, it creates a delectable playground for the imagination. The one thing I can say is that it brings to light the possibility of the world ending. With that said, regardless if the world ends in December 2012 or not, maybe the premise will inspire some to live as though it's their last year. Not to be careless and irresponsible, but to be brave and follow their passions with the notion that life is too short. You know, maybe it will inspire folks to do things they've put on the back burner. Maybe someone will take a chance on themselves, and open that business they always wanted to. Or maybe scratch a few more adventures off the "bucket list." You know, really go for it! Heck, maybe we'll get a few more great novels to read by first time authors who have been holding back on writing that first book.
A dear friend of mine happens to be a legit Native American Medicine Woman, the practice passed down to her from her father, and his mother, and so on down the line. She is astutely in touch with her Indian heritage, and is quite informed of the Mayan culture. If you recall, we lost Dick Clark (host of the long standingNew Year's Rockin' Eve celebration in the Big Apple) this year, in April I believe. Her comment after hearing of his death: "Well played Mayans. You left us without the successor to bring in the New Year." Kind of eerie, huh? She said that, and it definitely made my ears perk and my head swivel to the side in true contemplation.
Finally, do you have any advice you'd like to give to other aspiring authors, also please leave us your links where we can find out more about you.
I receive questions from aspiring authors quite often. Some say, "How did you get into writing?" There is nothing more to writing than writing. I know that seems too simple an answer, but it's the truth. If you want to write, then write. Write what is within you. To do that, you must know who you are and what motivates you. If you know those things, then trust that and write from that perspective. Being organic is what separates a writer's voice. If you do not know those things, take the time to figure them out.
I would also advise aspiring authors to surround themselves with other writers. Other writers will hold you accountable. They'll be a source of inspiration and competition, hopefully friendly. I love tweeting with writer friends. It keeps me on my toes. If I see Jane Writer has written 3500-words today, or Jack Writer just released his first novel, that propels me to continue on toward my own writing goals. Writing is usually a solitary effort, but knowing that others are in the same situation gives me comfort that we're all essentially in the fight together.
In the same breath, surround yourself with readers. The world is filled with folks just waiting to devour more words, more stories, to flex their imaginations. Readers will provide a writer with the most inspiration and encouragement. Your story will never be told sitting in a manilla envelope tucked away in the bottom drawer of your filing cabinet. Get it out there. I know it can be a scary thing putting your writing out there for all to see. What if they ridicule it? Writing is so subjective. I have experienced some of the best reviews along with some of the worst. It's okay, really. Not everybody has to enjoy your writing. The thing to remember is that someone will. Those are the people you write for. Get on Goodreads, Scribd, check out your local book store for writing groups and book clubs. In today's world, the opportunities are endless.
I highly recommend finding a good editor, good being the operative word. In writing my first manuscript, it was 150,000-words. After consulting an editor, the finished version was 100,000-words, and much better for it. I have a piece about finding a good editor on my blog: http://brooklynjamesblog.blogspot.c.....
Finally, be prepared to "pay your dues." This is the musician in me. As a singer/songwriter, I paid my dues for years, in my bedroom writing songs, in clubs playing live, in studio laying tracks. All of these things prepared me for the opportunity of releasing my first album. Success rarely happens over night. Don't look at writing a book as a one-hit-wonder. Approach it as though it is your career, and maybe it will become so. It's so cliché, but 'Rome wasn't built in a day.' Above all, do what you love, love what you do...and be patient, give yourself enough time to get there. I have to remind myself of that fact daily, as I was born severely impatient. Whoever said patience was a virtue! Lol. I'm coming to find that slow and steady does win the race. 'Be the tortoise...be the tortoise,' I whisper for aspiring writers, as well as myself
Thank you again Brooklyn for the ability to do this interview with you. Perhaps we can do more together in the near future.
Again, thank you, Kitty, for having me. Looking forward to doing again! Really appreciate your support and encouragement in bringing authors and readers together.
Finding Brooklyn James:
Website: www.brooklyn-james.com
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/brookly...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BrooklynJames...
Pandora Radio: http://www.pandora.com/#/brooklyn-j.....
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mu.....
Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/BrooklynJames7
Blog: http://BrooklynJamesBlog.blogspot.com
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Here is the Amazon link for The Boots My Mother Gave Me: http://www.amazon.com/The-Boots-Mot..... (THIS BOOK IS FREE TODAY ON AMAZON!)
Hello Brooklyn, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. It is a pleasure to have the chance to get to know more about you and your writing. First tell us about your newest novel and why you decided to write it.
Hi Kitty. Thank you for hosting me! My newest novel is Vigilare: Hell Hound. It is the second in the Thriller trilogy, Vigilare. This particular series has a digestible paranormal spin, grounded in a scientific discourse around blood, allowing the mind to wander with thoughts of what if?
"Vigilare walks the line between a thriller and a supernatural adventure while safely anchored in a scientific discourse around blood that James put together so well that it's reminiscent of a Douglas Preston or Michael Crichton novel. With action, romance, a strong female hero and a likable group of characters, Vigilarereads like a good action movie." -Gabino Iglesias, Austin Post.
I love books that are more than just the words on the page. Books that make me think and reflect on life as I know it, and life outside of my box. You know, books that take over the imagination, allowing it to explore and expand beyond the every day.
The series features a detective team in Gina DeLuca and Tony Gronkowski. They investigate a string of murders among Vanguard's most loathsome population, rapists and pedophiles. With fed up citizens, the city is on the verge of a vigilante uprising in support of their seemingly superhuman Vigilare with the sparkling emerald green eyes. Friend or foe, Vanguard Police Department has a job to do in bringing the vigilant one to justice, causing their own internal battle with right and wrong. Following their leads, Detectives DeLuca and Gronkowski find themselves pulled into a mysterious world of super blood and super powers, and closer to the Vigilare than ever expected. It's a race to the finish between Detectives DeLuca and Gronkowski, and the Vigilare, to figure out who she is and why she exists.
Upon release of my first book in this series, Vigilare, I had questions from readers and book clubs. "What is a Vigilare?" With the release of my newest book in the series, Vigilare: Hell Hound, now I'm questioned with, "What is a Hell Hound?"
Please allow me to defer, Vigilare in the Italian derivative of Latin, means: to watch out, to guard, to protect, to keep an eye on. As far as its pronunciation, technically, it is pronounced vi-gi-la-re. In its conception, I wanted a word that was similar to vigilante, yet unique. I keep it simple, pronouncing it vigil-are (like vigil-air).
To me, in the context of my novels, my Vigilare is a vigilant guardian, with intent to serve retribution style--an eye for an eye. Much like Batman, Vigilare is chosen for her position, a divine assignment. One Amazon Review said, "CSI meets Batman. Gotham has Batman. Vanguard has Vigilare!" The Vigilare does not willingly choose her role. Which allows me to play with the notion of good and evil, and how good can be and commit evil, even when it may seem justified. There's a fine line between right and wrong. It all depends on perspective. I love toying with that idea, and propelling readers to do the same, hopefully invoking internal questions. You know, what would YOU do and how would YOU feel if bestowed such a power? Would you consider it a blessing or a curse?
Hell Hound - is actually a character in book #2 of the series, a rival Vigilare, so to speak. I capitalize it, as it is the title of the character. However, it's derived from Hellhound--a supernatural dog, most commonly associated with folklore, specifically Greek Mythology. The most popular, or dangerous, if you will, being Cerberus.
In the words of my manic Hematologist from the novels, Dr. Godfrey, "In Greek mythology, Hades is the god of the underworld. The devil, one may conclude. A Hell Hound is a hound of Hades, or a dog of Hell in the literal translation. They are the guards to the underworld, relegating who is sucked in and who is declined access. As described in legends, Hell Hounds have glowing red eyes and supernatural abilities. They’re rarely seen, very phantom-like. They may appear as if out of nowhere and vanish with the blink of an eye. An elusive creature. Hell Hounds are associated with fire and often have fire or heat-based abilities.”
So, you see, Vigilare: Hell Hound is a play on Greek Mythology's Cerberus...the three-headed Hellhound. I found the premise fascinating, and it plays so well into the plot, I had no other choice but to make it the title of book #2. And it made for a menacingly delicious cover. Besides, who doesn't like a good fireball slinging?
Couple that concept with the new character, Maxim Kiesel--the steel-blue-eyed prodigy with an icy touch, and you have a good climactic scene. Do you fight fire with ice? Or do you fight fire with fire? Read Vigilare: Hell Hound, and you'll surely find out! The colors alone provided an interesting education for me. Steel blue, violent red, emerald green...who knew so much could be attributed to color? Think maybe we've found our new eye color for book #3...
Either way you cut it, Vigilare, the series, is dark, intense and intriguing. With action, suspense, science, twist and turns, and of course a sprinkling of romance, I think most readers will find their curiosity piqued. The content is mature, and at times menacing, although the disturbing subject matter is handled with care. Amongst all of that, there is some humor, some zingers, and true sincerity. It's a sexy series. It has been garnered with tags such as scientific thriller, thriller suspense, detective mystery, paranormal romance, superhero, and women's sleuth.
In book #1, Vigilare, Detective DeLuca and Gronkowski, and the Vigilare, along with readers, figure out who she is and why she exists. Now with the release of book #2, Vigilare: Hell Hound, our Vigilare is propelled into a twist on Greek Mythology's Cerberus--Hell Hound--a rival Vigilare with fire capabilities. ETNA harbored her blood. Have they created a monster they cannot control? Vigilare comes face to face with her past in the form of the hellish one. Will Vigilare give up her role, sacrificing her immortality to stop Hell Hound?
"I'm not well versed in Greek Myth, but I enjoyed the spin. And the paranormal aspect was vibrant and colorful. Very well crafted by the author, yet not too flamboyant to turn me off. As usual, James plays with contrasts. You have the Hell Hound with fire capabilities, whose favorite weapons are fire balls. And then, you have newcomer, Maxim Kiesel. He has "steel blue eyes" and an icy touch. Fire and ice! It's fascinating really, the whole Rh-negative blood factor James weaves into the story. It is this factor that makes the Vigilare super human. It makes so much sense, it leaves me wondering just exactly how unique is Rh-negative blood? Again, Brooklyn James has done a fine job of tightly knitting together a storyline and a cast of characters to peek and keep any reader's interest. With the combination of action, suspense, intrigue, romance (this is a very SEXY series), science and heart--Vigilare: Hell Hound is a fast, entertaining read." -Amazon Review
Tell us about some of your hobbies, things you like to do in your spare time.
As a writer, of both books and songs, I live in my head a lot of the time. Needless to say, I am full-up on mental stimulation. Therefore, in my spare time, I quite enjoy challenging myself physically. It helps offset the mental ruckus. I like running, weight training, yoga, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, camping...pretty much any and all physical activity. It helps me stay grounded, too. I've always had a visceral connection with nature, which I find very humbling. We are so small in the grand scope of things. When I get frustrated with technology, all the ins and outs of everyday writing, promoting, hustling...I escape with a good run at the lake, or a punishing sprint at the track, maybe a much-needed, centering Bikram yoga session. 90-degrees and 80-percent humidity for an hour and half while holding yoga positions, will center anyone. Or at least leave one feeling as limber as Gumby!
Other than that, I love to read, spend time with family and friends, bake, catch a good movie. I enjoy putting puzzles together, and I will dance until my feet are sore, whether at a country or hip-hop club. If it's got a beat, I like to feel and express it! I like to think I move like Madonna, but in reality it's probably more like watching Elaine from Seinfeld...lol. I'm a huge fan of music. Living in Austin, we are so fortunate to have live music here, every night of the week. I love finding new bands and artists. Oh, and I like to work on cars. Not the difficult stuff (ie. engines, transmissions). But I can manage plugs and wires, oil change, balancing tires...you know, the novice stuff. I find it relaxing. And I like getting my hands dirty. Makes me feel like a kid again. Making mud-pies just doesn't cut it anymore, but playing in grease still gets me excited...lol.
A few things I would love to make time for as far as hobbies: I would love to take a culinary/cooking class, an art class sounds intriguing (I admire people who can paint, draw, illustrate), and I have a strong desire to take up boxing (seems like a nice alternative to anger management therapy).
What is the one most rewarding thing in your life right now?
I feel blessed and fortunate to have found an audience for my writing, both books and music. It never ceases to amaze me how welcoming the human spirit is, and how people will choose to embrace and encourage independent talent. As writers, we write with the hope of connecting and entertaining folks. I have three books, and one album out currently. People are actually subscribing to them, be it in tangible or electronic format. Everyday I wake to find another book or another album has been purchased, even if just one, I find that most rewarding. Thank you readers, fans and music lovers everywhere for supporting independent artists!
And my love life is quite rewarding currently. That's always a feather in one's cap...lol.
When reading for pleasure do you tend to stick to the same genre you write or do you like to read other genres as well?
I LOVE words and stories of all kinds. I've always been a curious soul, one who likes to know more about what I already know, and superbly interested in things I do not. I like a good thriller, a good inspirational read, a steamy romance, I love biographies (especially of musicians and artists), I enjoy philosophy. From scientific to paranormal, I like it all. I would say there are a few requirements for me in considering a good read: I like an underlying romance (what are we if not loving and passionate souls). I like a book that I come away from with a different perspective...teach me something, show me something, help me to grow and evolve. And I always love a good, hot, scorcher of a sex scene!
On my nightstand currently, I have The Selected Poems of D.H. Lawrence, What's Bred In The Bone by Robertson Davies, Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. And in my ereader, I have The Sin Collector by Jessica Fortunato and Anne Rice's Taltos, Book 3 in theMayfair Chronicles (An Amazon review said Vigilare: Hell Hound had some similarities...now I have to read it and find out for myself...lol). And I'm also reading a manuscript from my niece. She's thirteen and a Twilight fan. She has written her first book, Moon High. I'm actually, quite enjoying it!
Oh, and I found Taltos on Scribd. I read the free preview there, then downloaded the ebook. For readers and writers alike, Scribd is a great resource I simply happened upon. You can go there and get sneak peeks, you know, a look inside the book, then decide for yourself if you want to purchase the entire novel. I have found several 'to-reads' from Scribd.
When was it that you realized writing was what you wanted to do with your life?
I have written as long as I can remember, songs, short stories, poetry. I've been a songwriter for several years in Nashville, Los Angeles and here in Austin. I even toyed with screenplays in Los Angeles. In fact, the Vigilare series is an adaptation from a screenplay. I would say the moment I realized I wanted, or could write was with the release of my first novel, The Boots My Mother Gave Me. I was in studio recording my first full length album at the same time I wrote the manuscript. By the time we finished the album and the manuscript, I realized some of the chapters in the book and titles from the album correlated, which only makes sense as they came out of the same creative stream of consciousness. We released the album and book together, the album serving as an original music soundtrack to the novel. You know, the same way a movie would have a soundtrack. It made perfect sense to me as a singer/songwriter. We are part of the live music scene here in Austin, gigging a few nights a week with acoustic music sets. The idea kind of took off, people were receptive to the idea of a book and music soundtrack combination. That's when it became great fun for me, mixing the two mediums.
The Boots My Mother Gave Me is a coming of age story about a young girl overcoming an abusive childhood. As part of her evolution, she uses her devices as a singer/songwriter to come to terms with her past. I always have believed Creativity is Therapy, and that notion plays out in the novel. Within each of us resides the power to rewrite the script of our lives, coming to terms with it, overcoming it, and graduating to a higher level of existence.
The Boots My Mother Gave Me was a Quarter Finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. That was the turning point for me. After receiving that honor and seeing there was an audience for my writing, I thought, Maybe I really can write. It's hard to imagine the reality of making your vacation your vocation. It doesn't seem like work. It's been full speed ahead ever since. Back to my previous answer, I am still amazed at the acceptance and readership I have gained over the past few years. Needless to say, my readers inspire me and encourage me to continue writing.
When can we expect your next book out and can you give us a sneak peek?
My next book, along with its original music soundtrack will release this fall. I don't do soundtracks for every book. The Vigilare series does not have a soundtrack, as it would require music outside of my abilities. Most of my music is roots based, Americana, Country, Blues. I think Vigilare would need an Evanescence sound, which I love, however, do not have the capacity to create...lol.
Anyhow, the next book will have a music soundtrack. That book will be entitled, Kinnected, playing on the family (ie. kin) drama aspect. It will be a similar read to The Boots My Mother Gave Me, in that it will be in the women's fiction genre, and a coming of age story about a young girl growing up and overcoming her parents' downfalls as drug addicts. Her grandfather, her confidant, avidly tells her, "It's all Kinnected." Not only does this book explore drug abuse, the human spirit in overcoming adversity, it also takes on illiteracy and its definition thereof. Our female heroine, seventeen year old, Shelby Lynn's grandfather is technically illiterate. However, he is capable, mechanically, spiritually, and mentally. He is Shelby's saving grace, caring for and encouraging her, always. A veteran, a good and kind example to his granddaughter, allows us to ponder illiteracy. Even though he may not have the appropriate skill set to be deemed literate from a reading and writing standpoint, his experiences and advice to young Shelby are pivotal in molding the well-educated, highly motivated, survivor she becomes. There will also be a little mystery entwined in this book as Shelby and her bestfriend, Dylan Cooper, find the remains of a human skull while paddleboarding a nearby riverbed, leading to a shocking conclusion. As her grandfather says, "It's all Kinnected."
I'm also working on the precursor to the Vigilare series. I have one more book to write in the original trilogy. In the meantime, I find myself inspired to include a prequel. In Vigilare: Hell Hound, a revelation occurs as the Vigilare comes face to face with her past. Out of that, a love story ensues, that finds its setting in New Orleans. Therefore, the precursor to the series will be Jolie Blonde, yes a twist on the tragic Cajun National Anthem, Jole Blon. This book will reveal the earlier life of Vigilare, and how her past led to her supernatural future. With mystery, lore, love and lust, Jolie Blonde is reminiscent of a gothic romance, hopefully in the vein of early Anne Rice novels. This book will also have an original music soundtrack with Cajun nuances, to include a cover of Jole Blon. We're hoping to release this combination next Spring, with the third and final installment in the Vigilare series to follow.
Back in your high school career, who was the one teacher you would say made a profound difference in your life, if any?
I grew up in a very small town with an incredibly generous student to teacher ratio. I am thankful for the education I received due to that favorable statistic. And I had many memorable, inspiring teachers. However, as most writers, I would attribute this honor to my high school English Teacher, Mrs. Anne Arehart Coyle. She made the acknowledgments section in The Boots My Mother Gave Me: "You signed my yearbook, The world is your oyster. I believed you. Thank you for believing in me."
Mrs. Coyle was the first person to encourage my writing, among other things. She thought I should be an actress...lol. In our class play, Our Town, I played Emily Webb. I saw her a few years ago at a book signing, she said, "You were the best Emily I've ever seen. Are you doing any acting?"
Not only did she see something in me, and encourage me to see something in myself, she inspired me to fall in love with literature. Through her teachings, assignments, book reports and writing projects, my formal writing education began.
What dreams do you have for future generations that you'd like to share with others?
I think it's a given that future generations will be more technologically competent than their predecessors, as the speed of technology only seems to be snowballing as we progress as a society. But, I hope that future generations can graduate to a higher level of acceptance and understanding. I hope that through all the technological advancements, future generations will not forget to feed their human spirits as well. I think dreaming for future generations is synonymous with a parent dreaming for their children. It's a universal hope for each generation to have more, be more. But in the midst of all of that, we want our children to be happy. Happiness stems from many different things: success, love, acceptance, friendship, giving back. In a perfect world, future generations from all walks of life and socioeconomic situations would have the opportunity to be educated, involved, aware and informed. I want that for future generations. Every monumental historical change in society has arisen from first education (awareness and information), then that awareness has to be carried into action and implemented, hopefully peacefully and diplomatically. I wish them courage and humility. Above all, harmony and respect, for themselves and others.
One off the board question I like to ask, is what are your views as far as 2012, and do you believe in the Mayan Calendar?
Good question! I can't say that I disbelieve in the Mayan Calendar. I find it quite fascinating. And from a writer's perspective, it creates a delectable playground for the imagination. The one thing I can say is that it brings to light the possibility of the world ending. With that said, regardless if the world ends in December 2012 or not, maybe the premise will inspire some to live as though it's their last year. Not to be careless and irresponsible, but to be brave and follow their passions with the notion that life is too short. You know, maybe it will inspire folks to do things they've put on the back burner. Maybe someone will take a chance on themselves, and open that business they always wanted to. Or maybe scratch a few more adventures off the "bucket list." You know, really go for it! Heck, maybe we'll get a few more great novels to read by first time authors who have been holding back on writing that first book.
A dear friend of mine happens to be a legit Native American Medicine Woman, the practice passed down to her from her father, and his mother, and so on down the line. She is astutely in touch with her Indian heritage, and is quite informed of the Mayan culture. If you recall, we lost Dick Clark (host of the long standingNew Year's Rockin' Eve celebration in the Big Apple) this year, in April I believe. Her comment after hearing of his death: "Well played Mayans. You left us without the successor to bring in the New Year." Kind of eerie, huh? She said that, and it definitely made my ears perk and my head swivel to the side in true contemplation.
Finally, do you have any advice you'd like to give to other aspiring authors, also please leave us your links where we can find out more about you.
I receive questions from aspiring authors quite often. Some say, "How did you get into writing?" There is nothing more to writing than writing. I know that seems too simple an answer, but it's the truth. If you want to write, then write. Write what is within you. To do that, you must know who you are and what motivates you. If you know those things, then trust that and write from that perspective. Being organic is what separates a writer's voice. If you do not know those things, take the time to figure them out.
I would also advise aspiring authors to surround themselves with other writers. Other writers will hold you accountable. They'll be a source of inspiration and competition, hopefully friendly. I love tweeting with writer friends. It keeps me on my toes. If I see Jane Writer has written 3500-words today, or Jack Writer just released his first novel, that propels me to continue on toward my own writing goals. Writing is usually a solitary effort, but knowing that others are in the same situation gives me comfort that we're all essentially in the fight together.
In the same breath, surround yourself with readers. The world is filled with folks just waiting to devour more words, more stories, to flex their imaginations. Readers will provide a writer with the most inspiration and encouragement. Your story will never be told sitting in a manilla envelope tucked away in the bottom drawer of your filing cabinet. Get it out there. I know it can be a scary thing putting your writing out there for all to see. What if they ridicule it? Writing is so subjective. I have experienced some of the best reviews along with some of the worst. It's okay, really. Not everybody has to enjoy your writing. The thing to remember is that someone will. Those are the people you write for. Get on Goodreads, Scribd, check out your local book store for writing groups and book clubs. In today's world, the opportunities are endless.
I highly recommend finding a good editor, good being the operative word. In writing my first manuscript, it was 150,000-words. After consulting an editor, the finished version was 100,000-words, and much better for it. I have a piece about finding a good editor on my blog: http://brooklynjamesblog.blogspot.c.....
Finally, be prepared to "pay your dues." This is the musician in me. As a singer/songwriter, I paid my dues for years, in my bedroom writing songs, in clubs playing live, in studio laying tracks. All of these things prepared me for the opportunity of releasing my first album. Success rarely happens over night. Don't look at writing a book as a one-hit-wonder. Approach it as though it is your career, and maybe it will become so. It's so cliché, but 'Rome wasn't built in a day.' Above all, do what you love, love what you do...and be patient, give yourself enough time to get there. I have to remind myself of that fact daily, as I was born severely impatient. Whoever said patience was a virtue! Lol. I'm coming to find that slow and steady does win the race. 'Be the tortoise...be the tortoise,' I whisper for aspiring writers, as well as myself
Thank you again Brooklyn for the ability to do this interview with you. Perhaps we can do more together in the near future.
Again, thank you, Kitty, for having me. Looking forward to doing again! Really appreciate your support and encouragement in bringing authors and readers together.
Finding Brooklyn James:
Website: www.brooklyn-james.com
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/brookly...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BrooklynJames...
Pandora Radio: http://www.pandora.com/#/brooklyn-j.....
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mu.....
Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/BrooklynJames7
Blog: http://BrooklynJamesBlog.blogspot.com
July 13, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, ANNIE SEATON
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR OF "HOLIDAY AFFAIR," ANNIE SEATON!
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Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog...it is a pleasure to talk to your readers.
I have read a lot of romance over the past few years and it has been interesting to see the rise and fall and recent resurgence of the alpha male...
Do we need the alpha male?
It goes without saying that a romance novel must have a hero who is strong and believable, assertive and courageous. But what are the essential characteristics and how do writers go about getting the personality traits and physical appearance just right? Can we sometimes overdo it...or is that what the reader is looking for each time they pick up a new romance?
Let’s have a quick look at the characteristics of Nick in Holiday Affair
Alpha males are generally natural leaders. Smart, confident, single minded, physically imposing, strong and attractive...usually sexier than your run of the mill guy from down the street. He is more often than not a billionaire, or at the very least the CEO of a powerful corporation.
Nick, the alpha male in Holiday Affair is a university professor, with a touch of arrogance. He is smart and confident, tall, tanned and strong. He has a slight temper and can be a tad impatient.
Now is that what readers are looking for or has the alpha hero had his day? Do we want our romance novels to mirror real life?
No...of course we want our heroes to be alpha, but we must walk that fine line between confidence and arrogance. Okay, even a little bit of arrogance can be downright sexy. However there has to be a tiny bit of vulnerability—that single thing that opens them up to the love of the right woman—that one person who manages to find that chink in their armour and wind their way into his heart.
The best alpha males are the ones who have a soft side... it is satisfying for the reader to see them open up and to experience the caring underneath that hard exterior.
Of course on the way to those moments, he must demonstrate his amazing prowess and consideration in the bedroom. So back to Nick.
Strong and confident...tick.
A natural leader...tick
Sexy...tick
A sense of humour...tick
Bedroom skills...tick.
Vulnerability...tick.
Put the mix together and you have a wonderful alpha male who I fell in love with as I created him.
Now...a little bit about me.
Annie Seaton lives on the edge of the south Pacific Ocean on the east coast of Australia. Recently retired from the world of full time work, she is fulfilling her lifelong dream of writing, and had instant success! Her first two books were both published on the same day in March and Holiday Affair has been in the best seller lists since then.
She writes across genres: steampunk, (Winter of the Passion Flower) and paranormal romance, (Blind Lust ...just released), as well as romantic suspense but her favorite genre is contemporary romance.
Italian Affair continues the story of the Richards brothers and Annie is currently enjoying creating the story of Tom and Brianna, the feisty sex therapist
Annie’s working life was spent in education from early childhood through to teaching trainee teachers at university. She has worked as librarian, teacher, technology consultant and university tutor. She has now retired and spends her days writing down the many stories in her head.
When she is not writing she can be found in her garden or walking on the beach... or most likely on her deck overlooking the ocean, a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc in hand as the sun sets.
Visit Annie Seaton at http://annieseatonromance.com
Check out her blog at http:annieseaton.blogspot.com
Twitter @annieseaton26
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/annieseaton26
Blurb and buy links
Staid professor Lissy McIntyre believes that choosing a mate should be based on common sense, not runaway passion. And she would certainly never pick a rolling stone like Nick Richards for long-term love. But a red-hot, tropical romance? Oh, yeah. He’s got a body just made for sinning and his sizzling kisses leave her senseless.
When Nick blows into town, he’s stunned to discover that his no-nonsense new neighbor and co-worker is the same sultry creature he seduced for one night of forbidden island pleasure. He’s unaccustomed to staying in one place for long, but he just can’t seem to keep his hands off the multi-faceted woman. Will Nick break loyal Lissy’s heart or will she be the one woman he simply can’t walk away from?
Buy links
http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Affai.....
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hol.....
Annie Seaton will be giving away a copy of “Holiday Affair” she would love to hear from the readers as well. Email her at: annie.seaton26@gmail.com and tell her about your favourite characteristics and what you think makes the perfect Alpha Male!
[image error] [image error]
Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog...it is a pleasure to talk to your readers.
I have read a lot of romance over the past few years and it has been interesting to see the rise and fall and recent resurgence of the alpha male...
Do we need the alpha male?
It goes without saying that a romance novel must have a hero who is strong and believable, assertive and courageous. But what are the essential characteristics and how do writers go about getting the personality traits and physical appearance just right? Can we sometimes overdo it...or is that what the reader is looking for each time they pick up a new romance?
Let’s have a quick look at the characteristics of Nick in Holiday Affair
Alpha males are generally natural leaders. Smart, confident, single minded, physically imposing, strong and attractive...usually sexier than your run of the mill guy from down the street. He is more often than not a billionaire, or at the very least the CEO of a powerful corporation.
Nick, the alpha male in Holiday Affair is a university professor, with a touch of arrogance. He is smart and confident, tall, tanned and strong. He has a slight temper and can be a tad impatient.
Now is that what readers are looking for or has the alpha hero had his day? Do we want our romance novels to mirror real life?
No...of course we want our heroes to be alpha, but we must walk that fine line between confidence and arrogance. Okay, even a little bit of arrogance can be downright sexy. However there has to be a tiny bit of vulnerability—that single thing that opens them up to the love of the right woman—that one person who manages to find that chink in their armour and wind their way into his heart.
The best alpha males are the ones who have a soft side... it is satisfying for the reader to see them open up and to experience the caring underneath that hard exterior.
Of course on the way to those moments, he must demonstrate his amazing prowess and consideration in the bedroom. So back to Nick.
Strong and confident...tick.
A natural leader...tick
Sexy...tick
A sense of humour...tick
Bedroom skills...tick.
Vulnerability...tick.
Put the mix together and you have a wonderful alpha male who I fell in love with as I created him.
Now...a little bit about me.
Annie Seaton lives on the edge of the south Pacific Ocean on the east coast of Australia. Recently retired from the world of full time work, she is fulfilling her lifelong dream of writing, and had instant success! Her first two books were both published on the same day in March and Holiday Affair has been in the best seller lists since then.
She writes across genres: steampunk, (Winter of the Passion Flower) and paranormal romance, (Blind Lust ...just released), as well as romantic suspense but her favorite genre is contemporary romance.
Italian Affair continues the story of the Richards brothers and Annie is currently enjoying creating the story of Tom and Brianna, the feisty sex therapist
Annie’s working life was spent in education from early childhood through to teaching trainee teachers at university. She has worked as librarian, teacher, technology consultant and university tutor. She has now retired and spends her days writing down the many stories in her head.
When she is not writing she can be found in her garden or walking on the beach... or most likely on her deck overlooking the ocean, a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc in hand as the sun sets.
Visit Annie Seaton at http://annieseatonromance.com
Check out her blog at http:annieseaton.blogspot.com
Twitter @annieseaton26
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/annieseaton26
Blurb and buy links
Staid professor Lissy McIntyre believes that choosing a mate should be based on common sense, not runaway passion. And she would certainly never pick a rolling stone like Nick Richards for long-term love. But a red-hot, tropical romance? Oh, yeah. He’s got a body just made for sinning and his sizzling kisses leave her senseless.
When Nick blows into town, he’s stunned to discover that his no-nonsense new neighbor and co-worker is the same sultry creature he seduced for one night of forbidden island pleasure. He’s unaccustomed to staying in one place for long, but he just can’t seem to keep his hands off the multi-faceted woman. Will Nick break loyal Lissy’s heart or will she be the one woman he simply can’t walk away from?
Buy links
http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Affai.....
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hol.....
Annie Seaton will be giving away a copy of “Holiday Affair” she would love to hear from the readers as well. Email her at: annie.seaton26@gmail.com and tell her about your favourite characteristics and what you think makes the perfect Alpha Male!
July 12, 2012
INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR, GEORGE STRATFORD (CONDUCTED BY MARCIA)
Interview with George Stratford
Author of Buried Pasts
[image error] [image error]
I had the very great privilege of interviewing George Stratford, author of Buried Pasts. I was interested in George’s book for personal reasons: my father spent some time in England preparing for the D-Day invasion, and he always spoke with such fondness of the friendly people who took on thousands of rowdy American boys such as he was. As you will see below, George is an gifted story teller. Thank you so much, George, for sharing yourself with us.
Have you done research into your father’s squadron and the events surrounding his death? Did finding out details make you feel closer to your father, or give you an insight into yourself?
Dad was on his 28th mission as a pilot and serving with 78 Squadron RAF Bomber Command when he died on 19th July 1944. He was on the way home after successfully bombing his target when he received a radio call for assistance from Allied ground troops in northern France under severe pressure from German heavy artillery. In the subsequent low level-attack, armed only with lightweight machine guns, his Halifax aircraft suffered a direct hit. I was just six weeks old at the time, so everything that I learned about him has come either from my late mother’s memories or personal research.
The research involved for the writing of Buried Pasts was considerable, involving everything from long talks with former Bomber Command pilots to studying a street map of wartime Berlin that I was lucky enough to find. Discovering the nightly hell that the men of Bomber Command went through made me realise even more forcibly what a hero Dad was. The fatality rate for aircrew members of Bomber Command was fifty percent, by far the highest suffered of by any arm of British WWII forces. Their average life expectancy could be measured in weeks. Yet still these men found the courage to keep going. Naturally, this drew me closer than ever to Dad.
As for gaining any insights into myself - perhaps there is only one. Would I have had the courage to do what Dad did? Somehow I doubt it.
Is the character of Alan, the son of Mike’s crew member who died parachuting under Mike’s orders, based on someone you knew growing up in post-war England? Or perhaps upon yourself?
Sure, there were a lot of other kids of my age during the 1940 – 50s who had also lost their fathers during the war. Some spoke with enormous pride of their dads, some spoke with bitterness and anger directed mostly at the Germans they held responsible. At various times of my early life I experienced both emotions. In fact, it wasn’t until I joined the army and was posted to Germany in 1964 that my view of the people there really began to progress beyond the basic black and white.
I can’t honestly remember meeting any other British kid who directly blamed a comrade of their father’s for his death. But there were indeed a fair number of fatherless and disturbed youths just like Alan around, most of them needing an outlet for their anger and constantly getting into trouble at school and with the law. This, despite the punishments risked back then being a darn sight harsher than today.
So no, the character of Alan is not based directly on any single person. He is a composite of many, with his resultant bitterness and anger merely given a different and far more personal target. Of course, the way children in the same position as myself developed back then was governed to a large extent by the spin on what surviving close relatives such as uncles and mothers told them. Which of course, is Alan’s fictional world exactly.
Characters in Buried Pasts lose their homes and families in war. You lost a father you never got to meet. Did you feel challenged to write about events and emotions that were close to your own experience? Was writing the book in any way a catharsis for you?
The only way in which I saw the writing of Buried Pasts as being a challenge was to make it a fitting tribute to the father I’d so longed to know all of my life. It’s no coincidence that the hero’s surname of Stafford is so similar to Dad’s own, nor that he comes from Brandon in Manitoba, Dad’s hometown. Even Stafford’s fictional number 79 Squadron is as close as possible to the real thing. To tell the truth, throughout the writing I liked to fondly imagine that Dad, had he lived, would have handled the situations and dangers that Stafford faces in exactly the same manner. Call it a combination of hero worship and wishful thinking if you like.
Writing the novel did in many ways help me to get to know Dad better. Certainly after all my research I came to understand the terrible pressures and dangers he faced a whole lot more clearly. He was amongst the very first Canadians to volunteer at the outbreak of WWII, joining the RAF as early as 1939. When he was killed he was a Warrant Officer pilot with only two more operational flights left to make before his tour of duty with the RAF was completed. Once that was completed he was due to be transferred to the Canadian Air Force as a flight instructor with the immediate rank of Squadron Leader. As an instructor, his war then would have then been effectively over. For him to have gone through all the dangers for nearly five years, only to die with probably no more than two weeks of active service remaining, still breaks my heart. Although writing this novel was as you suggest in many ways a catharsis for me, nothing will ever take away that particular heartache.
We read so often about the unique bond that develops between soldiers who fight side by side. How did you decide to write about ‘survivor guilt’?
I can’t say that I specifically set out at the start to write about ‘survivor guilt’. I have a very random (some would call it haphazard) way of developing a plot. This comprises mostly of ‘what if’’ type questions.
All I knew at the beginning was that I was going to create a fictionalised tribute to my father. After coming up with the character of Mike Stafford, a young Canadian bomber pilot who survives the war, I then needed not only a reason for him to return to England in later life, but also enemies and complications waiting here for him when he arrives to provide the necessary conflict.
A squadron reunion was the easy answer for a return to England, but questions such as: ‘Who might he least like to encounter whilst on this trip?’ followed. The first answer this delivered was: ‘An embittered German woman who has lost a close relative during one of the very air raids that Stafford took a part in.’ From this, Siggi, who provides so much of the emotional conflict in the story, was eventually born. Then only at this later stage, after the additional creation of Alan to provide the physical conflict I was also seeking, did the ‘survivor guilt’ theme really take a hold.
Do you read lots of history? What are some of your favourite books?
Yes, I do read a fair few historical novels. The author Ken Follett is a particular favourite of mine. As well as fast moving contemporary stuff, he has also written brilliant stories that centre on both world wars, plus amazingly researched novels set in medieval times. His 12th Century novel, Pillars of the Earth, and its sequel, World Without End, which features the Hundred Years War and the arrival of the Black Death in Britain, are true masterpieces. His latest near thousand-page epic, Fall of Giants, beginning at the start of the 20th Century, is a great read too.
Aside from Ken, I also enjoy John Grisham’s novels a lot. And on a comedy level, the Wilt and Porterhouse series of farces by Tom Sharpe always amuse me, although possibly these may be of a peculiarly British sense of humour.
You worked at Saatchi & Saatchi. What was your job there?
Well Marcia, you are now referring to the most amazing period of my life to date.
After losing my position with a shop-fitting company during the recession of the early 1990s, things were looking bleak. Due to the general shortage of jobs, having no educational qualifications to my name, and being uncomfortably close to my fiftieth birthday, for over a year I was unable to find employment of even the lowest description. Living only on state benefits in a rented room, I felt as if life had very little meaning left for me. My pride had completely disappeared. Never had I been so low.
Eventually, following a clear message from my deceased Mum (I won’t go into details of this here), and with some wonderful people helping me to overcome a mountain of problems, I somehow found myself back in full-time education. Two years later I had gained a Higher National Diploma in Advertising Copywriting at Falmouth College of Arts.
From there on it was largely a case of being in the right place, at the right time. A three-week work experience placement at the London HQ of advertising giants Saatchi & Saatchi at the exact time their healthcare division was seeking a mature copywriter, magically led to me being offered the job. Later I moved into the main agency creative department, working on briefs for such famous international clients as Toyota, Carlsberg, Visa and Sony. Somehow the national media managed to get a handle on my rags-to-relative-riches story, and before I knew it I was appearing on a succession of TV chat shows and featuring prominently in the national press.
Naturally, nothing lasts forever. Just like flower power and regular Apollo missions to the moon, all of these things are now long gone. But I have written a light-hearted account of this incredible six-year period called Ain’t Finished Yet. I hope to publish this soon. Meanwhile, if you are interested, you can read the opening pages on my website at www.georgestratford.com .
How do you think your work with a company that communicates through amazing visuals has influenced your writing? Do you visualise scenes before you write them?
Yes, absolutely. I see scenes and characters very clearly in my head, sometimes before writing about them, but more often whilst actually typing out the words. And writing scripts for TV commercials is definitely great training for this.
However, I think that any further comparison between advertising and novel writing is unrealistic. With advertising, especially that of the printed variety, the communication has to be virtually instant. If the message is not clear immediately to the consumer, he or she will be highly unlikely to spend any time trying to work out what it is you are attempting to sell them. It’s been calculated that if you haven’t captured the average person’s interest within just a couple of fleeting seconds, then you’ve generally lost them.
With novel writing on the other hand, the customers are paying good money of their own to enter the world an author has created. So they’ll be much more prepared to be led in gradually and drip-fed information along the way. It goes without saying that this is not a licence to bore the reader to death with a ton of unnecessary description or technical detail. But a certain amount of each is definitely required otherwise a realistic picture just can’t be painted.
Tell us a little about your process. Are you a disciplined writer? Do you have any techniques you are willing to share with other writers?
I think I’ve inadvertently covered much of this one in previous responses. The question and answer process I spoke about when discussing the matter of survivor guilt will nearly always produce results, even if you have to sometimes ask a lot more questions than you originally anticipated. If it doesn’t, chances are you’ve painted yourself into that dreaded corner of no escape. In which case, the best plan is probably to go back several notches and start all over again.
It may be a cliché, but curiosity (the ‘what happens next’ factor) is surely the greatest page-turner of all. Always try to have at least one unresolved situation going on, even at the very beginning of your novel. On the very first page of Buried Pasts the reader is immediately left to wonder if Stafford’s Lancaster will be able to survive yet another trip to the Big City – Berlin. By the end of this chapter there is a second question – will Siggi’s family survive this latest air raid? It’s OK to have several questions left hanging at the same time, but never OK not to have any.
If anyone is interested in my further thoughts on the writing process, there are five separate pages on my website offering tips on Characters, Conflict, Finding Ideas, Advancing the Storyline, and Re-writes. So, like a true advertising man, here’s that website link again: www.georgestratford.com
What are you working on now?
I’m currently putting the finishing touches to an adventure/thriller novel called A Fine Line. Without giving too much away at this point, it’s about a controversial USA Senator who travels incognito to a small English village during the Christmas and New Year holiday in order trace his roots and get over the death of his wife. He takes with him his recently divorced daughter and his Godson, a former Delta Force bodyguard now acting as the senator’s bodyguard. But unknown to any of them, there is a five million dollar price on the senator’s head, and the UK’s most feared and successful hitman is closing in.
As in my previous novels, with this latest work I also try to introduce human emotions into what otherwise might simply turn out to be a hard-edged thriller story. When Buried Pasts was a quarter-finalist in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, Publishers Weekly, in a comprehensive review described the story as both: “A sentimental thriller’, and: “An adventure story with a heart.”
Either of those descriptions works well enough for me.
Author of Buried Pasts
[image error] [image error]
I had the very great privilege of interviewing George Stratford, author of Buried Pasts. I was interested in George’s book for personal reasons: my father spent some time in England preparing for the D-Day invasion, and he always spoke with such fondness of the friendly people who took on thousands of rowdy American boys such as he was. As you will see below, George is an gifted story teller. Thank you so much, George, for sharing yourself with us.
Have you done research into your father’s squadron and the events surrounding his death? Did finding out details make you feel closer to your father, or give you an insight into yourself?
Dad was on his 28th mission as a pilot and serving with 78 Squadron RAF Bomber Command when he died on 19th July 1944. He was on the way home after successfully bombing his target when he received a radio call for assistance from Allied ground troops in northern France under severe pressure from German heavy artillery. In the subsequent low level-attack, armed only with lightweight machine guns, his Halifax aircraft suffered a direct hit. I was just six weeks old at the time, so everything that I learned about him has come either from my late mother’s memories or personal research.
The research involved for the writing of Buried Pasts was considerable, involving everything from long talks with former Bomber Command pilots to studying a street map of wartime Berlin that I was lucky enough to find. Discovering the nightly hell that the men of Bomber Command went through made me realise even more forcibly what a hero Dad was. The fatality rate for aircrew members of Bomber Command was fifty percent, by far the highest suffered of by any arm of British WWII forces. Their average life expectancy could be measured in weeks. Yet still these men found the courage to keep going. Naturally, this drew me closer than ever to Dad.
As for gaining any insights into myself - perhaps there is only one. Would I have had the courage to do what Dad did? Somehow I doubt it.
Is the character of Alan, the son of Mike’s crew member who died parachuting under Mike’s orders, based on someone you knew growing up in post-war England? Or perhaps upon yourself?
Sure, there were a lot of other kids of my age during the 1940 – 50s who had also lost their fathers during the war. Some spoke with enormous pride of their dads, some spoke with bitterness and anger directed mostly at the Germans they held responsible. At various times of my early life I experienced both emotions. In fact, it wasn’t until I joined the army and was posted to Germany in 1964 that my view of the people there really began to progress beyond the basic black and white.
I can’t honestly remember meeting any other British kid who directly blamed a comrade of their father’s for his death. But there were indeed a fair number of fatherless and disturbed youths just like Alan around, most of them needing an outlet for their anger and constantly getting into trouble at school and with the law. This, despite the punishments risked back then being a darn sight harsher than today.
So no, the character of Alan is not based directly on any single person. He is a composite of many, with his resultant bitterness and anger merely given a different and far more personal target. Of course, the way children in the same position as myself developed back then was governed to a large extent by the spin on what surviving close relatives such as uncles and mothers told them. Which of course, is Alan’s fictional world exactly.
Characters in Buried Pasts lose their homes and families in war. You lost a father you never got to meet. Did you feel challenged to write about events and emotions that were close to your own experience? Was writing the book in any way a catharsis for you?
The only way in which I saw the writing of Buried Pasts as being a challenge was to make it a fitting tribute to the father I’d so longed to know all of my life. It’s no coincidence that the hero’s surname of Stafford is so similar to Dad’s own, nor that he comes from Brandon in Manitoba, Dad’s hometown. Even Stafford’s fictional number 79 Squadron is as close as possible to the real thing. To tell the truth, throughout the writing I liked to fondly imagine that Dad, had he lived, would have handled the situations and dangers that Stafford faces in exactly the same manner. Call it a combination of hero worship and wishful thinking if you like.
Writing the novel did in many ways help me to get to know Dad better. Certainly after all my research I came to understand the terrible pressures and dangers he faced a whole lot more clearly. He was amongst the very first Canadians to volunteer at the outbreak of WWII, joining the RAF as early as 1939. When he was killed he was a Warrant Officer pilot with only two more operational flights left to make before his tour of duty with the RAF was completed. Once that was completed he was due to be transferred to the Canadian Air Force as a flight instructor with the immediate rank of Squadron Leader. As an instructor, his war then would have then been effectively over. For him to have gone through all the dangers for nearly five years, only to die with probably no more than two weeks of active service remaining, still breaks my heart. Although writing this novel was as you suggest in many ways a catharsis for me, nothing will ever take away that particular heartache.
We read so often about the unique bond that develops between soldiers who fight side by side. How did you decide to write about ‘survivor guilt’?
I can’t say that I specifically set out at the start to write about ‘survivor guilt’. I have a very random (some would call it haphazard) way of developing a plot. This comprises mostly of ‘what if’’ type questions.
All I knew at the beginning was that I was going to create a fictionalised tribute to my father. After coming up with the character of Mike Stafford, a young Canadian bomber pilot who survives the war, I then needed not only a reason for him to return to England in later life, but also enemies and complications waiting here for him when he arrives to provide the necessary conflict.
A squadron reunion was the easy answer for a return to England, but questions such as: ‘Who might he least like to encounter whilst on this trip?’ followed. The first answer this delivered was: ‘An embittered German woman who has lost a close relative during one of the very air raids that Stafford took a part in.’ From this, Siggi, who provides so much of the emotional conflict in the story, was eventually born. Then only at this later stage, after the additional creation of Alan to provide the physical conflict I was also seeking, did the ‘survivor guilt’ theme really take a hold.
Do you read lots of history? What are some of your favourite books?
Yes, I do read a fair few historical novels. The author Ken Follett is a particular favourite of mine. As well as fast moving contemporary stuff, he has also written brilliant stories that centre on both world wars, plus amazingly researched novels set in medieval times. His 12th Century novel, Pillars of the Earth, and its sequel, World Without End, which features the Hundred Years War and the arrival of the Black Death in Britain, are true masterpieces. His latest near thousand-page epic, Fall of Giants, beginning at the start of the 20th Century, is a great read too.
Aside from Ken, I also enjoy John Grisham’s novels a lot. And on a comedy level, the Wilt and Porterhouse series of farces by Tom Sharpe always amuse me, although possibly these may be of a peculiarly British sense of humour.
You worked at Saatchi & Saatchi. What was your job there?
Well Marcia, you are now referring to the most amazing period of my life to date.
After losing my position with a shop-fitting company during the recession of the early 1990s, things were looking bleak. Due to the general shortage of jobs, having no educational qualifications to my name, and being uncomfortably close to my fiftieth birthday, for over a year I was unable to find employment of even the lowest description. Living only on state benefits in a rented room, I felt as if life had very little meaning left for me. My pride had completely disappeared. Never had I been so low.
Eventually, following a clear message from my deceased Mum (I won’t go into details of this here), and with some wonderful people helping me to overcome a mountain of problems, I somehow found myself back in full-time education. Two years later I had gained a Higher National Diploma in Advertising Copywriting at Falmouth College of Arts.
From there on it was largely a case of being in the right place, at the right time. A three-week work experience placement at the London HQ of advertising giants Saatchi & Saatchi at the exact time their healthcare division was seeking a mature copywriter, magically led to me being offered the job. Later I moved into the main agency creative department, working on briefs for such famous international clients as Toyota, Carlsberg, Visa and Sony. Somehow the national media managed to get a handle on my rags-to-relative-riches story, and before I knew it I was appearing on a succession of TV chat shows and featuring prominently in the national press.
Naturally, nothing lasts forever. Just like flower power and regular Apollo missions to the moon, all of these things are now long gone. But I have written a light-hearted account of this incredible six-year period called Ain’t Finished Yet. I hope to publish this soon. Meanwhile, if you are interested, you can read the opening pages on my website at www.georgestratford.com .
How do you think your work with a company that communicates through amazing visuals has influenced your writing? Do you visualise scenes before you write them?
Yes, absolutely. I see scenes and characters very clearly in my head, sometimes before writing about them, but more often whilst actually typing out the words. And writing scripts for TV commercials is definitely great training for this.
However, I think that any further comparison between advertising and novel writing is unrealistic. With advertising, especially that of the printed variety, the communication has to be virtually instant. If the message is not clear immediately to the consumer, he or she will be highly unlikely to spend any time trying to work out what it is you are attempting to sell them. It’s been calculated that if you haven’t captured the average person’s interest within just a couple of fleeting seconds, then you’ve generally lost them.
With novel writing on the other hand, the customers are paying good money of their own to enter the world an author has created. So they’ll be much more prepared to be led in gradually and drip-fed information along the way. It goes without saying that this is not a licence to bore the reader to death with a ton of unnecessary description or technical detail. But a certain amount of each is definitely required otherwise a realistic picture just can’t be painted.
Tell us a little about your process. Are you a disciplined writer? Do you have any techniques you are willing to share with other writers?
I think I’ve inadvertently covered much of this one in previous responses. The question and answer process I spoke about when discussing the matter of survivor guilt will nearly always produce results, even if you have to sometimes ask a lot more questions than you originally anticipated. If it doesn’t, chances are you’ve painted yourself into that dreaded corner of no escape. In which case, the best plan is probably to go back several notches and start all over again.
It may be a cliché, but curiosity (the ‘what happens next’ factor) is surely the greatest page-turner of all. Always try to have at least one unresolved situation going on, even at the very beginning of your novel. On the very first page of Buried Pasts the reader is immediately left to wonder if Stafford’s Lancaster will be able to survive yet another trip to the Big City – Berlin. By the end of this chapter there is a second question – will Siggi’s family survive this latest air raid? It’s OK to have several questions left hanging at the same time, but never OK not to have any.
If anyone is interested in my further thoughts on the writing process, there are five separate pages on my website offering tips on Characters, Conflict, Finding Ideas, Advancing the Storyline, and Re-writes. So, like a true advertising man, here’s that website link again: www.georgestratford.com
What are you working on now?
I’m currently putting the finishing touches to an adventure/thriller novel called A Fine Line. Without giving too much away at this point, it’s about a controversial USA Senator who travels incognito to a small English village during the Christmas and New Year holiday in order trace his roots and get over the death of his wife. He takes with him his recently divorced daughter and his Godson, a former Delta Force bodyguard now acting as the senator’s bodyguard. But unknown to any of them, there is a five million dollar price on the senator’s head, and the UK’s most feared and successful hitman is closing in.
As in my previous novels, with this latest work I also try to introduce human emotions into what otherwise might simply turn out to be a hard-edged thriller story. When Buried Pasts was a quarter-finalist in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, Publishers Weekly, in a comprehensive review described the story as both: “A sentimental thriller’, and: “An adventure story with a heart.”
Either of those descriptions works well enough for me.
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, SONJA HERBERT
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR OF "CARNIVAL GIRL," SONJA HERBERT
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During the few times we carnival children attended school, I once received an A for a story about a Greek myth I had written, and on that day I decided to write about my mother’s life when I grew up.
All through the time I raised my six children here in the U.S.A., this thought was with me, and when the younger ones were a bit older, I started on my mother’s story. As the story unfolded, I realized that it would not be complete unless I also told my own story, the story of my childhood and my life with my mother.
And that’s how Carnival Girl began. I originally called it Conversations with Margot (my mother’s first name), but since the novel I wrote about her life isn’t published yet, I decided to re-name the memoir and publish it first.
As I wrote the story and remembered the things that happened in my early life, old feelings also returned, and I had to confront the childish reactions of my younger self. Now, as a grown woman, I was able to see things I had not seen as a little girl, and when my memoir was finished, I had a new insight and understanding for my mother, who had suffered so much and still came out ahead.
My mother, Margot, is now ninety-one years old. She lives in Stuttgart, Germany, and is still going strong!
Thank you Mutti, for everything you have taught me!
[image error] [image error]
During the few times we carnival children attended school, I once received an A for a story about a Greek myth I had written, and on that day I decided to write about my mother’s life when I grew up.
All through the time I raised my six children here in the U.S.A., this thought was with me, and when the younger ones were a bit older, I started on my mother’s story. As the story unfolded, I realized that it would not be complete unless I also told my own story, the story of my childhood and my life with my mother.
And that’s how Carnival Girl began. I originally called it Conversations with Margot (my mother’s first name), but since the novel I wrote about her life isn’t published yet, I decided to re-name the memoir and publish it first.
As I wrote the story and remembered the things that happened in my early life, old feelings also returned, and I had to confront the childish reactions of my younger self. Now, as a grown woman, I was able to see things I had not seen as a little girl, and when my memoir was finished, I had a new insight and understanding for my mother, who had suffered so much and still came out ahead.
My mother, Margot, is now ninety-one years old. She lives in Stuttgart, Germany, and is still going strong!
Thank you Mutti, for everything you have taught me!
July 11, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, NINA CROFT
Rekindling an Old Love – Category Romance
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For a lot of years now, my reading and my writing has focused on anything speculative: paranormal, sci-fi, a mixture of both. My heroes tended to be vampires, werewolves, aliens… So when my editor at Entangled Publishing asked me if I was interested in writing a category contemporary romance, for a moment, I didn’t know how to answer.
But in fact, category romance was my first love. As a teenager, I was a voracious reader, and I was always running out of books. My mother read category romances and she had hundreds of them around the house. So I thought, if only I can start reading them—I need never run out of books again. Of course, I was wrong—I still ran out (unsurprising, as on a good day, I could devour four or five) but each month new ones would arrive.
So, I decided to have a go, and I wrote, Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire, which released with Entangled as part of their Indulgence imprint in March this year. I loved writing the book, and since, have rekindled my love of reading category romance and remembered just why I enjoy them so much.
Here are a few things that come to mind:
• I know what I’m going to get. Within a particularly line I can be guaranteed certain things. If I’m in the mood for sweet romance, I know which line to go for. While if I’m in the mood for an alpha male and some sizzling love scenes, then there are lines for that too. Something for every mood.
• Gorgeous heroes and exotic locations…
• While the basic stories remain the same, category romances are in fact always evolving, they’re current, and up to date, and actually constantly changing as the readers change.
• They’re short and can be read at one sitting—I love reading books in one go.
• They’re pure romance. I love most genres of books, but sometimes I just want the romance! Because of the relatively short word counts of category books, there’s no room in them for complex sub-plots, so the focus always remains on the hero and heroine’s relationship—they can be very intense.
• Every month there are new stories coming out.
• And of course—most important—I always get a happy ever after.
So what do you love best about category romance? Let me know for a chance to win a copy of Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire.
Blurb: Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire
Seduction by any means necessary…
Olivia Brent is happy with her quiet life in the country, until the imminent loss of her home forces her to embark on a search for her estranged father. Catapulted into a world of criminals and totally out of her depth, Olivia is rescued by the stunningly gorgeous and enigmatic billionaire Luc Severino.
Luc has never considered himself a knight in shining armor, and if he had been, then Jimmy Brent’s daughter was the last person he would choose to rescue. But Olivia is the key to finding her father, and Luc is willing to use any methods available, including blackmail, to persuade Olivia to help him find Jimmy and finally put the past behind him.
And if blackmail doesn’t gain her total cooperation, then perhaps a little seduction will…
Read an excerpt here.
Buy Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Books On Board
Bio:
Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia, which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.
Nina writes all types of romance often mixed with elements of the paranormal and science fiction.
Find me at:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
[image error]
For a lot of years now, my reading and my writing has focused on anything speculative: paranormal, sci-fi, a mixture of both. My heroes tended to be vampires, werewolves, aliens… So when my editor at Entangled Publishing asked me if I was interested in writing a category contemporary romance, for a moment, I didn’t know how to answer.
But in fact, category romance was my first love. As a teenager, I was a voracious reader, and I was always running out of books. My mother read category romances and she had hundreds of them around the house. So I thought, if only I can start reading them—I need never run out of books again. Of course, I was wrong—I still ran out (unsurprising, as on a good day, I could devour four or five) but each month new ones would arrive.
So, I decided to have a go, and I wrote, Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire, which released with Entangled as part of their Indulgence imprint in March this year. I loved writing the book, and since, have rekindled my love of reading category romance and remembered just why I enjoy them so much.
Here are a few things that come to mind:
• I know what I’m going to get. Within a particularly line I can be guaranteed certain things. If I’m in the mood for sweet romance, I know which line to go for. While if I’m in the mood for an alpha male and some sizzling love scenes, then there are lines for that too. Something for every mood.
• Gorgeous heroes and exotic locations…
• While the basic stories remain the same, category romances are in fact always evolving, they’re current, and up to date, and actually constantly changing as the readers change.
• They’re short and can be read at one sitting—I love reading books in one go.
• They’re pure romance. I love most genres of books, but sometimes I just want the romance! Because of the relatively short word counts of category books, there’s no room in them for complex sub-plots, so the focus always remains on the hero and heroine’s relationship—they can be very intense.
• Every month there are new stories coming out.
• And of course—most important—I always get a happy ever after.
So what do you love best about category romance? Let me know for a chance to win a copy of Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire.
Blurb: Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire
Seduction by any means necessary…
Olivia Brent is happy with her quiet life in the country, until the imminent loss of her home forces her to embark on a search for her estranged father. Catapulted into a world of criminals and totally out of her depth, Olivia is rescued by the stunningly gorgeous and enigmatic billionaire Luc Severino.
Luc has never considered himself a knight in shining armor, and if he had been, then Jimmy Brent’s daughter was the last person he would choose to rescue. But Olivia is the key to finding her father, and Luc is willing to use any methods available, including blackmail, to persuade Olivia to help him find Jimmy and finally put the past behind him.
And if blackmail doesn’t gain her total cooperation, then perhaps a little seduction will…
Read an excerpt here.
Buy Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Books On Board
Bio:
Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia, which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.
Nina writes all types of romance often mixed with elements of the paranormal and science fiction.
Find me at:
Website
July 10, 2012
INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR, KAREN A. HOOPER
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR OF "GRASPING AT ETERNITY," KAREN HOOPER
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Hello Karen, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. It is a pleasure to have the chance to get to know more about you and your writing. First tell us about your newest novel and why you decided to write it.>/b>
Thanks so much for having me. My newest release is Grasping at Eternity (Book 1 of The Kindrily Series). I first wrote this story years ago, and it was my first attempt at a novel. Originally, it was a 150k word mess, but I spent four years improving my craft, revising, and getting the story to a place where I felt it was ready to share with the world.
Tell us about some of your hobbies, things you like to do in your spare time.
I'm a Disney addict. You can find me at Disney World at least one or two days a month (usually more). If I'm not at Disney I'm usually writing, reading, or hanging out with friends, family, or my two sweet dogs. I'm also a chocoholic and coffee lover.
What is the one most rewarding thing in your life right now?
Readers. The outpouring of emails, tweets, and messages from fans of Tangled Tides and Grasping at Eternity has been more than I could have ever hoped for. I love what I do, but hearing that others love my stories is beyond rewarding.
When reading for pleasure do you tend to stick to the same genre you write or do you like to read other genres as well?
I mostly read YA fantasy/paranormal of some sort, but every now and then I do enjoy a good emotional contemporary or literary fiction. A few non-fiction books have been seen on my nightstand as well.
When was it that you realized writing was what you wanted to do with your life?
December 21, 2008. I was baking Christmas cookies and Ella Fitzgerald's Someone to Watch Over Me was playing on the radio. That's when the idea forGrasping at Eternity hit me. I started typing scenes and I couldn't stop. I had finally found something I truly loved.
When can we expect your next book out and can you give us a sneak peek?
I'm currently working on sequels to Tangled Tides and Grasping at Eternity, but I think Taking Back Forever (Book 2 of The Kindrily series) will release first. It's expected to come out early winter of 2013.) There's a sneak peek at the end of GAE.
Back in your high school career, who was the one teacher you would say made a profound difference in your life, if any?
Louise Geczy. She will always hold a special place in my heart. She taught me English, Creative Writing (I and II), Speech, and headed the school literary magazine which I worked on. She was my favorite teacher by far, and she helped me get through the darkest time in my life. Back then I wrote a lot of poetry and short stories and didn't believe I'd ever be capable of writing a novel. But she told me I would write a book one day, and she was right--as always.
What dreams do you have for future generations that you'd like to share with others?
I hope future generations realize how important love is. Whether it be family, friends, loving themselves, etc. As life becomes more fast paced with technology and such, I feel like REAL human interaction is being jeopardized. I really hope that improves in the future.
One off the board question I like to ask, is what are your views as far as 2012, and do you believe in the Mayan Calendar?
I think the Mayans had some really interesting beliefs and customs, but I think all the hype about the world ending this December is a misunderstanding. I'm hoping for the theory that December 21st will initiate a time of great change--hopefully for the better. I started writing my first novel on December 21st four years ago, so for me, that date only signifies positive possibilities.
Finally, do you have any advice you'd like to give to other aspiring authors, also please leave us your links where we can find out more about you.
Don't give up, and expect the unexpected. Know that you can't please everyone and that's okay, as long as you're writing what you love.
Author Website: http://www.karenamandahooper.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Karen_Hooper
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaren
Thank you again Karen for the ability to do this interview with you. Perhaps we can do more together in the near future.
I would love that! Thanks again for having me.
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Hello Karen, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. It is a pleasure to have the chance to get to know more about you and your writing. First tell us about your newest novel and why you decided to write it.>/b>
Thanks so much for having me. My newest release is Grasping at Eternity (Book 1 of The Kindrily Series). I first wrote this story years ago, and it was my first attempt at a novel. Originally, it was a 150k word mess, but I spent four years improving my craft, revising, and getting the story to a place where I felt it was ready to share with the world.
Tell us about some of your hobbies, things you like to do in your spare time.
I'm a Disney addict. You can find me at Disney World at least one or two days a month (usually more). If I'm not at Disney I'm usually writing, reading, or hanging out with friends, family, or my two sweet dogs. I'm also a chocoholic and coffee lover.
What is the one most rewarding thing in your life right now?
Readers. The outpouring of emails, tweets, and messages from fans of Tangled Tides and Grasping at Eternity has been more than I could have ever hoped for. I love what I do, but hearing that others love my stories is beyond rewarding.
When reading for pleasure do you tend to stick to the same genre you write or do you like to read other genres as well?
I mostly read YA fantasy/paranormal of some sort, but every now and then I do enjoy a good emotional contemporary or literary fiction. A few non-fiction books have been seen on my nightstand as well.
When was it that you realized writing was what you wanted to do with your life?
December 21, 2008. I was baking Christmas cookies and Ella Fitzgerald's Someone to Watch Over Me was playing on the radio. That's when the idea forGrasping at Eternity hit me. I started typing scenes and I couldn't stop. I had finally found something I truly loved.
When can we expect your next book out and can you give us a sneak peek?
I'm currently working on sequels to Tangled Tides and Grasping at Eternity, but I think Taking Back Forever (Book 2 of The Kindrily series) will release first. It's expected to come out early winter of 2013.) There's a sneak peek at the end of GAE.
Back in your high school career, who was the one teacher you would say made a profound difference in your life, if any?
Louise Geczy. She will always hold a special place in my heart. She taught me English, Creative Writing (I and II), Speech, and headed the school literary magazine which I worked on. She was my favorite teacher by far, and she helped me get through the darkest time in my life. Back then I wrote a lot of poetry and short stories and didn't believe I'd ever be capable of writing a novel. But she told me I would write a book one day, and she was right--as always.
What dreams do you have for future generations that you'd like to share with others?
I hope future generations realize how important love is. Whether it be family, friends, loving themselves, etc. As life becomes more fast paced with technology and such, I feel like REAL human interaction is being jeopardized. I really hope that improves in the future.
One off the board question I like to ask, is what are your views as far as 2012, and do you believe in the Mayan Calendar?
I think the Mayans had some really interesting beliefs and customs, but I think all the hype about the world ending this December is a misunderstanding. I'm hoping for the theory that December 21st will initiate a time of great change--hopefully for the better. I started writing my first novel on December 21st four years ago, so for me, that date only signifies positive possibilities.
Finally, do you have any advice you'd like to give to other aspiring authors, also please leave us your links where we can find out more about you.
Don't give up, and expect the unexpected. Know that you can't please everyone and that's okay, as long as you're writing what you love.
Author Website: http://www.karenamandahooper.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Karen_Hooper
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaren
Thank you again Karen for the ability to do this interview with you. Perhaps we can do more together in the near future.
I would love that! Thanks again for having me.
"TROLL OR DERBY" BY RED TASH (GMTA REVIEW)
Book Title: "Troll Or Derby”
Author: Red Tash
Published By: Self-Published
Age Recommended: 14+
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5
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Review: I have NEVER read a book like this before. Red Tash definitely has the ability to come up with some interesting and never before heard of plots. When Roller Deb's sister is kidnapped not only does she have to figure out how to save her, but she ends up gaining help from creatures one would never have thought to exist. The book being centered around the Roller Derby is also brilliant, it gives an underlying plot to an even larger one.
Red Tash is such an awesome writer and her plots are always fresh and new. I'll be sure and pick up more of her titles both past and present! Be sure and pick up your copy of "Troll Or Derby" today!
Author: Red Tash
Published By: Self-Published
Age Recommended: 14+
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5
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Review: I have NEVER read a book like this before. Red Tash definitely has the ability to come up with some interesting and never before heard of plots. When Roller Deb's sister is kidnapped not only does she have to figure out how to save her, but she ends up gaining help from creatures one would never have thought to exist. The book being centered around the Roller Derby is also brilliant, it gives an underlying plot to an even larger one.
Red Tash is such an awesome writer and her plots are always fresh and new. I'll be sure and pick up more of her titles both past and present! Be sure and pick up your copy of "Troll Or Derby" today!
July 9, 2012
BLOG TOUR FOR AUTHOR OF “iFEEL” MARISSA CARMEL!
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Starting July 18th – August 31st
GMTA Independent Publishing presents Author Marissa Carmel as they host a Blog Tour in honor of her new release “iFeel.”
If you are interested in hosting Marissa on your blog please send us the information below so we can schedule her for an appearance.
Name:
Name of Blog or Site & URL:
Date or dates you’d like to host her:
Guest Post, Interview, or Live Event:
E-book Giveaway and/or Review:
“iFeel” Synopsis:
Lust. Anger. Hate. Desire. Love. Happiness. Joy. iFeel. Liv Christianni is isolated, alone, tortured and withdrawn, saddled with the torrential downpour of the world’s emotions. Accepting of her providence Liv has lost all hope, until one day fate steps in and spins the course of her life like a spiraling top. Hunted by a Spirit Stalker, Liv is forced to gain control of herself and her surroundings, threatened by the touch of her immortal love; she must find a way to survive both physically and emotionally as her reality is shaken up like dice on a Craps table. Can she find the courage to accept her true self? Can she love unconditionally cognizant of the condemning consequences? Can she rise from the ashes to become the person she was always meant to be? Funny, witty, real, and poignant, iFeel rips into your soul, and sets your emotions on fire. If you are a fan of Charmed or Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries or The Secret Circle this series is for you!
Marissa’s Links:
WEBSITE: http://marissacarmel.moonfruit.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/marissa.carm...
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/sho.....
PUBLISHER: http://www.greatmindsindependentpubli...
“iFEEL” by Marissa Carmel is available at Amazon.com in Paperback and E-book format:
PAPERBACK: http://www.amazon.com/iFeel-Book-Vi.....
E-BOOK: http://www.amazon.com/iFeel-ebook/d.....
Thank you so much for taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Keep in mind any dates currently are available from July 18th – August 31st. Feel free to reply with the above information to mail to: greatmindsthinkaloud@gmail.com
Starting July 18th – August 31st
GMTA Independent Publishing presents Author Marissa Carmel as they host a Blog Tour in honor of her new release “iFeel.”
If you are interested in hosting Marissa on your blog please send us the information below so we can schedule her for an appearance.
Name:
Name of Blog or Site & URL:
Date or dates you’d like to host her:
Guest Post, Interview, or Live Event:
E-book Giveaway and/or Review:
“iFeel” Synopsis:
Lust. Anger. Hate. Desire. Love. Happiness. Joy. iFeel. Liv Christianni is isolated, alone, tortured and withdrawn, saddled with the torrential downpour of the world’s emotions. Accepting of her providence Liv has lost all hope, until one day fate steps in and spins the course of her life like a spiraling top. Hunted by a Spirit Stalker, Liv is forced to gain control of herself and her surroundings, threatened by the touch of her immortal love; she must find a way to survive both physically and emotionally as her reality is shaken up like dice on a Craps table. Can she find the courage to accept her true self? Can she love unconditionally cognizant of the condemning consequences? Can she rise from the ashes to become the person she was always meant to be? Funny, witty, real, and poignant, iFeel rips into your soul, and sets your emotions on fire. If you are a fan of Charmed or Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries or The Secret Circle this series is for you!
Marissa’s Links:
WEBSITE: http://marissacarmel.moonfruit.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/marissa.carm...
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/sho.....
PUBLISHER: http://www.greatmindsindependentpubli...
“iFEEL” by Marissa Carmel is available at Amazon.com in Paperback and E-book format:
PAPERBACK: http://www.amazon.com/iFeel-Book-Vi.....
E-BOOK: http://www.amazon.com/iFeel-ebook/d.....
Thank you so much for taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Keep in mind any dates currently are available from July 18th – August 31st. Feel free to reply with the above information to mail to: greatmindsthinkaloud@gmail.com
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, BARBARA WALLACE
GUEST POST FOR THE AUTHOR OF "THE WEEKEND AGREEMENT" BARBARA WALLACE
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What is your character’s greatest fear?
That’s the first question I ponder when starting a new project.
Now I know common wisdom suggests you focus on your character’s goal. His or her burning desire, or rather the one thing they want more than anything else in the world. And believe me, knowing the character’s goals is important. It is the “what” that often drives your plot.
However, maybe it’s the amateur psychologist in me, but when it come to character, I’m far more interested in the “why.” Why does this particular character want this particular goal?
More often than not, the why is rooted in fear.
I’m not talking about physical danger here – although physical danger is certainly a key element if your writing a thriller. No, I’m talking about the insecurities and anxieties buried deep inside your character’s psyche. Fear of rejection, fear of the past repeating itself, fear of being forgotten. The kind of core fears that, if your character, if asked, might even realize he has.
It’s these core fears and beliefs that drive your characters actions. Furthermore, by knowing them, you’re able to give your characters greater depth and resonance. Tapping into common anxieties also taps into the common human experience. It allows readers to identify or sympathize with the character.
Your character’s fears also impact the conflict. As I said before, you’re looking at why a person wants a particular goal. The more that goal relates to some internal need, the harder it will be to give up with challenge. That’s because your character is faced with giving up more than a simple goal. He/she is forced to give up a core part of themselves as well. (Whether a person likes it or not, fear is part of our identity. We often cling to it as tightly as we cling to any other belief.)
Take, for example, Daniel Moretti, the billionaire hero in Weekend Agreement. On the surface, he’s rich, handsome, arrogant and a tad misogynistic. When you start looking closer, however, you discover he’s deeply afraid that he’s unlovable. That he’s doomed to be on the outside watching others find love. Because of this fear, he’s built a persona that he thinks will protect him from feeling rejected. When Charlotte Doherty enters his world, that persona is challenged, and thus the conflict begins. Letting her in could give him love – or it prove his fear correct. What’s he to do?
Now chances are your character will never actually voice his or her fear out loud. Nowhere in Weekend Agreement does Daniel Moretti even talk about being afraid of rejection. Instead, he does drop clues through his behavior. That’s the show-not-tell part of writing - the “how” if you will – and a topic for another day. In the meantime, start by focusing on the “why.”
So again, what’s your character’s greatest fear?
http://www.amazon.com/Weekend-Agree.....
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wee.....
[image error] [image error]
What is your character’s greatest fear?
That’s the first question I ponder when starting a new project.
Now I know common wisdom suggests you focus on your character’s goal. His or her burning desire, or rather the one thing they want more than anything else in the world. And believe me, knowing the character’s goals is important. It is the “what” that often drives your plot.
However, maybe it’s the amateur psychologist in me, but when it come to character, I’m far more interested in the “why.” Why does this particular character want this particular goal?
More often than not, the why is rooted in fear.
I’m not talking about physical danger here – although physical danger is certainly a key element if your writing a thriller. No, I’m talking about the insecurities and anxieties buried deep inside your character’s psyche. Fear of rejection, fear of the past repeating itself, fear of being forgotten. The kind of core fears that, if your character, if asked, might even realize he has.
It’s these core fears and beliefs that drive your characters actions. Furthermore, by knowing them, you’re able to give your characters greater depth and resonance. Tapping into common anxieties also taps into the common human experience. It allows readers to identify or sympathize with the character.
Your character’s fears also impact the conflict. As I said before, you’re looking at why a person wants a particular goal. The more that goal relates to some internal need, the harder it will be to give up with challenge. That’s because your character is faced with giving up more than a simple goal. He/she is forced to give up a core part of themselves as well. (Whether a person likes it or not, fear is part of our identity. We often cling to it as tightly as we cling to any other belief.)
Take, for example, Daniel Moretti, the billionaire hero in Weekend Agreement. On the surface, he’s rich, handsome, arrogant and a tad misogynistic. When you start looking closer, however, you discover he’s deeply afraid that he’s unlovable. That he’s doomed to be on the outside watching others find love. Because of this fear, he’s built a persona that he thinks will protect him from feeling rejected. When Charlotte Doherty enters his world, that persona is challenged, and thus the conflict begins. Letting her in could give him love – or it prove his fear correct. What’s he to do?
Now chances are your character will never actually voice his or her fear out loud. Nowhere in Weekend Agreement does Daniel Moretti even talk about being afraid of rejection. Instead, he does drop clues through his behavior. That’s the show-not-tell part of writing - the “how” if you will – and a topic for another day. In the meantime, start by focusing on the “why.”
So again, what’s your character’s greatest fear?
http://www.amazon.com/Weekend-Agree.....
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wee.....
