C.D. Loken's Blog, page 36

Long time no write!

I can't believe I haven't been on my blog since Jan 14th!  Wow!  But, I guess in my defense, I haven't made anything a priority but revisions on the books and basically just surviving. I'm hoping to finish the final drafts to the three books soon.  Of course, once again, I have not met my goal date.  It's been tough this time around.  With all that is going on in life, there are times that it's very hard to focus.
I put aside the interviews for awhile as well.  I delved into them pretty deeply and it took time away from what I need desperately to finish.
I've learned a lot and hopefully when the books are back out- I can once again begin sharing with fellow writers and bloggers.
Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.  It's cold here in Minnesota-but the sun is shining!

New Year not starting off so good!

Why is that I always set myself up every year for disappointment.  I set HIGH goals-and when I fail, I feel like crap!  I just returned from 10 days at my daughter's.  I had planned on getting a lot of writing done-and the first few days I did, but than suddenly I lost inspiration.  I got home last night-bound and determined to get back in the groove-and the mess that was my house-caused me to set it aside once more and go into a cleaning frenzy.  I started a weight loss program at the beginning of the month-and though I've been exercising every day and watching my portions and what I eat-I have only lost 3 lbs.  I could go on and on...tomorrow is another day.  Let's hope my inspiration returns-as quickly as it left.

Happy New Year!

Here's to all my fellow writers and bloggers and dear friends!  Wishing you all- an AMAZING 2013!!!

Christmas is coming!

This is my most favorite time of the year.  It has been since I was a little girl.  My mother always made Christmas special, regardless of how tough times were.  I have done my best to carry on that amazing tradition to my own daughter-and someday, I know she will do the same.  The joy of this season has been less this year-so many tragedies- loss of life-heartache, it does make it difficult to feel happy-when I know so many are suffering.  I wish everyone peace, and the knowledge that their loved ones are with the Lord.  They are angels now-watching over us-and we should all feel blessed that such innocent beings are now doing so.  I will be taking a break from writing-and blogging/interviewing until after Christmas.  I wish you all a joyous Christmas-and my prayers are with all of you that you have the chance to be with family-and share the true meaning of this amazing Holiday!

Interview with author Ron Laughlin-author of "The Deadly Quiet Sea"

 Author Bio:

An Ohio native for the early portion of his life. He then moved to the Florida Keys, where he became involved in the lifestyle of fishing, diving and sailing the Caribbean writing about it. He now resides in New Zealand, where he is a travel writer and photographer.



 

Book Description:On a quiet night reef fishing in the Florida Keys, Clint McGuire is startled by the sound of gunfire. He hurries to investigate and discovers a boat covered in dead bodies and blood—with one survivor, a frightened young woman named Ericka. He takes her on board his boat, but they soon find themselves pursued by men firing machine guns. Clint knows the area well, so he heads for shallow mangrove islands where they find safety.

They are pursued by a relentless Colombian drug cartel that will stop at nothing to keep their activities in Florida from being discovered. No one that crosses them is allowed to live. Clint, prompted by his honor and his interest in Ericka, decides to help keep her safe—and the pair find that they are both developing feelings for each other.

Clint and Ericka escape to the romantic Bahamas ending up on an isolated island south of San Salvadore, where all hell breaks loose. Clint calls on his old pals—Dan, a former Army Ranger; Bill, a former Navy Seal; Jim, a US Air Force Pararescueman; Glenn, DEA Miami officer, and Andrew, of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. Together, they form the Fishing Club, and vow to take out the drug lords from the top down. Only time will tell if they succeed in stopping the evil in its tracks—or pay the ultimate price themselves.
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Recently I had a chance to sit down with Ron and discuss his experience as a romantic thriller author, as well as, his new book!  Here is our interview!



Me: Welcome to my blog Ron!
Ron: Thank you. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be here! Your work provides that special help all writers need to be introduced to potential readers. Congratulations to a job well done.
Me: You have several travel books that have been published and now your romantic thriller ‘The Deadly Quiet Sea’. What inspired you to write the novel, and why this genre?
Ron:After living through the 70’s and 80’s in the Florida Keys and the Caribbean during the period of major drug smuggling building to a crescendo I have always felt a need to write a bit about that world and that period of time. Having sailed throughout the area especially the Bahamas I felt using the islands held a romantic canvas to use plus it was definitely a major part of the smuggling scene. The perfect romantic thriller and one I was familiar with.
Me:What was your biggest challenge writing the novel?
Ron: The hardest part was holding back on describing the people involved in the “Fishing Club”. The reason being I wanted to save that story for the next installment of their story in another book or three.
Me: Your book description is very intriguing and certainly inspires someone to buy it, but let’s say that you are out with family and friends and they just found out you wrote a book. What would your answer be if they asked you to explain what the book is about?
Ron:The life and times of that period in history that would more than match the years of prohibition smuggling in the early years. There really never has been a book written that tells what really occurred and this is the start. I have been encouraged to write about that since I lived there during those years especially by many of the people who really were involved. To tell their story I guess.
Ron:Quite obviously to go traditional provides a writer with quality editing and marketing which when doing it yourself it is all up to you. There are many people out there who are now self-publishing and with e-book format the cost is low for everyone to purchase. If your writing is good enough you will be successful but the key to me people must know about the book before anyone can buy it. Your blog is a major positive contributor to all of us out here. My publishing experience through all my books has been exciting and revealing. It is a whole new learning curve.

Me:You mentioned another book earlier. Are you working on anything currently or have plans to in the future?
Ron:The next books that will be a part of the series I began with the “Deadly Quiet Sea”and I have been asked to write another New Zealand travel guide for campervans.
Me:  So is writing a full time job for you, and if so, what keeps you motivated?
Ron:Full time seven days a week. I love it!
Me: What advice can you offer writers that are just starting out?
Ron:Don’t hesitate to check out all the self publishing companies and take advantage of their offers to provide marketing and editing services. Your success depends upon it and don’t expect a top ten seller but don’t be discouraged if it isn’t. Keep writing.
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My thanks to Ron for taking the time to interview with me.  You can find Ron's ebook or paperback at Amazon.com or contact Ron on his website.

Joe Konrath's point of view always amazes me!

Usually I always check out Joe's site 'A Newbie's Guide to Publishing', daily. Unfortunately, I haven't had the time lately to do so, but I took the time today.  I find his candor remarkable, and his genuine sincerity, even more so.  Today was no different.  His last post, you can see it here,( JA Konrath), was, as usual, an eye opener.  It is shocking that so many reviews have suddenly disappeared on Amazon. Now granted, this is an old post, and I haven't done any further research to see if anything has been resolved, but once again, I'm amazed at how JA handled this, and really, any situation.  I've followed him since I first decided to go with self-publishing, and thus far, I haven't been disappointed.  He has an incredible perspective on life, writing, publishing, and really any subject you can think of-including his sideline-drinking beer!  I wanted to share this post because many may not even be aware it has occurred.  My heart goes out to those who have lost reviews-I know how important they are.  God Bless- Now, it's back to working on my revisions!

Joe Konrath's view always amazes me!

Usually I always check out Joe's site 'A Newbie's Guide to Publishing'.  Unfortunately, I haven't had the time lately to do so, but I took the time today.  I find his candor remarkable, and his genuine sincerity, even more so.  Today was no different.  His last post, you can see it here, JA Konrath, was as usual, an eye opener.  It is shocking that so many reviews have suddenly disappeared.  This is an 'old' post, which is unusual for JA, but it sounds like he's working on a book, so it's understood.  I haven't done any further research to see if the issue was resolved, but I wanted my readers to know of the problem, as well as, see that someone with Mr. Konrath's clout in the industry, has tried to resolve it.  Kudo's to him!  Now, back to my books!  Thankfully I pulled them, so I didn't lose any reviews.  My heart goes out to those who depend on them!

Interview with Michelle Moore- author of "30 Hours of Hope"

Author Bio:An aspiring author, Michelle Moore is America’s Perfect Woman 2011 and has spent the past 23 years specializing in strategic marketing communications, public relations and social media campaign development. An experienced advertising and public relations writer, she has been published world wide while ghost authoring columns and articles for her clients.  With a talent for finding the salient message to attract media attention, Michelle has placed clients on the Today Show, 20/20,Good Morning America, CNN, CNBC and among others as well as in many major daily newspapers including Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, New York Times and newsstand publications including Inc. Magazine, Fortune, Fortune Small Business and more. In addition, she works as a media and crisis media trainer having trained professionals at every level to effectively deliver their messages. Honored among her peers, she was named to the Business First of Columbus’ 40 Under 40 list of rising business stars. In addition, her creative work has been honored with the prestigious PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence as well as several Addy Awards of Merit.  A long-time model and actress, Michelle starred in MTV’s Made as a Made Coach and has appeared in hundreds of TV commercials, industrial films, print ads and billboards. Most recently, she was Diane Lane’s stand-in the movie Secretariat released in late 2010. A former Mrs. Ohio, she is very involved in her community and teaches a six-week Girl Power class she developed to help elementary and middle school girls understand who they are at their core to remain true to themselves and their values as they navigate adolescence. In addition, she helped to launch, actively works with and is on the board of Project Blues to help people impacted by cancer who do not have the financial resources to deal with it. She also is a board member for the Lawrence Funderburke Youth Organization, teaching kids financial literacy and life skills. She holds a B.A., Journalism, from The Ohio State University. www.MichelleMooreOnline.com

Michelle's book- published August, 2012




Book Description:
 30 Hours of Hope deals with death through a powerful, candid, raw and inspirational look inside the end of life conversations of two relative strangers who connect through an unexpected email. Their fortuitous journey challenges readers to fully engage in life because it is finite. 





My review of '30 Hours of Hope'
I don't usually write reviews.  First, because I simply don't have the time, and secondly, the genre that I usually read (Romance) is purely for escapism, and though many are well-written, and do exactly what I wish them to do, they never touch me to the core.  After receiving a copy of '30 Hours of Hope', I have to admit that I was afraid to read it.  In fact, it took the better part of the day to actually have the courage to do so.  Why?  Because I, like many people, don't like to even talk about death, let alone read about it. But I am so happy I did.  This short story was not only touching and soulful, loving and emotional, it also forced me to remember poignant moments in my own life. Memories I had foolishly locked away because I didn't understand them, or they were too painful to remember. Now, after all this time, I've finally been able to set them free.  This story did touch me to the core and I would recommend it to anyone who has lost a loved one, but even more, to anyone who has forgotten the true meaning of life.
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Recently, I  had the chance to sit down with Michelle and discuss her new book, her busy life, and future plans.  Here is our interview:


Me: Welcome Michelle!  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to interview with me!

Michelle: Thank you for having me Christine!

Me: First of all, I have to say how much I loved "30 Hours of Hope." It truly inspired me in a way I never thought it would. I am so grateful to you for that, but I have to ask.  What made you decide to write such a deeply personal and touching story of your time with Hope.
 
Michelle: Thank you. The answer to this question is two-part, really. I have always struggled with death. I think, in part, “30 Hours of Hope” was my cathartic expression of that struggle. To me, those things that are the most profoundly personal are also the most universal. So, while I don’t have any answers to death, and I certainly haven’t found anything that makes losing those you love okay, I know that in sharing my feelings and experiences, I can help other people in their struggle. Moreover, Hope was the reason I decided to write this story. She was an amazing, incredible mother. There are so many women out there who are "Hope" - whose stories you never hear because they are drown out by the negative, sensational stories. These women are beautiful, strong, selfless and interesting. I felt that there needed to be a record of this woman's amazing spirit and life.

Me:  I think that was part of the reason I was so deeply moved by the story. Not only because of Hope's story, but because of your part in it.  When the '30' hours began, you were crazy busy being a mother of two with a career, as well as, an activist in your community. Yet regardless, you took time for someone who was a complete stranger.  It really made me stop and take a closer look at my own life. I don't think before I read your story, that I could have done the same. You are truly an inspirational woman. Even now, when you are still as busy, you somehow made time to write the story.  How in the world did you do it?

Michelle: Once I decided I really wanted to publish "30 hours of Hope", I had to tell myself that I won’t find time to write. I will make time. Instead of waiting until all the stars aligned and I felt inspired to write, I tackled it the same way I write every day with my job in public relations. I sat down and started typing. And, as happens when I write with my day job, the inspiration came as I moved through the process.

Me: Well, I for one, am certainly happy you did. Now you said earlier, that you wanted to tell Hope's story so that it would never be forgotten.  You currently have several platforms that you are completely devoted to, such as, 'GirlPower' in which you created a course for young girls.  I am curious.  Do you have any other plans for the book?

Michelle: I love teaching the GirlPower course (www.girlpowercourse.com) because I feel like I'm a step along the process to helping these girls realize self-acceptance, self-reliance and self-confidence. So, inspiring others is hugely important to me. Funny you should ask about other plans, yes. For "30 Hours of Hope" I am working with a very talented director to turn the story into a movie. We have reached out to several actors are working on developing the screenplay. We are early in the process but would love to begin shooting in January if we possibly can. It’s very exciting.
 
Me:  That is incredible news Michelle!  So, once the movie is completed, do you have any plans to write another book?

Michelle: I have several children's books I'm in the process of editing. I'm all about learning through fun metaphors, so my stories very much contain lessons that are helpful to children. I wrote these stories when my children were younger. Now that I understand this process a little better, I’d like to polish them up and publish them.

Me:  You self-published '30 Hours of Hope', correct?

Michelle:Yes I did.

Me: There seems to be a great deal of controversy over self-publish versus traditional publishing.  Why did you decide to self-publish, and can you tell us about your experience? 

Michelle: I think it's not just publishing, but communicating in general that is changing – going from being a gate-keeper/centralized model to a direct-to-audience/decentralized model. I see that in my industry -- marketing communications. It used to be companies bought expensive ads in magazines, newspapers, billboards, radio or TV or worked through public relations firms to get their messages to their intended audiences. In fact, it was quite necessary to communicate in this way if one wished to break through the clutter. While these forms of communicating with an audience certainly have their place, there are other ways to reach your audience today, too. And, ways that happen to be very direct and very inexpensive. And, as a public, we have immediate access and place a lot of trust in these newer methods, too.

In publishing, it's the same. I think a traditional publishing route is wonderful because it comes with the marketing machine you need to generate awareness and sales. In fact, I have worked with several authors, both self-published and with publishing houses to promote their books to garner sales. But, you no longer need to take a traditional route to get your stories and messages out there. Today, regardless of the method of being published, platform is really important. As an author, you really need to come to publishing – whether you self-publish or go the traditional route – with a fan base to “evangelize” for you. In my opinion, that makes passion even more important.

If you have a platform and self-promotional skills, you can be successful. I chose to self-publish because I could. I didn't know of a literary agency that represented authors of short stories and I didn't want to send to a publishing house directly. That made self-publishing very attractive. I read about BookTango in Writer’s Digest and that they had been bought by Penguin. The process could not have been easier and they were extremely professional and helpful every step of the way. I suggest if you go that route, invest in professional cover design – people do judge a book by its cover.

The next time I do this, I do plan to go a traditional route. I feel like I will have a proven success with what I’ve accomplished on my own which should make me more appealing to the right agent and ultimately publisher at the point I’m soliciting representation.

Me: I think your answer is the best I've heard, Michelle! Seeing both perspectives, from a person with a great deal of experience, will be so helpful to my readers. Is there any other advice you can offer to  writers who are just starting their first short story or novel?


Michelle: Yes, make sure your story or message is the best one you could have possibly written. Make sure it’s well-edited. And, go for it. Sure, rejection could be waiting around the corner, but so could success. Plus, with the rejections, you will learn – you’ll learn a lot about yourself and your writing. Don’t be a prisoner of your own mind. I never want to look back with regret at something I kept myself from doing.*****************************************
I want to thank Michelle again, for taking time out of her busy schedule to interview with me. You can find her book '30 Hours of Hope' on the following links.
 http://www.amazon.com/30-Hours-of-Hope-ebook/dp/B0097BLYXU
 http://bookstore.booktango.com/Products/SKU-000598600/30-Hours-of-Hope.aspx
 http://www.scribd.com/doc/104765121/30-Hours-of-Hope
 

Coming soon! Interview with Michelle Moore- author of '30 hours of Hope'

Interview with John O' Neill-author of "Kafira"

John O’Neill is an ex-Royal Australian Navy commander, who served most of his naval career as a submarine engineering specialist. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2009 for his work in the community, and he holds a master’s degree in business and technology. O’Neill now works for a government department and lives in Canberra with his wife, Beverley.

John's book

About the Book: In 1981, Kim Il Sung, supreme leader of North Korea, announces he has landed rockets on the moon, claiming the moon for North Korea to the exclusion of every other nation on earth. His claim is not without credence, as Il Sung threatens to unleash a deadly virus if his demands are not met. Shin Min Shu is the ingenious North Korean biomedical scientist who has been forced to develop this virus. 

Kafira Weiss is an Israeli biomedical scientist whose passionate life purpose is to find cures for deadly diseases. This new development with North Korea has her angry but also afraid for the people she loves, and soon, because of her expertise, she becomes personally involved. The CIA believes the United States is being threatened; however, they need proof. How can they be sure of Il Sung’s claims? 

Kafira will be part of a team sent to the space. She will become the first woman to land on the surface of the moon. With trepidation, she agrees to the mission, but wonders, what will she do if Il Jong’s declarations are true? What if Min Shu’s virus is real and able to infect the earth with a deadly disease? Will Kafira be brilliant enough to find a cure in time, or will one man’s greed lead to the end of human life in the universe?
John just recently published his first book "Kafira".  A few days ago,  I had the chance to sit down and interview John in regards to his book and the experience he had, both writing and publishing it.
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Me: Welcome John!  I'm so happy to have you here!

John:  Thank you!

Me:  Kafira is an action/adventure story.  I have to ask you; what inspired you to write the book?

John: Last Xmas in Australia, there was discussion around the table about the Moon Landings in the ‘70’s. I then realized that a woman had never walked on the Moon. All of the Apollo astronauts were men. At the time I thought that the issue would probably make a good book.  I looked up the issue on Google and found that indeed no woman had ever walked on the Moon. I was then inspired.

Me:  After you did the research and finally sat down to write, what did you find the biggest challenge?

John:  I work full time and making time to write my book was a constant challenge. I didn’t set myself a dead line because I didn’t have any idea when it would finish!

Me: This is a self-published book.  Can you tell us why you chose that route versus traditional, and what was your experience like?

 John: This is my first book and the prospect of going through what I was led to believe could be a lengthy process without a certain outcome was not appealing. For less cost the self-publishing approach seemed to be a far better option. It was. It has taken one year from concept to publish as an eBook.

Me: Do you have any advice  for other authors just starting out?

John: Don’t give up. Self-doubt was what kept me from writing a book. Being an Author was certainly not on my list. I wanted to join the Navy, which I did, and served for 29 years as a Submarine Engineering Officer. Serving in a Submarine is an experience in itself and provided more than my share of excitement.  Writing this story was also exciting, and I enjoyed it.

 Me: What other current/future projects do you have in the works?

 John: I am writing my second Book with the working title of “The Two Crowns.” This is a story of the Crown of Thorns that was jammed on the Lord Jesus Christ’s head at his crucifixion. My story will assert that the Crown of Thorns in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a fake

Me:  Sounds very intriguing!  I look forward it!  What keeps you so motivated to write?

John: What keeps me motivated are the ideas that keep popping into my head as I am writing, that produces an anxiety that I might forget them if I don’t write them down.

Me: Spoken like a true author John! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule, John!       **************************************************  John's book is available at the following links!  Check it out!!!

 http://bookstore.booktango.com/Products/SKU-000614479/kafira.aspx

    http://www.amazon.com/Kafira-ebook/dp/B00A6B4UG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354580873&sr=8-1&keywords=Kafira