Toi Thomas's Blog, page 109

Interview 18: Jacqueline Malcolm

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview my new friend, Jacqueline Malcolm. She is visiting the ECS as a guest and sharing loads of interesting insights into her work. Be sure to look around and see what she has to offer. Here are the results of our interview. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.

Hi there Jacqueline! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Universe. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.
So tell me, who is Jacqueline Malcolm?
I was born in Northampton, England, the youngest of 3 sisters to Jamaican-born parents. The love of theatre and writing started from a very young age. Before I was 10 years old I would write poems and post them through various neighbors letter boxes so they could have something nice to read. I enjoyed a full career in event management and administration to an executive level before taking a career change to study acting (New York and London) which propelled me into writing and producing stage plays for the fringe theaters of London plus many other commissioned and inspired pieces.
Wow, I’m sure growing up with three sisters must have been interesting. I think it’s so cool that you’ve had a love for writing and theatre since you were a kid. Though I have no talent for it, and am a professed movie buff, I too appreciate theatre in a way that doesn’t compare to the cinema.
So whacha got for me today?
SLAVE: Escaping the Chains of Freedomis Book 1 of SLAVE: The Trilogy and is set in 18th Century New York. It follows the life of freed slave, Hezekiah Thomas, who, through a concoction of chance and opportunity is faced with the decision whether to go against all of his convictions and become an owner of slaves. The aim of the book is firstly, to explore the possible motives behind the reported black slave owners and traders of that period and, secondly, to take a look into our own hearts to question how far would we go for a profit?

I must just go ahead and applaud you now for taking on such a dynamic and controversial topic. From what little I know about the truth of the American (U.S.) slave trade, there were several reasons why and how a former slave may have become a slave owner and or trader, but even after knowing all the facts, good or bad, this is still a hard topic to truly understand. 
 So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of SLAVE: Escaping the Chains of Freedom?
Of course the main character is Hezekiah Thomashimself. A mulatto freed slave who has actually enjoyed quite a comfortable and happy life living in the home of his father, the white General and his loving, supportive and strong wife, Betsy. The dark cloud in his life is his envious half-brother, James Thomas IV (who, by the way, is the main character of Book 2, Slave Brothers) and James’ embittered, almost hateful wife, Gloria. Hezekiah’s main mentor becomes a black slave trader, Albert Shelton who is the one to entice Hezekiah into slave ownership (and, I should mention, is the main character of Book 3, The Trade). The other key players are Ruth Thomas, Hezekiah’s and Betsy’s only daughter; Ezekiel, Hezekiah’s first slave who he begins to see and treat more like a son and Adam Shelton, Albert’s only son who becomes Ruth’s fiancé. I try to write strong, realistic characters so they all play both hero and villain – even Hezekiah. For some reason, I wanted to show that we’re all flawed at the end of the day.

I like the idea of characters being both villains and heroes. In real life it’s all about perspective. A do-gooder may be liked by many, but someone out there may not like what they are doing. Sometimes people make good and bad decision based on the extenuating circumstances in their lives. With this lineup of characters, this is sure to be an intense read.
Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Google SearchI love to write with a wide view, if that makes any sense. I can’t be in a small, confined space as my imagination just doesn’t work the same. I’m very blessed in that, at the moment, I live on a small Island in Greece so most of the time I’m either in a beautiful café overlooking the Port or I’m sitting at home either on my balcony overlooking hills or, if it’s too old, I’m in my bedroom by patio windows – overlooking hills!! I drink probably about 10 cups of hot tea a day – even in the summer and I just lose myself in the story. At the moment I’m working on Book 2, The Trade – getting it finished for the publishers. The deadline is April 1st so I’ve gotta hustle!!! :D
 Now that sounds peaceful. In an environment like that, I’m sure you imagination has time to sour. I enjoy hot tea too, even in the summer, but every now and then I have to give into my Southern (U.S.) roots and have a cup of iced tea.
What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
I love everything and anything written by Philippa Gregory. Her Google Searchability to build a character and spread them open for us on the page is magnificent and I’m a lover of historical fiction which is her genre. But one of the series of books that inspired me most were authored by Manda Scottwho wrote the Boudica Series. I was half way through the first book and realized very little action had actually happened and yet I couldn’t put it down. It showed me that readers respond more to characters than they do to action – so that’s how I try to write – let the characters tell their own story.
I am a little familiar with Gregory’s work. It’s hard not to be after having her books turned into movies. I too like historical fiction, though again, I have no talent for it. The Boudica series sounds like it’s definitely worth looking into, even if only from a writing technique point of vew.
 Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Wikipedia- Moors MurdersThis is a more difficult question to answer. There are so many people for so many different reasons: Madonna because, with very little talent, she has become one of the biggest icons of our time. And I really don’t mean that as an insult to her at all. She hasn’t got the best voice, the best moves or anything – but yes, I would pay hundreds to go and see her perform. She holds a key to a secret that millions of young people would value a great deal from learning: Then there’s people like Myra Hindley – and again I know it’s strange that I would want to interview a serial killer monster, but I just can’t fathom what goes through a person’s mind that makes them want to torture and kill the innocent. So now you might understand why I say the list is endless.
Again wow! I must say, you are bold. I love that you are so honest, most people would hold back on a question like this, but not you. I can understand where you’re coming from. I can’t image what goes through the mind of a living icon or a serial killer, but these are the people that others read about and write about. These are the people that fictional characters are based on. There could surely be some benefit to getting to know what on the mind of someone like that.
Who is so you and why?
It’s normally anyone with very strong controlling tendencies!! My IMDBsister summed it up perfectly recently when she says I’m like Ben Hurr, the Chariot scene when he’s racing against his enemy, whipping his horses, charging forward filled with mayhem and danger; accept she says I’m like that just going around the shopping market! Had to laugh.

That’s funny and actually not a bad comparison. To have that kind of concentrated fanatical determination has to be good for something.
What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
Amazon.comJohn Campbell’s newest e-book, Walk to Paradise Garden is my next read that I’m excited about. He’s an emerging author like me and I really like his style of writing. I think he’s one to look for!! I also want to read the paperbacks of the Game of Thrones Series by George R. R. Martin. I’m loving the TV series so can’t wait to get stuck into those. I also really want to get into the Black Count by Tom Reiss– again, the subject matter is so close to mine it intrigues me.
 I’ve read book one of the Game of Throne series and it was really good. I plan to read the rest eventually, but I have seen the show. The Black Count sounds like a good read and the cover is definitely enticing.
What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
There was a series of books called My Naughty Little Sister which Amazon.commy sister used to read to me at night. She would always make references to me so that book always brings back good memories. But apart from that we grew up on all the fairy tales of wizards, witches and princesses and loved them all.
I can’t believe I grew up not knowing about this series. I may just have to look into that. It sounds like a really cute concept…Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Love it!
Alright then, here we go.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
IMDBHow do I answer? Movies are selected according to my mood so if I’m a bit grey then I have to watch something dark and if I’m bubbling with excitement then I’m looking for a rom-com. So, let’s imagine my life was going to be wonderfully blissful for the rest of my days, then I would probably go with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with Howard Keel and Jane Powell – and no, I’m not kidding!! J
LOL! Of all the musicals out there to pick, I must admit that I didn’t see that one coming. Don’t get me wrong, this is a good film, just not what I was expecting. I do, however, adore your reasoning for choosing it. It would be nice to think that everything from this moment forward will be blissful. Good choice.
What makes you geek out?
I looooove travelling. Been to a few places but not the entire globe by far. For instance, I’ve been to India but never to China. I’ve been to many parts of Africa but not South Africa. And I’ve been to Mauritius but not Australia. Seen many places but so many more still to visit.
Looooove this answer. I want to travel, but just haven’t been able to really do it the way I want to at this point, but there’s always hope for the future.
 So what’s testing your patience right now?
Well living on a small Greek Island, I could say that’s pretty much IMDBevery movie in the year that I’ve been here. But the one I really want to see is the new slave movie, Django Unchained obviously because it’s the same theme as my book so I already love the theme and am excited to see what angle they’ve taken it.
I never thought about how life could be different on an island in a bad way. I guess you probably do have to wait a while to see the latest films. I saw DJANGO. It was entertaining, but not to be taken too seriously. It’s an extreme view of slavery, though accurate in so many ways, it just outrageous in others.
When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
 Google SearchAndre Bocelli and Mary J. Bligesing a duet of What Child is This? <= listen. And I could (and often do) listen to that song for hours. The songs that make me want to scream are those where it’s obvious the composer hasn’t really given the lyrics any thought and are just singing empty words or some girl is singing about how she can’t live without her man!!
Awesome, I really like this answer. This question is always one of my favorites. I agree with you, there are very few talented lyricists making good music these days…and that is a good rendition of this song.
What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Oh, wow, these are too many to count but more because I tend to enjoy most the simplest things in life. My days are filled with laughter just being with my family so every dinner time is fun. I guess the bigger things would be going to the airport with one of my best friends and jumping on the first plane available, and ending up in Milan; or landing in Nice and jumping onto a helicopter to our hotel in Monte Carlo; or taking a 26-hour coach ride from London to the Czech Republic; or flying off to Venice just for lunch; or enjoying breakfast at The Savoy and afternoon tea at The Ritz. Those kind of experiences will be part of my life-long memories because they don’t happen often so when they do I kind of soak up every minute of it.
You have an amazing life. Not everyone has the ability to live life the way you do and so many of the ones who do, unfortunately choose to sit at home and watch tv and youtube videos or work their life away making more money they don’t really need.
 Remind me again how I was lucky enough to meet you?
Someone sent me a link of your site and said, ‘Jacquie, you should contact her – she sounds great’ – and they were right J
I love word of mouth, it’s my friend. I truly enjoy meeting new people and have enjoyed this lovely time we’ve spent together.
Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
In the next five years I’m not sure if I’ll still be living in Greece but I’m pretty sure it will be somewhere just as beautiful, possibly in Italy or the South of France. I’ve always wanted to retire in Monte Carlo so who knows, maybe that dream will come to pass by then.
Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Jacqueline Malcolm, check out these great links:
Website: http://www.jacquelinemalcolm.com/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/slavethetrilogyAmazon: SLAVE: Escaping the Chains of FreedomA Review of SLAVE…: literaryinklings.com/A Press Release for SLAVE…: www.prlog.org/

Guest Post 20: Jacqueline Malcolm

ARE WE STILL PROFITING FROM THE SLAVE TRADE?
This was a question posed to me (albeit with his tongue placed firmly in his cheek) by one of my very good friends when I proudly announced the release of my first novel; SLAVE: Escaping the Chains of Freedom.  At first I laughed heartily but as the mirth passed and died away I actually started to think; could this be true?
 no source providedFrom its inception, and I’m not just referring to the introduction of the transatlantic slave trade some 400 years ago, but at the very start of civilization, slavery has not only been common but always seems to be set up as a necessary part of the world infrastructure making it big business. All the ancient empires and early ‘super powers’ dating back some 11,000 years; Greece, Rome, Egypt, China, India, just to name a few, make reference to the use of slaves within their social systems.
But now, even after slavery has been officially outlawed the world over (though we all know it is still in practice – just ask any one of your local interns!!) it appears that it’s not just the actual business of the trade that produces profit but the story behind the man or woman enslaved that so captures the imaginations of another human that we’re all willing to put our hands in our pockets and pay heartily to hear their story told. The Life of William Grimes, published 1825, was reportedly the first book-length autobiography written by a fugitive American slave but this by far does not over shadow the literally thousands of biographies or autobiographies, books and pamphlets that were to follow; in fact it seems that throughout the nineteenth century some 6,000 stories of the plight of the freed or escaped slave were published and sold through this growing medium.
Following in the wake of the hugely successful, mega bestseller, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, (Harriet Beecher Stowe), Twelve Years a Slave; the oh so true story of kidnapped slave, Solomon Northup, was first written in 1853 and was an immediate hit selling some 30,000 copies. And now, years on, several editions later, following a made-for-television film from 1984 (Solomon Northup’s Odyssey), this ex-slaves story is about to be immortalized by the mega bucks of Hollywood with none other than A-lister Brad Pitt purportedly playing one of the leading roles.
Not counting the recently released Django Unchained (which, according to the HollywoodReporter, came in #1 at the Box Office on its opening night raking in a fantastic $4.6 Million in one day with much much higher monetary expectations to come), there are reportedly another 7 slave themed movies expected in just 2013 alone with stars from Morgan Freeman to Chiwetel Ejiofor to Cuba Gooding Jr and a myriad of others, all gracing our screens with what will undoubtedly be superb heart rendering moments of shear brilliance as they each portray the lives of the lowly slave. And all of them are expected to be box office gold – and we all know ‘gold’ in Hollywood means just that – GOLD!!
So what am I saying? Am I advocating that all stories of human captivation and degradation be banned from the sales market? Absolutely not. But I would urge us all to tread carefully when we speak about this trading of slaves and remember that over thousands of years literally millions of innocent beautiful lives have been lost, thrown away and buried alive. It is these people who we are remembering and I would personally hate to think that, just as with the slave Gladiators that fought in the Roman coliseums of old, their lives were lost and their stories told purely for the entertainment of the masses.
Excerpt from SLAVE: Escaping the Chains of Freedom
It’s 18thCentury New York and the Declaration of Independence has just been read. Albert Shelton, black slave trader speaks to Hezekiah Thomas, freed slave;
“There they stand declaring all men are equal, whilst their own homes are filled with slaves and some of them bought from my very own stock. If they really mean what they say and we are now suddenly expected to assume equality then what of this trade? Don’t they realize the damage they pose with that one sentence? It has the potential to totally destroy the entire industry. I have made my fortune off the trade. Without it I am undone.”
Jacqueline Malcolm: SLAVE: The Trilogy published courtesy of Seaburn Publishing Group.
~Thank you for taking the time to read this article and receive insight into Malcolm’s view on the history of Slavery. If you like this, you will definitely want to return Friday for an in-depth interview with the author herself.

Interview 17: Lorrie Struiff

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview my new friend, Lorrie Struiff. She is visiting the ECS as a guest and sharing loads of interesting insights into her work. Be sure to look around and see what she has to offer. Here are the results of our interview. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.
Hi there Lorrie! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Universe. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.
 So tell me, who is Lorrie Struiff?
Hi all, *waves* I’m Lorrie Unites-Struiff visiting today. I’m both a novel and short story writer. I write across the genre board so you never know what you will get next from me. I live near Pittsburgh, Pa. and spend a lot of time meeting other authors to keep abreast of the ever-changing publishing world.
Well Lorrie, I can already tell that we are going to have a good time today. From one multi-genre writer to another, I can’t wait to see what happens.
So whacha got for me today?
Oooh, I have a fun romantic western, called “A Heap of Trouble.” My book has a twisty plot. We have romance, cattle rustling (what’s a western without cattle rustling?) mystery (who done took the steers?) and humor (the conniving, thief that is a ringtail monkey) all packed into one book. It’s a  great “Shoot ‘em up.
Book tagline:Sheriff Cole chases Mattie, who steals his heart, Beggar, a monkey who steals the townspeople's jewelry and a gang that steals cattle.
I haven’t read as many westerns as I’ve watched, but this definitely sounds worthy of a literary excursion.
So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of “A Heap of Trouble”?
Google SearchWell, let’s see. We have the MC, Sheriff Cole Walker, who falls head-over-heels for the new gal in town, Mattie Wells. She sure jingles his spurs. She’s a stubborn woman and doesn’t want to ever get married. Then we have the ringtail monkey, Beggar, who ran away from a traveling show and wants to be Cole’s BFF. Now, don’t tell anyone, but Cole is afraid of all critters. Oh, you’ll like Old Baldy, the cook at the Sundance Saloon who makes mighty tasty chicken and biscuits. You’ll meet a town full of characters both bad and good.

This is quite an ensemble of characters you have here. I can only imagine the calamity that ensues throughout this story and I bet there’s laugher all around. I’m working on being able to add humor into my stories, but for the time being, I’ll leave the laughs to the experts. (You ;))
 Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
I’m a laid-back author who loves my tilt back chair, computer on my lap and a pot of hot tea beside me. I  First funny westerns and now funny horror ( or maybe just spooky fantasy), you really do write it all…Oh and that hot tea sounds really good.
What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
I can’t honestly say what author influenced my writing. I’ve read so many of them. Let’s put it down to all the authors that made writing look so easy. Such talented writers. Lol. I found out it wasn’t as easy as I thought, darn it. I had much to learn before I became published.
I agree with you. Some authors do make writing seem so easy, but there are others whose writing lets you know or feel that much time and effort went into perfecting it.
 Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
I’d love to pick Nelson DeMille ’s brain. I’d like to learn how he can write tense battle scenes and still throw in something to make me giggle. Now, that’s talent.
A writer who writes with intensity and makes you laugh, why would you want to talk to him? LOL.
I’ve said it before, people are drawn to those of like minds and as a writer, why wouldn’t you want an opportunity to converse with someone who writes the way you do and aspire to…Great answer.
Who is so you and why?
I think Winnie in my COD Club series is so me. Hey, not that I speak to the dead, honest. I do what I call “Winnie-isms.” I don’t think clearly sometimes, so I do some dumb things and end up in odd situations. Thank goodness I can laugh at myself. It helps.
 
You’re funny. I like you.
I find that I relate to all my characters in one way or another. That’s saying a lot considering I try not to put too much of myself in my writing, but sometime as a writer, that’s just how it is.
What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
I’m in the same chair, again with a pot of tea, but without the laptop. Instead, I’d have an E-reader in my hands.
 
That’s cool that you use an e-reader. I find that most people are either for or against e-readers. I myself will read from anything: e-reader, hardcover, paperback, and even listen to an audio from time to time.
What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?  AmazonI’ll never forget “A Girl Called Hank.” It made me feel it was okay to be me. I’m afraid I was somewhat of a tomboy and gave my parents a lot of grief over this. Lol. Where I grew up, there were only boys around, no girls to associate with. So, I had to fit in. Baseball gloves, bats, bikes, etc.

I can totally relate to growing up a tomboy and difficult it could be. I’m still a bit of a tomboy now, but I guess times have changed a little and it’s not too bad…Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Oh Yeah!
Alright then, here we go.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
 IMDBDirty Dancing. It’s a trip down memory lane for me. I was once a ballroom dance teacher and actually asked to go the Catskills. I refused because I loved managing the studio.

I took dance doe about a minute as a child, but I’ve always loved it. That’s a great movie. Good answer.
What makes you geek out?
I always thought nothing would geek me out anymore. But…one evening last December, I watched a PBS special with the Four Tenors. They literally swept me away. Thank goodness, I taped the program so I can watch it again and again. The Four Tenors are appearing in my area in June. I’ll just die if I don’t go to that concert. Most people may have heard of them, I’m sure. That night was the first time I had seen them. I’m in love.
You are the third author that has raved about these Tenors. I admit that I’ve heard them and I like them, but I haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet. Still, they are pretty cool. I hope you get to see them in concert.
 So what’s testing your patience right now?
Well, darn it, I’m waiting to get my edits on the third story of the COD club. The first two are in one download to make up the 10K. I’m anxious to get the next one out.
I know how it is with editing; just because the story is done doesn’t mean you’re finished with the work. I hope it all works out.
When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
Rap and some of the words bring out a rage in me. So awful. I have to admit, like my writing, I like most all types of music, which is why I don’t listen to any when I’m writing. I would sit back and listen to the music instead of writing. That would be bad, bad, bad.
I love this answer. It’s so simple and honest. I like all kinds of music too and agree it can be a distraction when writing.
You know one thing that always gets me about Rap and rappers- with all the creative ways they come up with saying negative things you think more of them could slip in some positive from time to time. Every blue moon it seems one positive rap song comes out, but then it gets smothered by all the rest.
What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Traveling through the U.S.A., visiting almost every state and enjoying the differences in scenery and people. I haven’t done this all at one time. We used to take six-week vacations and just drive. I love scenery.
I too find that some of my best memories have occurred during some sort of travel. I really like traveling and wish I could do more.
 Remind me again how I was lucky enough to meet you?
As sisters in authorville, we met online and had some very interesting discussions.
Authorville- I like that. From sister to sister, I’m glad we connected. Having you here at the Eternal Curse Series has been great and I look forward to my next visit at your Flowers and Thorns blog.
Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
I honestly can’t imagine. I want to continue writing, garner more fans, and have readers tell me they enjoyed my books.
Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Lorrie Struiff, check out these great links:
Amazon Author Page Lorrie’s Flowers and Thorns Blog Facebook.com/Lorrie.Struiff Lorrie’s Pintrest ProfileAmazon: A Heap of TroubleAmazon: Going to a Double Header

Guest Post 19: Lorrie Struiff

Blurb
Secrets abound. Bullets fly. Yep, it’s Winnie granting a dead person’s last request.
Mr. and Mrs. Bickerson are in a fatal highway accident. Both Phil and Winnie work their last requests. Strange that the dead couple want their requests kept secret from one another. Why? What are they hiding?
Winnie works the request and ends up in more danger than she can handle.
Yep, Winnie is in deep poo again.
*
While reading the local obituaries, I slurped my morning tea. Being a member of the Call on the Dead Club, I hoped I didn’t have to do any spook-speaking for the next few days for my assigned district. With my head cold, I felt miserable.
“Good Lord,”I gasped. The cup dropped from my fingers, shattered, and sloshed tea over the floor. My breath caught in my throat. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bickerson had a fatal car accident. They lived four blocks over from me with their twin sons.
What a terrible tragedy. I grabbed the broom and dishcloth and, after cleaning up the mess, went back to the paper. I hardly knew them, but the Mister owned the Bickerson Computer Center at the mall. His wife was a teacher at the elementary school. The visitation started tomorrow and both laid-out in the same room. Yep, in my district. Oh, crap!
Ever since I had hugged that darn cherry tree in a storm, got zapped by lightning, and had a near-death experience, I’ve been stuck with this unwanted ghostie talent.
The oath Phil Phillips coerced me into taking, granting the last request of the deceased for the worldwide COD club was not always an easy job. I should know, even ended up in the slammer once.
My bones ached, and a slight headache throbbed behind my eyes. I shivered and pulled my flannel robe tighter. This drastic change of weather from warm to chilly had me coming down with something. What a ducky way to start tomorrow. Two stiffs and the sniffles.
I grabbed the phone. No way was this gal doing double duty when I felt like death myself.
Fat Phil answered on the first ring. “Yeah, yeah, Winnie. I’m reading it now, and you’re gonna beg for help.”
“Your Caller ID’s annoying. You should get rid of it.”
“Sure I will. Well? You gonna beg?”
“Hey! You’re the president of our chapter. It’s your job to find me a partner. You know I can’t work two last requests at a time.”
“But no one else is available.”
“You are. I see your assigned district is clear. Come on, Phil. This’s heavy-duty stuff and you know it.”
He sighed long and hard. “I guess I got no choice.” Paper rustled. “I see they’re going to have viewing for two days.”
“Yeah.” I sneezed and snuffled. “I guess since it’s a double header.”
Fat Phil’s voice grated in my ear. “You sound horrible.”
“I’m not feeling well.”
“Take a few Coldquils. We gotta stick to our mission. Maybe it’ll be an easy one.
*
(But…does Winnie ever get an easy request? Find out in her new rollicking adventure.)
Thank you for reading.  If you have time, please leave a comment. I love comments. 

~Lorrie would love to hear from her fans at struiff@msn.com. Please put “reader” in the subject line. On behalf of Lorrie Struiff and Toi Thomas, thank you for taking the time learn about Struiff’s writing. Be sure to get your copy of Going to a Double Header right here. Come back tomorrow to see what else Lorrie Struiff has to share.  For more from Struiff, check the links below:
Amazon Author Page Lorrie’s Flowers and Thorns Blog Facebook.com/Lorrie.Struiff Lorrie’s Pintrest Profile

Guest Post 18: Lorrie Struiff

Hi there, Toi. Thank you so much for having me today. I’d like to tell the folks about a little chat I had with Winnie from my COD series. (Call on the Dead Club) Sometimes that woman can be so hard to get along with. She likes to barge right in and take over my stories.
You do know she is a spook-speaker, right? Yeah, she had a near-death experience with a lightning strike, received this great gift she is always complaining about, and Fat Phil Phillips enlisted her into his club. It’s a small group, but part of a world-wide organization. AYou’d think Winnie would consider this an honor. But, no, not our gal.
*
I knocked on Winnie’s door.
She opened it and raised her eyebrows at me. “What’re you doing here? Don’t you get me into enough trouble, and now you come to my house?”
Her jeans and T-shirt were freshly ironed, her salt and pepper curls neatly coifed so I studied my star character. “Listen, Winnie. Let’s face it, you get yourself into more trouble than I can ever think to write about. I try to write nice easy jobs for you, but no, you have to go your own way. Please stop trying to outthink me.”
She crossed her thin arms and stepped out into the sunshine. Hmm. Guess she wasn’t going to invite me in for tea. “Well, Miz Author, if I had to wait for you to get my jobs done, you’d write a book instead of a short story. I don’t have that much time to spare.”
“I can’t help you if you keep taking off on your own, sort of doing your own thing. You ended up in jail, got shot at, put Phil at terrible risk, and your friends, too. You’re not very nice.”
She harrumphed. “I’m still alive, aren’t I? And it’s all those unsavory characters you throw at me. Why don’t you let me meet some nice easy-going ones occasionally? It would make my life easier.”
“But, don’t you understand, Winnie, that wouldn’t make for an exciting story.”
“I could do with less excitement at my age.”
“I’ll make a deal with you. You TRY to behave and let ME write the stories, and I’ll send you on a nice vacation one month soon.” I gave her a sly grin.
“Promise?” She squinted her eyes behind her glasses as if she didn’t believe me.
“Honest, I will. Maybe a nice relaxing sea cruise. Would you enjoy that sort of vacation?”
She sighed. “You betcha.” She glared at me again. “You really promise I can leave in a few months?”
“Oh Winnie, Winnie, would I ever lie to you?”
 Her eyes lit up. “Okay, by golly, you have a deal. I could really use the R&R.”
I patted her back. “Of course you can, you poor, poor dear.”
We said our goodbyes and I walked back to my car.
 Good thing she couldn’t hear me laughing all the way home.
 ~Lorrie would love to hear from her fans at struiff@msn.com. Please put “reader” in the subject line. On behalf of Lorrie Struiff and Toi Thomas, thank you for taking the time learn about Struiff’s writing. Be sure to get your copy of Going to a Double Header right here. Come back tomorrow to see what else Lorrie Struiff has to share.  For more from Struiff, check the links below:
Amazon Author Page Lorrie’s Flowers and Thorns Blog Facebook.com/Lorrie.Struiff Lorrie’s Pintrest Profile

Guest Post 17: Lorrie Struiff

Cole Walker, Sheriff of Cold Creek, has more woes than he can handle.
He thought chasing rustlers would be the worst of his problems, until the newly arrived, Mattie Wells, jingles his spurs with a smile, and he falls head over heels for her.
Cole's fear of critters comes to light when a runaway monkey named Beggar takes a liking to him. He remembers when his pa's hound dog left teeth marks on his butt when he was just a tyke.
But, Mattie thinks Beggar’s adorable, so what’s a man supposed to do? Now, he’s forced to put up with the little fur ball...uh...ringtail monkey even when the furry thief starts stealing the townsfolk’s trinkets.
The rustlers roaming the hills, stealing the Double J’s cattle are a mighty puzzling crew. JJ blames the farmers and an all out war is in the making.
Trying to keep the peace between the farmers and the cattleman, Cole and his deputies, Wade and Sully, have their hands full. Mayor Farley gives them a month to find the thieves before calling for outside help.
Mattie has a dark secret and vows never to marry. While harboring a secret of his own, Cole pushes to pry out her secret in hopes of changing her mind.
Cole chases Mattie, the rustlers, and Beggar in a town full of fun characters and chaos.
Can he bring the rustlers to justice, peace and order to Cold Creek, the townsfolk’s loot back to their rightful owners, and win Mattie’s heart?
Yep. Cole has a heap of trouble on his hands.
Read reviews on this book at Amazon.com .

~About the authorLorrie lives in West Mifflin, PA, thirty minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. She lives at home with her favorite toy—a computer.
Once a gold medalist teacher/manager for a big-name ballroom dance studio she has retired and now enjoys the quiet life of writing and watching TV. But she loves to have lunches with local writers to keep abreast of the challenging world of publishing.
Lorrie writes in many genres so you never know what she will come out with next. She never wants to bore her readers and enjoys the thrill of entertaining them by writing a good story.
Lorrie would love to hear from her fans at struiff@msn.com. Please put “reader” in the subject line. On behalf of Lorrie Struiff and Toi Thomas, thank you for taking the time learn about Struiff’s writing. Be sure to get your copy of A Heap of Trouble right here. Come back tomorrow to see what else Lorrie Struiff has to share. For more from Struiff, check the links below:
Amazon Author Page Lorrie’s Flowers and Thorns Blog Facebook.com/Lorrie.Struiff Lorrie’s Pintrest Profile

6 Sentence Sunday 23

This is a weekly meme hosted and originated by 6 Sentence Sunday. Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel -6 sentences from chapter 24.
Mira was so moved by Giovanni’s sweet expression of emotion that she peeked open one eye to look upon him. After Mira looked at Giovanni, she immediately began to look around nervously. She was relieved to see that the others continued to hold their heads down and close their eyes, as the preacher continued to pray. Mira nudged Giovanni with her elbow and whispered into his ear, “Gio, honey, you are literally glowing right now. You really should figure out how to stop, before everyone else sees you.”
Giovanni opened his eyes, looked at his hands, and saw a light bouncing back into his face…
To participate, pick six (6) sentences from anything you like (it can be from a Work in Progress (WiP), something you recently sold, something you hope to sell or even something already under contract and available for purchase – and don’t worry, Six Sentence Sunday is for published AND unpublished writers ). Then post them on your blog on Sunday. That’s all there is to it!
Posts are for bloggers only, but comments are open to all. Please post a link back to Six Sunday, the “anchor” site, to let people know where you heard about the idea. You are not required to list the week’s posters on your post…And don’t be afraid to share the love by adding the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets about Six Sentence Sunday. You can follow the official Six Sentence Sunday twitter at: https://twitter.com/6_Sunday.
*The informative content listed above was taken directly from the 6 Sentence Sunday website with a few paraphrases for ease of viewing and reading. Please review their FAQs for more details.

Interview 16: Darlene Jones

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview my new friend, Darlene Jones. She is visiting the ECS as a guest and sharing loads of interesting insights into her work. Be sure to look around and see what she has to offer. Here are the results of our interview. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.
Hi there Darlene! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Universe. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.
 So tell me, who is Darlene Jones?Google SearchA long time ago, I lived in Mali. Every single day, I wished I could wave a magic wand to relieve the heart-wrenching poverty. The story line of my books reflects my desire to wave that wand and make the world a better place. If only wishes could come true. And of course, every novel needs its love story, so along with the sci-fi magic, I’ve added the requisite romance.

I like the idea that your writing reflex your desire to make the world a better place. I can’t wait to get to the knitty gritty of this interview and what wonders you have to share.
So whacha got for me today?
In my latest release: EMBRACED Abby believes the clickings she hears in the fillings of her teeth are messages from aliens. One of her students, Curtis, helps her to decode the messages. Both are in for a wild ride as they follow along with Coder Guy, as Abby calls the alien.

Strange messages in the fillings of teeth is a new one for me, but I like it. With an premise like that, I’m sure this will be a good and non-predictable story.
 So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of EMBRACED?
Abby is a junior high school principal with what could be considered a very ordinary life. She doesn’t believe in aliens and is baffled as to why she thinks the clickings in her teeth are messages from “out there somewhere.” She feels guilty for involving a student, but feels she has no one else to turn to.
I like it when main characters are simple ordinary people. When their lives become not so ordinary, it make their story so much more interesting and exciting.
 Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
LOL. This is a good question. I started playing with the story when I suffered from insomnia. I thought it would help put me to sleep. It didn’t! Eventually, I felt compelled to write it down. I thought I’d write one novel, but I’ve published three and have the fourth almost ready to publish.

I feel you on the whole insomnia issue. Sometimes I think that if I just write it down, the idea will leave my head and I can sleep…it hasn’t worked for me yet either.WikipediaWhat author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how? Robert J Sawyer. I’m not a hard core technical sci fi writer like he is, but I had a chance to participate in a week long seminar with him. He’s amazingly generous in sharing his knowledge. We learned so much. I credit him with giving me the courage to go ahead and finish my first novel. 

That’s pretty cool that you had a chance to attend a week long seminar with him. I glad you received the inspiration and courage you needed to complete your first novel.
Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?Google Search Nelson Mendela. I’d love to know how he survived prison all those years and remained so caring and kind.

I agree with you. It seems to me that some people are put on the earth for the sole purpose of inspiring others and making the world a better place in one way or another. Some people’s lives are so harsh, adventurous, outrageous, and unbelievable that it makes you appreciate the mundane and simple struggles of your own life.
Who is so you and why? Amazon.com I relate to characters in books. I’ve just read Domingo’s Angel and can relate to Angela as she did the kind of thing I could see myself doing. She left home and went off to Spain just after WWII and lived in a village there. I went off to Africa when young girls didn’t go off on their own let alone to the “dark” continent.



I try to find a way to relate to at least one character in every book that I read, but I haven’t yet experienced a true parallel such as yours. I can’t image what it must have felt like for you to leave home and live in Africa as a young girl. I bet that would make for a good story.
What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
I’m in the office/laundry area of our place in Mexico listening to the washing machine going through its cycles. Soon, I’ll take a break to go hang the clothes on the roof and perhaps catch a breeze while doing so. I prefer to read lying on the sofa and I usually save my reading for evenings.

I read Domingo’s Angel on my Kindle. I read it fast to find out what happens and then I liked it so much, I read it a second time more slowly to savor each nuance.

That sounds cozy. I read in the evenings too, but only because I work days. On the weekends I like to read in the afternoon. It’s cool that you sped through that book just to get the gist and then re-read it for enjoyment. I’ve done that before.
What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
In those days I loved anything that focused on horses. I read all the time and hated that you could only take out 3 books from the library at a time.
Again, I can relate. For me though, my biggest problem with getting my library books was the fact that my family would lose them all the time- What’s a kid to do…Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Awesome!
Alright then, here we go.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be? IMDBYou ask tough questions. I’m not a huge movie fan. If I really had to choose, it would be The Gods Must be Crazy.

That’s a pretty good movie and given your life and travels I can see why you picked it.




Microsoft.comWhat makes you geek out?Ah, that’s easy -- computers and related gadgets – I’m like the “boys and their toys” when it comes to laptops, Kindles, iPads etc. I’m anxious to see the new Microsoft Surface.

Sweet. I’m somewhat into gadgets, I mean I do like my tech, but I’m very picky.
 So what’s testing your patience right now?
I’m frustrated that I’m behind my self-imposed schedule for releasing my fourth book. I wanted to have it finished by the end of December, but that’s not going to happen.
Deadline are a beast even when self-imposed. I hardly ever meet my own, but I figure things get done when they are supposed to as long as I don’t waste time and procrastinate.
When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
I don’t listen to music – I have no ear for it.
I gotta tell you that as a music lover, this almost breaks my heart. Then again, I like music so much why shouldn’t the opposite expression exist; not everyone has to like music.
What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Safari in Kenya. A life-long dream and an experience that lived up to every expectation.
That sounds like an adventure to me and I bet it was fun.
 Remind me again how I was lucky enough to meet you?
I found you via Triberr.
Now that’s funny. I guess someone must have put info about my guest spots on there. Usually people find me through LinkedIn.
Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
I hope my life is more of the same – writing, reading, playing with my granddaughter. As for the world … I’d like to think conditions and relations between countries will get better, but I’m not overly optimistic.
Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Darlene Jones, check out these great links:
Amazon: EMBATTLED Amazon: EMPOWERED Amazon: EMBRACEDWEBSITE www.emandyves.com BLOG http://emandyves.wordpress.com

Guest Post 16: Darlene Jones

Hi, I’m Curtis. Mrs. Jones put me in one of her books called EMBRACED. Sounds pretty mushy to me. Anyway, she says I have to tell you a little about the story.
Miss D, my school principal came to me one day with this page of scribbles. She thought it was some kind of code and she wanted me and my buddies to try to figure it out. I like Miss D and all. She’s not bad for an adult. You can talk to her and she doesn’t make fun. But, sheesh, a code from aliens? Anyway, to keep her happy, I said I’d help.
Thing is, once I started studying the scribbles, I could see messages. I told Miss D that Coder Guy (that’s the name Miss D gave to whoever was sending the messages) wanted her to fix things. Of course she asked what things? I didn’t know so I made up some stuff. Miss D wrote letters to newspapers using my ideas and the things she asked for started to come true.
Kinda spooky, eh? But fun too. Secretly I wished Coder Guy could get rid of my zits and help me lose weight so I wouldn’t be such a geek. I didn’t tell Miss D that, but Coder Guy must have read my mind or something cause now I’m taller and better looking and the girls are starting to talk to me. Miss D says everyone changes, but for me it happened awfully fast so I think Coder Guy did it.
Now Miss D is in the hospital. She’s all screwed up by the messages and the letters and this guy named Sam. I think she really liked him, but he dumped her or something and that sent her over the edge. I’m going up to the hospital to see her now.
Oops, Mrs. Jones just told me not to say too much. Doesn’t want any spoilers for her book so you’ll have to read it to find out what happens. Gotta go see Miss D now. Hope you like the book.
~ Aren’t you starting to wonder about this story? Don’t wait to get your copy, and if you want to learn more about this author and her writing, visit www.emandyves.com. Be sure to stop by tomorrow when Darlene Jones and I sit down for a chat. This will be one author interview not to miss.  

Guest Post 15: Darlene Jones

 “More drawings?” Curtis gestured at the papers she held.
Abby looked down at the pages and willed her hand to stop trembling. The three pages of code drawings seemed to shimmer and shiver with a life of their own. “Yes. Three pages. From Friday, Saturday, and last night. They’re pretty … they’re … pretty well done, I’d say.”
But Curtis was no longer listening.  He waved the papers she’d just handed him and almost shouted with excitement. “These are amazing. Way better than the first drawing you brought us.”
Abby stifled a small grin, but she had to agree. The drawings outclassed her scratches a million times over. “My friend developed instant artistic talent.”
“I’ll say.” Curtis shuffled the pages back and forth. He shook his head slowly and muttered “wow” over and over. Finally he looked up at her. “Miss D, thanks for getting so many. Now we have four to compare. We’ll see if there are any repeated patterns or sequences of symbols. Your friend is great to share these with us.”
“No problem.” Oh God, I’m such a liar. Of course there was a problem, and not just because she was lying to Curtis. My friend. How lame was that? The mere existence of the pages was the real problem. Some nights the clickings chattered incessantly in her fillings, almost driving her crazy. Those were the nights of very little sleep. The weekend had been eerily silent. That was a new phenomenon since Friday, no clickings, instead Coder Guy had begun leaving the pages filled with drawings. Either way—no escaping the code.
A while back, she’d grown tired of sharpening the pencil she used each night and replaced it with a pen, which was now almost out of ink. She’d have to remember to get out a new one tonight. Or maybe not? What would happen if there was no writing utensil?
“What’s so funny?” Curtis asked. Abby hadn’t realized she’d laughed out loud. The lack of pen wouldn’t stop her night visitor. She stifled another burst of laughter she knew bordered on hysteria. Truth was, much as the pages of code scared her, she’d be devastated if no more came. The person—being, alien, Coder Guy—was an integral part of her life now; his existence had established a rhythm that kept her balanced. Or so she thought. Maybe she was completely off her rocker.
Whatever the case, she didn’t want to lose that contact. Coder Guy’s presence warmed her, kept her from feeling alone and lonely. Oh, man, I am losing it here. Really losing it.
~If you like what you read here, be sure to check out Darlene Jones’s EMBRACED, for the whole story. To learn more about this author and her writing, visit www.emandyves.com and be sure to come back tomorrow for and in-depth look at one of EMBRACED’s major characters.