Cinthia Koeksal's Blog, page 2
May 3, 2013
Mind Games
“A mind is the complex of cognitivefaculties that enables consciousness, perception, thinking, learning, reasoning, and judgement—a characteristic of humans, but which also may apply to other life forms…The main questions regarding the nature of mind is its relation to the physical brain and nervous system – a question which is often framed as the Mind-body problem, which considers whether mind is somehow separate from physical existence (dualism and idealism), deriving from and reducible to physical phenomena such as neurological processes (physicalism), or whether the mind is identical with the brain or some activity of the brain…Whatever its relation to the physical body it is generally agreed that mind is that which enables a being to have subjectiveawarenessand intentionalitytowards their environment, to perceive and respond to stimuli with some kind of agency, and to have consciousness, including thinking and feeling.” –(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind)
I was watching Total Recall, the one with Kate Beckinsale and Collin Farrell, and it got me thinking about the ultimate power of our minds. We can convince ourselves to do anything. Our minds can be our best friends or our worst enemies. Any celebrity can tell you this, especially those who have been in rehab. So why is it that so many of us do not use this to our advantage? Why do we go through life without using our mind’s full potential? Why do we prefer to succumb to the dark side of chocolate instead of pursuing that six pack?
My father always said it’s all about “Mind over Matter” and that we can do anything to which we set our minds. I try to use this in my daily life but somehow, exactly that’s what gets in the way—LIFE! To be fully motivated and concentrated, centered, we need to have a clear mind, right? But how does that work when the whole world constantly wants something from you—when that one forgotten black sock puts a dent in your day by ruining all the whites?
Teachers, boyfriends/girlfriends, bosses, publishers, agents, children, spouses, friends, even your gym instructor…everyone wants (and deserves) a piece of your time and mind. So how can you concentrate on something for more than 10 minutes at a time?
Please don’t go around telling people that I’m blaming my lack of self-discipline on my peers! As I mentioned earlier it is just too simple to fall into laziness and take the flatter route. However, why do people feel much more motivated in rehab or at a spa getaway? Life is stressful, especially in this day and age, and it is important to remember that there will always be something or someone that distracts you from your goals.
As a working mum, the only thing that keeps me sane is my Mama Timer. It’s a little organizer that has been perfected to meet the needs of over-achieving mothers everywhere. If someone suddenly felt the urge to ruin me, they’d just have to “accidently” misplace it and you’d find me blubbering in a corner. There still isn’t enough hours in a day to stay as focused as I’d like to be, but it helps to be organized.
In my novels, I take this mind game very seriously. I think to make characters real you need to give them real problems as well as real pleasures in life. In The Scarlet Omen and its sequels, my protagonist Anjeli Xavier is constantly being stretched in all directions—something any teenager would be able to relate to as well as dread. She has to save a whole civilisation while juggling her over-protective family, school, a best friend and a boyfriend that seems to be in trouble all the time. By the end of the trilogy, I’m hoping that she figures out the secret to dealing with the pressures of life without having a nervous breakdown and…I sure hope she lets me in on it.www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
I was watching Total Recall, the one with Kate Beckinsale and Collin Farrell, and it got me thinking about the ultimate power of our minds. We can convince ourselves to do anything. Our minds can be our best friends or our worst enemies. Any celebrity can tell you this, especially those who have been in rehab. So why is it that so many of us do not use this to our advantage? Why do we go through life without using our mind’s full potential? Why do we prefer to succumb to the dark side of chocolate instead of pursuing that six pack?
My father always said it’s all about “Mind over Matter” and that we can do anything to which we set our minds. I try to use this in my daily life but somehow, exactly that’s what gets in the way—LIFE! To be fully motivated and concentrated, centered, we need to have a clear mind, right? But how does that work when the whole world constantly wants something from you—when that one forgotten black sock puts a dent in your day by ruining all the whites?
Teachers, boyfriends/girlfriends, bosses, publishers, agents, children, spouses, friends, even your gym instructor…everyone wants (and deserves) a piece of your time and mind. So how can you concentrate on something for more than 10 minutes at a time?
Please don’t go around telling people that I’m blaming my lack of self-discipline on my peers! As I mentioned earlier it is just too simple to fall into laziness and take the flatter route. However, why do people feel much more motivated in rehab or at a spa getaway? Life is stressful, especially in this day and age, and it is important to remember that there will always be something or someone that distracts you from your goals.
As a working mum, the only thing that keeps me sane is my Mama Timer. It’s a little organizer that has been perfected to meet the needs of over-achieving mothers everywhere. If someone suddenly felt the urge to ruin me, they’d just have to “accidently” misplace it and you’d find me blubbering in a corner. There still isn’t enough hours in a day to stay as focused as I’d like to be, but it helps to be organized.
In my novels, I take this mind game very seriously. I think to make characters real you need to give them real problems as well as real pleasures in life. In The Scarlet Omen and its sequels, my protagonist Anjeli Xavier is constantly being stretched in all directions—something any teenager would be able to relate to as well as dread. She has to save a whole civilisation while juggling her over-protective family, school, a best friend and a boyfriend that seems to be in trouble all the time. By the end of the trilogy, I’m hoping that she figures out the secret to dealing with the pressures of life without having a nervous breakdown and…I sure hope she lets me in on it.www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
April 26, 2013
Bookworm Galore with Emily Lewis
1. Tell us about yourself and your blog.
I am Emily (AKA Mrs Mommy Booknerd) I am the Founder of MMBBR, site manager and lead blogger of Mrs Mommy Bookners'd Book Reviews.
About me: I admit it, I am a booknerd. I love books: the feel, the smell, everything.I love to talk about books, search for books and collect books. It is one of my few passions. I like to share the gift of a good read with others. I marvel at writers and the journey they can take you on through the pages of a book. I also want good authors to get the credit and exposure they deserve.
I am a mother of 2 fantastic young boys, a booknerd, a wife, a growth and development teacher for children ages 2-5 and a fitness instructor. I am passionate about being a mother and about books. I feel instilling the love of reading in my children (and anyone else I can connect with) is giving them a lifelong gift. My husband jokes that I love books more than him. Although that is definitely not true I do love books a lot.
I am so pleased to be here today, sharing my love of all things books!!!
2. When and why did you start book blogging?
I started my blog in April 2011 on a whim. I wanted to talk to books...all the time, so I thought why not start a blog. I wanted to spread my love of reading with anyone who cared to listen. It was a slow start and has now grown drastically and I feel that I have made some wonderful friends, have read some amazing books I may not have discovered and have been able to grow my blog and add two more reviewers. It has been my hobby and passion every since the first post.
3. Name your favourite book/s and why.
I often ask this questions when I interview authors and now I know how impossible it is to answer. I always say "That was the best book ever." after I close a book and then I start another one with the same end result. I find that I get lost in each and every book I read...from 3 stars to 5 stars. I always seem to connect with some aspect of the book...the setting, a character, the dialogue, something. I feel lucky to be exposed to so many different authors and so many different genres.
I can say that I cherish my signed book collection. I sometime sit down with all my signed books and read the inscriptions, remember what I was doing when I read the book and reliving the moments in my life that each book represents. I feel like my books are snapshots of my life.
4. What do readers look for in a book?
I think that readers are naturally first drawn to a beautiful cover. It is one of the few things that visually set one book apart from another book. After the cover, I would say that readers are then drawn to the setting. It is my opinion, that if you have a great setting the characters just seem to belong there and the rest falls into place.
Reading can be quite a personal experience, so I guess it is hard to say for sure what every reader looks for. I know that I read a lot based on mood and based off what I just finished reading. But overall, I think a story with rich characters, a great setting and dialogue that is believable and relatable with create a big hit.
5. If you could pull an ‘Inkheart’, which book would you slip into and why?
Let me think....
Man, that is hard too! I am not sure I can answer with specific books. Like I said before, the answer would change based on my mood and life circumstances. There are times I would want to escape to somewhere far away and partake in a grand adventure. Other times, I would want to hang out with amazing female characters and go get into some shenanigans. Other times, I would love to travel throughout history and experience some historically significant moments. Isn't that the beauty of a book...you can go anywhere and be anything your little heart desires!
6. What do readers absolutely despise?
Again, I can only speak for myself. But, I get very upset when I see a negative reviews, for the sake of it. I have seen reviews that say things like "I really don't like chick lit, so this books was just terrible". Why read a book you already know you won't like because of the genre and then run off and write a bad review? It seems so counterproductive to me. I feel very upset when I see people being vindictive towards an authors work without a solid basis for the opinion. I can understand that not everyone is going to love every book they read, but to take the time to write a bashing one star review seems so strange to me. I always feel that my reviews are my humble opinion and I will never intentionally go out and attack an author for writing what comes from their heart. That is why I have a policy that I will only review books I have enjoyed. My goal is to spread the word about great reads and great authors. I know the love, heart and work behind the pages of any book, so I always choose my words carefully.
7. Do you have any recommendations for authors or readers who are thinking about starting their own Blogs?Here are my titbits of knowledge I have learned along the way:
•start slow
•reach out to authors and readers
•join blog hops
•BACK UP your blog regularly
•keep a posting calendar
•do giveaways
•post regularly
•make it our own
•make it about what you love
•HAVE FUN
Thanks so much Emily! It’s really great to meet people who love and respect books as much as I do and I’m honoured to be writing for readers like you. Hey people…if you enjoyed this interview, please go to the links below to see what else Emily is up to.
BLOG: http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com
EMAIL: mrsmommybooknerdsbookreviews@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MrsMommyBook...
I am Emily (AKA Mrs Mommy Booknerd) I am the Founder of MMBBR, site manager and lead blogger of Mrs Mommy Bookners'd Book Reviews.
About me: I admit it, I am a booknerd. I love books: the feel, the smell, everything.I love to talk about books, search for books and collect books. It is one of my few passions. I like to share the gift of a good read with others. I marvel at writers and the journey they can take you on through the pages of a book. I also want good authors to get the credit and exposure they deserve.
I am a mother of 2 fantastic young boys, a booknerd, a wife, a growth and development teacher for children ages 2-5 and a fitness instructor. I am passionate about being a mother and about books. I feel instilling the love of reading in my children (and anyone else I can connect with) is giving them a lifelong gift. My husband jokes that I love books more than him. Although that is definitely not true I do love books a lot.
I am so pleased to be here today, sharing my love of all things books!!!
2. When and why did you start book blogging?
I started my blog in April 2011 on a whim. I wanted to talk to books...all the time, so I thought why not start a blog. I wanted to spread my love of reading with anyone who cared to listen. It was a slow start and has now grown drastically and I feel that I have made some wonderful friends, have read some amazing books I may not have discovered and have been able to grow my blog and add two more reviewers. It has been my hobby and passion every since the first post.
3. Name your favourite book/s and why.
I often ask this questions when I interview authors and now I know how impossible it is to answer. I always say "That was the best book ever." after I close a book and then I start another one with the same end result. I find that I get lost in each and every book I read...from 3 stars to 5 stars. I always seem to connect with some aspect of the book...the setting, a character, the dialogue, something. I feel lucky to be exposed to so many different authors and so many different genres.
I can say that I cherish my signed book collection. I sometime sit down with all my signed books and read the inscriptions, remember what I was doing when I read the book and reliving the moments in my life that each book represents. I feel like my books are snapshots of my life.
4. What do readers look for in a book?
I think that readers are naturally first drawn to a beautiful cover. It is one of the few things that visually set one book apart from another book. After the cover, I would say that readers are then drawn to the setting. It is my opinion, that if you have a great setting the characters just seem to belong there and the rest falls into place.
Reading can be quite a personal experience, so I guess it is hard to say for sure what every reader looks for. I know that I read a lot based on mood and based off what I just finished reading. But overall, I think a story with rich characters, a great setting and dialogue that is believable and relatable with create a big hit.
5. If you could pull an ‘Inkheart’, which book would you slip into and why?
Let me think....
Man, that is hard too! I am not sure I can answer with specific books. Like I said before, the answer would change based on my mood and life circumstances. There are times I would want to escape to somewhere far away and partake in a grand adventure. Other times, I would want to hang out with amazing female characters and go get into some shenanigans. Other times, I would love to travel throughout history and experience some historically significant moments. Isn't that the beauty of a book...you can go anywhere and be anything your little heart desires!
6. What do readers absolutely despise?
Again, I can only speak for myself. But, I get very upset when I see a negative reviews, for the sake of it. I have seen reviews that say things like "I really don't like chick lit, so this books was just terrible". Why read a book you already know you won't like because of the genre and then run off and write a bad review? It seems so counterproductive to me. I feel very upset when I see people being vindictive towards an authors work without a solid basis for the opinion. I can understand that not everyone is going to love every book they read, but to take the time to write a bashing one star review seems so strange to me. I always feel that my reviews are my humble opinion and I will never intentionally go out and attack an author for writing what comes from their heart. That is why I have a policy that I will only review books I have enjoyed. My goal is to spread the word about great reads and great authors. I know the love, heart and work behind the pages of any book, so I always choose my words carefully.
7. Do you have any recommendations for authors or readers who are thinking about starting their own Blogs?Here are my titbits of knowledge I have learned along the way:
•start slow
•reach out to authors and readers
•join blog hops
•BACK UP your blog regularly
•keep a posting calendar
•do giveaways
•post regularly
•make it our own
•make it about what you love
•HAVE FUN
Thanks so much Emily! It’s really great to meet people who love and respect books as much as I do and I’m honoured to be writing for readers like you. Hey people…if you enjoyed this interview, please go to the links below to see what else Emily is up to.
BLOG: http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com
EMAIL: mrsmommybooknerdsbookreviews@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MrsMommyBook...
April 12, 2013
Watcha Doin' with Golda Mowe
Author Bio:
I was born and raised in Sibu, Sarawak and I still live here. Following the advice of my elders, I took up a matriculation course in Peninsular Malaysia which eventually led me to further my studies in Japan. Seeing how well informed the Japanese people were of their own culture made me wonder why my friends back home know so little about my Iban heritage. It took more than a decade for me to decide to start writing Iban Dream, and it took almost as long as that to finally see it published. You can read a synopsis of the book at http://www.gmowe.ws/IbanDream.html. What inspired you to take up writing? The Sarawak jungle and the Dayak culture inspire me. I love reading history books when I was young, and the more I read about adventurers like James and Charles Brooke, as well as the work of Benedict Sandin and Charles Hose, the more I started to believe that the gods and goddesses of Iban folklore existed. It also didn’t hurt that I had a great-aunt who was a good storyteller and a dad who loved to hunt.
What is the funniest thing you’ve encountered on your journey as a Storyteller? My bad English. I’ve always been proud of my knowledge of the English language until the day I sat down to type out a story. It took me close to two weeks to work on the short story, and when I eventually had the courage to show it to someone, the only good thing the reader could think to say was that there was no spelling mistake.
Which character from any book do you think you most resemble? I would say JIM, from Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim. Why? Because I’ve been a coward most of my life, yet at the same time have lots of vain-glorious ideas about what I am supposed to be. Having read the book has helped me faced my demons, so that now whenever I fantasized about doing something, I would challenge myself to actually do it. (In fact, one of the demons I had to face was actually finishing the book because all of Jim’s regrets and failures felt too close for comfort.) Please tell us a little about your book or latest release. What were the challenges you faced while writing it and bringing it onto the market? Iban Dream is about the adventure of a headhunter in 18th century Borneo. Christianity is only 3 generations old from my Iban mother’s side of the family, so superstition is still quite thick. The first hurdle I had to cross was the spiritual barrier, as in should I or shouldn’t I write a story with Iban gods as characters. Then the next challenge was to find someone willing to read beyond the synopsis. Most seemed to have a fixed idea of what to expect from this kind of story, so nothing happened for years until I come across a publisher who was looking for Asia based stories. The e-book version has been out since May 2012, and I expect to launch the print copy in May 2013.
Your novel Iban Dream is about an orphan boy growing up in Borneo. Do you face issues with Asian slang or certain traits that only Asians have with which Western readers might not be able to identify? How do you address these issues? One Iban trait that I had difficulty with was their habit of referring to a parent or a grandparent based on the name of a first child. Ibans living in the longhouse don’t call someone by their first name after they have had a child. Since I can’t actually explain this in a story, I made a point of introducing a child first then named the mother by her own first name, Sika. After that I introduced the other name she is addressed by via dialogue, Indai Menjat. It took a while to plan the scene, but I feel that it was well worth it because it allows the reader to be eased into the idea. For more visual words, I just repeat their equivalent in English, sometimes even treating them like adjectives, e.g. blue tarum or red engkudu dye. What do you want your readers to feel or think after reading your novel? What message do you want them to hold onto long after they’ve put down your book? The Ibans have one very interesting behavior, in that, if they wish to know whether the ancient gods would bless an important endeavor or not, they would seek to divine it via objects such as the areca nut or the movement and call of particular species of birds. If the divination indicates ‘no’, they would repeat the process until they get a ‘yes’. Hence my message is; a strong-willed person is master of his own destiny because he can persuade others to support him.
Any parting words of wisdom for our readers: Don’t just dream about what you want to do. Plan for it. There are so many opportunities open to this generation that it would be a waste to not at least try. Only after you’ve planned, and studied your options should you decide whether your dream is plausible. Awesome! Thanks, Golda for an insightful interview. Readers, you can get more of Golda by following these links: Write to me at, Email: alpha@gmowe.ws Read my free stories and novellas, Website: http://www.gmowe.ws/ Find writing tips, Blogsite: http://wordpress.gmowe.ws/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IbanDreamByGo... Twitter: https://twitter.com/@golda_mowe www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
I was born and raised in Sibu, Sarawak and I still live here. Following the advice of my elders, I took up a matriculation course in Peninsular Malaysia which eventually led me to further my studies in Japan. Seeing how well informed the Japanese people were of their own culture made me wonder why my friends back home know so little about my Iban heritage. It took more than a decade for me to decide to start writing Iban Dream, and it took almost as long as that to finally see it published. You can read a synopsis of the book at http://www.gmowe.ws/IbanDream.html. What inspired you to take up writing? The Sarawak jungle and the Dayak culture inspire me. I love reading history books when I was young, and the more I read about adventurers like James and Charles Brooke, as well as the work of Benedict Sandin and Charles Hose, the more I started to believe that the gods and goddesses of Iban folklore existed. It also didn’t hurt that I had a great-aunt who was a good storyteller and a dad who loved to hunt.
What is the funniest thing you’ve encountered on your journey as a Storyteller? My bad English. I’ve always been proud of my knowledge of the English language until the day I sat down to type out a story. It took me close to two weeks to work on the short story, and when I eventually had the courage to show it to someone, the only good thing the reader could think to say was that there was no spelling mistake.
Which character from any book do you think you most resemble? I would say JIM, from Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim. Why? Because I’ve been a coward most of my life, yet at the same time have lots of vain-glorious ideas about what I am supposed to be. Having read the book has helped me faced my demons, so that now whenever I fantasized about doing something, I would challenge myself to actually do it. (In fact, one of the demons I had to face was actually finishing the book because all of Jim’s regrets and failures felt too close for comfort.) Please tell us a little about your book or latest release. What were the challenges you faced while writing it and bringing it onto the market? Iban Dream is about the adventure of a headhunter in 18th century Borneo. Christianity is only 3 generations old from my Iban mother’s side of the family, so superstition is still quite thick. The first hurdle I had to cross was the spiritual barrier, as in should I or shouldn’t I write a story with Iban gods as characters. Then the next challenge was to find someone willing to read beyond the synopsis. Most seemed to have a fixed idea of what to expect from this kind of story, so nothing happened for years until I come across a publisher who was looking for Asia based stories. The e-book version has been out since May 2012, and I expect to launch the print copy in May 2013.
Your novel Iban Dream is about an orphan boy growing up in Borneo. Do you face issues with Asian slang or certain traits that only Asians have with which Western readers might not be able to identify? How do you address these issues? One Iban trait that I had difficulty with was their habit of referring to a parent or a grandparent based on the name of a first child. Ibans living in the longhouse don’t call someone by their first name after they have had a child. Since I can’t actually explain this in a story, I made a point of introducing a child first then named the mother by her own first name, Sika. After that I introduced the other name she is addressed by via dialogue, Indai Menjat. It took a while to plan the scene, but I feel that it was well worth it because it allows the reader to be eased into the idea. For more visual words, I just repeat their equivalent in English, sometimes even treating them like adjectives, e.g. blue tarum or red engkudu dye. What do you want your readers to feel or think after reading your novel? What message do you want them to hold onto long after they’ve put down your book? The Ibans have one very interesting behavior, in that, if they wish to know whether the ancient gods would bless an important endeavor or not, they would seek to divine it via objects such as the areca nut or the movement and call of particular species of birds. If the divination indicates ‘no’, they would repeat the process until they get a ‘yes’. Hence my message is; a strong-willed person is master of his own destiny because he can persuade others to support him.
Any parting words of wisdom for our readers: Don’t just dream about what you want to do. Plan for it. There are so many opportunities open to this generation that it would be a waste to not at least try. Only after you’ve planned, and studied your options should you decide whether your dream is plausible. Awesome! Thanks, Golda for an insightful interview. Readers, you can get more of Golda by following these links: Write to me at, Email: alpha@gmowe.ws Read my free stories and novellas, Website: http://www.gmowe.ws/ Find writing tips, Blogsite: http://wordpress.gmowe.ws/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IbanDreamByGo... Twitter: https://twitter.com/@golda_mowe www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
March 31, 2013
Bookworm Galore with Jessica Peterson
Hi Jessica! Please tell us about yourself and your blog.
I'm 23, have always loved reading; as far back as I can remember I've pretty much always had a book on the go, especially when I started grade 6 and discovered the library at my new middle school had amazing books I just HAD to read! :) My blog, Addicted to Novels is about 99% all about YA books but very occasionally it's 1% adult or new adult, and has book reviews, author interviews, and more.
When and why did you start book blogging?
I started book blogging around the end of July 2011 and August 2011 then gave up on it till around that Christmas...I think it was harder than I thought haha. I haven't stopped blogging since :)
I started blogging because this one day I was bored and was trying to find out pub dates for new books I was waiting for to come out and see what new ones were coming out by my favorite authors, when I happened to "stumble" upon some book blogs that had book reviews on books I was looking for, so I started googling everything I could about book blogs, then probably within a week later, I decided to try and start my own.
Name your favourite book/s and why.
I've read so many books, that I have way too many favorites to list, but here's a few that top my list:
The Bluebloods series by Melissa De La Cruz, my bff had recommended and lent me the first 3 books a few yrs ago just before the 4th book came out, and I was instantly pulled into the world of the glamorous, New York world of vampires.
All of Meg Cabot's "teen" novels, and all of Sarah Dessen's novels, I read their books growing up and just always loved them, especially Meg Cabot's 'Mediator' series!What do readers look for in a book?
I don't know if all readers are the same, but I always look for a good, strong lead character with a head on their shoulders, a good story line that has bits and pieces here and there to keep you reading but also giving me an inside to whatever it is, all the while having it all come together at the end of the book. I like characters that are real, that deal with and work through their problems, while also having some sort of romance or something else good going on on the side.
If you could spend a day with any character from any book, who would you choose and why?
Right now, I'd have to say Finn from Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood! He's just the perfect fictional boyfriend, especially when he was being compared to another love interest in the Born Wicked novel. He was willing to fight for his family and what was right, but was also gentle and loving. He was just so yum :") In your opinion, what is the deadliest mistake an author can make in writing a novel?
I haven't read too many books that I didn't care for, but I'd say flat characters, the kind with no personality and/or are dumb as hell. Like the kind that have everything right in their face yet they still have "no idea". Really?! Also, a story that has no depth to it and just kind of slowly sails along, killing me of boredom, the kind of books that don't have anything in them to pull you in and make you FEEL.
Do you have any recommendations for authors while writing or readers who are thinking about starting their own blogs?
I say just go for it, just don't start a blog, then after a month when you haven't gotten as many readers/followers as you'd like, or find it too hard or whatever, don't just suddenly up and quit. Chances are, you WILL have at least a few readers who care that you've disappeared from the blogsphere, plus you probably won't feel like you've achieved anything. I think for anyone who wants to get started as an author, or wants to just start a blog, having a twitter, facebook page, and even a goodreads page to advertise your work on is extremely helpful; it helps you build a fan base and get word out about your work, whether it's about a book or a blog.
Thanks so much Jessica for gracing us with your presence! This was truly insighful and loads of fun. Hey Readers, below are some links to follow Jessica and just basically continue to see what she's up to. Book Bloggers rock!
Blog: http://addictedtonovels.blogspot.ca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddictedToNovel
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AddictedToNovels
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5810862-jessica
www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
I'm 23, have always loved reading; as far back as I can remember I've pretty much always had a book on the go, especially when I started grade 6 and discovered the library at my new middle school had amazing books I just HAD to read! :) My blog, Addicted to Novels is about 99% all about YA books but very occasionally it's 1% adult or new adult, and has book reviews, author interviews, and more.
When and why did you start book blogging?
I started book blogging around the end of July 2011 and August 2011 then gave up on it till around that Christmas...I think it was harder than I thought haha. I haven't stopped blogging since :)
I started blogging because this one day I was bored and was trying to find out pub dates for new books I was waiting for to come out and see what new ones were coming out by my favorite authors, when I happened to "stumble" upon some book blogs that had book reviews on books I was looking for, so I started googling everything I could about book blogs, then probably within a week later, I decided to try and start my own.
Name your favourite book/s and why.
I've read so many books, that I have way too many favorites to list, but here's a few that top my list:
The Bluebloods series by Melissa De La Cruz, my bff had recommended and lent me the first 3 books a few yrs ago just before the 4th book came out, and I was instantly pulled into the world of the glamorous, New York world of vampires.
All of Meg Cabot's "teen" novels, and all of Sarah Dessen's novels, I read their books growing up and just always loved them, especially Meg Cabot's 'Mediator' series!What do readers look for in a book?
I don't know if all readers are the same, but I always look for a good, strong lead character with a head on their shoulders, a good story line that has bits and pieces here and there to keep you reading but also giving me an inside to whatever it is, all the while having it all come together at the end of the book. I like characters that are real, that deal with and work through their problems, while also having some sort of romance or something else good going on on the side.
If you could spend a day with any character from any book, who would you choose and why?
Right now, I'd have to say Finn from Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood! He's just the perfect fictional boyfriend, especially when he was being compared to another love interest in the Born Wicked novel. He was willing to fight for his family and what was right, but was also gentle and loving. He was just so yum :") In your opinion, what is the deadliest mistake an author can make in writing a novel?
I haven't read too many books that I didn't care for, but I'd say flat characters, the kind with no personality and/or are dumb as hell. Like the kind that have everything right in their face yet they still have "no idea". Really?! Also, a story that has no depth to it and just kind of slowly sails along, killing me of boredom, the kind of books that don't have anything in them to pull you in and make you FEEL.
Do you have any recommendations for authors while writing or readers who are thinking about starting their own blogs?
I say just go for it, just don't start a blog, then after a month when you haven't gotten as many readers/followers as you'd like, or find it too hard or whatever, don't just suddenly up and quit. Chances are, you WILL have at least a few readers who care that you've disappeared from the blogsphere, plus you probably won't feel like you've achieved anything. I think for anyone who wants to get started as an author, or wants to just start a blog, having a twitter, facebook page, and even a goodreads page to advertise your work on is extremely helpful; it helps you build a fan base and get word out about your work, whether it's about a book or a blog.
Thanks so much Jessica for gracing us with your presence! This was truly insighful and loads of fun. Hey Readers, below are some links to follow Jessica and just basically continue to see what she's up to. Book Bloggers rock!
Blog: http://addictedtonovels.blogspot.ca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddictedToNovel
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AddictedToNovels
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5810862-jessica
www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
March 25, 2013
Battle of the Block
It got me while writing The Scarlet Omen; it attacked while I wrote A Maiden’s Legacy and it’s gotten me now while writing Book 3. That wretched alien wall that decides to come slamming down between writers and their creative juices—you know what I’m talking about. Yes…writer’s block. It’s the most useless of all ailments. It doesn’t even strengthen our immune systems like other diseases. Right? Wrong!
I’ve been learning the hard way that writer’s block is something from which no one can escape (if there’s anyone out there reading this who disagrees, please feel free to contact me so that I can take blood samples). I used to hate it, wishing that someone would come up with a vaccine.
“Discipline allows magic. To be a writer is to be the very best of assassins. You do not sit down and write every day to force the Muse to show up. You get into the habit of writing every day so that when she shows up, you have the maximum chance of catching her, bashing her on the head, and squeezing every last drop out of that bitch.”
― Lili St. Crow
(Source: www.goodreads.com)
If writer’s block is such a natural thing, should we be fighting it? Of course we should! Just like our bodies fight off the flu, we need to get off our butts and write. With every bout of the flu we come back stronger than before. Similarly, with every writer’s block episode we come out with a clean sheet of paper with which to work. Think of it as a big kick in the butt reset button!
When I was working on The Scarlet Omen, I got stuck just as everything was getting exciting. The whole mythical world of Masa was already in place with its monsters and heroes. However, my mind just shut down because of the many possibilities—there were just too many different roads that my characters could take to get to THE END. What happened next? That annoying wall came hurtling toward Earth accompanied by self-doubt and tears. The same thing has happened with every book I’ve written. Either I didn’t have enough facts to go on or there were too many battling for my attention.
So what have I learnt from this? I’ve learnt that every obstacle in life can be used to your advantage. I’m taking writer’s block as a chance to step back and assess my work from a new vantage point—to de-clutter if you will.
I’m not going to take much credit for this post because I was completely stumped last week and wouldn’t have gotten out of my hole had it not been for THE PIXAR PITCH.
· Once upon a time
· Everyday
· One day
· Because of that
· Because of that
· Until finally
(Source: http://brighthillgroup.com/dan-pinks-pixar-pitch-is-really-rich/)
This is a miracle worker! My favourite way to make an outline of your book while keeping a clear head. Assessing your work (when you hit that Great Wall of Blockage) using these sentences will change the way you look at a book.
I’ve also fallen in love with writingprompts.tumblr.com because of the awesome writing material used by the author. Once you start his exercises, you should be back on track with making fantastic literary history! Good luck peeps.
www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
I’ve been learning the hard way that writer’s block is something from which no one can escape (if there’s anyone out there reading this who disagrees, please feel free to contact me so that I can take blood samples). I used to hate it, wishing that someone would come up with a vaccine.
“Discipline allows magic. To be a writer is to be the very best of assassins. You do not sit down and write every day to force the Muse to show up. You get into the habit of writing every day so that when she shows up, you have the maximum chance of catching her, bashing her on the head, and squeezing every last drop out of that bitch.”
― Lili St. Crow
(Source: www.goodreads.com)
If writer’s block is such a natural thing, should we be fighting it? Of course we should! Just like our bodies fight off the flu, we need to get off our butts and write. With every bout of the flu we come back stronger than before. Similarly, with every writer’s block episode we come out with a clean sheet of paper with which to work. Think of it as a big kick in the butt reset button!
When I was working on The Scarlet Omen, I got stuck just as everything was getting exciting. The whole mythical world of Masa was already in place with its monsters and heroes. However, my mind just shut down because of the many possibilities—there were just too many different roads that my characters could take to get to THE END. What happened next? That annoying wall came hurtling toward Earth accompanied by self-doubt and tears. The same thing has happened with every book I’ve written. Either I didn’t have enough facts to go on or there were too many battling for my attention.
So what have I learnt from this? I’ve learnt that every obstacle in life can be used to your advantage. I’m taking writer’s block as a chance to step back and assess my work from a new vantage point—to de-clutter if you will.
I’m not going to take much credit for this post because I was completely stumped last week and wouldn’t have gotten out of my hole had it not been for THE PIXAR PITCH.
· Once upon a time
· Everyday
· One day
· Because of that
· Because of that
· Until finally
(Source: http://brighthillgroup.com/dan-pinks-pixar-pitch-is-really-rich/)
This is a miracle worker! My favourite way to make an outline of your book while keeping a clear head. Assessing your work (when you hit that Great Wall of Blockage) using these sentences will change the way you look at a book.
I’ve also fallen in love with writingprompts.tumblr.com because of the awesome writing material used by the author. Once you start his exercises, you should be back on track with making fantastic literary history! Good luck peeps.
www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
March 16, 2013
Watcha Doin' with Mo Anders
Image courtesy of Mo Anders Author Bio:I grew up in a sleepy village deep in Bavaria, which was so tiny that it didn’t even have a public playground. As my best friends lived far away, I often went roaming for hours alone with my dog through forests and meadows. A stone was not a stone but a stolen magic gem of a kidnapped goddess. This was because in the stories between numerous book covers I could travel to all kinds of places and meet lots of people. I used to devour books and I had lots of time to let my fantasies run wild.When I was fifteen, I joined a youth sports exchange with Japan. This was a thrilling and deeply impressive journey for a German teenager. We lived with Japanese families. We were stunned about their customs and about the things we had in common. We could try Kendo and Kyudo, but we also wondered about the Japanese toilet seats that came with heating, washing, and drying functions and about the artistic wax sculptures in the windows of restaurants, which showed their dessert menus in detail. My friend and I once dressed in Kimonos, and one of the host fathers took us on his nightly patrol in a police car.My strong interest in cultural differences was awakened. In the following years and during my undergraduate studies, I always loved to backpack to remote places around the globe to see how life was elsewhere. My curiosity brought me to more than thirty countries. I wrote my diploma thesis on the creation of images of countries.To work for insurance and software companies and raise three kids, I had to change my way of travelling considerably. As a mother, I have discovered a new passion that is different but nevertheless related: I love to help children experience something new and to inspire them to think differently. Questions:What inspired you to become an author?We have our home in Berlin but spent a sabbatical in California. During that time, we took a vacation to Maui, Hawaii. For that trip, we decided to leave home children’s books, because we only could rent a small car. We regretted that decision on our first evening when our kids refused to fall asleep without a goodnight story. I had to make something up. I decided to come up with an ongoing story about a child and its dolphin friend, which was set in our wonderful holiday location and which was about various common adventures, like a trip to a volcano, a whale-watching tour, or the famous Hawaiian feast called Luau—events that were also on our to-do list. I was relieved that the kids seemed to like the stories. One day, after midnight, my youngest daughter woke me up and demanded that I continue the story at that very moment. This was the first time that I thought that the stories might not be too bad. On the last evening on Maui, my second daughter asked me to write them down.What was your strangest experience as a writer?During a reading at an elementary school in Berlin, a boy who was sitting next to me moved closer and closer with each turned page until he was nearly sitting on the edge of my chair. After I finished reading my book, which was volume three, “The Journey of the Blue Pearl to Cambodia,” the boy shouted loudly in a very demanding voice, “Why haven’t you written more of this?!”Please tell us a little about your latest release. What were the best and worst parts for you personally? Which one of your novels is your favourite?“The Journey of the Blue Pearl to Hawaii” (German title “Die Reise der blauen Perle”) is volume one, the start of a round-the-world trip for elementary school kids. As an author, I want to make the children hungry for more exciting and funny adventures and sensitive to the cultural aspects of countries around the world.Hence, I will soon publish volumes two and three. They are in the making now. I have also written the first drafts of the Tunisia, Turkey, and Australia volumes and have developed the outlines for the Sweden and Spain journeys. These books are a little bit like children to me—I simply would feel like a bad mother if I picked one of them as my favorite!The pictures in your books are all your own works of art. When did you first realize that you could paint/draw so well?I loved studying arts in high school, so I chose it as my main subject and participated in exhibitions. After graduation, I even thought about studying arts at the university. I chose a more rationally motivated subject for my diploma, so my drawing skills enjoyed a long sleep.For “The Journey of the Blue Pearl” I first wanted to work with an illustrator. During the writing process, however, the pictures became more and more present in my mind. I bought professional drawing equipment and gave my drawing skills a wake-up kiss. The reaction from various sides—for example, children at readings and school teachers—encouraged me to illustrate the whole book. I have chosen a naturalistic style to show things with which kids are usually not familiar.What do you think are the differences between writing for adults and writing for children?When writing for children you have to see the world through their eyes and let them find the jigsaw pieces of the big picture. To get into their hearts, you have to address their topics of interest and you have to adapt the tone, which means easy enough that they continue reading but challenging enough that they feel taken seriously. Parents and teachers, as their gatekeepers, also must be convinced that their kids will grow with these works.Your books are in German right now. Do you have any future plans of writing English books or translating your current ones?Yes, of course. I also want to reach out to English-speaking kids, particularly since I started book writing in California.I started writing “The Journey of the Blue Pearl” series with the vision to publish it in several countries, because it conveys the value of traveling and connecting globally. I am currently working on the English translation of the first three volumes of the series. Because my English requires serious proofreading, I am happy to have found Tammi L. Coles, who in addition to doing a great job on the translation also came up with many helpful hints. We now have finished the translation of the first novel, “The Journey of the Blue Pearl to Hawaii”, and it will be published this spring.Please tell us a little about the challenges of being a self-published author.Nowadays with a book project you are confronted with heaps of possibilities authors simply didn’t have in the past, like print on demand or reaching out to a crowd on only a low marketing budget. The lower market-entry barrier doesn’t mean that your book sells, however.After evaluating the pros and cons, I decided to try self-publishing instead of sending my manuscript to publishing houses.For me, self-publishing is fun, hard work and rewarding at the same time. It is exciting that you can be fully in charge of your books. But you have to think honestly about whether you are the person who manages to do everything that is required. I decided to invest in professional editing help, for example. Self-publishing provides you with a lot of freedom as well as a lot of opportunities to make mistakes. I am deeply grateful to my husband, who helped me with the formatting process, which is not so easy with a book full of illustrations.In summary, I enjoy shaping this major part of the work but, at the same time, also growing my awareness for the people at the various stages in the book process and business.Any words of wisdom for our readers/aspiring authors:Especially if you are also writing for children: Test read your books at schools. That gave me lots of rewarding and valuable experience. Whenever I had doubts about the quality of my book, a test reading gave me great input and feedback, either encouragement by loud laughter and shiny eyes or—and at least as valuable—hints to areas for improvement. Kids usually don’t hide their thoughts, and their faces show their sentiments very clearly. I will never forget the moment when a mother of a child who attended my first reading told me that her daughter came home and said that she wanted to have all of my books!If your readers would like to share experiences or connect, please encourage them to contact me at mo@moanders.com!Website: www.moanders.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mo-Anders/311328432310396
www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
March 6, 2013
Bookworm Galore with Tammy
Tell us about yourself and your blog.
Well I'm a pretty simple person. I live with my husband in Iowa I have 2 daughters grown and no longer living at home. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to read it has always been one of my biggest passions. My blog Tammy’s Tea Time is dedicated to my love of books and reading.
When and why did you start book blogging?
I started my blog on Saturday October 6, 2012. My love of reading and books is why I started it. I wanted others to see reviews of the books I read and possibly make others want to read them also. I never thought it would have taken off like it has though.
Name your favorite book/s and why.
Wow, good question. I have read so many great books I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just one particular book. I just love reading.
What do readers look for in a book?
I think most readers are looking for stories that they can relate to but also escape into and get lost in. I think for the majority readers read to relax and just enjoy different worlds and places to unwind into.
If you could be a character from any book, who would you choose to be and why?
I don't have one particular character but, I would be a faerie if I could be. I love faeries, I always have so stories about them intrigue me.
What are the things that you love and hate about being a book blogger?
I love being able to read so many great books it's so awesome to discover a new book. I wouldn't say I hate anything about being a blogger. I do get nervous about writing my reviews I worry about if the author will like my review and if they would use me again in the future for other books.
Do you have any recommendations for authors or readers who are thinking about starting their own blogs?
Just know your audience. Know who you are trying to speak too. Base your blog off of something you love.www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
February 22, 2013
Dissection of A Game of Thrones
“We are only human, and the gods have fashioned us for love. That is our great glory, and our great tragedy.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones
I started reading this book a few weeks ago (I know: I’m a laggard) and am almost done with Book One. This fantasy novel amazes me. There isn’t a moment where you doze off or your thoughts get the better of you. Even when the author uses a whole paragraph to explain the intricate clothing of a certain lord or lady, I found myself really imagining what they looked like instead of skipping to the next page (which I often do simply because I have the attention span of a goldfish). The shifts in POV are amazing: how George Martin breathes life into his characters (male and female alike) is beyond brilliant. It really doesn’t matter how old or fancy or rich or desperate the character is, this writer portrays them as they are—weaknesses, strengths, fears and hopes all bundled up in one. You won’t need to figure out whose point of view you’re in….you just won’t forget once you’re there because he makes you feel as though you’re in their heads.
The dedication I witnessed in each line and word and thought left me slightly dizzy…I mean this guy has got to spend 28 hours a day writing because there is no other explanation!
“A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones
And what did I learn from this book for my personal writing goals?
1. An author doesn’t need big, fancy words to make his/her point.
2. I couldn’t put the book down because the author made me CARE about the characters.
3. There is no need to paint an exact picture of a location for readers—they usually like to fill in the blanks themselves.
4. Female and male characters cannot talk in the same voice and should not always be able to understand each other immediately (as in real life!).
5. Writing about magic means believing in it but also to leave room for a little bit of skepticism.
6. Characters with pets are usually more likeable.
So cross your fingers and let us hope that the sequel to The Scarlet Omen fulfills these criteria. Sigh… an author’s path to perfection is a never-ending journey of stumbling over better books and sound advice.
“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Throneswww.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
February 12, 2013
Watcha Doin' with Ann Snizek
Author Bio:
Hello Cinthia! First, I want to thank you for having me on your blog! Not only is that awesome, but it is also my birthday this month. (I turn 21 again... I'm getting good at being 21...lol)
I grew up in Vermont mostly and now live in Virginia with my family (those still at home). My husband and I have a blended family of seven kids. My childhood was spent moving around a lot. (non-military) About five years ago, we started home-schooling our youngest children. Now there are only two remaining in home-school. I have tried to nurture the love of books in our children and now our grandchildren -- always nurturing their imaginations. Recently, I have become active in our community with literacy, starting a local (and online) creative writing club and volunteer tutoring at the Adult Learning Center.
Jumping straight into the fire, I published my first book on 12.12.12 and started my blogs a few days later. I have learned that there is a lot more to being a published writer than just writing a book. If you intend to sell that is. :-D I struggle with Fibromyalgia and PTSD. So, have to be careful not to overdo things... I don't always listen to my own advice. I have a dry, sarcastic and corny sense of humor and always try to look at things optimistically. (again not always successful) However, I feel that if I don't give up -- for long -- then things will work out for the best eventually.
I have organized a blog tour for my second release: Secret of the Shielded (Tunuftol Book 2) to run from Feb 9th (with the cover reveal) through to March 9th (with the book release). RELEASE BLOG EVENT: http://www.facebook.com/events/-407335996009826
To go along with my blog tour, I have a special New Year's New Release Sale for Tunuftol's Fortress of Light (Tunuftol Book 1) The original price for this 85,000+ word book (with bonus features in the back) is $4.99 Until my second book is released on 3.9.13 it will be on sale for $2.99 using code: NR47L at www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AnnSnizek
Questions:
What inspired you to become an author?
Books have always been special and important to me. I learned to read at four and devoured books from then on. Writing followed as usual. I loved my English classes. In Elementary school I had a librarian that read aloud to us from Madeline L'Engle's A Wrinkle In Time. It really struck the growing passion in me. My sister got me hooked on Anne McCaffrey's books (still my favorite author) and then I discovered other wonderful authors like Orson Scott Card and David Eddings. There really are too many amazing writers to name them all. The turning point for me to publish my work came after the loss of three family members in the same year (all in only three months). I put all my passion and grief and hope and love into writing. Then I made a few connections (including some family members) with people to edit and improve my writing. They encouraged me with feedback and told me that I should try to publish. So, that is what I'm doing.
What was your most memorable childhood memory?
Goodness! I have a lot of childhood memories - good and bad. I don't know which to pick. I think it is the combination of memories and emotions that I draw on, not just one specific memory. One happy memory that I will share with you is making apple strudel, from scratch, with my Baba (grandmother). She was an amazing lady. One of my many projects is working on a book about her.
What do you think is the most annoying thing on Earth?
Negativity and not so much ignorance itself (because no one can know everything and is thus ignorant about something) but the complacency of ignorance. I know it exists and I fall into negative times just as anyone else, but people who don't even try to get past these things annoy me. Even at the worst times in our lives, there is always someone, somewhere, that has it worse.
Please tell us a little about your latest release. What were the best and worst parts for you personally? Are there any novels of yours that are your personal favorites?
As of this interview I only have one book released -- Tunuftol's Fortress of Light (Tunuftol Book 1). I have three books going through editing and revisions now and several short stories in the works also.
In Tunuftol's Fortress of Light a young girl, Krissa, and her little brother are orphans tossed around and lost in the system. When they get placed at Grandma Athey's home everything Krissa thought she knew changes. Discovering that she isn't even from this world and not only is magic real, but she is to play a pivotal role in saving her home world. She is joined by new friends and old friends she had forgotten in her journey to discover who she really is and what her life is meant to be. Krissa discovers that she has many secrets to discover -- within herself, her brother, and her friends. The questions keep mounting and the answers only create more. Will she discover what she needs to know in time?
The best part is seeing it completed and getting feedback. I have a thick skin when it comes to my writing. I love constructive criticism -- always with the goal to improve myself and my writing. I know that not everyone will like my work, but if they can tell me what it is that "doesn't work" then I can improve the next project.
The most difficult part... I think it is just getting the awareness of my work out there. I think that my stories have appeal if only people would read it. But to read it they have to know it exists...lol
As for my personal favorites within my own books, Tunuftol's Fortress of Light (Tunuftol Book 1) has a special place because it is the first book I wrote and the first I released. However, one of my upcoming books : To Eris - Human (Payton Chronicles Book 1) is one that I'm most excited about. I will be releasing Secret of the Shielded (Tunuftol Book 2) on March 9th, and then To Eris - Human will be released shortly after... maybe June (fingers crossed)
In which tense do you like to write and why? Do you write in first or third person? Please elaborate.
I have written in both first and third person, depending on the story, but usually past tense. I feel that each story has a life all its own and I am simply the instrument used to commit the story to words. The tense is easier for me to relate if it is past tense, but I vary with my point of view because it gives a different feel. The first person allows for more connection with the main character while third person allows you to see more going on.
How important do you think are the roles of friends and family in a character’s journey?
VERY important. In life it is our friends and family that help shape who we are. Why would our story characters be any different? If we want them to be believable that is. I think the interactions between a character and their family, friends, and even enemies help readers connect with the people in your book. This goes for the people you want them to like and the people you want them to dislike.
Any words of wisdom for our readers:
Reading and writing is a gift to be shared. Not everyone can be a great writer, but everyone can be a better writer. Find a subject or media that you enjoy and have fun while you work. Because if you don't enjoy your writing, how can you ask anyone else to?
Thanks, Ann! That was a great interview. Readers, if you haven't had enough of Ann Snizek yet, below are some sites to get your fill!
Email: Ann.Snizek@gmail.com
Author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-Snizek/248824101841473?fref=ts
Twitter: http://twitter.com/HASnizekM1
Books available here first: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AnnSnizek
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Ann_Snizek
(My Blogs)
The Rambling Voices In My Head www.annsnizekauthor.blogspot.com
Goodreads Blog http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6702687.Ann_Snizek/blog
Press release for Tunuftol's Fortress of Light: http://www.pr.com/press-release/461768
Creative Writing Club: http://www.facebook.com/groups/383408198406266/
Volunteer Tutoring @ Charlotte Adult Learning Center: http://www.facebook.com/CharlotteLearning?fref=ts
www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
Hello Cinthia! First, I want to thank you for having me on your blog! Not only is that awesome, but it is also my birthday this month. (I turn 21 again... I'm getting good at being 21...lol)
I grew up in Vermont mostly and now live in Virginia with my family (those still at home). My husband and I have a blended family of seven kids. My childhood was spent moving around a lot. (non-military) About five years ago, we started home-schooling our youngest children. Now there are only two remaining in home-school. I have tried to nurture the love of books in our children and now our grandchildren -- always nurturing their imaginations. Recently, I have become active in our community with literacy, starting a local (and online) creative writing club and volunteer tutoring at the Adult Learning Center.
Jumping straight into the fire, I published my first book on 12.12.12 and started my blogs a few days later. I have learned that there is a lot more to being a published writer than just writing a book. If you intend to sell that is. :-D I struggle with Fibromyalgia and PTSD. So, have to be careful not to overdo things... I don't always listen to my own advice. I have a dry, sarcastic and corny sense of humor and always try to look at things optimistically. (again not always successful) However, I feel that if I don't give up -- for long -- then things will work out for the best eventually.
I have organized a blog tour for my second release: Secret of the Shielded (Tunuftol Book 2) to run from Feb 9th (with the cover reveal) through to March 9th (with the book release). RELEASE BLOG EVENT: http://www.facebook.com/events/-407335996009826
To go along with my blog tour, I have a special New Year's New Release Sale for Tunuftol's Fortress of Light (Tunuftol Book 1) The original price for this 85,000+ word book (with bonus features in the back) is $4.99 Until my second book is released on 3.9.13 it will be on sale for $2.99 using code: NR47L at www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AnnSnizek
Questions:
What inspired you to become an author?
Books have always been special and important to me. I learned to read at four and devoured books from then on. Writing followed as usual. I loved my English classes. In Elementary school I had a librarian that read aloud to us from Madeline L'Engle's A Wrinkle In Time. It really struck the growing passion in me. My sister got me hooked on Anne McCaffrey's books (still my favorite author) and then I discovered other wonderful authors like Orson Scott Card and David Eddings. There really are too many amazing writers to name them all. The turning point for me to publish my work came after the loss of three family members in the same year (all in only three months). I put all my passion and grief and hope and love into writing. Then I made a few connections (including some family members) with people to edit and improve my writing. They encouraged me with feedback and told me that I should try to publish. So, that is what I'm doing.
What was your most memorable childhood memory?
Goodness! I have a lot of childhood memories - good and bad. I don't know which to pick. I think it is the combination of memories and emotions that I draw on, not just one specific memory. One happy memory that I will share with you is making apple strudel, from scratch, with my Baba (grandmother). She was an amazing lady. One of my many projects is working on a book about her.
What do you think is the most annoying thing on Earth?
Negativity and not so much ignorance itself (because no one can know everything and is thus ignorant about something) but the complacency of ignorance. I know it exists and I fall into negative times just as anyone else, but people who don't even try to get past these things annoy me. Even at the worst times in our lives, there is always someone, somewhere, that has it worse.
Please tell us a little about your latest release. What were the best and worst parts for you personally? Are there any novels of yours that are your personal favorites?
As of this interview I only have one book released -- Tunuftol's Fortress of Light (Tunuftol Book 1). I have three books going through editing and revisions now and several short stories in the works also.
In Tunuftol's Fortress of Light a young girl, Krissa, and her little brother are orphans tossed around and lost in the system. When they get placed at Grandma Athey's home everything Krissa thought she knew changes. Discovering that she isn't even from this world and not only is magic real, but she is to play a pivotal role in saving her home world. She is joined by new friends and old friends she had forgotten in her journey to discover who she really is and what her life is meant to be. Krissa discovers that she has many secrets to discover -- within herself, her brother, and her friends. The questions keep mounting and the answers only create more. Will she discover what she needs to know in time?
The best part is seeing it completed and getting feedback. I have a thick skin when it comes to my writing. I love constructive criticism -- always with the goal to improve myself and my writing. I know that not everyone will like my work, but if they can tell me what it is that "doesn't work" then I can improve the next project.
The most difficult part... I think it is just getting the awareness of my work out there. I think that my stories have appeal if only people would read it. But to read it they have to know it exists...lol
As for my personal favorites within my own books, Tunuftol's Fortress of Light (Tunuftol Book 1) has a special place because it is the first book I wrote and the first I released. However, one of my upcoming books : To Eris - Human (Payton Chronicles Book 1) is one that I'm most excited about. I will be releasing Secret of the Shielded (Tunuftol Book 2) on March 9th, and then To Eris - Human will be released shortly after... maybe June (fingers crossed)
In which tense do you like to write and why? Do you write in first or third person? Please elaborate.
I have written in both first and third person, depending on the story, but usually past tense. I feel that each story has a life all its own and I am simply the instrument used to commit the story to words. The tense is easier for me to relate if it is past tense, but I vary with my point of view because it gives a different feel. The first person allows for more connection with the main character while third person allows you to see more going on.
How important do you think are the roles of friends and family in a character’s journey?
VERY important. In life it is our friends and family that help shape who we are. Why would our story characters be any different? If we want them to be believable that is. I think the interactions between a character and their family, friends, and even enemies help readers connect with the people in your book. This goes for the people you want them to like and the people you want them to dislike.
Any words of wisdom for our readers:
Reading and writing is a gift to be shared. Not everyone can be a great writer, but everyone can be a better writer. Find a subject or media that you enjoy and have fun while you work. Because if you don't enjoy your writing, how can you ask anyone else to?
Thanks, Ann! That was a great interview. Readers, if you haven't had enough of Ann Snizek yet, below are some sites to get your fill!
Email: Ann.Snizek@gmail.com
Author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-Snizek/248824101841473?fref=ts
Twitter: http://twitter.com/HASnizekM1
Books available here first: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AnnSnizek
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Ann_Snizek
(My Blogs)
The Rambling Voices In My Head www.annsnizekauthor.blogspot.com
Goodreads Blog http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6702687.Ann_Snizek/blog
Press release for Tunuftol's Fortress of Light: http://www.pr.com/press-release/461768
Creative Writing Club: http://www.facebook.com/groups/383408198406266/
Volunteer Tutoring @ Charlotte Adult Learning Center: http://www.facebook.com/CharlotteLearning?fref=ts
www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
December 20, 2012
My Year in Retrospect
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”—Dr. Seuss
2012 is almost at an end (maybe even our lives if the Mayans have anything to do with it!) and I thought I’d go over everything that’s happened with you. Firstly I’d like to thank each and everyone one of you for your awesome support and loyalty. It has been a great year.
This year was the start of wonderful experiences for me. I started this blog, had a great time sharing my crazy adventures through author-dom with you and also started my Watcha’ Doin With posts. Thanks to all the talented and wonderful authors who participated—the world is a better place with you people in it! I learnt how to create a book trailer (with music!) and upload it to YouTube (pat on the back for this technological ignoramus!) I’m constantly learning more about the literary world every day and picking up priceless advice on writing that one supernova novel that’s going to get me my secluded island (only accessible by motor boat) and dinner with RPatz. I’d like to shout out a special thank you to Ken Spillman, my awesome author mentor, who somehow always manages to make my day. Thanks to him, I’ve been invited to be a presenter at the AFCC in Singapore next year. Three years ago, I was moping around that very same book fair, getting in publishers’ faces about taking on my book. It’s so surreal to imagine myself actually presenting there now.
The Scarlet Omen was released on 17 June this year, making my childhood dream a reality. Thank you Kymberlyn Reed, Miriam Pace and Jackie Hamilton—you gals have given me the chance to call myself an author without having people roll their eyes at me. My life will never be the same again and it’s all thanks to you.
Because of this, I finally got to see myself in the Malaysian national newspaper. Thank you Gwen Manickam and Subadhra Devan for making me a self-proclaimed local celebrity! My son now thinks that it’s absolutely normal to be in the papers; I think I have an over-achiever in the making here.
My only wish is that my father could have seen the article. It would have been one of the best moments of my life watching him open his daily paper and see a full-page article about his youngest daughter. Sadly, he passed away in February, leaving a giant hole in my universe. He never got to see the acknowledgment that I wrote on the first page of The Scarlet Omen: “To my father, for never saying ‘No’.” I’ll miss him. I would not be writer had it not been for his constant diligence that I write down every single memorable moment in my life and that the phrase 'I can't' be erased from the English language. Thanks, Pa.
All in all it’s been a great year of book signings and interviews, fan mail and five star reviews. My son’s getting older every day, dragging me along on his crazy ride to growing up. Being a mother of the coolest boy in the world is indescribable. My students have been a great support, forcing themselves to finish my book even though the English was difficult at times. Thanks people—you’re the best students a teacher could wish for!
There are no words to describe how much my family has been my lifeline this year (and I’m a writer so shame on me!). There would be no me without you—thank you for everything, my biggest most viciously loyal and protective fans. I love you.
My all time favourite movie this year (please don’t throw up or pledge boycotting my blog and book in 2013) was Breaking Dawn part 2. In my defence, anything with Robert Pattinson in it WILL be the movie that I swear to love forever...so please don’t judge until you’ve lost your heart to that one perfect guy. My song of the year is definitely I Will Wait by Mumford and Sons; I think my phone’s going to go on strike if I play that song one more time. The Hunger Games series and Under the Dome were my favourite books of this year (I read as much as I write so books that leave an impression on me are very rare).
So what’s cooking in 2013? I’ve handed in the prequel to The Scarlet Omen...extremely proud of it...let’s hope my publisher is too. I’m now working on the third book of Anjeli’s adventures. It’s really cool watching her and her fellow characters grow and learn—I might just cry when I reach The End. My New Year’s Resolution: I’ve decided that I’d like to be more patient and understanding next year (my family will be happy to be finally rid of my wall-cracking tantrums and eardrum-piercing silent treatments). I’d also like to take up sky-diving but SOME PEOPLE have strictly forbidden it, so I’ll just have to remain a bookworm.
Well, these are my final musings for the year so I’d like to thank you all again for your patronage and comments. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year with your family and friends. Take care and please come back safely to me in January so that we can commence our journey through the literary world together in 2013...with brand new Mojos and kick-ass hair. Cheers and Kisses, my lovelies!www.facebook.com/cinthiakoeksal
