L.T. Getty's Blog, page 33

The Twelve(ish) Days of Authors – Day 5, Chris Fenge

Next up on this author-celebration is yet another Burst Author, Chris Fenge ! Her novel, The Salamander Stone, was released in April of 2012. I highly recommend The Salamander Stone for the more mature YA audience and adult readers.

Tell us about The Salamander Stone and who you think would like it.

Well firstly, there are no salamanders in it. It’s about an ordinary girl trapped in a situation that’s anything but ordinary. She’s hunted in this world and the next; she’s manipulated and exploited...

The Twelve(ish) Days of Christmas – Day 5, Chris Fenge

Next up on this author-celebration is yet another Burst Author, Chris Fenge ! Her novel, The Salamander Stone, was released in April of 2012. I highly recommend The Salamander Stone for the more mature YA audience and adult readers.

Tell us about The Salamander Stone and who you think would like it.

Well firstly, there are no salamanders in it. It’s about an ordinary girl trapped in a situation that’s anything but ordinary. She’s hunted in this world and the next; she’s manipulated and exploited...

The Twelve(ish) Days of Authors – Day 4, Liz Fountain

Next up on this author showcase is Liz Fountain – yet another BurstAuthor who’s here to tell us about her upcoming novel. Without Further ado, here’s Liz everybody!

Tell us about Completely Absurd and Nearly Impossible and who you think would like it.

My first novel is due to be published in April, 2013. Its current working title is “Completely Absurd and Nearly Impossible” – and yes, we are tossing around ideas for a better one. Louise Armstrong Holliday is the last person on Earth you’d expec...

Champagne’s Twelve Days of Christmas

Champagne’s Twelve Days of Christmas

How many of us are having some variation of The Twelve Days? FYI, technically the twelve days start on the 25.

Twelve(ish) Days of Authors – Day 3, Audra Middleton

Next up is fellow Burst Author and I’ll go-so-far as to say Launch-Buddy, Audra Middleton, with her first novel, Watcher, due out January 8 2013.

Audra is a mother of three from Washington State and I’d like to thank her for agreeing to answer a few questions.

Tell us about Watcher and who you think would like it.

Watcher is a fantasy novel in which… an orphan girl seeks the oblivion of the forest while darkness lures the Chosen Son of prophecy, yet they find each other, and their budding love c...

Twelve(ish) Days of Authors – Day 3: Audra Middleton

Next up is fellow Burst Author and I’ll go-so-far as to say Launch-Buddy, Audra Middleton, with her first novel, Watcher, due out January 8 2013. 

Audra is a mother of three from Washington State and I’d like to thank her for agreeing to answer a few questions.

Tell us about Watcher and who you think would like it.

Watcher is a fantasy novel in which… an orphan girl seeks the oblivion of the forest while darkness lures the Chosen Son of prophecy, yet they find each other, and their budding love could destroy the very world Goran, the tormented prophet, is trying to save.  I think anyone who appreciates a good love story would enjoy it.

 

In Watcher, do you have a favorite character? How about least favorite?

My favorite character is Watcher herself.  She transforms into fauna, keeps a bear for a pet, and does not have much use for social norms.  I enjoy female characters who are strong and intelligent.  I can’t think of a character I didn’t enjoy writing; even the villains have their appeal.  It’s sometimes cathartic to write those evil characters when you’re in a foul mood.

 

For you, what makes the difference between a ‘good’ book and a ‘great’ book?

For me, a great book has well-developed characters, the kind that stick with you even after you’ve finished the story.  Vivid description and a compelling plot are important too, but to me the characters are paramount.  I love to feel like I know that character, personally.

 

Do you have any favorite couples in fiction? How about a pairing you never understood the appeal of?

I really liked Rowling’s Harry and Ginny.  They were sweet.  I’m really not sure what Westley saw in Buttercup, as much as I loved The Princess Bride.  I liked that she was a tomboy who didn’t care for bathing as a child, but overall I wished she had more brains and backbone.

 

Is there anything else in the works that we should know about?

I just finished writing a quirky little paranormal thriller called the Hitchhiker that I’m hoping will turn into a series.  I’m working on a sequel to Watcher, and a fun little ‘summer read’ right now, in between chauffeuring my kids around and prepping for the holidays.

Tell us a bit about your writing style – is there anything you find really easy or, really hard?

Dialogue comes easily for me, and I enjoy developing my characters.  I struggle with scenes that are out of my realm of knowledge and experience.  For instance, I’ve never seen combat, nor have I been to medical school, so I always have to do a lot of research for those battle scenes, and medical scenarios.  Then I watch The 300 or a few episodes of ER just to psych myself up for them.

In the spirit of sharing, tell us about a book by another author you adore, and who you think would like it.

I’ve been enjoying Susan Stec’s The Grateful Undead series.  They’re fun, full of vivacious characters and crazy antics.  I think anyone who enjoys vampire books would enjoy them.

Do you have any special ways to celebrate the holidays?

We have a holiday tradition of overspending, overeating, and overdoing in general, which includes a twelve foot tree, gingerbread cookies, lots of presents, and a trip to Lake Chelan.

Do you play a musical instrument of any sort? If not, is there any you ever considered taking up? If absolutely not, were you ever kicked out of a choir?

Once upon a time I used to play the xylophone.  I remember playing the Can Can, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, and Little Brown Jug like nobody’s business.  I would probably be kicked out of the choir, were I to try out, because my singing skills are not stellar.

What’s your favorite Christmas Special?

My favorite Christmas movies are Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Story.  I never cared for Rudolf, Santa’s mean in that one and those claymation creatures are sort of creepy.

Every author has the most loathsome part of the craft – what do you hate the most?

Marketing is probably my least favorite aspect of the publishing process, just because I’ve never really been a salesperson, and the product in this case is my own work, which adds a whole new twist to the pressure.  Putting yourself ‘out there’ can be pretty intimidating, but it’s worth it because writing in a vacuum isn’t nearly as much fun as sharing my stories with others.

 

What’s the best movie you’ve seen so far this year, or are you anticipating seeing anything over the holiday season?

In recent years, I mostly only make it to the movie theater with my kids, so I see a lot of superhero movies and cartoons, which are great, but this year I am looking forward to going to see The Hobbit.  That one’s for me.  It was always my favorite of Tolkien’s books, because it had a lot of humor and it had a dragon, so it’s a double bonus.

 

Thank you so much for inviting me!

 

You’re welcome, Audra! Remember, Audra and I both have books coming out on the same day, so if you’re checking me out come January 8, be sure to check out Watcher as well! In the meantime you can check out Audra’s blog here. 

Reviewing Policy/Save a Life

Hey guys – I got no one to chat about today, but then I got the interviews raring to go until Christmas Eve, a break on Christmas and then at least two more after, so I wanted to mention two things.

First off, I don’t know what the policy is where you are, but if you have blood services, please consider donating. I know – you’ve probably donated toys and to local shelters and you don’t have the time, but if you’ve never donated blood before, this is the perfect time to donate. In Manitoba, where I live, they put out special bulletins when they’re worried about their supplies – and I imagine it’s always a concern over the holiday season everywhere, so if you are healthy and meet the qualifications for donation, go for it. I know the needles are a little scary at first, but I’ve been donating since I became eligible and even though I’ve never needed a transfusion, it’s surprising to learn how many loved ones needed transfusions at one point or another. Besides, in Manitoba they give you soda and cookies so it’s like paying you.

And hey – if you’re not eligible, that’s cool too – I had to stop for a year when I got some piercings and then again when I got some inoculations, but if you meet eligibility criteria, go save a life or five. The rest of you: take some first aid courses for when someone chokes on a drumstick. 

 

And now that I have demanded blood, onto my policy on reviewing!

I’ve been following along with a variety of drama involving whether or not authors, inspiring or signed, should say boo to anyone online. Originally, I started a post about the importance of reviews and how inspiring authors shouldn’t be harassed into saying kind things about books because it would hurt their chances of getting published later. It got long and ranty. I’m bound to elaborate on this subject over the next few months, here’s my little reviewer opinion in a nutshell:

1.       If you see anything from me in regards to another book or whatever, it will be honest. Remember that everything that comes from me is an, “In My Opinion”. The only time I lie about what I think is good or bad is when one of my nieces or nephews asks me what I think about a cartoon. When I can no longer be fair or honest, I need to stop rating books on goodreads.

 

2.       If you’re reviewing my work, I want you to be honest. I don’t mind if you don’t like my book. I don’t mind if you point out all the errors or you hated a character or you felt something was forced or missing. For those of you who can’t differentiate between an author and their works, I don’t even mind that you find me a repulsive human being. By all means – discuss, and there’s more then one way to discuss most of what I’ll eventually end up publishing. The silly romps, not so much.

 

3.       When it boils down to it, I prefer honest criticism to generic praise. Also, I enjoy snark,so I won’t be put off if someone says something snarky about me or my work. There are things that might hit close to home over the years, but I think the vast majority of the people aren’t cruel enough to make light of personal tragedy. Those that are, aren’t worthy of the rest of our collective attention.

 

4.       Please be decent to one another when you start discussing serious topics. You’re entitled to your opinion, so are other people. I want to encourage thoughtful discussion and, if you can discuss something complicated and polarizing where everyone is respectful, You Might Have Just Won the Internet. Alas, the prize is maintaining the fragile peace…

 

5.       What you have done for me previously will not in the future be a reflection of my opinion on your work. I’m more likely to grade you harder if I liked what I saw last time and you aren’t up to par. However, I do feel the need to say, “I’ve known Author X” just to be up front. This won’t apply to authors I’ve met in like, conferences for a day or whatever, but if I chat with someone semi-regularly or they’re my beta, I’ll tell you.

 

6.       I’ll still recommend a book I didn’t like to someone looking for that kind of book. If someone’s asking for book recommendations, I usually ask what they’re looking for, and then make recommendations. Will I say, “I didn’t like it.”? Sure – but most people who know me know my tastes and quite frankly, don’t care.

 

7.       Fellow Author-Type-People, don’t be jerks. You’re an awesome person because you donated blood like I told you earlier, not because of your writing prowess. If you get your sense of self-worth based on what other people say of you, there are other issues at work here, and you probably shouldn’t be publishing anything you couldn’t stand to see ripped apart.

 

You with me so far? I know the politics of “If you come across as a negative reviewer, no one will want to publish you” but you have nothing to worry from me. If you only get one thing from this little individual blog post, I’m selfishly asking for things I can improve on.

Twelve(ish) Days of Authors – Day 2, Ceci Giltenan

Next up on this Author-Celebration is up-and-coming Highland Romance author, Ceci Giltenan.

Ceci started her professional life as an oncology nurse at a leading research hospital. In 1991 she married a young Irish carpenter who she met at the wedding of a co-worker who is now her sister-in-law. They raised their family in central New Jersey and Ceci became a successful medical writer. Now with their youngest off to college, she is breaking away from “primary efficacy endpoints” and writing a f...

Twelve(ish) Days of Authors – Day 2: Ceci Giltenan

Next up on this Author-Celebration is up-and-coming Highland Romance author, Ceci Giltenan. 

Ceci started her professional life as an oncology nurse at a leading research hospital. In 1991 she married a young Irish carpenter who she met at the wedding of a co-worker who is now her sister-in-law. They raised their family in central New Jersey and Ceci became a successful medical writer. Now with their youngest off to college, she is breaking away from “primary efficacy endpoints” and writing a few “happily ever after’s.” Her first book, Highland Solution is scheduled for release in September 2013.

Tell us about Highland Solution and who you think would like it.

Niall MacIan, a Highland laird, desperately needs funds to save his impoverished clan. The rumors in Edinburgh suggest that Lady Katherine Ruthven, a lowland heiress, is “unmarriageable.” Her uncle hopes to gain her title and lands if he can convince the king to send her to a convent. King David II anxious to strengthen his alliances sees a solution that will give Ruthven the title he wants, and MacIan the money he needs. Laird MacIan will receive Lady Katherine’s hand along with her substantial dowry and her uncle will receive her lands and title.

Lady Katherine must forfeit everything in exchange for a husband who does not want to be married and believes all women to be self-centered and deceitful. Niall learns that the lovely, gentle Katherine is not at all what he expected.

I think Katherine is bright, honest, compassionate, and funny. If a reader finds this kind of heroine appealing, I believe that will enjoy the book.

Where did you get the idea for Highland Solution?

I have always loved romance. From the fairy tales of childhood to the historical romances I first read as a teenager, I am a sucker for “happily ever after’s.” Through the years I have read many romance novels that I love but I think that the plots for my novels have arisen from books that were unsatisfying or that I really didn’t like. Those are the books that caused me to think about how I would tell a story or develop a character differently.

Talk to me a little bit about your writing process. Are you a plotter, a pantser; do you get your ideas from research or public affairs or…?

I get an idea and worry it around for a long time, sometimes years. I play it out in different ways, imagine conversations and work out the details of each character’s background. I do all of this in my head while I am doing other things like commuting, waiting in a doctor’s office, listening to a boring presentation, or lying in bed at night before I fall asleep. Then, suddenly it all comes together and I sit down and write. Highland Solution brewed for more than twenty years, but when I was ready to write, it only took several weeks to generate a first draft.

 

Tell us a bit about your writing style – is there anything you find really easy or, really hard?

I work as a medical writer and my biggest challenge is shifting from the formal data presentation mode of my daily professional life to the storytelling mode of a romance author.

In Highland Solution, do you have a favorite character? How about least favorite?

I love my hero and heroine, Niall and Katherine but that is to be expected. There are two supporting character that I really admire as well, but I may give something away if I reveal who they are right now. So I will say that hands down the character that I have no respect for at all is Niall’s step-mother Eithne. Early on she reveals herself as a self-centered, mean-spirited witch who helped form Niall’s low opinion of women.

 

Who is the better villain: Voldemorte or Darth Vader?

If by better, you mean worse, then Voldemorte without a doubt. In the end Darth Vader redeemed himself.

If I asked you how to crochet, could you teach me how? If not, could you teach me to play croquet?

In fact, I could teach you how to do both.

I warned these authors I would be asking silly questions!

 

How are you planning on spending Christmas?

Our children will be home from college, so it will be the first time we have all been together since September. The Christmas celebration begins with Mass on Christmas Eve. The elves always seem to visit while we are at Mass and leave brand new pajamas for everyone. On Christmas morning we open presents and have a family breakfast (probably the only one of the year). In the afternoon we go to our very best friends’ home for Christmas dinner where we eat, drink, sing, and generally make merry with those we love the most.

What’s your favorite Christmas Special?

I have always loved “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” My favorite part is when, in his frustration to learn the true meaning of Christmas, Charlie brown yells, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus answers, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about” and reads the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke.

Do you have any other projects in the works that we should know about?

I am working on an as yet untitled Highland romance that continues the story of a character that appears in Highland Solution. I also am writing a time-travel romance called The Minstrel’s Portal, in which the heroine, Grace, travels through time when she plays a very modern melody on an antique instrument. Perhaps the project that I am enjoying the most at present is the novel, How to Catch a Human, in which an irrepressible and undisciplined fairy tries to fit into the human world.

In the spirit of sharing, tell us about a book by another author you adore, and who you think would like it.

Hmm, in the spirit of the Christmas season I would recommend The Shepherd, the Angel and Walter the Christmas Wonder Dog, by Dave Barry. It is a quick, funny read for anyone who ever loved a dog, was in a Christmas pageant in the sixties, or can see the potential humor in frozen bat poop. Currently I am enjoying Highland Promise (medieval Highland romance, my favorite genre) by Mary McCall.

Care to leave us with an inspiring quote?

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”

Mary Anne Radmacher

Twelve(ish) Days of Authors – Day 1: R.J. Hore

Hey Everybody – I know I’ve been quiet so I thought I’d kickstart blogging by doing a some author interviews over the winter holidays until the new year– though most of the authors that will be shown here belong to my publishing house, I’ve got a few others who aren’t with the Champagne Imprint. In the Spirit of 12 Days of Christmas, I’m going to showcase 12ish authors in the next few weeks by asking them silly questions and they’ll have a chance to let you know what it is they write. If you...