Groovy Lee's Blog
May 31, 2019
WYCK'D KAINE is here! And so is Summer!
Hello, Everyone
It's been a while since I've written anything here. I've been so busy trying to complete my latest Romantic/Suspense--Wyck'd Kaine. And I'm so excited to announce that it's here:)
I hope you'll click the link to my website and see what it's all about. Let me know what you think.
http://www.groovylee.com/
On another note, summer's here--finally. Lord knows I've been waiting long enough. Haven't you? I hope you're all enjoying the weather with fun trips and nights under the stars doing whatever. Don't do anything I wouldn't:) I get excited every time the ISS glides across the sky at night. It's like an old friend going by just to say hello.
On an even happier note, the French Open is here! You know what that means, and where to find me.
Anyway, have a safe, fun summer. And don't be a stranger!
It's been a while since I've written anything here. I've been so busy trying to complete my latest Romantic/Suspense--Wyck'd Kaine. And I'm so excited to announce that it's here:)
I hope you'll click the link to my website and see what it's all about. Let me know what you think.
http://www.groovylee.com/
On another note, summer's here--finally. Lord knows I've been waiting long enough. Haven't you? I hope you're all enjoying the weather with fun trips and nights under the stars doing whatever. Don't do anything I wouldn't:) I get excited every time the ISS glides across the sky at night. It's like an old friend going by just to say hello.
On an even happier note, the French Open is here! You know what that means, and where to find me.
Anyway, have a safe, fun summer. And don't be a stranger!
February 1, 2018
Meet Anna Faversham--February's Indie author of the month!
It's February. And for my, "Meet the author" series, I'd like to introduce you to Indie author, Anna Faversham, a very entertaining writer. I hope you get to know her. I'm sure she'll be added to quite a few favorite-author lists:
1. First, I think everyone would like to know a little about you, Anna. Who are you? Do you have any hobbies?
A. Who am I? I sometimes wonder that myself. I have lived long enough to have been a groovy (sorry Groovy) teenager enjoying lots of live music. I’m a college graduate having studied Business Studies (English law, and other highly exciting subjects – actually I really enjoyed law). Then with jobs that included travel from the UK to the US, and living abroad in NZ, where I learnt such a lot from super people. I then lived in central Africa for four years. In Africa I spent four years on a bush mission – with a school, hospital, leprosarium, farm and other similar facilities. All of these things shaped ‘who I am’ enormously. Bits of who I am seep out into my writing – but I’m not telling which bits are ‘me’ and which are totally invented. Oh maybe I’ll just say that Martha’s invented words are rooted in my own invention of words or use of long-lost ones. I sometimes catch myself saying, ‘oh flumpleducks’, or something similar.
Hobbies? I don’t have time for hobbies. All my ‘spare’ time gets added on to my ring-fenced writing time.
2. Where did your love for writing come from?
A. At school I always enjoyed what they called ‘composition’ from a very young age. I remember being given the task of writing a story about a fly on a rubbish tip. I was eight. I set to with great gusto.
Mostly I think it comes from a love of reading. I was known for always having my head in a book. Sad to say, I rarely get time now. Too busy writing!
3. When did you decide to become a serious author?
A. I’ve always had stories going around in my head and finally one burst out when I saw an article in my newspaper on how to write a novel in a year. I was working full time so it took seven years to complete mine. No traditional publisher would wait that long. I loved my job and didn’t want to give it up. Fortunately Amazon and self-publishing were under way. I joined in. Now I only work part-time and write every spare moment.
4. What genre(s) do you write?
A. My first published book is a Time Travel Romance.
My next three are historical with romances running through as well as action, adventure, suspense, mystery – or so my reviewers have commented.
5. How many books have you written? What are their titles?
A. The first to be published (but written second) is called Hide in Time and has reached #1 in Amazon’s Books>Romance>Time Travel chart.
The second is called One Dark Night and is the first book in a series.
The third book is called Under a Dark Star (second book in the series).
The fourth book I’ve written is about to be published (February 2018 I hope) and you are the very first to know that it will be called One Dark Soul.
6. How do you choose your characters’ names?
A. Hmm... Um... Er... with difficulty. I don’t want to upset a real person by having a nasty character with their name. With billions of people in the world, that can be difficult.
7. If you could go back in time and give your younger self some advice on the journey of being an author, what would you tell her?
A. Don’t waste valuable time – ever. Put it to good use. Time runs out sooner than you may think.
8. What famous author(s) have inspired you?
A. I love Charles Dickens (he used to live near me – more than a century apart, of course). His characters, his plots, his themes – all have inspired me.
9. If you could visit a favorite book of yours and hang out with the characters, what book would it be? And why?
A. One Dark Night because I’d like to be around Daniel. I had intended to kill him off but gradually fell in love with him. I like his dog too...
But if I really had to stay in the book for the rest of my life, I’d choose Hide in Time and be Laura because despite her heartache and scary adventures, everything comes right for her and she finds true love with a super guy who has a nice lifestyle and finds time to help endangered marine life. A real hero.
10. I know you’re working on a series. Would you like to tell us about it?
A. Ooh... thank you! I’ve just finished the third book (One Dark Soul) and cried over the last chapters. Ouch, it’s so sad... yet all ends well. Er... well, most are now older and wiser.
The series is called The Dark Moon Trilogy – and here again, Groovy, you have the scoop, I’m going to rename it The Dark Moon Series because I might write a fourth book in the series, one day.
The first book is set in 1821 and Lucy is snatched away from a comfortable life and has to work on a run-down farm. Smuggling is rife in that part of the country (south-east England) but she is innocent of any involvement. Two men vie for her attention: the blond, blue-eyed, yummy smuggler and the upright vengeance-driven hero determined to capture and kill all smugglers yet he’s a fine man and I’m liking him more as time goes by. He’s finally learnt the art of wooing a girl.
The second book is set on the Isle of Wight (an island off the south coast of England) where conditions are even worse and the evil Tridd runs the gangs. Some of the incidents in the book are, like all my books, based on real life – the winning of a girl in a game of cards, for instance.
The third book is about to be published and is set in 1825, still with the same characters who seem to always find themselves in some sort of a mess. Lucy is happily married and everything in her life is wonderful. Yet slowly, as the pages turn, the reader should become aware that something is not quite right. Someone is moving in to her life and he doesn’t have her best interests at heart. Why?
11. Is there something you’d like to tell the readers out there?
I’d like to thank anyone who has read this far down in my interview. I’d also like to thank anyone who has bought my books and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the characters, the plot, the words, and the themes. And I’d like to thank those splendiferous people who’ve left good reviews – little works of art in their own right.
My thanks also to Groovy for asking me and for setting me some thought-provoking questions.
Thank-you so much, Anna. I’m excited about your new work. Where can the reading public reach you?
A. The only places are through my neglected website www.annafaversham.com where you can contact me direct or through Goodreads
www.goodreads.com where you can leave a message. I’ll be happy to answer any further questions if you do.
If you want to be advised of when new books are available, you can go to my Amazon page:
https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Faversham... and ‘follow’ me by clicking the box near my mugshot.
1. First, I think everyone would like to know a little about you, Anna. Who are you? Do you have any hobbies?
A. Who am I? I sometimes wonder that myself. I have lived long enough to have been a groovy (sorry Groovy) teenager enjoying lots of live music. I’m a college graduate having studied Business Studies (English law, and other highly exciting subjects – actually I really enjoyed law). Then with jobs that included travel from the UK to the US, and living abroad in NZ, where I learnt such a lot from super people. I then lived in central Africa for four years. In Africa I spent four years on a bush mission – with a school, hospital, leprosarium, farm and other similar facilities. All of these things shaped ‘who I am’ enormously. Bits of who I am seep out into my writing – but I’m not telling which bits are ‘me’ and which are totally invented. Oh maybe I’ll just say that Martha’s invented words are rooted in my own invention of words or use of long-lost ones. I sometimes catch myself saying, ‘oh flumpleducks’, or something similar.
Hobbies? I don’t have time for hobbies. All my ‘spare’ time gets added on to my ring-fenced writing time.
2. Where did your love for writing come from?
A. At school I always enjoyed what they called ‘composition’ from a very young age. I remember being given the task of writing a story about a fly on a rubbish tip. I was eight. I set to with great gusto.
Mostly I think it comes from a love of reading. I was known for always having my head in a book. Sad to say, I rarely get time now. Too busy writing!
3. When did you decide to become a serious author?
A. I’ve always had stories going around in my head and finally one burst out when I saw an article in my newspaper on how to write a novel in a year. I was working full time so it took seven years to complete mine. No traditional publisher would wait that long. I loved my job and didn’t want to give it up. Fortunately Amazon and self-publishing were under way. I joined in. Now I only work part-time and write every spare moment.
4. What genre(s) do you write?
A. My first published book is a Time Travel Romance.
My next three are historical with romances running through as well as action, adventure, suspense, mystery – or so my reviewers have commented.
5. How many books have you written? What are their titles?
A. The first to be published (but written second) is called Hide in Time and has reached #1 in Amazon’s Books>Romance>Time Travel chart.
The second is called One Dark Night and is the first book in a series.
The third book is called Under a Dark Star (second book in the series).
The fourth book I’ve written is about to be published (February 2018 I hope) and you are the very first to know that it will be called One Dark Soul.
6. How do you choose your characters’ names?
A. Hmm... Um... Er... with difficulty. I don’t want to upset a real person by having a nasty character with their name. With billions of people in the world, that can be difficult.
7. If you could go back in time and give your younger self some advice on the journey of being an author, what would you tell her?
A. Don’t waste valuable time – ever. Put it to good use. Time runs out sooner than you may think.
8. What famous author(s) have inspired you?
A. I love Charles Dickens (he used to live near me – more than a century apart, of course). His characters, his plots, his themes – all have inspired me.
9. If you could visit a favorite book of yours and hang out with the characters, what book would it be? And why?
A. One Dark Night because I’d like to be around Daniel. I had intended to kill him off but gradually fell in love with him. I like his dog too...
But if I really had to stay in the book for the rest of my life, I’d choose Hide in Time and be Laura because despite her heartache and scary adventures, everything comes right for her and she finds true love with a super guy who has a nice lifestyle and finds time to help endangered marine life. A real hero.
10. I know you’re working on a series. Would you like to tell us about it?
A. Ooh... thank you! I’ve just finished the third book (One Dark Soul) and cried over the last chapters. Ouch, it’s so sad... yet all ends well. Er... well, most are now older and wiser.
The series is called The Dark Moon Trilogy – and here again, Groovy, you have the scoop, I’m going to rename it The Dark Moon Series because I might write a fourth book in the series, one day.
The first book is set in 1821 and Lucy is snatched away from a comfortable life and has to work on a run-down farm. Smuggling is rife in that part of the country (south-east England) but she is innocent of any involvement. Two men vie for her attention: the blond, blue-eyed, yummy smuggler and the upright vengeance-driven hero determined to capture and kill all smugglers yet he’s a fine man and I’m liking him more as time goes by. He’s finally learnt the art of wooing a girl.
The second book is set on the Isle of Wight (an island off the south coast of England) where conditions are even worse and the evil Tridd runs the gangs. Some of the incidents in the book are, like all my books, based on real life – the winning of a girl in a game of cards, for instance.
The third book is about to be published and is set in 1825, still with the same characters who seem to always find themselves in some sort of a mess. Lucy is happily married and everything in her life is wonderful. Yet slowly, as the pages turn, the reader should become aware that something is not quite right. Someone is moving in to her life and he doesn’t have her best interests at heart. Why?
11. Is there something you’d like to tell the readers out there?
I’d like to thank anyone who has read this far down in my interview. I’d also like to thank anyone who has bought my books and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the characters, the plot, the words, and the themes. And I’d like to thank those splendiferous people who’ve left good reviews – little works of art in their own right.
My thanks also to Groovy for asking me and for setting me some thought-provoking questions.
Thank-you so much, Anna. I’m excited about your new work. Where can the reading public reach you?
A. The only places are through my neglected website www.annafaversham.com where you can contact me direct or through Goodreads
www.goodreads.com where you can leave a message. I’ll be happy to answer any further questions if you do.
If you want to be advised of when new books are available, you can go to my Amazon page:
https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Faversham... and ‘follow’ me by clicking the box near my mugshot.
January 12, 2018
Meet Angel Chadwick--January's 'Meet The Author'
It's January, and as part of my 'Meet the Author' series, I'd like to introduce our next interviewee. After you get to know her, maybe you'll add her to your to-read list. Let's get started:
1. So, tell us a little about yourself, and when did you write your very first book?
A. Hi, my name is Angel Chadwick. I’m a mom, avid reader, college educated (three colleges), Mississippi native, author, blogger, traveler and reviewer. The very first book I wrote I was fifteen years old. I wrote the story for Harlequin. It was about a teenage girl. She was going through some hardships. I think I had her homeless at one point. I think I had teen romance mixed in. Anyway, it got Harlequin’s attention and they offered me a publishing contract and an advance. I was shocked because I didn’t think they would even consider me. Plus I was fifteen years old at the time. But the very first story I wrote which was a short story was when I was 13.
2. If you could go back and change anything about your journey as an author, what would it be?
A. Part of me wishes I would’ve signed the contract offered to me by Harlequin then I would have money saved up to start my career as an indie author and I would’ve had more books published than I do now. That’s not to say I won’t have more books published in the very near future as an indie author. It’s just I would’ve had my name more well-known. I always wanted to be a full-time author.
3. What genre(s) do you write?
A. I’m a multi-genre indie author. I always mix genres. I write all genres, except erotica. I write mysteries, thrillers, horror, visionary fiction, steampunk, sci-fi fantasy, speculative fiction, historical fiction to name a few. I always keep diversity in every book I write. I love diversity in life, books, movies, and commercials.
4. Where do you get your ideas?
A. My real life experiences and my weird imagination.
5. Do your characters take over during the writing process? Or are you in charge?
A. No, my characters never take over. My characters live vicariously through me, always.
6. How many books have you published? What are their titles?
A. I have two books published right now. One is titled, Corridors of My Mind, which is a poetry-memoir mixed genre and the other is titled, Weeping Well, which is also mixed genre and is an international crime mystery, thriller, set in 1989-2007, multicultural romance, some sci-fi, young adult, adult, coming of age, and action to name some
7. Who are your favorite authors?
A. Bret Harte, Edgar Allan Poe, Washington Irving, Tennessee Williams, Gwendolyn Brooks, Sylvia Plath, Shirley Jackson, Maureen Jennings, Lucy Maud Montgomery to name a few.
8. What book are you reading now? Do you like it?
A. I’m just catching back up on my reading. Currently I’m reading Of Beasts and Bonds by N.D. Jones. It’s a pretty good book.
9. Would you like to talk about one of your books, and give us an idea of what it’s about?
A. Weeping Well is written as a standalone and is part of a series/trilogy. It starts to take place in Madison, Mississippi in 1989. The main character Evangeline Murphy is faced with a family tragedy when she is ten years old and this sparks a series of events in the coming of age part of the story involving the character. But the coming of age part of the story isn’t the only plot/ subplot of the storyline. The main part is further on in the book when the main character grows up and is deeply into the thick of her occupation.
10. What inspired you to write this book?
A. It first started with tragedies involving children and their parents then I visualized water and the title came to me. The story unfolded from there and more ideas developed in my mind for the book like the type of lottery in the book, which was sparked by a popular pastime/sport, which is actually the focal point of the book not the coming of age plot.
11. Which character in this book are you least likely to get along with? Which one would be your best friend, and why?
A. I have yet to find a character that I have created that I didn’t like. It hasn’t happened. I’d get along with all of them on some level or another.
12. Are you working on anything new?
A. I am currently writing my third and fourth books. I’m almost done writing on the third. It’s a sci-fi steampunk, young adult, set in the late 1950s-1970s, thriller, speculative fiction, mystery with no sex, no blood and gore, to name a few genres mixed in. But there is a murder. It’s part of a trilogy but each book will be no more than 30,000 to 50,000 words long. I’m writing a series of cozy mysteries, plays, the laundry list is too long. But I plan on writing and publishing them all.
13. What fun things do you like to do when you’re not writing?
A. Traveling, reading. Although I haven’t been able to do the former for a while. But I still remember my travels to and experiences in other countries like Quebec and Toronto, Ontario, Canada as well as U.S. cities and states Georgia, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Niagara Falls, NY to name a few.
14. Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers out there?
A. Keep an eye out from my next books. And thank you to all who have read/reviewed my books and blog posts. Thank you also to Groovy Lee for interviewing me. I appreciate it.
15. You're so welcomed, Angel. Tell everyone where they can find you.
https://www.amazon.com/Mrs.-Angel-M.B...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.facebook.com/angel.chadwi...
1. So, tell us a little about yourself, and when did you write your very first book?
A. Hi, my name is Angel Chadwick. I’m a mom, avid reader, college educated (three colleges), Mississippi native, author, blogger, traveler and reviewer. The very first book I wrote I was fifteen years old. I wrote the story for Harlequin. It was about a teenage girl. She was going through some hardships. I think I had her homeless at one point. I think I had teen romance mixed in. Anyway, it got Harlequin’s attention and they offered me a publishing contract and an advance. I was shocked because I didn’t think they would even consider me. Plus I was fifteen years old at the time. But the very first story I wrote which was a short story was when I was 13.
2. If you could go back and change anything about your journey as an author, what would it be?
A. Part of me wishes I would’ve signed the contract offered to me by Harlequin then I would have money saved up to start my career as an indie author and I would’ve had more books published than I do now. That’s not to say I won’t have more books published in the very near future as an indie author. It’s just I would’ve had my name more well-known. I always wanted to be a full-time author.
3. What genre(s) do you write?
A. I’m a multi-genre indie author. I always mix genres. I write all genres, except erotica. I write mysteries, thrillers, horror, visionary fiction, steampunk, sci-fi fantasy, speculative fiction, historical fiction to name a few. I always keep diversity in every book I write. I love diversity in life, books, movies, and commercials.
4. Where do you get your ideas?
A. My real life experiences and my weird imagination.
5. Do your characters take over during the writing process? Or are you in charge?
A. No, my characters never take over. My characters live vicariously through me, always.
6. How many books have you published? What are their titles?
A. I have two books published right now. One is titled, Corridors of My Mind, which is a poetry-memoir mixed genre and the other is titled, Weeping Well, which is also mixed genre and is an international crime mystery, thriller, set in 1989-2007, multicultural romance, some sci-fi, young adult, adult, coming of age, and action to name some
7. Who are your favorite authors?
A. Bret Harte, Edgar Allan Poe, Washington Irving, Tennessee Williams, Gwendolyn Brooks, Sylvia Plath, Shirley Jackson, Maureen Jennings, Lucy Maud Montgomery to name a few.
8. What book are you reading now? Do you like it?
A. I’m just catching back up on my reading. Currently I’m reading Of Beasts and Bonds by N.D. Jones. It’s a pretty good book.
9. Would you like to talk about one of your books, and give us an idea of what it’s about?
A. Weeping Well is written as a standalone and is part of a series/trilogy. It starts to take place in Madison, Mississippi in 1989. The main character Evangeline Murphy is faced with a family tragedy when she is ten years old and this sparks a series of events in the coming of age part of the story involving the character. But the coming of age part of the story isn’t the only plot/ subplot of the storyline. The main part is further on in the book when the main character grows up and is deeply into the thick of her occupation.
10. What inspired you to write this book?
A. It first started with tragedies involving children and their parents then I visualized water and the title came to me. The story unfolded from there and more ideas developed in my mind for the book like the type of lottery in the book, which was sparked by a popular pastime/sport, which is actually the focal point of the book not the coming of age plot.
11. Which character in this book are you least likely to get along with? Which one would be your best friend, and why?
A. I have yet to find a character that I have created that I didn’t like. It hasn’t happened. I’d get along with all of them on some level or another.
12. Are you working on anything new?
A. I am currently writing my third and fourth books. I’m almost done writing on the third. It’s a sci-fi steampunk, young adult, set in the late 1950s-1970s, thriller, speculative fiction, mystery with no sex, no blood and gore, to name a few genres mixed in. But there is a murder. It’s part of a trilogy but each book will be no more than 30,000 to 50,000 words long. I’m writing a series of cozy mysteries, plays, the laundry list is too long. But I plan on writing and publishing them all.
13. What fun things do you like to do when you’re not writing?
A. Traveling, reading. Although I haven’t been able to do the former for a while. But I still remember my travels to and experiences in other countries like Quebec and Toronto, Ontario, Canada as well as U.S. cities and states Georgia, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Niagara Falls, NY to name a few.
14. Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers out there?
A. Keep an eye out from my next books. And thank you to all who have read/reviewed my books and blog posts. Thank you also to Groovy Lee for interviewing me. I appreciate it.
15. You're so welcomed, Angel. Tell everyone where they can find you.
https://www.amazon.com/Mrs.-Angel-M.B...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.facebook.com/angel.chadwi...
November 1, 2017
Meet Indie Author Theresa Spankeren--Writer of Paranormal Genre
Hello, Everyone
It's November. And that means a new interview with an Indie Author. This month's 'Get to know an author' series features Theresa Spankeren. Hopefully, you'll put her on your list of authors to read.
Hi, Theresa, and welcome. Let's get started:
1. When did you write your very first book? And what was it about?
A. I wrote my first book when I was about 8, and it was based off “The Babysitter’s Club.” I tried to write mysteries because I loved Nancy Drew, but I could never get very far.
2. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
A. I would tell her to pay attention to those comma use lessons.
3. What genre(s) do you write?
A. I write mostly in the paranormal genre. Occasionally in my short stories and other writings I branch out to encompass other genres such as humor, but its rare.
4. Where do you get your ideas?
A. The overall idea for the series was spawned from X-Files fanfiction in high school, but I draw upon various resources for ideas – from historical happenings to everyday sights and sounds.
5. Do your characters take over during the writing process? Or are you the man?
A. My characters run the show. They’ve taken me on a few surprise twists and turns over the years.
6. How many books have you published? What are their titles?
A. Currently there are two books published in the War of Destiny series. The first book is titled Lost Soul and the second, Pursuit into Darkness.
7. How do you select the names of your characters?
A. Ah, that is a good question. I don’t have a single way. Several of my main characters’ names just came to me as I started planning for book one. Others, like Kali, came from research so their name was reflective of their personality or gift. Many other names were selected by researching the origin of the name so an Irish character didn’t have an Italian name by mistake.
8. Would you like to talk about a book in particular, and give us an idea of what it’s about?
A. Lost Soul is the first book in the series. It follows Julia in sixteenth century England and her ill-fated love with Adam, a servant’s son. She is forced into an arranged marriage with Gregory, who is neither kind nor merciful. When things are at their worst, she is rescued by a vampire who gives her a choice to start a new life, vastly different than the one she was used to. The price? She will have to find the strength and power to overthrow the Vampire King.
9. What inspired you to write this book?
A. I was inspired by some of my own experiences as well as stories about how women were treated, both historically and nowadays in other parts of the world. I wanted to craft a character that endured horror and tragedy and finds a way to overcome it. Julia doesn’t do this right away. She makes progress and has setbacks like any ordinary woman in her quest to heal and find her place in the grand scheme of things.
10. Which character in this book are you least likely to get along with? Which one would be your best friend, and why?
A. I am least likely to get along with Julia’s husband. I would have to say Matthew (one of the vampires) might be my best friend because he is funny and kind.
11. Are you working on anything new?
A. I am working on Book 3 of the War of Destiny series. I am hoping for a release date in Summer or early Fall 2018.
12. What fun things do you like to do when you’re not writing?
A. I am a big reader. I also enjoy hiking, swimming, and local haunted places. Curiously, I’ve also learned I enjoy working on cars or home improvement projects with my fiancé.
13. Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers out there?
A. I appreciate your readership. I hope Julia’s story continues to intrigue you.
Thank-you so much for visiting us. Here’s where Theresa hangs out:
My webpage: http://tvanspankeren.wixsite.com/auth...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Theresa99
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WarofDestiny/
Amazon links to books:
Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Soul-War-...
Book 2: http://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-into-Da...
It's November. And that means a new interview with an Indie Author. This month's 'Get to know an author' series features Theresa Spankeren. Hopefully, you'll put her on your list of authors to read.
Hi, Theresa, and welcome. Let's get started:
1. When did you write your very first book? And what was it about?
A. I wrote my first book when I was about 8, and it was based off “The Babysitter’s Club.” I tried to write mysteries because I loved Nancy Drew, but I could never get very far.
2. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
A. I would tell her to pay attention to those comma use lessons.
3. What genre(s) do you write?
A. I write mostly in the paranormal genre. Occasionally in my short stories and other writings I branch out to encompass other genres such as humor, but its rare.
4. Where do you get your ideas?
A. The overall idea for the series was spawned from X-Files fanfiction in high school, but I draw upon various resources for ideas – from historical happenings to everyday sights and sounds.
5. Do your characters take over during the writing process? Or are you the man?
A. My characters run the show. They’ve taken me on a few surprise twists and turns over the years.
6. How many books have you published? What are their titles?
A. Currently there are two books published in the War of Destiny series. The first book is titled Lost Soul and the second, Pursuit into Darkness.
7. How do you select the names of your characters?
A. Ah, that is a good question. I don’t have a single way. Several of my main characters’ names just came to me as I started planning for book one. Others, like Kali, came from research so their name was reflective of their personality or gift. Many other names were selected by researching the origin of the name so an Irish character didn’t have an Italian name by mistake.
8. Would you like to talk about a book in particular, and give us an idea of what it’s about?
A. Lost Soul is the first book in the series. It follows Julia in sixteenth century England and her ill-fated love with Adam, a servant’s son. She is forced into an arranged marriage with Gregory, who is neither kind nor merciful. When things are at their worst, she is rescued by a vampire who gives her a choice to start a new life, vastly different than the one she was used to. The price? She will have to find the strength and power to overthrow the Vampire King.
9. What inspired you to write this book?
A. I was inspired by some of my own experiences as well as stories about how women were treated, both historically and nowadays in other parts of the world. I wanted to craft a character that endured horror and tragedy and finds a way to overcome it. Julia doesn’t do this right away. She makes progress and has setbacks like any ordinary woman in her quest to heal and find her place in the grand scheme of things.
10. Which character in this book are you least likely to get along with? Which one would be your best friend, and why?
A. I am least likely to get along with Julia’s husband. I would have to say Matthew (one of the vampires) might be my best friend because he is funny and kind.
11. Are you working on anything new?
A. I am working on Book 3 of the War of Destiny series. I am hoping for a release date in Summer or early Fall 2018.
12. What fun things do you like to do when you’re not writing?
A. I am a big reader. I also enjoy hiking, swimming, and local haunted places. Curiously, I’ve also learned I enjoy working on cars or home improvement projects with my fiancé.
13. Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers out there?
A. I appreciate your readership. I hope Julia’s story continues to intrigue you.
Thank-you so much for visiting us. Here’s where Theresa hangs out:
My webpage: http://tvanspankeren.wixsite.com/auth...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Theresa99
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WarofDestiny/
Amazon links to books:
Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Soul-War-...
Book 2: http://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-into-Da...
October 1, 2017
Meet Prakash--Passionate author for the betterment of society
For the month of October, I would like to introduce the next author in my "Get-to-know Author" posts; hopefully you'll add him to your to-read list.
Meet Prakash Vir Sharma, an author whose writings are motivational messages on such social issues like the plight and struggle of Muslim women. You'll find his answers on these subjects inspiring:
1. Hi, Prakash, to start off, tell us a little about yourself.
A. Hi Groovy! Thanks a lot for having me here.
Myself Prakash Vir Sharma, author of two traditionally and two self- published books.
Born in a remote village of India, I graduated in Science and Education, post graduated in in Management. Currently, residing with my family in Kolkata (city of joy) and working with India's leading steel manufacturer as Senior Manager.
I am a passionate social thinker and author.
2. How long have you been writing?
A. I started writing articles, poems and stories in the year 1990. My work has been published in various Indian news papers, magazines and on online portals.
3. What genre(s) do you write?
A. I write short stories, novels, motivational.
4. Where do you get your ideas? Do your characters talk to you? Or do you construct your story from an outline?
A. Social issues are my inspiration for writing. I plan or outline what message I want to deliver to the society and ask my characters to deliver that in an interesting manner.
5. How many books have you published? What are their titles?
A. My traditionally published books are in Hindi language ("Mahakte Panne" and "Pratibimb"), while "Kathputli" (Hindi language) and "Life In Shackles" (English language) are my self-published books.
6. I would like to talk about your book, "Life In Shackles". What is it about? Could you give us some insight on the characters?
A. "Life In Shackles" is about plight of women. There are stories like "The Tatter" and "Talaq" which focus on the struggle of muslim women. The message of "The Tatter" is awareness and emphasis on education while "Talaq" is a story of struggle against "triple talaq".
You know, recently Honorable Supreme Court of India delivered a judgement against triple talaq which may be seen as victory of my main character of "Talaq". There are stories where people use women as a ladder for their political benefits.
Other stories are about social evils like dowry, killing of female fetus and many more. However, it's a small Fiction book, but the situations and characters are available everywhere around us.
7. What inspired you to write this book?
A. It's again the betterment of society. I am trying to highlight the issues with my thoughts on those situations.
8. Are you working on anything new?
A. I am currently polishing my upcoming motivational book "Mindset And Passion - The Psychology Of Success" which is available on pre-order and will be released on 26th October'17.
9. Do you have any hobbies?
A. I love music, singing apart from writing.
10. What would you like to say to your readers out there?
A. I love my readers, wish to meet them personally and continue write something Inspirational for them. It's my sincere request,"please mail me when you finished reading any of my book, I would appreciate your reviews on Amazon, please don't forget to donate some of your valuable time to post your reviews which will help me".
Thank-you for taking the time to talk to us.
Here’s where you can find Prakash:
prakash2484@gmail.com
https://www.pvsharmablog.wordpress.com
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B072PCYJL1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B072PCYJL1
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://books.pronoun.com/pvs/
https://www.facebook.com/prakaash.sha...
https://twitter.com/Prakaashsharma
https://www.pinterest.com/prakash2484/
Books Link :
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072LF28ZL
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CSRCVT
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GHNSMV
Meet Prakash Vir Sharma, an author whose writings are motivational messages on such social issues like the plight and struggle of Muslim women. You'll find his answers on these subjects inspiring:
1. Hi, Prakash, to start off, tell us a little about yourself.
A. Hi Groovy! Thanks a lot for having me here.
Myself Prakash Vir Sharma, author of two traditionally and two self- published books.
Born in a remote village of India, I graduated in Science and Education, post graduated in in Management. Currently, residing with my family in Kolkata (city of joy) and working with India's leading steel manufacturer as Senior Manager.
I am a passionate social thinker and author.
2. How long have you been writing?
A. I started writing articles, poems and stories in the year 1990. My work has been published in various Indian news papers, magazines and on online portals.
3. What genre(s) do you write?
A. I write short stories, novels, motivational.
4. Where do you get your ideas? Do your characters talk to you? Or do you construct your story from an outline?
A. Social issues are my inspiration for writing. I plan or outline what message I want to deliver to the society and ask my characters to deliver that in an interesting manner.
5. How many books have you published? What are their titles?
A. My traditionally published books are in Hindi language ("Mahakte Panne" and "Pratibimb"), while "Kathputli" (Hindi language) and "Life In Shackles" (English language) are my self-published books.
6. I would like to talk about your book, "Life In Shackles". What is it about? Could you give us some insight on the characters?
A. "Life In Shackles" is about plight of women. There are stories like "The Tatter" and "Talaq" which focus on the struggle of muslim women. The message of "The Tatter" is awareness and emphasis on education while "Talaq" is a story of struggle against "triple talaq".
You know, recently Honorable Supreme Court of India delivered a judgement against triple talaq which may be seen as victory of my main character of "Talaq". There are stories where people use women as a ladder for their political benefits.
Other stories are about social evils like dowry, killing of female fetus and many more. However, it's a small Fiction book, but the situations and characters are available everywhere around us.
7. What inspired you to write this book?
A. It's again the betterment of society. I am trying to highlight the issues with my thoughts on those situations.
8. Are you working on anything new?
A. I am currently polishing my upcoming motivational book "Mindset And Passion - The Psychology Of Success" which is available on pre-order and will be released on 26th October'17.
9. Do you have any hobbies?
A. I love music, singing apart from writing.
10. What would you like to say to your readers out there?
A. I love my readers, wish to meet them personally and continue write something Inspirational for them. It's my sincere request,"please mail me when you finished reading any of my book, I would appreciate your reviews on Amazon, please don't forget to donate some of your valuable time to post your reviews which will help me".
Thank-you for taking the time to talk to us.
Here’s where you can find Prakash:
prakash2484@gmail.com
https://www.pvsharmablog.wordpress.com
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B072PCYJL1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B072PCYJL1
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://books.pronoun.com/pvs/
https://www.facebook.com/prakaash.sha...
https://twitter.com/Prakaashsharma
https://www.pinterest.com/prakash2484/
Books Link :
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072LF28ZL
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CSRCVT
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GHNSMV
September 22, 2017
Meet Demen, the evil adversary of A BODY RESURRECTED
By now, you've met the heroines and heroes of A BODY RESURRECTED:
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
Now, it's time to meet Demen, the book's antagonist.
Joselyn Moreno, book blogger, plans to post an interview of me and my characters on her blog soon, and she did a Q&A session with Demen.
INTERVIEW WITH DEMEN:
If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
A. Rule the world, what do you think?
What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? How about after they've known you for a while?
A. My name is Demen. I’m 6’6” and jet black in color. Back in the day, I got the usual eye-opening stares; some felt a bit intimidated by my stature. I’m also manipulative in a charming manner, so after a few minutes, most people are captivated. Of course, if you’re a target, there’s no time to form an impression. If I come upon you, you only have a few seconds to outsmart me—or you die.
What are you most proud of about your life, professionally and personal?
A. I was once Pharaoh of Sharkura, and a great one at that. Dignitaries from all around would come to Egypt just to see me and offer their treasures and daughters in hopes of an alliance—that is, until that annoyance from my planet found me and destroyed everything.
On a personal level, you ask? It’s ridding the universe of the misery known as woman. When I set my sights on one, the predator/prey game begins. I get this natural high when they realize I’m standing there and there’s no mistaking what my motive is. Instantly, they grow stiff with fear, and by my own hands, I, Demen, control them down to their last breath.
Maybe you and I will cross paths one day.
Do you think you've turned out the way your parents expected?
A. Next question.
Is there anything you've always wanted to do but haven't done? What would happen if you did it?
A. Bow the world to my will. If—no, when I accomplish that, people from all over this pitiable globe would come to worship me, and be in awe of my greatness as their world leader.
What's the worst thing that's happened in your life? What did you learn from it?
A. I don’t want to talk about it, but think strips of suffocating cloth. As for what I learned—It’s better to have the world at your feet, than be the footstool of heaven.
How do you feel about your life right now? What, if anything, would you like to change?
A. All because of Weir and his little co-conspirator, I lost my empire. I’m no longer a great ruler, but a hideous museum exhibit. But now that I’m here in the twenty-first century, and if all goes the way I plan, I will retain my power, my looks, and be on top once again. And God help that Q if he tries to get in my way.
One last question…
A. I think this interview is over—don’t you?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Make sure you visit Joselyn's blog. It's in English and Spanish:
https://rincondejoss.wordpress.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
Now, it's time to meet Demen, the book's antagonist.
Joselyn Moreno, book blogger, plans to post an interview of me and my characters on her blog soon, and she did a Q&A session with Demen.
INTERVIEW WITH DEMEN:
If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
A. Rule the world, what do you think?
What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? How about after they've known you for a while?
A. My name is Demen. I’m 6’6” and jet black in color. Back in the day, I got the usual eye-opening stares; some felt a bit intimidated by my stature. I’m also manipulative in a charming manner, so after a few minutes, most people are captivated. Of course, if you’re a target, there’s no time to form an impression. If I come upon you, you only have a few seconds to outsmart me—or you die.
What are you most proud of about your life, professionally and personal?
A. I was once Pharaoh of Sharkura, and a great one at that. Dignitaries from all around would come to Egypt just to see me and offer their treasures and daughters in hopes of an alliance—that is, until that annoyance from my planet found me and destroyed everything.
On a personal level, you ask? It’s ridding the universe of the misery known as woman. When I set my sights on one, the predator/prey game begins. I get this natural high when they realize I’m standing there and there’s no mistaking what my motive is. Instantly, they grow stiff with fear, and by my own hands, I, Demen, control them down to their last breath.
Maybe you and I will cross paths one day.
Do you think you've turned out the way your parents expected?
A. Next question.
Is there anything you've always wanted to do but haven't done? What would happen if you did it?
A. Bow the world to my will. If—no, when I accomplish that, people from all over this pitiable globe would come to worship me, and be in awe of my greatness as their world leader.
What's the worst thing that's happened in your life? What did you learn from it?
A. I don’t want to talk about it, but think strips of suffocating cloth. As for what I learned—It’s better to have the world at your feet, than be the footstool of heaven.
How do you feel about your life right now? What, if anything, would you like to change?
A. All because of Weir and his little co-conspirator, I lost my empire. I’m no longer a great ruler, but a hideous museum exhibit. But now that I’m here in the twenty-first century, and if all goes the way I plan, I will retain my power, my looks, and be on top once again. And God help that Q if he tries to get in my way.
One last question…
A. I think this interview is over—don’t you?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Make sure you visit Joselyn's blog. It's in English and Spanish:
https://rincondejoss.wordpress.com/
September 14, 2017
Meet the characters of A BODY RESURRECTED--my Kindle Thriller/Romance
Meet the characters from my Thriller/Romance novel, A Body Resurrected:
It all starts with MIRA, a young Egyptian girl who is very devoted to her family. Her courageous spirit is kept under reigns by the dominance of her father. But when Weir, a bounty-hunter from the planet Aut, arrives to capture an escaped criminal, that spirit boldly breaks free, and she becomes his close ally in a fight against evil.
Q: So, Mira, you’re only sixteen, and yet, you have the courage that rivals that of an Egyptian soldier. How do you explain it?
A. Honestly, I did not know how courageous I could be until Weir came into my life. He is very handsome, I must say. Anyway, I was just a shepherd girl protecting my family’s sheep from growling predators. But when Weir appeared on this dangerous mission, I was determined to help my friend, no matter what.
Q. And against your father’s wishes, you went to the palace of Shakura without hesitation.
A. I did not mean to disobey Papa, but Weir needed me. The moment I had to confront that evil Pharaoh Demen, I almost collapsed from sheer fright, and for a second, I wished I was back home safely in my bed. But Weir is brave, and he has a big heart. I had to help him, or he would die.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DEMEN, the escaped serial killer from Aut, is jet-black in color and stands over six feet. His talent for being clever and manipulative is the reason why, after crash landing in Egypt, he becomes the next Pharaoh of Shakura after the mysterious death of his predecessor. His hatred and disgust for the plague known as woman grows to the point of sheer madness until he possesses her spirit by the act of his murderous hands; afterwards, he’s left well spent and soaring high from the effect. Centuries later, when he gets a second chance to satisfy his savage urge, he vows that no bounty-hunter will ever get in his way again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TINA LEGGS is a descendant of Mira. The word ‘lonely’ does not apply to her. She’s single by choice, and very close to her grandmother, Bitsy; which is why she has an antagonistic relationship with her cousin, Tiffany. The strength Tina inherited from Mira, coupled with dormant feelings of a love yet to be, comes to life when Q arrives.
Q. Tina, why are you constantly at odds with your cousin Tiffany?
A. She’s held a grudge against me since childhood for something I had no control over. And on top of that, she feels she has a right to take advantage of our grandmother. But, I won’t stand for it. Bitsy is not her personal ATM.
Q. When the mummified body of Demen first arrived at the museum you work for, did you have a clue your ancestor Mira is partly the reason for his condition?
A. I had no idea. I only know bits and pieces of her story handed down through generations by family members, that she did something remarkable.
Q. And when Demen was revived, you had to pick up where she left off.
A. It wasn’t easy, believe me. But it seems I inherited her fearless courage, and that enabled me to help Q when it came time to face Demen. A real, live mummy! Who in their right mind would believe that?
Q. Speaking of Q—I guess it came as quite a shock when you realized the love of your life was a bounty-hunter from another planet.
A. Shock, doesn’t even begin to describe it. But, I’m not complaining. I knew from the moment I looked into those deep-violet eyes that he was one of a kind; and when his passionate charm and inner beauty encircled me in this ardent fortress, there was no doubt I would never be the same.
Q. When he leaves, will you go with him?
A. I don’t know. That’s such a hard question that I just don’t have an answer to. I have Bitsy to think about. We’ll see.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q, is the second, very handsome bounty-hunter who, centuries later, has to pick up where Weir and Mira left off. He has deep-violet eyes, and a head of hair that deserves its own spot on the cover of GQ Magazine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Sixteen year-old Mira is an Egyptian girl who lives a quiet life in her small village in Lower Egypt 3303 B.C.E. But two visitors from the planet Aut are about to change that. The first “flying metal” that whips across the sky carries a murderous plague by the name of Demen. The second one that follows, brings a bounty-hunter named Weir. Against her father’s wishes, Mira becomes Weir’s accomplice in his mission to apprehend Demen before another woman dies by his hands.
But there’s a problem: Demen is now a powerful Pharaoh in the city of Sharkura. Will apprehending him cost Weir and Mira their lives?
Almay, California, USA, twenty-first century:
Tina Leggs oversees the artifacts and exhibits of the Graham-Arlee museum. She has no idea that the mummy exhibit that’s drawing huge crowds, is the same Demen that her ancestor, Mira, bravely faced centuries ago.
Demen is no longer a powerful Pharaoh. Now, he’s nothing more than a museum exhibit since he was discovered in the Valley of the Kings. But a rare occurrence will give him life once more. And his desire to kill the misery known as woman is as strong as ever.
Enter Q, a second bounty-hunter sent from Aut to capture him. Like Mira, Tina has been cast into the role of ally to this handsome visitor. Amid the destruction Demen is causing, and the risk to their lives to stop him, Tina comes to terms with the depth of her love for a man from a distant planet.
But, will she leave her family on Earth for the sake of that love?
It all starts with MIRA, a young Egyptian girl who is very devoted to her family. Her courageous spirit is kept under reigns by the dominance of her father. But when Weir, a bounty-hunter from the planet Aut, arrives to capture an escaped criminal, that spirit boldly breaks free, and she becomes his close ally in a fight against evil.
Q: So, Mira, you’re only sixteen, and yet, you have the courage that rivals that of an Egyptian soldier. How do you explain it?
A. Honestly, I did not know how courageous I could be until Weir came into my life. He is very handsome, I must say. Anyway, I was just a shepherd girl protecting my family’s sheep from growling predators. But when Weir appeared on this dangerous mission, I was determined to help my friend, no matter what.
Q. And against your father’s wishes, you went to the palace of Shakura without hesitation.
A. I did not mean to disobey Papa, but Weir needed me. The moment I had to confront that evil Pharaoh Demen, I almost collapsed from sheer fright, and for a second, I wished I was back home safely in my bed. But Weir is brave, and he has a big heart. I had to help him, or he would die.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DEMEN, the escaped serial killer from Aut, is jet-black in color and stands over six feet. His talent for being clever and manipulative is the reason why, after crash landing in Egypt, he becomes the next Pharaoh of Shakura after the mysterious death of his predecessor. His hatred and disgust for the plague known as woman grows to the point of sheer madness until he possesses her spirit by the act of his murderous hands; afterwards, he’s left well spent and soaring high from the effect. Centuries later, when he gets a second chance to satisfy his savage urge, he vows that no bounty-hunter will ever get in his way again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TINA LEGGS is a descendant of Mira. The word ‘lonely’ does not apply to her. She’s single by choice, and very close to her grandmother, Bitsy; which is why she has an antagonistic relationship with her cousin, Tiffany. The strength Tina inherited from Mira, coupled with dormant feelings of a love yet to be, comes to life when Q arrives.
Q. Tina, why are you constantly at odds with your cousin Tiffany?
A. She’s held a grudge against me since childhood for something I had no control over. And on top of that, she feels she has a right to take advantage of our grandmother. But, I won’t stand for it. Bitsy is not her personal ATM.
Q. When the mummified body of Demen first arrived at the museum you work for, did you have a clue your ancestor Mira is partly the reason for his condition?
A. I had no idea. I only know bits and pieces of her story handed down through generations by family members, that she did something remarkable.
Q. And when Demen was revived, you had to pick up where she left off.
A. It wasn’t easy, believe me. But it seems I inherited her fearless courage, and that enabled me to help Q when it came time to face Demen. A real, live mummy! Who in their right mind would believe that?
Q. Speaking of Q—I guess it came as quite a shock when you realized the love of your life was a bounty-hunter from another planet.
A. Shock, doesn’t even begin to describe it. But, I’m not complaining. I knew from the moment I looked into those deep-violet eyes that he was one of a kind; and when his passionate charm and inner beauty encircled me in this ardent fortress, there was no doubt I would never be the same.
Q. When he leaves, will you go with him?
A. I don’t know. That’s such a hard question that I just don’t have an answer to. I have Bitsy to think about. We’ll see.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q, is the second, very handsome bounty-hunter who, centuries later, has to pick up where Weir and Mira left off. He has deep-violet eyes, and a head of hair that deserves its own spot on the cover of GQ Magazine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Sixteen year-old Mira is an Egyptian girl who lives a quiet life in her small village in Lower Egypt 3303 B.C.E. But two visitors from the planet Aut are about to change that. The first “flying metal” that whips across the sky carries a murderous plague by the name of Demen. The second one that follows, brings a bounty-hunter named Weir. Against her father’s wishes, Mira becomes Weir’s accomplice in his mission to apprehend Demen before another woman dies by his hands.
But there’s a problem: Demen is now a powerful Pharaoh in the city of Sharkura. Will apprehending him cost Weir and Mira their lives?
Almay, California, USA, twenty-first century:
Tina Leggs oversees the artifacts and exhibits of the Graham-Arlee museum. She has no idea that the mummy exhibit that’s drawing huge crowds, is the same Demen that her ancestor, Mira, bravely faced centuries ago.
Demen is no longer a powerful Pharaoh. Now, he’s nothing more than a museum exhibit since he was discovered in the Valley of the Kings. But a rare occurrence will give him life once more. And his desire to kill the misery known as woman is as strong as ever.
Enter Q, a second bounty-hunter sent from Aut to capture him. Like Mira, Tina has been cast into the role of ally to this handsome visitor. Amid the destruction Demen is causing, and the risk to their lives to stop him, Tina comes to terms with the depth of her love for a man from a distant planet.
But, will she leave her family on Earth for the sake of that love?
September 11, 2017
Interview of young, gifted author David Kummer. Come say Hello.
Hello, Everyone
For the next few months, I will interview various authors for you to get to know. Hopefully, you'll find a favorite one to add to your To-Read list. This month I'd like you to meet a young, gifted author named David Kummer. Don't be surprised if you see his books on the bestseller's list one day.
Hi, David, and thank-you for taking out the time to answer a few questions. Let's get started :
1. I hope you don’t mind, but I would like for you to tell everyone how old you are.
A. I'm 16 right now, but I'll be 17 on October 29 (if you're reading this before then anyways)
2. You’re so young, and yet you have such a sharp grasp on the techniques of writing a good story. I was well into my twenties before I could even understand the entire process. Did you take classes?
A. I actually haven't taken any classes yet, except for the college creative writing one I just started two weeks ago. I blame most of what people call my "talent" on my English teachers from 3rd grade through now. They've always been amazing, especially Ms Muldoon, who I had for all of middle school and so far high school. She's been a great help in developing my writing. And, of course, practice makes something. Maybe not perfect.
3. Where do you get your ideas? Do your characters talk to you? Or do you construct your story from an outline?
A. Most of my ideas are from things that I see around me, certain scenes I want to put in there. I'll take a few images I saw on Google, or places around town I frequent, and those will pop up somewhere, somehow. As for characters, I try to get to know them as much as possible. I haven't had the experience of "talking" with any of them, but seeing them talk to others is about the same thing for me. First-person is even more interesting, and I have to get even more personal with the character. My books are outlined beforehand, yes, but that almost always changes drastically by the time I finish.
4. What genre(s) do you write?
A. I started out writing Horror, and plan to continue with that. I'm also writing a Fantasy story, have a Literary Fiction story published, and am trying to do works that focus more on Mystery. So, yeah, I hope I have something for everyone!
5. How many books have you published? What are their titles?
A. I've published... let me count:
AS TREES TURNED AWAY
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
SHE
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
MY ABIGAIL
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
ENDEN
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
and most recently, SHE WATCHES
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Those are all of my full-length novels (Abigail is a novella, though.) So 5, total.
6. Would you like to talk about one book in particular and give us an insight on the characters?
A. Usually, I'd talk about MY ABIGAIL , because it's the one I am the most fond of. I'll talk about my newest one, She Watches , because it's actually a sequel to my first full-length novel, She . Lots of titles, I know. Bear with me. The characters are mostly from the first novel, and the villain is the same, of course. I think if you read She and enjoy it, you're going to love the sequel. Trust me, it's better.
7. What advice would you give to anyone just beginning in this business?
A. The most important thing about writing is to set realistic goals, but also to work hard towards those goals. Don't set out to be a millionaire, but don't take your work for granted. Writing is a tough, creative act, and it deserves an audience. Anybody can say they want to write. It takes a special person to sit down and do it. (Chances are, you're that special person.)
8. What are you working on now?
A. Well, SHE WATCHES releases in November, so that's my main goal is promoting that (if you can't tell.) I'm also working on the 2nd book in the ENDEN series, as well as a secret project. *wink wink*
9. What are some fun things you like to do?
A. When I'm not writing, I'm almost always playing basketball or running. Yes, running. I also play Xbox and watch Netflix. I mean, I am a teenager, after all. Most of what I do throughout the day affects my writing in one way or another. When I'm really working on a project, I try to write every day, at least 500 or 600 words. Right now, I'm doing every other day but doing 1,000 words each time. Getting a pattern really helps me, so I like to mix in workouts and exercises throughout the day, so that at night my body is worn out and my brain is ready to go to work.
Thank-you so much, David.
If anyone out there has any more questions they'd like to ask you, or want to find your books, where do you hang out?
Check out my books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/David-Duane-Ku...
Friend me on Facebook (mi amigos):
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?_r...
Explore my website/blog:
http://davidkummer.com/
And of course, email me at davidkummer7@gmail.com! I'll always answer.
For the next few months, I will interview various authors for you to get to know. Hopefully, you'll find a favorite one to add to your To-Read list. This month I'd like you to meet a young, gifted author named David Kummer. Don't be surprised if you see his books on the bestseller's list one day.
Hi, David, and thank-you for taking out the time to answer a few questions. Let's get started :
1. I hope you don’t mind, but I would like for you to tell everyone how old you are.
A. I'm 16 right now, but I'll be 17 on October 29 (if you're reading this before then anyways)
2. You’re so young, and yet you have such a sharp grasp on the techniques of writing a good story. I was well into my twenties before I could even understand the entire process. Did you take classes?
A. I actually haven't taken any classes yet, except for the college creative writing one I just started two weeks ago. I blame most of what people call my "talent" on my English teachers from 3rd grade through now. They've always been amazing, especially Ms Muldoon, who I had for all of middle school and so far high school. She's been a great help in developing my writing. And, of course, practice makes something. Maybe not perfect.
3. Where do you get your ideas? Do your characters talk to you? Or do you construct your story from an outline?
A. Most of my ideas are from things that I see around me, certain scenes I want to put in there. I'll take a few images I saw on Google, or places around town I frequent, and those will pop up somewhere, somehow. As for characters, I try to get to know them as much as possible. I haven't had the experience of "talking" with any of them, but seeing them talk to others is about the same thing for me. First-person is even more interesting, and I have to get even more personal with the character. My books are outlined beforehand, yes, but that almost always changes drastically by the time I finish.
4. What genre(s) do you write?
A. I started out writing Horror, and plan to continue with that. I'm also writing a Fantasy story, have a Literary Fiction story published, and am trying to do works that focus more on Mystery. So, yeah, I hope I have something for everyone!
5. How many books have you published? What are their titles?
A. I've published... let me count:
AS TREES TURNED AWAY
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
SHE
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
MY ABIGAIL
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
ENDEN
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
and most recently, SHE WATCHES
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Those are all of my full-length novels (Abigail is a novella, though.) So 5, total.
6. Would you like to talk about one book in particular and give us an insight on the characters?
A. Usually, I'd talk about MY ABIGAIL , because it's the one I am the most fond of. I'll talk about my newest one, She Watches , because it's actually a sequel to my first full-length novel, She . Lots of titles, I know. Bear with me. The characters are mostly from the first novel, and the villain is the same, of course. I think if you read She and enjoy it, you're going to love the sequel. Trust me, it's better.
7. What advice would you give to anyone just beginning in this business?
A. The most important thing about writing is to set realistic goals, but also to work hard towards those goals. Don't set out to be a millionaire, but don't take your work for granted. Writing is a tough, creative act, and it deserves an audience. Anybody can say they want to write. It takes a special person to sit down and do it. (Chances are, you're that special person.)
8. What are you working on now?
A. Well, SHE WATCHES releases in November, so that's my main goal is promoting that (if you can't tell.) I'm also working on the 2nd book in the ENDEN series, as well as a secret project. *wink wink*
9. What are some fun things you like to do?
A. When I'm not writing, I'm almost always playing basketball or running. Yes, running. I also play Xbox and watch Netflix. I mean, I am a teenager, after all. Most of what I do throughout the day affects my writing in one way or another. When I'm really working on a project, I try to write every day, at least 500 or 600 words. Right now, I'm doing every other day but doing 1,000 words each time. Getting a pattern really helps me, so I like to mix in workouts and exercises throughout the day, so that at night my body is worn out and my brain is ready to go to work.
Thank-you so much, David.
If anyone out there has any more questions they'd like to ask you, or want to find your books, where do you hang out?
Check out my books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/David-Duane-Ku...
Friend me on Facebook (mi amigos):
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?_r...
Explore my website/blog:
http://davidkummer.com/
And of course, email me at davidkummer7@gmail.com! I'll always answer.
June 30, 2017
Come meet the characters of UNDER THE HARVEST MOON--Clean Romance
Meet the characters of Under The Harvest Moon:
LESLIE DIXON was raised by loving grandparents on a farm in Nashville, TN. Tall? Slim? A size 2? No, that doesn’t describe her one bit. Try tall, curvy, with hair that has a mind of its own. Although she lives a contented existence in L.A., her devotion to her grandmother leaves her homesick at times. She’s mild-tempered by nature--until she spends just a few minutes in the company of Jonas.
JONAS McCLURE lives further down the deserted road where he and Leslie grew up. Their friendship is best described as competitive at most. He has a bewitching charm that he shamelessly uses to challenge Leslie to break down that wall she’s been building between them for years. As a foreign contractor, his travels across the world puts him in the company of all types of beautiful women, but he always comes home single, and ready to connect with his childhood friend.
DAISY DIXON is five-foot seven inches of energy. She can also be quite artful when need be; and getting her granddaughter and Jonas together calls for her to roll up her sleeves and get busy.
BLURB:
Leslie Dixon has just been handed an early and very long vacation while her boss lies recuperating in the hospital. And there’s no question as to where she’ll spend it—in the spacious countryside surrounded by the rolling mountains of Nashville, Tennessee. The thought of home brings a smile to her face, because it means she’ll spend quality time with her grandmother, Daisy. But her smile only lasts for a short minute as another image materializes: That of Jonas McClure, her only neighbor down the country road, and also her biggest source of anguish.
She’s kept her love for him hidden behind their competitive friendship since they were in high-school. But this long hiatus will no doubt test her determination to keep him at arm’s length—a task proven more difficult by his friendship with her grandmother.
Yes, he still moves her in ways no other man ever could, including her latest steady—sweet, dependable KAL. But Kal’s strange mood and disappearing acts are a cause for concern lately. Jonas sums it up in one word—embezzlement.
That accusation seems easy to ignore, until Kal appears out of nowhere and pleads with her to pack a suitcase and come away with him under the secret shadow of night. She has a big decision to make.
Will she be able to leave Daisy, again? And will Jonas make it in time to change her mind?
Thank-you!
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Harvest-...
LESLIE DIXON was raised by loving grandparents on a farm in Nashville, TN. Tall? Slim? A size 2? No, that doesn’t describe her one bit. Try tall, curvy, with hair that has a mind of its own. Although she lives a contented existence in L.A., her devotion to her grandmother leaves her homesick at times. She’s mild-tempered by nature--until she spends just a few minutes in the company of Jonas.
JONAS McCLURE lives further down the deserted road where he and Leslie grew up. Their friendship is best described as competitive at most. He has a bewitching charm that he shamelessly uses to challenge Leslie to break down that wall she’s been building between them for years. As a foreign contractor, his travels across the world puts him in the company of all types of beautiful women, but he always comes home single, and ready to connect with his childhood friend.
DAISY DIXON is five-foot seven inches of energy. She can also be quite artful when need be; and getting her granddaughter and Jonas together calls for her to roll up her sleeves and get busy.
BLURB:
Leslie Dixon has just been handed an early and very long vacation while her boss lies recuperating in the hospital. And there’s no question as to where she’ll spend it—in the spacious countryside surrounded by the rolling mountains of Nashville, Tennessee. The thought of home brings a smile to her face, because it means she’ll spend quality time with her grandmother, Daisy. But her smile only lasts for a short minute as another image materializes: That of Jonas McClure, her only neighbor down the country road, and also her biggest source of anguish.
She’s kept her love for him hidden behind their competitive friendship since they were in high-school. But this long hiatus will no doubt test her determination to keep him at arm’s length—a task proven more difficult by his friendship with her grandmother.
Yes, he still moves her in ways no other man ever could, including her latest steady—sweet, dependable KAL. But Kal’s strange mood and disappearing acts are a cause for concern lately. Jonas sums it up in one word—embezzlement.
That accusation seems easy to ignore, until Kal appears out of nowhere and pleads with her to pack a suitcase and come away with him under the secret shadow of night. She has a big decision to make.
Will she be able to leave Daisy, again? And will Jonas make it in time to change her mind?
Thank-you!
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Harvest-...
June 1, 2017
A BODY RESURRECTED--blurb and excerpt
A BODY RESURRECTED--Clean Thriller/Romance
A Body Resurrected is a Kindle Thriller/Romance available on Amazon for $2.99. Contact me here or at atreyhu3333@att.net to talk about books and just to connect. Thank-you!
http://www.groovylee.com/
BLURB:
Sixteen year-old Mira is an Egyptian girl who lives a quiet life in her small village in Lower Egypt 3303 B.C.E. But two visitors from the planet Aut are about to change that. The first “flying metal” that whips across the sky carries a murderous plague by the name of Demen. The second one that follows, brings a bounty-hunter named Weir. Against her father’s wishes, Mira becomes Weir’s accomplice in his mission to apprehend Demen before another woman dies by his hands.
But there’s a problem: Demen is now a powerful Pharaoh in the city of Sharkura. Will apprehending him cost Weir and Mira their lives?
Almay, California, USA, twenty-first century:
Tina Leggs oversees the artifacts and exhibits of the Graham-Arlee museum. She has no idea that the mummy exhibit that’s drawing huge crowds, is the same Demen that her ancestor, Mira, bravely faced centuries ago.
Demen is no longer a powerful Pharaoh. Now, he’s nothing more than a museum exhibit since he was discovered in the Valley of the Kings. But a rare occurrence will give him life once more. And his desire to kill the misery known as woman is as strong as ever.
Enter Q, a second bounty-hunter sent from Aut to capture him. Like Mira, Tina has been cast into the role of ally to this handsome visitor. Amid the destruction Demen is causing, and the risk to their lives to stop him, Tina realizes the strength of a man's love.
But, will she leave her family on Earth for the sake of that love?
***EXCERPT***:
Curiosity about the stolen gem drew an even bigger crowd than usual the next day. Tina stood on the stairs and watched as most were content at staring at the empty glass cage and speculating. And for the entire day, the same pattern would repeat: groups would form, speculate, then move on.
When it was two hours away from closing time, she was on her way back to her office when she noticed a familiar figure walking through the lobby. And as expected, he headed straight for the mummy exhibit. She couldn’t understand his interest, or more so, his fascination with that thing. And the way he seemed to dissolve into the crowd very quietly then slip away without being noticed put the thought in her head that maybe she should let the police know about such unusual behavior. She waited the few minutes it took for him to go in and exit back out as question upon question permeated her mind: Could he have stolen the diamond? And what is he back to look at the mummy for? Is he planning to heist him, too? Maybe she should go and introduce herself; feel him out first.
“Your man is back,” Rihanna joined her on the stairs.
“And, I think it’s time we met.”
“What?” Rihanna almost shrieked. “Are you serious?”
“He could be the diamond thief. And now, I think he’s planning something for the Pharaoh.”
“Wow.”
“He’s leaving. Come with me.”
“Right behind ‘ya.”
Rihanna certainly didn’t need any prodding as she eagerly descended the stairs behind Tina. They made their way onto the main floor and weaved their way through the visitors. By that time the stranger was at the doors on his way out.
Tina grabbed Rihanna’s hand and pulled her to go quicker. “C’mon.” They dodged a couple of more people before they made it through the doors and outside. Tina searched the parking lot until she spotted him standing by a charcoal-grey, late model Honda Accord. She hurried for him with Rihanna practically running to keep up. “Um—hi,” she said as he stood in the act of unlocking his car door.
When he turned around, Tina forgot to breathe for a few seconds; her heart thumped all the way up to her throat. Those violet eyes of his were almost hidden by the wide brim of his indigo, felt hat.
At first he seemed surprised by the two of them standing there. But after soaking in the attractive angles of Tina’s face and her curves, a warm and personable smile appeared when he held her gaze and answered in a deep voice: “Hi.” He then removed his hat from off his thick hair.
Tina touched at her ponytail in an attempt to appear decent. “I’m Tina.”
“And, I’m Rihanna,” she almost giggled.
“It’s nice to meet you, Rihanna—Tina. My name is Q.”
“Q, that’s an interesting name,” Rihanna twirled at a long lock of hair. “What’s it stand for? Cute, maybe?”
Tina stepped in front of her to squash her friend’s side-tracking flirtation. “Uh—we’ve noticed your keen interest in the mummy exhibit. If you don’t mind my asking, are you an archeologist or something?”
“Or something,” he smiled. “I’m what you call, a keeper of the artifact. It’s my job to ensure that he’s where he’s supposed to be, and that he stays that way.”
“Oh, I get it. For insurance reasons.”
He responded with that simple, cloaked smile again.
“Is your office in the surrounding area?”
“I’m staying nearby. I live in another country, you might say.”
“So, wherever that exhibit goes, you go?” Rihanna moved from behind Tina to get in on this, too.
“Something like that.”
“Well, thank-you for your time, Q. I guess we’ll be seeing you around.”
His eyes twinkled as he responded softly, “Yes, Tina—you will.”
It took a moment for her to get up enough will-power to uproot herself and turn away from his magnetizing presence, from that seductive curve of his lips stirring her insides.
“Bye, Q,” Rihanna sang. “He is absolutely gorgeous,” she said once she caught up with a quick-striding Tina. She looked back at him once more before adding, “Why didn’t you get his phone number or something? I know you wanted to.”
“I don’t ask men for their numbers. Besides, he’s a here-today-gone-tomorrow type of man.”
“If Texas and I weren’t dating right now, no way I’d let that slip away.”
“Does he know that?”
Rihanna nudged her and they chuckled. Once they were back inside, Rihanna said her good-nights and was off to find Texas.
Tina glanced back through the glass doors where a hint of daylight still remained, to the empty spot where she last saw him. Although his answers to her questions were somewhat dodgy, they seemed to make sense; she could see no reason for alerting the authorities concerning him. And of course, it had nothing to do with those eyes, the shape of his mouth, just the nearness of him—no, that wasn’t why it was so easy to believe him.
**************************
2017 FRENCH OPEN!!
I'm excited about The French Open. You know how I loooovvvee tennis. I'm going to miss Serena not being there, but she has good reason. At least Venus is still in. I have too many favorite men players to name them. See you when it's over.
A Body Resurrected is a Kindle Thriller/Romance available on Amazon for $2.99. Contact me here or at atreyhu3333@att.net to talk about books and just to connect. Thank-you!
http://www.groovylee.com/
BLURB:
Sixteen year-old Mira is an Egyptian girl who lives a quiet life in her small village in Lower Egypt 3303 B.C.E. But two visitors from the planet Aut are about to change that. The first “flying metal” that whips across the sky carries a murderous plague by the name of Demen. The second one that follows, brings a bounty-hunter named Weir. Against her father’s wishes, Mira becomes Weir’s accomplice in his mission to apprehend Demen before another woman dies by his hands.
But there’s a problem: Demen is now a powerful Pharaoh in the city of Sharkura. Will apprehending him cost Weir and Mira their lives?
Almay, California, USA, twenty-first century:
Tina Leggs oversees the artifacts and exhibits of the Graham-Arlee museum. She has no idea that the mummy exhibit that’s drawing huge crowds, is the same Demen that her ancestor, Mira, bravely faced centuries ago.
Demen is no longer a powerful Pharaoh. Now, he’s nothing more than a museum exhibit since he was discovered in the Valley of the Kings. But a rare occurrence will give him life once more. And his desire to kill the misery known as woman is as strong as ever.
Enter Q, a second bounty-hunter sent from Aut to capture him. Like Mira, Tina has been cast into the role of ally to this handsome visitor. Amid the destruction Demen is causing, and the risk to their lives to stop him, Tina realizes the strength of a man's love.
But, will she leave her family on Earth for the sake of that love?
***EXCERPT***:
Curiosity about the stolen gem drew an even bigger crowd than usual the next day. Tina stood on the stairs and watched as most were content at staring at the empty glass cage and speculating. And for the entire day, the same pattern would repeat: groups would form, speculate, then move on.
When it was two hours away from closing time, she was on her way back to her office when she noticed a familiar figure walking through the lobby. And as expected, he headed straight for the mummy exhibit. She couldn’t understand his interest, or more so, his fascination with that thing. And the way he seemed to dissolve into the crowd very quietly then slip away without being noticed put the thought in her head that maybe she should let the police know about such unusual behavior. She waited the few minutes it took for him to go in and exit back out as question upon question permeated her mind: Could he have stolen the diamond? And what is he back to look at the mummy for? Is he planning to heist him, too? Maybe she should go and introduce herself; feel him out first.
“Your man is back,” Rihanna joined her on the stairs.
“And, I think it’s time we met.”
“What?” Rihanna almost shrieked. “Are you serious?”
“He could be the diamond thief. And now, I think he’s planning something for the Pharaoh.”
“Wow.”
“He’s leaving. Come with me.”
“Right behind ‘ya.”
Rihanna certainly didn’t need any prodding as she eagerly descended the stairs behind Tina. They made their way onto the main floor and weaved their way through the visitors. By that time the stranger was at the doors on his way out.
Tina grabbed Rihanna’s hand and pulled her to go quicker. “C’mon.” They dodged a couple of more people before they made it through the doors and outside. Tina searched the parking lot until she spotted him standing by a charcoal-grey, late model Honda Accord. She hurried for him with Rihanna practically running to keep up. “Um—hi,” she said as he stood in the act of unlocking his car door.
When he turned around, Tina forgot to breathe for a few seconds; her heart thumped all the way up to her throat. Those violet eyes of his were almost hidden by the wide brim of his indigo, felt hat.
At first he seemed surprised by the two of them standing there. But after soaking in the attractive angles of Tina’s face and her curves, a warm and personable smile appeared when he held her gaze and answered in a deep voice: “Hi.” He then removed his hat from off his thick hair.
Tina touched at her ponytail in an attempt to appear decent. “I’m Tina.”
“And, I’m Rihanna,” she almost giggled.
“It’s nice to meet you, Rihanna—Tina. My name is Q.”
“Q, that’s an interesting name,” Rihanna twirled at a long lock of hair. “What’s it stand for? Cute, maybe?”
Tina stepped in front of her to squash her friend’s side-tracking flirtation. “Uh—we’ve noticed your keen interest in the mummy exhibit. If you don’t mind my asking, are you an archeologist or something?”
“Or something,” he smiled. “I’m what you call, a keeper of the artifact. It’s my job to ensure that he’s where he’s supposed to be, and that he stays that way.”
“Oh, I get it. For insurance reasons.”
He responded with that simple, cloaked smile again.
“Is your office in the surrounding area?”
“I’m staying nearby. I live in another country, you might say.”
“So, wherever that exhibit goes, you go?” Rihanna moved from behind Tina to get in on this, too.
“Something like that.”
“Well, thank-you for your time, Q. I guess we’ll be seeing you around.”
His eyes twinkled as he responded softly, “Yes, Tina—you will.”
It took a moment for her to get up enough will-power to uproot herself and turn away from his magnetizing presence, from that seductive curve of his lips stirring her insides.
“Bye, Q,” Rihanna sang. “He is absolutely gorgeous,” she said once she caught up with a quick-striding Tina. She looked back at him once more before adding, “Why didn’t you get his phone number or something? I know you wanted to.”
“I don’t ask men for their numbers. Besides, he’s a here-today-gone-tomorrow type of man.”
“If Texas and I weren’t dating right now, no way I’d let that slip away.”
“Does he know that?”
Rihanna nudged her and they chuckled. Once they were back inside, Rihanna said her good-nights and was off to find Texas.
Tina glanced back through the glass doors where a hint of daylight still remained, to the empty spot where she last saw him. Although his answers to her questions were somewhat dodgy, they seemed to make sense; she could see no reason for alerting the authorities concerning him. And of course, it had nothing to do with those eyes, the shape of his mouth, just the nearness of him—no, that wasn’t why it was so easy to believe him.
**************************
2017 FRENCH OPEN!!
I'm excited about The French Open. You know how I loooovvvee tennis. I'm going to miss Serena not being there, but she has good reason. At least Venus is still in. I have too many favorite men players to name them. See you when it's over.
