Rosi S. Phillips's Blog, page 4
August 16, 2014
Contracted
Big News everyone!
So, I signed a contract for Peaches! Yeah for me, slight yeah for you. But the first book So I'm Not a Vampire? will still be available for free on wattpad, lit, and yes, Amazon!
Within the next week or two the 1st and 2nd book will be on Amazon, ibook, kobo, Barnes and Noble, and other book sellers. The week after that, the third book will be available, and the week after that—you guessed it!—the fourth. By the end of August or beginning of September Can't Fight Fate, from my Grim Love series, will also be available. And somewhere in between that time, I will likely publish another book.
What is my point here?
Oh! Yeah! So, got a contract, the books will be out soon. My website is also being made and will also be up soon enough. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know!
So, I signed a contract for Peaches! Yeah for me, slight yeah for you. But the first book So I'm Not a Vampire? will still be available for free on wattpad, lit, and yes, Amazon!
Within the next week or two the 1st and 2nd book will be on Amazon, ibook, kobo, Barnes and Noble, and other book sellers. The week after that, the third book will be available, and the week after that—you guessed it!—the fourth. By the end of August or beginning of September Can't Fight Fate, from my Grim Love series, will also be available. And somewhere in between that time, I will likely publish another book.
What is my point here?
Oh! Yeah! So, got a contract, the books will be out soon. My website is also being made and will also be up soon enough. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know!
July 27, 2014
Author Spotlight: Jaz Cullen/ J C Gordon (Works)
Since I've been posting my stories and poems online, I've met a lot of wonderful writers. That is why I have decided to do an author/poet spotlight whenever I meet a truly remarkable individual over the web. I'll do an online interview with them, and post some of their content, and links so you can read more of their work.
Today's author is J C Gordon. Here is an except from Gordon's Gypsy Soul.
***
Cursing furiously, Gypsy hit the metal with her spanner, white-hot rage overwhelming her. “You cheating bastard! You low-down, lily-livered, worthless piece of dung ! I hate, hate, hate you!!!” “Hah, I think what you hate is the fact that you lost,” a deep male voice said from behind her, and she spun around and launched the spanner at the sound. It bounced off his personal force field and clattered harmlessly at his feet, which only served to enrage her further. “Get out! I didn’t say you could come into my space. Take your lying, cheating mouth and go suck on some aardvark dung!” His stupidly handsome face broke into a wide grin, cobalt blue eyes sparkling as he crossed his arms over his wide, muscled chest and tilted his head to the side. A lock of black wavy hair fell across his forehead, and it would have given him an endearing look it weren’t for his usual smug smile. “My, you do have a potty mouth today, Gypsy girl. I just stopped by to see if you were okay. From your current demeanour I can see you’re just fine.” “No thanks to you!” she muttered, glaring at him and wishing she could truly hate him as she’d just professed to. Jaxom Sinclair, aka The Dragon, was undeniably gorgeous with a body to make most women swoon. He was six foot four inches in height with wide shoulders, thick arms, an enviable six-pack and the most amazing thighs ever. As always, he was dressed entirely in black, his midnight unruly wavy hair falling over his brow. His silk shirt was tucked into tailored pants, his lightly bronzed skin enhancing his already sinful good looks. There were always a string of women following him around and he lapped it all up with an arrogant smile on his face. He believed he was unbeatable and was ruthless when it came to all challenges, especially hers. “I almost died today, you idiot,” she grumbled, turning her back before she started drooling at the sight of him. That would be all she needed, him finding out that she was as pathetic as all of the other little groupies following him around with their tongues hanging out. “Add a little more queen to that drama and you’ll have nailed it,” he laughed, a deep rich sexy sound that whispered down her spine and lodged somewhere in the pit of her stomach. It was humiliating how easily he swayed her and she clung onto her determination never to let him know just what he did to her. Deciding to wait him out, she ignored him, diving back into the mangled remains of her aircar. Telling Jaxom to go away again was pointless. He would stay for however long he wanted, until he’d done whatever it was he’d set out to do. He wasn’t called The Dragon for nothing. He was a stubborn, immovable object when he set his mind to it. “Come on, Gypsy girl, you can’t stay mad at me forever. You know you’re itching to find out how I got an EMP device passed the Stewards…” And just like that he played his trump card as she knew he would. She did want to know that, very badly. If it could be done once then it could be done again. If it was a trick she could learn and use for the next race then great, otherwise, she could tip the Stewards off on what to look for. Turning to face him, she raised an eyebrow. “How did you do it?”
*You can purchase Gypsy Soul on Amazon, and rate the novel on Goodreads.
*Gordon's main series is available below, and FREE on Literotica. Order to read: Fighting the InevitableThe AssignmentWhen Worlds CollideThe Council, A Long Walk HomeHearts of WarriorsTears of the Fallen.
Today's author is J C Gordon. Here is an except from Gordon's Gypsy Soul.***
Cursing furiously, Gypsy hit the metal with her spanner, white-hot rage overwhelming her. “You cheating bastard! You low-down, lily-livered, worthless piece of dung ! I hate, hate, hate you!!!” “Hah, I think what you hate is the fact that you lost,” a deep male voice said from behind her, and she spun around and launched the spanner at the sound. It bounced off his personal force field and clattered harmlessly at his feet, which only served to enrage her further. “Get out! I didn’t say you could come into my space. Take your lying, cheating mouth and go suck on some aardvark dung!” His stupidly handsome face broke into a wide grin, cobalt blue eyes sparkling as he crossed his arms over his wide, muscled chest and tilted his head to the side. A lock of black wavy hair fell across his forehead, and it would have given him an endearing look it weren’t for his usual smug smile. “My, you do have a potty mouth today, Gypsy girl. I just stopped by to see if you were okay. From your current demeanour I can see you’re just fine.” “No thanks to you!” she muttered, glaring at him and wishing she could truly hate him as she’d just professed to. Jaxom Sinclair, aka The Dragon, was undeniably gorgeous with a body to make most women swoon. He was six foot four inches in height with wide shoulders, thick arms, an enviable six-pack and the most amazing thighs ever. As always, he was dressed entirely in black, his midnight unruly wavy hair falling over his brow. His silk shirt was tucked into tailored pants, his lightly bronzed skin enhancing his already sinful good looks. There were always a string of women following him around and he lapped it all up with an arrogant smile on his face. He believed he was unbeatable and was ruthless when it came to all challenges, especially hers. “I almost died today, you idiot,” she grumbled, turning her back before she started drooling at the sight of him. That would be all she needed, him finding out that she was as pathetic as all of the other little groupies following him around with their tongues hanging out. “Add a little more queen to that drama and you’ll have nailed it,” he laughed, a deep rich sexy sound that whispered down her spine and lodged somewhere in the pit of her stomach. It was humiliating how easily he swayed her and she clung onto her determination never to let him know just what he did to her. Deciding to wait him out, she ignored him, diving back into the mangled remains of her aircar. Telling Jaxom to go away again was pointless. He would stay for however long he wanted, until he’d done whatever it was he’d set out to do. He wasn’t called The Dragon for nothing. He was a stubborn, immovable object when he set his mind to it. “Come on, Gypsy girl, you can’t stay mad at me forever. You know you’re itching to find out how I got an EMP device passed the Stewards…” And just like that he played his trump card as she knew he would. She did want to know that, very badly. If it could be done once then it could be done again. If it was a trick she could learn and use for the next race then great, otherwise, she could tip the Stewards off on what to look for. Turning to face him, she raised an eyebrow. “How did you do it?”
*You can purchase Gypsy Soul on Amazon, and rate the novel on Goodreads.
*Gordon's main series is available below, and FREE on Literotica. Order to read: Fighting the InevitableThe AssignmentWhen Worlds CollideThe Council, A Long Walk HomeHearts of WarriorsTears of the Fallen.
Author Spotlight: Jaz Cullen/ J C Gordon (Works)
Since I've been posting my stories and poems online, I've met a lot of wonderful writers. That is why I have decided to do an author/poet spotlight whenever I meet a truly remarkable individual over the web. I'll do an online interview with them, and post some of their content, and links so you can read more of their work.
Today's author is J C Gordon. Here is an except from Gordon's Gypsy Soul.
***
Cursing furiously, Gypsy hit the metal with her spanner, white-hot rage overwhelming her. “You cheating bastard! You low-down, lily-livered, worthless piece of dung ! I hate, hate, hate you!!!” “Hah, I think what you hate is the fact that you lost,” a deep male voice said from behind her, and she spun around and launched the spanner at the sound. It bounced off his personal force field and clattered harmlessly at his feet, which only served to enrage her further. “Get out! I didn’t say you could come into my space. Take your lying, cheating mouth and go suck on some aardvark dung!” His stupidly handsome face broke into a wide grin, cobalt blue eyes sparkling as he crossed his arms over his wide, muscled chest and tilted his head to the side. A lock of black wavy hair fell across his forehead, and it would have given him an endearing look it weren’t for his usual smug smile. “My, you do have a potty mouth today, Gypsy girl. I just stopped by to see if you were okay. From your current demeanour I can see you’re just fine.” “No thanks to you!” she muttered, glaring at him and wishing she could truly hate him as she’d just professed to. Jaxom Sinclair, aka The Dragon, was undeniably gorgeous with a body to make most women swoon. He was six foot four inches in height with wide shoulders, thick arms, an enviable six-pack and the most amazing thighs ever. As always, he was dressed entirely in black, his midnight unruly wavy hair falling over his brow. His silk shirt was tucked into tailored pants, his lightly bronzed skin enhancing his already sinful good looks. There were always a string of women following him around and he lapped it all up with an arrogant smile on his face. He believed he was unbeatable and was ruthless when it came to all challenges, especially hers. “I almost died today, you idiot,” she grumbled, turning her back before she started drooling at the sight of him. That would be all she needed, him finding out that she was as pathetic as all of the other little groupies following him around with their tongues hanging out. “Add a little more queen to that drama and you’ll have nailed it,” he laughed, a deep rich sexy sound that whispered down her spine and lodged somewhere in the pit of her stomach. It was humiliating how easily he swayed her and she clung onto her determination never to let him know just what he did to her. Deciding to wait him out, she ignored him, diving back into the mangled remains of her aircar. Telling Jaxom to go away again was pointless. He would stay for however long he wanted, until he’d done whatever it was he’d set out to do. He wasn’t called The Dragon for nothing. He was a stubborn, immovable object when he set his mind to it. “Come on, Gypsy girl, you can’t stay mad at me forever. You know you’re itching to find out how I got an EMP device passed the Stewards…” And just like that he played his trump card as she knew he would. She did want to know that, very badly. If it could be done once then it could be done again. If it was a trick she could learn and use for the next race then great, otherwise, she could tip the Stewards off on what to look for. Turning to face him, she raised an eyebrow. “How did you do it?”
*You can purchase Gypsy Soul on Amazon, and rate the novel on Goodreads.
*Gordon's main series is available below, and FREE on Literotica. Order to read: Fighting the InevitableThe AssignmentWhen Worlds CollideThe Council, A Long Walk HomeHearts of WarriorsTears of the Fallen.
Today's author is J C Gordon. Here is an except from Gordon's Gypsy Soul.
***
Cursing furiously, Gypsy hit the metal with her spanner, white-hot rage overwhelming her. “You cheating bastard! You low-down, lily-livered, worthless piece of dung ! I hate, hate, hate you!!!” “Hah, I think what you hate is the fact that you lost,” a deep male voice said from behind her, and she spun around and launched the spanner at the sound. It bounced off his personal force field and clattered harmlessly at his feet, which only served to enrage her further. “Get out! I didn’t say you could come into my space. Take your lying, cheating mouth and go suck on some aardvark dung!” His stupidly handsome face broke into a wide grin, cobalt blue eyes sparkling as he crossed his arms over his wide, muscled chest and tilted his head to the side. A lock of black wavy hair fell across his forehead, and it would have given him an endearing look it weren’t for his usual smug smile. “My, you do have a potty mouth today, Gypsy girl. I just stopped by to see if you were okay. From your current demeanour I can see you’re just fine.” “No thanks to you!” she muttered, glaring at him and wishing she could truly hate him as she’d just professed to. Jaxom Sinclair, aka The Dragon, was undeniably gorgeous with a body to make most women swoon. He was six foot four inches in height with wide shoulders, thick arms, an enviable six-pack and the most amazing thighs ever. As always, he was dressed entirely in black, his midnight unruly wavy hair falling over his brow. His silk shirt was tucked into tailored pants, his lightly bronzed skin enhancing his already sinful good looks. There were always a string of women following him around and he lapped it all up with an arrogant smile on his face. He believed he was unbeatable and was ruthless when it came to all challenges, especially hers. “I almost died today, you idiot,” she grumbled, turning her back before she started drooling at the sight of him. That would be all she needed, him finding out that she was as pathetic as all of the other little groupies following him around with their tongues hanging out. “Add a little more queen to that drama and you’ll have nailed it,” he laughed, a deep rich sexy sound that whispered down her spine and lodged somewhere in the pit of her stomach. It was humiliating how easily he swayed her and she clung onto her determination never to let him know just what he did to her. Deciding to wait him out, she ignored him, diving back into the mangled remains of her aircar. Telling Jaxom to go away again was pointless. He would stay for however long he wanted, until he’d done whatever it was he’d set out to do. He wasn’t called The Dragon for nothing. He was a stubborn, immovable object when he set his mind to it. “Come on, Gypsy girl, you can’t stay mad at me forever. You know you’re itching to find out how I got an EMP device passed the Stewards…” And just like that he played his trump card as she knew he would. She did want to know that, very badly. If it could be done once then it could be done again. If it was a trick she could learn and use for the next race then great, otherwise, she could tip the Stewards off on what to look for. Turning to face him, she raised an eyebrow. “How did you do it?”
*You can purchase Gypsy Soul on Amazon, and rate the novel on Goodreads.
*Gordon's main series is available below, and FREE on Literotica. Order to read: Fighting the InevitableThe AssignmentWhen Worlds CollideThe Council, A Long Walk HomeHearts of WarriorsTears of the Fallen.
Author Spotlight: Jaz Cullen/J C Gordon (Interview)
Since I've been posting my stories and poems online. I've met a lot of wonderful writers. That is why I have decided to do an author/poet spotlight whenever I meet a truly remarkable individual over the web. I'll do an online interview with them, post some of their work, and links so you can read more of their stuff.
Today's author is known by two names J C Gordon and Jazz Cullen. I virtually sat down with Jaz and asked her a few questions.
***
Hi Jaz! Or should I call you J C? I’m so happy you can join me today! Should we just jump in then? First question: Where are you from?
Hi Rosi, Jaz is fine, most people call me that :) Interesting question. Originally born in a smallish town in England, I have lived in South Africa as a child before moving to Scotland where I have lived most of my life. I consider myself Scottish, and Edinburgh is my home.
Wow, I can see why that would be an interesting question for you. I’m kind of jealous that you’ve traveled so much! It’s awesome. So, when and why did you begin writing?
I have always loved writing but lacked self belief so never finished anything. I guess I have been writing all my life but it’s just been the last few years that I really stuck at it.
Only the last few year? Wow. Well, I’m really happy you found the courage to start writing, your work is phenomenal. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Honestly? I am still working on that one even though I have written many things and self published three novellas.Hmm… interesting. What inspired you to write your first book?
I had been out of work for a long period of time due to ill health. While I was off, I read just about anything in the paranormal romance genre I could get my hands on and I ran out of good things to read. I had a part finished story of my own and decided maybe I could write something as good as everyone else I had read. The first draft of FTI (Fighting the Inevitable) turned out to be so much different to what I eventually wrote and shared with my readers.
Well, I’m sorry you’ve been out of work. But I’m not sorry all those book inspired you to test your hand at writing. Do you have a specific writing style?
I write organically. I usually have an image of a couple in my head and I just open a word document and see what flows...the rest is history. I don’t work well when I try to plan something out. I don’t like being confined to a *set* plot or idea as often what I think I am going to write changes as I write.
Well I think your organic take is working. I say stick with it! How did you come up with the titles for your stories?
Titles are hard LOL! Some are just perfect and you *know* what you want and others you wrack your brains for what feels like forever. I usually turn to my Canadian best friend and we brainstorm ideas until I find something that fits.Haha *nods head* Aren’t friends great? I have the same problem with character names. Most of my characters are just names of people I know LOL Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I don’t think I ever consciously put a message in my work but I am regularly told that I convey one. I guess that message is no matter what life throws at you or how many mistakes you’ve made along the way, there is always someone out there who will see the *real* you and love you for all your perceived faults.
Awh. *smiles* I like that message. Very nice. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not usually. There is a lot of me in my first story Fighting the Inevitable and I did draw on some challenges I faced in life, but over all I tend to prefer my fiction to be fiction. Isn’t that why we all pick up a book, to escape reality?
Haha Yup. I suppose you’re right. What books have most influenced your life most?
I loved Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. I thought they were epic and I was so sad when he passed before he finished them. I haven’t been able to read the remaining ones that were written from his notes and instructions after his passing. It just doesn’t seem right. He was a true genius in my eyes where it came to having so many rich, diverse main characters that slotted into a storyline. I would be honoured to have even a tenth of his talent.
Wow. I’ll have to check him out. I’ve never heard of him, but you make his work sound like a “must read.” Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I love, love, love Nalini Singh. I was recommended by a friend to read her work when I was writing Hearts of Warriors, I think it was. I was staggered when I picked up and devoured Slave to Sensation. My first thought was, ‘She writes like me!’ Then I got a grip and realised that she’s a Best Selling author and it was the other way around LMAO!!! I relate so much to her work because we have a similar style in writing.
Oh! *laughs* That’s too funny!But it’s great you have such a strong connection to Singh. *smiles* Which writer has influenced your work the most?
I would say most of them. You can’t read a book without something sticking with you. Robert, Nalini, Christine Feehan, Laurell K Hamilton, Anne Bishop, Anne Mccaffrey...the list goes on and on.
I’m a lover of Christine Feehan. Her Dark Prince book got me hooked! Who doesn’t love those Carpathian men? LOL What book are you reading now?
At the moment I am going through a dry spell with reading. I don’t actually have anything that is piquing my interest to read. I am hoping that changes soon because reading has always been my second love, after writing. I think Nalini has a couple of books out I need to catch up on...might head over to Amazon for a look after this interview hehehe.
Haha. I have the same issue myself. I’m a Moning Manic, and I just can’t seem to find anything like her. I’ve been going through a little reading dry spell, but that is starting to change. Especially with the new chapter of Tears of the Fallen you keep posting. *wink* I love that story! Okay, are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I move in the Indie author scene a lot with many of my friends being newish to the writing scene. Most recently, my friend DJ Livingston released his first ebook Warrior Wolf: They Walk Among Us. He is incredibly talented and so dedicated to learning and growing. It’s hard to believe that it was only a year ago I received an email from a tremendously polite gentleman asking me if I would review a chapter of his story because he was receiving feedback that it could use some work. Yes, it did need work but so does mine and most authors, but that didn’t negate the awesome talent that shone through what I was reading. I replied with what I hoped was constructive comments. We have been friends ever since and he now has his book out there. I would highly recommend it for a more unique take on Weres and supernatural romance.
Wow! Yup, yup! I’ll have to check it out. But that was a very nice thing of you to do. I mean reviewing his chapter and helping him and everything, not many successful authors like yourself (And yes Jaz, you are successful in your own right) would have the time to help others. So, um, I’m dying to know. What are your current projects?
Ugh, don’t ask my readers that question...they will list them and end it with ...’when are you going to write more?’ LMAO!
I have just finished book 7 in my main body of work, the FTI saga, which currently is for free on selected sites online. I have started book 8 but am on a bit of a break at the moment.
I have a paranormal story Shadow Walking which has been on hiatus for too long.Another paranormal story which follows a group of demon assassins. The first book Demon Hunger is still ongoing.I have fits and starts on another few paranormal stories too and am considering another Steampunk themed story. Most things are up in the air at the moment while I am on a break.
Man, you really keep busy! That’s incredible. I can only imagine how hard it is to keep all thought plotlines and characters in order LOL Do you see writing as a career?
Writing is my love, my dream so to speak. I have released 3 novellas and I am currently trying to find a cheap editor so that I can hopefully have Fighting the Inevitable edited for self publishing. If I could earn a steady income from my writing, I would most definitely quit my day job.
Cool, cool. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?Not my latest one, no. I really loved how Tears of the Fallen turned out. My earlier work need a lot of that...work LOL. It’s quite embarrassing going back to the early days and seeing how much I’ve improved as a writer since then.
Oh, I know! I did that with one of my stories and just cringed as I read it. I was like “how could anyone like this?” But they did. What’s that old saying? “We’re our own worst critics.” *shrug* Something like that. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It was always there. I think my love of reading probably fostered it. I have always loved escaping into imaginary worlds with imaginary people.
I’m right there with you, Jaz. Sometimes, ya just need to escape. I guess that’s why books, and fiction in general, is so popular LOL Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes, when my muse disappears to the Bahamas on vacation and forgets to come back LMAO! Writing organically has its drawbacks that way because I can go through long periods of writer’s block. The upshot is when she comes back...I tend to be on fire and knock out chapter after chapter in quick succession.
Oh! Well, hopefully her vacations are never too too long. *smiles* Who designed the covers?My friends paid for my first cover as a birthday present for me last year. They are the best friends ever! Dawne Dominique did my first cover for Scent of Fear. For Gypsy Soul and Art of Seduction I used Kelly Shorten. I saw one of the covers she did for an author I know and I fell in love with it. When the time came to pay for new covers, I got her details and I intend to keep using them. Kelly is a dream to work with and comes up with great cover ideas.
Awh, your friends are too sweet! And that’s awesome you found such a good designer. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Lack of time can be a hindrance. Working a full time job as well as writing is tough going. Again, if the muse is in the Bahamas I am pretty much helpless until she comes back LOL.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Love what you do! That should always be first and foremost. If you don’t love it, then it becomes a chore and that will *always* be reflected in what you write.Stay true to your vision. We all give advanced reads, look for constructive feedback from beta readers, offer free chapters online etc. Just because a suggestion is out there doesn’t mean you have to use it. If it fits with your world, great! If not, don’t use it.Pay it Forward! I was blessed when I first started to write to have other, more establish Indie authors reach out to offer advice and assistance. I have done my best to do that for other, new authors as they start this crazy journey of writing. Be *that* person for someone else! The rewards for everyone involved are amazing.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I interact a lot with my readers so I would hope they all know what they mean to me already. I usually sum it up by telling them that they are my most precious commodity. Without them wanting to read my work, I would have no impetus to write. I truly have some of the best, most amazing readers in the world and they often humble me with their love and support. #YOUROCK!
That’s really nice. Okay, so some fun questions! What are your top five favorite books?
Oh I can’t list five LOL. I read series of books. I think the authors I’ve listed as being a huge influence on me probably answers this question best of all.
In five words, please describe your ‘romance writing style’.
That’s hard LOL. My readers tend to tell me that my stories are emotional, sexy, vibrant, enthralling and a fun read.
Haha I think you did a great job there. Do your leading men come to any place for you in particular? Dreams? Movies? Your Partner?
No, they are all rather larger than life so there is no real life depictions in mind when I write them. I just imagine what *I* would like to read in a male and start writing.
Haha I think I might actually do that from now on LOL What do you do in your down time?
When I am in a reading phase, I read. I like going to the movies too if there is a good movie on. Most times I am writing or chatting with readers and friends online. I have a very active online persona that brings me a lot of pleasure.
In four words, describe yourself.
Ordinary, loyal, shy, unassuming
What are your top ten snacks while writing?
Hahahaha this is an amusing question that makes me smile because I know what my readers would answer for this one if asked...there really is only one thing that I partake in when writing...coffee
OMG me too! I down six cups yesterday trying to finish one of my books. Coffee is the nectar of the gods for me LOL That and chocolate! Okay. Thank you so much for stopping by! I had tons of fun asking you questions and getting your answers! Thank you again, Jaz, and I can’t wait for everyone to read your work!
*All of Jaz Cullen's books can be found on Goodreads and Amazon. You can read an excerpt from one of her books on my blog under 'Author Spotlight: J C Gordon (Works).*
Today's author is known by two names J C Gordon and Jazz Cullen. I virtually sat down with Jaz and asked her a few questions.***
Hi Jaz! Or should I call you J C? I’m so happy you can join me today! Should we just jump in then? First question: Where are you from?
Hi Rosi, Jaz is fine, most people call me that :) Interesting question. Originally born in a smallish town in England, I have lived in South Africa as a child before moving to Scotland where I have lived most of my life. I consider myself Scottish, and Edinburgh is my home.
Wow, I can see why that would be an interesting question for you. I’m kind of jealous that you’ve traveled so much! It’s awesome. So, when and why did you begin writing?
I have always loved writing but lacked self belief so never finished anything. I guess I have been writing all my life but it’s just been the last few years that I really stuck at it.
Only the last few year? Wow. Well, I’m really happy you found the courage to start writing, your work is phenomenal. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Honestly? I am still working on that one even though I have written many things and self published three novellas.Hmm… interesting. What inspired you to write your first book?
I had been out of work for a long period of time due to ill health. While I was off, I read just about anything in the paranormal romance genre I could get my hands on and I ran out of good things to read. I had a part finished story of my own and decided maybe I could write something as good as everyone else I had read. The first draft of FTI (Fighting the Inevitable) turned out to be so much different to what I eventually wrote and shared with my readers.
Well, I’m sorry you’ve been out of work. But I’m not sorry all those book inspired you to test your hand at writing. Do you have a specific writing style?
I write organically. I usually have an image of a couple in my head and I just open a word document and see what flows...the rest is history. I don’t work well when I try to plan something out. I don’t like being confined to a *set* plot or idea as often what I think I am going to write changes as I write.
Well I think your organic take is working. I say stick with it! How did you come up with the titles for your stories?
Titles are hard LOL! Some are just perfect and you *know* what you want and others you wrack your brains for what feels like forever. I usually turn to my Canadian best friend and we brainstorm ideas until I find something that fits.Haha *nods head* Aren’t friends great? I have the same problem with character names. Most of my characters are just names of people I know LOL Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I don’t think I ever consciously put a message in my work but I am regularly told that I convey one. I guess that message is no matter what life throws at you or how many mistakes you’ve made along the way, there is always someone out there who will see the *real* you and love you for all your perceived faults.
Awh. *smiles* I like that message. Very nice. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not usually. There is a lot of me in my first story Fighting the Inevitable and I did draw on some challenges I faced in life, but over all I tend to prefer my fiction to be fiction. Isn’t that why we all pick up a book, to escape reality?
Haha Yup. I suppose you’re right. What books have most influenced your life most?
I loved Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. I thought they were epic and I was so sad when he passed before he finished them. I haven’t been able to read the remaining ones that were written from his notes and instructions after his passing. It just doesn’t seem right. He was a true genius in my eyes where it came to having so many rich, diverse main characters that slotted into a storyline. I would be honoured to have even a tenth of his talent.
Wow. I’ll have to check him out. I’ve never heard of him, but you make his work sound like a “must read.” Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I love, love, love Nalini Singh. I was recommended by a friend to read her work when I was writing Hearts of Warriors, I think it was. I was staggered when I picked up and devoured Slave to Sensation. My first thought was, ‘She writes like me!’ Then I got a grip and realised that she’s a Best Selling author and it was the other way around LMAO!!! I relate so much to her work because we have a similar style in writing.
Oh! *laughs* That’s too funny!But it’s great you have such a strong connection to Singh. *smiles* Which writer has influenced your work the most?
I would say most of them. You can’t read a book without something sticking with you. Robert, Nalini, Christine Feehan, Laurell K Hamilton, Anne Bishop, Anne Mccaffrey...the list goes on and on.
I’m a lover of Christine Feehan. Her Dark Prince book got me hooked! Who doesn’t love those Carpathian men? LOL What book are you reading now?
At the moment I am going through a dry spell with reading. I don’t actually have anything that is piquing my interest to read. I am hoping that changes soon because reading has always been my second love, after writing. I think Nalini has a couple of books out I need to catch up on...might head over to Amazon for a look after this interview hehehe.
Haha. I have the same issue myself. I’m a Moning Manic, and I just can’t seem to find anything like her. I’ve been going through a little reading dry spell, but that is starting to change. Especially with the new chapter of Tears of the Fallen you keep posting. *wink* I love that story! Okay, are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I move in the Indie author scene a lot with many of my friends being newish to the writing scene. Most recently, my friend DJ Livingston released his first ebook Warrior Wolf: They Walk Among Us. He is incredibly talented and so dedicated to learning and growing. It’s hard to believe that it was only a year ago I received an email from a tremendously polite gentleman asking me if I would review a chapter of his story because he was receiving feedback that it could use some work. Yes, it did need work but so does mine and most authors, but that didn’t negate the awesome talent that shone through what I was reading. I replied with what I hoped was constructive comments. We have been friends ever since and he now has his book out there. I would highly recommend it for a more unique take on Weres and supernatural romance.
Wow! Yup, yup! I’ll have to check it out. But that was a very nice thing of you to do. I mean reviewing his chapter and helping him and everything, not many successful authors like yourself (And yes Jaz, you are successful in your own right) would have the time to help others. So, um, I’m dying to know. What are your current projects?
Ugh, don’t ask my readers that question...they will list them and end it with ...’when are you going to write more?’ LMAO!
I have just finished book 7 in my main body of work, the FTI saga, which currently is for free on selected sites online. I have started book 8 but am on a bit of a break at the moment.
I have a paranormal story Shadow Walking which has been on hiatus for too long.Another paranormal story which follows a group of demon assassins. The first book Demon Hunger is still ongoing.I have fits and starts on another few paranormal stories too and am considering another Steampunk themed story. Most things are up in the air at the moment while I am on a break.
Man, you really keep busy! That’s incredible. I can only imagine how hard it is to keep all thought plotlines and characters in order LOL Do you see writing as a career?
Writing is my love, my dream so to speak. I have released 3 novellas and I am currently trying to find a cheap editor so that I can hopefully have Fighting the Inevitable edited for self publishing. If I could earn a steady income from my writing, I would most definitely quit my day job.
Cool, cool. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?Not my latest one, no. I really loved how Tears of the Fallen turned out. My earlier work need a lot of that...work LOL. It’s quite embarrassing going back to the early days and seeing how much I’ve improved as a writer since then.
Oh, I know! I did that with one of my stories and just cringed as I read it. I was like “how could anyone like this?” But they did. What’s that old saying? “We’re our own worst critics.” *shrug* Something like that. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It was always there. I think my love of reading probably fostered it. I have always loved escaping into imaginary worlds with imaginary people.
I’m right there with you, Jaz. Sometimes, ya just need to escape. I guess that’s why books, and fiction in general, is so popular LOL Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes, when my muse disappears to the Bahamas on vacation and forgets to come back LMAO! Writing organically has its drawbacks that way because I can go through long periods of writer’s block. The upshot is when she comes back...I tend to be on fire and knock out chapter after chapter in quick succession.
Oh! Well, hopefully her vacations are never too too long. *smiles* Who designed the covers?My friends paid for my first cover as a birthday present for me last year. They are the best friends ever! Dawne Dominique did my first cover for Scent of Fear. For Gypsy Soul and Art of Seduction I used Kelly Shorten. I saw one of the covers she did for an author I know and I fell in love with it. When the time came to pay for new covers, I got her details and I intend to keep using them. Kelly is a dream to work with and comes up with great cover ideas.
Awh, your friends are too sweet! And that’s awesome you found such a good designer. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Lack of time can be a hindrance. Working a full time job as well as writing is tough going. Again, if the muse is in the Bahamas I am pretty much helpless until she comes back LOL.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Love what you do! That should always be first and foremost. If you don’t love it, then it becomes a chore and that will *always* be reflected in what you write.Stay true to your vision. We all give advanced reads, look for constructive feedback from beta readers, offer free chapters online etc. Just because a suggestion is out there doesn’t mean you have to use it. If it fits with your world, great! If not, don’t use it.Pay it Forward! I was blessed when I first started to write to have other, more establish Indie authors reach out to offer advice and assistance. I have done my best to do that for other, new authors as they start this crazy journey of writing. Be *that* person for someone else! The rewards for everyone involved are amazing.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I interact a lot with my readers so I would hope they all know what they mean to me already. I usually sum it up by telling them that they are my most precious commodity. Without them wanting to read my work, I would have no impetus to write. I truly have some of the best, most amazing readers in the world and they often humble me with their love and support. #YOUROCK!
That’s really nice. Okay, so some fun questions! What are your top five favorite books?
Oh I can’t list five LOL. I read series of books. I think the authors I’ve listed as being a huge influence on me probably answers this question best of all.
In five words, please describe your ‘romance writing style’.
That’s hard LOL. My readers tend to tell me that my stories are emotional, sexy, vibrant, enthralling and a fun read.
Haha I think you did a great job there. Do your leading men come to any place for you in particular? Dreams? Movies? Your Partner?
No, they are all rather larger than life so there is no real life depictions in mind when I write them. I just imagine what *I* would like to read in a male and start writing.
Haha I think I might actually do that from now on LOL What do you do in your down time?
When I am in a reading phase, I read. I like going to the movies too if there is a good movie on. Most times I am writing or chatting with readers and friends online. I have a very active online persona that brings me a lot of pleasure.
In four words, describe yourself.
Ordinary, loyal, shy, unassuming
What are your top ten snacks while writing?
Hahahaha this is an amusing question that makes me smile because I know what my readers would answer for this one if asked...there really is only one thing that I partake in when writing...coffee
OMG me too! I down six cups yesterday trying to finish one of my books. Coffee is the nectar of the gods for me LOL That and chocolate! Okay. Thank you so much for stopping by! I had tons of fun asking you questions and getting your answers! Thank you again, Jaz, and I can’t wait for everyone to read your work!
*All of Jaz Cullen's books can be found on Goodreads and Amazon. You can read an excerpt from one of her books on my blog under 'Author Spotlight: J C Gordon (Works).*
Author Spotlight: Jaz Cullen/J C Gordon (Interview)
Since I've been posting my stories and poems online. I've met a lot of wonderful writers. That is why I have decided to do an author/poet spotlight whenever I meet a truly remarkable individual over the web. I'll do an online interview with them, post some of their work, and links so you can read more of their stuff.
Today's author is known by two names J C Gordon and Jazz Cullen. I virtually sat down with Jaz and asked her a few questions.
***
Hi Jaz! Or should I call you J C? I’m so happy you can join me today! Should we just jump in then? First question: Where are you from?
Hi Rosi, Jaz is fine, most people call me that :) Interesting question. Originally born in a smallish town in England, I have lived in South Africa as a child before moving to Scotland where I have lived most of my life. I consider myself Scottish, and Edinburgh is my home.
Wow, I can see why that would be an interesting question for you. I’m kind of jealous that you’ve traveled so much! It’s awesome. So, when and why did you begin writing?
I have always loved writing but lacked self belief so never finished anything. I guess I have been writing all my life but it’s just been the last few years that I really stuck at it.
Only the last few year? Wow. Well, I’m really happy you found the courage to start writing, your work is phenomenal. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Honestly? I am still working on that one even though I have written many things and self published three novellas.Hmm… interesting. What inspired you to write your first book?
I had been out of work for a long period of time due to ill health. While I was off, I read just about anything in the paranormal romance genre I could get my hands on and I ran out of good things to read. I had a part finished story of my own and decided maybe I could write something as good as everyone else I had read. The first draft of FTI (Fighting the Inevitable) turned out to be so much different to what I eventually wrote and shared with my readers.
Well, I’m sorry you’ve been out of work. But I’m not sorry all those book inspired you to test your hand at writing. Do you have a specific writing style?
I write organically. I usually have an image of a couple in my head and I just open a word document and see what flows...the rest is history. I don’t work well when I try to plan something out. I don’t like being confined to a *set* plot or idea as often what I think I am going to write changes as I write.
Well I think your organic take is working. I say stick with it! How did you come up with the titles for your stories?
Titles are hard LOL! Some are just perfect and you *know* what you want and others you wrack your brains for what feels like forever. I usually turn to my Canadian best friend and we brainstorm ideas until I find something that fits.Haha *nods head* Aren’t friends great? I have the same problem with character names. Most of my characters are just names of people I know LOL Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I don’t think I ever consciously put a message in my work but I am regularly told that I convey one. I guess that message is no matter what life throws at you or how many mistakes you’ve made along the way, there is always someone out there who will see the *real* you and love you for all your perceived faults.
Awh. *smiles* I like that message. Very nice. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not usually. There is a lot of me in my first story Fighting the Inevitable and I did draw on some challenges I faced in life, but over all I tend to prefer my fiction to be fiction. Isn’t that why we all pick up a book, to escape reality?
Haha Yup. I suppose you’re right. What books have most influenced your life most?
I loved Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. I thought they were epic and I was so sad when he passed before he finished them. I haven’t been able to read the remaining ones that were written from his notes and instructions after his passing. It just doesn’t seem right. He was a true genius in my eyes where it came to having so many rich, diverse main characters that slotted into a storyline. I would be honoured to have even a tenth of his talent.
Wow. I’ll have to check him out. I’ve never heard of him, but you make his work sound like a “must read.” Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I love, love, love Nalini Singh. I was recommended by a friend to read her work when I was writing Hearts of Warriors, I think it was. I was staggered when I picked up and devoured Slave to Sensation. My first thought was, ‘She writes like me!’ Then I got a grip and realised that she’s a Best Selling author and it was the other way around LMAO!!! I relate so much to her work because we have a similar style in writing.
Oh! *laughs* That’s too funny!But it’s great you have such a strong connection to Singh. *smiles* Which writer has influenced your work the most?
I would say most of them. You can’t read a book without something sticking with you. Robert, Nalini, Christine Feehan, Laurell K Hamilton, Anne Bishop, Anne Mccaffrey...the list goes on and on.
I’m a lover of Christine Feehan. Her Dark Prince book got me hooked! Who doesn’t love those Carpathian men? LOL What book are you reading now?
At the moment I am going through a dry spell with reading. I don’t actually have anything that is piquing my interest to read. I am hoping that changes soon because reading has always been my second love, after writing. I think Nalini has a couple of books out I need to catch up on...might head over to Amazon for a look after this interview hehehe.
Haha. I have the same issue myself. I’m a Moning Manic, and I just can’t seem to find anything like her. I’ve been going through a little reading dry spell, but that is starting to change. Especially with the new chapter of Tears of the Fallen you keep posting. *wink* I love that story! Okay, are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I move in the Indie author scene a lot with many of my friends being newish to the writing scene. Most recently, my friend DJ Livingston released his first ebook Warrior Wolf: They Walk Among Us. He is incredibly talented and so dedicated to learning and growing. It’s hard to believe that it was only a year ago I received an email from a tremendously polite gentleman asking me if I would review a chapter of his story because he was receiving feedback that it could use some work. Yes, it did need work but so does mine and most authors, but that didn’t negate the awesome talent that shone through what I was reading. I replied with what I hoped was constructive comments. We have been friends ever since and he now has his book out there. I would highly recommend it for a more unique take on Weres and supernatural romance.
Wow! Yup, yup! I’ll have to check it out. But that was a very nice thing of you to do. I mean reviewing his chapter and helping him and everything, not many successful authors like yourself (And yes Jaz, you are successful in your own right) would have the time to help others. So, um, I’m dying to know. What are your current projects?
Ugh, don’t ask my readers that question...they will list them and end it with ...’when are you going to write more?’ LMAO!
I have just finished book 7 in my main body of work, the FTI saga, which currently is for free on selected sites online. I have started book 8 but am on a bit of a break at the moment.
I have a paranormal story Shadow Walking which has been on hiatus for too long.Another paranormal story which follows a group of demon assassins. The first book Demon Hunger is still ongoing.I have fits and starts on another few paranormal stories too and am considering another Steampunk themed story. Most things are up in the air at the moment while I am on a break.
Man, you really keep busy! That’s incredible. I can only imagine how hard it is to keep all thought plotlines and characters in order LOL Do you see writing as a career?
Writing is my love, my dream so to speak. I have released 3 novellas and I am currently trying to find a cheap editor so that I can hopefully have Fighting the Inevitable edited for self publishing. If I could earn a steady income from my writing, I would most definitely quit my day job.
Cool, cool. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?Not my latest one, no. I really loved how Tears of the Fallen turned out. My earlier work need a lot of that...work LOL. It’s quite embarrassing going back to the early days and seeing how much I’ve improved as a writer since then.
Oh, I know! I did that with one of my stories and just cringed as I read it. I was like “how could anyone like this?” But they did. What’s that old saying? “We’re our own worst critics.” *shrug* Something like that. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It was always there. I think my love of reading probably fostered it. I have always loved escaping into imaginary worlds with imaginary people.
I’m right there with you, Jaz. Sometimes, ya just need to escape. I guess that’s why books, and fiction in general, is so popular LOL Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes, when my muse disappears to the Bahamas on vacation and forgets to come back LMAO! Writing organically has its drawbacks that way because I can go through long periods of writer’s block. The upshot is when she comes back...I tend to be on fire and knock out chapter after chapter in quick succession.
Oh! Well, hopefully her vacations are never too too long. *smiles* Who designed the covers?My friends paid for my first cover as a birthday present for me last year. They are the best friends ever! Dawne Dominique did my first cover for Scent of Fear. For Gypsy Soul and Art of Seduction I used Kelly Shorten. I saw one of the covers she did for an author I know and I fell in love with it. When the time came to pay for new covers, I got her details and I intend to keep using them. Kelly is a dream to work with and comes up with great cover ideas.
Awh, your friends are too sweet! And that’s awesome you found such a good designer. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Lack of time can be a hindrance. Working a full time job as well as writing is tough going. Again, if the muse is in the Bahamas I am pretty much helpless until she comes back LOL.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Love what you do! That should always be first and foremost. If you don’t love it, then it becomes a chore and that will *always* be reflected in what you write.Stay true to your vision. We all give advanced reads, look for constructive feedback from beta readers, offer free chapters online etc. Just because a suggestion is out there doesn’t mean you have to use it. If it fits with your world, great! If not, don’t use it.Pay it Forward! I was blessed when I first started to write to have other, more establish Indie authors reach out to offer advice and assistance. I have done my best to do that for other, new authors as they start this crazy journey of writing. Be *that* person for someone else! The rewards for everyone involved are amazing.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I interact a lot with my readers so I would hope they all know what they mean to me already. I usually sum it up by telling them that they are my most precious commodity. Without them wanting to read my work, I would have no impetus to write. I truly have some of the best, most amazing readers in the world and they often humble me with their love and support. #YOUROCK!
That’s really nice. Okay, so some fun questions! What are your top five favorite books?
Oh I can’t list five LOL. I read series of books. I think the authors I’ve listed as being a huge influence on me probably answers this question best of all.
In five words, please describe your ‘romance writing style’.
That’s hard LOL. My readers tend to tell me that my stories are emotional, sexy, vibrant, enthralling and a fun read.
Haha I think you did a great job there. Do your leading men come to any place for you in particular? Dreams? Movies? Your Partner?
No, they are all rather larger than life so there is no real life depictions in mind when I write them. I just imagine what *I* would like to read in a male and start writing.
Haha I think I might actually do that from now on LOL What do you do in your down time?
When I am in a reading phase, I read. I like going to the movies too if there is a good movie on. Most times I am writing or chatting with readers and friends online. I have a very active online persona that brings me a lot of pleasure.
In four words, describe yourself.
Ordinary, loyal, shy, unassuming
What are your top ten snacks while writing?
Hahahaha this is an amusing question that makes me smile because I know what my readers would answer for this one if asked...there really is only one thing that I partake in when writing...coffee
OMG me too! I down six cups yesterday trying to finish one of my books. Coffee is the nectar of the gods for me LOL That and chocolate! Okay. Thank you so much for stopping by! I had tons of fun asking you questions and getting your answers! Thank you again, Jaz, and I can’t wait for everyone to read your work!
*All of Jaz Cullen's books can be found on Goodreads and Amazon. You can read an excerpt from one of her books on my blog under 'Author Spotlight: J C Gordon (Works).*
Today's author is known by two names J C Gordon and Jazz Cullen. I virtually sat down with Jaz and asked her a few questions.
***
Hi Jaz! Or should I call you J C? I’m so happy you can join me today! Should we just jump in then? First question: Where are you from?
Hi Rosi, Jaz is fine, most people call me that :) Interesting question. Originally born in a smallish town in England, I have lived in South Africa as a child before moving to Scotland where I have lived most of my life. I consider myself Scottish, and Edinburgh is my home.
Wow, I can see why that would be an interesting question for you. I’m kind of jealous that you’ve traveled so much! It’s awesome. So, when and why did you begin writing?
I have always loved writing but lacked self belief so never finished anything. I guess I have been writing all my life but it’s just been the last few years that I really stuck at it.
Only the last few year? Wow. Well, I’m really happy you found the courage to start writing, your work is phenomenal. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Honestly? I am still working on that one even though I have written many things and self published three novellas.Hmm… interesting. What inspired you to write your first book?
I had been out of work for a long period of time due to ill health. While I was off, I read just about anything in the paranormal romance genre I could get my hands on and I ran out of good things to read. I had a part finished story of my own and decided maybe I could write something as good as everyone else I had read. The first draft of FTI (Fighting the Inevitable) turned out to be so much different to what I eventually wrote and shared with my readers.
Well, I’m sorry you’ve been out of work. But I’m not sorry all those book inspired you to test your hand at writing. Do you have a specific writing style?
I write organically. I usually have an image of a couple in my head and I just open a word document and see what flows...the rest is history. I don’t work well when I try to plan something out. I don’t like being confined to a *set* plot or idea as often what I think I am going to write changes as I write.
Well I think your organic take is working. I say stick with it! How did you come up with the titles for your stories?
Titles are hard LOL! Some are just perfect and you *know* what you want and others you wrack your brains for what feels like forever. I usually turn to my Canadian best friend and we brainstorm ideas until I find something that fits.Haha *nods head* Aren’t friends great? I have the same problem with character names. Most of my characters are just names of people I know LOL Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I don’t think I ever consciously put a message in my work but I am regularly told that I convey one. I guess that message is no matter what life throws at you or how many mistakes you’ve made along the way, there is always someone out there who will see the *real* you and love you for all your perceived faults.
Awh. *smiles* I like that message. Very nice. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not usually. There is a lot of me in my first story Fighting the Inevitable and I did draw on some challenges I faced in life, but over all I tend to prefer my fiction to be fiction. Isn’t that why we all pick up a book, to escape reality?
Haha Yup. I suppose you’re right. What books have most influenced your life most?
I loved Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. I thought they were epic and I was so sad when he passed before he finished them. I haven’t been able to read the remaining ones that were written from his notes and instructions after his passing. It just doesn’t seem right. He was a true genius in my eyes where it came to having so many rich, diverse main characters that slotted into a storyline. I would be honoured to have even a tenth of his talent.
Wow. I’ll have to check him out. I’ve never heard of him, but you make his work sound like a “must read.” Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I love, love, love Nalini Singh. I was recommended by a friend to read her work when I was writing Hearts of Warriors, I think it was. I was staggered when I picked up and devoured Slave to Sensation. My first thought was, ‘She writes like me!’ Then I got a grip and realised that she’s a Best Selling author and it was the other way around LMAO!!! I relate so much to her work because we have a similar style in writing.
Oh! *laughs* That’s too funny!But it’s great you have such a strong connection to Singh. *smiles* Which writer has influenced your work the most?
I would say most of them. You can’t read a book without something sticking with you. Robert, Nalini, Christine Feehan, Laurell K Hamilton, Anne Bishop, Anne Mccaffrey...the list goes on and on.
I’m a lover of Christine Feehan. Her Dark Prince book got me hooked! Who doesn’t love those Carpathian men? LOL What book are you reading now?
At the moment I am going through a dry spell with reading. I don’t actually have anything that is piquing my interest to read. I am hoping that changes soon because reading has always been my second love, after writing. I think Nalini has a couple of books out I need to catch up on...might head over to Amazon for a look after this interview hehehe.
Haha. I have the same issue myself. I’m a Moning Manic, and I just can’t seem to find anything like her. I’ve been going through a little reading dry spell, but that is starting to change. Especially with the new chapter of Tears of the Fallen you keep posting. *wink* I love that story! Okay, are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I move in the Indie author scene a lot with many of my friends being newish to the writing scene. Most recently, my friend DJ Livingston released his first ebook Warrior Wolf: They Walk Among Us. He is incredibly talented and so dedicated to learning and growing. It’s hard to believe that it was only a year ago I received an email from a tremendously polite gentleman asking me if I would review a chapter of his story because he was receiving feedback that it could use some work. Yes, it did need work but so does mine and most authors, but that didn’t negate the awesome talent that shone through what I was reading. I replied with what I hoped was constructive comments. We have been friends ever since and he now has his book out there. I would highly recommend it for a more unique take on Weres and supernatural romance.
Wow! Yup, yup! I’ll have to check it out. But that was a very nice thing of you to do. I mean reviewing his chapter and helping him and everything, not many successful authors like yourself (And yes Jaz, you are successful in your own right) would have the time to help others. So, um, I’m dying to know. What are your current projects?
Ugh, don’t ask my readers that question...they will list them and end it with ...’when are you going to write more?’ LMAO!
I have just finished book 7 in my main body of work, the FTI saga, which currently is for free on selected sites online. I have started book 8 but am on a bit of a break at the moment.
I have a paranormal story Shadow Walking which has been on hiatus for too long.Another paranormal story which follows a group of demon assassins. The first book Demon Hunger is still ongoing.I have fits and starts on another few paranormal stories too and am considering another Steampunk themed story. Most things are up in the air at the moment while I am on a break.
Man, you really keep busy! That’s incredible. I can only imagine how hard it is to keep all thought plotlines and characters in order LOL Do you see writing as a career?
Writing is my love, my dream so to speak. I have released 3 novellas and I am currently trying to find a cheap editor so that I can hopefully have Fighting the Inevitable edited for self publishing. If I could earn a steady income from my writing, I would most definitely quit my day job.
Cool, cool. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?Not my latest one, no. I really loved how Tears of the Fallen turned out. My earlier work need a lot of that...work LOL. It’s quite embarrassing going back to the early days and seeing how much I’ve improved as a writer since then.
Oh, I know! I did that with one of my stories and just cringed as I read it. I was like “how could anyone like this?” But they did. What’s that old saying? “We’re our own worst critics.” *shrug* Something like that. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It was always there. I think my love of reading probably fostered it. I have always loved escaping into imaginary worlds with imaginary people.
I’m right there with you, Jaz. Sometimes, ya just need to escape. I guess that’s why books, and fiction in general, is so popular LOL Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes, when my muse disappears to the Bahamas on vacation and forgets to come back LMAO! Writing organically has its drawbacks that way because I can go through long periods of writer’s block. The upshot is when she comes back...I tend to be on fire and knock out chapter after chapter in quick succession.
Oh! Well, hopefully her vacations are never too too long. *smiles* Who designed the covers?My friends paid for my first cover as a birthday present for me last year. They are the best friends ever! Dawne Dominique did my first cover for Scent of Fear. For Gypsy Soul and Art of Seduction I used Kelly Shorten. I saw one of the covers she did for an author I know and I fell in love with it. When the time came to pay for new covers, I got her details and I intend to keep using them. Kelly is a dream to work with and comes up with great cover ideas.
Awh, your friends are too sweet! And that’s awesome you found such a good designer. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Lack of time can be a hindrance. Working a full time job as well as writing is tough going. Again, if the muse is in the Bahamas I am pretty much helpless until she comes back LOL.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Love what you do! That should always be first and foremost. If you don’t love it, then it becomes a chore and that will *always* be reflected in what you write.Stay true to your vision. We all give advanced reads, look for constructive feedback from beta readers, offer free chapters online etc. Just because a suggestion is out there doesn’t mean you have to use it. If it fits with your world, great! If not, don’t use it.Pay it Forward! I was blessed when I first started to write to have other, more establish Indie authors reach out to offer advice and assistance. I have done my best to do that for other, new authors as they start this crazy journey of writing. Be *that* person for someone else! The rewards for everyone involved are amazing.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I interact a lot with my readers so I would hope they all know what they mean to me already. I usually sum it up by telling them that they are my most precious commodity. Without them wanting to read my work, I would have no impetus to write. I truly have some of the best, most amazing readers in the world and they often humble me with their love and support. #YOUROCK!
That’s really nice. Okay, so some fun questions! What are your top five favorite books?
Oh I can’t list five LOL. I read series of books. I think the authors I’ve listed as being a huge influence on me probably answers this question best of all.
In five words, please describe your ‘romance writing style’.
That’s hard LOL. My readers tend to tell me that my stories are emotional, sexy, vibrant, enthralling and a fun read.
Haha I think you did a great job there. Do your leading men come to any place for you in particular? Dreams? Movies? Your Partner?
No, they are all rather larger than life so there is no real life depictions in mind when I write them. I just imagine what *I* would like to read in a male and start writing.
Haha I think I might actually do that from now on LOL What do you do in your down time?
When I am in a reading phase, I read. I like going to the movies too if there is a good movie on. Most times I am writing or chatting with readers and friends online. I have a very active online persona that brings me a lot of pleasure.
In four words, describe yourself.
Ordinary, loyal, shy, unassuming
What are your top ten snacks while writing?
Hahahaha this is an amusing question that makes me smile because I know what my readers would answer for this one if asked...there really is only one thing that I partake in when writing...coffee
OMG me too! I down six cups yesterday trying to finish one of my books. Coffee is the nectar of the gods for me LOL That and chocolate! Okay. Thank you so much for stopping by! I had tons of fun asking you questions and getting your answers! Thank you again, Jaz, and I can’t wait for everyone to read your work!
*All of Jaz Cullen's books can be found on Goodreads and Amazon. You can read an excerpt from one of her books on my blog under 'Author Spotlight: J C Gordon (Works).*
July 22, 2014
Author Spotlight: James DiBenedetto (Works)
Since I've been posting my stories and poems online, I've met a lot of wonderful writers. That is why I have decided to do an author/poet spotlight whenever I meet a truly remarkable individual over the web. I'll do an online interview with them, and post some of their content, and links so you can read more of their work.
Here is an except from James DiBenedetto's novel Dream Student.
***
Sara rarely remembers her dreams. She has no idea that she’s had more or less this same dream two or three nights a week since the beginning of the semester. She’s sitting there in the lecture hall, and if she were ever able to remember this dream she’d recognize it as the same seat she actually sits in every Tuesday and Thursday at nine-thirty in the morning. She’d recognize Dr. Wallabeck, too, and in the dream he’s wearing one of those dreadful patterned ties he always wears; he’s peering over his awful wire-rimmed glasses exactly the way he does in real life. Every detail of the lecture hall is captured by Sara’s subconscious with almost perfect accuracy, including her fellow students. Two rows in front of her is the tall redheaded girl whose name she can never recall and who nods off in the middle of almost every class; in her row and six seats to her left is Adam Walker, who lives directly above her in the dorm, with his huge thermos full of almost-but-not-quite-undrinkable dining hall coffee. In the dream Sara looks around and sees them and all the other faces she sees in class twice a week, and they’re all just as puzzled in the dream as they usually are in class.Sara is the only person in the whole room who’s not. If she could remember the dream, she’d understand why: Dr. Wallabeck isn’t lecturing about angular momentum or torque or any of the other mystifying topics that make up Physics 121. Not now. Instead, the good doctor is talking about amino acids and protein structures, a topic that Sara just last week aced a quiz on in her Introductory Biochemistry course. It doesn’t seem the slightest bit odd to Sara that her physics professor is lecturing about biochemistry instead of physics… *** Brian’s never properly met Sara, never actually spoken to her. He’s seen her quite often, though. In the dining hall, walking back from class, in the student union or the bookstore, in any one of a dozen other places on campus. Even, once, at a party, where he’d just about worked up the nerve to approach her before she disappeared for the night. But he doesn’t really know her; he doesn’t know anything about her that isn’t revealed in the student directory. He’s dreaming about her anyway.Not only about her; Sara is just one character in this dream. She’s there in a cheerleader outfit a size too tight, watching Brian, admiring him, cheering for him, shouting for him as he stands there on the basketball court about to hit the game-winning shot. Sara’s there, admiring and watching and cheering and shouting right alongside every other woman on campus that Brian is attracted to. All admiring and watching and cheering and shouting.But for some reason Sara’s outfit is just a little tighter than anyone else’s; her voice is the tiniest bit louder than any of the others… *** Sara is still in the lecture hall, still the only student in the whole room who’s not completely lost. She’s so far ahead of what Dr. Wallabeck is talking about now that her eyes and her mind begin to wander.In the back of the room she sees her roommate, Beth. Sara is not surprised to see her in Physics, even though she knows that Beth isn’t actually taking the class. She’s also not surprised to see that all the students sitting near her are male. Long-legged, blonde-haired, beautiful Beth; of course the boys all look at her, she thinks, rather than plain old Sara.Sara isn’t terribly bothered by this. First of all, Beth is not only her roommate but her best friend, and has been since halfway through the first semester of freshman year. Second, on a campus with twice as many men as women, Sara doesn’t really have to compete with Beth for male attention. The true competition is between Sara’s interest in male attention and her own generally quiet–verging on shy–nature, not to mention the extremely demanding course schedule that the pre-med program requires of her. *** Suddenly, Sara isn’t in the lecture hall anymore. She’s sitting somewhere else, on metal bleachers inside a large gym. The bleachers are mostly filled, and every eye is directed towards a tall, dark-haired young man standing at the free-throw line, preparing to take the game-winning shot.It takes her a moment to gather her bearings. Sara has no idea why she’s in a gym watching a basketball game: she has no friends on the team, and she doesn’t even like the sport. She has the oddest feeling that she doesn’t belong here at all, that she’s not supposed to be here. And then she sees herself down there on the court with the rest of the cheerleaders. As soon as she sees that, she knows: this is not her dream anymore. It has nothing to do with her. The Sara in the cheerleader outfit is a character in someone else’s dream. She doesn’t know how she knows this, but she has no doubt whatsoever that it’s true. It’s crazy and it’s impossible and it’s happening just the same. Sara doesn’t know what to do; this is so far out of her experience that she doesn’t even know where to begin. All she does know is that she’s in someone else’s mind–or somebody else is in hers. When the young man with the basketball looks up from the court and sees her, locks eyes with her, it’s all too much. This isn’t supposed to be happening, Sara thinks, but she doesn’t know how to get out of his dream, any more than she knows how she got into it in the first place. And then panic sets in–what if she’s trapped here, what if she can’t ever get out of his mind, or throw him out of hers, whichever it is–and she begins screaming…
*You can buy DiBenedetto's works on Amazon.com or Smashwords.com And feel free to check out his website: www.writingdreams.net*
Here is an except from James DiBenedetto's novel Dream Student.
***
Sara rarely remembers her dreams. She has no idea that she’s had more or less this same dream two or three nights a week since the beginning of the semester. She’s sitting there in the lecture hall, and if she were ever able to remember this dream she’d recognize it as the same seat she actually sits in every Tuesday and Thursday at nine-thirty in the morning. She’d recognize Dr. Wallabeck, too, and in the dream he’s wearing one of those dreadful patterned ties he always wears; he’s peering over his awful wire-rimmed glasses exactly the way he does in real life. Every detail of the lecture hall is captured by Sara’s subconscious with almost perfect accuracy, including her fellow students. Two rows in front of her is the tall redheaded girl whose name she can never recall and who nods off in the middle of almost every class; in her row and six seats to her left is Adam Walker, who lives directly above her in the dorm, with his huge thermos full of almost-but-not-quite-undrinkable dining hall coffee. In the dream Sara looks around and sees them and all the other faces she sees in class twice a week, and they’re all just as puzzled in the dream as they usually are in class.Sara is the only person in the whole room who’s not. If she could remember the dream, she’d understand why: Dr. Wallabeck isn’t lecturing about angular momentum or torque or any of the other mystifying topics that make up Physics 121. Not now. Instead, the good doctor is talking about amino acids and protein structures, a topic that Sara just last week aced a quiz on in her Introductory Biochemistry course. It doesn’t seem the slightest bit odd to Sara that her physics professor is lecturing about biochemistry instead of physics… *** Brian’s never properly met Sara, never actually spoken to her. He’s seen her quite often, though. In the dining hall, walking back from class, in the student union or the bookstore, in any one of a dozen other places on campus. Even, once, at a party, where he’d just about worked up the nerve to approach her before she disappeared for the night. But he doesn’t really know her; he doesn’t know anything about her that isn’t revealed in the student directory. He’s dreaming about her anyway.Not only about her; Sara is just one character in this dream. She’s there in a cheerleader outfit a size too tight, watching Brian, admiring him, cheering for him, shouting for him as he stands there on the basketball court about to hit the game-winning shot. Sara’s there, admiring and watching and cheering and shouting right alongside every other woman on campus that Brian is attracted to. All admiring and watching and cheering and shouting.But for some reason Sara’s outfit is just a little tighter than anyone else’s; her voice is the tiniest bit louder than any of the others… *** Sara is still in the lecture hall, still the only student in the whole room who’s not completely lost. She’s so far ahead of what Dr. Wallabeck is talking about now that her eyes and her mind begin to wander.In the back of the room she sees her roommate, Beth. Sara is not surprised to see her in Physics, even though she knows that Beth isn’t actually taking the class. She’s also not surprised to see that all the students sitting near her are male. Long-legged, blonde-haired, beautiful Beth; of course the boys all look at her, she thinks, rather than plain old Sara.Sara isn’t terribly bothered by this. First of all, Beth is not only her roommate but her best friend, and has been since halfway through the first semester of freshman year. Second, on a campus with twice as many men as women, Sara doesn’t really have to compete with Beth for male attention. The true competition is between Sara’s interest in male attention and her own generally quiet–verging on shy–nature, not to mention the extremely demanding course schedule that the pre-med program requires of her. *** Suddenly, Sara isn’t in the lecture hall anymore. She’s sitting somewhere else, on metal bleachers inside a large gym. The bleachers are mostly filled, and every eye is directed towards a tall, dark-haired young man standing at the free-throw line, preparing to take the game-winning shot.It takes her a moment to gather her bearings. Sara has no idea why she’s in a gym watching a basketball game: she has no friends on the team, and she doesn’t even like the sport. She has the oddest feeling that she doesn’t belong here at all, that she’s not supposed to be here. And then she sees herself down there on the court with the rest of the cheerleaders. As soon as she sees that, she knows: this is not her dream anymore. It has nothing to do with her. The Sara in the cheerleader outfit is a character in someone else’s dream. She doesn’t know how she knows this, but she has no doubt whatsoever that it’s true. It’s crazy and it’s impossible and it’s happening just the same. Sara doesn’t know what to do; this is so far out of her experience that she doesn’t even know where to begin. All she does know is that she’s in someone else’s mind–or somebody else is in hers. When the young man with the basketball looks up from the court and sees her, locks eyes with her, it’s all too much. This isn’t supposed to be happening, Sara thinks, but she doesn’t know how to get out of his dream, any more than she knows how she got into it in the first place. And then panic sets in–what if she’s trapped here, what if she can’t ever get out of his mind, or throw him out of hers, whichever it is–and she begins screaming…
*You can buy DiBenedetto's works on Amazon.com or Smashwords.com And feel free to check out his website: www.writingdreams.net*
Author Spotlight: James DiBenedetto (Works)
Since I've been posting my stories and poems online, I've met a lot of wonderful writers. That is why I have decided to do an author/poet spotlight whenever I meet a truly remarkable individual over the web. I'll do an online interview with them, and post some of their content, and links so you can read more of their work.
Here is an except from James DiBenedetto's novel Dream Student.
***
Sara rarely remembers her dreams. She has no idea that she’s had more or less this same dream two or three nights a week since the beginning of the semester. She’s sitting there in the lecture hall, and if she were ever able to remember this dream she’d recognize it as the same seat she actually sits in every Tuesday and Thursday at nine-thirty in the morning. She’d recognize Dr. Wallabeck, too, and in the dream he’s wearing one of those dreadful patterned ties he always wears; he’s peering over his awful wire-rimmed glasses exactly the way he does in real life. Every detail of the lecture hall is captured by Sara’s subconscious with almost perfect accuracy, including her fellow students. Two rows in front of her is the tall redheaded girl whose name she can never recall and who nods off in the middle of almost every class; in her row and six seats to her left is Adam Walker, who lives directly above her in the dorm, with his huge thermos full of almost-but-not-quite-undrinkable dining hall coffee. In the dream Sara looks around and sees them and all the other faces she sees in class twice a week, and they’re all just as puzzled in the dream as they usually are in class.Sara is the only person in the whole room who’s not. If she could remember the dream, she’d understand why: Dr. Wallabeck isn’t lecturing about angular momentum or torque or any of the other mystifying topics that make up Physics 121. Not now. Instead, the good doctor is talking about amino acids and protein structures, a topic that Sara just last week aced a quiz on in her Introductory Biochemistry course. It doesn’t seem the slightest bit odd to Sara that her physics professor is lecturing about biochemistry instead of physics… *** Brian’s never properly met Sara, never actually spoken to her. He’s seen her quite often, though. In the dining hall, walking back from class, in the student union or the bookstore, in any one of a dozen other places on campus. Even, once, at a party, where he’d just about worked up the nerve to approach her before she disappeared for the night. But he doesn’t really know her; he doesn’t know anything about her that isn’t revealed in the student directory. He’s dreaming about her anyway.Not only about her; Sara is just one character in this dream. She’s there in a cheerleader outfit a size too tight, watching Brian, admiring him, cheering for him, shouting for him as he stands there on the basketball court about to hit the game-winning shot. Sara’s there, admiring and watching and cheering and shouting right alongside every other woman on campus that Brian is attracted to. All admiring and watching and cheering and shouting.But for some reason Sara’s outfit is just a little tighter than anyone else’s; her voice is the tiniest bit louder than any of the others… *** Sara is still in the lecture hall, still the only student in the whole room who’s not completely lost. She’s so far ahead of what Dr. Wallabeck is talking about now that her eyes and her mind begin to wander.In the back of the room she sees her roommate, Beth. Sara is not surprised to see her in Physics, even though she knows that Beth isn’t actually taking the class. She’s also not surprised to see that all the students sitting near her are male. Long-legged, blonde-haired, beautiful Beth; of course the boys all look at her, she thinks, rather than plain old Sara.Sara isn’t terribly bothered by this. First of all, Beth is not only her roommate but her best friend, and has been since halfway through the first semester of freshman year. Second, on a campus with twice as many men as women, Sara doesn’t really have to compete with Beth for male attention. The true competition is between Sara’s interest in male attention and her own generally quiet–verging on shy–nature, not to mention the extremely demanding course schedule that the pre-med program requires of her. *** Suddenly, Sara isn’t in the lecture hall anymore. She’s sitting somewhere else, on metal bleachers inside a large gym. The bleachers are mostly filled, and every eye is directed towards a tall, dark-haired young man standing at the free-throw line, preparing to take the game-winning shot.It takes her a moment to gather her bearings. Sara has no idea why she’s in a gym watching a basketball game: she has no friends on the team, and she doesn’t even like the sport. She has the oddest feeling that she doesn’t belong here at all, that she’s not supposed to be here. And then she sees herself down there on the court with the rest of the cheerleaders. As soon as she sees that, she knows: this is not her dream anymore. It has nothing to do with her. The Sara in the cheerleader outfit is a character in someone else’s dream. She doesn’t know how she knows this, but she has no doubt whatsoever that it’s true. It’s crazy and it’s impossible and it’s happening just the same. Sara doesn’t know what to do; this is so far out of her experience that she doesn’t even know where to begin. All she does know is that she’s in someone else’s mind–or somebody else is in hers. When the young man with the basketball looks up from the court and sees her, locks eyes with her, it’s all too much. This isn’t supposed to be happening, Sara thinks, but she doesn’t know how to get out of his dream, any more than she knows how she got into it in the first place. And then panic sets in–what if she’s trapped here, what if she can’t ever get out of his mind, or throw him out of hers, whichever it is–and she begins screaming…
*You can buy DiBenedetto's works on Amazon.com or Smashwords.com And feel free to check out his website: www.writingdreams.net*
Here is an except from James DiBenedetto's novel Dream Student.
***
Sara rarely remembers her dreams. She has no idea that she’s had more or less this same dream two or three nights a week since the beginning of the semester. She’s sitting there in the lecture hall, and if she were ever able to remember this dream she’d recognize it as the same seat she actually sits in every Tuesday and Thursday at nine-thirty in the morning. She’d recognize Dr. Wallabeck, too, and in the dream he’s wearing one of those dreadful patterned ties he always wears; he’s peering over his awful wire-rimmed glasses exactly the way he does in real life. Every detail of the lecture hall is captured by Sara’s subconscious with almost perfect accuracy, including her fellow students. Two rows in front of her is the tall redheaded girl whose name she can never recall and who nods off in the middle of almost every class; in her row and six seats to her left is Adam Walker, who lives directly above her in the dorm, with his huge thermos full of almost-but-not-quite-undrinkable dining hall coffee. In the dream Sara looks around and sees them and all the other faces she sees in class twice a week, and they’re all just as puzzled in the dream as they usually are in class.Sara is the only person in the whole room who’s not. If she could remember the dream, she’d understand why: Dr. Wallabeck isn’t lecturing about angular momentum or torque or any of the other mystifying topics that make up Physics 121. Not now. Instead, the good doctor is talking about amino acids and protein structures, a topic that Sara just last week aced a quiz on in her Introductory Biochemistry course. It doesn’t seem the slightest bit odd to Sara that her physics professor is lecturing about biochemistry instead of physics… *** Brian’s never properly met Sara, never actually spoken to her. He’s seen her quite often, though. In the dining hall, walking back from class, in the student union or the bookstore, in any one of a dozen other places on campus. Even, once, at a party, where he’d just about worked up the nerve to approach her before she disappeared for the night. But he doesn’t really know her; he doesn’t know anything about her that isn’t revealed in the student directory. He’s dreaming about her anyway.Not only about her; Sara is just one character in this dream. She’s there in a cheerleader outfit a size too tight, watching Brian, admiring him, cheering for him, shouting for him as he stands there on the basketball court about to hit the game-winning shot. Sara’s there, admiring and watching and cheering and shouting right alongside every other woman on campus that Brian is attracted to. All admiring and watching and cheering and shouting.But for some reason Sara’s outfit is just a little tighter than anyone else’s; her voice is the tiniest bit louder than any of the others… *** Sara is still in the lecture hall, still the only student in the whole room who’s not completely lost. She’s so far ahead of what Dr. Wallabeck is talking about now that her eyes and her mind begin to wander.In the back of the room she sees her roommate, Beth. Sara is not surprised to see her in Physics, even though she knows that Beth isn’t actually taking the class. She’s also not surprised to see that all the students sitting near her are male. Long-legged, blonde-haired, beautiful Beth; of course the boys all look at her, she thinks, rather than plain old Sara.Sara isn’t terribly bothered by this. First of all, Beth is not only her roommate but her best friend, and has been since halfway through the first semester of freshman year. Second, on a campus with twice as many men as women, Sara doesn’t really have to compete with Beth for male attention. The true competition is between Sara’s interest in male attention and her own generally quiet–verging on shy–nature, not to mention the extremely demanding course schedule that the pre-med program requires of her. *** Suddenly, Sara isn’t in the lecture hall anymore. She’s sitting somewhere else, on metal bleachers inside a large gym. The bleachers are mostly filled, and every eye is directed towards a tall, dark-haired young man standing at the free-throw line, preparing to take the game-winning shot.It takes her a moment to gather her bearings. Sara has no idea why she’s in a gym watching a basketball game: she has no friends on the team, and she doesn’t even like the sport. She has the oddest feeling that she doesn’t belong here at all, that she’s not supposed to be here. And then she sees herself down there on the court with the rest of the cheerleaders. As soon as she sees that, she knows: this is not her dream anymore. It has nothing to do with her. The Sara in the cheerleader outfit is a character in someone else’s dream. She doesn’t know how she knows this, but she has no doubt whatsoever that it’s true. It’s crazy and it’s impossible and it’s happening just the same. Sara doesn’t know what to do; this is so far out of her experience that she doesn’t even know where to begin. All she does know is that she’s in someone else’s mind–or somebody else is in hers. When the young man with the basketball looks up from the court and sees her, locks eyes with her, it’s all too much. This isn’t supposed to be happening, Sara thinks, but she doesn’t know how to get out of his dream, any more than she knows how she got into it in the first place. And then panic sets in–what if she’s trapped here, what if she can’t ever get out of his mind, or throw him out of hers, whichever it is–and she begins screaming…
*You can buy DiBenedetto's works on Amazon.com or Smashwords.com And feel free to check out his website: www.writingdreams.net*
Author Spotlight: James DiBenedetto (Interview)
Since I've been posting my stories and poems online. I've met a lot of wonderful writers. That is why I have decided to do an author/poet spotlight whenever I meet a truly remarkable individual over the web. I'll do an online interview with them, post some of their work, and links so you can read more of their stuff.
Today's author is James DiBenedetto. I virtually sat down with James and asked him a few questions.
***
Hi J.J. so glad you could join me today!
Thanks for having me, Rosi.
Should we just jump in then? First question: Where are you from?
I was born in the Bronx, NY and grew up in Yonkers. My grade school was a block away from our building, and I had several extended family living within walking distance, too.
Really? That’s great. I love NY, it really is the city that never sleeps. And it’s was great that you had family so close. When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing unseriously in high school. It wasn’t until after college that I finished something of any length, which was the first draft of “Dream Student” (before it was even called that). Then, that draft sat on my computer for over a decade. What made me dust it off was when a friend sold her novel to a small publisher, and I said, “Why can’t I do that, too?” So I rewrote the book from page 1...and ended up writing six more books (so far!).
Wow! That’s incredible. Isn’t it amazing how people can inspire us to be the best we can? *grins* But that’s amazing—six books so far. I have no doubt they’re more in the making. But when did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I got back the editorial evaluation from CreateSpace for “Dream Student.” I had an objective evaluation saying that I had a book that was publishable - that was the moment for me.
Really? That’s awesome. CreateSpace is a great tool for authors. What inspired you to write your first book?
I actually wrote the first draft fifteen years ago. I had the idea when I was thinking about why people in mysteries always seem to be solving crimes themselves, instead of going to the police like any sane person in real life would do. So the answer I came up with was: if you saw the crimes in the criminal’s mind, in their dreams, you’d have to investigate it yourself. And that’s where “Dream Student” came from.
Really? That’s fascinating and definitely a different take. I’ve often wondered why people didn’t go to the police too. But if it’s in someone’s dream, how can they? Very cool.
So do you have a specific writing style?
Not that I can think of - I just write the story as it comes.Nice. So then how did you come up with the title?
That took a while. The original title was “Dreamchaser” (sometimes plural, sometimes not), and I never liked it. It wasn’t until after the book was done and I was halfway through the second book, that I came up with “Dream Student” and that have me a link to title all the subsequent books.Oh! Cool. Titles can be tricky, tricky things. *smiles* Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I didn’t set out to write a message, but I think one is there. Basically, it’s about responsibility and following your conscience, even when it’s hard or dangerous.
That’s a great lesson, and one that I think a lot of readers will respond to. Are the experiences of your characters based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not the experiences in the story, but the setting of “Dream Student” is a (very thinly) veiled take on where I actually went to college, and a lot of the background characters are drawn from people I knew there.
Well, then it’s true what they say. Write what you know. *laughs* What books have most influenced your life most?
That’s a tough question - there are so many, I can’t really pick one out.
Well then, who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Mark Helprin, author of “Winter’s Tale.” His prose is SO beautiful, and that novel is - by far - the best thing I’ve ever read.
Really? I’ll have to give it a try. What book are you reading now?I just picked up “Landline” by Rainbow Rowell but I haven’t started it yet.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Rainbow Rowell is one of my new favorite authors; I’ve enjoyed all of her books so far.
I’ve never heard of her. I’ll have to check out her work. What are your current projects?
I’m working on the 8th and 9th books in the Dream Series (“Dream Vacation” and “Shattered Dream”). “Dream Vacation” should be out at the end of October.
Nice. I’ll be looking out for it. Do you see writing as a career?
I hope it will be. But I’m not there yet.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
There are always little things I would change, looking back at it. I know there are things I could phrase better, little lapses in logic or moments that maybe don’t work as well as they should. But I think every author would say that about their work. Overall, I’m very happy with it, and all my books so far. There’s nothing really major I would change about any of the Dream Series books.
Well, I’m glad that you're happy. Your readers seem to like your work, so I’m sure you're doing something right. *wink* Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve always been interested in writing, going back to high school. I can’t think of a time I wasn’t.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
It’s more the marketing part that I find challenging (also frustrating, and terrifying, and…).
Oh! I understand that. I’m crap-tastic at marketing, but ya live and learn. Who designed the covers?
The current covers were designed by Emma Michaels (http://www.emmamichaels.com). But the original covers were handpainted (to my specifications) by a local artist, Ami Low. She did a fantastic job and gave me exactly what I wanted...which wasn’t what readers were looking for. So I went to Emma to redesign them, and she did a great job as well.
Hand painted? That’s so cool! And they really do look awesome! I’ve gotten a chance to see both sets, and both artists did a great job. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest thing was writing book #4 of the series, “Dream Family.” Sara is wrongfully arrested and is horribly mistreated while she’s in jail. That was really difficult to write, and I lost a lot of sleep over those chapters.
But I think those are ones readers really need to read. The world isn’t black and white, why should our books be? Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing! Really, that’s the best thing I can say.
I think that’s great advice! Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you!
Awh, that’s sweet. Okay, now fun time questions! What are your top five favorite books?
“Winter’s Tale” by Mark Helprin“Mordant’s Need” by Stephen R. Donaldson“Dune” by Frank HerbertThe Harry Potter series“Barrow’s Boys” by Fergus Fleming
In five words, please describe your ‘romance writing style’.
Breezy, immersive, emotional, heartfelt, personal.
Ooh! I like that! Do your leading men come to any place for you in particular? Dreams? Movies? Your Partner?
Brian (and Sara) both just came to me fully-formed - they really didn’t emerge from images of actors or any real people I know.
That’s cool. What do you do in your down time?
Watch movies, listen to music (I love opera), go out with my camera (although I haven’t done that in far too long).
In four words, describe yourself.
Friendly, loyal, nervous, full-blooded Italian
What are your top ten snacks while writing?
Potato chips, cookies, pizza, donuts...do I need to go on?
Awesome! Thank you for doing this interview with me James. I can't wait for your new book in October. I bet all of your fans are super excited. Well, thank you and I can't wait for everyone to read your work!
*All of James DiBenedetto's books can be found on Goodreads and Amazon. You can read an excerpt from one of his books on my blog under 'Author Spotlight (James DiBenedetto) Works.*
Today's author is James DiBenedetto. I virtually sat down with James and asked him a few questions.***
Hi J.J. so glad you could join me today!
Thanks for having me, Rosi.
Should we just jump in then? First question: Where are you from?
I was born in the Bronx, NY and grew up in Yonkers. My grade school was a block away from our building, and I had several extended family living within walking distance, too.
Really? That’s great. I love NY, it really is the city that never sleeps. And it’s was great that you had family so close. When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing unseriously in high school. It wasn’t until after college that I finished something of any length, which was the first draft of “Dream Student” (before it was even called that). Then, that draft sat on my computer for over a decade. What made me dust it off was when a friend sold her novel to a small publisher, and I said, “Why can’t I do that, too?” So I rewrote the book from page 1...and ended up writing six more books (so far!).
Wow! That’s incredible. Isn’t it amazing how people can inspire us to be the best we can? *grins* But that’s amazing—six books so far. I have no doubt they’re more in the making. But when did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I got back the editorial evaluation from CreateSpace for “Dream Student.” I had an objective evaluation saying that I had a book that was publishable - that was the moment for me.
Really? That’s awesome. CreateSpace is a great tool for authors. What inspired you to write your first book?
I actually wrote the first draft fifteen years ago. I had the idea when I was thinking about why people in mysteries always seem to be solving crimes themselves, instead of going to the police like any sane person in real life would do. So the answer I came up with was: if you saw the crimes in the criminal’s mind, in their dreams, you’d have to investigate it yourself. And that’s where “Dream Student” came from.
Really? That’s fascinating and definitely a different take. I’ve often wondered why people didn’t go to the police too. But if it’s in someone’s dream, how can they? Very cool.
So do you have a specific writing style?
Not that I can think of - I just write the story as it comes.Nice. So then how did you come up with the title?
That took a while. The original title was “Dreamchaser” (sometimes plural, sometimes not), and I never liked it. It wasn’t until after the book was done and I was halfway through the second book, that I came up with “Dream Student” and that have me a link to title all the subsequent books.Oh! Cool. Titles can be tricky, tricky things. *smiles* Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I didn’t set out to write a message, but I think one is there. Basically, it’s about responsibility and following your conscience, even when it’s hard or dangerous.
That’s a great lesson, and one that I think a lot of readers will respond to. Are the experiences of your characters based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not the experiences in the story, but the setting of “Dream Student” is a (very thinly) veiled take on where I actually went to college, and a lot of the background characters are drawn from people I knew there.
Well, then it’s true what they say. Write what you know. *laughs* What books have most influenced your life most?
That’s a tough question - there are so many, I can’t really pick one out.
Well then, who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Mark Helprin, author of “Winter’s Tale.” His prose is SO beautiful, and that novel is - by far - the best thing I’ve ever read.
Really? I’ll have to give it a try. What book are you reading now?I just picked up “Landline” by Rainbow Rowell but I haven’t started it yet.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Rainbow Rowell is one of my new favorite authors; I’ve enjoyed all of her books so far.
I’ve never heard of her. I’ll have to check out her work. What are your current projects?
I’m working on the 8th and 9th books in the Dream Series (“Dream Vacation” and “Shattered Dream”). “Dream Vacation” should be out at the end of October.
Nice. I’ll be looking out for it. Do you see writing as a career?
I hope it will be. But I’m not there yet.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
There are always little things I would change, looking back at it. I know there are things I could phrase better, little lapses in logic or moments that maybe don’t work as well as they should. But I think every author would say that about their work. Overall, I’m very happy with it, and all my books so far. There’s nothing really major I would change about any of the Dream Series books.
Well, I’m glad that you're happy. Your readers seem to like your work, so I’m sure you're doing something right. *wink* Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve always been interested in writing, going back to high school. I can’t think of a time I wasn’t.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
It’s more the marketing part that I find challenging (also frustrating, and terrifying, and…).
Oh! I understand that. I’m crap-tastic at marketing, but ya live and learn. Who designed the covers?
The current covers were designed by Emma Michaels (http://www.emmamichaels.com). But the original covers were handpainted (to my specifications) by a local artist, Ami Low. She did a fantastic job and gave me exactly what I wanted...which wasn’t what readers were looking for. So I went to Emma to redesign them, and she did a great job as well.
Hand painted? That’s so cool! And they really do look awesome! I’ve gotten a chance to see both sets, and both artists did a great job. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest thing was writing book #4 of the series, “Dream Family.” Sara is wrongfully arrested and is horribly mistreated while she’s in jail. That was really difficult to write, and I lost a lot of sleep over those chapters.
But I think those are ones readers really need to read. The world isn’t black and white, why should our books be? Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing! Really, that’s the best thing I can say.
I think that’s great advice! Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you!
Awh, that’s sweet. Okay, now fun time questions! What are your top five favorite books?
“Winter’s Tale” by Mark Helprin“Mordant’s Need” by Stephen R. Donaldson“Dune” by Frank HerbertThe Harry Potter series“Barrow’s Boys” by Fergus Fleming
In five words, please describe your ‘romance writing style’.
Breezy, immersive, emotional, heartfelt, personal.
Ooh! I like that! Do your leading men come to any place for you in particular? Dreams? Movies? Your Partner?
Brian (and Sara) both just came to me fully-formed - they really didn’t emerge from images of actors or any real people I know.
That’s cool. What do you do in your down time?
Watch movies, listen to music (I love opera), go out with my camera (although I haven’t done that in far too long).
In four words, describe yourself.
Friendly, loyal, nervous, full-blooded Italian
What are your top ten snacks while writing?
Potato chips, cookies, pizza, donuts...do I need to go on?
Awesome! Thank you for doing this interview with me James. I can't wait for your new book in October. I bet all of your fans are super excited. Well, thank you and I can't wait for everyone to read your work!
*All of James DiBenedetto's books can be found on Goodreads and Amazon. You can read an excerpt from one of his books on my blog under 'Author Spotlight (James DiBenedetto) Works.*
Author Spotlight: James DiBenedetto (Interview)
Since I've been posting my stories and poems online. I've met a lot of wonderful writers. That is why I have decided to do an author/poet spotlight whenever I meet a truly remarkable individual over the web. I'll do an online interview with them, post some of their work, and links so you can read more of their stuff.
Today's author is James DiBenedetto. I virtually sat down with James and asked him a few questions.
***
Hi J.J. so glad you could join me today!
Thanks for having me, Rosi.
Should we just jump in then? First question: Where are you from?
I was born in the Bronx, NY and grew up in Yonkers. My grade school was a block away from our building, and I had several extended family living within walking distance, too.
Really? That’s great. I love NY, it really is the city that never sleeps. And it’s was great that you had family so close. When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing unseriously in high school. It wasn’t until after college that I finished something of any length, which was the first draft of “Dream Student” (before it was even called that). Then, that draft sat on my computer for over a decade. What made me dust it off was when a friend sold her novel to a small publisher, and I said, “Why can’t I do that, too?” So I rewrote the book from page 1...and ended up writing six more books (so far!).
Wow! That’s incredible. Isn’t it amazing how people can inspire us to be the best we can? *grins* But that’s amazing—six books so far. I have no doubt they’re more in the making. But when did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I got back the editorial evaluation from CreateSpace for “Dream Student.” I had an objective evaluation saying that I had a book that was publishable - that was the moment for me.
Really? That’s awesome. CreateSpace is a great tool for authors. What inspired you to write your first book?
I actually wrote the first draft fifteen years ago. I had the idea when I was thinking about why people in mysteries always seem to be solving crimes themselves, instead of going to the police like any sane person in real life would do. So the answer I came up with was: if you saw the crimes in the criminal’s mind, in their dreams, you’d have to investigate it yourself. And that’s where “Dream Student” came from.
Really? That’s fascinating and definitely a different take. I’ve often wondered why people didn’t go to the police too. But if it’s in someone’s dream, how can they? Very cool.
So do you have a specific writing style?
Not that I can think of - I just write the story as it comes.Nice. So then how did you come up with the title?
That took a while. The original title was “Dreamchaser” (sometimes plural, sometimes not), and I never liked it. It wasn’t until after the book was done and I was halfway through the second book, that I came up with “Dream Student” and that have me a link to title all the subsequent books.Oh! Cool. Titles can be tricky, tricky things. *smiles* Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I didn’t set out to write a message, but I think one is there. Basically, it’s about responsibility and following your conscience, even when it’s hard or dangerous.
That’s a great lesson, and one that I think a lot of readers will respond to. Are the experiences of your characters based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not the experiences in the story, but the setting of “Dream Student” is a (very thinly) veiled take on where I actually went to college, and a lot of the background characters are drawn from people I knew there.
Well, then it’s true what they say. Write what you know. *laughs* What books have most influenced your life most?
That’s a tough question - there are so many, I can’t really pick one out.
Well then, who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Mark Helprin, author of “Winter’s Tale.” His prose is SO beautiful, and that novel is - by far - the best thing I’ve ever read.
Really? I’ll have to give it a try. What book are you reading now?I just picked up “Landline” by Rainbow Rowell but I haven’t started it yet.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Rainbow Rowell is one of my new favorite authors; I’ve enjoyed all of her books so far.
I’ve never heard of her. I’ll have to check out her work. What are your current projects?
I’m working on the 8th and 9th books in the Dream Series (“Dream Vacation” and “Shattered Dream”). “Dream Vacation” should be out at the end of October.
Nice. I’ll be looking out for it. Do you see writing as a career?
I hope it will be. But I’m not there yet.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
There are always little things I would change, looking back at it. I know there are things I could phrase better, little lapses in logic or moments that maybe don’t work as well as they should. But I think every author would say that about their work. Overall, I’m very happy with it, and all my books so far. There’s nothing really major I would change about any of the Dream Series books.
Well, I’m glad that you're happy. Your readers seem to like your work, so I’m sure you're doing something right. *wink* Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve always been interested in writing, going back to high school. I can’t think of a time I wasn’t.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
It’s more the marketing part that I find challenging (also frustrating, and terrifying, and…).
Oh! I understand that. I’m crap-tastic at marketing, but ya live and learn. Who designed the covers?
The current covers were designed by Emma Michaels (http://www.emmamichaels.com). But the original covers were handpainted (to my specifications) by a local artist, Ami Low. She did a fantastic job and gave me exactly what I wanted...which wasn’t what readers were looking for. So I went to Emma to redesign them, and she did a great job as well.
Hand painted? That’s so cool! And they really do look awesome! I’ve gotten a chance to see both sets, and both artists did a great job. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest thing was writing book #4 of the series, “Dream Family.” Sara is wrongfully arrested and is horribly mistreated while she’s in jail. That was really difficult to write, and I lost a lot of sleep over those chapters.
But I think those are ones readers really need to read. The world isn’t black and white, why should our books be? Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing! Really, that’s the best thing I can say.
I think that’s great advice! Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you!
Awh, that’s sweet. Okay, now fun time questions! What are your top five favorite books?
“Winter’s Tale” by Mark Helprin“Mordant’s Need” by Stephen R. Donaldson“Dune” by Frank HerbertThe Harry Potter series“Barrow’s Boys” by Fergus Fleming
In five words, please describe your ‘romance writing style’.
Breezy, immersive, emotional, heartfelt, personal.
Ooh! I like that! Do your leading men come to any place for you in particular? Dreams? Movies? Your Partner?
Brian (and Sara) both just came to me fully-formed - they really didn’t emerge from images of actors or any real people I know.
That’s cool. What do you do in your down time?
Watch movies, listen to music (I love opera), go out with my camera (although I haven’t done that in far too long).
In four words, describe yourself.
Friendly, loyal, nervous, full-blooded Italian
What are your top ten snacks while writing?
Potato chips, cookies, pizza, donuts...do I need to go on?
Awesome! Thank you for doing this interview with me James. I can't wait for your new book in October. I bet all of your fans are super excited. Well, thank you and I can't wait for everyone to read your work!
*All of James DiBenedetto's books can be found on Goodreads and Amazon. You can read an excerpt from one of his books on my blog under 'Author Spotlight (James DiBenedetto) Works.*
Today's author is James DiBenedetto. I virtually sat down with James and asked him a few questions.
***
Hi J.J. so glad you could join me today!
Thanks for having me, Rosi.
Should we just jump in then? First question: Where are you from?
I was born in the Bronx, NY and grew up in Yonkers. My grade school was a block away from our building, and I had several extended family living within walking distance, too.
Really? That’s great. I love NY, it really is the city that never sleeps. And it’s was great that you had family so close. When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing unseriously in high school. It wasn’t until after college that I finished something of any length, which was the first draft of “Dream Student” (before it was even called that). Then, that draft sat on my computer for over a decade. What made me dust it off was when a friend sold her novel to a small publisher, and I said, “Why can’t I do that, too?” So I rewrote the book from page 1...and ended up writing six more books (so far!).
Wow! That’s incredible. Isn’t it amazing how people can inspire us to be the best we can? *grins* But that’s amazing—six books so far. I have no doubt they’re more in the making. But when did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I got back the editorial evaluation from CreateSpace for “Dream Student.” I had an objective evaluation saying that I had a book that was publishable - that was the moment for me.
Really? That’s awesome. CreateSpace is a great tool for authors. What inspired you to write your first book?
I actually wrote the first draft fifteen years ago. I had the idea when I was thinking about why people in mysteries always seem to be solving crimes themselves, instead of going to the police like any sane person in real life would do. So the answer I came up with was: if you saw the crimes in the criminal’s mind, in their dreams, you’d have to investigate it yourself. And that’s where “Dream Student” came from.
Really? That’s fascinating and definitely a different take. I’ve often wondered why people didn’t go to the police too. But if it’s in someone’s dream, how can they? Very cool.
So do you have a specific writing style?
Not that I can think of - I just write the story as it comes.Nice. So then how did you come up with the title?
That took a while. The original title was “Dreamchaser” (sometimes plural, sometimes not), and I never liked it. It wasn’t until after the book was done and I was halfway through the second book, that I came up with “Dream Student” and that have me a link to title all the subsequent books.Oh! Cool. Titles can be tricky, tricky things. *smiles* Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I didn’t set out to write a message, but I think one is there. Basically, it’s about responsibility and following your conscience, even when it’s hard or dangerous.
That’s a great lesson, and one that I think a lot of readers will respond to. Are the experiences of your characters based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not the experiences in the story, but the setting of “Dream Student” is a (very thinly) veiled take on where I actually went to college, and a lot of the background characters are drawn from people I knew there.
Well, then it’s true what they say. Write what you know. *laughs* What books have most influenced your life most?
That’s a tough question - there are so many, I can’t really pick one out.
Well then, who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Mark Helprin, author of “Winter’s Tale.” His prose is SO beautiful, and that novel is - by far - the best thing I’ve ever read.
Really? I’ll have to give it a try. What book are you reading now?I just picked up “Landline” by Rainbow Rowell but I haven’t started it yet.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Rainbow Rowell is one of my new favorite authors; I’ve enjoyed all of her books so far.
I’ve never heard of her. I’ll have to check out her work. What are your current projects?
I’m working on the 8th and 9th books in the Dream Series (“Dream Vacation” and “Shattered Dream”). “Dream Vacation” should be out at the end of October.
Nice. I’ll be looking out for it. Do you see writing as a career?
I hope it will be. But I’m not there yet.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
There are always little things I would change, looking back at it. I know there are things I could phrase better, little lapses in logic or moments that maybe don’t work as well as they should. But I think every author would say that about their work. Overall, I’m very happy with it, and all my books so far. There’s nothing really major I would change about any of the Dream Series books.
Well, I’m glad that you're happy. Your readers seem to like your work, so I’m sure you're doing something right. *wink* Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve always been interested in writing, going back to high school. I can’t think of a time I wasn’t.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
It’s more the marketing part that I find challenging (also frustrating, and terrifying, and…).
Oh! I understand that. I’m crap-tastic at marketing, but ya live and learn. Who designed the covers?
The current covers were designed by Emma Michaels (http://www.emmamichaels.com). But the original covers were handpainted (to my specifications) by a local artist, Ami Low. She did a fantastic job and gave me exactly what I wanted...which wasn’t what readers were looking for. So I went to Emma to redesign them, and she did a great job as well.
Hand painted? That’s so cool! And they really do look awesome! I’ve gotten a chance to see both sets, and both artists did a great job. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest thing was writing book #4 of the series, “Dream Family.” Sara is wrongfully arrested and is horribly mistreated while she’s in jail. That was really difficult to write, and I lost a lot of sleep over those chapters.
But I think those are ones readers really need to read. The world isn’t black and white, why should our books be? Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing! Really, that’s the best thing I can say.
I think that’s great advice! Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you!
Awh, that’s sweet. Okay, now fun time questions! What are your top five favorite books?
“Winter’s Tale” by Mark Helprin“Mordant’s Need” by Stephen R. Donaldson“Dune” by Frank HerbertThe Harry Potter series“Barrow’s Boys” by Fergus Fleming
In five words, please describe your ‘romance writing style’.
Breezy, immersive, emotional, heartfelt, personal.
Ooh! I like that! Do your leading men come to any place for you in particular? Dreams? Movies? Your Partner?
Brian (and Sara) both just came to me fully-formed - they really didn’t emerge from images of actors or any real people I know.
That’s cool. What do you do in your down time?
Watch movies, listen to music (I love opera), go out with my camera (although I haven’t done that in far too long).
In four words, describe yourself.
Friendly, loyal, nervous, full-blooded Italian
What are your top ten snacks while writing?
Potato chips, cookies, pizza, donuts...do I need to go on?
Awesome! Thank you for doing this interview with me James. I can't wait for your new book in October. I bet all of your fans are super excited. Well, thank you and I can't wait for everyone to read your work!
*All of James DiBenedetto's books can be found on Goodreads and Amazon. You can read an excerpt from one of his books on my blog under 'Author Spotlight (James DiBenedetto) Works.*
July 14, 2014
Who and What’s helped me
I like to think that at least a few people follow me. So, for the few of you reading this post, here’s to hoping you’re writers too!
I write a lot, and over the course of the three or so years I’ve been posting my writing online I always come across new and better ways to help me either (a) become a better writer or (b) get my writing out there more efficiently.
To those of you who are writers, here are so tip and sites that might help you out:
wattpad.com: if you’re not on it, you need to get on it fast. It’s a great place to read interesting stories and also post your own.
mibba.com: it’s more for young adults and fan fiction, but if that’s what you are/what you are into, than it’s perfect.
figment.com: this one is ne to me, but I’m liking it. I found a really helpfull book that I’m enjoying reading titled This is Not a Writing Manual. I think the site is worth checking out if again you like to (a) post your stories or (b) read other people’s stories.
writers-cafe.org: I love this site! I’ve met the coolest, nicest people on this site. I would argue that this is the most encouraging site I’ve posted on, and if you are looking more for community, I’d join this one.
webook.com: now this site is cool. Along with contests, they also have Page To Fame, which is where you post an excerpt of your work and people vote on it to see if they want it published. It hadn’t worked for me yet, but the comments and critiques have helped my writing.
booksie.com: this is the second nicest place I’ve found, but it can also be a little spam-y. I mean, you can get a lot of comments that are from people wanting you to read their work. Of course, I have a couple fans (I do mean only a couple) and they are super nice and really do like my work. So, it’s a bit or miss with this one.
literotica.com: GET ON THIS SITE! I’m not going to assume you all are from Lit (though you might be), but if you aren’t you need to get on this site. Yes, it is 18+, and yes, some of the stories can be real if-y. But I have met two fabulous editors, some really nice people, and I get—by far—the best comments on this site. I also get the most comments on this site. Lit is really my home base, and I encourage everyone to at least give it a chance.
Now for what every writer should have:
Editor: Get an editor, and get a damn good one. I’ve had many, many people edit my work, but by far, the two I owe the greatest two are Max and Matt. Those two guys not only read my—at times—awful writing, but they didn’t give up.
Publisher: Now, this one is debateable, the aforementioned isn’t. I love my publisher, Max. I signed with e-book publishing world (check them out, I love them) and I have only good things to say. They’re not Avon, or Bell Tower books, or some other huge corporation. I had to be a Debby downer, but you’re more likely to get struck by lightening than get one of the big up publishing companies on the first go ‘round. Of course, I encourage everyone to send their work into those companies, and maybe I’ll do the same in a few years, but I still feel like a baby writer at the moment.
All I’m saying is that a good publisher doesn’t just sign off on your work and sent it off, they work with you, tell you what you need to fix, tell you how you can do better. And I’m not going to lie, I did want to quit a few times—I actually tried too—but Max dragged me back, kicking and screaming, and I couldn’t be more grateful to him for it.
Plus, publishers handle the cover designs, marketing, and all that other stuff that makes books successful. So, again, I recommend seeing if you can get one.
Now for what every writer should do:
Learn your audience!: this one is important if you’re trying to sell, or you really want a lot of people to read your stuff. Learn what is the trend, and anticipate what the new trend might be.
Don’t just write, read: read, read, read, then read some more. And don’t just read books that are similar to your writing, get out of your comfort zone. I’m lucky because I’m in college and I have to read things that I never thought I’d read, but trust me, I’m glad I read them.
Comment on other peoples work: I still struggle with this one because I hate just saying “great job!” I want my feedback to actually help them. Anyway, read others works and comment on that too. Read people who are popular, give a good, constructive, in-depth comment—maybe reach out to them too—and hopefully they’ll respond.
Network: This ties in with “comments”. You have to network. It’s imperative that you do. Don’t just write and think everyone will love you instantaneously, that may not happen. What you need to do is write, read, comment, and network. Introduce this girl over here with this guy over there.
And the most important thing when it comes to writing…. *drum roll please*
HAVE FUN! I know that may seem cliche, but it’s absolutely true. If you write with the sole purpose of getting discovered, you’re not going to last long. And don’t take the negative comments too seriously. Best advice someone ever gave me for hate comments: “You’re doing something right if you have haters, because at least they care enough to hate.
Well, I hope this was informative. I’ll try to keep my nonsense down to a simmer, and post helpful or fun things. I don’t want this blog to just be about me writing, but all of us reading and succeeding together!
