Author Interview - Jennifer Cornet @J_Cornet

How has your upbringing influenced your writing?

-Not really. I think my writing has been more heavily influenced by the latter half of my life. I wasn’t much of a writer or reader growing up. I think much of that developed as I got older.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

-A few years back, I took a job at an engineering firm. Shortly after I started, I was introduced to colleague who was writing a text book. I agreed to help him edit as well as write a sort chapter. I enjoyed the process and I guess it stuck with me because a year or so later I started writing my first book.

When and why did you begin writing?

-Like any job, there are lull periods. There was one such stretch where I went weeks without much to do around the office. I had reached the end of the internet and felt like I might lose it if I have to sit still for another day. So one day, I started writing. I came up with the concept and searched “How to write a novel,” and that was it.

How long have you been writing?

-Most of my life I’ve been a technical writer. It wasn’t until 2012 that I really began my life as a creative writer.

When did you first know you could be a writer?

-Originally I wasn’t planning on ever showing my story to anyone. It was something fun to work on. But after a year of writing and rewriting my story I finally showed it to people. It wasn’t until my friend Heather told me she had stayed late at work one day to keep reading that I realized I could really do this.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Urban Fantasy

Rating – PG - 13

More details about the author

Connect with Jennifer Cornet on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.jennifercornet.com/

Quality Reads UK Book Club Disclosure: Author interview / guest post has been submitted by the author and previously used on other sites.

#YA #Mystery #Author Ben Woodard on How Often He Writes @benswoodard

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

I’ve always had a fantasy about living in New Zealand. I’ve never been there, but I’m an outdoorsman and the idea of living in a small country with mountains and glaciers in the South and tropical islands in the North definitely appeals to me.

How do you write, with a laptop, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?

All of the above, and more. When I’m writing a draft, I usually dictate using Dragon Dictate for the Mac. I’m a decent storyteller and this is the quickest way for me to get the words out. However, when editing I use a Mac Mini with a large screen monitor. Don’t tell, but sometimes when editing or writing, I will get in the tub with a couple of dark beers, a pad of paper, and a pencil and stay until my wife threatens to call the fire department to get me out.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?

To me success would be when reluctant readers, and especially boys, read and enjoy my books. I’ve had one boy who, according to his mother, is bored with reading. She got him to read Hunger Games and the Percy Jackson books, but he’s a slow reader and lost interest. But with tears in her eyes, she told me that when he read my book, A Stairway To Danger, he wouldn’t put it down and even hid under the covers reading late into the night. That’s my definition of success.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?

I like to read, to hike in the woods, to play with the grandkids, and snuggle with my wife on the couch. Oh, and not necessarily in that order.

How often do you write? And when do you write?

I write, market, and/or edit every day. Since I’m semiretired—I don’t have to go to work every day—I’m fortunate to be able to spend from eight to twelve hours a day on my books. And that doesn’t seem to be enough time.

Have you met any people in the industry who have really helped you?

Tons of them. Two multi-published children’s authors in my city have mentored me. One edits my drafts and urges me to learn more about plotting and story arcs. I get incredible support from traditional and indie authors alike on social networking. I can’t believe that there is any other profession where competitors spend so much time helping one another.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

Since I writing for teens, I hope they will get a sense of adventure and fun. There are lessons in the books, but the main reason I wrote them was to spark interest in reading from kids that don’t like to read.

How do you feel about social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter? Are they a good thing?

For authors, they are an excellent resource—both for marketing and finding writing information. And, as a plus, they’re fun, but all of us need to be careful because they can suck away our writing time. I set limits on the time spent networking and even use a timer because I can’t be trusted when looking at animal videos on Facebook.

What’s your next project?

I’m starting a middle grade trilogy that has gotten interest from agents. Originally written as a single book, I’m now breaking it up into three books. And, for the first time, I’m writing paranormal, but there still will be two boys and their antics. The last book will feature a girl protagonist. I’ll start on the books after the first of the year and I plan to query this series to editors and agents.

Explosions, sabotage, caves, deadly warnings and a dangerous red-haired man.

Imagine The Hardy Boys meet Tom Sawyer. Add a layer of teen angst and excitement plus a mysterious group trying to stop a new dam while stirring up racial tensions.

That’s STEPS INTO DARKNESS, the next book in the Shakertown Adventure Series by Ben Woodard.

Fourteen-year-old Tom Wallace again makes plans to escape the small town in the 1923 Kentucky countryside. The town that won’t let him forget his past, when a horrific event changes his mind. He teams with his cousin Will and young FBI agent Rick Sweeney to try to solve a perplexing mystery. Attempts on the boys’ lives and a bewildering list of suspects keep them on edge and confused. An old man gives them a clue that leads to a false accusation and embarrassment until they discover the real villain, and then wish they hadn’t.

STEPS INTO DARKNESS is a fun, page-turning thriller with a hint of romance that delivers adventure and mystery while exploring the fears of a teen living with a frightful memory.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - YA/Mystery

Rating – PG – 13

More details about the author

Connect with Ben Woodard on Facebook and Twitter

Website http://BooksByBen.com

Author Interview – Jade Kerrion @JadeKerrion

What would you love to produce in your life?

A movie based on my Double Helix series!

How do you feel about self-publishing?

I think self-publishing provides an avenue for people who want to take control of their work to get that work out into the world. Unfortunately, many people don’t care enough about the quality of the work that they release, but there are many authors who do care, and who do invest a great deal of their own money in editors and cover artists to make sure that the novel they release is the best it can be.

Do you know your neighbors?

Yes, of course. The ones on the right have four kids and four dogs. The ones on the left have three kids who have all since left home, and a cat that passed away several weeks back.

How important are friends in your life?

They’re important, certainly, and I think it’s critical to point out that your family needs to be your friends too. I consider my husband my best friend.

How many friends does a person need?

Enough to enrich your life. I realize this is a bit of a cop-out answer, but the fact is that it varies for people. I tend to get by on fewer but deeper friendships. Others, I’ve noticed, enjoy more friends, but we’re both contented with the kinds of friendships we have.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Fantasy, Paranormal

Rating – PG-13

More details about the author and the book

Connect with Jade Kerrion on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.jadekerrion.com

Author Interview – Michelle Rabe @michrabe

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

I love it where I live right now. There’s an excellent balance of nature and civilization here. I also like that I have the ocean no more than a 20 minute drive from my house.

What is your favorite quality about yourself?

My creativity.

Sometimes it’s so hard to keep at it – What keeps you going?

There are still stories in my head that keep fighting to get out. If I don’t write they rattle around in my head until I do.

Who do you admire?

I admire people who work hard and keep trying in the face of failure.

What is your least favorite quality about yourself?

That I am a very good procrastinator

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Paranormal Urban Fantasy

Rating – PG-13

More details about the author and the book

Connect with Michelle Rabe on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://paperbackvamp.tumblr.com/

Getting Personal with #Author Merry Farmer @merryfarmer20 #romance #mustread

How do you feel about self-publishing?  I think it’s the best thing that’s happened to the publishing industry in a long time.  Not only is it the perfect publishing vehicle for people like me who are independent and love the entrepreneurial challenge, I believe it keeps the traditional publishing industry on its toes.  Everyone has had to rethink what they’re doing in the last few years, which will only be good for readers in the long run.  And authors as well.  I believe the whole publishing industry is becoming more author-centric.

What does love mean to you?  Love means being there to support someone, to respect them and help them reach their goals.  Can you imagine what a beautiful world this would be if we were all more concerned with looking out for the other guy as well as fulfilling our own needs?  That’s what love is all about.

What social issues interest you the most?  Anything that has to do with child welfare and education.  I hate to think of children being bullied or worse.  I also believe that a good education is the most important gift you can give to a child.  That and books, which are sort of the same thing.

When you get free time on the internet or you go to the library – what do you want to read about?  Lately I’ve been really interested in psychology.  I’m fascinated by how the brain works and the advances that are being made in neuroscience.  It’s especially cool to read about the differences between men and women, and between introverts and extroverts.  And, of course, I love reading romance novels.

Do you find the time to read?  If you’re a writer, you have to find the time to read.  It’s homework.  Like Stephen King says, if you can’t find the time to read, then you don’t have the time or the tools to write.  I try to read a little bit each night after getting in bed.

Last book you purchased? Tell us about it.  The last book I bought was Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain.  It’s a fascinating look at how we live in a society that values extroverts and tells introverts there’s something wrong with them, but the truth is that introversion is just another way of thinking.  I’m learning a lot about myself and how I interact with the world.

Who do you admire?  I really admire Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who was shot for her outspokenness over girls receiving an education.  She was incredibly brave to stand up for what was right in a dangerous environment in the first place, and her perseverance and dedication to continuing her message is amazing.

What is your favorite quality about yourself?  My creativity and the subsequent ability to never be bored.

What is your least favorite quality about yourself?  Probably my insecurity and the way I constantly compare myself to others, especially other writers.  Bleh!

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?  I have so many!  I think right now it’s that classic Ernest Hemmingway quote, “The first draft of anything is s$@t.”  Mostly because it’s so, so true and I’m experiencing it right now.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?  I’m proud of the fact that in spite of how difficult it is and how many roadblocks stand in my way, I’ve managed to achieve my lifelong dream of being a published writer.  Now I’m moving on to working to accomplish my new dream of supporting myself with my writing.

What is your favorite color?  There are some really awesome shades of green out there!

What is your favorite food?  Salmon that is cooked and seasoned just right.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world?  I would have to say in my bed, under layers of covers, when it’s cold outside.  Company is nice, but even when I’m alone it’s bliss!

How has your upbringing influenced your writing?  I was never told no when it came to anything creative.  We are all pretty creative in our family and have supported each other, no matter what we wanted to try.  I had a pretty rough childhood though, but those strong, mostly negative emotions have helped me to writer deeper characters.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Western Historical Romance

Rating – R

More details about the author

Connect with Merry Farmer on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://merryfarmer.net

#Author Brian Bloom on the #Books He Loved Growing Up @BrianB_Aust #Thriller

What books did you love growing up?
My mother was a bit of a romantic. She read me Peter Pan and all the Beatrix Potter stories before I could read, and my grandmother – when she visited – used to read a few pages of Swiss family Robinson every night before I went to bed. I remember them all and I’m going to make sure that my grandkids read them all. Later on, my mother read me Little Lord Fauntleroy, which is very probably what turned me into a rebel. None of my friends called their mothers “mummy dearest”. It just didn’t feel “cool” to my 5 year-old way of thinking. Nevertheless, the story must have been interesting enough even though I can’t remember it today because I sat still for the entire time it took to read that book. Maybe I just enjoyed it vicariously because my mother loved it so much.

When I first started to read, Enid Blyton drew my attention for a few nanoseconds, but I was soon drawn to the Hardy Boys and then, later, I started reading books that can probably be best described as kitchen table philosophy – with an emphasis on the Holocaust; what it was about and why it happened.

My father had once owned a bookshop called Pickwick Bookshop. It eventually went out of business, but he couldn’t bear to part with some of the more unusual books so we had a room full of literally thousands of books. Most were dreary reference tomes or classical works or books on history, but now and again I would pick one out and scan through it, looking for pearls of wisdom. You could probably call it “dragonfly” reading. I would swoop down on a book, dip into it and flit away.

The book that undoubtedly had the biggest impact on my life was one I found on the desk of my friend’s mother. It happened to be lying there and I was bored. It was an out of print book of prose called Earth, by Frank Townshend. He was probably in his 70s when he wrote it. It described in non rhyming verse his perceptions of life on earth and I thought it had been written after World War II. When I finally turned to the flyleaf, I discovered it had been published in 1929. That book had an amazing impact on my thought processes for the rest of my life. It opened with the following statements:

1
“I wandered about the earth, meeting all sorts of people;
And I lived in every kind of place,
Doing all manner of work.
2
Of the people that I met, only one was completely and unalterably happy.
Indeed, I observed that most of them did, whatever they did, because of fear;
Fear of life or fear of death,
Or fear of after life or after death,
So they piled up possessions if they could,
Hid from sight their personal affairs,
Covered their risks with reasonable precautions,
Denied their inmost longings,
Or became deeply religious, or even thoughtful.”

I read it from cover to cover, all 164 pages, standing there at Mrs Morris’ desk. It took me hours; I don’t know how many. Time ceased to have meaning and nobody seemed to care where I was. It was school holidays and Peter was lying by the pool, probably asleep or reading.

Who is your favourite author?
I found Michael Crichton’s work fascinating. His approach to scientifically oriented thrillers captured my imagination and probably influenced me greatly in the writing of my books, although I’m not all that keen on blood and guts. I also enjoyed Dan Brown’s works and Beyond Neanderthal has a bit of his style of reasoning in it. Lately I’ve been reading thrillers by Sam Bourne.

What book genre of books do you adore?
Well, the word “adore” is a bit over the top. I really enjoy a good conspiracy novel and I particularly like books that have a feeling of historical mystery – for example, to do with the Knights Templar and their supposed links to the Freemasons. I like science fiction but draw the line at science fantasy. It needs to be credible. I also prefer books to have happy endings. I don’t enjoy books that are dark and leave me feeling scratchy.

My preference is to read a book and close it with a feeling of having been uplifted. Once in while I might pick up and old classic that has a bit of old-fashioned romance in it – something like Jane Eyre. Those books remind me of what it’s like to be human in a world that seems to have lost touch with what it’s like to be humane. Nowadays, for example, it’s all about the science itself as opposed to how our lives might be improved by the science. For example, if you watch a TV program on the adventures of (say) a pathologist, it’s all about the blood and guts and how the pathologist looks for physical evidence. No one seems to be interested in the lives of the individuals except if they’re hopping in and out of bed with each other.

I suppose, like my mother before me, I’m a bit of a romantic. I like to read any book that is about people who have something uniquely interesting about them. I’m not particularly interested in what a person has or owns or does. I’m interested in who the person is, how their mind works, and why they are doing what they do. In this regard, I remember something that J.K. Rowling was reputed to have said. It was to the effect that she started off by defining the characters so that each character would be a recognisable individual. Then she built the story around the people. Given the volumes of her book sales, I thought it might be a good idea to pay attention. I bore her approach in mind when I wrote my two novels. Hopefully, my characters themselves are of interest in addition to the storyline.

Do you find it hard to share your work?
Not at all. What would be the point of writing if I was the only person who ever read the stuff?

There is an energy force in the world—known to the Ancients—that has largely escaped the interest of the modern day world. Why? There are allusions to this energy in the Chinese I-Ching, in the Hebrew Torah, in the Christian Bible, in the Hindu Sanskrit Ramayana and in the Muslim Holy Qur'an. Its force is strongest within the Earth's magnetic triangles.

Near one of these--the Bermuda Triangle--circumstances bring together four very different people. Patrick Gallagher is a mining engineer searching for a viable alternative to fossil fuels; Tara Geoffrey, an airline pilot on holidays in the Caribbean; Yehuda Rosenberg, a physicist preoccupied with ancient history; and Mehmet Kuhl, a minerals broker, a Sufi Muslim with an unusual past. Can they unravel the secrets of the Ancients that may also hold the answer to the future of civilization?

About the Author:

In 1987, Brian and his young family migrated from South Africa to Australia where he was employed in Citicorp’s Venture Capital division. He was expecting that Natural Gas would become the world’s next energy paradigm but, surprisingly, it was slow in coming. He then became conscious of the raw power of self-serving vested interests to trump what – from an ethical perspective – should have been society’s greater interests.

Eventually, in 2005, with encouragement from his long suffering wife, Denise, he decided to do something about what he was witnessing: Beyond Neanderthal was the result; The Last Finesse is the prequel.

The Last Finesse is Brian’s second factional novel. Both were written for the simultaneous entertainment and invigoration of the thinking element of society. It is a prequel to Beyond Neanderthal, which takes a visionary view of humanity’s future, provided we can sublimate our Neanderthal drive to entrench pecking orders in society. The Last Finesse is more “now” oriented. Together, these two books reflect a holistic, right brain/left brain view of the challenges faced by humanity; and how we might meet them. All our problems – including the mountain of debt that casts its shadow over the world’s wallowing economy – are soluble.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Thriller

Rating – MA (15+)

More details about the author

Connect with Brian Bloom on Twitter

Getting to Know #Author C.S. Reid (#Juvenile)

Do you have any advice for writers?
Keep writing the narratives that you want to tell.

Do you have any specific last thoughts that you want to say to your readers?
I just want to convey a sincere “Thank You” to everyone that has purchased an ebook and or, stopped to read the excerpts that are available on the Internet.
Believe you me; I know that it is asking a great deal to read a narrative composed by a complete stranger.

What do you do to unwind and relax?
I produce music, sing, write, and frequent music venues that feature live Jazz/R&B Bands.

How important do you think villains are in a story?
Villains and or the antagonist(s) are instrumental in creating textures of opposition throughout the narrative. The anti-voice must be allowed to air its dissatisfaction with the protagonist(s) aims and or underlying agenda. The aforementioned opposition creates the tension that is necessary for an interesting story to take shape.

Can we expect any more books from you in the future?
Yes. I am one of those who plans on writing throughout the course of my life.
I have several YA books that are essentially completed, but I continue to add more chapters.

Are you reading any interesting books at the moment?
James Baldwin, Early Novels and Stories; Paul Bowles, The Collected Stories; Sylvia Plath, The Collected Poems.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Juvenile Fiction, Careers

Rating – G

More details about the author and the book

Connect with CS Reid on Goodreads

Author Interview – Shanna Hatfield @ShannaHatfield #thechristmascowboy

What scares you the most?
Snakes. I really, really don’t like snakes.
What makes you happiest?
I find happiness in many places – like a cup of fragrant tea, a good visit with a friend, a bouquet of beautiful flowers, finding money in a coat pocket I forgot was there. But I’d have to say my husband (lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller) makes me the happiest.
Why do you write?
I write because I can’t imagine going through life not writing. It is part of who I am, what I do, and always will be.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Always. I think I wrote my first work of fiction in third grade. It was about a raccoon.
What motivates you to write?
My desire to capture the stories floating around my head on paper is a motivator. When someone tells me something I wrote made a difference in her life, it motivates me to keep on writing, and write better. The fact I recently left my “day” job to write full-time is definitely motivation.

"10% of the net proceeds from all my book sales December 1-24 will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund®"

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Romance (contemporary western)

Rating – PG

More details about the author

Connect with Shanna Hatfield on Facebook and Twitter

Website http://shannahatfield.com

Author Interview – Kristine Mason @KristineMason7

What makes you angry?

Mean people. It’s just not necessary.

Are you a city slicker or a country lover?

I’ll take the suburbs, thanks!

What’s your next project?

I’m currently writing Ultimate Kill, which is the first book in my next CORE suspense trilogy.

Do you find the time to read?

I try! Reading is one of my favorite pastimes and I just don’t have the opportunity to do it as much as I used to.

Who do you admire?

Anyone who sets goals for themselves and does their best to accomplish them.

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”

― Dr. Seuss

Are you kidding me? This quote is awesome! This is me. This is what I do. Think, think, think. About my characters, how I can motivate them, develop them, make them come to life. Next to writing them, brainstorming stories/characters is one of my favorite things to do. I love taking an idea, adding twists and turns that end up taking that same idea to a whole new level.

What is your favorite color?

Pink

What is your favorite food?

Cheesecake and dark chocolate.

How has your upbringing influenced your writing?

My mom used to make up stories all of the time. She would take me to old cemeteries (yeah, strange but interesting), look at headstones and ask me to come up with a story about the person who had died. She’d ask, “What do you think this person’s dash between their birth and death represents?” Together we’d make up all sorts of things. My mom inspired my imagination.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Contemporary Romance

Rating – PG-13

More details about the author

Connect with Kristine Mason on Facebook & Twitter

Author Interview - Stan Spencer @DrStanSpencer

How do you think people perceive writers?

As kind of strange.

What’s the reason for your life? Have you figured out your reason for being here yet?

My purpose is to be an ambassador of truth and to love others, particularly my family.

How do you feel about self-publishing?

I like it. It allows me to remain true to what needs to be said.

Do you know your neighbors?

Yes, I just walked with my wife and some kids to take Christmas plates to some new neighbors. People are interesting.

How important are friends in your life?

My family members are my closest friends, and they are very important.

How many friends does a person need?

One.

What does love mean to you?

Love means striving to understand another person’s point of view and showing that you respect and value them.

When you get free time on the internet or you go to the library – what do you want to read about?

Health, happiness, great people.

Do you find the time to read?

I don’t read fast and have little time to read, so I don’t get much reading done.

Who do you admire?

Ernest Shackleton, the author and subject of one of my favorite books: South. He was a true hero to his men.

What is your favorite quality about yourself?

My love for learning and truth.

Buy Now @ Amazon & iTunes

Genre – Non-fiction

Rating – G

More details about the author and the book

Connect with Stan Spencer on Facebook & Twitter

Author Interview – AFN Clarke @AFNClarke

You are self-published, what led to you going your own way?
My first 6 books were traditionally published, but I’ve stepped out of that system in more recent years. I found I had to do most of the marketing myself anyway, so why not take back control and reap the rewards? So I did, I got my rights back and released all my work as eBooks in the Amazon Kindle Store. Interestingly, after 30 years Random House agreed to hand back the rights to my bestseller CONTACT as the book was supposedly “too old”. I am glad to say I have proven them wrong! It’s still one of my bestsellers and resonates with readers all over the world. I love the freedom self-publishing brings, though would still work with a good publisher on a more equal footing if that were possible.
Do you plot your stories or do you just get an idea and run with it?
I am more of a “stream of consciousness’ writer. Although I have a clear idea of the plot and a definite focus I simply start and then the book takes on a life of its own. The characters are, after all, people, and how they react to different situations determines what happens next – and so as my characters grow they help develop the twists and turns of the story in a way that often surprises even me. I think this gives my writing a greater immediacy, vibrancy, and feeling of being “real” even if it’s a highly fanciful story.
Do you have to do much research for your stories?
I am always researching but I am blessed with a “colourful” life as fodder for my books as well. My father was an MI6 operative and I’ve been an Officer in Britain’s elite Parachute Regiment, a race-car driver, pilot, screenwriter, computer programmer and proud father of 4 daughters. I’ve lived in Hong Kong, India, Iran, Libya, Europe, the UK, USA and Australia and so have been immersed in different cultures, political and religious systems. This blend of my background, insatiable curiosity about everything and my on-going research is an important part of every book, so that the boundaries between what is real and what is not are always intriguingly blurred, adding, I hope, a depth and breadth to my work.
What is your most recent book?  Tell us a little about it.
The Jonas Trust Deception, which is actually the second book of a new thriller series. It follows the success of the The Orange Moon Affair which features Thomas Gunn, ex-Special Forces, who is dragged back to his old life of international intrigue and danger following the brutal murder of his billionaire father.  In The Jonas Trust Deception, the fallout from the Orange Moon conspiracy throws Thomas and his girlfriend Julie into the deadly path of Mexican drug cartels, corrupt politicians, unscrupulous financial brokers, and the US and UK intelligence services. Outraged by the feeling of constantly being “played”, Thomas decides to take an action so shocking and unexpected, that even his team fear he’s lost his mind.  The question is – has he?
I’m loving writing this series and am already part-way through the third book “Running with the Bonefish”, which I expect to release in early 2014.
What inspired you to write your new thriller series?
My inspiration is the person the first book, The Orange Moon Affair, is dedicated to – Terry Forrestal, ex-British SAS, brother-in-arms and a dear friend, may he rest in peace. His life read like a Hollywood movie, indeed he was a stunt man, actor and stunt coordinator (The Killing Fields, Titanic, Brazil and more), and he had that streak of larrikin in him, so I think he would enjoy these books. He – like myself, and the central character Thomas Gunn – was always torn between the “trained killer” part of himself and the more caring, emotional part that simply wanted a more “normal” and peaceful life. That inner turmoil is an integral part of the book and it’s what makes Thomas so vulnerable. It also makes for an interesting relationship with his girlfriend Julie.
I was also inspired to take on the challenge of a series  – and believe me it is a real challenge – because I wanted the opportunity to develop a number of inter-related themes and characters over a longer period of time, allowing the reader to go on a continuing journey as if they were a part of the main characters’ lives.  It’s not easy, but I’m loving the process and excited about continuing with many more books to come.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Thriller

Rating – PG-13

More details about the author and the book

Connect with A.F.N. Clarke on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.afnclarke.com/

Author Interview – Karen S. Bell @KarenSueBell

What inspired you to write your first book?

I grew up in a world where most mothers stayed home and cared for their kids. My mother worked with my father out of necessity. Today, most mothers work out of necessity or greed. We have to have two BMWs and so on. But for whatever reason, mother’s work. And we have lousy maternity leave. No real balance for families. One day, I went into the ladies room and a woman was pumping her breast. Somewhere there is a baby crying right now, I thought. How twisted is that, that this young woman is here and not with her baby? The feminist movement was about equal pay for equal work, not hurting families. But woman are in the workforce now and still not getting equal pay. I felt women needed to start a dialogue about better balance of work and family, about longer maternity leave. No one is talking about that. I hoped I could start that conversation. I wrote that book ten years before any of the others on that topic came out, but I couldn’t find a publisher. But you know what? Women still aren’t pushing for better work/life options. We are still paying outrages costs for daycare. No help for the working mother and no one fighting for it.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My life, movies, books, tv shows, the news, my kids.

What does love mean to you?

Unconditional acceptance. Nothing will shake it. Friendship, trust, sexual fulfillment.

When did you first know you could be a writer?

When I wrote my first short story and the narrative wrote itself. I couldn’t get the words out fast enough.

Tell us a bit about your family.

I am married and have four grown children and three grandchildren. My youngest daughter is an opera singer living in Germany, and one of my two sons is an actor married to a model/actress and they live in LA. My other son and oldest daughter live in the DC area. I live in Florida, so right now my immediate family under my roof are my two little kitties that bring my husband and I such joy. They are our furry kids.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Contemporary romance, Magical Realism

Rating – PG-13

More details about the author

 

 

Quality Reads UK Book Club Disclosure: Author interview / guest post has been submitted by the author and previously used on other sites.

Author Interview – Cerece Rennie Murphy

Do you find the time to read?

Yes! I’m like a ninja, darting in and out of a book whenever I can.  Reading feeds my soul and gives me the energy and inspiration I need to write.

Last book you purchased? Tell us about it.

Trice Hickman’s Looking for Trouble and Twisted Dark by Neil Gibson.  Looking for Trouble is about a young professional woman at a crossroads in her life, trying to decide between the woman she wants to be and the woman she thinks she’s supposed to be.  I’ve just started it, but I am hooked already.  I also just finished my first graphic novel, Twisted Dark by Neil Gibson. If you like psychologically disturbing stories, you will LOVE this book.  I can honestly say it frightened me.  It’s definitely a study in the darkest side of human nature.

Who do you admire?

People who take a chance despite their fear and people who sacrifice themselves to change the world.

What is your favorite color?

Purple.  Prince was a HUGE influence in my youth. J

What is your favorite food?

Sugar in all its forms.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Science Fiction

Rating – NC-17

More details about the author

Connect with Cerece Rennie Murphy on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.crmurphybooks.com

 

 

Quality Reads UK Book Club Disclosure: Author interview / guest post has been submitted by the author and previously used on other sites.

Author Interview – Abigail Hawk @VL_Dreyer

Do you have an organized process or tips for writing well? Do you have a writing schedule?
Haha, no!  I’m what’s called a “pantser”, or an “organic writer”.  I plan nothing.  At all.  When I start a book, I don’t even have names for my characters.  Half the time I just have a vague concept that I want to expand on, and it goes from there.
This technique doesn’t work for everyone.  For writers that need to plan, I recommend googling something called “The Snowflake Technique”.  It works very well for some planners.
I have no fixed schedule, but I try to write an absolute minimum of 250 words (one page) per day.  If I can hit 1000 words (four pages) per day, I’m pleased.  2,500 (ten pages)?  I’m a happy camper.  More than that, and I’m very, very happy.
Sometimes it’s so hard to keep at it – What keeps you going?
My readers.  The little things that they say mean more than know.  Just hearing one person say “I can’t wait for the next book!” makes everything worthwhile.
Have you met any people in the industry who have really helped you?
Yes.  I met Jennifer Fallon at a convention once, and since then we’ve spoken a few times by email and over Facebook.  She is a genuinely lovely lady, and inspires me to keep going.  I also have a network of fellow self-published authors that I’ve met, who are wonderful to bounce ideas off.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
I don’t care, so long as I make them feel something.  I consider that to be my primary task as an author.
What’s your favorite meal?
Something I didn’t burn.
What color represents your personality the most?
Hot pink!
What movie do you love to watch?
I love The Fifth Element, it’s my all-time favourite movie, just because it’s so colourful and fun.  I also love Men In Black – I’ve probably re-watched that at least fifty times, and it never gets dull.  I also love Legally Blonde, because watching the “dumb girl” get justice pleases me immensely… and I love Reese Witherspoon a little bit.
How do you feel about social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter? Are they a good thing?
I love Facebook, but I’m still getting used to Twitter.  Twitter is very alien to me.  I’m wordy by nature, so trying to squish my thoughts into that little box is… interesting.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? 

I wish!  I mostly travel on Google Maps.  One day, I dream of travelling the world.

Buy Now @ Amazon & Smashwords

Genre - Paranormal Romance

Rating – R-18

More details about the author and the book

Connect with Abigail Hawk on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.vldreyer.com

Author Interview – J.J. Ward @MI7Ward

Do you intend to make writing a career?

Chance would be a fine thing!

How important do you think a good title is?

Titles are always the most difficult thing to write. You want something that captures what the novel is about but also makes the reader look twice and think, Hmmm! However, I think we’ve reached a point now where it’s sometimes a bit gimmicky: “Horrific Sufferings of the Mind-Reading Monster Hercules Barefoot: His Wonderful Love and His Terrible Hatred”, “When All Our Days Are Numbered Marching Bands Will Fill the Streets & We Will Not Hear Them Because We Will Be Upstairs in the Clouds” – these are actual titles. Google them, if you don’t believe me.

How did you come up with your title?

I wanted something to overarch the series – ‘Tales of MI7’. ‘Tales’, I thought was quite an evocative word, a little archaic, a little whimsical: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Tales of the Unexpected. The subtitle, ‘The Kramski Case’ didn’t therefore need to be all that arresting.

Who designed the cover?

Me. I wanted something original, so I wasn’t going to go to Shutterstock. Not that I’ve anything against them.

They say every cover tells a story. What about yours?

One of the best comments on my cover came from Kay Bolton, the lady who first reviewed the novel on Amazon. She said: “I love the fact that the cover is plain, it made me feel a like I should be meeting a man in dark glasses in a park somewhere to pick it up.” The font is “village” which is the one used in The Prisoner.

Buy Now @ Amazon & Smashwords

Genre – Espionage Thriller

Rating – PG

More details about the author and the book

Connect with J.J. Ward on Twitter

Author Interview – Dora Machado @DoraMachado

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?

I’m most proud of my kids, my family and my books, in that order.

Who is your book’s intended audience?  Have you been able to crossover into other audiences as well?

The Curse Giver will appeal to readers of the epic fantasy genre who enjoy a clever, plot-twisting adventure centered on a forbidden, irresistible and daring romance. It will also appeal to readers of the romance and historical genres, who will appreciate the medieval inspiration and gritty realism that drive the story.

Why did you decide to write a book?

I write books because I have to. I swear, my mind is like a story generator, constantly churning out ideas. When I’m not writing, I’m constantly thinking about writing.  For a long time, I waited for the time and opportunity to be able to write. And now that the time has come, I have a feeling that I’ll be writing all the way to The End.

What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?

I want them to taste the adventure, experience the range of emotions and find themselves in the stories. I want them to journey through new worlds while exploring the nuances of our world and the questions of our times. I want them to dream and love along with my characters. I want to challenge their minds and touch their hearts. Above all, I want them to free themselves from the moment, get away and enjoy.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I’m most comfortable writing fantasy, romance and historical fiction. I really like to mix all of these elements. I often use medieval history to validate the details in my fantasy stories just as I use romance to deepen, enrich and authenticate my characters. My latest novel, The Curse Giver, is all of that plus mystery and intrigue.

Describe your creative/writing process.

I tend to fixate on an idea and think on it subconsciously for a while, until it transforms into a specific concept, scene, or character, which usually comes out pretty well formed. At that point, I might make some notes, which might include a loose outline and maybe a few scribbled paragraphs that wouldn’t make sense to anyone but me. Typically I know the beginning and the end of a story before I start writing and I have a general idea of where the story needs to go. Writing is always a process of discovery for me, which might be one of the reasons why it’s so enjoyable to me.

Are you consciously aware of the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write?

I typically know the beginning and the end of my novels before I start writing. I also have a pretty good idea of the plot and the big issues I want to tackle. But my plots are always twisting and I discover a lot about my characters and the storyline as I go along. The best plot twists are those that surprise not just the reader, but the author as well.

What kind of research did you have to do during the writing process?

I had to do a lot of research for The Curse Giver. In the story, my main character, Lusielle, is a healer and a remedy mixer. All of Lusielle’s healing practices are based on medieval knowledge and procedures. I studied medieval primary sources to understand the use of herbs, minerals, and other ingredients and based many of her potions on authentic medieval prescriptions. I also spent a lot of time researching weapons and fighting methods to authenticate my hero’s character. Finally, I devoted a lot of time to studying the concept and uses of curses throughout human history to come up with a fresh take on my villain, the mysterious curse giver.

What was the first thing you did as far as promotion when you were published for the first time?

The first thing? Let me think. I did an interview for SFFmedia.com. It was a really in-depth interview that made me think hard about the novel I had just written. It was a very positive and eye-opening experience, and even though interviews are commonplace in my life these days, that’s the interview that taught me all about interviews.

If you could give one book promotion tip to new authors, what would that be?

I think that word of mouth continues to be the best and most reliable way of promoting a book and therefore any and all situations where people are blogging, tweeting, posting, reviewing, and talking about your book to their friends, readers and colleagues are very helpful to a book’s promotion.

Do your pets actually get their food on time or do they have to wait until you type just one more word?

My cats are fortunate because my husband feeds them and I’m only the backup plan. Otherwise… yikes.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received that you’d like to pass to other authors?

Write like the wind, write often, diligently and continuously, write for yourself and my favorite, write all the way to The End.

What can we expect from you in the future?  More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

You can expect more stories from me in the future, more fantasy, a dark contemporary fantasy with a Latin twist, and more about the world of The Curse Giver in its companion novel, The Soul Chaser.

Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?

I do and I’d love to welcome your readers to http://www.doramachado.com. I can also be contacted through email at Dora@doramachado.com, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DoraMachado101, my blog, http://www.doramachado.com/blog/ or https://twitter.com/DoraMachado on Twitter.

Lusielle's bleak but orderly life as a remedy mixer is shattered when she is sentenced to die for a crime she didn't commit. She's on the pyre, about to be burned, when a stranger breaks through the crowd and rescues her from the flames. Brennus, Lord of Laonia is the last of his line. He is caught in the grip of a mysterious curse that has murdered his kin, doomed his people and embittered his life. To defeat the curse, he must hunt a birthmark and kill the woman who bears it in the foulest of ways. Lusielle bears such a mark. Stalked by intrigue and confounded by the forbidden passion flaring between them, predator and prey must come together to defeat not only the vile curse, but also the curse giver who has already conjured their demise.

Award-Winning Finalist in the fantasy category of The 2013 USA Best Book Awards, sponsored by USA Book News

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Fantasy/Dark Fantasy

Rating – PG-18

More details about the author

Connect with Dora Machado on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.doramachado.com/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Interview – Christina George @publicistgal

How did you come up with the title? That’s a funny question. So I wrote The Publicist Book One and had every intention of naming this The Publicist Book Two and then one night I woke up thought: Wow, that’s stupid, how will anyone be able to tell the difference between the two? So, I was on a plane the next day for a writer’s conference and the title Shelf Life came to me. And as anyone who has ever “named” a book knows, a title is right when it’s right. This one felt right and it still does. I love it!

Can you tell us about your main character? I adore Kate, she’s my main character. She’s strong, she knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to tell it like it is. She’s also really dedicated to her authors which is so important in this line of work and she loves publishing. Despite the fact that the industry seems to be crumbling down around her, she loves it.

How did you develop your plot and characters? Well Kate is sort of a person I’d like to be. Ha! Isn’t that always the way? She really knows what she wants so Kate, in my view is the perfect publicist. Mac really existed, so that was easy but Nick did not – at least not yet. Many of the folks in the book are based on real people I’ve either met or worked with. The story however sort of happened. I really didn’t know where I was going with it till I was halfway through it. When I wrote this initially, I had a totally different book in mind Candidly I like this one better,

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Please be kind to your publicist or marketing person

How much of the book is realistic? It’s all very realistic. Ninety-five percent of what happens in the book actually happened to me while working at my job.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Contemporary Romance

Rating – R

More details about the author and the book

Connect with Christina George on Facebook & Twitter

 

Quality Reads UK Book Club Disclosure: Author interview / guest post has been submitted by the author and previously used on other sites.

Author Interview – Rob Manary @robmanary

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Early in the morning I get up and go out on my deck and the sun is just rising, there is dew on the grass, and the birds are just waking with me. There is such a sense of beauty and serenity, the day is unfolding and in the air is the clean promise of endless possibility. In that moment I find inspiration. Nonsense! I write erotic romance that little description should win me a few female fans though maybe? I should probably have worked the words “heaving” “undulating” or “thrusting” in there somewhere though.

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?

My nephew sends me drunken messages on Facebook telling me how great my writing is and how I am making a difference in the world and that I should keep writing. I don’t think he has ever read anything I have written.

My Dad would support me in anything I did. If I told him I decided to become a cannibal he would be doing research on which wine goes best with human flesh, and which freezer had the biggest storage capacity. I know he hasn’t read anything I’ve written. He might have a harder time being so supportive if he read my work.

My first royalty check was for a little over a hundred dollars. Dad showed it to the neighbour and likely bragged about his “best-selling” writer son to all his friends. I would say I am lucky in that my family is, in their own way, very supportive.

Do you plan to publish more books?

I’ll be publishing the next two books in the Icarus trilogy. The second book “Icarus Ascendant” is nearly finished. Milo and David, members of St. Claire’s band who were only mentioned in the first book in passing, and not even named, demanded more attention in the second book, and were fleshed out a bit in “Icarus Ascendant”. I think I might tell their story in the future. I’m actually fairly certain they will have their own book. And, my fervent hope is that people will want to read it.

I expect to write the third Icarus book before the end of the year, and I’ve already got the outline of what I am sure will end up being an obscure and inaccessible work in mind. The working title is “Mason Christ”.

I definitely plan on publishing more books.

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

I like to get twelve to fourteen hours a sleep a day. Sadly, that’s not a joke. When I’m writing, however, I get little sleep. I often get semi-manic and have to finish just one more sentence, just one more paragraph, just one more chapter. It’s like I am possessed by my characters and I can’t sleep until I tell the story they need told.

I will lay in bed with scenes playing like episodes in my head, and I am unable to sleep until I purge the visions, so I’ll get up and type until I am exhausted. Not entirely healthy I know.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?

My soul mate. She is my harshest critic and my strongest supporter. When I write it is for her I write. She devours every word I set down and I don’t write nearly quickly enough for her voracious appetite. I play at being much more self confident than I actually am. I borrow a lot of my confidence from her. Without her I don’t think I would be nearly the writer I am.
You know who you are. Thank you.

 

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Erotic Romance

Rating – R

More details about the author and the book

Connect with Rob Manary on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://robmanary.com/