Interview with Lucy English

Tell us about your publishing journey…

I chose to self-publish because I love the democracy of it. Technology has given us so many avenues to share creativity that may never have made it out into the world in the past. My approach to life is that I’ll work my hardest to put good work into the world.  I know it won’t be perfect, but I need to push past the vulnerability involved because I have one lifetime and when I die I want to be able to say “I tried really hard to make contributions that were good for the world.” Technology allows all of us to put our best thoughts and creations out to connect and share with others without gatekeepers.  I’ve found fantastic editors who totally get the mission behind what I write. I cherish my ability to keep my work close to my heart and to connect with readers. I also like being able to keep prices low because this is more about celebrating the heroism of social service professionals than about profit.

What do you love about being an author?

What I love most is the very stuff that makes me seem crazy.  I love when the story tells itself.  I started writing my second book, Penny Legend, without knowing who the murderer was. When I found out I was completely surprised and frankly devastated.  But I’d learned that when the story tells itself, I don’t get to change it (I tried that and ended up wasting time and needing to revert back to how the story wanted to be). When I learned the identity of the murderer in Penny Legend, it totally messed up the structure I thought the book should have because we found out the murderer too early for a traditional mystery.  But the story had its own way of carrying on the intrigue and momentum and it worked!  Every book has some of that magic where the story seems to come from some other place.

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

I would have George’s Bank Sea Scallops with Artichoke Puree, Yellowfoot Chanterelles, and Fennel Pollen at Bristol at the Boston Four Seasons with Robert B. Parker’s character Spenser.  And he would happen to be single.

If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the lead?

Amy Adams would be a great Penny Wade.  If she was able to communicate with those aliens in Arrival, she could do okay with some of Penny’s more difficult social work clients.

In Girl Ghosted, your protagonist has an unfortunate experience with online dating, have you ever tried online dating?

Oh, yes. Yes I have.  Some of Penny’s experiences are inspired by my own, others are inspired by stories from my friends.  Some are purely imagined.  I’ll never reveal which are which!  It can be harrowing and it can be wonderful.  I have several close male friends that started out as online dates.  No happily ever after yet….

If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?

I like modern comforts, so I hesitate to go back very far.  This would not be comfortable, but I’d like to travel South America in the 1950’s with Che Guevera.  Crazy to say especially since I dislike motorcycles, having been badly injured on one.  You didn’t say I needed a rational answer though.

What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?

Actually, it’s in Girl Ghosted. Here’s part of a scene where Penny is talking to her mentor about her failures in love:

“You know,” I said, “when I date a guy who meets some very basic qualifications, I feel like he should be good enough. Well, not only that, but friends, and my dead parents in my head, say ‘What’s wrong with him? He’s smart and handsome and has a good job.’ Maybe he even loves me, and I feel like that should be enough. You’re telling me it’s not.”

“Of course I am!” Nathan’s eyebrows went up and he leaned even more toward me, resting his forearms on his knees. “Do you really want to merge your life with someone who doesn’t deeply see and respect your approach to life? He has to really get why you do this very hard, intense, and dangerous job—the deep reasons you do this. And he has to have his own path where he’s developing things important to him, in himself, in his contribution to the world in this lifetime.”

I felt tears prick behind my eyes. It seemed so obvious when he said it, but also so impossible.

“People get divorced all the time because the basic criteria you stated aren’t enough. They’re enough for a while, especially coupled with lust, but they aren’t enough in the long term.”

“What are the chances of me finding him though?”

“There isn’t one him. Let go of that. You aren’t looking for a particular person so much as a particular relationship.”

“Huh?”

“There is more than one man who will be interested in and capable of having a healthy relationship with you. As you interact with men, remember how you want to be treated and how you want to enjoy a partner. It’s about finding someone who relates to you the way you want to relate.”

“Oh my God,” I said, suddenly glimpsing the shift of perspective he was suggesting. “I keep meeting men who I think are great because I like things about them that are really about them as a man and not about the way they relate to me. Then I hope they’ll learn to have the relationship I want because I like their looks, masculinity, intelligence or whatever.”

“What if you started with evaluating a man’s ability to see and love you for who you are, to communicate well, to practice give-and-take. If he doesn’t get gold stars on those, you move on, no matter how good-looking or otherwise compelling he is.”

“I’m looking for a particular relationship, not a specific man.”

“That’s right. In the end, of course, he’ll be a specific man, but you have to look for him differently than you think. If you focus first on how he relates to you, you’ll rule out bad ones sooner. You’ll stop getting stuck in thinking he’s so perfect despite his lack of relationship skills.”

What research did you do for Girl Ghosted?

I went on online dating sites to gather some of the typical stuff people put in profiles (nine out of ten men use the words “laid back” within their first two sentences), and examples of user names. I pulled some lines from messages men had sent me.  I did research on the MA Department of Children and Families regarding procedures for assigning and assessing child welfare cases. I researched crypto-currencies because one of the characters trades in them and it’s an interesting and intriguing world, about which many of us are unaware. I did a bit of research on sailing, but can’t say much about that without spoiling.

Where do you write best? 

I write well either sitting on my bed or in a little office I have in the back yard.  Sometimes I write onsite in Boston locations, but usually that’s more the place descriptions rather than dialogue or plot. I need to be in a quiet place write the story because I go into the world to see what’s happening.

What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?

Oh my gosh.  I just re-read a Nancy Drew mystery—The Mystery of the Old Clock.  When I was a kid I adored Nancy Drew. I read every single one over the course of a summer. That was my start into mysteries. I was excited for the nostalgia of summers in Michigan reading Nancy Drew, but I hated it!  It was terrible!  I feel like I’ll be struck by lightning for saying that so I’m gonna stop now.

If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?

I’m working on a middle grades magical realism series.  That’s fun. I’ve also thought about historical fiction because I love researching and being inspired by historical events.

Where can fans find you online?

http://www.pennywademysteries.com

and on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/pennywademysteries/

If readers want to join my launch team and get a free advanced Kindle copy of Girl Ghosted in return for posting an honest review, they can join the Girl Ghosted Launch team on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/416247958759509/

Author interview swap with J Keller Ford

Today, I have with me J Keller Ford, author of the Chronicles of Fallhollow series.

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

OMGosh, I would so eat dinner with Captain Nemo from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I adore seafood, and who wouldn’t love that spectacular view from the Nautilus while eating mammoth lobsters!

If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?

You know, I’ve actually given this a lot of thought and here’s what I have as of today. It could change at any minute. J

Katharine Hope as Queen Mysterie

David Wenham as Sir Trogsdill

Kate Winslet as Slavandria

Paul Rudd as Seyekrad

Craig Parker as King Gildore

Liam Hemsworth as David

Alexandra Daddario as Charlotte

Ian Somerhalder as Eric

If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?

I loved the Victorian era. I’d want to walk among the elites in Europe and would have loved to have been a friend/acquaintance of King Ludwig II. The gowns, the music. The castles. The palaces. The balls. Sigh.

What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?

Travel. See. Do. Experience.

So much of my life I’ve been very conservative, so mindful of what I should be, not what I wanted to be. I think if I could go back and do it all over, I would listen to my heart more. I would have traveled more, seen more, done more and experienced life without feeling so guilty for taking care of me.

If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

I think I’d like to be a tree/forest dryad. I could commune with fairies, imps, and all creatures, great and small. I would have the power to heal the land and nurture nature. It would be such a peaceful existence.

You can find me online at

Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/JKellerFord.Author/

Twitter:               https://twitter.com/jkellerford

Instagram:        https://www.instagram.com/jkellerford/

Pinterest:           https://www.pinterest.com/jkellerford24/

blog:                    https://jennykellerford.wordpress.com/

website:              http://www.j-keller-ford.com/

 

Interview with Melvin Rivers

Tell us about your publishing journey…

My publishing journey began eight years ago when I decided to write a collection of short horror stories. My goal was to start a new career and to entertain readers. Day after day I sat behind my keyboard and typed away, hoping the words would someday make it into print. Finally, the book was finished. I went over the pages for spelling errors and typos. Since I didn’t have a big budget, I went the cheap route and found a stock image for the cover. I self-published the book and hoped for the best. Needless to say, the book was slammed by reviewers. Feeling frustrated, I unpublished the book. I decided not to make the same mistakes on the next book. I took a fiction writing course, paid for editors and proofreaders, ran a book cover contest. Once the book was finished, I sought beta readers. Needless to say, my current book is doing much better with reviewers.

What inspired you to write this book? 

Being an avid fan of movies such as the Shinning, the Exorcist, and the Amityville Horror is what inspired me to write “Haven of Evil.” The book has elements of all three movies.

What do you love about writing?

Being able to create a world solely from my imagination.

If you had a time machine, which era would you go to and why?

Rome cira 100 BC – 400 AD. The Roman Empire was one of the greatest civilizations in the world. The government, economic and educational system, was far ahead of its time. I would love to have compared The Roman Empire to current empires.

What question do you want to be asked in an interview, then please include your answer.

Question: What do you want readers to get from your book?

Answer: I want readers to be entertained. I’m not trying to save the world or make social statements (I’ll leave that to politicians and activists). I want them to escape to the world I created and come away satisfied.

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

George Milton, a character from John Steinbeck’s “OF Mice and Men. The dinner would be roast beef and potatoes around a camp fire under a star-filled sky.

If you could be any supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

A vampire. Imagine never aging, living forever, and having superhuman abilities.

In a fire, what 3 things would you rescue?

My dog, cat, and computer.

Who would be your dream cast for your book?

Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, and Halle Berry.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a collection of short stories. Since my first collection of shorts didn’t come off as plan, I’m giving it another shot. Hopefully this time, it will be a bit more successful.

Where can fans find you online?

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8161918.Melvin_Rivers

 

Author Interview Swap with Andrew Buckley

Tell us about your publishing journey…

I wrote my first novel ‘Death, the Devil, and the Goldfish’ over the course of 6 years. I then spent two years querying agents to no avail. One agent recommended I build an online platform so I reluctantly began my social media journey and, through Twitter, I met my first publisher ‘Curiosity Quills Press.’ I signed 2 novels with CQ before securing an agent, the fantastic Mark Gottlieb at the Trident Media Group in New York. Since then, thanks to Mark and Trident, I’ve published two more books, one with CQ and my latest novel ‘Hair in All the Wrong Places’ with Month9Books.

What do you love about being an author?
I love everything about it. I love that it’s hard work, I love building stories, creating characters, exploring new worlds, and hearing people’s thoughts about my work (good and bad). I’m also keenly drawn to a career where you can work with or without pants.

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
It’s probably a terrible choice because he’d likely kill me at the end of the meal but I’d like to chat with Lestat, Anne Rice’s Vampire Prince. I’ve read a lot of Rice’s books over the years and the Lestat character is steeped with so much emotion and experiential layers that he’d be a very interesting person to chat with. And being as it’s my final meal, I’d like Fish and Chips.

If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
Using my latest novel ‘Hair in All the Wrong Places’ as an example, I’m not sure who I’d cast as the leads as they’d be young middle school aged but I’d want to cast Kurt Russell as the older werewolf, Silas Baxter, Kevin Spacey as Mr Winter, and Betty White as Colin’s Grandmother.

Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?
Why can’t they be both?

If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
Medieval times! I think the dark ages would be a ton of fun as long I didn’t get run through with a sword or catch dysentery or anything to that effect. I always thought siege warfare was very interesting. People trying to break into castles, the feudal system, all those swords! Although I’m not really partial to horses . . . I may have to reconsider.

What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
I’ve been pretty fortunate to have some great advice over my short time on this earth. It would have been good if someone had told me to travel more when I was younger. Once you have kids (I have 3), travelling becomes a whole Oceans 11 bank heist planning experience.

If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
Werewolf, obviously a werewolf. Heightened senses and the ability to turn into a giant wolf creature. It would also justify all this hair I have.

Where do you write best? 
In bed, at night, when the household has gone to sleep. I don’t know if that’s the best time but it’s the time I get to write the most. I’m pretty sure any time of day would work if I had the opportunity.

What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
I’m currently reading the Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown and it’s AMAZING. Book #1 had a few pacing issues I thought but I couldn’t put book #2 down, and now I’m launching into the third and final book. It’s a great series if you’re looking for a ski-fi with a bit more of an edge to it.

If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
I actually write in fantasy, urban fantasy, spy thriller, satire, and paranormal horror already. My foray into writing a spy thriller was my big departure from my usual genre and writing style. I had this concept for a female James Bond character that I wanted to develop. You can find the adventures of Eliana Havelock in the novel ‘Havelock’ by Jane D Everly (I promise it’s really me).

Where can fans find you online?

I’m active on Instagram, Facebook, and twitter, links to which you can find on my author website at www.andrewbuckleyauthor.com

Author interview swap with Cynthia A Morgan

Tell us about your publishing journey…

I started out publishing my book, Dark Fey The Reviled, through Kindle Direct Publishing.  It was the easiest and fastest avenue to get my work ‘out there’, but I quickly realized that patience merits a far better publishing experience.  Though I subsequently released my second book, Dark Fey Standing In Shadows, via KDP as well, I shortly thereafter withdrew both of them when I signed with a publisher, Creativia.   I have found their SEO marketing expertise far superior to anything I could have accomplished on my own, but maintain my Indie Author freedom, which appeals to be greatly.  I have the best of both worlds!

What do you love about being an author?

I love words, love painting pictures with lyrical expressions and detailed descriptions that transport readers wherever I wish to take them; so for me, being an Author is my calling.  I have found the poetry I write touches people in ways I could never plan or anticipate and that is an immense blessing for a writer.  I also love the freedom to do what it is that I enjoy, while earning a few pennies from it.

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

 It would more than likely be one of my own, I have to admit; as I do find them endlessly fascinating, but if I didn’t, my readers would not either.  So I would have to say Gairynzvl or perhaps Evondair, or both…and we would enjoy a vegetarian meal of some sort beneath the eaves of the forest.

If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?

I will confess, this is something I’ve actually thought about, because I have been told by more than a couple of readers that they can see Dark Fey as a movie.  I tend to envision actors I am familiar with, like Tom Hiddleston as Gairynzvl, Scarlet Johansson as Ayla, and perhaps Chris Hemsworth as Mardan; however my characters are young, early to mid 20’s, so better suited might be Jennifer Lawrence as Ayla, Liam Hemsworth or even Jack O’ Connell as Gairynzvl and Freddie Stroma as Mardan or perhaps even better as Evondair.

Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?  

The nice thing about vampires is you can have it both ways, really :)

If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?

My interests have always centered around Regency Period England (the early 1800’s).  I am actually working on a historical romance set in this period, so I would love to visit to gain a better understanding of the constraints of the day, which were many, and the culture, which was quite different from ours today.

What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner? 

We Create our own Reality through what we Say and what we Believe.  The Power of Positive Thought truly does Move Mountains.

If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why? 

That’s easy, I’d be a Fey, of course, because I would love to live in Jyndari, even in its darkest moments, and have the gifts, not only of Flight, but the ability to read another’s thoughts, wield magic or bend light.  It would be amazing.

Where do you write best?  

Always at my laptop, in my writing room, often with music playing that is ethereal and mystical, rhythmic and very frequently tribal. Delerium gets played repeatedly, especially when I’m working on Dark Fey, or Brunuhville.

What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?

I recently read The Eternals by Richard M. Ankers, a vampire tale set in the distance future with a dystopian flavor and steampunk twists that really captured my imagination and left me anxious for book two of the trilogy, which is being released this autumn. His strong lead character was irresistible! (who just happens to be both sexy and a blood-thirsty vampire)

If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?

 I love writing, it doesn’t really matter what genre it is.  I have a work in progress that is Historical Fiction/Romance; I have written YA Romance/Fiction; Dystopian/Sci-Fi and even Children’s stories.  Of course, I also write poetry.  If it involves words, I will (most likely) write it.

Where can fans find you online?

All Things Dark Fey Website:  http://allthingsdarkfey.wix.com/feyandmusings 

Blog / website: www.booknvolume.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorganBC728

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/booknvolume

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cynthey728

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Morgan/e/B00JYJ0NEG

Dark Fey The Reviled on Amazon/Kindle:    https://www.amazon.com/Reviled-Dark-Fey-Book-ebook/dp/B00RZMVNQQ
Dark Fey The Reviled on Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Fey-Reviled-Cynthia-Morgan/dp/1505413230

Readers Favorite 5-Star Review:  https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/dark-fey

Dark Fey Standing In Shadows on Amazon US –  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018HF4HSA

Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B018HF4HSA

Readers Favorite 5-Star Review:  https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/dark-fey/1

 

Links to:

 Delerium – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_xNJfMq1l3ce9_K8Esj7nw

Brunuhville –  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZg2-TZBGrwRbuettVf10uw

The Eternals by Richard M Ankers https://www.amazon.com/Eternals-Richard-M-Ankers-ebook/dp/B01FVCE7O

Author interview swap with Kirstin Smith

Tell us about your publishing journey…

In March of 2016, my debut novel CATALYST was picked up by Clean Teen Publishing. It will release in November, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’m currently working on the sequel with plans to release it Spring 2017. Obviously, my publishing journey hasn’t been all rainbows and roses, because publishing, in general, is tough. It’s a road riddled with rejection but lined with perseverance. I’ll spare you all those boring details!

What do you love about being an author?

Gah, I love it all! I love “going to work” in my pajamas. I love connecting with other authors, who are total rock stars, by the way! I love being able to tell the stories that are swimming around in my head. And I LOVE seeing my work in print. There’s nothing better!

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

Hmm, I’d have to say Trey from CATALYST. He’s a bit of a bad boy, and I totally have a crush on him! We’d eat mashed potatoes because Trey loves them. :)

If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?

Emma Stone as Sienna, Brant Daugherty as Trey, and Alex Pettyfor as Zane. Sounds like a stellar cast, right?

Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?

Sexy leads, definitely! Especially if they look like Damon from Vampire Diaries. Love him! :)

If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?

I would love to visit the Roaring Twenties. It would be so cool to experience the Art Deco period for myself. Plus, I love the style back then—the flapper dresses, cute hats, and hairdos.

What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?

“Don’t date that boy in high school. He’ll only break your heart.”

If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

A wizard, of course! It would be great to have my own wand and cast spells on those who don’t do what I say. Mwahahahaha!

Where do you write best?

Either on my bed or at my desk. Usually, the bed wins out. It’s just too comfy!

What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?

I recently finished THE SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater and really liked it! It was the first book I’ve read of hers, but I’d heard so much about her writing that I had to see for myself. I wasn’t disappointed! She knows how to pull you so far into a world that you’re practically able to taste the saltiness of the air and feel the sea spray on your face. She’s a masterful storyteller!

If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?

Adult contemporary romance. I’m a sucker for romance in my books, and I really do enjoy writing the kissing scenes. I’ve written a couple romances so far but haven’t tried to publish them yet. Maybe someday…

Where can fans find you online?

Please do visit me at any of the links below! :)

Blog

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

 

Author interview swap with Kai Strand

Tell us about your publishing journey…

 

I sought publication for six years, receiving rejection after rejection – some encouraging, most form letters. I seriously considered that I just wasn’t good enough and maybe I should give up. Then I saw an upcoming event at our local Barnes and Nobles. Multiple children’s authors and illustrators would be reading and signing from their books. That got my attention because I’m in a small community in the middle of nowhere and we didn’t have any other children’s authors besides me – but MULTIPLE? I knew someone had to be local, so I researched the list of people appearing and discovered that one of the illustrators lived in the area. I contacted her and offered to help with the event, and she kindly declined saying she had plenty of support, but invited me to a barbecue at her house. It was lovely to finally meet so many people involved in the business I’d been struggling with on my own for so many years. Plus, I met their publisher, who impressed me with her forward thinking. It was a lovely evening and I took my kids to the signing a couple days later. It was maybe a month or two later when it struck me that one of my manuscripts would be a good fit for that publishing house. I submitted, she accepted, and the rest is history. My Weaver Tales series is up to three books now.

What do you love about being an author?

 

So many things! Working in my pajamas. Creating people and worlds that no one else would think of. Fan mail. But mostly engaging with readers – at signings, classroom visits, workshops – I love talking to readers.

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

 

I’d love to dine with the Pevensie siblings (well, maybe not Edmund.) Lucy has such a pure, sweet spirit, and Susan and Peter are very brave. I think hearing about their experiences in Narnia and even wartime London would make for great dinner conversation. I’d probably whip up a batch of homemade macaroni and cheese. I recently made some with sautéed onions, crumbled bacon, and loads of mozzarella and pepper jack cheese.

If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?

 

I’d love to cast Zayn Malik as my lead, Jeff, in King of Bad. He’s got the right look – can he even act? I’m not sure I care. But I can totally imagine him as the conflicted villain, developing his super powers of fire and ice. And I’d put Brenton Thwaites as his nemesis, Set. I LOVE Set. He wields his super powers over the weather and boy is he electric! However, both guys would have to fake an Idaho accent.

Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?

 

Ooo, honestly I’ve enjoyed them in both roles. It depends on the story and the hero/heroine. It’s funny. I always say, “I don’t like vampire stories.” And then I read one and enjoy it. But seriously, Buffy! Interview with a Vampire! The Lost Boys! And of course Dracula! Yeah, okay, vampires rock.

If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?

 

I’m pretty happy here in the twenty-first century. But if I had to travel, I guess I’d go to the Victorian era as long as I can guarantee I’d be someone in high society. It might be fun to play dress up for a short time and shock all the prim and proper folks with my outspoken personality. I’m really shy at first, which would lure them in, but then I’d open my mouth and say something completely scandalous, like my opinion! It would be fun to watch.

What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?

 

I wish I’d been told that being cool is so NOT important. I wasted so much time and energy in school and in my early adult life worrying about if I fit in, how I looked, drawing attention without actually standing out. Gawd! If I could go back to high school and do the things I enjoyed even though the people who did them were labeled as nerds or geeks or whatever, I’d have so much more fun.

If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

 

An Amazon. I’ve always loved Wonder Woman – her strength, intelligence, kindness – so if I could be more like her than this human condition currently allows, then I’d jump at the chance.

Where do you write best? 

 

On a laptop. Probably not what you meant by the question, but the laptop allows me freedom to write wherever I’m most inspired. I usually sit in the me-sized crater I’ve carved in my couch, but I also like to go to coffee shops, libraries, or the park from time to time. It depends on what kind of atmosphere I need to get my creative juices flowing.

What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?

 

I can’t just talk about one book. The Olympics are on, so I’m multi-tasking by plowing through as many graphic novels as I can while enjoying the competition. Before the Olympics I was thoroughly enjoying making my way through the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. I’ve put off reading it forever and now I can’t get through it fast enough. I’ll pick up the fourth book, Queen of Shadows, after the Olympics are over. I’m always listening to an audiobook, too, while I exercise or cook dinner or vacuum. And recently I was all fired up after listening to All American Boys by Jason Reynolds. We have so much stupid, needless prejudice in my country and that book really showed off the nuances of how and why it happens, but best of all demonstrated how and why it’s important to DO THE RIGHT THING!!!

If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?

 

I write in whatever genre I’m inspired to write in. I have a young adult speculative fiction series called Super Villain Academy. Maybe by the series name you can figure out it’s about angsty teens wielding super powers. So much fun to write. But I also have a YA Contemporary romance series that explores the relationship between a barista and a homeless boy and a standalone YA romantic suspense with car chases and torture with kitchen implements. So, yeah, I jump around. I’ve also published contemporary fiction and fantasy for middle grade readers. I even have a New Adult ghost story under the pseudonym LA Dragoni. I plan to explore time travel under that pseudonym, so that’ll be interesting. I look forward to many-a-mind melt getting through that one.

Where can fans find you online?

 

When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults. Learn more about Kai and her books on her website, www.kaistrand.com.

 

Mailing List| Facebook| Twitter| Instagram|

 

Book Links:

 

Super Villain Academy:

King of Bad (be sure to get the 2^nd edition for the bonus scenes!) –Amazon| Barnes & Noble| Whiskey Creek Press Add it to Goodreads

Polar Opposites – Amazon| Barnes & Noble| Whiskey Creek Press| Add on Goodreads 

Super Bad – Amazon| Barnes & Noble| Whiskey Creek Press| add on Goodreads

 

Worth the Effort:

Ella’s Story – Amazon| Barnes & Noble| iTunes| Kobo| Goodreads

Ayden’s Story – Amazon| Barnes & Noble| iTunes| Kobo| Goodreads

 

Finding Thor – Amazon| Barnes & Noble| Whiskey Creek Press| Book Depository| Goodreads

Interview with Ashlyn Chase

Tell us about your publishing journey…

I took a screenwriting course first, thinking I’d like to write movies. Hollywood passed on my romantic comedies but I still wanted to write. I joined RWA and learned a lot from generous romance novelists who were successful. I adapted one of my screenplays into a novel. (I know. It’s usually the other way around.) But that became my first published book. Meanwhile I was working on something new, and that was a great learning experience. I joined a critique group, and because everyone in the group was writing suspense, I did too—for a while. When I finally found my own voice it was humorous! I was funny! Who knew?

What inspired you to write this book?

A contract. There’s something about being paid in advance, and knowing you’ll have to give back the money if you don’t perform, to give any writer a kick in the pants. LOL. Actually, it’s a series spin-off of the last series. Book 2 in the Flirting with Fangs series was How to Date a Dragon. I hadn’t thought of writing more dragons until my publisher asked me to. I aim to please.

What question do you want to be asked in an interview, then please include your answer.

What punishment do you think Internet Prates should face?

IF they survive walking the plank in shark infested waters (which should happen just to drive home the point that they are pirates) then they should have to forfeit their paychecks until every artist, author, actor, and musician has been paid what they stole from them. They think it’s a piddly amount that won’t be missed, so it doesn’t count. Guess what asshole? You just took a loaf of bread out of my pantry. Pirates ought to eat Ramen Noodles until their victims are fully compensated.

What do you love about writing?

Waking up when I’m good and ready. Working in my bathrobe… Nah. The ability to indulge my creativity is paramount. I was a nurse for 20 years. Creativity is greatly discouraged by doctors who want you to carry out their orders to the letter.

I love the freedom to invent unique characters and the world they live in. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate being able to make a paycheck that way.

If you had a time machine, which era would you go to and why?

I’m not one to long for a nostalgic past. I think every time period has its problems. I might like a peek at the future to see if we’ve solved some of those dilemmas. Batteries that last forever? No more computer glitches? I doubt we’ll have world peace. Unless human beings have found a magic chill pill that can go into everyone’s water supply.

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

Well, the character would be Jaime Fraser, obviously. I could introduce him to Ramen Noodles and he could introduce me to Haggas. I’m sure it would be hilarious. Then maybe we could get a decent meal at a local establishment after that.

If you could be any supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

Everything has its drawbacks. Werewolves go through a painful transition every month. Vampires have to drink blood and avoid the sun. Maybe I’d be a phoenix. I’d have pretty tail feathers, be able to shift and fly, and if the worst happened, I could crash-land into a bonfire and reincarnate.

In a fire, what 3 things would you rescue?

My cat, my husband, and myself. Everything else is just stuff.

Who would be your dream cast for your book?

My Wild Irish Dragon? Let’s see. The heroine Chloe is an athletic blonde with freckles. Maybe Kate from the old TV show Lost would be willing to dye her hair. And Ryan is our hero. Pick a tall, dark, and handsome actor with a smart-alec smirk. Maybe James Franco.

What are you working on now?

First book in a whole new series. The Phoenix Brothers. Book 1’s main characters are Gabe Fierro and Misty… I haven’t come up with a last name for her yet.

Where can fans find you online?

Where there’s fire, there’s Ash

Sign up for my newsletter right from my home page:

www.ashlynchase.com While you’re there check out my news and reviews.

Join my facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAshlynChase

Chat with me: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ashlynsnewbestfriends/

…and I tweet as GoddessAsh. https://twitter.com/#!/GoddessAsh

Ask me to sign your ebook at www.authorgraph.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Ashlyn-Chase/e/B002BOJ4FK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1360590343&sr=1-2-ent

Here I am at Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Ashlyn-Chase?csrfToken=geodGFzkRvda1FrJApOPBCffGhh2gw7E&store=allproducts&keyword=Ashlyn+Chase

Author interview swap with Kendra L Saunders

Tell us about your publishing journey…

It’s been a long one! I started in 2011 by self publishing my dark magic realism novel Inanimate Objects. From there I was contracted to write a book for a small press, and soon after I wrote two more books: Dating an Alien Pop Star, and The Unlove Spell. In 2015 I signed a contract for the Alien Pop Star series, and by the end of 2016 I should have three new releases in one year. It takes a long time to happen, but once the ball starts rolling, it usually moves quickly. Engaged to an Alien Pop Star (second book in the Alien Pop Star series) will be out this November, and The Unlove Spell will be out in December.

What do you love about being an author?

Escaping to amazing worlds where things end up making sense. Making people laugh. Hearing from strangers that something I wrote had an emotional impact on them. Spending time with aliens (in books!) Traveling for my “job”… hey, come on, it’s research!

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

Oh man. Probably I’d choose Henry DeTamble from the Time Traveler’s Wife, and I’d want to have something delicious and easy to eat so we could just talk about music and time travel the whole time!

If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?

That’s a tough choice! I’m usually very inspired by musicians and models rather than actors. I think if I had to choose actual actors, though, Daisy Ridley would be a fun Daisy (and her name is perfect!) and Christian Bale would be great for Griffin’s dad, though they’d need to age him up a bit. Not sure about actors for Griffin and Dev.

Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?

Sexy leads, always! I’m such a chicken about horror, and vampires scare me way too much when they’re monsters.

If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?

I would probably waste my use of a time machine on something stupid, like going to see Muse live at Glastonbury in 2004. But if I could go to any time period for a few days, safely, I would absolutely go to the 1920s in Paris. The romanticism of that time and place is so widespread that Woody Allen made that movie, Midnight in Paris, about it. I would love to wear some flapper styles and just soak in the crazy time of change. But then I’d want to come right back to modern times, where women have rights, we have modern medicine, and the internet!

What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?

Don’t try to make mean people happy. Don’t take so many other people’s pain onto yourself. Don’t hate your body so much. Don’t starve yourself, and cut back on the coffee!

If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

Oooh, that’s another tough one. I’d probably want to be something that had a long life, but I couldn’t be a vampire, because I’m too easily grossed out. So probably a fairy or something, because they get to be fun colors and wear sparkly things, or nothing at all, if they want!

Where do you write best?

My favorite place to write is a comfortable, slightly noisy coffee shop of some type. I can’t help it! I know it’s such an author stereotype, but I really love it. I actually work for the country’s biggest coffee shop chain now– think green aprons!– and I still love writing at coffee shops. My second favorite spot is the comfort of my own bed, at about midnight, to about 3am. I’m a night owl by nature, and I love writing at night when it’s quiet and dark.

What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?

I’ve been reading the Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. I’m in the third book now, and have really loved the characters, the descriptions, the dynamics of “found families”, and the unique take on magic and legend. I definitely liked the first book best so far, but I’m enjoying the whole series quite a lot!

If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?

Because I write books with comedic, romantic, and fantastical elements, I’m not sure what would be left! I love good comedy, I love magic, and I love handsome boys, so I think I’d have to find a way back to one of those genres no matter what!

Thank you so much for having me, Nicky!

Where can fans find you online?

Twitter @kendrybird

Instagram @kendralsaunders

Facebook, under my name, Kendra L. Saunders

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/KendraLSaunders

I also have a website http://www.kendralsaunders.com/ that has loads of helpful tips, articles and links for writers, as well as some fun free short stories.

I blog about well-being + fashion & interviews designers from Project Runway at http://kendrybird.blogspot.com/

Author interview swap with Steven Harper Piziks

Tell us about your publishing journey…

I sold my first short story to SWORD AND SORCERESS IX in 1990, and sold my first novel to Baen Books in 1994. Since then, I’ve sold a few dozen short stories and about 25 novels, including the how-to book WRITING THE PARANORMAL NOVEL.

My latest book is BONE WAR the third in the Books of Blood and Iron series. The queen of elves has
kidnapped one of the fates, and Death sends Danr and Aisa to find the Bone Sword, the only object that can set fate free. Meanwhile, strange creatures are invading Balsia, and the invasion seems to center around Talfi and Ranadar…

What do you love about being an author?

I can write when I want and where I want, especially with this newfangled cloud thingie. And everything is a tax deduction. How great is that?

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

Let’s see . . . I wouldn’t want to sit down with any of my own characters. They’d probably try to strangle me.

If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?

Danr (Trollboy) would have to be CGI, and wouldn’t that be a kick to watch? Chris Evans would be a really good voice for him, though. Gal Godot should play Aisa, and Grant Gustin would do great as Talfi.

Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?

Monsters. I want my vampires cruel and evil and dead, dead, dead.

If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?

Oh, man. Only one? I want to see a couple different eras in ancient Greece, like about a year before Xerxes invaded, or during the time of Alexander the Great. Or Pompeii three days before the volcano went off. And Rome during the height of its corrupt glory. Or I’d like to arrive in London just in time to squish though the cow pasture across the Thames and watch the very first performance of HAMLET at the Globe Theatre, preferably with a micro camera hidden in my cloak so I could record it and we could find out how it all was done and what everyone actually said.

What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?

“You’ll love karate class. Take it now.”

If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

A witch. I’ll spend hours experimenting in the kitchen. Mixing potions would be an easy way of life.
Where do you write best?

Either at my desk (where I have access to my vast music library) or on my front porch with the laptop. The porch, which I’ve recently refurbished to be a second writing zone, has comfortable furniture, a
table, and enough plants to be mistaken for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. I can also spy on the neighbors while pretending to work.

What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?

I just finished HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. It was interesting seeing the original characters twenty years older and seeing the relationship between Harry’s son and Draco’s son. Some of it was a little too dependent on events from the earlier books, but it was still an enjoyable story that dealt with time, how to be a parent when you didn’t have parents of your own, and how to be the child of famous people. I’m glad they released the text, since most of us won’t be able to see the stage play. And I don’t understand the readers who complained about the format. It says right on the cover that it’s a play. Why would you read a play if you don’t like them?

Where can fans find you online?

BLOG: http://spiziks.livejournal.com
TWITTER: @stevenpiziks
FACEBOOK: Steven Harper Piziks