Apr 12, 2023 | Uncategorized, Interviews
This week, we’re talking with Susan Merson about her book, How We Saw the Moon
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I am also a tarot reader and am practicing psychic mediumship.
Why do you write?
I have been on the planet for awhile and the images and observations of people as they struggle toward fulfillment and compassion move me to write about them.. It's important to know each other.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I , like my protagonist Annie, volunteered for the Hillary campaign in 2016 and it gave me a preview to the current rise of fascist, right wing ideologies in our country, I was invited to a Literary Conference in the UK in 2017-2018 and when reading parts of the book about the campaign, the audience was shocked— as was I, that I was seeing what was coming.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I tend to write against genre– but literary fiction is the closest to what I have to say. I am most interested in the people of our time, their struggles and successes.. and these are the souls I am drawn to..
How would you describe your writing process?
I tend to get quiet and listen.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
It is the platform on which we communicate these days, so if one wants to be part of the conversation, it is important to be part of the platform. That being said, I hope to interest people enough to then go deeper into my work and the nuance of behavior and desire with which I am fascinated.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Write your heart, whether you know it or not.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
This last title, HOW WE SAW THE MOON, came from a kids chalk drawing on the sidewalk of my street, a drawing figuring out science assignments. I am drawn to strong visual images that offer the mood of the work within the covers.
What book do you wish you had written?
The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiesson His search, his certainty that there was this mythical being and that that majesty can be observed, understood and basked within.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I hope it is balanced enough to introduce people to my work.
What's your next step?
I am currently working on my next book about finding safety; emotional, physical, and psychic. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US. It takes place in a dystopian future where the government in the US has become fully fascist, and my protagonist Carey flees the country only to understand that safety and stability come from inside, not outside.
GET SUSAN'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 12, 2023 | Uncategorized
This week, we’re talking with Karen Black about her book, Deadly Repercussions
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
For ten years, I was a professional dog trainer.
Why do you write?
I have always loved the ability to get lost in a book. It never fails to delight me when someone enjoys something I've written. It makes me smile to think that I've created a story that allows the reader to become immersed in it.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
The inspiration came from the legal system. What the law provides or the things it requires do not always result in justice. In “Deadly Repercussions,” that premise is paramount. The characters believe that justice should prevail.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I write in a variety of genres, most often mystery and suspense. Whether writing mystery, fantasy or paranormal, I enjoy weaving stories, heavy on character development, that don't end quite the way the reader expects.
How would you describe your writing process?
Rather than beginning to write with an outline or even a basic plot, I start with a vague idea and allow the characters to lead me. Generally, I have four or five projects in the works. It is as common for me to let a manuscript sit for weeks between chapters as it is to dive into a project and work on it daily until completion.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
The interaction among authors and readers is helpful, not only in terms of feedback but also for support and a variety of recommendations. Social media also provides a multitude of marketing opportunities which can be valuable.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Don't rush the story. Allow it to develop. Then read it, reread it, and be brutally honest with your opinion of the overall book.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
My books don't get a title until they are complete. As with my storylines, my characters help me decide on the right one. I also try to chose a title that is not a repeat of another author's publication. My covers begin to come together as the story progresses. By the time the book is finished, I know what I want the cover to convey. With that in mind, I explain what I envision to my graphic designer, who brings it to life.
What book do you wish you had written?
Gone With the Wind
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
My initial reaction is gratitude. I appreciate every review that my books receive and am grateful to the readers who who take the time to write one.
What's your next step?
I am currently working on a romance novel set at the same thoroughbred racetrack as my first novel, “Race into Murder.” Although romance is the primary genre, a bit of mystery and mayhem have been woven into the plot. It's almost finished and I am eager to see how it ends.
FOLLOW KAREN ON TWITTER
AND GET HER BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 12, 2023 | Uncategorized, Interviews
This week, we’re talking with Patrick J McTaggart about his book, Our Dementia Journey
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
Prior to writing my first collection of poems “Our Dementia Journey” I had never written a poem in my life before. It is very therapeutic and I now encourage others to do it.
Why do you write?
As a carer for my Dad who has dementia, I know how difficult both physically and emotionally dementia can be for both the person who has it and close family particularly those who are carers day to day. Often books can be quite long and time to research on the other hand very short. It was only by chance that I saw on-line some quotes and a few poems about dementia and these really hit the mark with me. Having never written a poem in my life before suddenly I started writing poems. I found that they helped me by putting down on paper how I was feeling including my emotions and helped me better reflect on and better understand certain situations. Being a carer I find to be a constant process of learning and trying to do things better. Over time as I wrote more poems, I started to think that perhaps some of the things I learned from our dementia journey may be of some small help to others on the same journey or who are about to start it. Poetry seemed to me to be a good way to provide it with fairly short poems, easy to read and often with a simple message. I hope the messages and advice in the poems will help others avoid some of the heartache and emotional stresses that dementia can bring. The Author Royalties from the books I write go to Alzheimer's Research UK which funds research into treatments, prevention and finding a cure for dementia.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
It occurred to me in writing my first book that caring for loved ones, no matter what illness or condition they have, is a similar journey for all carers certainly from an emotional perspective. The collection of poems in this book is therefore aimed at and inspired by all of those on a caring journey and includes some poems that have been sent to me by other carers. The book to be released on 20th February is titled “Poems for People Who Care” and is Poems in celebration of carers worldwide for the love and compassion they show and their dedication in caring for those they love.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I enjoy the succinct nature of a poem that in a few words can impart a simple but powerful message. Poems can be easy to read but can move people emotionally sometimes making them cry sometimes making them smile.
How would you describe your writing process?
The nature of my books thus far means I often take inspiration from day to day events while caring for my parents. These can be happy days but also challenging days and I find the poems or ideas come to me either when I am lying in bed at night or when I am up early in the morning when it is still quiet. Often it is during times of great emotion that are followed by a cathartic experience that comes with writing a poem.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
It is a chance for author's to put their work out there in the public domain and get feedback, in my case perhaps a few poems from a forthcoming book. It also helps spread awareness of the books published which would be difficult to do on such a scale otherwise without considerable expense.
What advice would you have for other writers?
I look at it from two perspectives: there can be a personal sense of achievement in completing a manuscript and then publishing it as self-publication is so much easier these days – so give it a go. Secondly, take advice and learn all you can about marketing your work.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I find they just come out from the content of the book and playing around with different themes.
What book do you wish you had written?
“The Cure for Dementia” – if only we had it.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Excitement, trepidation hopefully followed by joy!
What's your next step?
I have a series of follow on books in mind and aim to release one or two books per year.
FOLLOW PATRICK ON HIS TWITTER
AND GET HIS BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
This week, we’re talking with CJ Standal about his book, Rebirth of the Gangster Act 4: Inheritance
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I used to teach high school English, including a graphic novel class I created.
Why do you write?
To entertain myself and others. To explore questions about life.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
100 Bullets and Ed Brubaker/Sean Phillips’ Criminal.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
It excels at examining society in a thrilling manner.
How would you describe your writing process?
I used to heavily outline but now I write with more flexibility.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Connecting with people with similar interests and sharing my work with others in a more meaningful way.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Try new things. Each new project I tackle has something wildly different from my previous project, which leads to a lot more learning and fun.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
For titles, I look for something short and snappy that also conveys plot and theme. For covers, I try to tell a story with few, but strong, images.
What book do you wish you had written?
The Maltese Falcon
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
With excitement and a little trepidation.
What's your next step?
I’m still writing my B. A.E. Wulf graphic novel series (a modern day mashup of Beowulf and Lovecraftian horror). I also am finishing the first draft of Comics Tell the Truth, a book about the history of nonfiction comics in the US. I’m early in the outlining stage for a superhero graphic novel. And I’m putting the finishing touches on Mapping Mythland, a fantasy book where Neil Gaiman meets the Marvel Cinematic Universe and YA’s romance.
CJ's TWITTER: @cj_standal
FIND HIS BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
This week, we’re talking with L. C. Hayden about her book, When Doubt Creeps in: A Harry Bronson Thriller Suspense
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
My name is L. C. Hayden. My real name is Elsie Hayden. Back in the '70s, I used to write for the treasure magazines. However, if you were a female, you couldn't write for them. You had to be a male, so I wrote under L. C. They published my stories and never knew I was a female.
Why do you write?
I'm a story teller. I love this field and I love getting inside my character's worlds and living their adventures.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I write the Bronson series (and Aimee Brent series) Since I have a series character, all I have to do is ask myself what can happen to my character that will touch emotional strings? The answer became the inspiration for When Doubt Creeps In.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
It's a thrill ride. I love the red herrings and twist and turns that this genre has to offer.
How would you describe your writing process?
I try to write everyday a bit–except when I'm on promotional mode. I'm a panster so I basically know how the book begins and how it'll end. The middle is a wild ride for me–and my readers, I hope!
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
New fans and a way to relate to them.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Never give up. Hold on to your dreams and if writing is what you want to do, go for it!
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
For the Bronson series, each title begins with one of the 4 journalism Ws. The rest of the title focuses on something that happens in the story. For the Aimee Brent series, I try to find a catchy phrase that I used in the book and use that as a title.
What book do you wish you had written?
I'm happy with what I've written.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Mostly, I don't focus on reviews. I just want to receive them.
What's your next step?
Continue writing on the Aimee Brent series or the Harry Bronson series (I'm currently writing the 7th in the series) or write another book on the Angel and Miracle series I write.
GET L.C. Hayden's book on AMAZON
FIND L.C HAYDEN ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
Mar 30, 2023 | Uncategorized, Interviews
This week, we’re talking with Malia Arries about her book, Dad Died, Then Mom: Siblings' Spiritual & Inspirational Memoir as Caregivers
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I love cars – Vintage, Sports, Luxury! Two favorites I have owned are a Cobra Mustang Saleen and a 1957 (all original) Cadillac Coupe DeVille.
Why do you write?
To see if I can. . . . I enjoy it, and It's good for my brain!
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
As I wrote: “I had just lain down on the sofa to take an afternoon nap when, for some unexplainable reason, visions with words began popping into my mind describing the night Dad died. It was so overwhelming I needed to get up and start typing them into a document. . . .”
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
The very personal connection between the reader and the writer.
How would you describe your writing process?
With a document open in front of me, I place my head in my hands, close my eyes and focus on what I am thinking and feeling. Then typing, as best I can, what those thoughts and feelings are for my reader to experience them with me.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Oh my – I have absolutely NO experience with social media! I did open a Twitter account after my book was published, but I'm afraid of it because I have no idea how it works.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Just write, enjoy the writing, and see where it takes you!
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
The title popped into my head one morning when I was making the bed. The cover was an easy choice between options the designer gave me.
What book do you wish you had written?
“The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I react with anticipation. It's like receiving a lovely wrapped gift from a caring person. Will it be something I've so wanted. . . or will it be something I've had no desire to receive? Either way, it's something the giver genuinely believes would be of benefit to me.
What's your next step?
Sell enough books to buy a Vintage, Sports, or Luxury car!
CHECK OUT MALIA'S WEBSITE: https://maliaarries.com/
HER TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MaliaArries?s=20
FIND HER BOOK ON AMAZON
