INTERVIEW With Author Darden North, MD

It Is With Great Pleasure, and a Honor to bring to Today's Interview, Author Darden North, MD Author Of: "FRESH FROZEN" Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Darden: Sometime in the early 1990's. By that time, my medical practice in Jackson, Mississippi, was becoming well established. I began to collect first editions of Mississippi authors of contemporary fiction, and began to tell myself, "I believe I can do that." "I want to do that." Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Darden: Mystery/Suspense/Medical Thrillers based in the South. Geri: Did a Special person in your life inspire you to write? Darden: Both my wife, and mother, who are both retired high school English Teachers, encouraged me to write a novel. Now, with three published works to my credit and a fourth planned, I think they are both wondering, "Oh my gosh! What have I done?" Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Darden: No, my three books are pure fiction. But, of course, I do not live in a glass bubble. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Darden: Greg Lles Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Darden: That is not a question that an author of fiction can answer safely. However, working as a full-time practicing physician, father, and husband and several close friends, keeps my mind and creativeness working 24/7 Geri: How many books have you written? Darden: I have written, and published three novels: HOUSE CALL, POINTS OF ORIGIN, and FRESH FROZEN Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Darden: Hopefully, they await you on the bookshelves of your favorite bookstore. Nevertheless, any bookseller in the world can get them through the major book distributors: AtlasBooks, Ingram, Baker&Taylor, Brodart, or Book-A-Zine. For examole, or they can be ordered online from: AtlasBooks, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, or through my website: http://www.dardennorth.com/ Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published. Darden: That's easy...every other author probably felt the same...your first born! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Darden: My third mystery/medical thriller "FRESH FROZEN" was just released in October of 2008. I hope my fourth (as-of-yet- untitled novel will be out by 2010 Geri: What are some links to your websites? Darden: http://www.dardennorth.com/ http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=80958 Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Darden: I hope to garner the literary, and commercial respect that seems to come with landing a corporate publisher. However, with the release of each of my three books, my readership base seems to grow exponentially. You know, it's fun to write a good story, and see people enjoy it! Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be with your writing? Darden: No, I thought I would have been on Oprah by now. After all, Miss Winfrey is also from my home state of Mississippi. Geri: What can help authors reach their dream of accomplishment? Darden: My favorite answer to this, and similar questions is to quote Winston Churchill who once said, "Never, never , never give up!" Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Darden: Of course, I have experienced writer's block, every time I sit down at my laptop to write! Geri: What advice can you give to prevent it? Darden: To prevent it, just get up, walk away from it. Do something else for fifteen minutes, or so. You'll be surprised at what your brain can come up with, after a little bit of diversion. Many times, I've taken a men's room break or a trip to the refrigerator for a fresh diet coke, only to return to the keyboard with a writing revelation, or two. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Darden: I remember reading the entire Laura Ingalls Wilder series. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? Darden: Not really. It seems as though any time available for reading was spent doing required reading. I think that the summer reading concept remains as a mushrooming, unrealistic, and impractical problem with our school systems today. Excessive reading requirements during summer, and other breaks from school, as though enough is not demanded of the poor kids during the school term itself. Regarding the ubiquitous outside, or summer reading projects, I think students should be allowed their choice of titles within certain genres to include more contemporary work. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Darden: John Grisham, because he is a southerner at heart, and I hear that he has his own corporate jet at his disposal. Driving to book-signings, and other appearances is time consuming, and results in motion sickness for me unless I drive myself. Regrettably, when I do drive, I eat candy, and chew gum incessantly to stay focused. But fortunately, I have lost almost fifteen of the extra pounds gained as the result of writing three books. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, a sense of self-achievement after publishing a book, can you relate? Darden: Sure, the normal human, and maybe animal psyche is built on seeking approval and self-satisfaction . What better way to achieve such earthly, secular self-fulfillment than by producing something that potentially can be savored by others forever? I believe that God meant for us to achieve, within the scope of our given talents as long as others are not hurt. Using one's talents to the fullest is a way we can glorify him, and that moves beyond the concept of pure secularism. Geri: How do you balance your current occupation with your writing? Darden: There will soon be fifteen physician members in my obstetrics and gynecology practice in Jackson, MS. Consequently, I have some free time to pursue other interests, while still maintaining a busy, fulfilling medical practice. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Darden: My publicist had told me to use a black Sharpie, and that using such was the latest thing, and so I did. Since then I have come to use the thinner- tipped version. Fellow fiction author Nevada Barr attended that very first of my book signings held at Lemuria Bookstore in Jackson, Mississippi, and sent a sticky note on a customer's book with instructions that read Darden, sign here. Nevada was directing me to autograph each book just below the title on HOUSE CALL'S title page, instead of my signing on the blank page located immediately inside the book's cover. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would that change your plans for your writing? Darden: I would probably devote more of my time to writing novels, and practice medicine pro bono. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Darden: That's an easy one, promotions! I have an even greater respect for people whose livelihood depends on retail sales, and marketing. It was much easier to be a writer, before I had books at there that needed to be placed into the hands of readers at bookstores. Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, or focus on the ocean, or flowers when writing. Do you have a particular scenery? Darden: Sometimes I look at the window of my home office, out onto the backyard, or at our pool, and that's about it for scenery. However, the sound of the small four fountains that surround the pool can be soothing if the Mississippi mosquitoes don't carry me off when I try to write, using the laptop around the pool itself. The luxury of writing atop a cliff, looking out onto the ocean? Well now, wouldn't that be a piece of fiction? Geri: If you were to have a book published in a genre different from a book you already had published, what would it be? Darden: I would like to write an epic historical fiction piece set around the Civil War, and the practice of medicine. Geri: Thank you very much for your time. It has been quite enjoyable, and a pleasure. Darden: Your welcome!

INTERVIEW With Jeffrey B. Allen

It is with Great Pleasure to present Author Jeffrey B. Allen to Today's Interview! Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Jeffrey: When I was just a boy, elementary school age, I started a local newspaper. Nella News it was called. Nella being backward for Allen, of course. I have also been blessed with a very overactive, and some say, strange imagination. That imagination led me into painting, instead of writing, although I remained an avid story teller.The decision to write GoneAway came after much prodding from my two grown children. Once I got started, I knew I wanted to be a writer. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Jeffrey: I write a form of fantasy that mixes with reality. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to become a writer? Jeffrey: My father inspired me in so many ways. Also, my wife, daughter, and son. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Jeffrey: True life comes out in every author's work. In my case, GoneAway is about me. Every story I write will be about me. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Jeffrey: Hemmingway, Frank Herbert, Arthur C. Clark Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Jeffrey: Both, I am inspired by people I meet, good and bad. I use them as skeletons for my characters. Geri: How many books have you written? Jeffrey: GoneAway is my first published novel. Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Jeffrey: Amazon, Barnesandnoble, and all online book sellers. Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published. Jeffrey: When I picked up my book for the first time, it was as if my baby was just born. Three and a half years of writing, and a year to find a publisher was one of the most difficult things I had ever done in my life. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Jeffrey: Yes! My next novel "Beneath The Quarry Waters" is almost complete. Geri: What are some links to your websites? Jeffrey: www.jeffreyballen.com Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Jeffrey: I want to reach to the highest peak I can. Why not? I think GoneAway would make a fantastic movie. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be in your writing? Jeffrey: I want to achieve notoriety for my writing. I must keep writing! Geri: What can help authors reach their dream? Jeffrey: Work hard, work regular, work when you don't want to work. Read a lot, observe everything! Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Jeffrey: No! Writer's block is an excuse, like I can't come to work today, because I have a cold. Geri: What can prevent it? Jeffrey: Take the words out of your vocabulary! Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Jeffrey: My mother read me, "Little Red Riding Hood, Mother Goose, The Brothers Grim." I read Hunter Thompson, Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and more. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading a lot? Jeffrey: Most of the time, I went in stages. It was in high school that I really began to read. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Jeffrey: Besides Jeffrey B. Allen? I would have to say Shakespeare! Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, self-achievement after publishing a book, can you relate? Jeffrey: Absolutely! Writing a good novel that people will read, finish, and enjoy is one of the hardest things a person can do. If one achieves that, the author has experienced much more. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing Jeffrey: For twenty-eight years, I owned my own business. After selling it, I coasted for about a year. I finished GoneAway just after I sold the business. It's harder now, but I still write several hours a day. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Jeffrey: Kind of strange at first, but I am a born ham. I love attention, and I love to talk about my book. I love book signings, and I wish I could do more. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would anything change? Jeffrey: Nothing, except that I would have more time to write. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Jeffrey: I thought writing the novel was hard work, but promotion is even harder. I am the first to admit that I need help with it. I'm actively looking for someone to promote my work, while I write. Geri: Some writers need to listen to music, or look at the ocean while writing. Do you have a particular scenery? Jeffrey: No, none at all. I pound away at the keyboard in short sentences. One on each line. That's how I stream my thoughts on to the page. Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be? Jeffrey: I like true science fiction, such as Arthur C. Clarke, or Michael Crichton. I would probably write in that genre. Although, I like the stretch that Larry Niven puts on it as well. Geri: It's been a pleasure, and delightful to work with you! Jeffrey: Thankyou! Geri:

INTERVIEW With ALYSIA LYONS

It is with Great Pleasure, and an Honor to present Author Alysia Lyons to Today's Interview! Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Alysia: I started writing little stories at a young age, but I think the first time I realized that I wanted to be published was after I wrote "How The Hart Breaks." I had several friends read it, and each of them encouraged me to try. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Alysia: Mostly, I write contemporary romance. You might say, "I'm a hopeless romantic." Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Alysia: My grandpa used to read to me when he would come to visit, and then later on, I would read to him. I think that has alot to do with my love for writing. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Alysia: I don't really write about true life, my stories are primarily fiction. However, I am inspired by things that happen in real life. Often, I will take an event that happened to me, or a friend, and imagine a different outcome. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Alysia: Nora Roberts, Anne Rice, JK Rowling. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Alysia: My characters are usually inspired by a scene, and how they would react in a certain situation. I build upon the characters personality from the way the character reacts to a certain scene. Geri: How many books have you written? Alysia: Roughly, around six books. Three of them are part of the Isabel Hart Series. This is my first published, but I'm planning to submit another one shortly. Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Alysia: Barnesandnoble, Borders, Target. Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published. Alysia: After I got published, and held my book in my hands, I remember watching Anne of Avonla. Towards the end, she gets her book published, and gets it in the mail. She was so excited, and felt accomplished. I turned to my mom, and said "I know how that feels!" Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Alysia: I am currently finalizing the sequels to "How The Hart Breaks" for publication. Geri: What are some links to your websites? Alysia: http://www.alysialyons.com/ Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Alysia: I have many goals pushing me forward. My next goal to reach is publishing the second novel in the Isabel Hart Series. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be in your writing? Alysia: I'm farther along than I thought I'd ever be. I know that it takes some writers fifteen, or more years to get published, and some writers never do. So, I just feel blessed to be as far as I am. Geri: What can help authors reach their dream? Alysia: My only advice to aspiring authors is to not give up. You need thick skin in this business. Don't get discouraged by the word, "No!" Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Alysia: I think every writer has experienced it at one time, or another. Geri: What can prevent writer's block? Alysia: I'm not sure that it's preventable. However, once you hit a rut, it's important to not stay there. Go back to whatever it is that inspires you, and try to be inspired again. Find a support group, a group of reader's who want to see what's coming next. Those are some of the ways I overcome it. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Alysia: I loved reading the Nancy Drew books, and for the longest time, I thought Carolyn Keene was a real person, and I was in awe of how many books she's written. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading alot? Alysia: When I would get into a book, I would do very little else. Something happens when I read now. A lot of times, I just can't put the book down. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Alysia: J.K.Rowling. I'm very impressed with her mind, and her attention to detail in books. It's a trait that I admire, and aspire to. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, self-achievement after publishing a book, can you relate? Alysia: Absolutely, I don't think there's any feelings quite like being a published author. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Alysia: It's difficult to balance my day job with writing, but writing is my passion, and people always make time to do their passion. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Alysia: It feels alot like being published for the first time, surreal. I have to remind myself that I didn't dream it, it really is my book that I'm signing. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would that change anything? Alysia: I would continue writing. It would give me more time. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Alysia: Promotions, it was unfamiliar territory. I read books about it to learn some tricks, so that I knew what I was doing. I soon realized that a writer's job was to write, and promote. Geri: Some writer's listen to music, or focus on a particular scenery, can you relate? Alysia: I get into a zone where I don't hear, or see anything, other than what's happening in my story. Geri: If you were to publish a book in a different genre, what would it be? Alysia: I've always wanted to write a murder mystery. I'm also thinking about crossing over to the Christian Romance Genre. Geri: Thank you very much for your time. It's been a pleasure! Alysia: You're welcome!

**INTERVIEW With CHRISTOPHER BYRON**

I am Pleased to bring to Today's Interview, Author Christopher Byron, Author of "PUSH." Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Chris: I don't think that I did, professionally at least, until I was almost finished with this book. Writing was more a release, or hobby, until my wife read the first few chapters. She said, "I think you have something here." Now, I have a hard time imagining myself not writing. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Chris: I like to write what comes to mind. I don't see myself saying, "Nah, I won't write this!" "It's not science fiction." But, so far the most fun I have had is writing something that is almost believable, but just into the fantasy realm. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Chris: My mom was always telling us stories, and making up rhymes and songs as kids. She's been a great support, and now my little sister is writing too. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Chris: No, but I will sometimes take snipits of something that really happened to me, or someone I know, and rework it a little. I am thinking of writing a comedy, based on my friend Matt's life. Everything that happens to him is "Rolling in the isle" funny. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Chris: It's cliche', but "All Hail the King!" I really like Robert Crais, and Terry Brooks too. I don't miss anything that they put out. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Chris: Yes! And the ones based on my friends, they know it's them, without telling them. Geri: How many books have you written? Chris: "PUSH" is my first completed book. Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Chris: www.amazon.com www.christopherbyron.net Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Chris: Getting the first proof of my completed novel was similar to my kids being born. That might seem melodramatic, but you put all the work and effort into preparing for it, you know it's coming, but it isn't real until it's there. Thankfully, I won't have to change its diapers! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Chris: I have started working on the next chapter in the lives of those characters, but I have a thriller that is screaming to be told, bouncing around in my head that will have to come first. Can you say, "Ghost Story?" Geri: What are some links to your websites? Chris: www.myspace.com/cirruschris www.christopherbyron.net Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Chris: Complete and total world domination, of course, or maybe to just enjoy myself, and hopefully entertain someone. Yeah, that would do! Geri: At this point, and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be? Chris: Up until recently, I really didn't know I was going to have any writing endeavors. So, Yes, this is great! I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Geri: What can help authors reach their dream? Chris: Plain, simple, bullheaded stubbornness. If you've got that, you'll accomplish something! That, and a good story, your there! Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Chris: Sure! Geri: What can prevent it, in your opinion? Chris: I found that writer's block is a pretty name for fear. I realized thatif I was having a hard time writing something, it was because I was afraid of it. Either because I wasn't sure that I'd be able to articulate the image in my mind on to the page adequately, or because I wasn't sure that was going to happen. Most frequently, if I could get passed the fear, the words would flow. Geri: As a child, did you have any favorite books? Chris: As a kid, I liked "Choose your own adventure books, Encyclopedia Brown books, and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing." After that, The Shannara Books, and The Tailsman by Steven King, and Peter Straub. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading alot? Chris: All the time, until I figured out that chicks dug good guitar, more than good readers. Then, I figured out that I could be both. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Chris: Wow! Ummmm, next question please? Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, self-achievement, after publishing a book. Can you relate to these feelings? Chris: If you mean feelings like, "WOOOOOOOOOO! HAHAHAHA! YIPPEE" while dancing around my living room....Yeah, I can relate! Is that over the top? Geri: How do you balance your current occupation with writing? Chris: Same way as everyone else, I don't sleep! Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Chris: I'll get back with you on this one! Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would change? Chris: Then, I could get some sleep, and write. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Chris: I have spent a long time working in sales, in one form, or another. so I understand promotions on that level. The most difficult task to me is having the patience to make sure everything is right, before hyping it, I tend to get excited. Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, or focus on the ocean, or flowers while writing. Do you have a particular scenery? Chris: Definetely music. I usually write with Tori Amos playing in the background, with some Dishwalla, Van Halen, and Audioslave mixed in. Oh yeah, don't forget Tchaikovsky, and Orff. Is that eclectric for you? Geri: If you were to write a book in a different genre other than what you've written, what would it be? Chris: Hmmmm, I might go full fledged into a Dragons and Wizards at some point. I'd like to do an old fashioned crime/thriller/whodunnit? But really, I don't plan that far ahead. I just want to keep writing whatever comes out. Hopefully, people will like it! Geri: Thank you so much for your time. It's been a Pleasure, and delightful. Among your plans for writing, please do include comedy, if you can make me laugh the way you did, I already know an Audience would love your entertainment! Wonderful Interview! Chris: Your welcome, thank you!

**INTERVIEW With Donald James Parker**

It is an honor, and a Great Pleasure to Interview Author Donald James Parker! Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Don: I think I was about ten. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Don: Funny, Inspirational, and romantic novels which contain much thought-provoking material, and spiritual insight. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Don: Jesus Christ Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Don: Not totally, but I've included the story of two inspirational men who died at any early age in different novels. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Don: For the most part, totally made up, though it's hard to keep part of myself out of the equation. Geri: How many books have you written? Don: Seven Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Don: Amazon, Barnesandnoble online, and donaldjamesparker.com Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Don: Euphoric. I was at work when I got the email that my book was available on Amazon. I couldn't concentrate on my job to save my life that morning! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Don: I have three Geri: What are some links to your websites? Don: donaldjamesparker.com Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Don: To address every issue of planet earth in one of my novels Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be with your writing? Don: Not really, I regret that I threw in the towel so early in life. I'm just breaking into the business at the age when most writer's are established. Geri: What can help authors reach their dream? Don: Persistence, luck, self-discipline, a mentor...and did I mention luck? Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Don: Not with any of my books yet! Geri: What can prevent it? Don: Go for a jog, walk, bike ride, and stimulate your body and mind! Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Don: I read everything I could get my hands on, but especially loved sports novels, which I included in my seven novels. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? Don: Definetely, four books a day during the summer, that's all my library let me check out. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Don: C.S. Lewis Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, self-achievement after publishing a book, can you relate? Don: Yes, but those feelings are incomplete, until readers find it of value. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Don: It's hard right now. Before I published, I found time to write six books in two years. Now, marketing and promoting is taking a lot of writing time away. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Don: Lonely, I sold two books at each of my first two signings. The next one went much better, and I felt a great joy. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would anything change? Don: I'd quit my day job, hire a publist, and just write. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Don: Trying to market myself far transcends writing a book in the arena of difficulty. Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, or focus on the ocean, or flowers. Do you have a particular scenery? Don: My computer screen Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be? Don: My goal is to inspire people while entertaining them. I can't contemplate writing a genre that was strictly an escape hatch. Geri: Thank you very much for your time! Don: It was a Pleasure!

*INTERVIEW WITH Author Mack Beasley*

It is with Great Pleasure, and an Honor to bring to Today's Interview, Author Mack Beasley! Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Mack: I would say when I was about twenty-one. I dreamed of writing a book, but nothing would ever come to mind, except a title. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Mack: Mystery, and Suspense, the same kind that I like to read. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Mack: Many of the real good authors like James Patterson, John Sandford, and Robert Parker made me want to try to write. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Mack: No, not yet! But, I am considering doing a fiction based on my own life, and my struggle with alcohol. The things that happened to me, because of the choices I made. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Mack: I would have to say Robert Parker Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Mack: Most are created from people I've known in real life, just a few are from my imagination. Geri: How many books have you written? Mack: I have two books. I just finished the second, which is a Mystery novel. Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Mack: Barnesandnoble, Amazon, http://mackbeasley.webs.com/ or: any online book seller. Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Mack: Really good! Like a dream had come true! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Mack: I'm going to start the third book in this series within the next few months! Geri: What are some links to your websites? Mack: http://www.publishedauthors.net/mackbeasley/bio.html shoutlife.com/mackbeasley http://mackbeasley.webs.com/ Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Mack: Not really! I'm retired, so I take it as it comes! Geri: At this time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be with your writing? Mack: Well, I'd like to have a NY Times Best Seller, but I'm happy where I am! Geri: What can help authors reach for their dream? Mack: You just have to sit down, and do it! It takes a while, and you get discouraged, but one day at a time. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Mack: I don't know if I call it writer's block, but I do have to sit down from time-to-time, and figure out where I'm going! Geri: What advice can you give to prevent writer's block? Mack: I think taking a break from writing always helps me, plus doing other things that I enjoy. Geri: As a child, did you have any favorite books? Mack: I read a lot of Roy Rogers books when I was a kid. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading a lot? Mack: Always! Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Mack: I really don't know. I'm happy with the life I have today, and that hasn't always been true. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction after publishing a book. Some feel a sense of achievemet, can you relate to such feelings? Mack: I can! When the Publishing Company accepted my novel, and sent me a contract, I felt a dream came true! Geri: How do you balance your current occupation with writing Mack: I'm retired, and started writing when I retired, so I never had that problem. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Mack: I felt humble, and very thankful that people would buy my book, and read it. I felt real good when people asked me to sign it, and write a note. I think that's the best part of writing! Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would that change your writing plans? Mack: I think no-matter what we say, it would change everything. For me, I'd be able to hire someone to help me. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions, what was the most difficult task? Mack: Since I was in sales, and promotions all my life, that was easier for me. The part I like the least is the travel to set up the book signing, interviews, or whatever I can do to get my name in front of people. Geri: Some writer's listen to music, some focus on the ocean, or flowers. Do you have a particular scenery to focus on? Mack: No, I want it quiet! I want to be in my study at home, usually alone. I have to be comfortable, and at ease. Geri: If you were to have a book published other than what you've written already, what would it be? Mack: I think I would try a non-fiction! Geri: Thank you very much Mack. It's been a Pleasure to Promote you from day one! Mack: Your quite welcome, thank you for your time!