**INTERVIEW with Author HEIDI M. THOMAS**

It is an honor to interview Author Heidi M. Thomas. Author of: "COWGIRL DREAMS" Genre: Western Historical www.myspace.com/heidiauthor http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/ http://www.heidimthomas.com/ Raised on a ranch in isolated eastern Montana, Heidi Thomas has had a penchant for reading and writing since she was a child. Armed with a degree in journalism from the University of Montana, she worked for the Daily Missoulian newspaper, and has had numerous magazine articles published. COWGIRL DREAMS is the first in a series about strong, independent Montana Women. INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Heidi: Before I could even read, I made up stories. Then, when I learned my letters, I kept asking my mother how to spell words. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Heidi: COWGIRL DREAMS, a western historical, is my first published book. I have three more in the series, and they are all novels based loosely on family history in Montana. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Heidi: I'd like to say that I was born with ink in my veins. My parents always encouraged me in my writing pursuits, and my senior High School teacher encouraged me to study journalism in college, which I did. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Heidi: Yes! COWGIRL DREAMS is based on my grandmother, who rode steers in rodeos during the 1920s. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Heidi: I enjoy another Montana author, Ivan Doig, and I like Jane Kirkpatrick's historical novels. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Heidi: Yes, and also from the imagination! Geri: How many books have you written? Heidi: I have two more manuscripts in various stages, and a fourth book started. This will be a series. Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Heidi: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ http://www.amazon.com/ http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/ http://www.heidimthomas.com/ And Baker & Taylor distributors Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Heidi: Ecstatic, on cloud ninety-nine! For several weeks, I kept shaking my head to clear the cotton candy rosy glow, I couldn't believe it was really true. I had started writing COWGIRL DREAMS ten years ago! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Heidi: My sequel to COWGIRL DREAMS, with a working title of FOLLOW THE DREAM is in the final revision stages, and I will submit it to my publisher soon. Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Heidi: I want to continue to publish this series, and keep writing. I've become so fascinated with the subject of old-time cowgirls that I've started research for a non-fiction book on the cowgirls of Montana in the 1920s and 1930s era. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be with your writing? Heidi: Yes, I am! Looking back at this long journey, I would not have been ready five or ten years ago for the intensity of marketing, and public speaking I have to do. I think God knew when I'd be ready to do this! Geri: What can help authors to reach their dream? Heidi: Preseverance is the key! Don't give up, keep learning, improve it, and send it out! Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Heidi: Yes! Geri: What advice can you give to prevent it? Heidi: Give yourself permission to write out of order. I wrote an article about this on my blog at: http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/2009/02/28/ overcoming-writers-block/ Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Heidi: I loved Nancy drew, and Zane Grey! Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? Heidi: I read everything I could get my hands on. I lived in an isolated, rural area served by a monthly bookmobile. I would check out thirty books, so that I wouldn't run out of reading material before they came back. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Heidi: I have a hard time thinking of myself as famous, and I don't know that I'd like to be a national household name. I think I'd have to waffle a bit, and say I wouldn't mind being one who lived in Hawaii for a day. Maybe I'm just eager for spring to be here. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, or a sense of achievement after publishing a book. Can you relate? Heidi: Absolutely! It is a validation of my life's work that someone believed in me to publish a book. I feel proud that I reached this goal. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Heidi: I freelance editing for other authors, and I teach adult community classes in memoir, and beginning fiction writing. It's difficult to find the time to write now, especially with all the marketing I have to do. But, I'm trying to get better at time management. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Heidi: I was so excited! It was at a local Farmers Co-op during a Saturday Christmas sale, and I kept stopping people saying, "I 've just had my first book published!" Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would anything change? Heidi: Only that I would have more money for promotion, and travel. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Heidi: I think promotion might be even harder than writing the book, especially because some writers like me are somewhat introverted, creative types, and it's difficult to put yourself out there. Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, or look at the ocean, or flowers while writing. Can you relate? Heidi: Sometimes I listen to music, either classical, or Mozart, and sometimes country to put me in the western mood. Sometimes I have a picture of the area I'm writing about to inspire me. Geri: If you were to publish a book in a different genre, what would it be? Heidi: That's a tough question. I didn't set out to write a western. It was just a story tribute to my grandmother. I suppose I could try writing a romance! Geri: Thank you Heidi for your time with today's interview, it was quite enjoyable! Heidi: You're Welcome!

**INTERVIEW with Author JOHN WAYNE CARGILE**

It is an honor to Interview Author John Wayne Cargile. Author of: "The Cry Of The Cuckoos" Genre: Mystery www.thecryofthecuckoos.com John is a writer, author, and publisher. He has won many writing awards, including Associated Press, Sigma Delta Chi, etc. He worked as a newspaper writer, and a magazine editor for nearly forty years. He spent a year with the FBI as a clerk in the late 1960's, regional sales manager for Bantam Books, and took his first job at the Birmingham News, after taking a Creative Writing Class from the city editor. He holds a Doctorates in philosophy and religion, and writes a weekly column titled Integral Life for two nespapers in his state. He is currently working on a sequel to The Cry Of The Cuckoos, and is also planning on writing a script. INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? John: When I was about ten years old, I wrote a story about Rinny, based on the Rin Tin Tin German Sheperd dog that was popular in the 1950's. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? John: Fiction, and non-fiction! Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? John: Not really! No one in our family were writers. The city editor of The Birmingham News offered a Creative Writing Class, while I attended Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. After I had written a couple of stories for him, he invited me to work for the newspaper. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? John: The Cry Of The Cuckoos, my current novel, comes as close as it can to drawing out similarities between the main character, and myself. Geri: Who is your favorite author? John: Sydney Sheldon Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life, or are they from the imagination? John: Both! I took some family characters, and exploded them into colorful composites with a lot of flawed characteristics that they didn't actually have. I had some family members in mind as I built the characters. When they read excerpts of the book, each of them said, "Is That Me?" I left them guessing! Geri: How many books have you written? John: One, and one eBook, From Mount Olive Road, a collection of my newspaper columns over the past three years. Geri: Where can your books be purchased? John: www.thecryofthecuckoos.com www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com www.booksamillion.com And Available soon on: Authors Edge Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? John: My first newspaper story was published when I was eighteen years old. I was estatic when I saw my byline on the story. I still get a buzz when I write a good article for newspapers and magazines, and see my name as the author. Seeing my book for the first time in print will be the ultimate for me as this is what I set out to do when I retired, write novels. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? John: The Cry Of The Cuckoos! Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? John: Lots of them! I plan on a sequel to The Cry Of The Cuckoos, and a script! Geri: At this point and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be? John: I am exactly where I wanted to be at this juncture in my life. I am sixty-four years old. When I was young, I dreamed of writing for newspapers for ten years, magazine writing and editing for ten years, and publishing for ten years. I owned a printing company, and produced magazines in the 1980's, now comes the sunset years, novel writing! Geri: What can help authors to reach their dream? John: Never give up! Practice, practice, practice! Don't let critics get in in your way! Polish your writing, read other works that capture your imagination. Become your own authentic self as a writer. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? John: Oh yes! When it comes, I sit in meditation! I ask the universe to be my guide. I hold two Doctorates in philosophy and religion, and I am ironically something between a practicing Christian, and Buddhist. Prayer and meditation offer me insight when I get writer's block. Geri: What advice can you give to prevent writer's block? John: De-clutter the brain! I just recently wrote an article about Taming The Monkey Mind to De-clutter the brain. We have to free our minds of all the clutter that goes on inside our brains when we are trying to be creative, at peace with ourselves. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? John: I can't remember reading that much as a child. Nothing sticks out in my mind. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? John: No! Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? John: I like to think I am my own authentic self, so I don't want to be like any other writer. I just want to be me. I'm not tied up in knots about being famous. If someone likes what I write, and it becomes a best-seller, then that's great! But, I do not set my goals on being famous. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, a sense of achievement after publishing a book, can you relate? John: Yes! If it is not truly vanity! Self-satisfaction is seeing a project through until the end of the day when you can say to yourself, "Well done!" Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? John: I am mostly retired now, but what keeps me in the community is driving special needs kids to school each day. Each kid is something special, even though they have various challenges. I get to spend about three hours a day with them, and I continously learn from them. In my sequel to The Cry Of The Cuckoos, there will be a special needs kid in the book. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-sgning? John: I am waiting on my first complementary copy, and copyright copy. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would change? John: It would allow me to continue to write, without any outside financial pressures. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? John: For some authors, writing is the only thing they know, they leave marketing up to other people. But I like to market and sell as much as I like to write. I guess that's because I'm a salesman. I worked at Bantam Books as regional sales manager in the early 1980's. Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, or look at flowers, or the ocean when writing. Do you have a particular scenery? John: I listen to new age music when I write. It's soft, and some of it includes sounds of the ocean, or waterfalls. It's soothing, and I can listen for hours. It provides tranquility of mind, and goes back to the question about writer's block, and meditation. My office looks out into the wooded area on my ten acres of land. We live in a log house. I can sit and watch the critters of the earth for hours as they scamper around the woods, Deer especially! I have a redbird and bluebird that perch on a limb nearby everyday. They fly to my windowsill as if they are wondering what the heck I am doing watching them. I recently wrote an article about The Redbird In My Window Sill-A Spirit Guide! Geri: If you were to publish a book in a different genre, what would it be? John: I'm unsure! I don't intend on The Cry Of The Cuckoos to become a mystery. It just evolved into it. It started out as a historical romance of a man and a woman during World War Two, and the romance between the two. But things changed as I continue to write it, and I wanted to be up tempo, and contemporary. So voila! That's what I got! Geri: Thank you kindly for your time. Your interview was quite interesting! John: Your welcome!

**INTERVIEW with Author Darryl E. Robidoux**

It is a an honor, and with Great Pleasure to Interview today Author Darryl E. Robidoux. Author of: "HOME AFTER DARK...One man's memories!" "HOME AFTER DARK" is an emotionally raw story of a man who-despite "escaping" home at age sixteen-achieves the American Dream. By forty, he's comfortably wealthy, and retires from a prestigious career. Robidoux's journey will inspire hopefuls to transcend circumstances, and achieve unimaginable success, without succumbing to societal and corporate pitfalls. Darryl Robidoux, who is currently undergoing treatment for bone cancer, shares the intimate details of his dichotomous life-rich in business acumen and corporate accomplishment, yet bankrupt in affairs of the heart-in hopes that his story helps others realize their dreams, without sacrificing what's truly important in life as he did. INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Darryl: After my first retirement at the age of forty, family members and friends urged me to write about my life, and I was excited about the idea. However, writing "HOME AFTER DARK" was delayed until late 2007 when I retired again for the second time from a long stint at entrepreneurship. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Darryl: I enjoy writing non-fiction, and factual based stories. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Darryl: It was not one person, but several of my friends, and acquaintances. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Darryl: Yes, my first book contains memoirs from the first forty years of my life. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Darryl: John Grisham! Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Darryl: All characters are created from real life in "HOME AFTER DARK." Geri: How many books have you written? Darryl: One, and I'm working on the sequel to "HOME AFTER DARK." Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Darryl: http://www.amazon.com/ http://www.borders.com/ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ http://www.fivestarpublications.com/ http://www.walmart.com/ http://www.target.com/ http://www.indiebound.org/ Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published. Darryl: I felt like I achieved another dream, and goal in my life! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Darryl: I am working on the sequel to HOME AFTER DARK, and I hope to complete it by the end of 2009. Geri: What are some links to your websites? Darryl: http://www.homeafterdark.com/ www.fivestarpublications.com/books Authors and Experts PRLog Myspace Facebook Shelfari Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Darryl: Yes, the sequel to HOME AFTER DARK, and at least two others. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be with your writing? Darryl: Yes, since writing was not a high priority during my business career, and I'm hoping to go forward with writing from here. Geri: What are some factors that can help authors to reach their dream? Darryl: To stay focused, and pace yourself with creative breaks, try not to rush with writing, and have a plan with a book outline. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Darryl: Very mildly, but I usually take a break. I walk, or sit and read, while thinking my way through the difficulty. Geri: What advice can you give to prevent writer's block? Darryl: Focus on the task by rehearsing in your mind, stretch, take deep breaths. Walk, or sit and read, but relax, and reenergize. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Darryl: My childhood was preoccupied with working on a farm, and then I left home to begin working elsewhere, and concentrating on survival. I was left with little time to read, but I had dreams constantly about my life, and goals to reach. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? Darryl: Yes, but my parents were poor, and could not buy books for us to read, so living out my dreams became a priority. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Darryl: Robert Crichton, or John Grisham! Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction after publishing a book, can you relate to such feelings? Darryl: Yes, I can feel self-satisfaction because it helped me to deal with my past, and achievement in the sense that I documented my past life to share with others, and that they may learn from my experiences and make better decisions in their own lives. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Darryl: I am retired for the second time, and have the necessary time to write, and travel. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Darryl: I felt like I was exposing myself to the world of readers, and others who could benefit from the experiences as described in my book, but also like I achieved a new goal. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would change? Darryl: Nothing, winning the lottery would not change my life, because I am an accomplished individual, and live as comfortable as I wish. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Darryl: Promotions, because I was entering a world of unknowns, and searched for priorities among all the activity. Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, or look at flowers, or the ocean while writing. Do you have a particular scenery? Darryl: Soft music, the sea with Whales and Dolphins, and a beautiful landscape setting. Geri: If you were to publish in a different genre, what would it be? Darryl: A suspense, or crime level fiction based on some factual data from the past. Geri: Thank you very much for today's interview, it was very enjoyable, and you are a pleasure to work with! Darryl: It has also been a pleasure to work with you!

**INTERVIEW #2 with Author Mack Beasley**

It is an honor, and with Great Pleasure to bring back Author Mack Beasley! Author of: "FALSE JUSTICE" *****REVIEW Mack was brought up in Dothan, Alabama, and lived there until 1993. He finished High School in 1961, and attended college in 1968, and 1969. He took business, and customer related courses. He completed his studies at Wallace Community College, was a sales manager for an automotive parts warehouse, and handled government contracts for his company where he worked with Army bases. Welcome back Mack! INTERVIEW Geri: Is writing a passion, a stress reliever, or both? Mack: Writing is a passion for me. I don't know about relieving stress, sometimes it creates stress, but it's good stress! Geri: Do you write everyday? Mack: No, I have too many other things I enjoy doing! Geri: How many book-signings have you been to? Mack: I would say about fifteen in the past year! Geri: How do you promote your book? Mack: I use any way I can to get my name, and the name of my book to the public. I've done TV Interviews, radio interviews, ads in newspapers, and book-signings. Also by email, Myspace and Facebook, shout life, and my own website. Geri: Have you written books in different genres? Mack: No, but I plan on trying! Geri: Do you plan on writing a book every year? Mack: Yes! Geri: What has inspired you the most to write? Mack: The joy I get from reading. I want to pass that on! Geri: What factors place you in the comfort zone while writing? Mack: Being at home, quiet, and relaxed with nothing major on my mind, except my book! Geri: Have you written a series, or a sequel for one title? Mack: Yes, I'm working on a third, and last in the Justice series, unless of course it sold real good. Then, I might do some more! Geri: After having one book published, do you now find it easier to write? Mack: Yes, but on the other hand, you feel that you have to do better than the one that was just published! Geri: Thank you very much for your time with this Interview, it was enjoyable! Mack: Your welcome!

**INTERVIEW #2 with author D.H. BROWN**

It is with great pleasure, and an honor to Welcome Back author D.H. Brown! Dave has worked as a Logistics and Weapons Specialist in Vietnam; day laborer; Director of Security; Armored Car Driver; Police officer; Professional Hunting Guide; Trapper; Dog Sledder; Homesteader; Truck Driver; General Contractor; Minister; Editor; Writer; Speaker; Restaurateur; Movie Producer; Antique Restoration Specialist; Personal Care Worker; PC Repair specialist; Computer Instructor; Web Master and Web Designer. He writes about what he knows. D.H. Brown lives a life of peaceful solitude deep in the Pacific Northwest rainforest with his wife and the spirit of Buddy Dog, working on his next book. People who bother him end up in one of his books, dead. Author of: "HONOR DUE" BOOK I in the Citizen Warrior Series *****REVIEW Author of: "HONOR DEFENDED" BOOK II in the Citizen Warrior Series http://www.dhbrownbooks.com http://www.myspace.com/dhbrownbooks INTERVIEW Geri: Is writing a passion, a stress reliever, or both? Dave: I write to relieve the voices in my head. I've always had an overactive imagination, so I was always told! I like to day dream. I spent years writing entire books in my head, and dreams. I wrote short stories, and several books under different names. It wasn't until I hit upon "the Major" I finally found a voice that I wanted to write under my own name. So, is writing a passion? No, really! However, it is a stress reliever for sure. It's very soothing to still the voices of characters wanting to speak their stories. Geri: Do you write everyday? Dave: No, I go on binges! I may not write a word for six months. Guess I'm kind of congegating in my mind what needs to come out. As I've said else-where, I'm real anal about character development. I write reams of files on each of the people who fill my books. Everything from hair color to walk, clothing and food, all kinds of likes, and dislikes. I want them to really breathe by the time they come to life on the page. Then when I do write, nothing else matters for a couple of months. I then write like a drunk, who can't get enough of his favorite hootch. The first draft comes like a flood when it's ready. Geri: How many book-signings have you been to? Dave: Not a one! I don't mix well with crowds! The local library has asked if I would do a reading and signing, and I'm still debating it. Geri: How do you promote your book? Dave: Online, Email, Word of mouth! Myspace, Authorsden, and elsewhere. My books are carried in most of all the local book stores on the Olympic Peninsula, and of course the local library system, and several other systems in Washington. Geri: Have you written books in different genres? Dave: Three, or four! Plain mysteries, and science fiction, and one political. I have another series outlined that is centered around a character much like the Major, set in a not too distant future that is kicking around. Geri: Do you plan on writing a book every year? Dave: That is my goal! So far, I've been able to keep up! "Honor Redeemed" is scheduled for late in the fall of 2009. Geri: What has inspired you the most to write? Dave: The characters! Geri: What factors place you in the comfort zone while writing? Dave: Quiet, and classic country in the background. I write mostly in the dead of night when I can't sleep. Geri: Have you written a series, or a sequel for one title? Dave: "Honor Defended" is Book II of the Citizen warrior Series. "Honor Due" was the one which kicked it all off. It was awarded 2008 Silver Medal For Fiction by the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). The American Authors Association gave it an Honorable Mention. There is one more, Honor Redeemed, with at least a couple more already outlined. Geri: After having one book published, do you find it easier to write? Dave: About the same! The same forces drive the same process. When the characters are ready to speak, they do! I seldom have to do more than one re-write, before I release a book to the Editor. Then the real work begins as she forces me to re-examine concept, relationships, and word choices. Real battles ensure of which I win the most, the others I graciously lose as she is my wife, and an author in her own right, R.J. Brown. Geri: Where can people see your web presence, and learn more about your books? Dave: I can be contacted through my website at: http://www.dhbrownbooks.com www.myspace.com/dhbrownbooks http://www.bigriverpress.com Geri: Thank you kindly for your time. I found your interview quite interesting, and enjoyable. The best of luck to you in your writing endeavors! Dave: Your welcome!

**INTERVIEW with Author PAUL A. IBBETSON**

It is an honor, and with great pleasure to Interview Author Paul A. Ibbetson. Paul is a former Chief of Police of Cherryvale, Kansas, and a member of the Montgomery County Drug Task Force. He has received his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Criminal Justice at Witchita State University, and is currently completing his PHD. in sociology at Kansas State University. Paul is the Author of: "Living Under The Patriot Act: Educating A Society" And "Feeding The Lions: Sharing The Conservative Philosophy in a Politically Hostile World." He is also the radio host of the Kansas Broadcasting Association's 2008 Entertainment Program of the year, Conscience of Kansas airing on 91.9 f.m. www.ibbetsonusa.com For interviews or questions, please contact Paul at ibbetson91.9@gmail.com INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Paul: I found that I really enjoyed writing when I was working on my Master's degree, and doing a lot of heavy research. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Paul: I enjoy writing non-fiction books that focus on politics. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to become a writer? Paul: I have been inspired by many hard working Americans that have modeled the work ethic that it takes to write a book. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Paul: My book on the Patriot Act follows the real life events following 9-11. "Feeding Lions" deals with the same kind of real life issues, but then goes into a discussion of the philosophies that our politicians use to deal with these issues that affect our lives. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Paul: I have many authors that I enjoy. I read a lot of Ronald Kessler. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Paul: All the individuals in my book are real people. Geri: How many books have you written? Paul: "Feeding Lions" is my second book. Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Paul: www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com www.Hastings.com And All Major Book Outlets! Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Paul: Publishing a book brings about a great sense of accomplishment! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Paul: I am currently working on two new projects, one being a collaboration with several well known writers in the political field. Geri: What are some links to your websites? Paul: www.ibbetsonusa.com www.myspace.com/conservativeusa www.patriotactresearch.com www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=101874 Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Paul: I want to continue to publish in magazines, and journals, but I really want to focus most of my attention on my national column, and writing very thought provoking books on political issues. Geri: At this point and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be? Paul: I would say that I never seem to be completely satisfied. I am always looking for new ways to improve, and for new ways to reach more personal goals in writing. Geri: What can help authors reach their dream of accomplishment? Paul: As much education on writing in general is helpful. However, I think a person needs to find the message they think is important, and just never stop working toward getting that message out. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Paul: I don't! That may be because I am on the radio every week talking about the issues that are important to me. I think it is important to have a dialogue on the issues you write about as it keeps the brain active, and I think it sparks new things to write about. Geri: What advice can you give to prevent writer's block? Paul: Never be the only voice you are hearing. Research constantly in the forums that are best for you, because it is the greatest way to get new ideas, and that will keep you writing. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Paul: I have always enjoyed science fiction, and horror books. S. King is one of my favorites. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? Paul: Not really! Most of my reading started after High School! Geri: If you had the opportunity for one day to live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Paul: Michael Savage. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction after publishing a book, can you relate to such feelings? Paul: I feel a sense of achievement for sure, but it is short lived as there is always another project to do. Writing is a wondrous never ending journey, so I am always looking down the road. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Paul: Time management is the key. I try to write everyday. Personal and employer imposed deadlines help to keep a person on track. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Paul: It's a sense of accomplishment. The idea that someone would be interested in what you write is a powerful thing. I remember when President Bush sent me a letter from the White House on my first book. I was very honored. Those are golden mements that keep you working when your motivation might be low. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would change? Paul: I hope it would not change a thing. Maybe a larger study, and higher priced coffee for those long nights of writing! Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Paul: You have to have a product that people want. But, even with a great product, without a great promotion package, the product gathers dust on the shelf. Writing and promoting are both an art, and neither one can go very far without the other. Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, or look at flowers, or the ocean while writing. Do you have a particular scenery? Paul: I need a quiet place with no distractions. I take breaks, but only if I'm on a role. I don't stop until my creativity shuts down! Geri: If you were to publish in a different genre, what would it be? Paul: I really think it takes a gift to write fiction, because a person has to research like a non-fiction writer, and then create fictional settings, and characters. I have a lot of respect for fiction writers. If I were ever go and try to write non-fiction, I think action-thrillers would be a great adventure for me! Geri: Thank you very much Paul for your time. Your interview was very enjoyable indeed! Paul: Your welcome!

**INTERVIEW with Author Sandra L. Vardaman**

It is an honor, and with great pleasure to Interview Author Sandra L. Vardaman! Author of: "Nightmares can be Murder" Genre: Young Adult Mystery INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Sandra: I tried to write my first novel at age twelve about two twins. One was evil, and one was good. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Sandra: Mysteries! Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to become a writer? Sandra: No, but my mother encouraged me! Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Sandra: No! Geri: Who is your favorite author? Sandra: There are so many. Edgar Allan Poe, and Stephen King to start! Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Sandra: All from the imagination! Geri: How many books have you written? Sandra: One novel, and I have children stories in an anthology. Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Sandra: New Century Publishing, Borders in Greenwood, IN and through my website. Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published. Sandra: On cloud nine, but scared at the same time. I knew that the hard work of getting my book out to the public was just beginning. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Sandra: I'm working on my next novel, "The Nightmares Not Over." But, it will be a while before it's completed. Geri: What are some links to your websites? Sandra: www.sandralvardaman-author.com www.myspace.com/slvardaman www.facebook.com/home.php www.newcenturypublishing.org Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Sandra: To be the best I can be, and one day to help other inspiring writer's to succeed in their quest to publish their work! Geri: At this point and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be? Sandra: No! I am a procrastinator, and never get as much done as I would like! Geri: What are some factors that can help author's reach their dream of accomplishment? Sandra: Don't talk about writing, learn everything you can, then do it. Put your ego aside, realize that everything you write is not gold, and listen to constructive criticism. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Sandra: I'm having a problem with that right now, but I think it's more laziness than anything. Geri: What advice can you give to prevent writer's block? Sandra: I'm not sure if it can be prevented. If you feel it coming on, try to get your mind on something else for a while, then go back to your writing with a fresh approach. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Sandra: Oddly enough! I did not read much when I was younger, and I wasn't read to. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? Sandra: No! Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Sandra: Well, I hope that would be me someday! But for now, I wouldn't mind stepping in Stephen King's shoes! Geri: Many author's feel a sense of satisfaction after publishing a book. Some feel a sense of achievement, can you relate? Sandra: I think I will feel a sense of achievement, after I have published my second, or third book. Then I will know that I have really accomplished something! Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Sandra: Writing is my occupation! Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Sandra: I had my first book-signing at Borders bookstore, and I had a lot of fun. I sort of felt like a celebrity. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would change? Sandra: I would be able to market my book, and I would be able to travel more to inspire my writing! Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscritpt, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Sandra: Promoting is the most difficult. Writer's tend to be introverts, and it's very hard to be in the public eye to convince people to purchase our books. Geri: Some writer's listen to music, some look at flowers, or the ocean. Do you have a particular scenery? Sandra: The only thing I focus on is the computer screen! Geri: If you were to publish a book in a different genre than what you've already published, what would it be? Sandra: I write mainly mysteries, but I would love to write horror someday, with a twist of mystery! Geri: Thank you very much for your time with this interview. It was very enjoyable! Sandra: Your welcome!