Jeff: When I was younger, I used to read science fiction and fantasy, which helped develop my imagination. I was so enthralled by the fantastical worlds created by my favorite authors, I wanted to create a world of my own, when my writing matured. On the other hand, seeing powerful dramas on TV and in the movie theater awakened emotions that made me realize that a viewer- reader must feel. This is an integral part of the reading experience. If someone doesn't care about the characters or story, the plot will stagnate. Working with adults and children in the hospital and in a psychiatric center for fifteen years has helped me assimilate the complex feelings I faced everyday, and put them on paper. I strongly believe that an author must experience real-life emotions in order to transfer them to a book.
Geri: Who is your favorite author?
Jeff: Probably James Lee Burke, a famous mystery writer. He creates memorable characters, and has a strong sense of setting. He also knows how to pace a a scene for ultimate impact, using foreshadowing, and carefully-sustained tension. Reading several of Mr. Burke's books has helped me develop my style, but it has also helped me cast a critical eye on books from different authors. Take Cormac McCarthy's THE ROAD, for example. Its spare prose and bare-bones dialogue is fodder for much reader disdain on Amazon.com forums. Some readers believe that he trashes standard rules of punctuation, and creates his own grammar. Others argue that he is a revolutionary, using simplistic dialogue and run-on sentences to mimic reality. Reading the work of these authors has opened a world of possibilities to me, and I have learned from both their brilliance, as well as their perceived shortcomings.
Geri: Did you have favorite books as a child?
Jeff: 'LORD OF THE FLIES.' It's symbolism and slow-burning anarchy left a huge impression on me. 'WYVERN' is incredible imagery, and complex plotting from an amazing Hawaiian author. 'THE BODY.' Some of the richest characters, and one of the most emotional endings I have ever read.
Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
Jeff: Possibly nonfiction. I enjoy reading books about subjects from the 'Lost Boys Of Sudan' to 'Doctors Without Borders' and tales from the foster care system. My experiences working with disturbed children and adults in a psychiatric center have been channeled into a recent project, 'Journal Of A Disturbed Psych Aide.' I use an e-blogger site to purge myself of memories that have been haunting me for years. In the psychiatric center, I encountered abused kids whose hair had been pulled out by angry parents, psychotic adults who would assault you over a dropped cigarette, and patients with Alzheimer's disease whose slow deterioration broke my heart.
Geri: What are your goals in your journey of writing?
Jeff: Foremost, to entertain people. I want them to enjoy an epic story, and experience a multitude of emotions by the last page. I also want to learn from my mistakes, reader feedback, and become a better writer. But most importantly, I want to put one-hundred percent of myself into everything that I write. I want every novel to be as good as I can make it, and never want to churn out books, simply because of a deadline, or paycheck.
Geri: Thank you kindly for today's interview. I wish you very much success.
It is an honor and with Great Pleasure to bring back Author Christa Jan Ryan.
"SILENT SCREAMS FROM THE HAMPTONS" 5 Star Review
"A BEACON OF HOPE!"
Award Winning/Best Selling "SILENT SCREAMS FROM THE HAMPTONS" has now been moved into a Play/Musical with first production September 16th, and has been moved into a Film with sale of Film in 2011.
http://www.christajanryan.net
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.goodreads.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZto0jClBwM
~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW #2~~~
Geri: What factors place you in the comfort zone while writing?
Christa: 1. Knowing there is a wide audience of people out there, struggling with the same issues that I have had, and that I can offer some suggestions that have given me Victory over all of my addictions and struggles. I have been in recovery for over thirteen years for my food addiction, and have maintained the course of keeping the weight off.
2. Accepting my first award for 'SILENT SCREAMS FROM THE HAMPTONS' two weeks before its release, gave me the sense that I had done the right thing, and was on the right track.
3. Hitting an NPR station, along with some good TV coverage brought me even more confidence.
4. Being asked to perform in 2 Vagina Monologue Plays, One in Manhattan and Houston, built up not only my exposure, but confidence that I was offering something of value to making the decision to heal from my abuse of Alcohol and being a victim of abuse as a child and adult.
5. Being asked to write a Play Adaptation of my Book by both Directors and various other people gave me courage to keep going with what I was bringing forth in my Book, regarding our choice towards recovering on all levels.
6. Having my Book hit Best Seller this winter on Amazon was a true thrill, which gave me the fortitude to want to really keep going.
Geri: What would you consider to be the highlight of your writing career?
Christa: Gaining the Title 'Award Winning/Best Seller' and being able to reach a select audience of Directors that become interested in my Play, because of that title.
Geri: Have you had the pleasure of discussing your book with a fan?
Christa: There isn't a day that goes by that I don't run into a fan, who wants to tell me the impact that my Books have had in their life. It was overwhelming at first, but as I grew more comfortable with my new role as a writer, it became a Blessing for me as well as them to be able to discuss heart-to- heart who we are and what our struggles are in life, and how we are all here to help each other. With each exchange, I was able to hear what was a key component that led them to purchasing my Book, and where they are heading, after they have explored my Book.
Geri: In your opinion, how important is a cover to a book?
Christa: Very Important! It beckons the reader to want to pick up the book, and skim through the contents, to see if this would interest them.
Geri: What are your goals for your future in your writing journey?
Christa: 1. Book to Film after writing the Play, I'm entertaining the idea of writing the Screen Play. I had co-written the Play with someone in the beginning and the vision I had could not be brought forth, except through my deliverance and I have now learned that if you want anything done to express your true vision, then you must write yourself.
2. Finishing my third and fourth Books. The third book, THE COMPLIANT COWGIRL, is a book that needs my final edits. It's about Enabling, Codependency, and Compliance. The Book is set in The Tetons of Wyoming.
3. The fourth Book is 'DEADLY MONEY' set in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, where Christa uncovers the Largest Heroin Ring of the Northeast from the stabbing and beating of her son. She meets and falls in love with an older man, during one of her last moves, while fleeing for safety from the retaliation of 'The Blood.' A real nail-biter! I love the idea of doing a Play adaptation and Film of both.
Geri: Thank you kindly for today's Interview. I wish you much success.
Terri: Writing for me is like therapy. It allows me to be completely open and honest about my feelings.
Geri: Who is your favorite author?
Terri: V.C. Andrews
Geri: Did you enjoy reading as a child?
Terri: Yes.
Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
Terri: Young Adult.
Geri: What are your goals in your journey of writing?
Terri: I am currently working on my second book, which is a sequel to the first. I also have ideas for a young adult book and I plan to continue writing novels as long as people want to read what I write. I would eventually like writing to be my primary source of income. I would love to retire from my day job, and be able to write full time.
Geri: Thank you kindly for today's interview. It is an honor and a great pleasure to work with you. Wishing you the best of luck in your writing endeavors.
ALL ROYALTIES ARE DONATED TO THE NAMCHA WAYWARD FOR ANIMALS- A NO-KILL SHELTER.
~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW #5~~~
Geri: Have you had the pleasure of discussing any of your books with a fan?
Gary: I am ready and waiting for that. lol. But I haven't been rewarded to see reviewers responses via posts. Speaking of speaking 'verbally', I enjoyed my first verbal interview not too long ago with Blog Radio host Jennifer Chase, who is also an award winning crime author. I was able to discuss writing with her during the interview and was excited to learn she has a degree in criminology because my latest novel, 'GODS OF THE MACHINES' is as every bit a crime novel as it is a science fiction story. But if a reader, wants to contact me by email, I can be reached at venstar@yahoo.com. The link for my Blog Radio interview is: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/2010/11/11/sci-fi-author-gary-starta-discusses-his-latest-thr
Geri: What motivates you to write?
Gary: I would have to say it is a love for storytelling. I am always inspired by a great plot, coupled with great characters, whether it is in a novel, movie or television series. I am constantly motivated because of that.
Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be in your journey of writing?
Gary: In a way, considering the last six years, I have been fortunate enough to come up with seven full-length novels, plus short stories. I can look back at them and see a progression, hopefully finding new ways to improve, and keep my storytelling evolving. I like to mix genres, and because of that, I strive to make each new novel different, and stand alone from the previous ones.
Geri: Who has inspired you the most to write?
Gary: If I had to narrow it down to one person for this question, I will pick author Dean Koontz
Geri: What would you consider to be the highlight of your writing career?
Gary: I would say being included in a robot anthology called 'Thank you, Death Robot', a collection of short stories. I have a great love for androids and having my short story 'Growing Pains' included in this was exciting.
Geri: It has been an honor and a Great Pleasure to work with you over the years. Your talent is indeed Amazing. Wishing you much success. Thank you for your time.
