**INTERVIEW with Author/ Publisher JOHN HALSTED**

Author of:    "LEGEND OF THE LAST VIKINGS"

Subtitle:        Taklamakan

Genre:           Historical Action/Adventure



http://www.vikinglegend.com/

http://www.abelapublishing.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.waterstones.com/

http://www.blackwells.com/

http://www.abebooks.com/

http://www.thebookdepository.com/

Johnh@abelapublishing.com


It is an honor, and with great pleasure to Interview Author John Halsted, who is the Publisher of Abela Publishing.






~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW~~~


Geri:       When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?

John:       When I was really young, I loved to get my mother's Olivetti portable typewriter out, and bang
               away. Why? I really don't know. Had my parents been a bit more switched on, maybe they
               could have linked this with the fact that I read copious amounts of books, and come up with the
               possibility that maybe they should steer me in the direction of writing. Unfortunately, they never
               did. When I did my MBA, about ten years ago, I found the research, and the writing of essays
               stimulating and invorating. It was this method of research that I used to write my first book. I
               find that there's nothing more cathartic than writing on a train.







Geri:        Did you have favorite books as a child?

John:       Yes! THE FAMOUS FIVE, THE SECRET SEVEN, and THE HARDY BOYS, plus just about
               anything I could get my hands on.









Geri:           Do you have any current work in progress?

John:          Yes, the sequel to LEGEND OF THE LAST VIKINGS-Taklamakan. Not sure when I will
                  finish it as I'm republishing old, forgotten and out of print fairy tales, folklore myths and legends,
                  and donating thirty-three percent to charity.









Geri:          What inspires you the most to write?

John:          Discovery lost and ancient worlds, and realizing it's all been done before.









Geri:              Who is your favorite author?

John:              A few, Dudley Pope, Nigel Tranter, Bernard Cornwell. Also, Craig Thomas and above all,
                      the master of adventure, Clive Cussler.








Geri:             Thank you kindly for today's interview. I wish you much success.

John:            You're welcome.
                     
                 

               

**INTERVIEW with Author JACOB NELSON LURIE**

It is with great pleasure and an honor to Interview Author Jacob Nelson Lurie.


Author of:  "THE FRIDAY NIGHT CLUB, A NOVEL"

Genre:            Literary Fiction/Humorous Fiction




http://www.amazon.com/Friday-Night-Club-Novel/dp/1439262470/ref=tmm_pap_title_0


http://www.thefridaynightclub.com/







~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW~~~

Geri:     What inspires you the most to write?


Jacob:   Since most of my writing is dialogue, I have to be in a goofy mood to write,
                 because if I'm not, the voices of my characters come off wooden and
                 unbelievable.











Geri:        Who is your favorite author?

Jacob:     Tied between Elmore Leonard and Don Winslow. To compare anyone with
                   Dutch is almost blasphemy. But Winslow's, THE POWER OF THE DOG is
                   perhaps the best novel Ive ever read, followed by Christopher Moore,
                   Neil Gaiman and Stephen King. Wait, you wanted one?










Geri:          As a reader, what is your favorite genre?


Jacob:      Most anything if the characters are good, but lately, I've been on a
                   Preston/Child kick, so thriller-esq?












Geri:             As a child, did you have favorite books?

Jacob:          The first favorite I can remember is "WACKY WEDNESDAY."











Geri:              Do you have any current work in progress?


Jacob:          I'm working on a teen buddy comedy, that for some reason, reminds
                       me of Superbad, if Superbad involved a dead body and Russian
                       mobsters.












Geri:             Thank you kindly for your time. I can predict that I will indeed enjoy
                       reading your novel, because I already picked up your sense of humor.
                      This book will be different from what I usually read, but will be quite
                       refreshing.


Jacob:           You're welcome.
                       

*INTERVIEW with Author JAMES F. WEINSIER*

It is with great pleasure to interview Author James F. Weinsier.


Author of:     "WHERE DO WE GO?"

Genre:             Lyrical Children's Fiction/Children's Wellness/Parenting Resource




http://www.goodgriefbook.com/

http://www.wondrousbooksonline.com/

http://www.fivestarpublications.com/

http://www.authorandexperts.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/







~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW~~~


Geri:        What has inspired you the most to write?

James:     The desire to give memorable, everlasting gifts to those special people in
                    my life.








Geri:           Who is your favorite author?

James:       Shel Silverstein, and Dave Barry. I'll give you the bonus of why? I don't
                     do very much recreational reading. Both of these authors are humorists,
                     and quick reads.








Geri:            Do you have any current work in progress?


James:        Frankly, finances have a few projects on hold, while we promote
                      WHERE DO WE GO? I am working on a complimentary coloring
                      book that will companion WHERE DO WE GO? An adult version of
                      WHERE DO WE GO? An ecology motivated children's book, WHAT
                      CAN I DO? Possibly, WHAT CAN WE DO? Also, I have several others
                      in the conceptual stage, and HOW TO BECOME AN ANGEL. I'm working
                      with my daughter, who is writing educational screen plays, TV shows.







Geri:              What were your favorite books as a child?

James:          I don't do a lot of recreational reading. Today, it's a result of a lack of
                        time. As a child, in the 1940s and 1950s, as soon as the school bell
                        rang, it was summer and that meant sports. Any sport, whatever the
                        season, we were outside playing. Thus, from my limited experience,
                        I enjoyed 'Charlottes Web' as a tot, and 'Alice In Wonderland.' Also,
                        'The Wizard Of Oz' as I got older. Books leave a lot to the imagination.









Geri:             In your opinion, which genre would be best for the movie screen?

James:         I like any well written, and performed film from action movies to chick
                       flicks. While I cheer the action heroes, I'm not embarrassed to cry.










Geri:              Thank you very much for your time. I wish you much success with
                        your writing.


James:          You're welcome.

**INTERVIEW #2 with Author JENNIFER SWANSON**

It is an honor to bring back Author Jennifer Swanson.


Author of:  "PENNY &RIO: The Locked Doghouse Mystery"


Genre:         Early Chapter Book for ages 6-9



http://www.pennyandrio.com/


http://www.indipendentbooks.com/children-s.html


http://www.facebook.com/PennyandRioMysteries


http://twitter.com/JenSwanBooks



http://www.amazon.com/


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/







~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW #2~~~


Geri:       At this point and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be with your writing?

Jennifer:     No, but I feel like I am on my way. I have learned so much in publishing my first book. For
                 one thing, advertising and marketing are part of every author's job these days, regardless of
                 who your publisher may be. I feel that I am more in tune with what my audience is looking for,
                 and how to give it to them. I have learned how to craft a better book, so it takes me less time
                 to get through the edits. I feel much more confident that I have the ability to write well, and
                 keep learning more every day.








Geri:          What factors place you in the comfort zone while writing?

Jennifer:     I like to be able to have quiet, and concentrate when I write. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen
                 too often for me. Between barking dogs, transporting my three children to all of their many
                 events, juggling a part-time job, all while staying connected to advertising and marketing my
                 current books makes for an interesting lifestyle. But you know, I think many, if not all authors
                 do this at some point in their lives, so we all learn to make do. I write when-ever, and where-ever
                 I can. Dentists offices, soccer fields, even in my car,while waiting to pick up my children from
                 school. Thankfully, I do manage to grab a couple of quiet hours a week, when I can review it
                 all. My dream place to write would be a quiet cottage by the ocean. That would be the best.
                 But who knows, I could get out there, and then realize that the silence was too much.








Geri:          After having your first book published, do you now find it easier to write?

Jennifer:       Yes, in some ways. I came up with the idea for book three in the series fairly quickly. The
                    third installment to the PENNY & RIO series will be released in summer of 2010. I feel
                    as if I know my characters better now, and thus can predict how they'll react. But I also
                    think that if you are writing a series, you have to make sure your characters remain consistent
                    throughout, so you have to be careful. It's a fine line to walk.







Geri:             What has inspired you the most to write?

Jennifer:         I write because I truly love it, and also to keep my sanity. Writing relaxes me. It allows me to
                     escape from the frenetic pace of my life, and to create a wonderful story from my own ideas.
                     It keeps me grounded. I enjoy creating something that will hopefully be enjoyed by many
                     children, and maybe inspire them to become authors one day.







Geri:                Have you written a series, and or a sequel for one title?

Jennifer:           The book I have written is the second book in the PENNY & RIO series. It follows the
                        adventures of my dynamic canine detective duo, PENNY and RIO, as they set off on
                        another adventure. In this book, PENNY and RIO must help Squeaky the mouse recover
                        his lost belongings from a locked doghouse. Through many miscues and antics, they strive
                        to complete their task, despite their canine limitations. The biggest surprise is what Squeaky
                        has locked inside. It's not what you'd expect.






Geri:                 Thank you kindly for today's interview. It was quite enjoyable. I wish you much success
                         with the series.

Jennifer:             You're welcome.
                

**INTERVIEW #3 with Author GARY STARTA**

It is an honor, and with Great pleasure to Interview Author Gary Starta.

Author of:  "ALZABREAH'S GARDEN"

Genre:          Science Fiction/Erotic romance

http://www.garystarta.net/

http://www.facebook.com/gary.starta

http://www.myspace.com/gstarta

http://twitter.com/scifiauthorGary




~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW #3~~~


Geri:     Which genre do you think transforms into the best movies?

Gary:     I'm going to be shamelessly biased and say science fiction/fantasy, which I write most
               often. Because science fiction and fantasy present elements of the unknown, there is
               always the promise of a great special effect, something specifically created to become
               a visual. So, in addition to getting a great story line and great characters, the science
               fiction element is equivalent to icing on the cake. For that reason, I might say it has
               an unfair advantage cinematically over other genres, like suspense, or romance.







Geri:       Do you enjoy blogging, and how significant is it to exposure for your books?

Gary:      I really haven't done much, truthfully and shamefully. I am usually so wrapped in
                writing the next book and editing the previous one, I haven't found the time. However,
                I do post often in the social networking sites to let people know I'm out there. I would
                like to let people know that I will be donating my royalties to the Namcha Home for
                Wayward Animals to fund their no kill shelter. So, hopefully people who choose to buy
                any one of my books will be helping to save an animal's life. I suspect I might be
                blogging about this cause soon.







Geri:         What are your plans in the future for the literary world?

Gary:        Simply put: write, write, and write. I have four books in the works for upcoming
                  publication. Most are a combination of science fiction/fantasy, however, one is
                  a mystery.







Geri:           Describe your perfect reading location?

Gary:          I think reading is so great, because you can do it almost anywhere. I would prefer
                    a quiet environment though. But I've enjoyed books just as much, no-matter
                    where I read them, at the beach, or in an office.







Geri:          Which aspect of a book is most important to you, the plot, characters, or the setting?

Gary:          As a reader, they all are. But plot is initially most important to me, when I decide
                    which book to read, and what story I will write next. It's what intrigues me
                    personally to get into a story. But certainly, great characters are needed to pull
                    that idea, or plot off. So, I would rank that next, setting would be last.







Geri:           Thank you for today's Interview. It is very interesting and enjoyable. I wish you
                    much success in your upcoming releases.

Gary:         You're welcome!
                   

***INTERVIEW #3 with Author SAM MOFFIE*** "THE BOOK OF ELI"

It is with Great Pleasure and an honor to bring back Author Sam Moffie.


Author of:     "NO MAD"       5 Star Review


Author of:       "THE ORGAN GRINDER AND THE MONKEY"     5 Star REVIEW


Author of:          "THE BOOK OF ELI"       
                               
                                Fantasy/Fiction

                                http://www.amazon.com/
                      
                                http://www.barnesandnoble.com/




http://www.samsstories.com/

www.myspace.com/sammoffie

www.facebook.com/sammoffie







~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW #3~~~


Geri:   Do you enjoy book blogging, and how significant do you think it is for exposure
             of your books?


Sam:      I enjoy book blogging when I have the time. Mostly, I get the experience and
                fun of being a guest on other people's blogs.







Geri:         Which genre do you think transforms into the best movies?


Sam:         Non-linear Fiction.








Geri:           Describe your perfect reading location.

Sam:          Outside, on a beautiful summer day, laying in my hammock in my backyard
                    with my dog Bailey lying underneath, my muse Juliette working in her
                    flower garden and cold ice tea at hand.







Geri:            What are your plans for the future in the literary world?

Sam:           Continue to write, re-write and market myself, and be ready for the changes
                     that the literary world continues to experience.







Geri:             What aspect of a book is most important to you, the plot, the characters,
                      or the setting?


Sam:             The Characters.








Geri:                Thank you kindly for your time, and Welcome Back. I wish you much
                          success in all your writing achievements, and new releases.


Sam:                You're welcome.

        

**INTERVIEW with Author GEOFREY NEIL**

It is an honor to Interview Author Geoffrey Neil today.


Author of:    "DIRE MEANS"



Genre:             Thriller






http://www.diremeans.com/

http://www.geoffreyneil.com/

http://tinyurl.com/yefa6hd

http://tinyurl.com/y9cyzxo

http://www.towerbooks.com/








~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW~~~



Geri:        When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?

Geoffrey:    When I first began to realize how therapeutic writing was. Journaling for
                      myself gave me my first satisfaction as a writer. Then when I was offered
                      some free lance work for a local newspaper, I received my first positive
                      feedback from strangers, who carry much more credibility about quality
                      than loved ones. This encouraged me, and made me want to write more.








Geri:          Did you have favorite books as a child?

Geoffrey:   Dr. Seuss, and as many books about animal adventures as I could find, and
                     get my parents to read to me.









Geri:            Who is your favorite author?


Geoffrey:    John Steinbeck.









Geri:               Has a special person in your life inspired you to write?

Geoffrey:       Yes, and I'd add 'encouraged and prodded' to describe what my friend,
                          Judy Proffer, an ex-boss turned friend has done to support me.









Geri:              If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

Geoffrey:      Fantasy. I think fantasy is fiction stretched to its limit, because not only
                        is it created by the author's imagination, it often includes worlds and
                        beings that are based on nothing we've ever seen.








Geri:              Do you have any current work in progress?

Geoffrey:      Yes. I'm drafting my second book, and it will include one character from
                        "DIRE MEANS."  That character will probably be obvious to anyone who
                         finishes the story. I don't know if book number two will carry the
                         socially conscious theme of DIRE MEANS, but since I don't work from
                         from an outline, I never know where events will take the story.








Geri:               Thank you very much for your time. It has been a pleasure, and very
                         enjoyable. I wish you much success.

Geoffrey:        You're welcome.