INTERVIEW #2 With Author JEFFREY B. ALLEN

It is an honor to Welcome, and bring back to Geri's Interviews Author Jeffrey B. Allen! Author of: GONEAWAY INTO THE LAND Genre: Fantasy *****REVIEW A Great Adventure With Unforgettable Consequences! As Cleverly Entertaining As "PAY IT FORWARD" www.mypace.com/jeffreyballen http://www.jeffreyballen.com/ INTERVIEW Geri: Is writing a passion, a stress-reliever, or both? Jeffrey: Writing, writing, writing! Yes, it is a passion! Some who know me well say it is a form of pscho theraphy. The reason I write cannot be too much different from why authors in general write. Although I've not yet reached that point when writing, the thing I love to do most in life, becomes my primary source of income. What happens then? Will it remain a passion? Will it lift me out of bed at three in the morning? Will it consume me? I definitely want to find out! Geri: Do you write everyday? Jeffrey: Absolutely! Toddlers write everyday, and sometimes I think they are way ahead of me. I don't mean that to be sarcastic. What I mean to say is that a writer writes all the time, even when he, or she is not writing. Those who say they are not writers, also write. One of the most important things in life is to be able to be a writer when called upon to write. I think good writing is not stressed enough in High School, and College. I will give an example. I sold my architectural design company a few years ago. That sounds like a big deal, but it wasn't. It was time for me to move on. I owned the company for twenty- eight years. Life speaks to you from around the corner sometimes. At any rate, the person who bought my company is a graduate of Lehigh University, one of the top universities in the country. The other day I received a copy of a promotional letter he wrote, and mailed out to a thousand, or more customers. It was poorly written, incorrectly constructed, and I'm sure not proofed. In fact, the spaces between the lines told a story of a poorly managed company. It was such a departure from the letters those people were accustomed to getting that several recipients called me on the phone to tell me about it. The letter did more to harm his business, than if he had written to the same people, and told them to never buy anything from him again. In business, good writing can be almost as important as clean fingernails. In life, good writing can be a catapult. Yes, I write everyday! No, not everything I write is good! But, everyday, I am striving to write better. Geri: How many book-signings have you been to? Jeffrey: One, just one! I do not believe that book-signings are the best use of my time. "GoneAway" is doing better-and-better all the time, but it's far from a household word. My marketing efforts have to be to the largest audience that I can find, which does exist on the internet. When I've generated enough fervor over my work that I am invited to do book-signings, then I will gladly do them. Geri: How do you promote your book? Jeffrey: I have developed what I call the soft promotion, and the hard promotion. What I mean is that the soft promotion is getting the book on as many blogs, websites, and social networking sites as possible. I try my best to answer every lead with a solid response. It is a daunting task. The hard promotion is physically getting the book into libraries, schools and independent bookstores, and maybe even the box stores. But, I want them to come to me, so I have left that one alone. I have been successful in getting into the libraries, and several school districts have accepted "GoneAway" into their libraries. One is putting the novel onto the suggested reading list, and has committed to having me come in as a guest speaker. Last, but not least, I am working on the preliminary plans with a publicist. I only decided to that when I knew the book was good enough to be a best seller. I am now convinced that, given the proper exposure, "GoneAway" has something to offer a wide range of readers from sixteen years of age to adult. For that reason, I am going to go for it. Only the dreamer's dreams come true! Geri: Have you written books in different genres? Jeffrey: My books will always deal with the spaces that I believe exist between life, and death. There is a seamless transition that takes place when our blood stops flowing, and our breath goes away. There is an infinite place we go that knows neither time, nor universal periods of light and dark, or hot and cold. It is a place where journeys of self-exploration, reconciliation, and examination lead us to a place that can only be uniquely yours. My books will always be filled with adventure, and marvelous, wonderous places. I will strive to make my characters come alive. I still have vivid memories of characters I knew from books that I read years ago. It is as if I knew them personally, yet they only existed on the written page. Not true! Once they leave the page, and go into our minds, they are as real as any other memory. I love to blur reality, and slowly take the reader to a place unexpected. I love peeling away layers of a story, and then having multiple plots come together in the end. I would like "GoneAway" to be in a genre called philosophical fantasy, but the word fantasy is deceiving. Philosophical fiction may be better, but also does not tell the story. I know the booksellers need genre titles in order to categorize their books, but it all seems a bit stifing! Geri: Do you plan on writing a book every year? Jeffrey: No! It took me three and a half years to wite GoneAway, and that was writing no less than four hours everyday. Writing is also researching, editing, and revising. I would like to be faster, but my stories are complicated for a reason, and they need to be well constructed, or the reader will become confused. Confused readers do not last long! I enjoy intrique, and I enjoy being confused when I know I am supposed to be confused by intent. But, if I am confused because the author misrepresented something, or went on a tangent where I see no correlation, I will throw the book on the yard-sale pile. The story is finished when it is finished. My new book, Quarry Waters, is moving along nicely, but I have reached that place in the story where I need to spend at least a month writing biographies of my characters. I need to do a time line so that I know where they all are, and when. Also, I need to do research on some of the subject matter. Thank goodness for Google! Geri: What has inspired you the most to write? Jeffrey: I am a tormented person when it comes right down to it. I am fifty-five years old. A lot has happened to me in those years. Some of it haunts me, some were fantastic. None of it has been boring. I was blessed with a vivid imagination that slants toward the surreal. I have always dreamed up stories. I read to my children when they were young, but mostly I told them stories that I made up. We called them chapter stories, because every night I would tell another chapter. I was glad to have the twenty- four hours to think up the next chapter, and the appropriate cliff hanger. I was inspired to write by my children. I was encouraged to write by my wife, and I was motivated to write by my trials and tribulations, and the torrent of voices that keep me awake at night. It is not as bad as it sounds. I think I am lucky to have found writing, or I am lucky that writing found me. As human beings, we are tormented by the awareness of our own mortality. It's too bad really, because we tend to judge our lives decade-by-decade for what we have, or haven't accomplished. That leads us to seek answers. In the seeking, we fall into what we hope is a tolerable comfort zone, be it political or religious. That rush to live our lives to the fullest causes some to do foolish things, others to do dreadful things, and still others to wish with regret that they had done some things. That is why I like to write about the place where we come to stand before ourselves, where without regard for the passing of time, we embark on our journey. It is also strange to think that we may be on that journey right now. Who's to say? What is my journey is my alone, and one I cannot lend. Geri: What factors place you in the comfort zone while writing? Jeffrey: I like to write late at night, while the house is quiet. The sounds that filter in from the outside during the day are silent. I also like to write when I am experiencing emotion. Be is anger, or sadness, or exhilaration, it's a good writing time for me. Geri: Have you written a series, and or a sequel for one title? Jeffrey: I have the story for the sequel GoneAway, and maybe one-hundred pages roughed out. But, I need to see how GoneAway Into The Land does, before I write the sequel. Geri: After having one book published, do you find it easier to write? Jeffrey: Yes! I spent much of my time laboring over fundamentals with GoneAway. You know, sentence structure, adverbs, dialog and those kinds of things. I found one piece of advice that I read in Steven King's book on writing very helpful. He suggested putting the finished manuscript, or in my case, portions of it away for an extended period of time. Then, when enough time elapsed, say a few months, take it out and read it straight through. He said, "You will be surprised at how bad parts of it will seem to you." He is absolutely right, I do just that, and my editing is much more efficient, and critical. Geri: It has been a Pleasure to Interview you. I wish you much success in all your writing endeavors! Jeffrey: Thank you Geri for the opportunity to have this Interview. All the best to you, and your readers.

INTERVIEW #2 with Author Dominique L. Watson

It is with Great Pleasure to bring to Today's Interview Multipublished Author, Dominique L. Watson. Author Of: HOW TO KEEP GOD IN YOUR LIFE ****REVIEW Author Of: INSPIRE ME YOUNG New Release: THE TENSION RELIEVER Volume 1 Genre: Spiritual, Motivation, Religion, Inspiration www.dominiquewatson.webs.com www.myspace.com/mrs_creative_diva www.fromawriterspov.webs.com www.ladiesofchristproverbs31.webs.com Dominique is a writer, published author, and business owner. She began writing poetry, and short stories at a young age. Her work is published on the internet, focused on spiritual advice, and inspiration. She owns an online magazine for writers, and her own mininistry. She is currently working on her Associates Degree in Psychology, and expanding her magazine on the internet. INTERVIEW Geri: Is writing a passion, stress reliever, or both? Dominique: I love to write, and writing helps me to relieve stress. Geri: Do you write everyday? Dominique: Yes, I try to! I try to write poems everyday, it's my daily release. Geri: How many book-signings have you been to? Dominique: I've only been to one book-signing, and it was a great experience. Geri: How do you promote your book? Dominique: I promote my books through my websites, through different networks that I am a part of. I send different items through the mail. I'm looking to do more book-signings, and interviews. Geri: Have you written books in different genres? Dominique: I've written Christian Fiction Books. That's about as far out of my genre that I've written. Geri: Do you plan on writing a book every year? Dominique: Actually, I have! I plan to publish a book every year, maybe two books a year. Geri: What has inspired you the most to write? Dominique: My life experiences, people around me, my loved ones, and stress. When I'm stressed, I just pick up a pen and start writing. Geri: What factors place you in the comfort zone while writing? Dominique: Peace, and quiet! I like to write at night on my bed. If I'm working on a manuscript, I like to write in peace and quiet when I'm alone. Geri: Have you written a series, or a sequel for one title? Dominique: Yes, I have written a series. It's a book that I plan to publish in the next two, or three years. The Title is INSPIRATIONAL GROWTH 5 in 1 Series. You can find out more about this on my website at: www.dominiquewatson.webs.com. I've also written a sequel to my fourth book to be released in the Fall of 2009. The title is "TOO MUCH UNTOLD." The sequel is titled "TOO MUCH UNTOLD" Between Coasts, and you can find out about this book on my website as well. Geri: After having one book published, do you now find it easier to write? Dominique: It's always been easy for me to write. I simply let my feelings go. Now, if I have writer's block, I back away from the writing, and do something else. But, writing has always come easy for me. I love to inspire others, and I know that is my calling. No-matter what my books do, or how much money I make, writing is personal for me, and it's something I'll always hold onto. Geri: Thank you very much for Today's Interview. It's been delightful, and enjoyable! Dominique: Your Welcome! Geri:

Interview With Morgan Fitzsimons AND Kat Jones

It is an honor, and a great pleasure to bring to Today's Interview British Artists and Authors, Morgan Fitzsimons AND Kat Jones! Authors of "THE TIMEWEAVERS." Genre: Fantasy/ Science Fiction Morgan was born in the north of England in 1939. Drawing and painting since early childhood was her love for art, encouraged by a young art mistress at the age of eleven, who urged her to study the arts. Morgan went on to Liverpool University, where she obtained an N.D.D., and a B.A. She was a teacher for twenty years, and head of special needs. She has a passion, knowledge, and love for books. While Morgan was working as a teacher, she wrote and illustrated for several publishers. Her physical disability, and other problems led her to retire from teaching, and to concentrate on other things. Since then, she has designed and illustrated for various publishers, and manufactures. She has painted and exhibited her work in the UK, and overseas. She has lived in a variety of places including Lancashire, Shropshire and Merseyside, Wales and London, and Peterborough. She spent a great deal of time overseas, and at twenty-one, painted in the Place de Tetre with other students, and exhibited with artists while in France. She was inspired by the woods at Fontainebleau, and the palace at Versail. In more recent years, she has spent time in Africa, and the U.S.A. Kat was born in East Anglia in 1979. She has an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and is an excellent researcher, having researched many projects for Morgan, and others. She began working with Morgan at an early age, and has an estensive knowledge of history, myth, and legend. She loves books, and writes fiction, and poetry. Kat has developed her skills at graphic design from necessity, and enjoys combining those skills with Morgan's traditional artwork. She has traveled a great deal, and lived in a variety of places around the UK, and America. She now resides in East Anglia with her husband, and four children.

www.myspace.com/morganfitzsimons www.myspace.com/aiyenna http://www.thetimeweavers.com/ http://www.fitzsimmonspublishing.com/ http://www.fitztown.com/books/index.html

INTERVIEW

Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Morgan: As an artist, I painted and wrote as a child. The two have always gone together for me. I often paint, before I write. My daughter Kat also wrote as a child, giving a story to her teacher, who thought an adult had written it. She loved doing it, and continued. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Morgan: Stories from my imagination, though I do like writing about mythical, or historical characters, and events. I love fantasy, with romance, and adventure. Kat also likes similar things, though she likes to include humour. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Morgan: In my teens and early childhood, my cousin Harry Thomas inspired me to paint, and to write. In recent years, my son Paul has regenerated my enthusiasm. My daughter Kat was inspired by an English teacher in primary school, but is currently inspired and motivated by her brother Paul also. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Morgan: I have put together one, or two. Kat is working on one about her father, Gemini. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Morgan: I love words as much as visual imagery. I have read and love a variety from Yeats, and Poe to CS Lewis, and Christian Jacque. It is hard to choose. Kat loves Yeats, but if she has to name one, it's Terry Pratchett, because his imagination includes laughter. Geri: Are your characters from people you've known in real life, or from the imagination? Morgan: Kat, and I use both. Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Morgan: http://www.thetimeweavers.com/ http://www.fitztown.com/ Geri: What are some other links to your websites? Morgan: http://www.timelessink.com/ http://www.morgansartworld/ http://www.otherworlddreams.com/ Geri: How many books have you written? Morgan: Lots of educational stuff, and a whole bunch of others being published by Fitzsimmons in the New Year! Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Morgan: I can't remember the book, it was nearly fifty years ago, but I remember being impressed with a write-up in the Times. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Morgan: Titles on the go include: THE LAST ENCHANTER, about elves and humans, two sequels to THE TIMEWEAVERS, a collection of illustrated children's books, and THE KINGDOM OF ASHES. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing, or the first time you signed a copy of your book? Morgan: I couldn't understand why someone would want me to sign one. As an artist, hand-signing is something I am asked to do frequently, but it still amases me why someone would want me to. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? Morgan: I was an avid reader, and started at the age of two, and had read everything of interest in the adult library by the age of seven. I practically lived there. Kat also loved books, and has read many types. We both like to read, and research history. Our home has wall-to-wall books in various rooms. Geri: Do you have goals set for the future in your journey of writing? Morgan: Perhaps to live long enough to see many more people, mainly children and teenagers inspired to read and write themselves. Kat's goal is to improve and inspire, which I still hope to do. Geri: I'd like to take this opportunity to Thank Morgan, Kat, and Paul for your devoted time to the literary world. The three of you are truly an inspiration to all writers. It has been an honor, and pleasure to have met all of you, and work closely with you. I wish you all success, and the best in your writing endeavors for 2009!

Interview #2 With Author/ Attorney JONATHAN MILLER

Welcome back Jon! I will be Reviewing his latest release, LA BAJADA LAWYER. This novel is a dark comic, legal thriller. Jon received a *****REVIEW for VOLCANO VERDICT, one of his legal thrillers. He is a Multipublished Author, and is working on other manuscripts for New Releases. He is from Albuquerque, college at Cornell, University of Colorado Law School. He worked as a public defender in Roswell, where he began writing RATTLESNAKE LAWYER. He practiced criminal law for a few years, doing several high profile cases, then moved to LA and received an MFA at the American Film Institute. He wrote several episodes of the nationally syndicated show "Arrest And Trial" which still views on the on the Fox Reality channel. He returned to NM in 2001, and resumed a high profile criminal practice. He only writes in darkness, before dawn, or at night. He is currently practicing law. He is the Author of: RATTLESNAKE LAWYER, CRATER COUNTY, AMARILLO IN AUGUST, VOLCANO VERDICT, and LA BAJADA LAWYER! www.myspace.com/154485663 www.rattlesnakelawyer.com http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1019771320&ref=mf INTERVIEW #2 1. Geri: Is writing a passion, a stress-reliever, or both? Jon: Writing is a passion. I tend to write best under stressful situations. A good friend once accused me of seeking to murder him, and filed charges on me. During the pendency of the suit, I vowed to write everyday. I managed to finish a 60,000 word, rough draft, during the seven weeks it took to get the suit dismissed. I vowed to never publish it, or even look at it again, until after that person died. Let's just say, I am currently revising the manuscript. 2. Geri: Do you write everyday? Jon: Only in the winter! 3. Geri: How many book-signings have you been to? Jon: I've done several hundred book-signings all over America. I've been from El Paso to Ithaca. 4. Geri: How do you promote your book? Jon: Sign, sign, sign! 5. Geri: Have you written books in different genres? Jon: All my books are about lawyers. However, I wouldn't call them all legal thrillers. I consider the latest book to be a dark comedy. 6. Geri: Do you plan on writing a book every year? Jon: I have the next three books written. I plan to take a break on fiction. 7. Geri: What has inspired you the most to write? Jon: Being stuck in Roswell, New Mexico, with nothing to do but wait to get abducted. 8. Geri: What factors place you in the comfort zone while writing? Jon: I need a Starbucks, doubleshot expresso light in a can. Also, I need darkness, and quiet! 9. Geri: Have you written a series, or a sequel for one title? Jon: My books all have continuing characters. My characters do grow older. Luna was pregnant at the end of VOLCANO VERDICT, her daughter is now seven, and a character of her own. 10. Geri: After having one book published, do you now find it easier to write? Jon: Sometimes! On the other hand, I have to make sure that I am consistent with the prior books. Geri: Thank you very much for today's interview. It is an honor, and a great pleasure indeed! Jon: Your welcome, it was enjoyable!

Interview With Author/Artist MARIANNE LOYD

It is with Great Pleasure to bring to Today's INTERVIEW, Author/Poet/Teddy Bear Artist MARIANNE LOYD. Author Of: THOUGHTS FROM OLD WALLS In the last twelve months, I've read, and Reviewed the Poetic Works of Marianne. Her Poetry is Breathtaking, and I admire her strength to protect the Rights of Animals against Abuse. Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Marianne: I can't exactly remember when, as I have always loved to write poems, and stories. It just seems something I have done since early childhood. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Marianne: At the moment, I am focusing on poetry, but I also like to write other genres. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Marianne: No particular person has inspired me to write, just writing in itself has been an inspiration. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Marianne: No, I have not. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Marianne: There are so many great authors, each a master in their own genre. Geri: Are your characters from real life, or the imagination? Marianne: Since I am at the moment writing poetry, and not a story with specific characters, my inspiration can come from stories I've read. Something on TV, or simply by observing life in general, and listen, and be observant. Geri: How many books have you written? Marianne: THOUGHTS FROM OLD WALLS is my first book, with a collection of my most recent poems, but I am also working on my next poetry book. Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Marianne: www.lulu.com www.marianneloyd.com Geri: How did you feel the first time you were published? Marianne: It felt a bit unreal to see my words on print. It was strange, but exciting turning the pages. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Marianne: Yes, I do, and as I mentioned, I am working on my next poetry book titled SILHOUETTES. Also, I have planned to write a children's book. Geri: What are some links to your websites? Marianne: www.marianneloyd.com Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Marianne: Yes, and I have different projects in mind, but all in its own time. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be in your writing? Marianne: There are always goals ahead that exceeds the current status, but at the present time, you are where you have to be, and to have the pen beside you on the journey of writing. Geri: What can help authors reach their dream? Marianne: First of all, write and keep writing, never give up! Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Marianne: I believe all writer's suffer occasionally, more or less from writer's block. Geri: What advice can you give to prevent it? Marianne: One can never for sure prevent it, but when you do get it, you have to realize that you are on the wrong thinking path, like a dead-end road. You have to take a U-turn, and try to refresh your thoughts to see the broader picture. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Marianne: I have always enjoyed to read, and I read a lot of different books. I loved Nancy Drew, and to read about all her adventures. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? Marianne: Yes! Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Marianne: I don't think there is any one particular writer that I would like to trade places with for one day, but I do find it interesting to read about them, how they work, and get their ideas. Agatha Christie said, "The best time to plan a book is while you are doing the dishes." It is not quite what you would have expected from a master detective writer, but it is a good idea to use spare time thinking space to come up with something new, and interesting for your story. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, self-achievement after publishing a book, can you relate? Marianne: It is like with any idea you put to life, whether it's writing, or something else. When the task is complete, you feel a sense of achievement, of course. It's like a blank canvas that you try to put the best colors to use for best results! Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Marianne: It is all about priority, and how to set enough time to do both! Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Marianne: It's always nice to sign your book, and hope the reader enjoyed reading it. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would anything change? Marianne: It would probably mean more time dedicated to writing. Geri: As a writer, from mauscript to promotions, what was the most difficult task? Marianne: With book promotion, there is a whole different aspect. But, the first step is to publish it, then promote, and take it from there. Geri: Some writer's listen to music, or focus on a particular scenery, can you relate? Marianne: It helps to have an inner picture of something to inspire your creativity to get a jump start and get going, whether it's music, or nature. Writing requires a certain amount of discipline, and inspiration. Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be? Marianne: It would probably be a mystery/detective genre. I think that the British Midsomer Murders TV drama is great. It's based on the books by Caroline Graham, who is an excellent writer, and also the writer's that continued to write for that series afterward. It is so cleverly written! Geri: Thank you very much for your time. It has been a Pleasure indeed! Marianne: Your welcome! I enjoyed it!

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: