**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!

**INTERVIEW with Author Steven Clark Bradley**

It is an honor to Interview Author Steven Clark Bradley. Steven has authored four dramatic thrillers, "NIMROD RISING, PROBABLE CAUSE, STILLBORN, and PATRIOT ACTS." He has been an assistant to a prosecutor, a university instructor, and a freelance journalist. He earned a B.A. in Organizational Management of Human Resources, and a Masters Degree in Liberal Studies. He has worked a number of years in Europe, Asia, and Africa. INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Steven: I have always been a storyteller. It seems to have been something I was born with. It was actually my son who challenged to stop writing as a hobby, and start publishing the manuscripts I had written. As a child, I started writing dreams, and ideas. It was all part of the process of learning how to paint a tableau with words. Probably, the hardest thing was learning to get over what I call "the middle of the book syndrome." Perseverance is the one word that best describes the main character trait that all dedicated writers possess. I can attest to that as I developed the characters, setting, atmosphere, and all the million things that go into holding a story together and bringing the new world into the realm of plausible and real. The best way to describe this is in three simple words, "Never give up!" Sometimes, when we find ourselves waiting to quit something, we feel pulled in two directions. Have you ever heard these voices in your head? " There's no use in continuing, or I failed, and I give up!" These feelings are almost always untrue, and are usually caused by depression, fatigue, or lonliness. There are so many other personal things in our lives that cause such feelings of hopelessness. We are also drawn by voices in our heads that tell us not to give up. "Think of all the time you've invested, or think how hard you have worked!" It's that second voice that helped overcome the doubt, and the block, which convinced me that I was a writer! Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Steven: It is such a driving passion to tell stories that could make one pause, and reflect on where we were, and where we are, to gain a better understanding of where we are going. All of my books center on a major theme that typifies the human experience, and tragedy. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to become a writer? Steven: I am motivated to write by an ideal, the need to put into practice the freedom I possess from God to present the issues of our current day in a brave, realistic, and plausible manner. There are certain writers who have pushed me forward. Thomas Clancy is a great mentor for me. He had a great affect on me, making me realize that freedom is not free! Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Steven: I consider my books to be hard-hitting stories that may frighten the reader as a result of the realism, and the plausibility of the evil unleashed on an apathetic, and ill-mannered world when faithlessness falls upon the just, and the unjust. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Steven: Francis A. Schaeffer has influenced me the most. He was a highly respected Philosopher. No one else has assisted in the formation of my world view than Francis A. Schaeffer. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Steven: Almost all of my characters are patterned after either great and honorable, and bad, disreputable men and women I have met, and many I have known. I have met a great number of people, and that is a big help in creating my characters. Geri: How many books have you written? Steven: I've had four novels published. Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Steven: www.amazon.com www.booksamillion.com www.powells.com www.borders.com www.barnesandnoble.com www.copperfields.com www.cambridgebooks.com www.fictionwise.com www.mobipocket.com www.net.com www.writewordsinc.com Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published. Steven: The freedom to write freely in a free land is such a wonderful thing. It is something to be cherished until we die for what we believe. I feel that there is nothing greater than writing, and creating something from nothing. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Steven: I currently have two projects in the making, and three other works started. Geri: What are some links to your websites? Steven: http://stevenbradley.blogspot.com http://twitter.com/StevenBradley http://bookmarket.ning.com/profile/StevenClarkBradley http://stevenclarkbradley.u.yuku.com/ Geri: Do you have goals for your future in writing? Steven: I am ever growing, constantly learning, and a very dedicated writer. I drive my goals, they do not drive me. Geri: At this point and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be? Steven: I am never satisfied with any product that I create. I know that I must go the extra mile to get the story out, and make sure it is where the readers will grasp the overall, and underlying message. I never feel that I have arrived, or am where I want to be! Geri: What are some factors that can help authors to reach their dream of accomplishment? Steven: Winston Churchill said, "The Pessimist sees problems in every opportunity, but the Optimist sees opportunities in every problem." It takes time to make your image in your mind into a world with living, breathing characters that do a multitude of things, and have a multitude of personalities. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Steven: I do get writer's block, but I know that perseverance is one word that best describes the main character trait that all dedicated writers possess. Geri: What can prevent writer's block? Steven: Never give up! Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Steven: I loved the "Chronicles of Narnia" as an older teenager, and "Mark Twain." I also loved "Nancy Drew" books. Also, I loved political magazines. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading a lot? Steven: I was a bit strange as a child. I read through almost all the World Book Encyclopedias in my school library, which gave me my great love for travel, and culture. Also, it gave me ideas for stories, like no one else has written. Geri: If you had the opportunity to live one day the life of a famous author, who would it be? Steven: Vince Flynn. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, or a sense of achievement after publishing a book. Can you relate to such feelings? Steven: I can say that each novel feels like another one of my literary children was born! Geri: How do you balance your current occupation with your goals for writing? Steven: This is the easiest question to answer, I never sleep! Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Steven: I am a people person, and love the face-to-face! Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would that change your plans for your writing? Steven: I'd use the money to further my writing, and ensure my stories were read! Geri: We begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions. What was your most difficult task? Steven: The hardest task is getting book stores to believe in you, and getting your story to readers. Geri: Some writers need to listen to music, or look at the ocean, or flowers. Do you have a particular scenery? Steven: I love to listen to movie soundtracks as I write. Geri: If you were to publish a book in a different genre, what would it be? Steven: I want to be broad in my writing, and I can never predict what I will write next, not until the story tells me! Geri: Thank you very much for your time. This interview was quite interesting, and very enjoyable! Steven: Your welcome!

**INTERVIEW with Author ANDIE LEE PECK**

It is with Great Pleasure to Interview Today, Author Andie Lee Peck. Author Of: ABSTRACT MURDER Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Police Procedural/Psychological Thriller http://www.authorsden.com/andielpeck http://es.bebo.com/dreamlover40 http://www.myspace.com/andieleames http://www.helium.com/items/237602-networking-why-writers-need-other- writers http://open.salon.com/content.php?cid=63210 INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Andie: I've always written, but it wasn't until the birth of my daughter in 1988 that I really started writing! Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Andie: I read anything that piques my interest, and that ranges from Edgar Allan Poe to Lewis Carroll to Jim Carroll, renown poet and song writer, it just depends on my mood. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Andie: My kids, family and friends who believe in my imagination, and support me. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Andie: No, but what I write I like to call "faction" as there are a lot of facts within the fictional structure of the book. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Andie: Edgar Allan Poe! Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life, or are they from the imagination? Andie: They are composites of real people, blended in with my imagination. Geri: How many books have you written? Andie: I've written two, "Daddy's Little Girl" which is not published, and "Abstract Murder" which went live as of September, 2008. Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Andie: http://www.amazon.co.uk/ http://www.amazon.com/ http://www.authorhouse.com/ http://www.authorhouse.co.uk/ Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Andie: I was dazed with a sense of relief, but then realized it was only the beginning of my journey with this book! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Andie: I'm working on a supernatural thriller and fantasy titled "The Girl Who Wasn't There" and other projects in the making. Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Andie: Yes, I've set a five year goal to obtain the renown that I seek! Geri: At this point and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be with your writing? Andie: Not really, but I shall be where I want, once able to obtain an agent, and publicist! Geri: What are some factors that can help authors reach their dream of accomplishment? Andie: The best advice that I have is read what you can about manuscript formats, and try to get help from other writers who made their path in the literary world, regardless of how small. Also, join writers groups to help along with the process, and network. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Andie: Yes, but then I either take a break until the block has passed, or I switch to writing something else. Geri: What advice can you give to prevent writer's block? Andie: Not to panic, and do something relaxing! Writer's block is often unavoidable, but it's not permanent. Do something that relaxes, but stimulates the creative process! Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Andie: Yes, "Alice In Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading a lot? Andie: I'd read, or watch television to escape! Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Andie: It would be myself, as it is my goal to become a famous author. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction after publishing a book, some feel a sense of achievement, can you relate to such feelings? Andie: I can understand how they feel, but for me, it's not an achievement until I reach my goal! Geri: How do you balance your current occupation with your goals for writing? Andie: I'm a full-time writer, and sometimes supplement my income by freelancing with online magazines. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Andie: I was a bit dazed, but I managed to sell a copy of the book when other authors on the panel sold nothing, and I made valuable contacts. When it was over, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief, and I felt good about myself. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would change? Andie: The only thing I'd change is launching a full-blown media blitz to bring attention to my work. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions, what was your most difficult task? Andie: For me, the hardest part is getting those established in the literary realm to give me a chance, that's the biggest hurdle that I've yet to conquer! Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, look at the ocean, or flowers when writing. Do you have a particular scenery? Andie: Based on the type of things that I write, it's better for me to write at night, while the rest of the house is sleeping. Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be? Andie: "Daddy's Little Girl" is about the first black president who was the savior that the country needed, but also held some very dark secrets, and if discovered would not only ruin his career, but possibly land him in prison. It's a straight up literary book! Geri: Thank you very much for your time with today's Interview. It was very enjoyable! Andie: Your welcome!

**INTERVIEW with Author STEPHEN ROSS MEIER**

Author Of: KATKA Subtitle: a novella Genre: Fiction I Welcome to today's Interview, Author Stephen Ross Meier. It is an honor, and with great pleasure to present your work to readers, and fellow Authors. http://www.stephenrossmeier.com/ http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=425299171 http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1127140550&ref=profile INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Stephen: When I was a little kid, and used to listen to my father tell my brother, and I, bedtime stories. I fell in love with storytelling. Then, over the years, the desire grew more-and-more as I read everything I could get my hands on, including many of the Harvard Classics. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Stephen: Fiction, books that have very witty, and edgy dialogue, and deep and everlasting characters. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to become a writer? Stephen: My father! Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Stephen: Some events in "KATKA" are based on true life experiences, and much of my first novel, "TEACHING PANDAS TO SWIM" were as well. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Stephen: Tough question! I'm going to have to go with Charles Bukowski. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life, or are they from the imagination? Stephen: Combination! Geri: How many books have you written? Stephen: Two, KATKA, and TEACHING PANDAS TO SWIM. Also, I have two more that are almost finished. Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Stephen: http://www.amazon.com/ http://www.stephenrossmeier/ Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published. Stephen: Like a kid on Christmas! To see my book in print, and know that it was out there for the world, was amazing, truly amazing! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress for a new release? Stephen: Yes! "TEACHING PANDAS TO SWIM." Geri: What are some links to your websites? Stephen: http://www.stephenrossmeier.com/ Geri: Do you have goals set for the future in your journey of writing? Stephen: Yes, I would really like to see "KATKA" turned into a movie. Plus, I would love to be able to continue writing, and publishing books. Geri: At this point and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be in your writing endeavors? Stephen: No, I'm about ten years behind, but I'm a lot wiser now and everything happens for a reason, right? Geri: What are some factors that can help authors reach their dream of accomplishment? Stephen: Patience, determination, resilience and stamina, humility and hope! Plus, you have to believe in yourself, and your writing. It doesn't hurt to have friends and family in your corner to support you! Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Stephen: Of course, but now what I do is turn up the iPod, and start writing the lyrics to songs I love! Geri: What advice can you give to other authors to prevent writer's block? Stephen: Remember that it happens to everyone, and to just keep writing! Don't worry if you think it sucks, or not! Don't worry if you think it's original, or not! Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Stephen: Aesop's Fables, The choose your own adventure books, Lion, With and the Wardrobe. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? Stephen: Yes, I did very much! Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Stephen: Wow! What a question, that's so tough! How about Doestoevsky, or Milan Kundera! Wait! Do Poets count? Jose Marti had a pretty amazing life. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction after publishing a book. Some feel a sense of achievement, can you relate to such feelings? Stephen: One-hundred percent! I don't think people have a clue how hard it is to write a story, and then put it out there for the world to see! Geri: How do you balance your current occupation with your writing? Stephen: I worked my butt off for six years, and sold my soul to the devil to make money, and finally sold my company so that I could write full-time. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Stephen: At a loss for words, it was a dream come true, truly! Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would anything change? Stephen: No, it would just make things easier! Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Stephen: Promoting, and selling the book is the hardest, it's all business. There is a bit of creativity, but really a full-time job, and you have to be determined! Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, look at the ocean, or flowers while writing. Do you have a particular scenery? Stephen: Music! That's why I think the iPod is the greatest invention. It allows me to choose songs that inspire me to write the scenes I need to write. Geri: If you were to write a book in a different genre, what would it be? Stephen: Someone else just asked me this, and I really don't know. Perhaps, I've thought of writing a horror screenplay, but we'll see, let's get some other fiction books out! Geri: Thank you very much for your time. This Interview was very enjoyable indeed! Stephen: Your welcome!

INTERVIEW with Author TIM KELLIS

It is an honor, and with great pleasure to bring to today's Interview Author Tim Kellis. Author of: "Equality" Subtitle: The Quest For The Happy Marriage www.myspace.com/timkellis www.HappyRelationships.com www.youtube.com/user/happyrelationships www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1359207598&v=info&viewas=135920 7598 AUTHOR INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Tim: That is really a funny question, because I never really thought about being a writer, until inspiration led me to writing "Equality: The Quest for the Happy Marriage." My undergraduate degree is engineering, and I wasn't much of a writer as a kid. But, as an adult I became a voracious reader of non-fiction books, with hundreds of books under my belt, even before taking up the research on Equality. But, after I got my MBA, I became a semiconductor analyst on Wall Street, which requires an intense focus on writing. On Wall Street, analysts live by the creed "Publish or Perish." I began my career by publishing a three-hundred page initation report on the communications semiconductor industry. So, when inspiration led me to writing, I had already become a writer in training. I never really knew I wanted to become a writer until after the fact, another case of realizing your life's destiny after it had already been handed to you. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Tim: I really enjoy non-fiction work. As I like to say another person's reality is my fiction. Reading non-fiction allows me to get into the life lived by others. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Tim: I would have to say working as a Wall Street analyst inspired me to become a writer. My first boss, Richard Davis really gave me the freedom to explore putting my thoughts into words, along with the other Director's of Research, I worked for during my ten year career. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Tim: The reality is the book I have written is partially based on my life. There is even an autobiography in the middle of the book. The book includes the life of others as well, such as Martin Luther King, and Adolf Hitler. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Tim: I would have to answer that my favorite author is not really an author per se, but a psychologist, Dr. carl Jung. I could not have written a complete answer to the marriage problem without the discoveries made by him. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life, or are they from the imagination? Tim: Of course, people mentioned in my book are real life characters. Geri: How many books have you written? Tim: Just the one right now, although I have two others in my head, which I will write as soon as I can. But, I published my initiation report on the communications semiconductor industry a total of three times. Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Tim: https://www.happyrelationships.com/buy.aspx http:www.amazon.com/Equality-Quest-Marriage-Tim- Kellis/dp/0979984807/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s= books&qid=1234194248&sr=8-1 I am in the process of getting the book on Barnes&Noble, and getting a major distributor to carry the book. Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Tim: There is no describing to see your book bound in its final product. I had to stare at it for a long time, before it really sank in that the project was finished. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress for a new release? Tim: I currently have two other books in my head, but my current focus on promoting the current book doesn't give me the freedom yet to work on others. Geri: What are some links to your websites? Tim: http://www.happyrelationships.com/ is my main page, but I am on many others, such as Facebook, and Myspace. Geri: Do you have goals set for your future in your journey of writing? Tim: I need for others to understand the message of my book, that there is a way you can set up your marriage to succeed. Geri: At this point and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be in your writing endeavors? Tim: I don't really think writers ever get to the point where they are content with their careers, and I am no different. I feel like I am just beginning. Geri: What are some factors that can help authors reach their dream of accomplishment? Tim: Focus, focus, focus! I spent ten months researching, reading over a hundred books, which equates to two and a half books a week. I then spent nine months writing the book. The point is I focused my entire life on this project. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Tim: No, I never really experienced writer's block. I think that because the amount of research I did, I had the whole story in my head, and it was just a matter of sitting down in front of a computer, and writing. Geri: What advice can you give to authors to prevent writer's block? Tim: I would have to say, make sure you have done sufficient research. Geri: As a child, did you have any favorite books? Tim: Again, funny thing about my career as a writer was that I really didn't like to read all that much as a kid. I remember getting my readers certificates by reading comic books. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading? Tim: Not until I became an adult. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Tim: Dr. Carl Jung, who spent his career doing research. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction after publishing a book. Some feel a sense of achievement, can you relate to such feelings? Tim: I most certainly can, but it will not be complete until others share in my message. Geri: How do you balance your current occupation with your goals for writing? Tim: I do nothing right now, except focus on promoting my book. I will get around to writing again when the time is right. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Tim: I love signing my book. I feel like I can connect personally with the reader. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would that change your plans for your writing career? Tim: Are you kidding me, not one bit. I don't do this for money. Geri: As a writer, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions, what was your most difficult task? Tim: Promoting, getting others to understand the value of my message, so that they would be interested in pursuing to read my book. Geri: Some writer's need to listen to soft music while writing, some need to hear the ocean, or look at flowers, Do you have any particular scenery? Tim: I enjoy the peace, and quiet when I work. Geri: If you were to write a book in a different genre, what would it be? Tim: I would write more spiritual books. Geri: It was very enjoyable to interview you. I was amazed by the fact that we have so much in common in the world of writing. Best of luck to you in your writing endeavors! Tim: Thank you very much!