It is with Great Pleasure and an Honor to Interview Author WAYNE ZURL. Thank you for Today's Interview. I wish you much Success.
Author of: "A NEW PROSPECT: City Limit"
Genre: Police Mystery
~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW~~~
What inspires you to write?
That's a difficult question, because I really don't know what triggers an inspiration. Much of what I write is based on memory, rather than imagination. After twenty busy years with a major Police Department, I've tucked away a few good war stories. Sometimes, it happens when I wake up at 3:30 in the morning, or perhaps when I'm doing seventy on the Interstate. I'll remember something that happened thirty years ago, and how it might make an interesting story by embellishing it, fictionalizing everything, and transplanting it from New York to Tennessee and handing it off to Chief Sam Jenkins of the Prospect Police Department to deal with. Twisting Jack Webb's weekly comment from the ending of DRAGNET, I change the names to protect the guilty, the innocent rarely sue you in civil court for mentioning them.
Did you have favorite books as a child?
My mother began reading to me, long before I could write my name. I picked up the task as soon as I could. I remember reading biographies on David Crockett, Daniel Boone, Robert Rogers, and many other historical characters. Around that time, WW2 had just ended, and Korea was in the initial stages. I bought war comics faithfully. I also used my weekly allowance to purchase Classics Illustrated comics, which led me to read books like LAST OF THE MOHICANS, THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK, ROBIN HOOD and others. One of my favorite memories comes from reading the quarterly Uncle Scrooge McDuck comics. They were a real step above the typical children's pulp. The closest I can come with a description is 'Steam Punk' of the 1950s.
If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
With anything I wrote, I'd want to establish credibility through having done extensive research, or personal experience. So, I'd narrow it down to historical fiction in three areas: The Colonial American Era, specifically, The French and Indian War of 1754 to 1763. I've done the research on that. I wasn't alive then. The American Old West, or 20th century military fiction.
I could pull off any of those, and would enjoy the writing. Recently, I wrote a short story for a contest that I never entered, because I drastically exceeded the word limit. They wanted something on time travel. I'm not a science-fiction guy, but I satisfied my need to write a Western with a story set in 1896 New Mexico, using the same characters from the Sam Jenkins mysteries. I loved the results, and posted it to the diary section of my website. I called it 'ANOTHER PROSPECT.'
Do you have current work in progress?
I have three things going at present. I just signed a contract to publish my second full-length novel, another Sam Jenkins mystery called 'A LEPRECHAUN'S LAMENT.' It's based on the most bizarre case I ever saw, something I supervised in the mid-1980s. It deals with investigating a man with no past. I hope the readers believe it.
Then, I just submitted a novelette to Mind Wings Audio, who has been producing my audio books, and simultaneously publishing them as eBooks. This one is called 'THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN BANK JOB.' Jenkins agrees to reopen a forty-three year old case at the request of a beautiful treasury agent. He's a sucker for the ladies.
And lastly, I'll be making final revisions on a novel called 'HEROES AND LOVERS.' Another story from Prospect Police Department.
In your opinion, how important is a book cover?
I think a book cover is an author's way of cashing in, or losing the benefits of the halo effect. People are at first attracted to something, or someone by a visual stimulation.
I don't care whether it's by a person, an automobile, or an appetizing meal. If it looks good, the average person wants to find out more about it. Get a good-looking book jacket, and chances are a shopper will pick it up and read the summary, or the endorsements on the back. As with most things, simplicity is the key. A book store is not an art gallery, where people take time to savor an image. You're in competition with hundreds of other books to capture the attention of a looker. The cover should be a bold grabber that immediately says something. A top-notch cover artist is priceless to authors, and publishers. They start the ball rolling in the potential sale situation.
It is with Great Pleasure and an Honor to Interview Author Snjezana Marinkovic. Author of:"BORN IN SARAJEVO." Thank you Snjezana for today's Interview. I wish you much Success.
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http://hopepost.blogspot.com
~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW~~~
What inspires you to write?
Sometimes, something as simple as an autumn leaf, exposed to the sunlight and taken away by the wind get me inspired to take a surfboard, which is my keyboard and look for the waves of words. But, what mainly inspires me to write is people. Similarities and differences we all share and then that insufficient understanding, which has always been the basis of most unreasonable human actions, even if very often they seem to be more suitable for fiction tales, are reality traits I like to hook words on.
Who is your favorite author?
Norman Vincent Peale once said: "Change your thoughts and you can change the world." Since all of us go through some kind of transformation in our lives, at some point we will start observing same things through different filters. I personally prefer change to the static forms. Therefore, I love to peek in every genre, because all of them, even if it's a work of fiction can give me a different instance of apprehending the real nature of something.There are many authors I like. Robin Cook, Jack Kerouac, Deepak Copra, and Maya Angelo.
Did you have favorite books as a child?
Many of my childhood nights, I spent with my eyes being closed as two sea-shells and my ears being open as the ocean, while I listened to my grandmother's voice as she read fairy tales to me. Of course, to this day my favorite is Snow-White, because I was named after her. More important, I found it fascinating how much her dwarfs loved her. This is a get-away from the real world that only a fairy tale could present you with.
If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
I am absolutely amazed by simplicity of the nature and its freedom and unpredictability that we people, despite our fears and losses, cannot stop or punish, because its laws are always stronger than ours. Therefore, if I were to write in a different genre, I would be imaginatively wandering on some type of Darwin's paths. In other words, I would focus on scientific studies and a hypothesis, rather than on creative non-fiction. However, I enjoy writing memoirs and poetry, because if not I might wish I was born as some kind of Super, Spider woman. A woman who is perfect and fast to make everyone happy, with enough power to stop every war, and save every life.
Do you have current work in progress?
"IF" is my current work in progress. This is another non-fiction book of mine, and I was inspired by many people to write the story. Some of them are survivors of domestic war. Some of them decided to break the laws in order to protect the loved one. Some of them are just happy about overcoming fears, and for being strong and lucky enough to stay alive. I am known to many as the emotional writer, and I'm writing this book, because my own experience is connected to all of those people who inspired me.
Author of "THE LAST CHILD"
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~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW~~~
It is an Honor and with Great Pleasure to Interview Author Valerie Crader. I wish you very much Success in your Writing Journey. Thank you Kindly for Today's Interview.
What inspires you to write?
My first inspiration was to write my mother's compelling true story. The house I currently live in has inspired, and challenged my creativity to write.
Who is your favorite author?
Stephen King.
Did you have favorite books as a child?
Raggedy Ann And Andy, Winnie The Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and The Wizard Of Oz.
Do you have current work in progress?
Yes, I am currently writing my second book.
If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
Children's books.
Author of "FORGIVING JESSE"
Genre: Young Adult
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It is with Great Pleasure And an honor to Interview Author Sara Dean. Thank you Sara for today's Interview, and I wish you much Success.
~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW~~~
What inspires you to write?
My kids! They are so amazing, and they don't even know it. My first book, THE PUPPY WHO FOUND A BOY, was inspired by my son, and his puppy. He didn't choose the dog, the dog chose him! It made me want to write, 'The Boy And His First Dog' story from the dog's point of view. Most of my stories start from something they have done, or said, and from that one thing, I come up with the whole book.
Who is your favorite author?
I have a couple. Mary Higgins Clark and Nicholas Sparks are my favorite authors for my reading time. When I read with the kids, I love to read anything by Nancy Parent and Mercer Mayer.
Did you have favorite books as a child?
Yes. My favorite were Little Critter books by Mercer Mayer and Sammy The Seal, by Sid Hoff.
If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
I write in a lot of different genres, so that's tough! I would have to say I would try my hand at books for adults. I have a couple of ideas for adult books, but so far, I haven't written anything, just for them.
Do you have current work in progress?
I have about five different works in progress. I'm always in the middle of writing something, but then an idea strikes me for another book, and I start that one too. It took me over two years to write FORGIVING JESSE, partly because I kept getting side-tracked with different projects, and partly because I kept losing the notebooks I was writing in. I just finished writing a short story called 'Jesse's Christmas Surprise.' It's going to be in an anthology of Christmas stories that the authors of Gypsy Shadow Publishing are putting together. All the proceeds will be going to charity, so this should be a lot of fun.
Author of "PSYCHE'S PROPHECY"
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It is with Great Pleasure and an Honor to Interview Author Ann Gimpel today. Thank you for your time Ann. Wishing you much Success in your writing endeavors.
~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW~~~
What inspired you to write?
For years, I wandered the Sierras, pack on my back, in awe of the amazing mountain scenery. As I wandered, stories ran about in my head. For some unknown reason, I sat down at my keyboard, after returning from a trip to climb Beer Creek Spire over Labor Day in 2008. Three months later, I had a five-hundred page novel. It needed a lot of work. In fact, it never got any traction with anybody. But, it was a beginning. I completed the next book in that series later in 2009, and started writing short stories at the behest of a freelance copy editor, who was familiar with my work. Well, I started selling short stories, three months after I began writing them. At the end of 2009, I began 'PSYCHE'S PROPHECY' as part of a Book In A Week contest, sponsored by my online writer's group. After much revision, the second publisher I submitted it to took it around October of 2010. They signed me for a three book deal. 'PSYCHE'S SEARCH' is Book two of the series, and will be released by the end of August of 2011, and I'm working very hard to finish Book three. Also, I'm still writing short stories, sometimes spontaneously and sometimes I'll see a particular call for submissions that tickles my fancy, and I'll write a piece specifically to submit. Please check out my website for the names and locations of my short stories. http://www.anngimpel.com
To answer the question, I believe it was my time traipsing through the back country, living in my head, that inspired me to write. There's nothing like having hours, with nothing to do but look at one incredible sight after the next, to spur one's imagination.
Who is your favorite author?
Oh my, but that's a hard one. I love Diana Gabaldon. But, I also like Jacqueline Carey;J.R.R. Martin; Robin Hobb; Patricia McKillip; and Ursula LeGuinn. Oops, I forgot Patricia Cornwell.
Did you have favorite books as a child?
Yes, of course. In fact, 'PSYCHE'S SEARCH' is dedicated to my mother, since she read to me, long before I could talk. I really enjoyed the Narnia books, C.S. Lewis, and I read LOTR when I was about twelve. Also, I liked The Little House On The Prairie books and the Betsy, Tacy, and Tib series. Then there was Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames, and the Hardy Boys. The Black Stallion series was another childhood favorite.
If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
Actually, I do write in two genres now, science fiction, and fantasy. If I was to add one, it would most likely be thrillers.
What are your future goals for your writing career?
I plan to complete the Transformation series. Yes, it will stop at three books. It seems to me that most authors run out of material, after constructing a trilogy, and the topics in the story become repetitive. I'd like to have another half-dozen short stories published over the next couple of years. Also, I want to work on my re-write, begun a year ago entitled Echo Of Hope, my first novel. I've shifted it to have more of a young adult focus.
Of course, I suppose I'd love to write something that became a best seller, but I'm actually content to simply write. It doesn't seem like much of a choice actually, but something inside that drives me. It's a rather insistent voice that I find it hard to say no to.
On other related fronts, I will be keeping up my blog, and my online writer's group requires that I complete a couple of critiques each month. Writing begets writing. I learn from everything that I do. So, whether I'm reading and thinking about how a piece could be improved, or writing my own material, it all coalesces into helping me write better stories.
It is an Honor and with Great Pleasure to bring back author Christa Jan Ryan.
author of "SILENT SCREAMS FROM THE HAMPTONS" 5 Star Review
"A BEACON OF HOPE!"
Award Winning/Best Selling"SILENT SCREAMS FROM THE HAMPTONS" has been moved into a Play/Musical with first production September 16th, and has now been moved into a Film in 2011.
author of: "FROM THE DEPTHS OF A WOMAN'S SOUL"
Genre: Inspirational
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~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW #3~~~
In your opinion, what genre makes the best movies?
Motivational, or Inspirational, because of where we are today as a society. We are all suffering silently, and painfully with issues that have consumed us. When we see someone become an overcomer, it gives us the courage and inspiration to know and explore the possibilities that we too can do it! We need to break out of our isolation, and reach out and touch someone with our experiences, strengths, and hopes!
Did you ever experience writer's block?
Not yet. In the fifteen years that I have been writing, everything to me has become a script, or open book to fill. Life is so full of rich and exciting experiences on how we become shaped through our experiences. I'm constantly writing articles, or logging in information regarding what is happening in my life!
Did you have favorite books as child?
Absolutely! Nancy Drew held my attention for many years as did all the classics that depicted the 'Life' of classic adventure, or heart rendering experiences. I am, and always have been a huge reader for adventure, and escape.
Is writing a passion, stress-reliever, or both?
Both. I'm passionate about writing what is close to my heart, and sharing with my readers, my transparency, and vulnerability. It's also a big stress-reliever to share my 'Humaness' with the world. As I write, it relieves me of so much that I have bottled up, and hidden. It feels like a huge weight that gets lifted, every time I share my truth.
What Helpful advice can you give to new writers?
You have to PERSEVERE! Nothing is easy. But, if the dream of writing has been placed in your heart, you need to listen to your heart, and pursue that dream. It has not been easy for me. Rejection-after-rejection, came in the mail for four straight years, regarding my Best Seller. But, I knew in my heart that I had a winner, and just needed to keep on exploring, and believing in myself! Put yourself in the company of people who are only going to support you. There's nothing worse than to be around people, who constantly bring negativity to your project.
Thank you Christa for Today's Interview. I wish you very much Success!
It is an Honor and with Great Pleasure to Interview Author JEFF GONSALVES.
Author of: "FORK IN THE ROAD TO APOCALYPSE
Genre: Science Fiction/dystopian/sociological
http://www.jeffgonsalves.com
http://wwwlossofreality.com.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/Subawthor
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http://sfbook.com/fork-in-the-road-to-apocalypse.htm
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http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/index.php?mainpage=productinfo&cPath=85&productsid=323&zenid=69f3901e9567a425b5d7a470fa3d568b
~~~AUTHOR INTERVIEW~~~
Geri: What inspires you to write?
Jeff: When I was younger, I used to read science fiction and fantasy, which helped
develop my imagination. I was so enthralled by the fantastical worlds
created by my favorite authors, I wanted to create a world of my own, when
my writing matured. On the other hand, seeing powerful dramas on TV and
in the movie theater awakened emotions that made me realize that a viewer-
reader must feel. This is an integral part of the reading experience. If someone
doesn't care about the characters or story, the plot will stagnate. Working with
adults and children in the hospital and in a psychiatric center for fifteen years
has helped me assimilate the complex feelings I faced everyday, and put them
on paper. I strongly believe that an author must experience real-life emotions
in order to transfer them to a book.
Geri: Who is your favorite author?
Jeff: Probably James Lee Burke, a famous mystery writer. He creates memorable
characters, and has a strong sense of setting. He also knows how to pace a
a scene for ultimate impact, using foreshadowing, and carefully-sustained
tension. Reading several of Mr. Burke's books has helped me develop my
style, but it has also helped me cast a critical eye on books from different
authors. Take Cormac McCarthy's THE ROAD, for example. Its spare prose
and bare-bones dialogue is fodder for much reader disdain on Amazon.com
forums. Some readers believe that he trashes standard rules of punctuation,
and creates his own grammar. Others argue that he is a revolutionary, using
simplistic dialogue and run-on sentences to mimic reality. Reading the work
of these authors has opened a world of possibilities to me, and I have learned
from both their brilliance, as well as their perceived shortcomings.
Geri: Did you have favorite books as a child?
Jeff: 'LORD OF THE FLIES.' It's symbolism and slow-burning anarchy left a huge
impression on me. 'WYVERN' is incredible imagery, and complex plotting
from an amazing Hawaiian author. 'THE BODY.' Some of the richest
characters, and one of the most emotional endings I have ever read.
Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
Jeff: Possibly nonfiction. I enjoy reading books about subjects from the 'Lost
Boys Of Sudan' to 'Doctors Without Borders' and tales from the foster care
system. My experiences working with disturbed children and adults in a
psychiatric center have been channeled into a recent project, 'Journal Of A
Disturbed Psych Aide.' I use an e-blogger site to purge myself of
memories that have been haunting me for years. In the psychiatric center,
I encountered abused kids whose hair had been pulled out by angry parents,
psychotic adults who would assault you over a dropped cigarette, and
patients with Alzheimer's disease whose slow deterioration broke my heart.
Geri: What are your goals in your journey of writing?
Jeff: Foremost, to entertain people. I want them to enjoy an epic story, and
experience a multitude of emotions by the last page. I also want to learn
from my mistakes, reader feedback, and become a better writer. But most
importantly, I want to put one-hundred percent of myself into everything
that I write. I want every novel to be as good as I can make it, and never want
to churn out books, simply because of a deadline, or paycheck.
Geri: Thank you kindly for today's interview. I wish you very much success.
Jeff: You're welcome.
