Tuesday, February 14, 2012
interview with Author Steve Westover
Saturday, February 4, 2012
interview with Author Cheree Alsop
Cheree Alsop is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and two amazing twin sons who fill every day with light and laughter. She married her best friend, Michael, who changes lives each day in his Chiropractic clinic. Cheree is currently working as a free-lance writer and mother. She enjoys reading, riding her Ninja motorcycle on warm nights, and rocking her twins while planning her next book. She is also an aspiring drummer and bass player for her husband’s garage band.
Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great adventures, and never stop dreaming.
Please check out Cheree’s other books at www.chereealsop.com
Cheree: I grew up on a farm in Delta, Utah, where I learned the value of hard work and the joy of working with animals. I dove into books at a young age and started writing my own books not long after that. I used to read in the trees in our yard and fell in love with the escape books offered and the chance to experience other lives and adventures far beyond my little world. The first book I ever wrote was a Western hand-written in a notebook that I finished when I was fifteen. It wasn’t very good, but it made me realize that I could indeed finish something I started writing, and it showed me the exhilarating experience of developing my own worlds and characters.
Cheree: I began collecting rejection letters early on with my writing. I went to writer’s conferences, which I highly recommend to anyone interesting in writing, I pitched to agents, sent queries, and sent manuscripts to both publishers and agents, but the rejections continued to pile up. Despite a few promising letters, I eventually realized that if I wanted to get published, I would have to take matters into my own hands. Self-publishing was the best decision for me because I like having control over my books and seeing what I can make of them. It’s not the easiest path, but it is very rewarding.
Cheree: As much as I like to say I took every rejection happily, it did get a little frustrating sometimes when I also didn’t hear any reason as to why the books were rejected. Before self-publishing became more streamline, I thought going through an agent and a publisher were my only options, so I kept trying. I just told myself that each rejection got me that much closer to being published, and in a way, it was true!
Cheree: I have several pages of ideas in a notebook that I’m just dying to get to! When the right idea strikes, it sits at the back of my mind and pesters me until I at least write down a synopsis so it doesn’t get lost. When I’m caught in the middle of an idea, it’s such a great feeling knowing that it could eventually turn into a book!
Cheree: The Silver Series is one that I knew I would eventually write. It’s a series about teenage werewolves trying to survive in today’s world. I love putting myself in my characters’ shoes and wondering how it would be to deal with the normal struggles of growing up along with the additional challenges of being a werewolf.
I’ve always been fascinated with wolves in general, and so the transition to writing a werewolf series was a smooth one; though for some reason I was always against the idea. I never wanted to be a cliché writer, and so my werewolf books don’t just center around life as a werewolf. Instead, they focus on the different aspects that being a werewolf might bring with it. Wolves are one of the few animals who chose a mate and stay with them, usually for their entire lifespan. I felt that this offered a deeper side to werewolves that hasn’t been greatly explored. Wolves are also fiercely loyal and are very territorial, which lends to confrontation and self-sacrifice in difficult circumstances.
Crimson is the third book in the series. It’s about a teenage boy named Kaynan who dies in a car accident and awakens a werewolf. Burdened with heavy guilt over his sister’s death in the same accident, Kaynan escapes with a blind girl named Grace who gives him purpose and direction. Kaynan and Grace seek shelter with a pack of werewolves who brave dangerous odds to help them. Kaynan is given the ultimate chance to make up for his poor decisions, but dying again might be the only way to redeem himself.
Cheree: If I get a snag, I go for a ride on my motorcycle or in a car (depending on the weather). Driving helps clear my mind and I listen to my playlist (if I’m in the car), and it helps refocus my writing.
Cheree: Music is my muse. I create playlists before I write each book. The songs in the playlist capture the emotions I want to reflect in the stories. I might listen to a song a hundred times while I writing one particular scene in the book, and if I read it again and feel the same emotion, I know I’ve captured what I wanted to for that section of the book.
Cheree: My husband has made the greatest difference by far. He reads every book before I release it and helps me to iron out the snags and rough spots so that the final copy is complete and smooth. He gives me ideas when I’m stuck, and he’s the master behind several of my titles! It’s great to have someone so supportive of my writing. He believes in my stories and where they’ll take us, and he’s behind me every step of the way. Several members of my family also read each copy and catch the glaring errors. It’s amazing to have so much support behind my writing.
Cheree: Robin Hobb, one of my favorite authors, told me once that you never have more time to write than you do right now. At the time I had a newborn baby (she is now 9), and since then the twins (who are now 2). I try to catch time to write every day, even if it’s just for ten minutes. I write when they’re playing or sleeping, and if I don’t get a chance during the day, sometimes I stay up late just to get some ideas down. My biggest goal is to never let an idea get lost and so I try to write when the ideas are flowing the strongest.
Cheree: Chocolate, haha. Sometimes if I write at night it’s the only thing that keeps me awake. Thank goodness for chocolate!
Cheree: I love to ride my motorcycle, I play the bass in my husband’s garage band, and I love to travel. But most of all, I love spending time with my family.
Cheree: I would echo Robin Hobb’s words and say that you'll never have more time than you do right now to write- write in all the spare moments. It'll come together eventually, but write whenever you have that gut feeling to do it. Don't let the ideas slip between your fingers. And above all, believe in your dreams. They really do come true.
Cheree: I’m currently working on book two of The Shadow Series and editing book four of The Silver Series. There’s also a book about Shifters called Stolen that’s almost ready to be published and will herald a new series of its own.
Cheree: Please go to my website at www.chereealsop.com The books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords, and the links are at my website.
Cheree: Thank you very much for the opportunity to be on your website. I greatly appreciate your time and for those that have read this interview. I hope others can enjoy my books the way I enjoy the escape and adventure offered by other authors.
Book Synopsis:
Silver: Silver, book one of the Silver Series, is a coming of age story about a teenage werewolf whose father is murdered. He has to come to terms with his new life, new school, and new friends while trying to prevent more killings. Attempting to make peace with the territory’s pack and falling in love with a werewolf hunter’s daughter make his new situation even more perilous.

Black: Black is about a werewolf raised through the atrocities of a werewolf fighting ring. He is rescued and given the chance at a new life, but haunting reminders of his past follow him as he tries to make a fresh start. He has to confront his dark history in order to protect the girl he loves, or let himself be swept away into the pain and humiliation of the arena once more.
Crimson: Crimson, the third book of the Silver Series, is about a teenage boy who dies in a car accident and awakens a werewolf. Burdened with heavy guilt over his sister’s death in the same accident, Kaynan escapes with a blind girl named Grace who gives him purpose and direction. They seek shelter with a pack of werewolves who brave dangerous odds to help them. Kaynan is given the ultimate chance to make up for his poor decisions, but dying again might be the only way to redeem himself.

Galdoni: “This is the Arena, and here we live to die.” These are the words carved into a holding cell where genetically-altered gladiators, the winged humans called Galdoni, are trained to fight. Kale, rescued by three high school students and nursed back from the brink of death, is given the chance to experience life as a human. When he is captured, he has to use what he learned in the world outside the Academy in order to free the other Galdoni and return to the human girl he loves.

Shadows: Duskies are born in a dangerous world as servants of the lords of light and shadow, but when creatures known as the Sathen threaten all the races, a Duskie named Nexa finds herself caught in the middle of a perilous journey to save her people and unite the races as one. Facing dangerous odds, prejudice, and violence, Nexa finds strength in those around her and, ultimately, love.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Interview with Reader Eileen
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Monday, January 2, 2012
interview with Author James Hutchings

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Deirdra: What is your writing and educational background?
Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?
Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?
Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?
Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?
Deirdra: How many beta readers review your manuscript before you send it to your editor?
Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?
Deirdra: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?
Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?
Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?
Monday, December 5, 2011
interview with Author Melissa Ann Goodwin

Melissa Ann Goodwin treasures fond memories of a happy and carefree childhood growing up in beautiful Andover, Massachusetts. She is especially grateful for the many wonderful teachers there, who encouraged her to read the books that inspired her to become a writer. She now lives in Santa Fe, NM, with her husband, artist J. Richard Secor. Melissa has written many stories, poems and articles for children’s magazines, and her non-fiction work has appeared in national magazines that include Guideposts’ Angles on Earth, Caring Today and The Caregivers’ Home Companion. The Christmas Village is her first novel for children.
The Christmas Village story summary: When Jamie Reynolds comes to his grandparents' Vermont home for Christmas, he just wants things to go back to the way they were before his dad disappeared. Time and again he is drawn to Grandma's miniature Christmas village, where he imagines that life is perfect. Late one night, the village comes to life before Jamie's eyes, and his fantasy of escaping into it becomes very real indeed. He discovers that the village is called Canterbury, where the year is 1932. Jamie becomes fast friends with Kelly and Christopher Pennysworth, and is taken in by Ida, who runs the local boarding house. But he also makes a dangerous enemy of the mysterious and menacing Jim Gordon, whose return to town is nothing but trouble. As Jamie desperately races against time to find his way back home, he is suddenly faced with a terrifying choice: to go ahead with his plan to leave, or to stay and help his friends, at the risk of never going home again. The Christmas Village is an adventure the whole family will love, filled with suspense, secrets and surprises to the very last page.
The Christmas Village is available in paperback from Amazon.com and select independent bookstores and as a Kindle e-book on Amazon.com. It is also available for a wide variety of digital downloads (Nook, Kindle, IPad, etc. from Smashwords.
There is a really fun video book trailer that my nephew, a film student at Columbia created:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my9vTx-Z-sk
Links:
Amazon.com: www.amazon.com/Christmas-Village-Melissa-Ann-Goodwin/dp/1463646259/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317906903&sr=8-1
Smashwords page:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95060
Blogs and Facebook:
Book blog: http://thechristmasvillagebook.blogspot.com
My personal blog: http://writeryogini.blogspot.com
The Christmas Village Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Christmas-Village/243381569015162
Interview
Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Melissa: As a kid I loved to read – everything! I have a very distinct memory of being around age eight or nine, having just read, The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne, and thinking, “I want to write books like this.”
Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?
Melissa: Even though I knew that I wanted to be a writer from a young age, I didn’t really get down to it until about 10 years ago (age 45!). Before that, I worked in the corporate world for 25 long, tedious, painful years. Did I mention tedious? And painful??
I started by writing stories and articles for children’s magazines and expanded to writing for magazines that deal with aging and caregiving, because I worked for a non-profit in that field. I was fortunate because my work was accepted quickly and often. So, in a way, it took a long time for me to get published because I started so late, but once I got going, things happened quickly.
I started working on The Christmas Village about four years ago. It was sporadic, because my parents were failing and it was a sad time for my family and me. Then last year, I committed to finishing the book by fall. I did finish, and fairly quickly, two agents offered to represent it. I chose one, and earlier this year we edited and got it ready for publishers.
About two months into the submission process, I started to think seriously about self-publishing. I could see that the traditional route might be possible, but that it would take a long time and would most likely drive me crazy. A friend of mine has successfully self-published three books and he offered to be my mentor. So I decided to take the leap and do it myself. It couldn’t have been easier and smoother. The book is doing really well, and I have absolutely no regrets.
Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?
Melissa: My discouragement actually occurred more during the long time in my life when I wasn’t writing. I felt like I was letting myself down; that I wasn’t fulfilling the promise of my potential. Once I started writing, I had enough regular success to keep me encouraged. I sometimes feared that the dream of seeing my books in print might not happen, but honestly, deep down I always believed it would.
Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?
Melissa: For me, it doesn’t work to be strict about schedule. I’m self-motivated, so I don’t feel the need to set goals for a certain number of hours or words written. I write until I’m tired – that might be two hours or it might be five. I actually think that rest and escape from a project is very important. I often take several days off and then come back to my writing with a sense of lightness and renewed energy.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about your book The Christmas Village?
Melissa: It’s about 12-year-old Jamie, whose world has fallen apart because his father has left under rather mysterious circumstances. Jamie is hurt and furious with his dad. He and his mother decide to spend the holidays with Jamie’s grandparents in Vermont. Grandma has one of those miniature Christmas villages, and Jamie becomes fascinated with it because he imagines it to be a place where everything is perfect, bad things don’t happen and nothing ever changes. He wishes he could live there, and …..
Magically his wish comes true, and from there it’s an adventure to get him back home in time for Christmas. Along the way, his experiences teach him some important things about people, life, family, friends and forgiveness.
Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?
Melissa: Well, first of all it’s a good adventure filled with suspense and surprises all the way to the end, so I hope that readers of all ages will be thoroughly entertained. Kids will love the magic, the adventure, and the fact that the kids are the heroes. Adults will like the nostalgic feeling and the positive and hopeful themes. They’ll be able to feel good about the messages the book has for the children in their lives.
Now a little more personal question I noticed your husband is an artist. What is a marriage like with two incredibly creative and talented people? Do you ever compete artistically against each other? Do you work on projects together? How do you manage a creative life-style and a creative marriage?
Melissa:
When we first met 30 years ago, we worked for a bank! We both worked in the corporate world into middle age. Our careers took up most of our time, so I don’t think we even knew the depths of each other’s creativity until much later.
Dick started painting when he retired early from banking at age 54. I started writing when I left the corporate world 10 years ago. I think that because we worked at other things for so long, we realize that no one thing in life should be everything, all the time. Now we have pretty good balance – we are industrious for a while and then we like to goof off.
We never compete and we are each other’s greatest supporters – which includes being each other’s most honest critic. We depend on each other to say when something isn’t quite right. Sometimes we react defensively, which is human nature. But usually, once we’ve thought about it, we realize the other person picked up on something that needed fixing.
Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?
Melissa: I love to read, of course. But I also enjoy gardening and I really to decorate! If I could have lived parallel lives, I would have lived one as an interior decorator.
Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?
Melissa: You can do it! If other life demands are getting in the way of your writing, don’t despair - look how late I got started! I’ve learned that everything counts and I honestly believe that my book is better for having the benefit of my life experiences. And, I’d tell them that the world of writing and publishing has changed in ways that empower writers and enable them to be the masters of their own destinies. You can choose to stick to the traditional path, or to publish on your own. One is not better than the other, but now you have real choices. Don’t be scared to make them.
Deirdra: What are you working on now?
Melissa: My next book will be young adult historical fiction, inspired by my mother’s experience as a 14-year-old in England at the start of WWII.
Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?
Melissa: My book is available in paperback and e-book on Amazon, and for every kind of digital download on Smashwords.
Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?
Thank you so much for letting come here and visit with you. I love how the world of blogging has opened the doors for people to connect and share their common interests. I can’t wait to chat with your followers, answer any other questions they might have for me, and make some new friends.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Interview with Author/Editor Nicole Zoltack
Deirdra: What made you decide a career as an editor?
Nicole: First and foremost, I’m a writer but as a writer, you also have to be an editor and self-edit your own novels. When I saw some epublishers were looking for editors, I thought it would be a great experience for me. By reading and editing other people’s stories, you learn what works and what doesn’t. I work as both a content and a line editor for MuseItUp Publishing, and a content editor for eTreasures Publishing. Finally, I’m a freelance editor for Passionate Writer Publishing. It’s very rewarding work to be an editor and help an author make his/her story the best it can be.
Deirdra: When you are not wading through massive amounts of query letters what do you like to do in your spare time?
Nicole: Family is very important to me. I’m married to a wonderful man (we just celebrated 4 years!) and I have two wonderful sons that keep me on my toes! The oldest is three soon, the youngest is one. And in February, another one will be coming - another boy. I really hope the next one (our last) will be a girl! I also love to watch movies with my husband. And, of course, I love to read!
Deirdra: How does one become an editor?
Nicole: You don’t have to have a degree in English, although I’m sure that would help. My degree is completely unrelated to my writing and editing careers. Basically, any writer can become an editor. Start out small and help other writers by being a beta reader and critique partner. Learn or relearn all of the grammar rules. Take a course, if you need too. Then you can start to apply for editing positions at smaller publishers and work your way up.
At two of the publishing houses that I work for, I’m paid a portion of the royalties; at the other one, I get paid a flat fee for each manuscript.
Deirdra: What is the most challenging obstacle editors encounter when working with authors?
Nicole: Some authors are easier to work with and willing to learn than others. I think the biggest challenge is to have an open channel of communication between the editor and the author. Communication is a two way street, though, so I would say that authors that are hard to get a hold of are the most challenging ones for editors.
Deirdra: What kinds of books are currently in demand?
Nicole: All kinds. As long as a book is well written, there is a place for it somewhere.
Deirdra: Are there any genres that publishers in general shy away from?
Nicole: Most publishers have their niche so it’s important to read their submission guidelines so you aren’t submitting a romantic suspense to a publishing house that only publishes fantasy and science fiction. It’s a waste of both your time and the publishers. There are so many publishers out there that you can find a publishing house for any genre.
Deirdra: Do you prefer to find your authors through query letters, live pitches or as references from other authors or agents?
Nicole: Through query letters. At two of the three publishing house, I’m not an acquiring editor, but for the other one, I do read query letters and manuscripts. Visit http://museituppublishing.
Deirdra: What’s the best part of your job?
Nicole: Helping an author make his/her story the best it can be.
Deirdra: What’s the hardest part of your job?
Nicole: Making the time to edit. With two little ones, it’s hard to find time for myself, let alone for my work.
Deirdra: Would you ever consider representing a new client who previously self-published? Why or why not?
Nicole: As I said before, I’m not really an acquiring editor, but I would have no problem working with a client who previously self-published. Some authors choose to only self-publish, some use it as a means to be published by a publishing house. In publishing, there are more options for authors than ever before.
Deirdra: How do you think the growing popularity of e-books will impact the literary market?
Nicole: I think ebooks are wonderful. The more options there are for readers, the better it is for authors. The literary market is going to have to change and expand to better include ebooks and epublishing.
Deirdra: On average, how many query letters do you receive each year?
Nicole: Me specifically? Not many, although I am involved with submissions at MuseItUp Publishing.
Deirdra: What advice would you have for someone aspiring to become an author?
Nicole: Read in your genre. Find a trusted beta reader and critique partner (or two or three). Polish and edit your story until it’s as perfect as you can get it. Then have another reader look at it. You can never have too many eyes on your story before you submit it.
Deirdra: What advice would you have for someone aspiring to become an editor?
Nicole: Make sure you know your grammar rules and be ready to defend yourself to an author who wants to break the rules for no good reason.
Deirdra: I also noticed from your blog that you as an author as well. When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Nicole: Since I was a little girl. I’ve been writing stories since I was six. I’ve always wanted to be an author.
Deirdra: What makes you passionate about writing?
Nicole: I love creating stories and making up lives for my characters. I’ve been reading a lot of picture books to my sons so lately, I’ve been working on some picture books. Now that is one tough market to crack from what I’ve heard, but I’m willing to try!
Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?
Nicole: It varies from day to day. I’m very lucky that my two boys take a nap together every day from 2-5 or so, so that’s built-in time to edit or write. But sometimes real life and chores get in the way and I end up staying up until 2 am in the morning writing. I’m trying to get as much done writing and editing-wise before the next baby is born.
Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about Woman of Honor and Knight of Glory.
Nicole: Sure!
Woman of Honor is about Aislinn, a young girl who wants to become a knight to take her fallen brother's place. She's willing to give up everything for the Kingdom of Arnhem - her childhood, her life, even her heart.
Knight of Glory takes place immediately after the events in Woman of Honor. This book focuses on Sir Geoffrey, a knight who trained alongside of Aislinn. War has come to the Kingdom of Arnhem, and Geoffrey is trying to recruit allies in the fight. Along the way, he finds his heart torn between two different and mysterious ladies.
Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?
Nicole: I want to provide my readers an escape from their troubles and worries. I want them to love the characters, for them to immerse themselves into the world I created. Most of all, I want them to finish each story with wow, I'm glad I read that.
Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?
Nicole: Good question! I would have to say my mom. If it weren't for her sitting my sister and I down and giving us papers and pencils, neither of us would have grown up wanting to be a writer.
Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?
Nicole: I love to sing. I was involved in choirs in high school and college and I miss it. I also enjoy horseback riding, but I've stopped my lessons for now until I'm done having kids. It's not a good idea to ride while pregnant.
Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?
Nicole: Read, read, read, write, edit, polish, edit, polish, edit, polish. Writing isn't about writing so much as it is about rewriting and editing. It's a process.
Deirdra: What are you working on now?
Nicole: I'm waiting to hear back from beta readers on my MG fantasy story which I hope to start querying before the end of the year.
I'm also working on another MG fantasy. This one is an adventure story about a princess who likes to lie and loves to sneak out of the castle.
Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?
Nicole: Here's the link to my books on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=
Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?
Nicole: Never write to trends. Write the book of your heart. I also strive to write books that I would like to read.
