Meet Linda Hawley, author of Dreams Unleashed

With the passing of the Patriot Act in what seems a lifetime ago, I think many Americans thought everything would be okay. However, Linda Hawley presents a different spin on the invasion of government into the private sector. What if the government was monitoring us via microchip inserted in our driver's licenses? What if the government was listening to every word we said at every time? Ms.Hawley has taken that line of thought one step further with the first book in her series, Dreams Unleashed. I am very please to announce that the lovely Linda Hawley is here to share a little more about her spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat thriller, the first in her series The Prophecies.

Collette: Welcome, Linda. I’m so happy to have you here. Can we start with the basics? Tell us a little about your background. How was The Prophecies Series born?

Linda: I was an executive on a plane flying from Dallas to Seattle when, upon landing, the plane nearly crashed. (I have flown all over the world in all kinds of weather, and it was the very worst experience on a plane that I'd had.) In the airport later, I wrote down the experience while it was fresh in my mind, amazed that I was alive. I then emailed it to my assistant. When I got back in my office the next day, my assistant said, "That was incredible; you should write a book." I was shocked by his words, but let them marinate in my mind. Not long after, Ann Torgeson (my protagonist) was born. The final chapter in Dreams Unleashed (book 1 of The Prophecies) was inspired by my experience.

Collette: That’s some scary stuff. What is your writing process?

Linda: I'm a night writer. Some of my best scenes I wrote at one in the morning. I pretty much write every day. I usually know the first and last chapter of every book, and often write them first. For the rest of the novel, I write down 12 phrases of milestones in the story, and then write to them chronologically. I never get more detailed than that, because I need to keep it open to activate my creative juices. For the most part, I fly off the seat of my pants when writing stories.

Collette: Do you write full-time now?

Linda: Yes

Collette: Were you inspired by someone/something to write the genre you’re writing in?

Linda: Dystopian thrillers are what I love; both in books and movies. Nothing could be more exciting for me.

Collette: How long have you been working on the series?

Linda: I started Dreams Unleashed (book one) three years ago, but in March 2011, I discarded all but 1/8 of the book, and rewrote it; it was published two months later. I wrote Guardian of Time (book two) in three months; it was published Oct 2011. I am writing book three now; it's the final book in the series. I'm comfortable writing three novels per year.

Collette: Can you describe your research into your subject?

Linda: I'm a news junky; I read about five news sources every day. I understand what's going on in the world. I look for trends of discord to use in my dystopian thrillers. I research like crazy, because most of the technology, locations, and historical information are real. In The Prophecies, the fiction includes the characters and the things that they do. However, Remote Viewing, Project Stargate, RFID tracking, and many other things are real--all of them discovered in my research.

Collette: Are any of your characters based on real-life friends or acquaintances?

Linda: All except Chow Lai, and a couple of new characters in Guardian of Time.

Collette: Do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?

Linda: Ann's character includes the best parts of me.

Collette: That’s pretty cool, Linda J.

Moving on to Dreams Unleashed. Here’s the blurb for the story:

Book 1, The Prophecies, A Dystopian Thriller Series

It’s the near future, and society is government controlled. Technology tracks everyone, and personal privacy does not exist. The hope for freedom lies in the operations of an underground organization, GOG, which fights against worldwide oppression. Their most powerful weapon is Ann Torgeson, a paranormally-gifted operative. When her powers release the seal of The Prophecies, she becomes a weapon against the government, which relentlessly pursues her.

Question everything is the theme of Dreams Unleashed.

Collette: Your series is a mixture of adventure and intrigue, yet Ann still manages to remain a ‘woman’. She’s a female Jason Bourne but also a mother who loves her daughter and a wife who loves her husband. Can you tell us how you managed to balance her tough and soft sides?

Linda: I think women are amazing--smart, intuitive, joyful, spiritual, thoughtful, aware, loyal, sensual, funny, etc. In movies, however, women are rarely multidimensional, especially with their sensuality. I wanted to create a powerful, feminine woman who did not wear high heels, stockings, or a little black dress, but who was not a tomboy. I wanted her to be a thinking woman who considered the state of the world, and for her to be a warrior who was willing to risk her own life to fight for what she knows to be right. With all this intensity, I softened her character by making her laugh at her boyfriend's jokes, and to be enticed by compliments from her boss.

Collette: Yes, she is a multi-dimensional character, for sure. One of my favorite things about Ann is that she’s a tough and capable character with a strong sense of what is right. Can you tell us a little about Ann’s message?

Linda: Ann's message is to open your eyes and look around. Take something mentioned in one of the books, and Google it to find out what's happening in your own country. You're likely to be surprised. In The Prophecies, I'm not trying to scare you, but it's likely that I will do just that if you consider that most of the technologies in the book are real--right now.

Collette: What's the biggest surprise readers can expect from reading this series?

Linda: Adventure. Ann travels all over the globe, and I've described these adventures visually, so the reader can see it in their mind's eye. It's an armchair traveler's delight.

Collette: Without giving away too much of your story, can you tell us what’s in the works for Ann in later installments of The Prophecies Series?

Linda: I can't answer this one very well [without giving too much away], but I'll give you a little teaser. The final book in The Prophecies series (yet untitled) will answer all of the open questions from Dreams Unleashed and Guardian of Time (books 1 and 2). The ending is quite spectacular; I suspect readers will be thrilled.

Collette: Do you have plans to continue writing following Ann’s final chapter? If so, what will your future projects entail?

Linda: I have a stand-alone novel I'm writing. My dad's father (my grandfather) died a hero in a notorious battle in Germany right before the end of WWII. The first scene in the novel is the final battle scene, and as he's dying, his life flashes before his eyes. Since it's historical fiction, I'm working hard to present a visual story (like all my writing). It's called 'An American Orphan.' It's a surprise for my dad. I expect to be finished in March 2012.

Collette: Ok, so make sure you don’t tell him we’ve posted this interview - haha. J Where can we find you online?

Book Trailer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctR4NDgwSSc&feature=youtu.be
Author Website: http://www.lindahawley.com/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/ThePropheciesSeries
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Unleashed-2nd-Prophecies-ebook/dp/B005YIQYIU/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319555407&sr=1-2
Amazon.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005YIQYIU
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/98527
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dreams2-unleashed-linda-hawley/1106955115?ean=2940013306615&itm=2&usri=linda%252bhawley
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/3696178
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12973680-dreams-unleashed-2nd-ed
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/books/23896326/Dreams-Unleashed-(The-Prophecies)
LibraryThing: http://www.librarything.com/work/book/79452349

Collette: What formats are your books available in?

Linda: All eBook formats and of course Print.

Collette: Thank you so much, Linda! I wish you all the best with your writing projects!

I have read and reviewed Dreams Unleashed, and I have to say that Linda is right. It is an eye-opening experience, much in the same way as Will Smith’s 1998 movie, Enemy of the State, startled many of us.

With the passing of the Patriot Act in what seems a lifetime ago, I think many Americans thought everything would be okay. However, Linda Hawley presents a different spin on the invasion of government into the private sector. What if the government was monitoring us via microchip inserted in our driver's licenses? What if the government was listening to every word we said at every time? Ms.Hawley has taken that line of thought one step further with the first book in her series, Dreams Unleashed. In this tale, Ann is a normal every day woman with special powers that lives in the not too distant future. She resents the government spying on her and is secretly a member of the GOG, an anti-government rebellion group in her secret life, while maintaining an average daily existence as a technical writer in her public one. Our classy heroine also has another secret, and that is that her dreams are potent and powerful and could be used as a government weapon. So there is where the drama begins...

In this first installment we meet Ann: woman, widow, mother of a college student, and hard-worker with a mysterious past. That prior life consists of work in the CIA, where she has been taught remote viewing. With that career long over, she tries to fit into a normal existence, fending off her flirty boss, struggling with the decision to begin an office romance, and making sure her home is safe from government spies. Suddenly she begins having dreams again, and the next thing she knows the government is after her. By the end of Book 1, we are anxiously gripping our seats wondering what is going to happen next. Will she meet the GOG parents? Will the FBI really catch her? Most importantly - is she going to be used as a weapon?

This story flashes back from the past, e.g. 2011 to the present 2015, to fill in the gaps of Ann's existence and give credence to her current plight. In a world that is truly a possible future, Ms. Hawley adds a taste of the paranormal into a frightening social concern. A woman with powerful dreams that leaves the reader unsure who really is trustworthy and who is not, you will eagerly turn each page to find the answers. This is a suspense-filled journey into our potential future that leaves you hanging for more and eagerly awaiting book two.

If We Dare to Dream is Finally Here!

“If We Dare to Dream is captivating! Collette Scott delivers an emotional roller coaster ride of love, anger, guilt and suspense…. Addictive to the very end!”

- KC Stone, author of Replaced by a Stranger.

“Wow! I have to say after reading Forever Sunshine I didn't think I would read a book as well written as that again. Collette has done it again!... Collette writes so well that you can visualise what is happening in your head, as though seeing the action on TV or in a film, but better! I feel so privileged at being allowed to read this book before it has even officially been published.”

-Jeanzbookreadnreview.blogspot.com

Meet the Evans family:

A family torn apart by war and misfortune meets a family held together by the bonds of love.

Two families entwine after one fateful night changes their lives forever. Andrew Sheehan, former elite soldier, returns home from war and is suddenly accused of murder. Only Jamie Evans can prove his innocence.

What would you do?

A single meeting, the memory of one night, holds the key to a murder. If Jamie is correct, she gives a hero back his life. If she is wrong, she risks freeing a murderer from prison. Trusting her instincts, Jamie puts her life on hold and strives to free Andrew despite her family’s misgivings. Determined to do what is right, she vows to help him get his life back on track.

Andrew, feeling betrayed by the country he nearly died protecting, fights the demons he carries in an effort to make things work with Jamie and repair the fractured relationship with his brother Adam, who bears his own battle scars.

Dare he dream?

With Jamie and her family’s help, Andrew begins to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. Realizing that there is more to life than bitterness and resentment, he starts over again determined to make the best of his experiences. But the killer is still out there, and Andrew soon finds that he is haunting him still.

Only $2.99 for the eBook and $13.95 for the print edition. Great holiday gift! Great holiday read!!

About the Author

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Always composing stories in her head, Collette began her first novel at the age of eight. Since then, she has obtained her bachelor’s degree in English literature and master’s degree in education while squeezing in her writing whenever she can. If We Dare to Dream is Collette’s third novel and the beginning of the highly anticipated Evans family series. The New England native now resides in Arizona with her husband, three children and multiple family pets.

For more information on the series keep an eye out on my website or right here on my blog!

Facebook page: ColletteScott

Twitter: @collettescott

Amazon Author Page

Amazon UK Author Page

Smashwords

Stephen England the Blog Tour de Troops

Not so long ago, I was fortunate enough to feature Stephen England, author of Pandora's Grave on my blog. You can read the full interview here. I really enjoyed his book, and when he asked me to spread the word about the Blog Tour de Troops I was eager to jump at the opportunity. Stephen is hosting a giveaway with multiple other authors and many bloggers, and for each giveaway they are also donating books to go to our troops. Please join Stephen as he rallies to this cause. Visit his website at StephenWrites.com for more details and to take part in a worthy weekend effort!

Here is my review of Pandora’s Grave:
When I first opened this book, I grew very excited. A thriller lover at heart, I began a ride that kept me belted in my rollercoaster car from the very first page. All the while I kept thinking, oh my goodness, this story is great! Stephen England has written an intense, powerful and exciting thriller that seems so realistic that you feel as though he has seen it with his own eyes and survived it to sit down and tell the tale.

Meet Harry Nichols, a CIA operative, sent all over the world with his team to prevent a terrible attack that could kill millions. His job is not easy. His life is not perfect. Yet his loyalty to his country sees him willing to kill and be killed to save it. While Harry is completing his job, governments, military agencies and other operatives are all working either with him or against him.

England has written a thoroughly researched story that is so vivid and realistic that you will truly believe you are reading a first-hand account. His characters are human, his governments are shallow and tricky webs of lies and personal ambition woven among the brave and stouthearted, and his agencies are a tenuous balance of trust and mistrust. On top of that, Mr. England has also integrated the different ideologies and religious beliefs of the Middle East in such a knowledgeable way that I could not believe how well thought out and brilliantly written this book was. Move over Steve Berry, James Rollins and Lee Child!

Meet Author Roxanne Smolen

I am having the great pleasure in featuring author Roxanne Smolen, a fantastic and exciting author of such descriptive and entertaining sci-fi novels that once you start you cannot put them down. I am thrilled to have been able to speak with her about her novels and her writing, and it has been a great joy to learn more about this skilled author.

Collette: Wow, Roxanne! You are an imaginative writer! Can you tell us how that came into being? When did you start writing?

Roxanne: I was a young teenager when the writing bug bit. In those days, I thought of myself as a poet/songwriter. Poetry taught me to be precise and concise. I didn’t get into fiction until my twenties. I wrote short stories about space and distant planets, and was published sporadically in magazines. In 2000, I made the leap into novels. I remember the date because that was the year I lost my day job. I figured it was a new millennium, time to start a new life as a novelist.

Collette: Were you inspired by someone/something to write the genres you’re writing in?

Roxanne: Television. Without a doubt. I grew up with Star Trek, Twilight Zone, and The Outer Limits. They stretched my imagination and set me dreaming. On top of that, watching television shows taught me to end my chapters with a bang, because every commercial break has a mini cliffhanger.

Collette: That’s very true. What is your writing process?

Roxanne: I’m a fan of outlining. It’s not a structured thing, more stream of consciousness with bits of conversation thrown in as I think of them. When I have the entire story plotted, I start fleshing it out. I have a laptop just for writing. I use parental controls to limit my Internet access—no Facebook or Twitter, not even email. Fewer distractions that way. I split the screen and put my outline on one side and my novel on the other.

Collette: Do you write full-time now?

Roxanne: Yes, I do. I get up at 6:00, make myself a pot of tea, grab my laptop, and write. On a good day, the tea will grow cold because I’ve forgotten to drink it. On a very good day, I’ll forget to eat lunch as well.

Collette: You have written quite a bit so far. You have two series going in different genres. Can we start with those? Tell us a little bit about the Anneliese-Thielman and Colonial Scouts Adventures series.

Roxanne: The Anneliese Thielman Trilogy is a science fiction romance about a spoiled rich girl whose new husband takes her to a far-off world and sells her into prostitution to settle a gambling debt. The story was inspired by a photo I once saw of a woman in a cage, her hand snaking out, beckoning.

The Colonial Scouts Adventures is Young Adult science fiction about a group of teenagers who scout out habitable planets for colonization. The plot grew from a short story I once wrote. I loved the idea of using collapsed wormholes as transportation devices and stepping onto an alien world as easily as stepping through a door. This series is limited only by the number of stars in the sky and my imagination.

Collette: How long did they take you to complete?

Roxanne: It takes about a year for me to write a book. I aim for 100k words, although The Colonial Scouts were shorter.

Collette: Can you describe your research into your subject?

Roxanne: You’d think that creating a world completely out of your imagination would require no research. Unfortunately, a reader can’t connect with those worlds unless there is something basic they can identify with. You want your settings to be plausible and your alien cultures to be rich. That takes research. I’ve read everything from scientific journals to the Bible. The Internet is a marvelous tool for research, but I keep in mind that I don’t always know where the information is coming from, so I use it as inspiration rather than fact.

Collette: You also have sci-fi horror, e.g. Satan’s Mirror. What inspired you to delve into that genre?

Roxanne: Satan’s Mirror came from a nightmare that wouldn’t leave me. For years, it sat in the back of my mind, demanding to be heard. Finally I said, what the hell. Literally. The story is about a woman whose daughter is kidnapped by the devil and she must break into hell to rescue her. It is based loosely on the story of Persephone, the goddess of spring, who was stolen by Hades. My granddaughter’s name is Persephone, and I would go to hell and back for her.

Collette: Oh, I hear you there! Was writing horror harder than writing romance or young adult?

Roxanne: I think so because to write a convincing book you have to become your character, put yourself entirely in their situation and write through their eyes. Teenage angst and love’s first kiss are easy compared to the fiery pits of hell. That said, I think all genres should incorporate elements of suspense and urgency.

Collette: Your latest book is about a shapeshifter… yet another genre twist. Can you tell us a little bit about The Amazing Wolf Boy?

Roxanne: The Amazing Wolf Boy is a perfect example of having your characters take over and write the story for you. I’d intended to write a Twilight-type book with werewolves instead of vampires, but instead of a moody, angst-ridden love story it turned out humorous and fun. Cody is a joy to work with. He is a bumbling, nerdy, soft-hearted teen who turns into a werewolf. His lady love is a goth girl who, when she discovers his secret, tries to cure him with magic potions. I’m currently writing the second of the series and hope to write a dozen more.

Collette: Are any of your characters based on real-life friends or acquaintances?

Roxanne: In The Amazing Wolf Boy, Brittany started out as my granddaughter, who also likes to paint her eyes, dye her hair, and listen to The Pink Spiders. But Brittany evolved from there and is still growing. Now there’s little resemblance.

Collette: Do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?

Roxanne: At their core, I believe all my characters have a little piece of me. How else could I identify with them enough to see through their eyes?

Collette: Are you still writing? If so, what will your future projects entail?

Roxanne: I will always write. My WIP is the next installment of The Amazing Wolf Boy, given the working title of Problem Parents. It explains why Cody’s mother banished him after he became a werewolf.

Collette: Ooh, exciting! Considering how well rounded you write, do you have a favorite genre to write or do you write what stories come to mind?

Roxanne: I’ve always written within the science fiction realm. However, my Wolf Boy series is billed as Young Adult Romance, and I’m having a lot of fun with it. I think I’ve found my niche.

Collette: How often do you read?

Roxanne: I read in spurts. I’ll go a month without anything, and then the next month read everything in sight. Also, I keep audio books in the car. I never listen to music anymore.

Collette: What is your favorite genre to read?

Roxanne: I like to read books in series, i.e. The Dresden Files, Sookie Stackhouse, Dexter, The Game of Thrones, Harry Potter.

Collette: Does your reading inspire you?

Roxanne: Certainly. Even a poorly written book can inspire you to write something better.

Where can we find you online?

Blog: www.moonrox.wordpress.com

Website:www.roxannesmolen.com

Facebook:www.facebook.com/roxannesmolenauthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/roxannesmolen

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1157902.Roxanne_Smolen

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Roxanne-Smolen/e/B002MA4XFY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Amazon.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=roxanne+smolen

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/roxanne-smolen?keyword=roxanne+smolen&store=allproducts

Collette: Where are your books available for purchase?

Roxanne: I’m available at your favorite bookstore online or off. Just ask.

Collette: What formats are your books available in?

Roxanne: My ebooks are formatted for any ereading device. In addition, both Satan’s Mirror and The Amazing Wolf Boy can be bought in paperback.

Collette: Thank you so much, Roxanne! I wish you all the best with your writing projects J.

Roxanne: Good luck to you as well, Collette.

I was lucky enough to pick up and read Roxanne’s sci-fi thriller/romance, Mindbender. I have to say that I loved every second of it, and I’m not an avid reader of sci-fi! Here is a review of one of her wonderful stories:

Mindbender was such an imaginative and exciting tale that I zipped through this book eagerly and excitedly all the way to the end. While this story is definitely sci-fi, the author did a magnificent job in keeping it realistic enough that you could visualize the planets, taste and smell the volcanoes of Io and feel the cold of Mars. Beyond these descriptions, we have a strong and powerful psychic, Taralyn, whose love for her adoptive daughter is so maternal that you can feel her pain when she thinks she has lost her. There is also the child, Gloriana, whose possession is so creepy that I was actually frightened of her, and our handsome hero, Asher, who you’re not entirely sure you can trust due to his past but who does everything he can to help, for better or for worse. Add to that the persecution and discrimination of the people that Earth views as ‘dangerous’, and you have quite a tale! My experience with sci-fi is limited, but Roxanne Smolen’s gift with writing prose has definitely hooked me as a reader. I can’t wait to read the rest of her books!

Five Stars!

Getting to know author Joe Perrone, Jr.

Today I am fortunate enough to have the pleasure of speaking with a well-rounded and versatile author, Joseph Perrone, Jr. He is the author of five books already, and is preparing his sixth in time for the holidays. I am very excited to have had the chance to speak with such a talented and entertaining gentleman. Joe, thank you for agreeing to answer my questions!

Collette: Wow, Joe, you are a fairly well-versed writer! Can you tell us how that came into being? When did you start writing?

Joe: I started writing poetry in the 5th grade, then, working on my school newspaper at Eastern Kentucky University.  After that, I began serious writing when I took a position as a sportswriter for the Herald-News in Passaic, NJ, in 1969.  Subsequently, I wrote feature articles for local newspapers, and freelanced as an advertising copywriter.  In the '90s, I wrote fly-fishing articles for numerous publications, and published my first book, co-authored with a friend, Manny Luftglass, called Gone Fishin' With Kids (How To Take Your Kid Fishing And Still Be Friends) in 1997.  

Collette: Where do you get your ideas?

Joe: Ideas come from many sources.  For instance, I got the idea for a literary novel, called Changes, in 2006, when I was mowing my lawn and a thunder storm struck.  I decided to write about a man who was struck by lightning.  I went inside and wrote the first scene, and have developed a plot over the last few years that I will implement this spring.  Other ideas come to me in my dreams, or while I'm fishing.  The bottom line is that they may come from anywhere, and it's important to be constantly aware. 

Collette: Were you inspired by someone to write the genres you’re writing in?

Joe: Well, if you're referring to the Matt Davis Mystery Series, the answer is no.  I had already published Escaping Innocence (A Story Of Awakening), which began as a memoir and morphed into a novel, and the constant examination of my own youth had become a bit burdensome.  So, for a change of pace, I sat down at the computer one day and decided to write a murder mystery.  That book was As The Twig Is Bent, and became the first in what is now the Matt Davis Mystery Series.

Collette: What is your writing process?

Joe: It varies.  I have a "sticky" note on my computer screen that urges me to "Write at least two pages per day."  When I am working on a book, I make a point of sitting down at the computer at least once each day, and making an effort to fulfill that obligation.  However, oftentimes I will awake in the middle of the night (much to my wife's chagrin) and rush downstairs to my computer and write about what I was just dreaming.  Other times, I will go for a walk, and just open up my mind, hoping that some ideas will pop to the surface.  If they do, I rush home, and either begin writing, or jot down notes so that I won't forget.

Collette: In the middle of the night? That’s some urge! Do you write full-time?

Joe: Yes.  I never dreamed I'd be able to say that, but, unequivocally, the answer is YES!  I am actually making a living as a writer.

Collette: Yay for you! That’s wonderful to hear J. Do you have other employment as well?

Joe: I also provide reasonably-priced publishing services for self-published authors, including book design and layout, Ebook formatting, cover design, and advertising.

Collette: Okay, so moving on to your varied books. You write in multiple genres. Can you tell us a little about your mysteries first? As the Twig is Bent came out in 2009, followed by Opening Day: A Matt Davis Mystery in 2010. What influenced you to try your hand in the mystery genre?

Joe: Well, as I mentioned previously, I wanted to try something different, so As The Twig Is Bent was somewhat of a "self-imposed challenge."  I sat down with those famous words "It was a dark and stormy night" in my head, and wrote the first scene in which a businessman is flying home from a business trip in a terrible thunderstorm.  At the same time he is praying NOT to die, his wife is home being raped and strangled, and praying TO die. 

Collette: How long did they take you to complete?

Joe: The fishing book took exactly a year, and was motivated purely by avarice.  As the manager of a fishing department in a large retail store, I was constantly bombarded with requests for such a book.  Since no such book existed at the time, I decided to write one.  My partner put up the money and provided much of the technical information, and I wrote the book.  We've sold nearly 10,000 copies to date, and it's still in print.  I began writing Escaping Innocence (A Story of Awakening) in 1987, while working at three jobs, one of which was as a limousine driver.  I worked on that book, off and on, for over 20 years, and completely re-wrote it twice, in addition to various edits.  As The Twig Is Bent was started around 1998, but wasn't finished until 2009.  I would estimate it took the better part of a year-and-a-half.  Opening Day took almost exactly one year, but that was because by that time I was pretty much writing full time.

Collette: That’s great! Can you describe your research into your subject?

Joe: For As The Twig Is Bent, I actually interviewed a NYC homicide detective for an entire day.  Originally, I had a set of questions written down, but I quickly added dozens more as the day progressed.  For many of the technical aspects, including some medical terminology, etc., I consulted with several nurses, as well as doing research on the Internet.  I have two friends who are retired police officers, and one who is a retired FBI agent, and I have consulted with them numerous times.  For legal matters, I consult an old friend who is an attorney.  Right now, I'm working on the third Matt Davis Mystery, entitled Twice Bitten, which involves poisonous snakes and Pentecostal snake handlers.  I've done exhaustive research via the Internet, including emailing back and forth with a gentleman who is part of a church that practices snake handling.  The Internet is an invaluable source of information, and I am constantly using it to shore up facts regarding a particular locale or activity, etc.

Collette: You also have non-fiction titles, with Gone Fishin’ With Kids: How to Take Your Kid Fishing and Still Be Friends, which was released in 1997, and A “Real” Man’s Guide to Divorce: (“First You Bend Over And…”),released in 2009. What inspired you to write those two books?

Joe: I've already discussed the fishing primer, but the divorce book was inspired by life experience.  Need I say more?  I waited until nearly 30 years had passed from the time of my own divorce, and consulted with my children and step children before writing it.  In fact, it is dedicated to them.

Collette: I agree about the Internet. It makes life so much easier to be able to research from home. Okay, so are any of your characters based on real-life friends or acquaintances?

Joe: Many of them are.  I usually obtain permission from friends before I write them into a book.  Just to name a few: Frank Kuttner (in Opening Day and my next book, Twice Bitten) is the owner of a fly shop in the town of Roscoe, NY, where each of those two books is set.  Frank is a very good friend, and is now somewhat of a celebrity in his town as a result of his being in the book.  Chris Freitag, Matt Davis's partner in As The Twig Is Bent, is a retired police captain, a friend, and a valuable source of police information.  Very often, I will have an acquaintance in mind when I write a character, however, I don't always use that person's real name, and they may not be aware that I have used their persona as that of the character.

Collette: Haha, Frank must love that. J So then, do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?

Joe: Absolutely.  However, I can't tell you which ones!  But, yes, I do inject a good deal of my own personality into certain characters.  As someone a lot wiser than I once said: "Write what you know!"  Great advice.

Collette: Very true! You also have a fifth book, this one humorous, Escaping Innocence: A Story of Awakening. Can you tell us a little bit about the background in that story?

Joe: As I said earlier, it began as a memoir of my coming of age that quickly morphed into a novel.  Actually, the writing of this book was the beginning of my becoming a serious writer.  While driving the limousine, I had a good deal of free time at the airports, waiting for riders to arrive.  I had just finished reading a Larry McMurtry novel, All My Friends Are Going To Be Strangers, about a young author who determines to write at least one paragraph a day.  It was that concept that inspired me; that and the fact that my wife, Becky, went out and bought me a half-dozen spiral notebooks to get me started.  I began just like that, and before long I was writing 5 and 6 pages a day.  It took me two-and-a-half years to complete the first handwritten draft.  I did two complete re-writes over the next 15 years or so, and re-edited it at least two more times.  It's still the book that's the closest to my heart, and as time passes, I love it more.  It's finally starting to catch on and has received some wonderful reviews.  I think it would make a terrific movie.

Collette: Maybe you should start pitching it to the filmmakers! Are you still writing? If so, what will your future projects entail?

Joe: Absolutely.  I hope to finish the third Matt Davis Mystery, Twice Bitten, in time for Christmas.  Then, I plan on getting back to work on Changes.  After that, I will probably write another Matt Davis Mystery.  Then?  Who knows?

Collette: Do you have a favorite genre to write or do you write what stories come to mind?

Joe: Well, right now, murder mysteries are selling very well, so pragmatically speaking, I will probably continue to write them.  However, I do enjoy writing humorous "stuff," and perhaps there might be another "Real" Man's Guide To...Something.  I just haven't decided what it will be.

Collette: Ooh, as a female I could come up with a few … just kidding J. Okay, so how often do you read?

Joe: Every day!  I primarily read non-fiction, or historical fiction, because right now I don't want to compromise my mystery writing by subconsciously incorporating another mystery author's ideas into my own books. 

Collette: That is great to hear! I often go for long stretches without reading a word and get very sad. What is your favorite genre to read?

Joe: I LOVE murder mysteries and medical thrillers.  I also like biographies and historical fiction.

Collette: Does your reading inspire you?

Joe: Absolutely.  Either I read something that is very well written, which inspires me to elevate my own writing to a higher level.  Or, I see something that is really terrible, in which case I'm inspired to "not be that guy."

Where can we find you online?

Website: http://www.joeperronejr.com
Facebook: Joe Perrone Jr.
Amazon: Author Joe Perrone Jr.
Amazon.uk: Joe Perrone Jr.
Smashwords: Joe Perrone Jr.
Goodreads: Joe Perrone

Collette: Where are your books available for purchase?

Joe: Amazon.com, Kindle, Smashwords.com, Barnes & Noble, and on my website at: http://www.joeperronejr.com

Collette: What formats are your books available in?

Joe: Paperback, Kindle, various other Ebook formats

Collette: Do you have a release date for your next book?

Joe: Twice Bitten should be available in early December 2011

Collette: Thank you so much, Joe. It was a joy to be able to learn more about you. I wish you all the best with your writing projects!

Joe: Thank you, Collette!

So there is more from Joe. He is offering a giveaway located on his website under the FAQ link. Click here for details. This link will bring you to Joe’s website, where he sends an autographed copy to the person who submits the ‘best question’. The drawing occurs every month, so check it out today!

Having just finished Opening Day, I am also including my review. I have to say that if you're a James Patterson fan, you would really enjoy this story!

Reading just like a Patterson suspense, Opening Day does not disappoint. From the very start, Mr. Perrone weaves a mystery of epic and tragic events, starting with a body and ending with a bang. We have Police Chief Matt Davis, a former city cop trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and move to a slower pace. He has a wife who is his best friend, awesome friends who keep him entertained and offer stimulating conversation, a secretary who is as feisty as a spitfire, and a dead body that washes up on his favorite fishing hole. Weaved into the investigation is the tale of several runaways, poor girls with big dreams and hopes. The question is: when the body arrives, who is the victim? She is so severely decomposed they cannot even tell if it’s male or female at first. So, which one of these haunted young girls washed up in the fishing hole? Matt Davis has few leads on suspects. Is he local or just passing through? The mystery unfolds at a steady pace to a climactic ending that solves all of your questions and leaves you feeling very satisfied. Mr. Perrone entertains with his witty dialogue and very down to earth characters. I just loved his interplay with secretary, Nancy, and his friendship with fisherman, Frank. The setting was so well-depicted that I felt as though I was high in Catskills enjoying small town life. I highly recommend this book!