Collette Scott - Author

Evans Family Series Q & A

2012-02-23T16:33:00.002-07:00

Through Winter Skies was released as planned on February 14, 2012. I'm still waiting for it to reach Barnes and Noble, so when it does I will be sure to announce it on my Facebook page. It was a long time coming, and I'm very excited to have had so many requests to keep them coming! I'm working on it, promise.

In the meantime, I've been compiling some frequently asked questions regarding the series and thought I'd post the top 10 here today. I'll move it all over into a page as new posts come along, but for now enjoy! I hope this gives you some more information on what's to come.

Thank you all for your comments and happy reading!

1. Who are the Evans family?

The Evans family was born from Forever Sunshine. In that novel, Chuck Evans is a close friend ofBrandon Nicholson. They worked together and shared plenty of fun.

2. Why create a series?

After receiving so many requests for a sequel to Forever Sunshine, I noticed that thebook I was currently working on featured a single sentence that soon had metake off with the idea: “Jamie Morton, formerly Evans”. It caught me off guard,for it was totally subconscious, but I grabbed on to what my brain was tellingme and developed it from there. Since ForeverSunshine was written in the first person as a memoir, I wanted to make sureI could keep it realistic enough as well as please the fans of the story. Itwill take place over several novels and Cher appears more as a supportingcharacter than a lead, as readers will soon see.

3. Tell me a little more about the series.

The series begins with an introduction to the Evans family.The first tale, If We Dare to Dream,is Jamie Evans’ experience with finding her love, Andrew Sheehan. Jamie islucky enough to have four, strapping and over-protective older brothers. Theyare cousins to Chuck Evans, who is the oldest out of the cousins. Each bookfrom the series will be stand alone, but the case from Forever Sunshine is an important back story in books one throughfour. The final two, which I am in the process of writing now, are morecontemporary romance, similar to Hannah’s Blessing, while the previous fourhave some suspense.

4. Who are the main characters in the second book?

In Through WinterSkies, which was released on February 14, 2012, Zach Evans is introduced.He is cousin to Jamie’s family and Chuck Evans. In this story, Zach is inColorado to help his childhood friend, Emery Flores, fend off some ruthlessgang members who had invaded her home when she was a teen and currently believeshe is hiding money left there during that terrible night. This second novel iswhere the case for Forever Sunshineis introduced and the heat begins. When you read that novel, pay closeattention to some of the newer characters. They will appear again.

5. What about book three? Whose story is that?

Eyes on Tango(scheduled for late-spring 2012), returns to Jamie’s family. This is HaydenEvans’ story and takes place primarily in Mexico. I particularly love this one,as it’s an adventurous tale with plenty of action and fun despite the fact thathe and Dr. Danielle Ryan are on the run from a Mexican drug lord. In thisinstallment, the case pulls together and connections are made.

6. Will you be releasing more in 2012?

Yes. If all goes well, I plan to release book four, Ian’sstory. I’m hoping for an October release on that one. Kat’s Last Chance is where the case is finally solved, and Ianreunites with his high school sweetheart.

7. Will Kat’s LastChance be the final installment in the series?

No. I am currently working on books five and six. These arecontemporary romances and focus on the children of the youngest brother in themain Evans group. Brian and Brianna Evans are twins, and each one, and theirstories take place almost simultaneously. I’m doing something I’ve never donebefore and writing them at the same time. What an interesting experience thishas been so far! I’m hoping to release them in 2013.

8. Who is your favorite Evans?

Hayden has been my favorite so far, but as I’m writing thefinal two, I’m developing a love for Brianna and Brian, too. They’re great people.Brianna’s fun and Brian’s sympathetic. I truly enjoy working with them. Infact, I love the entire family and wish they were mine! J

9. What is next onyour agenda?

Hmm, now I must admit that I’ve received a lot of requestsand questions about whether or not I’m going to follow up with a sequel to Hannah’s Blessing. I have to say that mymind is spinning up new and exciting tales, and I’ve even been consideringtying them in with the Evans series. Right now I’m focusing first on finishingbooks five and six, but after that I think I may be playing a little bit withRoxanne from Hannah’s Blessing. Ithink she needs a little wakeup call, and I think I have just the man todeliver it!

10. Does Cher come back for a major role?

All I’m going to say at this point is “not yet” J. Time will tell…

Have any more questions that aren’t listed here? Let meknow! Leave me a comment below or drop me an email at collette.scott3@gmail.com.

A Chat with Patti Roberts about Progeny of Innocence

2012-01-16T13:16:00.001-07:00

I am proud to feature one of the hardest working and helpful authors I have had the pleasure to meet. Patti Roberts is the author of the hugely popular and fantastic young adult fantasy/paranormal series, Paradox. Between researching her descriptive settings, writing her colorful and captivating stories and marketing her wonderful work, Patti is always very helpful, friendly and supportive. She is the true definition of gracious and caring, and I am so happy to have her appear on my blog again to discuss her new release, the second book in her Paradox Series, Progeny of Innocence. Thank you, Patti, for joining me today. It's great to have you back!

Collette: So let's start with the basics. Tellus a little about your background. When did you start writing?

Patti: I started writing with the intent of publishing in 2009. I was feeling verydown and misplaced after a failed relationship, and I wanted to do somethingpositive…. I needed to do somethingpositive. I wanted to herd up all myunresolved emotions and put them to good use. So I went out and bought a new laptop computer and started writing. Hence the reason Paradox – The Angels AreHere is a little bit EMO! Writing hasbeen the best therapy and I have never been happier or more fulfilled! I highly recommend writing to anyone thatfinds themselves in a similar predicament. That is when I started writing and how the Paradox Series was born. Out of the ashes…

Collette: I agree completely! I often say that writing is cathartic. So where do you get your ideas?

Patti: Forevery warp of life imaginable. Awake orasleep. And a creative and overworkedimagination.

Collette: What is your writing process?

Patti: Irun different scenarios around for particular chapters in my head. I give the characters dialogue to see were itleads. It is one thing to have an ideafor a story line but it isn’t until I bring in the characters to see how theirpersonalities would react in particular circumstances that I really know how ithas to be written.

Collette: Do you write full-time now?

Patti: I dopretty much. However, much of that timeis also spent planning marketing and promoting.

Collette: That's for sure. A full-time job in itself!

Collette: The Paradox Series is well under way with the recent release ofthe second installment. Can you tell us a little bit about Paradox, Progenyof Innocence?

Patti: TwoWorlds. One Ancient and One New. An immortalenemy still driven by the desire of being the One supreme power of an ancientkingdom. The prize he seeks to fulfillhis desires - A young girl, Grace, trapped in the middle between Heaven andHell. But who can Grace trust? Thereare those around her that live and die to protect and those that want only todestroy. Who could you trust when theenemy hides in plain sight and looks just like you. Were couldyou run when your enemy is faster, smarter, stronger…

Collette: How long did it take you to complete?

Patti: Progeny took eleven months to research andwrite.

Collette: Your settings and descriptions were very detailed. Can you describeyour research into your subject this time around?

Patti: Same as always. Hours of research into ancient civilizations,myths and legends. From the tiniest redshiny bead found in the blistering Utopia desert to the magical realm ofancient forest trees. And of course avivid imagination…

Colette: And you obviously have that! Okay, so can we talk a little bit about Grace? She's a young woman coming ofage in this story, and she is certainly growing. Can you tell us about her innermotivation and how Juliette influences her?

Patti: Grace knows she is different even though sheisn't ready to accept that fact just yet. She senses a danger in knowing who she really is so she keeps most ofthose thoughts to herself by writing in a hidden journal. She has visions of a girl namedJuliette. But she doesn't quiteunderstand why or who this Juliette is. Through Grace, Juliette is also starting to come to terms with a pastthat she thought was long gone and buried.

Collette: You have also introduced some new characters, most notably Damon….Hmmm. Is Grace developing a love interest for the future installments?

Patti: Grace is certainly at an age where love is apriority of any "normal" teenage girl. And Grace so badly wants to be normal. So when Damon Draco comes along she isinstantly drawn to his boyish good looks and mysterious charm. But is there more to it than just a teenagecrush…

Collette: Another favorite is Keyla. Will she be playing a prominent role inthe series?

Patti: Most certainly. Keyla is everything precious and pure. Within her she holds powerful abilities pasteddown from an almost extinct race of people that stretches back to the timebefore time. The ancient Bakhna RakhnaPeople from the southern mountains.

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

Patti: Iname some of my characters after friends that have inspired me. Sometimes I will take a friend's personalityand blend it with one of my characters to make them become more real. More dimensional. I give all of my characters birthdates,favorite colors, particular things they like or dislike. Imagine what their parents are like. Even if I never write about thosethings. It makes my characters morereal.

Collette: Do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?

Patti: My thoughts and feelings most certainly.

Collette: Tell us about your cover. Did you design it yourself?

Patti: Yes, I chose three covers for Progeny and thenI submitted them to the public to vote on. The cover that came in second (girl in purple mask) I made into aSpecial Edition that comprises of the first 2 books in the series. I source the cover art (Dreamstime) and thendesign the titles and fonts. I lovecover art – I do judge a book by the cover!!!

Collette: Where did you get the inspiration for your cover?

Patti: Ican spend hours looking at pictures online. For my covers, locations and my characters. I have to have faces for my characters when Iam writing dialogue for them. I searchuntil I find a face that matches my character. Then I print it out and have it on a corkboard in front of me. I feel I can be more consistent with mycharacters traits and dialogue if I have a firm image of them to look at.

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

Patti: Next on the agenda is book 3. that is due to be released this year (2012). I will know in the next few months about how I want the 4^th book in the series to go.

Collette: Does your reading inspire you and your work?

Patti: Most certainly. It puts my head in the right place. When I wrote for the ancient world I read theGame of Thrones. So does artwork. Finding the right artwork for my ancientworld is just as important to finding the right face for my characters. Let's face it. We are not talking about an everyday worldhere.

Where can we find you online?

Blog: http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/

Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb_jTh7rj38

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Paradox-Series/150822348341990

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Patti-Roberts/e/B004RXY0OI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Amazon.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_nr_p_n_binding_browse-b_mrr_2?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3APatti+Roberts%2Cp_n_binding_browse-bin%3A368165031&bbn=266239&sort=relevancerank&ie=UTF8&qid=1326647494&rnid=492562011

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=patti+roberts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/980856.Patti_Roberts

What formats are your books available in?ebook and paperback

Where are your paperback books available for purchase?Amazon and Createspace.

Patti, as always, thank you for stopping by my blog. It's always a pleasure! I wish you all thecontinued success with your imaginative and fantastic writing projects!

Review of Progeny of Innocence:

My fourteen-year-old daughter is a huge fan of Patti's series Paradox. Eagerly awaiting Book Two of the series, she read it in just two sittings and happily posted a review. Though brief, I think her words say it all:

"This book was so hard to put down, it was SO good. It was even better than the first. I found that it explained some things that were left unanswered in the first, and I loved how it went more into detail in the past. I'm SO excited to read her next one!"

Blogathon Still Running - Don't forget to enter to win!

2012-01-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

Once again PattiRoberts is hosting another huge ebook giveaway! This is the most adventurous of all, with three bloggers and 30 authors! Take a look at humor, romance, women's fiction, thrillers, young adult, fantasy and more!

We have three bloggers:

Tima - see her review policy here

Tea - see her review policy here

Kristin - see her review policy here

Click their names to visit their sites. Follow one for an entry into the giveaway. With three bloggers and thirty ebooks to win, you can’t lose!

1st blogger to reach 100 new followers - draws the winners from their blog - 30 winners
2nd blogger to reach 100 new followers - draws the winners from their blog - 30 winners
3rd blogger to reach 100 new followers - draws the winners from their blog - 30 winners!!!

For a peek of the great authors we have click here!

Meet Inspirational Author Sherri Wilson Johnson

2011-12-23T09:09:00.004-07:00

Ihave had the great pleasure to speak with inspirational author, Sherri WilsonJohnson, about her darling romance, ToDance Once More. Sherri is a charming and talented author, whosedescriptions will transport you right into the midst of her character’s lives. To Dance Once More was a story of loveand growth. It was very warm and hopeful, two traits to lift your spirits andgive you a wonderful journey to love. I truly enjoyed this sweet romance andrecommend it to anyone who would like to escape back into 1800s Florida for afew days.

Collette: Thankyou for joining me today, Sherri. Can we start with a little bit about yourbackground? When did you start writing?

Sherri: I wasborn, raised, and still live in Georgia, northwest of Atlanta. So I am Southerndown to my very core. Writing has been a hobby of mine since I was a littlegirl. As a young adult, I read a lot of romance novels. After feeling the needto write books that were suitable for young readers, I began writingInspirational Romances, which quickly became my favorite pastime and grew intoa calling. I wrote my first novel when I was about eighteen during slow timesat work. I took the writers course through the Christian Writers Guild, learneda lot about how to write well, and have never looked back.

Collette: Where doyou get your ideas?

Sherri: I havetwo young adult children in my home so I don't have to look far to find ideasfor novels. I also have lots of single adult girlfriends who keep my ears fullwith their dating stories. I read a lot and watch movies, too. I'm a sucker forromance.

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

Sherri: I writeInspirational Romance because I feel the need to help single people in theirquest to find true, pure love. I want to encourage my readers to wait for thebest. I have worked with teens at my church and seen the heartbreak they gothrough while looking for love at such a young age. They have inspired me towrite something for them.

Collette: What isyour writing process?

Sherri: Mywriting process seems to change with the wind. I used to write at night becauseI homeschooled during the day. Now that I am through with homeschooling, Iwrite in the mornings. But I am a night owl by nature and often wake in themiddle of the night to write. When that happens, I use a spiral notebook andpen to write. In the mornings, I type everything in and begin again. Thesedays, I do a lot of marketing too so that takes up a good bit of my writingtime. When starting a new novel, I usually write an outline/timeline and oftenfind pictures in magazines or on stock photo sites to represent my characters.I draw up a character description sheet with mannerisms and physicalcharacteristics. I usually write a few chapters and then go back and edit andthen start writing again until I'm through.

Collette: Do youwrite full-time now?

Sherri: I have apart time job, working from home for a friend. Other than that, I workfull-time at writing.

Collette: Tell mea little bit about To Dance Once More.

Sherri: My debutnovel, To Dance Once More (OakTara),is set in Victorian-era Florida, bringing the romance of the beach, Victoriantimes, and debutante balls together (some of my favorite things).

April 1886 -- Debutante Lydia JaneBarrington lives a carefree, protected existence on Live Oaks Plantation inFlorida. But while her sisters happily learn the traditional tasks of women andtalk of courting, Lydia dreams of adventure and independence. Even herfriendship with handsome Hamilton Scarbrough isn’t enough to hold her back.Then one day Hamilton opens Lydia’s eyes and her heart to love. But before theycan receive permission to court, Lydia overhears a secret conversation about anunscrupulous business deal. Worse, it has everything to do with her and herfuture. Now she’s faced with the biggest decision of her life—to concede or tofight. Either choice will require great sacrifice…and, perhaps, countlessrewards.

I hope to prove that true love stillexists and that it is worth the wait. I never shy away from speaking candidlyof the purity of not only the heroine but of the hero, as well, because Ibelieve in today's world, we need to encourage both men and women to live purelives. I believe that writing is so much a part of who I am that I must use itto share what I am passionate about. I desire to point others to Jesus through mywords.

Collette: How longdid it take you to complete?

Sherri: I beganwriting To Dance Once More in 1993while on a trip to Panama City Beach, Florida with my family. It took me abouta year to write and about ten years to perfect. Then another five years ofmarketing before it found a home with OakTara.

Collette: Yoursettings and descriptions were very detailed. Can you describe your researchinto your subject?

Sherri: I grewup going to the beach. I love, love, love the beach. If I don't get to take atleast one trip a year, I feel drought-stricken. I also love Victorian times. Inaddition to using personal experience, I do a lot of Internet research, watchvideos, and read lots of library books in an effort to be historically andgeographically accurate.

Collette: Let ustalk a little bit about Lydia, a young woman who wants so very much to tastefreedom and be free of restrictions. Can you tell us about her innermotivation?

Sherri: Lydiahas been told what to do and when to do it since birth. She has watched thewomen in her family sit home and raise children with very little socialrespect. She has also watched the former slaves that live on her plantationsuffer because of their race. She wants to do something to change the world forwomen. She does not want to fall into the trap of marriage until she has had achance to make a difference in the world. She views love and marriage as a formof slavery. Of course, as the book moves along, Lydia matures and sees thatlove isn't all bad. She has failed to see the many benefits of being loved bysomeone. It is when she discovers a secret about her future that she battleswith her choices and must make great sacrifice.

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

Sherri: Some ofmy characters have sprinklings of people I know in them. After all, aren't weall characters in this big story called Life?

Collette: Do youever incorporate yourself into your characters?

Sherri: I doincorporate myself into my characters. I'm a little feisty like Lydia. I'm alsostubborn like Hamilton. And as a parent, I find myself playing the part ofLydia's mother and father at times.

Collette: Lydiastruck me as quite the groundbreaker for her day. Without giving away too muchof your story, can you touch on the message in your story?

Sherri: As Isaid before, To Dance Once More is abook in which the theme of purity runs through it. However, there is a lot moreto it than that. Lydia is an independent young woman. You're right, she is agroundbreaker for her day. (Wait till you see what she gets into in thesequel). She has in mind what she wants her life to be like once she is oldenough to leave her father's plantation. But there are many obstacles and itseems that the harder she tries to get away, the stronger the pull is to keepher at home. She is faced with the decision of whether to submit to herfather's will or to rebel. Her rebellion has the potential to affect her entirefamily, yet the sacrifice would cost her greatly. Decisions, decisions.

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

Sherri: Oh, yes,I am still writing. My next book, Song ofthe Meadowlark (OakTara), will be out in May 2012 and the sequel to To Dance Once More should be out by theend of 2012. I just finished a third novel, Afterthe Raging Storm, and also have a legal mystery and a sequel to Song of the Meadowlark in the works. Inaddition to fiction, I also write homeschool resources and Bible studies, whichI self-published, and are available on my secondary website www.sherrijohnsonministries.com .I guess you could say that there will be plenty of books to read in the futureand I would be honored if people chose them for their libraries.

Collette: Doesyour reading inspire you?

Sherri: Yes,reading inspires me. I love to read a variety of writers, both male and female,and learn from their techniques and plot lines.

Collette: Wherecan we find you online?

Blog: http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/
http://sherrijinga.wordpress.com/
Website: http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/to-dance-once-more/
www.sherrijohnsonministries.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/138396456193536
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Once-Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/dp/1602902860/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318455213&sr=8-1
Amazon.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dance-Once-Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/dp/1602902860
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6762282-sherri-johnson
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/swj_thewriter
Booktrailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAzh8X3NPaI

Collette: Whereare your books available for purchase?

http://www.christianbook.com/to-dance-once-more/sherri-johnson/9781602902862/pd/902862?item_code=WW&netp_id=961019&event=ESRCG&view=details

http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Once-Sherri-Wilson-johnson/dp/1602902860/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317834254&sr=8-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-dance-once-more-sherri-wilson-johnson/1105877054

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Dance-Once-More/Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/9781602902862?id=5209476941309

http://www.bookdepository.com/Dance-Once-More-Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/9781602902862

http://www.superbookshop.net/index.php?page=book&ean=9781602902862

Collette: Whatformats are your books available in?

Sherri: To Dance Once More is available in printand Kindle format.

Thank you so much, Sherri! I wish you all the best with yourwriting projects and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

And here is my review of To Dance Once More:

What adelightful read! From the very first page, I was caught up in 1800s Floridaplantation life, from the smell of the flowers to the sounds of nature. Ms.Wilson Johnson captured the setting to perfection, casting me back over 100years as I watched the charming Miss Lydia Barrington come of age. As a young,idealistic teen, Lydia has high hopes of travel and freedom. However, society’srestrictions and a sneaky business deal threaten to steal it all away. Caughtbetween duty and hope, Lydia is a tormented soul, struggling to determine whichpath she should take and how she must face it all while presenting herself withcharm and grace. As she grows, she feels heartbreak and joy, love and pain, andultimately learns that life is what you make of it. But the Lord works inmysterious ways, and in the end Lydia is able to find love and happiness inthis charming, historical story that will warm you to your toes.

Happy Holidays to All

2011-12-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a year! From Forever Sunshine being nominated in the Heart Press' Best Women's Fiction poll, to the raving compliments I've received from my fairytale romance, Hannah's Blessing, to topping the charts with my new release If We Dare to Dream, I feel as though 2011 has not only been extremely fortunate for me but also hopefully a sign of what is yet to come. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be an international Kindle bestseller, I would have laughed aloud. However, here I am today, still reeling and stunned to see my books selling over in England, even a few in Germany, France and Spain. Wow. Hanging out in the top 100 for the US and England has been awe-inspiring for me.

Writing has always been my dream. If you have viewed my brief bio, you would have read that I have been writing my entire life. I always kept it private, for when I did express my dreams to others most of the time I was met with derision and mockery. But I was suddenly granted the opportunity to go public with my writing, and with my close friends' and family's support and encouragement (and at times, force) I did it. It's been a busy year, a lot of hard work, a lot of learning and fumbling my way through, but I did it. And I have never been happier. What makes it all worth it is that people like what I write. How much better can that get?

So for the rest of 2011, I will continue to watch those numbers and hope more and more people jump on the Collette Scott bandwagon. With The Evans Family, Book One selling so well right now, I am polishing up Book Two, Through Winter Skies, and will strive to keep that date set for February 14, 2012 as planned. Book Three (as yet unnamed), has a tentative date in June 2012, and Book 4, Kat's Last Chance is set for October 2012. So come along and read about Zach and Emery, Hayden and Dani, and Ian and Kat over the next year. I hope you enjoy those as well.

To finish up the year strong and hopeful is a great feeling. To all my friends, old and new, and family, thank you so much. To my readers, you have given me purpose, and I hope I can continue to grant you a great ride in the upcoming years. My wish to all who visit my blog is that you have a safe and happy holiday season. May 2012 be happy, healthy and prosperous. My thanks and best wishes!

Happy Holidays!

Forever Sunshine Nominated in Best Women's Fiction Poll

2011-12-05T11:46:00.001-07:00

Much to my pleasure, Forever Sunshine has made the list ofHeart Press’ Best Women’s Fiction Books. Needless to say, I am humbled by thishonor. To be included in a list that sports magnificent classics like Gone With the Wind, Wuthering Heights, and Prideand Prejudice along with more recent titles such as The Secret Life of Bees, MySister’s Keeper and Nights inRodanthe, fills my heart with joy and excitement.

To know that my story touched enoughhearts to draw a tear and spur the reaction to vote gives me hope that ForeverSunshine will continue to inspire others for a long time to come. My deepestheartfelt thanks to Heart Press for including me in this poll, and many morethanks to my readers! I love you all!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Meet Linda Hawley, author of Dreams Unleashed

2011-11-30T12:43:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-11-15T07:22:00.001-07:00

“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

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

2011-11-12T07:33:00.001-07:00

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

2011-11-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

I am having the greatpleasure in featuring author Roxanne Smolen, a fantastic and exciting author ofsuch descriptive and entertaining sci-fi novels that once you start you cannotput them down. I am thrilled to have been able to speak with her about hernovels and her writing, and it has been a great joy to learn more about thisskilled author.

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

Roxanne: I was a young teenager when thewriting 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 mytwenties. I wrote short stories about space and distant planets, and waspublished sporadically in magazines. In 2000, I made the leap into novels. Iremember the date because that was the year I lost my day job. I figured it wasa 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. Igrew up with Star Trek, Twilight Zone, and The Outer Limits. They stretched myimagination and set me dreaming. On top of that, watching television showstaught me to end my chapters with a bang, because every commercial break has amini cliffhanger.

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

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

Collette:Do you write full-time now?

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

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

Roxanne: The Anneliese Thielman Trilogy isa science fiction romance about aspoiled rich girl whose new husband takes her to a far-off world and sells herinto prostitution to settle a gambling debt. The story was inspired by a photoI 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 habitableplanets for colonization. The plot grew from a short story I once wrote. Iloved the idea of using collapsed wormholes as transportation devices andstepping onto an alien world as easily as stepping through a door. This seriesis 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 towrite 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 worldcompletely out of your imagination would require no research. Unfortunately, areader can’t connect with those worlds unless there is something basic they canidentify with. You want your settings to be plausible and your alien culturesto be rich. That takes research. I’ve read everything from scientific journalsto the Bible. The Internet is amarvelous tool for research, but I keep in mind that I don’t always know wherethe information is coming from, so I use it as inspiration rather than fact.

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

Roxanne: Satan’s Mirror came from a nightmare that wouldn’t leave me. Foryears, 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 iskidnapped by the devil and she must break into hell to rescue her. It is basedloosely on the story of Persephone, the goddess of spring, who was stolen byHades. My granddaughter’s name is Persephone, and I would go to hell and backfor her.

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

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

Collette:Your latest book is about a shapeshifter… yet another genre twist. Can you tellus a little bit about The Amazing WolfBoy?

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

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, whoalso likes to paint her eyes, dye her hair, and listen to The Pink Spiders. ButBrittany evolved from there and is still growing. Now there’s littleresemblance.

Collette:Do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?

Roxanne: At their core, I believe all mycharacters have a little piece of me. How else could I identify with them enoughto 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 thenext installment of The Amazing Wolf Boy,given the working title of ProblemParents. It explains why Cody’s mother banished him after he became awerewolf.

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

Roxanne: I’ve always written within thescience fiction realm. However, my Wolf Boy series is billed as Young AdultRomance, 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 monthwithout anything, and then the next month read everything in sight. Also, Ikeep 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, HarryPotter.

Collette:Does your reading inspire you?

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

Wherecan 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

Barnesand 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 bookstoreonline or off. Just ask.

Collette:What formats are your books available in?

Roxanne: My ebooks are formatted for anyereading device. In addition, both Satan’sMirror and The Amazing Wolf Boycan 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.

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

Mindbender was such an imaginative and exciting talethat 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 inkeeping it realistic enough that you could visualize the planets, taste andsmell 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 adoptivedaughter is so maternal that you can feel her pain when she thinks she has losther. There is also the child, Gloriana, whose possession is so creepy that Iwas actually frightened of her, and our handsome hero, Asher, who you’re notentirely sure you can trust due to his past but who does everything he can tohelp, for better or for worse. Add to that the persecution and discriminationof the people that Earth views as ‘dangerous’, and you have quite a tale! Myexperience with sci-fi is limited, but Roxanne Smolen’s gift with writing prosehas definitely hooked me as a reader. I can’t wait to read the rest of herbooks!

FiveStars!

Getting to know author Joe Perrone, Jr.

2011-11-02T08:30:00.003-07:00

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

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

Joe: I started writing poetry inthe 5th grade, then, working on my school newspaper at Eastern KentuckyUniversity. After that, I began seriouswriting when I took a position as a sportswriter for the Herald-News inPassaic, NJ, in 1969. Subsequently, Iwrote feature articles for local newspapers, and freelanced as an advertisingcopywriter. In the '90s, I wrotefly-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 BeFriends) in 1997.

Collette: Where doyou get your ideas?

Joe: Ideas come from manysources. For instance, I got the ideafor 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 struckby lightning. I went inside and wrotethe first scene, and have developed a plot over the last few years that I willimplement this spring. Other ideas cometo me in my dreams, or while I'm fishing. The bottom line is that they may come from anywhere, and it's importantto be constantly aware.

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

Joe: Well, if you're referring tothe Matt Davis Mystery Series, the answer is no. I had already published Escaping Innocence (A StoryOf Awakening), which began as a memoir and morphed into a novel, and theconstant examination of my own youth had become a bit burdensome. So, for a change of pace, I sat down at thecomputer 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 MattDavis Mystery Series.

Collette: What isyour writing process?

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

Collette: In themiddle 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 amactually making a living as a writer.

Collette: Yay foryou! That’s wonderful to hear J. Do youhave other employment as well?

Joe: I also providereasonably-priced publishing services for self-published authors, includingbook design and layout, Ebook formatting, cover design, and advertising.

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

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

Collette: How longdid they take you to complete?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joe: Many of them are. I usually obtain permission from friendsbefore I write them into a book. Just toname a few: Frank Kuttner (in Opening Dayand my next book, Twice Bitten) isthe owner of a fly shop in the town of Roscoe, NY, where each of those twobooks is set. Frank is a very goodfriend, and is now somewhat of a celebrity in his town as a result of his beingin the book. Chris Freitag, Matt Davis'spartner in As The Twig Is Bent, is aretired police captain, a friend, and a valuable source of policeinformation. Very often, I will have anacquaintance in mind when I write a character, however, I don't always use thatperson's real name, and they may not be aware that I have used their persona asthat 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 ownpersonality into certain characters. Assomeone a lot wiser than I once said: "Write what you know!" Great advice.

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

Joe: As I said earlier, it began asa memoir of my coming of age that quickly morphed into a novel. Actually, the writing of this book was thebeginning of my becoming a serious writer. While driving the limousine, I had a good deal of free time at theairports, 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 whodetermines to write at least one paragraph a day. It was that concept that inspired me; thatand the fact that my wife, Becky, went out and bought me a half-dozen spiralnotebooks to get me started. I beganjust like that, and before long I was writing 5 and 6 pages a day. It took me two-and-a-half years to completethe first handwritten draft. I did twocomplete re-writes over the next 15 years or so, and re-edited it at least twomore times. It's still the book that'sthe closest to my heart, and as time passes, I love it more. It's finally starting to catch on and hasreceived some wonderful reviews. I thinkit would make a terrific movie.

Collette: Maybeyou 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 DavisMystery, Twice Bitten, in time forChristmas. Then, I plan on getting backto work on Changes. After that, I will probably write anotherMatt Davis Mystery. Then? Who knows?

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

Joe: Well, right now, murdermysteries are selling very well, so pragmatically speaking, I will probablycontinue to write them. However, I doenjoy 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, asa 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 historicalfiction, because right now I don't want to compromise my mystery writing bysubconsciously incorporating another mystery author's ideas into my ownbooks.

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

Joe: I LOVE murder mysteries andmedical thrillers. I also likebiographies and historical fiction.

Collette: Doesyour reading inspire you?

Joe: Absolutely. Either I read something that is very wellwritten, 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."

Wherecan we find you online?

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

Collette: Whereare your books available for purchase?

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

Collette: Whatformats are your books available in?

Joe: Paperback, Kindle, variousother Ebook formats

Collette: Do youhave a release date for your next book?

Joe:Twice Bitten should be available in early December 2011

Collette: Thankyou so much, Joe. It was a joy to be able to learn more about you. I wish youall 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 herefor details. This link will bring you to Joe’s website, where he sends anautographed copy to the person who submits the ‘best question’. The drawing occurs every month, so check it outtoday!

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 Pattersonsuspense, Opening Day does notdisappoint. From the very start, Mr. Perrone weaves a mystery of epic andtragic events, starting with a body and ending with a bang. We have PoliceChief Matt Davis, a former city cop trying to escape the hustle and bustle ofthe city and move to a slower pace. He has a wife who is his best friend, awesomefriends who keep him entertained and offer stimulating conversation, a secretarywho is as feisty as a spitfire, and a dead body that washes up on his favoritefishing 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’smale or female at first. So, which one of these haunted young girls washed upin the fishing hole? Matt Davis has few leads on suspects. Is he local or justpassing through? The mystery unfolds at a steady pace to a climactic endingthat solves all of your questions and leaves you feeling very satisfied. Mr.Perrone entertains with his witty dialogue and very down to earth characters. Ijust loved his interplay with secretary, Nancy, and his friendship withfisherman, Frank. The setting was so well-depicted that I felt as though I washigh in Catskills enjoying small town life. I highly recommend this book!

Trick or Treat Blog Adventure!

2011-10-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Logo courtesty of Tammie Gibbs

Come and join me on the Trick or Treat Blog Adventure. Follow the blog, leave a comment and win one of five ebook versions of my contemporary romance, Hannah's Blessing!

Want a fun fairy-tale read just in time for the holidays? Well look no further!

From October 28th through October 31st five lucky people will win a copy of the ebook via a Smashwords coupon. Just follow the blog and leave a comment with your email address. All entries will be chosen from a random number generator on November 1st.

Hannah's Blessing:

Following her husband’s scandalous death, a devastated Diana Somerset makes a promise at his funeral to never trust so easily again. However, she was not prepared to meet his enigmatic step-brother, Devlan Doyle. He was a man accustomed to getting whatever he wanted, and he wanted Diana. Not only was Diana's child his heiress, but her stubborn pride and disinterest intrigues him.

Following a near-tragic accident that forces them together, Devlan sets out to conquer her distrust. Whisked away on a fairytale of a lifetime, Diana and Hannah discover that they are not immune to his charms. But is his determination alone strong enough to win their trust and love, or will he lose the two people he has grown to care for the most?

For more bloggers participating in the Trick or Treat Blog Adventure, please check out JLB Creatives! There are different prizes and different books as well as services to see. Check it out and enter!

Good Luck and Happy Halloween!!

Meet and Greet with Carolyn Arnold, author of Ties that Bind

2011-10-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

I recently completed a fast-pacedthriller that kept me on my toes the entire time. From the first page to thelast, I had a difficult time putting the book down. Every time I had to close upmy Kindle, I was left dangling and thinking about what would happen next. Thegreat thing about my frustration was that it lasted up to the end. I never hada chance to get bored or feel as though I had reached a spot to put the bookdown. Now that is a sign of a good story!

I am pleased to say that I haveCarolyn Arnold with me today, and she is the author of this great tale, Ties that Bind, an introductory novelfor her series about Detective Madison Knight. Please join me in learning a bitmore about Ties that Bind and theremainder of her series about this savvy female detective.

Collette: Thank you so much for joining me, Carolyn. I’mpleased to have you here. Can we start with the basics? When did you startwriting?

Carolyn: I started writing novellas andpoetry back in my teen years. I rememberthinking then that it would be amazing to write a full-length novel and requestedthe submission guidelines from Harlequin. But life changed and writing was pushed to the background. It wasn’t until four years ago that Irediscovered my passion for writing.

Collette: Did you have any influences?

Carolyn: Influences as in other authors? Definitely.I love David Baldacci and Sandra Brown. While both take you into the darker mindset of their characters, theyinspire me in different ways.

Baldacci’scharacter descriptions helped me realize how spending time on building a solidbackground is not only well worth it but necessary if you want your reader tofeel the connection.
Brown daresto write things I would normally hold back.

A combinationof both of their influences challenge me to continually improve.

In mypersonal life, my husband is my best friend and greatest influence ineverything I do.

Collette: Where do you get your ideas?

Carolyn: I’d say a lot of them come whilewatching TV or movies. Hubby loves itwhen this happens (sense the sarcasm). It means everything must be paused while I run around for a notepad tojot the idea on, or have him pass me his laptop to email it to myself. LOL
Other timesideas come to me when I hear news stories. And recently a novel idea struck when I was at work. It might be the next thriller I write. Needless to say I have a lot of ideas storedup for future books.

Collette: That’s great news! I hope you write for manyyears to come! Were you inspired by someone to write the genre you’re writingin?

Carolyn: I suppose I would have to sayBaldacci and Brown again. I also love towatch TV and movies in the crime genre.

Collette: What is your writing process like?

Carolyn: I’veexperimented with outlining, and panster-style and have concluded I’mdefinitely a panster. I love thefree-flow of the story, following the characters through. I must add, however, that before starting Ihave a general idea as to where the story is heading and what I want toaccomplish in a chapter, but sometimes the characters take a detour. When that happens it’s always to the benefitof the novel.

I also findthat by conducting character interviews before starting I have a rich foundationupon which to build. This also avoidsthe pitfall of backstory filler in the first draft – less to edit out.

Collette: I can’t do an outline and ever stick to it. My characters have mindsof their own. Is that how you would describe yours?

Collette: Do you write full-time?

Carolyn: I feel like I should say yes becauseany time I do have I’m either writing, editing, networking or marketing, but Iknow what you’re getting it, and the answer is not yet.

Collette: Not yet, maybe someday if you keep at it! J So what do you do to pay your billsnow?

Carolyn: I work in Accounts Receivable.

Blurb of Ties that Bind:

Detective Madison Knight concluded the case of a strangled woman an isolated incident. But when another woman’s body is found in a park killed by the same line of neckties, she realizes they’re dealing with something more serious.

Despite mounting pressure from the Sergeant and Chief to close the case even if it means putting an innocent man behind bars, and a partner who is more interested in saving his marriage than stopping a potential serial killer, Madison may have to go it alone if there's not going to be another victim.

Collette: How did you come up with the idea of Tiesthat Bind?

Carolyn: Crime drama is my favorite thing toread and watch. It was natural to wantto write in the genre. For Ties that Bind the basic concept camefrom a conversation with a family member.

Collette: How long did it take you to complete?

Carolyn: If I remember right, it took sixmonths to write the first draft. To getit to the point of publication it was two years.

Collette: Tell me a little about your background in your subject and where youcompleted your research?

Carolyn: My research came from books and theinternet. On any subject, for exampleconcluding TOD or time of death, I cross-compared my research to make sure Ihad a solid understanding. Of coursethis is only one small aspect I needed to research for TIES THAT BIND. It also involved research into police hierarchyand procedure, physical evidence that indicates strangulation as COD or causeof death, as well as other basic forensics knowledge – DNA and itspreservation, fingerprinting – to name a few.

I suggestthat any author who does research always cross-compares. This is not only to ensure accuracy but toobtain a solid understanding of the subject.

Collette: I am all the more impressed now. I thought for sure it was somethingthat you saw on a day to day basis!

Collette: I found your lead, Madison Knight, a veryhuman, very relatable character. Can you tell us a little bit about her?

Carolyn: Major Crimes Detective MadisonKnight is a stubborn, tell you how it is type of woman, but she’s also got anempathic side. Her drive is to findjustice for the victims, and she won’t let anyone or anything stop her frommaking sure that happens. At times thisimpulsive nature gets her into trouble with her superiors.

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

Carolyn: Most definitely but as thedisclaimer states, “Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons,living or dead, is coincidental.”

I thought I’dsay that first. LOL No, in allseriousness I don’t know how an author couldn’t pull from characteristics ofthose around them.

Collette: Haha, that’s true. So then, do you everincorporate yourself into your characters?

Carolyn: Most definitely. While we immerse ourselves into ourcharacter’s worlds, their backgrounds and motivations, I believe it’s our humanexperiences as evidenced in such things as thought patterns, feelings andemotions that provide added depth to our characters.

Collette: With that being said, let’s move on to thestory itself. This was a fast-paced yet methodical story into the depths of amurder investigation. Did you base it on a real-life experience or was it allyour imagination?

Carolyn: All imagination.

Collette: Wow, that’s very intriguing considering thedepth in the story. Way to go!

Collette: Now what will your future projects withMadison entail?

Carolyn: The reader will see her characterdevelop further – what makes her who she is. The series will also follow her through a cold case she is determined tosolve.

The next inthe series, Justified, is coming outthis December. You’ll find out moreabout what Madison fears as she investigates the murder of a femaleentrepreneur who was found slashed in her kitchen on Christmas Eve.

Collette: I can’t wait. I did have some questions about Madison and herrelationships, especially at the end… a lot of suspense for the nextinstallment J. Love it!

Collette: Since you’ve been writing so much, do youever have time to read?

Carolyn: Unfortunately not as much as I’dlike to right now. I have a lot ofcatching up to do over the holidays.

Collette: I can completely relate to that! Haha. Whatis your favorite genre to read?

Carolyn: Mysteries, thrillers and suspense.

Collette: I think we touched on this several timesalready, but do you have any favorite authors?

Carolyn: David Baldacci and Sandra Brown.

Collette: Where can we find you online?

Blog: http://sassy3421.blogspot.com/
Website:http://carolynarnold.net/Home_Page.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Carolyn-Arnold/190386790989773
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Carolyn-Arnold/e/B0054S6USY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4893460.Carolyn_Arnold

Carolyn, thank you somuch for dropping by and telling us more about your great story, Ties thatBind. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series, especially now that I knowwhat else is coming! Best of luck with the series, and keep at it!

My reviewof Tiesthat Bind:

From thefirst page to the very last, you will be on your toes.

For someonenot too familiar with the workings of a police homicide investigation, thisstory will give you a whole new perspective on what goes on in the real world.No easy answers, not always a direct lead, oftentimes our police officials mustsift through numerous lies and misleading information in what many of us wouldnot have the patience to tackle. Tiesthat Bind tells a story in a methodically paced tale that you will findhard to put down, turning page after page as you wait breathlessly for the nexttwist. It is realistic yet entertaining, an honest look at human nature andindividuals from all walks of life. Nothing is as it seems...

CarolynArnold has written a nitty gritty story of a murderer’s revenge. Through thevarious twists and turns, you will never be able to figure out whodunit untilthe shocking end. I’ve always considered myself fairly good at picking out thevillain, but I will tell you I was surprised at the ‘ties’ that led up to anarrest. Way to go, Carolyn!

Awell-written piece with all-too-human characters, I was sucked in from thefirst page when Madison reached for her chocolate-fix. This was a nicely pacedstory that was not over the top or unrealistic; in fact, I loved every minuteof it. It was entertaining without being too dark or depressing, and I can’twait to read more, Carolyn. Keep them coming!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2011-10-17T11:42:00.003-07:00

October is designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this month I would like to give to a cause I feel strongly about. I have blogged about domestic violence on a couple of occasions already, primarily when Forever Sunshine first came out in April. Since then, I have heard from multiple domestic violence survivors, and each and every one of them told me that Forever Sunshine was not only very real to them but also hopeful for those still in a situation to get out. Naturally, that was part of the message I was trying to send, but I also wanted to draw attention to the issue itself. Often domestic violence is a hidden matter, a family matter that no one truly understands or wants to get involved with. For emergency personnel, it is also a cause for concern.

I recently worked with author Marie Harbon, and she was kind enough to feature me in a post on her site to discuss this important time and subject. Here is a peek at part of the interview:

Marie: Did any real life situations either personal or secondhand inspire ‘Forever Sunshine?’ If not, where did you gather your research to enable you to write the book?

Collette: Yes, absolutely some real life situations inspired Forever Sunshine. The story began in a dream I had following my viewing of a highly publicized funeral on the television. With that being said, I have also had firsthand experience with domestic violence, both as an EMS professional responding to ambulance calls and as a witness to a close friend’s situation when I was younger. The opening scene is based on an experience I lived through, although I did tone it down a little bit. The relationship between Joe and Cher is also based on that experience with my friend. Joe’s character acts in much the same manner as this girl’s boyfriend had with me. Further research came from my EMS training and study into statistics on the Internet.

To read more of my interview with Marie, click here.

Please remember that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in honor of this important milestone I am putting together a donation for every sale of Forever Sunshine to a cause that I believe is worthwhile. I have contacted a national domestic violence organization and am working with them on this plan. Though I would love to give to more than one organization, this time around I have chosen one site to focus on. Depending on the success of my venture, I will certainly branch out because this is a serious endeavor.

The Hotline is a 24/7 non-profit organization that operates nationwide in the United States. They offer crisis intervention, advocacy, and information to victims or possible victims. Their database includes referrals to over 4,000 programs and shelters, so they work hard every day trying to pass on the means and education to help others. In these difficult financial times donations are harder to come by, and this is why I am hopeful that by buying a decent story of hope, healing and survival others can find a way to pass a day and give back to those who need help. My latest blog review has been completed by Book Reviews by Tima. Please take a look to learn more about my story. The eBook Forever Sunshine is only $2.99 on Amazon; the paperback just $14.95. For my UK readers, please click here. Remember, you do not need a Kindle to purchase an eBook. If you would like to read on your computer or smartphone, Amazon offers an e-reading application. Get yours here.

So please join me in my attempts to give back to those in need and help me spread the word.

If you are in need, do not hesitate to call 1-800-799-SAFE or visit TheHotline.org for immediate assistance. All it takes is one call to get the ball rolling.

Thank you all, my good readers!

Forever Sunshine:

Young and naïve Cherisse Bridwell had focused solely on completing her college degree and beginning her career until one hot summer evening when her frightened older sister, Shelly, arrives looking for help. Cher's carefully ordered life quickly comes to an end. Trapped in an abusive marriage, Shelly is terrified and has nowhere else to go but to her overworked and oblivious sister. Though Cher is not prepared to handle the effects of a controlling and violent husband, fate delivers help via police sergeant Brandon Nicholson. With his strength and guidance, he shows Cherisse and Shelly how to survive and how to live life to the fullest. As both women find their inner strength, Cher and Brandon fall in love and build a future together. However, life is full of ups and downs, and through it all Cher and her family must continue to face every day with a feeling of hope and optimism, even when it seems as though all hope is gone.

Meet Dr. Niamh Clune, author of Orange Petals in a Storm

2011-10-09T09:28:00.001-07:00

In a time where our youth arebombarded with stories on the news of violence and heartbreak, oftentimes weturn to Disney to go back to the fairytales of old. I have had the greatpleasure of speaking with Dr. Niamh Clune, author of Orange Petals in a Storm, a story of hope and triumph and whatcould easily become a modern-day fairytale for all ages for many years to come.

Collette: Thank you so much forjoining me today, Niamh. I’m excited to learn more about Orange Petals in a Storm. May we start with the basics? When did youstart writing?

Niamh: I began writing at the age oftwelve...the age when you are crossing the threshold of childhood into thescary, wonderful world of being a teen. Somehow, at that age, you becomeacutely aware of your emerging identity. You are leaving something preciousbehind, but looking forward to all that is yet to come. I wrote a series ofvery dark poems expressing the intensity of how I felt then. I was a veryserious little girl, traumatised by my childhood. I found solace in writing andcreating an alternative, beautiful reality in which to live. It was a way ofescaping my family and finding my own voice.

Collette: Oh yes. It is a rough time,isn’t it? Now did you have any influences behind your writing?

Niamh: By the time I was fourteen, I hadread many of the classics. I loved Jean Paul Sartre and philosophical literatureand of course fantasy of the quality of Lordof the Rings. And I have always loved Jane Austin. I love her slow-moving,understated style. I think I am largely influenced by her, and by the way shetells a story through the dead weight of the unspoken word, by what is notsaid, but imagined, expressed through the pause, silence, space between words.I was also hugely influenced by Anglo-Irish literature, and metaphysical poetssuch as W.B Yeats and T.S. Eliot. I loved the musicality of the way they wroteand the spiritual subject matter. Writing is meant to be read aloud. A storyshould sing itself into existence.

Collette: Lyricalis so appropriate! Where do you get yourideas?

Niamh: All my ideas are drawn from lifeexperiences. I have led a rich, full life filled with wonderful adventures bothinner and outer. Most of my working life has been concerned with the Psyche andhow it works, so my inner world stories are based on visionary experiences bothmy own and people I have worked with. In my capacity as a Doctor ofTranspersonal Psychology, I have even been blessed to participate in the innerworld of other cultures during my time working in Africa.

Collette: A wonderful experience, I’msure J. What is your writing process?

Niamh: I edit as I go along. A sentence mustdo exactly what it is supposed to before I move on. Otherwise it disturbs me. Ilove aphorism: simple, pithy sentences that express complex ideas. I am a loverof minimalism in the written word and labour over my task. It is a labour oflove to knead a sentence, working it into shape until it forms the image I amtrying to convey.

Collette: Do you write full-time?

Niamh: I do now... I still see clients andrun workshops but keep it to a minimum.

Collette: How did you come up with theidea of Orange Petals in a Storm?

Niamh: I needed a metaphor that would conveysomething delicate and beautiful being blown about by the harshness of Skyla'smundane reality. She represents the soul, the beauty and light that is withinus. The story speaks on many levels at once. As in the traditions ofmetaphysical literature, I used the colour Orange as an extended metaphor toconvey paradox and juxtaposition... It represents the mystical being everpresent amidst the despair of mundane reality...it conveys a world rich inparadox...where suffering is coexistent with the triumph of the human spiritagainst all the odds. Hopefully, a few people will 'get that!' The imageemerged as the story unfolded.

Collette: How long did it take you tocomplete?

Niamh: To write Parts One and Two has takentwo years...

Collette: This is a story with a strongmessage: a girl who finds her inner strength to remove herself from a badsituation by using her brain. Can you tell us a little bit about your researchbehind her dream world?

Niamh: As I said, I have been a practisingtranspersonal psychologist for more than 30 years. By that I mean Jungian basedpsychology that recognises the meaning and importance of the dream. It is theonly psychology to recognise the existence of the soul. I have also been ascholar of the Ancient Wisdom Teachings all my life. My Ph.D was on AcquiringWisdom Through the Imagination in which I completed a unique piece of researchand 'showed' how inborn, innate wisdom hidden in the soul breaks through intopeople's lives and stories! When it does, we find ourselves living anarchetype.

Collette: Can you tell us a littleabout the Threads of Prophecy?

Niamh: The Threads of Prophecy are amixture of things based on the ancient esoteric belief in an underlying ethericweb that connects all life, and through which, we are all part of a collectiveunconscious. In the world of the unconscious, time is an illusion, therefore;having prophetic experience becomes possible. We can meet the future, based onthe seeds of the past.

Collette: Can you describe young SkylaMcFee in a few sentences? What is she like? What does she want? Goals,strengths, weaknesses, etc.

Niamh: She represents the soul in us, thepurity, beauty and innate wisdom; the potential to see the world in atransformational way; the desire to triumph over despair. In my experience bothpersonally and as a therapist, the child is so often thwarted, mishandled bythe adult world. Then the immediacy, intensity, curiosity, and marvel at theworld about us becomes sublimated and submerged. I am of that age when I wantedto touch in with her again.

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

Niamh: All my characters are based onaspects of people I have known. I think it dangerous to write a character tooliterally, as you are in danger of losing the objectivity necessary to allowyour characters to develop minds and wills of their own. I always isolate andaccentuate a characteristic in order to bring a new, unique character to life.

Collette: I agree completely! Somepeople incorporate themselves into their characters. Is that something you do?

Niamh: I am in several of the characters,Skyla, Rocks and Ariana. I think most writers appear in elements of some oftheir characters. I call them sub-personalities.

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

Niamh: I am editing Part two and beginninga new project.

Collette: Excellent. Can’t wait for itto come out! With all that writing, do you have time to read?

Niamh: I don't have time to read thesedays. And when I am writing, I find it difficult to read. I don't like beingswayed. I stay focussed on what I am doing.

Collette: Understood J. When you do have time, what is your favoritegenre to read?

Niamh: Goes in phases. I always enjoywell-written prose, no matter what the genre.

Where can we find youonline?

Website: http://www.niamhclune.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/niamhclunesbooks

Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orange-Petals-Storm-Skyla-ebook/dp/B0055DVQEG

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqcOH1VoBAg

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/74350

What format is your book available in?

Available asa kindle and to be released on November 4th in paperback in USA

Excellent!Congratulations! Niamh, thank you so much for joining me today. I had so muchfun learning more about your series and the thought process behind it. Skyla isa remarkable young lady, bound to grow into a strong and confident woman. I can’twait to see her progress.

My review of Orange Petals in a Storm:

When you openthis book, you find a child in dire straits. She is running in the rain, backto her beloved former home, only to succumb to the cold before reaching freedom.Young Skyla McFee is trapped in a situation that no child should ever endure,that of a cold family who cares little for her following the death of hermother. However Skyla is a survivor, and she soon learns that she has a gift.What the horrible Roche family views as her escaping reality and turning to herimagination is actually Skyla learning that she is a powerful and gifted girlwith the ability to ease the pain in others, including the child who oncebullied her.

This is notan action-packed, fast-paced story, where every scene follows one after anotherlike a bullet from a gun. Rather it is a soft story, full of mysticism andguidance - a modern-day fairytale for our youth. I almost had the feeling that thecharacters in her dream world were whispering the entire time. This story wouldbe perfect for reading aloud, with just enough fantasy in it to hold a childcaptive. It is a touching and poetically written story with a strong andhopeful message. Evil will never triumph over good. Skyla does not succumb todespair, and her optimism is rewarded. It ends on a glimmer of hope, and I’msure in book two we will see her become even stronger and more powerful!

I have adaughter, and I could very easily see myself passing it on to her to read. Notonly for the lovely fantasy weaved into it, but also for the message of nevergiving in or giving up and standing tall for what you believe in. I think wemay read this together soon!

Meet Stephen England, author of Pandora's Grave

2011-10-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to read a fantastic book by Stephen England. From the moment I opened it up, I was caught up in the action and intricacies of political pandering, religious differences and military actions that were so well portrayed that I felt as though I was living in the midst of it all. I am pleased to have Stephen England with me today, and I hope you enjoy learning more about his great book.

Collette: Thankyou for agreeing to answer my questions. I hope we have plenty of fun!

Stephen: I’m surewe will—I appreciate you takin’ the time.

Collette:When did you start writing?

Stephen:A long timeago—I was working seriously on a novel by the time I was 12. I spent my teenageyears writing and rewriting, honing my craft toward the point where I couldfinally publish. With two novels under my belt now at 21, I think it was worthit. Writers aren’t always popular among their peers, but popularity is fleetinganyway. You do what you were born to do.

Collette:I agree completely! So where do you get your ideas?

Stephen:From the worldaround me, unfortunately. There’s moments when I wish I could just hang it upand write about Templars and secret societies, thousand-year-old fantasies thatdon’t have a prayer of coming true. But, no, I’m writing about terrorists,real-life terrorists in slightly fictional scenarios. And in the real world,every secular Arab government in the Middle East is on the verge of collapse,Hezbollah is on the U.S.-Mexico border, and in South Asia, the nuclear-armednation states of Pakistan and India seem as close as ever to a flashpoint. Welive in a world of increasing danger.

Collette:That's very true, unfortunately. Were you inspired by someone to write the genre you’re writing in?

Stephen:Oh, yes, I thinkeveryone is to more or less an extent. In my case, it was Tom Clancy, whom Istill consider a bit of a “virtual” mentor. His early novels are a case studyin how to write a military/espionage thriller. I learned so much from his styleof writing, and there has been no greater honor over these last few months thanto hear Pandora’s Grave compared to a Clancy novel. I should alsoacknowledge the debt that I owe to the writers of 24. I often joke thatI learned everything I know about pacing from 24, but to more or less anextent, it’s true. For all the writing I had done, I never quite got on top ofpacing until I watched my first season of Bauer—I think it was Day 6—the seasonL.A. got nuked. It was there that I realized the critical importance of hookinga reader in every scene, and things took off.

Collette:What is your writing process?

Stephen:Anything butmethodical. Going into a book I have no outline, no character profiles, nothingexcept a general concept of the plot in my head. I don’t write every day—yes, Ibreak that rule, too—but I continually mull over the plot points I’veestablished and figure out how to get from A to B. Once I’m to the point whereI’m thinking about the book obsessively, things are going well. When I’m there,nothing offends me worse than someone saying “so what if your characters werereal”. What’s this if business?

Collette:Haha, I can agree with that, too! My characters are all real. So do you write full-time?

Stephen:By nomeans—sales of Pandora’s Grave are going well, but not that well. I’mnot sure if that’s something I would want, regardless—I do some of my best“plotting” when I’m otherwise occupied.

Collette:If not, what do you do to pay your bills?

Stephen:I’m acleaner—no, not the hit man type, but an honest-to-goodness mop-and-bucketcleaner. Why? It keeps my hands occupied and my mind free. I know a lot ofwriters who have chosen a career that requires their writing talents—and Ithink it’s a mistake. You can’t focus on your novel if your creativity is beingdrained dry by the day job.

Collette:How did you come up with the idea of Pandora’s Grave?

Stephen:Pandora’sGrave is basedon the premise of an Iranian-sponsored act of biological terrorism against thestate of Israel. If you want to know how real that premise is, you just need tolook at the news— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was in New York just a couple weeks ago.The Iranian threat is real, and more terrifying that most people know. There’spoliticians who believe you could negotiate with a nuclear Iran—as though thiseventuality would simply be the second coming of the Cold War. You can’tnegotiate with leaders who are hell-bent on apocalypse. It’s just nothappening. And biological weapons are cheaper and simpler to manufacture thannukes.

Part ofthe premise of Pandora’s Grave was to write a different type ofthriller. To see if it was possible to strip out the profanity and graphic sexthat has long characterized the genre and still write a gritty, hardcorethriller. Let’s just say, I’ve not heard any complaints—in fact I think theChristian faith of my protagonist adds a great deal of depth to the series, asyou see him try to balance the conflicting demands of his faith and his job.

Collette:How long did it take you to complete?

Stephen:Well, that’s aquestion that takes me back to the early days of my writing. I’ve been writingabout the Shadow Warriors for years now—but most of those completedmanuscripts have wound up in the virtual dustbin. It wasn’t until I was 17 thatI completed a manuscript that I was happy with, and then I had to go back andrewrite the beginning of the series. Pandora’s Grave is the result, andI think it lays a solid foundation for the series.

Collette:Pandora’s Grave was so intricate and intense. Can you describe your researchinto your subject?

Stephen:For me, theresearch of a story is almost as fun as the writing itself. For Pandora’sGrave, I did a lot of research into the culture and religion of the MiddleEast, which included reading the Qur’an and many of the hadiths. And that wasonly one facet of the story—I spent months researching the CIA, specialoperations, and the intelligence community. Above all, I trust the story hasconveyed my immense respect for the real-life counterparts of mycharacters—they truly are the only ones standing between this country andanother terrorist attack.

Collette:Can you describe your protagonist Harry Nichols in a few sentences? What is helike? What does he want? Goals, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

Stephen:Harry differsfrom your traditional thriller character in a lot of ways. One of the mostprofound is probably the fact that he is a team leader, not the classic “lonewolf”. Which means he brings to the table a completely different skill set ofleadership abilities—one reviewer compared him to Alistair Maclean’s Keith Malloryfrom the Guns of Navarone, and I’d say it’s an apt comparison.

He’s profoundly good at what hedoes, particularly in judging people and knowing the amount of force to use ina given situation. He’s a minimalist—never do more than you have to in order toachieve the desired result. Weaknesses? I think I’ll let the series play outand reveal those—he does have them. One of the core things about Harry is thattaking a human life is not something he does lightly, even if he has learned todo it effectively. As he says during the early pages of Day of Reckoning,the sequel to Pandora’s Grave, he walks with the ghosts of every manhe’s ever killed. What affect that burden has on him is yet to be seen.

Collette:I did find him very human in the story. So did you have a favorite character to develop? If so, who?

Stephen:Oh, my, that’s ahard one. I love all my characters—and prove it by blowing them up, shootingthem, throwing them off buildings, etc. I think one of my favorites—and I knowone of yours—would be the character of Harry’s boss, Bernard Kranemeyer.Kranemeyer is such an interesting character in that he’s a former Delta Forcesergeant, and he brings a lot of that attitude to his current job as Directorof the Clandestine Service. He views it as his responsibility to keep thebureaucrats and politicos of D.C. off the backs of his men in the field, andhas few scruples as to how he goes about it. In some ways, Kranemeyer is thereluctant bureaucrat—someone who, despite losing a leg to an IED attack, hasnever lost those instincts that go with being in the field. I think fans ofKranemeyer in Pandora’s Grave will be delighted to see him return in aneven larger role in the sequel.

Collette:Definitely. He was one that I admired tremendously. Are any of your characters based on real-life friends or acquaintances?

Stephen:How aboutenemies? There’s a few of them in the novel—I always tell people totread carefully, or they might wind up an Iranian terrorist, a corruptbureaucrat, or some such villain. None of my characters are taken directly fromlife, but I certainly draw character traits, personality quirks, dialogue, etc.from just about everyone I’ve ever known. It’s one of the side effects of beinga pastor’s son—you become a pretty keen observer of human nature.

Collette:Ha, that's great! Well, do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?

Stephen:Definitely. I’mparticularly invested in Harry—I can probably say that there’s no emotion hefeels that I haven’t felt, albeit on a considerably less dramatic scale. Idon’t think I could write about it convincingly otherwise.

Collette:Tell me a little about how you were able to balance the different countries,ideologies, characters and military presence throughout the story.

Stephen:Well, despite myemotional attachment to the characters, particularly Harry—I consider my rolein the story as that of reporter, in the sense that I don’t so much create theevents as simply tell what happens. I work very hard not to editorialize, tokeep my own voice and ideology out of the story—which I achieve by honoring thepoint of view. In other words, when I write a scene—I write it through the eyesand belief system of the central character in that scene. And it doesn’t reallymatter if that character believes in pink elephants—I write it as if it weretrue and count on the readers to figure out that the guy’s nuts.

Collette: Your descriptions of the inner workings of theCIA really threw me for a loop. It all seemed like a firsthand account of whatreally goes on behind the scenes. Can you tell me how you were able to expressthat so well?

Stephen: Yes, but thenI’d have to kill you. . .Seriously, I’ve had people ask if my background was inthe intelligence community, if I had to file Freedom of Information Act papersto do my research, etc., but everything I wrote about is public knowledge,supplemented by a few educated guesses on my part, based on the research I’vedone through the years. And yet, since the book has come out, I’ve been toldthat my portrayal of Langley was spot-on. It’s a good feeling.

One of the things that isso realistic about Pandora’s Grave is that it is a team-based thriller.The “lone wolf” stories truly are a product of fiction—I was told by one formermember of the intelligence community that there’s a support team of twenty forevery man out in the field. Now, I don’t convey things to that extent—as I toldSuspense Magazine, I had to strip away a lot of layers of bureaucracyjust to tell my story—but I do convey the essence of reality.

Collette: You did a great job with what you had, Stephen!

Collette: The tenuous balance between friend and foe was astrong component in Pandora’s Grave. We see it in personal interactionsas well as political ones. How close to reality do you think your story is?

Stephen: Closer than I’dlike to think, probably. One thing about Pandora’s Grave—while the goodguys do win in the end, it’s not always clear who they are. I enjoy paintingcharacters in shades of grey—not in the sense of moral equivalency, but in thesense that every man has his own morality, no matter how twisted. And thatcreates interesting scenarios when people like Harry find themselves workingalongside very unsavory characters toward a “common” goal. Or at least whatseemed like one at the time.

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

Stephen:Well, the ShadowWarriors haven’t seen their last curtain call—not by a long shot. The teamfrom Pandora’s Grave returns for an encore in Day of Reckoning,the second book in the series. A Pakistani terrorist is on U.S. soil with achemical weapon, and the only man who can stop him is on the run, suspected ofinvolvement in the bombing of the CIA Headquarters Building and theassassination of CIA Director David Lay. With twenty days till Christmas, HarryNichols finds himself out in the cold. . .and the clock is ticking down towardthe most horrific attack ever launched against this country.

Collette:How often do you read?

Stephen:All the time—Idon’t read as much fiction now, unfortunately, due to the amount of research Ihave to sift through for my own writing. But I’ll never stop reading, it’s beena lifelong passion.

Collette:What is your favorite genre to read?

Stephen:Thrillers—surprise,surprise. I read extensively in the genre to keep myself fresh—although I dobranch out. I love historical fiction, a genre I dabbled in with my first book Swordof Neamha, a Celtic adventure novel set in pre-Roman Britain—and I do a lotof other reading. My most recent read was the 1957 novel Atlas Shruggedby the Objectivist philosopher Ayn Rand. A truly prophetic foretelling of theworld we live in today.

Collette:Do you prefer eBooks, paperbacks or hardcovers?

Stephen:Well, I read inpart to get away from the screens in my life, so I definitely prefer my booksto be in print. That said, the low cost of e-books has enabled me tofamiliarize myself with a lot of great authors over the last year, thrillerwriters like Gary Ponzo, Lili Tufel, and R.E. McDermott. A paperless future? Idon’t think so, but the e-book tide is building.

Wherecan we find you online?
Website:www.stephenwrites.com
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Pandoras-Grave-Shadow-Warriors-ebook/dp/B005H11X0I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317827684&sr=8-1
Amazon.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pandoras-Grave-Shadow-Warriors-ebook/dp/B005H11X0I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317827732&sr=8-1
Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/77292
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4904146.Stephen_England
Barnes& Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pandoras-grave-stephen-england/1104778141

Collette:Where is Pandora’s Grave available for purchase?

Stephen:It is available at the above links for electronic readers of allvarieties, as well as in paperback at www.lulu.com

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

Stephen:My hope is to have Day of Reckoningout by late next year, but we’ll see how it goes. No hard and fast releasedates, editing can really mess those up.

Collette: Thank you so much,Stephen! What an intense story you have. A great read!!

Stephen: Thanks so much for having me,Collette. It was great talking with you.

Here is my review of Pandora’s Grave:

When Ifirst opened this book, I grew very excited. A thriller lover at heart, I begana 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 Englandhas written an intense, powerful and exciting thriller that seems so realisticthat you feel as though he has seen it with his own eyes and survived it to sitdown and tell the tale.

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

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

My Domestic Violence Awareness Month Donation - Please join me:

2011-09-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

October isdesignated Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this month I would like togive to a cause I feel strongly about. I have blogged about domestic violence on acouple of occasions already, primarily when Forever Sunshine firstcame out in April. Since then, I have heard from multiple domestic violencesurvivors, and each and every one of them told me that Forever Sunshine was not only very real to them but also hopefulfor those still in a situation to get out. Naturally, that was part of themessage I was trying to send, but I also wanted to draw attention to the issueitself. Often domestic violence is a hidden matter, a family matter that no onetruly understands or wants to get involved with. For emergency personnel, it isalso a cause for concern. During my time in the Emergency Medical Services,scene safety was our first priority. When responding to a domestic violencecall, we often required the backup of police personnel to ensure the scene wassafe before we could enter.

There was onecall where the husband was drunk, injured and required transport to thehospital, and though he was arrested the police officer followed the ambulancerather than riding in the back with me. As senior medical personnel I treatedthe patient, while my EMT (who was male) drove. The patient looked at me midwaythrough the ride to the hospital and said, “I could kill you with my bare handsright now.” I must admit that I was a little unnerved, even though I remindedhim coolly that we had an escort and a burly EMT up front. But that is howthese people control their victims, through fear and intimidation. If astranger would talk to another stranger so angrily, can we imagine how he musthave spoken to his family?

Please do notget me wrong. Men are not always the offenders. Domestic violence can occur viawomen as well. The main point is that it is a problem for all involved, butthere are means of escape and ways to get help for both the victim and theoffender. Most importantly of all, there are opportunities to show that thereis nothing to be ashamed of; there is help out there.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, andin honor of this important milestone I am putting together a donation for everysale of Forever Sunshine to a cause that I believe is worthwhile. I have contacted a national domestic violence organization and am working with them on this plan. Though Iwould love to give to more than one organization, this time around I havechosen one site to focus on. Depending on the success of my venture, I willcertainly branch out because this is a serious endeavor.

The Hotline is a24/7 non-profit organization that operates nationwide in the United States.They offer crisis intervention, advocacy, and information to victims orpossible victims. Their database includes referrals to over 4,000 programs andshelters, so they work hard every day trying to pass on the means and educationto help others. In these difficult financial times donations are harder to comeby, and this is why I am hopeful that by buying a decent story of hope, healingand survival others can find a way to pass a day and give back to those whoneed help. My latest blog review has been completed by BookReviews by Tima. Please take a look to learn more about my story. The eBook Forever Sunshine is only $2.99 onAmazon; the paperback just $14.95. For my UKreaders, please click here. Remember, you do notneed a Kindle to purchase an eBook. If you would like to read on your computeror smartphone, Amazon offers an e-reading application. Get yours here.

So pleasejoin me in my attempts to give back to those in need and help me spread the word.

If you are inneed, do not hesitate to call 1-800-799-SAFEor visit TheHotline.org for immediate assistance. All ittakes is one call to get the ball rolling.

Thank youall, my good readers!

Forever Sunshine:

Young and naïve Cherisse Bridwell had focused solely on completing her college degree and beginning her career until one hot summer evening when her frightened older sister, Shelly, arrives looking for help. Cher's carefully ordered life quickly comes to an end. Trapped in an abusive marriage, Shelly is terrified and has nowhere else to go but to her overworked and oblivious sister. Though Cher is not prepared to handle the effects of a controlling and violent husband, fate delivers help via police sergeant Brandon Nicholson. With his strength and guidance, he shows Cherisse and Shelly how to survive and how to live life to the fullest. As both women find their inner strength, Cher and Brandon fall in love and build a future together. However, life is full of ups and downs, and through it all Cher and her family must continue to face every day with a feeling of hope and optimism, even when it seems as though all hope is gone.

Up Close and Personal with Author Chris Thrall of Eating Smoke

2011-09-21T04:24:00.000-07:00

Chris Thrall’s highly anticipated new release, Eating Smoke: One Man’s Descent into Drug Psychosis in Hong Kong’s Triad Heartland, is a powerful yet humorous autobiography about a man who hopes to start a new life in Hong Kong only to fall into a terrible drug addiction that nearly claims his sanity and his life. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to speak with Chris about this dramatic story, and I am proud to share what I've learned about his exciting and amusing story.

Collette: Thank you so much for joing me today, Chris. I'm thrilled to have you here. Can we start with a little bit about you. Who is Chris Thrall?

Chris: Chris Thrall left the British Royal Marine Commandos in 1995 to run his own business in Hong Kong, but less than a year later was homeless, in psychosis from crystal meth addiction and working for the 14-K, a Hong Kong triad crime syndicate, as a nightclub doorman in Wan Chai’s infamous red-light district.

Collette: What made you want to join the military? Was it a childhood dream or something that seemed right at the time?

Chris: I joined up for a bet. My friend’s father was a Marine, a veteran of the Falklands Conflict. Dan was telling people that the Royal Marines have the toughest infantry training in the world. We both left school with little qualifications, so he went on the Potential Recruits Course at the Commando Training Centre in the UK – a 3-day trial made up of swimming, gymnasium, endurance, assault course and military knowledge tests, to see if you have what it takes to enter the eight months of training to earn the coveted green beret. Having been accepted he came around to my house bragging and said, ‘Of course, you’d never be able to pass it.’ So I went to the recruiting office the next day.

Collette says: A bet? You're quite the daredevil.

Collette: How do you think your time in Northern Ireland and the Arctic influenced the path your life took in Hong Kong?

Chris: There’s not much need for Artic warfare and survival training on the streets of tropical Hong Kong! But understanding how covert organisations, such as the IRA, operate gave me an immediate interest in the Hong Kong triad syndicates.

Collette says: No need to dress for the cold there, I imagine.

Collette: While you were in the military, you started a business in Hong Kong. How did that come about?

Chris: By chance. I got involved in network-marketing organisation, Quorum International. It involved selling electronic products – home, car and personal attack alarms and other security products – and sponsoring distributors into my ‘network’. I got to two positions away from the top of the company’s compensation plan – the top being financial freedom for life. Then Quorum opened for business in Hong Kong. I recruited a military contact there, a Hong Kong Chinese guy. Together we built a massive network in Asia and the first one ever in China. Our first month’s turnover was almost US$100,000, so I gave notice to leave the Marines.

Collette says: That would have been pretty strong motivation for me, too.

Collette: After you moved to Hong Kong, your business fell through and you were forced to turn to odd jobs. Can you tell us a little how you went from marketing to bouncing in a bar?

Chris: After I’d moved to Hong Kong, Quorum International, our parent company, folded, leaving me no choice but to walk away from three years of hard work. I loved being in Hong Kong, so I took the first job available so I could stay. It was in a computer trading company where I was employed for my ‘white’ Western face. In my crazy boss’s eyes, this made his company look successful when clients visited. In my next job, I sold advertising space to corporations such as AT & T, Bell, and British Airways, in a business directory that didn’t actually exist! Finally, I got disillusioned with the business world and didn’t want to see my youth slipping away in a suit, so I took a job in Hong Kong’s infamous Wan Chai red-light district as a nightclub bouncer.

Collette: That’s quite a shift, businessman to bouncer. Now is that when you began using drugs?

Chris: No, I’d used recreational drugs during the House Music scene that took off in the UK in the early 90s. It was a phenomenal time for many in my generation with the most uplifting music we’d ever heard and the cross-cultural club scene breaking down social barriers and traditional prejudices. It was great fun and a big learning curve.

Collette: Like Grunge here in the U.S. Ah, those were good times!

Collette: Can you touch on your descent into psychosis without giving away too much of your story?

Chris: Crystal meth seemed like the perfect drug – the key to the lock, so to speak. Not only did I feel cool, calm and in control, accompanied by an immense sense of energy and euphoria, but it also made me very creative. I discovered ‘abilities’ – writing, poetry, drawing – that I was told I was a failure at in school. I just wanted to live on this amazing high everyday. Then a strange incident occurred. I was in a shop buying a blanket for my new apartment. I glanced at its label looking for a price tag – but what I saw instead changed my whole existence. I sensed a massive underground conspiracy. Everyday events took on new and subliminal meanings. In reality, the meth had overloaded by synapses and my cognition was breaking down. But it was impossible to appreciate this at the time.

Collette: How much involvement did your interaction with the 14K Brotherhood have on the situation you found yourself in?

Chris: It was 14K triads that ran the nightclub I worked in. When you consider that organised crime is a global conspiracy in itself and that the Hong Kong triads are well-known for using secretive methods of communication such as hand signs, gestures, clothing, symbols, etc, it didn’t do much to improve my own situation. I lived in a continual state of confusion, perpetually wracking my brain trying to differentiate one conspiracy from the other, or wondering if they were one and the same.

Collette: You have been able to survive the trauma of Hong Kong. What do you do with yourself now that you are back in England?

Chris: I’ve purposely avoided giving too much of my current life away. When people read Eating Smoke, I want them to appreciate the fast-paced and thrilling story through my eyes at the time. The reader gets to experience as near to firsthand as is possible what it’s like to descend into mental illness while working as a doorman in a club run by the Hong Kong triads in the Wan Chai gangland. I think for the reader to have a picture of me in their head as my life is now would somewhat impinge on the story. Perhaps that’s the subject for another book.

Collette: Your intense, humorous and candid book, Eating Smoke: One Man’s Descent into Drug Psychosis in Hong Kong’s Triad Heartland is due out October 1st in the US. From what I’ve read so far, it is a shockingly blunt and honest depiction of your life at the time. Can you tell me a little about the writing process? What approach did you take to honing your skill to such perfection?

Chris: As far as English was concerned, I only had a high-school qualification and no experience of creative writing. I didn’t even know what grammar was, if I’m honest. I began to make a list of all the poignant memories I had of my time in Hong Kong, in addition to scribbling a rough prologue. I wanted to engage all readers in the Eating Smoke story, irrespective of their favoured genre. I’d spend an evening every four months or so doing this, until I had a chronology of memories, a prologue and a rough first chapter. Eating Smoke was still a pipe dream for me. In 2008, I found myself out of work. I put the computer on and six months later, I had a 230,000-word manuscript. Then using books, websites and forums, I spent a year learning the art of good writing and editing.

Collette: From the excerpts I’ve read, Eating Smoke is a fast paced and thrilling read. Did you add anything into the story to keep the momentum going, or is it all true to life?

Chris: The majority of the feedback I get is that Eating Smoke had the reader laughing aloud. It’s not all about drugs, gangsters and violence – in fact, there’s very little of the latter in the book. It’s more about a young man’s experience ‘finding himself’ in the world’s most amazing city, the crazy adventure ride I went on and the often-hilarious situations I found myself in. I didn’t add anything. I just edited the mundane bits out. Having said that, life doesn’t get more dramatic than descending into psychosis from crystal meth addiction while working as a nightclub doorman for the Hong Kong triads.

Collette says: Paranoia coupled with dealing with real-life dangerous gangs… my heart stops just thinking about it.

Collette: After everything you have seen and gone through, how were you able to incorporate such wry humor into your writing?

Chris: Commandos must possess a quality known as ‘cheerfulness under adversity.’ Even in the direst of circumstances, marines must have a joke at the ready. Eating Smoke isn’t a memoir of regret. Despite the highs and lows, I had an unbelievable time in Hong Kong. I experienced fascinating areas of life and am fortunate to come through it intact. Many of the situations I found myself in were very funny. And those that weren’t, well, you’ve still have to laugh.

Collette says: I think it’s fabulous that you laugh about it. I read a blog post you did about flying in Florida and had to giggle.

Collette: You are very honest in your depiction of the 14K and ‘foreign triad’. To people who know nothing about these groups, can you give us a quick explanation of who they are and what they do?

Chris: The triads – the ‘Brothers of the Marsh’ or ‘Water Margin’ – originated hundreds of years ago. Originally a clandestine brotherhood united in the Underground to fight against the oppression levied on the people by the ruling dynasty at the time, in recent years their philanthropic mandate has changed, somewhat, seeing them become a similar organisation to the Italian Mafia. As with the Freemasons and other secret societies, the triads communicate with secret hand signs, gestures and symbolism. Traditionally, only Chinese of pureblood are accepted into the Triads. The ‘foreign triad’ is a syndicate made up entirely of expats – foreign nationals that have formed their own crime syndicate.

Collette: With your brutal honesty, is there any risk of retaliation?

Chris: My honesty is in detailing my descent into psychosis from drug addiction. I happened to be working in a club run by the 14K Triad at the time. I haven’t divulged any information that you can’t find on Google or Wikipedia. That’s not to say that for people who haven’t experienced organised crime firsthand, Eating Smoke isn’t a real eye-opener.

Collette: What message do you think your book will send to readers?

Chris: I didn’t intend there to be any message – just an entertaining story. I like it when people tell me what they got from reading Eating Smoke.

Collette: Some people view writing as cathartic. Was this the case for you?

Chris: Enjoyable and educational – but not cathartic. To write Eating Smoke I had to relive old memories. Many brought a smile to my face – some had me laughing out loud – but others reminded me of how ill I was, the trauma I went through, and how I almost died. I don’t regret my Hong Kong experience, but I’m not sure how I feel about it, or writing about it, either.

Collette: The cover is very powerful: an ‘oh, so appropriate’ scene of someone literally on the edge. Who designed it, and how close to reality is it?

Chris: Tim McConville, based in the UK, flew to Hong Kong to take that Hong Kong and US cover shot. The model – ‘a man on the edge’ – is Andrew Dasz, an Argentinean actor and a martial arts expert. The building is in Wan Chai District, similar to the one I lived in. The picture sums up my Hong Kong experience to a tee – except I used to do handstands on the parapet.

Collette: Oh goodness, I'm hyperventilating again. J

Collette: You have a second cover with a man bearing a dragon tattoo. Is that the sign for the 14K?

Chris: I don’t know what the 14K tattoo is. In Eating Smoke, the reader will understand why that was a question I could never have asked. Two Associates designed the cover for Maverick House, my European publisher.

Collette: Considering we mentioned two different covers, will you tell us the story behind obtaining your publishers?

Chris: I didn’t want to go down the traditional route to finding a publisher. I really believed Eating Smoke would interest people and didn’t want to see it chucked on a slush pile. Instead, I approached an author who I felt would connect with my story, to ask him if he’d be kind enough to read the first chapter. Tom Carter, author of CHINA: Portrait of a People, loved what he’d read, e-mailing me the next day to say his publisher, Blacksmith Books of Hong Kong, was interested in printing it. Maverick House then acquired the rights to market the book in Europe and other territories.

Collette: So clever. A wise move. So do you have plans to continue writing?

Chris: I’m waiting to see the response from readers of Eating Smoke before I decide on the next project. I’ve had adventures in seventy-five countries, if people are interested to hear about them. I’d also like to try my hand at fiction.

Collette: Well, I would like to read about them. Count me in.

Where can we find you online?

Website:
http://www.christhrall.com
Blog:
http://www.christhrall.com/blog
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/eatingsmoke
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/chris_thrall
Amazon US:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/9881900298
Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1905379838
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4528549.Chris_Thrall
Book Trailer US:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiYG4aSMqYc
Book Trailer UK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKyayPsbj8U

Collette: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Chris: What a pleasure it is to meet you, Collette. And thank you so much for your interest in Eating Smoke.

Collette: The pleasure is mine, for sure. Thank you so much for joining me, Chris! I wish you all the greatest success with Eating Smoke and joy in your future.

Eating Smoke is sure to hold you captivated and enthralled from the beginning until the end. With eyes wide with exictement and watering from laughter, readers will turn the pages hastily when the story captures their imagination. Make sure you check the links and have a read of this exciting bestselling book when it's released in October.

My review of Eating Smoke:

When ChrisThrall left England for Hong Kong in search of his fortune and fame, theoutcome he received was most likely not the one that he had hoped for. Leavinga career in the military, he hurried out to Hong Kong to capitalize on abooming business, ready to entertain the wealthy and make a fortune. While hefound a fun-loving group of friends, he also found the potent and dangerousdrug, crystal meth. This blunt and entertaining read is the story of Mr.Thrall’s coming of age the hard way, and I mean hard.

Filled withambition and the confidence that he could succeed in a new country, Chris beginshis career in the business world only to realize that his need for adventure isnot being met. He turns to the nightclub world, doing stints as a DJ as well asa doorman. During this time, Chris gives an honest and heartfelt impression ofthe inside of Hong Kong ethos, throwing little tidbits in while he’s makingevery effort to remain respectful of a culture in which he is the ex-pat. However,the drug takes a deeper hold on him and makes it impossible for him to remainlong in each job, and his friends come and go. He ends up working for a clubrun by triads, and as his addiction increases he plays a dangerous game of inadvertentlyoffending the most feared group in Hong Kong.

Chris does anexceptional job portraying his decline into the deepest forms of addiction.Once a self-assured go-getter, he becomes a shell of the man he once was to thepoint where his friends begin to fear him, his employers have no choice but to releasehim, and the locals all know of him. His confused and paranoid thoughts leavethe reader confused and paranoid as well, all the while hoping that things willeventually get better for our hapless hero. Ever the survivor, Chris takesmatters into his own hands, standing up to the triads’ games, facing hisproblem and fighting to take control back. We are left cheering on ourtormented protagonist as he stands on the ledge of death or survival, eagerlypraying he makes the right choice. This is a great, fast-paced and engagingread where one will laugh, cry and shiver with fear right along with Mr. Thrallall the way through.

A visit with Lord David Prosser of The Queen's Envoy

2011-09-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

I am truly blessed to be able to chat with one of the most witty and charming men in my acquaintance. Lord David Prosser is the author of The Queen’s Envoy, a charming and humorous story that kept me giggling long after I finished the book. Not only does this story ripple with humor, but the characters come to life as very human and very fallible individuals that you can easily relate to.

Collette: When did you start writing?

David: Probably about 59 years ago but whoever saw my writing on the wall didn't recognise my true genius then. I started writing Books this year around my 60th birthday after someone liked a fake diary entry I did of my day. She wanted more and so I wrote the first book. Not to worry though, she's better now.

Collette: And where did you get your ideas?

David: Mainly from real situations that are easily exaggerated. I think people identify with situations they've found themselves in though I'm not sure many would own up to the toothpaste accident from Book 1.

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

David: I would have said no but I've been told I write in a Wodehouse vein and I always did like Jeeves and Wooster.

Collette: What is your writing process?

David: Pen to paper, paper to computer and then change things as I type up. I don't have set times as I never know when I'll be free so I write when the urge takes me and when I can.

Collette: How did you begin to collaborate with Ilil Arbel?

David: We had a mutual friend that I hadn't heard from in a while and I wanted to know if she knew where he was......probably hiding from me. We became friends and it was she that got the phony diary. As I had no experience and she persuaded me to write she became my editor as a penance.

Collette says: Hiding from you… penance? No way! I don’t believe a word of it. J

Collette: Do you write full-time now?

David: No. Unfortunately my wife is very ill and I don't have much time. With my own health issues I'm thinking of booking a parking bay at the hospital. Maybe I can sit there and write.

Collette: My thoughts are always with the lovely Lady Julia.

Collette: For those who don’t know much about The Queen’s Envoy, could you summarize it in a sentence or two?

David: A totally naive man is appointed as an unofficial envoy to HMG. Sent out to save his country from embarrassment with nothing more than a stiff upper lip can he avoid the clutches of the bad guys and the good girls who aim to divert him?

Collette: Very well put! I did so love the young beauties trying to seduce his innocence away from him, and Lady J’s stoic reminder that he’s one step above ‘oblivious’.

Collette: How did you come up with the idea of The Queen’s Envoy?

David: I had to produce a history from before Lord David gained the Title and I didn't think a job in Local Government was quite gripping enough.

Collette: How long did it take you to complete?

David: About 6 weeks in total but I had less time limitations then and bucket loads of enthusiasm.

Collette: Lord David goes from humble man to secret spy. Why do you think he maintains his innocence while he is thwarting assassins, blackmailers and financial gurus?

David: I think he's always been a little shy and certainly naive. He feels that it's luck that helps him solve all the problems so gives himself little credit.

Collette: Can you describe Lord David in a few sentences? What is he like? What does he want? Goals, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

David: I wonder which one you want? He's rather Edwardian in look and dress, mainly quietly spoken and tries to be a gentleman in every sense of the word. He wants world peace but is not so naive as to think it likely to happen. His goals are to keep his family safe and his strengths are that he will not be diverted from right as he believes in justice. His weaknesses are probably that he will not be diverted from right and he believes in the law rather than justice which don't always seem to be the same thing.

Collette says: That sums him up perfectly.

Collette: Sir Oscar plays a rather large role in keeping Lord David humble. Can you tell us a little bit about this star of the show?

David: Oscar is the unofficial alarm cat in the household who knows that only Lord David is daft enough to wake at the first mioaw, and if he doesn't then he will move at the second scratch or the third bite. Oscar has the usual high opinion of himself that cats have and he's now decided that the universe of the village revolves around him. He's actually 17 now and becoming much more of a house cat though he's never admit that in his blog.

Collette says: My favourite spot in the book was Lady J tossing Oscar at the postman. She seems like quite the lady! Can you tell us a little bit about Lord David’s better half?

David: Lady J is probably the only master Oscar recognises. She's a sweet natured person but tends to be much more practical than David so perhaps appears on occasion to be a little short with him. There's no doubt she loves him, but like most women likes to be the winner when it comes to a difference of opinion. She also has the knack for levitating his wallet out of his pocket without him noticing. Loves animals especially her horses and riding is the only thing that makes her get up early. Someone you'd always want on your side.

Collette: Lady J and Ysabel also prevent Lord David from becoming too egotistical. Why do you think that is?

David: I think they're just trying to show they retain the common touch and that the Title hasn't changed them though they accept the Title has given them certain privileges. They feel that people will lose respect if they act too high and mighty even though they have a position to maintain. David hasn't changed at all but they foist all their worries on to him rather than accept it may be them.

Collette: You based many characters on your real-life acquaintances. What sort of reception have you received from them?

David: I take the phone off the hook and tell them I'm the Butler and his Lordship is out. In reality no-one has minded so far though one person asked why I'd given her only one eye, and I didn't even remember I had. If I ever become a best seller I think I'll arrange guided tours round the local spots in books one and three.

Collette says: We shouldn’t forget Oscar’s lawsuit, right? I wonder if he will relent now that you are giving him his due J.

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

David: I have started book four but circumstances have brought it to a halt for now. This is a sequel to The Queen's Envoy, and I am offering friends the chance to appear in a chapter each based on their home town and using their own skills to help me solve a case. I freely admit this is a device to boost sales as hopefully they'll all want copies for their families. I might even make double figures in sales like this.

Collette: Can you tell us a little bit about The Barsetshire Diaries?

David: This is an attempt to remind people of life in a small village and the eccentricities of those who live there. When Anthony Trollope wrote about Barsetshire it had the gentry and the towns and villages. Seventy years later Angela Thirkell updated the stories and continued along the same theme. Seventy years later I've tried to do the same but in a humerous way.

Collette: How often do you read?

David: I try to read for an hour before sleep each night. The longer I stay awake the longer I read so I'm on two books a day now.

Collette: What is your favorite genre to read?

David: Very difficult. I like books by John Grisham, Terry Pratchett, Dick Francis, Sue Grafton and Harlan Coben so it covers a lot of genres except romance because I can't afford the tissues.

Collette: Where can we find you online?
Blog: http://barsetshirediaries.wordpress.com

Website: http://lorddavidspage.weebly.com includes Oscar's Blog

Facebook: David Michael Prosser and Author Lord David Prosser

Amazon: Lord David Prosser http://www.amazon.com/Lord-David-Prosser/e/B004I7CFTU/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Amazon.uk: Lord David Prosser http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lord-David-Prosser/e/B004I7CFTU/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Other: The Red Room, Bookbuzzr.com, Authorsden.

Where is The Queen’s Envoy available for purchase? Lulu.com, Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, B & N

Collette: What formats are your books available in?

David: My Barsetshire Diary and The Queen's Envoy are in paperback and on Kindle. More Barsetshire Diary is paperback only at the moment.

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

David: Not by a long chalk having done only a chapter and a half at the moment.

Collette: Every little bit helps. I wish you the best of luck with your future projects. If they are anything like The Queen’s Envoy, we are sure to enjoy. Thank you so much, David! I am so happy to have had this chat with you. What a hilarious story you have. A great read!

David: It's been a real pleasure Collette. Thank you for giving me so much leeway, it was fun.

Collette’s review:

If you are looking for a charming and entertaining read in which you will giggle your way through, then this book is it! From almost the very first page I was bubbling with laughter, and the trend continued to the end.

When a young government official, whose only concerns in the beginning stem from a minor motor vehicle accident and his wife's penchant for swiping his wallet, is suddenly the bearer of the title, Lord of Bouldnor, and pressed into Her Majesty's service, our small-village gentleman suddenly becomes an English hero. With characters such as wife Lady J and daughter Ysabel, who keep Lord David humble, and Oscar the cat, who reminds Lord David on multiple occasions just who is the boss in his family, Lord David fills his new role with the humility of a saint. Sent on various missions, Lord David swiftly and matter-of-factly saves the crown from financial ruin, blackmail, and diplomatic assassinations with the ease of a pro, only to return home to his loving wife and daughter and his eternal nemesis, Oscar, as though nothing ever happened.

With characters such as Dr. Jekyll and a cafe owner who inadvertently poisons him as well as a small village that spreads gossip via jungle drums, Lord David's story is entirely way too entertaining not to enjoy. Though not a fast-paced spy adventure, you will laugh your way through and love this humble James Bond with his self-deprecating humor and eager to please disposition. I highly recommend David and Ilil's story for a great laugh.

Meet Reagan McGuire, author of Can You See The Music?

2011-09-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you were offered the chance to extend your life indefinitely? Would you use that gift for good or evil? Would you take life for granted or treasure every day? Reagan McGuire has posed that question in his novel, Can You See The Music?, in a honest and powerful view of how humanity has much to learn about life and living, and I am pleased to feature him on my blog to talk more about his novel.

Collette: Thank you for agreeing to answer my questions, Reagan. Can we start with a little bit about you? Who is the man behind the story?

Reagan: That is a very hard question for me to answer. I am the adopted grandfather of two twin Navajo children age 9. I worked for the last 6 years at Northern Arizona University doing bark beetle research. I am an avid reader and a left wing liberal.

Collette: When did you start writing?

Reagan: I started in December of 2010. I did not know I could write until the words spilled out of my head and onto the page. 20,000 in the first twenty days. The dam was broken, the flood then came.

Collette: Where did you get the inspiration for Can You See the Music?

Reagan: I wish I could say it was something I had thought about and sat down and wrote on purpose, however it was not. What I can say is that the work came out of a lifetime of observation of the human condition.

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

Reagan: I am always inspired by the great writers throughout history. Balzac, Tolstoy, Conrad. I could go on and on.

Collette: Do you write full-time?

Reagan: No I write when the spirit moves me. Sitting down and trying to write seems a bit silly to me. If it does not come from the depth of my being, I do not want it on the page.

Collette: If not, what do you do to pay your bills?

Reagan: Damn, pay the bills??? Hell now I know why those pieces of paper keep growing on my desk.

Collette says: Ha ha… I know, those pesky little things always seem to pop up too regularly. Maybe if you close your eyes they’ll go away! J

Collette: Can you tell us a little about your work?

Reagan: My book Can You See The Music? is a timeless tale about time. I use life extension which will be a reality soon to take up important issues that all humans face.

Collette: How did you come up with the idea of Can You See the Music?

Reagan: This book was inspired by this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson “It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.” Within two decades life-extension will be a fact. The biology is there. People will be able to live to be 125 to 160 years old. This is something that needs to be discussed. This book is an attempt to start that conversation.

Collette: How long did it take you to complete?

Reagan: Six months.

Collette: Your story has a touch of science in it with a very powerful message. Can you describe your research into your subject?

Reagan: I wish I could say that I spent hours researching the book, but alas I did not. Whatever scientific and philosophical ideas that are exposed in the book came from reading and thinking on the deeper issues life brings us.

Collette: Can you describe Richard in a few sentences? What is he like? What does he want? Goals, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

Reagan :Richard is a flawed man who early on in life gets on a mission to save those he loves from dying. His lifelong dream causes him to create a formula to extend lifespan. He never realizes until deep into the story that 'in all creation, the seeds of destruction are sewn.'

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

Reagan: Most of them are composites of some of the remarkable people I have been blessed to have known.

Collette: Do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?

Reagan: Richard would be me on many levels. Inspired but flawed.

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

Reagan: I am now co-writing a romance novel. Shakespearean love denied by the reality of ones life.

Collette: How often do you read?

Reagan: Often , I have no life :-)

Collette: What is your favorite genre to read?

Reagan: I love reading Science anything that has to do with the evolution of human consciousness. I have been reading Henry James and John Le Carre' recently.

Collette: Ebook, paperback or hardcover?

Reagan: Paperback and hardcover.

Where can we find you online?

Website: http://www.cystmusic.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002500754923
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Can-You-See-Music-ebook/dp/B0054RBNMS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316095526&sr=8-1
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Reagan1mc

Collette: Where is Can You See The Music? available for purchase?
http://www.cystmusic.com

Collette: What formats are your book available in? Epub, PDF, Kindle

Collette: Reagan, thank you so much for sharing a bit about you and your work with me today. I wish you all the best of success, and keep up that philosophical thinking. You have made some very thought-provoking and valid points in your story. It was a pleasure to read and learn more about you.

Getting to know Caroline Barnard-Smith

2011-09-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Today I am lucky enough to have a visit from English author, Caroline Barnard-Smith, author of Jinn Nation, an intense trip into the dark world of vampires, fae and the frighteningly violent jinn. With an imagination rivaling Stephen King, Caroline has come to visit to talk more about her work.

Collette: Hello Caroline, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I’m so glad to have you appear on my blog. Can we start off with an easy question? Who is Caroline Barnard-Smith?

Caroline: Well, in a schizophrenic sort of way, I'm lots of people. I'm a mum and wife first and then a writer, although I must admit I'm guilty of dreaming up plot ideas while changing nappies or washing out bottles. ;)

I understand you began writing at a young age. Tell me a little bit about how you got started?

It was something that felt normal, something I thought everybody did I suppose, because my mum was and still is a writer. She wrote children's stories and tried them out on my sister and me, the perfect test audience. My mum inspired my love of stories and the written word and I'll always be grateful for that.

Were you inspired to write by a person, place or thing, or did it just happen?

Aside from my mum who started this whole thing, when I got seriously into reading I was inspired by epic fantasy stories. If it had a dragon or a wizard in it, I wanted to read it. My own writing has found its home in dark fantasy and at the moment specifically, the realm of the vampire, but I'd love to write my own epic fantasy series one day. When I finally come up with an idea that doesn't rip off Tolkien, I'll give it a go.

You've also made writing your lifestyle. Tell me about your other publications and activities.

I suppose since deciding to indie publish, it has become my lifestyle. You have to be your own publisher and marketer, and in many cases your own cover designer, type setter and web designer too, but I have to say I've enjoyed every minute. Maybe that's because I'm a control freak ;) I have one other novel out called Dunraven Road which was published by a small press in 2009. I learnt a lot from that experience and without it I probably wouldn't have had the guts to go it alone with Jinn Nation, but it also made me realise there was nothing involved in the publishing process that I couldn't do for myself while retaining 100% artistic and financial control. I've just regained the rights to Dunraven Road, another vampire story which introduces Dylan, my lead character in Jinn Nation, so you can expect to see that published as an e-book and repackaged paperback very soon. I'll also be releasing some small collections of short stories before the end of the year.

Let's talk a little about Jinn Nation. If you could sum it up in 30 words or less, what would you say?

The last surviving vampire of a once ruthless kin finds salvation in the desert, in the form of a woman with awesome powers she doesn't yet understand.

How much research did you complete for the story?

I did quite a bit actually, because Dylan and Christa were visiting many places where I had never been. I've never travelled to the United States for instance. Yahoo Answers is a lot of fun to use for that sort of thing, my favourite question being “What would someone eat from a gas station in the Southern United States?” to which a very kind poster replied with some good information before adding, “Weird question.”

That’s great, Caroline!

I noticed that you included not just vampirism, but also 'fairies'. The characters also travelled a bit. Can you tell me a little about your research into their locations and legends?

I've always been interested in Celtic faery lore and faeries will often pop up in my ideas and stories. These faeries aren't little Tinkerbell type flower fairies, though. They're very old and very powerful and you certainly wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of them! I didn't do any specific research when developing my fae characters, I just let my imagination have free reign although I suppose the things I've read in the past would have fed into my interpretation.

Tell me a little about Dylan.

Dylan is a vampire with serious issues about being alone in the world. After watching his kin burn at the end of Dunraven Road he turns to the jinn, a race of nasty creatures who eat human organs in order to glean their power, and has jinn stones sewn into his stomach, making him one of them. Dylan also has a weakness for powerful women, a fact that piques his interest in the mysterious Christa and later in Bredia, a maniacal jinn goddess.

Tell me a little about Christa.

Christa starts out as a seemingly timid, curious character who has the unique ability to read minds and control people's actions; powers she doesn't really understand and later on finds hard to control. The reader is slowly told more of Christa's back story as the novel progresses and by the end of the book she is a changed person.

Who was your favorite character to develop? Why?

I had the most fun with Dylan :) There's something very freeing about playing with a character who can walk through life without fear (as long as there are no jinn around, of course!), who doesn't fear consequences or reprisals. I think that's a secret wish most of us have had at one time or another.

Very true!.. It helps that he was pretty sexy too.

Who was your least favorite character to develop? Why?

I don't think I had a least favourite character, but I found Christa the most challenging. I've been criticised in the past for creating female characters who are too weak and needy, so I tried really hard to make Christa harder and more self-reliant. I suppose having super powers helps!

I enjoyed Christa the most. I think I actually liked her even more than Dylan.

Jinn Nation is broken into three parts. Each section focuses on a different aspect of the story. Without giving away any spoilers (unless you want to, of course), can you tell us a little about the process you had when you were laying out the book?

The story grew in very interesting and quite diverse ways. I started out with the clear idea that I wanted to take my characters on a road trip, so the planning of the first part of the novel was very structured and heavily researched. I would have taken Dylan and Christa to more places but as usually happens, the story began to outrun my careful planning and I very quickly realised my anti-heroes were building to a showdown in New York, which is where they spend Part Two. That section grew fairly organically and characters like Thad Gorski and Ramon popped up at will, often refusing to tell me why they were there at first. Part Three, of course, is where I had to tie it all together so more planning was required, although not rigidly so. I prefer to let a story go where it wants, but within a vague framework so I don't go completely off the rails and get lost in writer's block Hell.

I know exactly what you mean about letting it flow. I’ve tried to plan out novels, but I always end up in a totally different place as the story takes over. J

You have a very whimsical yet dark cover, fitting with the story itself. Who designed it for you?

I'm a very lucky girl because my sister's partner is pretty awesome at graphic design and he put it together for me. I'm rubbish with any sort of graphic design software so he saved Jinn Nation from a truly horrific cover. The idea was mine, I'd had quite a clear idea of how I wanted the cover to look while I was still writing the novel, and I sourced all the stock photography myself. The backdrop is an amazing night time shot of New York, which is where I feel the novel really gains its purpose and momentum.

Yes, it sure does. Part II is where I started getting tensed up waiting for what was going to happen.

Will you be doing a sequel?

I definitely left it open for a sequel, but I'm not planning one for the immediate future. Dylan is a character who refuses to stay quiet for long though, so who knows?

Do you have much time to read?

I have a new baby so not as much time as I'd like! I do read whenever I can, particularly since I've had my Kindle because I can read one-handed - very handy when holding a little one.

What are your favorite genres?

I still love fantasy and horror. I've actually just decided to try reading the epic fantasy series I've missed out on over the years while I was reading Anne Rice and Stephen King, which is quite a feat when you consider how many books some of them run to. We'll see how it goes.

What is a day in the life of Caroline like?

Sadly, it's usually quite boring! I get up when my daughter wakes up and give her some breakfast, then I check my emails and mooch around on the internet while I have my coffee (my brain doesn't really function before it's been injected with caffeine). It's hard with a baby but I'm trying to get into some sort of routine now where I do admin type things in the morning and then write new material in the afternoon. It's a balancing act because I also like to get the Sprogling out for as much fresh air as possible, something many writers don't see a lot of!

Haha! I know the feeling.

Where can we find you online?

Blog: http://barnardsmith.wordpress.com

Website: http://www.carolinebarnardsmith.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caroline-Barnard-Smith/83412182938

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Caroline-Barnard-Smith/e/B004MIDB2U/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/cazzysmith

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2964689.Caroline_Barnard_Smith

Where is Jinn Nation available for purchase?

Kindle UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jinn-Nation-ebook/dp/B0058OE3JC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1309947612&sr=8-1

Kindle USA: http://www.amazon.com/Jinn-Nation-ebook/dp/B0058OE3JC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309947539&sr=8-1

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/70355

Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/3565931

What formats are your book available in?

Jinn Nation is available as an e-book for the Amazon Kindle, or for every other e-reading device via Smashwords. A paperback version is available from Amazon.com or CreateSpace.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me!

It was my pleasure, Caroline. I wish you all the best of success, and thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

About Caroline

Twenty-something year-old Caroline Barnard-Smith has been writing stories since she was five years old. Having graduated from the University of Portsmouth with a bachelor's degree in English Literature, she now lives in Devon, England with her husband and baby daughter where she writes about ruthless vampires, lovelorn zombies and heinous blood cults.

Her short stories have been published in numerous small press magazines, including Ballista, Hungur and Night to Dawn, and on the web at Dark Fire Fiction.

Caroline's debut dark fantasy novel, Dunraven Road, was published by Immanion Press in June 2009. For various exciting reasons she's since turned her hand to indie publishing and has recently published a novella for the Amazon Kindle called The Undead Alliance. Jinn Nation is her first full length, independently published novel.

When she's not writing, Caroline is busy running her handmade craft business, CazzCraft, selling both online and at craft fairs.

Jinn Nation

Once, the vampire Dylan had feared nothing and no one. He'd rampaged throughout the world on a seemingly never ending quest to fill his eternal years with the finest, most outrageous extravagances; with exquisite, soft-limbed young women and copious amounts of rich, vibrating blood. But life, however full of joy, inevitably changes.

Finding himself alone for the first time in his long unlife, Dylan turns to the preternatural race of savage creatures called the jinn - a path that inevitably leads him to Christa, a strangely childlike woman with the power to control minds and read thoughts. Mutually intrigued by each other, they set out on a blood-soaked road trip that crosses the United States and the Atlantic Ocean, finally leading them beyond the world itself to the mysterious fae kingdoms of the Inbetween.