Stephen England the Blog Tour de Troops

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

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

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

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

Meet Author Roxanne Smolen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collette: Do you write full-time now?

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

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

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

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

Collette: How long did they take you to complete?

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

Collette: Can you describe your research into your subject?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collette: Do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?

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

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

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

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

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

Collette: How often do you read?

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

Collette: What is your favorite genre to read?

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

Collette: Does your reading inspire you?

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

Where can we find you online?

Blog: www.moonrox.wordpress.com

Website:www.roxannesmolen.com

Facebook:www.facebook.com/roxannesmolenauthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/roxannesmolen

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

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

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

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

Collette: Where are your books available for purchase?

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

Collette: What formats are your books available in?

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

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

Roxanne: Good luck to you as well, Collette.

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

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

Five Stars!

Getting to know author Joe Perrone, Jr.

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

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

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

Collette: Where do you get your ideas?

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

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

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

Collette: What is your writing process?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collette: How long did they take you to complete?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collette: Does your reading inspire you?

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

Where can we find you online?

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

Collette: Where are your books available for purchase?

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

Collette: What formats are your books available in?

Joe: Paperback, Kindle, various other Ebook formats

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

Joe: Twice Bitten should be available in early December 2011

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

Joe: Thank you, Collette!

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

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

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