July 31, 2015 by TonyT

IAM15 Interview…Tony Talbot

Thanks to everyone for taking part in Indie Month 2015!

Hope to see you next year…

To round out Indie Month, we’re talking to AfW regular Tony Talbot…

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Tony Talbot started writing short stories in 2008, after a dream he had and couldn’t shake; Finally his wife told him to write it down or stop talking about it.

He wrote his first Young Adult novel, Over the Mountain, in 2008, and has completed several others and a growing raft of short stories since.

He lives in a village in Leicestershire, UK, with an American wife he met online and two cats. As well as writing, he enjoys reading, playing on the Wii-U and not getting enough exercise.

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What is you favourite way to spend a rainy day?

Listening to it and watching it from somewhere dry. I love a good rainstorm.

You’ve found a time machine on your driveway this morning – where are you going to go in it?

Forward a week so I can sell it to myself on Ebay. 🙂

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you?

A laptop, A Kindle with a solar charger and a good internet connection. And an endless supply of Jelly Beans.

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

Oh, so many! To Kill a Mockingbird is just sublime, as good as it gets.

How do you react to a bad review?

Sulk for weeks. Tear my hair out. Then go and write something else. You’re never going to please everyone, so if most people like it, you’re on to something.

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

Mostly it was shock! “They liked it! I’m getting paid for doing this, can you believe it?”

One food you would never eat?

Broccoli. It’s just not right, and I don’t trust it one bit. I always feel like it’s judging me.

What has been your most rewarding experience since being published?

Having reviewers saying that something made them cry, or carried them away to another world for a while. That’s pretty amazing.

What was your favorite book when you were younger?

Bedknob and Broomstick by Mary Norton. I adored that book, and I still have a copy.

What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

Never give up. And always put everything you have into everything you write.

If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why?

I’d love to be right at the place and time where we know, without a doubt, that aliens are communicating with us. To look into the sky that night, point at a white dot among the millions and say, “There they are.”

What is your favorite Quote?

Currently, not one from a book, but from a maintenance plate on an elevator / lift: Keep well oiled to ensure satisfaction.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?

A librarian for a while. An undertaker (I thought: it’s great job security!). It was always something always bookish and indoors-y.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why?

Wil Wheaton. He’s about four days older than me, so the age is right for a start. He’s a great actor, very under used talent. I think he could pull off playing the Shining Light that is Me. 😉

Who are your favorite authors of all time?

Dean Koontz for seeing the tragedies of the world with humour; Stephen King for seeing the horror that lurks inside normal people; Charles Dickens for his characterisation.

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

Oh, all of them are parts of me, the good bits and the bad. The lovers of rainstorms and the socially awkward teenagers.

What’s the craziest writing idea you’ve had?

There was a photo essay the other week in “The Atlantic” – they have a cool photo section – and it was people who dress as zombies and then go and parade through cities. I thought: What about if real zombies were in there as well and no one noticed – they all thought they were REALLY good at staying in character while they ate people’s brains…And how would the cops know who to take down or arrest?

Hidden talent?

Double jointed thumbs – both of them. It’s a little freaky.

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

Star Wars Episode VII. It’s going to be BIG.

Cats or Dog?

I have two cats now, so I’m heading towards cats on this one…

Apples or Oranges?

Oranges if they don’t have pips. Apples if they aren’t too mushy.

Cause or Effect?

Oh, effects. They’re much more fun, aren’t they?

Heads or Tails?

Heads. Always heads.

Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook. Twitter is a strange, truncated world…

Truth or Dare?

Truth. Or maybe dare. Is there a third option?

Text or Talk?

Talk. I can’t get the hang of text speak…

Favorite quote from a movie?

“Why is the rum gone?!” Captain Jack Sparrow.

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Guest Post: Short Stories 101

I was emailing an Australian friend the other day (Anna Hub). She’s written four novels and just finished a fifth (The Ninth Hunter, well worth looking for when it comes out). But…she’s not sure where to start with short stories.

Most writers start with short stories and progress to novels, so it’s curious to see it the other way round…

“Bigger” (54 words)

“Mick? Did you hear that?” Elbows him awake.
“Wassup?”
“Something downstairs.”
“Bloody cat.”
“No. It sounded bigger.”
“Bloody dog then.”
“No! Bigger.”
“Bloody kids.”
“Bigger!”
“Bigger?”
“Yeah. Lots bigger.”
Mick purses lips. “Burglar?”
Eyes wide. “Yeah.”
“Big burglar?”
“Yeah.”
“Good.”
“Wot?”
“Then he can take the bloody cat, bloody dog and bloody kids. Goodnight!”

…the trick with short stories is to use your reader’s knowledge of the world to your advantage. I didn’t need to say these two are in bed and asleep when the story starts; I didn’t need to say it’s most likely the middle of the night (Most burglars don’t work afternoons, after all). “Elbows him awake” takes care of most of that in three words. Mick has a name, but his partner doesn’t. Trim the fat and leave what you need.

Short stories don’t need to be that short either. Technically, anything under 20,000 words is ‘a short story’, so you have a lot of room to move around in. Most of mine come to between 1500 and 3000 words, for example.

The real fun with short stories is to take what the readers assume and find a way to twist the end. So a short story about a man exploring an alien world turns out to be a robot exploring earth, for instance. Or drop in a humorous spin, like “Bigger”.

Here a great one from science fiction master of the twist and short, Frederic Brown:

“Earth was dead after the last atomic war. Nothing grew, nothing lived. The last man sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door…”

Everything you need is right there. We know who the story is about, we know the world he lives in, and there’s even a hook for suspense. Twenty seven words to create a world and tell a story.

Shorter than that? Here’s a (possibly apocryphal) story from Ernest Hemingway:

“For sale: Baby shoes, never worn.”

Short stories are a great way of perfecting the art of keeping the bits you don’t need out of your novels as well. Sharpen your skills on them and it will always serve you well.

(Reblogged from Musings: The Blog of Tony Talbot)

***

Where can we find you?

Find me online at Amazon, @authortony, http://www.tony-talbot.co.uk – or drop by for a chat at Goodreads.

Thanks for taking part in Indie Month, Tony!

July 22, 2015 by mel

IAM15 Snapshot Interview…Melissa Groeling

Today’s guest author is Melissa Groeling. She’s dropped in to answer one of our tough ‘Gimme 10’ interviews, where you have to answer each question in ten words or less. You can also find out more about her novel Lights Out.

So let’s get started with the questions…

Melissa Groeling

10 words or less?!? Yikes! 🙂

1. Where do you find your inspiration? Through most people I know.

2. What is your favourite aspect of Lights Out? How heavy Paul’s emotional baggage is. I torture him relentlessly.

3. Who is your favourite character from Lights Out and why? He’s the catalyst for the redemption that Paul needs desperately.

4. What are you working on now? A story called Two Evils.

5. What do you love about most about writing? Creating something from the ground up 🙂

Even when the lights are out, he can still see you…

Paul Holten’s profession doesn’t leave much room for doubt or conscience but he’s reaching his breaking point. The nightmares are getting worse, the jobs are getting harder to finish and the volatile relationship with his boss, Aaron, is falling apart. Now faced with the possibility of an impending death sentence, Paul makes the fatal decision to run. Drawn into one hellish situation after another, he’s forced to confront his dark past—and wonder if perhaps dying isn’t the better option.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Melissa Groeling graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in English. She lives, reads and writes in the Philadelphia region and wherever else life happens to send her. She is a hardcore New York Giants fan and loves chocolate. Lights Out is her second novel to date.

http://www.facebook.com/melissa.groeling

https://twitter.com/#!/stringbean10

http://melissagroeling.blogspot.com/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H51R2AS

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lights-out-melissa-groeling/1117540680?ean=2940148946137

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/379110

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lightsout-1369485-235.html

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19270732-lights-out

July 19, 2015 by TonyT

IAM 15 Guest post…Annabelle Franklin

Today we’re talking to Annabelle Franklin about…

The Slapstyx

The Slapstyx features psychic twins Georgie and Gem whose stepfather works for dodgy businessman Zachary Zigstack. Greedy Zigstack has teamed up with disgusting Dr Quagley and his tribe of grubby goblins to make everyone buy his toxic cleaning product. This dreadful detergent is poisoning the world’s oceans, and the twins must use their magical skills to put an end to Zigstack’s dirty dealings before all the sea creatures are destroyed.

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Annabelle Franklin is a children’s author living on Wales’s South Gower coast, in an area of outstanding natural beauty that could be a model for Fairyland. She has published two middle grade novels, Gateway to Magic and The Slapstyx, and her short story Mercy Dog appears in Unforgotten (Accent Press), an anthology themed around WW1. When not writing Annabelle helps rescue ex-racing sighthounds, two of which share her home.

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Indie Interview

A genie grants you three writing-related wishes: what would you wish for and why?

A magic word to switch off my Inner Editor while I’m writing a first draft, another magic word to switch it on again when I’m ready to edit my work, and a fairy to take care of everything else in my life so I can concentrate on writing.

Describe your ideal writing space.

A luxury beach hut in the Maldives.

What has been your most rewarding experience since being published?

Hearing that children are enjoying my stories. When I hear that a child has loved one of my books and laughed at the funny bits, I know I’ve done my job well.

Who is your favourite character from The Slapstyx, and why?

Zachary Zigstack. I have a grotesque sense of humour, and Zachary Zigstack is grotesque. I love it when my writing makes me laugh out loud.

What do you love about most about writing?

The opportunity to escape from reality and become a fictional character, especially if that character is a child. Much more fun than being grown up!

***

Where can we find you?

The Slapstyx can be found on Amazon at http://myBook.to/Slapstyx and Smashwords at http://bit.ly/1FQ3gnr .

Gateway to Magic can be found on Amazon at http://myBook.to/G2M

Amazon author page http://Author.to/AFranklin

Smashwords author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/StarFireMagic

Blog http://annabellefranklinauthor.wordpress.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Annabelle-Franklin-Author/1474449249481609

Twitter https://twitter.com/Anabel1Franklin

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6904737.Annabelle_Franklin

Thanks for taking part in Indie Month, Annabelle!

July 17, 2015 by TonyT

IAM15 Guest Post…Jan Sikes

Today we’re talking to Jan Sikes about…

Home at Last

With empty pockets and a heart full of dreams Luke Stone leaves behind the nightmare of fifteen long years in Leavenworth prison, not giving it a backward glance.

Eyes firmly on the future, he boards a Greyhound bus bound for Texas…for freedom…for the one who holds his heart. The unjust conviction no longer matters and revenge haunts him no more. Darlina Flowers, the woman who takes his breath away, waits ahead and with her by his side, nothing can stop him.

He is headed HOME AT LAST.

***

Award winning author, Jan Sikes, writes true stories in a creative and entertaining way.

Her current project chronicles the life of veteran Texas musician, Rick Sikes. Not only was Rick a highly popular entertainer in Texas music, he truly began the Outlaw movement. But, as songwriter Richard Dobson penned, “He took that outlaw thing a little far…”

She also releases music CDs with each book.

At a very early age, she developed a passion for reading. It not only provided entertainment, but also taught her about other ways of life and transported her to exotic places. Jan writes songs, poetry, short stories, screenplays and novels.

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WRITING AND MUSIC

BY JAN SIKES

I often get asked the question, “why is there a music CD with each of your books?” And I love it when I get the chance to give an answer.

I’ll start at the beginning (although I promise to keep it short!) I grew up in a very strict religious household. We had no TV because it was against our religion. At a young age, I discovered the joy and adventures to be had through reading. My first love was Grimm’s Fairy Tales, but I soon progressed to reading everything I could get my hands on.

I found such exciting people, places and happenings in the pages of the books. I could travel the world without ever leaving my bedroom.

And then there was music! The church I was raised in had very lively music and that was always my favorite part of the service. My first piece of writing was a gospel song about my favorite uncle, who was an alcoholic.

When I was a teenager, I received a transistor radio one year for my birthday. Then I discovered KOMA broadcasting out of Oklahoma City and XERF where Wolfman Jack did his show. Wow! I truly fell in love with music then. But I craved live music. So, when I left home, I sought it out.

This is where the stories I write begin. I met and fell head-over-heels in love with a highly popular Texas musician. Little did I know what that chance meeting would grow to be. And that I would be singing and writing my own music along with him many years later.

So, the short answer to the original question is: The reason I release a music CD along with each book is because these stories all revolve and evolve around music.

Publishing music is much the same as publishing books. I see very distinct parallels. The production mode is different but marketing is similar. I have worked over the past three years to incorporate authors into music events and now that hard work is beginning to pay off. I am helping organize an event in Frisco, Texas this coming September called Wood and Words. It is a combination of songwriters and authors. I am super excited about it and hoping that it grows and flourishes. I hope the idea catches on everywhere because as I said, there are such parallels between music and books as far as creating and marketing.

I hope that you will check out my true stories told through fictitious characters.

Flowers and Stone is set in the rowdy raucous honky-tonks of Texas in 1970. Darlina Flowers is a young naïve girl while Luke Stone is older and a well-seasoned rogue musician. Their love sparks then ignites into an ever-burning flame.

The Convict and the Rose is set in Leavenworth Federal Prison with Luke and Darlina being split apart by fate and circumstance. Both experience tremendous growth through the years and it is a story that can inspire hope for anyone in a desperate situation.

Home At Last is set in the small west Texas town of Coleman. With empty pockets and a heart full of dreams, Luke Stone boards a Greyhound bus bound for Texas, for freedom and the woman who takes his breath away. Prison behind him and eyes set firmly on the future, revenge for the false conviction and imprisonment haunts him no more. He is headed home at last!

‘Til Death Do Us Part is slated for release in late summer of this year. It concludes this series of stories. Luke Stone found making music again, with Darlina at his side, more satisfying and rewarding than filling the Texas honky-tonks as he’d done in his younger days. But, there is only so much sand in the hourglass. Determined to make the most of what life dealt him, Luke persevered through trials that would destroy a lesser man.

The music CDs that accompany these books are each unique, influenced by the time periods the music was written and performed.

The CD that compliments Flowers and Stone is titled Rick Sikes and the Rhythm Rebels – Early recordings and is a compilation of songs taken from 45 rpm records that were made in the 60s.

Forty Foot High, the CD that goes with The Convict and the Rose contains songs that were all written and recorded inside the walls of Leavenworth prison. It is historic.

The most recent CD release – I’ll Be Home When The Roses Bloom Again – is unique in that it consists of songs written and recorded by myself and some written by both myself and Rick Sikes. The other unique feature of this CD is that our daughter, Deva is showcased with her silk voice singing songs that Rick and I wrote together.

***

Where can we find you?

Websites

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8DK * http://www.jansikes.com * http://www.rijanpublishing.com * http://www.ricksikes.com

Blog

https://rijanjks.wordpress.com/

Social Media

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks * http://www.twitter.com/rijanjks * http://www.pinterest.com/jks0851/ * https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=65865260&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic * https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JanSikes/posts

Book trailer videos

Home At Last and ‘Til Death Do Us Part https://youtu.be/y3rAnjhlqgw

The Convict and The Rose https://youtu.be/Bkb9g4f6has

Flowers and Stone https://youtu.be/zgVDzXmKuQo

Thanks for taking part in Indie Month, Jan!

July 15, 2015 by mel

IAM15 Author Interview…Carys Jones

We’ve already met author Carys Jones today, in her first feature about her Writing Routine. But, she was nice enough to fill in some interview questions for us as well and so we thought we might as well share them with you 🙂

Snapshot Interview with Carys Jones

A genie grants you three writing-related wishes: what would you wish for and why?

Ooh! That’s a fun question! I think I’d first ask for the ability to slow time down, especially when I’ve got deadlines looming as sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

But then secondly I’d also want the ability to speed time up! Particularly when I’m waiting on a submission as publishing is a notoriously slow paced industry and I’m an insanely impatient person! Lol.

Finally I’d ask for the ‘F’ key on my laptop to get fixed. I always write on my beloved pink laptop which I’ve had for years and just can’t bear to part with even though it’s now past it’s best. So if the genie could fix the keyboard that would be awesome : )

Describe your ideal writing space.

I’m really fortunate because I already get to work in my ideal writing space. The room I work in has bright pink walls and is littered with Disney memorabilia and there are pictures everywhere of me and my friends. It is easily my favorite room in the whole house. I like that when I sit down to write I’m surrounded by all the things I love and so many happy memories. My dog, Rollo, even has a bed in there so he can come and sit with me when I work.

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

Flowers in the Attic. It is beautifully written and deeply moving. But don’t make my mistake and tackle the rest of the series as they really don’t live up to the brilliance of the first book.

How do you react to a bad review?

I totally get that not everybody is going to love the same book. It would be a very boring world if we did. When I get a bad review I take on board what the reviewer is saying, any negative feelings they have and am then just grateful that they took the time to not only read the book but to put in to words their thoughts about it. There have been loads of times when I’ve really hated a book that everyone else has loved. But that’s fine, it’s my opinion and I’m completely entitled to it! So if someone loves or hates my book, I’m just excited that they are reading it and having a reaction.

What are you working on at the moment – do you have any other books in the works?

I’m working on a really exciting YA series at the moment which is Geek Girl meets John Green but I’m kind of sworn to secrecy on it at this point! Sorry!

What has been your most rewarding experience since being published?

The most rewarding part of being published is connecting with writers, readers and book bloggers. I’ve met so many awesome and interesting people through writing. I feel like I have a totally new network of friends thanks to my books and I’m so appreciative of that.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Carys Jones loves nothing more than to write and create stories which ignite the reader’s imagination. Based in Shropshire, England, Carys lives with her husband, two guinea pigs and her adored canine companion Rollo.

When she’s not writing, Carys likes to indulge her inner geek by watching science- fiction films or playing video games.

She lists John Green, Jodi Picoult and Virginia Andrews as her favorite authors and draws inspiration for her own work from anything and everything.

To Carys, there is no greater feeling then when you lose yourself in a great story and it is that feeling of ultimate escapism which she tries to bring to her books.

For more information about Carys please visit www.carys-jones.com or follow her on Twitter; @tiny_dancer85

Blog http://carysjonesauthor.blogspot.co.uk/

Website http://carys-jones.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/tiny_dancer85

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CarysJonesWriter

Buying Links Amazon

July 14, 2015 by TonyT

IAM15 Guest Post…Patrick Hodges

Today we’re talking to Patrick Hodges about…

***

Joshua’s Island

Joshua is small for his age. He has been bullied relentlessly for years, and all of his friends have drifted away from him. Eve is a pretty girl who has just been recruited into the popular clique. The two couldn’t be more different.
As they begin their final year of middle school, the unlikely pair find themselves partners in Science class. At first reluctant to work with him, Eve soon discovers hidden truths about not only Joshua but their school that turn her world upside-down.
The two form a relationship that will teach them both the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and love… a relationship that will end up changing not only their lives, but the entire complexion of their school.

***

I currently live in Arizona with my wife, Vaneza. After years of writing for several different entertainment-related blogs, I am making my first forays into fiction.

***

A genie grants you three writing-related wishes: what would you wish for and why?

First, to never run out of ideas, so that I can write for the rest of my life. Second, to touch as many people’s lives as possible, because that’s the main reason I write in the first place. And third, to be remembered long after I’ve departed this Earth, because that’s really all I can leave behind.

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

This will sound egotistical, but I think everyone should read my book “Joshua’s Island.” It is about bullying, a subject about which I feel very strongly. Many times, the signs of bullying are missed, and this book can give both parents and teachers visual clues that lay below the surface. But more than that, it shows how basic things like friendship and unity are sometimes all it takes to defeat bullying once and for all, and what terrible things can happen when kids are too afraid to get involved.

But if I have to choose one book NOT written by me, I would say “Watership Down” by Richard Adams.

What are you working on at the moment – do you have any other books in the works?

I am very close to releasing my second book, “Ethan’s Secret,” which is a sequel to “Joshua’s Island.” It will take place three years later, and will incorporate some of the same characters. However, it is its own story, and will stand on its own quite well. It is a much broader story than “Joshua’s Island,” incorporating several subplots, involving more characters, and will have a lot more mystery and intrigue.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?

It kind of just happened. In early 2014, I was reminiscing about my middle-school years – which were not ALL bad, despite the bullying I received – and I started to fantasize about what changes I would have made if I’d been in complete control of my own destiny. How would I defeat the bullies and take back my life? Well, a year later, my book was on Amazon. It felt so good to tell the story, as it helped me deal with the feelings I’d kept inside for three decades. And now that I know that I can not only write, but entertain at the same time, I may never stop.

What has been your most rewarding experience since being published?

I have made the acquaintance of dozens of authors just like myself, wonderful people who are just like me: creative, and with a story to tell that they want to share with the world. So many of them have been immensely helpful, and so many of them will go to the mat for you. And I will do the same for them. These are friendships that I hope last for years, even if I never meet them in person!

Who is your favourite character from Joshua’s Island and why?

My favorite character from “Joshua’s Island” is definitely ten-year-old Kelsey. She’s tough, fearless, fiercely loyal to her friends and willing to take whatever risks she has to in order to right a terrible wrong. Despite her tender age, she is a character that I hope many kids can identify with. I love her so much, my second book, “Ethan’s Secret,” is centered on Kelsey, three years later. She deserved her own story, and now she has one.

What do you love about most about writing?

More than anything, I get to be ME. I get to tell stories that are uniquely mine, hopefully stories that people will enjoy for years to come. There’s no greater feeling than that.

***

Where can we find you?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Joshuas-Island-Revised-Patrick-Hodges-ebook/dp/B00R3KEKGU

Thanks for taking part in Indie Month, Patrick!

July 12, 2015 by TonyT

IAM15 Guest post…Lenita Sheridan

Today we’re talking to Lenita Sheridan about…

***

Guardian of the Gauntlet

When sisters, Princesses Camari and Mila, meet Prince Denir, they soon find he has a special gauntlet. This gauntlet only works if one has faith in a higher power. Using this gauntlet, Denir turns Camari invisible. When he is called off to war, Camari is left in the predicament of being invisible. She must learn not only how to turn herself visible again, but to outwit two wicked characters…

***

Lenita Sheridan was born in Seattle, Washington. She moved to Fairbanks, Alaska with her parents when she was three. The Alaskan woods were her playground while she was growing up. In her twenties, she moved back to Washington and, after Guardian of the Gauntlet was started, entered graduate school at the University of Washington where she received a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

***

Indie Interview

A genie grants you three writing-related wishes: what would you wish for and why?

I would wish first for more time in the week. Second, I would wish for a colleague or partner who could proofread my work. Third, I would wish for a secretary I could afford who could read my writing and type up my work on the computer.

Describe your ideal writing space.

The house would be totally clean. I would be curled up on the couch with my writing. My dog would be in “her” chair. It would be at night.

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

Yes, The Chronicles of Narnia. It has a lot of symbolism in it.

How do you react to a bad review?

I’d prefer a bad review to someone who takes my work and discusses it on the internet without mentioning my name. Bad reviews don’t bother me, but I often take them with a grain of salt. Most of the ones I’ve gotten were not learning experiences, but not that bad, either.

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

(I didn’t)

What are you working on at the moment – do you have any other books in the works?

I am working on Book III in the Guardian of the Gauntlet trilogy.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?

My fifth grade teacher inspired me to write. She had us writing compositions. I wrote a science fiction book.

What has been your most rewarding experience since being published?

Having people I don’t even know buy my book.

Who is your favourite character from Guardian of the Gauntlet and why?

I like Isryk. He’s in love with Camari for the first two books I’ve written so far. He’s rather a sweet guy.

What do you love about most about writing?

I like being able to make things up out of my imagination.

***

Where can we find you?

http://www.LenitaSheridan.com

http://www.facebook.com/GuardianoftheGauntletbooks

http://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Gauntlet-Lenita-Sheridan-ebook/dp/B00CX7OS9W

Thanks for taking part in Indie month, Lenita!

July 11, 2015 by TonyT

IAM15 Guest Post…Helen Yeomans

Today we’re talking to author Helen Yeomans about her book Return to Kaitlin and what it is like to be a writer in an average day in her life…

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Return_to_Kaitlin_07-front

Oil rig jobs are dirty, dangerous—and highly paid, which is why 19-year-old Tyler Hogan heads for the oil fields rather than work for minimum wage at home.

Ty’s ego has taken a bruising in the past few months. His world fell apart when his girlfriend left him. He nearly hit someone while driving drunk, and at the end of his first semester he flunked out of university. Now he’s determined to make good, to earn the money for his education, to return home a hero.

Ty’s odyssey takes him through northern Canada, home to the ten percent of the population that doesn’t live along the Canada-US border. “Things are different here,” someone tells him. Ty learns just how different—and how different he, too, becomes in adversity.

***

About the Author Helen Yeomans has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. She worked in the publishing industry in Toronto and London before founding her own company in Vancouver, providing editing and writing services to business clients worldwide.

She has written four novels, including The Money Tree (2013) and Return to Kaitlin, about a university student seeking work in northern Canada.

Born in England and raised in Canada, Yeomans is a libertarian with a lifelong interest in the relationship between people and their governments. She is an avid golfer who generally succeeds in playing well approximately once a year, loves movies and music and reading.

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Guest Post: A Day in My Life as an Indie Writer

My day is significantly different if I’m immersed in writing. Right now, I’m not. I’m immersed in publishing and promoting my fourth book, so my day starts with copious amounts of coffee to compensate for a sleepless night spent grizzling over production or promotional details.

For Return to Kaitlin I decided to print through CreateSpace as well as LightningSource, and it’s been a headache dealing with both, although they each have their good points.

Now that production is nearly complete, I’m able to focus on promotional aspects. During the morning I update my site, tweet (not much lately because it’s too time-consuming), update Facebook, write a blog post or try to find more reviewers.

Finding reviewers is an endless job, as writers know. I spend far too much time listening to promoters offering a rock-solid method to generate more reviews. These methods usually involve money or a significant amount of time on my part, so after an anguished pause I move on.

After lunch, I generally play golf (in the good weather). It gets me out, gives me company and conversation and something to think about other than work, plus exercise and fresh air, so I regard it as a Good Thing. In the winter, I’ll go for an hour’s walk, or do some sort of exercise—unless I can find something better to do.

That’s my non-writing day. My writing day is simpler and starts with copious amounts of coffee to compensate for a sleepless night spent planning the next scene or thinking ahead to the climax, or jotting notes on dialogue (which comes in a constant stream and generally doesn’t have to be written down, but I’m always afraid I’ll forget a really good one-liner, so picture me at three in the morning, jotting).

I write for four or five hours a day during the first draft stage, and always by hand. I sit on the sofa downstairs with a notebook, writing as fast as I can push out the words. I stop when I reach two thousand words or thereabouts, and go upstairs to the office. Here, I transcribe the writing, editing as I go. I used to be an editor in real life, and this method works well for me.

I don’t print a first draft until it’s complete, which provides an incentive to finish. I don’t look back beyond the last paragraph or page. I’m always in pushing-ahead mode during this stage.

I found that my last first-draft was actually pretty good: I had the story, the major turning points, the character’s development, climax and conclusion more or less as they are today. The story needed some fleshing out, more detail here and there. And because it is partly set on an oil rig, there were technical matters to attend to. But I was pleased to find that after four books I now have a much better grasp of what a story needs.

After a morning spent writing, I play golf, or take a walk. Evenings are spent trying to hold sensible conversations with relatives or friends when my head is teeming with tomorrow’s scenes.

Thanks for taking part in Indie Month, Helen!

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Where can we find you and your books?

www.helenyeomans.com
www.helenyeomans.com/blog
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Amazon.com ebook (Kindle only) paperback

July 10, 2015 by TonyT

IAM15 Guest Post…Aimee McNeil

Today we’re talking to Aimee McNeil about…

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Alluring Song

Raised in seclusion, Lorelei is suddenly taken forcibly from the only place she has ever known. Her captors, led by a man named Crewe, become enamored of the fair Lorelei, except the warrior Ajax. Suspicions lead him to act upon deep-rooted instinct. Lorelei can feel his distaste for her, while she struggles against the confusing feelings he stirs within her. Everything about Ajax appeals to her, while he seems intent on causing her harm. But when Lorelei is taken from Ajax’s grasp, and her life is threatened, he realizes he will stop at nothing to save her, even if it is at the risk of his own life…

Lorelei finds herself in the middle of a struggle for power. She must face the truth of her creation, confront the powers that seek her, and face the new world that has forever changed from the protective walls of her forest. The dangers that surround her have been in play long before Lorelei was born, but they have been awaiting her arrival. Lorelei will also discover something that gives her the strength to face all that confronts her, her heart holding the key.

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Aimee McNeil was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, where she continues to live today with her husband and three children.

Alluring Song is her first novel, which she presented to the world after a lifetime of dreaming. Aimee writes fantasy because she does not like to be confined within the boundaries of reality. Other interests include reading, painting, and enjoying every moment with her family.

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Tell us about your writing journey (so far!)

For as long as I can remember I have always had a love for the written word, I have always been fascinated by how much power a mere handful of words can have over our emotions and our lives.

Writing has always been a strong part of who I am. I have always taken comfort in writing down ideas for plots, characters, and potential scenarios because it has always felt natural. Though, it was not until the beginning of the current year that I actively pursued publishing my work. It has always been a desire of mine to see my work brought to completion and have it available for readers to enjoy.

I became a mother at a young age and my priorities changed to accommodate the needs of my child. For the longest time my writing was only a past-time. When I had a moment to myself between school, work and my wonderful daughter, I would excitedly entertain the constant stream of creative thoughts that never faded.

Over the years my family has grown and I am now a mother of three. I began to realize that there was always going to be a million other things that called my attention away from writing. We all wear many hats in life and most of the time we are spread very thin. The key was finding balance, to ensure that I make the necessary steps to nurture the part of me that is so passionate about writing. Writing gives me a sense of utter fulfillment. I needed to look past that lingering doubt because I know I can never be successful if I don’t face failure.

Before beginning my journey to publishing I did not know anyone in the industry. I tried sending my submission to every publisher that accepted my genre. Painstakingly taking the time to put it in the exact format they requested, only to have absolutely no response from anyone. I caught on pretty quickly that it was not the best option for me. That is when I decided that self-publishing was a way for me to be in control of the future of my book and keep the process moving forward.

I began putting myself out there and found some amazing people in the industry that have offered invaluable guidance and support. I have made some wonderful connections that I hope only grow as I continue forward as an author. Though it has been a struggle trying to navigate through the unknowns of publishing a book, a task that I believe poses its challenges for every author, the knowledge and experience that I have gained along the way has been so rewarding.

I love to write fantasy because I love to create an escape from reality, conceive a world where magic is infused with life, and nothing is impossible.

My debut novel, Alluring Song, is a fantasy that crosses several genre lines. Containing strong elements of romance, high fantasy and horror blended into one. A book, I am very proud and excited to release to the world. I would rather face rejection and know that I have tried, than live with regret.

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Indie Interview

A genie grants you three writing-related wishes: what would you wish for and why?

Time! The genie wouldn’t even be out of his lamp and I would be shouting it! My first wish would definitely be time. There are never enough hours in the day to do it all. Some days will pass me by and I haven’t had the opportunity sit down in front of my computer and make progress on my writing.

My second wish would be to meet the people in person that have helped me on my journey to becoming a published author. With the convenience of online communication, it is so easy to connect with people in different places all over the world. Though, I would love opportunity to thank them face to face for all their wonderful help!

The last wish I would want to hold onto for a later date. It’s always good to have a spare wish just to be safe!

Describe your ideal writing space.

My ideal writing space is anywhere that is quiet. The calmer my surroundings, the more active my imagination becomes. I am so focused on my work that it doesn’t really matter what my surroundings are. Though, sitting on a beach somewhere, under a big umbrella would be inspiring!

What are you working on at the moment – do you have any other books in the works?

I have already begun my next book. The storyline started to formulate on its own despite the distractions of being in the throes of publishing my first book, Alluring Song. I’ve learned long ago just to roll with where my imagination takes me, and let the story come out!

What inspired you to want to become a writer?

I don’t recall anything specific that inspired me to become a writer. I have always been drawn to the arts, and appreciated the beauty of creativity. Writing is art with words. It is amazing what we can accomplish, the impact we can have, and the emotions we can inspire with only words. Writing is a natural love of mine.

Who is your favourite character from Alluring Song and why?

It would be extremely hard to pick a favorite! I honestly don’t know if I could. I spend so much time with my characters as I develop my story that I have a connection with each one of them, even the dark characters. They all are important components in the overall scheme of things.

What do you love about most about writing?

Wow … What do I love the most … What don’t I like? I love creating a story that starts with a single thought or scene that will come to me out of nowhere. I love playing with words until it projects what thoughts I am trying to portray. I love the idea of someone reading my story to see how they perceive it. I love the idea of creating something that can impact and inspire others. I love it all, even the many challenges of marketing and creating a name for myself in this industry, because it all plays a part in finding success in the art of writing!

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Where can we find you?

http://aimeemcneilswriting.blogspot.ca/

https://twitter.com/aimeeswriting

https://www.facebook.com/aimeemcneilswriting

https://instagram.com/aimeemcneilswriting

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25485510

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/544650

http://www.amazon.com/Alluring-Song-Aimee-McNeil-ebook/dp/B00Y1THTYG

Thanks for taking part in Indie Month, Aimee!

July 5, 2015 by mel

IAM15 Interview…Vanessa Morgan

Today’s guest is author Vanessa Morgan. A lady of many talents, she is an author, screenwriter, and blogger. Two of her works, The Strangers Outside and A Good Man, have been turned into films. Her short film script Next to Her is currently in pre-production. When she’s not working on her latest book, you can find her reading, watching horror movies, digging through flea markets, or photographing felines for her blog Traveling Cats (http://travelling-cats.blogspot.com). Avalon (the cat) has appeared in several of her books and films.

We’re pleased to be interviewing Vanessa today for Indie Author Month – so let’s find out more about her and her work!

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What is you favorite way to spend a rainy day? In bed, with a cup of hot tea, a cat, a blanket, and a scented candle.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you? Most people see me as someone confident who knows what she’s doing. They would be surprised to see that I’m actually insecure and shy.

You’ve found a time machine on your driveway this morning – where are you going to go in it? I’d go a few years back in time to be with Avalon my cat who passed away in July 2013.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? I’d like to cure sick animals and bring the deceased ones back to life.

Night owl or early bird? I’m an early bird. I need a fixed schedule to be able to work and write effectively, and the best times to concentrate are during the day.

One food you would never eat? Meat.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. Because cat lovers will laugh and cry, and they will love their cats even more after reading Avalon.

What are you working on at the moment – do you have any other books in the works? I’m currently editing a book on animal attack movies. It’s a project for which different movie aficionados from all over the world will write an essay about their favorite film in this sub-genre. The writers are a mix between film historians, bloggers, horror fiction writers, authors of movie reference guides, film festival organizers, film critics, actors, screenwriters, and directors. The book will be released later this year.

What inspired you to want to become a writer? Seeing As I Lay Dying on stage in London. I wouldn’t be an author without it.

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book? Kenji Kawai’s theme song from the movie Avalon.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why? I asked my friends and everyone agreed on Naomi Watts.

Cats or Dogs? I can appreciate any type of animal, but I like the quiet attitude of cats.

Facebook or Twitter? Right now, I’m more into Twitter, because my posts reach a wider audience than on Facebook and it’s also easier to share books from fellow authors.

Truth or Dare? Truth.

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Some cats need nine lives to make a difference. Avalon only needed one.

From Amazon bestselling author Vanessa Morgan, Avalon is the heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love story of a girl and her neurotic Turkish Van cat.

With humor, the author details how Avalon made other creatures cringe in distress whenever he was around, how he threw her dates out by means of special techniques, and how he rendered it almost impossible for her to leave the house. Avalon was so incorrigible that even her landlord ordered her to get rid of him. But beneath Avalon’s demonic boisterousness, Vanessa recognized her own flaws and insecurities, and she understood that abandoning Avalon would be the worst she could do to him. Thanks to her unswerving loyalty, Avalon transformed into a tender feline, and even landed a major role in a horror movie. In turn, Avalon made it his mission to be there for his human companion.

By turns jubilant and deeply moving, Avalon is a memoir for anyone who has ever been obsessively in love with a pet.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vanessa-Morgan/50159391888

Twitter: http://twitter.com/eeriestories

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/follow/eeriestories

Google+: https://plus.google.com/111498119214855356614/posts

Bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/vanessa-morgan-4135473

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vanessa-Morgan/

Blog: http://vanessa-morgan.blogspot.com

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2890032.Vanessa_Morgan

Purchase links for ‘Avalon’