IAM2015

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IAM15 Guest Post…Patrick Hodges

IAM 2015 - Topper

Today we’re talking to Patrick Hodges about…

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Joshua's_Island_RE

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.

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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.

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  • 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.

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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!

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IAM15 Guest Post…Rebecca Glenn

IAM 2015 - Topper

Today we’re talking to Rebecca Glenn about…

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Becoming_Lisette_Book_Cover

Becoming Lisette

Independent and beautiful, Élisabeth Vigée, affectionately called Lisette by friends and family, has progressed in the art of oil painting faster than anyone could have anticipated. Having received instruction from her beloved father, Louis Vigée, a prominent Parisian guild painter, Lisette possesses all the qualities of a brilliant young painter, but is saddled with a singular disadvantage – being a woman in late 18-century Paris. Undeterred, Lisette believes that she can become a painter. Approaching a marriageable age, her parents have other plans for Lisette, ones that don’t include painting. Lisette finds support in a dashing art collector and French Army officer named Amante, who is clearly intrigued by her talent and beauty. After Lisette’s father dies unexpectedly, her family is left in dire financial straits. Lisette wants to support her family, but before she can sell a single painting, her mother marries a wealthy merchant jeweler named Le Sèvre. Le Sèvre discovers Lisette’s artistic abilities and soon has her painting portraits of his noble and wealthy jewelry clientele. It quickly becomes clear that Le Sèvre only wants to control Lisette, leading to severe consequences for her budding career, Amante’s pursuit of her affections and even her safety. Lisette realizes that she must find her own way – before it is too late.

Becoming Lisette is Book One of the Queen’s Painter Series.

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rebecca glen Rebecca’s experiences organizing art museum exhibitions and teaching college Art History courses motivated her to write historical fiction. She continues to be inspired by the untold stories of women from history. When not writing, Rebecca enjoys discovering new places and foods, especially those that involve France. Rebecca lives outside Washington, D.C. with her husband and three children.

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A Day in the Life of Writing Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is my all-time favorite genre. That said, my relationship with historical fiction is complex. I confess, it brings me both exhilaration and exasperation. Let me clarify. As a reader, no other type of novel is as satisfying or compelling. As an author, no other genre is as frustrating. I started writing historical fiction four years ago. I knew that I would have to spend hours upon hours researching and I was perfectly happy to do that. I love history and I love research. In college and graduate school I was known for my dogged determination in locating obscure books. Let’s just say that I was on a first name basis with the librarians. What caught me off guard was researching the details of everyday life. Historical fiction novels can bring history to life. A reader can travel back in time and escape to a different era. They can forget their present troubles and retreat into someone else’s world. Of course, it is the author’s job to make that world as real as possible. In order to accomplish this feat, the author must pay attention to the smallest details. I feel that as an historical fiction novelist, it is my responsibility to paint the most vivid picture possible. Only with a thorough knowledge of everyday life can an author of historical fiction create such a realistic world for the reader. Therein lies the frustration. It can be very difficult to ascertain certain details of everyday life, such as how often people bathed or when they began to use toothbrushes. This information is especially unavailable for anyone not belonging to a royal family or the aristocracy. The everyday lives of the middle and laboring classes is not nearly as well documented. But as an author, I feel that I owe my reader a complete picture of my story’s world. For example, I spent days searching for information about the location of kitchens in 18-century Parisian homes. I also spent many hours hunting down the history of women’s pockets. If you want your main character to store a personal memento in a pocket and retrieve it at critical points in the story, you first need to ensure that her clothing would have included pockets! After researching my debut novel for several years, I finally answered nearly all of my lingering questions about daily life in the late 18-century in Paris. There remain a handful that gnaw at me, including the origins of the custom of kissing on both cheeks, but I can sleep peacefully at night knowing that I successfully created an authentic 18-century world. After stepping back in time in my novel, readers can confidently say that 18-century Parisians used neither deodorant nor toothbrushes. What other genre can accomplish that? Historical fiction, as frustrating as it can be, will always have my heart.

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Where can we find you?

http://rebeccaglenn.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Glenn/608482969238920 https://twitter.com/novelistRebecca https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8127057.Rebecca_Glenn http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Lisette-Queens-Painter-1/dp/1941081207 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-lisette-rebecca-glenn/1121836709

Thanks for taking part in Indie Month, Rebecca!

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IAM15 Guest Post…Helen Yeomans

IAM 2015 - Topper

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.

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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

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IAM15 Guest Post…Aimee McNeil

IAM 2015 - Topper

Today we’re talking to Aimee McNeil about…

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AlluringSong_Cover2

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

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!

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IAM15…It’s here!

IAM 2015 - Topper

Indie Author Month 2015 is finally here! Thirty-one days, thirty-one indie authors for you to meet, sharing the best of what it is to be an indie author from their own experiences…

So, welcome to the first day of our Indie Author Month – now in its fourth year, we’re excited to be hosting more fantastic indie authors during the event, which will run throughout July.

As in previous years, the event aims to bring indie authors into the spotlight, helping them find new readers, as well as letting them share their experiences of writing and publishing as an indie author. There are highs and lows to this creative life and everyone’s experience and approach is slightly different…

This year specifically, we have opened up the event to authors of every genre – variety is the spice of life! The only thing we’ve asked from each of them is to tell us about their experiences as an indie writer…from their personal writing journey, to the things they’ve learned about self-publishing, you’ll find it all here this month.

We hope you’ll keep coming back each day through the event, to meet the authors and chat with them about their writing.