An Interview by Ronovan Writes

I'm stoked by this interview of El Tiburon!

He did a great job of posing relevant questions, which shows he not only read El Tiburon, but reviewed it too. I'm impressed by his honesty and thoroughness and recommend him to any serious author.

He has asked for Counterpart... maybe we'll be hearing a little about that one in the future? I've had two people say they would be suggesting me to someone they know who produces movies.

Hmm. I'm curious who ya'll think would play Sport and Sean?

Time to Act!

The big day is here… my action adventure novel, El Tiburon is ready for pre-ordering.

The media blitz has already started, and now it’s time for the book to actually be published by Vinspire Publishing

I’m asking, begging, anyone who wants to purchase El Tiburon to buy it before December 31^st. If you do that than all the sales will be attributed to December 31^st. This will crank up my sales and put me on the best seller lists. Without being too detailed, this will set my career as an author. Just click on the links below, or go to the eStore of your choice:

Reservar Español

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

KOBO

Smashwords

At this point, it’s not about the money (only $3.99 for eBook), it’s about numbers.

For all of you who are attending my book release party on January 16^th, this will get the paperback ($16.99) delivered to your doorstep in time. (I can’t imagine why you’d want me to sign it, but ya’ll are asking, so there you go)

I truly appreciate your support and I hope you enjoy reading El Tiburon as much as this critic did at “Ronovan Writes.”

I will send out details for the party soon. In the meantime forward this to your friends and post it to your social media J

H. Schussman’s review of Dancing to an Irish Reel, by Claire Fullerton

Readers Point of View

This book is truly literary fiction. Clair Fullerton artfully weaves a subtle romance with poetic nuance. For me, the appeal was the routine. Some people like whirlwind vacations, but I like to settle in and grow some roots. Dancing to an Irish Reel is about Hailey settling into a small community and getting a feel for the personality of the locals. She meets the dark mysterious Liam Hennessey and can’t shake the attraction. This tale does a wonderful job of illustrating the different ways we go about falling in love; men versus women, Irish versus Californian. Hailey is analytical, curious, and straightforward. Liam is a free spirit, confused, and never faces anything straight-on.

I imagine each reader will connect with different personalities in the story. I liked Adrian. He is one of those guys who enthusiastically helps in any way he can. Some people find him extremely annoying, Hailey thinks he’s adorable. I also loved her description of an elegantly dressed older gentleman named Seamus Kearney. I want to sit with him and have a cup of tea.

Writer’s POV

A special skill Fullerton has is to allow each personality to be uniquely different. Typically writers create dialogues with the same speaking style. She writes each person’s dialogue differently.  “In Connemara, we like to stay connected, you know. No need to be parted by a little thing like death.” This was Liam’s comment regarding the local haunted cemetery. After a couple of pages you can almost hear the Irish brogue.

If a sentence stands out in literature, I know I’m on to something good. In Fullerton’s case, many such sentences occur. My favorite of the book describes a businessman Hailey must deal with… Her first impression; “He had glowing white hair that stuck out every which way, and untamed eyebrows to match. A course mustache swept hither and yon to either side of his mouth as if it were fighting gravity.” Lovely, sigh.

I also appreciated her ability to stay true to first person POV. As any writer knows this isn’t easy. The first person can’t know what is happening out of their presence. Claire Fullerton masterfully pulls it off. Well done!

Into the Mist Review, Judith Ingram

From a Reader’s Point Of View:

First I have to advise you to purchase the Moonseed Trilogy and read them in order. I’m not saying that because I’m drumming up sales, but because this really is a trilogy. That being said, I enjoyed Into the Mist. If you read Into the Mist first, I recommend reading and re-reading the summaries of the first two books (Bridge to the Past and Borrowed Promises) located at the beginning of this book. Judith Ingram has a nice writing style which takes the reader swiftly along. It is fascinating to see how personality plays the major role in events, as can be seen with these two women who trade places. It is clear that the real Victoria is more suited for Katherine’s life and vice-versa. I have met people whom I think were born in the wrong century. This book shows what could happen if a forward-thinking aggressive personality were placed in the modern city of San Francisco. In the meantime, the gentle old-fashioned personality was planted in the 1800’s.

Another component is the love developing in the time they borrow the other woman’s body. It becomes clear they will be returned to their original bodies soon. How can they switch back and lose the passion of a man they’d come to love… not to mention childbirth? It is heart-wrenching and keeps you swiping the pages hoping for a solution.

And of course, one can’t help but wonder how odd they must seem to the community they are placed in. They must cope with language and ideological differences in how they communicate. Very interesting premise for a book. I look forward to reading the first two in the Moonseed Trilogy, and then re-reading Into the Mist.

From a Writers POV:

Into the Mist is a complex book, with the constant changing from a historical to a modern romance. Again, I advise reading the first two books in the Moonseed Trilogy. I haven’t read them, but based on her writing style, I’m willing to bet they will be equally well written.

She cleverly uses a fast pace and modern language for the current scenes with modern Victoria, and slows it down to accommodate historical Katherine’s life. I was flat out confused for a couple of chapters, but then I settled into the rhythm and enjoyed the story. Ingram also brings in some psychological aspects, which I found interesting. I came away from it with an idea of how important our personalities are, regardless of which body (or century) we happen to inhabit.

H. Schussman Interviews Pepper D. Basham

Pepper D. Basham Interview

Heidi:

First, Pepper, tell us a little about yourself

Pepper:

I'm a mom of 5, speech-language pathologist, and Phineas & Ferb junkie :-) I'm a native of the Blue Ridge Mountains and currently reside in Asheville, NC...perfect fuel for the imagination :-)

Heidi:

What genre do you write? 

Pepper:

Well, I like to write a lot of different things, but currently I am published in historical and contemporary romance. My first historical debuted in May and my first contemporary arrives in December.

Pepper's daughter

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Pepper:

I started making up stories when I was a little girl (imaginary friends are incredibly helpful in this process). I still have my first 'long story' I wrote (and poorly illustrated) when I was 10.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Pepper:

I'm finishing up the 2nd book in my historical series, The Thorn Keeper. Oh my goodness, I never imagined falling in love with the heroine as much as I have. What an extra creative bonus.

Heidi:

Who is your favorite character in your stories?

Pepper:

TOUGH question. I love all of my heroes. Whew...dreamy. But I guess at this point, my favorite character is Eisley Barrett.

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Pepper:

Yes...usually the clumsy ones.

Heidi:

Where do you write?

Pepper:

Describe your workspace? Since I'm a busy mom, I usually write in the middle of the living room where 'life is happening'. Helps me keep an eye on my creative brood as well as jot down any good story ideas they inspire :-)

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite authors?

Pepper:

Laura Frantz. I LOVE her eloquence in storytelling. Her prose are lyrical. I enjoy reading Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, when I'm in the mood for high English, and I really enjoy Siri Mitchell.

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your query letter?

Pepper:

Oh yes, I think writing a query letter is difficult. I'm not great with self-promotion and that's been a skill I've had to practice over and over again in this new writing world. I guess the 'key' idea I promote might be 'bringing hope, humor, healing through story'.

Heidi:

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?

Pepper:

Patience is a necessity…patience, positivity, and perseverance (whoa, I'm rocking the alliteration today ;-). I pursued publication for 11 years before Vinspire fell in love with my first book. Being consistent with this dream, enjoying the journey, giving the dream to God’s care are vital to stay the course.

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you/etc?

Pepper:

My Granny didn't live to see my first book published, but she saw the 'writing' dream in my from the time I was a little girl. She's the first person who ever called me a 'writer', and I fell in love with 'story' by listening to her Appalachia stories passed down through generations.

I have to say my parents too. They've always believed I'm much better than I really am ;-)

Website Pepper D Basham 

Facebook 

Amazon  

twitter: pepperbasham

H. Schussman Interviews D.K. Christi

D.K. Christi

Heidi:

First, D.K., tell us a little about yourself.

D. K.:

I am a romantic and a lover of history and natural environments. The sea rests my soul and the Everglades give me life. I find joy in beauty and diversity and I have worked in exotic, foreign locations that enriched my life and broadened my understanding of human nature. I lived with my family cruising the Caribbean on our yacht Lady Ace for three years, experiencing the power of nature. I love to tell about those adventures and am a professional presenter at organizations and events. I write because I must and am thrilled when others enjoy the stories I tell.

My career includes CEO responsibility for regional implementation of public/private programs to help specific populations from unemployed to migrant and seasonal farmworkers. I wrote and implemented successful grants in the $millions and worked across the nation on behalf of persons needing services and support to find a quality life.

Heidi:

What genre do you write?

D. K.:

Whatever is required by the situation is what I write. Romance? Okay. Paranormal? Okay. Non-fiction? Okay. Essay? Okay. General Fiction? Okay. Writing is as natural to me as breathing and I have spent my career engaged in writing of all types for various purposes. I can write about anything for hire from technical manuals to a romantic tryst to a web site. I am also an experienced editor and write for a newspaper.

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

D. K.:

I wrote seriously in high school for WKBZ news. By college, I was writing short stories. I wrote curriculum for universities and state departments of education and for the U.S. Army in South Korea. Often I was called on to present at national conferences and direct workshops and developed a strong speaking voice and interactive presentation style I use today to talk about my novels, writing and other topics from communication to change strategy.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

D. K.:

I write for Spotlight magazines in print and online. I also write for Examiner.comand AXS.com. I have two novels in progress, Caribbean Odyssey and Escape to love. The first is part of the Bamboo Ring series that includes the currently available Ghost Orchid and Bamboo Ring and the second is a story of tunneling to escape a northern POW camp during the civil war by my several greats grandfather.

Heidi:

Who is your favorite character in your stories?

D. K.:

I'd have to favor Mel since she appears in all the stories, often found lacking sympathy by readers. However, Neev in Ghost Orchid is a close second.

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

D. K.:

Bits and pieces of all the people I know, including me, are condensed in my characters. Readers love to love and hate them, often making comments about their choices and values as they would gossiping about friends. They also shed tears for the emotional moments my characters experience. They are very realistic in their thoughts and behaviors - like friends, family and neighbors.

Heidi:

Where do you write? Describe your workspace?

D. K.:

I have a great home office with a wall of windows where I watch the cardinals, turtles and rabbits when I drift away from my writing. I love taking short cruises to write also.

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite authors? 

D. K.:

Antone St. Exuperey and Dom Luis are two favorites, one for allegory and the second for philosophy. I always loved Russian historical novels and spy novels. While I enjoy watching science fiction, it's difficult to find books I like to read.

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it?

D. K.:

I find the entire marketing of my work a challenge. I am accustomed to marketing and public relations for others and know it quite well. I find it difficult to promote myself and am uncomfortable with it. I have the knowledge and the tools and do use them. However, I am a person who prefers a publicist and a publisher that includes promotional support.

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

D. K.:

Be patient. Be sure what is written is something others wish to read by working with professional critique groups and testing your ability to sell your writing by submitting to magazines and contests. Be sure work is edited by a professional editor and goes forward with zero errors and zero inconsistencies. Attempt to get an agent and let them market to publishers and advise regarding the fine points in a contract. Get a proper contract example from someone who is a member of the Author's Guild. Make sure connections and networking are already in place before publication.

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you/etc?

D. K.:

My muse and the love of my life provided significant inspiration for my best writing, my mom has been a great reader and helps me with book signings and fairs and my friend, Judy Schuitema, is my first editor.Lisa Smith and Linda Houle at the now closed L & L Dreamspell represented all a small press should be. I miss working with them.

Heidi:

What works are currently available?

D. K.:

My current publications are fiction novels. I'm thrilled that Vinspire is re-printing Ghost Orchid with an October release date. This novel of love, loss and redemption, surrounded with coincidences and the mystery of ghost orchids has thrilled many readers who are mesmerized as I am by the rare and endangered ghost orchid of Corkscrew Swamp and its affect on those caught by its spell. Bamboo Ring, the prequel to Ghost Orchid tells the back story of Mel, a character in Ghost Orchid and is rich with exotic, foreign locations and adventure.

D. K. Christi, M.Ed., CWDP 
Consultant, Speaker, Author & Journalist
Member, Authors Guild & Naples Press Club
www.dkchristi.com
Spotlight Magazines
AXS
Examiner
Ghost Orchid book trailer by Darryl Saffer 
Bamboo Ring-New fiction novel 

H. Schussman’s review of Curse of the Exile, a traditional Gothic romance by Janis Susan May

This is my first book review, and I am honored to be able to do it.

From a reader’s point of view:

Curse of the Exile begins with a gentle story-telling quality. The beautiful child cloistered in an Italian villa, the eccentric father and delicate ailing mother. The story is told by Angelina, as an adult recalling her childhood. She recalls the sunny bright villa and the protective care of the household servants. The cataclysmic event sending her from sunshine to the dull, harsh, coldness of England. Everything was an affront to her senses. The reader is quickly pulled through the complexities of the teenage years, attending a rigid private school away from her parents. After her mother’s death and an absentee father, she is offered a job as a housekeeper.

In a rare burst of rebellion, Angelina refuses to comply with Aunt Cornelia’s plans and runs away to find her father. Her darling Pappa, the darling of too many women to count, was a librarian by trade and a womanizer at heart. He found it difficult to nurture this gangly sixteen year-old. Instead, Angelina became his assistant librarian, an assistant doing the majority of the work. They moved from town to town to work in private libraries. Then she met him… her first love, Myles Stonecypher. Everything was as beautiful as a dream… until she realized he had a less ladylike dream which didn’t include marriage.

Scorned and bitter, Angelina settles into the belief that she will never marry. She accepts her lot in life as a librarian’s assistant in cold foggy England. Just when she thinks it couldn’t get any more dismal, her father takes a job in rural Scotland. Here is where Angelina meets Sir Nairn MacTaggart in his natural surroundings and she is smitten, but would rather die than admit it. The castle staff each has their own role to play in this charmingly romantic tale of two strong-willed people in stormy Scotland. After I finished reading it, I was surprised to be in sunny California.

From a writer’s POV:

Well structured literary work. Excellent character development and story-line. It’s interesting how May uses light and weather to progress her story. Starting with a gentle, sunny home—surrounded by gentle caring people. She was forcibly removed from warm Italy, and the cold-harsh environment of England shocks her childish perception of the world. Like-wise she is now surrounded by cold and harsh people as she watches her Pappa run away and her mother wither away. Next May takes the climate one step further by going to the wilds of stormy Scotland. Everything about Scotland is cold, stormy, and violent. Her growing attraction to the lord of the castle is marked by thunder storms. The mysterious Mad Margaret, the sword of the exile, and the unexpected arrival of her teen-age crush (Stonecypher) compete for attention like a strobe-light show… or better yet, a lightening storm.

Fascinating display of light and weather elements. It’s no wonder her work has been compared to Virginia Holt and Phyllis A Whitney.

H. Schussman Interviews Nolan Carlson

Heidi:

Tell us something about your background and family and what led you to start writing?

Nolan: I started writing as a kid. I wrote mysteries, sports, and animal stories. I loved to write fiction and to retreat into a “world of my own”. I wrote three manuscripts while I was in the military service. When I got out of the service, I put my writing aside and went back to graduate school and helped raise our four kids with my wife, Lorena. I taught special education for fourteen years and owned a restaurant at the same time. All of our four kids finally became college graduates. When I was close to my 40^th birthday, I decided to take up writing once again while I taught and ran my restaurant. I sent excerpts of my writing to several New York literary agents and one day I got a telegram (you can tell that that was a few years back) from the Glenn Cowley agency. He liked my writing and agreed to represent me. I went on to sell five titles to Berkeley Publishing of New York and E.P. Dutton. My agent told me that a new publishing house from Melbourne, Florida was looking for quality books for middle school boys. He asked me if I had any interest, so I wrote a book called “Summer & Shiner”.

It was about my boyhood growing up in a small rural community in the Flint Hills of Kansas. We grew up much like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. It was wonderful. He sent the manuscript to the new publishing house and it was chosen to be their lead hardback book. They received over 300 entries throughout the nation so I felt very fortunate. Seventy-five percent of the book was fact and twenty-five percent was fiction. Shiner was our pet raccoon that we released from a trap. The book was held by Disney Studios for six months as a movie option. From that point it won first prize in a state-wide competition and was awarded a plaque at an author’s banquet. It also won favorable reviews in Booklist in Chicago. The initial book became the first in a series of six: Summer & Shiner, Shiner’s Return, Shiner & King, Shiner & Baseball, Shiner & Hobo Joe, and Super-Kid vs. Super Bully. I’ve written many other books over the years including: The Wizard of Halloween, Balbena’s Grave, The Lopsided Angel, Vagabond Jack (wolf-dog), Lewis & Clark & Davey Hutchins, and many more. My books have been sold through the Troll Book Club as well as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The minister of education from the Soviet Union was presented my series of books when he visited the U.S. a few years ago. “Broken Vows”, my latest book from Vinspire is a departure from my previous genres. It seemed to fit better in Vinspire’s list of genres.

Heidi:

Could you tell us a little bit about your family?

Nolan:

My wife and I have been married for 44 years. She is a former nun. She is a wonderful, hardworking, very intelligent, and a very creative person. She is a retired algebra teacher and for the past 15 years has been the full-time director and volunteer at Community Health Ministry in our town helping people in two counties. I obtained a Ph.D. some years back and teach two college classes, counsel people, go to schools presenting programs on reading and writing, and of course, always have a book-in-the-making. We have four grown children and six grandchildren. Currently, one of our daughters is courageously fighting 3^rd stage brain cancer. She has received love and support from so many as well as the wonder authors and staff at Vinspire Publishing. The CEO of Vinspire is always helpful, creative and supportive. And the authors are great people always supporting and cheering one another on. I feel proud to be one among these very talented and creative people.

Heidi:

What genre do you write?

Nolan:

I write mostly YA books for middle school boys but also have a book out called “Beguiled” from Vinspire Publishing that is a Teen Paranormal. And just recently my book “Broken Vows” was released from Vinspire and it’s a romance/suspense. It is about a young, dedicated priest who falls in love with a young war widow. The setting is small town American in the late 1940’s.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Nolan:

I just finished an adult suspense novel titled: “The Sinister Minister”. It is gritty and reveals what some people will do at the expense of others to gain fame and fortune.

Heidi:

Who is your favorite character in your stories?

Nolan:

Carley Bimberg in the Shiner series because he “is” me those many years ago.

Heidi:

Where do you write?

Nolan:

I used to be very disciplined and wrote at least two hours daily in my den. I burned our six electric typewriter back then. I now have five manuscripts backlogged, so I write just when the inspiration hits me or a germ of a new idea takes over.

Heidi:

Who are your all time favorite authors?

Nolan:

I actually have several. But, I’ll name just three: Mark Twain, Truman Capote, and Normal Mailer. I am an avid reader and recently read 14 novels in one month.

Heidi:

Final Question: Could you tell us a little about your latest book “Broken Vows”?

Nolan:

Heidi, here is the blurb on the back cover: One man’s promise to God becomes his torment. When Fr. Dan, a charismatic young priest, starts his first assignment at St. Francis, he helps transform a tired, complacent parish into one of renewed faith and hope. He’s loved by the parishioners and knows he is following the right path. Still, there is something missing in his life. Something he can’t place until a beautiful war widow arrives from Alabama. Lucy captivates him and steals his heart. Though there’s been a hint from the Vatican for decades that someday priests will be allowed to marry, Fr. Dan doesn’t believe it will happen in his lifetime. So he’s left with a painful choice. Does he choose to love Lucy from afar or walk away from his commitment to God and the Catholic Church?

Thank you, Heidi, so much for including me as a guest author on your blog.

Website

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H. Schussman interviews Teryl Cartwright

The Teryl Cartwright Interview

Heidi:

First, Teryl, tell us a little about yourself?

Teryl:

I am that writer who loves to sneak humor and jokes inside some fun, yet serious stories. I live in PA (Pennsylvania to the rest of the country) and have two kids, three pets, and a serious need for many, many, many more bookshelves.

Heidi:

What genre do you write?

Teryl:

I write inspirational romance, drama, westerns, fantasy, and mysteries. I usually start with a question or concept to base a book upon and then think of the ending before starting to write the beginning of the book. That way I know where I am going and why as I explore the story that unfolds. For instance, in my first inspirational romance I wondered if you could "make yourself love someone" and in the next one I wrote to discover whether you could "make" someone love you.

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Teryl:

I started in third grade when I wrote about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I stated, "I want to be a writer, farmer, fireman, banker, and circus girl. I know it is a lot, but I can do it." I'm still working on the other jobs!

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Teryl:

Right now I just finished work on a screenplay and today I started some freelance copywriting for an educational publisher. The screenplay was for a contest sponsored by Meryl Streep for women over forty (which shares another fact about me). In a few weeks, I hope to start writing humor after I finish an online course that I wrote and currently facilitate.

Heidi:

Who is your favorite character in your stories?

Teryl:

My favorite character right now is Constance, the heroine in my second Regency romance. She didn't give up on love despite her mishaps and the many misunderstandings of her reluctant suitor--I enjoy her optimism and spunk.

Another favorite character is actually real. One of the sneaky additions to my first novel, A Sensible Match, was the bay mare that Abby rode and which just happened to be based on my own horse Esprit. (The other characters, I promise, are fictional, including the "church ladies" who get a bit nosy at times.)

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Teryl:

I see myself "reading too much into things" that Abby (the heroine in A Sensible Match) did. Yet I hope that sometimes people can see the wise, calm personality that I wrote into sidekicks like Robert (in Courting Constance) and Roundy (a character in my western, Prodigal).

Heidi:

Where do you write? Describe your work-space?

Teryl:

My work space consists of the laptop I use while sitting on the living room couch. I have a huge window that lets in a lot of light with a view of a wide street and a tree with a nesting robin nearby.

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite authors?

Teryl:

Georgette Heyer and Louis Lamour are my favorite storytellers because you can re-read their books and get something new each time.

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

Teryl:

Write in many genres, you don't have to specialize unless you want to do so. Build readers in more than one place and see if they will crossover. I have learned to be flexible and to have different avenues to create a "name" and income. When you learn the multiple formats and mindsets of writing styles, you can bring that into your storytelling. For example, in writing books you share many details about the setting and delve into the thoughts of your characters. In plays, you share much less and in screenwriting you rely on subtext, letting the director and actors read into what your characters feel and why without telling or showing too much. Going back to fiction where you can share so much makes my writing deeper because I'm more aware of how much unimportant text can be cut. I want every word to work and count for me.

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you/etc?

Teryl:

I'd like to thank God for giving me unexpected opportunities--after all, my first magazine clip came from a rejected article by that same magazine and A Sensible Match was initially going to be rejected as well. It needed to be completely rewritten to include the male viewpoint (Edwin) and yet Dawn Carrington gave me that chance to resubmit my first book to Vinspire--and it was accepted. I'd like to thank you, Heidi, as well. Not too many "coming soon" authors would invite so many of her fellow authors to share space on her blog, most wait until after their books are released. Your effort to reach out to help us was very generous and kind of you. I'm looking forward to learning more about your new book, El Tiburon, too!

Heidi:

Thank you Teryl. I do the interviews for selfish reasons though. I wanted to learn more about other authors and what makes them tick, and I wanted to get my Blog up and running. So for me it is a win-win! El Tiburon will be released on December 30, 2015. My wild-and-crazy book release party will be January 16, 2016.

Heidi:

How can your fans learn more about you and connect with you?

Teryl:

Here's a few ways;

Teryl Cartwright Website

Facebook

Amazon: Sensible Match

Amazon: Courting Constance