Please give a huge welcome to author Barbara Burgess! I've known Barbara for several years and can tell you that she's a wonderful author. 

And, she's offering her fabulous book, The Magic Manuscript, The Nine Companions for free on the following dates:

October 11 and October 12 and (Thanksgiving weekend) November 27, November 28, and November 29.

Thank you for taking the time to visit, Barbara. 
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Thanks for interviewing me. I’m an English Canadian from Montreal. I did my BA Honours at McGill University and did graduate studies there in Medieval English literature. I studied with Professor Paul Piehler (Rtd., McGill University) who was himself a student and friend of C.S. Lewis from his time at Oxford University.

 

When I first moved to Vancouver, I worked at the Federation of BC Writers. I taught English as a second language for five years in Vancouver. I’ve been working freelance as an editor for ten years. In the past year, I have taken on several new clients (authors and TV & film producers) and work as their publicist. As part of my PR work, I help organize book launches, place writers in writers’ festivals, contact media outlets, and am now branching out into representing book illustrators. I contact people in the traditional book publishing industry and even in the film industry. This new venture has been successful and kind of fell into my lap. It’s something I’m quite good at and really enjoy doing – helping authors and book illustrators succeed in the global literary community. Unfortunately, I’ve had less time to do any marketing for my own works. One of my goals is to get back into writing more.

SDG: What inspired you to write The Magic Manuscript trilogy?

I visited Cornwall, England, when I was twenty-one and the King Arthur legend kind of came to life for me there. I wasn’t far from Tintagel, and the atmosphere of the region was charged with a truly magical energy. That visit, coupled with my university studies in medieval English literature, inspired me to write The Magic Manuscript: Voyage to Eve Ilion, the first book in my series. It’s not entirely a retelling of Arthurian literature, because I basically used the legend as a springboard to tell my own fantasy tale. I created a place called Eve Ilion, a magical realm not on earth. In Book Two, The Magic Manuscript: The Nine Companions, most of the action takes place on earth but does so in three different parts of the world and in three different times. I wrote -- as C.S. Lewis once said – the kinds of books I like to read; namely, fantasy literature which can be read by all ages.

SDG: When do you expect Book Three to come out?

I hope it will be finished and possibly published in 2015. The Magic Manuscript: Return to Eve Ilion will be set partly in 21st century Quebec, and of course – as you can tell by the title – it will involve a return to the Isle of Eve Ilion.

SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?

I began writing my first novel in 1988 and completed it in 2011; the first edition was published in 2011 by Piraeus Books. There was about a decade where I didn’t touch the MS. When I picked it up again, I decided to reduce it from about 110,000 words to 25,000 words (using some of the original MS for book 2, which is 40,000 words). I was ruthless when I edited my original MS. I decided to delete huge sections of the original MS and instead develop the chapters which focused on the island of Eve Ilion. My editors were ruthless, as well, for which I am grateful.

SDG: Your two books are listed in the YA Arthurian, Myth, and Fairytales category on Amazon. Is there a reason for that?

Interesting question! Yes, because The Magic Manuscript series has mythic overtones. I refer to Arthurian Legend (I had read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in the original—Middle English). I was hugely influenced by C. S. Lewis’ mythic novel: Till We Have Faces, anyone who knows that work will see the influence of his thought in my book The Nine Companions. As a child, I read Greek, Norse, Roman, and Egyptian mythology. Later on, I did my Honours thesis on the influence of the German Romantics on Scottish author George MacDonald, whose books are like fairytales, in a certain sense, and of course I mean this as the highest compliment.

I should mention that my books can be read by readers as young as nine and by adults of all ages. I had one review by a 50-year-old man that I thought to share with you:

"What a strange book for a 50 year old man who normally reads the standard "Who Done It" books to pick-up. Odder still, is the fact that I loved it!

Surprisingly, this novel has everything I love; history, drama, magic, humor. It's all there. The main characters travel through time and discover that they are part of history. All the various styles that I love in books are present in this one book. From the beginning the author invites you in, and rather than feeling like an observer to events, I found myself drawn into the story. I quickly developed a vested interest in the characters. The way the scenes are described I could see the greenery of the forest, the darkness of a cave and even imagine the coldness of the Castle stones. I've been trying to come up with who I would consider a comparable author to Barbara Burgess and the only one who comes to mind is Diana Gabaldo."

SDG: That’s an outstanding review!! Can you tell us if you have had book signings or readings?

My most recent book launch and book signing was at the Atwater Library in Montreal, Canada. A reporter from a local newspaper attended the event and later asked me questions about my books, so there was a nice article on my books in a Montreal newspaper. I also read at another local library in the Montreal area. In general, however, I’ve focused more on blog appearances than actual book signings.

SDG: How fabulous that the newspaper was there! Are your family members supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?     
That’s a lovely question. Yes, they’re supportive and delighted that I have had three books published. I think they knew I always wanted to be a writer as I began writing poems and little stories as early as four years of age.

SDG: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for budding writers?

Follow your dreams, but be realistic and know that you’ll need to edit your work a lot, and have to work hard to get it published, and even if it’s published traditionally, you’ll need to invest a lot of time in marketing it. It’s helpful to have another job, too, because supporting yourself by writing is no easy task.

SDG: Very true. What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?

Yes, I’m working on the third book in the series. I love the way it’s going – each book has a unique flavor and can be read as a stand-alone novel, and yet all three novels tie together nicely.

SDG: What is your website and where can readers purchase your book or books?

My website is www.burgesswrite.com

My books can be purchased as paperbacks directly from there. They are available at several bookstores in Canada.

Amazon links: 

The Magic Manuscript-Voyage to Eve Ilion 

The-Magic-Manuscript-Nine-Companions 

Ludwig-Piano-Playing-Parrot-Other-Tales

SDG: And how about your author social media sites:

Goodreads author page

Publisher: Sulby Hall Publishers

Thanks so much for featuring me on your blog.

SDG: Thank you for stopping by. I can't wait to see the third book in the series!

 

I’m very happy to introduce Krysten Lindsay Hager and her latest novel True Colors.

Krysten is an author and book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. TRUE COLORS is her bestselling debut novel from Astraea Press. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in South Dakota, Portugal, and currently resides in Southwestern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing. She received her Master’s in American Culture from the University of Michigan-Flint.

SDG: What inspired you to write this book?

I saw the quote in a class that you should write the book you want to read and that got me to thinking about what I would have wanted to read back when I was the age of my readers. We all deal with “frenemies” and fair weather friends—those friends you thought were true blue and then aren’t there when you need them. It’s difficult to deal with things like jealousy or being left out, but when those negative feelings are coming from people you considered good friends…well, it hurts all the more. I used to like to read about girls I could relate to and I hope someone reads TRUE COLORS and feels a little less alone in the world, too.

SDG: Nicely said! What was your approach to writing True Colors (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?

I really just began with the idea and the writing flowed. I didn’t use an outline. I never begin with an outline, but after I finish a draft, I often go back and do one to check the plot structure.

SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?

I honestly can’t say because I took breaks during the writing process due to several moves (including one overseas) and an accident, too.  

SDG: Glad you managed to finish it with all of that turmoil. Can you tell us a little about your book and if you have had book signings or readings?

The book is about Landry Albright, who just wants to be one of the interesting girls at school who always have exciting things going on in their lives. She wants to stand out, but also wants to fit in, so she gives in when her two best friends, Ericka and Tori, push her into trying out for a teen reality show modeling competition with them. Landry goes in nervous, but impresses the judges enough to make it to the next round. However, Ericka and Tori get cut and basically "unfriend" her on Monday at school. Landry tries to make new friends, but gets caught up between wanting to be herself and conforming to who her new friends want her to be. Along the way she learns that modeling is nowhere as glamorous as it seems, how to deal with frenemies, a new crush, and that true friends see you for who you really are and like you because of it.

SDG: That sounds like an awesome plot! Are your family members supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?     

My mom is a great sounding board when I’m working on something. She’s a reader, not a writer, so it helps to have her perspective and she is not an “everything you write goes on the fridge” type of mothers. She’s completely straightforward and honest. She’s currently not happy with me because I wrote another story where the character ends up with, as she would say, “the wrong guy.”

My dad likes hearing me read my work. When I started out writing for newspapers, he read every article I wrote—even the boring ones about where to buy organic eggs in the local area. If my name was in the byline, he read it and acted like it was the great news story ever written.

SDG: I love to hear how supportive and proud families are. Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for budding writers?

Take literature classes as well as writing classes to learn from the best. Read as much as you can and attend conferences and workshops, and get into a critique group.

SDG: Totally agree with that list! What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?

I am writing a sequel to TRUE COLORS that picks up right where the previous story left off. I am also working a women’s fiction novel as well and another MG/YA and an older YA one.

SDG: You sure are busy! What is the best time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job, if you have one? Also, how long on average do you write each day?

Writing at night works best for me when the interruptions are gone from the day and I can focus better. I don’t have a set period of time I write for or anything. Some days I might work for hours, others I take to just think on the story and go over a scene over and over in my mind until it feels right.

SDG: We certainly do need quiet time, don’t we? Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?

I had a wonderful English professor named Dr. Jacqueline Zeff who assigned us to read, A Journal of Solitude by May Sarton as undergrads. It changed the way I looked at writing and made me realize the importance of solitude for a writer.

SDG: How wonderful that you had such an inspirational teacher. What is your website and where can readers purchase your book or books?

My website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/True-Colors-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B00L2G0YJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403419976&sr=8-1&keywords=krysten+lindsay+hager

Barnesandnoble.com: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/true-colors-krysten-lindsay-hager/1119742726?ean=2940149747658

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/true-colors/id890673002?mt=11

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/true-colors-17

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/449308

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/True-Colors-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B00L2G0YJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403420109&sr=8-1&keywords=krysten+lindsay+hager

SDG: Author social media sites:  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/krystenlindsay

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22444090-true-colors

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96jxcUH54hU

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

Thank you, Krysten, for stopping by and telling us a bit about yourself. I look forward to reading your book, and will definitely watch out for others you write!

I am so happy to introduce a wonderfully talented author, Susan Hart Hellman, to my blog for a quick interview about writing and her mystery novel, Catch 'n Release: The Game.  Welcome, Susan! 

(susan@susanharthellman.com)

Brief bio: where you live, any other writing, job related or education info.

Hello, Sofia, glad to be here. I live in Southern California, and in addition to being a novelist, I’ve been a freelance magazine writer and newspaper journalist for many years. My work has appeared in The Writer Magazine;   Horizon Air in-flight magazine; Ojai Quarterly;   the Ventura County Star;   Recovery Living, and many other publications. I was Executive Editor of Your Wedding Day magazine, and have also been an advertising copywriter, college instructor, and writing workshop instructor, including those for seniors who wish to write magazine articles and their memoirs. 

I am working on the second in the Dr. Savanna Jamison series, Ring Master; a fantasy series; and a non-fiction book for writers.  The first in the Dr. Savanna series was Catch ’n Release: The Game.

My education includes a Master’s of Science degree in psychology, with an emphasis in behavioral psychology, and research with schizophrenia. After taking a break from educational studies, I’m planning on completing my Ph. D. in clinical psychology this year.

SDG: What inspired you to write this book?

Catch ’n Release: The Game (C ’n R), stems from several levels of inspiration. First, after leaving my second career in psychological testing, cognitive rehabilitation, and research (a 15-year break in my writing career), I decided I needed to return to my first love, writing.  However, I’d only written non-fiction for newspapers and in public relations and advertising, so joined the Ojai Writing Workshop to see if I could learn to write fiction too. 

That group, itself, was an inspiration, and I started writing C ’n R  just as a learning tool, a writing exercise, really. But the genre I chose, a psychological murder mystery, was inspired by my work and education in the field of psychology.  

SDG: What was your approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?

Because Catch ’n Release originated as a writing exercise, I did not use an outline, but, rather, just started writing, trying to incorporate all the techniques I leaned in the Ojai Writers Workshop and at writers conferences.  But when it became obvious that that “exercise” was turning into a novel, I did prepare several outlines. I had come to appreciate the concept of outlining during my PhD program; it always helped with the required extensive papers, so figured outlining would help with novel writing too, and it did.

Now, however, I wouldn’t start a book, fiction or non-fiction, without an outline because having that structure is how I work best.  Of course, that outline may change a dozen times during the process. 

SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?

Because  C ’n R was never intended to be a novel, time was not a factor, and I worked on it for about five years.  I used the novel to learn how to write a novel, and gave that a couple of years, under the guidance of the Ojai Writers Workshop. I was in no hurry. Then, the revision process took another couple of years, because I revised the whole novel probably a dozen times, and some scenes and chapters more like several dozen times. Again, it was a learning process, with no thought of publication originally. I was just enjoying the challenge of learning writing technique, and enjoying the entire writing process. 

However, although I’m enjoying the process with the next in the Dr. Savanna Jamison series, Ring Master, this one is going much faster! I’m working on a new fantasy series too, and that is also coming together quickly.

SDG: Can you tell us a little about your book and if you have had book signings or readings?

This is my official synopsis: 

Catch ’n Release: The Game, is the first in a series of psychological murder mysteries, in which Dr. Savanna Jamison, Southern California behavioral neuropsychologist, defense witness, and unintentional underground sleuth, is called upon to help defend a strange looking, possibly brain-damaged man, killer of a girl in a sleazy bar, Happie’s.  The defense, spearheaded by Savanna’s friend, Deputy Public Defender Macy Washington, seems clear cut: killer grabs a knife off the bar; stabs and kills the girl; dozens of witnesses see it.  This killer is headed for death row. Case Closed.

But the case is far from closed.  Savanna dons her newest Armani miniskirt and sets out to work, only to find that most of the witnesses she needs to interview are clueless; the bartender at Happie’s appears to be leading a suspicious double life; and the evidence has gone missing. Also, the victim and her sorority sisters nationwide have been playing a complicated, dangerous little game, Catch ’n Release. And this is the good news!

Savanna unknowingly becomes caught up in the game, and receives several death threat notes delivered in a most unconventional way. And, she’s being stalked by a killer she previously helped convict, but who’s been released from his life sentence on a little-known technicality.

And, clear to everyone but her, Savanna’s new romantic relationship is falling apart. It appears that everyone is playing some version of one game or another, each with a common goal:  catch what you can, release what you don’t want, and never, ever be the one to get caught.

Yes, there have been several readings/signings, including at a wonderful book launch hosted by Ojai’s Feast Bistro restaurant, a location in C ’n R which Savanna and Macy visit to hold all of their important discussions concerning the murder case.  More reading are being set up in both Southern California and Oregon. Also, I did enter this novel into a Writers Digest completion, and didn’t win, but received a glowing review, including this statement:  

“This book is more than a book: It’s a well-conceived package that knows this book is not the end, but just a step in the path. . . .  The characters are engaging, the scenes are riveting, and I absolutely love seeing the way Savanna’s mind processes everything from the beginning of Catch ‘n Release to the excerpt of the next book. Great work.”~ Judge, Writer’s Digest 21^st Annual Self-Published Book Awards.

SDG: Are your family members supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?      Yes, very supportive.  My partner tries to make sure I have uninterrupted work time. My oldest daughter, Melissa Hart, is a freelance writer and author of several non-fiction books, so she, of course, is all in favor of what I do.  My other daughter, Jennifer Steinmann, does some very creative event planning, so she is certainly supportive of other’s creative endeavors.  My son, Mark, with Down Syndrome, is thrilled because I work at home and my flexible schedule allows me to “taxi” him to his dozens of Special Olympics activities, social engagements, and dates with his girlfriend.

SDG: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for budding writers?

Definitely.  If you’re serious about your writing, take it seriously.  Treat your writing career the way you would treat your career if you worked in the corporate world. What would you do to better yourself in that situation?  Attend seminars, get your ideas and work critiqued, develop a team, join professional groups? Do that, and more, to improve yourself as a writer too.

SDG: What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?

I’m always working on magazine articles, and now also working on some short fiction pieces, with the goal being to have them published in journals. My three large projects include Ring Master, another murder mystery, the sequel to Catch ’n Release: The Game. As I mentioned before, I’m also working on the first novel in a fantasy series, and a non-fiction technical book for writers, which is nearing completion.

SDG: What is the best time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job, if you have one? Also, how long on average do you write each day?

Fortunately for me, my “day job” is writing. I write magazine articles and am also spending a great deal of time right now ghost writing a memoir. 

I’m definitely a morning writer, because I’m a morning person.  I guess from spending a great deal of my early childhood on my great aunts and uncles’ farm, which had barely changed, technically, from its homesteaded status, I got in the habit of starting the day before the sun was up, and going to bed very early. This included arising at 4:30 am to help my great aunts milk the cows.  This has stuck with me, but it means writing at night is totally out for me.

My average day of writing or writing related activities is at least eight hours.  I can easily write for 14-16 hours a day for days at a time if I’m really dug into a novel. 

SDG: Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?

Yes, and I love it!  Being a pretty serious loner, having the opportunity to sit alone in my office, writing for hour-upon-hour, suits my personality!   However, don’t get me wrong, I do love people, and try to go out for tea with other writers several times a week.   Also, there is a lot of socializing in the writing groups I attend (Ojai Writer’s Workshop, Ventura County Writers Club, formal writers conferences several times a year). And when I teach writing workshops, it’s great to chat with the attendees before and after class.

SDG: What is your website and where can readers purchase your book or books?

My books are available on amazon.com, printed and -book versions, and the e-book through smashwords.com.

Amazon

SDG: Author social media sites:   Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn, and I’m starting a new blog soon.

Facebook

Twitter

Interview with author Mavie Ahmad

Interview with author Mavie Ahmad talking about her writing, including her latest novel, The Secret Saudi Signal.

 

SDG: Welcome, Mavie. Can you give us a little background about yourself?

MA: After completing a degree in Information Technology and Media Studies, I failed to find a job in the media field and began working as a temp in London. When my first child was born, I moved to the Middle East where I was inspired to write about my experiences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. But every manuscript I started, I never managed to finish as I easily got distracted and lost patience. It was only when I worked for an advertising company as a copywriter and proof-reader that I began to enjoy working with words. My first novel was completed a year after. I now live in Dubai.

SDG: What inspired you to write this book?

MA: The Secret Saudi Signal was inspired by my time in Riyadh. I wanted my readers to learn that although it is a restricted country, there are many ways around the strict laws in place.

I Was Never Alone, Anyway was inspired by the death of my friend's mother. I am fairly certain she saw the Angel of Death before she died.

 

SDG: What was your approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?

MA: Usually my writing does flow. When I get stuck, I make bullet points and then put in linkers and eventually work on it until it turns into a paragraph that flows.
 

SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?

MA: The Secret Saudi Signal took me a year to write as it is around 79,000 words.

I Was Never Alone, Anyway was a shorter piece that I self published. It's around 20,000 words and only took me two months.

 

SDG: Is your family supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?

MA: My parents were over the moon when I told them I had written a book. They have encouraged me ever since to pursue a career in writing. My sisters are equally enthusiastic, they both love reading so often help me work out scenes.

 
SDG: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for budding writers?

MA: One thing I would say to budding writers is to work from a desk in a quiet space that has been designed for writing. A personalized space will help the creative sparks to fly.

 

SDG: What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?

MA: I'm trying to find a traditional publisher for my third novel, London to Lahore. The story is split into three books, and I am about to start the third book now. The plot follows Sara, a British born Pakistani girl through several relationships until she gets caught by her traditional Pakistani mother. As punishment for breaking sacred values, Sara and her sister are shipped off to live in Lahore where she is forced into an engagement that brings more than she bargained for.

SDG: What is the best time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job, if you have one? Also, how long on average do you write each day?

MA: I am a part time English language teacher. If there is a class available for me to teach, then I work around two hours a day. That leaves plenty of time for my writing. I usually write at night when the kids are asleep and edit in the morning when they are at school.

 

SDG: Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?

 

MA: Writing can be lonely. But if you have good friends, then bouncing ideas around can also be fun!

 

SDG: What is your website and where can readers purchase your book or books?

 

MA: You can buy my books here:

 
THE SECRET SAUDI SIGNAL:

http://www.frontporchromance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=50&products_id=196

 

I WAS NEVER ALONE, ANYWAY:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=I+was+never+alone+anyway

SDG: Author website/social media sites:

 

Twitter @maviethewriter

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mavieahmad

Blog: maviethewriter.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Author Interview: Trista Jaszczak

Interview with author Trista Jaszczak talking about writing her novels, including the upcoming, Little Red.

  

SDG: Welcome, Trista and thank you for taking the time to do the interview. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

 

TJ: I'm Trista Jaszczak and I am originally from Hamilton, Ohio. I'm married to the military and call home wherever the Air Force sends us, which is currently Anchorage, Alaska. I've been writing for about 11 years now and have written close to 30 novels. I have Darkness Falls: Hunted and Loverboy currently out for purchase and the upcoming Believe series.

 

SDG: What inspired you to write this book?

 

TJ: I have always had a great love for fairy tales, even as I near my 30's, I can't get enough of them. A close friend of mine, knowing my love of fairy tales sent me a song (Hey There Little Red Riding Hood, by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs) and as I was listening to it, I couldn't help but to have this little movie play in my head. A young woman, gorgeous, one night in the woods. Then in dawned on me...who said fairy tales are for kids. Right away my brain went into over drive and Little Red and the rest of the Believe series was born.

 

SDG: What was your approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?

 

TJ: Because my mind kicked in so fast it really poured out of me. Once I started writing I found it difficult to stop. It was unbelievable and completely verged off my normal writing routine but somehow, it has worked out perfectly.

 

SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?

 

TJ: For Little Red, it took about 10 months with a lot of sleepless nights, from start to finish.

 

SDG: Can you tell us a little about your book and if you have had book signings or readings?

 

TJ: Little Red is a whole new look at the classic children’s tale, Little Red Riding Hood. It’s about one woman’s desperate escape from her past where she finds herself landing in Louisiana and into the arms of an unlikely hero. With lots of passion, a close knit pack of brothers, some old bayou magic and feuding families, Little Red will spark the feeling that fairy tales once created in every woman.

 

Little Red is currently beginning the publishing process with Front Porch Romance but I will definitely plan signings and readings when I can.

 

SDG: Is your family supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?

 

TJ: My family is very supportive of my writing career. For as long as I can remember I have had a wild imagination and my parents always supported me. As I got older and got married, thankfully my husband didn't think I was crazy for sitting around for hours as I scribbled notes in notebooks and pecked away at the keys on my computer. I'm pretty sure that when I'm up at all hours of the night writing, my husband is too. Without my family, I don't think I would be where I am today. I am thankful to have my family and my husband.

 

SDG: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for beginning writers?

 

TJ: Never give up. Never let a bad day, bad review or bad anything tarnish your dreams. They're your dreams, after all. Just keep writing and keep moving forward.

 

SDG: What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?

 

TJ: I'm currently working on completing the Believe series, which Little Red is a part of. They're all modern twists on classic children's tales. I currently have The Shoe (Cinderella), Who's the Fairest (Snow White), Only Sleeping (Sleeping Beauty), and Fairy Dust (Tinkerbell). I'm also working on a few other romances that are separate from the series.

 

SDG: What is the best time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job, if you have one? Also, how long on average do you write each day?

 

TJ: All of my writing is done at night. For some reason at night when my house is silent, my mind opens up with new ideas that begin playing like movies, screaming for me to write them down. Each night I'll write anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. As long as I write, every single day, I'm happy.

 

SDG: Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?

 

TJ: Not at all! For some reason all these characters that I create are alive and thriving in my mind. I create new places and people that, to me, feel real. I don't think I could ever consider that lonely.

 

SDG: What is your website and where can readers purchase your book or books?

 

TJ: I can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million (Keyword search: Trista Jaszczak). Both Darkness Falls: Hunted and Loverboy have print and eBook editions. Little Red has a tentative release of June 2013.

 

SDG: Do you have anything else you’d like to say?

 

TJ: I really have to thank my fans who have been following my writing these past few years. I am so thankful for their support and to see people waiting on the release of Little Red is completely mind blowing. I cannot say thank you enough. It means a lot when someone buys a book from an unknown author. Thank you.

 

Author website/social media sites:

 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTristaJaszczak

Twitter: TristaJaszczak

Tumbr: AuthorTristaJaszczak

Blog: www.tristajaszczak.wordpress.com

 

 

Author Interview: Christy Newton

I will be posting author interviews as I get them. My first interview is with romance author Christy Newton talking about writing her debut novel, Stolen Hearts.


SDG: Welcome, Christy and thank you for taking the time to do the interview. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

 

CN: Hi Sofia, thank you for having me on your blog. I live in Indiana and I started writing seriously about 14 months ago. Writing is my job and I love it.

SDG: What inspired you to write this book?

CN: This was my first book, though it was revised so many times. I wrote about things I would enjoy reading. My characters Cammie and Simon came to me in a dream. I fell in love with them and had to tell their story.

SDG: What was your approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?

CN:I am a pantser for sure! I didn't do an outline, though I knew where my story was headed the whole time writing it. I am a fan of Post-it notes so those are stuck all over my wall.

SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?

CN:I am going to guess almost a year. There were other stories written in between the revisions. Happy to say, I've gotten much faster.

SDG: Do you have critique partner and do you think they are important?

CN:Yes! My critique partner, Danielle, is awesome!

SDG: Can you tell us a little about your book and if you have had book signings or readings?

CN:Stolen Hearts is my debut book and is estimated to come out in ebook sometime in June and in print sometime in fall. Stolen Hearts is romantic suspense. Simon is a mysterious ex-jewel thief turned bodyguard. He rescues Cammie, a woman that has had the most horrible things happen to her. They are both broken people that crave adventure and complement each other well.

SDG: Is your family supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?

CN:Oh my goodness, yes! If they weren't I couldn't do this. My husband encourages me to write and my daughters cheer me on. My mom is my biggest fan and keeps me positive. My brother is also supportive.

SDG: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for budding writers?

CN: My advice is to fit time in to read. You won't get better if you leave that step out. Don't make excuses, just sit your tushie down and write!

SDG: What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?

CN: I am currently working on the third book in the Cammie and Simon series.

SDG: What is the best time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job, if you have one? Also, how long on average do you write each day?

CN: I don't really have a best time. Inspiration can strike at any moment so I just go with it. I try to write a couple of hours a day. The other time is spent on Facebook and Twitter or reading.

SDG: Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?

CN: No way! My writing friends are what keep me going. I have met so many wonderful people on Twitter. If you think writing is lonely, talk to other writers. I've never met an unfriendly writer.

 

SDG: What is your website and where can readers purchase your book or books?

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christy-Newton/359791990763912

 

You can always check Front Porch Romance for updates:

http://www.frontporchromance.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=24_94

 

Author website/social media sites:

 

CN: twitter @CNewtonAuthor

 

Busy is good

I like being busy, I really do. Not the housework kind of busy, that's no fun at all. In fact, you can't really call me a good, dedicated housekeeper. I figure I have better things to do than sweep or vacuum the floor. Sure, I'll do it when I need to, or when company is coming over, but otherwise, a little dust never hurt anyone. Well, maybe it would hurt an asthmatic, but I don't have asthma so it's okay. Besides, I have three hairless Sphynx cats, so there's definitely no cat hair sticking to the furniture or carpet. This allows me to justify not cleaning every day. I'm good at justifying things. Anyway, back to my main topic here...being busy. The kind of busy I enjoy most is the writer-type busy. And I am writer-busy right now. I am getting an historical romantic suspense novel published very soon and I'm still querying a couple other novels I've finished. And, I'm currently writing a New Adult novel. I'd only recently learned about this new genre, so thought I'd take a whack at writing a novel that falls squarely into the New Adult category. I've also written a few flash fictions, but haven't managed to get them published yet. I'll keep trying thought.