Interview With Author Maggie Bishop; her writing and her new novel One Shot Too Many

SDG: Welcome, Maggie. Would you like to tell us a little about yourself?

MB: Certainly. I hike, ski, garden, swim, explore and write in the mountains of North Carolina where I settled in 1993 with my husband and cat. Every time we travel, we seek out other mountains but none are as exciting as the ancient Appalachians. When asked, "What do you do?", my answer is, "Entertain with word pictures."

SDG: That's a great answer! What inspired you to write this mystery series?

MB: I started with romance and turned to murder. My second novel had a cold case mystery and I became hooked on CSI and TV. Jemma chase is the main character in Murder at Blue Falls (1st in the Appalachian Adventure Mystery Series) and I couldn't let her go. My publisher liked the idea of a mystery series and I wanted to keep the same two main characters. Detective Tucker came to me when I was vacationing at the beach with my parents. While up early one morning and sitting on the balcony overlooking the ocean, a small deer walked by in the dune grass. Shortly, a bob cat followed. Detective Tucker flowed through my fingers and onto the page at that moment. My mind's eye saw him clearly but his motivations only come out when I'm actually writing.

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

MB: Once, I outlined a book and became bored with it because I already knew the ending. Lesson learned-my writing has to entertain me during the process so I'm 90% pantser (write by the seat of my pants). Most of the time, I don't know who committed the crime until the last third of the book, which means more revisions.

SDG: I know exactly what you mean. How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?

MB: It usually takes me a year to complete a novel. The first draft is mainly action and dialogue and is written while sitting on my sofa putting ink on paper. I work in spurts, which is not the most efficient method of writing. The much revised second draft comes when I keyboard it to my computer.

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

MB: The publishing industry is changing and I don't do as many book signings and readings as I did five years ago. Most of my "appearances" now are on the web.

The Start: In Murder at Blue Falls, when her horse finds a body, CSI wannabe Jemma starts to investigate, Detective Tucker comes in and it twists and turns from there.

And Then: Since pay is low in the mountains, Jemma has more than one job and is also a carpenter. In Perfect for Framing, trouble's a-brewing in the Property Owners Association where greed and a lust for power lead to murder in a clash of personal versus public needs.

Now: The photography group meets at Blue Falls Guest Ranch and soon there is One Shot Too Many which features Detective Tucker with yesterday's regret, leading to today's deadly fix.

SDG: What an interesting concept for a series! Is your family supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?

MB: My husband doesn't read fiction (gasp!) but supports me in every endeavor. My parents are readers-so much so they became recurring minor characters in my novels.

SDG: That must be fun! Do you have any advice or words or wisdom for novice writers?

MB: Turn off the internal critic and write one scene. Don't reread it. Then write another scene. Keep doing that until you realize you are having fun creating.

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

MB: The working title of my next mystery in the Appalachia Adventure series is "Drilled by the Chef". There's a murder at a cook-off at Blue Falls Dude Ranch and Jemma Chase's new TomBoy carpentry tools make her a strong suspect.

SDG: Uh-oh! Can't wait to see how she gets out of that one. 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?

MB: I wish I had a typical writing day. I write in spurts of two months. Way in advance, I begin thinking about my characters and plot. The setting is in the mountains of North Carolina which is perfect with the hollars and high peaks, the visitor attractions and sports, and the unpredictability of the weather. I liken it to the pressure built up behind a mountain damn-my head keeps filling up with a sense of what the characters will be going through. No details, just the anticipation of emotions and action. Once I have the emotional space and projects in the real world put off, I open the flood gates and write. I awake and begin writing long hand the next scene between fixing my, and my husband's, breakfast and lunch, feeding the birds and tending to the cat. Once my husband is off to work, I continue writing either long hand or at the computer.

After a few hours, I do a half hour on the elliptical machine, have lunch and return to writing. While exercising, my mind is on the story. I love it. This is the grand, expanding part of the whole experience of creating these people and events. The first two hours in the morning (5-7) are spent on the internet at various sites authors need to keep up with in order to market books. The creative work on my manuscript is from 9 to noon. Sometimes I'll work in the afternoon for a couple of hours. My brain shuts down at 5, so it's crucial that I write in the morning. I manage to arrange writing days 3 to 4 times a week.

SDG: That sounds like a schedule that works very well for you. Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?

MB: Yes, writing is a solitary endeavor so I started High Country Writers in 1995 and now have an extensive group of writer friends throughout the North Carolina-Tennessee section of the Appalachians.

SDG: Wow! That's terrific and a great way to get feedback and build friendships. What is your website and where can readers purchase your books?

MB:

Amazon listing for all my books: http://dld.bz/maggiebishopamazon
My website is: http://maggiebishop1.tripod.com
Blog (shared with four other writers) is: http://damesofdialogue.wordpress.com

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

MB: Readers ask, "Why do you use real people as minor characters?" I live in the South where uniqueness is more than tolerated, it's encouraged. It helps avoid using stereotypes. Plus it's fun for them and me. You read about them and see them in movies but I live near them, know them, enjoy them. Including myself, so I'm in my books like Alfred Hitchcock is in his movies.

SDG: What are your other social media sites?

MB: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maggiebishop
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maggiebishop
"like" my Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/appalachian-adventure-mysteries/58689791452http://

SDG: Thank you so much, Maggie, for the interview and I wish you the best of luck with your books.



 

Interview with author Monica Garry-Allen talking about her writing, including her latest work, The Makeover.

SDG: Great to have you as a guest, Monica. How about a little background about yourself?   MGA: Hi, my name is Monica Garry-Allen. I'm a writer and lover of all things romantic. I reside in southern Mississippi with my husband. When I'm not listening to the characters in my head and jotting down their adventures, I'm busy working as a Clinical Laboratory Technician. I love to travel, preferably with my husband, so he can do all of the driving. I enjoy time with my family, who are just as silly as I am. I have no children...yet, wish me luck! My hobbies are reading, writing and shopping, though I hate trying on clothing. If I wasn't a writer or a Laboratory Professional, I would probably be a Secret Agent. But that's the beauty of being a writer: you can create you own world and be whoever you want to be. In my imaginary world, I am the Queen and my siblings are my minions.   SDG: Wow. That's a busy life. What inspired you to write this book?   MGA: My co-workers, lol. My co-workers and I are all corky and we say some of the lamest things during our eight hours together at work. Hanging with those ladies every day inspired me to write a series of short stories about nerd girls who love hard!   SDG: That sounds like a lot of fun. What was your approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?   MGA: I let it flow. I usually write a synopsis of the story, but I rarely stick to it. I let my characters tell the story then I go back and edit it.   SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?   MGA: About two months on and off. I got distracted a few times during the process.   SDG: That's extremely fast! Can you tell us a little about your book?   MGA: The Makeover is a fun romantic comedy full of love, laughter and lipstick. It follows the life of April Parson and her two best friends as they realize that life outside of college is not as easy as people make it out to be. They thought they left bullies behind when they graduated high school, but they find out that adults can be just as mean. With the help of her best friends, April learns to be strong and stand up for herself. She also finds love and a new pair of high heels during her journey!   SDG: Well, who doesn't love a great pair of heels? Is your family supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?   MGA: My husband and my family are super supportive. My sisters love reading my rough drafts and helping me brainstorm. My hubby is not a big reader, but he loves listening to me tell him what my characters are up to. On my release day for The Makeover, he got me a cake, a card, and made me breakfast in bed.   SDG: Okay, that's the best husband ever! Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for beginner writers?   MGA: Study the craft. Read and write as much as you can. If you can, attend writers workshops and conventions and always surround yourself with positive people. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do this.   SDG: Excellent advice. What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?   MGA: I'm working on book two of my Nerd Girls Love Hard series and I'm also working on my Christmas novella.    SDG: Like I said before, you really are busy. What is the best time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job? Also, how long on average do you write each day?   MGA: I usually write in the mornings! I'm an early bird. I wake up, get myself together, fix me a pot of coffee and get to writing. I write for about two-three hours then it's time for me to get ready to clock in at my day job. By the time I come home from work I'm too tired to even think about writing, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about my characters!    SDG: Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?   MGA: It is a very lonely occupation. Though my husband supports my career, he doesn't understand why I enjoy sitting in front o my computer for hours at a time typing away. It amazes him that I would rather work on my story than go outside...into the real world. LOL!   SDG: I feel the same way. What is your website and where can readers purchase your book or books?   MGA: My website is: http://mgarryallen.wordpress.com I blog at: http://mgarrallen.wordpress.com My books can be purchased at: www.frontporchromance.com and from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DIIKP2O You can find me on Twitter @monicagarry And my Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/monicagarryallen?ref=hl   SDG: Thank you so much, Monica, for taking the time for this interview. I look forward to reading all of your stories!

My historical, bawdy novella, The Indisputable Legend of Thomas Parr, is now available from Smashwords until June 1st for free download! Use coupon code: DU65H

This is a story based on the real Thomas Parr. A simple gentleman rumored to have lived to the age of 150 in Shropshire, England. Supposedly, he had the 'vigor' of a much younger man and was buried in Westminster Abbey in London upon his death.

I had fun with the story, trying to imagine what a man like Thomas would be like.

Interview with author Jane Godman talking about her writing, including her historical romance The Rebels’ Promise.


SDG: Welcome, Jane and thank you for taking the time to do the interview. Can you give a little background about yourself?


JG: I’m delighted to be here. I am an avid reader of historical romances, and have always enjoyed writing (I still have a copy of the medieval novel I wrote, in felt tip pen, aged 14!). 

My romances are set in the Georgian era - from the wild passion of the Jacobite rebellion to the charm and formality of the Regency - with heroes and heroines you fall instantly in love with, fascinating and amusing supporting characters and luscious settings.

I live in England and love to travel to European cities which are steeped in history and romance. Venice, Dubrovnik and Vienna are amongst my favourites. I am a teacher, married to a lovely man, mum to two grown up children and slave to a spoilt-brat cat.


SDG: What inspired you to write this book?


JG: I was ten when I read ‘Murder Most Royal’ by Jean Plaidy and I was instantly hooked on British and European history. 

At the age of twelve, I discovered a tattered Georgette Heyer novel on my mum’s bookshelf. I devoured it in a day and I was spellbound. It was ‘These Old Shades’, which is set in the mid-1700s. As much as I love Regency novels, I find myself drawn to the earlier Georgian era. I think it’s because the characters have more opportunities to misbehave. It was a scandalous time (think Les Liaisons Dangereuses) and I love the fashions! Give me a hero in a cloak and a powdered wig.

I am captivated by the way great writers of historical romance use dialogue to skilfully set the scene. I also love it when the historical setting is so real it becomes another character, transporting you effortlessly back in time. 

I am English but I was born in Scotland and the Jacobite rebellion has always fascinated me. The idea for The Rebel’s Promise arose out of the true historical fact that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s troops marched as far south as Derby. If he had achieved his aim of reaching London and reclaiming the crown, British history would have looked very different. But I also wondered how the arrival of the Jacobites affected the everyday lives of people in Derbyshire. My heroine, Rosie Delacourt, is a country girl whose quiet life is thrown into turmoil when she helps an injured rebel lord to escape the king’s men.


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


JG: I started with a plan but I always find that the story takes on a life of its own! I always know my hero and heroine well when I start a story but I’m surprised by the way my secondary characters (or supporting cast, as I prefer to think of them) start vying for my attention. That happened very early with The Rebel’s Promise and now I get more questions about Bella and Perry, who were only ever meant to be bit part players, than I do about Jack and Rosie!


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


JG: Six months. I’m not a quick writer and I am an absolute perfectionist. Every detail has to be right. I never feel I’ve ‘finished’ a novel. If I’m not really disciplined I could go on forever making changes and editing particular scenes. So I have to be stern with myself and say ‘That’s it. It’s done’.


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


JG: The Rebels’ Promise is a love story based around the true events of 1745, when Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite army attempted to reclaim the British crown. It was a turbulent time and the rebels got as far as Derby before they turned back across the Scottish border. 

Rosie Delacourt is an English girl from a well-to-do family, whose quiet life is turned upside down when she rescues an injured Jacobite. Rosie has never met anyone quite like Jack before. He’s handsome, dashing, charming and, even though he is at death’s door when the story begins, he flirts outrageously with her! 

It’s inevitable that they will fall in love, but Jack is wanted for treason and King George’s troops come looking for him. The lovers share one bittersweet night together before he leaves. 

Jack promises to return - “Rosie, my heart, my dearest love. I swear that, once I have secured the king’s pardon, I will come back for you and make you my wife.” – but Rosie doesn’t know if she will ever see him again. 

Momentous events are shaping across the border and Bonnie Prince Charlie is defeated in battle. The rebels are in disarray and the prince himself goes into hiding. Back in Derbyshire, Rosie has her own problems. She is being blackmailed by Sir Clive Sheridan, a man who lusts after her body and her fortune. When the news comes that Jack has been killed at Culloden, she faces a stark choice: marry Clive or she, and her young brother, will go to the gallows as traitors.

Jack, meanwhile, has secured a pardon, and he returns to fulfil his promise. When he hears that Rosie is to marry the very man who betrayed him, he is devastated. But Rosie cannot tell him the truth. To do so would mean certain death for both of them. 

It seems the only feelings which remain between them now are bitterness and anger. However, when danger throws them together again, Jack and Rosie are reminded of tenderness they once shared.

I love Jack and Rosie to bits. Both of them are funny, feisty and likable. But ‘The Rebel’s Promise’ also has a great supporting cast. Sir Clive Sheridan (boo, hiss!) is the dastardly villain you love to hate while Harry, Bella and Perry definitely deserve their own sequels (watch this space …). Even Harry’s dog adds something extra to the story!

I wanted to create a magical world in which the reader feels part so I’ve loved getting comments that tell me I’ve succeeded. Readers have said that it’s like a historical soap opera (or Downton Abbey set a few centuries earlier). There has been some on-line debate about who would play the main characters in a film or mini-series. I’m quite liking the suggestion of Rob James-Collier as the foppish Sir Peregrine Pomeroy!  

I haven’t done any book signings or readings but I have loved doing guest blogs to promote my book, and my favourite promotional activity has been making my own book trailer, which is on Youtube.


SDG: That sounds like an incredible book! Is your family supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?
 

JG: They are really proud of me! I use a pseudonym because of my ‘day job’ so they can’t boast about me as much as they would like to but my husband tells everyone he knows to go out and buy my book. I would love to say that writing is my ‘career’ but I have another, very time consuming career, so I would rather say writing is my ‘passion’.


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


JG: What are you waiting for? If you have a story to tell, get it written down and get it out there! I think you also have to ‘tune out’ some critiques. Everyone has their own personal preferences and you can’t please everyone. As a writer, you have to be true to yourself and write what you believe in, not what you think other people want to read.


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


JG: My next historical romance is close to completion. The Corsair’s Revenge is set about six years after the end of The Rebel’s Promise. It’s not quite a sequel but there are some familiar faces in it! It is book number two in the Powder and Patch Collection.

The story begins when Caro Trelawn is on the way to her wedding. She never arrives. Instead she is kidnapped by a notorious brigand known as Le Corsaire and taken aboard his ship. The story is played out along the wild Cornish coast, into the elegant salons of Paris and ends in the slums of London’s St Giles. 

As in The Rebel’s Promise, there is adventure alongside the main romantic plot, a great supporting cast of characters … and, this time, there is an unexpected twist at the end! 

I’m also working on a novella. In Sir Peregrine’s Wager, we discover what happens to Bella and Perry (two of those great supporting characters from The Rebel’s Promise).


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?


JG: I am a morning person, and I do mean early morning! I think I should have been a farmer’s wife because I’m awake at about 5 am every day. The downside of that is that I’m fit for nothing by 9 pm. The peaceful, early morning quiet is my writing time. 


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


JG: Yes, because no-one else in my family – except my cat – is awake at that time.


The Rebel’s Promise book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK4w-ci2bU4


Purchase links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Rebels-Promise-ebook/dp/B00BVCZT6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368564473&sr=8-1&keywords=rebel%27s+promise+jane+godman


All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-therebel039spromise-1053355-160.html

 Front Porch Romance (publisher’s website): 

http://www.frontporchromance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_20&products_id=188&zenid=m5d8prl7vhiv7i7b9icjk26905


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


JG: I’d like to mention the Front Porch Romance team, especially Madison Connors, the CEO, who is really enthusiastic and energetic. She really supports and encourages her authors. There are some great books coming out from Front Porch Romance by a fantastic, talented group of authors and I’m very proud to be part of that.  

SDG: Author website/social media sites:


JG: I love to hear from readers and can be contacted at:


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Godman-Author/

https://twitter.com/JaneGodman

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6923685.Jane_Godman

 My blog is here:

http://georgianromancewriter.blogspot.co.uk/

 

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