An interview with best selling author Lena Nelson Dooley!

About the author...

Lena was voted #6 on Top Ten Favorite Authors list in the Heartsong Reader Poll in 2005

My husband James and I have been married since 1964. Ours was one of those love-at-first-sight relationships. We were married three months and three days after we met. He truly was God's gift to me. We are absolute opposites, but that means that his strengths are my weaknesses, and my strengths are his weaknesses. Together we make a more perfect whole. I believe that is what God intends for all of us.

We have two daughters. Marilyn Van Zant is married to Roger, and they have a son named Timothy. Tim is now in Tennessee at Ft. Campbell. His son Sebastian is almost 2 years old.

Jennifer Waldron is married to Eric, and they have three children-Austin, Marissa, and Amanda. James and I love to spend time with our family, and we are blessed that both families live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex, so we see them often.

For several years, I worked on the support staff of a church, but in November of 2002, God changed things so that I can stay home and write full-time. It has been the desire of my heart for a long time. In Proverbs 37:4, it says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." I believe that this blessing is a result of my delighting myself in Him, and I praise Him for the opportunity.

My husband worked for DFW Airport for several years, but in the spring of 2003 they offered him early retirement. He took it, but he wasn't ready to quit working completely. He worked at Wal-Mart for five years. In December 2007, he started working in the Facilities Department of our church.

James and I like to travel. We have often gone on missions' trips to Mexico, and some of our best friends are missionaries in several countries around the world. We hope to visit more of them in the future.

We worship at Gateway church in Southlake, Texas. Visit them at: http://www.gatewaypeople.com.

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Cindy: Welcome to Writer's Block, Lena. I've been reading over your biography information from your website and I'm very impressed! You've won several awards. Can you give the readers a little information on your awards, which one surprised you the most and why?

Lena: When American Christian Fiction Writers gave me the Mentor of the Year Award in 2006. I do mentor other authors God brings into my life. It's a call on my life and a great blessing. Actually, I was in the Ladies room when they started the announcement. My critique group was all sitting together at two tables. They started worrying that I wouldn't get back in time if I won. I missed the part where they read the list of the authors who were nominated. She was reading actual emails when I came back in the room. My critique group thought I would figure it out when she read one of the things I often tell them, but I just thought, "How like God to tell so many of His children the same thing." I was putting on lipstick when they called my name. I dropped my lipstick and mirror and got up. Halfway to the stage I wondered if I had put it on all my mouth. I hoped I wouldn't look strange. I didn't.

Cindy: When you say in 2002, God changed things so you could stay home to write full time - (and you don't have to go into great detail if it means disclosing personal information you'd rather not make public) - what do you mean?

Lena: I had gone to the first ACFW national conference. I pitched four fiction books and one nonfiction book, and both the editor and the agent wanted to see proposals on all of them. I knew I couldn't get it all done while working full-time. When I was going to ask for less hours, I was offered a free-lance project, where I would make enough to last me six months. I felt that God had assured me He would sell at least one of the books by the time the money ran out. My husband agreed with me that I should take the project, and God sold three books in those six months.

Cindy: Both you and your husband have performed work for your church over the years. In what way might your close relationship with God and the church inspire your writing?

Lena: I wouldn't be able to write anything if I hadn't realized that God created me to write at this time in my life. I depend on Him for the stories. And He helps me see His hand in every contract and contact that I make.

Cindy: You and your husband have gone on Mission trips outside the United States to help others. - (Let me just say that God smiles on you for that and so do I) - Can you tell us briefly where, why and if you were able to accomplish what needed to be done, or do you plan on returning to help more and do you feel God paved the way for you to do such wonderful work for Him?

Lena: James and I together have gone on several short-term mission trips into Mexico. They were valuable both for us and for the people where we ministered. I've spoken in Mexico at a women's conference and at other women's meetings. We've helped with building projects and also just ministered to individuals in villages.

I've also been on a missions trip to Guatemala. The team had both builders and medical people as well as children's workers. The builders worked on a clinic. The medical team had mobile clinics out in the mountains. When they went where I could get to the place without climbing too much, I was on the children's team. When they went where it was too strenuous for my leg, I worked in the office helping bind their Bible curriculum. I thoroughly enjoyed both these events, as well as when we visited an extremely poor family and took food.

Cindy: You've written comedy routines for someone in the past. I must admit that's a new one on me and I've been interviewing authors for some time now. Please let the readers know how that came about and what did you take with you from that experience?

Lena: My teenage daughter met an up and coming Christian comedian many years ago. He wanted some fresh routines. I wrote three for him. It was a lot of fun. Making serious Biblical truths funny.

Cindy: You once (and still do) wanted to write a book on the Proverbs 31 woman. What's holding you back?

Lena: I do believe I will write that book. The time hasn't arrived yet.

Cindy: Another interesting factor (your life has been truly an adventure!) is that you were at one time, a mail carrier. Gosh that sounds like fun! My dad still tries to get me to try to get into that line of work someday, but I'm - well, let's just say I'm too set in my ways to even "want" to do that now. So, how was that experience and does anyone (or did anyone) you ever encountered during that employment ever wind up as the basis for any of your characters in your books?

Lena: Actually, I created my first book (in my mind) while driving that rural mail route. But I haven't used any of the people as characters yet.

Cindy: Twice in one week, once with someone you knew very well and once with someone you were only acquainted with, you were told that you should write the Inspirational stories you had only thought about and that they both felt God wanted you to do that and would guide you along the way to writing them. As a strong Christian woman who not only attended church, but often helped with church events and activities, why did this surprise you? (Someday you can ask me how I felt when my first novel wound up not only being an Inspirational story, but a trilogy at that!)

Lena: That was almost 25 years ago. Actually, it didn't surprise me really, but it just demonstrated to me how God works things out in our lives. I praised Him then and I praise Him now for using all those things to get my attention.

Cindy: Of all your published novels, stories, skits, (etc.), which has been your most favorite to write and why, and which the most difficult and why?

Lena: I'm often asked what is my favorite. I usually answer, "The one I'm writing right now." I've loved so many of the books. And so many of them have touched and changed lives. I love that. God surprises me often while I'm writing and has me change something I planned to a different way. Those are the ones that become the strongest scenes. Probably the one I'm writing now is most difficult. It's my first 90,000+ word book.

Cindy: You have several published novels, some solo, some with other authors. Briefly tell us what transpired in getting that first one published and how you felt the first time you held your first published book in your hand?

Lena: I started wrote the first book when Christian fiction was just really beginning to grow. And the market was much different from now. It went through fluctuations that affected many contracts. That happened to me. With each rejection, I learned more about writing. Finally, after about 8 years, I held the first book in my hand. It's an awesome moment, but you know what. Each new book that I hold in my hand the first time is almost as thrilling.

Cindy: Now a well-seasoned author, can you enlighten the readers on your next release and what we might be able to await in the near future?

Lena: My July release is Cranberry Hearts. This is a compilation of three Heartsong books written by Lisa Harris, Laurie Alice Eakes, and me. All three are romantic suspense set mostly in Massachusetts, and either the hero or the heroine in each book are cousins.

Then in September, I have two Christmas novella releases. Wild West Christmas is my first book set in Texas. The other authors are Kathleen Y'Barbo, Vickie McDonough, and Darlene Franklin. The historical stories are about the Ames sisters, who were raised by their rancher father after their mother died. I love these stories. My novella in the collection is Charlsey's Accountant.

The second book is a contemporary. Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe takes place at the same ski lodge in Incline Village at the north end of Lake Tahoe. The ski lodge is owned by one of the girls' grandparents, and they girls go to work there after college. Actually, I love these stories, too. My novella in this one is No Thank You.

Cindy: What advice, as both a writer and editor, can you offer those who have yet to see their first "baby" hit the bookshelves - what can they do to ensure they'll get that "big break" and what might they expect as far as "rejections"?

Lena: Rejections come. Very few people sell to the first person they submit to. They're part of the business. Learn from them and move on. Remember, if God wants that publisher to publish your book, the publisher will. If He doesn't, look elsewhere. I believe that God has specific places where He wants the stories to go, so the people who need the message woven will read it. God's timing isn't our timing. He's never early, but He's never late.

Cindy: Where can we purchase your books?

Lena: This year's releases are available in Christian bookstores, in Barnes & Noble, in other bookstores, and online. Amazon has all my books.

Cindy: Of all your books, which do you recommend as the "one" you hope everyone reads if only one of many?

Lena: Everyone should read Minnesota Brothers. This book has changed many lives. Also you really must read Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, when it comes out next year.

Cindy: Where can we learn more about you and your work, and keep up to date on any events coming up?

Lena: I'm all over the Internet.

http://www.lenanelsondooley.com - my web site
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com - a blog where I interview other authors
http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com - my monthly newsletter. Come over and sign up for it. I'm also on Shoutlife, Facebook, and Twitter.

Cindy: Lena, I do have one thing I would like to tell you, while I have your attention. The first thing about you that stuck out at me immediately was that you so closely resemble one of my aunts on my mother's side of the family. She recently passed away, last year about this time. I'm sure that God has led me on the path I am following now and I'm even more positive that everyone who has entered my life at one time or another was sent my way by Him for a specific reason. So I just want to thank you for this wonderful opportunity to learn more about you and get to know you more personally. Is there anything else you would like to add that I may not have covered in this interview?

Lena: I love to hear from readers, so visit one of my sites and leave a comment or contact me. Thank you, Cindy. I've enjoyed spending this time with you.

Cindy: Lena, thank you so much for your time and I'm looking forward to not only reading your future books, but all of them. You've been most gracious. God bless you!

http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/authors/18/Cindy-Bauer

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Coming Soon!

Cranberry Hearts, Barbour, July 2009
The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner, Thorndike Press Large Print, August 2009
Can You Help Me? and... Caught Red Handed, Thorndike Press Large Print, September 2009
Wild West Christmas, Barbour, September 2009
Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe, Barbour, September 2009 and... Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, Summerside Press, Summer 2010

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Lena’s Books

Interview with best-selling author Roxanne Rustand!

Welcome Roxanne. Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. Let’s begin with a little background history.

CB: You live in the country with hubby and a daughter and have 2 sons, as well. Tell us a little about your family and how do they inspire you when you’re writing?

RR: Times have sure changed. When I first started writing, our daughter was a preschooler and our boys were in grade school. Now, she is in college, our middle son is starting an MBA program, and our older son is married with two young children--and he's going back to college, too. The house is much quieter.

I think I always hoped for the reverse of your question: that my hard work on the long road to publication--and all the hard work afterwards--would inspire our kids to pursue their dreams...and would teach them that almost any dream is possible if one is willing to work hard, and stay on course.

CB: And the many pets?

RR: Right now, our head count is the lowest it's been in years! We are down to three horses, two rambunctious border collies, eight fluffy, friendly barn cats, and Mr. Fish--a giant goldfish who summers in the tropics (our horse water tank) and winters in our guest room. We had just about every sort of reptile, rodent, furred or feathered creature you can imagine during the years the kids were growing up. The one that I don't miss too much was Sid the Snake. He stayed home when Brian first went off to college, which meant that I had to feed him, and I really, really felt bad about those poor little mice. Sid now lives with a kindergarten teacher. Whew!

Animals of all kinds have played a part in quite a few of my books, and continue to be a big part of my life now. In fact, I recently started a blog called "the all creatures great and small place" where authors have been posting all sorts of amusing stories on their animals, complete with pictures.

CB: You’re also a dietitian and work part time. When do you find the time to write such wonderful books?

RR: I work 20 hours a week, which leaves several days for writing during the week. During pressing deadlines, I also write during the evenings and on weekends. When things were much more hectic at our house, I usually went to a motel for several long weekends with my laptop when deadlines loomed.

CB: How did you get started in writing?

RR: A friend owned a horse magazine and asked if I would write humorous feature articles for her. When she gave me my first computer (a Packard Bell, back in the Word Star days!), it opened up a whole new world. Writing was such fun with those new-fangled editing functions! Judy also gave me some books written by one of her favorite fiction authors, and I became entranced with those books...and then she eventually invited me to join her critique group. Somehow, I started writing a story along the way....and just kept at it. I owe Judy quite a debt of gratitude!

CB: You belong to several writing groups. Explain the advantages and how that has helped your career.

RR: ACFW (American Christian Fiction Authors) and RWA (Romance Writers of America) are both absolutely wonderful organizations. They both offer excellent education opportunities and networking through national and local conferences, local chapters, writing contests, a wealth of online classes, writers' loops, and other resources. I belong to Author's Guild because I feel I should support an organization that protects authors' rights. Novelist, Inc. and Pasic are published author groups, and that networking is valuable. Since I often write romantic suspense, the Mystery-Suspense RWA chapter is phenomenal--they offer excellent online classes every month, and if you have a question on rigor mortis or the trajectory of a certain type of ammunition, you can post a question on the loop day or night, and someone will know!

CB: Do you ever work on more than one novel at a time?

RR: Generally not--though the various editing stages of the previous book will often overlap the writing of the next manuscript. When the schedule is really tight, I might be working on a new manuscript, doing revisions on the previous manuscript, and then also get copy edits on the one before that. It can take a minute to switch gears!

CB: What (or who) would you say, is the biggest influence you’ve had during your writing career?

RR: RWA and ACFW are both wonderful. Without RWA--especially all the contests for aspiring authors--it probably would have taken me many more years to reach a first sale. And Lyn Cote was extremely helpful when I switched from secular to inspirational fiction. Years back, she and I were unpublished writers in a little critique group, hoping to make a sale someday. Now, she is multi, multi-published, but despite her busy schedule, she has such an open and giving heart--she really spent a lot of time encouraging me and showing me the way when I wanted to make a change in my writing career. I owe her so much!

CB: When you get stuck, how do you approach moving forward with the novel? Do you start farther into the book and then go back to that spot, or wait until you can continue?

RR: I have a simple tool....one that I've used from the beginning. To make a sale, most of us need to write a synopsis. With what I learn about plot and characters from that, I make "lists of twenty"--ideas of what should happen/needs to happen for each subplot. I just sit down and let the ideas flow, and type fast as I can. Then I look at each list, and pull those ideas into an approximate, logical order under a heading for each subplot. Using 10 pt font and columns, I condense it all into the least number of pages possible, so I can see it at a glance. Now, the plot may take a completely different turn...and often does. I won't use everything....and I may add a lot as I go. But being able to glance at this list of possibilities above my computer means than I always have somewhere logical to go in the next scene. Even if it's just a glimmer of an idea or I need to turn that idea 180 degrees for a better twist.

CB: Some authors plan ahead, by keeping a list of characters and plotting. Do you use this method or are you a “by the seat of the pants” writer?

RR: I don’t plan scenes and chapters for a book before I start. Too much changes once the characters start to come alive, and their personalities start to dictate what they would logically do. Though we create these people, we can't create them in a certain way, put them in difficult situations, that make them change, and then think that we can force them to act in ways that are against their characters but convenient for our plot!

I did more extensive plotting for my first few books, and then sort of internalized the rhythm of the kind of stories I write. Again--most of us have to submit a synopsis in order to sell, so that forces some degree of planning, even if we never really refer to that dreaded document again. I do make those plot idea lists, which is a huge help. I like to have an idea of how the book will end. I do have four other tools that I use with every single book as I write to keep everything straight....to make sure I'm not dropping subplots or forgetting characters...and to make sure everything wraps up in a logical way. I think I'll be teaching an ACFW class this winter on plotting, and will get into a lot more detail with this process then.

CB: Are any other members in your family also writers?

RR: Ahhh, yes. Our daughter has been a storyteller since she was three. She'd dress up, "sell" tickets to her brothers and me; then she'd launch into long, complicated stories that actually did have rising action, a black moment, a dramatic climax and a resolution. Her brothers would try to slink away before it all started, but her stories (mostly about rabbit families) even got them hooked. Emily is now twenty, has recently joined RWA, and will be coming with me to the RWA conference in Washington DC in July.

CB: What advice can you give aspiring authors who are seeking to be published?

RR: Work hard. If this is truly, truly your dream, then never give up. Many highly successful authors took five to ten years to make a first sale. Google "rotten rejections" to see a few of them!

But while you are persevering, don't polish the same old manuscript. Finish one, finish another. Take online classes, enter contests, and listen to what contest judges say. Save every penny and go to the ACFW conference or RWA, and immerse yourself in the workshops. Many, many authors donate critiques to the annual Brenda Novak auction (every May) and this is a great opportunity to receive feedback from successful authors.

Develop a thick skin and an open attitude of wanting to learn and grow. I've donated a lot of critiques for various fundraisers, and for each one spent countless hours reading, analyzing, writing pages and pages of comments and encouragement, trying to provide the best possible help. But I've found there are two types of people out there: the ones who might respond with a stiff "thanks" to a critique, but who are apparently insulted that anyone thought their "baby" could be improved in any way. And there are the writers who soak up advice, eagerly use whatever aspects that work for their own vision of their story, and who are constantly trying to grow as writers. Which one has the best chance for a career? And which one will handle the revision and line editing process best after they sell? That isn't hard to see.

CB: What would you say, are the most important ingredients when working up a query or proposal letter to get the agent or publisher’s attention?

RR: I've only done two, so I'm afraid I'm not a good resource on this. In fact, before I first sold, I sent a query letter to an editor. She sent back a form letter rejection. BUT, the same project had already been entered in some contests. A month or so later, that editor judged the final round of one of the contests. My entry won, and she wrote on the score sheet in bold, triple-underlined letters, SEND THIS TO ME! So obviously, I'm a flop at query letters!

CB: Have you ever had any rejections and if so, tell us a little about those and what kept you focused on continuing with your career despite the setbacks.

RR: My first manuscript won the Golden Heart. Four editors requested the manuscript--three final round judges, plus a single title editor just out of the blue. I was so naïve--I was sure that I'd be quitting my day job to become a writer any day! All four rejected it....though one of them took over eighteen months to get back to me. The reason it was rejected by all? The first three chapters were polished--the rest of them, which were not judged in the contest, were a beginner's attempt to finish a manuscript. I'd written it all fast, to make the contest deadline. It definitely didn’t deserve to sell! That it didn't was a true blessing. I wasn't ready.

CB: Any recommended sites to help other aspiring authors learn more about craft or promotion once published?

RR: Go to http://www.sff.net/people/Alicia/index.htm and click on "Archive of the Articles of The Month" for absolutely wonderful articles on writing.

The ACFW website is fantastic.

Without being a member, you can go to www.rwanational.org, click “About RWA", then click Chapters. Many, many of the chapters have wonderful articles on their websites about writing that are accessible to non-members, and you'll find links to other great sites as well.

CB: You also participate in a blog site, Craftie Ladies of Suspense. What do you “ladies” blog about?

RR: Everything under the sun!

CB: You had a May Steeple Hill book titled DEADLY COMPETITION. What can we expect to read next?

RR: In August, Save the Last Dance. It was written for the Everlasting line, but will be shelved with the Superromance titles, because the Everlasting line folded soon after this book sold. I loved writing this book--it was one of the most challenging I've ever written, though! It involves a veterinarian and her husband. In September, the first book in my Steeple Hill Big Sky Secrets trilogy will be out. FINAL EXPOSURE involves a young woman who goes back to the Rockies to face a tragedy in her past, and buys a quaint little store...but finds danger is still lurking there.

CB: Where can readers learn more about you?

RR: You can learn more at: --http://roxannerustand.blogspot.com/ is a blog about all sort of pets-with guest authors often popping in to share stories about the animals in their lives. I welcome stories from everyone--not just authors! --www.shoutlife.com/roxannerustand--blogs are running here too, along with information on my books. Shoutlife is a wonderful community for readers, because there are sooo many writers there! --www.roxannerustand.com is my main website, where you can find contest for free books, articles, family photos, and links for buying my current and past books.

CB: Where can we purchase your books and do you offer signed copies?

RR: Steeple Hill (www.steeplehill.com) or your local bookstores are the best source for current books. When those are gone, one can try Amazon or barnesandnoble.com. There are links to click for each book on my website. Also, I usually buy a box or two of extra books from the local bookseller, in case readers want autographed copies. Those are available for the cover price, plus book rate mailing, through my website.

CB: What else would you like to tell us about yourself that I may not have covered here in this interview?

RR: Just that I am really honored that you allowed me to join you here. Thanks so much!

http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/authors/18/Cindy-Bauer

Roxanne's Books

An interview with best selling author Lynn Emery!

Meet Lynn Emery

Emma Winner

Author of the Year 2004

Mix knowledge of Louisiana politics and forensic social work, with the dedication to write fiction while working each day in an acute psychiatric unit for women, and you get a snapshot of talented author Lynn Emery. Lynn has been a contributing consultant to the magazine Today’s Black Woman for three articles about contemporary relationships between black men and women.

Lynn sold her first novel in 1995 to Kensington publishing for their groundbreaking Arabesque line. NIGHT MAGIC went on to be recognized for Excellence in Romance Fiction for 1995 by Romantic Times Magazine.

Her third novel, AFTER ALL, became a movie produced by BET and aired on December 3, 1999. Holly Robinson Peete was the female lead as Michelle Toussaint, an investigative television reporter.

In 2004 Lynn won three coveted Emma Awards. She was chosen Author of the Year and her novel KISS LONELY GOODBYE won Best Novel and Favorite Hero.

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Lynn writes after work and on weekends. Flagging energy does not present a problem. "I began to write when I was eleven years old and I won’t ever stop. That tough little kid inside me who dreamed of holding her own book won’t hear of it. Let me tell you she cracks the whip!"

Lynn’s latest novel is SOULFUL STRUT is from HarperCollins. She has also completed an inspirational non-fiction book called BE ENCOURAGED: WORDS OF SUNLIGHT FOR THE SOUL.

For more information contact Lynn at lynn@lynnemery.com.

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Welcome to Writer's Block - A Cindy Bauer Books Newsletter. This month we have Emma Award Winner Lynn Emery. Now, let's learn more about her!

CB: You're from Louisiana. Let's begin with a brief description of growing up in Louisiana; your family, education, marriage, children, etc.

LE: I grew up in south Louisiana where I still live. I'm single and don't have any kids, more time to write. As for a description of growing up in Louisiana, hard to keep it brief. It's hot, humid and full of fun. The history of our state goes a long way to explain our culture. We were first a Spanish possession, and then they sold us to France. The French didn't keep us long before they sold us to America. Toss in Native American, African and Caribbean influences and you have an idea why we're so spicy and fun.

CB: When you say you are a mixture of Louisiana politics and forensic social work, how exactly are the two connected?

LE: I've worked in Louisiana government for years, so I have gotten to see some of the inside workings and how politics affects so much of our lives here. Part of that time I've done some forensic social work, so that's the only connection.

CB: You have 14 published novels now and your second one, After All, was made into a movie. Can you tell us a little about how the movie deal came about?

LE: My first publisher, Kensington, sold the Arabesque imprint to Black Entertainment Television (BET). This came about during negotiations between Kensington and BET to buy movie rights to some of the novels, which led to BET offering to buy the imprint outright and become a publisher, BET Books. From there BET selected five Arabesque novels that were produced as made for television movies. I didn't have anything to do with the selection. In fact, I didn't even know they were considering one of my books.

CB: Does your family or previous events in your life ever play a part in your story ideas and if so, in what way?

LE: My family on both sides had great storytellers, so my love of fiction came naturally. I have used kernels of stories I heard as a child to develop plots and subplots. I eavesdropped a lot as a kid.

CB: Is anyone else in your family involved in any way in the business of writing and publishing and if so, how?

LE: Except for a nine-year-old niece who announced that she intends to be a writer like me, there is no other writer in my immediate family. As for the huge extended kin, lots of distant cousins, I don't know of any.

CB: You won 3 coveted Emma Awards. How exciting! Tell us a little about how that came about?

LE: The Emma Award is named after pioneer independent bookstore owner, Emma Rodgers. For thirty years she and a partner ran Black Images Book Bazaar and helped scores of black authors reach readers. The Emma Awards are judged by those who attend the Romance Slam Jam conference. This conference is devoted to celebrating black romance authors and their devoted fans. In 2004 I was honored to win Best Novel and Favorite Hero for my novel Kiss Lonely Goodbye. I also won Author of the Year.

CB: Besides your novels, what other areas of writing have you done?

LE: I write a regular column for a blog, The Readers Rooms. I also have two blogs of my own, As I Was Saying… and Be Encouraged. I have a serial mystery novella at A Darker Shade of Midnight.

CB: Is there any specific genre you prefer when writing and if so, why?

LE: Right now I'm into the mystery genre. Actually that's what I wanted to write from the start, but it just happened that the first book I sold was a romantic suspense novel.

CB: You work during the day. How do you ever find the time to write?

LE: One word, discipline. I've learned to say, "No" to others and myself.

CB: Has any of your work ever been rejected or not published?

LE: Ouch! Don't make me re-live the pain but yes, I've been rejected.

CB: What one factor would you consider to be the most valuable when you are trying to plot out your stories?

LE: Knowing the characters and how their personality traits will affect the story events.

CB: Tell us a little about the novels you've published?

LE: Until now most have been romantic suspense with a few of them leaning more toward women's fiction. All are set in Louisiana, except one novella in The Lipstick Chronicles that is set in Washington, D.C.

CB: Where can we purchase copies?

LE: Any major online store like B&N.com, PowellBooks.com or Amazon. Some of them may be out of print. My last book was out in 2006 so I doubt they're stocked in bookstores. However they can be ordered.

CB: Do you offer signed copies and if so, how does one get one from you?

LE: I don't have signed copies. Storage would be a problem with 14 books! LOL

CB: What valuable piece of information would you like to share with other aspiring writers who hope to, but haven't been able to publish their work yet?

LE: Study the craft and network with other writers. Attend writing workshops, but make sure it's one that will meet your needs.

CB: What websites can we visit to learn more about you and your work?

LE: My website is lynnemery.com or my blog, which is more up-to-date, As I Was Saying….

CB: What are you currently working on?

LE: A mystery novel that can be described as a cozy. I'm actually in the final stages of polishing it.

CB: You have published with several publishers. Of all these, which do you feel is the best one and why?

LE: That's hard to say, all of them were good for me at different stages in my career. Each one had strengths and weaknesses, but HarperCollins and Penguin/Putnam do a fabulous job of distribution.

CB: In what ways do you promote your books, or do you have an agent or publicist who handles all of that for you?

LE: I have done promotions on the Internet, using my website of course. But I've also done promotions or ads on romance fiction websites. I've done book signings of course, radio and television interviews and more. I've done lots of different things over the years.

CB: What has been the most challenging aspect in writing and publishing that you've run across and why?

LE: Promotion and marketing tie for second place to writing the book on this one! Getting your name known is tough.

CB Are there any other points you'd like to tell us about that I may not have covered in this interview?

LE: There are so many opportunities for writers to get their words out into the world now, technologies that didn't even exist when I first sold back in 1994. Seems like ancient times now when authors having websites was a new thing. Writers should love to write and keep writing, and give readers your very best.

CB: Lynn, I want to thank you for taking time from your schedule to allow me this interview for Writer's Block June 2009 issue.

***

Lynn's Books:

Special Guest Interview Coming in December!

Mark your calendars for this special guest interview with Amanda Abizaid! Amanda is the singer of "A Place in Time", which was the theme song for the hit USA network TV show, The 4400! She also performed the theme songs for the hit TV shows, Smallville and Charmed!

You can learn more about Amanda at her website, her MySpace page, and at SonicBids.

Amanda will be going on a solo world tour in August, but has graciously agreed to an online interview for the December issue of Writer's Block - A Cindy Bauer Books Newsletter!

The interview will be posted right here on Interviews By Cindy on December 1st, 2009!

So don't miss out on this very special event!

If you have a question you'd like Amanda to answer, email me with your request and I'll include your question in the interview with your name, so Amanda can personally answer it for you!

Amanda's Music

Shirley A. Roe (AllBooks Review)

CB: You are an author, writer, editor, and reviewer with a remarkable portfolio. I'd like to begin this interview with a little background information first. Briefly tell us a little bit about Shirley Roe, the person: where did you grow up, siblings, family, etc.

SR: Thank you Cindy. I was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and lived in southern Ontario during my childhood, with my parents and two brothers. My husband, Jim and I still live in a suburb of Toronto. We have three children and 6 grandchildren. Jim and I spend half the year in Florida and travel to Scotland at least once a year. We love to travel and I am always researching for a new story.

CB: Your first novel, Of Dreams and Nightmares, was published by PublishAmerica. As a former PA author, can you tell us a little about your experience in working with that company and any advice you might have for other authors still trying to get that first manuscript published. How has that worked out for you?

SR: Unfortunately my experience with PA was not to my satisfaction and I cancelled my contract after 4 years. The seven year contract was restrictive and costly to get out of. The company does not promote their authors and the cost of buying books at the author's price is very high. My second and third books were published by independent publishers and I am currently working with RealTime Publishing, whom I am very impressed with.

CB: You are the Managing Editor of award winning AllBooks Review. How did the review site come about and what services do you offer, other than book reviews?

SR: In 2000, as an author myself, I saw a great need for reviewers for POD books. I started Allbooks Review for this reason and the company has grown dramatically in the past 9 years. AllBooks Review now reviews POD, eBook and traditional books from authors all over the globe. We offer advertising, promotion, editing, synopsis writing and guest speaker engagements. The Allbooks Review blog site is now a stop for Virtual Book tours. Our newsletter is read and appreciated by thousands of readers. Allbooks now has 27 excellent reviewers, from all walks of life.

CB: Your reviews are furnished to libraries by a Book Review Index, which is a CD. Can you briefly describe this idea's origination and do you find it helps in getting authors' books into the libraries nationally?

SR: The CD idea originated with Midwest Reviews who I work with. James Cox, founder of Midwest, would be happy to answer this question.

CB: Briefly describe your published works:

SR: I have three historical fictions published. Of Dreams and Nightmares is the story of Martha Whittaker, an English woman who travels to America and becomes a pioneer in the wilds of Wyoming Territory. Her story describes the trials and tribulations faced by these brave and formidable people. The Whittaker Family Reunion picks up Martha's family twenty years later in St. Louis. The family is reuniting; however a mysterious stranger arrives, threatening both their safety and their sanity. A Call to Faith and Freedom is the story of the invasion of the Scottish Highlands in the 6th Century. It is a romance, adventure and historically accurate tale of the life of the Celts and Druids.

CB: Where might we buy them and do you offer signed copies?

SR: Signed copies can be purchased directly from me through my website:

allbookreviews.com or booksbyshirleyroe.bravehost.com. Books are sold on Amazon.com, realtimepublishings.com, Borders, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million and most bookstores.

CB: On each published work, how did you come by the ideas for the story plots and does your family influence your writings in any way?

SR: I am a historical fiction fan. The idea for A Call to Faith and Freedom stems from my many visits to Scotland and all of the historical sites there. Martha Whittaker was a character that I invented during a writing class. She haunted me and I was compelled to write her story.

CB: You recently joined forces with TheEBookSale.com and RealTime Publishing, which is owned and managed by Richie O'Brien. Can you briefly tell us about this partnership and what it means to aspiring authors hoping to be published?

SR: I am very pleased to be associated with Mr. O'Brien and RealTime Publishing. I personally published The Whittaker Family Reunion with RealTime in both eBook and printed format. The service was very reasonable and Mr. O'Brien's personal touch is a much-appreciated asset. As an author, I found publishers are often unavailable and uncooperative; this is not the case with RealTime. AllBooks Review provides the acquisition service and editing service to RealTime and I would highly recommend this company to both new and previously published authors. The rate for set up is one of the most reasonable on the web today and the end product is high quality. The eBookSale works hard to promote their books on many sites and distribution outlets.

CB: You write in several genres. Is there one in particular you enjoy more than the others?

SR: My favorite is definitely historical fiction.

CB: I see that you and your husband like to travel to research information for your works. Do you have the story idea in your head and then travel to get the information needed, or do you travel and come up with your ideas then?

SR: A little of both, A Call to Faith and Freedom definitely came to me during a trip to Scotland. I am currently working on a novel based in southern Alaska and I am planning a trip there this summer.

CB: Briefly tell us a little about your affiliations:

SR: As mentioned I am affiliated with RealTime Publishing. I promote Brenda Novak's auction for Diabetes every year. I have been a judge for Tweener Ministries Young Writers contests. I work with the ABC Ottawa Take Off Program and Emily Jane Hills Orford. This program offers bright, gifted children a chance to connect with talented, skilled adults eager to share their interests and passions for a particular subject.

AllBooks Review signed the Business Ethics Pledge with businessethicspledge.org. I am a member of Shadow Forest Writers, Author's Guild, Books and Authors, and several other writing groups. I write a syndicated column for American Chronicles. Personally, as a member of World Wildlife Federation, I support many environmental sites and sources.

CB: AllBooks Review has been twice awarded 101 Best Websites For Writers by Writer's Digest. That's quite an accomplishment! Can you tell us a little about the staff behind the site and their contributions leading up to such a prestigious award?

SR: My reviewers and staff are the best. Over the years we have grown to offer more services and review many different genres and formats. AllBooks Review prides itself on conscientious service. Lisa Haselton is one of the best editors in the business. I am thrilled to have her on staff. Bob Medak is an excellent marketing manager. He manages our blogs, Twitter, Wordpress, Facebook, etc. with ease. Email inquiries are answered quickly, reviews are completed in 30 days, ads are prepared and posted in a reasonable time and service is what we are about. We are here to serve and it is our pleasure. Allbooks Review has received thousands of testimonials over the years and we thank every one of our authors for their kind words. Readers will find AllBooks Reviews on several book jackets and in author promotional materials.

CB: AllBooks Review is also international. Who can submit to your site for a review and what information should they know prior to submission?

SR: All authors worldwide can submit. Our reviews are in English. Submission guidelines are available by emailing through the site or directly: allbookreviews@aol.com. We do not accept unsolicited works; please contact us before sending your book.

CB: What project are you working on now?

SR: I am currently finishing the final book in the Martha Whittaker series, Return to Whittakerville. It will be published in summer 2009 by RealTime Publishing, in both eBook and printed format. Once that is complete, I have two other historical fiction novels to complete. One based on the Tlingit tribe of Northern British Columbia/Alaska and the other is set in Ireland in the 1700's.

CB: Do you write any series of books and if not, have you ever considered doing a series?

SR: Yes, the Martha Whittaker Story is a series: Of Dreams and Nightmares, The Whittaker Family Reunion and finally Return to Whittakerville.

CB: You are an editor. But who edits for you?

SR: I use my AllBooks Review editor, Lisa Haselton. I value her opinion highly.

CB: Why should authors consult with a proofreader and an editor? Can you explain the benefits to their writing careers?

SR: Every author should have their work edited professionally. Most publishers of reputation will not publish a book with typos, grammatical errors, etc. The book reflects upon the author and the publisher, and every author should put forward their best work. As a reviewer, I see many books that would have been greatly improved and more saleable if edited before publishing.

CB: What websites can we visit to learn more about you, your books and your review services?

SR: You can visit: allbookreviews.com and

booksbyshirleyroe.bravehost.com for more information.

CB: Shirley, I want to thank you for joining us here at Writer's Block this month. I've enjoyed getting to know you better. Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers that I may not have covered in this interview?

SR: I appreciate all of the readers that have purchased my books and encourage anyone that has not to do so. Martha Whittaker's story appeals to readers of all ages. AllBooks Review is here to serve upcoming authors; we offer an excellent author promo package for less than $50. Contact us today.

CB: How may we contact you?

SR: Visit the AllBooks site: www.allbookreviews.com or email me at allbookreviews@aol.com or Sroebooks@aol.com

Cindy, I thank you for this interview and appreciate your time.

******************************

Author Shirley Roe spends time between Ontario, Canada and north Florida. Her first novel, Of Dreams and Nightmares was released in 2004. A freelance writer and Managing Editor of Allbooks Reviews, her diverse writing skills have been rewarded with several awards for both poetry and business articles. Her business expertise stems from her career in the business administration/ accounting business that she has owned and operated for several years in Ontario, Canada. Shirley says that writing is her passion and Martha McGuire is just the first of many intriguing characters that we will be introduced to over the next few years.

We were introduced to the Whittaker family in Of Dreams and Nightmares..

The Whittaker Family Reunion takes readers back to 1881 and the family is reunited once again. Martha and Jeremy await the arrival of their two sons, Abraham from Mississippi and Ezekiel, from England. The third son Isaac lives near St. Louis and is anxious to see his brothers again. Daughter Anna is spoiled and nothing but trouble. Abraham arrives with a woman, much to the family’s surprise. Ezekiel makes a narrow escape in England. Will the reunion be a happy one? Who will leave St. Louis in disgrace? Will Martha get to spend time with her entire family before tragedy strikes? The reunion is shadowed by another man, one seeking revenge; will he get what he wants? Will he kill one or all of them?

******************************

From their website...

Shirley A. Roe, Managing Editor
http://www.allbooksreview.com/

Shirley Roe is an author and Managing Editor for Allbooks Review. As a freelance writer, she spends time between Canada and the USA. Her published work, including inspirational articles and award winning poetry, has appeared in magazines, anthologies and daily newspapers. She writes a syndicated column for 21 news outlets in North America including World News. Winner of the Editor's Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry for 2002 and 2004 as well as recipient of the Freelance Writing Org. Int. first place award in 2003 for Business Articles, she excels in several genres. Allbooks Review website has been chosen one of 101 Best Websites for Writers two years in a row by Writer's Digest Magazine. Shirley is a regular reviewer for Foreword Magazine, Midwest Reviews, Mystique Books, Poetic Voices and several other prestigious review publications and sites. Her reviews are included in an interactive CD, "Book Review Index", which is distributed to libraries, corporate and academic sources. She speaks to Literary Guilds and Writer's clubs on a regular basis. As a member of Ryze Business Network she has contact with people of many industries and interests. Shirley is also a member of the Board of Directors of Bookconnectors. As a judge for Tweener Time international Chapter Book Competition and an active member of Alliance for Children's Enrichment, Shirley pursues her interests in World literacy for children and teens.

Shirley's first novel, Of Dreams and Nightmares was released in the fall of 2004. It is published by Publish America under ISBN: 1-4137-4337-4. Shirley's second historical fiction, A Call to Faith and Freedom was released by Grizzly Bookz Publishing in 2005; both are available on Amazon.com as well as bookstores. The Whittaker Family Reunion, a sequel to Of Dreams and Nightmares was released Oct. 2008. Shirley is currently working on the third book in this series as well as two more historical fiction novels. She also collaborated with children's author, Dawn Beaumont Lane on a story book, Fairy Glade and Other Enchanting Tales. Shirley is receiving international acclaim as an author and readers are captivated by her characters and in-depth research that bring the novels to life. Shirley and her husband enjoy traveling and every trip is research for the next story.

Allbooks reviews books from North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, France, Ireland, South Korea, China and Great Britain as well as several other International countries. Allbooks Reviews is listed in several prestigious Reviewer databases. Member of: Freelance Writing Organization International and Reviewers International Organization, Mystique Books as well as Author's Den and Ryze Networking. Also member of: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and several otherblogging and networking sites.

You will find Allbooks Reviews on several book covers, book jackets, and included in the promo packages of many up and coming authors. We work with a number of publishers providing good honest reviews for covers, promo packages and advertising. A good review from Allbooks will help you sell your book.

We are now affiliated with RealTime Publishing theebooksale.com and can help you with your POD publishing and e-book publishing needs.

Shirley's Books:

Shirley A. Roe Interview May 1st - Join us!

Join us on May 1st when I interview author, Shirley Roe, of AllBooks Review. Shirley is the author of A Call to Faith and Freedom, Dreams and Nightmares: The Martha Whittaker Story and The Whittaker Family Reunion.

A Call to Faith and Freedom

At a time when there appears to be a renewal of spiritualism in modern society, Shirley Roe's novel "A Call to Faith and Freedom" supports the knowledge that spiritualism and mysticism are indeed centuries old. This novel of a carefully observed portrait of sixth-century Scotland is not only entertaining but also educational, as she shares her extensive knowledge of Celtic faith with her readers in this exciting and action filled story of two Celtic clans. Her characters are so real that the reader sees the world through the eyes of Moreall, Armand, Ian and the many others. Description of hearth and land is deeply detailed and one feels as though she is walking step for step in the lives of these loving and brave people. This is a story of love, jealousy, treachery and war but also of faith and a closeness to nature. The Celtic beliefs in their goddess are threatened by a form of Christianity that is harsh and in many ways evil. The Angles are determined to settle Northumbria and eradicate the Celtic faith. Moreall and Armand, in their own individual ways, give their lives to a battle to save what is most important to their people. From this tiny bit of history, Shirley Roe, with her unique story telling style, has carved a story that draws the reader in and doesn't let go until the final sentence. For lovers of historical fiction and for those yet to be initiated, this book is a must. About the Author: Shirley Roe is an author and Managing Editor for Allbooks Reviews. Her published work, including inspirational articles and award winning poetry, has appeared in magazines, anthologies and daily newspapers. Winner of the Editor's Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry for 2002 and 2004 as well as recipient of the Freelance Writing Org. Int. first place award in 2003 for Business Articles, she excels in several genres. Shirley is a regular reviewer for Foreword Magazine, Midwest Reviews, Poetic Voices and several other prestigious review publications and sites.

Dreams and Nightmares: The Martha Whittaker Story

The Martha Whittaker Story is a historical romance taking the reader on a journey from the English aristocracy to the trials and tribulations of pioneer life. Martha McGuire’s arranged marriage to Jebediah Whittaker turns her life into her worst nightmare. After travelling on an immigrant ship to the Americas, a Conestoga wagon to the west, calamity follows, leaving her alone with a devil of a man and his three sons in the vast wilderness of Wyoming. Will hero Austin Wells find her and rescue her from her nightmare. How does brother-in-law Jeremy fit into the scenario? Will she survive? Can she ever find true and lasting love?

The Whittaker Family Reunion

In depth historical research makes this novel an education as well as a very entertaining read. With characters so real they feel like family, readers won’t be able to put this book down. The Whittaker Family Reunion is the sequel to Of Dreams and Nightmares but stands alone for new readers. As with the first book in the series, this one leaves us wanting more. Emotion filled, heartfelt, with both suspense and romance, Shirley Roe has given fans another five star novel! We were introduced to the Whittaker family in Of Dreams and Nightmares. The Whittaker Family Reunion takes readers back to 1881 and the family is reunited once again. Martha and Jeremy await the arrival of their two sons, Abraham from Mississippi and Ezekiel, from England. The third son Isaac lives near St. Louis and is anxious to see his brothers again. Daughter Anna is spoiled and nothing but trouble. Abraham arrives with a woman, much to the family's surprise. Ezekiel makes a narrow escape in England. Will the reunion be a happy one? Who will leave St. Louis in disgrace? Will Martha get to spend time with her entire family before tragedy strikes? The reunion is shadowed by another man, one seeking revenge; will he get what he wants? Will he kill one or all of them? Author, Shirley A. Roe divides her time between Southern Ontario, Scotland and Florida. Shirley travels extensively with her husband and is always researching her newest project. She is currently working on historical fiction novels number four and five.

Roxanne Rustand Interview delayed...

Due to recent surgery, Ms. Rustand was unable to complete the interview scheduled for April 1st. I will be posting this interview later when she's fully recovered and able to do the interview so watch for details coming soon!

Max Elliot Anderson

Welcome, Max! Thank you for taking time to talk with us. But before I start asking a lot of off-the-cuff questions, let’s find out who you are as a person. Please, take a moment to tell us about Max Anderson, the man next door.

I’ve been involved in the production of films, video programs, and television commercials for most of my life. I own my own production company. As a child, I was “killed” while riding my bike, by a hit-and-run driver. But…since the film I was in was being shot in black and white, the blood from my wounds came out of a chocolate syrup bottle. My work has given me the privilege of traveling all over the world.

My wife and I have been married for 40 years and have an adult son and daughter. Our son is an attorney in Chicago and our daughter teaches 2^nd grade in the Orlando area.

I’ve followed NASCAR since Jeff Gordon entered the sport. My son and I fly down to the Daytona 500 every year.

I prefer seeing or experiencing things rather than reading about them.

Thanks for sharing! We’re all very glad you survived the chocolate blood… Now that we know you better, let’s talk about your books. I know that you write action-adventure and mystery, mostly for reluctant reader “tween” boys. What drew you to this particular age group?

Even though my father was the author of over 70 books, I grew up hating to read. Because of this, I was drawn to write material especially for reluctant reader boys.

In my film experience, I knew that girls would watch a boy’s story, but boys were not at all interested in a story with a girl as a main character. I’ve used that same template in my writing and find that my books are enjoyed by girls, reluctant and avid boy readers, and even adults.

It was easier for me to approach a tween audience because life just gets so much more complicated in the teen years. I intend to reach younger children with some of life’s critical principles, before they reach that next level. I also knew that many boys were growing up without a positive male role model, and hope I can have some influence there too.

How many books do you have published, and which is your favorite?

Seven of my action-adventures & mysteries are published, along with a short story in a sports anthology, Lay Ups and Long Shots. I get the, “Which is your favorite?” question from a lot of people. I’ve completed 35 manuscripts at this point. The truth is, some are hard to remember, until I review the manuscript and refresh my memory. But the way I like to respond to this question is to say that my wife and I have two children. I love them each for the unique person that they are. It’s a lot like that with my books. I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite.

If I’m not mistaken, Legend of the White Wolf is your latest release. Tell us about it.

Yes, you’re right.

Writing this book was a unique experience for me. I don’t write from an outline, so I’m finding out about the story as I go. I got so into this story that I finished the first draft in only three days.

About this book I’ve written, “They didn’t call him a liar; they just couldn’t believe his story. Brian Fisher was determined to prove it was true even though it involved the risk to his own safety. His rescue of a wolf pup from a steel trap results in a mysterious relationship with surprising results. The story is set in the lower elevations near Yellowstone.”

It’s kind of a boy-and-his-dog story with a few twists.

How long have you been writing? Was there an “aha” moment when you knew you wanted to be a writer?

I began shortly after the attacks of 9/11. That’s because many of my video clients pulled back at that time. My business never fully recovered from that, and now it’s happening again, due to the economic tsunami we’re all facing.

I was definitely prompted to write. But rather than an “aha,” I fought against the idea as hard as I could. After all, my father was a reasonably famous author, but out of a family of seven children, I was the only reluctant reader. At first, I felt I had no business writing. I came to see later, after I was obedient to the prompting, that I was perfectly prepared to understand other reluctant readers, and to craft the kinds of stories I would have loved as a child. I hoped that they might love them too.

How much time do you devote to your craft?

I wrote pretty much nonstop for the better part of three years. That’s how I wound up with 35 completed manuscripts. I spend most of my time now in building my platform. I have an agent, Terry Burns at Hartline, and I write short stories and articles.

One of those found its way into Lay Ups and Long Shots, published by Darby Creek. That book is a Junior Library Guild selection and is going into its second printing. It has a nice author bio before my story, and I’ve gotten emails, calls, and letters from that.

Another short story is being held by the editor of Boys’ Life. If it gets published, the magazine represents a circulation of 1,300,000; another excellent opportunity for name recognition with the age group I’m trying to reach. And I’ve had a true story published in Guideposts.

My blog, Books for Boys http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/ ranks # 4 on Google. So people are finding me all the time through that source. I try to keep it updated regularly.

But I’d love to be writing more book-length manuscripts. I have a dozen or more I could start. It just doesn’t make much sense to do that before finding homes for the others.

Any advice for new and aspiring writers?

Be realistic about your writing and your objectives. If you’re simply writing like another author, then why would your work be of interest to a publisher? What makes one story stand out over another is your own unique voice. When you read the work of others, try to understand why you are attracted to one book, but not another. That will be because of voice and writing style. Study the work of others, yes, but develop your own style.

Over 200,000 new books are released each year. Ask yourself why yours is going to make it in that environment. And understand that, should you find a publisher, much of the promotion of your book will have to come from you. This is a good thing since no one will ever care about your book as much as you do.

Look for any opportunity to get into print. This may include articles in magazines and on web sites. Some of what you write will earn nothing, or very little, but it will help you to get noticed, and you’ll be writing more material.

Above all, don’t get discouraged. It may take much longer than you expected, but you have to keep at it. Just remember that this is a business you are trying to enter. It’s a field that is highly competitive. It will take every bit of commitment and creativity that you can find within yourself.

Now for that off-the-cuff stuff I mentioned. If you could ask any person, living or dead, a random question - what question would you ask of whom?

I’d like to walk up, tap Johannes Gutenberg on the shoulder, turn him around, and point to all the books, magazines, and newspapers that have been published since 1439. After he finished rubbing his eyes, I’d ask, “In your wildest dreams?”

What crayon in the box describes you best on a good day? Bad day?

Light blue for the good day, black for the bad.

You’re going on a very long trip. Which of the following will you take with you?

• Book: My Bible
• Music: Classical
• Person: My wife
• Food: Shrimp

What word annoys you more than any other?

In the current political climate, I’m beginning to hate the word “transparency.”

What “super power” would you like to borrow for awhile?

I’ve always wished I could fly.

Share a grammatical pet peeve…go ahead, sound off.

Figuring out things like effect and affect, and the fact that some English words, that sound the same, can have several different spellings.

Share a societal pet peeve…here’s your chance to blast ‘em.

It’s sad to watch as our culture becomes less civil. The language that kids use is worse than what I encountered in my two years in the army. Children have less fear of authority, and they don’t mind using four letter words to let you know it.

I have to agree with you on that. Thank you for hanging out at My Book Bag for awhile! We can’t wait to read Legend of the White Wolf. When and where can we get it?

Probably the easiest place is on Amazon. But if anyone is interested in signed copies for boys in their family or circle of friends, they can email me at mander8813@aol.com.

Where can we find you on the web?

• My author web site is at http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/
• My Books for Boys blog is at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/
• 50 pages of reviews can be found at http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/

I hope our readers run right out and find Legend of White Wolf, Max - as well as all of your previous releases! I can’t wait to introduce them to my own grandson. Thanks again for being with us.

Thank you, I appreciate the opportunity.

About Max Anderson:

Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a reluctant reader. After surveying the market, he sense the need for action-adventures and mysteries for readers 8 - 13, especially boys.

Using his extensive experience in the production of motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, Mr. Anderson brings the same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his stories. Each book has completely different characters, setting, and plot.

Seven books are published, with an additional twenty-eight manuscripts completed. Young readers have reported that reading one of his books is like being in an exciting or scary movie

Interviewed by Delia Latham

Introducing Pastor Paul Zimmer

Paul is both a retired pastor and social worker. He worked for the State of California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing from 1987 to 2000. Prior to, and during that time, he also served part time as a senior pastor, youth pastor, and music minister. He graduated from Azusa Pacific University in May 1973 with a major in Religion and a strong minor in Social Work and was ordained into Pastoral Ministry by the Southern Baptist Churches of America in March 1985.

Paul is an accomplished conference and workshop speaker. His credits include marriage conferences; child care workshops on safety, laws, and regulations. He is available for speaking at your church or Christian group events. Contact him via E-mail: airskypony@aol.com.

Over the years he has been listed in numerous Who's Who Publications; and received numerous awards for his professional contributions as a volunteer and paid professional with civic groups and agencies serving children, youth and families. His most notable award was being named Youth Advocate of the Year by the Riverside County Office of Education in 1994.

Paul, and his wife Shelly, have been married since 1980 and they fellowship at Moreno Christian Assembly - Moreno Valley, CA.

________________________________________________

CB: You majored in Religion and minored in Social Work. Was your career goal always focused on working in those two fields and why? Do you come from a background centered in those areas?

PZ: Well, Cindy, it was my hope to spend my life serving the Lord and His church, as a Pastor. The Social Work studies were simply the cherry on the top of the Sundae. I knew I could always integrate my Social Work skills in to the ministry.

As for having a family background in either of these fields, I'd have to say no, my parents and grandparents were basically, blue collar. I was personally called to the ministry on Christmas Eve 1966 [Prodigal Daze has a complete chapter, or two, dedicated to this answer], but, it wasn't until I was drafted and enlisted, and nearly ended up in Viet Nam that I made a commitment to God that if He got me through that war, alive, I'd complete college and go into the ministry.

As for my dad, he was a printer with NASA/JPL, very blue collar, and after I flunked out of Junior College, I worked as a machine operator, and could see myself spending my next 40-50 years in the blue-collar field of machine works.

CB: You are an accomplished conference and workshop speaker, two excellent merits when writing and publishing. Explain briefly why they are important to you and what motivates you.

PZ: I started speaking for my numerous employers. I was accomplished in many topics, but none so important than my speaking and guest lecturing (for local Junior College Childhood Education coursework) in regard to Early Childhood Education. From 1991 to 2000, I was the Unit Supervisor for the Child Care Licensing Department in Riverside County, and it became my hearts desire to better educate the providers in the laws, statutes, and regulations governing their operation of licensed day care homes.

I was able to pro-actively provide the day care operator with the necessary tools needed to be the very best care provider that child ever had. As the years went by, I could see that my lecturing was creating safer homes, and more compliant providers. This meant that the children left in the care of the providers had a better chance of getting through each day without being injured by neglect, or abuse. The truth is, these countywide lectures resulted in less complaints by parents, and less violations found during safety visits by my staff to the licensed homes.

I was proud of these accomplishments, and the recognition I received from the County Office of Education and Associations of Group Providers made each late night class and trip well worth the sacrifice.

CB: Married to lovely wife, Shelly. God is so good! Where did you meet and fall in love and, do you have any children or grandchildren?

PZ: I guess most people will have to read Prodigal Daze to get the full story behind how we met and fell in love. The truth is, I was the Teen Center Manager for the City of Grand Island Parks and Recreation. It was a cold Friday night in March 1980, and because of a fight at the center, I closed down early, and went to our local Hobo Joe’s for a cup of coffee and a piece of pie. Shelly was there, with her sister, and I simply went over and introduced myself to her. You see, I knew her sister through the city youth job program, and couldn’t help but notice this really beautiful young lady sitting there with her. From there, it was all ordained of God, and we were married a few months later. Love at first sight, and let me tell you…..after two failed marriages, I wasn't looking for a third. Still, she was a looker, and our hearts were caught up with one another, and love could not be stopped.

As for children, the only regret I have, after 29 years of marriage, is that we had no children. We both had children from other relationships, but, together, we simply decided to raise a few cats and dogs. After watching her son [who lived with his father] and my son and daughter, I can honestly say, there is definitely less sass, and not as many late nights worrying about their decisions, good and bad, as they grew into adults. As of now, we do not have any grandchildren, although, that would be just as special as having a child with Shelly.

CB: You've written two non-fiction books: Prodigal Daze and Thorn Daze. Interesting titles! What are they about?

PZ: Prodigal Daze is a candid, open book about my sinful fall from the ministry, and my failed marriages. I was caught up in sexual sin, a few years before my first marriage ended in divorce, and it was this sin that latched unto my soul, and took me for the ride of my life, and down to the depths of demonic darkness that I never knew existed. My guilt led me to that rifle, and the fact that I came so close to ending my sin filled life, led me back to God.

Shelly and I had a very good music ministry, and that ministry afforded me with the opportunity to share my testimony. Over several years, many, many folks would ask if I had that testimony in book form, which I didn't‘, so, that was when it came to be..

Thorn Daze is my answer to people who have sought the healing hand of God in their physical and emotional pain.. Like these many wonderful folks, I too suffered from the guilt of never being healed, and decided to write the book after I read about Paul’s thorn. I had read that passage many times over the years, but, in the midst of pain, suffering, guilt and suffering, I finally felt the moving of God’s spirit to write a book about my struggles, and His grace to live and minister regardless of the pain and suffering I incurred.

CB: What, or who, would you say has had the most influence in your life, which led you to write about your life and why?

PZ: I don't want to sound Holier than Thou, but, the one single person who the most influence in my life is Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Both books are as candid as candid can be, as the content does not shy away from telling the truth, no matter how "ugly" it is at times. The fact that God still loved me after my "affair" with the devil and sin, is nothing less than proof positive that no matter how far down into the pit a Child of God may slip and tumble, His love never stops.

It was that unconditional love of the Father that nudged me to putting my testimony in book form. I tried to share my testimony with as many people I could, but I always felt like God wanted more. It was never something I really wanted to do, because, to be candid, I just flat-out "detest" reading. That seems to be the true irony of both books. I take my story and put it down on paper, and expect others to get the books and read them.

Still, when God calls you to do something, you don't say know. Prodigal Daze was not easy, because it was like His Spirit was always nudging me to be as candid as possible. Whenever I tried to skirt around a topic in Prodigal Daze especially, I never felt at peace until I cleared up the paragraph and completely revealed the truth.

Thorn Daze was another work that I knew He was behind. I wrote and edited that book in less than a month, and that month involved a 4-day, 7-message revival at a church in Costa Mesa, CA. It was like every word, sentence, paragraph, and chapter were "gushing out" of me, and there was no rest until I wrote that final sentence in Chapter 13.

Both books were entirely motivated and spiritually inspired by the Father. I have total confidence that these books will find an audience, and when they do, they will reach tens-of-thousands of believers and non-believers, and that their lives will be changed for the good from my struggles and overall victory.

CB: Are you currently working on any more?

PZ: At this time I have an idea for a third book, but that is all it is, just an idea. I know, that I know, that there will be a third book, but I am prayerfully waiting for the leading of the Father. I know what it means to be lead of God, because I personally experienced that spiritual nudging in Prodigal Daze and Thorn Daze. And until I get that heavenly approval, I remain prayerfully obedient to God. For the last 18 months, He has been giving me the material for the book, but that material has yet to become something that puts all the scripture and statistics together in a book that makes sense. This book will not be a testimony, but rather, a book of spiritual warning of things to come as we enter the days before the Lord comes to take the church out of this world.

This kind of book and its topic need lots of investigation and study, and slowly but surely, the Lord is building up my findings, statistics, and more importantly, the scripture to support my premise.

CB: Where can we learn more about you and your books?

PZ: At my web site: http://www.removethehaze.com. It has 5 pages of information about me, the books, and places the book can be purchased from on line.

CB: Where can we purchase copies of your books and do you offer signed copies?

PZ: At every online bookstore, http://www.buy.com [which have the best prices in town], http://www.barnesandnoble.com, http://www.berean.com, http://www.amazon.com and my publisher: http://www.Winepress.com. As for signed copies, I can purchase, sign and mail the book to the customer. The price for that service, which includes packaging and postage is: $25.00 for Prodigal Daze and $18.00 for Thorn Daze. I only ask that the purchaser send a check with their address and what they'd like the signed copy to say, PRIOR to my sending them the book(s). This will take a few weeks, because I have to order the book from my publisher.

CB: Is there anything else you would like to say that I may not have covered here?

PZ: Just a big, and I mean a great big, huge "THANK YOU." This interview is a real blessing, and it comes from our web friendship, which I appreciate very much. It is a true blessing to be featured in your monthly newsletter, so please accept my gratitude. I know the Lord will bless your work Cindy, and for all you give, I know the Lord gives back "ten-fold.

Paul's books:

Interview - Al & JoAnna Lacy

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome husband-and-wife writing team Al and JoAnna Lacy. We’re going to discuss their new fiction title, Outlaw Marshal, but first let’s find out who they are.

Tell us about Al & JoAnna, the couple next door.

Well, Al was a pastor for eleven years, and the Lord blessed. We started a church with ourselves, our three children, and twelve adults in April 1961. When Al was led by the Lord to enter the field of full-time evangelism in April 1972, the church was running over 1,600 in attendance. Al has been in evangelism since then, and as she did when he was a pastor, JoAnna has stayed faithfully at his side. JoAnna has been a Licensed Practical Nurse since 1956, and just retired in 2008.

While in evangelism full time, Al began writing western and historical novels on the side for well-known secular publishers in 1980. He wrote forty-seven novels for them by 1990. In 1992, Al began writing western and historical novels for Multnomah Publishers... a Christian organization. In 1997, the president of Multnomah Publishers asked JoAnna to become Al’s coauthor because she had helped him with a series he wrote about a nurse in the 19^th century, by giving him good ideas for medical stories and things about children. She became her husband’s coauthor quite soon.

I’ve been doing a little online research, and I’m amazed at the sheer number of novels you’ve produced. How many books have you published?

Al’s total of published novels is one hundred and fourteen (114). Of those, JoAnna has coauthored thirty-eight with him.

That’s a lot of writing! Do you have a personal favorite – one that’s closest to your heart?

Of my one hundred and fourteen novels, I have lots of favorites. One of the most favorite is the first book in a trilogy that JoAnna wrote with me on the Mexican-American War, called “The Kane Legacy.” It tells the story of the battle at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, when on February 23, 1836, a large number of soldiers of the Mexican army attacked the few American men who were defending the Alamo. The title of the book is A Line in the Sand. I have been to the Alamo in San Antonio twice while preaching evangelistic meetings in my evangelistic career. This book is indeed, close to my heart.

Tell us about Outlaw Marshal, which released in January.

The book Outlaw Marshal, which was released in January 2009, is the first book in a trilogy called “Return of the Stranger.” I wrote two series for Multnomah Publishers about a man in the Old West called “The Stranger,” whose name was John Brockman. The first series was called “Journeys of the Stranger.” In this series, as a lovely young Christian nurse whose name was Breanna Baylor. The second series was called “Angel Of Mercy.” In the second series, John and Breanna married, and John became Chief United States Marshal of the country’s Western District, with his office in Denver, Colorado. So many of the fans of the Stranger and Breanna contacted our publisher, asking for another series about them. We are now doing a trilogy in response, called “Return of the Stranger.” The first book in the trilogy is entitled Outlaw Marshal. Chief John Brockman leads an outlaw to the Lord, who had been in prison, and he is so good with a gun that John hires him as one of his deputy U.S. marshals. A Denver newspaper picks up on it, and calls the man, whose name is Whip Langford, the Outlaw Marshal.

JoAnna, I understand you’re a retired nurse. Did you write while working in the medical field?

Yes, JoAnna did write as my coauthor while working in the medical field.

How long have the two of you been writing as a team?

We have been writing as a team for 12 years.

Al, you’re an evangelist, which I’m well aware can become quite time-consuming. With a whole other ministry going on, how much time do you actually devote to writing?

As I said earlier, I entered evangelism in April 1972. From 1980 until 1990, while writing novels for the secular publishers, I wrote them in my motel rooms while traveling and holding meetings. It was the same when I started writing for Multnomah Publishers in 1992. By 2005, from the time I had entered evangelism, I had traveled on commercial airliners, preaching in all 50 states of this country, and in 28 foreign countries, two and a half million miles. This heavy schedule took its toll on my health, and in 2005, I was having serious fatigue problems.

My doctors told me I would have to stop traveling like that. I was not to fly anymore. So... I still preach in churches in Colorado, since I can drive there, but even then, only a few times a year. Since I still am affected by the fatigue, I can only work about five hours a day, six days a week, writing novels.

Any advice for new and aspiring writers?

My advice to new and aspiring authors is to read lots of books written by their favorite authors. Not to copy from them, but to learn how to put stories together. Long before I ever began writing western and historical novels, I read books by Zane Grey, Louis L’Amour, Max Brand, Lewis B. Patten, and Ernest Haycox. I have never infringed on their stories, but I learned from them how to describe all kinds of scenes, and the thoughts and actions of characters in happiness, in sorrow, in trouble, and in fear.

Al and JoAnna, I appreciate the two of you hanging out with us for awhile. I know our readers will be eager to read Outlaw Marshal – as am I! Where can we get it?

Any Christian bookstore can get it for you from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, if they do not already have it on their shelves.

An interview with Lenora Worth!

I’d like to welcome bestselling Inspirational Romance Author, Lenora Worth, who has so graciously accepted my invitation for this interview. Lenora is the author of more than thirty novels. Lenora, I’d like to begin with some background information because you’re a tough one to get a bio on :) Through some research, I found you were born in Georgia. So let’s begin there.


CB: What was your childhood like, growing up in Georgia? Parents, siblings, pets?

LW: Oh, yes on siblings and pets. (I had parents, too, of course.) I was the baby of the family. Seven children. I was always in trouble but I also learned to sit back and just watch—a trait that has served me well in being a writer. I had cats, dogs and I fed the hogs and pigs every afternoon after school. I hated the isolation of living on a farm but now when I look back, I can see that quiet, lonely time helped to shape my imagination and my dreams of being a writer.

CB: You married your childhood sweetheart. Since you write romance, tell us how he ‘romanced you’ into marrying him?

LW: Well, we were young and a bit naïve, but on about our third date he told me “I love you, I think.” I thought that was sweet. There never was a formal moment where he proposed. We just knew we wanted to get married. But he can be very romantic—such as the time he “kidnapped” me and took me on a romantic weekend for our anniversary.

CB: You have two children. Do they also have a love for writing?

LW: I have a daughter and a son—both grown now and yes, they both have creative streaks. My daughter is trying to write to sell in romance and my son writes songs, plays guitar and piano. They both love to read.

CB: What one ingredient influenced you the most to write Inspirational Romance?

LW: I think it was a combination of my upbringing as a Southern Baptist and the notion that God is such an important part of our lives, why not put that thread in a love story. I’m a Methodist now and my faith has grown through the years, so it just feels natural to me to include a faith element in my stories.

CB: Tell us about that first book sale, because I understand you had several rejections before selling your first story.

LW: Yes, I have a big stack of rejection letters. My first sale to Avalon came in 1993, two years after one of my older sisters had died in a wreck caused by a drunk driver. The year after her death I found it hard to write, but I managed to push through. I talked to the Avalon editor at a conference in New Orleans and she told me to send her something. So I did. Then I got a bad case of the flu and I was so sick I could barely get out of bed. Well, she called during my sickness and I thought she was a telemarketer and almost hung up on her. I actually thought my fever had me hallucinating! But it wasn’t a dream—it was a dream come true!

CB: What advice do you offer other authors also facing rejection and pondering where to go next?

LW: Rejection is tough and yes, we do take it personally even though we are told not to do so. But if you don’t send anything out, you will never know. And I’d rather have ten rejections than one “Why didn’t I ever try again?” I also tell people that if you want to write and you don’t do so, you’re not using the gift God has granted you. Because that one story might be the one somebody out there needs to hear.

CB: Does your location or family play a part in your inspiration for your story ideas?

LW: Oh, yes. I love southern locations because that’s what I know best and I use elements from my family and my childhood memories to color my stories. When I look back, I find something in each book that stems from a real event or memory that happened in my life. The south lends itself to mystery and that bit of gothic appeal, and in the south we pride ourselves on having big, chaotic, colorful families, so I use the good and the bad of that mixed blessing to create my stories.

CB: Have you ever written or considered writing in any other genre?

LW: I did write five books for the secular market, but I just wasn’t comfortable with getting too graphic or steamy. I’d love to write a lush historical one day and maybe a big old mainstream with all those southern gothic elements I love.

CB: You have a new book just released this month. Tell us about Heart of the Night.

LW: Oh, this is one of my favorite books (and I don’t brag on my stories a lot). But Eli Trudeau just stole my heart when he appeared in Secret Agent Minister (which was out in 2007.) He is one of my Christian secret agents and he’s a member of CHAIM, an organization of specially trained agents who help Christians in danger the world over. Eli had a lot of angst and he needed to find God’s love, so writing this book was both a joy and a very painful experience at times. And I was able to showcase Louisiana and especially Grand Isle, a place I fell in love with when I went down there on a mission trip to help rebuild after the recent hurricanes.

CB: What other books can we look forward to this year?

LW: The next installment of the CHAIM series is due out in April and that’s Code of Honor. The hero is Irish/American and he’s almost as adorable as Eli. He shows up in Eli’s book, but his story is set in Atlanta and Ireland.

CB: How important is it for an author, or aspiring author, to join a writing guild? What value of joining can one expect and do you contribute your success to the knowledge gained by doing so?

LW: Well, joining any type of group where you find like-minded people is always helpful. You know you’re amongst those who understand you. And then there’s the instant education you receive by attending meetings and workshops. You learn about the business side of writing, which can bring down even the strongest amongst us, and you learn how to handle everything from rejections to dealing with contracts. Plus, it gives you inspiration to keep on trying, no matter what. The experience of joining a guild or group is priceless to me. I have friends now from all over the world and I cherish the blessing of that.

CB: Do you plot out your stories in advance or just sit down and begin typing once an idea pops into your head?

LW: I usually get an idea of a scene in my head and it just won’t go away. Then I jot down that scene as I saw it. After that, I just let the story develop until I can do a short synopsis. After that, I usually present that to my editor and if it’s a go, I begin the process of fleshing out the story. I’m an odd bird in that I’m part seat of the pants and part methodical plotter. I edit heavily with each chapter so I don’t have to spend a lot of time on the back side getting things done.

CB: Do you work on more than one piece at the same time? And if so, is that ever confusing or does it make it easier to move back and forth between them?

LW: Yes, lately I’ve been doing that a lot because I’ve been blessed with new projects. It does get confusing sometimes, but I try to work on one story maybe in the morning and then shift to the other one that night. Or take it day by day. Sometimes I’m working on one and the characters from the other one seem to interrupt with “Hey, we have this situation” or “When do we get a turn?” It’s very confusing having all these people in my head.

CB: Has Inspirational Romance always been your favorite genre to read as well?

LW: I read everything, but inspirationals have always played a strong part in my choices. I read Christy in high school. And Anne of Green Gables, but I also read Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. Love the classics and love to read lots of different things to keep myself updated, and to try and keep a finger on the pulse of the industry. I like historicals and suspense, so I read a lot in those areas.

CB: What one experience out of many, can you attribute your success to and why?

LW: Determination! If I had time here to tell you how the odds were so against me, you’d understand why I still pinch myself each time I sell a book! I knew I wanted to write when I was a child, but I just thought it was a dream. Then as I got older, I thought it could maybe be more than a dream. I fought my way into this business, word by word, with so many naysayers talking in my head that it’s a wonder I ever sent anything out. But I think we have to have a bit of strong ego in this business, and by that I don’t mean we’re stuck on ourselves and self-centered. I mean we have to stay focused, keep our eyes on the prize and never give up. I wanted this badly enough to do it—I worked hard, I tried and tried, I cried, I prayed and I learned the craft of writing. It’s not easy, but I never gave up.

CB: Where can we learn more about you and your books should we wish to follow your career as it progresses?

LW: You can go to my website at www.lenoraworth.com. You can visit me at the craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com. We also have a Craftie Ladies of Romance blog spot, too. Or visit eharlequin to find out about all the Steeple Hill writers.

CB: Where can your readers connect with you on a personal level and do you encourage your followers to write to you with questions?

LW: I don’t mind questions at all. I love hearing from readers and aspiring writers. I don’t have a lot of time to read manuscripts, but I’m always willing to answer questions and guide people to find the right answers. People can email me through my website.

CB: Finishing this up, can you briefly tell us the steps you’ve taken to become published and up to this point in your career, and what advice can you offer other writers still waiting for their ‘big break’?

LW: Steps—I had a dream, but I knew I needed goals. So my first goal was to learn how to write a publishable romance novel. I learned that by reading books, going to conferences and asking questions. I also read a lot in the genres I wanted to write in. Then I learned how to write a whole book. (Very important step—I see a lot of first chapters and proposal, but somehow that writer never finishes the book. SO FINISH THE BOOK. Then I learned how to query and send out proposals, how to find an agent and how to conduct business in this industry. I realized I had to be professional, firm, focused and current—and that means knowing the market, studying the market and changing with the market. I also found my voice and my writing style. The worst mistake I see with aspiring writers is impatience. They want it all now! It takes time to develop and cultivate a writing style and a business style. There are always exceptions to the rules, but you have to learn the rules before you can break them. Best advice—read, read, read, write, write, write and learn and listen from others. And most important, let God guide you and wait for His time.

Lenora's books:

An Interview with award-winning, bestselling author Jordan Dane!

CB: I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Jordan Dane, award-winning, bestselling novelist. Hi Jordan, it's good to have you here today. I'd like to begin this interview with a little background. You'd been trying to publish your work since 2003. AVON, a subsidiary of HarperCollins, purchased it in auction and released your 'No One' series in 2006. What transpired during that three-year span while you awaited publication?

JD: I wrote every day, three hours during the week after my workday and more hours on the weekends. I was an energy sales manager and worked a demanding job with travel, but I made sure to write every day after I heard motivational speaker Zig Ziglar say that he wrote his non-fiction book doing it a page a day. I thought, hell I can do that. Once I got into the discipline of a rigorous writing schedule, I joined a local writers group (the OK RWA) and entered national writing contests, submitted proposals to agents and editors and attended conferences to learn more. I networked with other writers online too. Coming from a sales background, I got myself out there in many different ways.

CB: How many writing competitions did you enter and what awards did you receive?

JD: I don't remember how many I entered, but I became a finalist or won thirty-three contests when the smoke cleared prior to my sale. I am a recovering contest diva. I got spoiled from the start, becoming a semi-finalist with my first entry. But there are many ups and downs entering contests. I have an article on contests at my website on my FOR WRITERS PAGE. These were Romance Writers of America chapter contests of varying types. The most prestigious final was for the 2005 Golden Heart Contest. That really got me noticed by agents and editors.

CB: Was your work ever rejected and if so, how many times and did this discourage you in any way?

JD: I received plenty of rejections, but I never counted them. I had a shredding ritual to rid my house of negativity. I only kept a list of submissions for tax purposes but I never got a final count. I got requests for full manuscripts from contest finals and I submitted proposals to agents and editors. And we all experience the highs of someone wanting to see more of our work to the extreme lows of rejections. The key is how we deal with this. I always looked at the highs and lows as one step in a long journey to keep myself on an even keel-to stay focused.

CB: I was fortunate to be able to read a galley copy of your first published work, 'No One Heard Her Scream'. Tell us a bit about the 'No One series' and where did you get your inspiration for the plotting of those?

JD: I actually wrote them out of order. NO ONE LEFT TO TELL was my first foray into writing suspense. I had a larger story in mind and started to write NO ONE LIVES FOREVER, but stopped after six chapters and a detailed synopsis. Characters and story line connect those two stories and since I wasn't sure they'd sell together, I started on NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM as a standalone. My debut book was actually the fourth manuscript I finished. Two are still unsold (contemporary romances) and "under my bed" as other authors say.

CB: You have a new series coming out in 2009, beginning with the release of 'Evil Without a Face' in February. Briefly tell us about this new series and when can we expect the others to be released?

JD: The Sweet Justice thrillers will focus on the lives and loves of three women-a bounty hunter operating outside the law, an ambitious vice cop, and a former international operative with a mysterious past. These women give Lady Justice a whole new reason to wear blinders. And their brand of justice is anything but sweet.

In EVIL WITHOUT A FACE (book #1 - Feb 2009), an illusive web of imposters on the Internet lures a deluded teen from her Alaskan home and launches a chain reaction collision course with an unlikely tangle of heroes who uncover a terrifying global conspiracy. They're battling a new kind of criminal. And soon their race for answers will become a dangerous struggle for survival.

In THE WRONG SIDE OF DEAD (book #2 - Fall 2009), the mysterious computer wizard Seth Harper is framed for a heinous murder and becomes a sacrificial lamb to a ruthless killer. And between his gaps in memory and reluctance to reveal his secrets, fugitive recovery agent Jessica Beckett, vice cop Sam Cooper and international operative Alexa Marlowe have an uphill battle to help the boy genius. But Harper's plight is not what it seems. And with one fatal mistake, more innocent lives could wind up on the wrong side of dead.

And I'm currently writing book #3, no title as yet. This book will delve into The Sentinels, the covert organization of wealthy vigilantes that international operative Alexa Marlowe works for. And you'll learn more about her sexy boss, Garrett Wheeler.

CB: When you're writing a series, do you already have the plots floating around in your head for all of them, or do the others come to you as you write the first one?

JD: This is my first time writing a series, but I conceived of a much larger world and bigger, more sustained plots. And the characters have to be larger than one book. I have many many stories about these characters and I love learning about them as I write. I don't plot. And even though I have broad ideas on how this series will work, there are many avenues I can take to explore more. This series really excites me.

CB: You've been compared to Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner and Tami Hoag. How does that make you feel as far as accomplishing your career goals in the writing industry?

JD: These authors are some of my favorites and it's an honor to be compared to writers of this caliber. Publishers Weekly did the comparing, which is an even bigger honor. I don't try and emulate anyone. I just write the types of stories I want to read. But I'm thrilled an industry professional sees similarities. Very cool.

CB: Approximately how long does it take you to write one book from start to finish, and do you first spend time laying out the "floor plan", such as characters, their traits, the setting, etc?

JD: It takes me a while to formulate things in my head. I generally start with the characters in my head. And although I don't plot, I do like to get a general idea how the broad-brush strokes will fit together in my mind. My first sale story on my website on the FOR WRITERS PAGE has my crazy account of how I sold for anyone interested. But NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM was written in 6-weeks while I was recovering from major surgery. I don't want to EVER do that again (and I'm not referring to the surgery), but most books it takes me 4-5 months for a completely edited version. My house gives me 7 months, but life gets in the way and the business side of publishing also is a distraction. But I write full time now, so that's why I can focus on all this.

CB: Have you always been an avid reader and is that perhaps, the reason you've chosen this particular genre?

JD: I have been an avid reader since I was a kid. I used to hang out in the library and read anything I could get my hands on that had horses in it. So my first love was Westerns. But it didn't take me long to analyze why I liked the protagonists in those stories and I soon went to espionage thrillers and on to many other subgenres. I am a fairly eclectic reader, but my comfort read is crime fiction of any kind.

CB: Of all the novels you've written thus far, which has been the easiest and which the most difficult for you, and why?

JD: They all are different. Sometimes the writing comes easy in sections, but I struggle with plot and character motivation. That's when easy goes out the window. For me, each one is an effort and they present their own challenges. But in hindsight, NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM eventually became easier with the words flowing onto the page towards the end. I think because I knew I had a deadline of going back to work from my medical leave. And the most difficult so far has been THE WRONG SIDE OF DEAD. Getting into the heads of the characters to make sure I answered some of the mysteries from the previous book and give them a personal journey was difficult. But I was pleased how it turned out and so were my editor and agent.

CB: Are you excited to see your books on actual store shelves and what steps were taken, if any, to make that happen or do you credit that to your huge success in book sales?

JD: My publisher Avon HarperCollins is responsible for getting my books out there in such a big way. When my debut book came out, the big national accounts really loved the ARCs (advance reader copies) and placed significant orders. That's always a plus. And being in mass-market paperback allows my house and booksellers to take a risk at a lower price point. And in this economy, the price of a paperback is much more affordable. But seeing my books on the shelves was a real thrill. And my sales have been very steady since my release too.

CB: How much of the marketing and promotion do you do yourself, if any, or do you have a publicist, agent, etc. to help you?

JD: I hired a publicist for my first series, but don't have one now. I'm a multi-tasker and love being busy, so doing my own publicity works for me. I used to be an energy sales manager so I have an eye on promotion and tend to maintain an online presence.

CB: Have you been offered any movie deals yet?

JD: No movie deals yet. Although I can see my debut book NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM as a movie and also my new series has real potential too. EVIL WITHOUT A FACE is action packed with the great locales of Alaska, Chicago, and Russia. And the characters were fun to write. I'd love to see EVIL WITHOUT A FACE as a movie too.

CB: If your first series, ‘No One’, were to be made into a movie, what actors and actresses could you imagine in the parts?

JD: When I first start a story, I usually gather images for my characters to put me in the mood to write about them. I post images to a powerpoint file and collect lots of pictures for clothing, attitude, whatever works. In NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM, Diego Galvan was always Eduardo Verastegui, a Hispanic actor. He's a gorgeous man. Google him and see. And I always pictured Becca as Sarah Wayne Callies, the actress who played Dr. Sara on Prison Break. She's got a really expressive face. And in NO ONE LEFT TO TELL and NO ONE LIVES FOREVER, I can picture Pierce Brosnan playing Nicholas Charboneau, my sexy Tony Soprano crime boss. I had Lucy Lui in my head for Jasmine Lee, but there are other actresses who could play the part of a lethal Asian bodyguard. Christian Delacorte became the image of an actor I met in Toronto when he starred on the TNT TV show Witchblade, Eric Etebari. And Raven MacKenzie could be played by Jessica Biel or a young Sandra Bullock.

CB: After this next series in 2009 comes out, what can we look forward to reading next?

JD: My Sweet Justice series will take me into 2010. And I would love to see more books in this series, but I have plenty of ideas for something new. My house is interested in me writing a book that focuses on a male protagonist and he's been lurking in my mind already. He may even take a bow in this series.

CB: While writing, do places you've lived or people you've encountered in your life, ever play into the character plotting or settings?

JD: Always. Every time someone asks me how long it takes me to write a book, I want to say it took me a lifetime-because that's what being an author is. You incorporate all your life's experiences into each book. I call this "free association" but you draw from places you've been or people you've met to create a world or a scene. It's a lot of fun. For example, a line from NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM was "if she wanted to engage the only brain he had, all she had to do was unzip it and free Willy." That line survived my personal edits but it came from a vacation when I visited Vancouver Canada and saw where they filmed the movie, Free Willy.

CB: Besides the writing competitions, what else did you try while awaiting someone to pick up your work for publication, if any, and if so, what seemed to work for or against you the most?

JD: I think you have to get yourself out there in many ways. I joined a local RWA chapter and got involved as Program Director and attended many craft classes. I attribute the resources RWA offers to aspiring authors as one of the main reasons I learned the craft so quickly. Plus I entered contests and I went to smaller conferences as well as RWA nationals and pitched to agents and editors. Pitching is tough and a necessary evil. But the biggest thing is to learn how to write and keep writing. Each manuscript brings new skill. I see many people rehashing the same manuscript, but that's not what I did. I chose to write something new while I was sending out proposals. I watched the industry and noticed what was hot and focused on a genre I love to read. It really all boils down to telling a good story with interesting characters that leap out of the slush pile as unique.

CB: Where can we learn more about you and your books?

JD: My website is the most comprehensive spot to learn more about my work at: www.jordandane.com. Plus you can sign up for my quarterly mailing list. I offer exclusives to anyone belonging to my list. On this site, I have resources for other authors, my appearances, links to my blog, and a list of my novels with excerpts and other special features. HarperCollins also maintains a great website for me at www.harpercollins.com. This site has fresh material that rotates through and offers a Browse Inside feature to my books that allow readers to read some of my books and buy them, of course.

CB: Your books are available just about everywhere now, but I hear you have some news about being accepted into mass market publishing, which will mean seeing your books offered in book clubs. Tell us a bit about that?

JD: Actually, my debut book NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM was just named by Publishers Weekly as the Best Book of 2008 for Mass Market, one of five selected for this honor. I was stunned by this recognition. And as for Book Clubs, my "No One" series was sold into all three major book clubs last year-Mystery Guild, Rhapsody, and Double Day. So these books are available in hardcover through those clubs for anyone who is a member. I also sold my "No One" series into Germany to Blanvalet, a division of the prestigious Random House. My debut book (translated into German) will be out in March 2009 with the next two books release months to be determined. My German cover was really beautiful too. Very gritty. Thanks for asking about all this.

CB: Where might we be able to purchase one of your books and have it signed, such as at a signing event?

JD: My appearances are always posted on my website. I'll make a few conferences in 2009 too. But another good way to get a signed copy of my books is through a local independent bookseller I use here in town. Best of Books in Edmond, OK has my books available and can obtain signed copies prior to mailing them out. Here's their link: www.bestofbooksedmond.com. Just call or write them via their website and make arrangements.

CB: Is there anything you would recommend to aspiring authors still waiting to be published or still trying to finish that first book?

JD: Write, write and write some more. Finish that first book and keep on going. Don't wait for replies to come back. Keep writing. The only way you learn and hone your craft is to keep writing. I discover things all the time and only writing does that for you. Keep an open mind to criticism, but don't be ruled by it. You have to maintain a vision of what you want to be and keep pushing to get there. It only takes one set of eyes to like what you're doing. Keep putting yourself out there while you are building your inventory of stories and honing your voice.

CB: Is there any way your readers can contact you or interact with you on some sort of personal level, such as a forum perhaps, where they can ask questions and have you answer them for them at some point and if not, have you considered that option?

JD: I always love to hear from readers, so email me. And I would love the opportunity to conduct a forum with more direct communication, such as arranging a conference call with book clubs. That would be fun too. But contact me via my website contact page to make any special requests.

CB: Can you briefly tell us a little about Jordan, the person, not Jordan the writer?

JD: I've been married thirty years to my best friend. He's an amazing guy who must be crazy to put up with the strange hours of an author. And we have a Koi pond and have become Koi wranglers. I love animals of all kinds and have become an avid bird watcher and feed wild birds on my property with a special blend of seed I order from a local grain store. And family and friends are very important to me. How's that?

CB: Jordan, I'd like to thank you for allowing me this interview. I know you're an extremely busy woman now and we don't want to take up too much of your time (basically because we want you to get back in there and write!) But is there anything else you would like to express to your readers that I may not have covered here today?

JD: Books make the world a much smaller place. They allow us to travel to exotic locales and tread through worlds created in the mind of an author. And the price of a paperback is a bargain when it comes to entertainment. Plus sharing thoughts, ideas, and stories can connect us all in a way no international border can hinder. And with the emotion in our stories, we find a common thread of humanity that bonds us together. So keep reading and thanks for your support of new authors like me.

You can visit Jordan at the following sites:

http://www.jordandane.com/

http://www.jordandane.com/appearances.php

http://www.harpercollins.com/author/microsite/about.aspx?authorid=33056 http://crimespace.ning.com/profile/JordanDane#

http://www.myspace.com/jordandanebooks

Still got a question not answered here? Post your questions for Jordan during the week of January 5th in the comment section under the interview. The week of January 12th, Jordan will be guest-blogging and will answer your questions for you personally!

Jordan's books:

Jordan Dane in January!

You read it right! I'm interviewing award-winning, best-selling romantic suspense author Jordan Dane and will be posting the interview here at Interviews By Cindy on January 1st.

Beginning Monday, January 5th through Sunday, January 11th, you can use the comment section at the bottom of Jordan's interview to post any questions you would like to ask her after reading the interview.

Jordan will be here to guest blog sometime during the week of January 12th to answer your questions!

So come back on January 1st, read the interview, decide what you would like to ask Jordan, post your question, and then come back the week of January 12th and see what Jordan says! It's that simple!

Bernice Camp

CB: First, briefly tell us who Bernice Camp is, growing up and now?

BC: Cindy, thank you for having me. Growing up was very hard. I'm the eldest in a family of daughters and our father lived, and died, an alcoholic. During my childhood years one of the most difficult aspects of that environment was the stigma of being in an alcoholic family. My mother was a model of inner-strength, and I credit her for any goodness I have and any accomplishment.

Like most women, I have worn many hats. I am a daughter, sister, part-time caregiver for a sister, wife, mother, grandmother and now, a published author. Life - due to unforeseen circumstances, has pushed me to continually evolve and reinvent myself. As an adult I'm still experiencing what life has to offer, learning and growing as a person and a woman.

CB: You've one published book and one in production now. What is the first book and briefly describe what it is about?

BC: My first book, Broken Vessels-Tribute to a Family, traces the lives of five sisters born and raised in the shadow of alcohol and abuse. ‘Broken Vessels’ reveals the healing process from the crippling effects of our childhood through adulthood. And how one sister's prayer, "I want my family whole," brought us full circle.

The "Quality of Life" issue comes to the forefront when a sister becomes ill and her sisters come together to be life-long caregivers. ‘Broken Vessels’ was written to inspire, encourage and give hope to readers that find themselves in similar life circumstances.

CB: And this one now in production, what is it about?

BC: Forgotten Memories is again, a story of women of inner strength. Ella Martin is the main character, a young woman who seems to have it all - until the dreaming starts - forcing her to follow a chain of events that propel her back in time into a past she doesn't remember. Ella's quest is to reclaim her forgotten memories and her childhood.

CB: Which of the two was easiest for you and which more difficult to write, and why do you think that was?

BC: Broken Vessels-Tribute to a Family was the hardest to write. During the writing, I had to force myself back into my childhood and relive what I spent forty-five years trying to put behind me. My mother and I spent endless hours reliving the years of pain, living with an abusive alcoholic and later, the family tragedy of a terminally ill sister.

CB: What do you hope your readers will take away with them after reading one of your books?

BC: Broken Vessels-Tribute to a Family and Forgotten Memories are books about real, everyday families that find themselves in circumstances that seem insurmountable. I hope readers of my books can identify with the characters I bring to life and with hope and prayer in their hearts, push on, not giving up or giving in.

CB: Are you working on anything now and if so, what?

BC: Yes, I've started my third book, not titled as of yet. I again want to portray real women in real life situations. In this case, hint: the story line will be a situation that is unavoidable and eventually affects all women of any location and status.

CB: What motivates you to write and why do you think that is?

BC: I hope to honor my mother who passed away before my first book was in print and emphasize with my writings, women of strength. Maude, in my first book, and Helen in my second, found the inner strength to do what they thought was necessary to protect the family.

CB: What obstacles have you encountered in getting published and promoting your published work and how have you overcome those?

BC: I've been blessed to have two books published by PublishAmerica. Promoting and marketing has proven to be difficult. I live in a small southern Illinois town and exposure is limited. I have been fortunate that within a radius of fifty miles Barnes and Noble, and Borders, have regularly scheduled me for book signings. I was invited to participate in the 2008 Book Expo featuring seventy authors at Washington Square Mall in Evansville, IN.

CB: What advice would you give to aspiring authors still waiting to be published?

BC: Push on and don't quit. It's never too late to have a dream come true.

CB: Where can we learn more about you and your work?

BC: My website is www.freewebs.com/bernicecamp. I would like to invite all to visit and sign my guest- book. If anyone would like to email me, my address is bernicecamp@publishedauthors.net

CB: Where are your books available for purchase and do you offer signed copies?

BC: Broken Vessels- Tribute to a Family and Forgotten Memories, are for purchase at www.publishamerica.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.target.com, www.borders.com and most online bookstores.

CB: In parting, is there anything else you would like to say to your readers that we may not have touched on?

BC: I wrote Broken Vessels- Tribute to a Family and Forgotten Memories to inspire and encourage. I would hope that after reading one of my books, the reader keeps a "little something" in their heart. God gave us an amazing gift. The human heart can be broken and amazingly with his love, can be healed.

Cindy, thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and my books with you and your readers.

Bernice's books:

Rebecca Benston

CB: Let's begin with a little background info. Who is Rebecca Benston, growing up and now?

RB: Growing up I always loved to write. I wrote poems as early as elementary school and I was a member of the high school newspaper staff during my junior and senior years. Now, I am a writer who is currently working full-time as an elementary school librarian. Aside from that, I'm the mother of a wonderful, five-year old daughter and the wife of a grumpy, but lovable mechanic. I worked for years in the non-profit sector as a Human Resources Manager, but gave it up so that I could pursue things that were more important to me like spending more time with family and writing.

CB: You write in a variety of genres. What motivates you and why?

RB: People and relationships motivate me. Often, I get an idea for a story from some interaction that I have either witnessed or experienced. If I learn something from it, I often feel compelled to work that lesson into my writing somehow. I like to give advice, but I don't like to appear as though I think I have all of the answers. I most certainly do not. Unfortunately, I have managed to ask a lot of the questions over the course of my thirty-six years on the planet.

CB: Briefly give a description of your published works and what you hope your readers will take away after reading them.

RB: My books are mystery novellas which feature private detective Rona Shively. She's a sassy, smart-mouthed detective who really hasn't got a clue about the right way to run an investigation. She's really more of an intuitive problem solver than a true Private Detective. She hates her job, but she does what she can to help the people who come to her. Often, she finds the answers by being on the wrong side of the bad guys at exactly the wrong time. People who read Rona say that they enjoy how real she is and how her problems often mirror those of the average human being. There's nothing frilly about her and I think people enjoy that she is rough around the edges.

CB: What are you working on now and when is your projected publication date?

RB: I recently finished writing Keeping the Faith which is the third story in the Rona Shively series. It is also my first full-length novel in the series. I'm also starting to work on a young adult mystery series as well as the fourth installment in the Rona Shively series.

CB: What methods of promotion have you used and of those, what has worked or not worked for you?

RB: I have a website, a blog, a MySpace page, a Facebook page, Twitter, etc. The ones that work best for me are the ones I pay the most attention to. Sometimes, it's Facebook, sometimes the blog gets all of the action. It really just depends on how much time I devote to them.

CB: Writing was always a dream of yours, now fulfilled. Were you also an avid reader and if so, for how long and what types of books did you like to read?

RB: I have always loved reading. In the beginning, I read every Laura Ingalls Wilder book out there as well as the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew stories. Now, I've graduated to Kinsey Millhone stories, Lisa Scottoline's legal thrillers, and Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books. I also read a little James Patterson and J.A. Konrath and am waiting for the next book in Sarah Strohmeyer's Bubbles series. I read mostly mystery these days, but have been known to read six or seven writing books at any given time.

CB: Which of your works was the most difficult to write and why do you think it was?

RB: Keeping the Faith was tough. Literally and figuratively. It was a rough year personally and writ deing such a lengthy work was draining. Although I love writing Rona, I felt a lot of pressure while writing the longer work. It was as though her voice was struggling to keep up the conversation. Maybe it's just my own inner critic or my tendency to write more efficiently, but it seemed exhausting to write so much in one story. Fun, but exhausting.

CB: Which was the most easiest to write and why?

RB: Under Lock and Key was easy because I had it in my head for a long time before I set pen to paper. I spent a lot of time on it and I had fun putting the whole story together. It's a book that I am quite proud of.

CB: What avenues did you pursue in getting published once the work was completed, and how did that pan out for you?

RB: I really didn't try all that hard to get the first two published. I am however, trying to find a new publisher for book number three and am awaiting a response from a publisher as we speak.

CB: What else would you like to say to your readers that we may not have touched on?

RB: If you enjoy writing, by all means, write. Don't give up on it because someone in your life tells you it isn't practical or because you feel it's a waste of time. It isn't. If you love it, do it.

CB: Where can we learn more about you and your work?

RB: My website: http://www.rebeccabenstonwrites.com or http://www.theronashivelystories.com/ or the blog, www.benstonblogs.com

CB: Where can your books be purchased and do you offer signed copies?

RB: You can purchase them on my website and yes, I would be happy to sign copies for anyone who would like one. Thank you so much.

Rebecca's books:

A warm welcome for Connie Arnold!

CB: Welcome to Writer's Block, Connie. Let's begin with a brief history. Tell us a little about growing up in Texarkana, your family, children, etc., and how you became an author.

CA: Thank you, Cindy! I was born in Texarkana (on the Texas side) but only lived there two years before moving all the way across the state to Anthony, another town divided into two states (TX and NM). That's where I grew up, a shy little girl with fine Christian parents and big sister. Shortly after high school I met Tom, we were married, moved to Louisiana and had a son and daughter. We moved from there to Nebraska, and when we moved to North Carolina, both children were grown and remained there. Our daughter now has three little boys ages 5, 3 and 1. It's hard being so far from them and our son and daughter-in-law, but what a joy when we are together!

Becoming an author didn't happen until moving to NC, leaving the children behind and not knowing anyone here. There was time to enjoy the beauty of my new surroundings and reflect on it. I had written music before, with poetic lyrics, but began writing poems after becoming so inspired by the beauty, especially of spring and fall that were not nearly so glorious where I had lived previously.

CB: Your bio says music is a big part in your life. Does it influence your writing at all?

CA: Yes, music does influence my writing. The poetry I write is lyrical, it flows from me with a definite rhythm, as though my heart is singing and pulsing with the words. Many of my poems touch on various aspects of music, including the music of life, conducted by the Master Composer.

CB: You have a disease called Lupus. Can you give us a little information on that and how it has affected your life as a whole and also, has the diagnosis brought you closer to God?

CA: Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease, which causes the body to fight itself. It affects all ages, but about 90% are women in the childbearing years. I was diagnosed at 35. Lupus can cause a wide range of symptoms and vary from person to person, but pain and fatigue are usually present. It has definitely brought me closer to God. The utter weakness at times and daily pain leaves me relying on God's strength and love to get me through. The poetry I write reflects how much I am touched by God's mercy, grace and peace as He inspires me to share with others and encourage them to experience the beauty and joy of life even when enduring difficult times.

CB: Briefly describe the books you've written.

CA: Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace contains poems that celebrate the beauty of God's creation and the joy and peace that can be found in life. Abiding Hope and Love is divided into six poetry sections with themes of hope, love, children, music, the Bible and nature.

CB: I see you've written in more than one genre. What are your future goals that you would like to accomplish in your writing and do you prefer any one genre over another?

CA: Recently I have been writing for young children (influenced by my grandsons), and two children's books have been accepted for publication and awaiting illustrations to be completed. It is such fun writing for children, and I hope to help them to learn in a fun way.

Inspirational poetry is what I feel most called to write. It is a way to give thanks for all the blessings in my life and point the way for others to the source of beauty, joy, peace, hope and love. Many people have told me my poetry speaks to their hearts and souls, uplifting them especially when going through difficult times.

CB: What obstacles have you encountered during the writing, publishing and promoting processes involved and how have you overcome those?

CA: There used to be problems with writing very often because I waited for inspiration to strike me to write. Then I began to actively seek that inspiration, looking for beauty and joy everywhere, and that's when the words began to flow, as one person said, "from God's spirit into my pen." The publishing of my first two books went smoothly, but there have been several delays on the children's books being completed. Promotion is hard for me, physically because of my health limitations, and also because of being a shy, quiet person. This has been overcome somewhat through making many new friends online and sharing through reviews and interviews like this one you are so gracious to offer, Cindy!

All things are overcome through prayer. I always pray before writing and while I'm writing, and give thanks once it is written.

CB: Where can we learn more about you? (ie: websites, blogs, etc.)

CA: My website is: www.freewebs.com/conniearnold and I also post inspirational poetry at http://conniearnold.blogspot.com. Information about my children's books, fun poems, other children's books, and fun stuff are at http://www.freewebs.com/childrenbooks.

CB: What are you working on now or, what can we look forward to reading from you in the future?

CA: Now I am working on a collection of poetry about the seasons, focusing strongly on the musical aspects of nature. Also I've been writing a new poem that may develop into a children's picture book. I add a new poem each week to the inspirational poetry blog on my website.

CB: In parting, is there anything else you would like to tell us that I haven't touched base on during this interview?

CA: I would just like to invite everyone to visit my website to read some of the poetry and hope that God will touch your heart with something that you need to hear right now. Also, it's always wonderful to hear from those who want to leave a message in the guest book or on the blog poems. This interview has been a delight, and I thank you, Cindy, and all of you who are reading it!

CB: Thank you so much for this enjoyable interview and I wish you all the best in your writing endeavors!

Connie's book:

Meet Linda Strawn, author and mother

CB: Welcome Linda, it's nice to have you here this month on Writer's Block. I love doing these interviews with other authors as it gives me more of a feel for the person behind the name on the front of the cover. So let's begin with a brief history by telling us a little about you. You grew up in California - married, children, pets, hobbies?

LS: Yes, I grew up in California-born and raised in Sonoma County about 60 miles north of San Francisco. I'm married to a wonderful, hard working man. His name is Robert, and we just celebrated our 25th anniversary last September. We have one child, Michelle, and she is ten. About five years ago, we moved to Shasta County where we own ten acres in the foothills of Mt. Lassen. We share our beautiful spread with three dogs and two cats. When I'm not writing, I enjoy working outside whether it's yard work, creating rock gardens, growing veggies, or stacking wood. I also scrapbook, take lots of pictures, sew, craft, and I know my way around a kitchen.

CB: What do you enjoy most about writing?

LS: I have a vivid imagination, and writing allows me to put all these things in my head onto paper. I love to weave tales around what interests me the most, and what I consider important in my life. Being a follower of Christ, my faith in Him serves as the foundation in my writing. My stories always revolve around God to some degree, depending on what the story is about. In the end, He is always glorified. I firmly believe I wouldn't have the ability to write if not for Him. In addition to the gift of writing, I believe God has put an innate love for the Native people in my heart. I love including their culture and history in my writing. I've had this passion within me for as long as I can remember, but it has only been the last few years that God has opened doors for me to learn more about the Indigenous people of this land, and pulling me into some sort of Native ministry.

CB: And the least or more difficult aspect?

LS: I tend to get long-winded. It's part of being excited about a story and going for it. I tend to be a by-the-seat-of-the-pants writer. Although I do take notes whenever an idea pops into my head and do lots of research, but when it comes down to writing, I seem to go crazy. I joined a critique group for the novel I'm currently working on which has helped me see just how crazy my writing can get. I need to be more organized and take the time to write out a plot first!

CB: Any stumbling blocks along the way and if so, how did you overcome those?

LS: As I mentioned, I joined a critique group. I didn't realize just how many stumbling blocks I actually had until I got the critiques back on my first chapter. Don't laugh, but I've written an entire novel and had it published without knowing what POV is, showing verses telling, and a few other minor details. It's very humbling to admit this. Actually, I don't mind if you laugh.

CB: One question I find that can have two answers, usually has one more often than I thought. So tell us, are you a "by the seat of your pants" writer, or do you plan out your characters, storyline, plot, settings, etc. ahead of time or just "go with the flow" like I do?

LS: I beat you to the punch on this question! Yep, I'm one of those "go with the flow" writers, or in my case, "go with the flood". After what I've learned since my first novel, and even my work in progress, I need to make more of an effort to plan ahead. I suppose that I already do this with the major characters and settings, but minor characters seem to materialize as I write. I think this is one of the fun parts about writing. Sometimes I never know what's going to happen, and I know this has to do with God putting the words in me.

CB: Do you do any research before writing a story and if so, what?

LS: Absolutely. Most of the research comes from the internet, some from books, or by talking with people. I did lots of research with my first novel, Singing Winds. Since it's a historical romance, I needed to learn what the setting was like in late 1800's. The Maidu Indians were a big part of the story, so I researched how they lived during that time in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I enjoyed learning about their culture, how they dressed, what they ate, and how they built their homes. My second novel is a contemporary romance about an optometry student who travels to the Blackfeet Indian reservation to serve as an intern in the eye clinic there. In the case of people groups, especially Native Americans, I don't believe in poetic license. Proper research is priceless, but it can't stop there. My plan before I seek publication for this current novel is to present the story to the Blackfeet Tribe for their approval. God has blessed me with a friend who has contacts there.

CB: Have you ever written a series or do you think you may in the future and if so, why?

LS: No, I haven't. If God leads me to do so, I certainly won't object.

CB: Tell us briefly about what you've written and how we can purchase copies?

LS: My debut novel, Singing Winds, is available for sale at a discount through my website. It is a historical adventure romance set in the late 1800's in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The synopsis and excerpts from two chapters are on my website. My second novel, Through the Eyes of Liberty, is a contemporary adventure romance and is still in the works, but I have a synopsis on my website for those interested in learning more about it.

CB: What one thing stands out among all the others as far as influencing your writing?

LS: I can answer this in one name: God.

CB: What are your goals or what do you hope to do with your writing in the future?

LS: I plan to keep on writing until my fingers fall off, God gives me permanent writer's block, or I leave this earth. I have so many ideas for stories, it isn't funny. Well, maybe it is. I enjoy writing so much that I hope to do it for many more years. My main goal is to show God's love to the world. My second is to bridge the gap between the white world and Native world to achieve harmony the way God intended it to be. There is so much to learn from our First Nations brothers and sisters.

CB: Where can we learn more about you and your work?

LS: My website is the best place: http://www.lindastrawn.com/

CB: Do you feel God has paved the way for you and if so, in what aspect?

LS: How many pages can I fill up in your newsletter? God has given me this gift first and foremost, and as long as I use it for His glory, there is no end to the list of aspects this encompasses. There are many issues in this world I can write about in a way that brings hope and encouragement to the reader. In my first novel, the issue of an unloving parent and the insecurities this has instilled in the child is shown. The heroine in my second novel finds herself the victim of date rape. Subsequent books will deal with infertility, adoption, growing up in a large single income family, and only the Lord knows what else I may write about.

CB: Is there anything else you would like to add that I may not have brought up in this interview, Linda?

LS: Between the two of us, we've covered a lot. I would like to add that becoming an author has been an exciting adventure for me. I've met many wonderful people (you're one of them), and I've learned much. The exciting thing is I'm just getting started. I haven't even been to a writer's conference yet!

CB: Thank you so much for your valuable time, Linda. I've enjoyed interviewing you and I'm looking forward to watching your success as you continue writing.

Linda's book:

Meet Taylor DiVico!

"Hi Taylor , welcome to Writer’s Block.

CB: Let’s begin with a little background. Tell us briefly about young Taylor DiVico, growing up in Syracuse , New York .

TD: I wouldn’t trade growing up in Syracuse for anything. I had lots at my fingertips- Syracuse University intellect, a prominent hipster subculture, sporting events at the Carrier Dome, the best Italian food this side of Italy (my dad’s), amazing friends, and a really sick music scene. Lots of awesome bands came through Syracuse and the surrounding areas during my formative listening years and I saw them all, Phish multiple times, the Rolling Stones, Moe, Medeski, Martin, and Wood, to name a few. Not to mention there were always local Dead cover bands playing in underground spots. I was a wild-child enjoying the splendors of youth and still am. In the end it’s all been great material and Syracuse laid the foundation for many fine adventures. I’m forever indebted.

CB: What was your motivation in writing "Existing the Moments"? And what do you hope your readers will experience when reading this novel?

TD: I believe the world and all the people in it to be one big paradoxical dichotomy of comedic and tragic irony, idealism and cynicism sharing a stage, happiness and sadness looming overhead, subjectivity and objectivity dancing in the same space. The world is illogical. Life itself is a path of inconsistencies that we can’t plan for, so people find ways to cope, to hide, to hope, even. In the end it’s our intricate stories that keep us perpetuating as individuals, which I find most beautiful in its uniqueness and self-affirming quality.

Existing the Moments is a story of dichotomies. I would like my readers to experience a journey, not only of the characters, but of themselves. I want them to feel and then to wake up the next day only to dance in the rain, or to wish upon a star, to squeeze their child, to grasp hands with their spouse in the grocery store. Find or redefine the love and live it until your last days. If my book could do that for just one person, I would be thrilled.

CB: You began writing it in California and finished it in Florida. Once finished, tell us how you went about publishing it and what obstacles you may have had to overcome in getting it published?

TD: Actually, I did complete the novel in California, but finished up on some editing work in addition to making my publishing decision while in Florida. It was a difficult move for me so staying attached to my book and seeing it through kept me grounded, also bringing forth the end of one journey and beginning of another. It was all very fateful.

Like many unknown authors, I came across obstacles in finding an agent to represent me. I wrote query after query to no avail for a couple years and then one day I just didn’t care anymore. Right around the pique of my disgruntlement, my ingenious brother gave me this pep talk about being my own business and making something out of my talents. I came from the conversation with a new attitude thinking, I had to affect my own destiny. Shortly after, I was approached by my publishing company a second time, at which point I signed with them. It all felt right, so I just went with my gut.

CB: You also have a musical background, as well. Tell us a little about that and your goals in combining the writing and musical talents you have.

TD: I held my first quarter-size violin at age five, a few years later learning piano, and taking up guitar in my early twenties. By the time I reached twelve, I had attended two music institutions- Hartwick College Music Institution in Oneonta, NY and Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY- both for extended periods of time. In high school, I played violin with the Syracuse Symphony, and in California I played piano for a rock band. Now, I leisurely play my own instruments in my spare time, I teach violin and piano to children, and write music reviews of bands for various publications. Mainly, music has been an awesome outlet, but also a lifestyle for me. I fully believe I would not be a writer if not a musician- there’s a sort of mutual dependency and logic in being both.

CB: Any other talents we aren’t aware of?

TD: Poetry. I have published quite a few poems in various anthologies and have received some Editor’s Choice Awards, which has been cool. Mainly, I’m really excited to put together my own book of poetry in the near future.

CB: Your parents have been a good influence and support system for your creative side. How has that helped you so far?

TD: Well, they have continually nurtured my ideas and my drive, urging me to follow my dreams. They let me spread my wings and because of their foresight, I’ve seen the world! I have an infinite amount of appreciation for their hard work and selflessness in raising both my brother and myself.

On another level, I’m definitely a product of their influences, which is something I hold close to my heart. My mom has a love of literature and actually named me after author, Taylor Caldwell, of whom she was reading while pregnant with me. Ironically, or maybe not, I became a writer. My father is an avid music appreciator exposing me to a plethora of bands such as; The Who, C.C.R, Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Fleetwood Mac, and the list goes on… Memories I have include my mom reading with me every night before bed and my dad and I belting out lyrics to Meatloaf or The Doors on road trips.

CB: Where is your book, "Existing the Moments" available for purchase and do you offer signed copies?

TD: I do offer signed copies for those interested. Existing the Moments is newly released and currently available at the following places:

Barnes and Noble
Borders Bookstore

Dorrance Bookstore
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Ecampus.com
BookRenter.com
taylordivico.com

CB: What are your plans next? More writing, music, or both?

TD: More of everything! I plan to continue going to live shows and writing reviews of bands I enjoy listening to for different publications. In addition, I have three novels in the works and hope to be publishing each of them within a three year timeline, but first I think a book of poetry is to come, as I’m ready to compile some cool photos from my travels along with my poems, at the request of my only living grandparent, who loves poetry.

CB: Any advice for authors and/or musicians as far as reaching their goals?

TD: My best advice would be to stay idealistic and to push away the cynicism that can come along with rejection. Stay in touch with your goals and know that progress takes time and lots of it. Be willing to put your all into your art because if you don’t believe in yourself and hold tight to an unfettered passion for what you’re doing, nobody else will either.

CB: What websites or blogs might we visit to find out more about you?

TD: www.taylordivico.com -official author site
www.myspace.com/taylordivico - networking site
http://taylordivico.wordpress.com -music review site

CB: Thank you, Taylor , for allowing me to interview you for Writer’s Block, a Cindy Bauer Books newsletter. Any parting words I may not have touched base on today?

TD: Thank you so much for the opportunity! Parting Words…hmmm…I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from a story I’ve loved for as long as I can remember, thanks to my mom’s sharing of it.

"…nothing in the universe can be the same if somewhere, we do not know where, a sheep that we never saw has--yes or no?--eaten a rose…

Look up at the sky. Ask yourselves: Is it yes or no? Has the sheep eaten the flower? And you will see how everything changes.

And no grown up will ever understand that this is a matter of so much importance!"

-Antoine de Saint Exupery
From: Le Petit Prince

Taylor DiVico

http://www.taylordivico.com
http://www.myspace.com/taylordivico
http://taylordivico.wordpress.com/

Taylor's book:

Introducing MaryAnn Hayatian!

CB: Welcome to Writer’s Block, MaryAnn. You have an interesting combination of published works. Let’s begin with a description of the books you’ve published in various genres.

MH: There’s The Age of Adolescence: Poetry, which is a collection of treasured poems written to visualize many experiences seen from youth to adulthood. Love Is Blind, But The Neighbors Ain’t is about Lynna, a university student, in the 1970s. Eden Anna and the Secret Closet is about a girl living in her world with her dress and toys.

CB: What inspires you to write?

MH: Everything.

CB: What are your goals in publishing your work?

MH: Determination.

CB: What books are you working on now?

MH: Working on various writings.

CB: Do you have any other published work, besides your books, such as poems, articles in magazines, etc.?

MH: Newspapers.

CB: Where can we purchase your books and do you offer signed copies?

MH: You can purchase it in local stores, Amazon and from my website. There are signed copies. Email flutterflypages@yahoo.com

CB: What websites or blogs might we find out more about you?

MH: http://www.flutterflypages.com/

CB: Tell us about your artist interview blog and how one might go about contacting you for an interview.

MH: It is a blog website for artists, in which they are interviewed to promote themselves. It’s at wtypewriterw.blogspot.com and to contact is wtypewriterw@yahoo.com

CB: Thank you, MaryAnn, for joining us today. Any parting words for aspiring authors?

MH: Don’t give up.

MaryAnn's books:

Special Guest - Shirley W. Mitchell

CB: Hi Shirley! Welcome to Writer's Block. Let me begin with a little background information first. What was it like for you and your family growing up in Alabama?

SHIRLEY: Hi Cindy! My childhood was blessed with real love, of mother and father, grandmothers and grandfathers, uncles, aunts and cousins. We worked the cotton fields together, we went to church together, we ate many meals together, especially Sunday when my MAMA TODD would cook fresh vegetables from her garden, bake cakes, pies, and cookies, and a couple of chickens she caught from the back yard. The preacher and his wife usually ate with us and anyone else in the church that did not have a place to eat. I felt so loved. The feeling of belonging to this family gave me the self-confidence and high self-esteem I feel today.

We worked hard in the cotton fields. I was paid 1 penny per pound of cotton I picked. I put the first 10 cents of every dollar I earned in the church every Sunday. My grandmother and I were the best cotton pickers. We would race to pick the most pounds of cotton per day. As I grew older, I would collect eggs from our yard chickens and swap the eggs for cloth, thread, McCormick patter to the rolling store owner. I designed and made my own clothes. We were poor, but as a child all my needs were met.

I received praise, hugs, encouragement, and positive feedback. My faith was planted deep inside my soul at an early age by my biological family and my church family. We had no indoor bath. We walked outside the house to the outhouse. Our small 4 room house was heated with one pot bellied coal heater in the living room. On Saturday we would take a bath in a galvanized wash tub near the heater. My mother was a great cook. She grew her own vegetables, did her own baking, and loved to have a full meal on the table 3 times a day. This was my life for the first 18 years. After graduating from High School, I worked during the summer and paid my tuition for college at Alabama College, Montevallo, AL.

CB: What one thing, would you say, inspired you the most to begin writing and why?

SHIRLEY: As a young wife, mother, homemaker, I felt so blessed, I had a desire to share by writing how I was feeling. I wrote an article "My Wonderful Vocation, Wife, Mother, Homemaker. Being the Chairman of Marshall County Alabama’s Christian Women’s Club (A nationwide organization) I sent my article to their National Magazine, PROGRESS. The editor took the story, and placed my picture on the cover. This success gave me the confidence and the passion to share my faith. I have been blessed with the gift of encouragement. Writing is a great way to motivate and encourage people.

CB: Mother of 3 and grandmother of 8. WOW! Tell us about your children and their families. Do they inspire your stories or articles in any way?

SHIRLEY: You bet! I try to be sensitive to their feelingS and ask their permission to use certain stories. Our first two children were 2 years apart. (Karen - now 48 and David - now 46) Our last child blessed us late in life. At 38 years of age, God gave us Jay, who is now 31. Karen, my only daughter is a CPA. She and her husband love to scuba dive. She is a dancer and loves to keep her body fit. Her 3 beautiful daughters, Michelle, Monica, and Melissa have grown into fine young women, finishing their education. David and his beautiful wife Angela, make a wonderful life for their three children Stephanie, Sarah, and Jackson.

David is President of the Family business Mitchell Grocery Corp. (the largest independently owned wholesale grocery in the southeast) The family lives on Guntersville, AL. lake and enjoys boating, skiing, swimming. Their lives are centered around their church and their creator. My youngest son Jay and his wife are expecting my ninth grandchild. JoAnna, (3) and Lawrence (5) are patiently awaiting their new brother or sister. Jay has the first franchise in Alabama for the grocery store SUPER DOLLAR. He is also on the National Board of Food Club Brand Of Food. As Vice President of Mitchell Grocery Corp. he enjoys a busy life. His family enjoys showing Tennessee Walking Horses, and they attend Cowboy Church.

CB: You were thinking about when the baby-boomers would reach "social security" age long before anyone else was. It seems to be your focus to promote "POSITIVE AGING" life after 50. Can you give us some insight into that revelation?

SHIRLEY: My opinion is that no one has a desire to get old and become less. I received a vision of getting better with age with wisdom and life experiences. I’m 70 years young, and I am still me! I have loved and learned during every age. Attending Dr. Ken Dytchwald’s AGE WAVE CONFERENCE and reading his books, I felt a passion for the bonus years, and wanted to light that fire of passion in each aging person. Life is to be celebrated. I encourage people to make life a banquet everyday.

CB: Tell us about your 5 published works:

SHIRLEY: "THE BEAUTY OF BEING GOD’S WOMAN" - I was teaching a women’s class at church. I entitled the class "THE BEAUTY OF BEING GOD’S WOMAN". I was asked so many times for copies of my notes I decided to put it into book form. I sent it to 13 publishers before it was picked up by Strode Publishers in Huntsville, AL. "THE BEAUTY OF BEING GOD’S WOMAN" was their first inspirational book. I was invited to be a guest on Minnie Pearls television show in Nashville, TN and the book went into second printing. Strode Publishers then asked me to write a devotional book. "SPIRITUAL SPARKS FOR BUSY WOMEN" was well received by the audience.

Then I was asked to write "THE CHRISTIAN WRITERS DESK DIARY" for Strode. This book was on the drawing board, when an arsonist burned the Publishing Co to the ground along with all my books. Now I was back to the beginning. I prayed for God’s direction! He directed me to encourage aging boomers.

I have been blessed while researching, writing, "Fabulous after 50™ - Finding Fulfillment for Tomorrow" and "Sensational after 60™ - Loving Life all Over Again".

These books have given me the privilege of traveling the country doing events, book signings, and now our international radio show "Aging Outside the Box™" live each Wednesday evening at 6PM Central time. These programs are archived and can be heard 24 hours a day on our web site.

CB: And the 3 books you co-authored, "LOVE NOTES FOR MOM", "LOVE NOTES FOR DAD" AND "101 GREAT WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE.

SHIRLEY: "LOVE NOTES FOR DAD" by New Leaf Press - has a story about me and my dad when I was 10 years old. You would love this story and this gift book is a great gift on Father’s Day.

"LOVE NOTES FOR MOM" by New Leaf Press - has a story about my mom, who baked two cakes per day to give to people who were celebrating and also anyone who was hurting. She delivered these cakes as part of social life. This is a great gift book for Mother’s Day.

"101 GREAT WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE" by David Riklan, Published by Self Growth, is a compilation of 101 articles by outstanding motivational speakers, featuring Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, Jim Rohn and Denis Waitley and myself. My article, "11 POSITIVE ATTITUDES OF AGING; KEEP LIFE FROM LOSING IT’S LUSTER" is found on page 19.

CB: How did you become known as "THE GOLDEN EGG OF AGING?"

SHIRLEY: As an Author, Writer, Syndicated Columnist, Speaker and Celebrity Radio Talk Show Host, my Agent at Lighthouse Coastal Productions coined this phrase as he created a network of websites and blogs for me, and because I was one of the original people to write and speak on Aging, Seniors and Senior Lifestyles, and the Baby Boomer Generation.

CB: And the lady with "The Most Stunning Smile"?

SHIRLEY: My normal attitude is positive. I love life. My smile is a display of what I feel inside. A smile is the best face lift. A smile gives one positive response from others. Plus, I had the opportunity of being in the 2000 Miss Senior Alabama Beauty Pageant, and while I did not win the top title, I did win the "The Most Stunning Smile Award"!

CB: You are also a columnist. WOW! 19 years at the Sand Mountain Reporter. Tell us a little bit about the columns that you write and the articles you write for magazines.

SHIRLEY: The column has been a very good discipline for me. It keeps me writing every week. I write about the news of the week, holidays, special subjects, and encouragement. The feedback from the community is very heart warming. I started out with "Lace Over Steel" as a Column title, then it went to "Fabulous after Fifty™". My new On-Line Column at "Spiritual Sparks for Baby Boomers™" is a copy of my weekly newspaper articles but made for the Web, and it was "Syndicated" by my Agent.

CB: I’ve been a guest on your radio show before. It was amazing! I was nervous of course, but you made it so easy for me to talk to you. What do you enjoy the most about doing the talk show?

SHIRLEY: My guests are always inspirational, exciting, and teach me many things. It is great to have the whole world listening in as we spend the hour discussing many subjects. This kind of opportunity is bigger than life.

CB: I understand you have 5 more books coming out soon. Please tell us about those.

SHIRLEY: I don’t like to give out my titles. I will be writing the third and fourth book in the trilogy concerning positive aging. These will be encouraging, uplifting books about the bonus years of growing into the 70’s & 80’s! I am writing a novel about my life on a cotton farm in Alabama. I have a Children’s book coming out. And a Gift Book about all the Living First Ladies. I’m writing a prayer group manual for grandmothers and a devotional book for busy baby boomers.

CB: Where can we purchase your books?

SHIRLEY: On-Line at many, many book stores, as well as all the major retail outlets like Borders, Books-a-Million, Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks and ChristianBooks.com. Our Websites and BLOGS have a listing as well where people can connect with our books. And they can purchase our books from all our Websites.

Fabulous after Fifty™ -
http://www.fabulousafterfifty.com
Fabulous after Fifty™-The Memories -
http://www.fabulousafterfifty.net
Fabulous after 50™ -
http://www.fabulousafter50.com
Sensational after Sixty™ -
http://www.sensationalaftersixty.com
Sensational after 60™ -
http://www.sensationalafter60.com
Aging Outside the Box™ -
http://www.agingoutsidethebox.net
Aging Outside the Box™ Women -
http://www.agingoutsidethebox.com
Aging Outside the Box™ Promos -
http://www.agingoutsidethebox.info
Spiritual Sparks for Baby Boomers™ -
http://www.spiritualsparks.com
Passionate Sparks™ -
http://www.passionatesparks.com
101 Great Ways -
http://www.agingwithglamour.com
Ageless Living™ -
http://www.fabafter50.com
Endless Energy™ -
http://www.fabat50.com
The Golden Egg of Aging™ -
http://thegoldeneggofaging.blogspot.com
Fabulous after 50™ -
http://fabulousafter50.blogspot.com
Fabulous after Fifty™ -
http://fabulousafterfifty.blogspot.com
Fabulous Women Over 50™ -
http://fabulouswomenover50.blogspot.com
Sensational after 60™ -
http://sensationalafter60.blogspot.com
Sensational after Sixty™ -
http://sensationalaftersixty.blogspot.com
Sensational Women Over 60™ -
http://sensationalwomenover60.blogspot.com
Aging Outside the Box™-
http://agingoutsidethebox.blogspot.com
Lace Over Steel™ -
http://laceoversteel.blogspot.com
101 Great Ways -
http://101GreatWays.blogspot.com
101 GW Co-Authors -
http://101GWTIYL.blogspot.com
The Lit Chicks -
http://thelitchicks.blogspot.com/

CB: Do you offer signed copies for those who are not in the area of any signing event?

SHIRLEY: I will be happy to autograph any of my books!

God Bless Everyone and Thank you Cindy for this very special opportunity. Embrace LIFE Opportunity as much as possible for HIM! Embrace your Life as completely as You can. We may not always get a Second Chance!

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH SHIRLEY ON HER RADIO SHOW!
http://66.49.193.35/Aging_Outside_The_Box_08-01-07_-_Cindy_Bauer.mp3

VISIT SHIRLEY’S PAGE ON MY WEBSITE!
http://www.cindybauerbooks.com/shirleywmitchell.htm

And I would like to add a special thank you to Shirley and her agent, "Cruiser", for allowing me the time to conduct this interview with Shirley.

God bless you! ~~ Cindy

Introducing author Woodrow W. Walker

CB: Tell us a little about Woodrow, the person, growing up, favorite memories, children, pets, dreams and/or goals and have you met those goals?

WW: Woodrow W. Walker was born in Columbus, Georgia in 1942. He grew up doing the things that all boys do. In 1990, in a life changing move, he went to Las Vegas, NV. Where, he became a convention security guard and in 1998, he met the woman who would become his wife.

In 2002 at the age of 60, nearing retirement, he turned to writing. He wrote his first book “Murder at Republic” because he had always loved the B-westerns and movie serials and thought that a murder in a movie studio would be a good plot device. He followed up that book with two others “Murder at Columbia and Murder at Universal.” All three books starred private detective Buck Ames a former movie stuntman and are set in the 1940’s.

Vampires had always intrigued him, but they had been portrayed as totally evil or as romance figures. In search of a different kind of vampire, he wrote “Legacy of Adrian Blackthorn, Vampire” a complex character if there ever was one. He has just published “The First Vampire” which is a prequel to “Legacy of Adrian Blackthorn, Vampire.” He then ventured into westerns with “Wolf Johnson Mountainman.” He has a number of short stories in the Amazon short story program. You can buy a story to read online or download it for .49 cents at http://www.amazon.com/ or the Wizards of Words online book store.

Now retired, he is now able to write full time. He and his wife moved to Tucson, AZ in 2005 and now make their home there. He is a charter member of Wizards of Words. His web site is at http://studio-detective.com/ and http://woodrow-w-walker.tripod.com/

CB: What genres do you write in and why did you choose it/them?

WW: In book form, I have written three mysteries, two horrors and a western. In short stories, I have written those and in most of the other Genres. Although, I have written sex scenes, I have not written a Romance.

CB: What do you find to be your most challenging task when developing your characters?

WW: Character development is as important as story development. Your character must live, he/she must have both strength and Weaknesses or the reader will not care about them. No one is perfect nor can a character be.

CB: And the easiest or most fun part for you?

WW: Getting a workable title is the hardest part. Once I have a title the story is ease and that is the fun part. I have quite stories in the middle because the writing stopped being fun.

CB: Do you build a character list before beginning your work or do you write by “the seat of your pants” as some of us do?

WW: Seat of the pants. I do not outline a story or create a character until he/ she is needed.

CB: What is Wizards of Words?

WW: It is a writers group. I am a charter member and believe that it is on its way to becoming one of the best.

CB: In summary, tell us a bit about each of your books, where they can be purchased and what to expect in the near future?

Murder at Republic:
Studio detective Buck Ames makes his debut in this mystery set in a movie studio. Buck is a former movie stuntman turned private detective. In 1940/41 Republic Pictures is making the serial The Adventures of Captain Marvel, and Buck Ames is hired to investigate a series of accidents at the studio that has caused delays in production. When a studio guard is found murdered on the back lot, Buck must find the murderer.

Murder at Columbia:
P. I. Buck Ames studio detective returns in his second adventure. In 1943 Columbia Pictures hires Buck to keep tabs on a young starlet. When Buck finds her murdered, he once more must find a murderer. His only clue is a piece of paper in the dead girl’s hand with Batman and The Phantom written on it. Those are two serials that Columbia is about to film.

Murder at Universal:
Universal is making the serial Mystery of the River Boat in 1944. When, a man is found hanging on the river boat set. Studio detective Buck Ames is hired on his toughest case. He must find not only a murderer, but also stolen bank money.

The First Vampire:
A prequel to: Legacy of Adrian Blackthorn, Vampire. This is the story of Drago and how he became the world’s first vampire. In Rome of the eighth century, Drago in the dilettante son of a nobleman. He committed a terrible sin for which Pope Eugene II placed a curse on him that destroyed his soul.

Legacy of Adrian Blackthorn, Vampire:
In 1853 Adrian Blackthorn commits incest with his mother. When, they are caught by his father Adrian is disowned and must leave Blackthorn Castle. Forced to join the army, he buys a commission as a junior officer in the Cold Stream Guards. The Crimean War takes the young officer to the Ukraine, where he is wounded in battle. He hides in a cave, unaware that it is home to a thousand year old vampire named Drago.

Wolf Johnson Mountainman:
In 1850: Can an ageing mountainman and a girl child who has seen her Ma and Pa raped and killed in cold blood, take a stand against three vicious killers and survive? Wolf found the girl alone in the wilderness and knows that the killers never meant for the girl to live. Wolf vows he will die before she is harmed.

CB: Thank you for allowing me to interview you today, Woodrow, and I wish you all the best in the world of fiction writing and publishing. Any last notes you would like to pass on?

WW: Thank you Cindy

Woodrow's books:

Meet multi-book, best-selling author, Bonnie Leon!

This month we have a very special author interview. Bonnie Leon is the author of fifteen published works and her newest book, Longings of the Heart, will be released on October 1st.

CB: Tell us about Longings of the Heart, what is it about?

Longings of the Heart is book two in the Sydney Cove Series. The year is 1806 and John and Hannah Bradshaw, who originally sailed to New South Wales as prisoners of England, have settled on a parcel of land they can call their own. They have hopes of starting a family but their dreams are clouded with trouble. And secrets from Hannah’s past threaten to destroy their relationship. I dare not tell you more. :-)

CB: Tell us a little bit about your family, but I must ask, what is "pollywog hunting"?

First off, pollywogs are tadpoles, those little fish-looking things that grow into frogs. Around here we have lots of frogs and so in early summer the pollywog hunting is good. And it’s always fun to watch the critters grow legs and lose their tails.

My husband and I raised our three children here in the foothills of southern Oregon. It was a wonderful environment for our kids. We all enjoyed country living. However, out of our three only one now resides in the country.

My son, Paul, lives in Bend with his wife. They enjoy the eclectic atmosphere of Bend, Oregon. It’s a special town. My oldest daughter, Kristi lives in Washington. She’s married to a soldier and she has one five-year-old son. My youngest daughter, Sarah, her husband and three children live here on the property where she grew up. We’ve just finished an addition, which my husband and I will soon move into. It’s wonderful to have three of my grandchildren so close. I’d nearly forgotten the wonderful gift of laughter that children bring.

CB: I was a CNA for about 3 years. When you worked with elderly and people with handicaps, did you find that to be a rewarding career, as I did?

Aside from writing working with the elderly and handicapped was my all time favorite job. I transported people to and from a dining site here in our small town, took them on shopping trips twice a month and on an outing, just for fun, once a month. I also delivered meals to the homebound. While working for the county, I met some of the most wonderful people.

When I delivered meals I always spent a little time visiting with the folks on my route. Many of them lived isolated and lonely lives. Some days I’d cry all the way back to the dining site. But I’m thankful for the time I spent serving this group of people in my community. They taught me a lot.

CB: How did you feel when God presented the opportunity for you to enter the literary world?

In 1993 when I was offered my first contract I was ecstatic, and then fear and shock set in. Up until 1992 I’d never even considered becoming a full time writer.

CB: Your first book made the bestsellers list. Tell us how you approached publishing it and what do you attribute its success to the most?

When The Journey of Eleven Moons released I was an absolute babe in the writing world. It was the first book I’d ever written or even attempted to write. Because I knew nothing I simply listened to my publisher, did what they asked and hung on for the ride.

Everything changed so quickly. I went from being a non-writer to being someone people considered knowledgeable and even special. I started getting requests to speak and to teach. It was overwhelming to say the least. I felt extremely inadequate because I understood that there was so much more I needed to learn. I didn’t really feel ready to teach yet.

I think the story was the reason The Journey of Eleven Moons became a best seller. I was novice writer. I look at the book now and I want to take a red pen to it. However, the story is captivating and it’s placed in an interesting location and time.

CB: Are all your published works part of a series?

All but one is part of a series. A Sacred Place was originally intended to be part of my first series, but when Thomas Nelson went through restructuring I ended up with another publishing house. I wanted to tell the story, though, and so when I moved to Broadman & Holman they contracted for the single book and published it as a stand-alone.

A lot of what’s in the book is true. The idea came from my grandparent’s story. They lived in
Alaska in the early 1900’s. I loved writing about them and their adventures.

CB: What kinds of tips do you offer at your workshops that might help a budding author?

I have a short list of tips for beginners.

Read a variety of books. Taste different authors and their techniques.
Study the art of writing and attend seminars & conferences.
Write everyday.
Invest in your craft—any new business requires an investment of time and money.
Attend a critique group regularly.
Write and rewrite. Our writing always needs refining.
Throw out the clichés. Be original.
Be tenacious.
Believe in yourself.
Send stuff out. You won’t sell your work if it’s sitting in a file.

CB: Only a small percentage of authors speak or teach writing workshops. So tell us a little bit about how you entered into that phase in the literary world?

I believe it began when I was asked to speak to a local writers’ group. I had such a great time, so after that I spoke or taught whenever I was asked.

I love to teach, especially beginning writers. So often students come into a class unsure of themselves and not even certain they ought to be there. And then a few hours or days (depends on the workshop) later they walk out, excited about the possibilities and believing they can write a novel. It’s wonderful to be part of that.

CB: What other awards have you won?

I wish I had a list to give you. I don’t. I’ve never been one to enter contests. This year I made my first attempt and submitted a book in two competitions. I didn’t final in one and I haven’t heard back from the other yet.

I’m not sure how I feel about contests. They’re very subjective—so much depends upon judges’ individual tastes.

So, in light of that I’d say my rewards are waiting for me in heaven. I’ve tried to be obedient to God’s call on my life and to honor Him in my writing.

CB: One question a lot of authors ask each other is where do you get your ideas or story plot?

Ideas come from all sorts of places. Some step right out of history. That’s how I came up with the Matanuska Series. While doing research for another book I came across the story of a government project that moved 200 families from the Midwest to Palmer Alaska as an experiment during the depression of the 1930’s. When I read about it I knew I had to write the story.

A lot of my ideas have come from my family’s history. My ancestors have lived interesting lives.
Other stories emerge from personal experiences and passions. While others simply pop into my brain. It’s a mystery. I keep a file with my ideas. I doubt I’ll ever get to write them all.

CB: Another one asked a lot is how do you conjure up your characters?

Characters come to me in all kinds of ways. Generally when I’m working on a story idea, I consider what kind of people I’ll need to tell the story. I jot down my character ideas and then create a profile for each. New characters often introduce themselves to me as I move through a story.

I keep files of people photos and when I’m ready to create my characters I go there to begin the process of developing an individual. I begin with a picture because it gives me a three-dimensional image to work from. I’m very visual so this helps. I begin by writing down the physical characteristics, then go on to build a creed, personality traits and character traits as well as external tags(things like perfume, mannerisms, etc.) and I create a history (their family, where they grew up). I also think about their goals and aspirations and what kind of losses or loves they’ve had in their past.

My goal is to make them real people. If they’re not real readers won’t care about them and if readers don’t care about the people in a book they won’t care about the story either. So this stage of writing is exceedingly important.

CB: What are you working on now and when can we expect a release?

While working on a project, I usually don’t know the exact release date. I do know when the manuscript needs to be in to the publisher—the infamous deadline always waits. Generally a book ends up on the shelf about a year after the deadline. My present project, book one in a series, is expected at the publisher’s October 1st of this year.

The book begins in late summer of 1935. My protagonist is Kate, a young woman with hopes of becoming a bush pilot in Alaska. This is a big dream for a woman during her era. Kate makes the move and is met by challenges and surprises.

The male protagonist is a man named Paul. He lives in the bush and although he seems to be a fine person, he’s a mystery. He keeps his past a secret even to the readers, at least until it’s time for them to know. Of course I’m not going to give that away. :-)

The series is fun, full of adventure and drama. I’m having a great time writing it.

CB: Of all the novels you’ve published, which was your favorite to write?

My first book, The Journey of Eleven Moons, was my favorite to write. I had no deadline, something I sometimes crave these days. Plus it was my first experience creating a novel. Every step was an adventure. I loved the research and discovered the magic of story development. I’m still startled by the way a story comes together. It’s a mystery.

here is so much emotion that goes into storytelling. I had my first experiences of crying through scenes while I wrote or laughing at something going on, or feeling the tension of a scene.
It was a wonderful experience.

CB: Where are your books available and are any of them out of print now?

Sadly, books go out of print. Although many of mine are now listed under that status they are still available on the web. The Matanuska Series is still in print as is The Sydney Cove Series.

I believe you can buy copies of all my books on Amazon or you can Google my name or a book title to find what you’re looking for. Plus the out of print books can be found in used book stores.
And those still in print can be ordered through local bookstores if they don’t have them on the shelves.

CB: What websites and/or blogs can we find you to learn more about you and your work?

My personal website is http://www.bonnieleon.com/. There’s lots of information about me plus I write two devotionals a week. On Monday’s I post Quiet Moments With God and on Thursdays, Tips for Triumphant Living. Keeping a spiritual journal on line has been a real learning experience for me. It’s forced me to give more thought to my Christian walk and I’ve delved more deeply into God’s Word, which is always a good thing.

I’m also part of ShoutLife, a Christian website for writers and musicians. I also check often check in at Shelfari where I have a list of books that I’m reading and a few reviews as well. I hope to meet some of your readers.

CB: In parting, what one essential piece of advice would you like to offer unpublished authors?

Write because you love it. The road to publication can be long and arduous and when you publish it doesn’t mean there will be a big paycheck waiting. Most writers work hard for little pay, but we can’t imagine doing anything else.

CB: Can you give us a couple of networking websites you highly recommend?

I love Shoutlife. It’s a great place to meet other writers. I’m also part of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). It’s a good organization with lots of fabulous writers, published and unpublished. It’s a super place to connect with fiction writers, ask questions, get prayed for, or to pick up writing and promotional tips. I’ve learned a lot since joining two years ago.

CB: Is there anything else you would like to say that I haven’t touched base on during this interview?

Remember that you are never out of God’s sight. He loves you and has a plan for your life. Trust Him. Walk through every door He opens. Be unafraid. He’ll hold onto you. Honor Him in your life and in your work and He will bring unexpected blessings your way.

And have fun. Don’t get too serious about all this. We’re only stopping off on our way to heaven.

CB: Thank you so much for your time, Bonnie. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to read some of your work in the near future.

Bonnie's Books:

V.K. (Katie) Sansone - July 2008

You can learn more about this author and her books by visiting her website at jnksansone.com or lulu.com.

Meet author Katie Sansone, mother, grandmother, child of God.

CB: Welcome Katie. Let’s begin with a brief description of who Katie Sansone is:

KS: I am a woman who puts GOD and family above all and friends too! Loyal, compassionate, caring, loving are things that could be said about me as a person. I don’t mean to sound prideful, but I do tend to love others a lot (must be JESUS in me, as the flesh is not that way)! I love to garden (with all this rain we have now I may as well take up boating)! I smile as I say this, but it is really a serious situation up here in Iowa now! I love taking walks, crocheting and other things too! Getting wordy here! You said brief, didn’t you? Ok. That’s about it.

CB: Tell us a bit about your work. What books have you written?

KS: I have Katie-Bear out now and my Christian fiction My First 24 Hours In Hell will be out very soon... this month! I have about three or four other kiddie books coming out, hopefully by the Holiday season. Also my Life Journal is being written too, so I have been pretty busy! Anyone out there have a TAC for me!?

CB: What goals do you have in mind for future books, if any?

KS: Oh, I don’t plan too far ahead, but as I said, I have several other books that will be out soon and more sitting here looking at me, waiting their turn to give lots of readers a good laugh or maybe a tear or two.

CB: What one thing in your life has inspired you the most while writing?

KS: Probably my love for children. Wanting to make them laugh or smile by my funny-side that I share just with them (sometimes a few adults see it too)! I have always read or told my own made-up stories to my children while they grew up (even into teens). Guess the girls will never forget Miss Winnamaker! Or Mrs. Hyde-Smythe! LOL! Some really off-the-wall stories I made up for them!

CB: What do you like the most about writing, the least, and why?

KS: The most is to bring pleasure to others. The least? Probably because I haven’t got more time!

CB: What one piece of advice would you care to give aspiring writers who are yet to be published?

KS: Well, that also includes me, too, since I am an aspiring writer! I think the thing I would tell others is to “put themselves” into the story. Make the characters like them or from a personality of someone they admire or love.

CB: Would you say that God is an important part in your writing and why?

KS: Oh by all means! Without HIM, I may be the one who does not have my right mind to do anything except sit in a wheelchair and stare outside all day, and have others tend to my needs. Yes, HE is my all in all in life!

CB: How do you get your ideas for your books?

KS: Mostly from the feelings I have inside. Like I told Jessica one time, it is like a diver who just “has to come up for air”! I have to get my ides on paper because they are like bubbles bursting inside me! Also, my own children and grandies have inspired much of Katie-Bear!

CB: What avenues have you taken as far as marketing you and your work, and of those, what has worked best and least for you?

KS: Advertisements all around the web, lots of sites and slides online, and I’ve told lots of friends and family. I sent out promos in newspapers (hometown, etc.) and have passed out my name cards. I had a book signing in a new Super Mart! And I’m having another in my hometown of Ashland, KY in August of this year. I even have a sign in my car like a “friend” told me to do. Things like that.

This interview appeared in Writer's Block - July 2008

Katie's Books:

Karen Michelle Nutt - July 2008

Join me in welcoming author Karen Michelle Nutt. Karen is the author of 5 books, 3 short stories and a number of articles.

CB: Welcome Karen, to Writer’s Block. Good to have you here. First, let’s start off with a brief introduction. Who is Karen Michelle Nutt?

KMN: I live with my husband of twenty-three years, three fascinating children, two dogs, Jack and Shakespeare, and three cats that have everyone well trained. My book Lost in the Mist of Time was nominated by New Books Review for 2006, Spotlight Best Fantasy Book of the Year Award. The Object of Romance Anthology feature’s my novella, Mr. O’Grady’s Magic Box and received P&E’s Top Ten Readers Award.

I am a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and in my spare time, I review books for PNR- Paranormal Romance Reviews. An avid reader of history, romance and the paranormal, I tend to combine the three in my writings. I enjoy traveling around the world, old movies, books, and the chance to weave a tale.

CB: How did you get your start in writing?

KMN: As long as I can remember, I’ve loved to write, scribbling down my stories in notebooks. I still have my earlier works, which were mostly westerns and paranormals. My girls have read them and passed them along to their friends, too. I also wrote plays and my fifth grade teacher let my friends and I perform them for the class—quite a thrill for an eleven year old.

CB: What are your future goals, as far as writing and publishing?

KMN: I’m plugging away to finish August Moon, my novella for the Festival II Anthology with Tease Publishing. I have a paranormal thriller in the works, Soul Taker. I also want to write a sequel to Lost in the Mist of Time—Conner’s story. (I have had many requests for this one.)

CB: Give us a brief description of your 5 books:

KMN: Lost in the Mist of Time - Dougray Fitzpatrick finds that Aislinn Hennessy is fearless in the face of an enemy, but shies away from what her heart holds true. Aislinn discovers that Dougray is honest and brave to a fault. He would die for her if necessary. They were thrown together by a magical mist that sends them back to sixteenth century Ireland where conspiracies, feuds and unexpected violence are commonplace threats, but along the way, they discover a few surprises neither one expects: A chance for love.

The Object of Romance - Five stories, each surrounding an object that defines a romance, brings love and proves the everlasting passion. My novella, Mr. O’Grady’s Magic Box - Aubrey Jules, a reporter from Unbelievable Finds is sent to investigate a box, which is reputably older than time and crafted by the wee folks. Mr. O’Grady, owner of the bed and breakfast in Dana Point, California, convinces Aubrey to wish for a soul mate. When Ian Quinn, who abandoned Aubrey ten years ago, walks in she’s convinced the fairies have a wicked sense of humor.

Destiny’s Prerogative - When Dr. Shay McCormick died, there was no white light, no loved one to comfort her. There was a half-man, half-jaguar there to greet her. He’s a decedent of the nagual, a spirit guide. It isn’t her time and he leads her to safety. Shay wants proof shapeshifters exist. Her curiosity leads her into a world of danger and to Gabriel Cruzado. Fate threw them together, but despite their differences, they work together, eliminating a threat to their future. Destined to be lovers long before he touched her soul and she saved his life.

A Twist of Fate - Everyone claims her name is Annabelle. The year is 1814 and she’s married to Captain Keldon Buchanan, a man who despises her. The more she learns about her life, the more she realizes why she’s chosen to forget it.

Keldon harbors his own secrets. He’s the Highland Pirate and secrecy is the difference between life and death. He doesn’t trust his wife, but he finds his heart softening to the woman his wife has become. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear he’s married to another person—a woman he’s falling love with.

At the Stroke of Midnight - (Amazon Short) Tricia Lancaster is transported back to 1970 to save a movie star, Dean McCloud from certain death.

Dean thinks Tricia is trippin’ when she tells him she is from the future. However, when Tricia’s predictions start coming true, Dean realizes maybe she’s not a crazy chick after all.

The anthology Second Time Around due out late 2008, featuring my novella, The Spirit of Love - A tragic accident leaves Brynna and Travis devastated, but instead of turning to each other for comfort, they drift apart. However, they co-own Smith and Jones Paranormal Investigations and they must complete their assignment aboard the Queen Mary. Yule is considered a time where the souls of the dead prevail. Travis and Brynna discover how powerful Yule time is when they confront the spirit of love, giving them both a chance to heal. “A different kind of Ghost Story that will have you believing in second chances.”

CB: Enlighten us to your marketing strategies; what things have you tried and how did those work out for you?

KMN: I submit my stories to review sites where they will also list my book with a link back for purchase. Many review sites will accept a PDF so there is no cost to the author. I also join the yahoo groups. Here are a few: Tease Tarot Readers, Manic readers, PNR groups, Coffee Time Chatters, Rorr Chatters and Paranormal Monday. Here you can talk to other authors and promote your books on the designated days. I pass out bookmarkers, pins and flyers. I have a website, and a My Space page for networking. I create book trailers for my stories. They’re fun and they give the reader a new way to look at your book.

CB: What do you enjoy most about writing?

KMN: I’m able to enter another realm, create a world where anything can happen.

CB: Explain the chain of events leading you to various publishers:

KMN: With my first book, Lost in the Mist of Time, I went in not knowing a thing about publishing, editing or promoting my work. I had no idea what POD or mass market meant. There were some draw backs, but all in all the experience was good for me. I met some wonderful people online and learned the ins and outs of the trade.

Object of Romance, I entered a contest and my novella was chosen to be one of the stories in the anthology.

At the moment, I’m working with Tease Publishing for my otherworldly romances. They had a call for their new Tarot line and I submitted Destiny’s Prerogative for the Lovers card and A Twist of Fate for the World card. I like how close-knit the publishing company is. I’m in direct contact with my editors and the other authors are there if you have questions. Though they are a small company, they help with promoting my work and offer suggestions. It’s more personable. For my up coming short story, I’m also working with Highland Press, another small publishing house. I heard about them online and took a look at their website. Highland Press has a line of Anthologies they put out yearly. I submitted my short story, The Spirit of Love and they accepted it for the Second Time Around Anthology.

CB: What advice can you offer to aspiring writers who wish to become published?

KMN: Make sure you thoroughly check out the publishing house you want to submit your work. Do they have an editor who actually looks at your work or do they run it through a program? How many years will they have your story and will it revert back to you when the contract is finished? Do they help with promoting?

Join writers groups where you’ll find out the latest news by keeping in touch with other writers. This is a great place to find out where you want to submit your story. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll find most authors are willing to share what they know. In return, you can pass the information along.

CB: What websites can we visit to learn more about you and your books?

KMN: You can go to these sites:

http://www.kmnbooks.com

http://www.myspace.com/karenmichellenutt

http://www.authorsden.com/karenmichellenutt

CB: Where can your books be purchased and do you offer signed copies?

KMN: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders and other online bookstores
All Romance E-books and Fictionwise (For Destiny’s Prerogative and A Twist of Fate). They will also be available in print later this year (2008.)

At the moment, I’m not selling my books from my website, but I’ll gladly send a signed bookplate. You may email me at info@kmnbooks.com with your info. Of course if you come see me at one of my book signings, I will be happy to sign your copies.

This interview was in Writer's Block - July 2008

Karen's Books:

Donetta Garman - June 2008

Since I actually know Donetta Garman and had no idea she had written a book, you can imagine my surprise when her book landed in my hands at work one day by a co-worker. Donetta is the wife of our retired Sports Editor at The Clinton Daily Democrat newspaper where I am employed. I’m enjoying reading her book right now and am learning that I really didn’t know her very well at all. She has had an amazing life.

CB: Welcome Donetta. Let’s begin with a brief introduction. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your life in Osceola, Missouri, the place you now call home.

DG: My husband Gar, of twenty-one years, and I live outside of town. We enjoy the beauty, solitude and serenity in this area. Since Gar is pastor of a small country church, we are busy with church activities. I work outside the home, in a real estate office and Gar builds primitive furniture as a hobby and for a little extra income. So you can see our lives are diverse.

CB: What prompted you to write this story, Growing Up Ugly?

DG: I first had the idea when my Mother was in the last stages of COPD. We discussed the story and she gave me her blessing that once she was gone, I should write it. After I had a stroke, I had the basis for starting it, as you will see in the book. Ugly is not just how a person looks, it can be the circumstance they find themselves in or the way they feel.

CB: Since I don’t believe in coincidences, would you say that it was the Lord who intervened when you and your husband met?

DG: I think that God introduces people to our lives at just the right time. I think He knew what I needed at the time I my husband and the rest is history.

CB: You’ve written several articles for various magazines and newspapers. Have you always had a desire to write?

DG: When I was a child and all through high school I wrote short stories and poems. I always wanted to be a writer and I’ve always loved books.

CB: I see you’ve worked for a division of Forbes Magazine. That fact, alone, is quite interesting. What did you do for Forbes?

DG: Actually I started out working for Forbes stuffing brochures that they mailed out to promote their land developments. I later got my real estate license and sold real estate for them. After I transferred to their Missouri division I was able to assist them with some of their advertising and brochure copy.

CB: Your book details memories recalled while you were in and out of consciousness after a stroke. Did you have any vivid memories before or after that, which may have been written about in your book?

DG: Most of the chapters in my book begin with me recalling a past incident which is triggered by something that happens while I am in the hospital recovering.

CB: Seeing you now, it’s difficult to believe that could’ve have had such a low self-esteem as a child. Since then you have learned that beauty comes from within. Beauty is the person inside the body, not the body itself. Is there one particular incident in your life that made you come to that realization?

DG: There is not one incident which made me feel differently about myself, but a long thread of occurrences that brought me to where I am today.

CB: You also do illustrations for other authors. What kinds of illustrations do you do? Are they for children’s books?

DG: In the past I have illustrated maps for other authors. I have also illustrated cartoons, realism and ads for others.

CB: Describe your feelings when your husband became the pastor at your church.

DG: I had a keen sense of pride for his accomplishment and a wonderful sense of obedience that we were doing what God wanted us to do.

CB: I believe that we are here on Earth to learn and to grow, to understand the words and ways God wants us to live and that everything that happens to us during our time here, happens for a reason so that we can do just that. Do you also feel that way? That though some things in life are not pleasant, but necessary, which we learn later when looking back at how each occurrence affected us?

DG: I don’t think that God makes bad things happen to people, but because of our free will, they are allowed to happen. Saying that, as in Biblical times, God takes our weaknesses and makes them our strengths. He can use those bad things to help others and to make us grow, so that often times we are grateful for the bad, because something so wonderful came out of it.

CB: I found it was easier to know that God forgives me for my sins, but difficult to forgive myself. What are your thoughts on that subject? Did you find it difficult to forgive yourself?

DG: At first I had problems forgiving myself, but the more I read the Bible, I could see that God uses all things for His good. Who am I to question forgiveness when he gave the ultimate sacrifice, just so I would know I was forgiven? Also, when I see others growing and I am cheering them on, I know that is how God is with me; He is cheering in the background for each right decision I make.

CB: Are you working on any other books now, or will this be the only one you publish?

DG: I am presently working on a trilogy of Christian historical novels. The first is nearly completed and is titled “The Length of a Dream”. Also, I have started a sequel to “Growing Up Ugly” titled, “Up by the Bootstraps”.

CB: Who designed the cover of your book?

DG: The publisher had an in-house artist who actually designed three different covers for me. The ultimate decision was mine. The cover we chose shows hard times, shyness and hope.

CB: Where will your book be available for purchase and will you be offering signed copies?

DG: Right now pre-release copies of the book are available from my website and at these locations in Osceola; The Heart House, Studio U Salon, Moccasin Trails Antique Mall, Trade Fair Mall and Osceola Cheese. Shortly after the June 1 release date, they will be in all the major bookstores and online at Amazon.com. I am always happy to sign a book for someone and will have signings set up once the book is released.

CB: In parting, what else would you like to tell us, that I haven’t touched on during this interview?

DG: I would like to tell people to live their lives like each day is the last. Don’t take a single moment for granted. Tell those you care about how much you love them. Play. Pray. And never, ever give up on your dreams.

Donetta’s book, Growing Up Ugly, is a memoir of memories she recalled while in and out of consciousness in a hospital after suffering a stroke at a very young age. It is scheduled for release in June. I will be writing a review soon, but from what I have read so far in this book, I can definitely say it’s a “Must Read” inspirational story that will touch your heart and soul. Visit Donetta at her website, www.growingupugly.com or contact her at: donetta@growingupugly.com.

This interview was in Writer's Block - June 2008

Donetta's Books: