Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Author #Interview: Lucian Barnes

Welcome to this week's author interview. I surely hope you all enjoy getting to know each author featured on my blog. I know I enjoy working with each one of them. For this week, I'd like to welcome Lucian Barnes, author of Desolace.


1. Please tell the readers a bit more about you.
    I have dabbled with writing for as long as I can remember. Back when I was very young, I wrote short stories that were mainly mysteries. As I grew older, the ideas that I got for stories began to evolve. Sadly, the stories that I started to write as a young adult were never completed. I worked too many hours to find the time to finish them and I didn’t have the support that I do now. Since 2010, those around me began to encourage me to get back to my writing. I used this support as motivation to get back into my writing. As a result, I now have one book published and another that will soon be as well.
2. What types of books do you write?
    My first published work is an epic fantasy series that has elements of other genres intertwined into the story. The story also contains paranormal, horror, and science fiction. Outside of the series, I write mainly horror stories.
3. Who's your main audience?
    This is a tough question to define for me. I feel like anyone could potentially be my main audience. Anyone that enjoys having their pants scared off them fit the bill nicely.
4. When it comes to writing- what are your strong points? What are your weaknesses?
    From what I’ve been told, my strongest point in writing is developing villains. People seem to enjoy the darkness and evil that I create. As for a weakness, I would have to say that writing in such a way that younger readers can also enjoy my work would be my biggest obstacle. I have a tendency to get a little too graphic for those types of readers.
5. What do you think of this term- Writer's Block? How do you overcome it?
    I despise the term as I have been no stranger to it in the past. Key phrase here is “the past.” How I overcame having to deal with Writer’s Block was by setting a writing schedule for myself. Monday through Friday I work on my writing. Saturdays and Sundays I set my writing aside and don’t even look at it. Since I started allowing myself the weekend to “recharge”, I haven’t had a single incidence of Writer’s Block.
6. How many books have you written?
    Two.
7. How many are published?
    One at the moment. Although, it is in the process of being reworked and will likely be released again as a second edition. My second book should be published shortly after that.
8. Are you self published or traditionally published?
    Up until recently I was only self published. I have recently began working with Wingfeather Books though. They will be putting out the “second edition” of my first book and also publishing my second.
9. What's the hardest part of the writing process for you?
    Staying focused on my writing and not allowing ordinary day to day things to interrupt my train of thought.
10. What type of books do you enjoy reading?
    Mainly, I enjoy reading horror novels. Although, reading from a variety of genres can be a welcomed change of pace as well.
11. Who's your favorite Author?
    Without a doubt it would be Stephen King.
12. What's your all time favorite book?
    I am hard pressed to come up with a single book, but I suppose if I were forced to choose it would have to be “The Dark Half” by Stephen King.


13. How long does it take you to write a book?
    Actual time spent writing, from start to finish, would be around four or five months. If you take into account everyday distractions and interruptions it would likely be closer to six months.

14. Out of all of your characters, which is your favorite? Why?
    As a fan of the so-called “bad guys” in literature I would have to say that George Mancini is my favorite that I’ve written. I say this because I relish writing about a seemingly average type of person that I can twist into a person that scares the hell out of people.

15. What is one of the most surprising things you've learned as a writer?
    That there is a lot more work involved in the process than I had ever imagined. People think that being a writer is all fun and games. Sitting around in your pajamas all day and writing, while the rest of society goes to their nine-to-five jobs. In fact, I spend nearly as much time writing as I do marketing my work, doing research, and doing promotions to try to get noticed. There are a considerably more people writing books today than I would have ever thought before.

16. What does your family think of your writing?
    Until I actually published my first book, I was basically told that I was wasting my time. Now that I have my first book published they are much more supportive.

17. What does your writing schedule look like?
    Every week, between Monday and Friday, I try to get as much writing done as possible. I will still spend time with marketing, research, and promotions during these times as well, but I try to maintain a balance between them. That way I am making steady progress on the project I am working on at the time. Every Saturday and Sunday I give my work some distance and let my mind unravel and relax. This has been the most productive way for me to write since I buckled down and got serious with it.

18. Do you manage to write every day?
    I do my best to write, at least something, during the time I have set aside for myself to write. Some days are better than others, but I like to shoot for getting 5,000 words “on paper” each week. Sometimes I struggle to reach that goal and other times I manage to reach that goal in a couple days.

19. What's the latest news you'd like to share?
    My first book, Desolace, is currently being reworked for a second edition release. Also, the second book of my series, Haven, is going to the editor soon. Haven should be getting released in late November or possibly early December. Beyond that, I am trying to decide which of my three works-in-progress will get my attention next.

20. Do you have any advice for new writers?
    Never give up! If you are like me, writing is more about getting the story out of your head and sharing it with others. It is very improbable that you will become a best-selling author overnight, so enjoying what you do will go a long ways to offsetting the frustration of low sales figures.
Here are the links to my fan page on Facebook and my Amazon Author page.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

(Review) Northwest by JH Glaze

Title: Northwest
Author: JH Glaze
Pages: 153
Format: 153

Description

John Hazard is back on the trail of danger! After a life-altering event, he has resigned from the police department in small town America and enrolled in a Paranormal Investigation course at Bay University, a community college in San Francisco.

For their final grade, the class ventures to the Pacific NorthWest to film a documentary on a mysterious phenomenon they call “The NorthWest Triangle,” where scores of small aircraft and people have gone missing without a trace.

Professor Macy Renner believes the answer lies in an unsolved mystery from her own past and is determined to discover it, no matter the cost.

Emily Sparks has her own reasons for going, and it’s not just about the money. She is about to jump from the frying pan into the fire as she signs on for a journey that will transport her into the veritable jaws of hell.

Can a rag-tag team of misfits succeed in uncovering the source of the supernatural anomaly, or will the terror that lies in wait consume them in the process?

Come along on an adventure where you will learn that you don’t have to outrun the creatures behind you. You only have to run faster than the person beside you!



Review

To start this review I can sum this book up in one word.... WOW. I loved it. It's an action packed thriller that leaves the reader wanting more. When John and his team depart on this adventure, their main goal is to find anything paranormal. While in mid air, their plane crashes into the worst nightmare one could imagine. Each member of the group has their own reasons for deciding to join in on the trip, which I must say are rather interesting and they are revealed throughout the book.

The plot is one that is hard to guess. I love this aspect. I dislike books where I can guess what's going to happen. In my opinion, it takes the excitement out of the read. BUT Northwest is far from a guess. This book will keep you guessing until the very end.

I think JH Glaze did it again and wrote an incredible book. I recommend this if you are looking for action, horror, and a great nail biting time. I give this book 5 ***** stars. 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Exciting News!!!!!

I'm sure you all have been waiting to see what I'm about as an author. Your wait is about to end. I've been in contact with an editor who will be editing my novella Silenced within the next month. YAY!!!!

This book is my baby. I'm sure all authors will say this about their work. It took me four years to write and edit it to my standards for an editor. Some friends and family have read it and love it. I'm so excited to see what you all think.

Are you excited for it's release?


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Author #Interview: Brian Bigelow

Welcome back to our weekly Author Interviews. Please let me remind everyone that our interviews run each Wednesday of the week. This week we have an amazing person and author with us.... let's welcome.... Brian Bigelow.

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to tell the readers more about you.

1. Please tell the readers a bit more about you.
I’m an author living in Colorado with my wife an over protective Chihuahua and a cat.

2. What types of books do you write?
Presently, horror though I have written a number of non-fiction books.

3. Who's your main audience?
My main audience would be those who like paranormal and horror stories.

4. When it comes to writing- what are your strong points? What are your
weaknesses?
As for strong points I’m always trying to learn how to do it better. I always strive to do the best I can do. Weak points, very addicted to social networking which can interfere with your writing.

5. What do you think of this term- Writer's Block? How do you overcome it?

I think it happens to ever author, you just can’t figure out how to go forward
with the story. I change the place I am writing which is fairly easy since I write
on a laptop. also I like to play some music while writing.

6. How many books have you written? 14

7. How many are published? All

8. Are you self published or traditionally published? I am self-published.

9. What's the hardest part of the writing process for you? Staying away from
Facebook.

10. What type of books do you enjoy reading? All kinds except for romance.

11. Who's your favorite Author? Dan Brown

12. What's your all time favorite book? That’s difficult question to answer
as there are so many. Tops for the list would include, ”Windmills of the
God’s” by Sheldon, “Chesapeake” by Mitchner, “Lord of the Rings” by Tolkien
and “Digital Fortress” by Dan Brown.

13. How long does it take you to write a book? I write mostly short stories so
a month or two on average.

14. Out of all of your characters, which is your favorite? Why? Probably my
favorite is Margaret. She lives outside of society and away from the city. Of
course she does cast spells also.

15. What is one of the most surprising things you've learned as a writer? It’s
hard to let anyone know you have book out. I’m rather introverted though so
its hard to talk about me or my books.

16. What does your family think of your writing? My wife probably wishes
I paid more attention to her at times but she seems to like what I write as
she does some of my proof reading. My grown children seem to be very
impressed.

17. What does your writing schedule look like? First thing in the morning I
interface on Facebook, Twitter etc. Usually in the afternoons and evenings is
when I do most of my writing.

18. Do you manage to write every day? I’m addicted to writing so I have to
write seven days per week. I just feel terrible if I don’t do some writing.

19. What's the latest news you'd like to share? I’m working on an extended
version of “Witchery Afoot”. The shorter 3k version is presently in second
place in a short story contest.

20. Do you have any advice for new writers? Never give up, don’t let anyone
take away your dream. Read, read and read some more and make sure you
peruse a grammar manual or two.


Please check out more about Brian and his work below:

Blog: http://brian-bigelow.blogspot.com/

Liturgy on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Liturgy-ebook/dp/
B009TZR48S/ref=la_B00667745A

On Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/247013

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Review: The Bachelor Farmers by Brenda Sorrels

Title: The Bachelor Farmers
Author: Brenda Sorrels
Pages: 152
Format: Paperback

Description:

Hans and Jon, the youngest of four immigrant brothers, have just inherited land from their recently deceased father and set out to develop it, thus perpetuating the family dream of success in America. When Jon learns that the husband of Mahal, a beautiful half-breed, Ojibwa woman, has been injured on their property and cannot work, he hires her to be their personal cook.

Under the eye of his disapproving brother, Jon finds himself falling in love, but when a terrible blizzard blows into town without warning, the three of them must deal with the consequences and make decisions that will ultimately reshape their lives in profound and unimaginable ways.

Review:

The Bachelor Farmers by Brenda Sorrels took me by surprise. I wasn't really interested in reading this book due to the title. It didn't catch my eye. As I started it and gave it a chance, I found myself at the end of the book.

The plot went by smoothly and the characters were believable. I found myself smiling and laughing with them. I can tell several hours or more of research was put into this book which helped make it a great read.

When Hans and Jon are introduced, I felt like it was hard to connect. I didn't like the attitude Hans showed Mahal even though she was helping them so much. When the blizzard came without warning, I was surprised to see how things unfolded from there.

The ending really threw me for a loop which I didn't see coming. I must say I love books I can't guess the plot to. I'm giving this book 5 ***** stars.



The author gave me a copy in return for an honest review.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Character Interview: Stella from the book Sophie



Welcome back to Getting to Know The Character. This is RaeBeth and today I have a very special guest with us. Give a warm welcome to Stella Dugan. Thank you Stella for joining us. It's great to have you here.

Stella: Thank you, dear. I'm honored to be here with you and your readers. 

RaeBeth: I'd like for you to share some information about yourself so our readers know who you are.

Stella: I'm Stella Dugan, grandmother of Sophie Hathorn and mother of Emma Hathorn. I live in Fairchance where I grew up with my mother- Elizabeth Poole and my father- Henry Dugan. I'm one of the most powerful witches besides Sophie. I'm sixty seven years old but don't let my age fool you. I'm not old. I'm just well educated with life.

RaeBeth: Thank you for such a wonderful introduction. I noticed you and your parents don't all have the same last names. Is there a reason for this?

Stella: As a matter of fact there is. Witches, true witches carry their birth names all of their lives. This is one way other magical beings can identify which set of witches you come from. 

RaeBeth: Are all magical being born with abilities?

Stella: Unfortunately, no. The Hathorn/Dugan family has the strongest bloodline and thus gives us more of a chance to giving birth to one of our own. It's up to our Goddess on who gets what. Take for example- Sophie. She wasn't a magical being until her twenty fifth birthday. That's twenty five years of mortality. 

RaeBeth: How did your bloodline become so powerful? 

Stella: Our Goddess, of course. When my mother Elizabeth was young, she used to practice using herbs and trying to create potions. One would call it "dabbing in white magic." Our Goddess saw her abilities and knew she had the power within her. It only needed brought to the service. Pax made this possible. Therefore, when witches give birth, they pass down the DNA but it's up to Pax to activate it. I guess you could say for the lack of a better phrase.

RaeBeth: How well do you get along with the wizards? Please enlighten us on the names of who you are talking about as well.

Stella: I'm very familiar with wizards. We go way back. I've had my run ins with the Wizard Council before. They're the most powerful wizards alive and their job is to ensure that all is right in the world. If our Goddess comes to them with a foreseen problem, they are the ones who eliminate it. The highest and leader of the council now is known as Thor. He's very wise and follows the magical law regardless. It doesn't matter if you're family or not. If you broke a law, he will punish you.

RaeBeth: A bit harsh but understandable. Everyone needs a wise, educated, and feared leader. I think if there's no fear... there's no respect. Especially in a world such as yours. Are you at liberty to share some of the magical abilities witches, wizards, and demons have?

Stella: Of course, dear. I don't mind at all.  Let me explain a bit of the background. Our Sophie is a bit unique so this doesn't apply to her. Most of the time witches have one to several of the abilities. We can cast spells, use telekinesis, levitation, healing, mind control, and an energy ball- among a few others.

RaeBeth: Wow, intimidating. Has anyone ever used their powers against mortals?

Stella: Witches and Wizards would never do a such a thing. Demons on the other hand don't care. They will use their abilities no matter what if it helps them get what they're after. 

RaeBeth: What are some of the abilities demons have? Which ones have been used against mortals?

Stella: Times have changed so I could be a bit off. But the abilities I know of are: Fireballs, shape shifting, mind control, hovering, and portal creation. I know they have used shape shifting and mind control on mortals before.

RaeBeth: Let's back up a minute. I thought it's been said magical beings don't share the same powers?

Stella: That's true if you're talking about the past. As I have said, times have changed. It seems as if the powers can be used by anyone if their looking in the right place. 

RaeBeth: Who is the most recent demon you came up against?

Stella: He goes by the name of Eros. He is powerful and can take over you in an instant with the mind control and power augmentation abilities he holds.

RaeBeth: He sounds pretty scary. Are you at liberty to discuss more about him? Like why you had to fight him?

Stella: That's confidential dear. I'm sorry. Our Goddess only gave us permission to share certain things and some are not to be spoken of. 

RaeBeth: Totally understandable. Moving on. Please describe the abilities wizards can hold.

Stella: They can use illusion, power sensing, conjuration, deflection, and an energy ball. What they're really known for is their ability with the staff. You see a wizard with a staff... it means he's very powerful. It takes years of practice to perfect the usage of a staff. 

RaeBeth: Thank you so much for your time, Stella. We are out of time for the day. Do you mind if our readers as you questions in the comment section of this post?

Stella: Not at all. Sophie told me you'd ask that. She told me to say... remember witches are with it these days. Internet is not a scarce thing. 

RaeBeth: Ahh yes. I remember her saying that. Thank you.

###
I hope you enjoyed the interview with Stella. She was visiting from my book, Sophie. It is still a work in progress at this time. I thought it would be fun to get everyone geared up for the book. I'm having so much fun writing the book and wanted others to join in on the fun. Feel free to share this post using your social sites. I would very much appreciate it. Also, if you would like updates everyday from myself and my characters.... please join me on Facebook under The Writing World. Have a wonderful day.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

We're Back!!!!!!!!

Good Morning or Afternoon depending on where you are. I want to thank those of you who have stuck around while I was getting things in order and back on track. I do have a few announcements.

First is Author Spotlights are back!!!! We are looking for new authors for our openings.  We will start off with two Spotlights each month until the demand to raise the amount per month increases again.

Second the guidelines for reviewing have changed a bit. I'm requesting paperbacks for reviews. Although I will make some exceptions for those Authors out there that don't have their books in print but in ebook form. 

Third if any Author wants more coverage for their new upcoming novel. Feel free to contact me and we can discuss the details.

I'll update the page with available dates to all Spotlights and Reviews. Please keep an eye out for that.

Have a happy and wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to hearing from you amazing Authors out there.

Monday, October 1, 2012

What a Writer Means To Me

There's so many things in this world that keep us happy and content.  The one thing I found that I'm proud of is being a writer.  When writing ...I get to go on journeys into other worlds and live. It gives me a peace of mind. Helps me to keep going.  I have three upcoming books that I can't wait to share. Being a writer gives you the ability to give someone a small piece of serenity. 

I love every aspect of writing.  What is something you enjoy or like to see in a writer?

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