Author Interview with Merita King

Author Interview

Merita King

Thank you for stopping by The Writing World. I'm pleased you decided to visit. For this week's interview I would like to introduce to you Merita King author of The Lilean Chronicles.

1. Please tell the readers a bit more about you.

Hi, I'm Merita King and I'm a writer/novelist from the south of England.  I've wanted to write since I was a teenager but I never had the knowledge or the skills to write more than a couple of pages, even though ideas for plots would come easily.  I'm one of those writers who doesn't really plan much.  I prefer to just sit down and write and see how it builds as it goes along.  For me, writing is an intuitive thing and my characters are real people to me.  I can see them, hear them and feel them as they stand beside me and tell me what to write.  I always say that I don't write the stories, I just take dictation from my characters.  I'm also a psychic medium and I live alone.

2. What types of books do you write?

I write space opera Novels.  Nowadays you don't hear that term used much but imagine Star Trek with a bit of paranormal thrown in and plenty of action adventure and emotional angst and you'll understand what my stories are.  I also write horror short stories.

3. Who's your main audience?

I guess my books are for 18+ readers.  There are moderate sexual references and violence but they're not overt about it.  The spiritual aspect of my books really need an adult mind to understand and digest, so that's the main reason I think of them as 18+.

4. When it comes to writing- what are your strong points? What are your weaknesses?

My strong points are my vivid imagination, my intuitive way of writing and my fairly prolific word count when I get going.  I see my stories like movies in my head as I'm writing and plot twists and turns come to me easily.  I allow the characters to build the story as it goes along and I go with the flow.  I trust the process and don't try to control it and it works for me.  When I sit down to write I can easily bash out 5 thousand words in one sitting.  My weak point is lack of official grammatical education.  When I went to school we didn't learn about dangling modifiers, passive voice or anything of that nature.  I've had to learn as I've gone along and made many mistakes along the way.

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

I've never experienced it and hope I never will.  If I don't feel like writing one day I just assume my characters want a day off, so I have one too.  I can just sit down and begin to write and it just flows.  I feel very sorry for people who say they battle with writer's block, it must be awful.

6. How many books have you written?

I have five written at this moment in time. A four part series and one stand alone.

7. How many are published?

Three are published at the moment.  The fourth and final part of my series will be published in the first week of December 2012.

8. Are you self published or traditionally published?

I'm self published.  I like the freedom it gives me.  I can publish when I want, how I want.  I can write as often as I wish and publish as many books as I like.  I also feel pride in doing the whole process myself, from start to finish.  Apart from the cover art, I do everything myself and I feel proud of that.  Trad publishing doesn't really have any advantages anymore; they still expect you to do much of your own marketing.  I firmly believe that trad publishing will eventually just not happen and all books will be self published.

9. What's the hardest part of the writing process for you?

I don't find any of it hard exactly but the proof reading and editing is the bit I enjoy the least.  I do all my own editing and usually do four or five read through, reading aloud.  It gets a little old when you've read your own book for the fifth time and have to watch for misplaced commas etc.

10. What type of books do you enjoy reading?

Space opera, science fiction, fantasy and horror.  I will admit to enjoying a good misery memoir too.

11. Who's your favorite Author?

James Herbert has always been my favourite.  He's an English horror writer and I've read all of his books except his latest.

12. What's your all time favorite book?

My all time favorite has to be Nobody True by James Herbert.  Closely followed by anything by Dennis Wheatley.

13. How long does it take you to write a book?

My first novel of 100 thousand words was written to first draft in eight weeks.  I find that a couple of months is about normal for me for this length of novel.

14. Out of all of your characters, which is your favorite? Why?

Oh that's easy.  My favorite of my own characters has to be Vincent, the protagonist of my series.  He's my ultimate perfect man in every way.  He's gorgeous but also has the right balance of alpha male and nurturing lover.  He has just enough emotional anguish to give him a very attractive vulnerability.  He's deeply spiritual too which is always important for me.  To meet someone like him would be amazing.

15. What is one of the most surprising things you've learned as a writer?

I never thought I'd ever learn so much about the construction of language and how it's put together.  The most surprising thing though is that I've gone from wanting to write but not having the ability, to being a prolific writer with plots coming out of my ears.  To think I began writing my first novel in June 2011 makes it all the more surprising.  This past year has been a real learning curve and I went from drifting through life with unassailable dreams to being someone who now actually feels like a writer.

16. What does your family think of your writing?

Well I only have my Mother and she's very proud.  She told me recently that she's so fired up with enthusiasm after reading my books and being with me through the last year's process that she's now embarking upon a novel of her own.

17. What does your writing schedule look like? 

Oh gosh, what's a schedule..!  I honestly don't  have one.  I write when I want to write, or more correctly when my characters demand it.  I know when they want me to write; I can feel them close and can sense their nagging.  When I'm actually in the process of writing a novel I tend to get absorbed in it and I will spend two the three hours each afternoon and evening writing and most of the weekends.  I have a day job so I have to fit around that.

18. Do you manage to write every day?

Yes.  Not necessarily on a novel.  I might blog or write a short story.  I also like to write horror shorts and have several published in Schlock Webzine.  I might even just write a poem but I'll always write something every day.

19. What's the latest news you'd like to share?

Latest news is to watch out for the fourth and final volume of my space opera series.  The Lilean Chronicles: Book Four ~ Avalanche Effect will be published the first week in December 2012.  I'm committed to NaNoWriMo this year for the first time and have a stand alone space opera novel planned for that.

20. Do you have any advice for new writers?

Just write.  Don't get hung up on the construction and don't get mired in the planning.  Just sit down and get the story out of your head or it will fester and die in there.  Get it out and get it down and you can tidy it up later.  You can learn all the construction stuff like spelling and punctuation from websites; that's where I learnt how to punctuate dialogue as I hadn't a clue when I started.  Just get the story out of your head first.

If you love science fiction then you'll love my new series of books.  Buy The Lilean Chronicles in paperback from and in e-book formats from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

Live the journey, for every destination is but a doorway to another!

Purchase link for USA readers - Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_21?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=the+lilean+chronicles&sprefix=the+lilean+chronicles%2Caps%2C0

Purchase link for UK readers - Amazon.co.uk - http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_21?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=the+lilean+chronicles&sprefix=the+lilean+chronicles%2Caps%2C0

Let's Spread the Word

Wow, so much is going on right now for me with my upcoming release of Silenced. The expected release date will be revealed within time. At this moment, I'll calling out to several different people with different purposes.

BLOGGERS: Want to help in my book tour? Sign up on the right side of the blog is posted. Type in your email and confirm it to be added. More information will be sent about the tour at a later date.

I'm also asking for those of you who own a blog, feel free to pass on my post revealing the Cover and description of the book. You can find that here. The more... the better. If you add it to your site, please let me know so I can do some shout outs to you in return.

BETA READERS: Yep you're next on my list. I'd love it if some of those I've helped in the past would kindly come forward as a beta reader. I'll be needing those next month. If you're interested, please contact me and I'll keep you in the loop.

GOOD READS MEMBERS:  I began my Fan Group and would love you to join. Click this link to go directly to the group and join.

FACEBOOK: I have my page for my work and would love to see more fans there. You can follow this link to join in. I'll have games, giveaways, and updates in the near future. See you there.


My hopes is to spread the word about my upcoming novella, Silenced. I want to thank those authors who have come forward and offered to help me... as a return for me helping you. I greatly appreciate it. It's great to see my efforts that I put out for others meant a lot to where they decided to come back to help me. You're awesome!!

*****

For those of you who enjoy reading blogs and books, I'd like to discuss what you could do to help your favorite authors. We work very hard, especially self published. When we self publish, everything is on the author. Promotion is the exception to this rule. You as a reader could help with this. So don't think there's nothing for you to do. After you read a book... go to sites like Amazon and Barnes and Noble.. and leave a review. Even if you didn't like the work, just be respectful. Remember those books you're reading... it's the authors baby. Be gentle. 

Thanks for taking your time to read. Looking forward to meeting many new people within the next stage of my writing. Have a great day.

It's Finally Happened

I want to announce that I've sent my manuscript for Silenced in to the editor YESTERDAY!!!! Her goal is to have it done by the end of the month. That means ... yep you guessed it... one step closer to being in your hands.

Who's excited? Not sure if you are. Well, here's a bit more about my book. Then you decide.

Amber Brown spent her entire existence believing Dave was her father. When her mother reveals this is untrue, she goes through an emotional spiral with depression. It's hard for her to believe her mother had lied to her all this time. 

A move to a new home and town causes Amber to be consumed by her "darkness" and reverts to cutting to free herself from her pain.

When Casey, her new friend enters her life, she introduces Amber to parties, drugs, and Amber's new boyfriend Landon. The secret of cutting begins to take affect on Amber as she tries to hide it from her friends and family. In the mist of everything, Amber has the desire to find out who her biological father is.

Follow Amber through her trials of depression and cutting, along with the discovery of love.


And there you have it. This is a journey I don't think you'll ever forget. I'm excited for it's release.... are you?

Heads up....

I wanted to quickly remind you all of the upcoming book tour featuring Diantha Jones... author of Prophecy of the Most Beautiful. I did an author interview with this amazing author earlier this year. As well as a review. Now.... you guessed it... she's stopping by again. This time is during her book tour.

I must say I'm very excited about this one and I think you should be too. The upcoming post is info packed with some great stuff... along with prizes. Yep that's right. So don't forget to come back to The Writing World on November 16th to find out what's going on.

See you there!!!!

Author Spotlight feat. Paulette Mahurin

Author Spotlight 

Paulette Mahurin 

Books by Author

 The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap

Biography

Paulette Mahurin, an award-winning author, is a Nurse Practitioner who lives in Ojai, California with her husband Terry and their two dogs--Max and Bella. She practices women’s health in a rural clinic and writes in her spare time.  

Book Review (Coming Soon)

Links

Amazon

Facebook

Twitter  

Interview 

1. Please tell the readers a bit more about you.

First let me say thank you so much for inviting me over to chat with you and for this great opportunity. I'm a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Women's Health, in Ojai, CA where live with my husband Terry, and our two dogs, (rescued from a kill shelter) Max & Bella. My passions are writing and animal rescue (dogs in particular). All the profits from my book are
going to the first and only no-kill animal shelter in Ventura County, CA. Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center. (http://www.santapaulaarc.org/) It is my life's dream and passion to see as many sad faces out of their prison cells and wagging their tails in their forever homes.

2. What types of books do you write?
The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap is a historical fiction, with a strong theme of tolerance. It's a chronicle of hatred and prejudice with all its unintended consequences and how love and friendship heal.

I have also written romance and mystery stories but this is my first published novel. I've had non-fiction stories published while in college, centering around stories involving working
with cancer or dying patients, inspirational stories.

3. Who's your main audience?
General fiction lovers or anyone up for a good read. It seems to be well received across all genre groups. It is not, however, a children's book as it deals with serious adult themes.

4. When it comes to writing- what are your strong points? What are your weaknesses?
I can sit and write for hours. I love to write. I love to get in the zone and just let the story, the writing, do its own thing. And, I am disciplined to put in the time. My weak point is I get carried away with researching and what to include or not, and lose sight of the importance of letting the story flow and not interjecting too much. That only lasts until it gets to my editor, lol. I have a great editor who won't let me get away with turning the story into a didactic class room lecture. Sometimes it's hard to let go of what "I" want to include and what serves the story line. Luckily, I work with some great professionals who guide the story back through me, and get me back out of the way.

5. What do you think of this term- Writer's Block? How do you overcome it?
I'm laughing because I don't seem to have this problem, more writer's diarrhea. As I just mentioned, I tend to overdo it, but then it all gets worked out once my editor gets her hands on it. I'm lucky in the sense that I can sit and things do flow.

6. How many books have you written?
This is my first.

7. How many are published?
This one.

8. Are you self published or traditionally published?
Self.

9. What's the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Aside from what I wrote above, I think it's knowing when the story is completed. Stories are snap shots, not the full length life born to death script, but rather a microcosm that could
easily be expanded. The rewrite and find new things to add seems endless, there's always a better word, always another idea, a what if, or should have this or that, but at some point enough is enough and it's done. Then you turn it over...

10. What type of books do you enjoy reading?
Not to sound trite, but I love a good story, not genre or type specific. I love a good historical fiction, and have recently review a vamp and werewolf story that were quite good, and who doesn't like a good poignant love story with substance. Enjoyment is something subjective to my experience with the book before me, not the type of book. Maybe I'm an oddball, but I'm glad cause it keeps me open to all sorts of reads.

11. Who's your favorite Author?This speaks to what I just wrote. If an author captures my attention and interest with a good story then in that time span that's the author I like. Of course, there are authors that stand above, like Steinbeck and how incredible his writing was in Grapes of Wrath, masterful, but then that's no surprise--he won the Pulitzer for it. There are just so many incredibly talented authors past, present, and future, that I can't just pick one.

12. What's your all time favorite book?
Again, Grapes of Wrath,was incredible but I don't have a favorite. I love the classics, and the good contemporary reads, it's all in the storytelling. I've read some indie authors recently that
are really good and loved reading their work. My criteria for a good book and good author is did it grab my attention, hold it, carry it along with the story, and was I sorry when the book
came to an end, because I didn't want it to be over? Been too many to comment or pick out one all time favorite.

13. How long does it take you to write a book?
This one took six years. A couple others that are complete except for the final editing phase took a little over a year. This historical aspects take longer because I had to fact check everything.

14. Out of all of your characters, which is your favorite? Why?

Charley. He comes out of desperation, wanting to die to be with his wife who just died, and when he was at that point of giving up on life something changed for him. His character is a metaphor of what our hearts know, that our minds can never understand, of what is possible. His metamorphosis is all about hope and all that is good and right in the human condition. And, yet he struggles with his insides, like all the rest of us and never loses sight of his humanness, his authenticity, which makes him real and that is easy to relate to. I love the guy.

15. What is one of the most surprising things you've learned as a writer?
That in some ways, when you get out of your head, and just let those fingers type away out comes the story, almost out of thin air, where thinking doesn't exist. It's magical when you learn to trust in the flow and let it go where it will take you. You don't see the big picture, the full story, until you type your last word and sit down and read it. You think to yourself,
I did that?

16. What does your family think of your writing?
They love it and are extremely supportive. My husband is one of my readers and is a great help. He's my rock, my typo-correction-King and I don't know how I'd get through without him, a shout out here to a really great guy! You'd like him also.

17. What does your writing schedule look like?
I get up in the morning, around 6:00, take care of our puppies and get myself some tea then head into the den and away I go. I'm lucky, my schedule is my own and open, except for the days when I work, which is part-time.

18. Do you manage to write every day?

Usually. Lately, I've been involved in promoting my book because of my neurotic passionate desire to want to help as many animals get out of jail as I can. That is holding a very high priority for me currently. I feel if I stop putting energy into then what? I'm self promoting and have to keep making connections, like this with you (again a big thank you) and so far, luckily
it's been paying off.

19. What's the latest news you'd like to share?
OMG, I'm so glad you asked. For a thank you to all the incredible support I've been given by wonderful and kind people like you, Raebeth, I did a five day kindle book free download through Amazon. It just finished yesterday and the number of downloads boggled the mind, 18,204. That's a lot of energy for my little 202 pp book. Amazon ranked it #3 in kindle store sales and things are looking good. The kindle price is only $2.99 so a lot need to sell to translate that to funds for the dogs, cats, furies, but with efforts like yours here, I'm hopeful.

20. Do you have any advice for new writers?
A writer writes. Just sit your butt down in the chair and do it, like in the Nike commercial, just do it. Doesn't matter if it's ten minutes or ten hours, to feel involved in the process a writer needs to write. Leave the editing up to the editor and tell the critic in your head, between your ears, when it raises its ugly critical head to shut up!

Thank you so much Paulette for your time. It was a pleasure having you here today.

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.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Desolace/292242934166864

http://www.amazon.com/Lucian-Barnes/e/B0081SXWF8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

(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. 

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

(Review) 50 Shades of Grey

Title: Fifty Shades of Grey
Author: E. L. James
Pages: 364
Format: ebook
Review : Fifty Shades came at me as a surprise.  I was intrigued by all the fuss. I'm not one to read romantic type of books. This is on a level of its own. I loved the basic plot line. There's a story line which is great but its a believable story line. I grew to love the characters. I found myself laughing at times and even wanted to cry. I think books that can make the reader feel what the character feels ... are awesome.  This is a great read.
I give it 5 stars.  *****
Posted via mobile.

#Character Interview #Sophie

Good morning. I have a special guest with me. I would like to welcome the main character from my book... Sophie.  Please introduce yourself by telling the readers about you.

Thank you. I'm Sophie Hathorn and I'm 25 years old. I'm a witch. I have very powerful magical abilities and everyone seems to depend on me.

Tell us about your side of the world.

Most mortals don't know we exist.  There are three main races ... Witches..Wizards ..and Demons. Wizards are primarily used in battles while witches clean up after everyone.  Each magical person have their own special mix of powers. The witches and wizards answer to our Goddess for all things. 

What's your Goddesses name?

Her name is Pax. She sees to it that all creatures in magic follow certain rules. She sees everything.

What are your best attributes?

I'm loyal, passionate, and sarcastic.  I tend to over react sometimes too. But who doesn't.

Outside of battle ..what's your hobbies?

I like collecting antiques and reading. Above all I love hanging out with my good friend Mason.

Reading is great. I'm glad you took the time to join us today.  Is it okay if my readers ask you some questions?

Sure. I can check back while I'm on the road. Witches have internet too.

Perfect. Once again thank you. I'd like to thank the readers for stopping by. Feel free to leave your questions in the comments. Please share this interview by using the social buttons at the bottom.

Have a wonderful day.

(Review) The Conduit by Stacey Rourke

Title: The Conduit
Author: Stacey Rourke
Format: ebook
Pages: 201














Review

I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

The Conduit by Stacey Rourke is simply one of the best books I have read in a long time. The plot is well thought out. The characters are entertaining and had me laughing throughout the book.

Celeste is a normal teen until she finds a sculpture of the Gryphon in her grandmothers garage. Her life as well as her siblings change rapidly after. The three of them are pulled into the world where magical creatures exist.

The journey throughout the book had me turning the pages and I read it in one sitting.  I give this book 5 ***** stars.

September #Reading Challenge

On our Facebook, we have a challenge for you all. During the month of September we are collecting photos but not any photos ...reading photos.  If you catch a loved one reading ...snap a photo of them and email it to me. I'll add it to the Reading is Fun album on the Facebook page.

This is to promote reading, not only in America, but around the world. What are you waiting for.... go get some pictures!
Email photos to: budasangel@gmail.com