Blakely’s Friday Interview with Leanna Harrow

Posted on July 26, 2013 by blakely

Please give a warm welcome to Leanna Harrow, author of A Beautiful Liar~Book One of the Maggie West Series. She has been incredibly supportive of yours truly and I consider myself lucky to know her. She also host author interviews, so give her a shout out if you are interested. Without further ado:

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
I’m currently promoting A Beautiful Liar~Book One of the Maggie West Series. It’s an erotic romance about a woman who encounters a “catfish” online and embarks on a willful deception and becomes involved in long distance romance with him.

What genre is your book? Do you write in other genres as well?
Erotica, but I am currently working on a strictly romance book with a friend and bestselling author for Christmas!

Do you have an agent and/or publisher or are you self-published? If self-published, do you use a professional editor? If traditionally published, who is your publisher?
I self published my first two books early last year, announced it on LinkedIn and an acquisitions editor for a publisher saw my post and asked to read my manuscript. Two days later, I received an acceptance letter. They will have five of my books out by November of this year. It’s been a pretty hectic year that’s for sure!

Do you set writing goals and if so, what are they?
I can’t set goal, or follow guidelines or adhere to deadlines. I am not built that way. I write when I want and when I don’t I can’t. I don’t suffer from writers block; I suffer from “writers don’t want to”. I can’t force myself to do anything anymore. My mind and my body won’t allow me to. I guess it’s due to old age 😉

Who is your favorite author and why?
That’s too easy…Stephen King…because he’s as weird as I am 😉

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?
I modeled Maggie West after myself…literally. I used my life’s story as the back story in Book One and I knew that she would be someone that everyone, men and women alike could relate to because she’s strong, independent and tough. Everyone knows someone like Maggie. She’s someone’s mother, sister, aunt, cousin, grandmother, cousin. She’s someone everyone can say “Hey, that’s ______” and fill in the blank.

Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?
In my erotic thriller “Killing the Desire” the serial killer was hard to write because a lot of research had to go into it…I know a lot about serial killer due to my fascination with them and the amount of time I’ve spent reading and watching stories about them but I wrote a story unlike one I had ever heard of so I had to really look into what I was writing about to make it believable.

Do you base your characters on people you know?
I try and always give someone I know a cameo…the usually figure it out 😉

How much time a day do you spend on social media?
Way, way too much!

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
“Another 10 year old trying to write” and this review left on Amazon for Killing the Desire: “This is one saucy number that will have you drenched with equal parts suspense and passion. A little bit of Carolyn Keene meets Zane with just a touch of E.L. James makes for quite the interesting romp on the hotter side of erotic suspense. You definitely want to give this author a shot.” I had to Google the authors as I didn’t know who they were…Seriously…I didn’t know who E.L. James was as I don’t read erotica 😉 I look at criticism, both good and bad like I do publicity…it’s all good 😉

I have found the writer’s community to be very supportive and welcoming. Please share three writers that you recommend for us to check out.

Barbara Winkes
Barbara C Rowe
Blakely Bennett (Because she seems to have a hand in everything…like me 😉 {THANKS LEANNA!}

Please be sure to check out Leanna’s Amazon Page, Author Tease Readings Blog, Facebook and Twitter.

Click on the covers below to buy her books.

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Debbie Brown

Posted on July 19, 2013 by blakely

Please give a warm welcome to Debbie Brown, author of Amethyst Eyes.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
I am first and foremost a Mom. I have been a nurse, a teacher, a martial arts instructor (owning my own MA school), and an officer in the Canadian Forces. Until I became physically limited, I used to enjoy woodworking, auto mechanics, painting murals, gardening, flying small planes and a few others.

Right now I am working on the sequel to Amethyst Eyes, which was my first novel. Since its release, Rebirth (an unrelated YA novel) and Emma, to Begin Again, have been also been released. Emma is a stand-alone novel, but tells the story of Tommy’s parents (MC in Amethyst Eyes), so it can be taken as the prequel to the series.

Who or what inspires you?
Life inspires me, and not always the good things either. I lost my daughter 3 years ago and was injured in the process…leaving me barley able to walk. I needed to create a place where people cared about people, where human emotions were real, where there was hope. I turned to writing and Amethyst Eyes was the result.

Do you have an agent and/or publisher or are you self-published? If self-published, do you use a professional editor? If traditionally published, who is your publisher?
I received an offer from an agent for AE, but after consulting the Writer’s Beware website, I declined to deal with them. I then received an offer from a publisher, but when I heard that I wouldn’t see the book in print for almost 2 years, I again declined and went with assisted publishing. I needed to ‘hold’ my book…it was part of my healing process and I couldn’t wait.

I was offered a contract for Rebirth by GMTA Publishing and I really liked the service I got. They have also published Emma and are waiting for the AE sequel.
I have had ALL my novels professionally edited. I find it expensive, but it is a MUST. You cannot undo a first impression, and I wouldn’t want to print trash. I have seen too many comments about books where readers tell the author to get an editor. Sad.

Do you use test readers? If so, how many?
I have a small critique group with both men and women, and I find their input invaluable. I had up to 8 readers but I don’t think so many are needed. What’s important is that the ones you have given you feedback.

I have to admit that I was a little uncomfortable having Emma read by men…it is told through a female POV and deals with emotions, feelings and such… there is no sex in my novels but It still felt strange to have guys read it. Some of the comments were funny though…the “oh please…” when she (MC) shared her appreciation for him LOL.

What advice do you have for writer’s just starting out?
Write…just write. Until you have something to work with, you can’t get ahead. Once you have a MS, get some friends, family, a critique group or anyone to read it and give you feedback. Oh, and remember YOU are the author, so you get the last word in the changes. If the same comment comes back over and over again…you might want to change that part. Once you’ve written, read, reread, and critiqued, you should have it edited by a professional. (Someone in your genre!) Having a romance author critique horror just won’t work, likewise a suspense writer would not be a good romance critique.

Do you set writing goals and if so, what are they?
For this novel, (the Amethyst Eyes sequel), my goal is to get it done BEFORE I give birth…because I’m not sure I’ll be able to get the book out on time. The baby is due a month before the book launch…and the race is on!

Aside from participating in Nanowrimo, I don’t really have any goals. If I have a delivery date to respect, I do.

There will be one final book in the series. For now, there is no date or time limit hanging over my head, although I don’t think it’ll be more than a year between the two.

What does your writing space look like?
I have a great library in my home, with a view of a woodland right outside my window. Unfortunately, it’s on the second floor…which means that on the days my leg does not cooperate -I cannot go up and down the stairs. So, for now, I write in the living room, on a small chair in the corner of the room or even outside while my daughter plays in the yard. Not the best situation, but it’s worked so far.

Is there a message in your book(s) that you want readers to grasp?
Rebirth is about caring for our environment and working together. It’s a pretty cool adventure and a wild ride for the characters, but I think the twist on ‘the consequences of ones actions’ is good.

Do you base your characters on people you know?
My characters usually come alive on their own. I have even had some simply show up in the middle of the scene and turn out to be an essential part of the story. It’s cool because I get to discover them as I write. I have met so many people over the years in and out of work related activities that I seemed to have collected traits from all of them…and I just let whatever come out.

In one story, I based the character on one of my daughter’s attitudes when she was being difficult. She read the first page, whirled around to me and asked, “Is that me?” Busted, LOL.

Do you read your reviews and if so, how do you cope with a bad one?
I like to see what people think about my books.

The worst review I got made me laugh so much…I thought it was one of my friends on a rant. She took the book personally, as though I had literally attacked her through it. Her comments were the opposite of almost everyone else’s…Interesting…to say the least. I have some 50+ comments on Amethyst Eyes, so I didn’t take it personally, but seriously, get a life, woman.

What fascinates me is the rating system (or lack of)…some reviews go on and on about how they loved it, and yet they only gave it 3 stars. Did I miss something?

Or, another favorite…the story is for middle grade-YA readers…NOT for adults, so the way it has been written reflects the readership. In my opinion it should not be judged from an adult POV.

And of course this one… “in my experience…” Well, I have written from MY experience, so the fact that the baby didn’t cry on and on (in Rebirth), was because of my experience raising 4 children. I have NEVER spent a sleepless night up with any of them. Lucky I guess.

But as I said, I don’t take it personally. If I was to encounter the same negative comment over and over, then I would seriously re-examine my work. I write because I enjoy it and I hope others can appreciate what they find in the book.

I have found the writer’s community to be very supportive and welcoming. Please share three writers that you recommend for us to check out.

Liz Grace Davis, author of Tangi’s Teardrops and Chocolate Aftertaste. Liz’s Blog.
MJ Kane, author of The Butterfly Memoirs. MJ’s Blog.
Kristine Cayne, author of Aftershocks. Kristine’s website.

Please be sure to check out Debbie Brown’s social media below.

Facebook Book Page
Goodreads Author Page
Blog
Book Trailer
Email
Twitter
Author Page
Website

Blakely’s Friday Interview with M. Peters

Posted on July 12, 2013 by blakely

Please give a warm welcome to M. Peters, author of Undisclosed Desire.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting. Currently, I’m working on promoting my first novel, Undisclosed Desire, while I write my second book, a followup to that novel. It is untitled as of yet.

What genre is your book? Adult Paranormal Romance. Do you write in other genres as well? I’ve just started a Horror/Crime novel that I’m six or seven thousand words into. It’s completely different to what I normally write, and I’m enjoying the challenge. Coming this week, snippets of that work and the sequel to Undisclosed Desire will be placed on my website.

Who or what inspires you? My soulmate inspires me – she and I have been together since we were sixteen years old, and we write together almost every day.

What advice do you have for writers just starting out? Only you can write this story, in your own words, in your own way. Also – edit LATER. Write first; there’s all the time in the world to edit later.

Do you set writing goals and if so, what are they? Recently, my fiancée and I just finished our own sort of homage to November’s National Novel Writing Month – NaNoWriMo – in which you write 50,000 words of a new novel in one month – except that we only set ourselves the goal of writing 25,000 words. And we’re trying to keep up a goal of writing five hundred words a day, just to keep our writing muscles flexing.

Do you outline your stories or just go with the flow? I am an utter go-with-the-flow kind of writer. I never understood the needs for writing outlines in school. I just made up the story around the prompts – and I do the same thing now. Pictures, music, a snippet of dialogue when I am out and about – they’re all inspirations.

Who is your favorite author and why? Probably Stephen King, if I’m not allowed to quote my fiancée here, since she’s a writer, too.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters? All writers set a little bit of themselves in their characters – we can’t help it. While sometimes it’s no more than a quirk of their personality, every single one of our characters has some part of ourselves sewn into their makeup.

Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another? I find very assertive characters a challenge to write unless the people in question are supposed to come off as distastefully arrogant, because I have a problem with assertiveness in my own life.

What do you do when you’re not writing? I’m always writing – there’s never a moment where I’m not analyzing a bit of dialogue or being inspired by a snatch of song. I file things away in my head.

What do you do to stay sane as a writer? I write. The promotion and the editing are what drive me nuts the most. It’s draining.

Do you read your reviews and if so, how do you cope with a bad one? I do read my reviews, but so far, I’m lucky not to have had a ‘bad’ one. It’s all someone else’s opinion, I guess – but telling myself that doesn’t mean I won’t fly off the handle the first time I do get a bad review.

I have found the writer’s community to be very supportive and welcoming. Please share three writers that you recommend for us to check out.

Megan Peters – the author of The Hawk Prince
The Ladies In Waiting of the Behind Closed Doors Website: I know there are actually five of us (including myself) listed here, but I just can’t make the choice between them! All four of them (Nya Rawlyns is a pen name of one of the other ladies) have been fantastically helpful and are wonderful writers that you’ve just got to check out for yourselves.
My third choice of an author is a little bittersweet. She and I co-wrote her first three novels and we were working on her fourth novel when she passed away in January of this year. Linda Eble Swain:

Please be sure to like M. Peters Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter and check out her webpage.

Click below to buy Undisclosed Desires.

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Sarah Daltry

Posted on July 5, 2013 by blakely

Please give a warm welcome to Sarah Daltry, author of Forget Me Not.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
I’ve been writing for some time, although I didn’t officially go “live” until earlier this year. It’s one of those things – I did it for so long and it was something a few people knew that I did, but it was just a hobby. Finally, a friend suggested I actually stop doing it only as a distraction between work and socializing, so I did.

Right now, I am promoting my new book, Forget Me Not, which will be out soon. It is a novella length New Adult erotic romance. In my short story, “Her Brother’s Best Friend,” Lily finally sleeps with Derek, her brother’s best friend whom she’s had a crush on for years. Now, ten months later, things are going strong with them and she is off to college. However, when school starts, she realizes it’s hard to maintain a relationship while also trying to live her own life. She and Derek find themselves falling apart and Lily has no idea where to turn.

Enter Jack. Everything about him is wrong for Lily and she knows it, but she can’t stop herself from being attracted to him. When things implode with Derek, it’s Jack who is there to pick up the pieces – and show Lily an entirely new set of experiences she didn’t know she was missing.

Of course, Jack has his own problems and once Lily gets to know him better, she starts to wonder if she can handle all of Jack. When Derek reappears on the scene, Lily is forced to decide between two guys and herself. Can she find herself without losing the people who matter in the process?

What genre is your book? Do you write in other genres as well?
This one is New Adult and very steamy. It is as much about coming of age as it is about discovering sexuality. I write erotica and romance in a variety of styles. I have several works that are basically straight-up smut (minimal plot and a lot of sex). I also have The Quiver of a Kiss, which is historical erotic romance based on the life of Helen of Troy.

What does your writing space look like?
My writing space is wherever I have my computer. Sometimes it’s my desk at work (although that’s a secret between us!); other times, it’s my couch or bed depending on time of day, energy level, etc. I’ve even dragged my laptop to Barnes and Noble’s café on more than one occasion when there was too much distraction at home.

Who are your three favorite books including the authors?
This is always a tough question. My favorite books change almost daily, depending on my mood. It’s also hard because I’m not sure if I should name my favorite in my genre or just in general! I love the classics, I have to admit. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is the ultimate bad boy love story. Romance writers today have to give her credit; there would be no Christian Grey without Heathcliff. The tortured antihero is perfected in that novel. Another favorite, also with a broken man, is The Sun Also Rises. Hemingway captures sexual tension like no one can, although the ending is depressing. I think Jake Barnes might be the love of my life, though. So there are two novels with male characters who are swoon worthy yet damaged. As far as vampires? I think my favorite vampire writer is Poppy Z. Brite (Lost Souls). She manages to get the sexy part down without sacrificing the whole vampire thing. I like the balance.

Is being an author your dream job? If so, how long have you been chasing the dream? If not, what would be your dream job?
Definitely, although it isn’t a perfect job. I love writing and I would love to be successful as a writer, having time to focus on my writing as my primary career. However, writing can be a lonely profession and it is far more stressful than a lot of people know. Still, I can’t think of anything else I would enjoy more than just writing. Except being a curator for the Met in NYC. That would basically be the coolest job of all time.

Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
I love Nora from Bitter Fruits. She’s incredibly flawed. I liked telling her story because she was a lot of fun (her commentary entertained me) but also because she was not simple. She had a lot to face, but really her story could be taken out of the paranormal realm and it’s not much different than what a lot of college girls face. Her idea of love is a little different than that of others, but it makes sense to her. I enjoyed thinking about why we expect people to have the same relationships that we do; I think adults should be free to love other consenting adults and it’s not our place to define what is a moral or normal relationship (provided everyone is of age and in agreement). I think Fifty Shades taught us that there is often a lot going on under the surface of people’s lives.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I am a master at wasting time! I work a lot, but when I’m not working or writing, I am usually doing absolutely nothing of value. I watch terrible TV, look for pictures of cats on the internet, play mindless video games… Basically, I look to turn off my brain for a little while.

How much time a day do you spend on social media?
Too much. I sometimes wonder how I can use Facebook for as many hours as I do and still get my work done. When I’m under deadline, I have to close all windows and resist the urge to check in or it isn’t getting done!

What do you do to stay sane as a writer?
Like I said, I entertain myself by turning it all off. As a writer, I am always about five ideas ahead of what I am working on at the moment. My sleep schedule is sporadic and, when I’m in the midst of something, it’s almost unhealthy. Thank God for coffee! I also take time off once in a while. If I’m in the early stages of something, it isn’t so bad, but once I get into rewrites and edits, I need sometimes to put it all away and forget it exists. That’s the best way. Also, I keep writing. There’s a lot of noise in my head; getting the words out helps quiet that noise.

Do you read your reviews and if so, how do you cope with a bad one?
I do. Truthfully, every single bad review makes me want to cry. Sometimes, I do cry. And then, I move on. It’s one person’s opinion. The greatest works of art in history (which I am not saying I create, just using as a comparison) have their detractors. If there is something in the review I can use, I take it into account. Otherwise, I leave it behind. I also think that there are two additional factors – one, people like to complain more than they like to compliment. Two, the internet is a haven for trolls. The anonymity calls to these people and just begs them to be jerks. So, I remind themselves that they are jerks.

I have found the writer’s community to be very supportive and welcoming. Please share three writers that you recommend:

Braxton Cole, Chloe Thurlow, and Mary Lancaster

Please be sure to like Sarah Daltry’s Facebook page, Bitter Fruits page and follow/friend her on Twitter, Tumblr and Goodreads!

Blakely’s Friday Interviews with Ifedayo Akintomide

Posted on June 28, 2013 by blakely

Please give a warm welcome to Ifedayo Akintomide, author of Without a Voice.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
My name is Akintomide Ifedayo Adigwe. I am a Nigerian and thirty three years old. Been writing for over ten years now and I guess this comes as a result of the urge to scribble. I love telling stories and I have been telling them long before I even picked up a pen to write. I am working on my first science fiction novel entitled Amnesiacs and I am currently promoting my book Without a Voice which is based on the human trafficking scourge ravaging the world today. It is told from the perspectives of two sixteen year old girls.

What genre is your book? Do you write in other genres as well?
I think crime thriller would about cover it. Though there is a hint of drama in there too. I have written books of fantasy too. A trilogy called Konga which is loosely based on the myths and legends of western Africa which is where I am from.

Who or what inspires you? Has a dream every inspired any of your stories?
I think God and the holy spirit are my biggest inspirations. Truth be told I can’t think of anything else that could be giving me the inspiration. Some of my ideas are … let’s just say extra creative. lol
A vision has inspired one of my books. The name of the book is The Divide. A crime political thriller based on the events happening in my country Nigeria.

Do you have an agent and/or publisher or are you self-published? If self-published, do you use a professional editor? If traditionally published, who is your publisher?
I am self-published but I do use editing services.

Do you use test readers? If so, how many?
I most definitely use test readers. Three or four on average.

What advice do you have for writer’s just starting out?
Keep doing what you are doing. It’s a hard business but with diligence and patience you will make your mark. Never let anyone ever tell you it’s impossible. A wise man once said the impossible is simply the untried.

Do you set writing goals and if so, what are they?
No I don’t. Don’t like to put too much pressure on myself. Churning a book out is pressure enough.

Do you outline your stories or just go with the flow?
I used to go with the flow. But now with the last three books I have written the whole idea from start to finish which simply drops into my head. Not sure how that works exactly but that’s the way it is for me now.

What does your writing space look like?
Cluttered! Filled with odds and ends.

Do you have any writing rituals or interesting writing quirks?
Besides loud music in my ears I don’t think I have any quirks or rituals.

What are your three favorite books including the authors?
Harry Potter series – JK Rowlings – Superbly written
The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown – well crafted and a very intelligent read
Mr Murder – Dean Koontz – his scare factor is off the chain

Who is your favorite author and why?
Don’t really have a favorite author. I enjoy a whole bunch of books by different authors.

What project are you currently working on?
My first science fiction novel entitled Amnesiacs.

Is being an author your dream job? If so, how long have you been chasing the dream? If not, what would be your dream job?
Being an author has always been my dream job. And I have been chasing my passion for over ten years now.

What book are you currently reading?
Making the Most of Opportunity by Bishop David Abioye

Please be sure to like Ifedayo’s page on Facebook, and check out all the books he has for sale on Smashwords and Lulu!

Click below to buy Without a Voice.

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Johnny Lavish

Posted on June 21, 2013 by blakely

Please give a warm welcome to Johnny Lavish, author of Please Share My Wife with Me? The Wife Swapping Diary of George and Melissa.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
I am an author from the Northeast of England who has been married for 21 years and I promoting my book, Please Share My Wife with Me? The Wife Swapping Diary of George and Melissa. The book is about a middle-aged fictional couple that is faced with a decision and the impact of that decision on their relationship.
What genre is your book? Do you write in other genres as well?
Genre is erotic romance. Currently, I am working on a long-term project that is based on a life event and I would classify it as non-fiction.
Do you have an agent and/or publisher or are you self-published? If self-published, do you use a professional editor? If traditionally published, who is your publisher?
I am self-published and I do not use a professional editor.
What advice do you have for writer’s just starting out?
Everyone who writes wants to be the next Dreiser, Williams, or Steinbeck. For the vast majority who write, being an author might provide a bit of extra income but it will not be enough to be a full-time job The reality is writing today is as much as marketing, promotion and building a following as it is about writing. This means you need to believe in your work and love writing in order for it to be enjoyable. It also means self-publishing authors start at a disadvantage and need to build a following. Even if you write a masterpiece without a following then no one will read it. My advice is before you release your book take the time to build a following and begin promoting yourself. Otherwise you may be disappointed when you publish your book.
What are your three favorite books including the authors?
a. Sister Carrie – Theodore Dreiser
b. Noah’s Ark The Secret Underground – Marie Madeleine Fourcade
c. Night – Elie Weisel
Who is your favorite author and why?
My favorite author is Dreiser. The reason why I like Dreiser I find his writing to be realistic and his characters to be life-like. He has the ability to draw the reader into the story and then bring it to life.
Is there a message in your book(s) that you want readers to grasp?
Even though my book is what I term erotic romance, it is more than an erotic tale, it is about choices, making choices, and the impact those choices have. For example Melissa does a few things that would upset most husbands and probably end a marriage. This puts George in a situation where he is faced with the choice does he end the marriage or not. Likewise Melissa is confronted with choices too. For her, a choice she faces is deciding between her husband and a lover of hers. Ultimately those choices influence the relationship and the direction it goes. I believe, the second part that I am writing now takes this idea of choices even further and shows some of the long-term impact of them.
Do you see yourself in any of your characters?
I see a bit of myself in George.
Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?
Melissa continues to be a challenging character to write. She tends to be a bit impulsive, focused on the moment, and tries to hide her feelings. As a character she is probably the least like me and I feel makes her a challenging character for me since she is one of the main characters.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
I enjoy writing George since he is probably closest character that is like me.
Do you base your characters on people you know?
No, I do not base my characters on people I know. Instead I base my characters on personal characteristics that I observe and use those characteristics to build a character.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I have a full time job. If I am not working or writing, I am enjoying photography, travelling, or doing some more reading.
Has reading a book ever changed your life? Which one and why, if yes?
There has been a few that have changed my life.
While Six Million Died – Arthur D. Morse
This book changed me because it showed there were at least two realities. One reality was what the politicians where telling the press and the second reality, what was happening that was not being reported. The second reality showed me that you cannot accept everything at “face-value,” and you need to question everything. It is too easy to accept something without questioning it and after reading this book, I became more skeptical about what I read.

Please be sure to friend Johnny Lavish on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

Click below to buy Please Share My Wife with Me.

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Tyler Roberts

Posted on June 14, 2013 by blakely

Please give a warm welcome to Tyler Roberts, author of Truth’s Blood.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
I grew up in the farm country of eastern Washington. I’m semi-retired with two grown sons, a wife of 33 years and Burly, our very large English Mastiff. We manage a small orchard, keep chickens, grow grapes, berries a very large organic garden. My passion though is beekeeping.

What genre is your book? Do you write in other genres as well?
It fits the dystopian genre best, though action adventure would be a close second. Truth’s Blood is my first book, so I have not written in other genres but my oldest son would like me to write a memoir. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s. I think I would have to skip writing about a few years in there.

Who or what inspires you?
The time we are living in inspires me. I love history and I’m fascinated by the fact we as a nation are repeating it. Even more fascinating is how humans seem incapable of learning from history.

Do you have an agent and/or publisher or are you self-published? If self-published, do you use a professional editor? If traditionally published, who is your publisher?
I’m self-published and I did pay for an editor. I chuckle a bit when I say this but editing is the one great drawback to writing.

What advice do you have for writer’s just starting out?
Just write. It’s a skill that must be honed and developed like any other skill, so just write, regardless of how good or bad you think it might be. Your internal critic can review it later.

What project are you currently working on?
The sequel to Truths Blood.

What has been your best moment as a writer?
I think the best moment was the realization I could actually do this, write a story, publish it and actually receive good reviews. I’m still amazed by it.

What challenges have you faced in your writing career?
I never believed in myself. My senior year in high school I humored a sweet old English teacher who asked me to take a test and write short story. A few weeks later she returned with two scholarship offers. I was seventeen and couldn’t take it seriously. Simply could not imagine myself as a writer, but the seed had been planted. That seed lay dormant for years until I retired and began to write a story just for myself simply because I enjoyed writing. Never told anyone about it. Finally one Christmas when my oldest son was home the matter came up and he really twisted my arm about polishing it up to publish. A year later the book was published.

Is there a message in your book(s) that you want readers to grasp?
Definitely. My approach to the book was to take the lessons of history and apply them to current times in the United States to write a fictional story. Everything in the book is backed with history from across the ages – Rome, Germany, Argentina, Britain, Russia, etc.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?
Oh ya. Cliffson would be me.

Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
Yes, it would be Monk. He’s an amalgamation of a number of people I have known and having all those folks to draw upon made it a real joy to develop the character.

What do you do to stay sane as a writer?
Are writers sane? We certainly are a different breed.

Do you read your reviews and if so, how do you cope with a bad one?
I read them with the attitude I can learn from them. As for the bad ones, well as any author knows, you are not going to please everyone.

I have found the writer’s community to be very supportive and welcoming. Please share writers that you recommend:

Marsha Roberts and Michael Murphy

Please be sure to check out Tyler Roberts Blog and click below to buy Truth’s Blood.

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Lynne Stringer

Posted on June 7, 2013 by blakely

Please give a warm welcome to Lynne Stringer, author of The Heir.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
My name is Lynne Stringer and I live in Australia with my family. I’ve been interested in writing for most of my life. My father’s a writer, although he favours non-fiction books and I gravitate more towards fiction. I have worked as a journalist for a small magazine, which I also edited for seven years. However, I have always loved making up stories, so it was only a matter of time before I turned my attention to novels. My first novel, The Heir, is out on 1st June. It’s the first book in the Verindon trilogy.
What genre is your book? Do you write in other genres as well?
The Heir is a young adult, science fiction romance. I would be open to writing in just about any genre if I had the inspiration for a story, but I do like both sci-fi and romance. I think anything I wrote would have to have a love story in it somewhere.
Do you have an agent and/or publisher or are you self-published? If self-published, do you use a professional editor? If traditionally published, who is your publisher?
I don’t have an agent, although I did try to get one. Getting an agent is definitely harder than getting published! My publisher, Wombat Books, is a traditional publisher, which I’m happy with, especially since it meant that my book received much needed attention before it was published. It went through six different editors before we were happy with the end result. I would recommend editing for every author. There are always things you miss when looking at your own work, and if you’re self-publishing you’re not going to have a publisher to do if for you. Having your book professionally edited is a must. I’ve seen too many books with an appalling number of mistakes in them simply because they haven’t had a proper edit.
Do you outline your stories or just go with the flow?
I tend to go with the flow. I find that my stories sometimes alter once the characters start speaking, so it seems pointless to map something out when I might have to change it anyway.
What project are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on the sequel to The Heir. The Crown should be released either at the end of this year or the beginning of the next.
Is being an author your dream job? If so, how long have you been chasing the dream? If not, what would be your dream job?
Yes, it is my dream job. My hope is that I will make enough money to live off it (unlikely, I know!). I can’t think of anything better than being paid to make up stories. I’ve always done it for fun, it would be wonderful to earn a living that way.
How much time a day do you spend on social media?
A lot. I live in Australia, but part of my book is set in America, so I have been trying to reach out to that audience through social media. I am active on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Pinterest.
Is there a message in your book(s) that you want readers to grasp?
I’m trying to drive home the message that we should not judge people by standards like success and wealth. In the story, Sarah, my protagonist, is ostracised at the school she attends because she’s not wealthy or from a successful family. However, she is definitely a person worth knowing. Basing our view of people on such shallow standards is not a good idea, although it’s an easy trap to fall into.

Please be sure to friend Lynne Stringer on Facebook, Twitter and check out her Pinterest and Goodreads!

Click below to buy The Heir.

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Darlene Kuncytes

Posted on May 31, 2013 by blakely

Please give a warm welcome to Darlene Kuncytes, author of A Vampire’s Saving Embrace. She is brave enough to be my very first author interview. Thanks, Dar. 🙂

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
I am promoting my first book. “A Vampire’s Saving Embrace” and working on Book 2 of the series. Although this book totally stands on its own. Book 2 is the story of two of the secondary characters you will meet in book 1. I had people beg me to write their story next – so I just had to.
What genre is your book? Do you write in other genres as well? It’s a paranormal romance – heavy on the romance! Lol! Yes, I have also done an outline for a Suspense/Romance that is not paranormal.
Who or what inspires you? Life inspires me. Daydreams, music – people.
Has a dream every inspired any of your stories? Yes! Totally! Lol! I will have a dream and wake up thinking “Whoa – what an awesome idea!”
Do you have an agent and/or publisher or are you self-published? If self-published, do you use a professional editor? If traditionally published, who is your publisher? I am self-published, but Linda Boulanger is my cover artist and helped with the editing. She is awesome!
What advice do you have for writer’s just starting out? Never give up! And read and re-read everything! lol
Do you set writing goals and if so, what are they? I don’t. I don’t ever want to feel pressured. I think that takes away from the story I’m trying to tell if I am forcing myself. It has to flow for me, and there is no controlling that.
What does your writing space look like? A mess!
Do you have any writing rituals or interesting writing quirks? Not really, I just need a cup of coffee at my side – and I do LOVE sitting outside at night writing. I love that peace and quiet.
What are your three favorite books including the authors? Wow, there are so many. Stephen King’s – The Shining and Salem’s Lot. John Saul -Suffer the Children (I did a book report on that book in the 6th grade – needless to say the class and teacher were a bit shocked! But, in my defense my teacher did tell me that my reading was so advanced that I could pick out any book I wanted to read, and do a report on. Lol) Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
What project are you currently working on? Book two in my series. “A Wolf’s Savage Embrace” I am hoping to launch that in August. I actually have a few Facebook Stalkers that are hounding me for it!! lol!! And I LOVE it!
Is being an author your dream job? If so, how long have you been chasing the dream? If not, what would be your dream job? It is totally my dream job! I have always loved writing and have dreamed of being an author since I can remember – so this has been number one on my bucket list forever!
What has been your best moment as a writer? My first review by someone that I didn’t know, and it was awesome! What a thrill! It gave me chills to hear them say that they fell in love with my characters and couldn’t wait for more.
What challenges have you faced in your writing career? Time. I work full time and there never seems to be enough time in the day to do everything I want to do. But it’s all good!
Do you see yourself in any of your characters? To a point I do – in all of them. They come from my heart and soul, so yes; there are responses and actions that are completely me. And there might be a little of my exes here and there, lol – but not much.
What do you do when you’re not writing? Read, cook, swim. I foster and rescue puppymill dogs.
How much time a day do you spend on social media? Much too much! 😉 I couldn’t even guess – but it’s a lot!
What do you do to stay sane as a writer? Who says I’m sane?? Lol!! But I take breaks, drink coffee and listen to music.
Do you read your reviews and if so, how do you cope with a bad one?
I have been lucky in the sense that I haven’t really gotten a super bad one yet, but I was in tears when I read the first one that said it was eh. But I am working on thickening my skin.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? That a character said something WAY too much, when it was only said like 3 times. The best has been a woman that said she couldn’t BREATHE during a scene, that it was beyond amazing, and I didn’t use any of her “hate words”. And that she loved, loved, loved the book! And then said – Oh, and did I mention that I LOVED it! That just made my day!

I have found the writer’s community to be very supportive and welcoming. Please share three writers that you recommend:

Donna Hawk, Virginia McKevitt, and M.C. Lavocat

Please be sure to become Darlene Kuncytes’s fan on Facebook, Twitter and check out her Author’s pages on Amazon and Goodreads!

Click below to buy A Vampire’s Saving Embrace

Blakely Bennett

Author of erotic romance, erotic suspense, and romance.

Category Archives: Author Interviews

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Leanna Harrow

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Debbie Brown

Blakely’s Friday Interview with M. Peters

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Sarah Daltry

Blakely’s Friday Interviews with Ifedayo Akintomide

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Tyler Roberts

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Lynne Stringer

Blakely’s Friday Interview with Darlene Kuncytes

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