Get To Know Me - Chris Turnbull

1)   Where do you live?

I live in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, just outside the city of York

2)   Can you tell me about yourself?

Hi, I’m Chris. I am a multi-genre author from Yorkshire. I live with my husband and dog in a house we bought and renovated back in 2014. I am a keen reader and love the escapism of a good book.

3)   Why and when did you begin to write?

I have been writing from a young age, I used to love writing short stories about anything and everything. It wasn’t until my early twenties that I started writing anything longer, and my first book ‘The Vintage Coat’ was my first long length story I had written by that point.

4)   How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?

Some people believe that a writer should write every single day, for me I know myself well enough to know that if I am tired then I need a break. I like to do 3 – 4 sessions a week minimum, but depending on what stage I am at with a project I could be working every day of the week. As I also have a full time job, it means that writing is usually done on evenings and weekends.

5)   If you were shipwrecked on a desert island what book, author and item would you take?

That’s a tough one. I’d have to take a book I already knew I liked otherwise I was stuck on an island with a book that I may not enjoy. As for author maybe JK Rowling, not only would I love to spend time with her and ask her lots of questions but she is so famous that somebody would certainly be looking to save her. And item…probably a blanket, because I am always cold. 

6)   When reading yourself do you prefer to read eBooks, paperbacks or hardbacks?

I don’t own a kindle (although I do have the kindle app on my phone if absolutely necessary…aka book only available on kindle) so I prefer a real book. 

Get To Know Me - Toya Richardson

1.        Can you tell me about yourself?

I write mainly paranormal and contemporary romances. I’m married with one grown up son who works on cruise ships and I have a cat called Masai. I live near Ipswich in Suffolk, originally from Essex in the UK. When not writing or reading I love watching Formula One racing and darts, love live gigs, travelling, rock music, cinema, gardening and spending time with my friends.

My most recent release is Destination Redemption, released 7^th June, which is book 3 of my Beach Reads Romance Series. There will be six books in total in this series and they can all be read as standalone, although some have recurring characters. Book 4 is a Christmas novella, Destination Dream: A Christmas Novella, which will be out 29^th November this year. Each story in this series takes place in a resort I have personally visited, although part of the Christmas novella is set on a cruise ship. I’ve never been on a cruise but will be at the end of June 😉 I’ve fallen in love with each location. So yes, I am a hopeless romantic who goes all mushy over hot sexy guys, strong-willed females, beautiful scenery, awesome sunsets and sunrises lol.

I’ve recently self-published my first book; I was pretty anxious about this but so pleased I did it. It’s the first in a series of paranormal romances. I must admit it’s my favourite genre. Wild Desire, The Protectors Book 1, is free on KU. This series will be full of all different kinds of shifters, Elementals, witches, wizards, Demons and a few evil humans just for good measure lol. Oh, and lots of gorgeous Alpha guys and their strong, independent women. Book two, Animal Magnetism will be out late summer/early autumn this year. This book is with my editor as we speak.

I’m also working on a new paranormal romance series called Hybrid Lovers and have just completed the first draft of Captivated, which is book one. This one is a ménage between two Hybrid angel/vampires and their human fated mate. This should be out sometime early next year.

2.        When and why did you begin writing?

My mum encouraged me from a very early age to use my imagination and was always making up stories to keep me amused. Her dream was to see me published, but she sadly passed away in 2009 before that happened. It was the catalyst to finally focus on writing, I was eventually published for the first time in 2014. Every book I am fortunate enough to get published is now dedicated to my mum’s memory.

3.        Do you use pen and paper first then transfer to computer or computer all the way?

I used to attempt to write plots by hand, but I never used any of them. My characters have a way of taking me in surprising directions. Mostly, apart from a few notes, I use the computer.

4.        What are you reading at the moment?

I’ve just finished reading my first ever reverse harem, The Captive by Mika Lane.

5.        If you could work with any author, who would it be and why?

That’s a toughie. Not certain if I could write with anyone else. I’d find it difficult to find anyone who has the same ideas as me.

Get to Know Me - Kelly McMullen Lowe

1.        Where are you from?

I was born in Nottingham U.K., but I've lived in Scotland most of my life.

2.        Can you tell me about yourself?

I am 33, a wife, a mother, a writer and reader. I have two fur babies, who keep me on my toes. I love pugs, thanks to my real life pug, Bella. I kind of have an obsession with anything with a pug on, I drove my husband up the wall. Lol

3.        Did you always want to be an author?

No. Absolutely not. When I was at school my English teacher would tell my parents that I would make a good writer one day. I laughed it off time and time again, because I wasn't that interested in telling stories. It wasn't until about 2010 when i was ill that i started writing with no intentions of doing anything with it. Things changed, my health deteriorated, and I needed an escape. I published my first book on 2014 in the middle of my health scare and I haven't looked back. 

4. Do you use pen and paper first then transfer to computer or computer all the way?

I sometimes do use pen and paper it just depends what mood I'm in and where I am. I always have a pen and pad of paper in my bag or car for emergencies.

5. What are you reading at the moment?

I'm reading Girth (can't remember the authors name)

Get To Know Me - Alice La Roux

A Little get to know the author interview

1) Where are you from?

I’m from Maesteg, a small town in South Wales.

2) When and why did you begin writing?

I have always written, I just never did anything with it. In University I started writing a story called The Adventures of Theodora Greyson (it has yet to be finished). It became an addiction, I wrote instead of studying. Library sessions with my friends would be them working and me writing – and then sending it to them. They encouraged me and I found I was writing when I was getting too stressed with exams or essays.

3) Did you always want to be an author?

No, I went into University with the intention of being a teacher but by the time I left I realised it wasn’t for me. I toyed briefly with the idea of doing a PhD and lecturing but when I finished my MA I was writing more than I was studying and researching so it felt a little pointless. I was no longer in the academic mind-set.

4) How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?

I work four days a week so on my days off I try to write or at least work on my newsletter/social media etc.

5) What do you do when you’re not writing?

Nap. Bake. Read – I’m such a book whore. I have no space in my office; it’s filled with all my signed books. I genuinely think I’d be so upset if anything ever happened to my kindle.

6) If you could work with any author, who would it be and why?

Ooooooo I have loads! I’d love to work with Rebecca Weeks for something fairy-tale inspired and Claire Marta for something dark and gritty.

Get to Know Me - Katie Salidas

Where do you live?

I sometimes cringe when I have to answer this one because being from Vegas, people instantly get some crazy notion that I live in a hotel or spend my pay check gambling.  I do live in Las Vegas but sadly, I don’t have money to gamble and rarely ever make it down to the famous Strip for a little recreational fun. I can see the light from the Luxor though if I look out of my bedroom window though. LoL.

Can you tell me about yourself?

Hi. I’m Katie. And…. I like to write. That pretty much sums it up. Okay, okay, there is a little bit more. I’m also, mommy to three awesome munchkins. Two girls and one boy. And there is a husband around here somewhere too. Oh and three cats. Apparently you are not allowed to have just one. They kind of multiply on you when you’re not looking. But that’s it. I mean it. As people go, I guess I am pretty boring, so I do try and make my stories super interesting to make up for it.

Why and when did you begin to write?

Writing has been a part of my life since I was very young. I wrote my first story back when I was still in middle school.  It’s an escape for me. A way to get away from the day to day of the normal world and enter a world of magic and paranormal creatures.

How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?

I try to get in at least 500 words a day. 1k if I’m doing really well, but at minimum I like to get something on paper each day. Even if those words are deleted right after, it is practicing the art that is most important.

What is your usual genre that you write in and would you consider changing it? If so what would you change it to?

I play in all genres associated with the paranormal realm. Sometimes I write more Young adult. Sometimes more fantasy. I even have a few naughty stories under a pen name. But the thing that ties them all together is that they have some kind of otherworldly creature. Vampire, Witch, Werewolf, etc…

When reading yourself do you prefer to read eBooks, paperbacks or hardbacks and do you stick with the genre you write or all genres?

If I have the book in print, definitely print! Otherwise, Kindle it is! And as far as genre goes, I read anything from Epic High Fantasy to BDSM Erotica. I am an equal opportunity reader. If it sounds good, I’ll give it a go

Get to Know Me - Kevin David Anderson

Where do you live?

Sunny, Southern California in a small wine making community called Temecula.

Can you tell me about yourself?

I was born in middle America, but have spent most of my life on the west coast walking on the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean. While in college I had a variety of jobs, everything from working at Disneyland to behind the camera work in adult films in the same real world time and setting depicted in the film Boogie Nights. I spent 15 years in marketing and advertising working with entertainment and sports celebrities. I’m married, have two children, a mortgage and I drive a minivan. I’ve had seventy or so short stories published, one collection, two novels, and I’m an active member of the Horror Writers Association. 

Why and when did you begin to write?

I couldn’t tell you why, as I have no idea, but as to when, I know I started experimenting with writing in high school. I usually tinkered with my English assignments creating fiction even when I wasn’t asked to. This had good and bad results.

How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?

It varies, anywhere from 6-20 hours

Do you use pen and paper first then transfer to computer or computer all the way?

I’m old enough that when I started writing way back when, not everybody had computers so pen and paper was the only way to go. Now its computer all the time.

If you were shipwrecked on a desert island what 3 books would you take?

Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

How to Survive on a Desert Island for Dummies 

Get to Know Me - Tara Ellis

Where are you from? 

I was originally born in Chicago, but I have lived in Washington State for most of my life. I grew up in Eastern WA (Yakima), but have spent my whole adulthood in Western WA.

When and why did you begin writing? 

When I was around eight-years-old. I was already an avid reader, and the stories were tumbling around in my head so I had to put it on paper. This also caused me to teach myself how to type!

Did you always want to be an author? 

Absolutely. I knew it the first time I put words on paper.

How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing? 

At least a couple of hours, sometimes most of the day. I would say an average of four hours.

What do you do when you’re not writing? 

Time wise, I work about 100 hours a month at a ‘real’ job as a registration clerk at a nearby Emergency Room. I also work online part-time for another author. I used to be a volunteer firefighter/EMT, but had to quite due to joint issues, but I still teach public CPR for our local EMS.

I have two kids, so of course, spending time with them is a priority! Camping, hiking and swimming are favorite activies.

Get to Know Me With James Vernon

Where do you live?

I live in a small town an hour or so outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s the type of quaint town that still has a main street with little shops and a couple of parades each year. It’s also close enough to more developed areas that I don’t feel like I’m out in the country.

Can you tell me about yourself?
Just a simple guy with a teaching degree and a love for fantasy. I’ve always been a fan of fantasy and sci-fi and love getting lost in worlds. At this point in my life I’m in a comfortable enough position to have a little fun outside of work and try new things. Writing and creating worlds has become a lot of fun, and I would love it if it could become my main profession. If not, I’ll still enjoy the time I spend writing and reaching new people.

Why and when did you begin to write?
Around 5 years ago. I’ve always been a huge reader of fantasy stories and had thought about writing one for a long time. When I was moved around for my job and ended up with over an hour commute each day, I found myself with a lot of time in my car to build worlds and create characters to live in them. Eventually I started putting down what I came up with on paper and went from there.

How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?
Unfortunately I’m not a very organized writer. Having a full time job and a three-year old running around makes planning a set time to write each day a pointless endeavour. During the week I try to write for a few hours after everyone has gone to bed (which can be difficult as there are quite a few shows on at the moment that are distractions). On the weekend I find whatever time I can. If I had to guesstimate, I would say on average I get a solid nine hours of serious writing time in each week.

If you were shipwrecked on a desert island what book and author would you take?
For book I would have to go with The Name of the Wind. For years I’ve had a dozen other favourite books, but most recently Patrick Rothfuss has made me into a huge fan. The way he tells the story, which if you pay attention is really one characters biography, keeps me hooked for hours at a time.
For author, even though he has passed, I would have to go with Robert Jordan. The world and its history that he created for the Wheel of Time series just blows me away. I would love to pick his brain while stuck on a deserted island and learn how he did it all.

When reading yourself do you prefer to read eBooks, paperbacks or hardbacks?
I have a bit of OCD when it comes to physical copies of books. I would much rather read from a good paperback or hardback, but part of my brain doesn’t want to mess up the binding or the cover. So for convenience and my own sanity, I would have to say I stick to eBooks for the majority of my reading. If I really like a story after I’m done reading, more likely than not I’ll buy a physical copy as well.

Get to know me with Gareth Wiles

Where do you live?

In sunny North Wales

Can you tell me about yourself?

I'm 29 and work as a gardener as well as writing books and doing copywriting and editing work.

Why and when did you begin to write?

The first story I ever wrote was when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I had an elderly Aunty who encouraged my fantasy and make-believe lifestyle!

How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?

I can't really pin down a specific time I set aside to work on my writing as I tend to do it when I'm inspired. I can write for hours on end day after day and then not write anything for a month afterwards.

While writing do you prefer a quiet room or do you like background noise such as music or the TV?

I like writing whilst The Beach Boys are playing in the background.

When you’re not writing what can we find you doing?

Gardening and generally pottering about with a myriad of eccentric people and animals.

Get to know me with Ember Shane

Where do you live?
I'm currently living in Franklin, OH (Southern OH), though I hope to return home to Tennessee this summer.

Can you tell me about yourself?
I'm a single mom with an associate’s degree in nursing.  I work two jobs, homeschool my 9 year old, and occasionally homemake newborn photography props to sell in my spare time.  When I'm not working or writing, I like to read, knit, and crochet.  What I really stink at is home repairs and cooking.  If I ever had an excess of free time, I'd take some classes to learn the basics.

Why and when did you begin to write?
I can remember being in kindergarten and falling in love with books.  I would take every book I could get my hands on and stow them away in my cheap, plastic tent I used as a hideaway in the corner of my room, and I'd stay in there for hours.  Becoming an author is just something I always knew I wanted to do.  I wanted to weave that kind of magic for other readers too.

How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?
I don't set any specific writing times, but if I go a couple days without writing anything, it affects me.  I won't be able to concentrate on other things properly, and I'll feel a little ill.  These days, it seems like I've been averaging a chapter every week or two.  I look forward to summer break just as much as my son does because my time spent writing shoots through the roof.

What has been the best compliment and worst criticism given to you as an author?
The best compliment I've ever received was from a former English composition college professor.  I did well in his class, but I always wondered why my paper would inevitably be in the last batch of papers he would return after handing in an assignment.  For me, I would think that if I really liked someone's work, I'd be super excited to get it and read it first.  Which is why I'm among the first ones in line at the bookstore when an anticipated book finally releases.  So, I just assumed that he didn't feel that way about my reading.  At the end of the year, each student had to have a one on one conference with him to discuss their work and the previous semester.  During my conference, he told me that he really loved reading my writing.  In fact, he enjoyed it so much, that he would always save my papers for last to give him something to look forward to.  He has no idea how much that meant to me.
The worst criticism?  That's one harder to answer.  I think it would probably be that I sometimes include too many benign details.  But, I appreciated that feedback.  That's something I watch out more closely for now.

If you were shipwrecked on a desert island what book, author and item would you take? Assuming the parameters are for a fictional book, I would say Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.  And for the item, I'd say a machete, just to be on the practical side.  I'd need something to crack open those coconuts with. 

Get to know me With Sherri Fulmer Moorer

Where do you live?

I live in Columbia, South Carolina. That’s in the Southeast United States.

Can you tell me about yourself?

By day, I’m a program assistant working in professional licensing for design and environmental professionals. By night, I’m an independent author of science fiction and mystery novels. I live in the woods of South Carolina (in the Southeastern United States) with my husband, Rick, and our two parrots, Zack and Chloe. I admit that I am an opportunist that wanted to jump on the ebook wave and took full advantage of it as soon as I could! I enjoy spending time with my family, new technology, TV shows and movies about superheros (and villains!), and, of course, reading.

Why and when did you begin to write?

I’ve always been a writer, ever since I learned how to read and write. You could say I “officially” started writing in 2001 when I got my own personal computer so I could write and do research at home.

How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?

I have a full time job (along with writing), so it can be a balancing act. I try to write about 2 hours a day, 4 days a week as an average.

Do you work with an outline or do just write?

I just write. I’ve tried outlines, and I deviated too much from them. Once I get into writing the book, there’s no telling where it will lead, and I want to give my characters (and the plot) the freedom to go where it will.

When reading yourself do you prefer eBooks, paperbacks or hardbacks?

I prefer eBooks. I’m a techno-junkie, but that’s probably because my husband is a computer technician! Sometimes I do enjoy a good paperback too. I swore off hardbacks when I got into eBooks because frankly, they’re heavy and cumbersome to handle. 

Get to Know Me With Gina A Watson

Where do you live?

I live in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Can you tell me about yourself?

I am 22 years old and I am currently studying a bachelor of writing and creative communication at the University of South Australia.

Did you have any challenges getting your first book published?

I think with any new author there are a lot of challenges but I quickly decided that it would be easier to start off with writing short stories for anthologies. But with any career it is always hard at first but it always comes down to how hard you want to work, that always makes it harder or easier for you.

While writing do you prefer a quiet room or music/tv?

Sometimes my mind likes to change with it, when I am on a roll and everything is coming into my mind quickly I like to be in a quiet room. On the other hand, if I am having an off day I like to listen to music to inspire me.

Why and when did you begin to write?

I started writing just before Christmas time 2012, it all started when an idea for a novel just popped into my head and wouldn’t leave me alone until I started writing it. Ever since then I can’t get enough of it.

How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?

While I am at Uni, I try to write as much as I can when I get the chance but in the holidays I try to write for a few hours each day. 

My interview with Gina is coming on Friday 27th

Get To Know Me With Melissa Frost

Where do you live?

I live near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

Can you tell me about yourself?

Sure! I am the author of The Dating Tutor series. The third book, Matt’s Story, was just released on December 26th.  It follows a rough and tough hockey player as he discovers the true meaning of love. I was also featured in the Night Life Anthology with my paranormal romance, Coming Home.

Why and when did you begin to write?

I started writing when I was in second grade. I wrote my first short story then, and haven’t looked back since!

How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?

My writing schedule depends on my son’s. If he has preschool, I take my laptop with me and get some writing in then. On days when he naps, I write while he sleeps. Everything depends on him!

Do you have a day job? If so how different from writing is it?

I worked for the federal government for twelve years. A few months ago, I parted ways with that job so I could write and edit full-time. As of now, all of my time is spent editing or writing stories. I love it.

Is there a Particular author or book that influenced you in anyway?

I was an avid reader growing up. There are so many authors that inspired me throughout the years. I was a big fan of the Babysitter’s Club and Sweet Valley High as a kid. Then I got into Anne Rice. Now, I read so many different authors from nearly any genre.

Get To Know Me With Lee Ryder

Where do you live?

I’m actually an author based out of Massachusetts but my heart is in my hometown of Alden NY.

Can you tell me about yourself?

I’m a mother of 3 children and one angel. I grew up in Alden NY which is a small town near Buffalo. My parents fostered a deep love of reading when I was very young. I could lose myself for hours in a book and travel anywhere I wanted in those pages. Reading for me was an escape and it quickly morphed into writing. I filled dozens of pages with “fanfiction” based on the books I read. I loved to create, draw, and was very active in the school’s music program becoming an accomplished instrumentalist and singer. I continue my avid interest in music to this day. I wrote several small works that were featured in school magazines and publications. I had several wonderful English teachers that were instrumental in my becoming an author. They fostered my love of writing and really inspired me.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I knew I wanted to write stories to share with the world when I began to read.  I thought, if they can do it, so can I.

Why did you begin to write?

Writing was a way to create the worlds I would lose myself in, in books. It was a way to say what I wanted to say in writing instead of trying to get it out verbally which I was never good at.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in anyway?

I think the first few authors I began reading, like VC Andrews, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Dean Koontz, and John Saul were my foundation. I’m inspired by Christy Sloat, Raebeth McGee-Buda, Becki Brannen, JK Accinni, S’Cuanam Policar, and so many others who have made their way in the Indie World. These are strong women with great books and they’ve helped me immensely along the way.

How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?

I write when the mood hits me, and it’s not always just on one book I’ve got so many things flying through my head that I write down the ideas and get them on paper before I lose them. I don’t have a set time to write, I can’t work like that being a Mom. That’s why I like being an Indie author, I write on my own terms.

Look out for my interview with Lee Ryder coming on February 6th