Interview - Chris Turnbull 2019

Chris Turnbull is another new to me author that found me after I shared a post on my Facebook page for my blog.

1.        When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

My first book ‘The Vintage Coat’ came from an idea I got after purchasing my own vintage military coat in an antique shop. This was in the summer of 2013 and over the course of a year I start putting the story together. I finished the book in September 2014 and after editing etc. finally released it in March 2015.

2.        When writing about something you don’t know very much about where does your information come from?

All of my books are set in the past, and so researching is one of the biggest parts of my writing. I absolutely love this aspect of my writing as it allows me to discover new things from times gone by that I never knew before. Sometimes I use other books for help, but in this day and age the internet is the perfect tool for looking up facts quickly.

3.        What advice would you give someone who had “ran out of creativity” while writing?

Take a break. You won’t have run out of creativity you are probably just exhausted. Take some time away and do some reading of other books and go out and enjoy life for a bit. Something will always pop when you are least expecting it.

4.        Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

I would just like to thank them all. I had had those who have been with me from the beginning and those who have jumped aboard somewhere along the journey. No matter when you got on board though I want to thank them all as they are the reason I keep writing and publishing, they encourage me to better myself and also stay true to my own voice.

5.        If you could invite three authors and/or poets to dinner who would you invite?

Well as I am a huge Harry Potter fan (since I was 10 years old) it would certainly have to be JK Rowling. I would also probably invited RL Stine, as I used to absolutely love reading Goosebumps as a child. And lastly I would love Roald Dahl (I know he is no longer alive) as to me he is the best author there has ever been…his imagination is unreal and I wish I had a tenth of his talent.

6.        What is your all-time favourite book?

Other than Harry Potter I would say The BFG.

7.        Which one of your books would you recommend to someone who is looking for a quick easy read?

Probably ‘The Vintage Coat’, it is not only my first ever published book, but it is also my shortest. It is hugely popular with my reader and people still talk to me about it now after all this time (and 8 other books published).

8.        When naming your characters to you give thought about the meaning of the name?

Mostly yes. It is very rare a character is named randomly. Sometimes I use the surnames of people I know…because it is set in the past I like to think of it as being their ancestors. I don’t always do this though, but first names are always important to me too. It has to be relevant to the times my book is set.

9.        Do you use real life facts based on true stories?

All my books are fictional stories, however because I like to do a lot of research regarding the time period (and the stories are always set in real tows/cities) I do like to include true to life pieces of information where possible. Be that a street / shop name or an event that happened in real life – for example in my book ‘Carousel’ the events of this book happen in 1889 Paris which is the year the Eiffel tower opened.

Side stepping a little bit, I do have two childrens books out – ‘A Home For Emy & ‘Emy Gets A Sister’ – there books are based on real life events as they are my real dogs that I had as a teenager. The books are illustrated in water colour and promote recuse dogs from a dog shelter. These book have been hugely popular and I am always receiving lovely messages, often with photographs of children holding up there copies. It is delightful to see.

10.      What is your favourite part of a book to write?

For me it is the research, I absolutely love it. I usually do it alongside writing the first draft. This is when I can start seeing the story unfolding and details coming out from my simple idea. I also really like the final stage when the book is all edited and finished and it just needs formatting together…I don’t know why but I really enjoy formatting my own book.

Website: www.chris-turnbullauthor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/christurnbullauthor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13781487.Chris_Turnbull

Twitter: www.twitter.com/christurnbull20   

Other: www.instagram.com/chris.turnbull20

Interview - Toya Richardson 2019

Toya Richardson is another new to me author that found me after I shared a post on my Facebook page for my blog.

1.        What is your favourite part of a book to write?

There are two really. The first is the slow burn and build up to when the characters become physical for the first time. Second is when there’s an action scene close to the end of the book and the characters must work to make things come to a successful conclusion.

2.        What inspired you to write your current piece of work?

Ah, that’s an easy one. I was looking at some pictures on one of the Facebook pages I follow when I came across a picture of two stunningly hot guys. Instantly, I had an idea for a paranormal romance which contains angel/vampire hybrids. It’s also a ménage, which is the first time I’ve written one. I had a lot of fun with this one. Nerves will start soon though as I’ll be handing it over to my beta readers!

3.        What is it about and did you do any research for it?

Ooops, already kind of answered this lol. The Hybrids have a duty to patrol a certain territory to eradicate demons who are killing humans. They can only kill the demon permanently when they find their mated mate and bond in a ritual. As the Hybrids are twins thy share everything… including their mate. I did research about ménages, which was quite fun 😉

4.        When reading do you only read books in the genre you write, or do you read various genres?

I read various genres, although paranormal romance is my favourite. I recently read my first ever reverse harem which was interesting!

5.        Do your characters try to make like bunnies and create ever more convolved plots for your or do you have to coax the out of your character?

My characters are really bad. They take me in directions which I’d never even thought about. They speak very loudly and are hard to ignore. This is why I don’t make plots because as soon as I start to write, they take me in a completely different direction.

6.        Have you ever gotten rid of a character or changed a character in a book before publishing and then regretted it?

Never.

7.        Why should a reader pick up/buy your book?

If they’re looking for a piece of fantasy and escapism, my paranormal romance books give you that, along with hot alpha males and women who can hold their own. I know it’s not everyone’s genre of choice, but a few readers have said they’ve never read PNR before but are hooked after reading Wild Desire. I take that as a huge compliment.

If they’re looking for sweet, sexy reads that transport them to amazing locations, my Beach Reads Romance Series is the one for them. I like to think they’re easy reads that have engaging characters and a few dilemmas along the way.

8.        What can we look forward to in 2019?

I’ve already released three books this year. Two more are planned. A PNR, Animal Magnetism, book 2 of The Protectors Series, is due out late August/early September. There’s a Christmas Novella, Destination Dream – A Christmas Cruise, part of the Beach Reads Series, which is due out on 29^th November.

9.        What do you do when you get writers block and what advice would you give to someone who "ran out of creativity" while writing?

Fortunately, this doesn’t happen too often to me. What I normally do is walk away from it. Go do something else like read, watch a movie or take a walk. It’s good to take a breather and do something totally different. Leave it for a day or two and go back fresh to it. This usually works for me.

10.      Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I love to engage with readers and am always happy to answer questions about my work and me in general. Don’t be shy, get chatting 😊

Where can your readers stalk you?

Website: www.toyarichardson.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/toyarichardsonauthor

I also have a readers group where you get to hear live reads and other info about my work before anyone else. It’s called Toya’s Treasures www.facebook.com/groups/230915490787532/

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6010556.Toya_Richardson

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ToyaRichardson1

Other:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/toya_richardson

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/toya-richardson?list=about Still learning what to do with this lol

MeWe: https://mewe.com/  I think you just need to search my name on this one

Interview - Kelly McMullen Lowe 2019

Kelly McMullen Lowe is a new to me author who has happily agreed to partake in an author interview for the blog.

1)         What is your favourite part of a book to write?

"The End" lol! I'm just kidding, my favourite part is the beginning. I love seeing new characters come to life and tell their story.

2)         Can you tell us about your current piece of work?

I am working on a couple of pieces at the moment.

Callum - Past and Presnt (book 6 of The Guardian Shifters, is releasing in August. This is from my brand new PNR series. It is one of my favourite series, the characters are addictive and their stories are even more so. It's set in Scotland and each story is full of emotion. Each book will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Shawland Security:book 2, is the new part of my romantic suspense series. It's dark, gritty, and it will stir up many emotions before it pieces you back together.

And finally, Forbidden Love. This is a spin off from Shawland Security, but completely standalone. It's a dark romance. It's very powerful and it will pull at your heartstrings.

3)         How many books are going to be in the series?

Each series of mine is different.

The Guardian Shiftere - 7 books

Shawland Security - 3

Forbidden Love is a standalone.

4)         When writing about something you don’t know very much about where does your information come from?

I have a few books where the characters have jobs I'm clueless about, eg firemen and soldiers. For each of those books I spoke with fireman and a soldier, got into their head and let their personal account shape the book. I come to love the fire service, their love and dedication was just out of thos world. It helped develop my Burning Hearts series.

5)          What do you do to get you in the writing zone? Listen to music, have a TV or radio playing etc..

I always have music on.

6)         How do you choose the names for your books and characters?

Titles for my books usually come much later in the writing process for me. I generally try to pick a word or phrase from the book.

Characters is an easy one, because I like a lot of names. I store unusual names away for a rainy day. My readers group is also good at giving me their favourite names if I get stuck.

7)         How do you come up with your story ideas?

Life in general. I do a lot of people watching. I also write my romance stories true to real life, because I think it helps transport us to another believable world.

8)         If you could do it over again, is there anything you would change in your last book?

Not in my last book, no. However, I would change a couple of my earlier books, because I've learnt so much since then.

9)         How do you get started with writing a book? (as in how do you start developing the story, how do you get inspired for it)

It can be something as simple as a song or something I come across in a cafe or restaurant. As I said above, I people watch and that gives me a lot of inspiration.

10)       In your spare time – when you’re not writing - what do you like to do?

I like to read, walk, swim, and martial arts training.

11)       Who are the target readers?

Each of my books target a wide audience. I'd say between 18-80 my books target.

12)       What do you think readers look for in a book?

Emotion, a good story, believable plots, loveable characters.

13)       Why should a reader pick up/buy your book?

Because I write what I like. I write a believable story true to real life. My books will stir emotions you didn't know possible.

14)       What can we look forward to in 2019?

I have a wide variety of books releasing in 2019.

March - I released a collection of short stories based on contemporary romance and holidays we celebrate here in the U.K.

May - I released Shawland Security:Book . This book is dark and gritty, but it will hook you in from the prologue until the very end.

August - will see the release of Callum - Past and Present (book 6 of The Guardian Shifters)

I have another couple of books planned for later 2019, but no definite plans as of yet.

15)       Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

Thank you for buying my books, reviewing my words, and being a tower of strength in this indie community.

Where can your readers stalk you?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorkmlowe

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/KMLOWE

Twitter: www.twitter.com/KMLOWE86

Instagram: www.instagram.com/author_k.m_lowe

My Interview with Alice La Roux 2018

1) Can you tell us about Firebird?

Seraphina King has lived a very sheltered life, not through choice, but when someone is stealing from her family she’s allowed certain freedoms in exchange for her help. What she doesn’t count on, is meeting a green-eyed rebel who makes her question everything she’s ever known.

2) What inspired you to write Firebird?

Firebird is loosely inspired by the tale The Golden Bird. A golden bird (a phoenix in some versions) is stealing gold apples from the King’s orchard so he sets three brothers the task of hunting down the bird. They fail, only managing to get a gold feather. They try again, aided by a fox. Two of the brothers would rather go down the pub and get drunk, they’re horrible to the youngest brother, even trying to kill him.

I decided to switch up the gender of the youngest brother and make him a girl. The king is now Archibald King, shipping magnate who owns Golden Apple Incorporated and the golden bird is a rebel group called Firebird. Throw in a police officer called Foxx and there we have it.

3) Firebird is different from your other stories. What was it like writing about a strong independent woman?

Firebird and Frostbitten are both inspired by Fairytales and they turned out very differently. Frostbitten is more fantasy, magic and mayhem whereas Firebird, is contemporary, grittier and a little darker. I’m still experimenting with what I like to write and I think it’s interesting how my works are all different to each other.

I like to think all my female characters are strong independent women in some way. I am a feminist, and sometimes in romance it’s hard because we accept things in fiction we wouldn’t in real life. So some people may criticise Sera for her choices, but she is trying to navigate the world she lives in, she’s trying to find her own happiness despite what it might cost her.

4) When can we expect your next book, maybe a Firebird sequel?

Nope, I have a thread which I can follow for a sequel but I have no plans for it at the moment because I don’t have the time.

5) Can you tell us anything about the next book you’re writing? 

So I’m currently working on three anthology pieces for the next couple of months but my next book will be Man Down, a gritty romance about a soldier injured in Afghanistan and his physiotherapist. It’s not a light-hearted, hearts and flowers kind of romance but I hope people will love it as much as I am.

6) What do you do to get you in the writing zone? Listen to music, have a tv or radio playing etc.

I am one of those people who can’t stand silence. Or quiet. I will literally talk to myself if it gets too quiet. I need noise and usually it’s the radio on in the kitchen (I’m usually home alone) and music playing in my office.

7) I really loved Frostbitten your Timeless Ever After tale any chance you will write more?

Yes! I have something planned for this because people wanted to know more about the Snow Queen and her origins. But also, what happens to the sister? So I do have something in the works for this but it won’t be for a while.

8) I have read everything you have written so far and Firebird and Frostbitten are my favourites, what is your favourite book that you have written to date?

Sinclair from the SIX: Men of the Strip anthology. I can’t resist an asshole and he’s made something of himself from nothing. He refuses to be broken, even when he’s fucking everything up. 

9) For you what is the easiest part of the book to write? 

The swearing and the sex. I love the dramatic bits so they seem to flow easier.

10) And the hardest? 

The bits in-between. The filler scenes that you know the reader needs because they can’t see inside your head, but you aren’t that excited about. Also endings, I tend to leave a few cliff-hangers because I hate ending them.

11) Other than Firebird what else will you have for us in 2018?

So there will be four more anthology pieces, Man Down and another novella called Two’s Company. At least – that’s the plan.

Thank you for answering my questions and I cannot wait to read whatever comes next

Interview - Alyson Noel 2017

1) In 2014 in our last interview you said that you’ve toyed with the idea of a spin-off for The Immortals and that you left an opening in Everlasting, so that if you had time you’d maybe play around with it and see where it leads! Have you thought anymore about this?

I really enjoyed writing those books and spending time with those characters, so I’d love a chance to revisit that world. Since then, I’ve written 9 books so I haven’t really had enough time to devote to it yet, but it’s definitely something I’m thinking about.

2) Any updates on The Soul Seekers and Fly Me To The Moon coming to the big screen?

Unfortunately, the Fly Me to the Moon option expired, but The Soul Seekers is still moving forward. Last I heard, they were revising the script and hoped to start shooting this winter- fingers crossed!

3) Can we ever expect an Immortals film anytime soon? I’m dying for more Ever and Damon

The Immortals is currently on it’s 3^rd option, so here’s hoping this time’s the charm!

4) You posted on Social Media a while back that Saving Zoe was opted for a movie which made me bump it up on my reading list along with Faking 19, I enjoyed Saving Zoe more. Which did you enjoy writing the most?

I can’t say I enjoyed one more than the other, because every book provides a different experience and I take it for what it is. Faking 19 was my first book, and my most autobiographical in a lot of ways. When I wrote Saving Zoe, I was also writing Evermore on the side, and while they were both inspired by grief, the approach I took with those stories was obviously really different. The experience of watching my husband lose his twin brother to pancreatic cancer served as a sort of jumping off point for Saving Zoe, which was about the loss of a sister.   

5) And do you have any Saving Zoe movie updates?

So excited to finally say, Yes!! I visited the Saving Zoe movie set in July, and then attended a screening of the rough cut with the studio/producers in August. It’s beautiful, dark, gritty, heart breaking, thrilling, funny in places, redemptive, and hopeful and I’m so excited for everyone to see it. Real life sisters Vanessa and Laura Marano play my fictional sisters, Zoe and Echo, and they were amazing!

6) Unrivalled has been out for a while now, are you happy with the reviews and feedback?

My publisher sends me the industry reviews, which made my happy. But I don’t really read any other reviews. The good ones, as well as the bad ones, can really mess with your head. I just try to focus on the writing.

7) What research, if any did you do for Unrivalled?

This series didn’t require as much, but since I live in California, every time I went to LA or read a celebrity gossip blog, I called it ‘research.’

8) Apart from book 2 in the Beautiful Idol’s series being released what else do you have for us in 2017?

I just finished the final book in the series, INFAMOUS, which will be out in April 2018, and I also have a new MG, The Bone Thief, in stores on 10.17.17.

9) In 2014 you were taking some time out from writing for the first time since 2005. What did you get up to?

I took an entire year off to travel, relax, and reboot my life. I went somewhere different every month—the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Santa Fe, Mexico, London, Paris, Java, Bali, Hong Kong, Macau, Peru, etc. It was completely amazing and just what I needed. Now I’m back at my desk, dreaming of the day I get to repeat it!  

10) I have just finished reading Kiss and Blog. I was almost in tears, when Winter overheard her best friend Sloane saying mean things about her. Was this a fun story to write?

Like most books, the answer is both yes and no. Writing those hurtful moments are always a bit painful because I put myself in the character’s shoes and try to recall similar incidents from my own past. And yet, getting the chance at a high school do over is always good fun!

11) Now you have finished writing Beautiful Idols, what are you planning on doing? Are you taking some time off, writing another series or writing more stand alones?

At the moment, I’m working on an adult stand-alone, a short story for an anthology, and an unannounced project. All the while, thinking about an Immortals sequel!

12) What do you do to get you in the writing zone? Listen to music, have a tv or radio playing etc..

I light a scented candle, wear a crystal necklace a reader gave me, put on whatever playlist I’ve created for the book, brew some green tea, and get to it!

Thank you for the interview!

Interview - Jessica Brody 2017

          

1) Other than Addie Bell’s Shortcut to Growing Up what else will you have for us in 2017?

2017 is shaping up to be an exciting year! Addie Bell comes out in February, and then in August, I have a YA contemporary (with a magical twist) called IN SOME OTHER LIFE and in November, I have another YA contemporary releasing called THE CHAOS OF STANDING STILL.  You can read about both of those here: http://www.jessicabrody.com/books/teen-fiction/in-some-other-life/about/

2) Was it hard changing from female main character to all male character for Boys of Summer?

You know, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be! It’s really about figuring out who this person is as a human being (gender aside). Once you do that, it doesn’t really matter if they’re a girl or a boy, you just write them.

3) Do you think you will ever revisit Sera and Zen? Maybe by doing a spin-off of them growing up happily ever after? (I know it ended up with a happy ending but I think your fans will agree that we need more)
I’m so thrilled that people want more of Sera and Zen! I actually get this question a lot! I have no plans right now to do a spin-off or revisit them. But the movie is still in the works, and I think it might be fun to do something to tie into the movie release, although I still have no idea what that would be. But stay tuned!

4) Can we expect any Boys of Summer sequels?
OOH! Um...well, all I can say right now is...maybe. J

5) Is there any news of an Unremembered movie or TV Series?
There is! Unfortunately, nothing I can divulge yet. But keep following me on all the social medias. I’m hoping to post some new updates SOOON!

6) Are you working on anything new and if so how did the idea for it come to you?
I’m currently working on TWO secret projects (that I can’t even talk about yet!) and I’m also working on revisions for THE CHAOS OF STANDING STILL which comes out in November. It’s about two teens who get stuck in the Denver airport during a massive blizzard and accidentally swap phones, sending them on a crazy, all-night, life-changing adventure. That idea came to me most likely because I pretty much LIVE in the Denver airport and I just love thinking about all the different “stories” that pass through that airport (or any airport) every day. So I decided to tell one of them.

7) Although A Week of Monday’s isn’t out in the UK have the reviews been good overall so far?
YES! I’m so excited about the response to A WEEK OF MONDAYS. I’ve been getting such positive feedback from readers which just makes my day!

8) What made you switch back to Middle Grade from Young Adult with Addie Bell’s Shortcut to Growing Up? And will you be writing more Young Adult books in the future?
I will be writing tons more YA and tons more middle grade in the future! I actually really enjoy writing both! With ADDIE BELL, I just really wanted to tell a story about a girl who grows up too fast...like REALLY fast (she magically goes from 12 to 16 overnight). It’s still set in high school but she has a twelve-year-old mind, so it was fun to kind of blur the lines between YA and MG.

9) What do you like to listen to or watch while you’re working?
I can’t listen to music while I write. I get too wrapped up in the melody and lyrics and I lose my focus! So mostly I just listen to white noise tracks!

10) Finally what was it like being chosen to write the Descendants series for Disney?
OMG! A dream come true! I’m an UBER Disney. Like crazy Disney fan. We actually have a Disney-themed guest room in our house! So it’s kind of like being paid to write fan fiction. J

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Interview - Katie Salidas 2016

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

My first attempt at a novel happened when I was still in middle school. Around 8^th-8^th grade. I had been inspired by The Vampire Diaries (book) as well as Queen of the Damned and really wanted to try my hand at writing a vampire story. Sadly, my manuscript was lost the year we moved to Las Vegas 1994 and I was crushed. I did not complete another manuscript for nearly 10 years after that, but since I rekindled the love of writing I have written 15 more novels.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book? And how you come up with the idea?

The book I am currently writing is very exciting for me as it will be a continuation of a series my readers are chomping at the bit for, as well as a cross over into my original series, which has been a long-time favourite of readers.

The book is titled” Fearless Little Werewolf and it will be book 3 in my Little Werewolf series and has a guest appearance by Fallon who is the sidekick turn MC of my Immortalis series.

It is expected to be out early this Autumn and if all goes well will spark a new storyline for both characters (Fallon – Immortalis and Giselle – The Little Werewolf)  allowing me to marry the series and bring back some of the characters from the Immortalis that have been waiting in the wings for their chance to return.

The Little Werewolf, (for those who are unfamiliar with the series) is about a lost little wolf who grew up away from the safety of a pack in the human foster care system. She’s secretive, aloof, and a lone wolf who has to learn what it truly means to be part of something bigger than herself and find her fur-ever home.

When writing about something you don’t know very much about where does your information come from?

I’m a google-a-holic! Seriously. I am always searching for the craziest things. My quest for knowledge is insatiable. I look up anything and everything that sparks my interest and can get lost for days in internet searches. Which of course hinders my writing time.

What is the easiest and the hardest part to write?

The easiest part of a story is always the beginning. I’m a bit of a pantser so I write what comes to me. Essentially I explore the story much like a reader does, allowing the events to unfold before me. As if I am merely chronicling the events of others, I often have ideas of what I would like to see happen, and then the story takes a turn I didn’t plan and I’m whisked away on the adventure with the characters.

The down side of this style of writing is it is very easy to write yourself into a corner and not know how to get out of it.

Writer’s block is a very real, very painful thing and when it strikes, it often takes a while to recover. Sometimes that recovery means deleting chapters and re-writing.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

I keep a close relationship with many of my readers. I have a street team on Facebook that I use as a circle of friends more than a platform for advertising. I regularly ask my readers what THEY want to see happen in books. My goals are to make readers happy. Yes, the story must come out organically, and it must make sense, but if I can honor my readers requests and wishes, I do try.

I am nothing without my readers.

Are there any of your characters you would like to work further with or is there a character in another book by someone else that you would like to add to one of your novels?

That’s actually what makes my current book so much fun. I have had many readers ask when I will return to the world of the Immortalis. When I realized that world and the world of the Little Werewolf were not too different, I snatched that opportunity. I am having so much fun bringing back old characters and giving them new life and purpose. This in turn will allow me to revitalize the old series and honor my readers requests to return and expand on that storyline.

Are there any authors you would like to work with to create an anthology?

I’ve had the honor of working with quite a few exceptional authors on anthology projects and cross promoting books. Secret Worlds, Shifted, Magick after Midnight, just to name a few. These multi-author anthologies were an awesome introduction to new authors I have never read before and gave me a wealth of knowledge on the herculean task that it is to put together these types of group collections.  I’d welcome more collaborations and cross series projects in the future. In fact, I will be included in another one later this year (title still pending) in the Parnormal Fantasy realm. The collection should be due out around Halloween.

Be sure to follow my Newsletter for updates. (You get a free book just for signing up)

http://www.katiesalidas.com/p/newsletter.html

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Interview - Kevin David Anderson 2016

I had the pleasure to interview Kevin David Anderson, here is what he had to say

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I started writing in high school, usually taking a bland English class assignment and turning it into something creative. Depending on the teacher I was either scolded or praised. I finish my first manuscript about age 35. I would have to write two more before making that first novel sale.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book? And how you came up with the idea?

My most recent book Night of the ZomBEEs (the Walking Dead in Bee costumes) is a middle grade tween horror comedy and the idea came from a joke I didn’t immediately get. While attending a Zombie Convention after the release of Night of the Living Trekkies, a friend of mine said she was going to attend dressed as a bee, all bloodied, looking dead. Why in the world would you do that? I said.  ZomBEE, get it. I didn’t get it but when I went to the convention and saw people dressed as zombified bees, I finally got it. Brilliant I thought, and this could be a story. I mean could BEE a story.

When writing about something you don’t know very much about where does your information come from?

I try to stick to things I know, and know well, I think most writers do, but when I have to venture out beyond my own scope of knowledge, I like the feel of a real library to do my research. Google is fast and efficient and sometimes even correct, but for me a big dusty medical book that hasn’t been opened in a few years on the back shelf in a little used research section of the public library can not only give me the information, but solace and atmosphere. Things I need to write.  

What is the easiest and the hardest part to write?

I sometimes think the easiest part to write is the work itself. Beginning, middle, end. What they don’t tell you in writing class is that no one may ever read your work until you master what is called a query letter. These are the notes or one line pitches you sent to editors and agents. Your entire novel, maybe a year of your life, rests on your ability to boil it down to one or two lines that intrigues an agent and stands out amongst the other thousand query letters they get. If new writers truly understood how daunting it is, most would never type the words “chapter one.” 

Do you ever experience writers block? If so how do you find best to cure it?

All the time. For me there is only one cure. Read, read, read. When a writer reads he or she is often refilling the tank of inspiration, and once full the block soon fades away.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

Always know where your towel is at.

Is anything in your book based on real life events or is it all imagination?

No real life events. I write horror, zombies, surreal fantasy kind of stuff and my life is as dull and un-speculative as it gets.

What inspired you to write your first/last novel?

I had just finished reading a zombie novel by Brian Keene called The Rising, and I really liked how he twisted the genre and did something new. Latter I was watching a documentary called Trekkies which chronicles the detailed, interesting lives of Star Trek fans. And then it hit me, what would happen if there was a zombie outbreak at a Star Trek convention. In an instant I had my first novel idea that a publisher would buy: Night of the Living Trekkies.

What is you biggest accomplishment, writing wise?

Any would-be writer that finishes a novel manuscript, good or bad, should be proud. Any writer that sells that manuscript should be very proud. Any writer that manages to impress their fourteen-year old in this day and age by becoming a published novelist has performed a miracle. That is my biggest accomplishment.

What sort of starbucks/costa coffee would your character order? A simple coffee or the complicated soy-non-fat-extra-espresso-half-caff-nightmare?

Coffee, straight, black, no sweetener, or creamer, no mint flavour whip cream or anything that comes from a candy shop. Coffee isn’t supposed to taste good, or like it’s been filtered through a Snickers bar. It’s suppose to be a mean drink that wakes you the hell up with a bitter dark slap and screams, “Now get in that seat, start writing, and for the love of all creativity be brilliant!” 

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Interview - Tara Ellis 2016

     

My first author interview of 2016 is with Tara Ellis, Tara became a new to me author in 2016 when I read The Mystery of Hollow Inn (Review to Follow) and she kindly agreed to let me interview her.

In your spare time what do you like to read? 

Science fiction is my favorite, but I’ll go through my own trends. For years, Stephen King was it, but his work got too dark for me. I still think he’s one of the best writers ever, but I lean towards lighter tales. Medical thrillers or a good mystery are a sure thing!

When you were younger who was your favourite author? 

Julie Campbell (author of Trixie Beldon) during my younger years. I discovered Stephen King in 4^th grade and I also loved Dean Koontz and Ken Follett.

What inspired you to write the Samantha Wolf series? 

I have to mention Trixie Beldon again. My ultimate, all-time favorite series as a child, and it gave me many, many days/nights of healthy escapism. I originally started my series when I was sixteen, and based Sam and Ally on myself and childhood best friend. It has a lot of special meaning to me.

How do you come up with your story ideas? 

The Mystery of Hollow Inn was something I thought up in my teens. My grandparents and a lot of family members lived in Montana, so that was my idea of a mountainous getaway. The last three are all very recent. Honestly, I can’t really define how I come up with it. Sometimes I surprise myself how it all coalesces and comes together. I spend weeks, sometimes months on the outlines. I take a lot of walks where I dedicate my thoughts to the story, and I always do my best thinking in the shower! (Although it makes it hard to write it down!)

Can you tell us anything about the next book in the series? 

Yes! It’s called, The Haunting of Eagle Creek Middle School. It takes place in late October, and the girls are helping to form a new club at the middle school, for raising money for non-profits. Their first project is a haunted house in the school on Halloween. Of course, it turns out there’s an old haunted story for the school itself, and their first benefactor has some secrets.

In the Samantha Wolf series, who is your favourite character and why? 

Samantha Wolf. I relate the most to her, perhaps because back when I was sixteen, I originally based her on myself. The character has most definitely evolved since then, but I still see a lot of the same compulsiveness that I had as a child.

For you what is the easiest and the hardest part of the book to write? 

The easiest part is the outline, because there isn’t as much pressure at this point. It’s like I have a ball of clay and I’m just deciding how to mold it, but don’t have it in my hands yet. For me, there is always a bit of hump to get over. The first chapter or two are always a bit slow, because I want to proceed cautiously and not make any major plot errors, or rush it early on. A few chapters in, I always hit a spot, a major point where I have to push through some sort of issue. I have found that if I take my time…perhaps even a step back for a couple of days and think about it, the story always ends up being better for it.

What advice would you give to someone who “ran out of creativity” while writing? 

I would say that they’re looking at it in the wrong way. You never run out of creativity. Most likely, you’ve hit a spot where you have an issue with your plot or storyline. I know some authors swear that they don’t need an outline, but I discovered a few years ago that this had been my issue my whole life. I had always struggled to finish a cohesive book prior to this revelation. A good, solid, thoughtful outline will help you. If you already know where you’re going, then you can figure out how to get there. If you hit a wall, step and look at the whole story, not just the point where you are stuck. If you don’t already have an outline, write one. If you do, revisit it and flesh it out. You’ll be amazed at how much better the whole story will be, if you put more time into this aspect of it.

What do you do when you get writers block? 

I think I just addressed that above. J  But…to be more specific on how I work on the outline, or take a step back, I often go for a long walk. Or take a long shower, or sit in a hot tub. I put myself in an environment where I’m free to be alone in my thoughts, and I work through the issues mentally. I always envision the scenes in my head as if it were a movie playing out. So I do this….over and over again, with various scenarios until I find one that works.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 
I hope that my stories take you to another place for a little while, and offer that same escapism that I enjoy while reading. I try to write relatable characters and plots that in the end, leave you feeling good and a bit nostalgic. I also love feedback, so please feel free to reach out!

Thank you Tara for answering my questions and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.