Tuesday 30 August 2011

Words with... Ey Wade





Thanks to Ey Wade for this interview
How long have you been writing?
I suppose I can say the usual and say I’ve been writing all of my life, but the process of writing to make a story really started in elementary school. When the teacher would have us write the paper on ‘what we did over the summer’, I had to make up something. With seven kids in the house and a limited income, a good, away-from-home vacation was a fantasy. When I found out my lies were believable, I decided I would be a writer.

Do you have a day job or do you write for a living?
At the moment my job is to find a job. Usually I am a childcare provider. I worked in the profession for over thirty years; own home-based centre until a hurricane destroyed it all. Now I’m fighting the system and stigma of age to find a job. In the meantime, I fill my passion for writing.
 
What do you feel is the ideal recipe for a good novel/story/poem?
 
The ideal recipe would include great dialogue, the ability to touch the reader in some way, and the ability to make your product believable.
What/who inspired you to write and still inspires you?

I am inspired to write by my children, always have been. Things I would love them to read, maybe change the world with the influence I can give them. Belief in yourself, inspiration, dedication and commitment are the main ingredients 50% has to be the belief in yourself, 30% to commitment to stand by your words no matter what others think or say, 5% to inspiration from the world around you, and 15% to sit your butt down and write.
What books have you written? Do you stick to one genre?
I write in several genres. Suspense/thriller, romance, chic lit, non-fiction, picture books. At the moment I have eight books published: The Fishing Trip (suspense); The Perfect Solution (a mixture of suspense/romance); The Women of the Hill (chick lit); Beads on a String  America’s Racially Intertwined Biographical History (non-fiction); and three picture books from a series called In my Sister’s World. All can be found on Amazon.

How long did it take you to write your book/s?
I couldn’t put a definite timeframe on a single book because I usually work on more than one at a time. It’s like having children  I just spread the love and time amongst them. The one clamouring the most gets me first.

How long did it take you to get published? Did you take the traditional route or DIY?
The Perfect Solution was published before, through what I thought was a traditional publishing company. Long story. Short, I now do it myself.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers/those just starting out?
I would tell a writer to write what you believe in, edit, and then choose whichever route appeals to you to get your book published.

Do you have any works in progress?
Lol, several. The Fishing Trip is part of a four-book series from LDA (Life Demands Action). I’m working on The Carjacker now. The Women of the Hill is from another series. Yes, Sam Takes Care of Me  its counterpart is On the Corner of Bluebonnet Lane and Easy Street. I have D.N.A. being scoured by a marvelous Beta reader and soon to be published, and still more WIPs being tweaked.
Which character from your books do you like most/are most like?
In the novel The Perfect Solution, I favour Catrine. I would do anything and everything for the safety of my children. This, if I really think about it, also makes me a heroic villain like Durham from The Fishing Trip.

Where and when do you write – do you have set times during which you write or is it just when the mood takes you?
I write whenever and wherever. I carry a couple of pocket notebooks around and each is separated for three different stories. How does that work, you ask? The top of the book is tan, so one is facing me, then I turn it over (black) and write from the back for another and the third is usually somewhere in the middle, and all are separated with tabs. Not confusing at all. The romance (three stories in one) I’m working on at the moment has its own beautiful, red notebook.
Marketing – the bane of self-publishers – how do you find the experience? Do you have any marketing advice for other writers? Do you use a blog or twitter, etc?
I find marketing to be a hard learning experience. It is a hit and miss process. You never know what will catch a reader’s attention. Just plug away and believe every day is ‘your’ day to get noticed. I use all of the social networks and, since the internet reaches the nether world, how can I lose?

Some of your fave things... Animal? Food? Drink? Film? Colour? Band? Song? Place to chill out?
I love giant hairy dogs, but I have a Terrier. My favourite band is Coldplay and their song Gold in Them Hills keeps me going. I call it my theme song.  I even made a video to it, and my favourite chill-out place is at home in front of the television, flipping the channels.
Which book do you wish you had written?
The one God wrote about my life. There are many things I wish I could change, which He had planned for me. Sometimes, I think He has me mixed up with someone else.

Who is your favourite character from any book and why?
I can’t remember the child’s name, but I love the child from The Giver. He had the guts to see beyond the scenes put before him

Which three authors (living or not) would you like to take to the pub?
1. Dr Seuss, I would really like to know if he were sane. Everyone loved his books, but he drives me crazy.
2. Maya Angelo just because she’s a great writer and she knows Oprah.
3. Barack Obama because we share a birth date. I love the title of his book Audacity of Hope, and I would just love to talk to him face to face.
What would you like to achieve in the next five years?
 I would love to be a known author, mainly for my contribution to the American history book. There is no other like it that I have read. I believe it is the only book to include every race of American in a positive light.

If you won the Lotto, what would you do with all it?
Huge amount? Buy the usual home, car, pay off debts, bank a lot. Then I would help family, friends, and as many desperate as I can.

Now for the creative bit… please finish this story in 100 words or less… There once was a small gecko called Fred...
There once was a small gecko called Fred. Who wished people didn’t want him dead. If only they knew, the tales he could tell. They’d type them and sell them like hell. 

Finally, what question do you wish I’d asked and, of course, what is the answer?
Do you think you will ever make money from the sales of your books? My answer would be… God, I hope so. People go out and buy my books!

Your book/website/blog/twitter links…

My, I have a .com, I twitter @jumpouttheboat, and several other places. I have several that can be found through here, blogs, and I’m on Facebook.




Sunday 28 August 2011

Sample Sunday: from Kaleidoscope


Chameleons

Just travelling through
Passing signposts for new places
Gathering dust in my suitcase
From countless hostels
And numerous noisy bars
Anonymous faces blend into one
Synonymous with every town
I meet with random people
In random spaces, chat awhile
Seeking new experiences
And a different place each day
Not knowing what tomorrow brings
Carrying my world in a case
Knowing I won’t miss it
If I leave it somewhere
Maybe I’ll find it again
If I have a care
Tomorrow I’ll hit a new town
And the day after that
Fields of dreams echo on again
I thought I’d be homesick
But I never feel that way
Just travelling through
Being someone new each day



Wednesday 24 August 2011

Words with... Heather Powers




Thanks to Heather Powers for this interview


How long have you been writing?

I've been writing since I was 12 years old. My first writing medium was poetry and I still write to this day. I then started writing my first novel probably about 2004.

Do you have a day job or do you write for a living?

I have a day job. I'm an office drone. Book reviewer/aspiring writer by night.

What do you feel is the ideal recipe for a good novel/story/poem?

Character development; interesting plot line; twists and turns that make you think.

What/who inspired you to write and still inspires you?

My first inspiration was Stephen King and Tad Williams. Other great authors have stood out in my mind and inspired me daily. Nature, relationships, music all inspire me. It's constantly changing.

What books have you written? Do you stick to one genre?

I am working on my first novel and I know fantasy, so I prefer to write it. That may change with the wind :)

How long did it take you to write your book/s?

I'm currently working on it, but have no set deadline. I usually write about 1000 to 1500 words each time I sit down. I'm in the first draft on Chapter 13.

How long did it take you to get published? Did you take the traditional route or DIY?

Still unpublished, but I will be going the indie or self-published route.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers/those just starting out?

Keep your dream alive and work until you have it in your hands. Don't be discouraged. Write every day, even if it's only a sentence.

Do you have any works in progress?

Fantasy novel and possibly a book of my poetry.

Which character from your books do you like most/are most like?

My main character is Elizabeth Darrow and she has a lot of my traits. Perhaps she is my alter ego.

Where and when do you write – do you have set times during which you write or is it just when the mood takes you?

Usually in my living room and when the mood strikes me. Sometimes, when I'm driving, a sentence will occur to me and I write it down for later reference.

Marketing – the bane of self-publishers - how do you find the experience? Do you have any marketing advice for other writers? Do you use a blog or twitter, etc?

I find the experience just by networking with other authors who have done the same thing. I always ask questions. I use almost all of the social media sites.

Some of your fave things... Animal? Food? Drink? Film? Colour? Band? Song? Place to chill out?

Animals - I love them all, but the two that I have a spiritual connection are wolf and cat (domestic and wild).
Food - I love Italian food.
Drink - raspberry tea and Root beer.
Film - I love all of the John Hughes films and anything fantasy related.
Colour - blue and forest green.
Band - I have many favourites. I have a wide musical palette. My current favourites are Stevie Nicks, Death Cab for a Cutie, Eels, Enya and Loreena Mckennit.
Place to chill - anywhere in nature with my family.

One day you’re walking in the forest and you bump into an alien librarian from Mars. He wants five book recommendations from you…

The Stand by Stephen King
Otherland by Tad Williams
Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey
Wizard for Hire by Jim Butcher
Imajica by Clive Barker

Which book do you wish you had written?

I don't wish to write anything else except my own creations :) I wouldn't want to take credit for another person's masterpiece :)

Who is your favourite character from any book and why?

Any kick-ass heroine is my favourite because they can stand on their own two feet and kick ass :)

Which three authors (living or not) would you like to take to the pub?

Tad Williams, Richard Kadrey, Clive Barker.

What other hobbies/interests do you have or has writing taken over?

Books in general, reviewing and discussing. Singing. Spiritual/Metaphysical Studies

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

I would like a job that I love that is book related.

If you won the Lotto, what would you do with all it?

Trusts for my kids; a sprawling house in the country on about 10 acres with a stream behind it; donations to animal rehabilitation centres.

Now for the creative bit… please finish this story in 125 words or less…

There once was a little cat called Devilboy... He had a special gift that allowed him to travel into dreams. One day he took his friend Gyspygirl. This time, a large meadow appeared. A faery circle was in the middle. Now Devilboy warned her that if you went into the circle you wouldn't come back the same. Gyspygirl was very independent and didn't listen, so she walked right into the circle. 
Bells rang around her and a little faery appeared. “What is your wish?”
“I want to be able to have freedom to go where I want to.”
The fairy winked and Gyspygirl was turned into a fairy with beautiful wings. Devilboy walked to the edge of the circle and said “I told you so, you should have listened.”

Finally, what question do you wish I’d asked and, of course, what is the answer?

What is the secret of the universe???? 31.

Your book/website/blog/twitter links…










Sunday 14 August 2011

Sample Sunday: from Kaleidoscope

Rain

 
She sits and dreams of making rain
In the dark, shadows dancing mimic
Colours of the aghast
Sights and sounds and murmurs
Still breathing
Watching over the edge
Of everything
The glass splinters into a million shapes
Cast in a myriad of lights
Bright and sparkling, dancing
In the spring sun
And she dreams of making rain
That tears and crashes
Washing away the shards of glass
Splattering the colours rent
With droplets of ice-cold nothing
Cuts and caresses
Shards of grass peeking through
Clouds gathering
Dust.



copyright Vickie Johnstone


Saturday 13 August 2011

Words with... Fred Limberg



 












Thanks to Fred Limberg for this interview
 
How long have you been writing? 

I’ve been writing pretty much full time for almost 6 years, since I sold my contracting business and set out to retire. Retire? Not hardly. And now with a self-published book out and two more waiting in the wings, it’s starting to be work! 

Do you have a day job or do you write for a living?

I don’t write for a living because I’m not making much money at it yet, but that’s the goal.
   
What do you feel is the ideal recipe for a good novel/story?

There’s no recipe. You have to have imagination and a talent for storytelling.  

What books have you written? Do you stick to one genre? 
 
I have half a dozen books in ‘inventory’ at present. Currently, Ferris’ Bluff is available through all the usual suspects’ outlets and in the local indie bookstore. The Storm Glass, a thriller with a sci-fi twist, is in semi-final editing stages and I hope to have it out soon. Then I’m going to dust off my murder mystery set in St. Paul, First Murder, and get it out there. This year I tried my hand at writing a YA novel and came up with Dodge. I’m going to flog it to the mainstream agents first, but, with some success as an indie author, there’s not the pressure or potential disappointment looming over the query process. Both Storm Glass and First Murder have character sets that lend themselves to sequels and serialisation, so that’s the future for me… once I get another hundred things done.  
 
How long did it take you to write your book/s?

It takes me anywhere from 6 weeks to 4 months to produce a first draft. When I write that’s all I do, so I have to try to make life arrangements so that I’m not interrupted. I used to write upwards of 8 hours a day, but I’ve learned that limiting the sessions to 4 hours or so allow me time to think and do daily reviews. The output is of a higher quality.  
 
How long did it take you to get published? Did you take the traditional route or DIY?

I had a lot of interest from agents regarding First Murder and Storm Glass (which was titled Big Muddy Mess at the time). I thought Ferris’ Bluff though was going to be the one. Then there was this little hiccup in the economy… you might remember that. Well, nobody wanted to look at nothin’ after that, friends of mine with fine mid-list careers were being orphaned left and right, and this summer I decided to go indie.  
 
What advice do you have for aspiring writers/those just starting out?

Advice?  Don’t even think about putting your work out there until it’s ready. You aren’t doing anyone a favour by clogging the booklists with inferior work. There are writer groups and forums all over the place to share your work on while you learn the craft, but when you put it out there for sale… well… crap doesn’t sell. I see all kinds of Facebook posts and Shelfari posts, and Goodreads stuff about how excited people are to be close to finishing their first book and can’t wait to upload it. I had no business trying to sell my first two books. I learned a lot from them, and may be able to salvage one with a massive rewrite/reimagining thing, but they were crap. The third book, which has become Storm Glass, is actually a sequel to the first book I ever wrote. Since I’ve written it, hired an editor to help me figure out why it wasn’t working in its original form, and subjected it to no less than ten harsh edits of my own, I think it’s finally ready to publish.  
 
Do you have any works in progress?

Always  
  
Where and when do you write – do you have set times during which you write or is it just when the mood takes you?

I write in the mornings. I’m often up by 5 or 6, and after some coffee and a glance at the paper I sit down to write. Coffee. Cigs. Laptop. Let’s go!  
 
Marketing – the bane of self-publishers – how do you find the experience? Do you have any marketing advice for other writers? Do you use a blog or twitter, etc?  
 
Marketing is a pain in the ass, but I think any writer not on the bestseller list has to do an awful lot of it his or herself to give a book legs. With the explosion of e-books and e-readers, it seems the internet has become one huge audience for writers, but the key word is HUGE. It’s all chaos right now. I’m just trying to find readers, and let the book brand and my name brand build. I’m in the local bookstore. I’ve got a signing coming up and some magazine exposure coming in the next month. I do the Shelfari thing and the Goodreads thing, and am building some lists. I really don’t get the twitter thing, but I try. Advice? Spend a minimum of 2 hours a day exploring writer and reader sites, and try to get your name out there. I Googled Ferris’ Bluff the other day – 4 freaking pages! And mentions on the next 4 or more. I’m doing something right… maybe… ask me next year. I have no idea.

Which three authors (living or not) would you like to take to the pub?

To tell you the truth, I’d like to meet up with my British and Aussie writer friends in person some day. Max, Lilian, alias Ed Lane, Greta, Larry, and so many more… the whole lot of them. THAT would be fun! And mildly dangerous, I think.
 
What other hobbies/interests do you have or has writing taken over?

When I find time I love to work in my woodworking shop. My latest project was to build a rocking chair for my first grandchild. Caden Henry Browers (AKA Hank) has since arrived and I assume approves! I relate the project to writing in a blog post at http://fredlimbergscroixsidegazette.blogspot.com/
   
What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

5 years? 5 more books? 10? Be making a little income from it? Something like that, I think. I would hope by then my list would have gained some momentum and the constant marketing bullsh!t would be over. And I’d like to be coaching Hank’s T-ball team in 5 years or so… or maybe just helping out and being a cool grandpa.

Thanks for having me on your blog and good luck with your own projects!   
 
Your book/website/blog/twitterlinks…

 
@fred limberg