Words with... Kat Yares

I'm pleased to welcome Kat Yares, author, screenwriter, mum and movie maker...

Kat Yares has been writing fiction her entire adult life. She is an author, screenwriter and indie movie maker. Her short fiction has appeared in numerous print publications and online. She was first accepted into the Horror Writers Association in 2001 and is a member today. Her fiction is primarily in the horror/thriller genres. Unlike many, she writes horror not to gross out or startle her readers, but to make them think. Most of her stories are mind games and deal with man’s (or woman's) inhumanity to man (or woman).

What is your day job or are you lucky enough to write for a living?

Day job – chief cook and bottle washer, wife, mom and grandma. I'm lucky in that I get to stay home and do the things I love – reading and writing.

What books have you written so far?

Kats Tales – Journeys in the Velvet Darkness: Revealed Evil - a collection of 13 short stories that have been previously published over the years.

Vengeance Is Mine – a novella.

Beneath the Tor – a novel.

And several short stories available for the Kindle.

What works in progress do you have?

The XIII – a follow-up (but not a sequel) to Beneath the Tor. I’m working on the final edits and formatting.

Hidden Personas – recently started in my free time.

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

I can knock out a thoroughly crappy first draft in about 30 days (if I participate in National Novel Writing Month). It can take me months, or even years, to get the draft to where it is publishable.

Do you write linear, or jump back and forth? Do you plan or write by the seat of your pants?

I outline basic plot points and generally write from beginning to end. Sometimes, though, a scene will come to me and I'll write it out of order, or a character will do something that forces me to deviate from the outline.

Why do you write?

I write so that I can get the stories I love out of my head and into a medium where they cannot be forgotten.

How long have you been writing?

Since I first learned to form letters on the page. I wrote my first 'novel' at eleven and have been writing fiction for publication since I was in my twenties.

Where and when do you write? Do you have set times?

I write most weekdays, but generally not on the weekends as I prefer to spend that time with my better half. No real set schedule during the week though, and I do count revising and editing as writing. Favourite place to write is on the couch with the laptop in my lap.

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

There is a bit of me in all my characters, yet I don't think I'm really like any of them.  My favourite character so far is Miriam in Beneath the Tor – a very strong woman.

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

I suppose my initial inspiration to write came from reading as a child. A high-school English teacher encouraged me to write the stories I had in my head. I never really considered myself a writer though, until I had sold a story or two.

What do you think is the ideal recipe for a good novel or story?

The Story is King and with that comes great plotting, great characters and good storytelling skills (including spelling and grammar). It's not just a matter of putting garbled words on the page.

Have you ever based a character on someone from real life? And did you tell them?

Just as most characters I write have a bit of me in them, they also have bits of everyone I've ever known – a twitch from this guy, a voice inflection from that guy. Everyone I know becomes a character study.

If you had to pick some actors/actresses to play the characters in your book, who would you hire?

The only book I've written that I did that with was Vengeance Is Mine.  I actually adapted it into a screenplay. Chose Billy Bob Thornton as the male lead, Robert Duvall as the main antagonist. Never quite figured out who would be perfect for the female lead though. I also adapted two of my short stories into movies, which my husband and I shot. Had a lot of fun casting the characters in Truth of Becoming and The Fan.

Fave things: animal? food? drink? film? colour? band? song? place? item of clothing?

Animal:  my two English Mastiffs.

Food:  anything pasta or steak.

Drink:  Jameson Whisky.

Film:  Grapes of Wrath.

Colour: Grey.

Place:  Home.

When you were a kid, what did you want to do/who did you want to be when you grew up?

I always knew I would be a writer, but, as for a profession, I wanted to be an archaeologist.

Would you say that your dreams have come true or are you still working on them?

Absolutely.  I'm doing what I love and will look back in my later years with no regrets.

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

I'd tell him to get an eReader and load up on freebies in every genre. Why settle for just five?

Who is your favourite character from any book and why?

Scarlett O'Hara from Gone With the Wind.  I loved her tenacity.

Who is your hero / heroine?

I don’t have a particular hero – I tend to look up to and admire anyone who is selfless.

Which book do you wish you had written?

Grapes of Wrath.

Which three authors would you like to take to the pub?

John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemmingway and Harper Lee.

Are you published or self-published? What is your experience?

Some of my short stories have been published in magazines, both in print and online. My novella and novel have been self-published. My next novel will also be self-published. I really cannot see a reason to go the 'traditional' route of publishing these days.

How do you find the marketing experience?

I hate self-promotion, which is probably why I don't do it often or enough. But, it is something that has to be done; whether you are a self-published author or one published by more traditional means.

What advice would you give other writers just starting out?

Learn the craft. There is no excuse not to these days. Find beta readers for your work and listen to what they have to say, even if you feel it's negative. Have your work edited. If you cannot afford a professional editor to do it, find someone who was great in English class to go over your manuscript. Don't be too quick to hit the 'publish' button. Put the work aside for a week or a month, and then go back through it from the beginning and revise every sentence that doesn't sound right; rewrite every passage that doesn't make sense. Present only your best work – nothing turns a reader off more than misspelled words, words used in the wrong context and bad grammar.

Do you have a blog? What do you blog about?

I have one that is woefully neglected. Usually only post when I have something to say.

What other hobbies do you have?

Movie making, photography, cooking and reading.

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

To have at least five more books out there, and selling enough to support my husband and myself comfortably.

If you won the Lotto or a major publishing contract, what would you do with that dosh?

Tell my husband to quit work, come home and start playing with wood. We own a saw mill and one of his greatest pleasures is building furniture. I would so love for him to have the freedom to pursue his passions, too.

Complete one of these stories in 100 words or less… 1. There was once a wee worm called Fred…
2. In the deep and darkest reaches of the dank forest...
3. One day Charlotte decided she was going to change the world...

One day Charlotte decided she was going to change the world. She began by killing her parents. Sitting alone in the darkened living room, she waited for her grandparents to arrive. Already her world was vastly improved.

(okay, I am a horror writer – this is what came to mind J )

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

Who are my favourite authors in my genre?  Michael McDowell, Robert McCammon and Steven King are the big names. John Paul Allen, Monica O'Rourke, Michael Gleich, Billie Sue Mosiman, Jaime Johnesee and Jeffrey Kosh round out the indies.

Links:

Website/blog

Book links:

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

Sony

Smashwords

Apple

Words with Malika Gandhi

Thanks to Malika Gandhi for this interview

_{What is your day job or are you lucky enough to write for a living?}

_{My day job is being a home maker and dropping my two boys off to nursery/school. It is a full-time job!}

_{What books have you written so far?}

<sub>I have written one book, Freedom of the Monsoon. This is my debut novel. It is set in India in 1942-47, during the Quit India Movement. The novel explores love, loss, sacrifice and the need for justice. It is romantic as well as shocking. Domestic violence is shown too, which is seen time and time again, but where no one can help. The novel is not factual, but there are references to real-life events and situations during that time. Gandhi, the leader of the Quit India Movement, is mentioned many times and his work is referenced here too. The story revolves around the point of view of five central fictional characters – Rakesh, Dev, Pooja, Amit and Sunil – and they take us into their world, showing us the affects of the Quit India Movement.

What works in progress do you have?</sub>

_{Currently, I am working on the sequel, which will be quite different to the first book. Although it is still based in India, following on from the Quit India Movement, which is Partition, it will be an Indian romance centring on one main character, from her point of view.}

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

<sub>Freedom of the Monsoon took me two years to write and that was when my children went to sleep. So between 9pm and 2am sometimes!

Do you write linear, or jump back and forth? Do you plan or write by the seat of your pants?</sub>

_{My style of writing is very much jumping back and forth as I like to show what happened in the lives of the character beforehand, and sometimes the character’s thoughts take us back in time too.}

_{Why do you write?}

_{I like the freedom of the words. It allows me to express myself and bring me out into a world where I can let my imagination explore.}

_{How long have you been writing?}

_{I have been writing for a long time, since my university days, dwelling on short stories and writing a diary, where my ideas and thoughts appear. But, I didn’t begin to seriously write until two years ago, with Freedom of the Monsoon.}

_{Where and when do you write? ­ Do you have set times?}

<sub>I don’t have set times as it is difficult with children. My concentration peaks when all is quiet at night.

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

_{My favourite character from my book is Pooja as she goes through so much and loses a lot too. Before her marriage she is abused, and after she is abused and raped by her husband. She is a lovely character who has grown with my writing.}

_{What/who inspired you to write and still inspires you?}

<sub>Reading books by Roald Dahl and CS Lewis inspired me to write. Their fantastic storytelling made me want to put pen to paper and just write.

What do you think is the ideal recipe for a good novel or story?</sub>

_{A story has to come from your heart; you have to be passionate about what you write and about your characters. This will show in your work.}

_{Have you ever based a character on someone from real life? And did you tell them?}

<sub>I haven’t based a character on someone from real life.

Fave things: animal? food? drink? film? colour? band? song? place? item of clothing?</sub>

_{My favourite things:}

_{Animal: elephant.}

_{Food: pasta and Paneer (Indian cottage cheese).}

_{Drink: has to be Diet Coke!}

_{Film: oh there are so many, but I love When Harry met Sally and You Got Mail.}

_{Colour: blue.}

_{Song: no particular song, but I like variety.}

_{Place: anywhere where there is sun, sand and sea – preferably HOT.}

                       

_{When you were a kid, what did you want to do/who did you want to be when you grew up?}

_{I wanted to be an author when I was a kid, or an artist as I love to paint and draw. I now have the opportunity to showcase my work through my book (the illustration on my book is my own).}

_{Would you say that your dreams have come true or are you still working on them?}

<sub>My dreams are still some way ahead before I can reach them. I believe a dream will always expand once you reach a certain level. As for now, I am happy that I have become published, but I don’t want to stop here.

You’re walking in the forest and you bump into an alien librarian from Mars. He wants five book recommendations from you…</sub>

_{The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis}

_{Matilda by Roald Dahl}

_{Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling}

_{Miguel Street by VS Naipaul}

_{The Help by Kathryn Stockett}

_{Who is your favourite character from any book and why?}

_{Like so many, it is from a Classic – Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, for his brooding personality, which is logical and romantic at the same time. I also love Jo’s character from Little Women. She is endearing, and kindles inspiration and ambition!}

_{Ah Mr Darcy is one of my faves too... what a man! I love that book. But, since watching the superb BBC adaptation, I'm always going to have the image of Colin Firth coming out of the water... -- Vickie} 

_{Which three authors would you like to take to the pub?}

<sub>I would like to take JK Rowling, Kathryn Stockett and VS Naipaul.

Are you published or self-published? What is your experience?</sub>

_{I am self-published. The experience is tough as the marketing is all down to you, but it is also exciting to be in control of your own work and what direction you want it to take.}

_{How do you find the marketing experience?}

_{Very hard. As an Indie author who is very new, finding people and groups who may be interested in your work is the first thing, but it is getting them to like the idea to buy, which is hard. Every moment I get, I am thinking of new ways of promoting my work, and the people I speak to have helped me.}

_{What advice would you give other writers just starting out?}

<sub>To never give up and keep persisting as that is the only way you will achieve your dream goal. Be patient also – which is one thing I am still learning.

Do you have a blog? What do you blog about?</sub>

_{Yes, my blog is: www.malikagandhi.wordpress.com}

_{It is about my book, but I have also posted some articles on the history of India and an interview with my fictional character, Pooja. I plan to do more.}

_{What other hobbies do you have?}

_{I love to paint and draw, and I love films. I love to read and always have a book with me.}

_{If you won the Lotto or a major publishing contract, what would you do with that dosh?}

<sub>I love to travel so that would be one of the things. I would also put some money away for my boy’s university education and a considerable amount towards the beginning of their future.

Complete one of these stories in 100 words or less…
1. There was once a wee worm called Fred…
2. In the deep and darkest reaches of the dank forest...
3. One day Charlotte decided she was going to change the world...</sub>
 

_{In the deep and darkest reaches of the dank forest, a woman crouched with her daughter, hiding away from the crazy man. She was afraid to use her magical aura; she knew she mustn’t abuse it. The Lords wouldn’t forgive her.  There would be consequences. She had been warned. Sarina looked at her daughter of three. She had been touched by the aura – she knew it. Her bronze locks shone and shimmered, a slight vibration and her hair would glow. She had to hide Petal somewhere, out of reach, out of sight forever...}

_{What question do you wish I’d asked and, of course, what is the answer?}

_{Do you think Traditional Publishing is better than Self-Publishing?}

_{My answer:}

_{In the current climate, both have its advantages and disadvantages.  It is getting harder for publishers and authors as there is so much competition. It has come down to the author to do most of the legwork, whether published traditionally or self-published, especially as a new, unknown author. It is nice to get the backing of a traditional publisher, of course, but if that doesn’t work then try self-publishing.}

_Links:

_Blog: www.malikagandhi.wordpress.com

_Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freedom-of-the-Monsoon-ebook/dp/B0070VV9TI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330512626&sr=8-1

_Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Freedom-of-the-Monsoon/359731577386799

To win a copy of Malika's book, just leave a comment... she'll pick out her favourite :)

Words with... Linda Rae Blair

Thanks to Linda Rae Blair for this interview

What is your day job or are you lucky enough to write for a living?

I’m retired and now writing at my leisure.

What books have you written so far?

The Chicago Trilogy “Intersections - Love, Betrayal, Murder”

“Where Is Harry”

“Claire: A Woman’s Journey - NY Heiress ~ Chicago Madam

“Richard: It’s In The Blood”

“Elusive”

“100 Years of Brotherly Love”

The Preston Andrews Mysteries -

            “Hard Press’d”

            “Press’d Into Action”

            “Press’d To The Wall”

            “Press On”

            “Pressing Engagement”

            “Press The Message Home” - due to Release 2012

            “Press ‘n SEAL” - due to Release 2012

“The Board Game Murders”

What works in progress do you have?

“Press The Message Home” - due to Release 2012

“Press ‘n SEAL” - due to Release 2012

How long did it take you to write your books?

“The Board Game Murders” was written in 12 hours. It was a fun little exercise that simply wrote itself. The average is probably a month or two. These numbers, of course, do not take into consideration the editing time by others.

Do you write linear, or jump back and forth? Do you plan or write by the seat of your pants?

If you are asking whether my books are linear - no. As to the writing process, I often know what has happened but seldom know whodunit until the characters reveal it. I have to admit to writing the very last scene before I finished the mystery storyline, but only because the very first page dictated that I do so. 

Why do you write?

Well, it’s a long story and I have a blog that tells it all. I hope your site’s readers will take the time to enjoy it! http://lindaraeblairauthor.wordpress.com/blogs/why-do-i-write-not-such-a-silly-question-after-all/

How long have you been writing?

I did a lot of writing as part of my work prior to retirement. I’ve been writing fiction for 4 years.

Where and when do you write? Do you have set times?

Most often I write at Starbucks during the day. I enjoy the music and coffee, and it keeps my cat from sitting on my mouse! As part of my contract with myself, I write when I’m darned good and ready, and not before. When it becomes work it will no longer be fun!

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

I really like a lot of my characters. Claire (“Claire: A Woman’s Journey - NY Heiress ~ Chicago Madam”) has a lot of determination and a very loving heart. Richard (“Richard: It’s In The Blood”) - what can I say about Richard? For faithfulness, he’s outstanding. Preston (The Preston Andrews Mysteries series) is a hunk, rich beyond 0s, loving, smart - what’s there not to like? But somehow, Autumn (“100 Years of Brotherly Love”) comes through. She’s strong, funny with a sarcastic edge, bright, a skilled professional, an artist and, yes, she’s the most like me.

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

Again, I would refer your readers to my blog. It was a family-related issue and a casual comment by a friend. Once the ball got rolling, the characters and the stories they want to tell drive this train!

What do you think is the ideal recipe for a good novel or story?

Of course, a good story, but you also need characters the reader can feel for and about - people in which the reader can become invested. As for my personal choices, I like to add scenery the readers can smell, taste and enjoy - or by which they can be revolted - as in an autopsy scene.

Have you ever based a character on someone from real life?

Oh, heavens, yes! I shoved an ex-husband out of a window during the stock market crash of 1929, and “Where is Harry?” is loaded with family members, although not necessarily identified by their correct places in the family. My granddaughter asked to be a character, so she was added into “Pressing Engagement” as Samantha Hartley (not her real name, although she is a Samantha).

Fave things: animal? food? drink? film? colour? band? song?

Cats of most any variety. My current love is Potter As In  H-A-I-R-Y (otherwise known as “lead gut” or “Pottie”) who is a 17-pound tuxedo with a white streak up his face that immediately reminded me of Harry Potter.

Seafood, including calamari. When my grandson comes to town while he’s on leave, we always go out for calamari. He’s my only relative who enjoys it. No one else will even eat fish!

For many years it was “Gone With The Wind”. It has since been replaced by the Harry Potter series. I have all the DVDs and hold HP marathons whenever the mood strikes me.

This is hard. I don’t like most “bands” these days. I especially loved the Vietnam War-era bands and just recently lost my fav “Creedance Clearwater” DVD in an auto accident. I enjoy Doughtry when he’s on the radio, but haven’t bought anything of his yet. Did I mention that I love Creedance Clearwater? Oh, then there is Aerosmith. Better quit while we’re all ahead.

I love Creedance Clearwater - Bad Moon Rising is my fave!! - Vickie

“Nessun Dorma” when sung by a really good tenor.

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

Well, since most of the trouble we get ourselves into is about religion and customs, I’d have to include a copy of the “Bible”, the “Torah” and the original “Quran”. So, with only two left, humour and the ability to not take ourselves so seriously - something by Mark Twain; and for our drive and determination - a biography of perhaps Martin Luther King or someone else who has overcome obstacles to climb as high as a human can climb.    

Who is your favourite character from any book and why?

.

Well, I recently read the autobiography of Mark Twain and I have to say THERE was a character. He took a number of things in life very seriously, but never himself.

Which book do you wish you had written?

The Harry Potter series. The reasons are oh so obvious!

Which three authors would you like to take to the pub?

Not to beat a dead horse, but Mark Twain, Jane Austin and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 

Are you published or self-published? What is your experience?

If you are self-published, are you not published? I say yes!

How do you find the marketing experience? Any advice for other writers?

I hate marketing - always have - always will! That said, she laughed, one must do what one must do. I have stuck with social media so far.

Do you have a blog? What do you blog about?

I do have a blog, http://lindaraeblairauthor.wordpress.com, where I follow the advice of a gentleman named John Locke and post only when I have something of value to say. Not often enough to drive my subscribers crazy trying to keep up with me.

What other hobbies do you have?

I am also an artist, painting in acrylics on canvas.

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

Last week I had the #8 ranked Free Kindle Book on Amazon. I currently have five in the top 1% of all Kindle ebooks on Amazon. I would love to make the top 100 list of Amazon books!

If you won the Lotto or a major publishing contract, what would you do with that dosh?

Travel, travel, travel!

Complete one of these stories in 100 words or less…

There was once a wee worm called Fred.... and somebody found him very, very dead. The chief caterpillar-in-charge looked at the small and the large, but the killer could not be found. At last he declared, in his official decree, “I’ve decided he drowned!”

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

Where can I buy your books?

Indie Book Lounge (has links to many purchase sites)

Amazon.com (paperback and Kindle)

Amazon France (paperback in English)

Amazon Germany (Kindle in English)

Amazon United Kingdom (paperback and Kindle)

Barnes & Noble (Nook)

Breakthrough Book Store - use the Amazon search box to find all my novels by searching for “Linda Rae Blair”

eBooks (Smashwords - has formats for Sony, Kobo, Kindle, Nook, Apple, Diesel)

Google e-books

iBooks (Apple)

Kobo (not all titles are currently available from this source - see Smashwords for Kobo format of other titles)

PublishMyBook in Ireland

Sony Reader Store

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.