Author Interview - A.D. Duling The Anna Kippling Series (book 1 free)

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Jacksonville, Fl. I call home now...Jacksonville, Fl.

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.

My interview will be posted by the great Patti Roberts on her blog- The Patti Robert's Book Blog

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

The Stones #3 of the Anna Kippling Series

Bad guy vs. good girl… a hot hunk and a few more friends, that uses magic & wit and maybe a few tricks to get some stones. - and two words to spare:0)

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Anna- "Really?"

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

Of course.

Molly Woodhaven- Stories of her adventures and other extraordinary experiences- (Children's 8-10)

The Other Vampire- sequel to One of Them (Urban Fantasy)

The Battle #4 of The Anna Kippling Series (Paranormal Romance /Epic Fantasy -I'm indecisive:0)

And a few more...

What books have influenced your writing?

Hmmm... to many...

R.L. Stine - Fear Street Series

Danielle Steel- she made me a romantic and dramatic

L. J. Smith--REad the Vampire Diaries in HS- hence Vampire lover...

so many more...

 

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

Dean Koonz- I would love to pick his brain.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

cool with ebooks, prefer paperback over hard, cost really.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Amazon these days- ebooks - but I do still buy a paperback from time to time.

 

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

INDIE- through and through!

What book would you like to read again?

Jewels- Danielle Steel

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

So far never have...

 

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

ebook- The Grimsley Hollow Series -The chosen one By: Nicole Storey

Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?

H.P. Mallory- love her writing style and clever books

Emlyn Chand- Farsighted- She's on my reading list...

Stephanie Meyer--yes I was one of the last to read her series and have not finished... I cheated

and jumped ahead and read the last one to keep up with the movies..sorry Stephanie!

Suzanne Collins- The Hunger games- My friend Angela wants to beat me b/c I haven't read the series yet, but pretty much have

since my daughter tells me everything..I will read it though...

Who designed the cover of your book?

I did.

Do you buy a book by the cover?

Yes and then did my own stuff :0)

Do you have a book trailer?

Yes, but not the greatest, I am not the most tech savvy

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

Awesome! I'm jealous of many!

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Keep a notebook and pencil nearby.

Story map- my kids call it that

Patience and determination too

Do you write under a pen name?

kind of- A.D. Duling

What date were you born? - you can leave off the year if you like.

June 3, 1978


Do you have a nickname?

Not really, sometimes Alish- how original is that:0)


Did you have a favorite toy as a child?

Barbie--although I always had to buy Midge (blame my sister)

An early childhood memory -

My Dad was in Japan for a tour and he sent us home some Wonder woman t-shirt and undies. my sister and I could have sworn we were jumping high like her as we watched ourselves in the mirror.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

All the time.


What are your pet peeves?

litering & pride 

Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic?

I have 3 dogs(daschunds and a miniature cockapoo)

1 cat my husband rescued

2 Guinea pigs (scattle & fuffie-she's mine)

2 turtles

 

White wine or red?

I actually do not drink wine.

Coffee or tea?

Neither...I like hot cocoa

 

So you like to cook? Do you have a favorite food?

kind of...meatloaf

Dessert- Pumpkin dump cake

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?

Vanilla- but only french

What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?

cereal, shake, toast... not all together though

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?

notebook & pen

most of the time a kid

 and 2 tampons (one for me and one for friend- even newly met)


Sleep in or get up early?

always up at 7, thank the kids :0)

 

Laptop or desktop for writing?

laptop with a keyboard plugged into it

Your favorite gadget - 

crockpot

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

at my desk now a days..anywhere else kills my neck and back

(I have such a deep arch...poo)

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad - 

So far I have not gotten a bad one, but I have only gotten a tiny few

I do know I will get a bad one eventually, there are always those unhappy folks...

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

Johnny Depp- he's been there- well sorta

Tom Hanks & Wilson--three years on that Island for that movie...he's gotta know.

Christopher Reeve- he's superman- he can fly us off--no wait... RIP Christopher Reeve

we love you!

Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?

Greece 

 

One of your favorite quotes -

"It is better to try and fail, than to wonder what if..."- that was mine.

"People can only hurt you as much as you let them"- Eleanor Roosevelt

 

List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

Bone Dust & Beginnings (Alexa's Travels)

Dumb White Husband vs. The Grocery Store (Benjamin Wallace)

Coffee Break Story - Unfinished Business (Catherine Daly)

 

List 3 of your favorite movies?

Pride & Prejudice - the one with Kiera Knightly

Harry Potter of course!

and

IT's a wonderful life

An actor or a book character you have a crush on -

actor- Brendan Fraisier- could i have watched The Mummy too much?

character- Hayden (Anna Kippling Series)- his personality is of my husbands...

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?

Once Upon a Time

If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters? Feel free to add pics.

Anna- a fresh discovery

Hayden- Zach Efron - but he would have to dye his hair blonde

Val- Dakota Fanning

The Chancellor (he's young)- Jackson Rathbone

Where can your readers stalk you?

www (dot) adduling (dot) com

 

My facebook page:www(dot)facebook (dot)com/adduling

 

My Goodreads author page: http://bit.ly/wIolKC 

Twitter:

@adduling 

Amazon:

http://amzn.to/yVlrok

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

ebook

 

 

 

 

 

Author Interview - Barbara Watkins (Hollowing Screams)

Hi Barbara, where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born and raised in Missouri - the (showme state), whatever that’s supposed to mean, lol. Don’t tell me – showme!  

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.

Well, about a year ago, I was networking on Facebook and met a wonderful young director from Zodiac Entertainment in New Zealand by the name of Dimi Nakov. After researching some of his work – impressive to say the least, I kindly ask if I could send him a few of my books, no strings attached just wanted his opinion of my work. A few months later, I received a personal e-mail stating that he was quite impressed with my style of writing. He said he had a screenplay (a thriller) that was being adapted to a short film entitled, BlindSide, and would I be interested in looking at the main characters monologue. He wanted my opinion! I know I was just as surprised as you are now, lol! To make a very long story short, I made a few changes and added my own flavor to the script and they accepted them. The short film is now completed and has been submitted to several film festivals. As the credits roll at the end of the film it reads, Writing Credits, Barbara Watkins Voice-Over Monologue for main character, Becky. I have since signed a film contract with Zodiac Entertainment for my book, Hollowing Screams.    
     

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

Hollowing Screams: A fast paced paranormal ride with many twists and turns through a sleepy little town full of colorful characters haunted by an evil entity.   

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Please, please don't kill me off! I do so want to be in the sequel! 

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

I am working on a sequel to Hollowing Screams. However, I am currently working with the legendary author Betty Dravis, on a book of short horror stories entitled, Six-Pack of Blood. John Locke did the foreword for her book, ‘Star Struck.’ She is an amazing writer and I’m proud to be contributing three of my short horror stories.    

What books have influenced your writing?

Years ago when I read ‘Carrie’ by Stephen King, I thought, this is what I want to do. I want to entertain with my words, scare, horrify, and take the reader into a world of which nightmares are made.  

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

Stephen King, Anne Rice, Clive Barker, and the list go on.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

There is no denying ebooks are the wave of the future, and the future is now, but nothing can compare to holding that book in my hands.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

When I can, I love to visit my local Barnes&Noble but I often visit Amazon as well.  

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

I have two self-published books on Amazon through the KDP program, Mortal Abomination and Awaken Spirit. Hollowing Screams is published through R.J.Buckley Publishing. 

What book would you like to read again?

Mr. B. Gone. By Clive Barker – it’s ‘one’ horrifying read!

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

Hmmm, I would have to say no. I think often times too much important information is deleted from the book to accommodate the movie. 

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

Right now, I’m reading and reviewing an ebook entitled, To Kill The Duke by Sam Moffie.  

Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?

Betty Dravis. I love her style of storytelling. She can write horror, comedy, romance – a pro in any genre really. 

Who designed the cover of your book?

Rebecca Buckley – she has an amazing eye for detail!


Do you buy a book by the cover?

I can say the cover is what draws my attention to the book. Positive word of mouth – that’s the ticket!  

Do you have a book trailer?

Yes, I created my own with Hollowing Screams and was that a chore, lol! 

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I think they’re fantastic – a great promotional tool. 

Do you have any advice for other writers?

The old saying, ‘Write what you know’ comes to mind’. Set aside a time to write everyday, even if it’s only a few lines. Learn to take rejection with a grain of salt, and ignore criticism but embrace a critique. If writing is in your blood – put pencil to paper and don’t look back!  

Do you write under a pen name?

Heck no! I want to see my real name under that title, lol!

What date were you born? - you can leave off the year if you like.

October 6^th the year the Stonehenge was built, lol! 


Do you have a nickname?

Barbie, uggg!


Did you have a favorite toy as a child?

A stuffed tiger – man I swear that thing came to life at times, lol!

An early childhood memory –

My precious mother singing me to sleep – think about that often.


What are your pet peeves?

Being disturbed when I’m writing!

White wine or red?

Red all the way!

Coffee or tea?

Neither – hooked on coke zero, lol! 

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?

Cigarettes, lighter – I know it’s a filthy vice, but it’s mine! 


Sleep in or get up early?

Sleep about four hours a night if I’m lucky, uggg! 

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop and notebook pad.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

Late, late at night when everything is quiet.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad –

They’re essential! We always want good reviews, but everyone has different opinions about what they read, and we need to consider their words – bad with the good.  

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

Johnny Depp – he’s all I need, lol!

Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?

Italy. 

One of your favorite quotes –

‘Live like you’re dying’ 

List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

‘Star Struck’ by Betty Dravis – ‘Mr. B. Gone’ by Clive Barker – ‘Ghosts’ by Noel Hynd.

List 3 of your favorite movies?

‘The Shining’ ‘House on Haunted Hill’ (Vincent Price) don’t laugh, ‘Notebook’

An actor or a book character you have a crush on –

Johnny Depp

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?

True Blood’ – cannot get enough…oh and Dexter!

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: http://www.blogspot.com/barbarawatkins

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/watkinsfanpage

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/paranormawriter

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Watkins/e/B002FZQ5B6/ref=sr_tc_2_rm?qid=1331106858&sr=1-2-ent

Web site: http://www.barbarawatkins

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

Hollowing Screams is available in-print and ebook. 

Author Interview with - J. M. Preiss Time Jump - win a copy

To win a copy of this book facebook/tweet this post and leave your contact information in the comments box below.

Contest expires by the 18th of May 2012


Hi Jon, where were you born and where do you call home? 

Born in New Braunfels, Texas. I currently live outside of SW Houston.

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.

Well, I guess the biggest thing that recently happened was I built up the nerve to push forward and self-publish Time Jump. It was a pretty nervous time for me.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

Time Jump - "Something went wrong. Something went horribly wrong..."

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Regarding what happened in the book? Jacob would probably shake his head and be all hardcore. He really is cold and steely, but there is more to him than meets the eye.

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?

I have recently started work on Eugenic Reprisal which is the second book in the Halcyon Gate series. Time Jump is the first.

What books have influenced your writing?

Wow. That's a long question to answer if I really get down to it. The short of it, though? Dune and the Sword of Truth series. Dune is just such an epic story and what I consider to be amazing sci-fi. Sword of Truth is just one of those series that really gets you in love with the main characters. I only hope that I can do half as good as Herbert and Goodkind.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

Terry Goodkind. That's the first person that comes to mind.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I used to be all about the paperback/hardcover book. Ever since I got a Kindle though, that has changed drastically. I love the ease of being able to read one-handed while lounging on the couch.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

I buy my books off of Amazon.com now. All of them are eBooks.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

That I am.

Patti says:  you should come join the Authors Critique Group on Facebook and "First 5 Chapters" - we would love to have you!  Lots of like minded authors!

What book would you like to read again?

The entire Dune series. In fact, I'm probably going to do that here in the next couple of days.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

I can't say that any particular one comes to mind. I did really enjoy the Lord of the Rings movies though.

Patti Says:  Oh, I just finished watching the movies again and now I've started reading the books!  Fantastic! and to think they were first published on the 21st July 1954...

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

I'm currently reading Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Conviction (ebook) and The Towers of Sunset (paperback)

Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?

Michael R. Hicks, definitely. I read his book on self-publishing, The Path to Self-Publishing Success, and got really inspired.

Who designed the cover of your book?

Ha. Well, I came up with the general look of it, but beyond that, my girlfriend did it all.

Do you buy a book by the cover?

Not really, no. I like how cool some of them look, but flashy covers don't sell me a book. I want that snippet/synopsis to grab me. I'm also a loyal fan of series that I own.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don't give up. Just keep plugging away at it and never lose faith. It might take a while to get there, but you will get there if you keep going. One step at a time and all that jazz.

Do you write under a pen name?

Not really, no. J. M. Preiss is my real name....with using my first and middle initial of course.

What date were you born? - you can leave off the year if you like. 

08/12/1987

Do you have a nickname? 

I used to be called 'Jon' or 'Preiss' in high school. 

Did you have a favorite toy as a child?
Man, I don't know. I can't remember any toy in specific that I loved more than the others. That'd be a question to ask one of my parents or my brother. I was very much a child of the gaming age that really kicked off in the early to mid-nineties. I even had roots starting with the Atari, Sega Master System, and an old IBM computer thanks to my brother. I've owned those, a sega genesis, playstation, nintendo 64, playstation 2, xbox, xbox 360, playstation 3, nintendo wii, and multiple computers.....I'm really a big nerd.

An early childhood memory - 

I don't remember it all that clearly, and maybe I'm saying I remember it because I've been told it so many times. I once threw our new pomeranian puppy against a door. Now, mind you, I was extremely young at the time.

Patti Says: Ouch!

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

Certainly. That's one of the things I love about writing. Your computer doesn't care what you look like.

Patti Says: So true!!

What are your pet peeves? 
People being late or changing plans without telling me. I like to be kept in the loop on what's going on. 

Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic?

Don't really have a good picture of them, but I've got an annoying cat (not really....but really) named Fermi, two parakeets (Peri and Jeri), and a number of fish.

Patti Asks:  Called Splish and Splash??

White wine or red?

Don't drink wine really. Actually, don't drink at all for all intents and purposes.

Coffee or tea?

Tea. With lots of sugar.

So you like to cook?  Do you have a favorite food?

I love cooking as long as I don't have to do the dishes. My favorite definitely has to be pasta. I can eat my body weight in the stuff.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?

Vanilla with chocolate syrup if I'm at home. If I go to Marble Slab or Cold Stone, I get the birthday cake/cake batter. That stuff is so addicting!

What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?

On most days I eat a bowl of bag cereal. If I skip breakfast because I woke up late or because I was waiting for the girlfriend to wake up, I jump straight to lunch somewhere near my apartment.

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?

Always have a comb in my pocket. My hair loves to rebel against my whims. Um, sunglasses are pretty important to me too. Polarized ones to be specific. Beyond that.....nothing really.

Sleep in or get up early?

I don't know until the morning of. Seems that I always get up super early when the girlfriend wants to sleep in though. :p

Laptop or desktop for writing?
While I can write on my laptop, I greatly prefer my desktop. It's just so much more comfortable for me to relax in my computer chair at my desk and type away. There's also no pesky power cable that I have to worry about since it is with all my other cables against the wall.

Your favorite gadget - 

Toss up between my tablet, my phone, and my kindle.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
I write whenever the mood strikes me. Since I prefer writing on my desktop, I do it where my desk is in the dining room.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad - 

I love book reviews! I want to know what other people think of the story that I am telling. While I don't care for people that absolutely rip a book to shreds because they just don't like it (not talking about errors in the book here, those bad reviews ARE warranted), I'll them slide. It's up to the other readers to police that stuff, not me.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?
Bear Grylls, Survivor Man, and....can't really think of a third.

Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?

I am going to visit Germany one of these days. Just need to actually get to a point where I can.

One of your favorite quotes -

Do or do not. There is no try.

List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

The Omen Machine by Terry Goodkind. I'd recommend it, but only if you really want to continue the story.

The Path to Self-Publishing Success by Michael R. Hicks. Had a lot of great information.

The Magic of Recluce by L.E. Modesitt Jr. Amazing book.

List 3 of your favorite movies?

The original Star Wars trilogy. Stardust (amusing movie to me). Serenity. 

An actor or a book character you have a crush on -

Um...hmm...I guess Cara from the Sword of Truth series. She's pretty awesome.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?

Really don't watch TV, and I haven't seen a movie in a pretty good while.

If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?  Feel free to add pics.

I've honestly not given that any thought. Would I like for that to happen? Definitely! I think we need more sci-fi movies nowadays, but that dream is a long way off for me. Anyways, who to play my characters? I don't know. We'd just have to see.

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: http://jmpreiss.blogspot.com/

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/J-M-Preiss/187454518023189

My Goodreads author page:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5752537.J_M_Preiss

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jmpreiss

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/J.-M.-Preiss/e/B0078ELV3Q/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

Time Jump is available as an ebook from Amazon.com. It is currently $2.99. It can also be found on the other amazon websites for people outside of the .com realm.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me, it has been fun, and allowing us a glimpse into your writing word.  I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better.  Patti

Book Review By guest blogger Michael Phoenix: Martin Little, Resurrected - Ella Medler

A unique book...

Ok, this one is kind of difficult for me. Not because it is beyond my skills of reading / reviewing, but there is not one thing I don't like about it. Martin Little completely caught me off guard. I did not want to stop until the end.

From the beginning:
The cover is, somewhat, deceptive. I originally thought the genre would be for children or teens. First thing I was wrong about. It is geared towards teens and adults. The navigation is well planned and formatted. I have an epub version using Adobe Reader.

Ebook setup and formatting: 
The first few pages include Table of Contents with links to every section. Title page, Publisher Information, brief author bio and dedication round out this section. The only thing I wish was included: a link back to the Table Of Contents. Not a major point considering the side navigation bar. Overall, the setup and formatting is excellent.

Chapter 1 jumps right into the action and story. Starting with Martin drinking a cup of hot chocolate. You did hear me right. You start to get a decent feel for Martin and his character in this chapter. We are also introduced to the other, main characters along with a few hints about them. The story does start off innocently with Martin having a mundane life. After finishing chapter 1, I was completely absorbed and wanted more. Chapter 2 is where the fun begins.

I will not do a chapter by by chapter breakdown here. I don't want to spoil anything for you. I will not give about the ending except one: Several things in this book are misleading, but some are not. The story mimics life to a point.

The backstory of the main characters: Martin, Vee, Archie and Gary is revealed throughout the chapters. The relationships between them is also developed and revealed in the same way. If you think you can just scan or skip a chapter or two, don't.

Chapter titles are misleading and deceptive, at times. This is a major point when I read. It keeps the reader off guard and interested. Some examples: chapter 1 - The Horrifying price of chocolate, cubicle six and chow. Ella only titles and not chapter numbers. This could be a plus or minus, depending on your preference. Personally, I don't care either way.

The main characters were well developed throughout the story. The way Martin evolved and learned is very impressive. His self-discovery and progression were not predictable. The supporting characters are well written and developed, especially in the main scenes / settings. Character interaction is a good combination of unpredictability at times.

Ella creates a very interesting and unique concept of Heaven in this book. I love this part the most. The only thing I will reveal here: Combine various elements and you have a new creation. Seriously, even this element, almost everyone can relate to. Her concept of heaven is one main aspect that kept me reading and wanting more. I can not say enough about this aspect of the story and scenes.

Overall: 
this is one of the best books I have ever read. Martin Little, Resurrected is beyond anything I expected. I did not want to stop reading. The characters are believable. The plot has a lot of, unexpected turns. Scenes and visualization is well written and for the mind to see. Character interaction / conflict / development: very easy to believe; especially in the situations they are placed in. The end is unexpected on a high note. If I could give this book higher than 5, I would. Great Job, Ella Medler! Much success with this one.

This is the first book I have reviewed by this author. It will not be the last.
http://www.amazon.com/Martin-Little-Resurrected-ebook/dp/B006E38ELO

5 stars for Martin Little, Resurrected. (ebook and paperback)

Michael Phoenix, Author of the book - A Dream in the Night.

Michael's Blog 

REVIEW BY GUEST BLOGGER Ella Medler: Tomorrow’s Child, by Starr West

Tomorrow’s Child deals with an apocalypse idea by going deep and scrutinising people’s habits, actions and emotions in a way most authors would shy away from.

We meet Psyche Darnell and we know she is special. It takes a while for her to discover why and what she is expected to do with her gifts, her teenage hormones don’t make for an easy ride, but at least she is surrounded by friends. All she has to do is merely accept the truth, because Starr West is right – ‘you don’t have to believe in something for it to be true’.

It’s never easy admitting you are flawed, but here none of the characters are perfect. Despite this, or maybe because of it, you can’t help but feel close to them. There aren’t many without special attributes, so you can’t really mistake them for normal people, but they exude warmth and friendship, a strong sense of right and wrong and they would gladly sacrifice themselves for the greater good – the very essence of humanity.

The story is well written, in a strong and clear voice. There are points of darkness and suspense throughout the plot but it is not a dizzyingly fast carousel of action, and neither should it be. Scenarios such as this require careful consideration. You can’t just skip merrily to the next page without thinking about the problems posed to the last few surviving humans. You can’t not think of all the ramifications, all the what-ifs, all of the what-would-I-dos.

Starr is clearly a people watcher, a very keen observer, and it shows. The way different people deal with their own personal crises is portrayed brilliantly. The outcome is a ray of light, quite satisfying, and the epilogue gives a glimpse of future frictions and even confrontations. We’ll have to wait for book two to see how they unfold.

A good first entry, by a deep-thinking author and a very pleasant read. Just don’t expect to stop thinking about it when you’ve put it down.

You can read the first five chapters free here http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/140165

Get to know Starr better http://starrwest.wordpress.com/

About Ella Medler

Ella Medler is a fiction novelist and playwright. Her first novel MARTIN LITTLE, RESURRECTED is available in print from Amazon.com and in ebook form pretty much in every format you can think of. Visit her website at www.ellamedler.com for updates, excerpts of her writing and links.

Author Interview - Courtney M. Privett, Mayfly Requiem and the Echoes of Oblivion trilogy

Hi Courtney, Where were you born and where do you call home?   I was born in Detroit, grew up in northeast Michigan, went to college in Missouri, and now live in Kansas.

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.  My daughter was born in December, so she is consuming most of my life right now, in a good way.  She's an awesome sleeper so I still get writing time at night after she goes to bed.  I also have a two-year-old son, so my life is pretty busy.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say? Mayfly Requiem... Self-loathing former immortal reveals the true history of Malora via lengthy and emotional confession.

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?  I think Sevilen Achara would have some choice words for me if we met...  "You stuck me in this palace with my homocidal, agoraphobic brother.  Please get me out of here.  No, I don't want another eighteen years with him.  Get me out of here.  Now.  I'm warning you.  I have swords and know how to use them.  What is wrong with you?  Don't you believe my threats?  No really, I'm not that nice.  I can be mean and violent, just you wait."

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?  I am currently doing rewrites on a book that comes 4,800 years after Echoes of Oblivion and 2/3 through the first draft of a story 50 years after Echoes.  All six of my books are different story arcs in the same world with several overlapping characters.

What books have influenced your writing?  I always had a book in my hand when I was growing up.  My favorite authors are J.R.R. Tolkien, Edgar Allen Poe, Douglas Adams, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, and Orson Scott Card, and all of them had an influence on my writing.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?  Can I resurrect Tolkien?  I really would love to converse with him on world-building.  As for living authors, Neil Gaiman.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?  Paperbacks.  I have trouble reading off a screen because my vision is awful, and hardcovers are too bulky to carry around.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?  I'm a big fan of used book stores and local shops.  I've found all sorts of treasures in them (my favorite conversation piece is a vintage Headhunting in the Solomon Islands)

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?  Yes.  I decided to go that route for the freedom it offered.  I didn't want to be told to tone down my vocabulary or wait around for years for responses from publishers.

What book would you like to read again?  I reread The Hobbit once a year.  I think I'd like to reread Good Omens so I can pick up on more of the classic Pratchett humor.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version? Stardust.  I liked the book, but the movie was wonderful in a totally different way.  A Clockwork Orange is another one.  The Nadsat dialect made the book extremely difficult to read, but it translated beautifully to the screen, especially with Malcolm McDowell's amazing portrayal of Alex.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?  I'm currently rereading His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman.  I have a large paperback version with all three books in one volume.

Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?  I was on a Terry Pratchett kick recently and read every Discworld book I could find.  I love the absurdist British humor.  I'm getting a tablet for my birthday in a couple of weeks, so I'll be able to pick up some of the indie e-books I've been eyeing.  I can't read them on my little Linux-running netbook.

Do you have any advice for other writers?  I'll tell them what I told my aspiring writer friend.  "Shut up and write."  It doesn't matter if you write a masterpiece or something that will end up only being for you.  You will always be aspiring unless you sit down and write.  It's hard to get started, but once you are into it, it becomes easier, and finishing your first draft is like giving birth.  You have this fragile, beautiful little thing that you have to feed, nurture, and protect until it is ready to go out into the world on its own.

Do you write under a pen name?  No.  I thought about it, but decided I didn't feel like hiding.


What date were you born? - you can leave off the year if you like.  May 6.

Do you have a nickname?  Occasionally.  I'm most often known as "Mommy".  My husband calls me "Zumi" (short for "Nezumi", Japanese for "mouse").

Did you have a favorite toy as a child?  I don't remember having any favorites.  I've never been particularly sentimental and form attachments to people instead of objects.

An early childhood memory - My very first memory is walking with my parents on the beach in Florida on a cold, miserable day.  I think it was January of 1986 and I was three-and-a-half years old.  While we were on the beach, our rental car was broken into and everything was stolen, including my mother's purse.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?  All the time.  Some days I don't even bother to get dressed.

Patti says: I know that temptation well.
 

What are your pet peeves? I'm a vegan and I hate when people think it is appropriate to gloat about eating meat in front of me.  I also hate seeing people touch feet and won't let anyone touch mine.  And people licking their fingers when the turn pages or count money.  Gross.

Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic?  I have two cats, Loki and Rhapsody.  They are brutal critics and lousy writing partners.

White wine or red?  I haven't had alcohol for over three years.  I'd probably get drunk from sniffing the cork at this point.

Coffee or tea?  Tea

So you like to cook?  Do you have a favorite food?  I love to cook, as long as the kids aren't yelling at me.  My specialty is vegan desserts, but I don't have that much of a sweet tooth.  I'd rather eat strawberries than chocolate.  My favorite food is any variety of curry.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?  Vanilla

What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?  A bagel, soy yogurt, or granola.  I usually don't get to write until after the kids are in bed for the night.

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?  Notebook, pen, water bottle, lip balm.
 

Sleep in or get up early?  Sleep in.  I'm a night owl (my writing hours are usually 10pm-2am) and my kids usually don't wake up until 9am.

Laptop or desktop for writing?  I write on a netbook.  I have trouble typing on a full-sized keyboard because of nerve problems, so my little netbook is perfect.  Mayfly Requiem was written entirely by hand, though.

Your favorite gadget - A tablet to keep my toddler entertained when I have a narcolepsy crash and he's not ready for a nap.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?  I write late at night, usually on the downstairs couch because my laptop battery is dying and I'm tethered to an outlet.
 

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad -  I can take criticism, as long as it is constructive

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?  Any combination of three Mythbusters.  They would be great company while we figure out how to get off the island.

Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?  I would love to go camping in New Zealand.

One of your favorite quotes -  Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were.  But without it, we go nowhere.  --Carl Sagan

List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?  Empire of the Stars by Arthur I. Miller, The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett, and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

List 3 of your favorite movies?  Spirited Away, Shaun of the Dead, and Serenity.  I suppose I have an S-theme going.

Patti Says: I loved the Firefly TV Series so the movie was a treat.

An actor or a book character you have a crush on -  I'm not normally into the vamp/were thing, but I like Remus Lupin.  Actor crush would be Cillian Murphy.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?  Breaking Bad


If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?   After I watched Inkheart, I kept seeing Paul Bettany as Rastaban.  I could also maybe see Ellen Page as Ember and Dakota Fanning as Lirit.

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: http://evergreenandindigo.blogspot.com/

My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/CourtneyMPrivett 

My Goodreads author page:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5778694.Courtney_M_Privett

Twitter:  @CourtneyPrivett https://twitter.com/#!/CourtneyPrivett

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Courtney-Privett/e/B007DIPPKC

Is your book in Print, ebook or both? All four books are in e-book only for now.

Asleep on the job: One of Courtney's harshest critic, Rhapsody the cat.

And Below, Courtney's dream office. 

Patti says: I can only dream of an office that tidy!!


Hope you enjoyed the interview with Courtney!  Feel free to visit her at her various links or drop a quick note below in the comments box.