Author interview with Rebecca Lauren - New book release, Our Forever Summer

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

I recently had a baby and I am so in love! Her wonderful sleeping habits, coupled with the snowy, cold winter allowed for me to finish this book!

What inspired you to start writing, and when?

I’ve been writing stories ever since I was a young girl. I was always complimented on my writing, though I never thought of doing anything with it until I stopped working and stayed home to raise my daughters.

How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?

I have done lots of writing and other short stories (many other different names and publishers) but this is the first one that is entirely mine.

What is the name of your most recent book and please sum it up in 50 words or less.

Our Forever Summer – It’s the unlikely love story of  a romance between two teenagers from completely different worlds. Something happens at the end of the summer that shatters their relationship and they lose touch. They reconnect ten years later, but a secret threatens everything.

Do you have plans for a new book?

Yes! I have dozens of ideas – and two books that have been started but not completed. I may finish one of those before I move on to a new idea!

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

I would love to meet JK Rowling. Her imagination and creativity are mind-blowing!

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I love the convenience of ebooks, and their existence allows me to publish my work! But I have a soft spot for a beat up paperback that I can toss in my bag and take anywhere.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

I buy nearly all my books through Amazon

Are you a self- published (Indie) Author? Yes!

What books would you like to read again?

I really love all genres, but it’s the romance and paranormal/fantasy books that I want to read again and again. I get lost in those books! And you always find something new when you read a paranormal or fantasy book again.

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

I am a HUGE believer in books always being better than movies. But one does come to mind. The Notebook. I read The Notebook not long after it came out, and found it just okay. But the movie – well that’s a different story! Otherwise, I really can’t think of another example.

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

I actually just finished Flowers in the Attic. I don’t know how I had never read that book, but I feel like the last person on the face of the earth to discover that series.

Who designed the cover of your book?

Patti Roberts – she was great to work with!

Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it? 

Usually the cover of the book will intrigue me to read the synopsis. Then I make the decision to buy or not.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

This is my first real book, so I really don’t feel as if I’m in any place to give advice. But I will say – don’t underestimate yourself. Three years ago when I first began writing short stories for profit, I thought that I could never write an actual book. It seemed so daunting. But as time went on, and I gained more experience, I had a lot more faith in myself and I realized it was a real possibility!

Do you write under a pen name?  A Yes or No answer is fine.

Yes – but I use my real first name

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

Yes! I stay home with my two daughters, so I find myself writing at all different times of the day. Usually I write in the afternoon, while the girls are napping, or in the evening after they have gone to bed.

What are your pet peeves?

My biggest pet peeve is when people don’t RSVP to events. It drives me crazy!! If the event is important enough that you’re being asked to respond, then please be courteous!

What are your favorite food and beverage?

Steamed crabs and a margarita on the rocks with salt

Do you write outside of your favorite genre?  Why?

Yes. I have a few favorite genres – I like to write romance, paranormal and YA.

In your case, how many hours do you devote to research and writing per day?

Roughly 1-2 hours a day but it can vary any given week

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

Snacks for my oldest, diapers for my youngest, hand sanitizer (I’m a bit of a germaphobe) and my water bottle

Sleep in or get up early?

I have two small children so my days of sleeping in are well in the past.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop – it’s essential because I write all over the house, and even sometimes in the car. Especially having two children. Sometimes I’m writing in one of their bedrooms, or the playroom (Which surprisingly is the quietest room in our house)

Your favorite gadget - 

iPhone – it contains my life!

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

Usually in the afternoon when my daughters are napping  - and at that time of day I can usually be found on the living room couch or at the kitchen table.

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

I really love getting reviews – and I appreciate the constructive ones. However, I get annoyed with the people who leave bad reviews complaining about something that they failed to notice in the book information example – genre, length, characters

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

The Maldives – it’s on my bucket list

One of your favorite quotes –

“Life is what you make of it, not what it makes out of you.” It’s from a cheesy TV movie with Lea Thompson that I watched as a teenager, but it’s always stuck with me

List 3 of your favorite movies?

It’s a Wonderful Life

The Sound of Music

Hook

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

I became hooked on Orange is the New Black – I can’t wait for the second season. I definitely binge watch shows

Where can your readers stalk you? Right now I only have Twitter, but hope to build on that

Twitter: @writer_rebecca

Is your book in Print, ebook or both? ebook

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview, 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 Roberts

Author/Book cover designer

http://www.pattirobertsauthor.com/

Buy your copy now on Amazon - HERE

If you have enjoyed reading this post, please share it with your friends - and help support an indie author. 

Up close and personal with Author – S. E. Gilchrist: Bound series

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I’m a born and bred Novastrian, ie Newcastle Australia and now I live a thirty minute drive inland in the Hunter Valley with my three adult children, two dogs and two cats.

How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?

At time of writing, I have nine e-books published. Four in my sci fi romance world, two in my Bound series, another two short novellas in a post-apocalyptic futuristic series and a stand alone, rural, contemporary romance.

What is the name of your most recent book and please sum it up in 50 words or less. My last release was Star Pirate’s Justice in February 2014. Carly has one focus in her life: to return home to her terminally ill younger sister. When she learns that a Darkon traitor possesses gateway maps to Earth, she uses all her skills to track him down. But capturing the charming star pirate turns out to be trickier than she anticipated…

Do you have plans for a new book? I always have plans for new stories! At the moment I’m writing two novellas in my sci fi world, another contemporary rural romance and finishing off a NA futuristic novel.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet? I’d love to meet Agatha Christie, Elizabeth Peters, John Birminham and Linnea Sinclair. Oh, and I cant forget Tolkien. Actually too many to count.

Are you a self- published (Indie) Author? I’m what I believe is called a hybrid author. I’ve indie (self published) four stories and have five published by ebook publishers.

Who designed the cover of your book? My two Bound books were re-designed by Paradox Book Cover Designs and I love them. Patti also did up a cover for a third book in this series (which I have yet to write).

Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it?   A vibrant cover will catch my eye but it’s the blurb that will sell it for me.

Do you have any advice for other writers? Persevere, learn as much as you can, attend workshops, conferences (on-line ones or how-too books if dollars are tight) and find a supportive face to face writing group.

Do you write under a pen name?  Actually I write under my maiden name.

An early childhood memory -  I was on a train travelling up to visit my great Aunt and would have been about two and a half years old. I remember fighting with my older brother for the top bunk!

Do you ever write in your PJ’s? No but I do prefer to write in my ‘comfort’ clothes. In winter that’s track pants and sloppy joe and my awesome ugg boots my kids bought for me and summer usually a tank top and shorts.

Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic? I’m a pushover for animals and keen on animal welfare. We have two dogs and two cats. Our cats are rescue cats, which I caught from my day job and have brought home and they are very affectionate and loving.

Do you write outside of your favorite genre?  Why? My rural contemporary romance is definitely far removed from science fiction / action / adventure stories. I wanted to write a story my mother would read (ie no aliens and the bedroom door must stay closed). I found I enjoyed the experience and hope to continue to write other stories, particularly small town stories in the future.

In your case, how many hours do you devote to research and writing per day? Hard to evaluate since I work full time and my writing is squeezed into my spare time. Over one week I try to get in a minimum of 10 to 12 hours.

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)? My kids (now adults – lol), my dogs, my cats and my photos of my family.

Sleep in or get up early? I’m up early, my dogs would not allow me to sleep in. Its walk time at 6.30am every day.

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

One of your favorite quotes - Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.

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

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog:  http://www.segilchrist.com/blog

My facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/segilchrist

My Goodreads author

page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6587665.S_E_Gilchrist

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SEGilchrist1

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/S-E-Gilchrist/e/B009F6LGXA

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/SEGilchrist

Other: http://hunterromancewriters.wordpress.com/

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?  Ebook however I’m working on POD for my indie published titles.

Please support indie authors and share this post on facebook, twitter and everywhere else you can think of :) Patti

Now available in print - Innocence Reclaimed (Journey of Innocence) By Helen Johnston

Innocence Reclaimed (Journey of Innocence)

Authored by Helen Johnston

Delve deeper into the journey ...

Siobhan remains in the clutches of Monique, trapped in her French chateau; her body drawn into a world of sensual and sexual awakening. Torn from Blake's arms, will she ever see him again?

Jarryd, sworn to protect Siobhan for the Elder Blake, continues to feel overwhelming emotions that he thought were long dead. The passion and desire, his love for her, he knows is futile. A happily ever after with her would be the signing of his own death warrant.

Will Monique's plans for Siobhan reach fruition as the Elders' party draws closer, gathering them together once a century? Will hell on earth reign supreme? Or will Blake, one of the most powerful and charismatic Elders, be able to hold his restraint until the perfect time to rescue his love?

Publication Date:

May 15 2014

ISBN/EAN13:

1499564864 / 9781499564860

Page Count:

398

Binding Type:

US Trade Paper

Trim Size:

6" x 9"

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Related Categories:

Fiction / Erotica

Createspace - HERE

Amazon - HERE

formatting by Paradox Book Cover Designs

Author interview - HERE

Support Indie Authors and share this post

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH author Patricia Puddle – Ominous Series

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Scunthorpe in England and came to Australia just before my thirteenth birthday. I now live on the Mid North Coast of NSW in a quaint little village where I write.

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

After writing and illustrating children's books, I decided to try Fantasy Romance. I loved writing romance so much that I am also writing two more series. Plus I have Comedy/Horror story half written too. I also have  two children’s books that need editing before publishing. It’s just finding the time.

What inspired you to start writing, and when?

As a young child, I missed a lot of schooling due to childhood illnesses and operations. Unfortunately, I had an extremely mean teacher for the next few years, who never helped me to catch up to the other students. Instead, she used to send me home with another girl that got behind with her lessons. Of course we never went home or told our parents. We used to go to the park or climb up the mountains of rubble from a demolished building we called  The Brick Field. We even rummaged through garbage bins and collected used bubblegum from the pavement to make a giant ball. One day we spied through the kitchen window of a little boy we liked at school. Of course we got caught and busted for that. My parents ended up banning me from playing with my best friend so when I was older  and finally learned how to write better, I turned my childhood memoirs into fictitious children’s books, which became my Rascals Series.

How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?

I have Written and published seven books and have another ten that I’m writing at the moment. I have written and published two in my Ominous Series and I’m presently writing the third. There will be more in that series, then I’ll be starting my Innocent Love Series and My Delusional Series. My Children’s series are, The Rascals, Velvet Ball & The Broken Fairy, and Molly Gumnut.

What is the name of your most recent book and please sum it up in 50 words or less.

Fallen Angel is a prequel to Ominous Love. It’s a fantasy romance where two guardian angels fall in love with the same girl and fight for her heart. I wrote Ominous Love first, but fans requested more history on why the angels both wanted the same girl.

If you gave one of your characters in any of your books  an opportunity to speak for themselves outside the realm of the story, what would they say?

Nathaniel would say: “I never chose to fall for a human, it just happened. Whether I’m banished to Earth or have my wings, I will do my utmost to save Eloise from Evil and protect her from danger. She is my only reason for being.

Do you have plans for a new book?

I have so many new books started and even some book covers all ready.

  

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

eBook. I love reading in the dark on my iPad and know it will turn off if I fall asleep. Plus you don’t have to hold them.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes.

Are you a self- published (Indie) Author?

 Yes, and proud of it, since I taught myself to write, publish, and market my books.

Who designed the cover of your book?

 Patti Roberts: Paradox Book Covers and Design.

Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it? 

Definitely.

What Music inspires your writing?

Nathaniel Willemse, Birdy, Bruno Mars, One Direction, and Robin Thick. Oh, and Taylor Henderson.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never give another author a bad review. If you really don’t like a book, don’t review it.

Did you have a favorite toy as a child?

Yes, a doll that my father bought me. I loved that doll, but had to leave it in the hospital a year later as the nurses said it had germs. I was terribly upset, and even though my dad bought me another doll, it wasn’t the same. I believed my dolls were real and could feel pain.

An early childhood memory 

When I was six, I accidently wet my pants because the teacher wouldn’t let me go to the bathroom during class. At playtime, I sneaked to the back of the classroom and stuffed them down the back of the radiator to dry.  Trouble was they stunk out the classroom and the teacher checked everyone to see who was wet. She didn’t suspect me cause my pants were warm and dry.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

Oh, yes. I love writing in my pajamas. Especially when I’m near the end of a book and keep going day and night.

What are your pet peeves?

Power cuts when there are storm, especially when you’re uploading a new book to publish.

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

We had three adorable guinea pigs we rescues from being sold for snake food.  It was sad when they eventually died. They were so adorable. Also I cared for an injured baby bandicoot that was injured by a cat. After he recovered, I let him go back to the wild, then I wrote a fictitious children’s book about him. Called Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot. We also have kangaroos and wallabies right outside our window.

What are your favorite food and beverage?

Stir fried veggies, curries. Veggie Juice, Yogurt smoothies, Herb teas.

What hobbies do you have not relating to writing?

I love power walking on the highway because there are no bumps to trip over like in my surrounding streets. We live on a country dirt road.

I also love doing a doing weights. I build rock walls when I have stones to work with. I uses to sew and make rag dolls and their clothes before I started writing, then I would photograph them in the woods. Here is a link to see them: http://trish-mollygumnut.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/my-raggedy-tots.html

Do you write outside of your favorite genre?  Why?

Yes, if a story pops into my head. I’ve written: Children’s Books, Fantasy Romance, kids songs, and I’m writing Comedy/Horror, plus a Cookery Book. I plan other genres as well.

In your case, how many hours do you devote to research and writing per day?

I average sixteen hours per day.

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

iPAd, iPhone. Note book & pen, makeup.

Sleep in or get up early?

Both, depending. I write and sleep when I’m falling asleep at the computer.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop.

Your favorite gadget -

IPad. 

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

 In my home office anytime.

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

America.

List 3 of your favorite movies?

Man of Steel, Gone With The Wind,  Ghost.

An actor, author or a book character you admire.

Angeline Jolie

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

Man of Steel with Henry Cavil. Loved it!

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.

Henry Cavill for Nathaniel. Birdie or Selina Gomez  for Eloise. Johnny Ruffo for the cheeky Tom. But for Devlin, well that’s a hard one. Here is my Pinterest board of who I would like to play my characters;

http://www.pinterest.com/trishapuddle/people-that-look-like-characters-in-my-ominous-ser/

Where can your readers stalk you?

My Adult blog:http://patriciapuddle.blogspot.com.au/

My Children’s book Blog: http://trish-mollygumnut.blogspot.com.au/

My Website:http://childrens-books-author-p-puddle.com/

My facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/patricia.puddle

My Goodreads author page:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4488220.Patricia_Puddle

Twitter:https://twitter.com/TrishaPuddle

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Patricia-Puddle/e/B004ICUA92/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Smashwords:https://www..smashwords.com/profile/view/TrishaPuddle

Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/trishapuddle/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/PatriciaPuddle

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

My books are in both.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview, 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 Roberts.

Author/Book cover designer & format 

WEB - HERE

Blog - HERE

Facebook - HERE

Help support indie authors and share this post on twitter, facebook and everywhere else!

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL - Author Interview with Helen Johnston

Author Interview with Helen Johnston - book two of the Journey of Innocence Series, Innocence Reclaimed.

Where were you born and where do you call home? I was born in Southampton, Hampshire, and it’s still where I call home.

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

I never thought I’d turn down a publishing contract but I found myself doing just that this week. They just couldn’t offer me what I need at the moment.

How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?

This series is a trilogy, and I’ve already written book one of a new series that I’m hoping to get out next year.

What is the name of your most recent book and please sum it up in 50 words or less.

Innocence Reclaimed. 50 words? It’s a continuation of Innocence Lost. We catch up with Siobhan and her new friends and how life is treating her in the French chateau. We wait to see when Blake will make his move and come to her rescue, meanwhile her love for Jarryd is simmering just under the surface.  I think that’s 51 words lol!

If you gave one of your characters in any of your books an opportunity to speak for themselves outside the realm of the story, what would they say?

Blake, the leading man/vampire would probably have a go at me for what Siobhan went through. He always snarls in my head about it.

Do you have plans for a new book?

Book three of this series, Innocence Reclaimed, will be out later this year. And a new set that I’ve been working on should start next year sometime.

What books or authors have influenced your writing the most?

There are so many amazing authors I have read, far too many to name, but I did recently meet Sherrilyn Kenyon, I’ve loved her Dark Hunter books for years so it was an honour meeting her.

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

JK Rowling.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I think each one has their own merits. For convince I love ebooks, for my bookshelves I love hardbacks, and for just grabbing a book to read paperbacks are what I love.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

I mostly get my books from Amazon now. Whoever come up with one click needs to be beaten lol, it’s a dangerous tool!

Are you a self- published (Indie) Author?

Yes at the moment I’m self-published, but would love to have the weight of a large publishing house behind me, enabling me to get my books into book shops.  

What books would you like to read again?

G A Aiken, the Dragon series.

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

No I think books are far better, you just can’t go into the detail that a book can on film.

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

I am reading Dan Brown’s Inferno. Paperback, it was on special.

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

Laurann Dohaner, shes wrote loads but I just love her New Species series. Very hot and sexy, right up my street.

Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it?

I usually look at the cover and read the blurb on the back, then if I’m intrigued I will buy it.

 

Do you have a book trailer?

I’ve got one for the first book, Innocence Lost, but as of yet, I’ve not got one for Innocence Reclaimed.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I love them, they are a great marketing tool. But they are quite pricy to make or to have made for you.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don’t do it! Lol, no, just research your genre, and if you’re going to self-publish make sure you know what you need to do before you even pick up a pen or click on your computer.

Do you write under a pen name?  A Yes or No answer is fine.

No

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

30^th July…

Did you have a favorite toy as a child?

Not really, as a really young child I remember having a space hopper.

An early childhood memory –

Running wild in France while camping with my parents, they travelled around France a lot, and I still can’t speak French!

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

Most of the time I’m in my PJ’s lol!

Any pets that you would like to tell us about?

I recently lost one of my cats, Jinxy. He was a beautiful male cat and very soft. Wouldn’t hurt a fly. I used to dance around the room, singing with him and he’d get this look of ‘please someone save me.’ I miss him. 

What are your favorite food and beverage?

I’m allergic to caffeine so coffee and tea are out for me, I think I’m the only writer I know of who doesn’t soak up coffee. My drug of choice is chocolate, but I’m trying to cut back on that too.

In your case, how many hours do you devote to research and writing per day?

Probably only four to six as I work full time.

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

Business cards, flyers, a pen and notepad.

Sleep in or get up early?

Sleep in, I’m a night owl so my mornings are devoted to me in bed.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

I use a desktop, but started out on a laptop.

Your favorite gadget –

My phone! Id die without it!

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

At the moment we are redesigning out dining room, so my study is on the dining room table.  I don’t have a preferred time, I just sit my ass down and do what I can.

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

you can’t please all the people all the time. Due to the nature of my books they aren’t going to appeal to some people. Bad reviews, they hurt I won’t lie, but you just have to switch off to the nasty remarks and carry on. I’m learning all the time and hopefully I’m getting better at my craft.

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

I love love love Vegas, I have been there four times and I would love to go back. I loved it so much I use is in my books. It’s such a busy, noisy, bright place. I’m such a city girl that I could be happy there for weeks on end.

One of your favorite quotes –

Let me be the one to run my fingers through your soul. It just called out to me.

List 3 of your favorite movies?

Beaches, LOTRs, all Harry Potters.

An actor, author or a book character you admire.

JK Rowling.

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

The Original’s and Game of Thrones. I don’t really have time to watch TV but those two I make the time for.

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

*Laughing* I’m not sure my books could be made into movies! They would be on the top shelf made by adult entertainers!

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: http://hjohnston35.wix.com/boudoirbooks

My facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Innocence-Lost/178556542213717

My Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenJohnstonIL

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Helen-Johnston/e/B008NBD0X2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/helenj123

Other: Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/helenjoi/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=227022292&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

Is your book in Print, ebook or both? Both

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview, 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. 

Thank you for having me on your Blog Patti.