Monday, March 19, 2012

Author Interview with Tiffany Fulton - Idol Siren

Where were you born and where do you call home? 
I was born and raised in North Carolina for 17 years. I currently live in Louisiana, but my heart is permanently stamped in the Tar Heel State.

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 name of my most recent book is La Demon Royale. I’d sum it up in 30 words or less in this way: It’s a short story about an antisocial demon princess who refuses to change.
Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?
Yes, I have plans for two new books that should be available at the end of February. They might be part of a series—then again, they might not be. I’m still working that out.
Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
There are too many to pick just one, but if I had to pick one, it would be Kimberly Spencer, author of the Shimmer Trilogy. She’s indie, like me.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
The only books I will buy in paperback are magazines  and graphic novels. Hardcover books will be purchased if they are rare. Indie published ebooks take up space in my Nook now.
Where do you prefer to buy your books?
Online
Are you a self published (Indie) Author?
Yes I am.
What book would you like to read again?
Anything by Ann Matthews Martin, author of the The Babysitters’ Club series.
Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?
Not that I can think of.
What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
I just finished reading Lunar Light by Penelope Fletcher as an ebook on my Nook.
Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?
Yes, the aforementioned Penelope Fletcher to start. I heard lots of good things about her books and I like the fact that she has a variety of paranormal creatures her stories. Zoe Winters is another writer I caught onto about two months ago—I heard about her through one of her podcasts with Joanna Penn of the Creative Penn.com. Zoe’s hilarious.
Who designed the cover of your book?
I found a photo on Microsoft Clip Art and edited it with Paint.net

Do you buy a book by the cover?
No. I read the first paragraph…that’s my personal hook.
What are your thoughts on book trailers?
They are awesome if you can make them.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
If you want to go into one area of publishing, research them all—traditional, self-publishing, any exposure on the Internet is wonderful. “Write a lot and read a lot”, as Stephen King says, “There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of,”
Do you write under a pen name?
On Fiction Press.com, I do. That name is Sakura Reyna. I still publish there.

What date were you born?
- you can leave off the year if you like.
February 1, 1988 (Year of the Dragon, which 2012 is)


Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
Yes


Coffee or tea?
Coffee
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?
Vanilla

Patti Says: Me too!
Sleep in or get up early?
Get up early
Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop

Your favorite gadget -  My laptop, my E-readers, & an Ipod Touch as soon as I get one
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
I can write anywhere that’s quiet –or if I have on headphones in a loud place, that works too.
If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?
Holy moly…Takeuchi Naoko-- the creator of Sailor Moon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, & J.K. Rowling

Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?
Tokyo, Japan
List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?
Lunar Light by Penelope Fletcher
List 3 of your favorite movies?
Commando
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Four Brothers
An actor or a book character you have a crush on –
Actor…Kyle Schmid—He’s a sexy Henry Fitzroy on Blood Ties…
Where can your readers stalk you?
Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
Idol Siren is only available as an ebook right now.
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

Carole Sutton Author of: Ferryman, And the Devil Laughed, Blood Opal – and the latest book, Flash Harry

Hi Carole, where were you born and where do you call home?
 I was born in London in 1938 and evacuated to the Devon countryside during WWII. I well remember huddling in the wine cellar with Auntie May and her family, while the bombs dropped around us during the Exeter Blitz in 1942. After the war I remained with my Auntie and had a great start in life. Years later, I married an Exeter man and we brought up three children in Cornwall (SW corner of UK) where we built our own boats and sailed the English Cannel. Twenty years later we migrated to Western Australia and started a family business until my husband retired ten years later. We bought a 2.5 acre block of land and erected a large workshop in which we lived for the 3 months it took to build our house. Now, 20 years further down the track, we are well and truly settled in the place we call Home.

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?
My fourth book titled Flash Harry is another stand-alone crime fiction. This one is set in Bangkok amongst the sexy bars and clubs of Patpong. Briefly the story goes…

‘Harry Tremaine is missing, his wife murdered. But, when his daughter Liz discovers what he does for a living in Bangkok, his ruthless associates need to shut her up – fast.’

Do you have plans for a new book?  
Not at this moment, I’m still out of breath from this one!

What or who inspired you to write?  And how long have you been writing?
Since the early 1960s when my children were toddlers and I wrote bedtime stories for them. I started writing seriously in 1995 by joining a creative writing workshop. My first book was called Gus – Sore Feet, No Collar, about a dog abandoned in the Australian bush. Beginners luck saw it published by a local, traditional publisher that same year.


How did you come up with the title and cover design?
Harry is an enigma. He is perceived as warm and generous by some, a fun loving rogue by others, and a pimp and purveyor of female flesh by the law. Although the central character, he remains elusive for most of the story. The book cover design came about through trial and error and discussions with my writing group. The illustration portrays an incident in the story.

Tell us more about your writing group. Is it a face to face meeting?
Yes, and that started back in 1995. There were eighteen of us then. It consisted of reading our work out loud, for the group to discuss and critique. When our official course ended, some of us asked our mentor if she would continue to help the novel writers amongst us.
She agreed, and we met on a weekly basis in the local pub where we were able to utilise a quiet corner and sit with our drinks and MSS to hand. Over the years our numbers dwindled, and finally even our mentor moved away. That left three of us. We three decided to continue meeting. Today all three of us are published. We still meet on a fortnightly basis to read our chapters out and provide help and encouragement to each other.

Who designed the cover of your book?
Patricia L. O’Neill, author of The Hatshepsut Trilogy. She was a founding member of the writing group mentioned above and has an artistic gift.

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
No, I think I would find writing characters I know a bit restricting. As for real life … although my books are stand-alones, they do have something in common with their author – the love of boats, sea and sailing comes out strongly in the first three books. It’s also touched upon in Flash Harry. As for reality, the dramatic events at the end of Ferryman come straight from an Elizabethan Pageant I attended in the middle of England many years ago.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?
Crime fiction is my preferred genre for both reading and writing and Lynda La Plante, Colin Dexter, PD James, Reginald Hill, Ian Rankin are only some of the authors that grace my shelves.


Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
Ebooks are too flimsy, and I don’t have a Kindle. Hard covers are too heavy to hold up in bed, but paperbacks suit me just fine.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?
I used to buy them in my local bookseller, but he has closed down now. I buy most of them from the on-line publishers like Amazon, B&N, Book Depository – in other words, I buy other people’s books from those who sell mine.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?
Yes, I am.

Have you ever read a book more than once?
Yes, but it has to be pretty special. Something like Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, for example.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Wife by Karen Viggers (paperback) and I’m enjoying it thoroughly. The characters are beautifully drawn. I like the way the author has used one unlikely character in the first person, and three in third and it is working very well.

Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why?
I read recently Allan Mayer’s book Taste the Wind, Wally Rabini, Peter Bernardt, Jackie MacKenzie, Dee Marie and her Sons of Avalon series, and so on. I am not inclined towards fairies, dragons, vampires and fantasy – which is a pity as there appear to be a lot of quality stories out there. But we can’t all like everything, can we? Please note: I didn’t say ‘angels’ so they are in with a chance. J

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?
Oh, have a heart … I only sent it to the publisher this week!

Do you have a book trailer?
Yes, thanks to Victoria Twead of the ‘Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools,’ fame. Victoria made a terrific book trailer of Ferryman for me. If you have a moment, do pop in and see it, and listen to the sounds of Cornwall. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9UqOhvtbgY





What are your thoughts on book trailers?
I get put off by the volume some people use that drowns out their trailers. By the time I’ve found the volume control, I’ve lost the message.

Do you have any advice for other writers? What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?

To grow a thick skin – learn to take criticism and persevere with your writing. Join writing workshops. The two on-line sites that helped me through the early stages were : www.youwriteon.com  and, www.internetwritingworkshop.org/

Do you write under a pen name?
No.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
No – don’t even wear PJ’s J

What are your pet peeves?
When the computer crashes – I am not a computer friendly person and when something goes wrong, I inevitably make it worse trying to make it better.
When kids come and stand beside me, wearing smug grins for nearby parents, as they discover they are taller than me.  (I’m 4ft. 10ins – and the kids love beating that figure!) Five out of the six grandkids have been through that stage. Only one more to go.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs – I have a German shepherd called Tamar, and a Jack Russell, Jacky. (Very original, I hear you say.)

White wine or red?
Red wine or white J I enjoy them both.

Coffee or tea?
Tea

Vanilla or chocolate icecream?
Vanilla, or better still, chocolate covered vanilla ice cream on-a-stick.

What do you normally eat for breakfast?
‘Be Natural’ cereal.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?
The bikkie-bag, dog whistle, extension leads, and dogs!

Laptop or desktop for writing?
Desktop

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
In our spare bedroom, which is kitted out as an office, where I work just about every morning, and try to put time in between dog walks in the afternoon, and the early part of the evening. Untidy it may be, but no one is allowed to touch a thing. I know where everything is.

Patti Says: sound a lot like my desk :)  Look but do not touch!

Do you participate in writing competitions?
I entered Ferryman and And the Devil Laughed in three major novel competitions in 2007 and was short listed in each one.


Where can your readers stalk you?



My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/casutton


Independent Author Network: http://j.mp/hawaH6



Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
All printed in paperback.
And the Devil Laughed and Blood Opal are also available as ebooks.

Some of Carole's personal pics:


A visit from an Emu in Carol's back yard.
















Carole's German shepherd, Tamar.





























And Carole's Books on Amazon













Thank you for taking the time to share you thoughts Carole, it has been most enjoyable.  Patti


Saturday, March 17, 2012

Author Interview Alexia Purdy- Ever Shade (A Dark Faerie Tale)

Hi Alexia, where were you born and where do you call home?   I was born in Navajoa, Mexico but I grew up in Reno, NV until I was 13 and have lived in Las Vegas, NV ever since, now 20 years.

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share. 
My debut novel Ever Shade (A Dark Faerie Tale) was just picked up by a publisher Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing and will be released March 16th 2012!!!

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?
Ever Shade - A dark twist on faeries.  Shade finds herself in the treacherous land of Faerie where magic and betrayal abound, no one is who they seem and Shade discovers she’s a faery too-with some tricks up her sleeve.

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say? 
Ah, Darren, he is so treacherous and evil but he would claim he is not.  He would say that he is special and wants to keep the magic of Faerie untainted by humans-who have no place in the land of Faerie.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I have book 2 already written and waiting to be published: Ever Fire (A Dark Faerie Tale #2) to release sometime end of 2012 TBA or early 2013.  In the meantime I am also releasing another series: Reign of Blood book 1, a post-apocalyptic vampire hunter urban fantasy/horror March 31st 2012.  My poetry collection will also be releasing soon in February and it’s titled: Whispers of Dreams (A Poetic Collection).  I also have two submissions included in Dark Light, an anthology with Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing.

What books have influenced your writing?
I actually have wanted to write fantasy since I was very young.  I have to give kudos to the Secret of the Unicorn Queen series, awesome for kids but currently out of print.  I also drew inspiration from all of Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series, Holly Black’s Modern Faerie Tale series and the Resident Evil novels by S.D. Perry.  I love dark story telling at its best, anything like Grimm’s Fairy Tales which I read and fell in love with as a child.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
I’d love to meet Charlaine Harris, she seems like an amazing person!  I love her Sookie Stackhouse series, read them all!

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
I prefer paperbacks but I love hardcovers and ebooks alike.  I don’t discriminate.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?
I did self publish my first book Interim Blue July 2011.  I fortunately got picked up by a publisher and it will be re-released as Ever Shade (A Dark Faerie Tale) March 16th 2012. 

Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?
Definitely Madison Daniel and H.D. Gordon, I recently finished reading their books and they were amazing!!!  They are going to take the world by storm!


Who designed the cover of your book?
Paragraphic Designs, she rocks!!!
Do you buy a book by the cover?
I have to admit I do!  If it’s amazing or intriguing, I have to at least check to see what it’s about.  I do try to restrain myself.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write and write and write and read a lot!!! Just do it already!

Do you write under a pen name?
No I don’t.  That’s my name in real life ;)

What date were you born? - you can leave off the year if you like.
April 29th


Do you have a nickname?
Lexi, Lex, Alexi, Alexis, anything related to my name ends up my nickname.


An early childhood memory –
One of my earliest child hood memories was my grandmother baking cakes in the shape of a pink rabbit and a blue rabbit, one for me and one for my twin brother.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
All the time, my preferred uniform.  Best job ever!!!


Patti Says: Agree!!!

What are your pet peeves?
Being the only one turning off lights in my house.  I like it dark and the power bill low.  
Coffee or tea?
Green iced tea or coke, coffee if desperate.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?
Chocolate- yum!!!

What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?
I eat breakfast at work.  I’m there for twelve and a half hours so I live all day there.  When I’m at home, I eat all day long, small meals, junk food.  It’s bad.

Sleep in or get up early?
I’d rather sleep in but I have to get up early every day.  Life demands it.

Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop for sure!
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
Either at my dining room table or on the couch with my laptop.  I prefer writing during my kid’s nap time or late at night with the creatures of the night.  haha

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

One of your favorite quotes –
"You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great."  Can’t remember who said that! 


List 3 of your favorite movies?

Patti Says: oh I loved the Never ending story!!!

An actor or a book character you have a crush on –
Right now it’s Jem from The Clockwork Prince, sigh…..

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?
I’m insanely crazy about The Walking Dead.  Can’t wait until it’s back on.

Where can your readers stalk you?
Blog/website:
Twitter:
Goodreads Author page:
Facebook Profile page:
Ever Shade (A Dark Faerie Tale) Fan page:

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
When my book Ever Shade was released March 16th, it will be ebook and print.  Reign of Blood will be available as an Ebook and possibly in print also.  Whispers of Dreams (A Poetic Collection will be both also but first as an ebook.  

Alexia currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada- Sin City! She loves to spend every free moment writing, or playing with her four rambunctious kids. Writing has always been her dream and she has been writing ever since she can remember. She love's creating paranormal fantasy and poetry and loves to read and devour books daily. Alexia also enjoys watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car and Italian food. 

Currently working on launching her debut dark paranormal fantasy series starting with "Every Shade: A Dark Faerie Tale" with Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. Launches in Feb. 29th 2012. Her new post-apocalyptic vampire hunter series "Reign of Blood" releases via amazon.com March 31st 2012. "Whispers of Dreams (A Poetic Collection)" is now available on amazon.com.














Sunday, February 19, 2012

Author Interview with Carlyle Labuschagne The Broken Destiny book one of the Broken Series

Hi  Carlyle, where were you born and where do you call home?
 Born and grew up in Johannesburg South Africa

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.
Launch party is the third of March. We will be raising money for a school and a charity. Various Authors have donated a copy of their book to auction off at the event to raise money. We have jeweler , art , musicians and public figure acting as MC , banners, displays , catering is all sponsored for the event. I have attracted book stores to come sell some YA books as YA is a new concept in SA. I have roped in two other relatively new Authors to launch their first novels as well.



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 Broken Destiny
Her Destiny is to rise above the fall that threatens her soul, her soul is the key to an ancient secret weapon.

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
Don’t let fear cripple you, let love give you wings

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?
Yes Id like to inspire YA in South Africa , to show others you can do it if it is your passion , your dream. This is the first book in a series of three or four books. Currently working on Evanescent book two of The Broken Series.

What books have influenced your writing?
I learn from every book I pick up. I have to as English is not my first language.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
There are many. Rae Hachton , Kristin Cashore, Tiffany King, Mande Matthews, Stephenie Meyer , Angeline Kace , Chelsea Fine , Raine Thomas , Suzanne Young , Leigh Fallon, Mary Lindsey , RaShelle Workman, Daniele Lanzarotta , James Patterson, Beth Revis., Mireille Chester, Patti Roberts, and Eri Nelson .  I have already been fortunate enough to meet DH Nevins

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
Paperback. I love covers, they are art I want to cover my book shelves with.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?
Exclusive books in South Africa. Book store , or I buy via Kalahari.net

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?
I have a joint venture agreement with my publisher, so in a way yes because I am very much involved in every step of the process and am marketing myself and the fact that I have paid some money towards the services.

What book would you like to read again?
I don’t read books twice.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?
I prefer The TV series Vampire Diaries over the books.

Patti Says:  100% on that one!  Damon all the way :)

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

Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?
RaShelle Workman I finished reading Exiled and I absolutely love chick Science fiction. Lauren DeStefano - Wither – her writing was magnificent.

Who designed the cover of your book?
My publisher, of course I had a lot to do with the image choice. (thank goodness)

Do you buy a book by the cover?
*blushes* Yes and title. I go for cover and title ashamed I know I shouldn’t but I love to look at pretty things.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?
I love book trailers, captures the imagination totally with music and words.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Never give up. Always believe in yourself. Enjoy every moment of it. Patience.

Patti Says:  With patience, the mulberry leaf becomes silk gown.  Chinese proverb

Do you write under a pen name?
No

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

Do you have a nickname?
No
Did you have a favorite toy as a child?
My imagination. I could play with anything from pencils to just myself in the back yard.

An early childhood memory –
I had always been a nature lover. Grew up not far from rivers and spent hours exploring the woods and rivers. From a very young age we go to a place here in South Africa near the Kruger Park, I did my first piece of writing there. The surrounding area has about 30 or more waterfalls you can explore and even swim in.
Here is one pic I took recently
I will be posting more picks on my FB page soon. There are places you can explore called Gods window just to give you an idea of my favorite place in the entire world.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
All the time.

Patti Says:  A writers uniform I think.

What are your pet peeves?
Dirty and untidy people . People who are friends with you when it suites them. Jealousy. Most of all pollution. Cutting down trees, killing animals.

Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic?
I really don’t like to keep pets as animals belong in wide open spaces. The kids however did beg me to get them a dog, her name is storm.

White wine or red?
Red.

Coffee or tea?
Cappuccino always.

So you like to cook?  Do you have a favorite food?
I love to cook. Chicken, seafood, salads.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?
Vanilla – always.

What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?
I eat a fruit or a health rusk and cappuccino, mostly on the go.

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
My kids LOL. Lip-gloss , my laptop and a book, you never know where you might have to wait on someone.

Sleep in or get up early?
Get up early.

Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop.

Your favorite gadget –
My laptop.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
When the kids and family are asleep , so from about midnight to about 3 or 4 am. In my study.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad –
I think bad reviews should go directly to the author as it could hurt sales. But bad reviews is a good for the learning process. It is needed. Good reviews are always welcome.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?
The lead singer from Florence and the Machine. Nelson Mandella and the late Princess Diana.

Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?
Peru, as it as the ocean, rain forest , mountains and ancient ruins.

One of your favorite quotes –
Don’t be crippled by fear, let love give you wings

List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

List 3 of your favorite movies?
Twilight – all of

An actor or a book character you have a crush on –
Actor, Kellan Luntz – twilight, Book Character – Patch from the Hush Hush series

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?
I love Vampire Diaries, Terra Nova , Eureka, Nikita , Withches of Eastwich and Glee, Legend of the seeker and Merlin.


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.

Left: Carlyle's writing pad.

Where can your readers stalk you?
Hahahaha. I have friends not stalkers please.
Amazon not up yet.


Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
It will first be released in print and then ebook.

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





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