If you like mysteries, manga, or fantasy, you just might like today's interviewee. TJ Perkins is here to discuss her well-rounded career as a writer and publisher.
TJ Perkins is a gifted and well-respected author in the
mystery/suspense fantasy/manga genre. Her
short stories for young readers have
appeared in the Ohio State 6th Grade Proficiency Test Preparation Book, Kid’s
Highway Magazine, and Webzine ‘New Works Review,’ just to name a few. She’s
placed five times in the CNW/FFWA chapter book competition. Her short story of
light horror for tweens, The Midnight Watch, was published Oct 2007 by Demon
Minds Magazine. TJ is available to conduct speaking engagements and workshops.
Finished works of her young reader’s chapter books are
entitled: The Fire and the Falcon (which won two chapter book awards), Wound
Too Tight, Mystery of the Attic, and On Forbidden Ground. Published books in
the Kim & Kelly Mystery Series include: Fantasies Are Murder, The Secret in
Phantom Forest, Trade Secret, Image in the Tapestry (which won a chapter book
award) and In the Grand Scheme of Things (all with GumShoe Press 2006).
Welcome to We Do Write, TJ. How long have you
been writing?
Since
I was 14. I realized I had a knack for
it when I was 12, but started to perfect storytelling in high school. I finally got serious 18 yrs ago. I’ve been published for the past 8 yrs.
Tell us about your
books. What have you published?
I
started off getting published with POD publishers then realized my mistake 3
yrs later. At that time I took all I had, which was my first 8 YA mysteries and
formed my own company GumShoe Press. I
put out the following:
Wound
Too Tight
Mystery
of the Attic and the sequel On Forbidden Ground
5
books in the Kim & Kelly Mystery Series include:
Fantasies
Are Murder
The
Secret in PhantomForest
Trade
Secret
Image
in the Tapestry (award-winner)
In
the Grand Scheme of Things
I
was then picked up by Silver Leaf Books and
contract to do a 5 book fantasy
series for teens entitled Shadow Legacy.
The first 3 books are out with books 4 & 5 to follow in 2014.
Art
of the Ninja: Earth
Power
of the Ninja: Fire
Heart
of the Ninja: Water
How did the story
ideas come to you?
Mystery
of the Attic was based on things that really did happen to me when I was 13 yrs
old while living in an old farm house.
So, that one was easy. I grew up
loving Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes and all the greats and
wanted to create a new mystery series for African American girls, thus Kim
& Kelly were born. The idea for
Shadow Legacy was sort of wacky. I fell
in love with Anime because of my kid’s interest, and video games (mainly Final
Fantasy). So, I decided I wanted to
write a story using the only thing that hadn’t been ‘written to death’ and that
was ninjas. I took all that I’ve seen,
all that I knew, all my past experience in martial arts and weapons and created
a story that has become the first cross-genre of its kind – fantasy/manga,
which is fantasy that reads like a good manga.
Fabulous! My daughter loves manga and fantasy. I see an extra visit to Amazon in my future ... Do you have a
critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?
I
have no help at all with my books. If I
need an editor for my personal work I have to find someone and pay them. Silver
Leaf Books provides the editor for Shadow Legacy.
Are you a plotter or
a pantser?
I
start off as a plotter, and then as the story progresses I become a pantser
What’s the hardest
part of writing for you?
The
ending of any story
What are you reading
right now?
I’m
just doing research for my newest novel, but I what am really waiting for the
last book by Maria V. Snyder “Taste of Darkness” from her Healer series. Maria and I are good friends and she always
conducts a writing workshop with me at Balticon.
If you could have any
super power, what would it be?
To
communicate with animals and nature
That would be awesome! I have so many questions just for my pets that I'd never leave the house. What's the weirdest
thing you've googled?
Ninja powers
Finish this sentence:
If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... working or at the gym
And finally, where
can people find you and your books online?
Can you believe the year is almost over? Crazy, right? This will be our last week posting until the new year, so lets dive in and enjoy. Today we're talking with author TR Patrick about the award winning YA Dystopian novel, PLATFORM 21.
Welcome to We Do Write. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Well, I do write as well – so it seems I found the right place! As for me, I’ve been a sailor, politician, engineer, writer, and a ghost hunter. Don’t ask me how I managed to get it all done, it just sort of happened. As a military brat, I traveled all around the United States, and as a Navy Sailor, I’ve crossed every single latitude line this earth has to offer. In my travels I found some incredible stories that demand to be told. So, I gave in to those voices in my head and penned together a few novels. Platform 21 was the first one worthy of publication.
How long have you been writing?
Not long enough, but I started when I was nine years old. I hope to be writing for the next fifty years or so. It all depends on my health I guess. Sanity helps as well.
Tell us about PLATFORM 21. What’s the story about?
Platform 21 follows Luke Gibson, a High School Sophomore, in the year 2052. His life is suddenly turned upside down after he inexplicably survives what should have been his untimely death. He and his entire family were murdered in a devastating terrorist attack which claimed the lives of 80,000. Afterwards, he finds himself in some kind of alternate reality. His family, home town, and just about everything else is different – except the event that brought him to his new world. He watches as history repeats itself, all while reeling from the realization his sister, Laura, was the victim of a brutal homicide years before.
Luke sets his sight on discovering the truth about his sister. He uses her death as motivation to push on through life, a life that didn’t belong to him. Along the way, he meets a mysterious girl named Angela. She was there with him when he should have died. Angela was with him in his dreams. She is the only one besides Luke who recalls what happened in their previous life and together they investigate what happened to Laura. The closer Luke and Angela get to the truth, the more they begin to realize Laura’s death is connected to the global conspiracy that consumes the world.
How did the idea of the story come to you?
I have no idea. I’m still trying to figure this one out myself . . .
It all began with such an obscure concept, I’m not really sure I want to reveal the idea that started it all. However, I could envision a beginning and an end. From there, I needed characters, a strong supporting cast, sub-plots; etc. In the end, the characters and their stories ended up changing most everything. Beyond the Veil – as a series – has had its direction changed considerably throughout my time writing Platform 21. In a way, my characters drove the story, and how it ended up being shaped.
This is perhaps the easiest way to describe it: “The voices in my head told me what to write.”
Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?
Yes. All of the above. I also have a professional editor. Her name is Victoria Rae Schmitz and she is the owner of Crimson Tide Editorial. Her efforts made the flow of the writing superior. To me, there simply isn’t a better choice for editing.
Every writer should enlist the help of test readers. The question is, “When does Test Reading begin?” Well, that answer is simple. It begins before anything else in the writing process. You need a group of individuals to bounce ideas off of. Talk about your characters to them, where the book is going, etc. It’s a difficult balancing act because you don’t want to spoil the book (you want to get as much honest feedback as possible, and spoiling something takes the edge off their initial reactions to reading it).
The next question, “When does test reading end?” Never! Even after publication, listen to everyone who has the time to read your book. There is no feedback more valuable than that of a paying customer.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Yes – though I’m not sure what these terms are suggesting exactly. I’m going to take a wild guess and assume a plotter is someone who thoroughly outlines their book prior to writing, whereas a pantser is flying by the seat of their pants. Yes, that's it exactly.
I’m a plotter in that I spend a lot of time building my world. I have a thorough understanding of what’s happening throughout the world, and beyond. I have an entire encyclopedia of characters (most of whom weren’t introduced in Platform 21) who are ready to act at a moment’s notice. I know the beginning and the end, and how/where the important plot points come to be. However, I do not outline anything.
I introduce the characters to their setting, and let them go from there. My writing style requires an awful lot of role playing. It is my opinion that just like in real life, everyone in this world thinks they are the main character of their own story. They each have their motivations, and flaws. They all have a breaking point, they all have a vice. I engineered the characters in a way that they would cross lines, create drifts, and expose one another to their weaknesses.
Everything in Beyond the Veil is Character Driven. My characters have surprised me, changed the entire course of the series, and left me in shock and awe. There are some parts of this book that blew me away, and in all honesty – there were some things that I didn’t even see coming. My writing is at its best when my characters are in control of their own destiny. As a result, I write from the beginning to the end, and I do not jump around. How can I write page 257 if I don’t know what happened on page 132?
I could tell you, but then I'd be giving away my secrets. ;) What’s the hardest part of writing for you?
Getting into character, and maintaining my ‘groove’. I can’t write while distracted, and I am distracted easily. I love writing, but sometimes getting started is a lot harder than it should be. I never write a line unless I can get into character. Considering how many characters I write, it is a very difficult process to begin. I’m both an actor and author when I’m at the writing desk. It’s much harder than it seems.
What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?
As a Young Adult author, I feel it necessary to maintain a clean image – however I must admit that an Irish Coffee goes a long way in helping me find my writer’s groove. A good set of noise canceling headphones and a keyboard are also absolutely necessary as well. A good working computer with a word processor . . . and the right music mix.
What are you reading right now?
I don’t read when I’m actively engaged in writing. However, I did just finish “Like Ice” by Sherry Torgent and I began Divergent by Veronica Roth. Unfortunately, my Kindle Paperwhite is put away for now. It’ll be a few more months before I take a stab at another book.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Infinite Energy. I don’t want to sleep unless I want to. My mind will never tire, and my muscles will never break. I just want to have the ability to use all 24-hours as it seems I never have enough time to work my full time job, spend time with my family, and write.
What's the weirdest thing you've googled?
I’m tempted to answer this question with, “What does the fox say?” – But I feel that would be taking an easy way out. The weirdest google search I’ve probably run over the years would have to be . . . hmm . . . there are quite a few options here . . . So there was this one particular grave stone in Riverview Cemetery that caught my interest. It is a giant cube, and it sits right across from the main entrance of the cemetery. I wanted to know everything about the marker, who created it – why, and how. It led me down the strangest bit of history I’ve encountered. To go any further would reveal a potential spoiler for my future books, so I’ll leave it at that.
I'm very tempted to embed the video of What Does the Fox Say? into this post. Hehehe. But I digress. Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: platform, formation, and animated.
The raving rhinos roamed through plains of the valley in formation, as the necromancer animated the remains of their ancestors on the platform of the plateau above.
Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...
If I’m not writing, I’m probably working, or sleeping; there isn’t much time for anything else.
Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.
So many to list – if I forget anyone, it was not intentional!
My test readers, who shall not be named in case people want to hound them for what happens in the books to come.
Regina Wamba, an amazing cover artist and brilliant mind behind the cover of Platform 21.
Victoria Rae Schmitz, of Crimson Tide Editorial, the book would not be what it is without your help.
The people who make those chocolate covered espresso beans.
Tia Souders – Simply one of the best book promoters in the business!
Murk Patrick, the incredibly talented photographer who captured my author photos.
Farmers everywhere! I do like to eat …
My lovely family!
And that yellow lab who sits next to me at my writing desk.
And finally, where can people find you and your books online?
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep.” ~ Robert Frost
*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …
Big time.
On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.
Praise
"Simply put, this book was amazing. I've read more fantasy novels than I can count, but this one is certainly one of the best. The heroine isn't some wishy-washy pansy that screams at everything, and the focus of the story isn't on some unbelievably beautiful teenage girl who suddenly becomes the biggest, baddest member of her species falling in love with some big, bad, sexy member of her newfound species. It's about a girl becoming something she never knew existed, finding her place within the pack family she values more than ever before, and an age-old feud that threatens everything she loves." ~Morgan
Shawn is a part-time writer from New Hampshire, where he spends his free time hiking in the mountains, camping, racing dirt bikes, or anything else that keeps him outdoors. Dogs are his very favorite people. He is also the author of the novel All Things Different.
BookBlast $100 Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/31/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
If you're a fan of the very non-YA Herculine series, this story will grab you and hold tight from the very beginning. Written in the gothic style complete with meaningful glances, and heavy on the atmosphere and accessible sensory detail, Cleary builds a post-apocolyptic throwback world where the rules have changed with energy. Something in her world building puts me in mind of The Dearly Departed series.
I admit, ever since my earliest Necromancer books, they've had a special place in my heart, so opening with Judy, a young natural necromancer being raised in a convent orphanage, it nestled right into that place in my heart and I decided from the beginning that Judy and I were going to be good friends. I liked that she was a straightforward girl and that Cleary never pretends that she has the sort of omnipotence of a character, but instead Judy has the attention span of a real person who misses details and daydreams. She reminded me a little of Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre, if she was a post-apocalyptic necromancer in a world overrun by the living dead.
On the one hand, I wanted more of the world building details and backstory, but on the other hand, I don't suppose that they're pertinent to the story if it's Judy's world and she accepts it. A book about my life wouldn't include the entire social history that led to the conditions in which I live with the technology we enjoy and the epidemiology associated with the diseases we currently face.
All and all, it's an interesting read with some tea and biscuits before bedtime, you know, if zombies, intrigue, and the casual raising of the dead won't give you too many nightmares.
Check out the Path Unchosen Blog Tour's giveaway below if you'd like to enter to win your very own copy.
Middle Grade Fantasy, anyone? Celtic warriors? Knights? Goblin-like creatures? How about FINN FINNEGAN by Darby Karchut!
Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut
(The Adventures of Finn MacCullen #1)
Published by: Spencer Hill Press
Publication date: March 12th 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Middle-Grade
Finnegan MacCullen: a thirteen-year-old apprentice with the famous Irish temperament. Gideon Lir: a legendary Celtic warrior with a bit of a temper of his own. Secretly, these blue-collar warriors battle the hobgoblins infesting their suburban neighborhood…when they are not battling each other. Finn (not bleedin’ Finnegan) MacCullen is eager to begin his apprenticeship. He soon discovers the ups and downs of hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the demanding tutelage of the Knight, Gideon Lir. Both master and apprentice are descendents of the Tuatha De Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Ireland. Scattered long ago to the four corners of the world, the De Danaan wage a two thousand year old clandestine battle with their ancient enemy, the Amandán, a breed of goblin-like creatures. Now with the beasts concentrating their attacks on Finn, he and his master must race to locate the lost Spear of the Tuatha De Danaan, the only weapon that can destroy the Amandán, all the while hiding his true identity from his new friends, Rafe and Savannah, twins whose South African roots may hold a key to Finn’s survival. Armed with a bronze dagger, some ancient Celtic magic, and a hair-trigger temper, Finn is about to show his enemies the true meaning of “fighting Irish.”
All her life, the archetypal hero and his journey have enthralled Darby Karchut. A native of New Mexico, Darby grew up in a family that venerated books and she spent her childhood devouring one fantasy novel after another. Fascinated by mythologies from around the world, she attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a degree in anthropology. After moving to Colorado, she then earned a Master’s in education and became a social studies teacher.
Drawing from her extensive knowledge of world cultures, she blends ancient myths with modern urban life to write stories that relate to young teens today.
Darby is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Pikes Peak Writers Guild. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband, where she still teaches social studies at a local junior high school. She enjoys running, biking, and skiing the Rocky Mountains in all types of weather.
Her debut middle grade book, Finn Finnegan, released March 2013 (Spencer Hill Press). The next book in the series, Gideon's Spear (Spencer Hill Press), will be released February 2014. Her YA books include Griffin Rising (2011 Sharp Writ YA Book of the Year), Griffin's Fire, and Griffin's Storm.
As an old woman's lifeless body lies on a cold stone floor, her soul stands before an angel who offers her a miraculous opportunity: the chance to do it all again. But that is easier said than done. In order to change the path her life has taken, she must put aside years of self-loathing and pain, so she can help the young girl she once was become the woman she should have been.
At 17 years old, Grace Bennett is a bitter young woman. Though blessed with a loving family, looks and brains to spare, she hides her light under a bushel, spending most of her time in the darkness of her mind with little more than sarcasm and self-pity to keep her company.
But things are about to change for Grace. While delivering food for her family's bed and breakfast, she turns onto a desolate dirt road and drives straight into her destiny.
It's on this isolated country lane that the damaged girl meets a strangely familiar old couple and two mysterious young men. Together the group fights the demons that surround Grace, and they teach her what it means to let her light shine.
"Illuminating Gracie" is, at once, a metaphorical tale of the fight between good and evil and a spiritual saga of one girl's journey from darkness into the light. If you liked "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games," you will love the story of Gracie.
Praise for Illuminating Gracie:
"A well-paced fantasy story of redemption and self-improvement." ~Kirkus Review (Sept. 1, 2013 Magazine)
"Just the right amount of love story to the action packed plot line left this book a perfectly balanced read." ~Maryann (Amazon “Top 1000” Reviewers)
"The story also contains little mysteries that keep you turning the pages, as gems of insight turn up along the way. It is a story of hope and redemption, and a beautiful request of each of us to let our light shine brightly." ~Kimberly Raadt Higgins (Amazon Review)
"On a personal level, I can relate to Grace in so many ways. As I read, a lot of memories and feelings from my teenage and young adult years have come flooding back, some a little painful, others fun and exciting, even hopeful. Yet it also has me contemplating where I am today as a middle-aged adult; am I who I thought I would be, who I want to be?" ~N.J. Collar (Amazon Review)
"The plot is masterfully drawn and keeps the reader guessing until the end. This book tells the story of the fight between good and evil in a young woman's life. It is brilliant in its use of humor and emotion to draw the reader into the characters." J. Pitts (Amazon and Goodreads)
Author Lisa C. Temple
On thirty-nine Senior scrolls, the Headmaster of author, Lisa C. Temple's, small, private school wrote "Good Luck and best wishes for a prosperous future!" On the fortieth and final scroll, which was Temple's, the Headmaster penned the words, "Lisa, I can't wait to see to what use you put your unusual talents!" Temple spent the next 30 years trying to assuage her former leader's curiosity - and her own.
She sold BMWs in her hometown of Montgomery, Alabama, and hillbillies (as a booking agent) in Nashville, Tennessee. In an effort to escape the enforced servitude of the Junior League, she even attended and was graduated from law school and passed the Alabama State Bar exam in 2002. Through it all, she battled problems and illnesses, many of her own making. But, it wasn't until her father - her hero - was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), that Temple found her true calling - the "talent" that she finds joy in putting to use.
"Illuminating Gracie," is loosely autobiographical and born from a desire to, if only, metaphorically right the wrongs of Temple's own past. It tells the story of a miserable old woman who is given the opportunity - by an angel - to go back in time and help the young girl she once was become the woman she should have been. "Illuminating Gracie," is the first book in a four-book series. The second book, "Instigating Gracie," is due for release in December 2013.
Temple laughs when saying she has a loving and complicated husband she deserves, and a wonderful son and two loving stepchildren that she does not. She also shares her life with her beloved pets: Pomeranian, Phebe; Bordernese, Flash; and Tabby cat, MInx.
EXCERPT
As if able to read my thoughts, he leaned in even closer, afford- ing me full access to his aroma, and in a husky, almost whisper beseeched, “Please . . . tell me your name.”
I have no logical explanation for my body’s reaction to his hushed entreaty. My pulse flew matching my heart rate, while every pore and fiber of my skin went on high alert, going hot and cold virtually simultaneously. For once, I was grateful for the dark and the cover it provided my blushing face.
The worst part of the whole thing was that I had the distinct feeling Merc not only knew what embarrassing reactions his close proximity caused in my traitorous body, but he intended on eliciting just those responses. Whether it was my sapped energy from the drama of the night or my own sad lack of experience in the area of male/female relations, I had no resources available to me to mount a proper defense against him. In all honesty, I couldn’t imagine why I should. After all, I knew plenty of girls that would have been on this guy like “white on rice.” Why should I get bogged down with details and unanswered questions like: Who was he really? Why was he being so nice to me? Why hadn’t Mrs. B. and Willem mentioned him?
Why should I look a gift horse in the mouth? If this “uber- hot” boy wanted to be my “knight in shining armor,” why shouldn’t I let him be just that? I had never been anyone’s “damsel in distress,” and it certainly wasn’t because I had some feminist axe to grind. No, that wasn’t it at all. It was because no one had ever applied for the position. So now I was going to ignore the warning bells, silence my fears and pack away my paranoia. For once, I was going to be the one with the romantic story to tell at the lunch table on Monday, instead of the one listening on the far fringes and replying with the obligatory “oohs” and “ahs” to the stories told by all the braver, more beautiful, more fortunate girls.
Having solved my inner conflicts, I answered him with a breath- less and what I hoped was sexy voice, “Grace, my name is Grace.”
I wanted him to say something like my name was beautiful. That would play well with the lunchtime listeners. But, to my surprise, he seemed almost irritated.
“Ha . . . ha ha,” he barked a short laugh. “Yeah, that’s about right. Well, come on, Grace – let’s get you home.”
I was a little disconcerted by his reaction. Huh . . . weird. What should my name have been? Veronica . . . Candy . . . Jinx?
Never one to keep my mouth shut, I opened it, ready to ask him if he preferred stripper names, but before I could get a word out Merc’s whole body stiffened and he jerked his head sharply to the right. I strained to see what he saw or heard to create such a reaction in him. The only thing visible was the dim outline of the tremendous back portion of the mansion that was softly lit by land- scape lighting buried deep in the bushes.
I looked at Merc, wanting an explanation for his behavior. “What’s the problem? Did you hear something . . . somebody?” I whispered. If he had heard something, then he had better ears than I. Of course, I was hyper-focused on the visual treat that was standing next to me. A hurricane could have blown through, and I might not have noticed.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/31/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
That's right! It's HUMP DAY!! And today we have an interview with Melissa Pearl, author of YA paranormal novel, BETWIXT. Welcome to We Do Write, Melissa. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Thank you so much for having me :) Well, I'm a mother to two beautiful boys (6 & 2). They keep me very busy. My gorgeous husband is a teacher at an international school in China, so we are stationed in Suzhou for another couple of years before heading home to New Zealand. While my boys are at school/kindy, I work from home, building my small writing business and loving every micro-second of it.
You can't beat working on something you love. How long have you been writing?
I've always had a vivid imagination, but I didn't really start writing until I was in my early twenties. My best friend told me I had to write one of the stories bouncing around in my head. I thought, "Why not?", so I sat down and started writing and haven't looked back. I absolutely love it :)
Tell us about BETWIXT. What’s the story about?
Betwixt is a story close to my heart. To date, it's still my favorite book of them all, for so many reasons. It's about a girl who is hit by a car and left for dead in the woods. While her body is dying, her spirit is floating around her home and high school trying to find someone who can hear her. Unfortunately, the only one who can is a boy that can't stand her. She publicly humiliated him when trying to fit in with her cool friends and he was branded with a hurtful name that he hasn't been able to shake.
This story is about redemption and second chances. It's about finding out who you really are beneath all the crap and discovering who you actually want to be. It deals with some pretty tough issues, but my favorite aspect by far is the relationship between the two main characters - Dale and Nicole. I fell in love with them together as I was writing and they will remain in my heart always. In fact, I love them so much, I'm actually giving them a cameo in my next novel - True Colors, which is coming out in February 2014.
Love! <3 How did the idea of the story come to you?
The premise is based on a movie I saw years ago - "Invisible". It was about a boy who was beaten up and left in the woods. His spirit haunts his attacker until she comes to help him. I loved the concept so much, but I was disappointed with the ending. It was appropriate for the movie, but I didn't like it. I wanted to write something like that, but with my kind of ending. I sat on the story for years until it evolved into something quite different to the movie. The premise may be similar, but I wanted to make the story my own.
I remember that movie. Now I want to read BETWIXT even more. I'm telling you, this To Be Read pile of mine is staggering in its scale. Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?
Yes - I have developed a system that works really well for me and I will continue to use it. After my own edits I send it to my critique partners - other authors who understand the craft and mechanics of writing. After I hear back from them, I do my second lot of edits. It then gets sent to a copy editor who looks at all my wording and picks up any other structural mishaps that need fixing. I then do my third lot of edits. I then send it to a few proof-readers, these are a mixture of authors and avid readers. Once I hear back from them, I do my final edits and then I publish it.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
A plotter all the way. I spend nearly as much time planning out my books as I do actually writing them :) In saying that, once I get into the story, the plan does change a little - new ideas come to me and the story evolves, but the basic structure and character growth is all done during the planning stages. That's what works best for me.
What’s the hardest part of writing for you?
It used to be the first edit, but now I find the first draft stage is often my most challenging in the sense
that I often suffer from First Draft Blues. Those little demons in your head that tell you your story is weak and everyone will hate it. But then I get to that first edit and realize it's not as bad as I thought it was. I start to build on what I have and end up coming away pretty happy.
Oh yeah - and then there's the marketing :P I really wish I could just write and the books would market themselves, but no such luck.
I am learning though and I now have an amazing PA/publicist helping me out. I'm learning to channel some of my creativity into marketing as well and it's making things a lot more fun :)
Wouldn't it be awesome if a book marketed itself? *sigh* Oh, well ... What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?
A glass of water.
I also have my walls plastered with pictures of what I think my characters look like. At the moment I have two lots for my two WIPs. It's so cool looking up at the wall and seeing my characters gazing back at me. It helps me bring the story to life.
What are you reading right now?
I've just finished Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles. It was brilliant!
Next on my list is Finding Colin Firth by Mia March. It's for my book club and I have to finish it by next week! Better get a wiggle on! After that I will probably read an indie author or two. I belong to a group called Indie Inked and I'm trying to read at least one book by every author in the group. I am half way through and have yet to be disappointed. I feel very privileged to be involved with a group of such talented writers.
Go indie authors! *shakes pompoms* If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Hmmm - nice question. One of my favorite super heroes is Mystique from X-Men. I think it would be so cool to be able to morph into any other human being. That would be very cool. Mostly because you'd be naked all of the time, but whatever. What's the weirdest thing you've googled?
LOL :D Another great question…. probably something to do with book research. I'm not much of a web surfer - I just don't have the time. But my husband loves surfing the web and I have been beside him when he's typed in things like World's Worst Tattoos. That's one of the most cringe-worthy websites I've ever endured.
Um ... wow! I just got sucked into that google search and couldn't get out. People are crazy. Anyway .... Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: twisted, between, and luxurious.
Her body twisted beneath the soft sheets, a luxurious smile creeping over her face when she realized she was no longer alone and if she wanted to, with a little shuffle backwards there'd be nothing between her and the man she'd unexpectedly fallen in love with.
Wow - how NA of me. Haha :) I don't usually write scenes like the one above, but now that the sentence is out there, I'd really love to see where it goes :D
Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... playing with my kids, watching a movie with my husband or quickly rushing through one of the many household tasks that keeps my family happy.
Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.
Man, SO many people.
My bestie - thanks for starting me on this writing journey.
My brother - thanks for sending me down the self-publishing path.
My parents - thanks for being the world's best cheerleaders.
My husband - you are my rock and I love you.
My boys - thanks for making me smile everyday. Watching you grow is one of life's greatest privileges.
My PA/Publicist - you are the best and working with you rocks.
My critique readers, editors, graphic designers - working with you all has been a privilege and a pleasure. I look forward to many projects to come.
Indie Inked - thanks for making my writing journey so interesting. Your friendship and support means so much to me. Our Facebook group is one of the first things I check each morning. Love you girls.
My street team - what would I do without you? THANK YOU!!
My readers - I wouldn't be here without you. Thank you for taking the time to read my work. Thank you for allowing me to entertain you with characters and story lines I love. Every book contains a small piece of my heart and I feel so lucky to be able to share it with you.
My inspiration - thank you for every story you give me. I love you and would be lost without you in my life.
And finally, where can people find you and your books online?
short stories for young readers have
appeared in the Ohio State 6th Grade Proficiency Test Preparation Book, Kid’s
Highway Magazine, and Webzine ‘New Works Review,’ just to name a few. She’s
placed five times in the CNW/FFWA chapter book competition. Her short story of
light horror for tweens, The Midnight Watch, was published Oct 2007 by Demon
Minds Magazine. TJ is available to conduct speaking engagements and workshops.
I
started off getting published with POD publishers then realized my mistake 3
yrs later. At that time I took all I had, which was my first 8 YA mysteries and
formed my own company GumShoe Press. I
put out the following:
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