Interview with Shawn Fitzgerald Jr

Today I welcome Shawn Fitzgerald Jr, author of the newly released THE DANGEROUS ROAD. Let's get to know him and his book.

Welcome, Shawn.Tell us a bit about yourself.

I live in small Pennsylvania town near Pittsburgh. I have grown up as the oldest in a big Catholic family. Last year I graduated from high school after being Home Schooled all of my life. Instead of going straight into college I took a break to just relax and take a breather. It was a great decision because I got the chance to just be with my family without having to worry about school work.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for six years now, and coming up on seven this fall. It has been quite a journey.

Congratulations on the release of A DANGEROUS ROAD! Can you tell us more about this book?

The Dangerous Road is a collection of five of the many short stories that I have written since I started. One of the stories takes you into a small American town with an eerie ghostly encounter, another takes you to a Halloween night at an old mansion were a revenge is planned, and then you will be transported to a war torn Los Angeles. For more on the other stories, you will just have to get it and read for yourselves.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

One of the hardest things for me is the occasional writers block. It can sometimes get stuck for weeks at a time, but the important thing is to not let it discourage you, and just keep working through it.

Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

There are two things, a cold snapple or some form of cold tea, for that inevitable dry throat or cough. And the second thing is what most people call epic music. The best way to describe is if you have ever listened to the tracks from movies such as Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean or the Chronicles of Narnia movies. I always use music when I'm taking a break or just need a little inspiration.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

I have actually thought about this before. And my answer would definitely have to be the power to move things with my mind. It would be so great to be able to will my laptop into my hands instead of running to it every time an idea randomly pops up into my head.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: perturbed, daydream, and sisterhood.

Neal was deeply perturbed that his daydream's had gone from swimming with the sharks, to that sisterhood movie he had watched with his girlfriend the night before.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

First of all I have to thank my family for being my first supporters, you guys are amazing. Then there is my amazing group of friends who have been there for me more than I can say, all of you know who you are! And then to my creative writers group, for daring to do short stories in the first place and for being there to help critique my work and make it the best that it can be.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

People can find me on my blog at http://shawnthewriter.wordpress.com/ And you can also find me on these sites as well-
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Writer-Shawn-Fitzgerald/163930917197
Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/Writer_Shawn


You can find my book either searching for it on Lulu.com or by using this link - http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/the-dangerous-road---and-other-stories-of-suspense-and-mystery/15744203?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/2

Thanks for chatting with us, Shawn. And good luck with your books!

Interview with Henry Lyons

Today we're chatting with Henry Lyons, author of poetry book DEEP THOUGHTS. Henry's new work is a book called SUPERNATURE. Let's get to know him.

Welcome, Henry. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Well I’m a New York City Special Education Teacher. I also design websites and graphics for advertisements as well as edit short films and music videos. Of course I also write first poetry and now novels.

How long have you been writing?

Most of my poetry was written over a fifteen year period. During that time I did have some ideas for stories but I never wrote any of them down until last year when I started work on Supernature.

Tell us about SUPERNATURE. What’s the story about?

The story starts off as a simple police investigation which uncovers mass mutations that are caused by an unknown substance. As the mutations spread they begin to threaten the entire planet. A team of scientists and investigators work together to halt the spread of the mutated creatures.

Sounds intriguing. I bet it would make a cool movie too. How did the idea of the story come to you?

To be honest with you I got the idea for the story way back in the nineteen seventy’s. A disco song was popular at that time called believe it or not, “Supernature” by a French artist by the name of Cerrone. As I listened to the lyrics of the song I noticed that it talked about Man’s manipulation of nature and finally natures revolt against man. Here’s a few lines from the song:


Once upon a time
Science opened up the doors
We would feed the hungry fields
'till they couldn't eat no more

But the potions that we made
Touched the creatures down below
And they grew up in a way
That we've never seen before

supernature supernature
supernature supernature

They were angry with the man
cause he changed their way of life
And they take their sweet revenge
As they trample through the night


I started to think about how genetic engineering has become common place within our society and how if abused what impact the technology could have on our environment. I played with the idea for years and then in 2009 I finally decided to put pen to paper.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I had a number of friends that helped me edit the book and give me some critical feedback.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

I think one of the hardest things to do is to create believable characters that people can identify with.

Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

A photo of my beloved deceased daughter. Her memory gives me my drive.

Sorry for your loss. That's got to be the worst pain someone can endure. I'm glad she's giving you inspiration.


Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you.

I would like to thank my wife Shanell who has supported me patiently while I write. I would also like to thank my father who has always been my ROCK and role model. He is also one of my most enthusiastic fans. I would also like to thank my buddy and business partner Alvin Grant.
Also LULU.com, and all of my family and friends

And finally, where can people find you online?
http://www.HVLYONS.com
http://stores.lulu.com/hvlyons
http://hvlyons.blogspot.com
twitter.com/Hvlyons

Henry, thank you so much for chatting with us. I wish you success with all your publication endeavors.

Thank you!