Interview with Gabriel Boutros

Today we're chatting with crime fiction writer Gabriel Boutros about his novel, THE GUILTY.

Welcome, Gabriel. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I practiced criminal law for 24 years in Montreal. I live here with my wife and two boys, and lead a fairly staid, suburban, middle-class life.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing ever since I can remember, mostly short stories, some poetry and several failed attempts at completing a novel. It was about 10 or 12 years ago that I decided to try to do more than just “write for fun.” I attended a creative writing course, as well as a week-end seminar on screenwriting, and read a few “how-to” books. I also began taking the re-writing process much more seriously, realizing that the first words I put down on the page were not always golden or untouchable. Once I felt confident enough in my work I started submitting short stories to various magazines and on-line reviews, and of course got my share of rejections. I went through the same unhappy experience with my novel, The Guilty. I did finally get two short stories published, which encouraged me to keep going. And, after letting The Guilty gather dust on a shelf for a few years, I decided to put the time into a serious revision, and then self-publish with CreateSpace. I’m quite happy with the final result, but, more importantly, I’ve had some very positive feedback from people who have read the book.

Tell us about THE GUILTY. What’s the story about?

The Guilty is the story of Robert Bratt, a high-powered criminal lawyer in Montreal. He lives for victory in court; he cares little for the witnesses who come under his cross-examination, and not much more for the truth. Bratt’s cynical, no holds barred attitude gets shaken up when he watches the trial of a man who raped a family friend. He sees how the defense lawyer manipulates the facts to put the blame on the victim, and recognizes that this is what he does every day. His own daughter hates him for the kind of man he has become, and cuts off all ties with him. While he tries to deal with his misgivings about how he does his work, and attempts to reconcile with his daughter, he also has to prepare for a murder trial where he has serious doubts about his client’s alibi defense. He’s torn between his need to win at all costs and his own nagging conscience.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I was looking to write a courtroom drama, but I wanted to have the reader care about more than whether the accused was convicted or acquitted. I realized that a conflicted lawyer, who may or may not be acting in his client’s best interest, could up the ante for the reader. It was also an opportunity for me to have my character’s argue issues of ethics and morality that lawyers often have to deal with. Finally, I decided to base the facts surrounding the murder, as well as parts of the trial, on a case I was involved in earlier in my career. I think this helped me keep the courtroom scenes as realistic as possible; at least I hope I was successful in doing that.

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

I had the book reviewed by a professional copy editor, and also got comments and suggestions from a prosecutor I knew as well as a published author. In the end, the one person I had to satisfy was myself, so I had to rely on my own instincts, and my own willingness to re-read, revise and rewrite the book over a dozen times.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

In my short stories, I let the words flow, with only the vaguest idea where the story is going to take me. For The Guilty, as well as the novel I’m presently working on, I do spend a lot more time on plotting and planning. I think you have to when you’re writing a longer work; but, inevitably, the characters still take the story in unexpected directions. At times like that, I trust that they will find a more interesting tale to tell.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

The discipline of putting myself in a room and closing the door; cutting myself off from friends and family. Even as I write I often think about the fun I could be having with other people, if only I didn’t have this need to tell my darn stories.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Nothing. The less distraction the better. Sometimes I put on a little music to drown out all other noises, and then I find myself listening to the lyrics. So the best time to write is late at night when everyone is asleep.

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

A super power I could definitely use would be flying. Then I wouldn’t have to squeeze my 6 foot-four inch frame into those tiny airplane seats!

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

I hate to sound even more boring than I am, but I don’t know if I ever Googled anything particularly weird.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: guilt, quilt, and built.

Surrounded by the furniture I built, I hid my head under my quilt, and tried to forget thoughts of my secret guilt.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

Watching hockey. Go Habs Go!!

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

Along the meandering path that passes for my writing career, I got support and encouragement from lots of people: Rose (my wife), Lorne, Allen, J.D., Jordan and Carolyn, to name a few. Thanks to all of you for taking the time.

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

Of course, I have my website, www.storiesbygabrielboutros.weebly.com, where interested readers can learn a little more about me and my fiction writing. The Guilty is also available at all online booksellers: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. I’ve found it listed on some sites I never heard of in countries I never would have expected. It is definitely easy to find.

Interview with Maria Savva

Happy Halloween, everyone. I hope those of you in the eastern part of the US are keeping safe in the storm. Let's think happy (and spooky) thoughts with an interview with author Maria Savva, whose book HAUNTED is Halloween appropriate. :)

Happy Halloween, Maria! Welcome to We Do Write. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Thanks for inviting me here :) Happy Halloween to you! I'm a lawyer from England. Not currently practising law. I currently work in admin at a legal advice centre. I have an obsession with the written word, whether it's reading or writing. I have written 5 novels and have three collections of short stories with another on the way.

How long have you been writing?

I caught the writing bug back in my teens when I wrote short stories for school assignments. It was something I really enjoyed. I went for quite a long time where I didn't write as I was studying at university and then law school. In my mid twenties, I found myself out of work with nothing to do, and picked up a writers' magazine at the local newsagent. They had competitions for the best short stories, so I started entering those and this helped me revisit the creative writing I'd loved so much at school. I then had an idea to write a novel. I'd always joked, ever since I was a child, that I would write a bestselling novel one day, so I thought I'd give it a go. That's when Coincidences was born. That was 1997. Since then I have been writing novels or short stories continually, fitting it around my day job.

Tell us about HAUNTED! What’s the story about?

It's a psychological thriller. The story deals with the effects of crime on the mind and on the criminal's life in general. We tend to see a lot of books that seem to almost glamourise crime, in a sense. There are lots of books about murders and other such heinous crimes, but the author doesn't tend to go further than actually showing the crime itself -- shock value-- and maybe the investigation that ensues. I wanted to go beyond the actual crime and explore the after effects from the criminal's perspective. In Haunted, I am very much delving into the mind of the perpetrator. Lots of stories look at how the crime affects the victim, but not many deal with how it can change the criminal's life. I wanted to explore that side of it. After all, not all criminals are cold blooded.

Sounds great! How did the idea of the story come to you?

It has its roots in a news story that had an effect on me, about 8 years ago about a random murder. I started to write a different novel inspired by that event at the time, but due to work commitments didn't get far with that. I still have the first few chapters in a drawer at home somewhere, so maybe I will work on that one when I get time. Haunted started off as being based on that news story, but initially I wanted to write the book about 3 separate crimes that took place and maybe have them link together in some way. The original title was '3 Crimes'. But when I started writing Nigel's story (he's the protagonist in Haunted) something took over and he wanted his own book (characters do that... they can be quite demanding!). The writing of Haunted was also triggered by a couple of road rage incidents I witnessed. The anger that I saw from the drivers who had been involved in those made me start to think about how we can change when we're behind the wheel of a car. Some people seem to become more aggressive. I once saw a case in court about a decent law-abiding family man who attacked someone because of road rage. I've always been interested in the psychology of crime i.e. why do people commit crimes, how does it affect the victim, and how does it affect the criminal. Haunted is about all of this, but is also intended to be a warning about how anger can result in loss.

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

For my last two books -- The Dream, and the second edition of my first novel, Coincidences -- and all my short stories, I self edited. Editing is something you can learn to do alone if you take time to study the rules of grammar. But I find it very time consuming, and I would never edit something on my own without then sending it to beta readers, because it's so much harder to spot editorial issues in your own writing than it is in other people's writing. For Haunted, I decided to use a professional editor, Susan Helene Gottfried (she's also an author of rock fiction, including Trevor's Song). Susan's help was invaluable for this project, because I just didn't have time to edit on my own. If I do edit alone it takes me months because I have to read the manuscript over at least 10 times to spot all the issues that Susan spotted in just one read through. So, I am eternally grateful to her and would definitely recommend her services to other writers. After I am happy with the edited version of my books, I always send out advance reader copies to a few beta readers. I am very lucky to be part of the BestsellerBound.com community of indie writers, so when I send my books to beta readers, I send them to members of that group who are also talented writers. Their input is always great. Fellow writers are the best beta readers you can have!

Are you a planner or a pantser?

I always have an idea about what my novel or story will be about, but the writing process for me is very much a creative endeavour. I get my inspiration as I go along, and often what I had envisaged happening in the story becomes something completely different as the direction is changed by an unplanned event that occurs in the story that might be inspired by something one of the characters says or does. I am very much open to inspiration from the world around me. For example, something someone says to me may alter the way something happens in one of my stories or novels.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Remembering what I've written from one chapter to the next. When I go back over the first draft, I always find problems, for example I've given my character green eyes in chapter 2 and then suddenly in chapter 10, her brown eyes are weeping... stuff like that. I don't pay enough attention to my writing and tend to get carried away with the story forgetting the detail. All that gets fixed in the editing process, which is another hard part of writing!

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

I'm happy with a pen and paper or just a keyboard & computer. Nothing else is needed.

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

Reading people's minds...

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Probably everything I Googled for the research for Haunted was weird and could be used as evidence in a court of law. For example, I Googled for 'hand gun', and I Googled for 'body found near cliff' or 'police searching for body near cliff', and other things to do with murders...

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: ghouls, attic, and trepidation.

Even ghouls would approach that attic with trepidation; there was something far scarier lurking within those shadowy walls.

Awesome! Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... reading

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

A BIG shout out to all at BestsellerBound.com, they are the reason I am still sane (I can hear people laughing at that... my sanity is questionable at times LOL). But seriously, they are such a fabulous support network. I don't think I would have continued on my writing journey over the last couple of years without those lovely writers. Darcia Helle, Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick. Michael Radcliffe, Stacy Juba, Calum McDonald, Jason McIntyre, Susan Helene Gottfried, Jaleta Clegg, Sharon Cathcart... I could go on, there are so many wonderful writers there and every one of the regular members has added something to my writing journey, so I thank them all. We've learnt so much from each other over the last couple of years and I'm sure we'll still be going strong for years to come.

I'd also like to thank some wonderful supportive writers I've recently met on twitter: Susan Buchanan, Terry Tyler, Dionne Lister, Doreen Cox... again there are probably some I have missed from this list. So this is a big shout out to all the people I regularly interact with on Twitter. Your daily tweets and retweets mean a lot to me.

Then there are those writers who have practically been there from the start of my self-publishing journey and somehow they are still there for me. I have the utmost respect for them: Catherine Rose, Julie Elizabeth Powell, Stuart Ross McCallum, Quentin Bufogle, Lisette Brodey. A big thanks to all of you for being an inspiration and for putting up with me.

Thanks are also due to Deena Schoenfeldt and Mark Rice. Both Deena and Mark have been very supportive to me since I met them, and I recently appeared on their podcast. Thanks to both of you for helping to get the word out about my writing. BIG thanks especially to Deena for all the Tweets about my work.

Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to thank each and every person who has ever read my books, and those who have written a positive review about any of my books. A few special mentions that spring to mind are Sheri Wilkinson, Jennifer Lane, Jen Knox, and Brittany -- a reader from Goodreads.com. Getting a good review, for a writer, is like winning the lottery, every time. Thank you all so much. It makes me feel happy to know that my books have entertained you.

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

My official website is the best place to browse around and find out about me and my books. There are links on the home page to all my social networking sites where you can connect with me. There are excerpts and descriptions of my books. You can also find the purchase links there. My Goodreads blog is also attached to my website, and you can keep up with all my latest news there. http://www.mariasavva.com/

Interview Two with Sara Sheridan

Today we welcome back author Sara Sheridan, whom I interviewed last year. Sara has a new book out, and she's here today to talk about it.

Welcome back, Sara! Tell us about your new book BRIGHTON BELLE.

It's lovely to see you again. Brighton Belle is the story of an ex-Secret Service agent, Mirabelle Bevan. At the end of the war Mirabelle feels her useful life is over – her skills are no longer required. Her boyfriend is dead and she moves down to Brighton to retire. Then she gets a job working for a debt collection agency run by the charismatic Big Ben McGuigan and before she knows it she finds her skills are useful because a mysterious case comes in…. It's been interesting to write a crime novel, for a change. I had to learn some new skills.

How did the idea of the story come to you, and how much research went into writing the book?

The book had its genesis in a boozy lunch with my parents. My father was brought up in Brighton and London during the 1950s and he has some great stories. It prompted me to look at setting a story there – I had a couple of months on my hands initially and once I’d started writing I didn’t stop. The research was very different from the kind of historical research I’ve done before but there is fabulous material available from the era – film footage, photos, eyewitness accounts etc. I delved right in! Austerity Britain is a fascinating era for me as a writer, in contrast to the eras I've covered before. It was the end of the Empire, you see, and the earlier novels I've written are largely about the Empire taking off. 

Without giving too much away, what's your favorite part of the book?

I like the interplay between Mirabelle and the secretary down the hall, Vesta. Mirabelle has been through the war and she's lost everything. She's lonely and grieving and Vesta is jolly - she's the antidote but she has no idea about life. 

Are you a planner or a pantser?

I'm a bit of both. The main thing, when I start, is to know what the book feels like. That sounds odd, but with Brighton Belle I wanted it to be  a whizz of a read, reminiscent of the cosy crime heyday of Agatha Christie but slightly more noir for the modern reader. So I knew that. I also knew the character of Mirabelle somehow. But plot twists, well, I think if I planned those too much, I'd be writing anticipating it and I'd rather the reveals were blind. It's more difficult to write that way, but it means you experience the book like a reader and I love that.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

How quickly a body decomposes in different soil types. Actually, that wasn't for this book, it was for Ma Polinski's Pockets. I ended up having to ring the local cemetery authority. Once they had established I wasn't a weirdo with a plan, they were fine about it.

That's hysterical. I'm sure all writers could be potentially locked up due to our search words. Let's tell everyone where they can find BRIGHTON BELLE online?

Ooh yes please!
At the moment it's only available online because the hardback was a library issue and it isn't going into bookshops. So, on amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Brighton+Belle+by+Sara+Sheridan&x=0&y=0
And the paperback will be in the shops, online and off, in July (just in time for the summer.)

Thanks so much for stopping by and chatting with us again, Sara. It's always great talking with you. Best of luck with your new book!

Interview with Linda Barton

Today we're chatting with writer Linda Barton. Linda was born in Dortmund, Germany in 1959 and was adopted by Howard and LaVone Broyles while they were stationed in Spain with the Air Force. As a child she had always loved writing and often dreamed of being an author, but never truly acted upon that dream until later in her life. She has worn many hats over the years from data entry operator, hair stylist to over the road truck driver, but the burning desire to be an author was always there. 

Welcome to We Do Write, Linda. How long have you been writing?

I've written some over the years, but not seriously until lately. Next Move, You're Dead is the first novel I've completed and published. I never thought I would be a published Author, but with the partnership of my husband Bob who is the creative half of The Barton Writing Team, I see many exciting years and novels ahead for us. You see, Bob is the one who comes up with the ideas for our books. Next we brainstorm until we have a storyline, then I create the characters and write the story. It really is the best way to write for me, as I'm free to lose myself in a story without worrying what my next project will be. Bob is always coming up with exciting ideas for new books, so I will never be without something new to write. If any writers out there need an idea for a book, just ask Bob. LOL

Tell us about NEXT MOVE, YOU'RE DEAD and PURE JUSTICE. What are the stories about?

Next Move, You're Dead is the story of a Philadelphia Homicide Detective in a battle of death with a strange caller who causes him to question everything he's ever believed about his training and himself.

Pure Justice is the story of a Marine who on his return from Vietnam with his two best friends to find his whole life turned upside down when his friends are horribly murdered and those who committed the heinous crime escape justice because of a corrupt legal system. He then decides to assure his friends receive justice for their deaths and this act starts him on a new mission ... to assure the innocent finally know justice for the crimes committed against them.

What are you working on now?

I'm working on the second installment of the Next Move, You're Dead Trilogy and having a great time doing it.

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

I have a great editor, Nanci Rogers who goes through my books and makes sure they're clean and ready for the readers. I also have wonderful family and friends who help with proof reading.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Getting the time to do it. My schedule has been rather crazy the last few of months, but hopefully things have calmed down and I can get back into writing regularly.

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

Ear plugs. When I write I go into the world of my characters, so I need to shut the outside world completely out. Besides, I need total silence so I can hear the voices of the characters as tell me their story. LOL

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

The power to control time.

What's the last thing you Googled?

Barnes & Noble

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: enemy, gift certificate, and testimony.

It was a wondrous gift to watch the fear in the eyes of my enemy when the testimony in his murder trial created a vision of his own death certificate to form in his mind.

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

I want to thank my husband and children for their love and support during this adventure in writing. They put up will all the times when I thought I was going crazy and the tantrums when the numerous formatting problems almost made me give up. I also want to thank the wonderful readers who took the chance on a new writer. It means so much to hear of how they enjoyed reading the stories that I grew to love while writing them. I love hearing from them and getting to know each of them on a personal level. Their kind words in reviews or messages make the long, crazy hours spent completing a book all worth while. Lastly, I want to thank my fellow Indie Authors. Their wisdom and knowledge is a treasure that I'm thankful for everyday. Whenever I get stuck on a problem, I know I can turn to them for solutions and support.

And finally, where can people find you online?

My website - http://lindabartonbooks.com/ FB Page - http://www.facebook.com/LindaBartonBooks?created

Thank you so much for talking with us, Linda. It was great getting to know more about you and your books.

Dorothy, I want to thank you for this opportunity to be a guest on your blog and introduce myself to your readers.

Interview with Michael Tabman

Today we're talking with an interesting writer with an interesting background. Let's get to know Michael Tabman.

Welcome to We Do Write, Michael. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Born and raised in New York City, I graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I was a police officer in Fairfax County, VA for three years serving in patrol, in plain clothes and as hostage negotiator for the SWAT team. I then joined the FBI, serving for 24 years and having been assigned to several field offices throughout the country. I investigated crimes ranging from white collar to bank robberies, organized crime, drugs and money laundering. Rising to the rank of Special Agent in Charge, my travels took me to Israel, Russia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. I am now an author, speaker and consultant.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing immediately after retiring from the FBI five years ago.

I understand you've got three published books. Tell us about them.

My first book, Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People, based on my 27 years experience, draws parallels between the police world and decisions made in business and everyday life. Using examples such as arrests, raids and undercover operations, the stories - often amusing - show how applying simple thought processes can lead to success or failure.


Midnight Sin is a crime novel inspired by a case I worked as a plain clothes cop. Law and Order Producer Peter Giuliano said, “Michael has reached deep inside and managed to capture his heart and soul as a cop. My heart was pounding. This is a powerful story told by someone who has captured the feelings of all of us, no matter which side of the law you happen to be on.”

My current novel, Bad Intent, was inspired by my years on an FBI-NYPD Drug/Organized Crime Task Force. It is published in short story format- each installment is a short story building into a full novel.


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

I have two trusted friends who review my writing. I believe in a fresh set of eyes for reviewing work.

Me too. It's incredibly helpful. What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part of writing for me is remembering that fiction does not have to reflect reality all the time. My work is police procedural intensive, so I tend to try to stick to reality.

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

I always have the television on for background noise.

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

The ability to always know right from wrong and then assure that “right” wins.

I don't think we've ever had that answer before. Cool. Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: turbo engine, cream pie, and baby stroller.

To remain true to my genre:

 I was pursuing a car in a high speed chase, but it was getting away from me because it had a turbo engine; then as I turned the corner, I swerved to avoid a baby stroller, crashed and when I got out of the car, someone hit me in the face with a cream pie.

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

My team who helps me write, and with my consulting work, likes to remain in the background. But they know how much I appreciate their help.

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

My books and everything about me can be found on michaeltabman.com

Michael, thanks so much for chatting with us. Your books sound great, and I wish you much success with them!

Interview with Bertram Gibbs

Hot enough for you? Let's try to chill out a bit with a cool interview with author Bertram Gibbs.

Welcome, Bertram. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in a semi-theatrical family. My grandmother was a former chorus girl, my grandfather a former jazz drummer, and my mother (aka ‘Ma’) - who had crippling stage fright - went to every movie and Broadway show during the 40s, 50s, 60, 70s and 80s. She taught me film and theater history at an early age and have a semi-photographical memory when it comes to comic books, television programs, Broadway shows and (of course) movies. Because of her (gotta put the blame somewhere) I collect movies and have over 2.500 DVDs/VHS tapes. I also have about 700 CDs. My taste in music runs from classical (European and modern American composers), to jazz, to Big Band, to Doo Wop, to Broadway scores, to early rock and roll, to funk, to progressive rock.


Between the age of 15 and 25 I was an actor. I did a few off-Broadway shows, made an appearance on a PBS television production, performed with the Metropolitan Opera, performed for the Mayor of New York at Gracie Mansion, performed for the Chinese government at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and was an extra in the 1976 film ‘King Kong’ (I was under the fallen ape’s butt, so you won’t see me on screen). After finding my theatrical career stagnant, I worked in credit and collections for 3M Company, Fuji Photo Film USA, worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a greeter and coordinated the Degas and O’Keefe exhibitions, was part of the Army Reserves for several years (where, much to the dismay of the military, it was found that there were no regulations against biting sarcasm), and presently back working in credit and collections (don’t look for a linear correlation – there ain’t none). But to keep myself sane (or a reasonable facsimile thereof), I write fiction.


My side interest is studying criminal psychology and forensic sciences. I have a considerable collection on serial killers, mass murderers and bizarre crimes. Add in I have deep Vincent Price-like laugh. This explains why I do not get many visitors.


I am also a single parent of a highly intelligent (and twice as deadly) 14 year old daughter. When she was younger, she was somewhat confused that Dad would sit for hours at the computer, tapping away and giggling. She got used to it and has encouraged me since she cannot physically pry me away from the machine (she has dragged the chair - with me on it - into the next room on occasion).

Quite a life you have there. How long have you been writing?

Ma always said that since I began reading and writing on my own since the age of 3, I have been trying to top the author of whatever book I was reading. Despite my years in theater, I always found the time (albeit at pre-dawn hours) to write. Unlike other authors who find a genre and write only that, I write fantasy, sci-fi, (as Harlan Ellison calls it) speculative fiction, mysteries, horror, comedy, farce, and a little comic book fan fiction. I do not like to limit myself to one thing.

Tell us about REFLECTION FROM THE ABYSS. What’s the story about?

It is the story of Carlton Book. He is a freelance accountant and crunches the numbers for several clients. He also runs his life like the spreadsheets he works on; reviewing every variable until all possibilities are considered before any action takes place. This suits him well in his ‘second job’; a paid assassin. He removes individuals the same way he deletes numbers on spreadsheets; without personal interest. He even considers his targets ‘numbers’.


When he arrives at the location of his next target, he finds the individual brutally murdered by the 3-Monkey Killer, an elusive serial killer. In his haste to leave the scene of the crime, he leaves trace evidence behind.


The 3-Monkey Killer not only knows who he is, and is sending him text messages and emails to his personal address requesting they team up. While the police are reviewing the evidence from the crime scene, Book must now find the killer before the police find him and arrest him for crimes he did not commit, and before his own crimes become known.


This is the story of the death and resurrection of a man’s soul.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I was watching a program on serial killers on the Discovery network, and what followed was an episode on assassins. Despite the fact that they share an end result, their methods and mindsets are different. As always, the ‘what if’ came to mind; this time what if an assassin is forced to deal with a serial killer, and would one feel morally superior over the other? Because they are on two separate levels, would there be an understanding of the other’s methods? Because there were so many questions, I began jotting notes and the story began to write itself. My knowledge of criminology, criminal psychology and my repeated watching of episodes of Criminal Minds, CSI and assorted crime shows and documentaries helped a great deal.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Typing as fast as my mind plays the scene out. You see, because of my love of movies, my writing has a cinematic style. Because my imagination ‘sees’ my stories as films, my mind is ‘playing’ the DVD while my fingers transcribe the setting, the camera angles, the characters, the costumes, the direction, the dialog, and the special effects, if any. Sometimes my mind plays out chapters at a time and I can spend hours doing transcription. I’d love to have a USB port in my head to plug myself into my computer and sit back watching the words/actions appear on the screen.

I've had the exact same idea. Plug and play! I wish someone would invent it already. Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

My daughter, silence and iced water. If an idea ‘tickles’ me, I will stop what I’m typing and run it past her; not necessarily for approval, but to watch her reaction. She usually just stares at me blankly and goes back to whatever I interrupted her from. I used to have music playing, but I would become distracted and find myself stopping to listen when a certain track (or segment of a song) played. The water is to keep me hydrated (and awake if I knock the glass in my lap).

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

BWAH-HAH-HA! Super-speed. It would help getting these images I have constantly running through my head on paper. Of course, I would have to have a room full of replacement keyboards (I have a tendency of pounding on the keys – a throwback to my days of using a typewriter).

Yikes! I'll be sure to stay clear of you when you're typing then.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: comic books, time machine, and equilibrium.

Using the instructions I found in the back of a comic book, I adjusted the equilibrium of the flux capacitor and found the time machine actually worked! Now I can go back in time, buy early shares of AT&T, 3M Company, Lucasfilms, Microsoft, and several copies of the first issues of Batman and Superman, go back home and write for a living! And get my kid a pizza.

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

To Ma; she had always been my closest friend and harshest critic. She will always be the cricket in my ear telling me I should write that section over.


To my daughter; she is the light in my eyes and the love in my heart. I write not only for myself, but for her to be proud of her Dad.


To Jeremy; we’ve known each other for so long, and still talk to each other. Thank you for joining me on the ride of a lifetime.


To the many of the mugs who are generous enough to call me their friend, who have read my work and know I have something special to share. Thank you for being there during my ‘Brightest Days’ and ‘Blackest Nights’.

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

You can go to the Christopher Matthews Publishing site, as well as Amazon, Borders, and Barnes & Noble. It’s available in paperback, as well as for eBooks.

Go! Buy! I got a kid to feed!

Thank you so much for chatting with us, Bertram. Good luck with your books, and you know, maybe go easy on the keyboard. ;)

Interview with Bob Kuykendall

Hey, everyone. Happy Fat Tuesday, if you're celebrating it. Speaking of celebrating, let's indulge in a new interview. Shall we? We shall! Today we're talking with writer Bob Kuykendall.

Hi, Bob! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a full time federal agent, a Special Agent with the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations. I have been a federal agent for sixteen years, having also worked for the United States Postal Inspection Service and (in a support position) for the FBI. I am a dad to two, Maddy and Cade. (The lead character in my first book is Special Agent Maddison "Maddy" Cade.) I married my high school sweetheart and after eight moves, we are back "home" in Birmingham, Alabama. We've been married now for twenty years.

Wow, that's a pretty impressive bio! How long have you been writing?

I have early memories of writing stories back in 7th grade, when my teacher recognized I could tell a story, and in lieu of writing sentences, she made me write short essays. While others wrote "I will not talk in class" a hundred times, I wrote two page papers on "Why Bobby talks in class." Although I didn't continue writing much through high school or college, I never really forgot the way she enjoyed reading my little papers.


As an adult, for years on my job, I got fussed at for "writing books," as my bosses would say. I love giving colorful, descriptive stories, which sometimes clashes with drab, bullet form "cop" writing. My real "writing" began about five years ago when I started a book on effective communication strategies. I began writing this simply as a platform to speak. Speaking was/is my real passion, and perhaps my only God-given talent. I LOVE it.

I have to say, "Why Bobby Talks in Class" sounds like a great title for a book. Just putting that out there, lol. Tell us about THE ADDICT. What’s the story about and how did the idea of the story come to you?

I think there are many people who have a story to tell, it's just hard to sit down and start writing. I think people think about "writing a book," and picture the final product, some three or four hundred pages, and don't think they can get from point A to point B, so they never take that first step.


For me, I was already in a writing mode in my effort to write that book on communication strategies. I was speaking to church and social groups here and there, and stumbled across a few old friends who were struggling with drug addictions. My transition to writing this book is very complicated and probably could be better explained by a psychologist, but picture this:

I was "on stage," being introduced as a "successful" law enforcement agent and public speaker. I would give some presentation which was usually met with a nice response - even a few standing ovations here and there. Then afterwards, I would speak with individuals, some known and some unknown to me, who would talk about their past and their struggles. Many of them spoke about their faith in some higher power to help them through. As they spoke, seeking some sort of advice from the "successful" guy, it crossed my mind sometimes that I was way more screwed up than them. It slowly began weighing on me that as I stood before people with all sorts of issues, maybe I had the biggest one. I had become cynical beyond repair. Cynical about life, about religion, about God even. I can't understand why babies die, why dogs live for such a short time, why there are so many divisions of religion, why there are fifteen or so million dollar church buildings in my city and why mean people with crappy personalities seem to live forever while cancer and car crashes take some of the best people you know.


Last year, when attending a worship service and N/A meeting with a friend, a homeless man named Nasty (Probably a street name, or his momma really had issues.) asked if I was a user. I told him no, I was a cop. This didn't seem to phase him much and he asked a few follow up questions. I shared an abbreviated version of my cynicism and he said, "You can't worry 'bout no niggas telling you 'bout yo faith, man. Yo religion is 'tween you and God, man, and God is a cool mutha fucka." Nasty was right and I even liked the way he put it. It was ironic. He cursed God, but meant it in a very respectful way.


So Nasty didn't motivate the book, it was nearly finished at that time, but he inspired me to modify the book and add a final twist that makes the book what it is. I can't give that away, but lets say the book is now more than a crime fiction, but a book with a purpose. My hope is that readers are sucked into the story about crime and terrorism, and are pleasantly surprised when they find they've been duped into reading a book with a life-related message. To my surprise, the changes got the attention of church and social organizations, and I've been invited to more and more functions lately. Maybe the big Man has other plans for The Addict and is guiding things against my intentions?? I'm a work in progress.

That's some story in itself. Amazing! So, what's the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part about writing is the writing. I can't type or write as fast as my goofy brain works. If I had the money to hire someone to put my thoughts on paper, life would be great!

Or some invention that connects brain to computer, so the story is written instantaneously. Wouldn't that be great? Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing? 

Quad shot, no foam, non fat latte (just like Agent Cade drinks) before 9am and Diet Mt. Dew after 9am.

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

This is so strange. I'm now revisiting this question after answering all your others. I feel like a Genie has asked this, and I'm afraid to answer. I mean flying would be cool, but too show-offey, you know? Super strength would be nice, but you can only find so many cars on top of babies to rescue. Like, I'd probably under use that one. X-ray vision would probably end my marriage. I think I'm going to go with the seldom-used ability to communicate with animals. I could do a lot with that!

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: flabbergasted, tricycle, and handcuffs.

After looking up the word, "flabbergasted," Bob... just kidding.

Agent Cade was so flabbergasted by the suspect's actions, he reached for his handcuffs in lieu of his weapon, knowing he'd surely pistol whip or shoot his target. He handcuffed Jimmy to his shiny red tricycle after stripping him naked. The jeers and laughter would surely stick in the kid's head, and he'd never run over a neighborhood cat again.
(Yeah, that's two, I know. I need my editor!)

LOL, but well done. Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

My friends, those who live nearby and those from Facebook and Twitter, have been so patient and supportive. I mean, a guy with a book is usually a pain in the butt. Last week, after my mom asked for a copy of it, I stuck the Amazon URL on her refrigerator. I'm a pain, I tell you, talking about it and pimping it daily. My wife also has been so wonderfully supportive. From the "I'll be right there" moments, when an idea is slowly creeping from brain to laptop, to the constant phone calls and late night book signings. (That last part was fiction.) And finally, I want to thank you, Dorothy. This is a great and valuable service you provide. So many authors are out there dying to share their vision with possible readers. And you have your own books as well, but you take the time, through this forum, to help so many others. I appreciate (first typed "love" than thought it sounded stalkerish) you very much!

Awww, I'm blushing. Well, you're welcome, and I'm very glad to help out wherever I can.

Just a note: I'll gladly reply to e-mails re the book at bob@singlesourcespeaker.com
The book is available at Amazon "The Addict Closed Case Files of Special Agent Maddison Cade."
The book is also available at my website, SingleSourceSpeaker.com, but you know, trying to keep that Amazon ranking about 500,000 is tough. I need to make my momma proud.


And I'd like to invite first time authors, who have fiction or non-fiction books with a "life-related purpose," i.e., motivational, inspirational, or a serve to benefit others, to e-mail me regarding a new collaborative effort seeking to help authors who have decided to make their books available while searching for representation and/or publication. The company, First120 (first120.com), offers help authors (for free) get their first one hundred and twenty books sold! The group is hoping to be a future one-stop-shop for readers, agents and publishers to check out books waiting to be discovered. info@first120.com

Sounds great! Thank you so much for letting us get to know you and your book, Bob. It's been fun, and I wish you lots of success!

Interview with Claudette Walker

Happy St. Nikolaus, everyone! Did you all leave your shoes out by the front door last night? No? Well, I hope you got to indulge in some holiday chocolate anyway. Speaking of delicious treats, today's interview is with a very talented author whom I'm sure you'll all grow fond of. Please welcome Claudette Walker.

Hi, Claudette. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Monroe Michigan, the youngest child of factory workers. My mother Lois Walker, my father Claude Walker, and my sister Deborah Walker are now deceased. I lived a glorious childhood of love and laugher, playing on Lake Erie. Growing up, I was an avid diver, rode small motorcycles, ice skated, roller skated, and more. I have been married, divorced, and I am now remarried.


I am the mother of an adult daughter. In 2003, just as I was launching my first book and was writing C Street, I fell in love and married my husband David, an attorney in Florida. Within hours of our wedding ceremony my life changed, as I was severely injured in an accident. I spent the years since recovering, and I still suffer from the injuries I sustained. It was left to time for me to find out if I would every finish my second novel. Despite the ominous beginning of our life together, I am very happily married.

Wow, what a life! How long have you been writing?

Since childhood; I first published poems in newspapers in my early twenties, and I am now in my fifties.

Tell us about C Street. What's the story about?

C Street is the story of what could be. It is a very possible scenario of the present and future drawn from my examination of the powerful men in recent history. C Street is also a story of intense love, as well as good and evil.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I came to know some of the players of Washington, D.C. I saw the love of power and I realized that total power totally corrupts during my days of being married to a bipolar genius, a government lawyer, now deceased.

Is this book similar to your first book, To Love the Rose?

No, although To Love The Rose started the journey of the characters and the tapes of secrets. It was the book that began the journey for my voice. C Street is the book where I believe I found my voice.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Deciding when to stop the story and leave it for the next book.

Any tips you’ve learned about writing you’d like to share?

Work some every day. Think about the book and get it onto paper. Then, work a lot on the days when the ideas are flowing. Whatever success you obtain, remember the next great storyteller is yet to come. Be humble and grateful that the world liked your last story. The point of writing is to communicate and the only way to do that is to disseminate your work. It isn’t communication if it never leaves your hands to be read by others.

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

I need a good chair with neck support, paper, a pen, a computer, and lots of coffee.

I'm with you there on the coffee, lol. So, if you could have any super power, what would it be?

Omniscience.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: hibernation, fiber, and social butterfly.

A social buttery I am not, for every fiber in my being prefers hibernation in my writer’s lair.

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

I would like to thank my daughter NeCole who provides endless ideas for my characters and keeps me grounded in life. Without NeCole, I would not be the woman I am today. I want to thank my husband David, who stands with me at every bend in the road, edits my work before the ever editor gets the final draft, lifts, laughs, and goes wherever I need him to be, just in case I need him. To the people who do work for me, from technical work to editing, I thank you. I must not forget, to my neurologist Dr. William Greenberg, who has worked with me over the years to understand what has happened from the injury, provided the treatment course, and brought me back to finish C Street, I thank you. To my readers, old friends and new, who have been so supportive at every step in my journey, I thank you for allowing me the privilege of writing for you. Without all of you, I would not be the author of C Street.

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

I can be found online at www.AbacusBooks.com, My books are available at that website, as well as at www.Amazon.com , UK, FR, DE, AT, CA, JP , www.BarnesandNoble.com and in bookstores. eBooks are available for Kindle, Nook, iPhones, MP3 and other reading devices. You can find me in Saint Petersburg, Florida most all of the time, and in Washington, D.C. in the spring -- signing books.

Claudette, it was wonderful talking with you. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk about your book. I wish you lots of success!

Interview with Pamela DuMond

Today we're chatting with a wonderful lady and excellent author. Her book CUPCAKES, LIES, AND DEAD GUYS is available now! Let's get to know her.

Welcome, Pamela. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. As a kid I loved going to the pool in the summer, rolling in the leaves in the fall, (yes I was a dork,) and building snow forts in the winter. I did not enjoy eating liver that was cooked hard enough to be used as a weapon, or trying to figure out if the fruit-like thingies embedded in the jello du jour were edible.


One day when I was in college my Dad declared I had to stop dallying around with Spanish, Psychology, cute boys and pick a profession. Dad was old school, first person in his family to put himself through college and start his own business. Therefore, I wasn’t allowed to pick something namby-pamby like Artist, Musician, or Secret Spy as a career. My choices were limited to doctor, lawyer, or Indian Chief. I hated blood and guts, had never been on the debate team and certainly wasn’t cool enough to be an Indian Chief. So that left chiropractic.

How long have you been writing?

As a kid I stuttered badly, so I did a lot more reading and writing than talking. Any kid who is considered a little ‘different’ knows: the bullies zone in on you. By the time I could actually talk without stuttering, I was beyond shy and didn’t. When I turned 22 I started yakking. My brother commented that I haven’t shut up, since. Since it’s relatively boring talking to oneself all day long, I started writing a lot more then, as well.

Tell us about this fabulously-titled book Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys.

Annie is a baker with a pinch of psychic ability. Her married life is perfect until a famous self-help author, Dr. Fuller, ruins everything. When Fuller ends up poisoned with one of Annie's cupcakes, she's a murder suspect. When Fuller doesn't pass to the After-Life, he recruits/haunts Annie to find his killer. Now Annie's stuck with the world's most irritating ghost while investigating the wackos who wanted him dead. Can she solve the crime before she is whacked by the real killer?

Sounds absolutely awesome. How did the idea of the story come to you?

I was working on scripts that were going nowhere. Three authors inspired me to try writing novels: Jacqueline Carey, Lisa Lutz, and Toni McGee Causey. Their characters are rich and their worlds are intriguing.


I’ve had enough experiences that convinced me it is possible to communicate with people who have passed on. I wrote several non-fiction articles about those moments that were published in Soul Moments: Marvelous Stories of Synchronicity – Meaningful Coincidences from a Seemingly Random World, edited by Phil Cousineau. I’ve always loved mysteries, as well as comedies. I started to think about the comedic possibilities of being stuck with the ghost of the person you hated most in the entire world. That situation seemed pretty funny.

Sounds hysterical. I can't wait to read it. What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

When I’m in the middle of writing a story, I’m hoping that there is a pony at the bottom of the heap, and praying that I can dig my way through to her. Then, I hope that my readers will love that pony as much as I do.

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

A notepad, a pen, a highlighter, research materials, my super-duper abdominal belt that exercises my abs while I write, (weird, I know,) and sometimes a cat on my chair.

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

I already have the super-duper abdominal belt. Okay. My super power would be the ability to get to the pony more quickly.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: jujitsu, summer house, and ambidextrous.

I discovered the only survivors of the summer house were ambidextrous middle aged women with jujitsu skills: just like me.

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

Krill Press, Ramona DeFelice Long, my family, my friends, my furballs, writers, readers, bloggers like yourself, Dorothy. The list is endless. I am blessed.

And finally, where can people find you online?

Facebook at Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys.


My website should be up this week: www.Pamela.DuMond.com

Thank you so much for chatting with us, Pamela. I just know your book will be a big hit.

Thank you Dorothy!

Interview with Laura Schultz

What? The weekend is over already? I think I can ease your Monday morning blues with my next interviewee. Laura Schultz is a fantastic writer whom I've connected with through Twitter and Facebook. She's always supportive and has a terrific attitude. Let's get to know her a little more.

Welcome, Laura. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in a small border town in California into a political family. My father was a farmer turned politician and mother was a painter/sculptor. As a child I was greatly influenced by what I saw there in the 1950’s during an idyllic time much like old American television shows. Meeting notable political figures was quite interesting. They came to our cozy little town to campaign for my dad who was running for a Senatorial seat from our district in 1964. We had horses and lots of great animals on the ranch we had. As with many of us my childhood influenced my adult life, including what I have chosen to write about now.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing poetry almost all of my life to get me through the good times and mostly the many tough years. However, I began writing professionally about 4 years ago and began by writing for national magazines. I write a myriad of genres including true crime, poetry, articles related to relationships, sexuality and book reviews for the New York Journal of Books in genres that I am credentialed to review. I have also been a licensed Psychotherapist for over 20 years which also influences my writing style.

Wow, sounds like you've got your hands in every jar. That's awesome. Tell us about the book of poetry you have out with a publisher.

My book involves poetry of love, loss and personal struggles of having an incurable but manageable physical illness for many years. The collection of poems is reflective of my philosophy about life and writing from the soul. There will be more details forthcoming when it gets closer to publication.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I gather my inspiration from many sources including other poets and writers--mainly those who struggled throughout history. But also those I have had the privilege to come to know presently. My mom’s fabulous artwork and gourmet cooking talents have also influenced my desire to create something artistic. I have no artistic talent per se like she had but I know that she would be proud of me now. She was way ahead of her time and was also a somewhat renowned artist for her generation of women. Unfortunately she is in the last stages of Alzheimers and cannot witness what I have accomplished.

Sounds like she's an amazing woman.

Tell us, do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers?

I don’t necessarily enjoy writing critique groups but my best friend is a prolific writer, scholar and film teacher. He has also been my writing mentor and best teacher for over 6 years now. I also recently created a writer’s group called Writer’s etc. along with my Co-Director Italia Trent. The group has over 600 members from many genres as well as members of the Hollywood Community. I have received and hopefully give support to all the writers in the group as much as I am able to do along with my many writing deadlines.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part for me, Dorothy, is maintaining a balance in my life between writing, friends taking care of myself and having some semblance of a healthy relationship. That will take more time for me to learn to do well. Many of my non-writer friends are disappointed that I don’t have much time to spend with them anymore and don’t understand why I work such odd hours, in their opinion.

I understand. I've often wished for a way to freeze time so I can do all the things I need to do and stay connected to everyone I'd like to.

Do you have any tips you’ve learned about writing you’d like to share?

For me writing at night when it’s quiet is the best time for me to focus. I realize every writer has their own personal preference when it comes to this issue. I also feel that my outlook on life in general helps me get through the waiting or dry periods (so to speak) that can cause great angst for many writers including myself. I’ve been very lucky to have such great support for the writing life the past few years. Though I dreaded the thought of social media at first, I have learned to enjoy networking with other writers and sharing our mutual concerns.

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

Must haves for me are inspirational pix or quotes from people I admire, an old-fashioned writing pad that I carry everywhere I go and in my office I am surrounded by award-winning paintings that my mother created years ago.

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

I am very grateful to the many people who have supported me in the last few years from all over the world especially Stuart McCallum, Italia Trent, Roz Morris, Anton Mueller, Don Odom, Nancy Denofio, Russ Bryant, Amanda Haines, Deborah Riley, Derek Haines and Dan Hays. All of them can be found on twitter or facebook or both. And all have special writing talents of their own. My stepfather Joel Rudof, cousin Mark Goldenson and brother Mike Schultz have been very supportive family members. And Dorothy you have also been very supportive. Thanks for interviewing me. This almost sounds like an Academy Award acceptance speech doesn’t it?

LOL, yeah, but it's fitting. And finally, where can people find you online?

The best place for people to read samples of my work is www.lauraschultznow.com. I am just getting my blog up and running but am enjoying people stopping by to leave comments, etc.


Laura, thank you so much for chatting with us today. I look forward to more information about your book, and I wish you lots of success with all your writing endeavors.