Interview with Terence Jackson

Today we're talking with author Terence Jackson about his BLOOD UNDERGROUND series.

Welcome, Terence! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am originally from a very rural area of North Carolina - spent most of my life there until 2002 when I moved to Fargo, North Dakota, where I still reside. I work at North Dakota State University as an administrative secretary - the only male secretary on campus. I grew up watching all those great black & white horror movies - Dracula, The Werewolf, etc. - on Saturday mornings and I've always had a love for the macabre. I also watched a lot of British television, especially Dr. Who and the comedies so I've been a huge anglophile for some time, as well.

How long have you been writing?

I began writing when I was in college back in the 1970s, never anything serious, though. It was just for me that I wrote - mainly short stories and such. I started writing seriously in 2007 as a way to beat the boredom of winter in Fargo. My first story was "Thirty Days and Counting." It is a military love story I wrote that was inspired by - of all things - a Reba McEntire song. It took me about a year to write it and I had just completed it when I came across the Amazon Breakthrough Novel competition and I entered it. I did okay for a first-timer but I didn't win. I did publish it through Amazon's self-publishing platform and I got the bug - I wanted to write and publish more! My next book was "Von Dred" a vampire story that was inspired by a couple of notes written to me by my work study student at the time. He wound up creating the cover art for the novel. The sequel to "Von Dred" is titled "The Book of Jacob" and it follows one of the characters from "Von Dred" and tells the story from his viewpoint. That brings us up to date and to my proposed trilogy of vampire novels.

Tell us about the first book in your BLOOD UNDERGROUND series. What’s the story about?

The first book in the "Blood Underground" trilogy is "Thavs." Thavs is a term that I came up with that is based on the English term, chavs. The novel tells the story of two men, Henry Stuart and Liam Thackeray, two of the vampires that inhabit the unused tunnels beneath the city of London. In my typical fashion, it gives a good deal of background on the characters so the reader can appreciate why they are the way they are as vampires. What is atypical for me was the style of writing. First, all my stories up until this one have been first person. Secondly, instead of a linear storytelling as in my other novels, this one bounces back and forth between the past - around 1820 - and present day all set up by a series of flashbacks by the main characters until the storyline intersects with itself. The story deals with a lot of vampire lore, both old and new, as well as dealing with human emotions, humanity, and what it's like when one lets the monster win.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I was in London last October by myself, just after the rioting. I have lots of friends in England but one day I was at odds for anything to do. My best mate works for the Underground as a station manager so in deference to his job I decided to take the tour of the unused portions of the  underground. I found it fascinating the number of unused stations and platforms and tunnels and the condition in which they were left. I always have a notebook with me so if inspiration hits I'm prepared. It did. I took notes on everything the tour guide said and the idea grew and grew that it would make a great setting for a vampire novel.

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

I do have several people who read my manuscripts before I consider publishing them. Most of them are professors in various fields at the university - art history, philosophy, etc. They give me a good deal of input on the storyline, the background, and insight into the characters. I will then take their suggestions and corrections and do the second writing. After that I usually have one or two friends in England that I will send it to for their input, to see if there are any problems with any of my phrasings, Briticisms, or details. Once I get it back from them I will do the third writing, and after that I usually let the manuscript sit for a couple of weeks and work on other stories. When I come back to the nearly completed novel I read and edit it as I go, taking it very slowly as I go. In "Blood Underground: Book One - Thavs" it added nearly 30 pages to the story when I was done with it all. Then just to satisfy my own anal retentive needs, I order a proof copy and read it through once more before releasing it.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

You know, it took me a couple of minutes to figure out what you meant by "pantser." I'm still guessing that it means by the seat of one's pants. My English friends would probably get a big kick out of "pantser" as it would mean something totally different over there - sort of like how "fanny" means something totally different to an Englishman than to an American. Since I've already spilt the beans that I'm anal retentive - and probably a bit OCD as well - I guess I'd say I am a planner. I make an outline of proposed chapters for a story making changes to it as I go along, but, ususally, the final product sticks pretty much to the outline with which I start. The only time I don't plan out every minute of the day is when I'm in London by myself; it just enjoy it as it comes.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest thing about writing for me is knowing when to stop, or better yet, when to release the story. I'm a perfectionist and it is very difficult to click the mouse on the "publish" key. All the rest of it is easy when compared to actually publishing my work.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

I do have things that I have to have around me or in front of me when I'm writing, but it's never the same thing. It's always something different for each novel I write. For instance, for "Thirty Days and Counting" my father had just passed away and I had some of his military medals I had recovered. For "Von Dred" and "Jacob" it was the notes written by my work study student. For the "Blood Underground" series I've been using the photographs I took while on the "forgotten underground" tour. I even made one of them my desktop background on my computer.

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

Hmm. It's hard to choose. I guess if pushed, I'd have to say invisibility. I'm an observer of everything - people, places, and things - and I just think it would be advantageous to be able to observe without being a part of the equation.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

You know, I really don't have an answer for this question. I guess it would have to be vampires and the folklore behind them, but nowadays, that's not all that weird.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: understand, underground, and underwear.

I understand that you have to wear underwear on the underground.

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

thinking about some piece of dialogue or scene-setting for a story.

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

Wow, I'm not sure you have enough space but I'll try!

I guess first would have to go to Hazel Larsen, fellow author for turning me onto your blog. I've had the pleasure of beta-reading her last novel and we've become good friends.

Next would be to my test subjects at the university - Dennis Cooley, professor of Philosophy and Ethics, and Kris Groberg, associate professor of art history. They have been my main readers on all of my stories and are truly honest about my plots, dialogue....everything.

A big shout out to Kris Kobus, my best mate and all round good guy in London. He has been the inspiration for several characters in my books and is probably one of my biggest fans.

Another one of my friends in the U.K, Gerard Stewart, has also inspired several characters, he himself being such a character in his own right.

I have to thank my mom and dad, although both gone and they never got to read any of my books, they were truly inspirational in the way I was brought up and the values they instilled in me.

Another shout out goes to Michael Baumgartner who was the guy who inspired my vampire novels - "Von Dred" and "The Book of Jacob" - and upon whom the character of Jacob was based; also for the great cover art for Von Dred.

A big thanks goes to my mate Adrian - one name, like Cher - in London; he provided the cover art for "Blood Underground: Book One - Thavs." I told him I wanted provocative and he certainly went the distance on that one.

I guess finally would have to be to all those out there who have read and commented on my books. I've been told my writing is everything from "wonderful, inspiring, etc." to "vampire porn" (I get a big chuckle everytime I think about that one) and I take it all in stride. The one thing that does get me is when people read the second book and not the first one in the vampire stories, then complain that there's things missing from the plot - things that are all explained in great detail in the first book. But all-in-all I enjoy the fans and hearing how much they love my writing and that they can't wait for the next book to come out.

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


I have recenlty started a blog which can be found at:
http://terencejacksonauthor.blogspot.com/
I also have a twitter account but don't get on there too much.
https://twitter.com/TerenceJackson6
My Good Reads profile is at:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/335008.Terence_Jackson
My books are all available on Amazon.com (and the corresponding U.K. and several of the other European Amazon sites) in both print and Kindle editions. Here are the different links:
http://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Days-Counting-Terence-Jackson/dp/1434879097/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-1&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Days-and-Counting-ebook/dp/B001O2SEB0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-3&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Von-Dred-Terence-Jackson/dp/1441452702/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-2&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Von-Dred-ebook/dp/B002S0NIRC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-4&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Jacob-Terence-Jackson/dp/1449538371/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-11&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Jacob-Dred-ebook/dp/B004W9BXL0/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-16&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Underground-Book-One-Thavs/dp/1461135451/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485409&sr=8-33&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Underground-Book-Thavs-ebook/dp/B008PT1NOU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-7&keywords=terence+jackson

Interview with Tracie Banister

Today we're talking with author Tracie Banister about her novel IN NEED OF THERAPY.

Welcome, Tracie! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Like my favorite fictional heroine, Scarlett O'Hara, I am a Southern belle who lives on the outskirts of Atlanta. I'm addicted to television (I watch everything from Disney shows to Top Chef and think the DVR is the best invention since the wheel.), crossword puzzles (I do 3-5 a day and like to time myself.), and salt and vinegar potato chips (My one junk food weakness.) Animal rights (I have three rescue dogs, two with special needs.) and finding a cure for diabetes (I've been a Type 1 diabetic for over 25 years.) are my two passions. I love theater and try to get to New York to see several Broadway shows every year. And, of course, I am a rabid reader who enjoys a wide variety of genres, everything from Historical Romance to Steampunk.

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing since I was a child and have tried my hand at everything from plays to literary analyses to short stories and full-length novels.

Tell us about IN NEED OF THERAPY. What’s the story about?

I think my book blurb says it best:

Lending a sympathetic ear and dispensing sage words of advice is all part of the job for psychologist Pilar Alvarez, and she’s everything a good therapist should be: warm, compassionate, supportive. She listens, she cares, and she has all the answers, but how’s the woman everyone turns to in their hour of need supposed to cope when her own life starts to fall apart?

While working hard to make a success of her recently-opened practice in trendy South Beach, Pilar must also find time to cater to the demands of her boisterous Cuban family, which includes younger sister Izzy, an unemployed, navel-pierced wild child who can't stay out of trouble, and their mother, a beauty queen turned drama queen who’s equally obsessed with her fading looks and getting Pilar married before it’s “too late.” Although she’d like to oblige her mother and make a permanent love connection, Pilar’s romantic prospects look grim. Her cheating ex, who swears that he’s reformed, is stalking her. A hunky, but strictly off-limits, patient with bad-boy appeal and intimacy issues is making passes. And the sexy shrink in the suite across the hall has a gold band on his left ring finger.

When a series of personal and professional disasters lead Pilar into the arms of one of her unsuitable suitors, she's left shaken, confused, and full of self-doubt. With time running out, she must make sense of her feelings and learn to trust herself again so that she can save her business, her family, and most importantly, her heart.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

As so often happens with my books, the basic concept for In Need of Therapy came from an outside source (In this case, my mother!) One day, she said offhandedly, "You should write a funny book about a female psychologist," and a light bulb went off over my head. It just seemed like such a great idea since I've always been fascinated by psychology (I took several courses on the subject in school.) I decided to set the book in Miami and make the heroine a Latina, which opened up all kinds of wonderful possibilities with her having a large, crazy family that caused just as many problems as her patients did. Throw in several potential love interests, all with glaring flaws, and I had a really fun, multi-layered story to play with.

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

I've never been part of a formal critique group, but I and several of my author friends bounce ideas off each other and trade feedback. I mostly self-edit because I'm a pretty big control freak and I'm very meticulous about spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc., but I've learned the value of having someone else give my manuscript a final once-over before sending my work off to be formatted. When you've read a book twenty times, it's easy to miss a typo or two.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

I'm a little bit of both, so I suppose that makes me a plotty pantser. :) I would sooner walk into traffic than write an outline; I loathe the things. However, I have been known to use dry erase boards and copious amounts of neon-colored post-its to help me figure out the chronology of a book and how different plots/characters intersect. I always know the beginning and ending of my books and I write very detailed character bios before I ever start work on a book. Then, I set the characters down on the page and let them play. They're very good at leading me where they need to go and I find that my stories unfold in a much more organic way when I use this method rather than plotting out every little detail in advance. I always say that the best bits in all of my books are the surprises, not the things I planned.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

I get frustrated when I can't translate the scenes in my head on to paper as perfectly as I would like. That doesn't happen a lot, but when it does, I want to rip my hair out! In those situations, it's usually best if I just move on to another chapter and let the scene germinate in my subconscious a little longer. Eventually, my brain will work through whatever problem I'm having.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Pens, post-it notes, the internet so that I can quickly do research, a thesaurus, baby name books, and hand lotion. I know that that last one is a little odd, but I find the process of rubbing lotion into my hands to be very helpful when I'm pondering creative choices. Also, massaging my hands periodically throughout the day keeps my carpal tunnel from acting up.

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

Teleportation, because I love to visit new and exciting places, but I hate having to travel to them. How awesome would it be to wake up and say, "I'd like to have a croissant for breakfast," then blink, and you're sitting at a café on the banks of the Seine noshing on fresh, buttery bread.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

One of Pilar's patients in In Need of Therapy is a hypochondriac, so I googled some pretty strange diseases while I was writing that book. Stuff like Arachnoiditis, which is not the condition that afflicted Peter Parker in Spiderman, but an inflammation of the nerves surrounding the spinal cord, and Acromegaly, which is a growth hormone disorder.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: therapy, parakeet, and parachute.

Although Percy, the parakeet, had been through months of physical therapy for his broken wing, he still didn't trust that he could fly and insisted that a parachute be strapped to his back before he would attempt it.

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

relaxing on the couch, watching one of the many shows I've recorded on my DVR. It's all research for my writing, of course. ;)

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

I have such a long list of people who've been instrumental in helping me to achieve my goal of becoming a published writer. First and foremost, my mother, who has always encouraged and believed in me. Plus, all of the friends and family members who have patiently listened to me yammer on and on about my work for the past 8 years. And finally, all of the wonderful authors, bloggers, and readers I've met online this past year who have been so generous with their advice, comments, and support. I could not have done any of this without them!

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

I have a blog and I'm very active on Twitter and Facebook. If you love books, TV, dogs, or all of the above, please follow or Friend me! I always enjoy connecting with readers and other authors.

My blog:  http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/traciebanister

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/tracie.banister

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/In-Need-of-Therapy-ebook/dp/B008N6Z36Y

Amazon UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/In-Need-of-Therapy-ebook/dp/B008N6Z36Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342893151&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble: 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-need-of-therapy-tracie-banister/1112265620?ean=2940015006889 

Interview with Stephanie Keyes

Today we're hopping on the Star Child blog tour and chatting with author Stephanie Keyes. We also have a giveaway, so be sure to keep reading to the end of the interview.

Welcome, Stephanie. Tell us a bit about yourself. 

Hi, thanks for the welcome and for having me on your site! Let's see, I'm a mother of two boys, both under six, and a wife. I've been married to my husband for eleven years and he's my best friend. When I'm not writing, I'm reading. I always have a book close at hand.

How long have you been writing? 

Ever since I can remember. I can remember sitting on my bed at fourteen with a ruled notebook and scribbling away furiously.

Tell us about STAR CHILD. What’s the story about? 

The story is about a child prodigy, Kellen St. James, who gets approached by a young girl on the beach in Ireland when he's there visiting his Gran. He instantly has this connection to the girl and he feels like she could be his best friend. All he knows about her is her name, Calienta. After prompting his Gran, he finds out that Calienta is something of a local legend. They call her The Star Child, because she lights the stars in the sky at night.

Kellen mostly dismisses it as a dream, but he's never certain. Particularly since he dreams about the same chance encounter over the next eleven years of his life. When Kellen's Gran dies, he travels to Ireland to to take over her estate, having inherited it as her sole heir. Calienta makes a repeat appearance and he finds out that she's just as real as he is. Plus, she's come to tell him about a prophecy in which he plays a key role.

Kellen soon finds himself on the run through an underworld, where all he has to rely on is his photographic memory, book smarts, and his courage...

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

I just looked out at the stars one night and though "Star Child". Then I began to think about a girl who lit the stars at night. Who was she? What did she want out of life? Ironically, I wrote Kellen before I wrote about her. He just intrigued me.

Are you a planner or a pantser? 

I am a hybrid!I plan for almost everything, but I can throw the plan out the window for a fabulous new idea. I am more than willing to just wing it and see what happens.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you? 

Editing! I love planning it out, writing it, and going through those ideas. However, I just have a hard time with editing because I'm ready to move on. Ha! Fortunately, I had a fantastic editor on this edition of The Star Child, Melissa Keir, who really worked with me and kept on top of me. I know the book is in the best possible shape because Melissa kept me honest and challenged me.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing? 

Music, my Bose headphones, and Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisps.

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

It would be the power to magically clean my entire house and do the laundry in one fell swoop. My family would appreciate this as well.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled? 

How do you repel faeiries?

Very useful information. ;) Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: figurine, hereditary, and washboard. 

The hereditary song of my ancestors began to hum at such a decibel that I grabbed the figurine from the laundry room shelf and drove it right through the washboard.

Wow, great job with that one! Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

playing with my kids or snuggling with the hubby.

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

These are great questions! Love 'em. A shout out to my husband and kids – they are the reason that I do everything. To my Mom, for telling me, yes, they will want it. To my Aunts Linda and Mary for reading the draft when I was afraid to tell anyone I'd written a book. My brother, Adam, for just being there. And the ladies in my old work group, Laura, Tessie, and Gina. They loaned me their guts so that I could pitch this to New York and let anyone read it all.

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

My website is really where I communicate with folks the most. That's www.stephaniekeyes.com. However, you'll also find me at:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/StephanieKeyes
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Keyes/150860604966160
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/stephaniekeyes/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5360651.Stephanie_Keyes

Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Stephanie. It was great having you here. Enjoy the rest of your blog tour!

And now for the giveaway! The autographed books and posters can be won by those in the US and UK. the ebook raffle is open to everyone. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Jolea Harrison

Happy Monday, everyone. Hope you all enjoyed the weekend. Now it's back to business, so we'll start things off with a fun chat. Today we're talking with author Jolea Harrison.

Welcome, Jolea! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’ve been considered, for most of my life, as something of an oddball. I’m a total tech geek. Space. The Final Frontier. I went to Florida to watch the Space Shuttle launch. I love learning about new technology – not that I can keep up with it, but I fully embrace it, the smart phones, the touch-screen technology, devices that talk back to us when we ask it a question, and yet at the same time, I’m fairly certain I was a Hobbit in another life. Or an Ent.

How long have you been writing?

Forever. Okay, not quite that long, but since Middle School.

Tell us about THE GUARDIANS OF THE WORD series. What’s the story about, and what can we expect from the newest release in the series, UNION?

The series is one long story, a little over a million words by the end of it, about the struggles of good and decent people against primal evil. The characters are extraordinary because they have to be in order to succeed, but they have normal fears and desires. There are plots within where someone you think is good turns out to be rotten to the core. Twists and turns. It’s an epic journey. Union is the 5th book. The characters are thrown into more difficulties and make new discoveries about themselves and others traveling through space on a ship that just might not hold together.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

Originally, it was a love story. Boy meets girl, falls in love, marries and then lives happily ever after. It exploded in either direction from that central concept into an 8 book undertaking about all the big life issues we all have, love, loss and betrayal. It’s all in there.

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

All of the above. I’m editing the next book, Adept, right now. It’s due out in October. Once I’ve got all the pieces put together – there’s a bit of rearranging going on at the moment – I’ll send it on to my fabulous beta readers, who do an incredible job of catching my silly mistakes.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

I never sat down and wrote an outline that defined the entire story. And I’m glad I didn’t because several situations have cropped up that are now integral parts of the plot that may not have happened had I attempted to plan too much. On the other hand, I’ve always known where the story would end.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Editing and checking for typos. It continually amazes me how the human brain can fix typos and misspelled words to the point you read right over them. Drives me nuts.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

I don’t have those kind of requirements at all. I can write pretty much anywhere. I’m sure I look like a lunatic staring off at nothing for lengthy moments, or whispering to myself over some detail or other. My son has caught me doing that too many times to count.

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

I would wish to have the ability to heal pain and illness.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Myself. I find it exceptionally out-of-this-world-crazy to know I’m on page after page in a google search. If you told me a couple years ago that would be the case, I would not have believe it.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: transcend, department store, and ridiculous.

When I think of a department store where the memories transcend the years, I think of the times my Aunt Ruth took me shopping at the ‘big’ mall where there once was an indoor aviary that I didn’t find at all ridiculous, but a magical and wondrous place.

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

trying to keep my 200-year-old house standing.

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

There are too many to name. The obvious ones are my family and close friends. Several Indie writing communities I belong to have given me unconditional inspiration and encouragement. The coolest supporters I have are my readers. There is no feeling quite like the one where someone tells you that they love the story.

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

Linkage!

Blog: http://jm-harrison.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jolea-M.-Harrison

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/Jolea M. Harrison

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoleaMHarrison

Twitter: http://twitter.com/joleab

Thanks so much for chatting with us Jolea! I'll be sure to check out your series. 

Introducing the Judging Agent for September's Three Two One Pitch Contest

Are your pitches about ready for our contest next week? Let's hope so, because we've got an awesome judging agent who will be reading all your entries. I'm happy to introduce Rebecca Podos of the Rees Literary Agency!

Rebecca Podos is thrilled to read the work of promising new authors, and to represent talented clients like Rin Chupeco, Rory Douglas, and Ryan Craig Bradford. Her interests include character-driven literary fiction, young adult, narrative nonfiction, some fantasy and science fiction, and in general, writing with a touch of strangeness.

We're thrilled to have Rebecca judge this month's contest.


Once again, the Three-Two-One Pitch contest goes like this:

It all takes place September 21st and 22nd. 

THREE - Pitch your story in only three sentences. 

TWO - Two days to enter: September 21st and 22nd.

ONE - The fabulous Rebecca Podos will judge and pick a winner.

Do not enter your pitch on this post. I will make an official contest entry post on September 21st, and entrants will post their three-sentence pitches (no run on sentences!) in the comments section of that post. At midnight on September 22nd, I will turn off comments and no other entries will be accepted. The winner will get a full manuscript request!

This contest is open to unagented, completed and polished manuscripts in the genres of:

• YA
• Fantasy
• Science Fiction

To be eligible, you must:

• Follow this blog - go ahead and click "Join this Site" on the right if you haven't already
• Follow me on Twitter
• Spread the word! Tweet, Blog, or mention on Facebook about the contest linking back to this post

Not necessary, but in the spirit of paying it forward:

• Friend me on Goodreads
• Like my Facebook Author Page

So, don't forget: Three sentences, two days to enter, one agent will judge. Good luck, everyone. Can't wait to read all your pitches. See you back here on the 21st!

Interview with Alan Nayes

Seems like it's "Boys Week" here on the blog. I have another male visitor today, and his name is Alan Nayes, author of GIRL BLUE.

Welcome, Alan. Tell us a bit about yourself. 

First, thank you for hosting me today, Dorothy. I’m from Texas but live in Southern California and love the outdoors, reading and writing. My goal is to write stories that entertain and enthrall readers, and yes I’m still working at this. I own eighty acres of land in Texas and one day I plan to spend three or four months in a small house on this rural land and write the first draft of a novel that will become a future bestseller—or at least sell one or two copies to family members and friends.  When I’m not writing, I’m thinking about what I’m writing.


How long have you been writing?  

Dorothy, I’ve been writing stories for several decades now.  After I moved to southern California in the 80’s I decided to take a creative writing class at a local community college. I’d written some music in college but when I realized I couldn’t sing real well—not at all actually—I switched to stories. After several failed attempts at breaking into the screenwriting business I decided I would have a better chance at novels. Not much better, but I am making progress. My mantra—every day write something.


Tell us about GIRL BLUE. What’s the story about?  

Let me see, Girl Blue, in one word—bizarre. The story revolves around an extraordinarily talented sculptor named Jeremy Copper. His specialty is carving nude women in stone. Jeremy is one of the best in the world at creating his female erotic statues. But Jeremy is dying and he wants to make his last creation his legacy. Girl Blue will be carved from a rare block of blue granite. What Jeremy doesn’t realize is this rare block of granite is “haunted” by the vengeful spirit of a woman who lived in the 1920s. Girl Blue is an erotic supernatural tale about Jeremy’s quest for perfection. No matter how many more novels I write, I will never write another story as bizarre and sensual as Girl Blue.

How did the idea of the story come to you?  

I was inspired by a friend who told me how he would go and get these sensual massages from sexy woman. This gave me an idea to write a story about a guy who gets addicted to erotic massages. But that idea wasn’t going anywhere until I read an article about Auguste Rodin, the great sculptor. Bam—I was hit with the idea of creating a character who sculpted nude women in stone. And then the rest just fell into place. I began “sculpting” GIRL BLUE that night!

What drew you to write horror? 

I enjoy reading different genres—sci-fi, thrillers, adventure, and horror—so when I write, I try to write in different genres as well. Horror has always been a favorite genre of mine. Have always enjoyed  watching  a good scary movie( The Ring) every now and then, and also enjoy reading horror books. So it was only natural that I try my hand at creating a good horror story. GIRL BLUE is one of my attempts.

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

I have a couple of friends who occasionally look over my work, but for me I always hire a professional editor to edit the final manuscript. If I attempted to self-edit, it would be like trying to give myself a haircut—I’d end up with a mess.

Are you a planner or a pantser? 

A little of both, I think, Dorothy.  Before I start a novel, I know in general terms what direction the story is going to go, major plot points, and when they are supposed to happen. Having said this, however, the story never completely follows the broad outline—which is good I think—and there are always changes that spring up, either in character development or plot, that seem to take on a life of their own. That is the fun part of creating a story—fun only when it turns out to make the story better, of course. If the change becomes a deadend—well, that is what trash cans are for. I do a lot of cursing too when this happens.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?  

Dorothy, it’s always seems easy for me to come with ideas, however the actual sitting down and writing a whole novel is difficult. That’s where discipline comes in. Some days I just don’t seem “in the mood” to continue a story, and on those days I find it a real challenge to make myself write. Also, self promoting. If I wrote as bad as I promote, I’d never sell a book.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing? 

Several items—pen, paper, because I write my initial draft long hand. Also my computer so I can do some quick research if the need arises, which it does plenty. And something to drink—water or tea, usually, and also I snack a lot. Love Skittles.

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

The power to complete a great novel that everybody would clamor for and I would write the entire manuscript in say…a weekend. Wow, that would be pretty cool. Also would love to be able to transport myself to different places on the planet instantaneously—this would be great for research. Oh did I mention I would also be able to do this invisibly?

What's the weirdest thing you've googled? 

I presume you mean while researching a story. If you mean in general, well, we won’t go there. While writing a story I’d have to say I once googled the number of chromosomes in an orangutan. Weird, huh.

No, makes sense to me. ;) Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: absolution, antique, and arbitrary.

         Alliteration is to writing what absolution is to sin, though both can seem arbitrary when involving a priest as old as an antique crucifix. 

(Yeah, I’m trying to make sense out of this sentence, too.)

*stares for a while* *blinks* Okay, then. Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

 thinking about writing. Whoa, now that was original.

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

Family, friends, Samhain, my writers groups—the Eclective, IWU, Kindle Horror Books , but most of all—my readers! Thank you all.

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

GIRL BLUE
          Amazon http://amzn.to/wEFi2A
              Amazon.uk http://amzn.to/zUqn0q
              Barnesandboble http://bit.ly/yJFVgU
              Samhain http://bit.ly/yrNhox

Me:         Website http://anayes.com/
              Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/527589.Alan_Nayes
               Facebook http://on.fb.me/ICI9Xe
               Twitter http://twitter.com/alannayes

        Blog   http://alannayes.blogspot.com/

Interview with Robert Ford

Today we're talking with author Robert Ford about his newest book, THE KING OF SPAIN.

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

Hello. I live and work in London. My debut novel the King of Spain is out now through the mighty Apostrophe Books: http://apostrophebooks.com/books/literaryfictio/kingofspain/

How long have you been writing?

Fiction - a couple of years. Dabbled in some screen plays before that.

Tell us about THE KING OF SPAIN. What’s the story about? 

The story is set in a retirement facility in the near future, and follows the lives of the people who work there. Really it’s about a number of things, about hope and love and guilt, about society and ageing and compassion and technology. And the environment. And Bears.

How did the idea of the story come to you? 

I wanted to write something that was contrary to all the of the output (both in fiction and in films) that was 'apocalyptic'. Where the future was sad and banal and not defined but some kind of thunderous annihilation. So the idea came as a reaction and then the more i developed it the more i began to incorporate other, more personal strands, some of the things that Sam (the protagonist) struggles with.

Are you a planner or a panster?

Planner.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Finding the time.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Coffee. A high calibre rifle. Sunglasses.

Whoa! Okay, maybe I don't want to know. If you could have any super power, what would it be?

I have big hands and can undo most troublesome jars. This, I think, qualifies as a superpower. I just need a cool name. And a cape.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Giant cocks. Honestly I was looking for an image for a film logo. The search came back with some pretty scary..... roosters.

LOL, okay maybe I don't want to know about that either! Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: obligatory, air freshener, and moderator.

'Obligatory....air freshener...moderator.....' screamed the man as he sped past, covered head to toe in bright orange flames.

That is what we call a cop out, my friend. ;) Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... 

Opening jars.

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

Apostrophe Books - without whom the King of Spain would be a shadow of its current self. My very understanding wife and all of my friends and family who believe so readily in me.

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

• http://apostrophebooks.com/books/literaryfictio/kingofspain/
• On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008PEVHF0
• On Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-king-of-spain-robert-ford/1112312883?ean=9781908556356
• On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15810869-the-king-of-spain
• On Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/apostrophebooks/the-king-of-spain-by-robert-ford/