Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "children-s-books"
Introducing author Julie Elizabeth Powell, and international giveaway!
In the next few weeks I will be introducing you to some of my favourite writers, many of whom I met here on Goodreads.
My first guest is Julie Elizabeth Powell, author of Gone, Slings & Arrows, The Avalon Trilogy, Knowing Jack and A Murderer's Heart.
I first met Julie here on Goodreads a couple of years ago when we swapped books for review. I loved her book Gone and since then I have become a fan of her work. I’ve read all of her books and we have also become good friends, and I met her for the first time recently at her wedding reception.
As well as answering my questions, Julie has very generously offered to giveaway copies of Gone, Slings & Arrows, The Star Realm and Knowing Jack. For UK winners these will be print copies, pdf copies for international winners.
At the end of the interview, I'll let you know how you can enter!
Here are Julie’s replies to a few questions I asked her about her writing career and her books:
Is there a particular author or book that inspired you to start writing?
No. However, I’ve always loved to read and dabbled with words. But the ‘push’ to actually keep the words that flowed into a book came from what happened to my daughter, Samantha.
That was the basis and inspiration for your first novel, Gone. Please tell us a bit more about that.
I wrote Gone after what happened to my daughter, Samantha, in 1984, when her heart stopped and she died but was brought back to be left severely brain-damaged. A question kept nagging at me – Where had she gone? I mean, her body was lying here, true, but what had made her who she was had just vanished… her memories, her character… everything! On one of those many ‘not able to sleep’ nights, this idea came to me…she must be somewhere else, what if?…and Avalon* was born. I just had to write the story.
(*Avalon is the fantasy world featured in Gone)
At first, writing the book was about satisfying myself... helping me understand her tragic life – and mine. Then, as I continued to write, the world I’d created evolved and I thought this could really help others too. Though I don’t know how many other people that have suffered these exact circumstances, in my experience I don’t think there are /have been many cases like Samantha (brain okay, then wiped, to put it crudely) that lasted for so many years. I thought this book might be an answer that could satisfy a sorrowful heart. Whatever the circumstances, for those left behind, loss is loss… and love gets so tangled; this was one way of trying to sort things out. After Samantha died the second and final time, things didn’t improve for me much (you never get over it), but writing definitely helped… and it’s a tribute to her now. I also like to think that it could be true. Imagine that!
The book was inspired by Samantha. When you read the book, you’ll maybe understand the mixed feelings involved in a relationship like that – but there is no denying, she was my inspiration for this book.
Whenever I choose a book to read, I tend to go for those involved in fantasy, mystery, magic… that sort of thing. So, anyone of a like mind will immediately appreciate the setting etc. and I hope enjoy the story. However, I feel sure that even those who don’t necessarily select this type of genre would be helped or maybe given a lighter heart, if they read Gone, even if they’ve never suffered loss. I know that many will relate to the themes of love, loss, hope, fear, guilt and so on – especially those who have lost a child – and understand the bonds of love and all the strands that can become jumbled. They will gain more than they could guess… I’m sure of it.
I think Gone is different from other books because, yes it’s a fantasy, yes it’s about loss and grief… and finding a way through those things, but this story is about following an identity, which has been stripped from its owner. While a withering body lies waiting to die, its essence, its character, its memories are seen in another place, a mysterious land found by a mother (who thinks she’s crazy, of course who wouldn’t!) where she tries to come to terms with the tragic circumstances of her daughter’s situation. It’s not about Heaven, although some may have that opinion, it’s not about death even, as no one has actually died in the true sense, it’s about life and what makes us who we are and how the bonds of love can never be broken. It’s a battle against fear and guilt, sorrow and all the other emotions put upon us in the wake of loss. I’ve never heard of another story quite like this, not least due to the fact it was inspired by an exceptional truth. It shifts from supposed reality to other plains of existence, not least the added, and most surprising, adventure (which of course is a test) where the mother encounters a talking flower who has trouble remembering jokes, goblins and fairies… just to mention a few. But, more importantly it demonstrates the embodiment of fear, which is a huge hurdle for her to overcome – like for most of us, I would say. I also think that it’s funny as well as sad, enjoyable as well as emotive and will, I hope, help others as well as entertain. I don’t think it’s ever been done in this particular way before. Yes, there are stories about ‘after death’ and there’ve been dramas looking into the effects of such things as Alzheimer’s and cases where people have been brain-damaged in other ways… but nothing like this – the whole unique package.
When did you discover your love of writing?
Always loved it but writing Gone, and then being able to have it published, awakened a need, as if a dam had burst and all those submerged ideas swam to the surface and gulped greedily at the air.
Do you have any tips for someone who is considering self-publishing their own book?
Journey Into The Unknown… And Beyond
When I first found Lulu.com it felt like a million butterflies had materialised all at once and fluttered wildly inside me… and when I published, well… For years I’d tried to find someone, anyone… please, I’ll do your laundry forever if you do… to publish my stories but sadly, as the stack of rejections in that drawer will testify, nobody was interested. Why, I wondered? Not good enough? No! Too old? No? (Well, not for writing). Poor education? No! Not…? The list was endless, of course.
However, it seemed, the only thing ‘wrong’, was the fact that I wasn’t already famous! I hadn’t invented some world changing ‘must have’ (though Gone, my first fantasy novel, was inspired by a life-changing event and would definitely make others think differently); I hadn’t climbed Mount Everest (despite the fact that my second book, epic fantasy adventure, The Star Realm, felt like it); I hadn’t landed on the moon, starred in the latest blockbuster nor had I appeared on any reality show exposing bits best kept hidden (mind you, submitting my books for sale does feel like offering my heart on a plate and asking people to ‘dig in’).
So, where did that leave me? Vanity Press? Hmm, need money for that! Become newsworthy? I couldn’t hurt anyone or steal or run around naked, oh we won’t even go there… well, you understand? But I had talent – I knew it! Ah, you’ve guessed it…self-publishing! But I had no money!
The beauty of Lulu is that it’s free! You do the labour of course but then what would you expect? After that, all you have to do is buy your own work and promote it and…
So what does it take?
A story – that tale that’s rummaged around your head for years or just popped into it while you stood ironing or aligning the brakes on the Mustang…(beware stereotyping… though I didn’t say who was under the car).
You write it!
And write it again… and…! (Sometimes it’s best to put it away for at least a month then…)
You proofread it. WARNING: this is harder than writing the story or, I imagine, climbing Mount Everest, but maybe not as difficult as stripping off in front of an audience? Depends on your point of view. Imagination is the key word here.
Then you join Lulu.
Do you know that term mind boggler? Well, that’s what it’ll feel like at first… just take it one step at a time. Joining Lulu is easy (email and password) and free (beware repetition). Go through the video – more than once. It’ll probably be easier for those really, really good with computers but even then, you learn…okay, I’ve taken on a little more grey hair, I’ll admit!
Then you choose your layout – a layout that you set up in your computer programme (Word, maybe) for your story (the most popular size is 6 x 9 novel). (Tip: don’t put in page numbers until you’ve finished everything else or it can ‘mess things’…as the extra lines on my face will show). Lulu will take you through all the stages but it’s all your choice. It may be an idea to join Lulu first then see your layout /write your story in the correct format from the start – yes, I know, I learnt this after too with my first book. Then save to where you’ll remember, because you have to browse it to uploaded it (seems obvious but you’d be surprised!) Look, I’ve already given away too much stupidity!
Just follow on-screen instructions for conversion /cover upload (I chose a Lulu cover template for all of mine because I’m still learning that side of things) and for those that have an up-to-date modern computer it should be fairly quick, depending on the size of your book (mine’s not quite stone age… well it wouldn’t be, would it… but you know what I mean? Anyway, I’m saving for a new one…). Beware waffle.
Oooh, then Lulu tells you that you have successfully published!!! Blaze of glory…trumpets, garlands… tickertape… pats on the back… butterfly waltz… this is where we came in.
Back to Earth… then the real work starts… re-editing (I told you about proofreading, didn’t I?) And of course promoting… a whole other ball game…
Good writing and don’t stop dreaming – if you want to do it, you will.
You have written 6 books in many different genres, fantasy, murder-mystery, children’s books, and non-fiction. Is there one genre that you prefer more than the others? If so, why?
That’s easy – fantasy! I do like to try various genres but my favourite has to be fantasy because I can do anything in it. If there’s a problem with a character or place or plot then I can manipulate, make it up or just have some fun – fantasy allows that. Though I don’t mind if it’s for children (although that can be even more fun and making new characters in bizarre lands is fantastic) or adults – it certainly allowed me to deal with a difficult subject and perhaps come up with acceptable answers in Gone. Though even if it’s not fantasy, in my writing, the ‘real’ world (for the most part) has to be tempered with something extra, whether it is strange, mysterious, extraordinary, and magical or... well, you get the gist.
Summarise Gone, your first book in three or four sentences.
Gone is about finding answers, especially: ‘Where had my daughter gone?’ after she was severely brain damaged at the age of two, only to suffer agonies for a further seventeen years until her second death. It concerns the exploration of the human condition. It is about hope.
Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their writing you like?
Dean Koontz, Stephen King, JK Rowling, Shakespeare and Chaucer
Taking the last two first – I love the language and the way they understood the ways of being, how people thought and felt. I particularly liked Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and King Lear and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales – the Wife of Bath is fabulous... we could all learn good lessons from her!
Dean Koontz is my all time favourite, as he too understands people but his books always have that ‘extra’, that magical quality and a wonderful optimism. The dialogue between main characters is amazing and very funny. The Frankenstein and Christopher Snow series are my favourites so far though I really enjoyed them all. While Stephen King also gets to the nature of being, his works, for the most part, are far more negative and gruesome – though have some spectacular ideas. They may be more macabre but the best book of his, in my opinion, is Insomnia. Its plot enthralled me (I will not give away any spoilers) though I loved the Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon – three with a hopeful stance rather than the darker plots. I’ve enjoyed them all – too many to mention.
Is there a book you own that you’ve read more than once?
I freely admit that the Harry Potter series completes one of the best stories ever told. Brilliant – and yes, I’ve read them more than once.
If someone wanted to read your books, which would you recommend they read first, and why?
I can tell you that Gone will always be the most important book in my life but that’s not to say that every book I write doesn’t have my full attention and interest. Gone broke my heart and in a way mended it, and I love to think of Avalon being there ready and waiting for when my time comes, and welcome the idea that Samantha and I will one day be together.
What is the target age group for your children’s trilogy – The Avalon Trilogy? And Knowing Jack, your other children’s book?
Without generalising, I would say about 12. It would depend on the individual and of course I think that adults would enjoy them too. Here speaks a Harry Potter fan.
Which one of your books was the hardest to write and why?
There are two: Gone and Slings & Arrows. The first because of the truth behind why I was writing it, and the second because it was the harrowing truth. And strangely, I wrote Gone first. It took 24 years before I could write Slings & Arrows.
What was the last book you read?
Dean Koontz: Your Heart Belongs To Me
Wish I had more time to read.
Are you reading a book at the moment?
Dean Koontz: The Voice Of The Night
What do you think of ebooks?
Great idea and they can work out cheaper, though I have to say I love the feel of a book and being about to sit comfortably and let my imagination relish.
How important are reviews for you as a writer?
Vital, I would say, especially as a self-published author. Spreading the word is the only possible way of letting others know about your work. It also gives much needed feedback – even if negative (sigh). I’m always willing to learn. I’m extremely grateful to anyone that takes the time to read and review my books. It can help the ego too!
How do you go about choosing a cover for your books?
If I had the money, I would have my ideas professionally uploaded. Or, if I could understand how to do it, I would upload my own designs (even Photoshop for Dummies hasn’t helped). However, as I don’t /can’t, I search through the Lulu library and try to find the most appropriate. I’ve been lucky so far.
What are you working on now?
I have the last of the Avalon Trilogy waiting patiently for my head to ‘get on with it’, in addition to a short story & book where I hope to include short stories (obviously), poetry and pieces inspired by other books – amongst other stuff. It’s proving a good test of my abilities and it’s good to play around with other genres. It’s called Figments and I hope to finish soon enough so to help those poor children out of the predicament within which they’ve been left so that Secrets Of The Ice can at last be published. There are a few others things too, so I’m busy to say the least.
Where can people buy your books?
Julie's Lulu Storefront
You’ll find Gone on Amazon
Gone
Quite few sites carry it, however.
Do you have your own website or blog where people can read more about your work?
I had a website until recently but unfortunately the company (and my site) vanished. However, I have been putting together a new one:
Julie's website
It's a work in progress, but there is info about me, my books and maybe some tips that some may find useful. I will add more as time allows.
Do you have anything you’d like to say to your readers?
Wow… thank you so much for buying my book… I really hope you enjoyed it… and that it made you think differently about things. I hope it helped too, if you needed it. Sorry if there are any mistakes but I’m editor, publisher, designer and writer so I might have missed something. And you never know, earlier prints with errors might be worth a packet one day! If anyone wants to talk to me about any of the issues email me at julizpow (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk
Oh, and… please be kind!!! Thanks.
To enter to win copies of Gone, Slings & Arrows, The Star Realm and Knowing Jack (print copies for UK winners and pdf copies for international), all you have to do is leave a comment here. I will pick 4 winners randomly on 28th February 2011. Good luck!
My first guest is Julie Elizabeth Powell, author of Gone, Slings & Arrows, The Avalon Trilogy, Knowing Jack and A Murderer's Heart.
I first met Julie here on Goodreads a couple of years ago when we swapped books for review. I loved her book Gone and since then I have become a fan of her work. I’ve read all of her books and we have also become good friends, and I met her for the first time recently at her wedding reception.
As well as answering my questions, Julie has very generously offered to giveaway copies of Gone, Slings & Arrows, The Star Realm and Knowing Jack. For UK winners these will be print copies, pdf copies for international winners.
At the end of the interview, I'll let you know how you can enter!
Here are Julie’s replies to a few questions I asked her about her writing career and her books:
Is there a particular author or book that inspired you to start writing?
No. However, I’ve always loved to read and dabbled with words. But the ‘push’ to actually keep the words that flowed into a book came from what happened to my daughter, Samantha.
That was the basis and inspiration for your first novel, Gone. Please tell us a bit more about that.
I wrote Gone after what happened to my daughter, Samantha, in 1984, when her heart stopped and she died but was brought back to be left severely brain-damaged. A question kept nagging at me – Where had she gone? I mean, her body was lying here, true, but what had made her who she was had just vanished… her memories, her character… everything! On one of those many ‘not able to sleep’ nights, this idea came to me…she must be somewhere else, what if?…and Avalon* was born. I just had to write the story.
(*Avalon is the fantasy world featured in Gone)
At first, writing the book was about satisfying myself... helping me understand her tragic life – and mine. Then, as I continued to write, the world I’d created evolved and I thought this could really help others too. Though I don’t know how many other people that have suffered these exact circumstances, in my experience I don’t think there are /have been many cases like Samantha (brain okay, then wiped, to put it crudely) that lasted for so many years. I thought this book might be an answer that could satisfy a sorrowful heart. Whatever the circumstances, for those left behind, loss is loss… and love gets so tangled; this was one way of trying to sort things out. After Samantha died the second and final time, things didn’t improve for me much (you never get over it), but writing definitely helped… and it’s a tribute to her now. I also like to think that it could be true. Imagine that!
The book was inspired by Samantha. When you read the book, you’ll maybe understand the mixed feelings involved in a relationship like that – but there is no denying, she was my inspiration for this book.
Whenever I choose a book to read, I tend to go for those involved in fantasy, mystery, magic… that sort of thing. So, anyone of a like mind will immediately appreciate the setting etc. and I hope enjoy the story. However, I feel sure that even those who don’t necessarily select this type of genre would be helped or maybe given a lighter heart, if they read Gone, even if they’ve never suffered loss. I know that many will relate to the themes of love, loss, hope, fear, guilt and so on – especially those who have lost a child – and understand the bonds of love and all the strands that can become jumbled. They will gain more than they could guess… I’m sure of it.
I think Gone is different from other books because, yes it’s a fantasy, yes it’s about loss and grief… and finding a way through those things, but this story is about following an identity, which has been stripped from its owner. While a withering body lies waiting to die, its essence, its character, its memories are seen in another place, a mysterious land found by a mother (who thinks she’s crazy, of course who wouldn’t!) where she tries to come to terms with the tragic circumstances of her daughter’s situation. It’s not about Heaven, although some may have that opinion, it’s not about death even, as no one has actually died in the true sense, it’s about life and what makes us who we are and how the bonds of love can never be broken. It’s a battle against fear and guilt, sorrow and all the other emotions put upon us in the wake of loss. I’ve never heard of another story quite like this, not least due to the fact it was inspired by an exceptional truth. It shifts from supposed reality to other plains of existence, not least the added, and most surprising, adventure (which of course is a test) where the mother encounters a talking flower who has trouble remembering jokes, goblins and fairies… just to mention a few. But, more importantly it demonstrates the embodiment of fear, which is a huge hurdle for her to overcome – like for most of us, I would say. I also think that it’s funny as well as sad, enjoyable as well as emotive and will, I hope, help others as well as entertain. I don’t think it’s ever been done in this particular way before. Yes, there are stories about ‘after death’ and there’ve been dramas looking into the effects of such things as Alzheimer’s and cases where people have been brain-damaged in other ways… but nothing like this – the whole unique package.
When did you discover your love of writing?
Always loved it but writing Gone, and then being able to have it published, awakened a need, as if a dam had burst and all those submerged ideas swam to the surface and gulped greedily at the air.
Do you have any tips for someone who is considering self-publishing their own book?
Journey Into The Unknown… And Beyond
When I first found Lulu.com it felt like a million butterflies had materialised all at once and fluttered wildly inside me… and when I published, well… For years I’d tried to find someone, anyone… please, I’ll do your laundry forever if you do… to publish my stories but sadly, as the stack of rejections in that drawer will testify, nobody was interested. Why, I wondered? Not good enough? No! Too old? No? (Well, not for writing). Poor education? No! Not…? The list was endless, of course.
However, it seemed, the only thing ‘wrong’, was the fact that I wasn’t already famous! I hadn’t invented some world changing ‘must have’ (though Gone, my first fantasy novel, was inspired by a life-changing event and would definitely make others think differently); I hadn’t climbed Mount Everest (despite the fact that my second book, epic fantasy adventure, The Star Realm, felt like it); I hadn’t landed on the moon, starred in the latest blockbuster nor had I appeared on any reality show exposing bits best kept hidden (mind you, submitting my books for sale does feel like offering my heart on a plate and asking people to ‘dig in’).
So, where did that leave me? Vanity Press? Hmm, need money for that! Become newsworthy? I couldn’t hurt anyone or steal or run around naked, oh we won’t even go there… well, you understand? But I had talent – I knew it! Ah, you’ve guessed it…self-publishing! But I had no money!
The beauty of Lulu is that it’s free! You do the labour of course but then what would you expect? After that, all you have to do is buy your own work and promote it and…
So what does it take?
A story – that tale that’s rummaged around your head for years or just popped into it while you stood ironing or aligning the brakes on the Mustang…(beware stereotyping… though I didn’t say who was under the car).
You write it!
And write it again… and…! (Sometimes it’s best to put it away for at least a month then…)
You proofread it. WARNING: this is harder than writing the story or, I imagine, climbing Mount Everest, but maybe not as difficult as stripping off in front of an audience? Depends on your point of view. Imagination is the key word here.
Then you join Lulu.
Do you know that term mind boggler? Well, that’s what it’ll feel like at first… just take it one step at a time. Joining Lulu is easy (email and password) and free (beware repetition). Go through the video – more than once. It’ll probably be easier for those really, really good with computers but even then, you learn…okay, I’ve taken on a little more grey hair, I’ll admit!
Then you choose your layout – a layout that you set up in your computer programme (Word, maybe) for your story (the most popular size is 6 x 9 novel). (Tip: don’t put in page numbers until you’ve finished everything else or it can ‘mess things’…as the extra lines on my face will show). Lulu will take you through all the stages but it’s all your choice. It may be an idea to join Lulu first then see your layout /write your story in the correct format from the start – yes, I know, I learnt this after too with my first book. Then save to where you’ll remember, because you have to browse it to uploaded it (seems obvious but you’d be surprised!) Look, I’ve already given away too much stupidity!
Just follow on-screen instructions for conversion /cover upload (I chose a Lulu cover template for all of mine because I’m still learning that side of things) and for those that have an up-to-date modern computer it should be fairly quick, depending on the size of your book (mine’s not quite stone age… well it wouldn’t be, would it… but you know what I mean? Anyway, I’m saving for a new one…). Beware waffle.
Oooh, then Lulu tells you that you have successfully published!!! Blaze of glory…trumpets, garlands… tickertape… pats on the back… butterfly waltz… this is where we came in.
Back to Earth… then the real work starts… re-editing (I told you about proofreading, didn’t I?) And of course promoting… a whole other ball game…
Good writing and don’t stop dreaming – if you want to do it, you will.
You have written 6 books in many different genres, fantasy, murder-mystery, children’s books, and non-fiction. Is there one genre that you prefer more than the others? If so, why?
That’s easy – fantasy! I do like to try various genres but my favourite has to be fantasy because I can do anything in it. If there’s a problem with a character or place or plot then I can manipulate, make it up or just have some fun – fantasy allows that. Though I don’t mind if it’s for children (although that can be even more fun and making new characters in bizarre lands is fantastic) or adults – it certainly allowed me to deal with a difficult subject and perhaps come up with acceptable answers in Gone. Though even if it’s not fantasy, in my writing, the ‘real’ world (for the most part) has to be tempered with something extra, whether it is strange, mysterious, extraordinary, and magical or... well, you get the gist.
Summarise Gone, your first book in three or four sentences.
Gone is about finding answers, especially: ‘Where had my daughter gone?’ after she was severely brain damaged at the age of two, only to suffer agonies for a further seventeen years until her second death. It concerns the exploration of the human condition. It is about hope.
Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their writing you like?
Dean Koontz, Stephen King, JK Rowling, Shakespeare and Chaucer
Taking the last two first – I love the language and the way they understood the ways of being, how people thought and felt. I particularly liked Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and King Lear and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales – the Wife of Bath is fabulous... we could all learn good lessons from her!
Dean Koontz is my all time favourite, as he too understands people but his books always have that ‘extra’, that magical quality and a wonderful optimism. The dialogue between main characters is amazing and very funny. The Frankenstein and Christopher Snow series are my favourites so far though I really enjoyed them all. While Stephen King also gets to the nature of being, his works, for the most part, are far more negative and gruesome – though have some spectacular ideas. They may be more macabre but the best book of his, in my opinion, is Insomnia. Its plot enthralled me (I will not give away any spoilers) though I loved the Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon – three with a hopeful stance rather than the darker plots. I’ve enjoyed them all – too many to mention.
Is there a book you own that you’ve read more than once?
I freely admit that the Harry Potter series completes one of the best stories ever told. Brilliant – and yes, I’ve read them more than once.
If someone wanted to read your books, which would you recommend they read first, and why?
I can tell you that Gone will always be the most important book in my life but that’s not to say that every book I write doesn’t have my full attention and interest. Gone broke my heart and in a way mended it, and I love to think of Avalon being there ready and waiting for when my time comes, and welcome the idea that Samantha and I will one day be together.
What is the target age group for your children’s trilogy – The Avalon Trilogy? And Knowing Jack, your other children’s book?
Without generalising, I would say about 12. It would depend on the individual and of course I think that adults would enjoy them too. Here speaks a Harry Potter fan.
Which one of your books was the hardest to write and why?
There are two: Gone and Slings & Arrows. The first because of the truth behind why I was writing it, and the second because it was the harrowing truth. And strangely, I wrote Gone first. It took 24 years before I could write Slings & Arrows.
What was the last book you read?
Dean Koontz: Your Heart Belongs To Me
Wish I had more time to read.
Are you reading a book at the moment?
Dean Koontz: The Voice Of The Night
What do you think of ebooks?
Great idea and they can work out cheaper, though I have to say I love the feel of a book and being about to sit comfortably and let my imagination relish.
How important are reviews for you as a writer?
Vital, I would say, especially as a self-published author. Spreading the word is the only possible way of letting others know about your work. It also gives much needed feedback – even if negative (sigh). I’m always willing to learn. I’m extremely grateful to anyone that takes the time to read and review my books. It can help the ego too!
How do you go about choosing a cover for your books?
If I had the money, I would have my ideas professionally uploaded. Or, if I could understand how to do it, I would upload my own designs (even Photoshop for Dummies hasn’t helped). However, as I don’t /can’t, I search through the Lulu library and try to find the most appropriate. I’ve been lucky so far.
What are you working on now?
I have the last of the Avalon Trilogy waiting patiently for my head to ‘get on with it’, in addition to a short story & book where I hope to include short stories (obviously), poetry and pieces inspired by other books – amongst other stuff. It’s proving a good test of my abilities and it’s good to play around with other genres. It’s called Figments and I hope to finish soon enough so to help those poor children out of the predicament within which they’ve been left so that Secrets Of The Ice can at last be published. There are a few others things too, so I’m busy to say the least.
Where can people buy your books?
Julie's Lulu Storefront
You’ll find Gone on Amazon
Gone
Quite few sites carry it, however.
Do you have your own website or blog where people can read more about your work?
I had a website until recently but unfortunately the company (and my site) vanished. However, I have been putting together a new one:
Julie's website
It's a work in progress, but there is info about me, my books and maybe some tips that some may find useful. I will add more as time allows.
Do you have anything you’d like to say to your readers?
Wow… thank you so much for buying my book… I really hope you enjoyed it… and that it made you think differently about things. I hope it helped too, if you needed it. Sorry if there are any mistakes but I’m editor, publisher, designer and writer so I might have missed something. And you never know, earlier prints with errors might be worth a packet one day! If anyone wants to talk to me about any of the issues email me at julizpow (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk
Oh, and… please be kind!!! Thanks.
To enter to win copies of Gone, Slings & Arrows, The Star Realm and Knowing Jack (print copies for UK winners and pdf copies for international), all you have to do is leave a comment here. I will pick 4 winners randomly on 28th February 2011. Good luck!
Introducing author C.E. Trueman, and an international giveaway!
Today I'd like to introduce you to, Catherine Elizabeth Rose, (pen name: C.E. Trueman), author of The Bone Cradle and Grey Amber, the first two books in a children's trilogy.
I first met Catherine a few years ago as we were both using the same publisher, Pen Press, for our books. We were attending a marketing seminar in Brighton. Catherine was sitting on my left hand side and Helen Bonney, another children's book writer who I'll be introducing you to soon, was sitting on my right hand side. We all got on very well and attended the London Book Fair together in 2007.
Since that time we have remained friends and I have had the pleasure of reading both of Catherine's books. They are the type of children's books that can also be enjoyed just as much by adults.
Today is Catherine's birthday. Happy Birthday, Catherine!!
Happy Birthday Comments
As well as answering my questions, Catherine has very generously agreed to give away a copy of The Bone Cradle and a copy of Grey Amber! More details about that at the end of the interview.
Here are her replies to my interview questions:
Is there a particular author, or book, that inspired you to start writing?
As a child I was very inspired by Roald Dahl. I can remember reading James and the Giant Peach when I was five and being completely captivated. I used to love the way that Dahl’s heroes, who were children themselves, were able to go on fantastic journeys of discovery. Today, I am still in awe of his imagination. I think Dahl had a gift for seeing the world through a child’s eyes.
When did you first discover your love of writing?
I first discovered a love of writing when I was around seven years old. I would make books at home and fill them with stories and poetry. I still have notebooks from my childhood and brought them in to show other aspiring writers when I was invited to give talks for two years running at my daughter’s school.
Do you have an tips for someone who is considering self-publishing their own book?
I would advise anyone who is thinking of self publishing their book to shop around and see what deals are available. Make sure you look at the quality of the publisher’s product. If the end result appears shoddy or badly printed on poor quality paper then no matter how good your story is or how successful the marketing, that will put readers off. Look at the front covers of their titles. Is the artwork eye catching and well done, or is it uninspiring? The front cover is the first thing that attracts a reader’s eye and moreover, it needs to sell your story.
As well as publishing two children’s books, I know that you are also a poet, can you tell us a bit more about that?
I have been writing poetry since I was a child and over the years, have won several competitions. My first poems were published in Pause, the magazine for the National Poetry Foundation during the 1980s. Its patron was the late Spike Milligan. Since then I have gone on to have poems published in several mixed anthologies. You can find details on my page at Authors Register. I have also done readings and was asked to do a poetry workshop at my local primary school, following which they named a table after me!
Which do you prefer, writing children’s books or poetry?
I think I probably prefer to write poetry as I enjoy using descriptive language and imagery. Poetry writing is like whittling. You keep shaving away the excess until you end up with something which is skillfully pared down, beautiful and unambiguous.
I have read both of the first two books in your trilogy, The Bone Cradle and Grey Amber, and thoroughly enjoyed them. They are certainly educational as well as gripping adventure stories. I imagine a lot of research had to be done about the various subjects contained in the books. How long did each book take you to write?
It took me about six months to write each book and yes, I did lots of research. When I wrote Grey Amber, I did some travelling, driving as far west as it’s possible to go in the UK without actually being in Ireland . I ended up staying in a cottage at Llanrian so that I could get a feel for the Welsh setting which is a huge part of the book.
How much can you tell us about the third book in the trilogy that you’re currently working on?
The third book centres around the search for Dylan as Matt and Ollie are given this task by Tobias at the end of Grey Amber. I visited the East Coast of America last summer which was a huge whaling centre in the 19th and 20th centuries so I am thinking of setting part of the novel there. It’s evolving!
What is the target age-group for your children’s trilogy?
The target age group is 9 – 12 years although I know of many adults who have read and love the books, which is great.
Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their writing that you like?
If a writer can make me catch my breath, or shed tears, or leave me with a delicious aftertaste for a prolonged time, then I know they are doing a good job as a writer. Wordsmiths that have done this for me are Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, David Almond, Sarah Walters, Michael Armstrong and Sylvia Plath but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Is there a book you own that you’ve read more than once?
There are far too many books to read more than once. If I read a story that moves or inspires me, then the memory of it lingers and I feel that the impact may be lessened on a subsequent read so I don’t tend to.
What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was The Spare Room by Helen Garner. It was well written and poignant, and its characters also frustrated me immensely which I think was the author’s point.
Are you reading a book at the moment?
I am not reading anything right now although I have several books that are ‘in waiting’.
What do you think of ebooks?
I think that e-books are the way the publishing world is going, and for the author it may be good news as it will mean more direct sales, cutting out the middle men who cream off so much of an author’s profit. It will also mean that as readers we will have far less clutter in our homes! (I have shelves and shelves of paper and hardbacks which I can’t part with). Books will be able to become more interactive with additional layers of information contained in them at a click, which is especially useful for further explanation of the different educational aspects in The Bone Cradle trilogy for example. So apart from the fact I am a total technophobe and find it difficult to work a TV remote control, I think the advent and growth of e-books is an exciting new era.
How important are reviews for you as a writer?
I hate the fact that reviews can make or break an artistic endeavour – whether it is a book, film, or art. I think there are a lot of creative people out there, and an equal number of non-creative people who have given themselves the right to condemn in a few paragraphs something which may have taken months, if not years, of hard work. At the end of the day all appreciation of art is subjective so it can only be an opinion. On the other hand, some books can be over-hyped, especially those written by celebrities or more commonly their ghost writers. These will then sell in their thousands whether they are good or not because people are taken in by the hype. I like to think that critics are transient but good books last lifetimes. The trick is to get the good book out there and I’m afraid sometimes, critics don’t help.
How do you go about choosing a cover for your books?
In choosing the covers for my books, I was lucky in that the artist that my publisher used is very talented and intuitive. She came up with the most perfect cover suggestions that any author could wish for. They surpassed my expectations in fact and to this day I have no regrets that I went with the initial designs. I still love to look at them.
What else are you working on now?
Apart from some poems and the third book in The Bone Cradle trilogy, I am not working on anything at the moment.
Where can people buy your books?
You can buy my books: The Bone Cradle and its sequel Grey Amber, on Amazon and lots of other book websites. If you go to Book Butler, and put in the title of the book, it will tell you where it is available to buy. You would also be able to order them from any high street bookstore.
Do you have your own website or blog where people can read more about your work?
I have a page at Authors Register. I also have a MySpace account at MySpace that contains a blog of musings and poetry written over the past three years. Additionally, I write the Memory Lane page for my local newspaper, The Biggleswade Chronicle, and my articles can be read on their website at Biggleswade Today under Nostalgia.
Catherine is giving away one copy of The Bone Cradle and one copy of Grey Amber (Print copies in the UK and pdf copies for international winners).
To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment here for Catherine.
Winners will be chosen on 9th March 2011.
Good luck!
I first met Catherine a few years ago as we were both using the same publisher, Pen Press, for our books. We were attending a marketing seminar in Brighton. Catherine was sitting on my left hand side and Helen Bonney, another children's book writer who I'll be introducing you to soon, was sitting on my right hand side. We all got on very well and attended the London Book Fair together in 2007.
Since that time we have remained friends and I have had the pleasure of reading both of Catherine's books. They are the type of children's books that can also be enjoyed just as much by adults.
Today is Catherine's birthday. Happy Birthday, Catherine!!
Happy Birthday Comments
As well as answering my questions, Catherine has very generously agreed to give away a copy of The Bone Cradle and a copy of Grey Amber! More details about that at the end of the interview.
Here are her replies to my interview questions:
Is there a particular author, or book, that inspired you to start writing?
As a child I was very inspired by Roald Dahl. I can remember reading James and the Giant Peach when I was five and being completely captivated. I used to love the way that Dahl’s heroes, who were children themselves, were able to go on fantastic journeys of discovery. Today, I am still in awe of his imagination. I think Dahl had a gift for seeing the world through a child’s eyes.
When did you first discover your love of writing?
I first discovered a love of writing when I was around seven years old. I would make books at home and fill them with stories and poetry. I still have notebooks from my childhood and brought them in to show other aspiring writers when I was invited to give talks for two years running at my daughter’s school.
Do you have an tips for someone who is considering self-publishing their own book?
I would advise anyone who is thinking of self publishing their book to shop around and see what deals are available. Make sure you look at the quality of the publisher’s product. If the end result appears shoddy or badly printed on poor quality paper then no matter how good your story is or how successful the marketing, that will put readers off. Look at the front covers of their titles. Is the artwork eye catching and well done, or is it uninspiring? The front cover is the first thing that attracts a reader’s eye and moreover, it needs to sell your story.
As well as publishing two children’s books, I know that you are also a poet, can you tell us a bit more about that?
I have been writing poetry since I was a child and over the years, have won several competitions. My first poems were published in Pause, the magazine for the National Poetry Foundation during the 1980s. Its patron was the late Spike Milligan. Since then I have gone on to have poems published in several mixed anthologies. You can find details on my page at Authors Register. I have also done readings and was asked to do a poetry workshop at my local primary school, following which they named a table after me!
Which do you prefer, writing children’s books or poetry?
I think I probably prefer to write poetry as I enjoy using descriptive language and imagery. Poetry writing is like whittling. You keep shaving away the excess until you end up with something which is skillfully pared down, beautiful and unambiguous.
I have read both of the first two books in your trilogy, The Bone Cradle and Grey Amber, and thoroughly enjoyed them. They are certainly educational as well as gripping adventure stories. I imagine a lot of research had to be done about the various subjects contained in the books. How long did each book take you to write?
It took me about six months to write each book and yes, I did lots of research. When I wrote Grey Amber, I did some travelling, driving as far west as it’s possible to go in the UK without actually being in Ireland . I ended up staying in a cottage at Llanrian so that I could get a feel for the Welsh setting which is a huge part of the book.
How much can you tell us about the third book in the trilogy that you’re currently working on?
The third book centres around the search for Dylan as Matt and Ollie are given this task by Tobias at the end of Grey Amber. I visited the East Coast of America last summer which was a huge whaling centre in the 19th and 20th centuries so I am thinking of setting part of the novel there. It’s evolving!
What is the target age-group for your children’s trilogy?
The target age group is 9 – 12 years although I know of many adults who have read and love the books, which is great.
Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their writing that you like?
If a writer can make me catch my breath, or shed tears, or leave me with a delicious aftertaste for a prolonged time, then I know they are doing a good job as a writer. Wordsmiths that have done this for me are Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, David Almond, Sarah Walters, Michael Armstrong and Sylvia Plath but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Is there a book you own that you’ve read more than once?
There are far too many books to read more than once. If I read a story that moves or inspires me, then the memory of it lingers and I feel that the impact may be lessened on a subsequent read so I don’t tend to.
What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was The Spare Room by Helen Garner. It was well written and poignant, and its characters also frustrated me immensely which I think was the author’s point.
Are you reading a book at the moment?
I am not reading anything right now although I have several books that are ‘in waiting’.
What do you think of ebooks?
I think that e-books are the way the publishing world is going, and for the author it may be good news as it will mean more direct sales, cutting out the middle men who cream off so much of an author’s profit. It will also mean that as readers we will have far less clutter in our homes! (I have shelves and shelves of paper and hardbacks which I can’t part with). Books will be able to become more interactive with additional layers of information contained in them at a click, which is especially useful for further explanation of the different educational aspects in The Bone Cradle trilogy for example. So apart from the fact I am a total technophobe and find it difficult to work a TV remote control, I think the advent and growth of e-books is an exciting new era.
How important are reviews for you as a writer?
I hate the fact that reviews can make or break an artistic endeavour – whether it is a book, film, or art. I think there are a lot of creative people out there, and an equal number of non-creative people who have given themselves the right to condemn in a few paragraphs something which may have taken months, if not years, of hard work. At the end of the day all appreciation of art is subjective so it can only be an opinion. On the other hand, some books can be over-hyped, especially those written by celebrities or more commonly their ghost writers. These will then sell in their thousands whether they are good or not because people are taken in by the hype. I like to think that critics are transient but good books last lifetimes. The trick is to get the good book out there and I’m afraid sometimes, critics don’t help.
How do you go about choosing a cover for your books?
In choosing the covers for my books, I was lucky in that the artist that my publisher used is very talented and intuitive. She came up with the most perfect cover suggestions that any author could wish for. They surpassed my expectations in fact and to this day I have no regrets that I went with the initial designs. I still love to look at them.
What else are you working on now?
Apart from some poems and the third book in The Bone Cradle trilogy, I am not working on anything at the moment.
Where can people buy your books?
You can buy my books: The Bone Cradle and its sequel Grey Amber, on Amazon and lots of other book websites. If you go to Book Butler, and put in the title of the book, it will tell you where it is available to buy. You would also be able to order them from any high street bookstore.
Do you have your own website or blog where people can read more about your work?
I have a page at Authors Register. I also have a MySpace account at MySpace that contains a blog of musings and poetry written over the past three years. Additionally, I write the Memory Lane page for my local newspaper, The Biggleswade Chronicle, and my articles can be read on their website at Biggleswade Today under Nostalgia.
Catherine is giving away one copy of The Bone Cradle and one copy of Grey Amber (Print copies in the UK and pdf copies for international winners).
To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment here for Catherine.
Winners will be chosen on 9th March 2011.
Good luck!
Come celebrate St. Patrick's Day and enter to win an ebook!!
Saint Patricks Day Comments
Welcome, everyone, and Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all!
My guest author today, Stacy Juba, would like to make your celebrations even more fun by offering you the opportunity to enter to win one of 5 Smashwords downloads of her latest novel, Sink or Swim. Stacy's new book is inspired by reality TV. It has been getting lots of 5 star reviews, and I for one am looking forward to reading it! I'll tell you more about the giveaway later, as well as revealing a discount code for Stacy's children's book The Flag Keeper.
Readers of my blog will know that I am currently running a series of blogs where I am introducing you to my favourite authors. Stacy and I first met online sometime last year and we are both resident authors on BestsellerBound, a message board devised by author Darcia Helle, where indie authors can connect and chat with readers. Over the past year or so, we have become good friends. I loved her book, Twenty-Five Years Ago Today, a mystery based on an unsolved murder from 25 years ago.
Here are Stacy's answers to my interview questions:
Is there a particular author, or book, that inspired you to start writing?
I was inspired as a child by the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mystery series. I devoured them, and by fifth grade, was writing my own mystery series about a teenage sleuth named Cathy Summers.
When did you first discover your love of writing?
I got the writing bug in third grade, when I wrote my first thriller. I have folders and folders full of stories from when I was a child. By fifth grade, I was always working on a story. Some were about 50 hand-written pages.
Do you have any tips for someone who is considering self-publishing their own book?
I self-published my children’s picture book The Flag Keeper and the e-book versions of my mystery novels. I would recommend using Create Space to publish a print version as they do quality work, have great customer service, and it’s very inexpensive if you hand them a fully designed PDF. However, don’t expect to make much money on a self-published print book as it’s hard to get it in bookstores and libraries. Focus on the e-books as the e-book market is huge. You can self-publish your e-books through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, Barnes&Noble’s Pub It, and through Smashwords for Kobo, the Sony Reader and other retailers. I recommend selling your e-book for a bargain price such as $2.99.
How did the writing experience for your children's book The Flag Keeper compare with writing your adult books?
You have to write very tight with a picture book so I found myself doing quite a bit of cutting to keep my word count down. You need to leave the description for the illustrator to convey through pictures, while still providing enough details for the illustrator to work with. You also need to choose words that are on a child’s level. It takes me much longer to write a 260-page adult novel, but writing a picture book wasn’t easy by any means. I did a lot of editing and revising to get the story right.
How much research went into writing that book, which I understand is all about flag etiquette? And what gave you the idea for it?
I got the idea because my husband is very patriotic and has always been interested in flags. After we got a flag pole, he would bring out the flag every morning and bring it inside at night. I was surprised he didn’t just leave it out all night, but he explained to me about flag etiquette. For example, you’re not supposed to leave the flag out in the dark unless you have a spotlight. He also taught me other rules of flag etiquette – for example, there is a certain way to fold it. I had representatives of the national American Legion Post and National VFW Post read the story to make sure everything was accurate, and they tweaked a few minor things. The main point they thought I should get across to kids was that you won’t go to jail for breaking these rules, but following them shows your respect.
How did you go about arranging illustrations for the children’s book?
My father actually did the illustrations. He draws as a hobby. At the time, I didn’t know the book was actually going to be published. It started more as a fun project, but it came out so nicely and got such a good response that I decided to publish it. The Flag Keeper is available in paperback and will be coming out in multiple e-book formats including Kindle and Nook, hopefully by early April.
What is the target age group for that book?
The target age is 4-8, but I know some families that have bought it for toddlers to grow into, and some have bought it to read to older children who might have a relative in the military or who are involved with Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts. The illustrations are of a bear family, so it is perfect for young children in pre-school and elementary school.
I read and enjoyed Twenty-Five Years Ago Today, a murder mystery revolving around an unsolved murder. The main character, Kris Langley, works for a local newspaper. I understand that you have a background in journalism. Are any of your experiences of working in that field reflected in the novel?
When I started in journalism, I was a newspaper editorial assistant and obit writer, like my character Kris. One of my responsibilities was compiling the 25 and 50 Years Ago Today column from the microfilm. In the book, Kris stumbles across an unsolved murder while researching her 25 Years Ago Today column. The book is fiction, but I used my newspaper background to make the newsroom setting authentic.
There are many references to Greek mythology in the novel Twenty-Five Years Ago Today. How much research did you have to do for the novel, and how long did it take you to write?
I loved Greek mythology growing up so didn’t need to do much research for that aspect of the novel. I just had to go back to some of my mythology books and refresh my memory, to find the right myths to mention in the novel. In my book, the murder victim, Diana Ferguson, was an artist inspired by Greek and Roman mythology, and her paintings may provide clues to her death. It took me a couple of years to write the book, and then a couple years to find an agent. The agent ultimately wasn’t able to sell it and I shelved the book for awhile. Then it finaled in the St. Martin’s Press Malice Domestic Competition for new mystery writers and I started submitting to publishers again. I was fortunate to find a small press, Mainly Murder Press, which publishes an impressive line of beautifully designed gift quality trade paperback mystery and suspense novels.
Your new novel, Sink or Swim, which I am looking forward to reading, is a murder/mystery based on reality TV. Are you a fan of reality TV shows?
I watch reality shows now and then, but it’s mostly sitcoms taking up space on my TiVo. But I was intrigued at how popular reality shows are getting, with these normal people being thrust into the limelight. I wanted to explore what might motivate an ordinary person to try out for a reality show, and inject that into a mystery novel. Reality fans should appreciate the book, but you don’t need to be a reality fan to enjoy it. Most of the novel takes place in my character Cassidy’s hometown, after she returns to her normal life as a personal trainer. I’d describe it as a cross between a cozy mystery and a romantic suspense novel.
Tell us a bit more about the online mock reality TV show that you are currently running on your blog.
I started a new feature called the Sink or Swim 6, where authors can have one of their characters fill out a six-question contestant interview for my fictional reality show Sink or Swim. The author is encouraged to promote the post on the scheduled date so that friends and readers can leave comments. The three characters that draw in the most post at the end of the year will be chosen as the winners of Sink or Swim, and their authors will get some extra publicity. I am booked for a couple months, but will be opening submissions again in mid-May till the end of June for posts to run in the summer and fall.
Summarise you new novel in three or four sentences
Here is a quick blurb for Sink or Swim: How do you change the channel when reality TV turns to murder? After starring on a hit game show set aboard a Tall Ship, personal trainer Cassidy Novak discovers that she has attracted a stalker. Soon, she will need to call SOS for real…
Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their writing that you like?
I really enjoyed the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. Overall, I'm just impressed by the scope of her imagination and how she was able to carry Harry's story through so many novels, and to work under that constant deadline pressure.
Is there a book you own that you’ve read more than once?
I haven’t read a book more than once since I was a teenager – too many books to read, too little time. But I read The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton at least 15 times in high school. It was my favorite book at that time.
What was the last book you read?
I just finished Trevor's Song by Susan Helene Gottfried and really enjoyed that. It provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of members of a fictional rock band.
Are you reading a book at the moment?
I’m reading a couple at once – Drowning in Christmas by Judith K. Ivie in print, and Nexus Point by Jaleta Clegg on my e-reader.
What do you think of ebooks?
I love them! It’s a wonderful way for lesser known authors to find readers. As a reader myself, I do prefer print books, however, I own a Sony Reader and love it. I’ve gotten to many free and inexpensive ebooks that I never would have read or heard of otherwise. I’m also thinking of getting a Kindle. I read both print books and e-books.
How important are reviews for you as a writer?
Reviews are extremely important, especially reviews from book bloggers and reviews on sites such as Amazon, Goodreads and Library Thing. Several good reviews on a site such as Amazon can make a prospective reader feel more confident about taking a chance on a new author, and reviews on blogs or on Goodreads can introduce a book and author to new readers. Goodreads reviews feed into the Sony Reader Store, and Library Thing reviews feed into the databases of many library systems, so one simple review can have a great deal of influence.
How do you go about choosing a cover for your books?
My publisher designed the covers for Twenty-Five Years Ago Today and Sink or Swim, and was generous enough to allow me to use the same covers for the ebook versions. The designer did a wonderful job and I was given an opportunity for input. My husband is a graphic designer and did The Flag Keeper cover and he will also be my cover designer for some other projects that I have coming up in the near future.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on getting The Flag Keeper into multiple ebook formats and I’ll also be releasing a children’s picture book called Victoria Rose and the Big Bad Noise exclusively in ebook format this spring. I’ll be releasing a short mystery story called Dirty Laundry in ebook format as another way to introduce mystery readers to my work. I’m also gearing up for the release of my young adult paranormal thriller Dark Before Dawn, coming from Mainly Murder Press in early 2012.
Where can people buy your books?
My mystery novels are available in paperback and multiple ebook formats. You can order them at any bookstores. Below are some online links:
Sink or Swim on Amazon
Twenty-Five Years Ago Today on Amazon
The Flag Keeper on Amazon
You can also access links for Barnes & Noble.com, Sony, Nook, Kobo and other retailers at Stacy Juba's store
Do you have your own website or blog where people can read more about your work?
My web site
My blog
Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?
Thank you to the readers who have given my books a chance and have taken the time to place reviews or recommend my stories to others. I love to interact with readers and book lovers, whether you’ve read my books or not – feel free to friend me on Goodreads.
Here is a discount voucher for The Flag Keeper: Use coupon code VTW7KCSN at checkout to get the book for $7.99, a $4 discount. https://www.createspace.com/3475588
Thank you for answering my questions, Stacy!
Remember, there are 5 Smashwords downloads of Sink or Swim up for grabs, just leave a comment below to enter.
Winners will be picked on 21st March 2011.
Good luck!
International Book Giving Day!
I've just found out that today is International Book Giving Day. This is a wonderful idea to help encourage children to read. Here's a link to the official website that tells you all about how you can get involved: http://bookgivingday.com/
You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter at the following links:
http://www.facebook.com/BookGivingDay
http://twitter.com/BookGivingDay
You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter at the following links:
http://www.facebook.com/BookGivingDay
http://twitter.com/BookGivingDay
Inspiring Teens Blog Hop: Interview & Giveaway, with author Ed Drury!
I'm very happy to be taking part in the Inspiring Teens Blog Hop this week, organised by authors Vickie Johnstone and Greta Burroughs!
There are lots of authors and bloggers taking part in this event, and tons of giveaways, with many YA/children's books up for grabs. For a full list of the participants, go here: http://booksbygretaburroughs.weebly.c...
Today, I have an interview with author Ed Drury, and he's giving away 3 e-book copies of his book: The Whale Whisperers of Ensorclea
Book Description
On a planet very much like Earth, a special group of people have answers that can unravel a plot against the most powerful leader on the planet.
Let's find out a bit more about the author:
INTERVIEW WITH ED DRURY:
Reading
Why do you think Teen Read Week is important?
Reading is a lifelong habit, which is hopefully established at an early age. It is important throughout your entire life to have good reading skills. With so many distractions during the teen years, it is valuable to encourage a connection to literature.
How do you think we could encourage youngsters to read more?
All readers look for reading that is interesting, entertaining, and hopefully enlightening. I think the main thing with teens is to attract their interest and hold it.
When you were a teenager what books did you like to read and did you have an all-time favourite character?
I read a diverse collection of books, but was really hooked on science fiction novels by the likes of Phillip K. Dick, Theodore Sturgeon, Frank Herbert, and many more. I did not have a favourite character as much as a favourite genre.
Writing
Were you writing as a teenager? If so, what were you writing and what inspired you? Did a person inspire you to write?
I dabbled in writing fiction as a teen. I would say I was most influenced by Mark Twain. I did a lot of song writing during those years; my lyrical influences were diverse, including Leonard Cohen and Paul Simon.
Do you think today’s teens are in a better position if they want to be a writer than you were all those years ago?
It is tempting to talk about the miles I had to walk through the snow to get to a desk to write on parchment with quill and ink, but really writing is basically the same process today. There may be more resources to young writers today, but really it always comes down to putting the words together, creating the manuscript.
What advice would you give a youngster who enjoys writing?
Keep writing, keep reading. Ask questions, never stop asking questions, and observe the world around you. Some think that writers withdraw into a dark place from which to commune with the muse, but I think the best writers are very much engaged with the world they live in.
Your books
What is your latest book about?
My latest book is the final instalment to my series, the Whale Whisperers saga. This trilogy explores a fictional empire and its struggles to transition from a military industrial economy to a sustainable peaceful one. To do this they need to engage older cultures who still remember how to connect with the resources of the planet and life without exploitation.
Are you working on anything new at the moment?
I'm working on a collection of short stories, as well as a novel set in the 1970s.
What do you love about being an author?
I enjoy most every aspect of being a writer, but what I love most is the physical process of putting words to the page.
ED DRURY’S LINKS
Amazon Page
Facebook fan page
Website
Music Pages
Soundclick
Bandcamp
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Interview with Valerie Poore
Continuing my series of interviews with authors, today I have an interview with Valerie Poore. Val is a writer of both fact and fiction, and adult and children's books. She's a friendly and supportive author. I've been following her for a few years now.
INTERVIEW WITH VALERIE POORE
Hello, Val! Welcome to my blog.
Maria, thank you so much for inviting me here. It's lovely to be a guest on your blog as I've often enjoyed reading your guest posts before, so it's great to be here in the hot seat myself!
Thanks! Please introduce yourself
I like this question as it reminds me of giving presentations when I worked in marketing in South Africa. Always introduce yourself, they said. And half the time I'd forget and only remember half way through. Luckily, my audience used to laugh - well, mostly they did, so in some ways it was a good ice-breaker. But then introductions often are, aren't they?
Well, then who and what am I? I'm an indie writer living and working in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. I was born in London, grew up in the West Country, spent 20 years in South Africa and moved here permanently in 2001. My day job is teaching academic and business writing skills to students, graduates and staff at a Dutch university. That probably doesn't sounds much fun, does it? Actually, I really enjoy it and have lovely students. But, my own writing is something of a welcome break from teaching as I can be more adventurous and play with the language more than I can when I am trying to give students good tips, rules and tools for writing decent sentences.
Fiction writing is a great escape from reality :)
Where does your inspiration come from?
Mostly, it just comes from the world around me. I've been one of life's bit of flotsam in a way. I've washed up on more than a few shores in my time and for that I'm very grateful as it's given me the opportunity to satisfy my ongoing curiosity about people and places. When I was a child, I was fascinated by history, but I think now that it's really always been people who have interested me and that when I was young and living in the UK, learning how people lived in the past was what intrigued me. Then when I went to live in South Africa in my twenties, I had a whole bunch of new people to observe and learn about, so the history part moved onto the back burner. Since I've been pretty much settled in the Netherlands, and also spent three years commuting from Belgium, the life and people in these two countries have provided still more food for my curiosity. I love watching, listening and learning, and then trying to make sense of different customs and cultures in my own way. I think that's also why most of my books are memoirs.
I'm sure all that travelling has given great insight in different types of cultures and human nature
Tell us about your latest book.
My latest published book is Walloon Ways: Three years as a weekend Belgian, the fourth in my memoir series, and this one is about those three years as a weekender on a barge in Belgium. Actually, I was planning to live there full time, but I couldn't get decent paying work in Brussels, so I travelled up to Rotterdam on Mondays and back again every weekend. But even though I still worked in the Netherlands, I loved my time in Belgium and have very fond recollections and memories of the country, so I decided to write a book about them.
My current work in progress, however, is a novel set in South Africa and then I'm in the planning stages of a period novel set on the Dutch waterways during the second world war. It will be a sort of prequel to my first novel, The Skipper's Child, which is set in 1962.
Are there any characters in your books that are based on real people?
Oh yes, I based The Skipper's Child on my Dutch Partner's family background. He grew up on a barge and the family members in my book are very much inspired by his parents and sisters although the story is complete fiction.
In my second novel, How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics, several of the characters are based on my own family (especially the more eccentric ones) but not all of them, and the main character, Maisie, is not me. I must admit that this book is a sort of cross between a memoir and a novel as so much of it is fact.
I love that title! :)
How long did it take you to write your last book?
Walloon Ways took me about six months to write, and then another four of five months to edit. What tends to happen is that when I make changes, I make new mistakes, so I have to proofread several times to try and get it right. My novels have all taken much longer than that though, even up to two years to complete.
Yes, I've found editing can seem like a never-ending process!
Do you do your own proofreading or use a professional? Anyone you’d recommend?
I like doing my own editing, although I'm open to suggestions - I just prefer to have the final say in what I do. However, I'd love to use a professional proofreader. Unfortunately, my income can't justify it yet, so I use Beta readers and I have English teacher friends who proofread it for me, but even after that, I edit and proofread over and over again. If I could afford to use a proofreader, I'd go for @ProofreadJulia, who I know from Twitter. She is so professional and has a great reputation.
How much research do you do when writing a book?
For my four memoirs I've only had to check accuracy of times, dates and events, etc. (memory can be fickle!), but for my novels, I've had to do quite a bit of research, especially for The Skipper's Child, when I needed to know a lot about the waterways and how they operated in the 1960s.
What’s your favourite genre to read?
I'll read almost anything, but oddly enough, my absolute favourite is Detective fiction. If I have a Donna Leon or a Deborah Crombie, you might as well not bother talking to me until I've finished. I just love a good crime novel, but I prefer mental puzzles to gore. I used to like Ian Rankin, but gave up on him when his books became very graphic in the descriptions of the murders and the sick minds behind them. I just couldn't cope with them. That said, I also love memoirs, particularly sailing and cruising memoirs or those that deal with moving to and living in other countries (those people again!). It's sort of why I started writing my own.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what type?
I can actually write anywhere at any time, so if I'm on a train, for instance, I don't listen to music, and if I'm at home, my partner is often watching YouTube films while I write, so I only get to listen to music when I'm alone. When that does happen, I listen to rock music. I love the music of the seventies and also the nineties but when writing I tend to listen most to JJ Cale. His music is wonderful to write by, and to drive by too.
Apart from writing, what are your favourite pastimes?
Working on my barge. I am never happier than when I'm doing jobs and maintenance that will keep it the thing of historic beauty that it is. I have an almost unhealthy love for my boat, the Vereeniging. Oh and I like playing the guitar and violin too, but I'm not very good as I don't practise enough. I just enjoy it tremendously.
Thanks so much for being a guest here, Val. I'm looking forward to finding time to read some of your books!
Thanks again, Maria! This was fun to do and it was a great selection of questions. I hope my answers give you an idea of who I am and what I write.
*************************************
Author links:
Blog: http://vallypee.blogspot.nl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vallypee
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/river...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Valerie-Poore...
INTERVIEW WITH VALERIE POORE
Hello, Val! Welcome to my blog.
Maria, thank you so much for inviting me here. It's lovely to be a guest on your blog as I've often enjoyed reading your guest posts before, so it's great to be here in the hot seat myself!
Thanks! Please introduce yourself
I like this question as it reminds me of giving presentations when I worked in marketing in South Africa. Always introduce yourself, they said. And half the time I'd forget and only remember half way through. Luckily, my audience used to laugh - well, mostly they did, so in some ways it was a good ice-breaker. But then introductions often are, aren't they?
Well, then who and what am I? I'm an indie writer living and working in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. I was born in London, grew up in the West Country, spent 20 years in South Africa and moved here permanently in 2001. My day job is teaching academic and business writing skills to students, graduates and staff at a Dutch university. That probably doesn't sounds much fun, does it? Actually, I really enjoy it and have lovely students. But, my own writing is something of a welcome break from teaching as I can be more adventurous and play with the language more than I can when I am trying to give students good tips, rules and tools for writing decent sentences.
Fiction writing is a great escape from reality :)
Where does your inspiration come from?
Mostly, it just comes from the world around me. I've been one of life's bit of flotsam in a way. I've washed up on more than a few shores in my time and for that I'm very grateful as it's given me the opportunity to satisfy my ongoing curiosity about people and places. When I was a child, I was fascinated by history, but I think now that it's really always been people who have interested me and that when I was young and living in the UK, learning how people lived in the past was what intrigued me. Then when I went to live in South Africa in my twenties, I had a whole bunch of new people to observe and learn about, so the history part moved onto the back burner. Since I've been pretty much settled in the Netherlands, and also spent three years commuting from Belgium, the life and people in these two countries have provided still more food for my curiosity. I love watching, listening and learning, and then trying to make sense of different customs and cultures in my own way. I think that's also why most of my books are memoirs.
I'm sure all that travelling has given great insight in different types of cultures and human nature
Tell us about your latest book.
My latest published book is Walloon Ways: Three years as a weekend Belgian, the fourth in my memoir series, and this one is about those three years as a weekender on a barge in Belgium. Actually, I was planning to live there full time, but I couldn't get decent paying work in Brussels, so I travelled up to Rotterdam on Mondays and back again every weekend. But even though I still worked in the Netherlands, I loved my time in Belgium and have very fond recollections and memories of the country, so I decided to write a book about them.
My current work in progress, however, is a novel set in South Africa and then I'm in the planning stages of a period novel set on the Dutch waterways during the second world war. It will be a sort of prequel to my first novel, The Skipper's Child, which is set in 1962.
Are there any characters in your books that are based on real people?
Oh yes, I based The Skipper's Child on my Dutch Partner's family background. He grew up on a barge and the family members in my book are very much inspired by his parents and sisters although the story is complete fiction.
In my second novel, How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics, several of the characters are based on my own family (especially the more eccentric ones) but not all of them, and the main character, Maisie, is not me. I must admit that this book is a sort of cross between a memoir and a novel as so much of it is fact.
I love that title! :)
How long did it take you to write your last book?
Walloon Ways took me about six months to write, and then another four of five months to edit. What tends to happen is that when I make changes, I make new mistakes, so I have to proofread several times to try and get it right. My novels have all taken much longer than that though, even up to two years to complete.
Yes, I've found editing can seem like a never-ending process!
Do you do your own proofreading or use a professional? Anyone you’d recommend?
I like doing my own editing, although I'm open to suggestions - I just prefer to have the final say in what I do. However, I'd love to use a professional proofreader. Unfortunately, my income can't justify it yet, so I use Beta readers and I have English teacher friends who proofread it for me, but even after that, I edit and proofread over and over again. If I could afford to use a proofreader, I'd go for @ProofreadJulia, who I know from Twitter. She is so professional and has a great reputation.
How much research do you do when writing a book?
For my four memoirs I've only had to check accuracy of times, dates and events, etc. (memory can be fickle!), but for my novels, I've had to do quite a bit of research, especially for The Skipper's Child, when I needed to know a lot about the waterways and how they operated in the 1960s.
What’s your favourite genre to read?
I'll read almost anything, but oddly enough, my absolute favourite is Detective fiction. If I have a Donna Leon or a Deborah Crombie, you might as well not bother talking to me until I've finished. I just love a good crime novel, but I prefer mental puzzles to gore. I used to like Ian Rankin, but gave up on him when his books became very graphic in the descriptions of the murders and the sick minds behind them. I just couldn't cope with them. That said, I also love memoirs, particularly sailing and cruising memoirs or those that deal with moving to and living in other countries (those people again!). It's sort of why I started writing my own.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what type?
I can actually write anywhere at any time, so if I'm on a train, for instance, I don't listen to music, and if I'm at home, my partner is often watching YouTube films while I write, so I only get to listen to music when I'm alone. When that does happen, I listen to rock music. I love the music of the seventies and also the nineties but when writing I tend to listen most to JJ Cale. His music is wonderful to write by, and to drive by too.
Apart from writing, what are your favourite pastimes?
Working on my barge. I am never happier than when I'm doing jobs and maintenance that will keep it the thing of historic beauty that it is. I have an almost unhealthy love for my boat, the Vereeniging. Oh and I like playing the guitar and violin too, but I'm not very good as I don't practise enough. I just enjoy it tremendously.
Thanks so much for being a guest here, Val. I'm looking forward to finding time to read some of your books!
Thanks again, Maria! This was fun to do and it was a great selection of questions. I hope my answers give you an idea of who I am and what I write.
*************************************
Author links:
Blog: http://vallypee.blogspot.nl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vallypee
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/river...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Valerie-Poore...
Book Review: Maisie, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Maisie by Julie Elizabeth PowellMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
"Maisie" is a story that would appeal to older children and young adults. It's a fantasy adventure that begins in the real world and takes the reader to another realm, Mageia. Julie Elizabeth Powell is one of the most imaginative writers I know, and in this book she has excelled herself with a fantastical story that challenges the way we view the world.
There are two characters in "Maisie" who will be familiar to fans of the author. Jorga originally appeared in the novel "Of Sound Mind" as did the world of Mageia. The other character, Adam, first appeared in "Lost Shadows". Adam plays a pivotal role in "Maisie".
Maisie is a seven-year-old blind girl, although while dreaming and while in the mystical land of Mageia she is able to see clearly. It's often hard to remember that Maisie is a child, when reading the story, due to the way she interacts with other characters but the reason behind this is cleverly revealed towards the end of the book. In this fantasy tale, the young girl soon starts to realise that she has many magical powers. For a seven year old all of the new discoveries are quite bewildering and confusing. The author portrays this brilliantly.
We follow Maisie in this adventure where she discovers that her destiny is to enter a strange new world and fight against the evil powers that threaten to destroy everything. She meets many colourful characters along the way, including fairies, elves, and giants. She is caught up in a win or lose situation and is helped along the way by a magical collection of characters that have a deeper connection to her than she knows.
One thing this author does well, and something that is a hallmark of her work, is introducing and developing multiple characters each with their own distinct quirks and foibles. It really is a skill and is not easy to master. There were a couple of times where I lost track of which character was speaking, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of this intricate tale.
The story moves at a fast and furious pace and is full of intrigue, danger, and magic. It's a wondrous adventure. The story flows well and introduces some interesting ideas about life and death, past lives and mortality.
Recommended for fantasy fans.
View all my reviews
Book review: There's a Walrus In My Bed!, by Ciara Flood
There's a Walrus in My Bed! by Ciara FloodMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've bought both of Ciara Flood's previous books for my nephew and nieces, and they absolutely love them, so I decided to buy this latest book for them as well. It's beautifully illustrated, as are all this author's books. The story is a lot of fun. It's a cleverly written story, and it was a hit with the children. If you're looking for a gift for a child, this book is perfect. I'd also recommend Ciara Flood's other books: Those Pesky Rabbits and The Perfect Picnic.
View all my reviews
Book review: The Truth Pixie, by Matt Haig
The Truth Pixie by Matt HaigMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fun book for children, but it also contains some poignant words and an important message.
The books central character, The Truth Pixie, is cursed and can only tell the truth. For much of the book, this is seen as a negative, something that is spoiling the pixie's life. She loses all her friends and ends up alone, with only a mouse in her hair for company.
However, the curse actually works in her favour when she is captured by a giant. After her lucky escape, she finds herself in the home of a young girl, Aada. Aada is sad because of a few things that have happened to her family, and also because she will soon have to move home. She asks the pixie whether she will be okay. The Truth Pixie worries that if she tells Aada the whole truth, Aada will be even sadder. This leads to a wonderfully touching part of the book where The Truth Pixie manages to make Aada happy even though she only tells the truth.
There is a deep wisdom in this book, about taking the good with the bad. It's told in the form of delightful rhyming verse. It would make a lovely gift for any child.
View all my reviews
