Melanie Tomlin's Blog

This is the blog post where the winners of any competitions from 2018 onward will be listed, starting with the competitions for Angel's Demon, Book Four of the Angel Series.

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Joining me on the couch today is fellow Aussie, Neven Carr, an author who writes mysteries. Thank you, Neven, for taking the time to chat to me. Please sit down, get comfortable and let's begin.

About Neven Carr

Neven Carr began writing her first book at the age of ten. She never finished it. Short stories, poems and songs she completed with ease, but she never achieved the elusive novel.

Neven had some fantastic English teachers who continually encouraged her to explore the talent they believed she had. Again, she began many novels, again never completing them.

Ten years ago, she picked up her laptop and began writing. Since then she hasn’t stopped. She not only completed her first novel ‘Forgotten’ but also four more in the ‘Araneya Series’. Neven believes the timing was right; that perhaps she needed more life experience.

Neven is fortunate to live in what she terms is an author’s haven; a quaint fishing village on the east coast of Queensland, Australia. The sounds and smells of the nearby ocean, and of the surrounding natural wildlife, she finds soothing and inspiring.

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Today I have the opportunity to chat with Jennifer Stevenson, a fantasy and romance author who, to quote her Facebook page, writes, "what I would want to read over breakfast, something digestible and fun." Thank you, Jennifer, for taking the time to chat to me. Please sit down, get comfortable and let's begin.

About Jennifer Stevenson

Jennifer makes up new uses for old demons. She lives in Chicago with her stagehand husband and two bossy kittens.

Today she talks about MAKEOVER QUEEN, a contemporary romantic comedy about a makeover that goes terribly wrong—or right!

Try all her series:

Backstage Boys – Contemporary romantic comedies about stagehands in Chicago

Hinky Chicago – Following the adventures of a fraud cop who busts a fake sex therapist and accidentally releases an incubus from his "treatment bed".

Slacker Demons – Five guys live in a man-lair in a quiet Chicago neighborhood. They’re all hot, all retired gods and heroes, all working as sex demons for Hell, and all this close to losing their jobs, because although they are good at meeting women, they suck at the paperwork.

Coed Demon S***s – Ordinary women with ordinary problems seek an extraordinary solution: they sign contracts with Hell to become succubi.

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Joining on the couch on a hot, yet stormy Melbourne evening, is an author who loves a good horror story or thriller, Stuart Byng. Thank you, Stuart, for taking the time to chat to me. Please sit down, get comfortable and let’s begin.

Stuart Byng was born in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands area of the United Kingdom, on 24th February 1976. He has had a very varied career, with jobs including courier, shop assistant, driving instructor, internet researcher and window cleaner.

His primary interest has always been writing, something that he has been doing on and off for most of his life. His first novel, Dark Minds, was self-published a few years ago, followed by Avenues Of Darkness, in August 2017. Both are currently available from Amazon. He is currently working on another novel titled Kito, due to be released in the summer of 2018.

Avenues Of Darkness

Here is a collection of short stories. Each has its own character, but all will leave you wondering a little more about what may be lurking in any Avenues Of Darkness…

Where do your ideas come from?

Ideas surround us all the time. From things we see, or that happen to us. It is taking these ideas and developing them into your story that is the difficult part.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Still writing lots I hope! I would like to have a minimum of 20 titles published by then.

Have you always liked to write?

Yes. I began writing stories from quite a young age, although they were not in the horror genre then! I have always enjoyed writing. I would say that it has taken a bit too much of a back seat at times though.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

The best advice I could give is to read and write a lot. It really is the only way. There is no shortcut to becoming a writer. The most important thing is to write as much as you can.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

I do read reviews but I do not reply to them. They are an individual opinion and it is not for me to try and change that. Obviously I do prefer the good reviews!

What is your least favourite part of the writing / publishing process?

Editing the first draft can always be tough. It is a difficult yet necessary process. It can be hard to cut parts of your own writing out, but it is necessary for the good of the story.

Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?

I would prefer not to limit a story by saying yes to this. However, I hate all kinds of animal cruelty so unless essential, I would prefer not to write about that.

How long does it usually take you to write the first draft of a book?

Generally speaking, the ideal time to complete the first draft is 3-6 months. This doesn’t always happen in practice though.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on my novel Kito. Hopefully it will be released this summer.

How has your environment or upbringing impacted your writing?

It does with every writer I would say. It is from our environment that we learn things that later can come as ideas while we write. It is what makes a person who they are.

Describe what your ideal writing space looks like.

A quiet cosy room, with a comfy chair and a desk. Nice and simple.

Why should a potential reader buy your book(s)?

My aim is always to take the reader away from everyday life for a while. Come with me and enjoy the journey!

Why did you choose to write in your genre? If you write in more than one, how do you balance them?

Horror and Thriller books have always been a favourite of mine, so it was a natural choice.

Where did your love of books come from?

I have always enjoyed reading, from a young age. It is the way you can lose yourself in a story, whatever else is going on just fades away. That is amazing, and I hope my stories allow others to do the same.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing on and off for over 20 years. Too much off time has meant not as many books released as I would have liked. I aim to change that from now on.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Write more!

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

I would have to say Kaleb from Dark Minds. Very interesting to write about due to the freedom you can have with a supernatural type of character.

Are your characters based on real people, are they imaginary or a combination of both?

My characters are imaginary. However, as we all draw on our own experiences for writing, I believe that they are made up of a variety of people I have known, read about, or been told about at some time in my life.

When you’re writing, do you listen to music or do you need silence?

I find silence is often best. Although some music (my particular favourite is UB40) can be good, as long as it is only in the background.

Who are your favourite authors, and why?

Stephen King is definitely my favourite author. His character development and detailed plots are top class. He has a great ability to draw a reader into the story.

Where can readers go to discover more about you and your books?

Website | Facebook | Amazon Author Page

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Joining me on the couch today, for the first interview of 2018 — Happy New Year everyone — is sci-fi/fantasy author Kyoko M. Thank you, Kyoko, for taking the time to chat to me. Please sit down, get comfortable and let’s begin.

Kyoko M is a USA Today bestselling author, a fangirl, and an avid book reader. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Lit from the University of Georgia, which gave her every valid excuse to devour book after book with a concentration in Greek and Christian mythology. When not working feverishly on a manuscript (or two), she can be found buried under her Dashboard on Tumblr, or chatting with fellow nerds on Twitter, or curled up with a good Harry Dresden novel on a warm Georgia night. Like any author, she wants nothing more than to contribute something great to the best profession in the world, no matter how small.

What’s the name of your new book?

Of Cinder and Bone

Tell us a bit about your book

After centuries of being the most dangerous predators on the planet, dragons were hunted to extinction. That is, until Dr. Rhett “Jack” Jackson and Dr. Kamala Anjali cracked the code to bring them back. Through their research at MIT, they resurrected the first dragon anyone has seen alive since the 15th century. There’s just one problem.

Someone stole it.

Caught between two ruthless yakuza clans who want to clone the dragon, Jack and Kamala brave the dangerous streets of Tokyo to steal their dragon back in a race against time before the world is taken over by mutated, bloodthirsty monsters that will raze it to ashes.

If there was a film or TV adaptation of your book, who would you like to see play your characters?

Jordan Amador: Zoe Saldana or Nicole Beharie

Michael: Jared Padalecki or Chris Evans

Archangel Gabriel: Jude Law

Archangel Raphael: Antonio Banderas or Benjamin Bratt

Belial: Alexander Skarsgard

Mulciber: Monica Bellucci

Terrell: Morris Chestnut

Lauren: Claudia Kim

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

Names are quite important to the Black Parade series. Some of them can even be minor plot points while others simply reveal things about the characters’ personalities or beliefs. Jordan was named after the river Jordan and her last name means “lover of God.” Her aunt’s last name is “Durante”, which means “stubborn.” Michael means “God-like.” I tend to want there to be another layer to characters when I name them just as an added bonus for the readers.

Give us an insight into your main character. What makes them unique?

Jordan Amador is a Seer: someone who can see and hear ghosts, angels, and demons. She’s also very antisocial as a result of a traumatic background and so she’s very defensive and snarky as a way to cope with it all.

If you could choose ten words to describe your book, what would they be?

Complicated, unpredictable, heart-warming, adventurous, character-centric, emotional, fun, sweet, daring, and dangerous.

Where do your ideas come from?

Sometimes from dreams. Sometimes I’m inspired by a TV show, movie, or book concept, but I have a perspective that I want to explore that is different from the original idea. Most often, I have a character in mind whose story I want to explore.

What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

I think book trailers can be effective if done correctly. It’s not about selling the product. It’s about making the story look as polished and intriguing as possible. I have a short book trailer that was largely just experimental to see if this kind of thing was something people would enjoy, but it has mostly gone unseen. https://youtu.be/jdPBm6GxS7w

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

Probably the Black Parade trilogy. It’s extremely difficult to finish one that has an ending worthy enough to the story and one that feels like you’ve accomplished what you set out to do with your books. Mind you, I’m not trying to brag or say that I did everything flawlessly. I certainly didn’t, but I was really happy that I was able to finish all three of my first novels in consecutive years considering I was pretty much working full time when I wrote all of them.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully, I’m married to Chris Evans and living in a mansion making movies.

But more realistically, I hope I am writing full time, both novels as well as screenplays.

Have you always liked to write?

Yep. Ever since I was a kid. My parents used to read to me every night and so I was a voracious reader, and it eventually began to spill out of my head. I was writing diaries at first and then small stories, then fanfiction, and eventually I made a few attempts at fiction until I got lucky with The Black Parade towards the end of my college years.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Don’t give up. It’s too easy. It’s so easy to give up, but if you truly love writing and you’re trying your hardest to make the best work possible, then you cannot give in. Fight tooth and nail for your spot in the publishing world and make your stand. It’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but it’s worth it if you’re patient and tenacious.

If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?

Probably some kind of administrative work? I’m good at organizing things.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

Of course I read reviews of my books. I’m terribly self-conscious and I would want to know if I’m a complete hack writer. However, it’s foolish to ever respond to them. Writing is subjective. Not everyone will like what I write, and that’s just the way it is. Authors should never respond to reviews because there is no way it will make them look good. Just none at all.

When I get a bad review, I’ll pout for a bit, watch some YouTube videos or a movie to cheer myself up, and then get over it. That’s all you can do, really.

What is your best marketing tip?

Make yourself a schedule and stick to it. The easiest way for your sales to tank as an unknown self-published author is if you slack on your marketing duties. Whether it’s engaging people on social media or the hardcore buying ads and promotions, you have to do it consistently or your sales will go right into the crapper. Mine did in 2016 and I’m still fighting to recover them as we speak. It’s not easy. It’s tedious. But you have to do it, and you have to do it all the time, until you’ve reached one of those fancy plateaus like J. K. Rowling or Stephen King.

What is your least favourite part of the writing / publishing process?

I hate editing. No matter how many times I get to that stage of the process, I want to pull my hair out. Editing is just a vast canyon of possibilities. There are so many things you can change that you want to change, and then there are things you don’t want to change that you have to change. It’s a headache and you can chase your tail for months doing it. What I’ve had to learn how to do is reach a final stopping point and picture my book as a tiny little message-in-a-bottle that I am pushing out into the ocean. Otherwise, I’ll fiddle with it until the end of days.

Shout out to marketing also. I am awful at engaging readers. I want to, but I don’t know how, so most of the time I leave it to professional promotions instead.

Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?

No offense to the fantasy writers out there, but vampires and werewolves are so overdone that I have absolutely nothing to say about them and I never will. Those two supernatural creatures have been done to death and there is no way I could ever add anything to their mythos that is worth reading.

Do you have a favourite conference / convention that you like to attend? What is it?

I adore Momocon. Momocon is an anime convention held yearly in my home turf of Atlanta, Georgia. It started out with humble beginnings as a free convention on Georgia Tech’s campus but eventually it became what I believe is the second largest con in Georgia. They’ve consistently invited really fantastic nerdy guests and it’s always delightful to attend and meet said guests as well as mingling with some excellent cosplayers. The first time I ever cosplayed was at Momocon and I was so scared, but I had a lot of fun and everyone was so nice to me and they all loved my Lana Kane (from FX’s Archer) cosplay.

Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others?

I hate fight scenes. Especially war scenes. It’s easy to see the fight in my head, but it is an ordeal for me to get it down on paper. I think to date the hardest one I ever wrote was a demon gang fight in The Holy Dark where I had to diagram how many demons Jordan fought in order to keep track of them all. It was a nightmare.

How long does it usually take you to write the first draft of a book?

Between six and eight months, depending on what my day job is. My life is chaos. I’ve switched careers too many times, so it depends on my hours and my workload, but I always do one book minimum per year, and so I’d say it’s right at about six months.

What are you working on now?

I’m finishing up the second novel in my science fiction/contemporary fantasy series. It’s called Of Blood and Ashes. It’s ridiculously complicated and scary and aggravating, but I think it’s a great book.

Can you give us a few tasty morsels from your work-in-progress?

The world’s deadliest dragon, the infamous Baba Yaga, is loose on the streets of Tokyo.

Dr. Rhett “Jack” Jackson and Dr. Kamala Anjali have been tasked with helping the government take down a dragon the size of a Tyrannosaurus Rex after it sends part of the city up in flames. Things worsen when they lose track of dragon in none other than Aokigahara, the Suicide Forest–a section of woods in Japan that is rumored to be one of the most haunted places on earth. They’ve also got the yakuza who cloned the dragon hellbent on getting her back, and they don’t care who they kill in order to re-capture the dragon.

Jack and Kamala are joined by CIA field agent William Fry and dragon-hunting expert Juniper Snow as they infiltrate the forest to hunt the dragon before she can hurt anyone else. Between the ruthless yakuza hot on their trail and the growing mistrust in their small hunting party, it will take a miracle for Jack and Kamala to make it out alive…

Of Blood and Ashes is the second book in the series, following Of Cinder and Bone.

Do you have any unique or quirky writing habits?

I often make playlists for certain books and I play them when I need to get in the mood to write. I also tend to write in my bed, which is a terrible idea for psychological reasons, but it’s so comfy that I can’t help myself. I tend to write my fiction during the day, but my fan fiction at night, and I don’t have the slightest idea why. I think now that I’m older, my brain associates daylight with work and productivity, whereas nighttime is playtime.

I also don’t outline my novels. I write them about halfway and then write a timeline to keep track of the pacing and the plot threads.

How has your environment or upbringing impacted your writing?

Definitely. One thing that is very important to me is representation. I always push for diversity in fiction, and even more so in urban fantasy and science fiction. Both of these genres are heavily under-represented and I make it a point to have diverse leads because I think that every kid deserves to pick up a book and see a variety of different perspectives instead of just one or two. People of color have voices and those voices should be heard in every genre. I try to do my part each time I write.

Describe what your ideal writing space looks like.

I have an office! I just…never use it…but said office has a desk with plenty of room for my cat Selina and an inevitably abandoned thermos of earl grey tea as well as my laptop and cell phone. The chair should be comfy, but not too comfy so I won’t fall asleep, and it needs to be well lit. There should also be nerdy posters all over the place, and consequently, there are in my current office. Any time I need a distraction, I can make eyes at Chris Evans and then everything is right with the world.

Why should a potential reader buy your book(s)?

If you’re tired of the same old-same old, please grab my books. The genres that I write in can get very repetitive and I wrote my novels to share something with the world that I feel isn’t seen enough. The Black Parade series is about diversity, dealing with depression and anxiety, and understanding who you are and who you are meant to be. The Of Cinder and Bone series is about becoming more than who you ever thought you could be and fighting for what is right in spite of opposition. It’s very easy to write a character you idolize, but I think it sticks with you more when you write about a character that you could have been under the right circumstances.

What’s the strangest thing you have ever had to research for your book?

There is no single answer to that question. I have done this so many times that I don’t even know where to start. Most recently, I had to research the wingspan of a dragon the size of a T-Rex, so I ended up Googling pterodactyl’s wingspan proportions and then literally do the math on how that would work for a titanic-sized dragon. My Google history has definitely landed me on some kind of NSA watch list by now. I actually called the FBI research division a few years ago while writing She Who Fights Monsters because my Googling was so highly specific that I couldn’t find answers without talking to an actual FBI agent.

What’s something you’re really good at that few people know about?

Sarcasm. Trust me. I have a Ph. D in being snarky.

What’s an interesting fact about your book?

Actor Orlando Jones (American Gods, The Replacements, Evolution, Sleepy Hollow, Drumline) was on Twitter a few years back asking for book recommendations. I jokingly sent him a link and he sent me back a picture that he downloaded it on his Kindle. I basically had a heart attack. Now, granted, I never found out if he read it, but Trollando Jones (as the fandom calls him) has a copy of The Black Parade and I get to take that little awesome nugget of knowledge to my grave. If you check out my blog, I think the picture is still up if you search for Orlando Jones. It was truly an awesome moment for me.

I also gave a paperback copy to actress Nicole Beharie (Sleepy Hollow, Shame) when I met her at DragonCon in 2015, because I am shameless and I think she’d be perfect to play Jordan Amador one day.

Why did you choose to write in your genre? If you write in more than one, how do you balance them?

I’ve always loved Greek mythology as well as Christian mythology, so it felt natural to try my hand at urban fantasy and paranormal romance. I decided to poke my head into science fiction next after I got inspired, weirdly enough, by a terrible movie called ‘Reign of Fire’ that had an amazing idea at its core: that dragons weren’t just for fantasy movies, but they could work in a modern day setting without all the magic and sorcery. Balancing them isn’t too difficult for me since they are both in major cities–one in Albany, New York and the other in Cambridge, Massachusetts and then later in Tokyo, Japan–but I do tend to get more bogged down in research for my sci-fi series. It took some getting used to, but I eventually learned how to make time for research.

Where did your love of books come from?

My parents. As I mentioned above, they read to me every night as a kid, so I grew up loving books. I was also a very awkward, unpopular kid and books consoled me. They gave me purpose and motivation and ideas.

How long have you been writing?

Since I’ve been old enough to hold a pencil. However, I didn’t start writing professionally until around 2009 when I began with a romantic-comedy novella and then shortly afterward I started the first draft of The Black Parade.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Publish NOW. DO IT NOW. GET TO THE CHOPPAH!

Ahem. No, I’d definitely tell her to write faster, publish faster, and market faster. At the time I had been starting my first book, self-publishing hadn’t become as big as it is now and if I had known what I was doing, I might have been able to get a bigger fan base. Right now, there’s like…two of them.

What would the main character in your book have to say about you?

I think Jordan and I would bond pretty quickly over being socially anxious shut-ins. I think Michael would find me perplexing, but he and I would get along in spite of our differences.

As for my other series, I think Jack would be my best friend inside of a week because we’re both geeks at heart. Kamala would think I was shy and cynical, but not bad company. Faye probably would find me a bit boring.

Do you have a day job in addition to being a writer? If so, what do you do during the day?

Yes. Right now, I’m an event coordinator at Emory University, but it’s a temp job. I help schedule applicants’ interviews into the university’s internal medicine medical program. It’s a lot of fun and you get to meet a ton of pleasant future doctors.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

Favorite is a strong word. You can’t pick favorites of your children. But I do have a soft spot for a few of them.

The archangel Gabriel won me over in She Who Fights Monsters by basically just being the sweetest, most supportive older brother character I’ve written to date. He and Jordan don’t have a drop of blood between them, but he sort of instantly took her under his wing (cue rimshot) and started protecting her and caring for her like she was family.

The archdemon Belial is my ridiculous, evil darling. He’s such an awful creature, and yet he’s given me some of my favorite lines of dialogue throughout my writing career. He’s also one of the most complex characters I’ve ever written.

Dr. Rhett Jackson is my last darling. I’ve started to really love him over the course of writing him in these first two books in the series. He’s so awkward and dorky and he tries really hard all the time to do right by the world. I just want nice things for him, honestly.

Are your characters based on real people, are they imaginary or a combination of both?

Combination. I never borrow directly from anyone, in real life or in fiction. I take small traits or physical appearances from either people I know or fictional characters and then put my own spin on them. For instance, the original concept for the archdemon Belial came from a manga called Kuroshitsuji (“Black Butler” in English). I stole some dorky awkwardness and sarcasm from Harry Dresden for Dr. Rhett Jackson. In real life examples, the archangel Gabriel’s relationship with Jordan is loosely based on my relationship with my cousin, Mikey. I named Jordan’s ex-boyfriend Terrell after my first crush in fifth grade, and I based his personality off of a guy I had a crush on in high school. I never directly copy anyone simply because that’s how you end up with an inauthentic character. You borrow ideas and then embellish until your characters are genuine. That’s how you make them feel real, in my opinion.

When you’re writing, do you listen to music or do you need silence?

I need silence, but I do prep myself for writing scenes and finishing chapters with a playlist specifically for writing. I can occasionally listen to an instrumental while I write serious scenes. I’ve found that the soundtrack to Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar is great background music that helps me concentrate.

Who are your favourite authors, and why?

Jim Butcher and Ilona Andrews are my top two. Jim Butcher just hit all my buttons with The Dresden Files. I am madly, madly in love with Harry Dresden, and I love his supporting cast of characters, and I love his cruel, complicated, magical world. Ilona Andrews is like a female Harry Dresden, but not in a copycat way, just a really similar type of character who is witty and fun who has a good heart and tries her best to protect the innocent.

What’s the best thing about being an indie author?

Jim Butcher and Ilona Andrews are my top two. Jim Butcher just hit all my buttons with The Dresden Files. I am madly, madly in love with Harry Dresden, and I love his supporting cast of characters, and I love his cruel, complicated, magical world. Ilona Andrews is like a female Harry Dresden, but not in a copycat way, just a really similar type of character who is witty and fun who has a good heart and tries her best to protect the innocent.

What do you find most challenging about writing?

For me, it’s coming up with something that satisfies the reason why we read to begin with. I often stumble into Writer’s Block simply because I suffer from pretty severe social anxiety and depression, so I doubt myself constantly and I am afraid that I’ll publish a book everyone hates and be forever shamed off the face of the publishing world. It’s hard to write a good book, and harder still to let someone read it. It’s scary to put yourself out there. It’s like opening up your chest and handing someone a piece of your heart. They could like it, or they could throw it on the ground and stomp it into paste. But that’s the risk of being an author.

Why do you have so many nerdy references in your books?

Nerds rule. We need way more nerdy main leads in books, and we need about a thousand times more nerds of color in fiction. I love being a nerd. Aside from being a writer, it’s probably my favorite thing about myself. I love it when I’m reading something or watching something and they reference something I adore because it makes me feel a connection. So I do that in my own work because it’s such a fun feeling to know someone shares your interests.

Where can readers go to discover more about you and your books?

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Smashwords | Goodreads

The post An Interview with Author Kyoko M appeared first on Melanie Tomlin.

My last interview for 2018 is with Patricia M Jackson, author of romance books, including the House of Donato Series. Thank you, Patricia, for taking the time to chat to me. Please sit down, get comfortable and let’s begin.

Patricia M Jackson writes romance novels with a mixture of realism and fiction. Sometimes they are comedies or could be classified as suspenseful. Often they’re a mixture of both. Her House of Donato Series features a group of new adults finding love in a turbulent world. She also writes novellas and short stories on occasion. She’s a member of several writer groups, including Northern Lights Writers, a chapter of the RWA. You can find her living in the Minneapolis area with her husband and geriatric dog, Charlie.

What’s the name of the book you’re here to talk about?

Henrietta: Book #1 in the House of Donato Series

Tell us a bit about your book

Tom and Etta have a problem. They’ve kissed passionately but don’t remember it. They are both starting life over, she, as a writer in grad school and he, as a former hockey player, after a career-ending injury. But is anyone ever completely free of their past?

Tom and Etta create a bond formed from friendship, but it may not be possible to start anew with baggage from the past and no clear vision of the future. Will people from the past always come looking for you when you least expect it? Etta finds the courage to move forward in her great-grandmother’s example. It might already be too late.

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

They’re very important. Etta is a shortened version of Henrietta, and that name comes from a real woman in my family of that name. Part of the book is based on her real-life story. Tom Donato is a great Italian name for a very Italian guy and there are actually two hockey players who have very similar names: Dom Toninato, who played for the UMD Bulldogs until this past year and Ryan Donato, who plays for Boston College. I hadn’t heard of either of these guys before I picked the Donato name. I guess I picked a really good Italian hockey name. I like ethnic names.

Give us an insight into your main character. What makes them unique?

Etta, oh Etta. She’s kind of a mess at the start of the book, starting her life over and vowing she’s going to put her past behind and live a different kind of life. It takes her all of ten minutes to do something stupid and get herself back into a compromising position. We all do that and this time she comes out of it for the better, having met a wonderful guy. The question is, will she let her past ruin her future? Many of us come close to letting that happen too. Etta is very believable and that’s why she’s a great character. She does things, makes choices that all of us make every day and through no fault of her own ends up in trouble. In the end, her strength and smarts and fortitude get her almost through the toughest of circumstances, but even she needs help. We all need help to get through our struggles and Etta is smart enough to learn that family and friends are who you should turn to for help. I really love Etta and wish she were real.

Where do your ideas come from?

For Henrietta, my idea for a book started with the real-life story of the great-grandmother in the story. Her story has heartache and resilience at its heart, which is a great story, but not enough to wrap a book around (or maybe it is enough). I wanted to tell her story, but in a way that was modernized with something more contemporary, so I pulled in a great-granddaughter with the same name. She had to have her own unique story, so I pulled from a recent news story about an athletic director who had sexually harassed women and pushed the story further to create a series and on and on it went. The stories dwelled in my head for a long time and I was grateful to get them on paper and out of my head.

What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

I do have trailers for my first two books, Henrietta and Isabella. I like them because I’m a musical person and music enhances so much of life. If you’d like to see them, they are on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqkc_prCRxbX-F5O_RJzu1A

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to be happily retired from my day-job and writing full-time while traveling with my hubby to see all the wonderful places I’ve never had time to see. I’ll have twenty more books out and be fabulously rich. Maybe there will be a movie made of one of my books. Oh, now it’s just dreaming, isn’t it? I’d be happy just to be retired and still writing every day.

Have you always liked to write?

Yes. Well, I’ve always liked telling stories. I haven’t always gotten them put down on paper, but I’ve always pondered stories in my head. When I was in junior high I wrote a very short story/speech about a disturbed young girl and performed it as “original oratory” and did very well. I learned then that I had a knack for creating plots and characters but didn’t do anything with it for decades. One day the stories just had to come out.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

Yes, I read the reviews. When they’re good and say such amazing things about my writing, I’m often surprised and don’t know what to say. When they’re bad, the same is true. Both come from a place where I have very little influence, the reader’s perspective. I mean, we all read from where we are, with our past experiences coloring our world, so each person brings their own set of taste and preferences. If I wrote that struck someone’s fancy, that’s great. If I didn’t, I’m sorry, but I wrote the book I wanted to read and if you didn’t like I am sorry. I don’t respond to reviews either way because they’re a reader’s opinion and they’re entitled to their opinion.

What is your least favourite part of the writing / publishing process?

Marketing. I stink at it. It’s like a giant commercial for yourself, and I’ve never been good flaunting my positive attributes. I don’t think I have enough ego for sales. I am not a salesy, smarmy person at all. My father was a salesman, and every time I try to make my marketing more aggressive, I feel like I’m using one of his lines. I just hate marketing and pushing my books, but that’s how books get read so, it’s a double-edged sword.

How long does it usually take you to write the first draft of a book?

Somewhere between six to eight weeks. I write a little bit at a time, plan things extremely well before I start so I know where I’m heading and let it fly. I write very fast, so it doesn’t take long to get a rough draft done at all. Cleaning it up afterward takes forever.

What are you working on now?

I’m drafting a young adult paranormal romance series that came to me in a dream. It’s nice when story just pops up halfway plotted for you like that.

Can you give us a few tasty morsels from your work-in-progress?

Gabriel risked a look back into the stillness of the gloomy forest and saw it, the glimpse of light on steel. It was his prophecy after all. His pursuers had changed up their tactics and were moving in for the kill. They wanted it tight and up-close and personal, and Gabriel saw it, the telltale sign. The vulture swooped through the forest, crying out as it descended toward him. This was the moment he’d seen, and he knew what this sign meant. There was no point in fighting it anymore.

He turned his eyes up toward God and pleaded for his baby girl. God help her! Then he raised his arms to the sky, awaiting the final action that would be his undoing. It was exactly as it had been in his vision and he never saw the knife.

Why should a potential reader buy your book(s)?

Escape. I work very hard to keep things interesting in my books, to allow the reader just a moment of escape from their day-to-day life. Hopefully you’ll want to keep turning the page to see what happens next.

Where did your love of books come from?

My mother. She could read an entire novel in one day with no problem. It was hard to keep her in books. I don’t read like that, but she instilled a love of reading for escape in all of her kids.

Do you have a day job in addition to being a writer? If so, what do you do during the day?

Yes, I do. I’ve been a programmer/data analyst for twenty-five years in lots of different industries, including banking and marketing and, for the past eleven years, health insurance. On most weekdays I put my energies into efforts for a leading health insurance company trying to help millions of Americans live healthier lives.

Where can readers go to discover more about you and your books?

Website / Blog | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page | Instagram | Goodreads | YouTube

The post An Interview with Author Patricia M Jackson appeared first on Melanie Tomlin.

Joining me on the couch today is author Christina Ochs, whose love of history has been cleverly woven into her historical and military fantasy books. Thank you, Christina, for taking the time to chat to me. Please sit down, get comfortable and let’s begin.

Until recently, Christina Ochs lived in a semi truck, traveling all over the United States. Right now she’s temporarily settled down in Eugene, Oregon with her husband and two cats. She is the author of The Desolate Empire Series and the upcoming War of the Four Gods Trilogy.

What’s the name of the book you’re here to talk about?

Rise of the Storm

Tell us a bit about your book

Prince Kendryk’s life is perfect.

But if he stands up for the truth, he risks losing it all.

As the ruler of Terragand, Kendryk governs his kingdom with a fair hand. Craving only the love of his beautiful wife and a future for their three children, Kendryk seeks the best for all under his care.

But when a befriended member of the clergy is tried as a heretic for urging reform of the faith, or risk a coming catastrophe, Kendryk makes one grave decision that threatens to lay all he has labored for to ruin.

Labeled a rebel and traitor, Kendryk finds his homeland crushed between the iron hands of war and the merciless command of the Empress Teodora. The only chance of salvation rests in alliance with like-minded rulers. But even that may not be enough to reverse the tide created by the sheer military might of the Empress and her commanders.

Torn between his heart and his duty, can Kendryk and his allies defy the oppression of the empire and reclaim their freedom? Or will all-consuming war destroy everything it touches?

Where do your ideas come from?

I love reading history books and most of my book ideas are inspired by real events. Lately, I’ve had to confine my reading to research for the series I’m currently on, or I get too many ideas. In fact, last night I was watching a documentary on Ivan the Terrible, and thought, “hmmm.” But I’ve already committed to Peter the Great for the series after next.

Have you always liked to write?

I’ve wanted to write ever since I could read. When I wasn’t reading, I was making up stories in my head, usually starring myself. Early on, I read historical tales and incorporated them into my schoolwork. My mom still has a story I wrote in the 3rd grade. It was a rather lurid tale, told in the first person. I was a captured Royal Navy officer (while still being a little girl) who overcame a ship full of dastardly pirates single-handedly. Naturally.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

Not anymore. Even a mildly critical one could plunge me into the depths of despair. I once second-guessed myself for months after a reader offered some really detailed criticism. But I also learned that positive reviews didn’t help me in the long run. Sure, the validation is nice, but I caught myself catering to reader expectations laid out in some of those nice reviews. Now I do my best to ignore all of them. It’s just not worth the emotional turmoil.

Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others?

Love scenes. I keep them pretty tame because I can barely manage writing a kiss without cringing. It works out ok because I try to keep my books PG13 so my teenage nieces and nephews can read them.

What are you working on now?

I’m writing Blood of the Empire, the sixth and final book in my Desolate Empire series. It’s based on the 30 Years War (1618-48) and sometimes I feel that’s how long I’ve been working on it, even though it’s only been four years since I started the series.

How has your environment or upbringing impacted your writing?

Even though I’m covering a pretty dark topic, I have a hard time turning my characters truly evil. I suppose the main villain and her henchgirl are pretty awful, but it’s hard for me to keep people from being nice to each other. I’m pretty sure that originates from my mom’s insistence that my brothers and I never be mean to each other. (At least when she could see it.) I also like exploring the intersections of personal and public religious feeling and I’m sure that interest stems from long conversations about politics and theology with my dad when I was a teenager.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t be afraid- and write! In my teens and early twenties I badly wanted to be an author, but let others talk me out of it for fear of starvation and judgment. I really wish I hadn’t listened. Even if I’d never been published, I would have had so much more experience by the time I had the opportunity.

What would the main character in your book have to say about you?

It’s more of a night job. I teach English to Chinese children online. Since I have to match after-school hours in Beijing, I usually teach from about midnight to six am. I’m not crazy about the hours, but it’s a lot of fun, and still leaves me plenty of time to write.

Are your characters based on real people, are they imaginary or a combination of both?

Some are. Quite a few of the main characters in my series are loosely based on historical figures, though I have a bad habit of turning them into women. I also sometimes base a character’s personality on someone I know. A character from early in the series is a lot like my sister, and she was mad at me when I killed her off!

Where can readers go to discover more about you and your books?

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Instagram | Goodreads

The post An Interview with Author Christina Ochs appeared first on Melanie Tomlin.

Martha Carr, the author I’m interviewing today, didn’t want to reveal much about herself, and that’s okay… she has enough books published for us to talk about for hours! Thank you, Martha, for taking the time to chat to me. Please sit down, get comfortable and let’s begin.

Martha Carr is the author of 13 books, including the The Leira Chronicles, an urban fantasy series, which is part of the Oriceran Universe, and the Wallis Jones series, a six part thriller series that starts with The List Conspiracy.

Martha has written a weekly, nationally-syndicated column on world affairs and life that has run on such political hotspots as The Moderate Voice.com and Politicus.com. Her work has run regularly in such venerable publications as The Washington Post, The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune and Newsweek.

What’s the name of your new book?

The Leira Chronicles: Waking Magic, Book One

Tell us a bit about your book

The Truth is Revealed When Magic Returns.

Austin Detective Leira Berens has lost her mother to a psych ward, her grandmother has disappeared and that’s the most normal part of her day. A portal opens up out of nowhere that takes her to another world filled with magic. The Light Elves need someone just like Leira to solve a crime and keep magic hidden from human beings on Earth. But the gates between the two worlds are beginning to open and everything’s about to change. Is Leira the answer to it all? What are the magical beings not telling her?

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

When creating a magical universe names can become very important. I want a certain consistency and an element of magic but without confusing the reader or slowing down the story. These books are a collaboration with author Michael Anderle and I came down on the side of using old Gaelic and Hawaiian names and he wanted more every day names and the compromise really works. Then we had to build a story bible so that we can keep all of our new friends straight!

Give us an insight into your main character. What makes them unique?

Detective Leira Berens is only 25 years old and has already lost the most important people in her life. Her mother is in a psych ward and her grandmother disappeared four years ago. Trust has become a tough commodity for her. But she has her group of friends at the bar that’s right in front of her small cottage and she has her partner on the job, Det. Hagan and she’d do anything for them. She’s loyal, fierce and she’s about to find out – a whole lot more.

If you could choose ten words to describe your book, what would they be?

Fast-paced, Funny, Magical, Character-driven, Fun, thrilling, full of wonder.

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

Living in different US orphanages for two years to research a book that ended up encouraging others to do more for kids with no families in this country.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

On a ranch in Austin big enough to have writers come and stay and write and play. And dogs will be there of course.

Have you always liked to write?

From the moment I walked into the Philadelphia library and was told if I could carry it, I could borrow it. Writing opened up an entirely new world for me and gave me a voice. It probably saved my life.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Always remain open to new ideas of how to write, how to publish, how to market and create a friendly group of writers for yourself that lift you up and encourage you. Run from the trolls as fast as you can.

If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?

Play in a rock band or draw a cartoon.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

I go through different phases but it’s true that if you’re going to be lifted up by the good, then you have to take the bad seriously too. Instead, I let them all go and get out there and connect more one-to-one with the fans.

Can you give us a few tasty morsels from your work-in-progress?

Going to Lavender Rock turned up nothing except a lot of suspicious stares and gave her a mild headache and a humming in her ears that lasted the rest of the day.

“Something weird there. Too many people just hanging out near a giant rock. Will have to save that for a return trip later. Fuck Monday mornings,” grumbled Leira. She sat up on her old couch and stretched her back.

Suddenly, a small green streak of motion zipped past her.

“No, no, no! I’ve got to get to work!” Leira lunged for the small troll, chasing it around the room. Small, like five-inches small and almost nothing to grab onto, especially when it was moving in a hurry.

The small creature was always in a hurry. One long weekend of trying to keep that fidgety pain in the ass in a cardboard shoe box. It only took a day before the box was in shreds along with the washcloth.

Leira reached out as she lunged but came up empty, her hand grazing across the wild tuft of green hair.

The troll did a neat bounce, tuck and roll off her old couch landing on the floor.

How has your environment or upbringing impacted your writing?

I grew up outside of DC, always aware of politics and I’m the great-great-great-great niece of Thomas Jefferson – I tend to see a thriller or a good story in everything and I want to believe there’s magic in the world

What’s something you’re really good at that few people know about?

Tap dancing – I used to teach it and danced solo in the City of Alexandria’s Bicentennial Show. Shhh, don’t tell anyone (That and somewhere out there is a Glamour Shot from the 1980s.)

Where can readers go to discover more about you and your books?

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page

The post An Interview with Author Martha Carr appeared first on Melanie Tomlin.

Joining me on the couch today is the author of the Men of Gold Mountain series, Rebecca Brooks. Thank you, Rebecca, for taking the time to chat to me. Please sit down, get comfortable and let’s begin.

Rebecca Brooks lives in New York City in an apartment filled with books. She received a PhD in English but decided it was more fun to write books than write about them. She has backpacked alone through India and Brazil, traveled by cargo boat down the Amazon River, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, explored ice caves in Peru, trekked to the source of the Ganges, and sunbathed in Burma, but she always likes coming home to a cold beer and her hot husband in the Bronx. Find out more at http://rebeccabrooksromance.com

What’s the name of your new book?

Make Me Yours

Tell us a bit about your book

Her bad boy is back.

Claire Collins has always been good—except when it comes to bad boys. Or one bad boy in particular: a tattooed musician as skilled with her body as he is with his guitar. But he wasn’t ready to be a father, so she left him to raise their daughter on her own. Only fate had other plans, and suddenly, Ryan is back in her life, disrupting everything. This time, though, she’s determined not to lose her heart…even if she still craves his touch.

Ryan Thomas never expects to see Claire again—especially not in a small mountain town in Washington on the last show of his comeback tour. But when the lights come on, there she is, more beautiful than ever. One incredible night with her won’t be enough… But he’ll have to prove he’s not the man he used to be, if he wants to keep her—and his family—for good.

Give us an insight into your main characters. What makes them unique?

Claire is a massage therapist and a single mom, and she’s such a giver. She’s kind to her friends, devoted to her daughter, and takes care of everyone she works with. But that doesn’t leave a lot of gas left in the tank for herself! I really love how throughout the book, Claire learns to prioritize her own happiness and think more about what SHE needs.

Ryan is the scruffy, tattooed, bad boy rock star with a heart of gold. He’s had some major ups and downs in life and made a really big mistake when he was first dating Claire years ago. But he’s committed to winning her back, and I love watching him open up and let love into his life. There are a lot of dirty-talking, alpha guys in romance, and don’t get me wrong, I love ‘em. But what makes Ryan special is that he’s got depth and vulnerability, and he’s not afraid to show who he really is inside.

If you could choose ten words to describe your book, what would they be?

Heartfelt, emotional, sweet, dirty, fun, funny, inspiring, sexy, sexy, and sexy!

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

I’m really freaking proud of myself for writing, finishing, and getting published a novel—let alone six of them! (And counting!) Sometimes I feel like writers forget what a big accomplishment that is, so I try to remind myself that hey, it’s pretty amazing to dream up a whole world, and get all those words on the page.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Write a lot, even (especially) when it’s bad. Read a TON and try to figure out how the authors you love do what they do—and also what the authors you don’t love are doing, because sometimes that’s even more instructive. And finish the damn project, whatever it is!

If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but the only thing I’ve ever (briefly) considered was being an artist. So, obviously there’s never going to be any financial security in my future no matter what! I definitely think art has influenced my writing. I love writing about artists, for one thing. It’s also given me new tools for how to see and describe the world. And the process of tackling a drawing or painting is really similar to writing a book. It takes a lot of persistence—and a lot of mistakes—but the process is always worth it.

Do you have a favourite conference / convention that you like to attend? What is it?

I love RT because I always meet so many amazing readers and writers at the convention. I’ll be in Reno 2018, so if anyone is going to be there, let’s meet! Note: RT stands for Romantic Times.

Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others?

Fighting is hard, because I love my characters so much and I just want them to be happy together! But I also have a hard time with the big make-up scene afterwards. I’m so happy that it’s finally going to work out, I have to remember not to skip over the whole process of forgiveness where they earn back each other’s trust and commit to a future together. I just want them to jump back in bed and profess their love for each other!

Now sex scenes on the other hand… Those are always easy! I love making up the meet-cute and writing all the sexy banter in the beginning. It’s so fun getting to know the characters and watching them fall for each other—especially when they’re trying hard not to!

How long does it usually take you to write the first draft of a book?

I write the first draft usually in about 3 weeks. I actually don’t even call it a first draft anymore—I consider it “Draft 0.” I start with an outline, and then I just try to get everything down as quickly as possible, so there’s something on the page. After that, I go through more carefully and revise. It takes me about 3 months to write a book, if everything goes smoothly. Which really means it takes me about 4 months, because something ALWAYS comes up!

What are you working on now?

Make Me Yours is the last book in the Men of Gold Mountain series. The series is four books, each set in a different season, and they’re all standalones that you can read in any order. They follow the same group of friends in a small town in the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. I’ve worked so hard on the series, I can’t believe I don’t have another one coming out just around the corner! So right now I’m brainstorming new ideas with my awesome editor and figuring out what kind of rugged, dirty-talking heroes to write about next. Yum!

Do you have any unique or quirky writing habits?

I can write anywhere. Literally. Anywhere. I don’t know if that’s unique or quirky, but rather than having some specific set-up or anything special, I just need something to write with and something to write on, or whatever technological device has a typing option. I used to need everything to be quiet and to feel like I had my own space and a sense that all the other crap I had to do was taken care of, so that I could just focus on writing. Then I went to graduate school for a PhD in English and had to take classes and write articles for publication and present at conferences and teach two classes a semester all while commuting on the subway for over an hour, and I realized I could either sink or start getting my work done in every stolen moment I had. As a result, I became a lot more focused—and flexible—when it came to getting things done!

Where can readers go to discover more about you and your books?

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Instagram | Goodreads

The post An Interview with Author Rebecca Brooks appeared first on Melanie Tomlin.

I enticed Paula Marais, author of various romance, mystery, thriller and non-fiction books, to join me on the couch today by offering her Tanzania Peaberry coffee! Thank you, Paula, for taking the time to chat to me. Please sit down, get comfortable and let’s begin.

Paula Marais is the author of several books including her recent novel Shadow Self, which was longlisted for the Etisalat Prize. She has a Master’s in Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town and is an alumnus of Bread Loaf in Vermont, the oldest and most illustrious writing conference in the US. Paula lives in Cape Town and is addicted to travel, quality coffee and beautiful views. For more about her work see her website: www.paulamarais.com or connect with her on: www.facebook.com/PaulaJMarais/.

What’s the name of your new book?

Under the Surface

Tell us a bit about your book

In Charleston, South Carolina, a widow sets out on a global quest to discover the truth behind her husband’s past. Tracing clues to an event that occurred many years before, she’s learning that her husband’s success was built on deceit … and murder.

On another continent, Dr Jay Gifford is on holiday in Thailand mourning the loss of his brother. He doesn’t really want to be there, but he’ll make the best of things, as he always does.

Then, without any warning at all, one of the most catastrophic natural disasters the world has ever witnessed brings the widow and Jay’s two worlds crashing together.

Who is this determined young woman and will she ever find the mysterious man who can unlock her husband’s secrets?

Will Jay find his missing loved ones and his real self?

And in the face of human tragedy, is there still a chance for future happiness?

Give us an insight into your main character. What makes them unique?

In Under the Surface, there are two main characters. Jay starts off as a rather staid doctor, stuck in a rut with no real purpose. The widow starts as a shocked and bereaved young woman who has virtually never left home. Both will realise that the world and travelling can change you in indeterminable ways. The key to both characters is how they learn to adapt to a world that they didn’t ever think they’d encounter.

If you could choose ten words to describe your book, what would they be?

Energetic, literary, page-turning, tragic, romantic, mysterious, well researched, evocative.

Where do your ideas come from?

I have written different books from different ideas. Just the other day I went to a museum with my son and saw one label on an exhibit that inspired me. I often ask myself questions. How would I feel? Why would I…? I love research and as a journalist, I like to get it right, so a story where background research is required often inspires me. I also get ideas from travelling (I keep a detailed journal), from eavesdropping, from reading, from the people I meet…

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Writing with hopefully a few more countries under the belt (I’ve been to 83).

Have you always liked to write?

Yes, my first piece was published when I was 8 – in a major local newspaper.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Have a very tough hide and don’t expect to make a fortune. That’s very unusual.

If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?

I love cooking – so perhaps a cookery blogger. Or a cognitive behavioural therapist – I’m a huge advocate for mental health.

What is your least favourite part of the writing / publishing process?

Self-editing. I am generally quite a perfectionist as I write, so I find it difficult to “fix” work later. And I hate chopping out perfectly good sentences that just don’t suit the plot.

How long does it usually take you to write the first draft of a book?

I usually take a year for a book. My novel Love and Wine was written quicker, but that’s my average.

What are you working on now?

I am working on a novel about the aftershocks of a murder/suicide in the Nambian Brandberg mountain foothills. It’s from the perspective of a young boy who loses his sister. My other novel, A Fish Out of Water, turns stereotypes on their heads – it’s an adoption story, with a twist. I’m finished it, but in the dreaded self-editing phase.

Why should a potential reader buy your book(s)?

As an observer of others, I have found that my readers love my descriptions of both scenery and character. I really get to know my characters and this is important for me as this is how I identify with a book. My novel Shadow Self, which won an award for its translation and was nominated for the top books in Africa (Etisalat prize) told the story from three different perspectives – a dad’s, a mom’s and their daughter’s. I loved the daughter, Sanusha; she said everything most of us would be too reticent or polite to say.

What’s the strangest thing you have ever had to research for your book?

I’ve researched illegal border crossings, been inside a prison, gone to court to watch a murder trial and even learnt how to make cakes with fondant icing. I love doing research. I get to ask about things that I’m curious about. One of the best parts about writing although one can get sidetracked…

What’s an interesting fact about your book?

I’ve been to every place mentioned in Under the Surface – some of the writing in it includes writing almost directly taken from my travel journals.

Where did your love of books come from?

From my mother. She loves reading and we still like the same books. She is my “ideal reader” and my book Shadow Self was dedicated to her.

How long have you been writing?

Since I could pick up a pen.

What would the main character in your book have to say about you?

My main character would say that I am persistent, brave and caring. I let my characters talk and sometimes I don’t approve of what they have to say, but I’m not saying it, they are. (Something readers don’t always recognise.)

Do you have a day job in addition to being a writer? If so, what do you do during the day?

I’m an editor, copywriter, homeschooling mother and proofreader.

Are your characters based on real people, are they imaginary or a combination of both?

My characters are usually imaginary with a touch of reality from someone I know. They might have X’s madness, or P’s generosity or M’s wild hair.

When you’re writing, do you listen to music or do you need silence?

I like the white noise of a coffee shop and the smell of coffee brewing.

Who are your favourite authors, and why?

Pat Conroy – his work is pure poetry.

Anita Shreve and Anne Tyler – I like the flow of their work.

Douglas Kennedy – for the way he can keep the plot going.

Wally Lamb – for his characters.

But I read most things and I love non-fiction as well.

What do you find most challenging about writing?

Finding my creativity when I am facing personal challenges, which is currently happening in my life, as my child is rather ill.

Where can readers go to discover more about you and your books?

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads

The post An Interview with Author Paula Marais appeared first on Melanie Tomlin.