Interview with Casey Bell, Author of ESSAYS FROM DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES: LITERARY BETRAYAL

What is your book about?

This book is sorta of two books in one. The first book “Essays From Dysfunctional Families” is written by a fictional author: Dean K. Brent. The book, (Essays) is a fictional book with ten essays from ten different people sharing their dysfunctional family. The fictional write used real life stories from his family and friends. The second half of the book, (Literary Betrayal) tells the story of how the author Dean K Brent became a best-selling author due to his book, however his family and friends are not so happy for him, knowing that he exposed their dirty laundry for the world to see.

How long had the idea of your book been developing before you began to write the story?

That is a difficult question to answer. I originally wanted to write a fictional, exaggerated book about the secrets of my family and friends, but felt it might be considered a betrayal so I never did. That idea was in my mind since about 2011-2012, but I never had the guts to publish it. I was too afraid people might read it and be angry with me. So that’s when I came up with the idea to write about an author who does the very thing I wanted to do. I finally wrote the book and it was published in 2014.

What inspired you to write this particular story?

I HATE that we as humans think it is better to hide our pain and hurt then deal with them. I know due to shame, guilt, and condemnation, people have a tendency to keep secrets, but I know secrets destroy and kill. I decided if I wrote a book with enough dysfunction to make an addict feel like a saint, then maybe people would feel more comfortable in exposing their own dirty laundry.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?

I probably shouldn’t answer that question, but one of the stories in the first section is loosely based on my own dysfunction. And as said before the main character of this book did exactly what I wanted to do.

Did you do any research for the book? If so, how did you do it?

I did a little bit of research for the first part of the book (Essays). I wanted the essayists to be from all over America, but I wanted to choose unknown and small towns. So, I had to do internet search on small towns in big states, most Americans don’t even know exists.

What is your goal for the book, ie: what do you want people to take with them after they finish reading the story?

The main thing I want the reader to take away from these books is it is okay to discuss your secrets. There is no shame in sharing. Weak people keep secrets, the courageous expose. Not so much the person, but the deed. If you never deal with a problem, you can never put an end to the problem.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

Funny you should ask that. I am a diverse and multi-genre writer. When you read my books each one has its own unique fingerprint. I was raised in a multi-ethnic family, multi-ethnic church, and went to a high school filled with students from all nations. I grew up with an eclectic interest of music, and went to a diverse college. So, when I began writing it was natural for me to be diverse, colorful, and eclectic. I chose to write any many genres due to my colorful upbringing it has taught me to never segregate my gift.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on a children’s book series entitled, “American History.” Each book shines light on American inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators that the school system chooses to ignore. Two of the seven books have been published. The third one will be published in May 2020, and the rest will be published between 2020 and 2022.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I was always a writer, but never thought to do it as work. As a child I wrote poetry, songs, short stories, as well as writing in a diary. Writing was my therapy. It never dawned on me to do it as a trade. I originally wanted to be a gospel singer.

What’s been the most surprising part of being a writer?

The most surprising and fulfilling part of being a writer is the reactions and responses of the readers. I always enjoy hearing what readers tell me about what my book(s) have done for them.

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Find out more about Casey Bell here: https://www.authorcaseybell.com/

You can download the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Essays-Dysfunctional-Families-Literary-Betrayal-ebook/dp/B00R6NSWJA/

Cynthia Vespia, author of “Demon Hunter: Saga”

What is your book about?

In a dark and ageless time where the world knew evil in many forms: werewolf, vampire, demon and dragons, Costa Calabrese has just uncovered the truth about his past. Some truths should never be revealed. When you learn you’re the son of the world’s foremost and feared hunter of demons life’s rules inevitably change. Now it is up to him to take up the role his bloodline demands and stop the evil from spreading over the land…whether he wants to or not.

Exploring the classic theme of good versus evil, Demon Hunter blends the highly popular elements of dark fantasy with the proven concept of high-adventure novels where believable, down-to-earth characters take the reader on a journey. It is the story about a nobody who becomes a somebody in the bloodiest of ways.

This is without a doubt the darkest idea I’ve delved into in all my years of writing. But at its core Demon Hunter is a story about human frailties. Costa, our hero, is plagued not only by physical demons, but mental ones as well. We’ve all had those little voices in our head trying to sway us from our path. It is those demons not faced that are the true danger.

How do you develop and differentiate your characters?

I pull from real life characters. People are different in many ways, tiny character traits can set them apart just as easily as monumental things. Its the little differences that make us unique as people so it becomes necessary to add those in to the characters you create.

How (or when) do you decide that you are finished writing a story?

The story decides for you. You let it run its course. The best endings are those that surprise you as the writer.

What is your goal for the book, ie: what do you want people to take with them after they finish reading the story?

I’ve never been after trying to send out some sort of message with my writing. I don’t want to change the world, I simply want to entertain. If some type of message is imparted between the lines of a particular story then that is great too. But more than anything I just want readers to be moved by the characters, engrossed in the story, and taken on a wild adventure…a little escape from reality…because that is why I like to read. That is what got me started writing in the first place.

What has changed for you personally since you wrote your first book?

I’ve grown as a writer, first and foremost. The longer you continue with your chosen craft you either get better or get out of the game. I feel as though I’ve gotten better, that I’ve found my voice.

Do you have a favorite snack food or favorite beverage that you enjoy while you write?

Red wine. I like a fine Merlot, Cab, or even a sweet red. It is soothing and relaxing.

What are you working on right now?

I have switched back to more contemporary work. I have two thrillers I’m working on at the moment. One is based in my hometown of Las Vegas. I’ve been waiting to showcase Vegas in a proper light rather than all the stereotypes you may have seen.

Do you have mental list or a computer file or a spiral notebook with the ideas for or outlines of stories that you have not written but intend to one day?

I have one of my old trapper keepers from school that is bursting at the seams. I keep getting ideas that get piled on top of more ideas. Not a bad problem to have by any means but I wish I had more time in the day to get to all of them!

What, in your opinion, are the essential qualities of a good story?

Relatable characters, a believable plot (even if its sci-fi or fantasy things should sync up), and description that is niether too short or too cramped and weighs down the story. I like a page turner. My time is limited so if the story doesn’t engross me within the first few chapters I’m going to put it away and move on to one of the other ones on my pile. Also, I’d like to note that alot of books these days are involving too many characters. More than five or so main characters and I’m going to get lost…and that’s even pushing it.

Who gave you the best writing advice you ever received and what was it?

To be honest I forgot where I heard this but the advice was “write for the wastebasket.” It has never left me. What it means is that the first draft is exactly that…the first draft. There will be many other drafts along the way so don’t get too attached to that first one. Just to take the pressure off imagine that you are writing everything just to toss it out so it doesn’t have to be perfect.

What advice you would give to an aspiring author?

Learn the ins and outs of your craft. That includes the business of it. You will be your own best marketing force even if you get picked up by Random House, etc. Learn the rules and then throw them out and make your own!

What words would you like to leave the world when you are gone?

Wow, that’s huge. I don’t know about words but I’d like to know that I made the world a better place for somebody just by being there for them. My words have always been “Live Your Dreams” Because life is short and dreams shouldn’t be dashed.

Have you written any other books?

I’ve written a lot, since I was eight in fact. The Crescent Set in the days when answers were taken at the tip of a a sword, two women will face adversity and find their calling battling as gladiators in a sport of death; Theater of Pain In the world of professional wrestling everything is over-the-top. Some competitors would do anything to make it to the top…even if it means murder; and Life Death and Back a paranormal thriller where in the wake of his death a man must come to learn what it truly means to live by helping a troubled young girl find her true path before its too late.

Where can people learn more about your books?

You can find me at http://www.CynthiaVespia.com; http://www.OriginalCynAdvertising.com; facebook.com/cynthia.vespia; and twitter.com/cynfulcharm

Describe your writing in three words.

Character driven suspense

Click here for an: Excerpt From “Demon Hunter: Saga” by Cynthia Vespia

Click here for an interview with: Costa Calabrese from “Demon Hunter: Saga” by Cynthia Vespia

Gisela (Gigi) Sedlmayer, Author of “Talon, Come Fly With Me”

What is your book about?

My book is about Matica, the main character in the Talon series. She has a rare disorder of her body. She is trapped in a two year old body even though she’s ten years old, in the first book of the Talon series, TALON, COME FLY WITH ME. It’s her story about her adventure, her courage, her inspiration, her love.

Matica’s missionary school teachers moved from Australia to Peru, South America, into a small community. Here the local Indians don’t understand what is wrong with her, so decided that she wasn’t allowed to play with their children, thinking that she is demon possessed or something similar. Lonely and with the blessings of her parents, understanding her misery, she roamed around the plateau of Pucara. Often she was thinking of running away so she didn’t need to face the rejection and the bad talk of the local Indians. But one day she saw the condors flying high up in the air and there and then, she made up her mind, to make friends with them, thinking that they could help her to become somebody, to get self-confidence and so would be accepted by the local Indians. Because she actually wasn’t a negative thinking person, she was a positive thinking person and hated her life as it was. So she had to change it and she did. Her parents always lifted her up as well and told her that there is something special out there, just for her. And she believed them and after two years she found it.

What inspired you to write this particular story?

After I survived a deadly disease, I started to write short stories for competitions. I didn’t get the first prize but very good comments. That inspired me to go on. And so, one of those short stories I wrote about Matica and Talon. And there it came to me, that I could actually write a book about her, and then why not a series? And so the Talon series started.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?

Matica is me, in all aspects. Not that I have her affliction, but other things and I was rejected many times as well. So yes, Matica is me.

Tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favorite? Why?

Her name is Matica and her story is for children as well as for people of all ages to teach self-confidence, to learn and to cope and to deal with all sorts of afflictions, conditions and disorders, even being rejected by other people, to learn to face and to deal with being different as she is different. But in spite of being different, she is a loving person in her nature. She loves to help, to be there when needed. But she couldn’t do it in the village, because of the rejection she has to face.

How long did it take you to write your book?

I started to write when I recovered from the deadly disease and that was now nearly 20 years ego. I have rewritten the first story TALON, COME FLY WITH ME many times. I have sent it to conventional publishers again and again. But I always got the rejection letter back. Then I thought I might need an editor, since English is my second language. And so I found Annette Hansen, thinking that’s what was wrong. After she brilliantly edited my manuscript I have sent it to more conventional publishers, my editor even sent the manuscript to several publishers. But still we would get that rejection letter back.

Then I decided to self-publish it. And so the first book was published by BookPal end of 2009. And now I am in the process of letting the second book TALON, ON THE WING and the third book TALON, FLIGHT FOR LIFE publish with the same self-publisher. I hope with these three books out, that the world will see what they have with them.

Did you do any research for the book? If so, how did you do it? (searching Internet, magazines, other books, etc.)

I spent three full days in a library to get full information about Peru and their people, the land and about the condors and everything else I needed before I started to write the first book. In that time, there was nothing really available on the Internet yet, as it is now.

How (or when) do you decide that you are finished writing a story?

I write the story as it comes to my mind. I am not much of a thinker. I just write it down as it comes to my mind. But then comes the polishing, and that is the main thing for me and I love that part of the writing. And that means rewrite it, and rewrite it and rewrite it until I am happy and satisfied with it and can’t find any other words for it. That can be after 15 to 20 or even more rewrites. But I have to be completely satisfied with it.

What is your goal for the book, ie: what do you want people to take with them after they finish reading the story?

That people see and learn that they are not alone if they have a disability or an affliction or anything they might think is wrong with them. My book is to guide them to get self-confidence, to learn and to cope and to deal with all sorts of afflictions, conditions and disorders, even being rejected by other people, to learn to face and to deal with being different, as Matica is, but again it can be read as an adventure story.

Matica learned, after she made friends with the condors, that she can be the person she was meant to be. Her parents never said anything negative to her, they always lifted her up. Matica even often wanted to run away or would do other bad things. But thinking of her positive parents, she never did. And now she is happy to have that great adventure with her condors.

Mira, Matica’s mother is saying: ‘Look for your condor as my daughter has done.’ She doesn’t mean a real condor like her daughter has found, but something that works for you, relates to you. Be like it, relate to it, love who you are, or do what it takes to be who you want to be.’

Quote from my book:

If you don’t know how to go on in life, whatever it might be, even if you have a disability, find a ‘condor’. That is what Matica did. Matica found the condors, but every person can find something else that they relate to, stick to it and do and be confident with it to get there, where you want to go, where you want to be. And then, as Matica, you can handle every problem and difficulties. All the rejections bounce off you.

What challenges did you face as you wrote this book?

To face myself. When I started to write the book, I never thought of the things they came out then. I wanted to write an adventure story for children and see what came out of that. Because, like Matica, I was rejected in school, not because of the growth handicap she has. I had other things. I had to face what Matica is facing and learned, even from writing the book, more and more to cope with myself, to overcome my own rejection and to realise that I have survived a deadly disease.

Do you think writing this book changed your life? How so?

In a sense it changed my life as well. I have more confidence now as I never had before. I never thought I could write a story like that. But now? I can and I will write more stories about Matica and Talon and her adventure, her life. I plan to write about 8 books in the Talon series. The second book TALON, ON THE WING and the third book TALON, FLIGHT FOR LIFE are getting published right now.

What are you working on right now?

I am writing on the fourth book of the Talon series, TALON, HUNTING THE HUNTER. It is finished but I am on the first rewrite. Many still to come. I would like to get it finished by the end of this year with all the rewrites.

Are you writing to reach a particular kind of reader?

I like to reach every reader, not only the ones who need to get more confidence or have to face rejection in their lives, because it’s still an adventure story behind all that. It’s the voyage of Matica.

What’s been the most surprising part of being a writer?

That it is so very difficult to get published. I don’t understand that the conventional publishers don’t see the potential in my book or even for that matter, for all the other new writers out there who are in the same boat as I am. I have the feeling that these publishers might not even read the manuscripts they are getting from new writers and so, without reading the manuscript reject it because of the writer being a new writer.

What advice you would give to an aspiring author?

Never to give up. That is my motto and I am sticking to it since I got so many rejection letters back from the conventional publishers. But I will get there. So, never give up. One day it will happen, because you don’t know when it will be, it could be just around the corner, just tomorrow even.

What words would you like to leave the world when you are gone?

‘Be you, yourself, be happy. Don’t let life pass by you. Don’t look back, look into the bright future. The future is as bright as the promise of God. Smile – it’s the most beautiful attire.’

‘I can do it.’ These four words are the most power-filled words.

‘Love and acceptance for each other, without boundaries.’

‘Self-pity is a useless emotion.’

‘Self-pity can ruin one’s life.’

‘Don’t say negative words. They don’t help you.’

Where can people learn more about your books?

My website: http://www.writersportal.org/Gigi

YouTube animation clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0ontac7S20

http://www.amazon.com/Talon-come-fly-Gigi-Sedlmayer/dp/1921578726/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317276412&sr=1-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/talon-come-fly-with-me-gigi-sedlmayer/1020753509?ean=9781921578724&itm=1&usri=talon2c%2bcome%2bfly%2bwith%2bme

Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Talon/135624816470795

Click here to read an excerpt from: “Talon, Come Fly With Me” by Gisela (Gigi) Sedlmayer

Kaycee Nilson, Author of Night Falls On Chicago

Welcome, Kaycee. What is your book about?

Night Falls On Chicago is about a group of vampires that converged together in order to stop one of their own. The difference between my vampires and others you have read about, the ones that I wrote live by a code of ethics. Also there is something “other worldly” about them.

How long had the idea of your book been developing before you began to write the story?

Probably all of about 15 minutes!

What inspired you to write this particular story?

My middle child was sick and he had to undergo all kinds of testing. There was one doctor that was followed by seven student doctors and when all eight swarmed around my son, they looked like a pack of vampires about to feed.

Did you do any research for the book? If so, how did you do it? (searching Internet, magazines, other books, etc.)

When I started writing Night Falls On Chicago, Yahoo Chat rooms were still the big thing to do. So I went into a local room, I lived in Chicago at the time, and met a person who claimed he was centuries old and was a PSI vampire. But the locations I write in and around Chicago, they are my most favorite places about Chicago. So I did a ton of time in those spots and actually getting ran off by a couple of police in one of the areas!

What are you working on right now?

My second novel is called I’ll Love You ‘Til You Die, plus I blog hosted by Lunatic’s Folly and I have columns that I submit to Useless Knowledge website.

Do you have a favorite snack food or favorite beverage that you enjoy while you write?

Yes! I love coffee and Funyuns and Cheetos, I guess I’m not the most healthiest of snackers while I write!

Do you have mental list or a computer file or a spiral notebook with the ideas for or outlines of stories that you have not written but intend to one day?

A BIG thick spiral filled to the brim with ideas that will one day become stories or blogs.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Not really, when I was a small girl, I wanted to be a Rockette in New York City, but when I realized I’d never be taller than 5’4″, that dream went out the window! But I did learn I have a knack for writing when I was in tenth grade.

Where do you get the names for your characters?

Some of the names in my first novel are either the first or middle name of close friends and family that for years I’d been threatening to kill off. My therapist says that this is probably one of the healthiest ways to deal with the frustrations that I often have.

What has been your greatest internal struggle to overcome in relation to your writing career?

Inihibitions and self judgement. I am my own worst critic!

What are your future plans? What will you bring to the literary world besides more stories?

Hopefully I would like to bring to the WORLD in general that a person can have a mental illness but turn it into an asset instead of having people pity me.

Where can people learn more about your books?

Right now, my book is on http://www.allthingsthatmatterpress.com/buynow.htm or you can go to my website, http://www.kayceenilson.com/ for more information about not only my books, but everything I have written for the past 5 or 6 years.

Dr. Dorothy McCoy, Author of the Nonfiction Book “The Manipulative Man”

Welcome, Dorothy. What is  The Manipulative Man about?

There are men who are exceptionally manipulative and having a relationship with one of these men requires special knowledge and some advanced relationships techniques. My book identifies the men, provides a checklist to make a positive identification (my law enforcement background shows at times), and decide if this is the relationship for the reader, can it be changed or should the reader consider cutting her losses and moving on. It includes many case studies that showcase how these manipulative men use their considerable skills in interactions and conversations. I also threw in some humor to hold the readers interest and make it more fun.

Did you do any research for the book? If so, how did you do it? (searching Internet, magazines, other books, etc.)

I did a tremendous amount of research if you include my 13.5 years in college, 15 years in private practice and journal research for the book. Some of my time in college and practice time overlapped.

What is your goal for the book, ie: what do you want people to take with them after they finish reading the story?

I want women (and men) to understand when they are being manipulated (used) by someone in this dishonest and self-serving way. Once we realize that, we can make free choices and protect ourselves from psychological, emotional and physical harm.

What challenges did you face as you wrote this book?

The beautiful countryside just waiting for me to run, hike and commune with nature… my dog (Sophie) “asking” to go out, to be feed, to be petted and to get her meals and snacks, and the need for human companionship. I am a people person and staying tied to a computer for long periods was very problematic.

Do you think writing this book changed your life? How so?

I am more aware of manipulation now. I have also made a more in depth study of psychopaths and I use that knowledge to alert law enforcement to the danger.

Do you have any rituals that you follow before sitting down to write?

I fix a cup of superb, fresh ground coffee (one should not skimp on coffee), wait for Sophie to get comfortably settled at my feet and go to sleep (snoring loudly) and then I am ready to write.

Do you prefer to write at a particular time of day?

Yes, I prefer late morning. I have found, if I have a tsunami deadline approaching I can write at any time of the day.

Does writing come easy for you?

The type of writing I do, research based, comes easily to me. I would like to write an Agatha Christie type murder mystery. That does not come at all—at least not so far…

What’s been the most surprising part of being a writer?

Calling myself a writer was very difficult for me. I had three published books (traditionally published) before I would call myself a writer. I still feel a little like an imposter when I claim that skill.

Who gave you the best writing advice you ever received and what was it?

A professor at Emory when I was working on my dissertation… He told me there are two types of dissertations—perfect dissertations and finished dissertations. I wanted a finished dissertation.

What advice you would give to an aspiring author?

Write about what you know and love. Then get someone to reality test for you. Rewrite, rewrite and rewrite…

Have you written any other books?

Yes — From Shyness to Butterfly and Personality Quizzes

Where can people learn more about your books?

My website www.themanipulativeman.net and Amazon and other booksellers sites

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or your books?

I sincerely appreciate my readers. There are many books they could read and when they choose mine I am truly honored. I love to hear from readers—drmccoy86@aol.com

Qwantu Amaru, Author of “One Blood”

Welcome, Qwantu. Please tell us about your current release.

One Blood is my debut novel, a story 12 years in the making. It is a supernatural thriller, set in and throughout Louisiana in the vein of books by Anne Rice, Tananarive Due, and Stephen King. The novel is pretty epic in scope, spanning 200 years of history from 1802-2002. It’s a page-turning rollercoaster that will make you think as much as it makes you jump! One Blood is a character-driven tale that involves a group of diverse characters, all tied together through hidden connections and their mutual torment by a Voodoo curse.

How did you come up with the idea for One Blood?

I was originally trying to write a short story but it just kept growing and growing until before I knew it I had a 160,000-word novel on my hands! I knew that I wanted to write a story about my neighborhood in Lake Charles, LA where I grew up and I knew that I wanted to address the interesting racial dynamics I experienced living in Louisiana which was a stark difference to what I had previously experienced in Charleston, WV and Pittsburgh, PA where I was born. I wanted to write something that was different than anything I’d ever read but would not be so different that people couldn’t get into it.

What inspired you to write this book?

I think debut novels are always written in an effort to understand one’s one life and self, but the catalyst was the combination of a creative writing assignment and a powerful memory of meeting former politician and KKK Grand Wizard David Duke when I was attending high school in Lake Charles, LA. Novels I’d read by Anne Rice, Stephen King, Richard Wright, Harper Lee, Toni Morrison, Wilbur Smith, and Tananarive Due also inspired me.

One Blood has quite an extensive cast…how did you come up with the characters?

I didn’t set out to write a novel with a large cast, but as I got deeper into the tale, characters began appearing and developing on the page. In my first draft many of the characters were mere shadows and bad stereotypes. As I revised, I went very deep into each person’s psyche and came up with the idea to give each character a dual personality that would come out in the course of the story. Some of the characters (like Lincoln, Randy, and Brandon) ended up being composites of people I’ve met in my life, others (like Panama X, Coral Lafitte, and Jhonnette Deveaux) just came out of necessity to balance the story and create the appropriate amount of drama, suspense, and tension.

How much research did you have to do for this book?

Since a large part of the book takes place in The Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, I had to become very familiar with this prison which I did by reading different prisoner’s accounts, watching documentaries, and interviewing prison officials. Vodun is also a central element in the story so I had to do extensive research on the religion because I wanted to portray Vodun as accurately as possible and not do some bad Hollywood rendition.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?

Quite a bit of my life experience is in One Blood. I grew up in Louisiana in a small city called Lake Charles during the late 80′s and 90′s so I know the setting intimately. The family dynamics at play in the book are similar to my family as well in that my family is known for keeping secrets and not all of them are so warm and fuzzy when they get out into the open. I really created the relationship between Lincoln and Brandon based on my relationship with one of my older brothers who I really looked up to and who ultimately disappointed me greatly until I realized that I’ve never had to walk in his shoes, One Blood allowed me that opportunity. The high school (St. Louis) is based on my high-school in Lake Charles and Simmons Park is an amalgamation of two parks that were near my house. There was a guy that I went to school with and his father was a State Senator and that informed the dynamic between Randy and Kristopher Lafitte. Randy Lafitte was based on ex KKK Grand Wizard David Duke. I met him in 1992 during The Contraband Day’s Festival in Lake Charles. He was campaigning for election and spoke to a white friend of mine and completely ignored me which was my first experience with racism. All these experiences and more went into One Blood.

What is your goal for the book, ie: what do you want people to take with them after they finish reading the story?

This is a great question. At its heart, One Blood is a book about the danger of belief. We believe things so blindly that sometimes we find ourselves in situations where that belief is challenged and we react badly. I would like readers to question more and follow less. Find their own paths and if they must believe in anything, believe in themselves.

What one book, written by someone else, do you wish you’d written yourself?

I wish I’d written To Kill a Monckingbird. I just love that book and it has such resonance even today. Aharper Lee didn’t publish many books after, but she made a huge dent with that one. I will always be chasing that goal.

Without giving away the ending, will there be a sequel to One Blood?

I have a desire to write the book the way I should have done it in the first place. That is to say, there are actually 3 full-length novels that form the back story for the events in One Blood, so I definitely am interested in telling those stories. As for a sequel, I don’t think there will be one, but I am planning several spin-off books with some of the surviving characters!

What exciting story are you working on next?

My 2nd novel can best be described as The Kite Runner meets The DaVinci Code! It is titled, The Uneasy Sleep of Giants and deals with a son trying to avenge the untimely death of his father, a chemist who may have cured Cancer and been killed for it.

Where can we learn more about you and your books?

Find out more about Qwantu Amaru on his website http://www.qwantuamaru.com

Buy the e-book: http://amzn.to/s2CA4s

Buy the hard copy: http://amzn.to/weYjOI

Click here to read an: Excerpt From “One Blood” by Qwantu Amaru

T. C. Isbell, Author of “Southern Cross”

Welcome, T.C. What is your book about?

Southern Cross is a World War 2 historical thriller. A murderer is loose on a steamship with over five-hundred unsuspecting passengers. Authorities have limited resources and time to stop the next murder.

What inspired you to write this particular story?

I have been an avid fan of World War Two history ever since I high school. After I retired I started an in depth research project into the time period preceding Germany’s invasion of Poland. Before I knew it I was writing a novel that weaved the story of Chris Schulte into my historical research.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?

Truthfully, I am all of my characters. I grew up as an only child of a working mother; so I spent a lot of time making up characters and living with them in my head. Some of my characters have lived in my head for a very long time.

Did you do any research for the book? If so, how did you do it? (searching Internet, magazines, other books, etc.)

I spent a great deal of time researching my book. I used period magazines like Post, Life, and National Geographic. Some research was accomplished using old books and the Internet. However, information on the Internet has to be approached with a grain of salt.

Is there a message in your writing you want readers to grasp?

No, not really. My main goal is to entertain the reader, to welcome the reader into my fictional world, and have them care about my characters.

What challenges did you face as you wrote this book?

I’m a retired engineer. My first challenge was to learn how to not write like an engineer. My second challenge was to learn everything I missed while staring out the window during my high school English classes.

What’s your writing schedule like? Do you strive for a certain amount of words each day?

Even though I’m retired, I approach writing like a job. I believe that following an established schedule is the key to finishing a project. I start writing at seven in the morning, right after my wife leaves for work, and work pretty much through the day. I take short breaks, but other than that I’m either researching or writing. I try to add at least one thousand words a day to my manuscript. Some days the juices flow and I put down two thousand words. There are days where I write the same sentence over and over. I stop writing before my wife comes home from work.

Do you have a favorite snack food or favorite beverage that you enjoy while you write?

Coffee, I drink vast mounts of coffee while I work.

What are you working on right now?

ICARUS PLOT, the second novel in my Prelude to War series, takes place in Panama in 1940. Foreign and American interests are attempting to disable the Panama Canal and effectively divide the world in half. I hope to finish ICARUS PLOT before Christmas 2012.

What is the most difficult part of the whole writing process?

For me, knowing when it is time to stop rewriting and call the book “finished.” I think writers always think there must be a better way to say something. Given the time, I would still be revising my first book.

Do you have mental list or a computer file or a spiral notebook with the ideas for or outlines of stories that you have not written but intend to one day?

When I have an idea for a book, I write a synopsis and expand it later.

How many stories do you currently have swirling around in your head?

That’s an interesting question. Being a Gemini, I am always working on multiple projects. Presently I have three books in the works. Icarus Plot is a sequel to my first book, Southern Cross. Of the two other books, one takes place in Seattle in the 1950’s and 1970’s. The last book is what I call “Historical Sci-fi.”

What one book, written by someone else, do you wish you’d written yourself?

That’s easy – Psycho by Robert Bloch.

Who gave you the best writing advice you ever received and what was it?

Mike Lawson. If it doesn’t advance the plot, take it out.

What advice you would give to an aspiring author?

First: sit down and write — write everyday. Set aside a specific time each day. Maybe in the beginning it’s just thirty minutes or an hour, but do it religiously. Soon writing will become a habit. Don’t get bogged down with creating the perfect sentence. Nothing is ever perfect to a writer. Write what’s in your head and sort it out later. Second: read books in the genre you want to write in. The authors you read have spent a lot of time learning their craft and have things to teach you. Third: consider, but don’t be deterred by the opinions of others — follow your dreams.

Where can we find out more about your books?

Southern Cross is available at Amazon as a paperback in the United States and an eBook for Kindle in the United States, the UK, Germany, Italy, and France. It is also available at Barnes & Noble and Google eBooks in ePub format.

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Cross-ebook/dp/B005P8CE0G/

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/southern-cross-t-c-isbell/1106016633?ean=2940013267251

Google eBooks – http://books.google.com/books?id=BitzvGsuzEUC

My website is: http://www.mysteryalley.com

My Southern Cross Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southern-Cross/200537310015628

Bryn Jones, Author of “The Next Chapter”

What is your book about?

The Next Chapter follows a down-and-out writer, Sal, who had reached a peek of success when his wife and daughter died in a terrible accident. Unable to get past the loss, Sal is about to lose everything he had worked for. Then he finds a package in his garden. In it, a manuscript detailing a girl’s abduction. Also, a bag with a heart. A note tells him to write the next chapter in the girl’s life or she’ll be killed. Sal is convinced this isn’t a prank when breaking news reveals a girl has been abducted from the mall exactly as the chapter states. He realizes that he must play along in hopes to keep the girl alive while trying to notify the police. Unfortunately, the police want him for questioning when other girl’s bodies are dumped with pages from his novels. If police take Sal, he won’t be able to meet the killer’s deadlines to keep the girl alive. Sal’s only hope is to find the killer before the police find him.

Who is your most unusual/most likeable character?

My most unusual character is Neil Kelly, a county detective. I patterned him from a gentleman I worked with. He was a man who droned on, oblivious of anyone’s time or interest. Not a bad guy, but one that would drive most people crazy. One story this man told me involved him nearly burning his house down with popcorn. I threw that in the story. I had to.

Is there a message in your writing you want readers to grasp?

I like to think all my stories have a bit of a message. All good fiction should have a theme and ultimately a point of view. This story involves God’s sovereignty. Often bad things happen to good people. But it doesn’t mean that God isn’t watching and isn’t working for the ultimate good. So, I envisioned this writer who would have to write a girl’s fate as she’s abducted by a sick killer. She’s in the worst situation she could possibly be, but her protector is working through it to save her. Will he? He’s not God.

Do you have mental list or a computer file or a spiral notebook with the ideas for or outlines of stories that you have not written but intend to one day?

I outlined this story extensively. I first wrote out a rough draft without that. But then, I scrapped the entire first draft and started over. I outlined each day and ultimately broke down the days into hours in a final draft. I enjoy Dean Koontz and this book certainly shows my admiration in the plotting. I also re-wrote the pages over and over to make everything fit together as seamlessly as possible. I had to keep a lot of plot points in mind to pull it off. I don’t think I could have done that without plotting it and keeping track of everything.

How has your background influenced your writing?

My missionary kid background influences my writing to a great extent. I grew up learning theology and meeting people from different cultures. Every new person I meet creates a folder of influence for me. Those folders pop open when I need them for a character or plot point. There are times when something like a headline jumps out at me and I immediately incorporate that into my story.

How long did it take you to write your book?

It took me a few years to write it, but not constant. I wrote out the rough draft in a few months. Then, I took some time to research. When i got to writing the next draft, I took about a year, re-writing each chapter and re-writing them with critiques before moving on to the next. After that, I had an agent, did a few small re-writes. Then I got rid of my agent, re-wrote the entire book with a new beginning, and that took about 4 months.

How many stories do you currently have swirling around in your head?

I have about 4 stories swirling around in my head. They vary in genre, too. I have an Indiana-Jones-style adventure on tap. I also have a supernatural suspense story and a horror story. I guess that’s three. But I’m certain there are a few others. Oh, yes, a political thriller. We’ll see which gets the most attention once they’re out.

What’s your writing schedule like? Do you strive for a certain amount of words each day?

My writing schedule is erratic. I write when I can, but I have 4 young kids and a wonderful wife that need my attention, too. So, I try to write on the bus or in the evening. Sometimes I can get some work done on the weekends. It just depends.

Who gave you the best writing advice you ever received and what was it?

The best writing advice that I’ve received probably came from my mom. She pointed out a paragraph I’d written and said, can you think of a better way of saying that? That rocked my world at the time. I then started looking at everything I’d written and wondering, is that the best way I can say that to convey what I’m feeling? The second best advice, given from a number of sources, is never give up.

What do you like to read?

I like to read suspense novels. I recently finished a Jules Verne story. I’ve got some other classics on my Kindle. I’ve always enjoyed Dean Koontz. He has a wonderful way of putting words together.

What advice would you give other novelists about book promotion?

I know only a little about book promotion. Social media is good. Having a large number of friends who help spread the word is good. Ultimately, what helps is having blogs review your books and getting a higher sales rank. Reviews on Amazon and other sites helps, too.

Have you written any other books?

I’ve written 2 novellas that are for purchase. A horror story, The Fold, and an end of the world Christmas story, The Last Christmas. Both are on Amazon and listed at my author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005O3ZMCY I’ll be releasing another novella in the spring of 2012 and a full-length adventure novel later in the year.

Where can people learn more about your books?

I have a website: http://www.bryntjones.com and a blog, bryntjones.blogspot.com and I’m on Twitter, @BrynTjones.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or your books?

I strive to write stories that will grab readers. I don’t really adhere to one genre, but I think all my stories will have strong themes and characters that will engage the reader. If it’s boring to me, I won’t write it.

Michael Ribisi, Author of “Admissions”

Welcome, Michael. What is your book about?

My book is a story about a love affair between a husband (Jeremy Covington) and wife (Amy Covington) and the problems they have been having in their relationship lately. It takes place three years after they have split up and begins with Jeremy’s confession that he has finally found new love with his long time best friend Lisa! Amy is not only happy for him she actually wants to help him find closure and end the relationship once and for all. She has no choice but to lead him down a dark path through their mysterious past and uncover the real reason why they split up in the first place.

How long had the idea of your book been developing before you began to write the story?

Actually it’s quite funny. I had the idea for about three hours prior to starting to write the novel. It just came to me in the car while I drove past a similar setting in the book. Can’t give away too much here!

What inspired you to write this particular story?

Anything I do is for my family. I’ve been wanting to write a novel for a long time. I really wanted to create a novel and finish something that would make my wife, kids, and family proud of me. It felt good to have the last words down on paper and see my story to completion.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?

The main character, Jeremy, is like me in a lot of ways. His sarcasm and humor certainly reminds me of my younger days. Full of confidence and love! Very emotional, in the sense that his emotions rule his behavior. Towards the end of the book he becomes like I was for a short time. Disconnected with the world and afraid of change. Accepting change is tough for anyone.

How long did it take you to write your book?

It took me a little less than 90 days. The book is only 35,000 words. I would consider that a short story in most cases.

How much of a story do you have in mind before you start writing it?

I knew how it began and how it ended. That’s all. I felt like the story changed as the characters developed. I started to feel like the dialogue was coming from them directly and not me. I prefer to tell the story through dialogue, rather then descriptions. I feel that painting the picture is important but a reader also needs to feel the same emotions as the characters. This is where the dialogue really tells the story better then a writer ever can using descriptions.

What, in your opinion, are the essential qualities of a good story?

A good story has to have interesting characters of whom we can relate. If you don’t like the characters of a story then you won’t really care what happens to them in the end. I also feel that trying to be unique in storyline is extremely helpful. That is very difficult with all of the material that is out on the market. If you put your own spin or twist into your plot then you may have a good story on your hands. Write it down!

Do you have any rituals that you follow before sitting down to write?

I have to write at night with a pair of noise cancelling headphones wrapped around my head. Depending on what I intend to write will determine what kind of music I listen to on that night. For “Admissions”, it was a ton of easy listening love anthems from the 60′s to today.

What are you working on right now?

Currently I am working on a couple of different projects. The first is a prelude to a trilogy that has been in my mind for many years. “The Gem Sphere Saga” will be a number of episodes between 5,000 to 10,000 words each specifically designed to build the back story and foreshadow the main story in the trilogy. The next one is called: “The Diary of a Cheater”, a story about a woman named Claire who finds a diary in her husbands home office that outlines some of the not so nice things her husband Mark has been a part of lately. She must prove the diary true and find out what he has been up to before she confronts him. Obviously, this takes her down some very interesting paths.

Where can people learn more about your books?

Anyone interested in my work can go to my website: http://www.michaelribisi.com or like my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/michael.ribisi. Right now, “Admissions” is currently for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ibooks.

http://www.amazon.com/Admissions-ebook/dp/B005TXQHO6 = Link to purchase on Kindle
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/admissions-michael-ribisi/1106527684 = Link to purchase on Nook

Millicent Borges Accardi, Author of Injuring Eternity (Poetry Collection)

Welcome, Millicent Borges Accardi. Nice meeting you. Do you have a favorite snack food or favorite beverage that you enjoy while you write?

I typically drink Peet’s coffee when I am writing or at my computer. For the holiday season I add egg nog, otherwise I drink it black, and from a giant orange Fiesta-ware mug my husband bought me.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on a collection of poems based on Portuguese and Azorean fairy tales and folklore. I have about 100 pages of primary text (stories) from various sources, including oral histories given by Azoreans who settled in California from the 1950’s to the 1970’s.

Are you writing to reach a particular kind of reader?

I would like to think I reach people who care about literature. With my Portuguese-inspired poetry I would also like to reach immigrants from Luso countries (places where Portuguese is spoken). As a way to connect with community. I am also organizing a public reading during the Associated Writing Program’s conference in Chicago in 2012, called Kale Soup for the Soul, Luso writers read work about family, food and Portuguese culture. It’s an off-site event and will be the first time there has been any reading by Portuguese-American writers at AWP.

What was the first story you remember writing?

I had pneumonia and was home sick for what seemed like months but what was actually a few months. I read Mary Poppins and wanted to write my own novel about the same character so I put together lined paper and tied off 100 pages with pink yarn and started to write my own sequel. I wanted her to be combined with Little Women and Encyclopedia Brown and I wanted her to solve crimes. At least it gave me something to do to occupy my time.

What is the most difficult part of the whole writing process?

I think marketing and getting the word out there. I get tired of pushing all the time. Between applying for grants and fellowships, requesting recommendation letters, filling out forms for artist residencies, getting into book fairs, scheduling and giving poetry readings and book signings, and blaring announcements all the time for my various articles, it takes a lot of energy.

What is the easiest part of the writing process?

Coming up with an idea and just flowing with it. That perfect moment when everything pops into place like solving the Rubik’s Cube. Or like hitting the exact note, with the exact intonation and pitch that cracks the glass on the piano. And you say, Ah. That is it!

What’s been the most surprising part of being a writer?

Being even kind of successful. I never thought it was possible. I cried and screamed and lost my day job as a technical writer for an oil company when Cliff Becker from the National Endowment for the Arts called me at work to say that I had been given $20,000 from the US government for writing poetry. Before that, I had no idea such things were possible. That was also the first time I had applied. Since then, of course, I have had many rejections and some other truly wonderful acceptances and fellowships. But that first one, I was in shock. Absolute shock.

What do you like to read?

It sounds strange for a poet to say that she likes to read fiction, but that IS what I am drawn to first. The short stories of Charles Baxter, Richard Ford’s novels, Ray Carver, Angela Carter, Iris Murdock, Donna Tartt, AS Byatt.

What one book, written by someone else, do you wish you’d written yourself.

That is a cross between The Sun Also Rises and The Great Gatsby.

What advice you would give to an aspiring author?

Read. And then read some more. Too many people jump in with vague notions of what is wonderful and unique and their work falls flat because what they are doing has been done before many many times and by writers who are better than they are. It would be considered stupid for someone to decide one day that they wanted to sky dive and then jump out of a plane. Why is writing any different? Learn to fold your parachute. Watch other sky divers. Piggy back on a teacher before a solo jump.

How have you marketed and promoted your work?

Through online groups, Twitter, Facebook, email and direct mail campaigns. But probably the best sales tool is giving readings, promotion with a personal touch, a relationship or bonding between the potential reader and the poems. I might sell 5 copies if I send a mass email to 300 people, but, after a poetry reading, or a series of readings, I could sell and sign 40 or 50 books.

Have you written any other books?

I have three poetry collections: Woman on a Shaky Bridge (chapbook with Finishing Line Press), Injuring Eternity (full length collection with Mischievous Muse) and Only More So (forthcoming from Salmon Press, Ireland in 2012). I also have a 4th complete manuscript I am shopping around and an in-progress project called Poems from the Portuguese (which has about 20 pages complete).

Where can people learn more about your books?

I am on Wikipedia, Amazon, Facebook and many other nooks and crannies of the Internet.

What else would I like to add?

Here’s a recent interview where I discuss finding my roots in Lisbon, poetry and a little bit about yoga too:

http://portuguese-american-journal.com/poet-millicent-borges-accardi-reconnects-with-her-roots-interview-2/

Here’s an article about the Luso identity:

http://www.portugueseamericanreview.com/?p=364