Interview with the Characters In FROM THE SKY by J.E. Nicassio

Lucien, Did you get along with your parents?

I never met my parents. Had they lived things would have been a lot different. I would have hoped we would have gotten along.

Lucien, Do you have any hobbies?

I taught myself to play the guitar. And I enjoy calculating the distance between nebula’s within this galaxy and others. A hobby of mine that I find humorous is going down the cereal aisle at Walmart and with my mind I throw the boxes off the shelve at shoppers… something my uncle frowns upon.

Lucien, Was there a major turning point in your life?

When my uncle told my siblings and myself we were not human.

Lucien, What is your most prized possession? Why?

My prized possession is my crystal I wear around my neck. It belonged to my parents.

Samantha, How do you envision your future?

How do I envision my future? I’m not sure what the futures hold but I hope somewhere in it is Lucien.

Samantha, Will you tell us five items in your purse?

Oh geez…What’s in my purse? It would have to be a pop tart, a rubber band, lip gloss, a half-eaten protein bar, and a pack of gum.

Samantha, What in your past would you like to forget?

The accident…I wish I would have never answered Emma’s text. Things would have been a lot different. But then again I might have never met Lucien. I don’t know.

Cassiel, Did anything newsworthy happen on the day you were born?

I wouldn’t actually call it born. “News Worthy?” Conspiracy theorists would agree it was the Roswell Crash…Ha ha.

Eden, What is your most prized possession? Why?

Ask any girl at school and she would agree it’s my hair. It’s perfect!

Michael, What are you afraid of?

Don’t tell this to my brother Lucien or Samantha, but I am afraid that someday soon our secret will be discovered and there’ll be nothing Lucien, I or my uncle or Division Six will be able to do…It will be out of our hands. I’m afraid Samantha could be in danger or worse killed.

Gabriel, Do you have any skills?

Hell yeah! I’m a shape Shifter and I’m not talking werewolf! I soar like an eagle.

Daniel, Have you ever failed at anything?

When Lucien was taken by the government. I should have seen it coming. That’s my biggest failure. I let him down.

Where can people learn more about you?

Readers can learn more about us from Second Wind Publishing and http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/#!product/prd15/3378588341/from-the-sky by visiting J.E. Nicassio’s websites and blog. http://www.authorjenicassio.com http://jen3963.wix.com/author-jenicassio https://authorjenicassio.wordpress.com/ https://fromjenniewithlove.wordpress.com/

Interview with J.E.Nicassio, Author of FROM THE SKY

What is your book about?

From The Sky is about the relationship between Lucien Foster a being from another world and a young woman named Samantha Hunter who is dealing with a tragedy that changed her life forever. Lucien and Samantha come together by accident. From The Sky is a story about redemption, forgiveness and a friendship that grows into a love.

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

I wanted to write this story for years. I day dreamed and brainstormed on how I would start the story of Lucien and Sam. I always felt there was something more than the stars in the sky.

What inspired you to write this particular story?

My sons inspired me to write From The Sky I always believed in life on other planets. It wasn’t until one day while having a bon-fire with my sons that I came up with the idea. My son had an unusual experience when he was child that woke him from a deep sleep that forever changed him. He saw a light in his room that came in from the window. What-ever it was it was not normal. That is where I got the idea of Lucien his name which mean ‘From The light’.

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

A lot of myself is hidden in the characters in the book. I would have to say there is a little of me in Sam and Lucien. I suffered a lot of personal tragedy in my life. I struggled with depression just like Sam. However, I overcame it, but I had no Lucien to help me through it. Some of my goofy habits found their way into Sam’s life like her hair twirling. I am a bit of Tom Boy like Sam. I would have to say Lucien is my idea of the perfect boyfriend. I wish I would have had a boyfriend like him as a young woman. I had a lot of sibling rivalry growing up even full fledge fights a lot like Lucien and Cassiel.

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

The Protagonist is a rebellious 17-year-old teenager that likes to have a good time without thinking of the consequences of her actions until it’s too late. She goes through a lot of changes, which made her so appealing to readers. She does not trust easy, especially when Lucien is involved. She is very cautious but once you win her trust she will do anything for her loved ones. Lucien is every super hero woven into one. He is strong, smart, and will grow on you. At first, he is odd looking not appealing at all and the more Sam begins to like him the more inviting he becomes.

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

I did a lot of research on UFO’S and Mufon. I even took my Field Investigator exam, so I could be better prepared to begin the writing process. I watch hours of Ancient Aliens, The History Channel and UFO’s Hunter. I spoke with the park ranger from Cibola National Park in New Mexico in length about the terrain of the Sandia Mountains. John Ventre Pennsylvania State Director of MUFON gave me valuable resources about major sightings in Pennsylvania and Colorado he even help me with a major plot dilemma my characters were involved without giving any spoilers it had to do with radar and Groom Lake within Area 51. I spend hours reading on the different types of ET’s and UFO phenomena before I began to write From The Sky.

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

Writing From The Sky has definitely changed my life. I became a MUFON Field Investigator. I am activity involved in managing the local Allegheny and Westmoreland County MUFON Facebook page. I have a more open mind when it comes to things in life we don’t necessarily understand or see.

What was the first story you remember writing?

It was a short story I had to write in nine grade English class. I wrote a horror story. I enjoyed writing it so much. It was my first A! I actually thanked my teacher Mrs. Vanyo in a newspaper interview.

Why will readers relate to your characters?

I hope my readers will relate to my characters, especially Samantha. We all lose people we love at certain times in our life and sometimes more than we think we can handle. The week before I started writing From The Sky, I lost my sister. Four years prior my brother and two years ago my little sister and then my father died last May. We all have tragedy in our life, and often we use substances, some legal and some not to cope. And I hope my readers have someone in their lives they can count on to help him. If not I hope, my story will help.

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

My biggest struggle to overcome in my writing career is the diagnosis of an autoimmune disease called Sjogren’s Syndrome. It attacked me when my writing was just beginning. Luckily, I finished my first novel before it did most of its damage. The disease causes severe dry eyes that impair vision, and cause severe fatigue and joint pain that limit my writing. I write when my eyes will let me do so. I am going to try Dragon software text to type program hopefully it will help if not I will write when I can. I started a blog called Sjogren’s and Me http://mysjogrens.blogspot.com/ to bring awareness and educate people on this faceless disease.

Where do you get the names for your characters?

Originally, Samantha was Sara in the first draft which I got from the Bible, but I liked the idea of calling Samantha Sam for short. Lucien means light, and his siblings are angel names. I named Lucien’s sister after the Garden of Eden because of her beauty. I always wondered if angels were beings from other worlds instead of celestial beings from heaven.

Where can people learn more about your books?

Readers can learn more about my books from Second Wind Publishing and http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/#!product/prd15/3378588341/from-the-sky by visiting my websites and blog. http://www.authorjenicassio.com http://jen3963.wix.com/author-jenicassio https://authorjenicassio.wordpress.com/ https://fromjenniewithlove.wordpress.com/

Interview With Katie Burgess McClaren, Hero of “Ghosts and Physics” by April Arnold

What is your story?

Oh geez, my story…teachers back in high school always gave us writing assignments like this, and I didn’t know what to say even then. A person’s story is just too intricate…and generally boring to 99% of the world’s non-family population. But since you asked so politely, I’ll give it a shot. My name is Katie Burgess McClaren, and I’m a confirmed English fanatic. I’m also passionately in love with all things sci-fi with an adoration of the fantastical too. I don’t really know what I want to be when I grow up, even though Mick–he’s my boyfriend-turned-husband…you’ll have to read the book–is always reminding me that I’m already supposed to have achieved adulthood. I don’t like that notion because it means there’s a sizeable amount of catching up to do. Anyway, I also have a penchant for ghost-hunting shows, unorthodox clothing choices, and wine of all shapes and sizes. I’m a really nice person in possession of what I think is an awesome sense of humor. I also second-guess myself a lot…most of the time, in fact. And I randomly change the subject. But all in all, most days I manage to hold myself and life together in a successful manner. It’s just a good thing that life is supposed to be about the journey and not the destination because I’ve been reaching some pretty freakish destinations lately!

Do you have a problem that wasn’t mentioned in the story?

Yes, I have a problem not mentioned in the story: roosters! No wait, that was mentioned in the story. The PRIMARY problem at present has been getting stubborn Mick to help me prove my theory on ghosts vs. time-warping people. Well, that was part 1 of the problem anyway. He finally did invent this totally groovy machine which proved my theory irrefutably…but it also got us stranded in 1922. The nice couple we met there were subsequently transported to the present, and we spent the rest of the book’s chapters trying to figure out how to swap ourselves back. Well, and some government agency was trying to steal Mick’s machine. That didn’t exactly help with the problem either.

How do you see yourself?

I’m always honorable but only sometimes healthy. Honor comes easily for me because anytime I’ve attempted dishonorableness, it’s royally backfired! Like if I tell a lie? You can absolutely bet that a) my face will immediately give me away and/or b) I’ll be lying to somebody smarter than I am who already knows the answer to the question they’re asking and are only asking said question to test my honorableness. Being healthy…well, I drink lots of diet soda and sometimes exercise during a sudden onset of Physical Fitness commitment. Okay, so I’m not at ALL honorable when it comes my commitment to Physical Fitness. I cheat on Physical Fitness all the time.

What makes you angry?

Willing, habitual, on-purpose ignorance makes me angry. And orange sports cars. I mean, what the hell??

Do you like remembering your childhood?

I had a pretty great childhood, actually, except for all the forced child labor my parents inflicted. Okay, so that’s a bit dramatic, but working in the cotton fields in the middle of a Texas summer-furnace is not a happy memory. That sweaty experience aside, my parents were rather awesome in that they took excellent and loving care of my brother and me (the cotton fields aside). We lived in a small community outside of Austin where my Dad farmed and did the cow-raising thing. There was a gorgeous creek a mile or so behind our house where I often wasted a lot of time that could’ve been spent studying or cleaning the toilet or getting a real job…stuff like that.

Anyway, when I got old enough, I escaped the country life and moved to Austin proper where I made just enough money to pay rent and support the wine and Papa John’s industries. My brother and I weren’t pushed to “be” anything as kids. That can be a really great thing since I feel like too much pressure is put on children today to know exactly what they want to do/be as adults and know it by age 5 so an educational plan/plot may be established on the first day of kindergarten. Human beings have a bad habit of categorizing their offspring to the point that said offspring feel trapped in one skill, one path, one destiny. Destiny is undefinable and ever-changing. But that’s too much philosophy! What I’m trying to say is that I kind of wish my parents HAD pushed us to be more ambitious. I feel like I’d have accomplished much more far sooner than I have.

What is your most prized possession?

My most prized possession is that killer all-leather outfit that Mick has confiscated and will never let me wear.

Have you ever had an adventure?

Have I ever had an adventure? My entire effing life has officially become an adventure! I wish the adventure would stop! I’m OD-ing on adventure! What I wouldn’t give to be bored and just STATIONARY for five minutes…

What about your past would you like to forget?

What about my past would I like to forget…hmm…well, since my past has become my future and vice versa, it’s kind of difficult to answer such things. I guess anything related to chicken coops or gopher death would be pleasant to forget, and if we suddenly get sucked into the past again, there will probably be something new that’s worth forgetting except that “something” is still in my future in the past…good gravy, where did I put that bottle of Tylenol…

If you were at a store now, what ten items would be in your shopping cart?

Ooo, I like that easy and philosophy-less question…imaginary shopping! What ten items would be in my shopping cart, let’s see…Diet Dr. Pepper, a bottle of Thai lemongrass dressing, a bottle of wine, make-up/foundation, mascara, cleaner for my contacts, sushi, chicken tenderloin, salsa, and cilantro.

How do you envision your future?

How do I envision my future…wow, which one? It could literally shift with a single push of the button on Mick’s electromagnetic field-increasing, time-shifting machine. Our future will forever be decided by circumstances that we and this mechanical marvel have created. Uncontrollable events have been set in motion. Unavoidable outcomes have been initiated. I envision my future as one not of my own choosing. I didn’t mean to get all depressing on you, but yeah…that answer is a truthful one…because I’m honorable.

***

About April Arnold:

http://secondwindpublishing.com is your initial go-to source for my books. They will also be available on Amazon.com in both print and electronic formats. Updates and information on the State of my Writing Union will be posted on my WordPress blog entitled Diabloggical Me. I’ll also be posting information on my Ghosts and Physics Facebook page which is coming soon!

Click here for an Interview with April Arnold, Author of “Ghosts and Physics”

Interview with April Arnold, Author of “Ghosts and Physics”

What is your book about?

Ghosts and Physics is about a girl with a vision. Albeit, it’s a comparatively unorthodox and “out there” vision, but it’s visionary, nonetheless. She theorizes that what we see and/or perceive as “ghosts” may not actually be ghosts at all but, rather, people and things existing in other overlapping times. This story is about how she and her physics-genius boyfriend go about not only proving her theory, but wreaking hilarious havoc with the time/space continuum as well. Of course, sometimes what seems to be a ghost is, actually, just a ghost; so there are a few true hauntings as well!

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

This plot actually came to me in a gradual kind of way. I love watching all the ghost-hunting “reality” shows, but I’m also into the “what if?” side of solid, provable science…a strange mental balancing act, at times. I had just read an article about a girl who witnessed a person dressed in 1800s garb suddenly materializing in front of her along a roadway. As the materialization occurred, the environment around her also began to shift until the girl herself was very clearly IN the 1800s. This experience lasted several seconds, and then her world shifted back to normal. It was in that moment that Ghosts and Physics began materializing in my mind.

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

All my life I’ve been told that good writers write what they know. Therefore, the main character, Katie, and many of her experiences are almost entirely me and mine. The other characters are loosely based on people I know or have known.

How long did it take you to write your book?

This book began as two short stories which I began writing in 2009. Once those were completed, I thought, who in the world is going to have any interest in marketing two short stories? Either you write enough shorts to fill an entire book, or you combine and “thicken” these two plots into a full-length novel. Obviously I opted for the latter. I was, of course, also employed full-time at a “real job,” so I worked on the book until completion in 2013.

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

Stories never seem to be truly “finished.” I could still be organizing, writing, tweaking, rewriting, and editing this book ad nauseum but finally had to simply MAKE myself reach an end point. I knew I wanted to write at least two more books in this series, so I forced my ideas to stop flowing and wait for the next manuscript. Patience isn’t one of my stronger personality traits!

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

Thus far, the most difficult part of the writing process has been the editing. A confirmed grammar and spelling nerd, I always assumed that fixing punctuation and spelling mistakes would be a breeze (I will NOT use Spellcheck as it is a machination of the devil). And maintaining plot continuity? No problem! Yeah, that didn’t work out so well. It’s amazing how many quotation marks get missed when you’re proofing a story you’ve not only written but have already read through twenty times or more. Then there’s the contradictions in character descriptions or actions from chapter to chapter. For example, it can be a real challenge to remember that the red sweater in one chapter still needs to be the color red several chapters later instead of suddenly morphing into chartreuse.

What are you working on right now?

As of this moment, I’m already 80 pages into a second book in the Ghosts and Physics series and have a basic plot outline for book #3. I also have two other books being mentally-written as I create these. Those two lean more toward a “historical horror” genre, if you will, and by “horror,” I mean the intelligent and suspenseful kind…not the “grab a chainsaw and massacre the entire cast” kind.

What writer influenced you the most?

As a teenager, I was heavily influenced by the creative, imaginative writing and storytelling style of Frank Peretti. In more recent years, Joss Whedon and Janet Evanovich have become my greatest influences. In a perfect world, should Ghosts and Physics ever make it to “movie” status, I would love to see Mr. Whedon write the screenplay and direct! I’ve also mentally cast the four main characters (mostly). Katie MUST be played by Emma Stone. I’d dearly love to see James Franco play Katie’s boyfriend Mick. No one but Sandra Bullock should ever attempt the part of Eva, and her husband Timothy would be excellently portrayed by John Cusack.

Describe your writing in three words.

My writing in three words: smart, imaginative, comedic.

Where can we learn more about your books.

http://secondwindpublishing.com is your initial go-to source for my books. They will also be available on Amazon.com in both print and electronic formats. Updates and information on the State of my Writing Union will be posted on my WordPress blog entitled Diabloggical Me. I’ll also be posting information on my Ghosts and Physics Facebook page which is coming soon!

Interview with Jane Doe, Hero of “Mercy’s Sunset” by Lindsay Luterman

What do you want?

I want to make the right decision. I know I have to pick a life, but it’s hard. I have been three very different people. Now, I have to decide which life has been the most important to me.

What do you need?

I feel like I need more time, or someone to tell me that I am making the right decision.

What do you want to be?

I want to be done with this whole process. I want to continue on into the afterlife and be sure that I made the right choice. I don’t know what comes next, but I want to be a soul that has found peace.

What do you believe?

I believe in love… that’s for sure. I fell head over heals in each one of my lives. I understand that life is too short to take love for granted. I believe in the love of two lovers, and I believe in the love of every other person who is important in your life.

What are you afraid of?

I am afraid of choosing one life. How will I know if it is the right one?

What do you regret?

I regret a lot of the crap I pulled in my three lives. Watching them again, I understand how human I really was.

What, if anything, haunts you?

Love haunts me, as it haunts us all. But truthfully, I think I haunt myself.

Where can we learn more about you?

From Second Wind Publishing: http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/#!lindsey-luterman/cwpl

Interview With Lindsay Luterman, Author of “Mercy’s Sunset”

What is your book about?

Mercy’s Sunset is about the afterlife of Jane Doe, a soul who has lived three lives. Now, she must choose which life effected her the most, and who she wants to be in the afterlife.

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

I believe the story had been developing in my head for about a year or so before I finally sat down and started writing it.

What inspired you to write this particular story?

It was an image in my head: a girl running in the rain. I was in the passenger seat in a car when the image came to me. My mind was wandering. The girl in the rain seemed to have so much depth to her, ore than one lifetime to tell about. I started rolling with that.

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

Each of Jane Doe’s lives hold a different piece of me: Olivia’s stubbornness, Alex’s quirkiness, and Mia’s nervousness and star sign.

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

While I really enjoyed creating Jane Doe, I think I will have to say Thyme. She guided Jane Doe through revisiting her lives, and as the story unrolled, she gained a lot of depth to her character. Thyme was very fun to write and explore.

Why will readers relate to your characters?

Each of Jane Doe’s lives holds a girl who has a very distinct character trait that is easy to relate to. Each girl is rebellious and lively, constantly searching for love while learning to embrace themselves.

How long did it take you to write your book?

I wrote this book while working on other projects, so I worked with it on and off for about two years before it finally all came together.

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

I had most of the story in mind, and each end of Jane Doe’s lives, before I even started writing it. However, the story always changes at least a little bit once my fingers hit the keyboard.

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

I researched images of what the characters might look like. Finding pictures that were similar to the characters’ descriptions allowed me to create their story in so much more depth.

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

Yes: life is so short! We often worry about all the little things when we have what is truly important right in front of us.

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

Follow your dreams! While it may be cliché, this message it what I have embraced my entire life. Don’t ever let anybody tell you what you are capable of because you can do anything you set your mind and heart to!

Where can we learn more about Mercy’s Sunset?

From Second Wind Publishing: http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/#!lindsey-luterman/cwpl

Carolina Brown, Hero of “The Opposite of Living” by Genevieve Mckay

Who are you?

It’s a good thing you’re asking me this question now instead of last year because back then I probably would have bitten you for prying into my business. Honestly, I wasn’t very nice back then. But you can’t be too hard on me; I was stuck at the Institution, I had no idea who I was or where I’d come from and I was all alone. I didn’t belong to anyone at all and I was always afraid.

Now, I know I’m Carolina Brown and I belong to Aunt Sandra and Uncle Pete and Louisa. I have a whole house full of people (sort of) and animals who love me. Best of all I’m going to be a real chef when I grow up, just like my idol Gordon Ramsay. That is, I will be if I can get over my fear of going outside, and strangers, and speaking and …. Okay, I guess I have a long way to go.

How do your enemies see you?

That stupid boy from next door, the one who was spying on us, called me a freak. I guess he’s the closest thing I have to an enemy right now. The workers back at the Institution thought I was a spoiled brat. Some of them, mostly the ones I’d bitten, even said I was dangerous and needed to be locked up forever. And way before that, when I was young, my worst enemy the Horse Trader saw me only as his victim. Boy, was he was wrong about that.

What is your most closely guarded secret?

Well, it’s not just my secret; it belongs to my whole family. We have to work together to keep Henry, Petra and others like them safe. Not everyone appreciates them as much as we do and without protection they might be attacked or kidnapped and experimented on. We have to shelter them until my Uncle can find a cure.

Do you get along with your parents?

My parents are dead and I don’t want to talk about them. I get along really well with my Aunt and Uncle though. They are the nicest, kindest, smartest people I know.

Do you have any heroes?

Gordon Ramsay is my number one, absolute favourite hero. He is an amazing chef and I want nothing more than to be just like him when I grow up! Did I mention that he is amazing?

Do you have any special strengths?

Well, I’m a really great chef. I’m smart and brave and I have excellent self-defence skills and I’m not afraid of the dark. I used to be very good at biting and attacking but I don’t really need to guard myself so much anymore. Oh, and I am also excellent at solving mysteries.

Have you ever failed anyone?

Hmmm, that’s a hard question. Sometimes I feel like I failed my dad by not protecting him from himself, and from all the people who were trying to hurt him. The Head Interrogator says that I shouldn’t think like that. He says kids are not responsible for their parents’ actions and that there was nothing I could have done. I know he’s right but part of me still feels guilty that I lived when my dad didn’t.

What are the last three books you read?

That’s easy. Mrs. Smith and Henry have been shoving all sorts of reading material at me ever since they took over my education so I’m always up to my eyeballs in weird books. Right now I’m reading the biography of Emily Dickenson (She was this weird poet that Mrs. Smith is obsessed with). Henry has me reading Watership Down which is a book about talking rabbits (I know it sounds silly but it’s really very good). I’m also reading a book called Nibs, which is on the history of the cocoa bean. I find it fascinating.

Do you keep your promises?

Always. I don’t make promises now unless I’m sure I can keep them. I like honest, straight forward people who say exactly what they mean. I don’t understand when humans lie to be polite. This past year I’ve been learning how to be truthful without hurting other people’s feelings. It’s not as easy as it looks!

What do you want to be?

I’m going to be a world class chef. Guaranteed.

What is your favourite scent?

Definitely sweet spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. They make me feel warm and protected and loved. When I’m cooking with those spices it’s like there’s a sort of nice, invisible grandma in the room, looking over my shoulder and smiling down at me.

How do you envision your future?

I didn’t used to see myself as growing up at all. I was sure I would die before I even turned fourteen and my dream of being a chef was just that, a dream. But now that I have a family to call to my own I actually feel like I’m going to live a long, long time. I’m going to stay at the house and finish my schooling and then I’m going to go to chef school and become a famous chef. After that? Who knows!

Where can we read more about you and your adventures?

You can read all about me in my first novel, The Opposite of Living. Then stay tuned for the next two books in the series. Coming soon!

You can read about me here on Amazon:
http://amzn.com/B00PXIKBMG

Or visit my Author, Genevieve, here:

http://authorgenevievemckay.blogspot.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/authorgenevievemckay
https://twitter.com/Geners_Mckay

Genevieve Mckay, author of “The Opposite of Living”

What is your book about?

The Opposite of Living is a coming of age novel with a paranormal twist. It is about a young orphan, Carolina Brown, who can’t speak and has no memory of her past. In order to avoid any memories of the life she left behind, Carolina spends most of her time in an elaborate fantasy world. One of her only connections to the “real” world is her love of cooking and her infatuation with famous chef, Gordon Ramsay.

A mysterious couple arrives, claiming to be her Aunt and Uncle and carry, a very reluctant, Carolina off to their Inn in the Country; The Wayfarer’s End. Nothing is at is seems and soon Carolina is led on a series of adventures that help unlock the mystery of her past and allow her to blossom into the strong, smart and kind girl she was meant to be.

Why will readers relate to your characters?

Even though my characters are different, and see the world with very unique perspectives, I think that most people will like and empathize with them. There is a solid core of goodness and humanity in all my characters, even if they don’t always know how to show it. Though Cara is wild, rebellious, and a vicious fighter she is not intentionally mean, she just sees herself as defending her boundaries from people who are trying to hurt her. Telling this story from her perspective was a wonderful experience and I hope my readers love her as much as I did.

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

The idea for Carolina’s Inn, The Wayfarer’s End, came first. I loved the concept of a place to shelter people who were different, like artists, musicians and the undead. After that everything fell into place one piece at a time. When I write, I start with one scene or a character that arrives into my head almost fully formed. Then I brainstorm until I have an outline that feels right and then I work on filling in the structure and the details. It’s a very organic process.

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

I loved working on this novel and didn’t want it to end at all. I compromised by making it a trilogy so I can prolong my stay a little longer. I ended the first book at a place where Cara was happy and was well on her way to becoming a “normal” person. I thought that was a good place to leave her while I worked on her next adventure.

Has your background influenced your writing?

Absolutely. I had a pretty nomadic childhood in Canada so was exposed to a wide variety of different cultures and ways of living. Sometimes we were well off financially and sometimes not so much so I was able to experience many different walks of life. As an adult I volunteered a women’s emergency shelter, soup kitchens, food banks and a low-income daycare center and I gained a real appreciation of the day to day struggle to survive that some people, especially kids, are faced with.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes, I’ve always been a writer. Even though The Opposite of Living is my first published book I’ve been writing half-finished novels, poems and short stories since I was a little child. They took a back-burner to life for a long time but ideas were always simmering in the background. A couple of years ago I decided that I wasn’t getting any younger and there was no better time than the present to focus more strongly on writing. I couldn’t be happier!

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

There are three trilogies, including the one I’m currently working on, plus two stand-alone books lined up and ready for attention. That makes eleven books! I think I need more hours in the day.

What is the easiest part of the writing process?

Getting that initial idea down on paper is always a rush. It’s a heady, exciting time full of potential. I also love finishing the book and the entire editing process. I learn so much from my editors and I love polishing my manuscript until it shines.

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

First, all the pets have to be fed and walked so that they won’t keep pestering me for attention. Then it’s nice to sit down with some tea and a slice of toast. I like to read a little of what I wrote the day before to get into the right mood before I start writing. I don’t listen to music since I’ll get distracted by the lyrics; instead I just have silence or a quiet tv somewhere in the background. Sometimes it’s fun to visit local café’s to write for a change of scenery.

What are your current writing goals and how do you juggle the promotional aspects with the actual writing?

The sequel to The Opposite of Living is due out this summer and the third in the trilogy will be out next winter. With working full time and balancing family and writing I find that two to three books per year is a good number for me. It allows me to move slowly with the editing process as well; it’s important to me that I produce quality work.
The promotional aspects are a really interesting challenge. I belong to a writer’s group that helps pool marketing ideas but it there is still a very steep learning curve for a newly published author. Luckily, I enjoy learning new things and I think that statistics and algorithms are fascinating, even if I don’t know how to take full advantage of them yet. I am working to build up my social network and try to stay informed about the industry. Right now it’s really just trial and error.

Where can people learn more about your books?

You can purchase The Opposite of Living here on Amazon:
http://amzn.com/B00PXIKBMG

Or visit my Author pages:
http://authorgenevievemckay.blogspot.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/authorgenevievemckay
https://twitter.com/Geners_Mckay

Diane Wilkie, Author of “Run for Your Life!”

What is your book about?

The story begins in the midst of extreme poverty and suffering and is set in the heart of Africa. Obi fights to escape a legacy of hopelessness, and at times deep dark elements threaten to completely overwhelm him. He finds himself in a nightmare that he cannot seem to wake up from. He enters a world where fear rules, and conflict threatens to crush the very life from him. There is nothing he can do about it and no one to help him. Something sinister takes merciless hold of him and escape seems out of the question. Good and evil are locked in an intense battle, both determined to gain the last say over the final outcome. Obi is desperate, battered and bruised and a man fighting for his life! He is severely disadvantaged because although he cannot physically see his enemies, he is painfully aware of their reality. He bears the scars of the intense conflict in his body, mind and soul. About to give up, Obi finds hope has a way of floating up to the top when you least expect it!

What inspired you to write this particular story?

I was inspired to write this story because I observed an unhealthy obsession with ‘the supernatural’, where people just think its a bit of fun without perhaps fully grasping the possible dangers, implications and effect on their lives. I want to equip people to make more of an informed decision when dabbling with the unknown.

Tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favourite and why?

Obi the main character is my favourite. I relate to his vulnerability, the pressures he felt, and how his life was set up to fail, as well as his desperate attempts to fix things. I love his ‘humaness!’

I also like Ngozi. She represents the other side of human nature in all of us, the selfish, manipulative, controlling and often potentially bad and evil side of people. Again if we are all prepared to be honest, we can all relate to her too!

How has your background influenced your writing?

My background was able to influence my writing as I grew up in Nigeria and lived there for six years. I believe that came across perhaps in my description of places, settings and people while giving readers an insight into the African way of life.

Have you always wanted to be a writer? At what age did you discover writing?

I have written for as long as I can remember. Infact one of my earliest writing memories is of my English teacher at school begging me not to write more than two pages for my essay!

What advice you would give to an aspiring author?

Write about what you love and know about. Start where you’re at, remembering that every great writer started somewhere!

What one word describes how you feel when you write?

Fulfilled!

What writer influenced you the most?

William Wordsworth! His description of places and things brought tears to my eyes!

What advice would you give other novelists about book promotion?

I would encourage them to promote, promote, promote knowing that promoting the book is as important as writing the book. If you write the greatest book and no-one knows about it, it would have been a pointless exercise and you may as well not have bothered!

Who do you imagine is your ideal reader?

My ideal reader is anyone who is interested in the supernatural, the unknown, spirits, the occult, and basically anything dark!

Where can we learn more about your books?

The book Run for your life can be bought here:
http://booklocker.com/books/6624.html
Run for your life is on facebook: see below:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Run-for-your-Life-Mystery-thriller-novel/237816219684671
Run for your life’s blog can be found here: http://runforyrlife.wordpress.com/free-1st-chapter-excerpt/
Diane Wilkie is on twitter here: https://twitter.com/DianeWilkie1
Diane Wilkie is on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/Diane.u.wilkie

Candy, Heroine of “Zomprom: A High School Zombie Romance” by Chris Everheart

Interview with Candy, heroine of “ZomProm: a high school zombie romance”
Title: ZomProm: a high school zombie romance
Genre: YA; paranormal; romance
Format: e-book – Kindle and Nook
Length: 57 pages

What is your story?

I liked a boy so much I bit him – or I let our lab rat bite him. The rat had a virus that was about to turn every teenage boy in the world into a zombie – but I swear I didn’t know that!

Who are you?

My name is Candy. I’m in eleventh grade and I’ve had a huge crush on Ryan since long before he became a zomboy.

What is your problem in the story?

When the boys went undead, so did prom. Now I’m in a school full of girls with paid-for prom dresses and no dates. I saw Ryan outside the gate one morning and I’m sure he’s still somehow good. I need to convince him to help me save prom. Otherwise, I might as well be on the other side of wall with the rest of the walking dead.

Do you run from conflict?

I try to run, but trouble keeps shuffling after me!

How do your friends see you?

My friends are mad at me for getting Ryan infected with the zomboy virus that made him bite another boy and give him the virus and so on and so on.

What do you think of yourself?

I feel stupid for ever having believed that my plan to get Ryan’s attention would work.

Do you have a goal?

Make prom work and get everyone off my back – even if all the boys are undead.

Do you have money troubles?

I never have enough money, which is why I drive an old rusty hatchback. But Ryan never made fun of it. It’s one reason I know he’s special.

What do you want?

I want to be Ryan’s date to the prom. The fact that he’s a zomboy now doesn’t mean that he’s not relationship material.

What are you afraid of?

The Crud – a hoard of wild zomboys that attack the outskirts of town every night. I didn’t know about them until I snuck outside the Monster Wall and Ryan explained the war that goes on where the living can’t see.

What do you regret?

I wish I’d had the courage to just talk to Ryan instead of thinking up a scheme to get his undivided attention with a rat bite. The “Nurse Candy” plan sounded good in my head, but obviously it backfired!

Have you ever betrayed anyone?

Does telling my dad that I wouldn’t go into the U.Z. (the Undead Zone) alone at night then doing it anyway count as betrayal? He might think so – even if I explain how badly I needed to talk to Ryan – so I guess that’s a yes.

Are you healthy?

I’m fine! There’s no zom-girl virus that we know of so I’m as healthy as a Ukrainian gymnast. Wait … does love-sick for an undead boy count as an illness?

Who is your true love?

I think it’s Ryan. And I think he could feel the same – alive or undead.

Was there a major turning point in your life?

Seeing my friends so mad at me that they cried and stopped talking to me was the lowest point in my life. That’s the moment I decided to go into the U.Z. and confront the zomboys face-to-face to save prom.

Name five items in your purse, briefcase, or pockets.

In my pockets: a mini-flashlight which I won’t turn on because it will attract zomboys; a tube of lip gloss, strawberry-flavored – Ryan’s favorite, if he even cares anymore; my school ID so if I get eaten by a pack of hungry zomboys the Army will be able to identify my body; a pair of leather gloves for climbing up the rope to get back to the other side of the wall; that reminds me of the fifth item I’m supposed to have – I forgot the rope!

If you were at a store now, what would be in your shopping cart?

A tuxedo – very narrowly cut to fit over Ryan’s bony frame on prom night.

If you had the power to change one thing in the world that didn’t affect you personally, what would it be?

I would eliminate the virus and cure all the zomboys, bring them back to life.

What makes you think that change would be for the better?

Because now I can see that as much as the boys annoyed us when they were alive we really, really miss them.

If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?

Ryan – alive or undead.

Book link: http://chriseverheart.com/zomprom-a-high-school-zombie-romance/