Meet Sheldon Charles, Author

Sheldon Charles is the author of From Within the Firebird's Nest. He lives in Michigan, but his work is informed by years of international work and travel. He is a decorated Air Force veteran who was later hired by the Department of Defense to be the civilian Director of Information Operations for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Learn more about Sheldon Charles and his work by visiting http://valkyriespirit.com.

1. What gave you the idea for From Within the Firebird's Nest?

In the beginning, I was mapping out the story of a young Arab man who was misled into jihadism by a manipulative teacher when I read an article about numbers stations. The stations gave me a method for Abdul-Malik Kaseem, the young man, to gain access to something much more substantial and catastrophic than anyone could have expected. Bringing in two characters from my earlier books, Evan Davis and Maksim Bondreovich, I was able to continue their good guy versus bad guy dynamic, weaving them into Abi's story. As the story began to develop, I included more and more things from current and recent history to give the story depth and the plausibility needed for a reader to more thoroughly enjoy it.

2. How has your perspective as someone who has served in the military and worked for the Dept of Defense influenced your work as a novelist?

The wealth and depth of experience that can occur over a military career provide realism and multiplicity unavailable elsewhere. As a result of that path, every geographic location used in every book I've written thus far, are places where I've been. When I was in Berlin, I went to the Glienicker Brücke (Bridge of Spies) at the height of the Cold War in the early 80s. If you did not know the history of the bridge, it might seem nondescript and unimportant--it was the events that occurred there that make it memorable. Likewise, the people that I have met, befriended, and worked with from many different cultures tend to show up in my book. This makes the characters fully developed rather than stereotypes or presumed personas.

I once heard a person saying that the draft forced people from many different regions, wealth levels, and backgrounds to meet and work with each other in a way nothing else in American society does. I have to agree with that. Unlike where you live or work--which might be determined by your geography, or what school you attend--which might be determined by wealth. Service in uniform and with the federal government forces a uniting with people who were unlike you but with a common goal to serve the public good--and many times in a location far, far away from home. The job takes people to unfamiliar situations and causes them to overcome their own assumptions and prejudices based on an actuality they are experiencing. Nothing could be better to unite the people of the diverse country such as the United States.

3. What were the most challenging aspects of writing your latest novel?

Making sure that everything worked. When I read a book that takes me on a journey into something I'm unfamiliar with or provides me with clues that can be sorted out or examined, I expect those things to be real and to work. In all of my books, I aim to ensure that everything within the story is as close to real as possible. All of the codes listed in the book work, the descriptions on how you could decrypt a message that was encrypted using a book also work. It may seem trivial, but to some readers, it is essential because they may want to try to decrypt the codes themselves. I realize that such things are not universal, I even got into a discussion about it with my editor, but for that one reader, they will find that extra bit of realism it makes them enjoy the book even more.

On a less intricate level, I also make the locations and scenery as factual as possible. In the book when Dieter goes to visit Fyodor in Munich, the description of his journey to the restaurant is entirely accurate--a reader could duplicate that trip by getting on the trains and subways mentioned and make the same exact journey. This may not matter to some readers, but if you had made that journey yourself you would expect it to be described accurately in the book or the book would lose plausibility.

4. How have readers been responding to the novel so far?

At this point, the book has only been out a month, so I am just starting to get feedback on what people think, and I am very flattered by the reception that the book has been getting. It has been well received overall, and in addition to good reviews, I am getting some surprising queries via email about topics I did not expect.

I have had readers write me about some of the more minor points in the book that I felt were an interesting asides when written, like Ashely's family heritage. Now I know they were appreciated; nothing could be more complimentary. I have also gotten queries about the fate of characters beyond the book and if I plan on bringing them back in the next "Evan Davis Tale." For some yes, for others no; but to hear that I have created a character worthy of interest or concern does make me feel a great sense of satisfaction.

I have also heard from readers who have their own ideas about the directions I should have taken the story. I see those as complimentary too--it means I created a story that the reader delved into so deeply they started to ponder the world I created. Some of my favorite books are those that I spent time thinking about how I might have changed things within the story.

5. What else would you like readers to know about you and your work?

My function is to be a storyteller--to take the reader on an enjoyable journey. I am not here to present you a particular political narrative or to examine social issues unless they relate to the story that I'm telling. I think there are plenty of authors out there who write books with an agenda or to support a particular narrative. You will not find that in my books. What you will see, is an exciting story with characters that you can relate to and enjoy as an escapist form of entertainment. To me, that is why you pick up a work of fiction in the first place.

Thanks, Sheldon!

Meet Steven LaVey, Author

Steven LaVey is a writer from Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. He writes autobiographical novels and surreal short stories. He has written three books: Three Leaves, Shorts, and The Ugly Spirit.

To learn more about Steven and his work, check out www.stevenlavey.com and visit his author page on Facebook.

1. Why did you choose autobiographical fiction rather than memoir in writing Three Leaves?

I've chosen to write autobiographical fiction over writing memoirs because I feel that the writing process of autobiographical fiction allows me to have more creativity over the structure, events, and characters involved. By that, I mean that instead of aiming for a direct, linear version of events, I can meld, merge, and amalgamate the timeline, characters, and scenes. It also allows me to exaggerate, and even make things up, if I feel that by doing so it will potentially improve the story.

2. Who are some authors of the past and present day whose work inspires you? Alan Bennett came to mind for me because of his autobiographical work in different genres, but it seems like your work has more of an edge to it. 

While there are many influences on my writing, the main influence, both philosophically and stylistically, would be Henry Miller. What Miller did was to make art out of his own life, to bend it, manipulate it, and turn it into a tall, amusing, sexual, and philosophical tale. However, it is not just the content or philosophy of Miller’s writing that I love; it is the rhythm, poetry, and language, which he uses to express his ideas. While he dips in and out of the Miller "voice," in my opinion he only really nails it consistently in his first published novel, Tropic of Cancer. What I love about TOC is the immediacy of the language Miller uses; it is the rawness, and the almost spiritual excitement at the situations he finds himself in. Coming back to the first question, I would add that the immediacy of Miller's work inspired me to write autobiographical fiction. It is why I wrote Three Leaves in such a way, transferring myself back into my nineteen (to twenty-three) year old frame of mind, and writing as if I were telling the narrative as it happened, instead of in a retrospective memoir.

3. In writing with so much honesty, do you ever come up against things you have to really fight to get onto the page? 

Absolutely, but not so much for the actions or words of my own character, but for anyone else who I have fictionalized. As I am attempting to use real individuals (albeit with fake names) as the basis for my characters, my concerns are that should any of those individuals read my work and discover that they are involved, they may think that I have not portrayed them correctly. This is a particular concern when it comes to family members.

4. What motivates you to keep writing? Do you maintain a schedule or do anything else that keeps you focused on your work?

For me, writing is like breathing, eating, or sleeping; it's natural and something I've always done. There is no motivation--I either write or die. However, when I plan to write something of a certain length, like I did with Three Leaves and The Ugly Spirit, I plan my work out scene-by-scene and then write the novel from the notes. Presently, I am working to a slightly different method (which I'm keeping secret) for my next book, which I hope to publish in late 2018 or early 2019.

5. What would you like readers to know about your latest book?

I felt like I went through an enormous metamorphosis while writing Three Leaves. The process of digging about in my brain to remember all the things that happened ultimately got me thinking (a lot more than usual) about my behavior at the time. What I would like anyone thinking of reading Three Leaves to know is that it is about a real individual; someone who is idiotic, insecure, hopeless, embarrassing, angry, sad, depressed, lost, addicted, manic, loving, kind, spiritual, honest, violent, and all the other endless traits that make people what they are; whole, complex, and not mere stereotypes of "good" and "evil."

Thanks, Steven!

Meet Veronica R. Tabares, Author

Veronica R. Tabares, MFA, MLIS, is a passionate award-winning author on a mission to make a positive impact in people's lives through the power of storytelling. Nine books later and she is still fueled by the initial creative spark that started it all. Writing and her love of archaeology aside, Veronica enjoys nothing more than spending quality time with her loved ones who inspire her to be her best version daily.

Learn more about Veronica and her work by visiting http://veronicatabares.com/.

1. What first drew you to creative writing?

I was one of those kids that read every book in the house, including encyclopedias, then branched out to magazines, newspapers, and even cereal boxes. If it had words, I read it. I'm pretty sure writing is the natural progression. And I'm drawn to creative writing because, hey, I like being in control.

2. As someone who writes in different genres and for different age groups, when you get an idea for something to write, how do you decide what form the project will take?

There's always a constant swarm of pesky ideas flying around my head. Sorry, I misspoke. I meant to say great ideas, not pesky. What could be pesky about an idea?

Anyway, I usually swat the annoying ones away, but the good ones I snatch out of the air and stick in my pocket. Funny thing is, they come with labels! I've never had to struggle over genre or age group, all I've ever had to do is read the tag. You know, "great for tweens" or "sci-fi I"d like to read." That kind of thing.

3. What are some of the key differences between writing for kids and writing for adults?

I find writing for kids much trickier. The author needs to entertain the kids, as well as please their parents, their teachers, their grandparents, etc.

4. What do you like best about being a writer?

The adrenaline! A good day of writing energizes me more than any exercise routine ever invented. Of course, it doesn't do a thing to strengthen my muscles

5. Do you have any projects you're currently working on that you'd like to tell us about?

Sure! I have a pocketful of potential projects, but the three I'm actively working on are:

a) An adventure set in Belize that involves a honeymooning couple, a crooked cop, and a ghost.

b) Two sisters must retrieve a piece of jewelry one of them lost on an amusement park ride before it triggers a robot apocalypse.

c) A boy accidentally travels to another universe through his dreams, while his twin sister is left at home with no clue what happened to him. This story for kids is set in the late 1920s and is related to the Behold the Eye trilogy.

It's been a pleasure chatting with you, and happy reading!

Thanks, Veronica!

Meet A J King, Author

A J King is the author of The Power Vested in Me (four book trilogy) and a poetry book which is linked to the series Monochrome Fervour. Lives in Swansea, works in Newport, supports Cardiff City.

Learn more by visiting http://thepowervestedinme.com/, and check out Book Two in The Power Vested in Me series on Amazon by clicking here.

1. How did you come up with the main group of characters in your series of novels?

I wanted Starkey to be enigmatic--he had to be, he is the source of the mystery. One of his roles is to give the Stardust guidance whilst letting them find the answers themselves to ensure they grow as people. So I based a large part of him on one of my old managers who had a lot of life experience, but wanted us to form our own opinions so just gave us guidance.

For the Stardust themselves, I wanted to cover all angles. So Pippa was named after the pocket size doll I had as a girl because she is small, and for that reason I wanted her to be the superstrong one. Zak, we needed a sporty guy, Jason a Jack-the-lad who initially uses his power for bad then learns to use it for good. Stuart is the geek who gets bullied, and Heidi, who was named after my friend from school (but is nothing like her), is the self-proclaimed leader, who is very clever.

I remember Billie Jean King saying that when she watched ET she asked why none of the girls got to fly the bikes, so for that reason I made sure the girls were strong characters who played as active a role as all the boys. Once I had an overview of their talents, I just constructed them as people. They are from all different backgrounds and walks of life. As they are strangers to each other at the start, I liked the idea of them getting to know each other and bonding and becoming a team. Now when I write them I know them so well that I know how they are going to react in any given circumstance. Everyone has a favorite Stardust, and people see characteristics of themselves in the characters.

2. Why did you decide to have the main characters be teenagers, and what are the challenges of writing teenage characters?

They needed to be teenagers because they are given their powers whilst newborn babies, and these powers were fine tuned by Starkey when they hit puberty. I also feel this was the right age for them to start learning about life and making massive decisions on right and wrong.

At the time of initially writing the Stardust, my children were the same age so I had guidance from them and their friends.

3. When you first got the idea for your series, did you know it would take place over the course of four books? In other words, how did you figure out the overall structure of the series?

Initially, I wrote it as a TV script to send to the BBC, and it was much different then. In fact, it was just about five teenagers time-traveling in an old lift. When I was told they didn’t take scripts off new writers, I decided to turn it into a book, which literally took me a few years, during which time the whole concept of the story changed and the characters were given a real purpose. When I had decided how the story would go, I guessed it needed to be a trilogy; I hadn't expected Book 2 to end up in two parts, though.

4. Would you tell us a little more about the main idea of the series and the world in which it takes place?

In Book 1, the Stardust traveled back in time to 5 periods of history where they recover items, the purpose of which they don't discover until the end of the book. Book 2 is the second part of the quest and they travel, in their dreams, to the Land of Nod, which is in fact the zodiac. If they can successfully get through each house and reach the end, then they must retrieve one item. For book 1, I had to do a lot of research to get the time periods accurate, especially as they encounter real life historic figures in some of the places. For book 2, I have just constructed a fantasy land and the zodiac characters who sit within it. I have had to draw on a lot of my life experiences to construct the characters within. The books are not all fantasy: an essential part of them is showing the teenagers in their real everyday lives, their families, interactions with people and daily problems and experiences.

5. What writing projects are you currently working on?

A. I am currently working on part 2 of book 2, or at least the real live parts of part 2. I finished all the fantasy bits for part two about 9 months ago, having completed part 1’s fantasy bit about 9 months before that. So it could be argued each section of Book 2 is taking me about 9 months to write, but I have to do part 2’s real life part by the beginning of October to get it out by Christmas, so only giving myself 5 months on this. After that, it will be book 3 which I aim to take a bit of time over.

Thanks, A J!

Meet Chris Davis, Author

Chris Davis is the author of a new young adult novel, The Adventures Of Merrick The Viking. You can learn more about the book by visiting www.theadventuresofmerricktheviking.com. The novel is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats. See also this link to find the book in other ebook formats.

1. What gave you the idea to write The Adventures Of Merrick The Viking?

I really started looking at time periods that intrigued me, and I am a bit of a day dreamer, so I would wonder what it must have been like to grow up as a young teen in about 700 to 900 AD when all of Europe is still new and pre-America. So one thing led to another, and my protagonist turned out to be a young boy who happened to come from a long line of extremely well-crafted boat builders in a small Viking village. From there the adventure starts.

2. Have you always been interested in the history of Vikings and Scandinavia?

I have been an admirer of history and how cultures evolved over time, and I am particularly interested in the Viking and Irish culture, but mostly the advancements in trade and influences on culture not necessarily on the violent history. I also tried not to mention any exact locations or historical names, just more of a reference. Also, I added in some hidden fun references to the Viking famous folklore.

3. Would you tell us a little more about the character of Merrick and what he experiences during the course of the book?

The main character is Merrick, and I am writing this as a series of books with Merrick as the main character. He starts off around 16 to 17 years old, forced out of his village, and he really finds himself growing up pretty fast. Luckily for him, he has special traits that make him unique. He finds himself in survival mode but still keeps his adventurous personality as a coming of age teen. Plus, yes, once he makes it into an Ireland, he happens to start a new romance with a real headstrong Irish redhead girl, Kira, that keeps him in check.

4. What do you see as the challenges of writing for a young adult audience, and what do you most enjoy about writing for this audience?

I see the challenges of a writer these days is a difference with how young readers want immediate action and also wants to follow and enjoy characters into series of books, letting their imagination turn page by page. My biggest obstacle was from the beginning: it is hard to market a book with Vikings that is not gruesomely violent, but I do have to acknowledge, yes, in history they did have groups of Vikings that plundered and destroyed villages, so I am carefully keeping the story more on a positive adventure.

5. Are you working on any new writing projects at the moment?

Yes, I am currently writing the second book in the series which I refer to as Merrick Book 2 and should be a similar style and design so this should make for happy readers to continue the journey. To me I am just fascinated of the time to pull your boat up into an unknown port and be able to communicate and trade your goods--plus exchange ideas, technology, techniques, and food items. Even how that time period was able to put a universal price on their goods and services.

Thanks, Chris!

Meet Christopher John Scruton of Anarchy Brothers Press

Christopher John Scruton is the owner and operator of Anarchy Brothers Press, an independent comic book publisher and digital store. Passionate about writing from the age of nine, he had a rough upbringing and often turned to comic books as a refuge away from the horror around him. He was born with a learning disorder, and in elementary school, a teacher sexually molested him. That teacher never served any time in prison, and as a result, Christopher has been distrustful of authority figures throughout his life.

In high school, Christopher was a victim of bullying, called names like "faggot" by his peers and "lost cause" by his teachers. Shy and soft-spoken, he kept his head down until graduation, at which point he matriculated into the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in order to study computer animation. There, he honed his skills as an artist and expanded his mind by experimenting with substances such as marijuana and LSD.

Outside of comic books, Christopher is interested in punk music and tattoos.

1. When you were a kid, what drew you to writing as an art form?

I don't remember when what drew me to writing. All I remember is when there was computer in front of me, I began to write. I haven't stopped writing and have no plans to stop writing. If there is a day when I stopped writing, it would be the day I ran out of stories.

2. How did you decide to start writing comic books?

I started writing books. Nothing got published, but I think over time I kind of lost passion on writing books. I always loved reading comics, and I still remember every comic I read. So one day I decided: I'm going to write and create my own comics. I still love writing--it is just that I chosen a different medium.

3. How do you come up with the images for your comics?

The best way to describe this is I am creating a storyboard, and I am the director. I have to know where the camera is and how much lighting the scene needs. Sometimes there are images that don't go into comics and I have to know where I want to take this story.

4. What inspired you to start Anarchy Brothers Press, and how did you choose the name for the project?

When I was writing books, I was rejected by many, many book agencies. I thought there had to be one person out there who liked my work, but the more I got rejected, I kind of felt no one wanted to hear about what I was working on. So I decided that to hell with all the agencies who rejected me--I am going to start my own publishing company. It first started out to be an independent publishing company, and it evolved into a comic book publishing company. The name came from being a punk: I can do things for myself and the love of being that there is no government, but anarchy. Also, I dedicated this company to my brothers who are no blood related, but I feel that they are brothers from another mother.

5. What are you working on currently, and is there anything else you'd like people to know about your work?

Right now I am working on issue number 4 of Dark Web Stories. It is called The Hunters vs The Preys. It is about the story of The Most Dangerous Game but it does have a twist. It is about the rich that are willing to hunt people who are poor and not just kill them, but to bet on them on the internet on who can survives the longest.

My work is kind of dark. I don't like fan fiction, but if there is a movie or video game I played, my mind looks at it and I start to think I can create a story out it and all of it is original. For example, one of my comics, I Have No Use For A Name, is about the apocalypse. There have been many comics and movies about the apocalypse, but these other stories don't take up subjects that no one wants to talk about, like pedophilia.

I always had distrusted people of authority and that shows up a lot in my work. The thing is I don't believe if someone is a cop or the president that means you have to respect them no matter. The thing is you have to earn my respect.

Thanks, Christopher!

Meet Steven Burton, Author

Steven Burton describes himself as a part-time author, chef, old soldier, little league football Coach, and best buddy of Jack Kitty. He writes about everyday people and real-life experiences. Later this year, he'll be releasing a book called Midlife Man in Crisis. You can read excerpts from that book and many other selections of his work on http://beneaththerainbow.com. And find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/beneaththerainbow/.

1. What inspires you to sit down and write about something?

My inspirations come from the world around me. I was in the U.S. Army for 20 years, and along the way I have lived all over the world, experienced many different cultures, and talked to people from all walks of life. Watching how other people interact with each other and listening to their stories has become a kind of hobby of mine.

Pop culture bombards us with tales of the rich and famous, but I think most people have great stories to tell regardless of their social or economic standing which is why I started the Beneath The Rainbow short story site. When you drill down in to the events of most people's lives, you will find heroes, villains, and protagonists worthy of a Shakespearean drama.

2. Would you tell us a little bit more about your forthcoming book?

Midlife Man in Crisis chronicles some of the defining events men (and some women) go through when they hit that period of life the dictionary defines as middle age. I try to approach the subject with a touch of humor although there are moments when some of the events can be described as drama, or so my beta readers tell me.

Tackling issues involved with the loss of youth, no longer being a parent of young children, and even the oft maligned "midlife crisis girl" event wasn't as easy as I thought it would be, although it has been fun. The events described in the book have either happened to me or someone I was close to, with maybe a slight bit of exaggeration in the telling. After all I am in old soldier, and we are supposed to add a little hyperbole to our stories.

3. Why do you think that our culture talks so much about the idea of the midlife crisis, and what does "midlife crisis" mean to you?

There are roughly 82 million people in the United States between the ages of 45 and 65 (27% of the population), so put into perspective that is more people in that demographic in the United states then there are people living in Germany, France, or any western European country. You could multiply the population of Canada two times and still not have as many people as the United States has in middle age category. A big reason we talk about it so much is there is a lot of us.

In my own experience, midlife crisis is what happened when I slowed down enough to realize how much the world had changed around me. Empty nest had hit, the kids had all moved out, my wife was now an ex wife, and even worse when cute college girls talked to me, they used the tone and demeanor reserved for friends of their parents and grandparents, not the flirty banter that always been our form of communication before. When you're a middle-aged man at a restaurant, and the 20-something girl who is your waitress says, "Thank you, sir".......she really means SIR.

4. You post original work on your website on quite a regular basis. What are some of the best responses you've received from readers?

I have received some great comments and words of encouragement since I put up Beneath The Rainbow, but my absolute favorite was when a guy I hadn't seen since boot camp posted, "I always wondered what happened to my buddy" under a short story I'd written about joining the Army. Prior to his comment, I hadn't seen or heard from him since 1981. We didn't have cell phones, computers, etc back then, and snail mail could take two to three weeks to travel one way overseas, so you couldn't really keep in touch with all the friends you made through out your military career. To hear from someone I hadn't talked to in 20+ years, that was a real treat.

5. What else would you like readers to know about you and your writing?

I have a kind of a sardonic sense of humor, and there are times people don't understand when I am laughing at myself, and I do laugh at myself a lot. My hope is that anyone reading my writing gets that aspect of my work.

Prior to this book, my writing has been confined to blog posts and ghost writing for others who have tailored my work to fit their own style. I am anxious, and I admit a bit scared to put out an entire book with my own name on it.

Thanks for spending time with me, Mandy.

Thanks, Steven!

Meet Rich Marcello, Author

Rich Marcello is the author of three novels, The Color of Home, The Big Wide Calm, and, most recently, The Beauty of the Fall. He also writes poems and songs, and teaches writing at Seven Bridges' Writer Collaborative. He previously had a long and successful career as a technology executive, managing several multi-billion dollar businesses for Fortune 500 companies.

Learn more by visiting http://richmarcello.com. You can also find the author on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and SoundCloud.

1. What gave you the idea to write The Beauty of the Fall?

When I started the novel three years ago, I was interested in writing about technology as a healer and a community builder. There are many good novels out there about the evils of technology, but few, if any, about technology companies that bring about positive social change. The idea of using technology to enable true democracy, as opposed to the slew of representative democracies in existence today, intrigued me. The events in the world this last year­­–--the rise of fake news, populism, racism, and sexism--confirmed that I was one the right track. However, as my protagonist, Dan Underlight, emerged, I realized I was actually writing a redemption story. Once I was clear on that point, the themes broadened out to include non-violence, trust, honor, forgiveness, and simplicity.

2. How did your past experience as a technology executive come into play in shaping some of the aspects of the novel?

I spent many years in tech running different kinds of hardware and software businesses. Even though the technology used in the company Dan starts, Conversationworks, is beyond the industry's current capabilities, I wanted the feel of CW to be as real as possible. I spent a lot of time speaking with technology executives, many of them friends, to make sure the business scenes were authentic. And yes, I drew on my experience, especially around the norms of a healthy company.

3. What are some of the challenges you experienced in writing about grief?

The Beauty of the Fall is, at its core, about grief. That's why it was important for me to spend so much time developing Dan's inner life. I wanted to show, through his actions and his thoughts, what he was going through as descended further into his grief. At the same time, I wanted to show Dan ascending through his work at CW. Getting the balance right between the ascent and the descent was the hardest part of writing the book.

4. How does being a poet inform or enrich your prose writing?

I think it mostly informs at the sentence and phrase level. There are days when the poet in me takes over in a given scene, and I spend hours making sure the words I'm using have the right level of poetry in them. A number of my writer friends are also poets, and we seem to all agree that our best writing happens when poetry and prose meld together.

5. Do you see the fictional companies in your novel, RadioRadio and Conversationworks, as offering a commentary on the social media and/or tech climate of the moment?

Yes. I think many companies, particularly in America, have lost their focus. They're too focused on profit and quarterly results and have lost their way when it comes to the customers, communities, and employees they should serve. RadioRadio is the composite of many of these broken companies. On the other hand, I tried to show Conversationworks as a company of the future, one that better balances customer needs, communities, employees, and profits. I'm a firm believer that a revolution in business is coming, and it will be leaders like Dan Underlight, and companies like Conversationworks that lead the way.

Thanks, Rich!

More with Mike Gagnon, Author and Artist

Mike Gagnon is a distinguished author and comic creator whose genre defying work has been featured in books, comics, film, and television. He's known for breaking the expected rules of genre, and he likes to use genres such as horror, scifi, and drama to explore common human experiences.

Last month, I interviewed Mike about his writing and art in general, and with particular emphasis on his new crime noir novel, Skidsville. Check out that interview here.

Mike has a lot of projects going, and today he answers a new set of questions, focusing on his satirical novella called Sex and the Circus. If you want to see samples of his work, you can also find him on Wattpad.

1. What inspired you to write Sex and the Circus?

Basically, it's my commentary on things I've observed in North American society. I wanted to tell a story of someone who must learn to assert and value themselves, while struggling with undeserved obligation. Patty is an amalgamation of several women I've known in my life, who I've often seen first hand, often struggling to help others without being appreciated for it. There are still a lot of women in modern society who go from home, to college or university, to marriage and may never assert themselves and create their own independent identity. In fact, the gender doesn't really matter that much. I think many men and women both struggle with some of these feelings and situations. I choose to write the story around the character of Patty, because I think that most people, male or female, will find it more relatable.

2. What are the challenges when it comes to writing a novella rather than a work with both writing and illustration?

I think the challenges mostly come from form and function. Some authors struggle with novella and short stories, whereas I am just the opposite. I don't believe in wasting the reader's time with unnecessary filler. I write a clear concise outline and then cut anything unnecessary or redundant. I don't believe every point I'm trying to make should be hammered into a reader's head 10 times. That's really the only reason that Sex and the Circus is a novella; it just didn't need to be larger than what it ended up being. When it comes to graphic novels, words and images together, the challenge is format learning how to write a properly formatted script and apply that knowledge. You must play film director in your head and not only tell the story, but describe gesture, body language, and facial expression in a way that is understood, especially if someone else is drawing it.

3.When you come up with an idea for a new book, how do you decide or know if it will use words or visual artwork or both?

My roots are in comics and graphic novels, and I'll always love them, but, for me at least, the process of producing a comic is more expensive and time consuming than a novel. Every idea I have, I get a feeling very early on as to whether the concept would be better suited to novel or graphic novel format. Many ideas would work for both, so I'll make a judgement call based on scheduling and time constraints. If I know my schedule doesn't have room to complete an illustrated graphic novel, I'll produce it as a novel first, and then revisit the concept when I have time in my schedule to illustrate it or gather a couple of people to help produce it. There are some projects I just see as comics, and those, I'm holding on to for now in the hopes that I'll get time to draw them, but they may end up seeing life as novels or novellas first.

4. In writing a satire, how do you strike a balance between being funny and possibly going too far?

I live by a rule used by many comedians. There is no too far. Just when you're at the edge where you're becoming apprehensive and uncomfortable, that's where you should be. If you're ever feeling uncomfortable while reading one of my stories, it's because I want you to. That scene was written to make the reader face something, or see something I'm trying to say. Often the message is that something isn't as scary as is commonly believed or that characters can make unexpected decisions that you could also make in your own life.

5. What have you been working on lately, and do you have any projects planned for the new year that you're especially looking forward to working on?

My next book is already in the bag. It's a story about abusive relationships and mental illness, and one of the characters happens to be a vampire. It's expected to release on Valentine's Day 2017. There will be more info about it released after the Christmas holidays. It's a full-length novel, and I'm really looking forward to releasing it and getting people's reactions. It's a close personal project, and I'm dying to tell people about it, but I can't yet. Of course, I love my characters in Sex and the Circus, too, and I believe the story carries a lot of important messages and life situations, humorous and dramatic, that readers will identify with. Also, I'm currently producing my next novel that will be coming out after that. It's going to be a statement about corruption in political and financial circles, told as a Western. I tend to gravitate mostly to genres of humor and horror, but I love all genres, so I make a concerted effort to switch things up with every book. I had had no shortage of horror concepts in the last couple years, but I don't want to perceived as a horror writer, but an author that can tackle anything. Because of that I purposely alternate between other genres, like drama, humor, true stories, western and sci-fi. I already have the concepts I'll be working on for the next couple years plotted out, so there will be a lot of fun and entertaining stories for me to share with readers over the next couple years, including a few horror stories. I'm really looking forward to the stories I will get to share in 2017.

Thanks again, Mike!

Meet Jonuel Negron, Author

Jonuel Negron is a horror and fantasy writer from Land O Lakes, FL. The goals of each story are to both entertain and terrify readers who brave to read them. He is a veteran who has served proudly, a father of five wonderful children, and a husband to a loving wife.

He has just released Mid Harvest Road, the prequel to his Jacob Kearns Series. For more information, check out Mid Harvest Road on Amazon. You can also learn more about Jonuel and his work on his Facebook page.

1. Could you give us an overview of the Jacob Kearns Series?

Without giving too much away, it is a horror series based mostly on supernatural encounters that are both by chance and by design. Although the series has many moving parts to it, Jacob Kearns is the protagonist that navigates his way through the series with the most interesting angle for readers to discover.

2. Why did you decide to launch the series by publishing a prequel?

This is probably the most fascinating buildup I could implement to the series as it will actually have two prequels. Again without giving away too much... This first "Mid Harvest Road" short story is based on Sarah Knox, who will be an important returning character. I wanted readers to get a glimpse of how the series storyline can transform in a short 45 minute read. This way potential new readers wouldn't have to invest too much money or time to decide if my series was something they wanted to follow.

The second prequel will be "I Understand," a novella which will set the stage for Book 1 of the series. This can actually be read independently from the "Mid Harvest Road" short story although they both complement each other.

Any reader can decide to start with Book 1 of the series as it is an intricate story arc by itself without having to read the prequels.

3. What are your favorite parts about writing thrillers?

Translating my nightmares. I have been working on this series for two years now without knowing it. Originally, this was not much more than a rag tag collection of notes I had written down after a nightmare or two. In my youth I aspired to be a writer, but life had other plans for me, I guess. Now at the age of 41, several of my friends and family convinced me to take a refresher writing class. I caved under the pressure and began to write my thriller. I can't seem to stop trying to remember every detail of what wakes me up at night.

4. For you as a reader, what makes a book a gripping, suspenseful read?

As a reader the most gripping or suspenseful moments I have always found in most thrillers is how close to home the monsters can be. It is scary enough to read a thriller about the giant sea monster that can pull your boat under the water. It is equally scary to read a thriller about scholar who is a cannibal not limited to water. The distance from the monsters is what I find gripping and suspenseful.

5. What are you currently working on, and is there anything else you'd like readers to know about you and your writing?

I am currently starting Book 2 of the series, although I don't really feel Book 1 is 100% complete. I have this tendency to finish my work and start my next one. Then I will go back to reread my previous work looking for my obvious mistakes and smooth out the rough edges. I have learned from my past mistakes in life that if you are too eager to release something before you are content it is a finished product, well, customers will feel cheated by you. Book 1 is written, but I must be satisfied readers will enjoy the story that I have put together before I send it to my editor.

Thanks, Jonuel!

Meet Sally Ramsey, Author and Chemist

Sally Ramsey has two grown sons with autism. After decades as a chemist with multiple awards and patents, she has turned a lifelong passion for writing into a mission writing autism related books.

Sally shares her thoughtful insights into life and writing on her blog, and you can learn more about her and her fiction and nonfiction books by visiting http://autismnovelist.com/.

1. When did you become interested in writing fiction, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I started very young. I wrote my first novella at age 12 and short stories even earlier. I enjoy being able to build a world of my own, but yet one I can share with others. I love being able to fix on the page, problems that are intractable in real life. I also love immersing myself the pure romance of heroic relationships. 

2. What gave you the idea for Dark Awakening?

I've had a thing for vampires ever since I saw Frank Langella's Dracula. I have two sons with autism, so writing about an autistic vampire came naturally.

3. Would you tell us a little more about the main character of Dark Awakening and how he is similar to and different from other vampire characters readers might be familiar with?

The main character in Dark Awakening is Grayson Miller PhD. He has autism. His sensory symptoms and communication problems are lessened by becoming a vampire, but he still retains social awkwardness and a very strong sense of right and wrong. He refuses to kill, and works out a way so there is no need for him or other vampires to do so. There is also a scientific basis rather than a supernatural one for his vampirism. He doesn't turn into a bat or hypnotize people. He just needs blood, heals quickly, and can be burned or killed by the sun. Becoming a vampire allows him to find love in scientist Tina Chow, but he also discovers great danger to himself and Tina. They work together to develop a way to fight ancient evil vampires so their love can survive. 

4. What are the unique challenges--and pleasures--or writing fiction and nonfiction?

One challenge that writing fiction and nonfiction share is just the act of sitting down to do it. In either case, there is also quite a bit of research involved. I try to be as accurate as possible in terms of both settings and whatever science I use. I have to decide when to use whatever is out there or when it is appropriate to just make something up. A shared pleasure of both kinds of writing is in the act of creation, producing something unique. I also enjoy helping people understand and cope with the challenges of autism, and that is the focus of much of my work.

5. How do you find the time to write (not to mention to edit your work and collaborate with publishers!)?

I've always made a point of fitting writing into the interstices of my day. When I set up an experiment to run, or let materials mix, I write. These days, I work only with non-toxic, edible materials, so I can do almost anything from home. I've also turned over my latest technology to larger entities who can take care of much of the grunt work. I am very disciplined in terms of setting aside time for writing, allocating specific parts of the day to specific projects. I also have daily goals for writing and/or editing, and I don't go to sleep until they are met. Fortunately, I don't seem to require a great deal of sleep.

Thanks, Sally!

Meet Lindy Gligorijevic, Author and Former LAPD Detective

Lindy Gligorijevic is a former Los Angeles Police Department police officer with over 30 years of law enforcement experience. As a supervising detective with the LAPD, she has investigated rapes, child abuse, domestic violence, and robbery, and spent five years investigating homicides. Lindy is currently the Chief Investigator for the Tulare County District Attorney's Office. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology and teaches interrogation techniques and homicide crime scene management throughout California. Lindy is married to a retired Los Angeles Fire Department captain and lives in Central California with their two standard poodles, one amazing cat, and one chicken.

She is the author of a new series of books called the Jack & Shea LAPD Homicide Series. Her first book in the series, Hold Fast, was released in June of 2016, and the second book, Bell Lap, was released in August.

1. What inspired to you write and publish mysteries?

The inspiration to write is easy; it has been a compulsion since as far back as I can remember (I have the proof stuffed in a trunk in the garage). The decision to publish was far more difficult, and I went about it in every wrong way possible. After ten years of writer's conferences, two literary agents, an expensive editor, and a drawer of rejects, I actually stopped writing for three years. It seemed like folly to me at that point. Then after reconnecting with my training officer from 30 years ago (he encouraged me not to give up, and one should always listen to their training officer) and another self-published author saying "I am an author no matter how small the audience," I decided to do it. I poured a glass of wine and began uploading (ergo beginning the cautionary tale of how not to navigate self-publishing.

2. How has your work experience influenced you as a writer?

My work, my experiences, and my observations are in nearly every sentence of every book.

3. Have you always been writing fiction, or is it something you took up more recently?

I've been writing and drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil.

4. Would you tell us a little bit about your two main characters? Also, what made you decide to write from each of their perspectives in different volumes in your series of books?

The first book is from Shea Reed's point of view. I wanted the reader to see the LAPD, murder, partnership, through the eyes of a woman. Also, she is single and makes endless questionable choices with men. Her partner, Jack Rainier, is married with two little girls. I am a big fan of series-fiction, and I love following characters through multiple books, but I want to give my readers a back and forth between two characters as opposed to being saddled with just one for the ride. And the archetype of a male cop in fiction is an alcoholic, divorced, and hanging around with rough women. Well, how did he get that way? Why do books and movies always start there? I wanted to show the true strain working homicide has on a very good man. I also wanted to take the reader into the very intimate nature of a police partnership; it's a bond that is beyond friendship.

5. As someone with extensive experience in law enforcement, where do you find the balance between your factual knowledge and your need to fictionalize events for a novel?

The hardest question! When I first began submitting my scenes to my writer's group, they hammered me about being too clinical, too procedural. It was clear I was more concerned with being rigidly authentic (for who? Other cops? Probably) than I was about creating a dramatic story. The books still lean more towards procedural, because I like the "regularness" of police work: it's not all chasing bad guys.

I also had to be careful how I created characters since many of the scenes in Hold Fast are pulled from life, so I had to make sure I didn't harm anyone I knew. There is one character that I didn't change much; he is Shea and Jack's boss. He's based on my homicide boss, who is a very wise and caring man, and such a great character in real life that he translated right on to the page.

The series is fiction, and the cases they have are fiction, but the inspiration is from my experiences and some verbatim experiences. For example, there is a scene in the bar at a golf course the detectives drink at where there is a confrontation with the newly acquitted OJ Simpson. He invites Shea to have her picture taken with him and well....you, gotta read the book. :)

Thanks, Lindy!

Meet James Kelly, Author

James Kelly is the Young Adult author of a series of novels called The Guardian Wars. She resides in Houston, TX where she works at her family’s local business. She spends her free time corralling her two little girls and writing about any and all things that interest her. Part One of The Guardian Wars is currently available on Amazon Kindle, and Part Two is soon to be released. Learn more about James Kelly and stay up to date on future publications by visiting JameskKellyWrites.com.

1. How did you come up with the character of Olivia Tremaine?

Olivia and Rowan both came to me in a dream one night. It was a very strange sort of choppy moment between two people, but it really defined who they were to one another. The girl was maybe a bit younger and very determined, and the man was sort of a protector for her, but there was something more between them and they were struggling to come to terms with it. Olivia was the one in my dream who actually had the courage to say how she felt first, and I think that kind of stuck with me from then on as I began writing their story. Rowan might be the stronger and the tougher of the two, but Olivia is definitely the driving force in their relationship and the glue that keeps everything together.

2. What's the significance of the title, The Guardian Wars?

The series had a lot of different titles before I landed on "The Guardian Wars." In fact, I had written first drafts of all three books before I was able to pick a title. I wanted it to sort of foreshadow what the books were leading up to, even if you only get a glimpse of the bigger fight in Part One. I always felt like the thing that set Rowan and Olivia's story apart from other dystopian's is that instead of being together because they are trying to save their world, they're trying to save their world SO that they can be together. The war affects everyone, but it sort of stems from Rowan and Olivia's instincts to stick together and save one another.

3. What are the challenges--and what do you enjoy most--about writing books in a series rather than as stand-alone novels?

I think that writing a series is sort of like running a marathon. It's a very long and trying task, and there have been so many points where I had to convince myself to keep going. In the end, though, it's really rewarding, and as a writer it's sort of a dream. It's a lot more work than just a stand alone book, but at the end of each final draft, I didn't have to close the cover on their story. I'm able to keep building their relationships and create more obstacles for them to overcome. I also feel that some stories need more than just thirty or so chapters to tell. Rowan and Olivia just happened to need a bit more.

4. Do you have any advice for other authors who are interested in self-publishing but haven't taken the leap yet?

Self-publishing seemed like a very impossible thing when I first started researching it. I had submitted my book to so many agents, and I had gotten so many requests for more and even full manuscripts. They all seemed to like the story, but because the market had been so saturated with other dystopian type books, no one wanted to represent it. Don't take no for an answer. Believe in your work and even if you get told "No" a hundred times, don't let that make you feel that your work is inferior.

5. What would you like readers to know about book two in The Guardian Wars?

The Guardian Wars: Part Two has a lot more action that Part One. There's a bit more romance as well, but the important thing for readers to remember is that Rowan has essentially started a war that is much bigger than he is. Even though our main characters have found one another, their battle isn't over. It's just starting, and it's much scarier than they really ever imagined. Part Two will definitely have you on the edge of your seat a bit more than Part One, but in the end there's still that famous question, "What do you know?"

Thanks, James!

Meet Nestor Eguez, Author and Teacher

Nestor Eguez is a technology teacher who immigrated with his family from Uruguay, South America to California twenty years ago in search of a better life. Since then, he has been teaching at adult and vocational schools. He had always had an interest in writing, and one day while helping his children with a school project, he experienced the moment that this story was born.

Nestor is the author of a novel called Kalima: The Secret of the Jungle. He is at work on the second book in this series and hopes to release it in the fall of this year.

1. How did you come up with the idea for Kalima?

Ten years ago, my kids wanted to do a puppet play as a school project. After they tried a couple of options, with no good results, I decided to help them with an original story. Two days after that, one morning on my way to work, the story came to me. That simple.

2. Why did you choose a zebra as your main character?

A lot of people asked me the same question, also if Kalima could be a different jungle animal. Well, a zebra was the first that came to my mind. After a little research, I found out that they are smart and strong animals, perfect for the kind of mission Kalima will have to accomplish.

3. As someone who is busy raising a family and also working as a teacher, when do you find time to write?

Honestly, it is very hard, especially because when you have a free time to do it, usually your inspiration Muse is busy.

4. When you were growing up in Uruguay, who were some writers whose work influenced you?

Definitely there were a lot of books that impacted me, especially in high school, but if I have to mention one, definitely was The Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes.

5. What is your advice to other writers who are working on writing and publishing their first novel?

Well, I'm going to pass along a couple of good suggestions that a wise author told me a long time ago.

a) A story always has room for improvements, but at some point you have to finish it, and move on.

b) You have to be prepared to deal with rejection. Writing a good story is the easiest part of publishing a book.

Thanks, Nestor!

Meet Rachel McMinn, Author

Rachel McMinn is high school English teacher who was born in the UK and who lives in Connecticut. She is also the mother of a two-year-old girl. Her debut novel, The Other Side of Loneliness, was published in June of 2016. Learn more about the book on Amazon and Goodreads.

1. How did you come up with the idea for the story told in your debut novel?

As a teacher, I have met many students who have faced a lot of hardship in their short lives. What always amazes me is the utter resilience they display. They manage to navigate their way through problems that, as an adult, I am not sure what I would do about. My novel was inspired in part by that resilience and the idea that so many of us are going through our day with problems that we hide from the rest of the world. I am a firm believer in being kind to everyone since sometimes the person with the biggest smile is the person facing the greatest hardship behind closed doors. At some point we have to let others in because a hardship shared, is less of a hardship.

2. How would you describe your protagonist, Riley?

Riley is a teenage girl that has experienced a tragedy that has turned life as she knows it, upside down. She has a lot of emotions and feelings that she isn't sure what to do with, feels like she knows it all, and at the same time feels like she knows nothing at all. The teenage years are tough anyway; school, friends, relationships, trying to figure out who you are and what you believe and what you want to do with your life. There is a lot of pressure. Add a traumatic experience to that and you have a recipe for disaster. Riley is very typical in that way. She is balancing her emotions and trying to understand how you can love and hate at the same time. There is a very confusing duplicity to life and emotions, and Riley is learning that lesson early in life. She is scared to let friends and loved ones help because she has experienced loss and doesn't want to risk losing anyone else. I think that is a feeling that teens and adults alike can relate to.

3. As an English teacher, when do you find the time to work on your own writing?

I'm a full-time English teacher with a two-year-old daughter so life is certainly hectic. I keep a notebook in my purse and write when I have a spare moment: waiting rooms, when my daughter naps, lunch breaks. I still nurse my daughter, so I have to pump at work and I have gotten pretty good at balancing the pump and my notebook! At home I will get on my laptop for twenty minutes before I start getting ready in the morning or for a half hour before I go to bed. I might not have a huge block of time to write but all of those little sessions add up. I wrote The Other Side of Loneliness in about 7 months.

4. What audience did you have in mind as you wrote your novel--were you thinking of your students in this context as you wrote?

I was absolutely thinking of my students as I wrote this novel. As a teacher you don't just teach your subject area; you also give a lot of pep talks about handling life. I don't pretend to know it all, but I try to give my students good advice so they can make better decisions or try to get them to stand back and analyze a situation before acting. I think about what I wish I had known when I was their age. This book takes some of those life lessons and puts them into novel form. I think that young adults and adults will enjoy this book because the real core message is that we all have issues that we hide from the public; we all struggle and that is okay. It is okay to not know what to do. We can choose to stay stuck and suffer or we can accept our issues and figure out what to do from there. This book is about the importance of friends and support systems, forgiveness, and that understanding that no one is perfect. That is what makes us human.

5. As the school year comes to an end, what are your plans for the summer?

Well, contrary to popular belief, teachers do not really get the summer off! I will be teaching summer school a few days a week and spending some time planning for next school year. When I am not working, I will be spending a lot of time at the beach; I love being outdoors! I run and summer is really my training season, so I will be doing that in preparation for a half marathon in the fall. I have a two-year-old daughter, Lillian, and I love every single moment with her. I will be spending a fair amount of time finger painting, collecting bugs, and visiting the farmer's market with her. Of course, I hope to have some time to read and write and I'll be waiting to be inspired for my next novel!

Thanks, Rachel!

Meet Ali Larsen, Author

Ali Larsen is a self-published author. She writes mostly about life, love, and the relationship between the two. Visit her website at www.NeverSigningOff.com

1. Have you always been interested in writing, or did your desire to write develop over time?

I've always had some interest in writing, for as long as I can remember. When I was little kid, I wrote poetry and works of fiction. My book Stand By Me was actually written over the span of 10 years. But, as I grew older and wiser, I started writing based on personal experiences. My commitment to writing definitely developed over time.

2. I noticed that you publish in PDF format and sell your own books on your website. Why do you publish and distribute independently instead of through big retailers?

I actually considered trying to get my work published, but I wanted to try selling it all myself first. I figured having it up myself was a good way to gauge if anyone would actually purchase my writing. I chose the PDF format because I see it as a very universal file type that anyone would be able to view.

3. As someone who writes both poetry and prose, how do you decide which genre is the best for the ideas you want to express?

My writing sort of chooses me. Whenever I have an idea, it usually comes to me formed already. I'll think of a couple rhyming sentences, and then I'll write a poem. Or I'll think of a couple lines and know it would work as prose instead. The real challenge is deciding between prose and articles. For that I just see what sounds better at the end. Then I make whatever changes I need to.

4. Who are some authors, artists, musicians, or other people who inspire you creatively?

I would say one of my biggest inspiration is Gerard Way (formerly of My Chemical Romance). He always had an attitude that said "it's okay to be a little messed up." I've always felt different, so his message really stood out to me. But my biggest inspiration is the author Christopher Gutierrez. He made an entire career out of telling stories about his life. They aren't even well written, but it's because he always delivers powerful messages with them. He's an amazing author. Every time I feel like my writing isn't very good, he reminds me that it doesn't have to be. It just has to have a whole lot of heart.

5. What projects are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on two novels. One is a sort of autobiography about the places I've been and the people I've known. The other is about the challenge of living with a mental disability. I was diagnosed as bipolar when I was teenager. It's been rough journey into adulthood. Obviously, it affects personal relationships, keeping a job, and everything else. I want the message of the book to be that it's okay to be a little messed up.

Thanks, Ali!

Meet Daniel M Robinson, Author

Daniel M. Robinson is an Australian author. Now living in Bundamba, he was born in Sydney and grew up in Tweed Heads, graduating from Tweed River High School. Writing in a variety of genres, Daniel is best known for his science fiction, the genre toward which he has the strongest affinity. He was raised on Star Trek and Star Wars.

Daniel is a family man through and through, and he shares his home with his loving wife, their child, his two children from a previous marriage, and her two children from a previous marriage. Daniel owns two pets, a snake named Memphis and a Great Dane named Freya, who accompanies him everywhere he goes.

Learn more about Daniel on his author page on Facebook, and check out his latest book on Amazon.

1. I was intrigued by the description of your novel and wondered how you chose the year 2981 as the time when the novel is set?

I selected the year as I wanted to set the story towards the end of a troubled century. The 30th century in the Fatal Conflicts universe is, was, will be a very dark, dangerous time for humans and other beings. Also the notion that humans will evolve into better, more tolerant, loving, respectful etc. in the future has always bugged me. So I thought it'd be nice to see what we're like thousand years into the future. And frankly, I don't see humans changing too much from what we are now.

2. What is the most fun part of writing a novel for you--and what part is the most challenging?

The fun part? Hmmm...I don't know if I could say what a single fun part is. I love getting the plot worked out, then character development. Also, I find it intriguing to watch characters grow and become more than I first imagined them to be. Those are some of the most enjoyable parts for me, but the process of creating the story from start to finish is all really great fun.

The most challenging part? Editing, I find that the most challenging. I find it very difficult to allow someone else to make suggestions or want plot points changed, however small the request may be. I'm lucky since my publisher also edits my work and she doesn't get too uptight when I fight her ideas. However, I DO listen, think about it, and even if I don't like it but see that it works for the story, I don't protest and we work it out. Also it means she (editor) gets a victory now and then and I get to use that to keep other parts unchanged or unaltered.

3. What is your "day job," and how do you find time for writing?

I own a small movie/toy/collectable business. Finding time to write is always difficult with work and family life, but being a very early riser I find a couple of hours a day, at least, to write. Some days I get lucky and can have a half day were I escape and write.

4. Who are some of your fellow Australian writers whose work you admire?

Pat Ritter is a wonderful Australian author and a complete gentleman. When I was getting started as an author, Pat helped me out a lot. He put me in touch with a few people and I've always appreciated that. I very much enjoy Australiana stories and Pat has several great short books that I just love to read.

Another Australian author that I would have to acknowledge that I admire is my grandmother. I remember reading Elephant in the Kitchen, a book she wrote, and loved it. I think she is where I get my story telling/writing talent from.

5. Are you currently at work on any writing projects?

Yes. I'm in the process of writing Fatal Conflicts 4, while also plotting out two other stories. I always stay busy with writing something new and I love it.

Thanks, Daniel!

An Excerpt from The Wave by Lochlan Bloom

This striking black and white cover for The Wave by debut novelist Lochlan Bloom caught my attention--doesn't it make you want to find out more about the story?

The plot suggests an interesting mix of meta-fiction with a slightly dark edge and hints of David Lynch. After speaking to the author online, Lochlan sent me an excerpt from the opening of the book which appears below.

The Wave will be released next month by Dead Ink Books and is available to pre-order from: deadinkbooks.com/product/the-wave-by-lochlan-bloom/

Lochlan has completed recent projects for BBC Radio Scotland and written for Slant Magazine and Ironbox Films amongst others. He is the author of several pieces of short fiction including the novella Trade and The Open Cage.

The BBC Writersroom describes his writing as "unsettling and compelling… vivid, taut and grimly effective work," and he has written for Litro Magazine, Porcelain Film, EIU, H+ Magazine as well as Calliope, the official publication of the Writers’ Special Interest Group (SIG) of American Mensa.

He has attend the invitation only SCENEinsiders event at the Gothenberg Film Festival and currently has a feature length script in production with Porcelain Film. He has also taken part in workshops from the Publishing Training Centre and EdinburghMediabase.

Lochlan lives in London and does not have a cat or a dog.

For more details visit: http://lochlanbloom.com.

*

(from) The Wave

μ opened the front door and there it was. It struck him as unusual. There was never normally post for him – some bills perhaps – but even that was less now that he had moved flats.

He turned the envelope over, feeling its weight. The heavy-duty manila suggested its contents might be valuable. His name was written on the front in thick marker pen. Brightly coloured stamps and postmarks crowded together – wavy lines of red ink. One mark looked like it read: "Brasil" and another: "Airmail." μ didn’t know anyone in Brazil.

He pulled at the thick glue that held the envelope shut. Inside lay a sheaf of typed sheets. Names and descriptions of locations were interspersed with clips of dialogue, as if someone had been following people, noting down their actions. It made no sense. Had some confidential dossier been sent to him by mistake? He looked closer.

It appeared to be some sort of film script. He didn't read these sorts of things and he struggled to grasp the layout. Most of each page was white space, broken only by small regular clumps of text floating in the centre. Why had it been sent to him?

He leafed quickly through. Page after page was covered in light grey font reminiscent of old-fashioned manual typewriters. He ran his finger over one of the pages but it was smooth and appeared to have been printed rather than hand typed. Who would send him this? He checked the envelope again; it definitely looked like one of the stamps read "Brasil." There was no letter of explanation enclosed.

μ threw his bag on the couch and placed the script on the table, orbiting around it. The flat took up two floors of a draughty old building that had been half-heartedly renovated in order to rent out. The landlord was never there and his flatmates weren’t back by so he had the place to himself.

He flicked through the first few pages. What a disappointment! Twelve pages in and it was clear that this was no "Citizen Kane." Instead there was a confused story about a character named Ddunsel, who seemed to be the main suspect in a case involving several abductions, child molestation and murder. In several places graphic descriptions of his crimes were included. He seemed to be some sort of all-powerful psychopath. The action jumped around at random and the dialogue was uniformly poor. Who had sent him this drivel?

The few sections that contained anything approaching a decent plot were ill-thought-out and μ felt a dislike for the writing. There was no narrative line, only a haphazard collection of scenes, and it was obviously written by someone with little love of language.

Despite the clumsy phrasing, μ felt it was all written for a purpose, as if by some malevolent intelligence. He was in the middle of reading one repulsive section, describing the brutal rape and murder of a young boy by Ddunsel, when the sound of the front door made him jump.

They would all be returning for dinner. μ put the manuscript down and then, on impulse, covered it with a magazine. He had nothing to hide, but still, child murder was not what he wanted them to think he usually read.

He was sharing the house with foreigners. They entered, talking amongst themselves, and threw a nod in μ's direction. He nodded back and they busied themselves preparing their evening meal. There were only three others that actually lived there – Georgi, Ivan and Katarina – but often their friends would come around in the evenings and as many as ten or twelve of them would sit in the shared space eating and talking.

μ had not stayed in the flat for long but it already felt a lot better than the place he had been before. It was hard to believe that he had stayed in that old house for so long. Now he was sure his problems were behind him.

"All those people living on top of each other, rubbing against each other every day," he thought. "It's just as well that I moved out."

*

Learn more about The Wave by visiting Dead Ink Books.

Get Follow the Dotted Line on Sale Until April 15

In early February, I posted about Nancy Hersage's mystery novel, Follow the Dotted Line. The book has been featured in Amazon's Kindle Scout program and has been highly ranked in the humor categories on Amazon, as well as being recognized as a mystery. Check out my original post for an excerpt from the beginning of the novel.

I'm posting now to let you know that the novel is on sale from now through April 15. The Kindle edition is just $1.99 instead of the usual price of $3.49. And if you have KindleUnlimited, you can read it for free any time.

The book is getting great reviews on Amazon, calling it a "wonderful novel" and a "must read." As one reviewer put it, "The characters were colorful and realistic, full of life and quirks. The plot was well thought out, interestingly described, and sufficiently full of twists and turns. There were lots of splashes of humor, mostly due to the various character quirks."

View the book trailer for Follow the Dotted Line below.

If you like mysteries and/or "chick lit" and/or humorous fiction, give this novel a try. Nancy Hersage is an experienced writer who, in addition to novels, has written a number of plays and screenplays. Visit NancyHersage.com to learn more about her and her work.

Meet Randall Barnes, Author

Randall Barnes is a college freshman and the author of the young adult novel series, The Diary of Aaliyah Anderson. He recently released The Diary of Aaliyah Anderson: Volume II. You can find him on Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope as @AuthorRandallB, and be sure to check out his YouTube channel.

1. How did you come up with the character of Aaliyah?

I came up with the character of Aaliyah Anderson seeing the wonderful, ambitious young women around me at my high school. I didn't see a clear representation of them in the media. I knew their stories were intriguing, entertaining, and worth chronicling in a novel series, so I documented all the characteristics of these ladies and created Aaliyah Anderson. I also consider Aaliyah the female version of me. We share the same ideologies and dreams. We both also share one main weakness, overthinking things!

2. What inspired you to start writing novels for young adults?

There's a void in the industry to reflect what's truly going on in the lives of young adults. I got tired of seeing every other book for young and reluctant readers be about linear topics such as relationships. We're more diverse than that and The Diary of Aaliyah Anderson novel series shows that. Within the books, we tackle subjects that have never been discussed before in a commercial novels series such as the corruption that plagues many public school systems and the effect your environment has on your mental development. I wanted to prove that you could craft higher minded works of fiction for young people that are still entertaining.

3. What are some of the experiences we'll see Aaliyah face in your latest book?

The first edition in the series was the introduction to Aaliyah. Now, we get into the drama! Aaliyah is tangled up in a heated student presidential election with her enemy Latasha, who is eerily reminiscent of Donald Trump in this election. Latasha hurls non-stop insults at Aaliyah and doesn't specify what she'd do to make Clarkson a better school. Aaliyah is actually bringing up good ideas and is presenting herself as a phenomenal representation of the student body, but they're supporting Latasha because of the entertainment factor. It's amazing that I predicted the 2016 Presidential Race back in 2012!

Aaliyah also has to deal with the increasing violence that's occurring in her hometown of Willowsfield, Georgia. Willowsfield is statistically the #1 most dangerous city in America, and the novel shows that. For example, her best friend Allison is kidnapped by her significantly older ex-boyfriend, and Aaliyah has to find her before she gets hurt. The street gangs of Willowsfield are engaged in a social media war with the gangs of Worthington, Georgia, and the beef culminates at the Howard-Jones vs. Worthington High Football game. Aaliyah has to find her way to success while keeping her sanity and life intact.

4. How has Wattpad helped you as an author?

Wattpad showed me who my audience is. I used to limit myself by saying that my reader base is young women between the ages of 13-18. Looking at my numbers on Wattpad, I found that college age readers also enjoy The Diary of Aaliyah Anderson. It's also allowed me to build a platform for my novels that propelled me to get a book deal back in 2014.

5. As a college student, when do you find time to write your novels?

It's easy to find time to write in college. When in college, you have the freedom to set your own personal schedule. I currently have four classes on Mondays and Wednesdays but only one in the afternoon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That means Tuesdays and Thursdays are my writing days! I try my best to write at least 500 words or complete a chapter of the latest book I'm working on. I was told by one of my author mentors back when I was in 10th grade that writing books in college would be challenging. I'll go as far as to say writing novels in high school was more challenging because of the lack of freedom. Besides, it's all about your passion for what you're doing. No matter what schedule constrictions you have, you always have time to write.

Thanks, Randall!