Dec 17

Author and Artist Judy Mastrangelo Delves into the World of Books and Art

judy

 

Have you always been focused in a particular area with your artwork?

I’ve always been fascinated with Fantasy art. Recently my focus is on this genre exclusively.

Why did you want to go into creating fantasy-based art? Is this kind of art a passion for you?

Yes, it is my passion and my happiness. I’ve loved Fantasy since childhood. I wanted to live in my imaginary “kingdom” that I’ve created of fairy tale-like creatures.

This includes all art forms, such as in Literature, Drama, Music, Painting, etc. I feel all of these art forms are related, and affect, inspire and are related to one another.

Whose work do you relate to most? Who inspires you?

I have a yen to revisit the works of the following artists. I never get tired of looking at the art of: MAXFIELD PARRISH, JOHN WATERHOUSE, CICELY MARY BARKER, and many Italian Renaissance artists, such as SANDRO BOTICELLI.

What was the last show you attended?

My last show was a “Fairy Festival” in Canterbury, UK.

Do you enjoy collaboration work? Working in teams?

Yes, I very much enjoy working in collaboration with talented people who respect and inspire one another.

What do you expect of others in a team environment?

I expect and appreciate others in a team whom I collaborate with to work in a professional manner. I enjoy it very much if each member appreciates the talents of the others and does not seek to change the others in order to conform to a mold that they want them to fit into. So the ideal team is one where each member appreciates the respective talents of the others, which is very important in order to work toward the completion of various projects.

Where do you see your work taking you?

It seems to be evolving in an exciting way, which I’ve always envisioned, even as a youth. I seem to be improving, hopefully, as I progress. My abilities in imparting my visions seem to get continually easier and more exciting all the time.

If you could picture yourself 5, 10 years from now, where would you be and what would you be doing?

I would have my art known worldwide, in venues such as books and other markets. I also would enjoy communicating my ideas of inspiration to all, through my art.

If you were awarded a grant of say… $20,000 for a major art project, how would you use the money?

I would probably purchase new art supplies that I would need. I would also employ the services of my very talented current team I am working with, in order to develop the many exciting projects I have planned, so that I can share them with the world.

Do you have a vision for your work?

I want to develop my feelings of spirituality and goodness, and love for life and nature. I strive to share this with others. I also enjoy showing the healing power of art, both to oneself and to others. It is a great therapy and a wonderful way to release one’s emotions, visions and desires. It is also very calming to do so.

How do you think/want other people to respond to your art?

I’d love if they would be inspired and uplifted in a joyful way, by viewing my art. I’d like it if they could be also inspired to create art themselves, expressing their dreams and personal feelings. It’s such a fulfilling experience!

Do you see yourself in your artwork? How?

I don’t paint myself specifically in my paintings, but I strive in my art to express my “inner soul” as much as I can.

What do you think your work stands for?

I try to express love for beauty, nature and joy of life. I hope that my work will make people remember the amazing childhood feelings they used to have of the awe for everything. These amazing feelings can keep you feeling “forever young.”

I also try, through my art, to impart my reverence for life, including all people, animals, etc. This way, they will see that we must all work to preserve life and not be at odds with one another.

Are your ideas readily conveyed?

I feel that they are. I’m not a complex person, and I don’t feel that my ideas are either. My paintings might sometimes appear complex, but it is the kind of art that is enjoyable to study. When doing this, one can see intricate details that are enjoyable for many.

Do you feel confident speaking and writing about what it is you do?

Yes. I enjoy all kinds of people, and it’s great fun communicating my thoughts to all who are interested.

Can you describe your ideal working atmosphere?

I enjoy a cozy, comfortable place, with a nice environment of trees, etc., that I can look out into.

What do you consider to be some of your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

I have a good facility of drawing and painting, which helps me in my art. My imagination inspires me in my creativity. I’m very persevering and have a great desire to finish my projects, even though they may be long range ones. I don’t give up on them, even though I may run into difficulties in their development.

I do have an innate shyness, which I’ve considered a weakness throughout my lifetime. But my love to communicate my art and ideas, and the appreciation of imparting it to others, has helped me overcome this.

Can you detail some important goals you have achieved?

I’ve completed a large body of paintings, which, I understand, are appreciated by many worldwide. I’ve also had my artwork licensed in several fields, in different markets, such as wall murals, books, puzzles, greeting cards, etc.

I’ve been fortunate to have a kind and loving husband, so a wonderful goal that I’ve achieved is a very happy marriage, where we support each other’s dreams.

What are your short-range and long-range goals, and how do you expect to achieve them?

I look forward to more recognition along the lines of licensing my works. There are several books directed towards all age groups, which are in the planning stages now. I am working with some very talented people who are helping to “brand” my work, and hopefully, my long range goal will be achieved through this process. Being an individual artist, I do need professional assistance in promoting my work. I’m now working with a wonderful team who are making my dreams possible.

What are your behaviors that inspire or motivate others?

I like to show joy and love of imagination in my art. I try to impart the fact that everyone has an innate talent in various forms that they can develop in many exciting ways. It’s a very fulfilling thing to do.

How would others describe you? Your work ethic/habits?

I’m considered a talented artist and a kind and good friend. I’ve always been an honest person, and I do my utmost in dealing fairly with others. I do my best and hope that others will treat me in the same way.

What methods do you use to organize your time?

I try to take each day at a time. I organize time around my obligations for that day, by making a mental list of things to do. I try not to stress over not being able to achieve everything in my daily time allotted. I just do my best to get everything done that I wish to do.

I consider each day a gift and an adventure. I try to have a schedule for what I’d like to do, but if I don’t get everything done, I know I’ll be able to do it in good time. Sometimes surprising things happen that weren’t planned, which are interesting in themselves. Serendipity.

Tell me about a time when you have felt pulled in all directions and how you handled it.

I used to do “Art for Hire” commissions, and sometimes I felt overwhelmed to hurry to meet a deadline. During one such project, the art director called me several times to ask me “when are you going to be finished?” And I responded by saying, “I’m trying my best to do a good job, and it’s taking me a while because I have other things I have to do also.” I feel that “I have a life,” which includes doing many things. It’s not really a very good feeling to be pulled in many directions at once. I love to do my art work, which I often get paid for; but I also have personal things that I enjoy doing, which are very important to me too.

So, after explaining this to her, she understood that I am not a “pot boiler artist,” and that she would have to be patient and wait for me to do a good job. She accepted this, probably reluctantly, but I was happier having explained it to her.

When I do my creative art, I like to do it in an inspired and relaxed atmosphere. I do my best work that way. And so that’s how I handle my work at this point in my life. I try not to get myself in a situation where I will be pulled in too many directions at once.

What motivates/inspires your work?

The beauty of nature motivates me to create. All forms of art that I love often inspire me to paint.

To show that we are a part of nature, along with the wonderful environment we live in and other life forms, such as the animals, is a very motivating theme to me. I feel called to show these feelings in my art; to give the sense of being one with all of creation. It is a very spiritual feeling that inspires me. I think if this can be felt by many people, there would be more respect for our precious planet.

How do you know when you have achieved success?

I am one of the most severe critics that I have to please. I’m quite a perfectionist when it comes to my art work. So when I am pleased with a current project, I feel I’ve reached a goal.

Also hearing from others that they enjoy and appreciate my work is very important to me. All these things let me know when

I’ve achieved success with my art.

How do you measure your level of success/achievement?

I get feedback from others through social media, etc., and from the public in general. That is one way I measure my success. I also appreciate any success I receive from various companies who want to publish or produce my work in various forms. If I like my work that I complete, I feel that eventually it will be appreciated by others sometime in the future.

I also feel that having success in my personal relationships is very important also. Yes, my art work means a great deal as a goal, but having lasting, wonderful bonds between family and friends are also a great measure of success to me, as I’m sure it is to everyone. Life would be very lonely without this. Friends and family are a gift to always cherish.

Describe yourself in one word. Why that word?

INSPIRING. I like to try to inspire other with the medium of my art.

Learn all about angels with this great new children’s book from noted painter Judy Mastrangelo! “Book of Angels” is a beautifully creative, traditional children’s book filled with illustrations your children will love. Who doesn’t love angels? Read along and learn with your children as you delve into a magical fairytale world of make believe and wonder!

Get your copy of “The Book of Angels” today

book of angels 1

Nov 01

Being Reckless with Steamy Author Yveta Germano

 

I backed off as soon as I saw his flashing eyes. Those weren’t the mesmerizing blue eyes I could previously get lost in. These were the eyes of a man so angry, he could kill me just by looking at me.
“I told myself a hundred times I would never touch you. But you’re so fucked up in the head, you leave me no option.” His voice was hoarse and furious; it was the only thing I could concentrate on.
He threw me over his shoulder, and before I could protest and call him another name, he took me to my bedroom, shut the door and pinned me against it. He quickly pulled both of my arms behind my back and kept me immobilized with his one hand. I was still angry, and I jerked my head from side to side. He clasped my face with his other hand and pressed my cheeks in, mangling my lips outward. He was still fuming and was about to say something but stopped himself when I let out a faint cry. He let go of my face and breathed out a few times.
“You want me to stop?” he whispered and, for a short moment, I thought I should say ‘yes.‘ I shook my head ‘no‘ instead.

yveta germano pic

Who do you have in mind when you write?

I should probably say my readers, but the truth is, the characters I create take over my “mind” almost completely. Even if I have nothing but a vague idea what the story is going to be about, I always know what kind of a characters I want to bring to life. As I write and dig deeper into their imaginary heads, their stories, dialogues, thoughts and feelings take over my own mind and thought process. I no longer think up conversations, I only write down what I feel and “hear” the characters speak. Once I allow myself to become one or more of the characters, the story unfolds right before my very eyes, on the computer monitor. All I do is type and stay connected.

Once I’m about halfway through the manuscript, I do consider the readers. I want to make sure they love my characters as much as I do. I ask myself questions like, “What would the readers think about so and so behaving so weird? Would they hate him? Would they understand her? Is the scene too unreal?” I analyze the characters and the story in light of these questions or even ask my daughters for input, and then make necessary changes.

Have you always aspired to be a writer? 

I suppose I have. I’ve kept my book idea journal since my early teenage years. Somehow, I always knew I wanted to write, but I was also fortunate to have an unbelievably event-filled, adventurous, and sometimes outright crazy life. Coupled with a busy career and two daughters, I had to wait a while to get to a point in life when the urge to write became so powerful, everything else (except my family) simply faded.

Tell me about how you became a writer—what was the first step for you?

I was definitely a reader first. Growing up in the Czech Republic, we had to read a lot for school. We kept reading journals, and I loved writing my entries so much, I’d even illustrate each entry. We read everything from modern literature to classics, from Czech authors to Russian, English, American; basically every author who was somehow influential. At fifteen, I managed to read almost all of Victor Hugo (even though Les Miserábles is a very long novel…). Soon, I realized the books allowed me to imagine myself in the world they described. I loved that feeling, and I kept on reading my own personal selections of Jack Kerouac, Franz Kafka, Truman Capote, Nikos Kazantzakis, and many more. The wide array of interesting novels I read throughout my early life showed me that every story, no matter how seemingly simple or complicated, can become a great novel if written in “a light, or point of view, no one has ever seen before….”

That’s when I began to write notes in my own journal. I jotted down book ideas, short stories, personal observations of the world around me, even my feelings of how I thought I did or did not fit into this physical, “real” world we live in. It was this journal that ultimately showed me that whenever I felt like I’d rather be someone else, in some world far from ours, all I had to do was to imagine it and write it down. And so I did…. And I still do…

Do you have a distinctive “voice” as a writer?

Not really. Like I said, I feel as though the stories I write just come to me when the time is right, and I only write when I feel the urge. The voice comes with the story. If I write a diary of a French girl, the voice is hers: young, excited, scared at times. It’s the first voice of a unique person. When I wrote Bring Me Back, the story manifested itself through a third voice, sometimes a voice so strong and persuasive, I found myself listening to it wondering what will I learn next. When the need to write Choking Game finally overpowered my fear of the sadness the story would bring with itself, the voice became ardent, even cruel, but slowly turned kind, understanding, and filled with hope.

No, I don’t think about the voice. I let the story speak for itself in whatever voice feels right for it.

Do you think anyone can learn to be an effective writer, or is it an unnamed spiritual gift?

I suppose with a little talent, anyone can learn to “write” like a writer. There are many very talented people who write for hire, and they do it well. Many TV shows use such talent to write episodes after a successful pilot show. Writing, after all, has rules that apply just like any other “trade.” Even the best stories, if told without the regard for some of the rules like “show don’t tell,” “don’t jump from one character’s head to another,” etc., can fall short of their potential.

Having said that, however, I do not think one can learn to “create” stories and characters. I feel the difference between writing a piece of work and creating something from within your own inner self is tremendous. Writers who bring stories and characters to life in this way always leave a piece of themselves within the pages of the book. At least I do. I have never written a book where I would not share a piece of my own self, whether a prior experience, personal feeling, or a whole lot more.

Was there a point at which you felt this would be a career?

I never thought of it that way. Now that you mention it, I am not even entertaining the idea of quitting and going back to a day job anytime soon, if ever. So, maybe writing is my career. All I know, it’s something I love to do more than anything else.

Is there a book you’re most proud of?

This may sound a little pretentious, but I do love every one of my books. Each is very different, and each represents a different part of me or my life experience. I poured my heart out in the Choking Game, which was a very personal journey. The first book of the series, Diary of a French Girl: Recklessly Yours, was so much fun to write, I cannot wait to write a sequel.

But my love affair is the Bring Me Back trilogy. The first book was published last year, and I am halfway through with the second book. It’s taking more time than I expected because this trilogy is far more than a story. It’s a lifetime of learning, experience, imagining time and space, and the answers to enigmatic questions like, “Is there life after death? What is a soul, and where does it come from? Can we clone a human being that has both a body and a soul?” Bring Me Back is my take on all of this, and I do my best to create a story that will not only show the many possibilities, but also entertain, intrigue, and pull the reader into a world they could feel and love.

Writing is so internal—in the head—how did you release the pressure before you began writing?

I don’t. Every time I start a new book, I let the pressure build up inside my head, my heart and my soul. It allows me to forget who I am personally, and become one with my characters. The internal pressure fuels my desire to tell the story as realistically as I can by feeling it, rather then making it up.

On average, how long does it take for you to write your ideas down before you start writing a book?

I’m probably the most disorganized author you’ve interviewed. I never organize my thoughts or even think what exactly the book is going to be about. I don’t get up in the morning thinking I will spend the day writing. I don’t write a synopsis, and I write thoughts and ideas only once the manuscript is almost finished. I often go back and re-write, though.

There are two ways I start a new book. I either sit down and “doodle” a sentence. The sentence becomes a paragraph, the paragraph grows into a page on the monitor, and then a page follows another page… This is how I started Choking Game. All I did was write a Twitter tweet: I wonder what the world would be like if I didn’t exist? And the rest of the book followed in a heartbeat.

Or I get up one day and all I can think of is being alone, closing the door to my office and to the “outside world” because I feel something is pounding my head, and I have to let it come out in the form of a new story. As crazy as it sounds, this is how the Bring Me Back trilogy started. And I waited several months from when the first book was published until that same crazy feeling returned, and I began to write the second book. Once I do start to write, though, the story unfolds so quickly, I can barely keep up with the typing.

How do you guard your time to do what’s most important?

I don’t. I let things slide; I steal quality time from my family; I get anxious wanting to write while I have to do some other so-called “important tasks;” I get panic attacks that there’s simply too much to do to manage to do it all, and then… I inhale, close my eyes, and realize I am my own worst enemy. So, I do what I have to. I do one thing at a time and stop obsessing about wanting to do it all at once…

What are some of the more common distractions you struggle with, and what ways have you found to overcome them?

My friends, my family, my dog, and, of course, my second homeland, Czech Republic, where I spend a lot of time because I have more friends, family, and another dog there. I’m connected to everyone on social media sites, and if that’s not enough of a distraction, we FaceTime, Skype, go out, hang out, you name it.

But when the need to let a new story out of my head takes over, my friends and family understand my kind of “not normal.” Yeah, I retreat for a while, kind of disappear from the radar for a couple of months and go to live happily ever after in a new world I am creating at that time.

What kind of review do you take to heart?

The one where I can tell the reviewer actually read the book. Have you noticed how many reviews are on Amazon by people who did not purchase the book and seem to have no understanding what the book is really about?

As a writer, however, you have the opportunity to self-reflect, to revisit experiences. How does that feel?

Sometimes, it’s a great feeling, especially when the story has a deeper meaning, like in Bring Me Back. I find myself laughing while typing some scenes and remembering similar situations that might had happened to me before, like in the Diary of a French Girl. And sometimes the writing journey is so emotional, I can’t see the words on the monitor through the tears I am unable to hold back, just like when I wrote the Choking Game.

Yes, my work is full of self-reflection. I think that’s why I enjoy it so much, whether it’s a happy and fun experience, or a sad one. I get to revisit the past and make it better or worse in the present in a world I create. The opportunity to do this makes the entire writing process worthwhile, whether I write for readers or simply for my own enjoyment.

When you start a new book, do you know how a book will end as you’re writing it?  Or does its direction unfold during the writing, research and/or creative process?

I never know how the book will end. That’s what makes the writing so exciting. Sometimes, the story unfolds and takes such unexpected turns, I am surprised myself about how it ends. Like I said before, I do not decide to write a story, then sit down, write a synopsis, and then follow the story line. I make no decisions to do anything unless something—and I don’t know what it is—literally makes me sit down, open a new file, and start typing. I may have an idea from my journal, or I may think of something and it pops in my head, but I never have a story line.

As I write and the story begins to wrap up, I am always amazed how naturally the end of the story unfolds. Writing the very last sentence is my favorite part of every book. It has to feel right—final but not absolute. The sentence has to clearly end the story, but give the reader some room for his own opinion.

How do your books speak to people, both inside and outside the reading world?

It depends who you have in mind. One thing I realized as I wrote more young adult and new adult books, though. My characters are never quite “normal.” Even if a character acts “normal” at the beginning of the book, sooner or later he or she reveals some deeper character flaw, something unique to each one, something good and definitely something bad. I gave up on entirely positive characters. I’d go as far as saying, “I can’t do normal.” Maybe it’s who I am or maybe I met too many interesting, unusual people along my unusual life. I prefer to “hang out” with quirky, edgy, even mean or depressed characters. People come in all shapes, forms and shades. I pay more attention to those who have some kind of an internal struggle. They feel more human to me.

With a character who has certain flaws and internal struggle, it is easy to go deeper into the story and relate it to the world around us in a way that may even speak to a lot of people. I hope my books do that. It’s up to my readers to make the final judgment.

How do you see your role in impacting and influencing society?

I never thought about myself as someone who could impact and influence society. Then one day I found myself working along some unbelievably smart, brilliant people who actually considered me their equal. It was a humbling experience. That was my former career as a CEO of a privately held medical research company. I was too busy working to think about making an impact. All I wanted was to keep the company going, the scientists being able to conduct their studies, and helping as many sick people as I could. And then I picked up a phone one day and man’s voice on the other line said, “Yveta, you’re a blessing to me. Without your help, I wouldn’t be alive.” That statement made me cry, and I am definitely not one who cries often.

What I realized was that this phone call reinforced what I always believed very strongly: everything we do, no matter how big or small, has an impact. We cannot hide or run away from our actions. I am far from perfect; I have many flaws, and I have trouble following the rules; but I was always ready to accept the consequences of my actions. I was fortunate to have a career that allowed me to have a positive impact, and now I am trying to use some of that work experience to do the same with my books.

Do you look at yourself as an “envelope pusher” with your writing?

Absolutely. The further the better. I do not shy away from issues that make people feel uncomfortable. I shared this quote on my Facebook page: “Art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.” I don’t know who said it, but it’s a great thought. I kind of feel the same way about books.

What are some pieces of advice that you would give someone on writing well?

Don’t try too hard. If you find yourself thinking too much, going in circles, or making up conversations that don’t sound real, walk away. Come back in a few days or weeks or even months, whatever it takes to feel rather than make the story. If you find yourself back to where you were before, maybe it’s not the story you’re supposed to be writing.

Young writers often make foolish mistakes. What is a mistake to avoid?

Thinking that you know it all… Just because you read a lot of books or have a fantastic story idea, doesn’t mean you have what it takes to be a good writer. Books take time and the willingness to re-write, sometimes more than once. A good writer listens to feedback and is able to step back and see the manuscript with the feedback in mind. Sometimes, writers get too entangled with their point of view and don’t consider the fact that others may not see it their way. Always keep an open mind.

What obstacles and opportunities do you see for writers in the years ahead?

The Indie publishing world is a double-edged sword. Everyone has the opportunity to publish his work, which allows far too many to publish just about anything. The market is saturated as it is. It will be even harder to find the really good novels among so many other pieces of work.

Could you talk about one work of creative art that has powerfully impacted you as a person?

My all time favorite artists have always been Michelangelo for his unbelievably carved marble statues and Rembrandt for his paintings that played with darkness, shadows and light. I read many books about these two artists when I was a teenager. Ever since I read about Michelangelo’s Pieta, I knew it was something I wanted to see one day.

Two years ago, I was in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and as I walked towards the Pieta, I was blown away. It was even more beautiful than I had ever imagined it to be. I cannot imagine what kind of genius can take a piece of marble and carve Jesus dead, laying in Mary’s lap, with such an incredible detail. Every muscle, sinew, piece of the body seems so real. I stood there for a long time taking in the fact that Michelangelo carved this marvel before he was thirty years old.

I felt elated for the rest of the day, knowing that I finally saw the one statue I wanted to see my whole life. It was like I finished a chapter in one of my books. I called my mom in the Czech Republic from Rome later that evening and found out my father suddenly died on that day. Michelangelo’s Pieta had a powerful impact on me and always will. It closed not one, but two chapters of  my life.

 

Get your copy of steamy, sexy, erotica “Recklessly Yours” 

Today

recklessly yours cover

 

 

Nov 01

10-4 Flight with Author Steve Taylor

The stories in “Wheels Up” are not made up. They are the real deal, true antics of a jet age pilot in the high-octane environment of the cockpit. Some will give you pause and make you think, some will knock the wind out of you, and some will make you throw your head back and laugh. No one is spared his (or her) just deserts, least of all the self-deprecating author in this tale of high jinks in the air, on land and at sea, complete with high tension and low humor, near collisions and happy landings.

From Citadel cadet to Delta captain, Taylor takes readers into a world few have seen. It’s both humorous and heartfelt – fast, fun and true.

 

Q) Steve, let me start by asking what inspires you?

 

My inspiration comes from trying to put a story on paper with the same humor and interest it had when it was told verbally.

 

Q) How do you find “inspiration” and where does it live?

 

Inspiration feeds on itself. Once I get into describing and telling a story, the enthusiasm develops.

 

Q) When did you first consider yourself to be a writer, Steve?

 

Well, I guess I never really considered myself a writer until my editor said, “Steve, you have a voice that needs to come out, and when I am finished with you, you will be a good writer.”

 

Q) How many times have you started a story without finishing it?

 

I have done this a few times. I also have finished a story and discarded it. In both situations, I had to admit that the stories were more entertaining to me than they would be to a future reader. It is hard to throw away work, but better that the author do it than wait for the editor to wield the cruel red ink, or worse, have a dragging section in the book.

 

Q) What is the greatest writing aid a writer can have?

 

The Internet. Because of it, writers today have the opportunity to look much smarter than in the old days. There is not much excuse for getting the facts wrong.

 

Q) Who is the most inspiring individual you’ve ever met?

 

My father was the measure of all other men. Through hardship and failure, his integrity and good humor were unshakable. Against the odds, he persisted until success was achieved. He never told me what to do, but he encouraged what I did.

 

Q) What is your personal writer’s heaven?

 

My writer’s heaven is being able to create successfully without the complications of publishing and marketing.

 

Q) Can you tell me what your new book is about in 10 words or less?

 

It’s 22 stories about the antics of airline crew members.

 

Q) How often have you read another writer’s book and said, “I can do better than that?”

 

Probably not as often as somebody has said that about me.

 

Q) Who are your personal favorite authors?

 

I am an eclectic reader. Some of my favorites are Winston Churchill, Victor Hugo, Mark Twain, Malcolm Gladwell and my son, Brad Taylor. All of these are accurate with the facts.

 

Q) For the purpose of this question, I’m a school teacher. What can you offer to help me prepare 4th graders to appreciate writing, now and for the rest of their lives?

 

They will never learn to appreciate good writing unless they learn to become readers. Give them something to read that they enjoy. They will gradually learn to appreciate good writing as they become good readers.

 

Q) How do you know when a chapter is just right?

 

I never know that it’s just right. If it’s left to cool for a while, there always seems to be something to make it better.

 

Q) How do you like to write? By the pool? On the bed? In the car? What’s your heavenly writing situation?

 

I like to slump way back in my easy chair with a typewriter keyboard in my lap that is connected to a laptop computer. Since this puts the computer too far away for my normal glasses, I use weaker drugstore glasses.

 

Q) Do you feel supported as a writer?

 

This writing thing is a yin-yang situation. My friends and readers heap praise, but I am always prepared to get kicked in the teeth by a vendor.

 

Q) How do you think your new book will be received by readers?

 

Hope springs eternal–there goes that cliché again.

 

Keep flying with Steve Taylor in his new book

“Wheels Up: Sky Jinks in the Jet Age“

Oct 28

Multi-Bestselling Romance Author MJ Summers Breaks Her Silence and Comes Clean About Her New Book “Breaking Love.”

 

mj summers new

MJ Summers is one of the most exciting authors on the scene of today. Her first novel “Break In Two” was one of the biggest hits of 2013. Her first novella “Don’t Let Go” was another winner and now the wonderfully romantic sequel to “Break In Two, ” “Breaking Love” is here… This short interview was undertaken by Ms Summers and should act as a quick introduction to one of the biggest success stories of today… Welcome MJ Summers!

Good morning, MJ! So when did you get the writing bug?

I started April of last year. It’s a new thing for me, to be totally honest. I have a general science degree and after a long and windy path, found myself working as a mediator for the federal government. Then I had kids and stayed home to be with them for close to eight years before I began writing. I read a couple of contemporary romance novels and was inspired to give it a try.

How did you get your first book “Break in Two” onto the market?

To start, I self-published with KDP Select on Amazon since it was going to be an e-book. When you self-publish, it’s really challenging to get your book into brick and mortar stores. I decided to go with Amazon because they have the lion’s share of the market and give you 70% of your royalties, instead of the normal 35%. Luckily, it did really well. Now I have a publisher in Canada, HarperCollins. In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, I’m with Little, Brown and Company, which is owned by Hachette. I’ve signed a four-book deal with both.

 

Have your work properly edited and then to turn your attention to marketing….

 

What advice would you give to a new writer looking to work with a publisher?

My best advice would be to have your work properly edited and then to turn your attention to marketing. I  hired an editor/proofreader and her help was worth every penny. You want a polished end product. As far as marketing goes, Goodreads is a perfect place to spend your money because it’s inexpensive and gives you so much exposure.

I also hired a publicist out of the UK, Nick Wale. He has a company called Novel Ideas, and he’s passionate about helping Indie authors. He doesn’t believe in charging an arm and a leg for his services because he knows that Indie authors just don’t have the budget for it. He featured me in his e-zine. I think the whole thing cost $67 to get started working with him. His ideas for how to market yourself are brilliant. For me, it was huge.

What comes next for MJ Summers?

I’m rewriting and reworking my third novel, which is part of the series and will be out next spring. I’ve also started writing the fourth novel, which will be out closer to summer or fall. Once that series is wrapped up, I have a few more series rolling around in the back of my head.

I’m interested in looking at romantic suspense and seeing if I could create a world that would have a really long-running series with characters that people would want to return to over and over again. Those are the other sorts of dreams that I’m working on. It’s exciting to not know where you’re going and to have already achieved something that you didn’t know was possible. It’s great.

Enjoyed this interview?

Why not try…

The next wonderfully romantic read from MJ Summers, bestselling author of Break In Two….

Seductive. Passionate. Addictive…

Luc Chevalier, powerful billionaire and well-known heart breaker, has everything he desires: power, luxury, beautiful women . . . and no strings attached. Now, an accidental meeting is about to make him question everything.

Megan is a single mum leading a very ordinary life, when she comes crashing into Luc’s seemingly oh-so-perfect world for just one night in the city of love: Paris. Yet that night changes Megan. The part of her she’d hidden away for so long is brought back to life, and she knows she’s out of her depth: Luc is beautiful, ruthless and – somewhere deep down inside – irreparably damaged.

Breaking Love is the story of two people who’ve yet to find true happiness – can they put aside their fears and fight for what they truly want? One thing is for sure: life won’t, life can’t, ever be the same again . . .

Will two people who don’t believe in happily-ever-after manage to put aside their doubts and find their forever?

 

Mj summers release

Oct 24

MJ Summers Appears in Quill and Quire Magazine To Discuss That Six Figure Book Deal

Most self-published authors can only dream of signing a six-figure book deal with a multinational publisher, but that’s the reality for MJ Summers, the pseudonymous author of the contemporary romance novel Break in Two

Frontmatter-02

In July, HarperCollins Canada editorial director Jennifer Lambert acquired Canadian English-language rights to the Edmonton writer’s debut novel – which was self-published as an ebook on Amazon in November 2013 – as well as three follow-up titles and a novella. (Summers also cut a deal for U.K. rights with Piatkus, a division of Little, Brown and Company.)

The novella, Don’t Let Go, was released this summer as a bridge publication. A re- edited version of Break in Two will be released in print in December with a new cover, and book two, Breaking Love, will hit stores the same month (the ebook is out in November). The final two books,Breaking Clear and Breaking Hearts, will be published in April and June 2015, respectively.

It’s a remarkable trajectory given that Summers only started reading romance books in spring 2013. “I really enjoyed them, so I thought, ‘Well, maybe I should try writing something like that,’” she says. The stay-at-home mom began writing­ in April 2013 and finished Break in Two by September. She’d already started building her social-media presence, and hired Nick Wale, a U.K.-based public relations specialist who works with independent authors.

Read the whole article here

Oct 15

Interview X1 Concerning Security Through Absurdity: Book One: Little Yellow Stickies

Fiction is the new history. “Security Through Absurdity” is the fiction tale that blows the whistle. A book that makes you wonder and makes you think. A book that can make your skin crawl with the horror of kept secrets and can make you shake your head in bewilderment. A book you can only understand if you open your eyes. Open your eyes and look for the truth between the lines….

 

Good morning, Rachael. I want to start by asking you what was the hardest part of writing your new book “Security Through Absurdity: Book One: Little Yellow Stickies“?

Getting my kids to go to sleep so that I could have some quality quiet time to write.  I would get them to bed and just type like crazy.  When I passed it in to the publisher, they told me that I had written 4.8 novels.  That I should use a pen name and get life insurance because we were going to break it down into a trilogy.  I didn’t bother with the pen name because my family and friends have already heard me talking about this stuff back when it happened in real life.  And I figured what’s the point.  It’s listed as FICTION anyway.  I did get life insurance though.

 

Some people think that I’m trying to persuade them to change their minds about something. Honestly, I’m not.~

 

Are there misconceptions that people have about “Security Through Absurdity: Book One: Little Yellow Stickes?” 

Some people think that I’m trying to persuade them to change their minds about something. Honestly, I’m not.  In fact, I tried really hard not to be confrontational and just write a good story that people might get a kick out of.  I’m simply reporting what I saw through the eyes of a clueless fictional character.  The other fictional characters surrounding the main character offer opinions and commentary.  It’s up to the reader to decide what to do with the information.  They have to decide if its just good, clean fun – fiction – or if the book is some sort of clue to a larger world event.  I have both floating around in my books.  I guess I did it up this way because I honestly don’t know what to think about some of this stuff myself.

What is the most important thing that people DON’T know about this genre that they need to know? 

Considering that I had no idea the genre of NEW JOURNALISM (that’s with a capital N and a capital J) even existed until two nights ago,  I’ll just send you to the Wikipedia page. With that said, I’m not a real New Journalist.  I’m some sort of modern day offshoot of this category because:

  1. I’m not dead or a million years old,
  2. I’m not addicted to drugs,
  3. I’m not a man, and
  4. Although my story really is based on a lot of things I witnessed and experienced at a US defense contractor, and with the politics I was involved with, I’m not ready to say I’m a ‘whistle blower’ or ‘journalist.’

I honestly don’t want to deal with what those two titles encompass.  FICTION, as listed on the back cover of my books, is just fine as far as I’m concerned.  I’ll leave it to the smart and inquisitive readers to sort the fact from the fiction.

I get FaceBook IM’s all the time asking me if such and such in my book really happened.  And they are always surprised when I send them to Ixquick or Google.   I have included a link on my webpage to Jocelynsworld.com, which will soon be populated with links to news stories and information related to chapters and verses of Security Through Absurdity.

How did you get to be where you are in your life today?

Damned if I know.  I guess adversity and bad luck coupled with the will to carry on.  Same as everyone else, I suppose.

What did you find most useful in learning to write?  What was least useful or most destructive?

Just sitting down and doing it.  Type, type, type and type some more.  Eventually, your fingers will start to tell the story for you.  I image its like getting really good at playing an instrument.  Eventually a song is gonna just pop out of you if you practice enough.

Then, after type – type – type – typing, working with the editors.  Some people don’t like the editing phase.  I like it.  Sure, it’s a pain; but the editors, at least the ones I’m working with, help me a lot making me think more about the reader’s perspective.  And they help make the story more universally understood, which is what I want.  I want people to read the story and get it.  Believe me, I want people to get it.

The least helpful in getting me to become a better writer was probably that one writing class I took.  My one word take away from that experience = never again.  Okay, that was two, but you get my point.

 

 

Seeing that the first book in my Security Through Absurdity series is about that experience, I’d say it impacted me.  

 

 

What are some day jobs that you have held?  If any of them impacted your writing, share an example.

I was a Marketing Communications Specialist at one of America’s largest defense contractors for six years.  I did a lot of work on government proposals and placing news stories and advertisments.  Seeing that the first book in my Security Through Absurdity series is about that experience, I’d say it impacted me.

For those interested in exploring the subject or theme of your book, where should they start? 

Anywhere BUT with the mainstream media news.  At this point, I’m pretty convinced a decent percentage of the stuff on the news is make pretend.  At least with my books, I proudly proclaim, “It’s all true, except for the parts that are fake!”

Do you write more by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two?  Summarize your writing process.

Here’s the process: I put the kids to bed and just start typing and stay up until I can’t take it anymore.  While waffling between consciousness and dream state, I get the best work done.  I’ve always been that way.  And I’m always thrilled when I go back the next day and get to read what I’ve written.

What are some ways in which you promote your work?  Do you find that these add to or detract from your writing time? 

I have been doing readings almost non-stop since this first book was released back in June. The ritual of reading at a bookstore is actually pretty disheartening.  The worst was when I had to lure people into the bookstore by offering them free wine,  but that only happened once.  Then there was that time I thought I had a pretty decent crowd, and the lady throwing the event at the bookstore told me she felt bad for me.   But whatever,  I keep on trucking.  The listings in the book calendar in the newspaper is good for the resume and keeps my name – now my brand –  in front of people’s faces.

I have been doing radio interviews and podcasts, too.  I have pretty much been a PR machine making press packs and gently harassing my local newspapers.  Naturally, I have blog tour interviews to attend to.  As well as my own MailChimp newsletter and website, with the requisite blog entries to do.  Oh! let me not forget FaceBook pages (fan and personal) and my Twitter account: @EntropyPress.  Long story short: being an author seems to entail much more hard core marketing than I had imagined.

What do you like to read in your free time?

Wired Magazine  (to stay up to date on tech and business)

ZeroHedge.com  (specifically for the comments section, Bitchez!  <—– If you read ZeroHedge.com comments you’ll know why that’s hilarious.)

Wall Street Journal and NYTimes (to see what the normal people are thinking about)

I stay away from television.  In fact, I haven’t had one in my house for almost a decade.  Therefore, I appreciate online news reporting from all over the interwebs,  Some of the internet stuff is just wacky and some is really awesome and hard hitting, and I suck that up on a daily basis.   I find the best way to handle the info is to bounce the stories off each other and then you can kind of piece together what probably happened or even what might happen.

As far as reading for fun, my favorites include Et Tu Babe by Mark Leyner.  I have read that countless times now and still burst out laughing.  And Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson.  I simply fell in love with Bobby Shaftoe, one of the main characters. Even though I’ve read that book more than once, I never really enjoy the story past him hurling himself to his death.  Oh, and I really liked The Moon is Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein. I like how it started off just a mish-mash of words and then you get used to it and the story rocks.

What projects are you working on at the present?

At this very minute, I’m working on the edits to Book Three: THE BIG SHOW.   I am also figuring out how to make the Security Through Absurdity books into a NETFLIX series because I know, since having had a fairly successful book club for almost four years, that people don’t really read.  That’s why the book club became a Bookclub / Discussion Group.  I would show films, we would talk about them, and then I’d suggest related books to read.

Anyhow, I have met with the Film and Television office at the State House – it’s kind of an economic development office that lures film makers into Rhode Island and deals with tax credits and stuff – the first response from them was to make my story into a feature film, but I think that it needs to be broken down into episodes. Episodes would showcase the fun facts interspersed throughout my books and not just have it turn into a sexy chick with cars flipping over, which is apt to happen in a feature film.

What do your plans for future projects include?

I will be continuing the Security Through Absurdity series.  I have two more books in me with these characters making it a grand total of five books in the series.  I also have two completely different sets of books that have been clawing to get out.   Those will be much more fictional, more darkly hilarious, and more explicitly violent than the Security Through Absurdity books – but rest assured they will still be as smart and fact-filled.

BUT BEFORE I hit up the Dark Comedy novels, I want to finish a one man play that I have been toying around with.  The play explores the impact of interpersonal relationships via the Internet.  It focuses on how American GenX has adapted (or not) to the technology it has hungrily embraced and raised its franchise families on (meaning its third spouse and second set of children)  I see it as kind of White Noise by Don DeLillo meets Death of a Salesman meets Waiting for Godot meets Skype.

I’ve never written a play.  But then again, I had never written a book before I set out on this path.  I am seriously excited to be doing what I’m doing.  I mean, someone has to document this moment in time.  Hopefully in such a way that future generations might appreciate the monumental shifts happening as I type.

 

Security Through Absurdity: Book One: Little Yellow Stickies

 

“Jocelyn McLaren is a beautiful, hard working, yet naive visual artist who, through a twist of fate, ends up working for a major US defense contractor during the lead up to the Iraq war. She unknowingly witnesses and unwittingly participates in crimes that haunt her and are ultimately interlinked with the most nefarious psychopaths on the planet.

Divided into three books, SECURITY THROUGH ABSURDITY is the story of corporate shenanigans, an unstable home life, and a quixotic presidential campaign. These situations propel Jocelyn through a believably bizarre journey and into dangerous psychological territory. In a matrix of life threatening situations, she is forced to question the very fabric of her GenX American upbringing.

Praise for “Security Through Absurdity: Book One: Little Yellow Stickies

 

Reading this book, I felt pretty much as Jocelyn must have felt when she first started working for her boss Adam – out of my depth. The environment is a corporate defense contractor and the people who work there have to lay aside any principles they may have had about war, and most of their ethics because they will be asked to lie, manipulate, commit fraud and any other essential actions to get the job done and enhance corporate stock levels.

I really like the subtitle of security through absurdity because it sums up the work defense contractor perfectly. There is so much absurdity in what Jocelyn is asked to do, it made my head reel. I have no experience of corporate government defense contractors in America, and, after reading this book, I’m happy to stay out of it!

 

Available Now

 

Oct 15

Introducing Artist and Author Judy Mastrangelo

Creativity is one of those things you are either born with or born without. When it comes to art and artwork, all artists have to have a huge injection of creativity and a creative eye that goes far beyond that of an average mortal non-creative. This interview is with Judy Mastrangelo who happens to have the gift of creativity. That creativity is now coming out in the form of a series of books—children’s books, art books and all manner of books that will bring you delight and joy. In the following interview, we discuss her art and the art she likes to create. We also find out where her inspiration comes from and how those ideas become works of art.

 

What themes would say are prevalent in all your art work?

In the past few years, my work tends to have mostly Fairy and other Fantasy themes.  I also love to paint Animals, Flowers, and Landscapes.    I tend to add these to my Fantasy art in order to enhance it and make it more interesting.

Why does Fantasy art appeal to you? What is it about this kind of art that excites you?

I find that it triggers my imagination, my love for Fairy Tales, and the love for things beyond our mundane and everyday world.  When I look at my environment, I can’t help thinking that there is something “beyond all this.”  To me, even an object as ordinary as a flower seems to be “other worldly.”  Observing it might make me daydream of other spiritual beings, whose unseen presence inhabit this lovely creation.

That’s why I enjoy personifying Nature in my artwork, and filling my canvases with other worldly beings, such as Fairies, Elves, Gods, Goddesses, Dryads, Nomads, Wizards, Dragons and the like.  It harkens back to bringing out the imagination that is still in me from my childhood.  I know I will always have Fantasy in my heart and mind, and it gives me feelings of youth and happiness.  I hope to impart these same feelings to others through my art.

Do you think it’s important to have a plan before you start—or just go with the flow and see what happens?

I have so many plans of paintings that I would like to do.  So I just select one that I’d like to do the most at that time, and then I plan it out in my mind first.  After I conceive of what I would like to do, I then gather any resources I may need, and then the fun of creation begins.

How do you begin a piece of work? Do you start with outlines? Backgrounds?

I’ve developed a method which I call “Mind Painting.”  For this, I tend to daydream about what my painting will be like as a finished piece.  I don’t do preliminary small sketches.

I first do outline drawings onto tracing paper of any figures which will be in the painting.  I make them the actual size that they will be in the finished painting.  I try to make as many corrections that I can on this paper.  I then cut out the figures from the paper and tape them onto my canvas, wherever I think they should go.  Then, when I’m sure I have the figures in their correct places, I transfer them, with graphite paper, onto a prepared stretched canvas.

After I paint on these figures a bit, I start indicating the background of the painting with paint.

How did you develop “Mind Painting?”

It’s curious how this first happened.  As a child, I was always prone to daydreaming.  One time, I was asked to pose in an art class, while the other students painted a portrait of me.  As I was sitting there, I began to envision a fantasy landscape, and I enjoyed watching it in my mind’s eye, just as if I was watching a movie.  From that time on, I strove to control seeing these types of visual imaginings as a tool to develop interesting ideas for my paintings.  It’s a discipline I’m still in the process of developing.

What are the major problems of being an artist? Where do mistakes normally happen?

Some of my main problems that I’ve encountered in the past are:

I’ve had difficulty trying to meet a “deadline” when taking on “Artist For Hire” commissions.   I don’t paint very quickly, since I often make mistakes, and I try to do the best job that I can.  And so recently, I’ve not taken on commissioned work and have been self-directed to follow my muse and paint what I’m inspired to do at the time.

I try to do the best I can anatomically with my figures, and I often make mistakes there.

I often become inspired by the art of great master painters who I admire.  Sometimes, there is a tendency to feel “Oh, dear, I will never become such a wonderful artist as they were!”  But then, with that realization, I just content myself by being inspired by their talent, and the delight of constantly learning from their genius.  It’s wonderful knowing that there is always more to learn, and that constantly improving one’s art is part of the joy of it all.

How did you become interested in art? What drove you to become an artist?

I guess it’s something that I was born with.  I always loved to draw and paint, even as a young child.  I enjoyed looking at illustrated books and seeing beautiful paintings in art museums, also.  I always knew that I wanted to be an artist from the very beginning of my life.

How do you know when the piece of work is shaping up to your expectations?

I keep looking at my painting in various ways, to see if it is the way I want it to be.  Sometimes, after working at my easel for a while, I feel it necessary to take stock of it from another view point. Here are some of the ways I do this:

I look at it in reverse through a mirror, turn it upside down, or view it from across the room.  This shows me the piece from a different perspective, and I can see better this way what parts have to be developed, corrected, and changed.  Even looking at it in a dimly lit room or on a computer helps in this respect.

Have you ever started a project and not finished because it wasn’t living up to expectations?

Yes, I have done this.  But I’ve usually felt that I would return to my unfinished projects eventually, with a new, fresh perspective.  Sometimes when seeing such a project, even after several years, I get a renewed enthusiasm and insight on how to develop it in a better way than I was doing originally.   In those instances, I often continue working on it again.

What’s the most important ‘rule’ to remember when you are creating a work of art?

I feel that I have to really LOVE the painting that I’m working on.  That way, I will create a piece that hopefully will turn out well.  I find that I paint best the “visions” that I enjoy the most.

What does it feel like to create something from a blank canvas? How does that feel?

I try not to worry about a blank canvas staring me in the face.  Painting for me is a labor of love, and I do it because I enjoy it very much.  And since having fun expressing myself with my art is foremost in my mind, I put away any inferiority fears I may have that it won’t come out well.  Since painting is such a joy for me, even if it doesn’t come out well in the beginning, I know it will eventually.

Which of your paintings was the hardest to create or get the vision right on and why?

I made a lot of changes in the process of creating my “FOREST SPIRIT” painting.  I can’t say that it was difficult to create, but my initial idea that I started off with didn’t seem quite right to me.  Originally, I conceived of the Forest Spirit being a kind of animal-like tree with ram’s horns.  I kept trying to finish it with that intention in mind, but my sensitivities kept saying that the figure didn’t look right.  So finally, after many days of sticking to that idea, and working very hard to paint the ram’s horns, etc., I completely repainted her head.  I then made her into what she is today ~ a more feminine figure, with flowing hair, interwoven and entwined with leaves, nuts, butterflies, birds, mushrooms, moss, etc.

I’ve gotten used to the idea that, no matter how long it takes me to paint something, even though it’s in meticulous detail, I must repaint it if my gut and my heart tells me that it doesn’t work.  And after I completely change these radical “mistakes,” I’m always happy that I did!

Which of your works are you most proud of and why?

I seem to be most proud of my Fantasy and Fairy paintings the most.  In this type of genre, I try to portray a delightful imaginative world, which is for the young and young at heart.  I intend to uplift and inspire people with my work, and when I receive positive feedback from people regarding it, I am indeed proud, since I feel I’m fulfilling my purpose.

My Fantasy art is of the more cheerful type, in contrast with the darker, more morose Gothic genre.  I do enjoy the latter, but at this time of my life, I prefer not to paint like that.  It makes me feel wonderful with the thought that I am uplifting, and inspiring people with my art in a joyful, spiritual, positive and delightful way.  I try to create art with which people would enjoy surrounding themselves.

When do you like to work? Morning? Evening? What works best for you?

My schedule is flexible, and I enjoy working at any time of day or night.  My feelings of inspiration never leave me, so I’m able to work whenever I can.

Follow Judy Mastrangelo on Facebook to Learn More About Her Work and Upcoming Book Releases

 

Oct 14

A Whole New World of Fantasy: An Interview with Writing Duo Alesia & Michael Matson

 

A con turned cop. An urchin turned lady. A web of lies. An epic love.

The world’s first 21st century book! with embedded links to maps, articles, and behind the scenes, inside information on the great City of Fernwall, the former Kingdom of Cascadia, and the larger world in which Raven & Iris live.

This is “Raven’s Tears“

This interview is with a brand new writing duo who have taken fantasy and turned it into their own art and expression. This isn’t just a work of fiction. This is a whole new world. Check out their first interview below….

 

Ravens_Tears-Frnt

Before we get into this interview, can you quickly give us the title and genre of your book and a short tagline:

Raven’s Tears: Book One of The Raven & The Iris

A con, turned cop. An urchin, turned lady. Two webs of lies. One epic love.

Genre: (Adult) fantasy fiction.

Who is your intended audience, and why should they read your book Raven’s Tears?

Intended Audience #1 are role playing gamers (table-top and digital), and they may well (and have, thus far, in test reads) groove on the setting, the action, and the intricacy of the plot. If they’ve ever played Dungeons & Dragons, Champions, Shadowrun, FATE Core, Pathfinder, Traveller – or even World of Warcraft, Everquest, Assassin’s Creed, or any of the MMOs that include a bit of interaction in the play – they’ll probably find a lot to like about this book.

They’re also writers who don’t want to do all the intensive research and work it takes to build their own setting but who want to write fantasy fiction themselves. They’re sometimes labeled as “fanfic” writers, or “fanficcers” because they started out riding on the coat-tails of movies and television shows. In addition to appreciating the story, we hope they’ll also devour the world and setting with the intention of writing their own stories there. We’re having to consult with attorneys for all the jiggery-pokery that satisfies copyright law (for our protection and for theirs), and the accountants, and that takes into account the ass-hats who always turn up in an attempt to ruin the ride for everyone.

Intended Audience #2 are college-educated fantasy readers, who, we hope, will appreciate the dialog, the characterizations, and how the complicated lives of the two protagonists mirror their own, only perhaps more glamorously.

Intended Audience #3 are frustrated home workers, male and female, who are trapped in a life of mind-numbing domestic drudgery and who deeply, desperately want an escape from that, however vicarious and temporary, that doesn’t involve turning on the damned television. Or stabbing anyone. (Michael: Leave it to the characters! They’ll do it for you.)

How did you come up with the title of “Raven’s Tears?”

“Raven’s Tears” is the translation of the name of the book’s MacGuffin, the Mâgun-Zak. Seemed both apropos and evocative.

We originally wrote Raven’s Tears in 1999 to cater to the erotica/porn market. That’s the plain, blunt truth. We wanted to write in our setting, to appeal to adult fantasy gamers and erotica readers as a combined, but very “niche” market. We couldn’t find a publisher or agent who would touch it, so we put it on the shelf for fifteen years or so and completely forgot, in the interim, that we’d slapped it together in an act of pure and utter prostitution.

Fast forward to 2014, and a need to shift careers dictated looking around to see what we had around here that was potentially a source of income. Raven’s Tears bubbled back to the surface, and after fifteen years of wear and tear on the bio-memory circuits, we didn’t manage to remember the original premise for its creation. We decided  to publish it anyway.

Then, a lot of fuckery happened, resulting in us realizing that we needed to rewrite Raven’s Tears extensively in order to make it represent the (hopefully much better) writers we are now.  In that way, we hoped it would stand up to the second book, which was 95% complete by that (this) time.

Can you tell us a little about the cover design? Who designed the cover?

Gwyn Kennedy-Snider of GKS Creative designed the cover. She was recommended to us by a former business associate.

We went with this image primarily  because it had a bird on it, and we were in a hurry to get a good cover on the book before publication. We liked the colors, the font, and Gwyn did a fabulous job in a rush. She made that cover distinctive and beautiful without a lot of time to do it.

From this point on, most replies will reflect that the book is co-written by two persons of diametrically opposed everything:

Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Alesia: In the first book, it’s Angelique, hands down. She’s why I’m telling the story. She got dealt a shit hand in life, and has made some epically bad decisions. She’s a woman who is not what she seems, who doesn’t know who she is, who does not understand her own power, and who has to discover all that in order to save everything she loves, before her sanity completely unravels.  What is not to love there?

Michael: Commissioner Hal Roland. We don’t learn much about him in Raven’s Tears. We learn a lot more in Deadman’s Trigger (book two). The guy is made of solid stone with a heart of gold, and is doing an impossible job under enormous pressure, with a tremendous amount of grace.

Alesia: Oh, I like that one, too. Well said.

How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

It’s easy to say “Louis Arnot,” but in some ways, Louis is one of the best parts of the whole story. He’s the kind of crazy-bad you know you ought to shoot right away, but there’s something about him that just  mesmerizes you into not pulling the trigger.

Alesia’s least favorite character in Raven’s Tears are actually characters – the Guardian Paladin nobility living in Fernwall during the story. They are a very deprecated and decadent version of their church/culture, post-war, and have forgotten almost everything about their religion and its teachings, that made it into a force that once tamed two continents. In other words, most of them are narcissistic hypocrites, and for that, Raven is correct to despise them.

Michael’s least favorite character in Raven’s Tears is Vincent/Raven. He’s angry, petulant, rebellious, and like all young males, thinks he is immortal and has all the answers. As we open Raven’s Tears, Vincent’s relationship with Angelique is all about rebellion. He’s managed to corrupt a rising star in the Guardian Paladin Church, which is rather disgusting, if you think about it. Fortunately, he’s a good kid at heart, but only wise old Lady Emilia can see it. He has to be knocked around for a book and a half to begin to see it in himself. (Vincent doesn’t really like himself at the beginning. How many of you caught that?)  Only then does he truly start to shine.

Alesia: No spoilers, but oh boy, does he. Michael makes me fall in love with Raven all over again in book two.

If you could change ONE thing about “Raven’s Tears,” what would it be?  Why?

Well, that’s not fair. We did change ALL the things, already. That’s what the re-write was all about.

Now, if you want to know what we did change:

  1. We eliminated about 75% of the sex. (q.v. the Adult fantasy fiction thing again.)
  2. We put Angelique’s life in Fernwall in a more meaningful context.
  3. We put Vincent/Raven more firmly into his own character development arc, which involves a dead mother and an abusive father and elder brother.
  4. We removed anything that smacked of anyone else’s material, and renamed a long list of places and things in languages that make more sense for Menelon.  The latter entailed inventing several whole new languages.

And, in the process, we obviously think we made it a MUCH better tale, and a better fantasy world!

Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

*deadpans* You mean this hasn’t been full of that, so far?

Okay. Try this:

  1. Alesia hates, loathes, and despises writing with diacritical marks, and it seems like every damned name she had to invent for the story contains them.
  2. After writing the conclusion to the first book, the authors were sad and depressed for weeks. No spoilers.
  3. Oh, the authors were married, and wrote it together. Yeah.
  4. The authors are still married. To each other. No one has been stabbed so far, but hey, we haven’t written the third book yet.

What other books are similar to “Raven’s Tears” and what makes them alike?

Alesia: Jacquelyn Carey’s works in general, but her Kushiel’s Legacy series is very, very similar. She’s used an alternate Earth for her setting, and placed some pretty fantastical things in it. She’s come up with a unique and fascinating female protagonist, who also is on a journey to discover her own power (among other things). Those are the similarities that appeal most. Her prose may be a bit more “purple-y” than ours is.

Michael: There’s also some similarity to Tolkien’s work, though I hate to say it after the Lord of the Rings, and now the Hobbit movies. Elves and dwarves, you know (there are no hobbits on Menelon): are we tired of them yet? Still, Tolkien understood the importance of a detailed, believable fantasy setting, and the importance of language to that setting (being a linguist and all). We’ve also put in a tremendous amount of work on the setting and the languages, and now are making it available via the wiki. There aren’t many authors out there that we know of who have put in that kind of work on the settings for their stories, or that have combined ebook technology with wiki technology to provide a new kind of experience for readers and fans.

Alesia: Please don’t worry, though. He’s not talking about the endless tedium of Tolkien’s written stuff. I promise you, he’s not.

Michael: No, no! I’m talking about the stuff that wasn’t seen until the Silmarillion came out; the behind the scenes stuff that make fantasy stories soar. Oh, and by the way: Our elves and dwarves are very different than anything else I’ve seen in fiction or RPG. Very different.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

Alesia: I’m not convinced that “embroidery” is either unique or interesting, but I’m an unrepentant fiber fiend.  Is “coffee” a hobby?  Or “chocolate?” Also a fan of period drama, and a life-long role playing gamer, if that wasn’t obvious.

Michael: We’re baseball fans. Does that count? Seriously. I fix things and make things. Hardly unique.

Alesia: The SF Giants always count – and it’s not been an easy year to be Giants fans. We have two puppy kids and an office cat. They ought to be hobbies, as much as it costs to maintain pets, these days.

How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

http://metaphorpublications.com

http://facebook.com/metaphorpublications ?

Metaphor Publications on G+

https://twitter.com/Met_Pub

Michael’s twitter https://twitter/meta_pub

Alesia’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zenstitcher

What can we expect from you two in the future?

There is a possible second trilogy for Raven & Iris, depending on how the first is received.

There is a probable separate trilogy planned, set at the end of Menelon’s Great War, on the continent of Sylantia, in the Holy Land of the Guardian Paladin Church, and what’s left of the kingdom of Vin-Nôrë. We get to see who Guardian Paladins are supposed to be, which bears little other than surface resemblance to what they ended up being, in Fernwall, in Angelique’s time.

There’s a second Fire Mission novella titled Par-Dhol in the works already.

There is a possible series for a completely different (space/sci-fi) setting. It’s a remote possibility at this time, given the amount of work it takes to build a freaking GALAXY. Some of the work is already done, but, you know….

What can readers who enjoy Raven’s Tears” do to help make it successful?

  1. Buy Raven’s Tears. (Captain Obvious, there.)
  2. Enjoy the wiki.
  3. Tell their friends.
  4. Blog about it, talk about it in their social networks.
  5. Participate in the fun events we’ll be doing to promote Raven’s Tears and the series.
  6. Write their own stories in the settings provided (it’s possible we’ll put them up for everyone to read!), with their own characters. Maybe start, or join, a role playing game based in Fernwall and its surrounds – again, see the wiki!
  7. Tell us how you’re having fun with it. We are already having tons of fun with this, but if there’s a way we haven’t found yet, we definitely want to know about it.

Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Alesia: lol  I’m sorry, I can’t take myself that seriously. So maybe I’ll just advise that: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Believe me, no one else does.

Michael: It’s the effect of gray hair.

Alesia: That’s not gray, you buffoon. Those are strands of glitter growing out of my head (hat tip to Ashi Labouisse for that one).

Michael: Okay. You win. :> Anyway, what was it Churchill said? “Never give up.” But that’s true of achieving anything, isn’t it? It’s certainly true of this new literary landscape we’re all creating.

Is there anything else you’d like to say before we wrap up?

*crickets*

Michael: ROFLMAO!

Okay, no, wait. Alesia (who is laughing maniacally at having a legitimate opportunity to write about herself in third person and not have it look like a clinical issue) has something to add about the process of collaborative writing, for those who were wondering: It is either a right-royal, whirling bitch of a thing, or it is utterly and madly glorious, and there doesn’t seem to be much in the middle that’s worth talking about.

And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us…

 

Angelique’s hands were still trembling when the carriage slowed to negotiate the acute angle onto Queen’s Street. She pulled up the deep cowl of her summer cloak, knowing there would be few awake to notice their arrival. Raven climbed out, flipped the driver several shillings, then quickly led her inside.

“No wine,” he murmured apologetically, closing the door behind her. “I’m sorry, beloved. I wasn’t sure…”

Beloved. Another first. It was like a dam breaking.

“Ah, well.” He’d lit the small candle by the door, then turned to face her, momentarily captivated at how her elegance and loveliness made his dingy flat seem like a lord’s palace. “I guess we’ll have to make do with each other.”

“We always have,” she whispered. Unable to bear being apart from him, Angelique threw off her cloak and moved into his arms again, pulling his face down to hers for a kiss to make him forget about wine, or the lack of it, or anything else other than her.

He picked her up, startling her again with his strength, and carried her into his bedroom. There, he laid her out on the bed, then sprawled atop her, hardly able to bear it for the milliseconds his lips had parted from hers. Sudden tears stung in her eyes one more, spilling out from beneath the closed lids. Her lips pressed into his so hard it hurt, and yet he still wasn’t close enough.

“Easy, my burning bright,” he murmured into her panting mouth. “Let’s rid ourselves of these vestments of aristocratic society so we can immerse ourselves in each other.”

She nodded, shaking so hard she could barely stand whenever his hands left her. Angelique forced herself to her feet, turning her arms over backward to reach the hooks at her back, because not even Raven could know that this dress was constructed to open from the front, too.

More lies. She hated the cursed dress with sudden, irrational fury. Lady’s Love, let it burn to cinders, and take the damned lies away with the flames!

“Oh, burning bright!” Raven, laughing gently, moved to unfasten the back of her dress. “First love has not robbed me of my manners. At least not all of them, I hope.”

His words made her cry even harder. First love. He’s killing me. “Just get it off me, Raven. Please.” And don’t ask me to explain, because I can’t…

He chuckled, but complied. It was mere seconds before her lovely gown rustled to the floor, leaving her in little but her underthings. For perhaps the first time in his life, Raven wished the women of his caste were allowed to dress more simply. He just wanted to touch her, to hold her close, and have nothing between them; to crawl inside this new, precious thing they shared, and stay there, immersed in the sound of their hearts and bodies mingling in the total silence.

Angelique seemed to echo his thought, and amplify it—she stepped free of her discarded gown, then kicked it into the corner of his bedroom fiercely, and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “There are just times… when I loathe that, Raven. All of it.”

He blinked, wondering if he’d understood her reference. “I’m not sure I got all that,” he murmured, pulling her back to him to unlace her corset.

“That,” she gestured imperiously, pointing to the shapeless pile of fabric and lace in the corner, “and all that goes with it.” Angelique shook her head then, knowing she sounded irrational, and knowing that she couldn’t really explain. As ever, it was easier to opt for the lie, and the bitter taste of it made her want to cry even harder. “It represents nothing so much as living death sometimes. I don’t want to be dead, Raven. Not when you make me feel so very alive.”

Then he thought he understood her. The rules, the strictures, the formalities, the enforced pecking order, the codes of proper dress, the interminable treadmill of “morally correct conduct” expected of the ruling class, and lovingly codified in Byron’s Manual of Proper Form; to which the ruling class were expected to pay lip service, at least, or face censure. They were the very rules, traditions, and customs his father and early tutors had tried to pound into his head—or his backside—for as long as he could remember. He’d been running from it, and from them, ever since.

How ironic. She’s running away from all that by coming to me, and I’ve run right back into Lord Byron’s stuffy societal regime by falling in love with her. “Then perhaps,” he said huskily, fingers upon the last laces of her corset, “in each other we have found respite from the same interminable disease. The chains of Paladin society are something I’ve been trying to escape for as long as I can remember.”

Angelique pushed herself free of her corset so quickly it might have torn, were it of any finer material, then hurled it with all her strength toward the crumpled dress, breathing hard and free for the first time in hours… since just after she ducked into a garden shack outside Liberaune Hall, hurrying back into the gown she’d just violently rejected. She stared at the heap of fabric on the floor, half-afraid it would stand on its own to confront her with every lie, every deception, every half-truth she’d ever uttered in this man’s presence.

“If love is your new truth, how dare you let him love a lie?” it seemed to demand, the thought coated in Louis’s slimy, condescending tones. “You’re nothing but lies, Angela Rose Corwin.”

The fierce, new-born devotion she felt for Raven rushed through her like a cleansing fire, and she burned in shame. When she turned to face him, it was with a haunted look she knew he’d misinterpret—yet another lie of omission to add to her sins. “If you ever find a way to outrun it completely, beloved, come back for me. Help me win free, too? Please?”

“On that, you can count,” he replied fiercely…

 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF “RAVEN’S TEARS” TODAY TO JOIN THE FANTASY….

 Ravens_Tears-Frnt

 

Oct 14

10.15.14: Upcoming Interview X1 with Author Rachael L. McIntosh

Fiction is the New History…

Catch Interview X1 with Rachael L. McIntosh

rachael header

Background information you need to know…

Jocelyn McLaren is a beautiful, hard working, yet naive visual artist who, through a twist of fate, ends up working for a major US defense contractor during the lead up to the Iraq war. She unknowingly witnesses and unwittingly participates in crimes that haunt her and are ultimately interlinked with the most nefarious psychopaths on the planet.

Divided into three books, SECURITY THROUGH ABSURDITY is the story of corporate shenanigans, an unstable home life, and a quixotic presidential campaign. These situations propel Jocelyn through a believably bizarre journey and into dangerous psychological territory. In a matrix of life threatening situations, she is forced to question the very fabric of her GenX American upbringing.

Interview X1

 10.15.14

 

Sep 29

A Return Flight With Author Mike Trahan

Mike Trahan could be described as a “living legend.” In a world where everyone is a legend, we have to take that title with a grain of salt. Let me explain how Mike actually fits that title. Mike Trahan followed his dream to become a pilot. He had true grit and fought all the obstacles along the way. He became a military pilot and fought in a conflict far removed from his homeland of America. Mike is a veteran of Vietnam. When he returned home, he became a commercial pilot for an airline called “Delta” and achieved captain status. His record of achievement is high, and yet the man himself is so humble. Ask him what he couldn’t live without in his life and he will tell you that he can’t live without God.

Read this interview and then try one of his books. “The Gift” series tells of his rise to prominence as a pilot and frankly, if you aren’t moved by them, you have a heart made of steel.

Mike Trahan is exclusively with Novel Ideas. His first two memoirs "The Gift" and "The Gift Part 2: The Airforce Years" have been extremely successful. Mike is currently working on his third installment.

What was the hardest part of writing your new addition to “The Gift” series?

Condensing it so I can get sixteen years of life in one last book.  This is the last book in my autobiographical series entitled – “The Gift.”

What did you enjoy most about writing this new volume?

This is about the culmination of my flying career. It covers all my years as a captain on Delta Air Lines.  The first three books are about striving for that goal, and now that goal has been reached. I call it my “Happy Book!”

Being a pilot do you use a lot of jargon? Can you explain some of it?

I use a lot of aviation jargon that many readers are not familiar with – such as ILS, which means instrument landing system. RVR – runway visual range.  Category III Approach – which is basically a landing in zero-zero visibility, wherein we actually touch down without seeing the runway until the nose of the airplane comes down. I try to explain these things as they come up.

What is different about this book? How did you make this book different to other books about flying?

There are many books about pilots and flying, but few that actually take the reader along on those flights. I am doing that as much as I can. I want my readers to know what being an airline captain involves, intellectually, technically, emotionally, and physically.

Are there misconceptions that people have about your book?

Yes, there are.  Since these books are autobiographical in nature, people assume they are about me.  They are not!  They are mostly about people I’ve met along the way, and the airplanes I flew. I want my readers to know the people who were influential in my life, and there have been many great ones.

What is the biggest thing that people THINK they know about your subject/genre that isn’t so?

Many of my friends, who had followed my life before reading these books, thought I had it easy, and that all these good things just fell into my lap. Many have told me that their biggest surprise was learning how hard I had to work to get where I wanted to go. I endured many setbacks along the way to my ultimate goal, and these books are about how I overcame those things.

What is the most important thing that people DON’T know about your flying that they should know?

I think it is important that my passengers know that they, and my crew, were always uppermost in my mind when I was in command of their airplane.  I sincerely cared about them, and I wanted their flights with me to be as safe and smooth as possible.

Mike Trahan, you are a man with many interest and inspirations. What truly inspires you?

I am inspired by people who overcome obstacles and difficulties in their lives, in spite of great odds against them. Our “Wounded Warriors” immediately come to mind.  They come home from wars with lost limbs, blind, and with all kinds of emotional injuries, and they overcome them. That inspires me.

Mike, you are an accomplished man. How did you get to be where you are in your life today?

I got here through hard work, tenacity, a lot of luck, and refusing to give up

Who are some of your favourite authors that you feel were influential in your work?  What impact have they had on your writing?

I always enjoyed reading a local author, Gordon Baxter.  Bax was a radio announcer, a pilot, a sailor, hot-rod driver, and all around interesting guy.  He could go up on a fifteen-minute flight and write ten pages about it. He saw things that others didn’t see and illuminated them in his writing.  He had what we call a “writer’s eye,” and he taught me how to develop that.  I knew Bax personally, and he encouraged me to pursue my writing and mentored me along the way.

What did you find most useful in learning to write?  What was least useful or most destructive?

Useful?  I’m not sure if I found anything useful, but I did discover that writing has given me a new zest for life, and a greater sense of curiosity about things.  I take everything in everywhere I go, in case I want to write about it when I get home.  I haven’t discovered anything destructive about it.

Are you a full-time or part-time writer?  How does that affect your writing?

I would have to say I am a part-time writer.  I am retired, but I have a lot of interests and obligations that take up a lot of my time. However, writing has become a wonderful diversion for me.  When I am writing a book, I usually devote four or five hours a day working on it.  I have often thought about going to the mountain region of New England and renting a cabin, so I can take a six-month writing sabbatical there.  I think that would be a lot of fun, and it would be interesting to see what comes out of it.

What are some day jobs that you have held and how have they affected your writing?

In my youth, I worked at my father’s mowing and landscaping business.  As a teenager, I worked out at the airport. My job was servicing airplanes and helping the mechanics. I was a part-time rancher for twenty years. I spent four and a half years as a pilot in the Air Force, and thirty-two years flying for Delta Air Lines.  All of these things gave me many interesting experiences to share with my readers.

For those interested in exploring the subject or theme of your book, where should they start?

It depends on which theme you are talking about.  If they want to be successful in life, they should read the books with that in mind.  I came from an average background and have average intelligence, but because I had a passion for what I did, and the discipline and drive to get it done, I succeeded.   If they are interested in flying, reading these books will tell them what is involved in getting into that.

How do you feel about E-books vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?

I think ebooks are great for people who like to read a lot and tend to travel.  They can carry an entire library in their Kindle reader if they wish.  Ebooks are quick and easy to publish, so, as soon as the manuscript is ready to go, you can have it in front of the readers in less than twenty-four hours.  That gets your book out there, and it creates interest for those who like paperbacks.

What do you think is the future of reading/writing?

I think ebooks are the coming thing, as well as audio books.  Those who cannot read because of blindness, or just bad eyes, can enjoy an audio book.  People who drive long distances can listen to them.  When I finish this last book in  this series, I am going to go back and do all four books in the audio format.

What process did you go through to get your book published?

At first, it was trial and error – lots of errors.  I discovered CreateSpace, which is the self-publishing arm of Amazon, and my friend, Fred Hubbard, who is an expert at MAC Computers, helped me format my first book and get it on Amazon.  Then I had the great good fortune of meeting one Nick Wale, who took an interest in my writing, and he has guided me through this maze since then.  All I have to do is write the book, and get it edited by a professional.  I use the services of Becky McLendon, who is a retired English teacher, and whom I call the Grammar Nazi.  Once Becky helps me find and correct all my errors, I send the manuscript to Nick, and he formats it and sends it to Amazon.  Once the book is on line, Nick takes over the promotional side of it.  I have been very pleased with both Becky and Nick. They have taken all the aggravation out of it for me, and all I have to do is write!

What makes your series of books “The Gift” stand out from the crowd?

I believe the subject matter is compelling.  Flying is still a romantic endeavour in most people’s opinion, and they like to read about it.  I also think my writing style appeals to the reader.  I write like I speak. The readers tell me that reading my books is like having me sitting there telling them the stories.  Apparently they like that.

How do you find or make time to write?

I am an early riser every day, so most of my writing is done before most people wake up.  I just make the time at other hours of the day.  If I am in the mood to write, I just go to my room, fire up my MAC, and write!

Do you write more by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two? Can you tell me a little about your writing process?

Since I am writing about the experiences in my life, I rely on memory more than anything.  For instance, if I want to write about a particular flight, I go to my old Flight Log Books, look up that flight, and start remembering everything about it.  I ask myself questions like – What kind of airplane was I flying? Who was with me? What were we doing?  Where were we going? What was the weather like?  Soon a picture of that event begins to emerge, and then it becomes a movie playing in my head. If I get deeply enough into it, I find myself present in that moment again. It is like I am re-living that experience, and all the emotions and feelings come back to me.  That can be a powerful experience, and some of my best writing happens when I reach that level of recall.

It’s hard to be a writer these days with all the competition you have to face. How do you promote your work?

I rely on Novel Ideas to do most of my social media promotion, and that relieves me of a lot of that hassle.  I also sell autographed books from home, and go to local book signing events.  Promotion is not my favourite thing to do, but I know it is a necessary evil, if I want to sell my books. And it does detract from my writing time.

How would you describe yourself as a writer?

I’m not sure.  I’m just a guy, who is telling a story.  I would have to say that, at this point, I am still a writer.  After I sell one hundred thousand copies of one of my books, I will call myself an author.

What do you like to read in your free time?

I like to read books by my fellow local authors and friends.  I am reading Becky McLeondon’s “The Day I Grew Wings” right now, and I just finished Captain Steve Taylor’s “Wheels Up.”  Both are excellent books.

What projects are you working on at the present?

I am writing, “The Gift Part Four – Delta: The Captain Years” now.  This is the last book in a four volume autobiographical series.  I hope to have this one finished by the end of the year.

What are your plans for future projects?

I am not sure which direction I will take after this autobiography is finished.  I am toying with the idea of writing a novel, but I am not sure I have the imagination required for that.  We’ll see.

 

COME FLY WITH MIKE TRAHAN IN THE NEWLY RELEASED THIRD VOLUME OF….

 

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