Jun 30

An Intriguing Interview With British Author Andrea Baker

Andrea Baker is an English writer with a story to tell. This is the first interview we have done together, and I have to say that it’s a fascinating look into the mind of a writer. You will be seeing a lot more of Andrea in the future as she takes a trip around radio shows, blogs and E-zines on a brand new promotional tour. Her book series is called “Words Apart,” and the first volume, “Leah,” is on sale right now over on Amazon. Highly rated, highly credited and written by an award-nominated author… Enjoy…

Nightmare’s are just dreams aren’t they? 

They can’t hurt you, not really… 

Leah’s can. 

They’re trying to tell her the truth and won’t stop until she understands. 

Nineteen-year-old Leah struggles to cope with normal life after the recent loss of her mother.  Her heart-broken father decides to uproot them to Little Virginia for a fresh start, so they can bury the past behind them.  At once, Leah is captivated by the castle ruins near her new doorstep, and whilst exploring, she comes across a mysterious stranger. 

Recurring nightmares long thought dead reawaken, and new strains appear in her relationship with her father. 
But as Leah attempts to piece together the connection between them, she will find herself thrown into dark and dangerous worlds beyond her wildest dreams…

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Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Andrea. Who do you have in mind when you write?

You’re very welcome. My mind is fully engrossed in the character I am writing – I tend to write predominantly in the first person, so in my mind, I am thinking how that character will feel, respond, act in the situation, essentially being that character.

Have you always aspired to be a writer? 

I have always written, and even made up my own stories long before I could write them down properly.  I would make them up in my head and play scenes from my favourite books during playtime.  I progressed from there to following their stories after the end of the book—I suppose we’d now call it fan-fiction—imagining what would happen from that point onwards.  From a very small child, I dreamed of being able to create the stories I myself enjoyed in books.

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

The first steps were those continuations of the journey of my favourite characters, and then I’d have long storylines in my head that I would play with for days.  When I graduated from university, however, I convinced myself it was time to “grow up,” so I stopped writing anything down, although I’d still have the “daydreams”.  It was this particular story, Leah’s story, that brought me back to physically writing again, as it refused to go away – I’d first got the idea when pregnant with my daughter, and it just kept creeping back into my consciousness time and time again, but I struggled with the last piece of the puzzle—the best location for it to be set.  That sounds so bizarre now, but at the time it was a struggle. I couldn’t identify the “right” location.  Then, one day I was driving home from work through Kenilworth, a town I know very well.  There was a storm, and lightning lit the sky behind the castle.  As the cliché goes, it all fell into place then. I realised that Kenilworth, the town I knew and loved, was the ideal location.  I went home that night and started putting the words down on paper.  Six weeks and thirty thousand words later, all writing in a couple of short hours at night after work when my daughter was asleep, the bones of the story were written.

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

I don’t think so – I’m far more comfortable writing in the first person, so I almost become the main character.  As a result, my voice changes with the nature of the character.

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

I believe that writing well is something we can all learn, not something that is inherent in our abilities – and it is also something we continue to learn and as a result improve.  However, I also believe that the imagination that it takes to create the story is something you are born with and cannot be forced or learnt.  Particularly with writing fantasy as you need the ability to detach yourself both from the reality around you and the rules of the real world in order to make the worlds you are creating believable and take your reader into that world with you.

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

No – much as I would like it to be my career, that is a huge achievement, and being realistic, one that only a select handful ever really achieve.  My ambitions right now are to sell copies of the book and find that people enjoy it and want to read the next one.  I’d love to be a career writer, and if I let my mind go off on its own accord, I seem to have limitless ideas, but I also have a home, mortgage and family to look after, so I have a day-job too.

Is there a book you’re most proud of?

I’m proud of the series – what Worlds Apart is turning out to be.  I was very proud of Book One when it was finished and had been edited.  Book Two is even better, or what I’ve written of it so far is.

Writing is so internal, in the head. How did you release the pressure before you began writing?

Music plays a big part in my writing – I have a playlist that is specific to each book, and I listen to it while writing.  It gets to the point where I can hear a certain track, and my mind immediately goes to a certain scene in the book.  That has interesting consequences if the song occurs out of context!  One of my clients has an open plan office, and a member of staff has Suppermassive Black Hole (Muse) as a ring tone.  That’s funny because that is on Book One playlist, and I have to control my mind going back to that point in the story…

My life also needs to be on track. If there is too much stress and pressure from the real world, I can’t switch off and then can’t write.  Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband who understands that side of me and knows that there are times when I really do need to get that scene out on paper before I can do anything else.

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

I tend to be write straight off. My writing is actually very visual in that I can picture the scenes in my head as I write.  As a result, it all goes down on paper first as I try to keep up with the images in my mind, rather than plotting things out.  The most that tends to be written down initially are any key names, but once the story starts to take shape, I then make notes so that it stays on track, and I don’t leave gaping holes in terms of consistency.

What would you say is the “defining” factor in your writing? What makes it yours?

I think the combination of location and music is unique – both are very important to me, and music is a feature in the book and continues to be so in other guises in the series.  The language and imagery is also as I see it, which could be very different to how someone else would see things, and that’s what makes a book unique to the author.  I’ve read fan-fiction and books that are co-authored, and I think it is very obvious where the author changes as the tone and imagery change more than you would perhaps expect it to.

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

I can’t write when the pressures of the real world are too great, so there’s been times when I haven’t written a word in weeks, even months as a result.  But my daughter is ten, and she will always come first, so I guard my time with her first and foremost, whatever the cost.  My family comes first, then the job that pays the bills.  Writing is a passion and gets done late at night or at weekends, but I have to be strict with myself during the day to makes sure nothing gets neglected.

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

The pressures of work are hard to deal with.  I recently started my own consulting company with the plan that it would give me more control over my time, so that I could dedicate some time to writing, without taking it from my daughter.  However, the desire to make it successful meant that I found myself working instead of writing in the evenings and at weekends.  I’ve started to take back control over that, but I wouldn’t say I’ve quite managed to overcome it yet!  Reviews are also a distraction because I have a tendency to want to go back and change it if there is criticism, but of course to do that would ruin the book in the end.

What kind of review do you take to heart?

All of them – I love reading what people think of my work, good and bad, although I’d be lying if I said the latter didn’t hurt.  Writing is extremely personal. Even if it isn’t a circumstance you’ve been in yourself, you invest a lot of emotion into what you write.  What you have to accept though is that not everyone will like what you write– there will always be those who dislike the genre or hate fantasy, and I have to accept that.  You just can’t please everyone, but it is much easier to say that then to live it. It does get to me though when people write a review when they obviously haven’t read the book.  There was one review that referred to it as a “local Twilight” – I’m not sure where they get that though as Leah has no vampires in it at all – paranormal creatures, yes, but I’m afraid no vegetarian sparkly vampires…

How do you decide what your next book will be about?

It isn’t a conscious decision – Worlds Apart is a series, so there is still a fair way to go with it.  However, there are two other items I am working on in terms of longer term, and they are of a completely different genre.  The first, and one that I’ve promised to write eventually, is based on my grandfather’s life growing up in the war, losing his own father before the war, and the way his whole family struggled and starved as a result.  His whole outlook on life changed completely when they were evacuated to Warwickshire, and there is quite a story there to tell.  The other is far more personal to me, and is currently a journal that I’m writing as a type of catharsis.  It is very personal and quite emotive for me, so I’m not sure I’d ever be strong enough, or detached from the subject enough, to put that forward for publication.

Was there a link between your childhood and your vocation as a writer?

I was always encouraged to read—I could read before I started school—and because I was so advanced, I struggled to read as the teachers expected me to, spelling the letters out to create a word at a time.  In the end, my mom had to take my older sister’s books into the classroom and get me to read them in front of the teacher to convince them that I could actually read.  I think starting reading that early gave my childhood imagination food to grow and develop and led me to creating my own stories.  Also the dedication of my parents, taking me to the library religiously every Saturday to take out all the family library cards’ capacity in books, which I’d then devour in the week – my average was 12-14 books each week!

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

It is often refreshing to revisit those times, especially as an adult, and understand with hindsight what they really mean and how they shape you as a person.  That often helps with being able to put things behind you and leaving them in the past where they belong.  I do invest a lot emotionally in my characters though, which has its disadvantages.  There is a scene in the book where Leah is attacked by her father, and I had nightmares for weeks about it, although the final published scene is actually a lot lighter than I had originally intended.

What motivates you to tackle the issues others may avoid, such as nature and spirituality?

I’ve always loved people and understanding why people react to the same situation differently.  To me writing is part of that same understanding of what makes people who they are, and you can take a character into a situation and learn how they react and how it changes them.  It’s fascinating and a real insight into what makes people behave the way that they do!

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?

It definitely unfolds as I write. In fact, Worlds Apart was supposed to be only three books as it is working its way through the story; however, it could end up longer than that because the story has changed.  I often in fact joke that the characters make a decision that take you off in a completely different direction – but in a sense that’s right, because people don’t do what you want them to and neither will a realistic character.  Sometimes, the journey has to wind and twist before they get to where they need to be in the story.  Having said that though, the essence of the story, and how it will end, remain the same.  It’s just taking longer than planned.

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

When I set out writing the series, I wanted it to be something my daughter would read and be comfortable reading when she was older – and as a parent I would be happy with her reading it.  When it was launched, I said to other parents at her school that there wasn’t anything in it the children shouldn’t read, but that it was written for slightly older children and recommended they read it first, to make sure they were comfortable with when their child should read it.  As it turns out though, I’m told that there are layers in it that adults appreciate, whereas a child will take it at face value – for example, a child will read one scene as her Dad being angry and not be scared by it.  But almost all the adults I know who have read it have pinpointed that as a scene depicting abuse, as they see the complexities that are written into previous scenes.  It therefore speaks to both adults and children as a result, which is wonderful, especially as I have lots of the Mums nagging me to get Book Two finished so they can find out what happens next.  The children love the fantasy elements as their imaginations can run away with it, the adults appreciate the more complex nature of the relationships in the book.  Having both audiences appreciate it is a wonderful feeling, but I can’t claim it was deliberate move on my part to write it that way.

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

I didn’t set out to influence society. I write because I have a story bursting to get out of my mind, and I hope that readers will enjoy it once it is finished.  But I do have strongly held beliefs about certain things, and these do come out in my work.  In terms of the various facets within Leah, if what I have written helps a girl understand the difference between a positive, healthy relationship and an abusive or damaging one, and why it’s not acceptable to be treated badly by a boy or her parents, then that is a real bonus.

If you weren’t a writer, what would you like to do?

I can’t imagine not being a writer now. It is too integral a part of me.  If I don’t allow my mind to wander to that place where I go to write, it seems to affect my well-being in all aspects of my life.  The dream of course would be to make a living from it; but that is a dream, and a reality many never reach.

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

No, not an envelope pusher as such, but I’m not afraid to tackle issues like domestic violence either.  It’s important, especially when writing fantasy, that there is still some semblance of reality there. The characters need to be believable; and therefore, to create the journey the character goes on, there has to be a catalyst.  For that, I ask myself what would cause such a change or journey – and write what is necessary to make it believable.  Leah does go on quite a journey through the series, and what she encounters, and the decisions she makes have a much older audience later in the series, but that is part of her journey and needs to be written as such.  Having said that, I will make sure it is clear at  what age group each book is aimed, so that parents know what their children are reading.

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

Never believe you are the best at what you do or that you know better than anyone else.  We are all human and can all make mistakes.  Write and keep writing, and refine what you have written, but not to the extent that it never sees the light of day.  I’m part of an online writing community, and I regularly see popular authors torn to shreds about grammatical errors or mistakes in their books – and to me it just seems like sour grapes because not one person is perfect!  It is also important to remember all languages and their localisms have different rules, therefore what “sounds” wrong to you may be right for someone else’s situation.  Most of all, never stop refining your craft, as there is always something else to learn.

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

The first blush of youth often makes us quite arrogant, discounting what others say and do because it feels wrong or old fashioned.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking your work or idea can’t be improved—it always can be—and your idea of how it should work is no better or more valid then someone else’s.  Write your own idea as well as you can, and remember that good editing is just as vital as getting the story down in the first place!

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

The biggest obstacle is being seen and heard.  One of my favourite recent quotations related to writing is something J K Rowling said at the final premiere for the Harry Potter films – “No story lives unless someone is prepared to listen”.  That is as true today as it was 200 years ago – you can have written the most fantastic original story in the world, but if it isn’t available to readers and enjoyed by them, then it doesn’t matter and will not be recognised.  Two hundred years ago, literacy was the issue in that stories were told rather than written down, and if written, very few were literate enough to be able to read them.  Now there is a plethora of books, good and bad, available to be downloaded, so the issue is now visibility rather than ability.  Having said that, blaming electronic publishing for all the ills in the industry is actually a fallacy.

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

Actually, it’s really difficult to identify a single piece.  The written word has always been my favourite medium, and I read voraciously as a child – usually completing ten or more books in a single week, with Saturday visits to the library becoming a routine for us.  Fantasy, crime, literary fiction all were chosen based on those few short paragraphs at the back of the book, and to this day I don’t have a preferred genre.  One series sticks out in my mind though, and that is the Anne of the Island series by Lucy Maude Montgomery.  Although old-fashioned, even when I was a child, it was written so eloquently, with such vivid characters that I was and still am hooked, and I believe it not only shaped my own personality, but it is also the reason why I am so fascinated by behaviour and what makes people tick.

What relationship do you see between imagination and creativity, and the real world?

There needs to be an anchor – if you’re writing in the real world then everything needs to fit and happen as it would in reality, but even with fantasy there needs to be anchors—hooks to which a reader can associate—that help them jump that gap between the real world and the one you have created.  If it isn’t there, if something isn’t believable, then you risk losing the reader altogether, and they won’t finish or enjoy your book.

For a writer, it is easy to become an elitist.  Have you ever, or do you still, struggle with pride as an author?

I’d say my problem is more the opposite, as I tend to be hyper-critical of my own work and abilities, but I’ve seen a few authors that bad-mouth and criticise others.  In my day-job there is a saying: “Never judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes”. I try to apply that to everything I do – I’m far from perfect, so what right do I have to expect others to be something I am not?

With all your success, how do you stay humble?

As a mother, you see your child struggling with learning how to do the most basic of things because we all have to start to learn sometime, whether it be walking, reading, writing, making and keeping friends, dealing with different situations, it is a journey that doesn’t stop.  Just because you’ve mastered the basics, there are still so many experiences and situations you’ve yet to encounter, and therefore still so much to learn. Life is a journey, and we are all at different stages of it.  Just because you’ve mastered one thing, doesn’t make you more able than someone else.

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of “Leah” 

 

Jun 10

The Latest Novel Ideas News…

The latest news and statistics from Novel Ideas Book Promotion. The summer has started with a bang…

Lisa Blackstone is at #1  in the U.S.A with her first book “The Guest.“

Cliff Roberts is cleaning up with a top 20 placing for his new book “Apollo Road,” “Apollo Road” has just been optioned as a possible movie.

Princess Fumi Hancock has a new book coming out shortly. Her new short release hit #2 on Amazon and her upcoming movie “Of Sentimental Value” is picking up award-nominations at record pace.

Tim Flanagan has just scored hitsville with a new edition of “From Feet To Fiction.”

Mike Trahan made a heavily attended appearance at a library yesterday and will be promoting his bestselling “Gift” series throughout the summer. There is talk of a new interview to be released later this month.

Bruce Bennett is in the top 40 with his book “UnAmerica,”

Boyd Lemon is having a record sales month.

Rob Morris has a new bestseller lined up for release later this week. This will be one of his first new releases of the year. Morris has a track record of having worldwide bestsellers with each consecutive release.

Alex Cord is currently making appearances nationwide to promote his new book “The Man Who Would Be God.” He has recently announced a memoir. Sadly it is to be released later in the year.

MJ Summers is working on a third novel as her second novel “Breaking Love” hurtles towards it’s release date.

May 22

(PART 1) Wish You Knew About Writing? Ask The Pros! Tim Flanagan and MJ Summers Reveal Secrets!

Good times are ahead when Tim Flanagan and MJ Summers get together to talk about books

A new eight-part series will be hitting YouTube over the next few weeks. The show is called “Authors Q&A” and its purpose is to discuss different elements of the book world.

Tim Flanagan and MJ Summers are well known to readers as two of the most explosive writers in the business. These recorded interviews are discussions, and those discussions will bring their knowledge to thousands of writers and readers around the world.

MJ Summers smashed onto the scene with her hit book “Break in Two.” Tim Flanagan minced no words when he created the bestselling “Moon Stealers” series. Now the two of them make success a reality in this brand new series.

 

May 17

PRESS RELEASE: PRINCESS FUMI HANCOCK AND HER NEW MOVIE UP FOR MULTIPLE AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: NICK WALE

EMAIL: NICK@NICKWALE.ORG

 

BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND FILM MAKER FUMI HANCOCK UP FOR AWARD AS WELL AS HER MOVIE “”OF SENTIMENTAL VALUE”

 

(Prague, Czech Republic) Bestselling author Princess Fumi Hancock has been nominated and currently looks set to win “favorite screenwriter” at the African NAFCA awards. This comes on the heels of her film “Of Sentimental Value” being nominated for “Favorite Trailer/ Short Film.” At this time of writing, Princess Fumi, a well respected writer with one bestseller to her name already, looks set to win both awards. This is just another exciting page turner in what could be described as an exciting year for Princess Hancock.

The trailer for her upcoming movie “Of Sentimental Value” has already garnered heavy interest, and she has a new book to be released in the near future. You can also catch the latest interview from Princess Fumi Hancock and learn more about her books and upcoming movie.

Vote for Princess Fumi Hancock and “Of Sentimental Value” today

 

 

May 16

Spain Has Talent: Author Jana Petken Reveals All….

JANA PETKEN TELLS ALL ABOUT HER NEW SMASH HIT

“THE GUARDIAN OF SECRETS”

About This Interview

Jana Petken is a talented writer who currently resides in Spain. She chose a hard genre when she became a writer and it’s only fair that we give her a great interview. What makes her stand above other writers? That’s an easy one to answer– she writes as though she is watching a movie– her words are moving pictures. I think you will love her interview and her book… Enjoy!

The Guardian of Secrets

A historical family saga spanning four generations, from 1912, Kent, England, to Spain and its 1936–39 civil war. Celia and Ernesto’s two sons march under opposing banners, whilst their daughters take different paths, one to the Catholic Church and the other to the battlefields, and in the shadow of war, an evil ghost from the past watches and waits for an opportunity to destroy the entire family. In exile, Celia and Ernesto can only wait and pray for their children and their safe return home..

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre and what does a would-be writer in your category need to know?
History has always held my interest. I love the subject and the wonderful opportunities that history can bring to the imagination. This is not a genre that I chose; I believe it chose me. To be able to read about kings, queens, wars, politicians, villains and heroes throughout history, is a wonderful experience.
I can only give this advice to, would be, historical writers: When you tell a story, make your backdrop real. Take the time to investigate and research the facts surrounding your characters, such as locations, names, dates or events.

What kind of research did you do and where do you begin your research?
The research for, The Guardian of Secrets, was a long, painstaking job. I had no internet and spent my time in libraries, buying reference books, watching documentaries, visiting battle sites in Spain, studying the lives of nuns, interviewing Civil War survivors, and a couple of soldiers from opposing sides – I said painstaking but it was a wonderful experience.
I still prefer researching the old fashioned way, rather than using Google or Wikipedia. They are both great tools but they don’t bring me the same sense of “Learning” as reference books.

What’s a typical writing day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?
I walk my dog. I write early in the morning, I drink a lot of tea, I never set myself goals and I have been known to fall asleep in front of the computer in mid sentence. I work for as long as I am still able to focus. When my mind goes blank and the words start jumping, I go out and clear my mind with a coffee and a chat with friends.

What is the hardest part of writing and how do you get past the difficulties involved?
The hardest part for me is probably starting a new project. The first page, the first sentence, and the first chapter can be challenging, especially for me, because I don’t outline the story –I tend to hope and pray that inspiration will guide me through unknown territory and lead me to my destination.

What’s the best thing about being an author?
The best thing about being an author, for me, is that I meet such interesting people throughout history, even though they never actually existed but instead, grew from my own mind. I love the way writing can bring an idea to life; a person that is loved or hated with a passion. I love to hear my readers tell me how much they cried or laughed. I love to be able to shock and get away with it – fingers crossed!

What’s the worst thing about being an author and does the good outweigh the bad?
Writing can consume you. It can make everything else fade into insignificance. Housework, shopping for groceries, and socialising can fall by the wayside. Then there are the sleepless nights, thinking about what a character is going to do next, and of course, daily attempts to stand out somehow, somewhere, in order to advance in this profession.
Being an author, especially a debut author, is an uphill struggle and can be frustrating at times. But the passion and joy of creating words far outweighs any negative aspects.

Do writers get better with practice? Or is writing just a talent you have from day one?
I believe that both apply. Writing is a talent, a passion, and a creative gift – Having said that, I also believe that the learning process is perpetually on- going.  Writing demands hard work, time, and effort. Today, anyone can publish a finished manuscript. It is open season for writers. I ask myself: What defines a good writer? The book industry may say that it is an author with a traditional publishing deal. I disagree. A good writer is someone who has written a good, readable, and enjoyable novel.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
I don’t think I can give advice when I am forever seeking it. I’m not giving up, so I guess I would say to others: Don’t give up.

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books and how did your favorite books change the way you wrote?
I don’t read a lot. I prefer visual entertainment, such as movies, series, and documentaries. I read a lot of biographies, mostly historical. My favourite author is Ken Follett. I have read all his books and think it only fair that he reads mine now, don’t you think?

How important is grammar to the writer? Should content come first or perfect grammar?
Content should come first. The mind should be free to write – But grammar is very important and I, personally, would never submit a book without first employing a reputable editor to make sure that nuances like grammar, punctuation, and format are of the highest standard possible.

Did you spend much time refreshing your knowledge of grammar and writing rules?
No, and this is probably why it took me so long to write, The Guardian of Secrets. I learned the hard way. I was a novice and ignorant, if truth be told. I believe that after the fourth or fifth draft, I saw the error of my ways, and corrected them. But, as I mentioned earlier, I don’t believe we ever stop learning.

Should writers worry about bad reviews? Are reviews really that important?
I can’t speak for anyone else. Some writers are more sensitive than others. Bad reviews can be upsetting. It feels as though someone is insulting your child. There are also people who enjoy making mischief and will give bad ratings and reviews without having read a book – Please allow me to tell you a personal story about this issue, one day.
Reviews are very important, especially honest ones. They are a gift, much appreciated, and necessary for any writer; established or relatively unknown.

Is a great story or a great cover more important?
The cover should catch the reader’s eye. Covers are valuable assets but the story is the most important element- a cover can always be changed.

Do you believe there is any “one” set genre or can books be in multiple genres?
Writers can write in various genres. Some writers are defined by their, genre, whilst others are more open to change. It depends how comfortable the writer feels and how interested he or she is in a particular genre.
At this moment in time, I’m enjoying writing, historical fiction. I have so many ideas for new stories, still trapped in my imagination waiting to get out, so I don’t see me switching genres in the foreseeable future – although I am writing a story, set in the future, which I dabble with every now and again, just for fun.

Are intelligent reads better reads?
I think that all depends on what the reader is looking for. There are so many different genres now. I can’t keep up. I like a book that entertains me but it also has to teach me something.

How do you write dialogue? Do you act it out as you write it? Is it based on the way you would say something?
Laughs – As a child, I dreamed of being an actress. I have achieved this ambition through writing. I feel sorry for my neighbours I really do because when I go into character, I really go for it. I think that if you say something and it doesn’t sound believable to your ears, it’s not going to be believable on paper.  Take, Joseph Dobbs from, The Guardian of Secrets? He is the most despicable man, in every way, yet he’s my favourite character in the book – what can I say, I loved playing him. Does that make me a bad person?

Are your characters ever based on you?
No, not yet.

How do you know if something is right for your book? Do you rewrite until you get the perfect mix?
Sometimes a chapter just falls into place. Other times it looks clumsy and unrealistic, so yes, I usually take it down to the bones and rewrite. If it still looks bad I scrub it altogether because it means it’s not meant to be there. Other authors may disagree but that’s how I feel about it.

How does it feel to hold a finished manuscript in your hand?
It feels as though you have just created a story, which hopefully will have an impact on a person’s life, in some way or another. It’s a wonderful but scary moment; like setting a bird free and hoping it will survive and flourish in that big Amazon jungle.

Get your copy of Jana’s fantastic historical romance today from Amazon!

May 13

PRESS RELEASE: Bestselling Author Princess Fumi Hancock Set To Celebrate 1 Year of Her Show

Contact: Nick Wale

Email: Nick@nickwale.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

BESTSELLING AUTHOR PRINCESS FUMI HANCOCK LOOKS SET TO CELEBRATE HER ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE WITH NEW INTERVIEW, BOOK AND MOVIE.

(Prague, Czech Republic) Bestselling author Princess Fumi Hancock is set to celebrate the one year anniversary of her very successful YouTube TV show “Princess in Surburbia.” This highly rated show has been just one of the many creative outlets Princess Fumi Hancock has taken by storm since she started her journey into the world of media. Her bestselling book, new movie and TV show have made her a powerful presence on the Internet, and 2014 looks set to be her most exciting year so far.

This one year anniversary will be celebrated by a special interview with Princess Fumi Hancock and will be followed by the release of her second book “Of Sentimental Value” and the release of her first movie later in the year.

Her first book “The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell” was a bestseller.

Interviews with Princess Fumi Hancock can be organized through Nick@nickwale.org

Princess0003

May 10

An Interview With Children’s Author Olga D’Agostino

Olga D’Agostino (or MRS. D. as you may know her) is a bestselling author of children’s books and short stories. Her books are enjoyed by children the world over, and she has just released her first short story entitled, “The Little Girl Praying on the Hill.” Her bestselling children’s book, “The Trees Have Hearts,” will be on sale over the next week! You will be able to get a copy of this wonderful E-book for 99 cents. If you, like me, enjoy great books, you will want to get a copy of this one.

Author

 

Q) Good morning, Olga!

Good morning!

Q) How do you find “inspiration” for your stories and, for those who can’t find it, where does it live?

Inspiration lives everywhere: in everyday life, nature, people, animals, books, art, and the past. I am older now, and I have a storehouse of memories. Sometimes it is hard to go back in time and recall everything, but once I’ve pushed my “refresh button,” there is no way out. My inspiration tortures me until I convert my memories into a story.

Q) What really inspires you as a writer?

Countless little things can inspire a writer to write a great story. Inspiration is a fantastic feeling, and a good writer knows how to bring it to readers. I think life experiences provide the most interesting inspirations. The older I get, the more things inspire me. I was always a nature worshiper. I absolutely adore the beauty and power of the natural world. I love to observe it in action: wild, unleashed, destroying or healing, soothing or comforting. Nature is an amazing muse for any writer!

I also look around me. I watch people, recall events, dig into my past, reread books, think of interesting facts, and the most significant events I have lived through. I try to find inspiration in answers which did not make sense when I was younger, or attempt to discover it in things which are foreign to me. I strive to imagine how these elements will fit my story, how they will connect to the reader, how they will mix with the modern world, and how they will interact with my memories, which are still inspiring me to this very day. My memories feed my imagination the most.

Q) How interesting! So when did you first consider yourself to be a writer?

I do not consider myself a professional writer. I would rather call myself an inspiring storyteller. I write spontaneously. I like to catch moments, small chapters from life. I feel more productive when I write from the heart, when I do not have to think about a deadline or how many people will like or dislike my book, or whether it will be a bestseller or just collect dust on a shelf. I write because writing has been a part of me for so long that I feel as if we have become inseparable friends who cannot live without each other.

Q) What makes a great cover for an “inspired storyteller”?

A cover that grabs a reader from the first glance and sparks an interest in a book. A cover that represents the story, intrigues, and captures one’s interest. A cover that stands out from the crowd, unique and different. A cover that makes the reader stop and buy a book. With this said, the artwork on the cover should never overpower the story. It should be simple but attractive. It should lure the potential reader into holding the book, and make them want to know more about the story. My advice: hire a professional. A writer is not the same as a designer.

Q) But as a writer, you are creative, even if you aren’t a designer. Where do those concepts come from?

As a children’s writer,I love beautifully illustrated books. It is easier for me because I work with the illustrator from the very beginning. First we complete the artwork and then we choose the cover from the illustrations we have created. If we do not find one that fits the story the best, then we create a new illustration, which brings the book to life. The cover should speak to the reader. It should be a sneak peek inside the story. It should guide readers to the story before they flip through the pages.

I know I have achieved my vision for my children’s books through the art of a very talented illustrator, Chanoa, who has illustrated most of my books.Her amazing covers are full of color and fun. In print, her artwork looks fantastic, vivid and gentle, amusing and pleasant to the eye. Chanoa’s talent is apparent in each stroke of her pen. She likes to create adorable, mischievous characters in light pastel colors. She is an extremely ambitious, creative, and talented young artist, who always impresses readers with her ​​beautiful and unusual artwork. She is also excellent when she works in the realistic style. Experienced with both dark and light colors, Chanoa continues to work on my series of books on Carlo the Mouse and a few other books. She also created the sweet cover for my new book, The Little Girl Praying on the Hill, my first short story for adults.

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

I have a few unfinished books that desperately need my attention. I am not worried about their future, because I know where I want to take the reader. Sometimes the story comes to my mind and I put it on paper, then something else distracts me or I lose my focus, or just have no time to work on the new story. Paper does not ask for food. So I let it sit on my desk until I get around to it.

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

My mother, a simple peasant woman, who did not have the chance to become who she deserved to be. A woman who has great compassion for people and a huge hunger for knowledge. A woman who sacrificed herself for others. A woman who pushed herself to the limit so her children could live their dreams. A mother who was always there when we needed her. I only wish I were half as great as my mother.

Q) How did you find your writing style?

I think the style found me. By nature, I am a romantic soul, who is drawn toward romances and nonfiction novels. When I write for children, I mix two styles: realistic fiction with modern fantasies. Usually, I twist true events with unrealistic characters, which teach children to conquer problems, build self-esteem, and overcome challenges.

Q) Can you define success?

I am happy where I am now. I like my privacy, and for that reason, I do not want to be famous. I write books because I want children to develop a taste for reading, learn life’s lessons, and just have fun while learning something. I also want to spark discussions between children and parents. I want children to shower their parents, grandparents, and teachers with questions about important things and everything they find interesting in my books. I want them to grow into readers for life.

Q) So, for you, what is a writer’s heaven?

Library, bookstore, thrift stores, nature, a small old town, an escape into the centuries of ancient streets, a cozy hideaway with tiny coffee shops, sipping a freshly brewed espresso and watching people walking by, sitting with a notebook on the steps of the old church and watching the world passing in front of one’s eyes. Maybe the empty beach,a great place to unwind and work under the music of waves. The majestic mountainswould put any writer into the mood. It is an amazing feeling to be in touch with nature, listening to the whispering wind as it spreads the aroma of wildflowers. It certainly stimulates the senses and helps one to write good stories. There are many tiny havens for any writer.

Q) Can you tell me what your new book “The Little Girl Praying on the Hill” is about in ten words?

“The Little Girl Praying on the Hill” is a story of hope, strength, deep emotions, and determination to find a way to survive in a world that is so beautiful and yet so sad.

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

I do not judge other authors for their work. If I do not like a book, I do not waste my time reading it. Each reader has different taste and needs. What is good for one reader may not be a perfect read for another. Sometimes a great book comes to the wrong readers and is slapped with an awful review because it happens to fall into the wrong hands—maybe a pessimist who is frustrated with life or has other issues, or one who does not appreciate or understand a certain writing style. I do not write bad reviews. I always remember how much time, effort, and money it takes to publish one small book. If I like a book, I will definitely let the author know how much I enjoyed his or her work.

Q) Do you have any advice for newbie writers?

Everything in life can be chronicled. You just have to have the guts to do it. A writer’s worst enemy is self-doubt. I strongly believe that the best stories live inside each of us. Look around and write! Let your imagination see the world! Make your story uniquely yours. Write what you know, write what you feel, write what you love, write because you want to.

When you are ready to publish your book, do your homework and make sure your book is professionally edited. Create a professional-looking book, one which will not get lost among the millions of poorly published books. Make your book one that you would want to buy for yourself or for your child. If you are a children’s writer, forget your age and envision your book as children would. Get involved in each illustration. Nobody knows and feels your book better than you do.

Writing is the easy task; publishing and marketing is a business. These days, an author must also be a smart businessperson. To be a self-publishing author, you will have to learn every aspect of publishing. Lastly, when you publish your book, you will wish that a day had 48 hours, because there will be no time left for writing. Writers today must be very business-oriented and be devoted to social media to promote their books. So do not quit your day job yet. Wait until you become famous. Don’t give up! If you really believe you have something to say to the world, SAY IT!

Q) Do you find time to write every day?

I do not write just to write. I do not write to create a few thousand words each day. I write when I feel, when emotions slowly transform themselves into words and then quickly overload my mind, forming sentences and paragraphs, until I let them out. I write when I am in a happy, sad, angry, or melancholy mood, or just have something to share with the reader. For me, writing is rewarding, almost therapeutic. It consumes all my bad energy, making me feel alive and vibrant. It is as if I escape to a beautiful oasis, where I can reconnect with my soul.

Q) Do you go through a lot of drafts?

Because I am perfectionist, I review my drafts many times. Usually, my first instinct is always on target. I may feed it a little bit with extra words or change some sentences or paragraphs, but I try to stick to the original version as much as possible.

Q) To what extent is your fiction autobiographical?

My new story,The Little Girl Praying on the Hill, has many emotional ties to my early childhood. It is based on memories of my life in the Soviet Union in the early 1960s.

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

I rewrite my chapter until it flows smoothly and reads effortlessly. When I finish one chapter, I let it sit for a while. Usually, I work on another project to distract myself from the story. When I feel it’s time to go back, I read the chapter again, and if it reads easily, then I have it right. If not, then I rewrite it again. Sometimes, I let my friend (a fellow author) or my husband read it. He is very critical and honest. Writing can be stubborn and cause many sleepless nights.

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

I think about stories in the most unusual places, but I write them in my sunroom where I have set up my writing table and where I feel most comfortable. I only share this room with my cat, who is very protective of my old computer.

Q) Do you feel supported as a writer?

I am blessed with my friends and family, who are very supportive of my writing, especially my husband, Patrick, who loves literature and appreciates good books. He was the one who discovered my writing and pushed me to publish my stories. He is not only my biggest financial donor but he also contributes a lot of his free time to help me improve my English and organize all my book events.

Since I wrote my first story, my two daughters, Viktoriya and Veronika, have also become a huge part of my journey. They are very devoted to my work and attend every event and book signing. Some of the local businesses are supportive, too. They’ve organized a few memorable book signings and author’s days for me. They’ve also invited me for book festivals, book readings, and events in schools and libraries. Sadly, the big local bookstores in my area do not support self-publishing authors.

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

I think The Little Girl Praying on the Hillwill be received well. Ithas a deepness, which makes readers think. I hope it will plunge them into the life of the young child and make them think about their purpose on this earth. Through the eyes of the child, they will see two different worlds: sad reality and beautiful imagination. I believe stories like this could help growing generations better understand life and the human spirit, and help them value what they have. It may change their views about the disadvantaged and the forgotten.

CLICK ON THE COVERS TO MEET THE BOOKS!

 

 

 

 

 

May 09

PRESS RELEASE: Flanagan Flies Past The Post With His New Release

Contact: Nick Wale

Email: Nick@nickwale.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BESTSELLING AUTHOR TIM FLANAGAN SCORES ANOTHER BESTSELLING WRITING GUIDE WITH THE SECOND VOLUME OF “FROM FEET TO FICTION.”

 

(Prague, Czech Republic) Tim Flanagan scores another hit with the second volume of his writing guide “From Feet To Fiction.” Sales for the second volume were strong enough to score him a second number one. Tim Flanagan has authored several books including the bestselling “Moon Stealers” series and is now sharing his knowledge of the writing world with newbie writers.

Flanagan hit upon gold with the first volume of “From Feet To Fiction” prompting many to believe he shouldn’t put together a sequel as those strong first volume sales were untoppable. Flanagan released the second volume in May, and it shot to the top of the Amazon listings. A third volume is currently being planned.

A new interview with Tim Flanagan is set to be released over the weekend of the 10th-11th with a rumored blog tour in the wings.

Contact Nick@nickwale.org to find out more.

 

Tim Flanagan

May 06

Meet Boyd Lemon! He Has A Free Gift For You!

Dictionary Definition

BOYD LEMON: A man of integrity with writing talent. Intellectual, thoughtful, interesting and creative.

boyd lemon #1

Boyd Lemon hit’s #1 with his book “Eat, walk, Write.”

 

1. Night owl or early bird?

I became an early bird with the birth of my second child and have been ever since. After dinner, I can’t seem to accomplish anything productive, but I am usually quite productive starting as early as 6:00 a.m.

2. Other that writing, do you have any additional creative outlets?

From time-to-time I draw. I drew the image that is the cover of my first memoir, “Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriages.” It is a self-portrait in pencil. I drew it while writing a particularly emotional part of the memoir, and I felt like it captured my pain.

3. Things that make you want to go “EEEEEE! EEEEEE!!”

Being near the edge of a steep cliff. I’ve read that this means I want to jump, but I don’t believe that. I have never been suicidal. The thought of ending my life is out of the question for me. I love life too much.

4. What books did you like as a child?

I loved adventure stories as a child, especially westerns, which were very popular during the 1940s and ’50s when I was growing up. I loved a series of books about the lives of Wild Bill Hickok, Kit Carson, Buffalo Bill, Lewis and Clark and other similar western heroes. From my early childhood, my favorite was “The Little Engine That Could.” I loved stories of heroes who overcame big odds against them. I still do. My new novel, “A Long Way To Contentment” is actually about a modern day hero of sorts.

5. And your all-time favorite movies are?

Lawrence of Arabia, Dr. Zhivago and Silver Linings Playbook. Like many other men, I am in lust with Jennifer Lawrence. She happens to be a superb actress also.

6. Who do you message most on Facebook?

My younger son Adam. We message each other about our love of baseball and the team we root for, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and sometimes other things.

 7. Your first kiss was with . . .

My first kiss was with my first love when I was 12 years old. Shortly thereafter, her mother caught her frantically putting her clothes back on soon after I had left her room. She had stripped for me. That was all. Nothing else happened. But that marked the end of the relationship.

8. Type A is a bad boy and type B is a decent guy…. Who do you identify with the most?

Type B. I was always pissed that Type A always seemed to get the girl. I could never understand why girls went for guys who would abuse them, instead of a nice guy like me. I wouldn’t want to live with either.

9. You’re a girl! What type of fiction heroine would you be?Jane Eyre or Lara Croft?

Jane Eyre. I couldn’t handle a Lara Croft.

10. Favorite genre to read and does it happen to be the genre you write in?

Literary novels. I have written one and probably will write another.

11. Let’s look at your Kindle, Boyd. What are you reading right now?

“The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough.” I was drawn to it because I lived in Paris for a year from 2010 to 2011, the experience of a lifetime. There is no city in the world like Paris.

12. Do you prefer to read paperbacks or E-books?

I read both, but more Kindle books than paperbacks. I read them on my iPad. I like the two page format on the iPad. It is more like reading a print book, except clearer, and I can read in the dark.

13.And the well-thumbed books you can read over and over again are?

“Housekeeping” by Marilynne Robinson; “I Know This Much Is True” by Wally Lamb; “The Prince of Tides” by Pat Conroy; “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Garcia Marquez; and Tolstoy’s “Anna Karanina;” and many more.

The next set of questions are about your writing style– Boyd. Are you okay with that?

He nods. He’s just fine with talking about writing.

And we begin….

14. OCD plotter or free range pantser?

A little of each, depending on where I am in the story.

15. Do you have a writing schedule set in stone?

No, but I usually write in the morning after coffee, breakfast, dog-walking and shower. However, if I awake with an idea, I get out of bed and start writing. Sometimes I keep going well into the afternoon. It depends on how the writing is going.

16. Do you like to work solo or do you like critiquing buddies?

Solo until I feel that I have finished whatever I am writing and have made it the best I could. I lack self-confidence, and I’m too self-critical to show my writing to anyone until I have a completed, polished product.

17. And the biggest hurdle you have getting words on the page is and how do you beat that hurdle?

Getting started is the most difficult for me and many other writers. If I am having trouble getting started, I make an appointment with myself and keep it. It helps sometimes to get away from home to write––in a café or a park. Once I start, it usually flows without a problem. Sometimes it’s pure crap, but I get it down on the page easily.

18. So, what’s on your desk, Boyd?

Only my computer. I am a neatnik.

19. When can we get your next book and what’s it all about?

It will be a while. I have written 7 books in the last 8 years, and I need some time off, so I’m not working on any major projects in 2014, just some writing practice and a couple of short stories that I may or may not publish. I plan to start another novel in 2015, but I don’t have a story line yet. I have several ideas floating around in my head––maybe a political novel, maybe something about climate change. I don’t know.

You don’t have to wait for the next book though! Boyd’s bestselling “Eat, Walk and Write” is now FREE from Amazon!

 

 

 

May 05

An Evening with Princess Fumi Hancock

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The time has come! This is the interview you have all been waiting for. Bestselling author Princess Fumi Hancock shares her words of wisdom– and what words of wisdom they are! This interview is one of the most interesting I have ever had the pleasure of sharing with you all…

Enjoy!

How did you find yourself writing a book? What’s the story behind your career?

While I have written several inspirational books for women, Beyond Idol Worship, Starting Right Now, Your Vision Torch (check them out on Amazon)  to name a few,  The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell: Hydra’s Nest is my very first fiction work. So here is the backdrop story behind my writing career as a fiction writer (or should I say a story teller?):

I was born in Africa but have lived in the United States of America for over 30 years. A little over six years ago, my father called me up and told me it was time to return home to Nigeria. I’d literally grown up in the U.S. and this was home to me. And although my father lived in the U.S. too, he felt it was time for us to give back to Africa.

In 2007, I returned to Africa on a mission to be a part of this historic moment… the coronation of His Royal Majesty King Emmanuel Adebayo.  It was also an opportunity to rediscover my roots. This was an important trip for me as I’d not been back for over 23 years!  Equally important, one of my cousins was being crowned a king in one of the provinces and my father felt it was a great opportunity for me to reconnect with my roots.

The journey was exhilarating yet filled with anxiety as I did not know what I was going to encounter.  I trusted my father, packed my bags and went back to West Africa with my family. It was the most incredible journey of my life… to witness a King’s coronation… no words could describe the feelings. What was more important was the surprise which awaited me! The community people rallied around me and reminded me of who I was… their princess who had been gone for long and was now back! I took the time to revisit my childhood boarding school. Low and behold, all of my experiences at the school came rushing back.

The characters that readers will encounter in The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell are a culmination of my childhood friends as well as “the conjured friends in my head.” These characters have consistently plagued my dreams and haunted my mind into bringing them alive. Every year, I would return to Africa (with my American friends) serving the children in the communities through my non-profit organization the Adassa Foundation, and I am reminded of the colorful ambiance and the need to share this part of the world with book lovers.

As I began to paint this African adventure on paper, my sons, who were teenagers at the time, nudged me with their support and their instant enjoyment of the plot.  Every time I would complete a chapter, they wanted more. They wanted to see what would happen to the characters. More importantly, they were intrigued by the description of the African setting, the culture of the people revealed through the different characters and the blended families relayed by the characters. Different characters elicited different emotions as they read alongside other young adults reviewing the story.

While there have been some popular fantasy books like Harry Potter, Amanda Hocking’s “Trylle” series and Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series, with settings in Europe and America, there has not been one to present other parts of the world.  The characters in the Grimmlyn Series urge me to fill this gap!

I want my readers to be transported to a place where they’d never been before. I want them to see how other people live in other parts of the world… I want them to also see how people like them, who have traveled to live in Africa, adjust to the culture and setting.  The characters, although they reside in Africa, come from various parts of the world especially Europe. My sons were very helpful in painting vivid imagery of “the characters in my head.” Bola, my oldest son was inspired to travel across the ocean… and he made renditions of scenes directly from the book: www.worldoffumihancock.com. He, alongside his younger brother, composed and arranged the trailer songs.

Do you describe yourself as an author?

I see myself more as a story teller. One who has lots of characters in her play pen.  I believe my stories mould or shape peoples’ lives. The topics discovered therein often cause people to think differently about their lives.  Just this week, something very significant happened to me. In preparation for my upcoming movie and fiction novel releases, Of Sentimental Value, I had created a slogan which I placed on a T-shirt: check it out at: www.facebook.com/ofsentimentalvalue.

 

fumi interview photo
IAM…

Of Sentimental Value

DEAL WITH IT!

I asked my readers what they thought of it… and wow.. I wasn’t expecting the responses I got.
One reader says:
“Love the t-shirt, I don’t think it needs to be changed at all….I put it on my friends page and now she is sharing it, she works for an abuse center for women and children….and now she is sharing it….it says all that you need, short, sweet and to the point. I AM……Of Sentimental Value, ….Deal With It….The colors are great!”
Another reader says:
“My friend, Mary, herself, was stabbed over and over by her husband and she survived…. she lived up North and then moved down here. I did a fundraiser for her and now she is helping others.”

Wow! Who would have thought a simple phrase.. ..Of Sentimental Value would mean so much. Needless to say, it has given me a greater appreciation for the power in the words that I relay to my readers.

What do you think of the writing world? Are you happy being part of it?

I love it… I wouldn’t have it any other way. I always say, it takes you being special to want to tell stories. Many want to do it because they think it is glamorous but few are actually good at it. Being great means being consistent and that is what many do not like. More importantly, I know I was born for this. So there you go…

Tell me more about your latest book—where did you get the ideas?

Women have been known to multitask! I am no different. While I am enjoying my readers loving The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell: Hydra’s Nest, I took time off from writing the sequel and hopped on another novel… this time it is a mystery suspense genre, Of Sentimental Value. I am equally excited to tell my readers that Of Sentimental Value has become a feature film which is scheduled for release sometime in 2014. Stay tuned. This is a story of an African immigrant young lady who comes to America to fulfil her writing dreams. Unbeknownst to her, she pawned off the heirloom alongside her camera when hard times came tumbling down! Hell breaks loose around her America and threatens the life of her beloved sister in Africa. The race is on to find the artefact! Amidst this, a love triangle develops between her, a very wealthy older art collector, and a simple but good-looking American consignment store owner…. What happens next? That’s for you to find out in the book, Of Sentimental Value, and of course the movie when it is officially released. Here is the trailer to wet your appetites: http://www.youtube.com/user/cambiumbreakpictures

The next book I am tackling is the sequel to the bestseller, the Adventures of Jewel Cardwell: Hydra’s Nest. It is called The Sorcerer’s Purgatory and it will be the second in the Grimmlyn Series. Here, one of the characters, Kaya Darkling the Sorcerer’s daughter in The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell will be a main contender.  Behind-the-scenes and Cover Reveal is already published at: http://www.worldoffumihancock.com/#!buy-a-book/ciyu

I think the behind-the-scene and the cover reveal will titillate my readers and prepare them for a great saga.  This adventures promises to kick the fun and magical encounters up more notches! Thank heavens; this will not take me another two years to finish!

What do you need to make your writing career tolerable?

A sense of humor, being content at your level, and (argh) yes, a very thick skin for when the reviews start pouring in. Understanding that not everyone will love your writing. You simply learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly… roll them up into one big, effective experience and push on. If you constantly have to defend your writing, worried about one bad review or many at that… you will not move forward.

How many times have you rewritten a sentence to make it the “right” sentence?

Oh gosh, who is counting? And who says what I’d just written ten times is “right”? As writers, we are our own worse critics. Thank God I have people in my life whom I trust to read my book during the editing period. They bottom line tell me to move on after they have seen me edit a chapter over 10 times, and that is no exaggeration. I am getting better at my literary OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Argh!

What sells books?

Oh, that is one tough question. When you find the right ingredient, please holler right back at me.  I suppose great characterization—by that I mean unique characters, an interesting storyline which moves the story on, incredible backdrop stories and the location.

Would you buy your book as a customer?

Great question… Darn straight, I would! Check this out: Here is a short synopsis of The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell: Hydra’s Nest. It epitomizes my genre and what I enjoy writing:

A unique and thrilling African ambiance not familiar to many!
Lying gracefully between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south, the rolling grassland and fields of crops rising to a lovely sandstone mountain, is Milner Court, Bloemfontein, a suburb nestled in the middle of Free State, South Africa.

The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell: Hydra’s Nest magically transports its readers from the rolling hills of Bloemfontein to the beautiful farmlands of Bela-bela, South Africa. It is a fantasy-based coming of age story of a rebellious 17-year-old teenager who (through no fault of her own) is thrust into an environment ridden with unfamiliar and unsavory demonic activities when admitted into a prep school in South Africa.

As Jewel Cardwell is relentlessly being trailed by an unapologetic family curse, she races against time to find answers before the curse wipes out all of her loved ones.

In the midst of this demonic war, she becomes entangled in a love triangle between a young rugged-looking Darwin Morton who she grew up with on Milner Court and the very wealthy and popular high school soccer team leader with the silver spoon in his mouth, Eric Broder.

Now, more to the great question… would you read it?

What ingredients make your book a great read?

My books, especially my fiction books, transport my readers to a world unfamiliar to them… Africa! I love the colorful traditions… the people…their nuances and just the richness of the culture.  I draw my inspiration from the people I have met through my life journey growing up in Africa and of course, those I have conjured up in the fantasy and mystery world in my head. What ingredients make my book a great read? The people!… The fabulous culture! The authenticity of the characters as they play out their lives… the magical places they travel to throughout Africa… their strengths… their weaknesses… their ability to thrive in the face of hardship and the reality my readers also end up facing….Need I say more?

What makes your subject interesting?

The journey my readers take with me to Africa and what they see through the eyes of my characters who come from various parts of the world, yet reside in Africa are authentic. For fantasy and mystery lovers, they are captivated by the colorful and detailed description of the environment and the characters therein. The subject matter entails modern day woes with a twist of fantasy, blended with mystery. Once, I had a reader reach out to me and said that now she can cross South Africa off her to do list… as she found herself in the streets of South African when reading The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell. For fans who enjoy world travel, brace yourself. The Sorcerer’s Purgatory, a sequel to The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell will kick it up a notch! Of Sentimental Value, a mystery novel by nature will not only take you into Africa but transport you back to America with an African immigrant with her plight of survival… Oh, I won’t say much, just watch this:
http://ofsentimentalvaluethemovie.strikingly.com/  THE MOVIE
http://www.ofsentimentalvaluenovel.com  THE NOVEL
http://www.worldoffumihancock.com   COVER REVEAL OF JC (Jewel Cardwell) Sequel.

Did I say this has been made into a movie and is scheduled for release soon?

I can’t wait to see the movie! I have to ask you this one– what makes you an interesting author?

I think my family background intrigues people particularly when they find out that I am from African royalty. Then they settle down to enjoy my book and really understand why I have chosen African as my place or writing refuge in most of my books. I also like to believe that they experience my authenticity as they read and get to know my characters. I remember when the Adventures of Jewel Cardwell first came out. Some of the bloggers started digging into my background until they were finally able to link me to the African royalty. Of course, many were so intrigued by the whole idea that they started asking so many questions about my upbringing as a princess. So to wet their insatiable appetite for everything Princess Fumi, I created an episode on my channel: The Princess in Suburbia Lifestyle TV Show, which showed pictures of my forefathers from the 1800s. It was surreal going back home and having my father walk me through the stories. Thanks to my readers—you inspired me to dig even further, too. Check this out: www.youtube.com/user/princessinsuburbia

What makes me interesting? I am like an onion… when you peel the layers, you never know what you will find… So, keep peeling away.

How many times have you wished you’d started writing earlier?

I don’t believe in regrets. If I think about it, it will impede my writing abilities. Particularly for someone like me who started very early then quit for another 25 years to pick it back up again. In retrospect, the truth be told, my life is richer now with more life experience to pool from. My first crack at a novel became a bestseller! So, you see, I can’t afford regrets at this point.

Who are your favourite authors?

Okay, I have some book crushes… Here we go: J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the “Lord of the Rings” series. I am totally captivated by his writing.

So, what’s the purpose of your book?

Simple… to inspire, to motivate and empower people to follow their dreams no matter what their age. Above all, just pure entertainment.

How much time did you spend writing this book?

When I start a project, I write at least 4-5 hours a day for 5 days.

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CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bestselling Young Adult Fantasy Author, Fumi Hancock Unveils Her new book, Of Sentimental Value, a dramatic suspense about a young African Immigrant in America.

Fumi “Stephanie” Hancock is a walking example of how an ordinary person from a shackled life of broken promises and shattered dreams can live a fulfilled destiny. After twenty years of dropping her pen, she picks it right back up again by releasing The Grimmlyn Series: The Adventures of Jewell Cardwell, Hydra’s Nest. November 2012, the Young Adult Novel became an Amazon Teens Bestseller! Since then, she has not stopped. Her next novel, a dramatic suspense/mystery novel, Of Sentimental Value has been made into a feature film! It is scheduled for release this 2014! Stay tuned!

Though having graduated with a postgraduate degree in communication arts, and undergraduate degrees in English studies and nursing, she ascribes her writing to her life experiences, which were many times challenging.

According to her, the protagonists and antagonists in her novels often come from the darkest moments of her life–a tribute to the fact that something good can come out of mysterious and difficult circumstances, if we choose to turn our challenges around. Age is merely a number where success is concerned.

She also pulls some of her characters from her travels around the world–in particular, exotic Africa–uniquely weaving her tales. Fumi loves to write for young adults, particularly urban fantasy, and paranormal nonfiction with a touch of romance. She aspires to one day write a mystery/detective novel for the adult audience. But for now, she is content with her young adult audience.

With her background in nursing, she gently nurses her unusual characters to life for her readers to enjoy.

Her third novel which will be second in the Grimmlyn series: The Sorcerer’s Purgatory is scheduled to be released sometime in 2015— Behind the scenes of this young adult fantasy novel is found at: http://www.worldoffumihancock.com/

She has also written some inspirational eBooks: 2Respectmylife series. Last year, she launched, Let’s Go Innovate, a Coaching Company dedicated to entrepreneurs, start-ups and seasoned, alongside her friend. She is also taking Let’s Go Innovate for Writers (www.letsgoinnovate.com) on the road very soon ~ Empowering writers and writer-wannabes on taking their writing to the next step.  In addition, she launched, The Princess in SuburbiaTV, where she shares candid discussions, loads of laughter with her fans now clocking over 2.4 million views! http://www.youtube.com/user/PrincessinSuburbia

She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Dr. David Hancock, and her two grown sons, Bola and Demola Thompson. She cherishes her two stepdaughters, Holly and Marlee who reside in Michigan.

Her websites are:
BLOGS:
www.fumihancock.com.blogspot.com,
http://theprincessinsuburbia.blogspot.com/

FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/worldoffumihancock.com
www.facebook.com/fumihancockgrimmlyn
www.facebook.com/ThePrincessinSuburbiaTV
http://www.facebook.com/Ofsentimentalvalue

TWITTER:
www.twitter.com/fumihancock
www.twitter.com/PrincessinSub
www.twitter.com/cambiumbreakpix

WEBSITES:
www.worldoffumihancock.com
www.ofsentimentalvaluenovel.com
www.cambiumbreakpictures.com

ONLINE TV SHOW:
The Princess in Suburbia TV
http://www.youtube.com/user/PrincessinSuburbia


ON the Air with Princess in Suburbia – COMING SOON!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ontheairwithprincessinsuburbia 

Trailer: http://youtu.be/AZTSaChQ77E

Behind-the-Scenes:  http://www.worldoffumihancock.com/

Purchase  & Post Reviews at:
Click here to sample or buy (US) : Amazon.com
Click here to sample or buy: (UK): Amazon.com
Click here to sample or buy: Barnes & Nobles


STARRING HOLLYWOOD ACTOR~MALIK YOBA, TOMMY “TINY” LISTER, Africa’s Golden Boy, JOHN DUMELO, Nollywood’s Veteran, VITALIS NDUBUISI, WINNER OF THE P90X $100,000 CHALLENGE~ RICHARD NEAL, NASHVILLE’S L’OPRAH~ALETA MYLES, LEAD MALE ACTOR, AFRICAN ACADEMY AWARD WINNER, PATSHA BAY & The PRINCESS OF SUBURBIA HERSELF, PRINCESS FUMI HANCOCK. .
Cambium Break Pictures & The Princess of Suburbia Films
WATCH OUT FOR THE FILM RELEASE DATE AND THE NOVEL AT:
www.ofsentimentalvaluenovel.com

TRAILER FOR BOOK & MOVIE:
http://ofsentimentalvaluethemovie.strikingly.com/