Interview with Author Lindsay Downs

You can learn more about Lindsay on her website (here)

Bio off Lindsay's website:

I've been writing off and on for more years then I can remember. First for local weekly newspapers. I also did several articles for magazines. I was later publisher, editor, writer and photographer for a newletter. As a photographer, I spent two weeks in 1990 with the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. Below you'll find a link to some of my photos they have on file.

About three years ago I tried my hand a historical fiction. I couldn't get past the first three pages. It was then I, by accident, read a romance novel. Needless to say, I found what I wanted to write. Romance. For the last two years I've done nothing but. Paranormal and straight romance.

I'm fortunate in that my job allows me time to write at work.

Currently I’m Vice President of Outreach International Romance Writers, a SIC, with RWA and Membership Chair of FF&P, another SIC.

I live in Connecticut with my Collie, Kebi, who's a rescue Collie.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Body in the Attic

Special Agent Emily Dahill, Dakota along with her team of technicians are sent to Master Sergeant Annabelle Carlyle’s Victorian style house for what they think is a simple break-in. What they find however, turns out to be even more ominous and far reaching.

A secret passageway leads to a mysterious gunshot. When the prime suspect is cleared they still have no clue who the shooter is, or why. Could the shooter be the same individual who took a shot at Dakota?

Add into the mix the FBI and their unexpected involvement in the case.

Soon they learn the break-in had been a cover-up for a more nefarious crime. One that involves Emily’s nemesis, the brown-haired man, and millions of dollars being sent to terrorists.

Will they solve the case before the money disappears forever and more bodies turn up? Not even the inestimable Dakota is sure.

Buy links for A Body in the Attic are forthcoming. 

A Dog Gone Christmas

When a call for paws goes out, five friends bring their collies without question to a friend’s house. They learn the collies are needed to help seven children with the grief of losing a parent in Iraq or Afghanistan. Now, with seven friends, four collie yearlings and their mother, they set out to help the children

Not far away a mother hopefully leads her seven puppies to safety from a man intent on selling them for illicit purposes.

By a miracle of fate the two mother collies find each other right before the man sells the puppies.

That Christmas morning will be one the children will remember all their lives and they are united with the puppies.

Buy links for A Dog Gone Christmas

Astraea Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

All Romance

To request an autograph on your kindle (her author page)

http://kindlegraph.com/authors/ldowns2966

 

Emily Dahill, CID Part 1

Final Mission-After being seriously wounded in a copter crash in Iraq Sgt. Emily Dahill meets her new partner as she embarks on her new Army career as a CID agent. Who could this new partner be?

A Body in the Snow- Emily and her partner, Dakota, cross bullets with their most determined foe. Who will survive?

Right Place, Wrong Day-On leave to hang with friends Emily gets the surprise of her life.

Dog on Fishing-When it comes to knowing how to fish, and catch the big ones, never underestimate your partner. He might surprise you.

Buy links for Emily Dahill, CID Part 1-

Astraea Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookstrand

To request an autograph on your kindle (her author page)

http://kindlegraph.com/authors/ldowns2966

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. What made you decide to become an author?

I’ve always loved to write, usually in my own style which drove my English teachers crazy. It wasn’t until I started reading the same book over and over, oh the title and author was different, that I decided to try writing. Since then I haven’t looked back.

2. Is your character Dakota based on your own dog Kebi?

Some of the characteristics of Dakota I took from my Kebi. Two in particular being loyalty and protecting of his human, notice I didn’t use owner because with collies, at least, it’s a debatable issue on who actually owns whom.

3. Are any of the events in your books based on real life experiences?

All the events are fiction whoever I will use real locales to help bring the story to life and add realism.

4. Do you relate to any of your characters?

Not really. Except for Dakota, who is also my muse, they are characters who try to solve crimes.

5. What was your favorite scene to write?

It’s really hard for me to pinpoint one scene that was my favorite to write. In Dog Gone Fishing where I have Dakota catching the fish with his paw fur is a favorite. Though my editor liked the scene where he, Dakota, pees on the soldier’s rifle.

I think without a doubt though the scenes in the Christmas story with Sasha and her puppies were the most enjoyable, and hardest, to write. Doing them gave me a really good opportunity to show my readers what they were going through.

6. How do you enjoy Connecticut?

It’s okay. We do have the four seasons but the winters and subsequent cold is starting to get to me. Now that I’m retired a warmer year round climate is starting to look more and more appealing.

7. As a photographer what was your favorite place to take pictures?

I really never had a favorite place as it didn’t focus so much on a specific type of subject matter. For two brief periods I was in Washington DC and the diversity of subject matter was a challenge. One minute I could be shooting a homeless vet sleeping on a bench, the next taking pictures of a statue or monument.

8. Do you read a lot?

Yes but not nearly as much as I want to. Seems the writing keeps getting in the way. Not that I mind but a little relaxation is always good to refresh the mind.

9. What is your favorite type of book to read and your favorite authors?

My genres of choice is Regency and Victorian but I have been known to read most any, not erotica. Since I write in the female POV reading a Regency, specially with the very domineering male hero, helps me to get focused on the heroine more for my writing. And I think it makes for a stronger character.

As far as my favorite author, the one I’m reading now. I prefer not to mention an author’s name for fear of leaving someone out.

10.         Where is your favorite place to write?

Starbucks but now that I’ve started to set up a home office I’m starting to spend more time here.

11.         What hobbies do you have?

Reading and playing Words with Friends.

12.         Do you do anything special to reward yourself when you publish a book?

When you say ‘publish a book’ are you talking about signing the contract or the day the book is released. When the book is released no, I’m too involved in promoting the new release to do much of anything. When the contract is signed I’m looking forward to the edits, cover art and all that goes along with getting the book set for its release.

I’m also probably already engrossed in writing the next book to take personal time to celebrate.

13.         If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

Fort Leonard Woods to observe the training of Special Agents for the Army’s CID unit to get a better understanding of they how and why they do things.

14.         If you could spend the day with anyone who would it be? (Dead or Alive)

My mother who died in 1997. I think some of my heroine Emily Dahill I get from her strength, tenacity and perseverance.

15.         What advice would you give to others that want to become an Author?

Learn the craft. Don’t choose the genre you want to write, let it choice you. But even more importantly, write, write and write some more. Never get discouraged and give up. And NEVER listen to those that say you’ll never be an author. They’re jealous they can’t do what you are doing.

Interview with Author D. J Kile

Learn more on Devin at her website (here)

Devin J.A. Kile. Born on September 11th, 1990. A born and bred Southern Belle which is Currently living in Fulton, Missouri with her fian'ce and pets. Right now she is attending college, majoring in creative writing. She began writing at an extremely young age and has continued writing non-stop. She also is a horsback riding instructor and freelance photographer. Her current project is The Unforgiven, book one in the Unholy Trinity Chronicles. At this time The Unforgiven is in the top 20 best rated books on Bookrix.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. What made you decide to start writing? Well, growing up I was an only child and since I lived in a small town I didn’t have many neighbors to play with so I wrote, it began with copying dictionaries and slowly developed into books about horses or cookbooks for dogs. When I got older I began writing fan-fictions of my favorite television shows because I had a different vision of how the episodes should play out and soon discovered that I preferred writing my own stories, with my own characters because I could escape into their world when life became too hard and I could live vicariously through them.

2. How did you come up with the characters in your books? To begin I came up with a basic plan of what I wanted them to look like, then I research interesting names and possible background stories, but I always added part of myself or people I knew into the personalities of the characters which brought them to life, and made them relatable which I believe is a key trait to any book, if you can relate to a character the book takes on a life of its own and can hook you not just with words but emotions as well.

3. Do you relate to any of the experiences in your books? I try to write a lot of experiences in my books that I relate to because the books are extensions of myself and I know if I have probably experienced some things it’s likely that others, perhaps potential readers have also and maybe my book will have some deeper meaning to them. Perhaps make them remember fond or long locked away memories that their soul would do well to remember.

4. Which book did you enjoy writing the most? This is a hard question because all my books are labors of love, but my pride and joy is my book titled The Unforgiven, a story which came to me in a dream and once I decided to put it on paper it began to evolve and it might sound strange but sometimes I feel like my characters lead me through the book, it practically writes itself sometimes which makes it exciting to work on.

5. How do you like living in Missouri? Living in Missouri has its ups and downs for sure, example the weather. A common joke in this state is if you don’t like the weather just wait five minutes and it’s bound to change. Which is completely true most days, but during the summer it’s a gorgeous state with a lot to offer, one of my favorite places in this world is located in Camdenton, Missouri it is called Ha Ha Tonka state park, what it preserves is castle ruins and wonderful nature that always inspires my writing. I have many fond memories of the people and places here, overall it’s a wonderful place.

6. You’re a riding instructor; do you do all riding or just certain ages? When I became a riding instructor I quickly decided that the pleasure of having the ability to become one with the majestic animal that is a horse should not be limited to certain ages. So I am willing to teach anyone, of any age except for those who cannot physically ride. I also teach two of the four seats which make my students a bit more versatile in the equestrian community.

7. You’re a freelance photographer, what’s your favorite thing to photograph? My favorite thing to photograph is animals, wild and domesticated. I am a devoted animal lover and there is just something in their souls that shines through a photo making them the perfect subject. But an extremely close second is the military especially during homecomings, because of the emotion and pure courageousness you can capture. I discovered this during my fiancés homecoming from his deployment in Iraq, the love in that room was any photographers dream to try and capture.

8. What is your favorite place to go to write? My favorite place to write is sitting on my bed, curled up with my pillows listening to music making a sort of soundtrack to my stories as I write them.

9. Do you read a lot? I try to read at least two hours a day if I can, I find it a stress reliever and a great tool to get rid of writer’s block.

10. What is your favorite type of books to read and authors? My favorite genre of books to read is most definitely fiction, the realm of writing where the impossible is made possible. I am a sucker for anything vampire related. Some of my favorite authors include Anne Rice, Christopher Pike, Lauren Kate, Beth Fantaskey, Tanya Huff, Lilith Saintcrow, Stephen King, and Margaret Mitchell. All of these authors are beyond gifted with the art of the written word and have inspired many choices that I make within my own novels.

11. You’re working on a trilogy, what can we expect from this trilogy? Well, my trilogy is called The Unholy Trinity Chronicles; it surrounds seven demons that are created during a time in their life that they need revenge above all other things. Each book will surround one of the seven and a line of books will follow each of those, for example Book One is The Unforgiven, based in the state of Louisiana, it surrounds the demon of rampart, known as Dean Cathal and his struggle with a Southern temptress that holds the secrets of his past and the key to his future within her dreams. Appearing in this book are two more of the demons from the series. There is love, lose, a lot of action and mystery involved along with time travel that will consume you within the tangled web of deception these demons weave .

12. Do you have any hobbies? Well besides reading and writing, I am an avid movie goer; I also love to play my trumpet, work with my German shepherd and horses and just hang around with my friends enjoying life to the fullest.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? I would go to New Orleans, Louisiana during Mardi Gras, the atmosphere just buzzes with excitement.

14. If you could spend the day with someone who would it be? (Dead or Alive) This is a hard question because I have family that I would love to see again, but from a literary stand-point I would probably spend the day with Jensen Ackles, I would just love to pick his brain to find out how he makes the characters he portrays come to life, also he isn’t that bad to look at either.

15. What advice would you give to other people who want to become adult industry writers or advice people? I would tell them keep to what you love, never give up on your passions. Get on some writing websites and share your work, send it into publishers or self-publish, in this day and age there is no reason to not go after your dreams.

Don't Quit, even with your back to the wall

I have this picture on my wall, beside my bed, that I would like to share with you before this post goes any further:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low, and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you can never tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

 So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,

It's when things seem worst

That you must not quit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I write this due to the fact that I have recently been wanting to quit. I wanted to quit blogging, I wanted to quit writing, I wanted to quit trying, I wanted to quit just about everything because nothing is going forward. Then something very strange happen. I started getting excited about small things. 

• I have 45 total blog followers in 6 months. That is roughly 7 new followers each month. 
• I am almost already at 3000 page views when only weeks ago I was celebrating my 2000 page views milestone. 
• I was contacted to turn two of my story ideas into movie scripts. That is right my idea's I don't even have the books finished but the media CEO loved my idea enough to ask me to go ahead and write the scripts. 
• Everyone that has read my stories I have finished has loved them and is waiting on me to find an agent or self publish them so they can buy them.
• My children's picture book was a 100% success with the children I let hear it. And it doesn't even have pictures yet. They loved the story alone.
• I have 3 youtube subscribers which is awesome cause the only thing I have on my youtube channel is videos from Yellowstone National Park. And I just put these videos up last week.
• My self published Poetry book has had 4 great reviews and over 80 people have the book. Which I am excited about. 

 
 
 

So even though I feel like I'm swimming in a tar of quick sand. And going no where but down I won't quit. I have something to smile about.  I have gotten somewhere. I have made some great friends, some really neat connections, and I am hoping to make even more as the journey continues. I'm only 24 why give up on my dream now? 

Have you ever thought of giving up on something but stuck it out? How did it turn out? Or if you didn't stick it out do you wish you had?

Guest Post by Heather James

I was super excited that someone contacted me to host their post on my blog. I felt all special. And then to have such an inspirational story was a bonus as well. So without further ramblings from me. Please let me introduce to you Heather  James and her touching story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

What Life is Truly About

My world came crashing down on November 21st 2005 when I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, a deadly cancer. Even more devastatingly, my only child was only three and a half months old when I received my diagnosis. As I made the journey through this life threatening disease, I discovered inner strength that I never knew I had. I was referred to Dr. David Sugarbaker, the one of the world’s leading mesothelioma doctors, at Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston. For the first time, I had hope. Although there were only 2% of individuals who were still alive five years after their diagnosis of this deadly disease, I decided I would be part of that slim statistic. For the next year, I aggressively fought this disease and left my six-month old baby with her grandparents 1900 miles away from Boston. I had major surgery in Boston to remove my left lung and the lining around it where a tumor had formed. I underwent chemotherapy and radiation for the next few months.

Although I was sick during her first year of life, I was raising my daughter with the valued assistance of my family and friends. For Lily’s first birthday, we joyously celebrated, not only for her first year of life, but also because my cancer battle was drawing to a close. Just one month before my one year anniversary of the devastating diagnosis, I had finished my final radiation treatment and I vowed to my family, friends and myself that I would never acquire cancer again.

Due to my battle with cancer, I have a different perspective about life. The years since my battle have continued to teach me important lessons about life. I never take life for granted now because I know that it can be gone in an instant. I enjoy the small things in life, such as hearing the sound of little girl’s laughter, a rainbow that appears after a rain shower and puppy breath. All of these little joys in life remind me that my mission in life is to live.  

My cancer battle also introduced me to some of the most inspiring people that I would ever encounter. These individuals’ names are permanently seared in my brain and carved on my heart. Some of these individuals fought the same cancer battle, but tragically did not survive. Other individuals were loved ones who stood by family members who were inflicted with mesothelioma. Still other amazing individuals inspired me with their strength, tenacity and willingness to survive. For these inspiring individuals, I want to raise awareness for mesothelioma. Please inform other people know that mesothelioma is a real disease that inflicts real people; it is not just another daytime TV commercial.

Today and every day, I live my life to the fullest and enjoy every small moment. There are still difficult times, but even during bad days, I still find there are so many things for which to be grateful. In my opinion, this is what life is truly about.

Interview with Author Gerry Burnie

Find out more about Gerry on his website (here)

I am a writer of Canadian historical fiction from a gay perspective.

The type of history I refer to is seldom found in textbooks, and yet it is very much part of the Canadian experience. I call it "pioneer social history" because it deals with the lives and times of ordinary citizens. However, since these stories usually went to the grave with them it is necessary to reconstruct their lives from journals and fist-hand accounts.

This, then, is the function of historical fiction: ‘historical,’ because it is a reasonably accurate reconstruction from existing records; and ‘fiction,’ because it is a composite of the lives and attitudes of the times--both the good and the bad. It also serves to mark a lifestyle that might otherwise be forgotten.

All these elements are certainly true of gay pioneers because, quite understandably, there are few published diaries or first-hand accounts of them. Not only was it an extremely dangerous thing to do, but most GLBT men and women were not ‘out’ to their families or friends. Moreover, they were even loathe to reveal a lifetime of secrets after death--often directing that their personal papers be destroyed by a trusted friend.

Without historical fiction, therefore, this very real and important aspect of pioneer life might be overlooked and forgotten, and along with it many of the contributions these individuals made--including the recognition of homosexuality as a fact of life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What made you decide to start writing?

Writing is something I have always wanted to do—I wrote my first book when I was seven—but it wasn’t until I retired that I found the time to devote to it at a serious level. Even then it wasn’t quite as simple as knocking off a book in one go, for it took me over twenty drafts and five years to produce my first novel.

How did you come up with the characters in your books?

In my first book, Two Irish Lads, the story came first. That is to say, my initial intent was to write a history lesson in the form of a novel, but as I was writing the Two Lads started to emerge as compelling personalities. Moreover, they soon took over the story and were quite insistent it be told their way.

In my second novel, Nor All Thy Tears: Journey to Big Sky, the main character, Sheldon Cartwright, bears a striking similarity to me, and so the story evolved around him. It is not an autobiography, of course, for it is mostly fiction, but the focus is character driven.

In my forthcoming novel, Coming of Age on the Trail, the plot is loosely based on a real cattle drive, and so it is a fifty-fifty sharing of plot and characters. In the end, however, it is the two main characters, Cory and Reb, who emerge predominant.

Do you relate to any of the experiences in your books?

As I have mentioned, I relate to all of them to a greater or lesser extent. I don’t think you can write a story in any other way. That is not to say you have to have lived it. It simply means that you must relate to the story, either by experience, imagination or research, in order to make it credible.

Another aspect of relating to a story is empathy: The degree to which you can identify with the characters and circumstances encountered. The better you understand these, both the good and the bad, it will come across in the story. It is, I think, the element that makes the difference between a mediocre story and an inspired one.

Which book did you enjoy writing the most?

Without a doubt, I enjoyed writing Two Irish Lads the most. I am deeply Irish by heritage, and gay, and so I could relate to these two characters at an emotional level. Likewise, I grew up in a very small, rural community, which still used many of the implements and techniques used by the Lads in 1820, and so I had a familiarity with these as well.

The writing of Two Irish Lads also had a mission, which was to acquaint modern readers with what our ancestors went through to build a nation, and also the difficulties encountered by gay pioneers; for it is an aspect of pioneering we almost never hear mentioned.

How do you like living in Canada?

My first recorded ancestor arrived in Quebec in 1615, and so my roots run very deep. Moreover, I am a cultural nationalist. I have made a conscious decision to write stories exclusively set in Canada. It is not the most marketable setting compared to many others, but I am hoping to change that in some small way. As my bio reads, “Canada has a rich and colourful history that is waiting to be discovered.”

My approach is to choose an historical event or period and build a story around it. I am also working my way across Canada. So far I have covered Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and my next novel will be set in Alberta.

You’ve jumped around in different jobs for a while, which one was your favorite?

Yes, [*smile*] as I jokingly say, “I have a short span of interest”—or so it seems. It is simply because life is short, and there are so many interesting things to do. For example, I’ve done everything from teaching dancing to sitting in judgement as a magistrate. As far as a favourite goes, I don’t think I have one. I suppose being a college professor gave me the greatest satisfaction because I was able to launch the careers of some very successful people today. However, it was just something I did for a time, and now I am a writer.

What is your favorite place to go to write?

The nice thing about writing is that it can be done anyplace. Presently I am in Florida where I like to come for the winter months. It is an ideal place to write because I don’t have the distractions of snow and inclement temperatures. Moreover, at the hotel everything is contained: The restaurant is only steps away, my room has a view, and the housekeeper looks after that end of it. So I eat, sleep and work for the most part.

Otherwise, at home, I have a screened in gazebo in the backyard that is ideal for writing in the summer months.

Do you read a lot?

I maintain a book review blog, “Gerry B’s Book Reviews,” and so when I’m not writing, I’m reading. I learn much from my fellow writers—both what works and what doesn’t—and at the same time I give them some exposure they otherwise wouldn’t have. Moreover, it is a vehicle by which I can promote my own books. Altogether, therefore, it is a win-win situation.

To put a number on it, however, I read at least 52 novels a year.

What is your favorite type of books to read and authors?

I tend to favour frontier stories first. That is the Canadian wilderness, authentic stories of the American frontier, and Civil War stories. Of course, the ones with a gay content take the head of the line in each category. However, I avoid erotica. Too often erotica takes the place of a plot, and the characters are merely marionettes being moved from on bed to another.

I hasten to add that I am not a prude, and erotica that is well written with a plot and well-developed characters is quite enjoyable, but regrettably these are few and far between.

As for favourite authors, there are far too many out there to mention a few. However Mary Reneau has to be my sentimental favourite. Besides being one of the great writers of the 20th century, her’s were the first gay-content novels I discovered in my youth.

For non-fiction I would vote for Jonathon Katz, Gay American History: Lesbians and Gay Men in the U.S.A., for it is, in my opinion, the definitive history of gay life in America.

You also went to school and got a couple of degrees, which one was the hardest to get?

I returned to school after quite a long stint in the working world, and so I was a mature student in fact as well as category. I was returning on my own ticket too, so there was no fooling around. When the other students were out carousing I was cracking the books and writing 60-page essays, but because I was older nobody questioned it (that’s one of the advantages of age that I continue to enjoy today—at 76.) Therefore, I can’t say that one degree was harder to get than another, if you are willing to work at it.

Do you have any hobbies?

Writing is my hobby as well as my business. It has to be my hobby, because as a business there is damned little money in it! However, in my varied careers I have been an actor, singer, professional dancer, and artist.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

I think that I would go to the cradle of civilization—one of the Greek islands to write. I visited Greece once, as well as Corfu and Crete, but now that I am curtailed to a walker—on account of an accident—my options are limited. I would also like to visit Ireland to see the home of my ancestors, but I fear that is not to be.

If you could spend the day with someone who would it be? (Dead or Alive)

Alexander the Great, I think. I’ve always been enamoured with him—or his image. He was undeniably brilliant, though, and I have always admired people like this. I would also like to discover his burial place just to satisfy my own curiosity.

Otherwise, I think I would like to spend a day with Will Rodgers (the famous cowboy comedian), or perhaps Charlie Russell the self-taught artist who had quite a wit himself.

What advice would you give to other people who want to become adult industry writers or advice people?

I’m not certain what you mean by “adult industry writers,” but my advice to any aspiring writer is to sit down at a keyboard and do it. Writing is like any other endeavour, you get out of it what you put into it, and you’re story won’t get told unless you write it. After that it’s one word at a time and sticking with it—the ‘sticking with it’ part is probably the most important aspect. My first novel took me five years and over twenty drafts to complete, but it was eventually published with my name on it. That’s the reward, the crowning moment, for most writers.

So if you want to your name on your own work, the entrance fees are hard work and determination. There are no shortcuts.

Interview with Journalist and National Geographics Society Developer Adnilton Alves

You can follow more on Adnilton at his blog (here)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. You are listed as a National Geographic Society Developer, What does this job do?

I am a cultural attaché at the National Geographic Society, and am a volunteer here at the center-west Brazil,providing photographic data and materials on geological events in partnership with research institutes in botany, geology and biology and even photographs ...

2.  You are also listed as a Freelance Photographer, where is your favorite place to take pictures?

The entire region of the Brazilian Center-West, including the Chapadão Parecis, Chapada dos Guimarãesand other regions that are national parks, this includes a part of western Amazonia.

3.   Do you prefer taking pictures of plants or animals?

All, without exception

4.  You went to school for Journalism, what was your favorite paper you wrote during school?

The raw field service convenient, interviews, research files unresolved, investigative journalism. And of course, morphology study technique with nature, with technical material written for laymen.

5.  What are you currently working on?

In the production of a book, which is exactly the content of my blog, that is, the blog in print! Also I am in advertising, on how professional, several advertising agencies in Brazil.

6.  You live in Brazil, South America, what is it like living in Brazil?

I live in the Midwest of Brazil, is a typical region of cerrado vegetation arid savanna, only a little more rustic,but more trees ... But the climate is very dry and warm all year round, with temperatures between 29 and 38variants Celsius

7.  I’ve heard the rainforest in Brazil is amazing, have you ever got lost in it?

I'm living in Manaus, capital of Amazonas, resided there for 08 years in a row, I know all the High and LowSolimões, which includes all the tributaries of the Amazon River, beautiful forest, never got lost in my travelsin the forest, but I rather rough time. But the beauty and evidence of being a unique place, worth any sacrifice.

8.  Brazil is home to some very exotic life, what is one of your favorite things to see there?

A great mix of cultures of various races, such as Italian, African, Portuguese and many others, even Brazilhas very exotic culturally, then this multicolored variety of holiday traditions and lifestyle brasilieiro, stripped and very lively and accessible is the my greatest pleasure. But what I really like is the pleasure of travelingthrough this vast country in Peace, and the Brazilian coast is very large, and all the beaches, it is good for a nice swim in the sea or inland!

9.  When you need time to yourself just to relax, where do you go or what do you do?

I go to my farm ... she is a mountainous area in the Chapada dos Guimarães, have a rich photographic material never published here on the internet ... I'm saving it to illustrate my blog that will become a printed book .. when I have time, I travel there, and I week ...

10. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Italy!

11.  If you could spend the day with someone who would it be? (Dead or Alive)

With the woman who dream to have, I would love to give all this love that is saved in my heart for a while that I am alone, without a real girlfriend, a fellow that's really it. But not just once, but the life I have left.

12.  You speak multiple languages, which one was the hardest to learn?

Arabic

13.  What hobbies do you have?

I take my car, and when I'm on the highway, I hear my favorite songs, go to low speed for about 300 miles, then come home, open a bottle of dry red wine, put my favorite videos, and go to the kitchen ... and so on ...

14.  What type of music do you like to listen to?

Katherine Jenkins, Sarah Brightman, Emma Shapplin, Andrea Bocelli, Vivaldi, Strauss, Gustav Mahler, AtifAslam, Elissa Bastanak, Sergio Endrigo, Rita Pavone, Soundtracks, Pink Floyd, Enigma, Brian Ferry, Beyonce …

15.  What advice would you give others that want to join the journal and photography field?

Engage emotionally and psychically, with all your heart, sharpen the vision related to your olfactory sensesand the digital finger, and then follow your intuition and very, very patient for the best picture, best text, the best moments of inspiration that arise in moments abruptly or more unusual, just so, the thing comes filtered,purified and exalted.

A-Z Challenge in T minus 6(5) days!!!

The blogging A-Z April challenge is fast approaching with less then a week away. I already have some of my post scheduled to hit in the morning for the first week of April. It took me forever to pick my topics. I was so stressed about trying to figure out what theme I wanted to go with cause a theme sounded better then trying to come up with random stuff. So I thought and thought and thought and suddenly I was like well DUH Video Games!!! I never really considered myself a "gamer chick" until I sat down and realized just how many games I've played and own. And how over the top obsessed I become when I start playing them. Sadly though I do not play XBox. I don't like the controller its confusing. So I neither will be talking about XBox Games. However many of the games I will talk about ono the PS3 are also on the Xbox so still stick around. Come find out about all the neat games over the years. And yes picking only one game per letter on some letters was SUPER SUPER HARD!!! Do you know how many amazing games are out there? DO YOU?!?!

Well starting April 1st I will start informing you of at least 26 of them. 

I have online game accounts, I have PlayStation Network accounts, I have game accounts. If you play and want to be friends leave a comment with your username and where the account is. If I am on the server I'll hit you up. If I am not on the server I'll think about getting on it lol 

Not on the A-Z Challenge yet? Go Sign up!!!

Interview with Author Sheri Larsen

You can follow Sheri at her blog (here)

Sheri's Bio by Sheri:

♥ Hi! I'm a published freelance and short story writer; YA & MG author of all paranormal and wacky stuff, and the average tween/teen who happens to be not so average, and I write picture books. Currently my YA Paranormal Romance manuscript is with agents, and I'm working on a new YA dystopian/paranormal and a few picture books. I've also recently submitted one of my picture books to a publisher's contest. I'm a member of YAlitchat.org and moderator for our MG Lair. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1.                  What made you want to become an Author?

I’m a dreamer by nature. I’ve always loved make believe and how it can apply to real life. Being a movie buff as a tween/teen, I used to deconstruct films scene by scene and then add my preferences or touches. Life moved on, and I married. My love for storytelling gained new breath, when I had my kids. They grew and kept me more than busy. But about four years ago, I decided it was time to do more. Thus – the birth to becoming an author was born.

2.         How do you come up with the ideas for your stories?

I walk through life with my eyes wide open, paying attention to details in nature and the world in general. People are the most interesting. Also, living with four children gives me plenty of material, not to mention all their friends hanging out at our house. 

3.         Do you relate to any of the characters in your books?

There’s probably a snippet of me in each of my characters. Sometimes more. I often spice a character’s persona with elements I admire, would love to possess, or want to avoid.

 

4.         Are any of your book characters based on people you know?

Haha…sure. When I was writing my first YA novel, I sent a few scenes to an old friend to alpha read for me. She called me and said, “Your character Derek reminds me a lot of XXX from high school.” And you know what? She was correct. I’d subconsciously written about that guy from high school who I always thought was a jerk. lol

5.         You write YA, MG and Picture books, which do you have the most fun writing?

Tough question. I enjoy writing each and for totally different reasons. Picture books are my way to remain in childhood, preserve some innocence in the world. Writing middle grade gives me the chance to stretch that innocence, mingle it with the challenges of puberty and self-discovery tweens go through, and add some silliness in there. Young Adult is the largest canvas of the three. I can use all the above, while increasing the intensity on life issues, the world, growing up, romance, relationships, and the list goes on.

6.         You’re a wife and mother of 4, how do you find time to write?

With all four kids in school, I usually write in the mornings. I do, however, still write at night on occasion. Basically, I commit to write every day, even if just for an hour or talking out scenes in the car, while driving kid A to point C and kid B to point D. 

7.         How do you like living in Maine?

I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Plus, we’re an ice hockey family. Maine is a great place for hockey.

8.         What do you do to relax when times get stressful?

I usually hangout with my kids, laugh, and let myself fall into their world just for a bit. A good movie or book works, too.

9.         Recently you got to dress up as a princess and have tea with children, what was that experience like?

It was a picture book in the making for me. The best part was it brought me back down to a child’s level, reminding me that childhood is about wonder and awe, expression and honesty, and seeing the world with hope.

10.       Do you like to read?

Very much. I beta read and edit others work, plus I read for publishers and review ARCs.

11.       What type of books do you enjoy and who are your favorite authors?

I’m a love sap, so romances are high on my list. I love anything paranormal, wacky, or a bit out of the box and unexpected. But all must have passion in element, plot, characters, and all emotions. I enjoy strong characters, even those who are unsure of themselves. Some of my favorite authors are Jane Austen, Stephen King, LJ Smith, Dr. Suess, TCornelia Funke, and Meg Cabot. 

12.       Recently you ran for Mrs. Maine America 2012, how intense is a pageant like that?

It depends on the way you look at it and how you bring your life experiences to the stage. I’ve been a dancer all my life, performing in front people. It felt normal to me. The interviews and platform parts were me merely bringing my life of wife (for 20 years) and mother (for 18 years) front and center, and sharing myself and the wisdom I’ve gained.

13.       If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Probably Greece or Rome. I love mythology, architecture, and the Arts.

14.       If you could spend one day with someone who would it be? (Dead or Alive)

My first thought is Jane Austen. She not only was a master at craft, story, and characters, but she did it all during a time when woman simply didn’t. 

15.       What advice would you give to others that want to become an Author?

Read, study and hone the craft, write every day, and NEVER give up.