Author Spotlight

An Interview with Author Dedrie Marie

Have you ever been to a book festival? If you haven’t, trust me when I say that they’re a lot of fun. In fact, I wish that I had gone to more in my younger years, when I was just a voracious reader; there’s something special about meeting a beloved author and there’s something downright magical about getting a book autographed! For what it’s worth, I think, in my older years, I’ve made up for my earlier absences and I try (as much as my schedule permits), to get to as many author events, book festivals, and writing workshops as I can. They are worth their weight in gold because as an author, you get to meet other authors. It’s pretty priceless, especially because writing isn’t the easiest profession in the world (at least according to my estimations!), so it’s wonderful to meet like-minded people who understand everything you’re going through.

It’s even cooler when you meet an author whose job entails all of the nitty-gritty of the book publishing industry and who understands the demands of beta readers. As an author, I know how vital beta readers are, so when I learned that Dedrie Marie was not only a fabulous presenter at a book festival I recently attended, but also the author of the “How to Become a Successful Beta Reader” series, I couldn’t wait to chat with her! It probably doesn’t need saying, but she has a wealth of knowledge about all things literary and she has really cornered the market with her new book series. And while the title implies that it’s more geared toward people interested in pursuing a career as a beta reader, there’s so much more! This book series is a treasure trove of information for authors too—and not only because it helps guide us to our own beta readers, but also because there are some really great tips and tidbits about the publishing industry, editing advice, and loads of information about fiction fundamentals and the writing process.

So without further ado, here’s what Dedrie had to say to a few candid questions…

(Q) Dedrie, I know that in your books you explain how you became interested in beta reading as a career, but can you share with us a little sneak peek of what inspired you to write the “How to Become a Successful Beta Reader” series today as well?

(A) Oh! I'd love to! And thank you so much for having me. This is such an honor. You know, that festival that I spoke at—where you and I met—was my first. And I was overwhelmed with the positive response from the audience and how many people are interested in this beta reading jazz, especially when they've never heard of it before.

As a reader, when I finish a book I love, I often find myself curious about its creator. Who is this fantastic writer? How'd they get to be so interesting and creative? What are their habits, and what's their life like? Then I start digging—go all Snoopy Snooperston on them. Not in a stalkery way, though. I promise!

I suppose it's the envy in me coming out. But so many authors have changed my life through their books, and when someone brings you joy and refuge and inspiration and a wealth of other emotions—well, you tend to want to give back. Beta reading is just one of the many ways that you can.

But I hadn't always known about beta reading. It wasn't until I joined an online group of other writers that the term became known to me. And it came up over and over: "You MUST have beta readers!" "Beta readers are invaluable!"

So I thought, okay, let me start beta reading then.

I'm a tad bit Type A. So I'll be honest here. The first thing I did was go to Amazon and try to find a book on how to beta read. I mean, my degree is in English and Creative Writing with a focus in fiction, but I still felt that I needed something super specific.

It did not exist.

I Googled and found some blog posts and a few funny YouTube videos, but they weren't really all that helpful—usually just a generic form to fill out or some tips to follow.

And then that great quote hit me. You know, the one by Toni Morrison: “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.”

I figured I can't be the only person who'd like a bit more guidance here. And it's kind of absurd that something so high in demand has zilch in the way of standards, so…the series was born.

Sorry—long-winded, I know.

(Q) Your books are written as though you’re having a casual conversation with the reader. I loved it, and it works so well—it made reading through it a joy and there were quite a few turn of phrases that made me laugh out loud. Does writing in this style come naturally to you or did you consider writing these books with a more technical feel to them?

(A) I appreciate you saying that. Because honestly, the last thing I wanted was to write something akin to a textbook. I feel passionate about this skill, and for me to bore someone else to bits who's trying to learn it—well, wouldn’t that just be one big fail on my part. The books were fun to write; the work is fun to do; my goal was to convey all that fun-ness to the reader.

(Q) You mention Stephen King’s On Writing and a ton of other great reads and references! How did you go about choosing them all and which are your favorites?

(A) Favorites? Geez. Like asking me to pick a favorite wine! That's really a tough question to answer because each book was selected for a unique purpose. One thing I've learned is that writing is like no other job on Earth. It takes so much more than just a creative idea or the knowledge of how to structure a story. It's—well, hard as hell. Because to access that creativity, you need a certain mindset. And finding that mindset and keeping it until The End—and then even far past The End to get that book sold—is probably the hardest part of the gig. Once you've made it to writing The End, a whole other round of nerve-wracking commences: having your book critiqued and edited, publishing the book, marketing and figuring out how to sell the dang things! So much is involved and required of the author these days.

Most people who struggle to write to completion (or take a stab at a new career…like beta reading) are not lazy or undisciplined. They are struggling with doubt of some kind that masks itself as procrastination or writer's block or time-management issues or whatever. So I tried to incorporate books that would help the beta reader, one, understand the mechanical process of writing, two, understand the emotional process of writing, and three, understand how to interact with the writer with both these things in mind. The goal was to tap into that empathy center we all have and sometimes neglect, especially when critiquing a project (beta reading) or even when self-reflecting (struggling to build a beta reading business). So books were selected to inform the beta reader of ALL the necessary skills needed to write a novel, critique a novel, sell a novel, sell your services to someone who writes novels, and how to have the confidence to pull all that off.

I'll pick two books out of the seven that I recommended. What I found is that “The Lie That Tells a Truth” by John Dufresne is really about writing fiction—about writers, writing, literature, and just the essentials of what makes a good book, not so much an A-Z or formulaic guide. Dufresne’s candor and wit and enthusiasm are contagious, and I found it a truly enjoyable read. So if you love to read about how stories get crafted as much as reading the stories themselves, this is a great book.

The other book I'll talk about is a Jen Sincero book. The one I recommended is the first in her Badass series. It's a mindset book with an upbeat and funny personality. I'm all about the woo-woo; I really am. I'm a meditator and mantra chanter—the whole shebang. But I need humor in my life as much as possible. I want to be inspired and happy and fired up to tackle my goals. And I can't do that if I'm so serious about it all.

Her books shove you into action and make you snort laugh here and there along the way. I picked this book to help the beta reader who needs that nudge to put themselves out there. A lot of readers are introverts. This gig does cater to them somewhat—you get to work in your PJs hidden behind a computer if you want. But you still have to go out there (virtually) and find clients. That can be tough and scary. “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero can help you get past that scary factor.

(Q) I had the absolute pleasure of attending one of your presentations. Do you offer those often and do you have any upcoming events you’d like to share? And how can readers find all (or maybe just a couple) of your wonderful tutorials?

(A) Well, like I said, that was my first speaking event. I was PETRIFIED to do it. But it turned out quite nicely. My personal goal for 2019 is to step out of my comfort zone and do one event quarterly. I've been contacted by someone else who has asked me to speak for their group. We are still discussing the details, but I'll certainly share them via social media once I have something nailed down. If anyone is interested in following me, you can find my social media handles at www.DedrieMarie.com.

Regarding tutorials, I have a premium online course that is launching Jan 1, 2019. It's set up for those who want someone to walk them step by step through the entire process—learning the fundamentals of fiction, mastering the beta reading skill, establishing a business—all from scratch. There are no prerequisites, no degree needed, just a love of fiction and a desire to help authors.

It's set up a bit differently than any course I've ever attended. And I've taken a ton of online courses in editing and publishing. You always feel informed, but you rarely have anything tangible to show for completing the course (sometimes a certificate…which earns you what? in the real world). This course will have students taking action from Day 1, and by the end, if you've completed all the modules, you'll have the knowledge, experience, and an actual business launched with an author clientele portfolio in the works. After that, all you'll need to do is keep going. If you are interested in this course, Becoming Lit-Lucrative with Beta Reading is open for enrollment.

If you are totally new to the concept of beta reading, I'd say check out my free video training series. It's more of an overview but can give you some info to get you up to speed, in the know, and started ASAP with nothing more than a time investment!

(Q) To help authors and beta readers alike, you offer or recommend a ton of amazing templates, worksheets, and apps—and not only ones that pertain to the actual “job” of beta reading; there is also a nondisclosure agreement and a bunch of “tracking” worksheets that are super helpful for writers. Did you draw upon your own experiences as an author to create these, or did you consult other authors and reference materials?

(A) I’d say a combination of both. When I first set about becoming a beta reader, I did find a few generic questionnaires floating around the interwebs. That's what I started with. And there was nothing for the beta reader other than that—just a worksheet. Then once I got going and I realized I wasn't really tapping into my hard-earned creative writing degree (don't you just love when we don't apply our own knowledge sometimes!), I began adding to and modifying the questionnaire. I also had experience working as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader, both for fiction as well as in the medical-legal field, and so I pulled from a few of those resources to kind of develop more of a professional approach to communicating with authors about beta reading and really getting down to what would make the process more beneficial to both them and me. And then, of course, I created just some helpful templates for beta readers to give authors. This does two things: helps the authors as well as helps the beta reader over deliver.

(Q) Last, but definitely not least, I know that you’re amazingly talented at writing non-fiction, but now that the “How to Become a Successful Beta Reader” series is complete, is there a possibility of seeing some fiction in the near future? If so, please tell us all about it (or as much as you can without spoilers!).

(A) Oooo, yes! Before the beta reading thing morphed into a three-book series, a video training series, speaking engagements, and a premium course—good golly I'm tired just thinking about all that—I was in the throes of a fiction series. I had thought at that time, “Let me just whip out a resource on beta reading right fast; then I'll get back to this story.” Ha! I had no idea what was in store for me. It's been one heck of a ride—and one that I'm thrilled is going to keep going (judging by the amazing feedback and interest I'm getting)! However, I am so excited to return to my fiction. It's been tough ignoring it, and I'm one of those that truly believes if you don't answer a call timely enough, it'll pass on by. I've been sure to keep day-dreaming about my characters so they won't abandon me!

I'll be writing under a pen name, Bebo Franklin, just to keep things focused as far as marketing and such. It's a bit dark with a working title of “Elemdale.” Here's a bit from the current website:

The Barron River is the great divide that runs through Element Dale. It separates the “regular folk” in the south from the “trash” in the north. But there are truly no regular folk in Element Dale—or “Elemdale” as the lazy tongues of its inhabitants call it. How could there be? A town spawned from the likes of mental patients and lithium-laced water?

It’s a dreadful place really. I wouldn’t recommend trying to find it. As with most dreadful places, it comes complete with secrets, lies, deceptions, and best of all…violence. “Elemdale” is a Southern Gothic Mystery that documents the life, death, and afterlife of the inhabitants of Elemdale.

The most recent events have been documented by Bebo Franklin. She’s noticed one Francis “Frankie” Bowman lurking about Caddo Flats. Seems he’s not privy to his own death and is frightening those still living. Frankie was killed when he was nineteen and took to wandering the town, and later the riverside, when he couldn’t get any of his old friends to lend an ear. Seems the living aren’t too keen on having the dead for company. Thing is, Frankie thinks his death was an accidental overdose. But it was not.

You're welcome to keep reading at https://bebofranklin.wordpress.com/tall-tales/.

I've got my author planner sitting on my desk. It's been staring me down, day in and day out. I can't wait for a few days to start planning out my 2019. It's going to be all about marketing the beta reading books and course—and writing and publishing “Elemdale!”

Dedrie, I’m so glad that you took the time to share all of this wonderful information with us! I’ve been so fortunate to have so many wonderful authors join this spotlight segment and I’m delighted to have wrapped up 2018 with you. I absolutely adore your beta reader series and I plan to use it in future writers’ workshops and I hope we’ve inspired a bunch of folks to do the same. Also—and probably most importantly—readers, if you’re interested in pursuing a career as a beta reader, get these books soon, and be sure to reach out to Dedrie with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have—she’d love to hear from you and she never minds when fans put on their Snoopy Snooperston hats to learn more about her book series.

* * *

Dedrie Marie is a Bibliobroad™, entrepreneur, world traveler, editor, and author. The internet knows her best for her dedication to helping book junkies turn their passion for fiction into fascinating “anywhere ya want” careers.

Dedrie’s nonfiction is her way of giving back; writing fiction under a pen name is her way of having fun.

To learn more about Dedrie’s upcoming events and her online courses and tutorials, be sure to visit her at www.dedriemarie.com! Also—and most importantly—to snag a free digital copy of the first book of the “How to Become a Successful Beta Reader” series, visit https://www.dedriemarie.com/beta-reader-book-1. I know you’ll love it!

And if you’re looking for a cool new Southern Gothic tale, be sure to visit Dedrie’s fiction page at https://bebofranklin.wordpress.com/tall-tales/.

* * *

An Interview with Bestselling YA Author Caroline Peckham

Readers, just in case you didn’t already know, I’m here to tell you that writing is hard.

Don’t feel bad if you hadn’t realized that sooner. I mean, when I was younger, I thought that being an author was the greatest and easiest job in the world. All you have to do is tell stories all day, right? How hard can that be? Well, if you’ve ever given writing a whirl or if you’re a bona fide author, you know exactly what I mean. Creating characters, building worlds, and tying together plot points is a tough business—and exhausting to boot! And don’t even get me started on marketing—the stress of that alone is enough to make a girl want to switch to a different, systematic hobby—like Sudoku!

Hence, it goes without saying that I have a deep and profound respect for all writers. Hats off, you crafty, creative types! What you do is hard work but it’s worth it in the end! And it’s especially appreciated when you become a prolific author—fans love a great series, and as a writer, I know that there’s no better feeling than creating a deep, rich, complex universe with characters who people adore.

What spurred this all on, you ask? Well, I’m always getting to know authors and even though I’ve written a bunch of stuff, and I know a bunch of people who have written even more stuff, I’m always so impressed when I meet someone who has an amazing author platform, a ton of great reads, and is just an all-around awesome person. Take Caroline Peckham, for instance; she’s a bestselling young adult author with a seriously impressive portfolio and a super-sweet online presence. She’s also prolific. Her V and Wolf Games series currently has six books and a prequel! Talk about busy! So I reached out to Caroline and asked if she wouldn’t mind sparing some of her time with us for a quick interview. Here’s what she had to say…

(Q) Caroline, you’ve created quite the literary legacy! Can you share some of your secrets on balancing time between your writing and personal life?

(A) I don't have a social life. Ha-ha, okay, this is only a little true. Writing is a commitment. Especially independent publishing, as I have to do all of my own marketing. I also do my own covers, so that's time consuming too. But the thing is...I just absolutely love it. I think if you're considering doing this as a career, you have to feel that way. It has to be something that wakes you up at four in the morning because you can't wait to get started. I'm afraid sometimes your social life has to take a backseat. I'm not saying ditch your friends by any means! I see my friends regularly. But sometimes you have to put your writing first and miss the odd night out at the pub.

Another thing is, you have to be willing to learn about marketing and advertising (something I knew nothing about before I hit “publish” on my first book, and to be honest, I still don't have it down). The key is to listen to that voice inside you that says 'let's do this!' even when you get bad reviews or when you spend a hundred dollars on advertising that sells one book (been there). Or no books! You have to be so invested and have so much belief in your dream that you never, ever give up. If you don't feel that way about it...I suggest the Sudoku idea too, ha-ha!

(Q) As a young adult author, do you find that people always expect your books to be part of a series, and was that your original intent for the V and Wolf Games series?

(A) I originally planned for the V Games series to be a trilogy. I think it even still says that on Goodreads (e.g. this is book six in the V Games Trilogy *face-palm*). By book two, I knew it was going to be more than that. The side characters had their own stories to tell, which was what led to the Wolf Games and now the upcoming Hunter Trials too.

In general, I've always preferred reading books in a series so it was just natural for me to do that. My first series (The Rise of Isaac) is five books long and the V Games world is growing even larger than that. I don't write for the expectation of more books, these characters have grabbed me and won't let go. So it's up to them, I guess! If the excitement stopped in the writing process, then I wouldn't continue with the series. But so far, the ideas just don't stop flowing, so I can't see that happening any time soon.

(Q) One of the descriptions of the V Games mentions the coveted Hunger Games series. What other authors and books inspire you?

(A) I've always been really honest about the fact I came up with this story as a mash-up of The Hunger Games and vampires. But the second I had the idea I said to myself, “this has to be different, Caroline. The characters, even the games. It can't be like The Hunger Games.” So I set out to make sure it was really different, especially the characters. I love a challenge. And I think it paid off. I'll always get people comparing book one to The Hunger Games, but I think it's fair to say from book two onward, there's no real resemblance at all. Especially once you hit the Wolf Games series.

(Q) The V Games series is amazing, but it isn’t your only gem; you’ve also created another wondrous universe. Tell us about Oliver Knight and the magical seven worlds found in the Rise of Isaac series.

(A) Aww, my baby! That's what The Rise of Isaac series is to me. I think any of my fans who have read it can see the growth in my writing from book one through five. Book one took me three years to write and was my first ever book—I released it in 2015. It will never be as well written as my latest books, but I think it's such a cool way of looking back over how far I've come.

The story built in my mind over years of working at my previous job (a kennel for cats). It’s a YA fantasy following Oliver Knight on a quest through seven other worlds in an attempt to save his sister from a deadly curse. Each world is locked via a gateway that requires a deadly challenge to be undertaken to pass through it. Some are even televised—I guess I've always loved the game idea!

Oliver has a heavy task hanging over him and is all the more troubled when he finds out that a dark overlord is trying to stop him from saving his sister. There's a lot of angst and some quite dark moments, but in the end, I think the series really came to a great climax. I received so much positivity about the final installment and I was so grateful to everyone who stood by me for my first-ever book to the last in that series, which was only released this year!

(Q) Now that you’re a #1 Bestselling Author, what’s next on your agenda? Is there a new series on the horizon and possibly some audiobooks?

(A) I've got a wonderful girl doing the V Games audiobooks at the moment. I'm so excited about it; she has a great “Selena” voice. We're actually going to meet for drinks in London, which is amazing!

I have big plans for the future. I want to take my writing to the next level. The Vampire Games series is far from over—with The Hunter Trials about to launch and the Mer Games on the horizon too—but I've also quietly written the first in a new series (which is a big secret, but I'll let you in on it). It's called Darken the Night and is focused around a love story between a girl and a supernatural boy (he's a serious A-hole with lots of issues). It's very much a hate-to-love story. Plus, the house the book is set in hides a haunting secret that makes for some quite hair-raising moments along the way. That's all I can say for now, but watch out for that series launching early 2019!

(Q) Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?

(A) I'm SUPER engaged with my fans because I LOVE them (and I let them know it, he-he!), so come along and join The V Team on Facebook here, where I share loads of snippets, plus I give out freebies and chat about the series. There's such an awesome group there, you'll fit right in. Plus, you can ask me any questions you’d like and I'll happily answer anything EXCEPT for what's in the west wing of the house in Darken the Night...that's something you'll have to wait to find out ;)

Thank you so much for the interview! I'm so grateful for the opportunity <3

Caroline, it was my absolute pleasure to have you, especially now that I know how incredibly busy you are—book covers, marketing, multiple spin-off series from an already amazing one, and a new book series in the making! Wow! Hats off for managing all of that, and please know that your fans appreciate all of your hard work. We can’t wait to learn more about the Darken the Night series, which sounds absolutely delicious!

Readers, the V Games will be free from Monday December 3^rd until Friday December 7^th. You can also snag a FREE copy of the prequel novella to the V Games Series by signing up for Caroline’s mailing list here. You’ll not only get a free book out of the deal, but Caroline will also send an occasional email keeping you up-to-date on all of her adventures.

***

Caroline is a YA fantasy author who lives in not-so-sunny London.

Originally, she’s from Kent, the garden of England, though she often thinks of it as the puddle of England, since it never seems to stop raining. She’s also one of those shameless people who will wear flip flops at the slightest glimmer of sunshine.

Caroline is also very big into TV series and can often be found wide-eyed and shell-shocked at a sudden revelation in her latest Netflix series – her flat mate once discovered her post-Breaking Bad finale…it wasn’t pretty…

Readers, to learn more about Caroline’s amazing book series and to chat about her current binge-worthy Netflix obsession, check out her website here, or visit her on Facebook here.

 

***

An Interview with Mystery Author Carla Vergot

I’m relatively new to Facebook. I mean, obviously I’ve used it for my personal life in the past, but I’ve never really kept up with it — at least not as adamantly as I have with my author page. I can tell you that one of the reasons Facebook has never appealed to me is because strangers can easily contact me, which, frankly, makes me a bit uncomfortable — especially when certain people have salacious intent. I’m not one to knock anyone’s preferences, but I don’t personally care for the often persistent, intrusive, and offensive material that comes my way the moment I log into my account. It’s enough to make me want to slam my laptop shut forever and just stick to good-old-fashioned books for the rest of my life!

Unfortunately, when you’re an author, being in the public eye and having a public persona is a requirement for success. The good news is this: when life gives me lemons, by golly, I make the best lemonade! And so while it’s taken me a moment to adjust to “getting to know” complete strangers online, I’ve also come to the realization that there’s a positive side to it too. There’s a world of great people out there — people who I probably would have never had the opportunity to meet otherwise — yet there they are, and it’s wonderful!

Take Carla Vergot, for instance. I was on Facebook one day when I received a message, asking me to “like” an author’s page and website. Naturally, as an author who always supports other authors, I bravely followed the link (as this can sometimes end with not-such-great results!), and I discovered that Carla truly is an author, and I totally fell in love with the description of her upcoming debut novel Lily Barlow: The Mystery of Jane Dough. Because, I mean, who doesn’t love a book about a character obsessed with Stephanie Plum!

So, after I was done checking out her website, which is very cool by the way, I decided to message her back to let her know that I had “liked” her page and that I was excited for her new book. It’s been history since then, folks, and we’ve been chatting ever since, like fast friends!

So one day, while we were messaging about one of her upcoming book promotions, I had an epiphany! Carla should participate in my Author Spotlight! I know, it seems so obvious, but I was really excited when the thought occurred to me, and I was even more excited when she agreed! She even graced me with an autographed ARC copy that I’ll adore until the end of time, not only because I always cherish books (especially the autographed type), but also because it’s a good book — like really good! I dog-eared a ton of pages and thought up a bunch of questions along the way! Here are a few of my favorites…

(Q) Let’s begin with your protagonist, Lily Barlow. She’s a witty college student who’s suddenly tasked with the unfortunate job of finding a new manager for her family’s bakery because her father falls ill. From the start, we learn that Lily is a little obsessed with the fictional character Stephanie Plum and that she definitely isn’t happy about being home. Granted, she isn’t there for a good reason, but the reader can tell early on that she isn’t a fan of her small town and that the idea of taking over the family business is appalling. Of course, as the book continues along, we begin to get the answers to many of these questions, but it would be awesome to have your insight on Lily’s character. What inspired you to write her, and how did you go about selecting some of her quirkier characteristics?

(A) Lily has been in my head for a very long time, and as I’ve gotten older, she’s gotten quirkier. If I had put her on paper twenty years ago, she would be a very different person. As it is, I’ve come to appreciate people’s idiosyncrasies, and Lily is my nod to the quality of human quirkiness. Her goofiness makes me laugh, and I hope it makes the book fun to read.

As for selecting her quirkier characteristics — her ridiculous sayings emerged all on their own. In the beginning I struggled with dialogue. It was really the hardest thing for me to write. Eventually, I stopped trying to write it altogether and just started listening. How do people talk? How do they phrase things? What makes it sound authentic? How would a female convey this thought? What about a male? Someone old? Someone young? After I spent time listening to people talk, really learning how they express themselves, it became easier to write dialogue. As Lily evolved on the page, I just let her start talking, and her goofy phrases just took off. I now keep a list to make sure they don’t repeat.

(Q) Your book, to me at least, has a character-driven plot, so naturally, I can’t only ask about Lily, because you have some really interesting folks who share the spotlight with her. My favorites, of course, are Miss Delphine, the sweet yet nosy and slightly unnerving old lady who offers Lily a temporary home, and McNugget — the deranged chicken who stalks Lily’s every move. How on earth did you come up with these characters? And why a chicken phobia? Did someone you know happen to inspire that particular quirk?

(A) Character development and well-crafted details are my favorite parts of any story, and that’s probably why I spend so much time on my own characters. Like Lily, Miss Delphine has been with me for a long time. She’s a combination of a favorite aunt, a neighborhood busybody, a good Samaritan, and a crackpot. I named her after a woman who came to a yard sale I had when I lived in Florida. The woman’s friend kept yelling for her, “Delphine, come see!” “Delphine, look here!” The name resonated with me, and I knew I would resurrect it at some point.

And the chicken phobia did come from someone I know! A few years back, we inherited chickens from a friend who was looking to re-home his flock. I named them and promptly fell in love with them. They’re sweet, curious, and intelligent animals, but not everyone has this background knowledge when meeting a chicken for the first time. It was always an interesting experiment to see what a visitor would do when she or he came face to face with a member of our flock. One afternoon a friend of mine came over. She opened the trunk of her car in the driveway, and a chicken flew up and perched there, flapping. The friend screamed, I laughed, and Lily’s chicken phobia was hatched. (Pun intended.)

(Q) I hate to drop spoilers during interviews, but a big part of the mystery — at least regarding the title, that is — is the play on words between “Dough” and “Doe.” The former refers to some of the intrinsic struggles that Lily is facing, while the latter references “The Doe Network,” a website that features records of all the bodies the cops haven’t been able to identify, dating back to the early 1900s. Tell us about your research on this. Is there really a “Doe Network,” and what prompted you to write about it?

(A) There really is a Doe Network, and I really am addicted to it. (So, get ready, Winter, here comes my dark side…) I love true crime stories, and the ID Network is one of my favorite sources. The Doe Network was featured on one of the episodes I watched, and when I went online to check it out, I got sucked in. I encourage people to visit the website (doenetwork.org), because I think the more people who know about it, the more of these mysteries can get solved.

(Q) Let’s talk vernacular, because boy-oh-boy did you nail that perfect blend of Southern charm mixed with just the right amount of a witty twenty-something-esque Stephanie Plum fan to perfection! Tell us a little about the setting of your book and how you drew on personal experience to help with your writing process.

(A) I grew up in Charlotte, NC, and while not a small town by any stretch, it comes with a good dose of charm. Then I went to school in Raleigh, also not a small town, but plenty of southern sweetness there as well. That, no doubt, painted the backdrop for the book. In addition, I’ve had a love affair with small southern towns all my life. I think it’s fair to say the setting reflects a collection of mental snapshots I’ve saved up through the course of my life. Whenever I described a scene in the book, I probably had seen that building or that street corner or that country lane or that courthouse somewhere in my travels.

(Q) Last, but definitely not least, can you share some important dates with us? When and where does Lily Barlow: The Mystery of Jane Doe hit the stands? Also, do you have any promotion dates, giveaways, and events scheduled that you’d like to share?

(A) The book will be available through Amazon and in Barnes & Noble on December 4th. It’s available for pre-order on Amazon now. Also on December 4th, my college roommate is hosting a launch party at The Garden Hut in Fuquay-Varina, NC. After that, I have two book signings scheduled for local independent book stores (Second Chapter Books in Middleburg, VA, on December 8th, and Four Seasons Bookstore in Shepardstown, WV, on December 9th). I’m working on scheduling some signings at Barnes & Noble in northern VA, but those dates are not yet confirmed. Oh, and for those who are swept up in the coloring craze — people can print a copy of the blank sugar skull on my website. Anyone who colors it, posts it on their Facebook page, and tags me by October 31 will be entered to win a signed copy of the book.

Thank you, Winter, for giving me a chance to run my mouth about Lily Barlow. I enjoy thought-provoking questions like yours. This was a fun interview!

Carla, thanks for agreeing to participate in my Author Spotlight; it was an absolute joy to read your book and then to share your thoughts and insights with others! I’ll be sure to download and color a copy of your book cover soon, and I’m sure everyone will have fun with it and will love the opportunity to snag an autographed copy! Best of luck on all of your future endeavors and know that we’re all looking forward to reading more of Lily’s adventures soon!

* * *

Carla graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Language Arts, Writing, and Editing. In other words, she was an English major! Then she got her Master's degree in education from George Mason University. Before writing The Lily Barlow Series, Carla worked in fund development, raising money for nonprofit organizations, and taught special education in the public-school system for fourteen years.

Readers, trust me when I tell you that Carla tells her backstory much better than I, and with a much funnier twist, so go and visit her website to catch up on the rest of her biography and all of the information you’ll need to snag a copy of The Lily Barlow Series at https://carlavergot.com.

* * *

An Interview with Paranormal Mystery Author Molly Milligan

I recently sat down to answer some very cool and candid questions for Amy Bernal. It was an amazing experience and days later I found myself still thinking about it. One question, in particular, seemed to resonate with me the most, probably because it was a question that I’ve so often asked as an interviewer, but not one that I’ve had the opportunity to answer as an interviewee. The question went along the lines of what advice I would give to aspiring authors, which I answered with a pretty nifty response about writers reading as often as they can. I wrote, read about writing, among other things, which I truly believe is great advice, but after a few days, I felt as though I had left something out . . . something very important; something along the lines of: read what you love — read what makes you laugh — and most importantly, read what entertains you!

Of course, when I think about books that I absolutely adore because they do all of the above, I instantly think of Molly Milligan. She’s the paranormal mystery author of the amazing, iconic, and prolific book series The Celtic Witch Mysteries and The Everyday Witches of Wildham-on-Sea, both of which I cannot recommend enough! And, when I reached out to ask her if she would participate in an interview, she not only agreed, but she also offered me some friendly advice about making sure that I remember to concentrate on my writing as much as I do everything else in life. She’s a gem, and I’m thrilled to share her take on her fabulous book adventures, her writing process, and her exciting life across the pond!

(Q) Molly, when you so graciously accepted my invitation, you also offered me some great writing advice. Do you have other words of wisdom for aspiring authors, and what inspires your writing?

(A) First of all, thank you for reaching out to me, and letting me blather on here! 

Secondly — your question, which I’ll take in two parts. My first answer is going to sound hypocritical but my advice would be, get off the internet! Or at least, ration it. Be very aware of your time, and what you are doing with your time. It’s so easy to sit at the computer and think you’re working just because you’re staring at a screen. I hear about writers saying they work 12 or 14 hour days. Maybe so — but are all those hours productive? Every single day? Be brutal with yourself and analyze exactly how productive you’re being. Walk away from the computer. You don’t need to be present on every platform — choose one that you like that is also where the bulk of your readers are. Concentrate on that. Enjoy your writing! If it’s not fun to write, will it really be fun to read? 

(Q) There are currently a whopping seven books in the Celtic Witch Mysteries! In and of itself, that’s amazing, but the amount of authentic lore you provide in each installment is awe-inspiring! What’s your research process? Do you prefer hitting the library and reading old-fashioned books? Are you more of an internet-search kind of author? Or do you prefer venturing out into the world, making face-to-face inquiries?

(A) Well, that will teach me not to read all the questions before I answer them! I touched on it above. I’ll go into more depth now.

I’ve always been interested in traditional tales. I’ve performed at storytelling events and used to belong to a folk music club where I’d tell stories. Storytellers swap stories and we all learn from one another. Then I grew interested in the psychological importance of myths, and how the repeated themes are actually fundamental to how we, as humans, relate to one another and our place in the world. Over the years, I have accumulated books, but also there’s a whole seething heap of snippets of information that is in my head.

Because the Celtic Witch books are based around the eight pagan festivals, I have those as a starting point. I think about the theme of the festival and jot down my initial feelings – will it be a light and fun festival or is it about reflection and endings? Once I have my existing knowledge out there, I go looking for more to fill in the gaps. I turn to my own books then head to the library. I use the internet, too, and scribble down all sorts of things. Then I let it lie, and ignore everything for a while. When I come back to my research, I can see connections, and so the plot starts to grow.

(Q) Let’s talk themes, because in each of your books, you touch upon some really sensitive material. In The Celtic Witch Mysteries, for instance, one of your main characters, Maddie, is half Black, half Welsh, and you very often address issues of race and the feelings of isolation and exasperation that come along with being biracial. Was it always your intent to tackle social justice themes like racism and sexual identity, or did that those just happen to come along because of the characters you created?

(A) Aaaaah this is a really tricky one as I stumble blindly through the ankle-deep floodwater of my white guilt. I had no intention of writing anything other than light, fluffy entertainment. That was my full and complete aim. I deliberately chose an American character because in my other books, under other pennames, I’ve encountered issues with my blatant Britishness. Many readers have been confused by some terminology or reference and it pulls them out of the story if they don’t understand. So, by having an American character new to Wales, she can experience the confusing things and therefore those things are subtly explained to the reader. I began to picture her, and she popped into my head as biracial.

I said, no. I can’t write her like that. It’s not my story to tell. 

But she persisted. And so I did a ton of research and read a lot of first-person accounts, to try to really understand what I might be getting into, and whether a white writer could even hope to approach this without getting it wrong, and I was scared. There are enough problems in the world without my well-meaning attempt to white-knight my way in and fix everything.

But when I read a book, I do want it to reflect the society that I see, and that society is a multicultural and diverse one. Having a totally white cast of characters felt wrong, too. 

I prevaricated a long time about Maddie but she stayed resolutely biracial in my head, and so in the end, I went for it. I didn’t want to turn her into a “theme” character though. She’s not there to illustrate any big messages about harmony or whatever. She is who she is. Unfortunately I suppose I can be accused of falling into the “black best friend” stereotype but I hope she is a significantly strong character with her own agency that she doesn’t do too badly.

As for social justice — that was inevitable as soon as I had Maddie. Because honestly, you can’t just say “this character is black in a white society” and then forget it for 300 pages, like ticking a diversity box. Her race, and how other people perceive her, then runs through every interaction she is going to have, and I wanted to show some of the unthinking micro-aggressions a person of colour deals with all the time, without getting preachy about it. 

(Q) I can’t ever get enough of how magnificently you capture the beauty of Wales and the Welsh culture. You also nail Maddie’s Californian vernacular so well that one can only wonder if you’re a native Californian! So what are your secrets? Have you lived in both places, or do you have a special research method when it comes to writing about different cultures and places?

(A) Aww, thank you! The Welsh side of things was easy. I went to live in Aberystwyth in 1995, to study art and art history. I threw myself into the local culture. I went to Welsh evening classes, and joined a Welsh choir, and got involved in a local theatre group. I had to work to support myself, and had jobs in a pub, a fuel station, and a legal office. After my degree ended, I stayed in the area, working. I’m living in England again now, and I think writing my books is a self-indulgent way of returning to Wales!

I am glad to hear I have got the Californian thing right. That’s not too hard for a Brit. I have to say, we are swamped by American culture in the UK — that’s not a bad thing! — Books, films, music. Most of my online friends in forums and FB groups are American. When I’m writing dialogue, I hear the words in my head. When Maddie speaks, I have this mental Valley-girl thing going on. I sometimes worry I’ve overdone it, though!

(Q) You currently have four audiobooks available! That’s amazing! Can you share your experiences with us? How do audiobooks work? How long is the process? Do you get to pick the voice actor? And how long before we get to hear the rest of your books as audiobooks?

(A) Audiobooks were something I wanted to get into, but was put off by the financial outlay involved. For a long time, ACX (like self-publishing for audio) wasn’t open to non-U.S. folks, too. That has changed but to do it right, I would have needed a ton of money. Then I was approached by an agent who felt she could sell my books to audio publishers. Naturally, I snatched that opportunity up! She did indeed get me a deal for the first four books.

Now, doing it this way was new to me. I am used to having full control over everything. I did get a say in the narrator, though finding someone to do the multitude of accents was impossible. Gemma Dawson is amazing but she has had to go with a more generic English accent, and I pulled some of the Welsh phrases out of the text too. They used the same cover art. The process took a few months and the books were released every four weeks. The experience for me was smooth and seamless — because I didn’t have to do anything! Well, except promote them, and that is very hard.

I’d very much like to see the rest of the series in audio too. There is one more book to come in the Celtic Witch series, and at that point, my agent will be revisiting the series and approaching the production company again. It will depend on sales though — sales of the audio of the first four, and ongoing sales of the whole series. Nothing is set in stone. With amazing new authors and new books popping up all the time, there is a lot of new, shiny competition, but I have my fingers crossed.

Molly, just wow! What amazing, mind-blowing responses! I would quote a few of my favorite lines but I would, in essence, just be repeating the entire interview! I know that with a recently released book and so many amazing projects in the works that your time is valuable, so thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your thoughts! I’m eternally grateful and I know that everyone will enjoy getting to you!

Readers, to purchase Molly’s books or to subscribe to her very awesome newsletter, you can visit her website at mollymilliganauthor.com, or you can join her on Facebook.

* * *

Molly Milligan is a paranormal mystery author that writes books that are full of fun, magic, cats and . . . well, murder! She’s penned The Celtic Witch Mysteries,currently a seven-book series featuring Bron, a traditional hedge-witch who walks the boundary between the living and the dead, and The Everyday Witches of Wildham-on-Sea,a new series that follows the adventures of Jackie, a features writer of a *certain age* who lives in the strange and mystical county of Norfolk, in a cottage on a headland overlooking the wild North Sea.

* * *

An Interview with Robert Ashcroft

 

The other day I was reading an amazing article about the importance of having a writing partner to help with accountability. In that regard, I’ve always been very fortunate. Over the years I’ve collaborated with so many wonderful people — both at school, while I was going for my M.A. in Creative Writing and English Literature, and also out in the real world, where I’ve met the most talented and encouraging writing partners. Of course, many people come to mind, but this month I wanted to talk about my writing buddy Robert Ashcroft, who has offered me so much guidance throughout my writing career and who has continued to provide me with the utmost support as I embark upon the journey of releasing my upcoming novel.

I sat down with Robert to ask some candid questions about his experience with the publishing process and how he’s feeling now that his book, The Megarothke, is nearing its six-month bookiversary.

(Q) Robert, you are such a talented writer and after completing your debut novel, The Megarothke, you were fortunate enough to find a publisher who adored your work. Tell us about the day you were notified about your book going under contract? What was your favorite part of the entire experience and in hindsight, do you have any words of wisdom for those seeking publication now?

(A) This is a great question! I actually got a call from the editor, Will Evans, about 48 hours before I was set to deploy to Honduras. Most of the contract was reviewed and negotiated in a wooden hut with termites falling down from the ceiling. I didn’t have any internet for the first week, so I would walk back and forth to the MWR (a sort or recreation center for soldiers) just to check if any new emails had come through.

My only advice to writers would be to get as many words down on the page as possible, and to try to establish a pattern of habits that let you enjoy writing. Energy drinks, whiskey, chocolate, a morning run, an afternoon walk ― maybe a candle or a statue or some mood music ― do things that reward you for writing, and enjoy the time you spend writing. You’ve got to really love a character before a reader will ever even notice them.

(Q) Your book is broken down into three parts and utilizes some pretty cool symbols throughout the text. I know you’ve done a lot of traveling abroad, so I couldn’t help but wonder if these symbols were somehow influenced by your prolific journeys? If not, where did you find them and why did you include them in your book?

(A) I was a Korean linguist, so I was always very interested in the Chinese characters (hanja) that they used before they invented their modern script. But the symbols aren’t really ideograms per se, they’re closer to sigils. I developed quite a few at the time but only four or five really survived. What’s crazy is that the sigil of the Megarothke, which was the first one I ever actually drew, didn’t make the final cut!

(Q) Another immediate eye-catcher in your introduction is the use of certain quotes. Before I read your book, I didn’t know that Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None was a philosophical novel about the fictitious travels of Zarathustra, written between 1883 and 1885 by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. How did you go about selecting the appropriate quotes for each section and how much did this book influence The Megarothke?

(A) I read Thus Spoke Zarathustra when I was living alone in Mexico after dropping out of college. The goal was to take my education into my own hands and read all of the books that were being overlooked in my university curriculum. That year off was a very formative time. I powered through a lot of the classics, from the Iliad and the Odyssey to Sartre and Camus.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra was particularly important because it’s so dense and authoritative, while also retaining a mystical, timeless quality. There’s something about it that cuts to the core of what it is to be a human, to struggle with yourself, with others, with the very concepts of purpose and being alive. And yet it’s never boring ― difficult, yes ― but not boring.

(Q) Let’s talk themes, because your book runs the gamut on some pretty intense issues. For me, I was instantly intrigued by the way you portrayed the environment and how helpless your characters felt in the dismal world that you had created for them. Is there an underlying message about our future in that regard? Or are there other themes, perhaps about morality, that you wanted to include?

(A) This will probably be the darkest book I ever write. It was a very dark period in my life and I wanted to compress a lot of what I was feeling ― about vanity and the need to dominate vs humility and the willingness to be vulnerable ― but I never wanted to lose sight of the action or plot. If I had to boil it down to one central idea, it would be: arrogance will destroy even the best ideas; it separates us from each other and from ourselves. Every step toward arrogance is a step away from empathy.

There are a lot of themes in the book: the Ubermensch and the Last Man, Master vs Slave Morality, whether or not humanity deserves the future.

What’s most surprising is how often Mathew doesn’t get discussed, or how often reviewers completely ignore the fact that he is transgender. He’s the only character that has a real narrative arc ― from passion to disillusionment ― and his chapters drive the philosophical core of the entire story. While Theo gets most of the screen time, it’s Mathew that undergoes the most profound changes and really struggles with the ideas. Is he a hero? Not at all. But he is the character I identify the most with on a fundamental level. I used to be very idealistic; I don’t know that I have the energy anymore.

One of the biggest themes, however, that I really want to make sure gets out there, is how good ideas ― beautiful ideas, even ― are so often maliciously abused by humans who only really want power. The queer community has united around a pretty basic belief: that many of us are different on the inside than society expects us to be based on outside appearances, and that we could all live more peaceful and loving lives if we set aside these “outer” expectations and allowed ourselves to live as who we truly are on the “inside.”

Christians of all varieties also unite around a beautiful idea: that we are all flawed and need love and forgiveness ― from God, from each other ― in order to live a full life. This is an outlook that encourages humility and tolerance. Both these ideas get horribly twisted by the main villain of the book. This is important, because I believe most of the problems in the world have arrived from this same premise: a beautiful idea in the hands of a horrible person.

(Q) You begin your first chapter with an intriguing yet seemingly random Q & A, which some readers may overlook until they run into it again right in the middle of the next chapter. Who, or maybe in your book’s case, what is asking and answering the questions, and what was your inspiration to use this format? More importantly, did you ever worry about confusing or losing a reader with this technique?

(A) In The Godfather, there is a scene where Don Corleone gets shot and spills a basket of oranges. The angle is from an apartment window overlooking the market, so you can see the oranges tumble out into the street. Coppola had to debate with some of the senior staff to get this angle included, because they said, “Who’s looking down into this market? You’re going to confuse the audience.”

This is a perfect example of how industry professionals can overanalyze a lot of the quirks that make writing and reading fun. Readers want a good story; they want an honest voice. It’s only when the editor gene gets switched on that people start to overthink tense, POV, etc.

Then there’s a certain side of me that thinks: if someone quits because they don’t understand an issue of format, or maybe a few new vocab words, it’s for the best. I want a certain, very specific type of reader: an adventurous, curious, thoughtful reader. Of course, I think any fan of The Megarothke is not only the perfect reader but also an amazing person, with a really remarkable past and an incredibly bright future!

Robert, you’ve shared some truly profound and candid responses here and I can’t thank you enough for taking time out of your busy schedule to discuss The Megarothke. I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on your book, your writing process, and your publishing adventures. Many congratulations on your upcoming six-month bookiversary and many well-wishes on your continued success!

* * *

Robert Ashcroft has worked as a State Department contractor and was recently mobilized to serve abroad with the U.S. Army Reserve.

A lifelong fan of science fiction, Ashcroft spent nearly a decade after college staying up late to write novels, at one point going so far as to quit his job and rent an apartment in Mexico City.

Trained as a cryptologic linguist (with experience in Korean and Spanish), the study of foreign cultures, languages and belief systems has been a lifelong priority and his main goal for the foreseeable future is to be able to travel and encounter interesting people and ideas.

Readers, to learn more about Robert or to purchase a copy of The Megarothke, you can visit him at his Amazon author page.

  

* * *

An Interview with Russell F. Moran

If you hadn’t already noticed, I’m a cover girl — LOL, not the model type, of course, but the kind who selects my newest read based on what catches my eye. As it so happens, last week I was scrolling through my Google+ page and I spied the cover of Robot Depot by Russell F. Moran. There was something about those robots standing there that stopped me dead in my tracks, probably because it reminded me of a scene out of I, Robot. Intrigued, I clicked the link and I was tickled pink by the synopsis, so I downloaded the eBook and I enjoyed it immensely! I liked it so much, in fact, that I reached out to the author and I was happy to hear that he was up for a few candid questions about his latest project.

(Q) Russell, the first thing the reader encounters is an amazing dedication to all of the inventors of the world. Did you have someone in mind when you were writing the book? Any favorite inventors or inventions that you’d like to share with your fans?

(A) Mike Bateman, the “hero” of Robot Depot is, like most of my characters, a composite of people I’ve met or worked with over the years. I didn’t write him as a particular person I know, but rather as one who appeared in my imagination. When I write a character, he is often a composite of people I’ve met. Sometimes these decisions are subconscious. Sometimes I will write a character who is a mirror image of someone I know. These tend to be people with outsized personalities who basically write their own scenes. Often a character will appear in many of my books, such as Buster, the CIA agent. Of my 15 novels, Buster has appeared in all of them.

(Q) You’ve included a character list that was inspired by Russian literature. Do you have a favorite book or author from that genre?

(A) Yes, Boris Pasternak.

(Q) You chose to begin your novel with a scene depicting a moment of sheer terror and panic. The reader isn’t yet orientated to anyone or anything, and so they must discover that this isn’t your average 911 call and that it isn’t happening in our current time. Were you fearful of losing the audience, or did you ever consider easing the reader into the story, perhaps by using a futuristic date, a far-off location, or in this case, mentioning an alternate reality?

(A) I try to hook the reader as I liked to be hooked with a novel. I like to hit the reader with an opening that will make her want to read further. In Robot Depot I wanted to make the reader curious about the robot wife. I hope you noticed that the opening scene had a lot of humor in it.

(Q) There are beautifully depicted scenes of Long Island, NYC, and other cool locales sprinkled throughout the novel. As an author, you’re clearly in favor of using real locations in fiction, but there are those who feel that it’s best to use truly fictional settings. What are your thoughts in that regard? And what is your process when writing about places you’ve never visited before?

(A) Often I chose a location with which I’m familiar. I once owned the house where the Bateman’s live, so it was easy for me to write the scenes. It was my house (except for the fire). When writing about a location I’m not familiar with, I draw on my memory of real places I’ve visited. A few of my Long Island readers have told me how much they enjoyed the local setting. Sometimes a story requires some actual locales.

(Q) You’ve incorporated machinery that “listens” to its surroundings and then uses that information to improve its performance. What are your thoughts on the real-world implications of that? Do you feel that it oversteps some personal and privacy boundaries?

(A) I’m fascinated by Artificial Intelligence and robotics. The scenes I wrote, such as those where the robot “Angus” appears, were drawn from my reading and understanding of AI, although the “fact” that Angus is sentient, and aware of his own existence, is pure science fiction. That said, I don’t doubt that it will become reality in the future. I don’t think it oversteps personal or privacy boundaries, although I would find it creepy if a real Angus lived in my house. Can AI come into conflict with privacy concerns? Yes, that’s why science fiction is so much fun.

Russell, I couldn’t agree more! Science fiction is fun and you’ve definitely created an exciting, imaginative, and compelling world that readers abound will enjoy. Thanks again for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions!

* * *

 

Russ Moran is the author of 14 novels. Moran also published five nonfiction books: Justice in America: How it Works—How it Fails; The APT Principle: The Business Plan That You Carry in Your Head; Boating Basics: The Boattalk Book of Boating Tips; If You’re Injured: A Consumer Guide to Personal Injury Law; How to Create More Time. He’s a lawyer and a veteran of the United States Navy. He lives on Long Island, New York, with his wife, Lynda. Readers, to learn more about Russell and all of his amazing books, you can visit him at www.morancom.com.