Mike I am so honored to have you here at the Pen to Paper Blog.  Your books sound so amazing.  Well let’s get started.

 

                       

 

Tell us something about you and your books.

 

I retired from the Air Force in 2007 following a 25-year career as a Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI).  For reference, OSI is the Air Force equivalent of NCIS.  I held 13 different assignments throughout the world, among which were five tours as a Commander of various units, to include two Air Force Squadrons and a Wing.  I have extensive experience as a criminal investigator and a counterintelligence and counterterrorism specialist.  In my last assignment, I was Commander of OSI Region 8 with responsibility for all of Air Force Space Command.

 

My debut novel, Child Finder, received the Silver Medal for Fiction in the 2009 Military Writers Society of America’s Annual Awards program.  I write mystery/thrillers with a paranormal twist.  My protagonist is a man whose deep faith guides him through his page-turning perils.  I’m writing a series, the Child Finder Trilogy, which has a light, somewhat edgy spiritual theme…it is not typical Christian fiction.  But fans of that genre as well as mystery and thriller enthusiasts thoroughly enjoy it!

 

Do you have any advice for other writers?

 

My best advice is twofold: learn the business end of writing and publishing and approach your projects with this in mind.  The art and passion elements of writing are important, but in order to publish, you must understand how the industry itself works.  Secondly, be persistent and patient.  Landing an agent or a publishing contract won’t happen overnight.  It may even take years, but it will never happen if you become frustrated and give up.

 

What are your books about?

 

My debut novel, Child Finder, introduces my trilogy’s protagonist, Major Patrick O’Donnell, an Air Force Special Agent assigned to the Pentagon.  He begins experiencing haunting nightmares about children who have been abducted and murdered – before their bodies are found.  It quickly becomes apparent he has a special psychic gift the government is all too eager to exploit. He is drawn into a secret black world community, overseen by the FBI, which leverages his skills to solve child abductions.  But he soon discovers this black world has an even darker underbelly, when those close to him begin to die mysteriously…and his own family gets trapped in a twisted web of government intrigue.

 

When Child Finder launched in June, the Library Journal placed it on its Summer Reads List and called it a “compelling debut novel,” and “A real find.”  I was thrilled that such a prestigious publication would give me this honor.

 

My second book, Child Finder: Resurrection, launches next month, and continues my protagonist’s unusual journey.  It has been a year and a half since Agent O’Donnell left the TOP SECRET child rescue program after it went horribly off-track, resulting in murder and endangering his family.  And just when he thinks he’s comfortably put this painful past behind him, he receives a call from his mentor.  The murky, shadowy TOP SECRET community where he once was center-stage has been revised, revamped, resurrected!  The government needs his psychic skills more than ever.  A sick, twisted, menacing child killer is on the loose, and no one but Pat can stop him. But Agent O’Donnell soon discovers this new nemesis is more than he bargained for.  Nothing can prepare him for the psychotic genius he must fight…and the life and death cat-and-mouse game that entraps him! Once again, Pat must call upon his faith and strong spiritual connection with God to sustain and guide him, especially during his darkest hours as he battles…pure evil.

 

In the final book of the Child Finder Trilogy, Child Finder: Revelation, Special Agent O’Donnell is dispatched to Korea on a TOP SECRET mission to crack the disturbing abduction of a high ranking U.S. official’s children.  What he discovers about their sudden disappearance — especially where they have been taken — shocks the foundation of international relations. But more intriguing is what makes these particular children so special.  What O’Donnell learns about them, and himself, involves sensitive government secrets he regrets ever knowing.  These new revelations will rock his faith, his concept of life, and his understanding of his place in the universe.  Think Da Vinci code but with a very cool Vatican.

 

                             

 

 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

 

My life’s experiences inspire my writing.  My hero blends elements of my own personality – deep faith, family values, and love of justice.  At the same time, my experiences as a USAF Special Agent served to provide me some rich perspective to give my plot danger and excitement, mystery and intrigue!

 

What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors?

 

Take advantage of all the Internet has to offer.  Network with authors and publishers via social sites like FaceBook and MySpace.  Develop a robust website that is based on a blog platform and keep the content rich and new.  This will increase an author’s visibility and search engine ranking, making the author more discoverable.

 

What advice would you give to somebody trying to get a literary agent?

 

Target agents with laser-like precision.  Search for agents who specialize in your unique niche or genre, and query using the precise guidelines the agent requires.  There are many good books out there which tell you what an agent wants in a query, but always check the agent’s website for changes and updates to what the books say.

 

As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?

 

I wanted to be an FBI agent and a writer.  I guess I accomplished both but with a different federal law enforcement agency.  I’ve been blessed to live both dreams.

 

As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing

 

I’ve embraced it as the way of the future.  My publisher is readying my first novel for Kindle, so it should be up on Amazon in that format soon.

 

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors about getting their work placed with a big publishing company?

 

Get a great literary agent!  It sounds simple, but it is difficult.  I won’t mince words.  A good agent, with solid publishing house connections, can help land the big publishing house contracts.  It is not impossible, but highly improbable, to do so without an agent.

 

Please give us a list of all of your books currently available.

 

Child Finder is currently available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  I also sell signed copies of it via my website: www.childfinder.us.  Child Finder: Resurrection will publish next month, and Child Finder: Revelation will be out around December 2010.

 

How long does it take you to do research on the books you write?

 

Not too long.  Most of what I write comes from my own experiences and perspective as a federal agent.  My stories have loose historical back stories (like 9/11 and the Iraq War) so I do some basic research to ensure I keep certain facts accurate.

 

What inspired you to become a writer?

 

I’m an old storyteller at heart.  When they were younger, I would put my kids to bed each night by asking them to give me a random story character.  Within minutes I would craft a totally new story for them based upon the characters they selected.  For added fun, they would tell me to make it silly or scary…kind of like selecting an instant genre!

 

How did you go about getting published?

 

I started out on the traditional route of trying to find an agent.  I spent a good 18 months on the hunt, receiving dozens of rejection letters, and some occasional advice from an agent (which I followed graciously).  A number of authors with whom I networked suggested I search for a small publisher willing to consider me without an agent.  I eventually found TotalRecall Publications, a Houston-based publisher who offered me a three book contract.

 

Where do you do most of your writing?

 

Don’t laugh…in my pajamas with a laptop in bed sipping coffee in the morning!  I’m a morning person, so my thoughts are at their clearest, sharpest point in the morning.  Things are also much quieter then.

 

What do you enjoy most about your writing?

 

Making my characters come to life.  That’s why I love the trilogy idea…I get to keep my protagonist, his family, and his band of friends alive in each book.  In some respects, I sort of “mentor” my hero’s career just as I would mentor younger OSI Special Agents when I was carrying a badge.

Well Mike, I have really enjoyed you insights about publishing.  Hope to have you back at the Pen to Paper again real soon.

 

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Beth, It is an honor to have you at the Pen to Paper today.  You have a world of information for us so let’s get started

 

                                                   

 

 

 

1. Tell us something about you and your books.  Thanks, Melinda.  I’m a Virginia author of historical and light paranormal romance, passionate about the past and my early American roots. I live on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley with my husband, assorted children and animals.  The valley and surrounding mountains are my inspiration.

 

1.  Are there any new authors who have grasped your attention? Quite a few at The Wild Rose Press. Too many to name. I mostly favor authors who write for the same lines I do, but not always.  I’m eclectic.

 

1. Do you have any advice for other writers?  Write what you love because you’re going to be doing it for a very long time.  Revise, revise, revise…

 

1. What’s your latest book about?  My latest release, one of three novels that came out in May 2009, is Through the Fire, a fast-paced romance with a The Last of the Mohicans flavor and a mystical weave.  The French and Indian War, a Shawnee warrior, an English lady, blood vengeance, deadly pursuit, primal, powerful, passionate…THROUGH THE FIRE.

 

    Blurb: At the height of the French and Indian War, a young English widow ventures into the colonial frontier in search of a fresh start. She never expects to find it in the arms of the half-Shawnee, half-French warrior who makes her his prisoner in the raging battle to possess a continent––or to be aided by a mysterious white wolf and a holy man.

 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?  I do copious research.  For Through the Fire, I consulted with historians, colonial reenactors, anthropologists, archeologists, even the Shawnee themselves, in addition to all of my reading.

 

What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors?  Network on loops and social sites like myspace, Twitter, Facebook… have blogs, take part in interviews and chats, any FREE promotional opportunities, and invest wisely in those that cost money. 

 

What advice would you give to somebody trying to get a literary agent?  Check out AgentQuery.com, a great website that vets the agents they list.

 

Is there any thing you would like to say to other aspiring writers?  “You are not finished when you lose, you are finished when you quit.” Never give up on anything you truly love.  Glean what you can from all those rejections, accept constructive criticism, learn from it and go on.  People along your journey will help you; some of these are not even known to you yet.

 

As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?  Miss America, a great singer, actress, and now I hole up and write.  But I always wrote, kept diaries as a child.

 

As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing?  E-books are the wave of the future and the future is now, but I also think there will always be a place for print.  My publisher offers both.

 

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors about getting their work placed with a big publishing company?  That’s a tough sell these days, but if a big company is what you really want then get yourself a good agent. Enter respected writing contests–being among the finalists gives you a shot at getting your work before an editor. I was a finalist in numerous contests including the 2008 Golden Heart.

 

    Please give us a list of all of your books currently available.  Somewhere My Love, Daughter of the Wind, Enemy of the King and Through the Fire.  I’m one of six Wild Rose Press authors in An American Rose Christmas, a historical romance anthology due out Dec. 11^th.

 

13.  How long does it take you to do research on the books you write?  Months, years…

 

How do you give credit to any research you do?  I’m not required to give credit in romantic fiction, but may mention some of my sources in blog posts or my website.

 

      What inspired you to become a writer?  I’m fascinated with the past and writing historicals is a wonderful way of communing with those who’ve gone before us.  I also love to read.

 

How did you go about getting published?  I honed the craft, learned from constructive criticism, never gave up and was open to new opportunities. 

 

     Where do you do most of your writing?  In my home, either on my sunspace, or living room or bedroom.

 

Are you working on other things, if so what are they?  I just signed a new contract for historical romance, Red Bird’s Song, also set in the Virginia colonial frontier with a The Last of the Mohicans flavor, inspired by actual events that happened to my early American ancestors. 

 

I’m also at work on a new light paranormal romance, the next in my ‘Somewhere’ series, a suspenseful Scottish time travel.

 

 

What do you enjoy most about your writing?

Seeing where the story takes me.  I do my research and plot the story as best I can but leave a lot of wiggle room.  I’m an organic writer.  My stories are character driven, so it’s essential I know them well.  I spend a lot of time rewriting chapter one as I get to know the main characters.  I’m also guided by dreams.

 

For more on my work please visit: www.bethtrissel.com

 

Thanks Beth and hope you visit again real soon.

 

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

 

Terry I am honored to have you here at the Pen to Paper Blog.  So, lets get started

 

                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tell us something about you and your books.

I write the books I want to read – I’m an escape reader, and I love the characters, so I try to write about characters my readers will love as well. I’m also a mystery fan, so there’s always some sort of a puzzle in my books.

 

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Read. Study the craft. Read. Persist. It’s as much about sticking with it as talent. And Read.

 

What’s your latest book about?

My most recent release, HIDDEN FIRE, is a sequel to FINDING SARAH.

Returning from a stint as part of a task force on violent crime, Randy Detweiler is eager to reunite with Sarah Tucker in Pine Hills, but she’s having second thoughts about their relationship.  Can she deal with a cop who gets called away at a moment’s notice, especially one who won’t talk about his job?

Their reunion is cut short when a body is discovered and rumors fly that it’s the work of a serial killer. To make matters worse, the Town Council might disband their police department, and Randy’s under added pressure to solve the murder before they take action.  Forced to work under the radar, Randy struggles to balance work with a shaky relationship.

Sarah can’t cope with apparently meaning less to Randy than his job. Should she force him to choose between his job and the us she envisions for the two of them? All bets are off when Sarah herself becomes a suspect in Randy’s case. Before long, it’s more than their relationship that’s in danger.

My next release, NOWHERE TO HIDE, is the story of a small-town cop who quits the force and tries to leave her past behind her.

 

The trouble with running away is you take yourself with you. After a case

goes south, Colleen McDonald leaves her police job in Oregon for a fresh

start as a civilian in Orlando. The last thing she needs is some cop with

killer blue eyes coming around, looking for her missing landlord.  The

quickest way to get Deputy Graham Harrigan out of her life is to beat him at

his own game.

 

 

 

Finding Jeffrey Walters might be Graham’s ticket to a slot in the Criminal

Investigations Division. Determined to prove he’s the man for the job

despite the stain of an unsavory reputation passed down by his training

partner, he can’t afford to be distracted by the pretty tenant in Walters’

guest house.  A tenant who seems to know more about the case than he does.

A tenant with her own demons.

 

Will Colleen’s secrets destroy Graham’s chances for a promotion, or will

love make theirs a permanent partnership?

 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Anywhere. Everywhere. Music, television, eavesdropping, people-watching. It’s all about playing the “What If?” game.

 

What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors?

Register your domain name even if you don’t have a website. It’s inexpensive and you don’t want someone else to grab it. Visit blogs. Leave comments (not promotional ones). Go to conferences. Network.

 

What advice would you give to somebody trying to get a literary agent?

Polish that query letter. Check out blogs like Query Shark to see what will catch an agent’s eye. Don’t let rejections get you down. Keep submitting. It’s finding a perfect match, so make sure you research agents and submit to those who represent what you write. Agentquery.com is a good resource.

 

Is there anything you would like to say to other aspiring writers?

It’s about more than the writing. It’s a business. Be prepared.

 

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

An animal psychologist or a  zookeeper. I never wanted to be a writer. I fell into it more or less by mistake, but it became a great creative outlet when I ran out of wall space for my needlepoint.

 

As a writer and published author, how do you feel about e-publishing?

 

I love it. E-publishers will look at a much broader range of stories than the big NY houses. It’s a way to learn both the craft and the business. It will require a lot more time doing promotion, however. And e-publishing is still in its infancy. It’s growing, but if you expect to make a living at it – well, don’t quit your day job. The exception is in the more erotic fiction.

 

 Please give us a list of all of your books currently available.

Finding Sarah, Hidden Fire, & What’s In a Name? are romantic suspense novels from Cerridwen Press. When Danger Calls is an action-adventure romance from Five Star Expressions.  Short stories from The Wild Rose Press: Out of Sight, Relationships, Hurricane Breeze, Romancing the Geek, Second Chance Rose. Coming soon, Nowhere to Hide, a full-length romantic suspense novel from The Wild Rose Press.  I’ve also got a couple of mystery short stories in an anthology from Highland Press, title and release date yet to be determined. You can find out more about them at my website, including a peek behind the scenes to see what inspired the writing, at http://www.terryodell.com and follow my blog, Terry’s Place, http://terryodell.blogspot.com

 

 How long does it take you to do research on the books you write?

It depends. I do the basics before I start writing, but research as I need more information. Since I don’t plot much in advance, I don’t know exactly what I need to know. The trick is knowing what you don’t know. Don’t make assumptions. Check your facts. Even the ones you think you know. I found out (fortunately before it was too late) that the make and model of car I had used to thwart my heroine’s escape didn’t come with a manual transmission, and I’d planned to use her inability to drive a stick shift as a major problem for her. I had to change the car (and now I research all cars before I let my characters drive them. The auto edition of Consumer Reports is a useful tool.)

 

How do you give credit to any research you do?

I acknowledge those who have helped me at the beginning of each book (and I hope I haven’t left anyone out when I do it. I try to make notes when people answer questions, but I’m not always good about it. Plus, it might be two years down the line before the book is accepted and published, so I might pick up information for one book that also applies to one that’s already in the production process.

 

How did you go about getting published?

I kept submitting. And submitting. The Wild Rose Press took one of my short stories (I was their first outside contracted author), and that gave me the confidence to keep submitting.

 

Where do you do most of your writing?

Most of it? At my computer in my office, which is a spare bedroom in our house. Although I also take my laptop when I travel, or even to Panera for a change of scenery.

 

Are you working on other things, if so what are they?

I’m working on a sequel to When Danger Calls, and also a straight mystery about a small town police chief.

 

What do you enjoy most about your writing?

I get to have fun talking to imaginary people (although they’re real enough to me after about 3 chapters).  What’s not to like? I mean, it sure beats doing laundry and cleaning toilets, right?

 

Terry, you are right with that.  Thanks for being my guest today

 

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

 

I am honored to have Kathy visiting the Paper to Pen today, Well Kathy let’s get started:

Tell us something about you

 

Kathye Quick has been writing since the sister’s of St. Casmir’s School in Shenandoah, PA gave her a #2 pencil, ruled paper and taught her what vowels and consonants were.   Now she is the author of twelve books with a lot more stories still stuck inside her head.  She has been an editor for a regional non-fiction publishing house, a newspaper columnist and pays the bills until she gets a Pulitzer as Deputy Clerk of the Board for Somerset County where she writes press releases, speeches and the boring minutes of every meeting. 

 

Kathye writes contemporary and career romances for Avalon Books, romantic comedy and historicals for Wings ePress, historical romance for the Wild Rose Press and urban fantasy as P.K. Eden with writing partner Patt Mihailoff.   .

 

While Kathye writes fiction, the book of her heart, a non-fiction book entitled Hi Mom, How Are Things in Heaven, a personal account of coping with grief through humor, is just about done.  She hopes to have it in print sometime early 2011.

 

In her other life she works for county government and is a happy “empty nester” with three grown boys spread all over the county and a husband, Don usually in the living room watching TV at night.

 

Come visit at www.kathyequick.com

Facebook - http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home

www.twitter.com/kathyeq

 

 

 

Tell us something about books

 

I am thrilled to share with you all my first book from The Wild Rose Press – CYNTHIA AND CONSTANTINE.   C&C, as I and the editor dubbed it from the beginning, is part of my Beyond Camelot, Brother Knights series.  But as I said in the title of this post, this series is not your mother’s Camelot.

 

I have always loved the adventure and story lore of Camelot.  When I was a very little girl, and I know I’m dating myself now, there was a black and white television program on called “Tales of Sir Lancelot.”  I watched it religiously.  I wish I could find it now on DVD or something as a matter of fact.  I chose to write a story from the Arthurian time because it became so much a part of me. 

 

But I also knew the Arthur Legend was done a thousand times and decided that the lesser knights should have stories also.   I’ve been asked if I made up my hero Sir Constantine. Well, the answer to that is yes and no.

 

My research showed that according the Arthurian Legend, though he was the supposed half-brother of King Arthur, Sir Constantine was one of the lesser Knights of the Round Table. His father was Sir Cador, the King of Cornwall.

 Along with Sir Baudwin (my Sir Braeden), Arthur entrusted him with the joint-regency of Britain when he left to wage war against Emperor Lucius of Rome. Constantine was therefore in a position to receive the throne when Arthur died without an heir. Constantine was, by legend, given the crown by Arthur as Arthur lay dying. Constantine tried to persuade Sir Bors, Sir Ector, Sir Balmore and other companions to remain in England after the battle with Lancelot and keep up the Order of the Round Table but was unable (In my story, he was successful in this).

 

As king Constantine faced many problems with the kingdom including problems with the two rebellious sons of Mordred. When Mordred’s sons took refuge in churches in Winchester and London, Constantine pursued them and, disguised as a bishop, killed them both.  In the Sequel to C&C, Mordred’s sons play a pivotal role in the plot.  But it is Sir Braeden coming to the rescues of his lady, Jane who vanquishes them in a church.  (BRAEDEN AND JANE is my current WIP for the Wild Rose Press)

 

So while my hero, Sir Constantine, did indeed rule over Camelot after Arthur, his doing so in my novel, CYNTHIA AND CONSTANTINE was not all that much a departure from the myth

 

 

It still seems strange to me to consider myself multi-published, but I am so blessed.  I write for a few houses.

 

For Avalon I write contemporary and romantic comedies.   My first book was actually considered a Career Romance (that line has since been rolled into the Contemporary Romance Line) entitled BLUE DIAMOND.  It was followed by JESSIE’S WEDDING, STEALING APRIL’S HEART, FALLING FOR YOU and ‘TIS THE SEASON. 

 

‘TIS THE SEASON is a holiday romance in which Santa quits the family business.  It was a HOLT (Honoring Outstanding Literary Talent) Medallion finalist. 

 

The first book in my GRANDMOTHER’S RINGS series for Avalon was just released.  The three-book contemporary romance series follows the Archer Family siblings in their quest to find their soul mates after being given their Grandmother’s Rings by their mother.  I used the birthstones from my family as inspiration.  AMETHYST is out now, followed by SAPPHIRE in December 2009 and lastly, CITRINE in early 2010.

 

I also write romantic comedies and historical romance for Wings ePress.  Those titles are ONE RAINY NIGHT, my first book, and DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON, my favorite book an ancient Greek Historical.

 

Oh and I also write Urban fantasies as P.K. Eden with my wonderful writing partner Patt Mihailoff.  Together we penned FIREBRAND, a book based on the fall of the Garden of Eden.  FIREBRAND has won two Reviewer’s Choice Awards and many 5-star ratings.    In giving us a Review’s Pick from Affair de Coeur, the reviewer said that FIREBRAND was “a story worthy of the Hobbit series and Harry Potter.”  Patt and I were blown away with the compliment.

 

Patt and I are both lovers of sci-fi/fantasy and had a great time with this book.  You can visit P. K. Eden at www.pkeden.com.  Come on over and read the mythology of the book as well as see the trailer.

 

 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

 

 

Believe it or not, the original concept for Cynthia and Constantine sprung up during a season of American Idol.  I work for county government and once a month 7 of us get together to have lunch.  We call it the Lusty Ladies Lunch Group.  We keep in touch via email.

 

During this particular season, Bo Bice and Constantine Maroulis were competing.  Two of the Lusties choose these guys as their favorites.  While we didn’t agree on who should win that season, we did all agree that they had ‘romance book cover’ hair; the kind of hair Knights in Shinning Armor had in days of yore. 

 

Well one thing lead to another and we began to serialize a story about them.  We named our hero Constantine and his lady was Cynthia, one of the Lusties.  We gave Sir Constantine a brother, Sir Braeden and his lady is named Jane, another Lustie. 

 

The story just evolved on a weekly basis with email scenes going back and forth until I had 100 pages. 

 

We thought that was the end of the adventure until I decided to flesh out Constantine and Cynthia’s story and turn it into a 55,000-word book.  I was fortunate enough to have the Wild Rose Press express interest in the novel and then publish it.

 

And yes, you’ll either love this or hate this, but the antagonist of the story is named after one of the American Idol Judges.  I’m sure you can guess which.

 

 

As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing

 

 

CYNTHIA AND CONSTANTINE is both a digital book and a Print on Demand Book, so it fits perfectly into a virtual book tour setting, as well as traditional book signing.  The Internet and eBooks are exploding into a new era of publishing and a virtual book tour takes advantage of the technology available.

 

Bloggers and eBook Readers are fiercely loyal to the boundless regions of the internet and all it has to offer.  You can be in your pj’s at night or after work and reach thousands of people with similar interest who, before the wireless era, would not know about you or the story you were so anxious to tell.

 

There are print purists and ebook purists, and in between there are people like me who like both.  EPublishing/POD offers readers a choice to buy the book in the format they like.

 

 

 

 Please give us a list of all of your books currently available.

 

Because my first two books were published digitally, they are still available  from Wings ePress both as eBooks and as POD.  ONE RAINY NIGHT is a contemporary romance and DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON is a Greek Historical.

 

From Avalon, I am very excited that the GRANDMOTHER’S RINGS SERIES is just being released.  AMETHYST was out in September 200 and SAPPHIRE will be out in December.  I just got my author’s copies for SAPPHIRE and I love the cover  The final book in the sereies, CITRINE will be out in August 2010.

 

I believe the other Avalon books, BLUE DIAMOND.  It was followed by JESSIE’S WEDDING, STEALING APRIL’S HEART, FALLING FOR YOU and ‘TIS THE SEASON (a Holiday romance) are all still available.

 

 

How did you go about getting published?

 

I call myself a ten-year overnight success.  Once you get that first book ‘call’ it seems that everything happens so fast.  The books that were sitting in the bottom drawer of your desk are suddenly interesting again and the editors want to see them.  A few updates and the books I couldn’t sell to my mother J are now published an on the shelves.  Go figure!!

 

My first book was published in 1999.  It was called ONE RAINY NIGHT and was about a hero and heroine who met during a Hurricane.   I got a few rejection letters from the New York houses like Harlequin and Silhouette, but I believed in the story and kept submitting it around. 

 

Then Hurricane Floyd hit the east coast.  The foundation of my house collapsed and I lost just about everything I owned up to four feet on the first floor. 

 

But I also got a call from an eBook publisher – Starlight Writers – who said they wanted to publish my book.  I think that call helped me through the next eight months of rebuilding.

 

Starlight Writers does not exist any longer, but the book was then placed with Wings ePress. In fact I still get some small royalty checks for ONE RAINY NIGHT because it is an eBook and Print on Demand.     I will be forever grateful for that call.  It helped me through some pretty dismal times.

 

But if I thought my first book would have been so prophetic, I would have written about a lottery winner instead of a Hurricane.

 

 

OK –I’ve taken up enough of your time .  Come see me at www.kathyequick.com.  You can descriptions of all my books there plus the trailer for C&C.

Well Kathy thanks for sharing and hope to have you back at the Pen to Paper soon

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Linda I am so honored to have you here today at the Pen to Paper.  Lets get started so you can tell us about your exciting books

       

 

1.       Tell us something about you and your books

 

      I’ve been writing since childhood and my “day job” has always involved the insurance industry.  In my 30+ years in insurance, I’ve founded two insurance agencies and an insurance education business.  When life interfered with my fiction writing, I began writing a newspaper column, magazine articles, and insurance continuing education texts and courses.  Then, when life became more reasonable, I resumed writing novels and published my first mystery.

 

2.        Are there any new authors who have grasped your attention?

 

      I don’t know if you mean “new” as in new to me or newly published.  In both instances, however, my attention has been grabbed a lot since February.  I created my Author Exchange Blog at that time for the purpose of self-promotion:  both for me and the published authors whom I interview.  I’m also doing book reviews for Minotaur Books (and any other agent, publisher, or publicist who is interested in sending me books per the Blog guidelines), which has introduced me to many “new” authors.  Two that immediately spring to mind are Sophie Littlefield and Mark Arsenault.  Sophie’s debut mystery, A BAD DAY FOR SORRY, was absolutely terrific as was Mark’s fourth book, LOOT THE MOON.  Other authors I’ve enjoyed during the past year include Andrea Sisco, Brenda Novak, William Tapply.

 

3.       What’s your latest book about?

 

My mystery, SECOND TIME AROUND, answers the question: “What do you do when the dead body you stumble across turns out to belong to your father, the father you thought abandoned you in infancy?”  That’s what Timmie Campbell asks herself.  Turns out her mother has been lying for years:  about her father’s abandonment, about him not contacting them, about a lot of things.  Unfortunately, Timmie can’t dwell on her mother’s deception because bodies begin piling up and she needs to stop the killer before he wipes out her entire family.

 

4.       Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

 

Between my vivid imagination and the vagaries of human nature, I’m always working on plot ideas, characters, and snippets for scenes, dialogue, and setting.

 

5.       What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors?

 

Create a web presence, even if you aren’t published.  Don’t spend more time on promotion than you do on writing.  Tell everyone you’re writer.  Join writers’ groups and befriend other writers—regardless of their genre.  Research marketing and adopt strategies that suit your personality and budget.  I could continue, but that wouldn’t allow me time to answer the rest of the questions.

 

6.       As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?

 

I always wanted to be a writer—and began that in 5^th grade, when Mr. Calen published the crossword puzzles I designed.  I got extra credit for creating them and the other kids got extra credit for completing them.  I knew, even at that age, it was unlikely I’d be able to support myself writing—at least for a while–and decided to be a doctor.  Seventh grade biology quashed that goal:  dissecting earthworms and frogs did me in.  Then I wanted to be a teacher.  Unfortunately, I hated college and dropped out—which propelled me into the insurance industry.  I am now both a writer and a teacher; I write fiction, non-fiction, and lots of insurance stuff and I’m an insurance education provider in a number of western states.  Do you think that means I grew up?

 

 

 

 

7.  As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing?

 

I’m an advocate of ePublishing, as my membership in EPIC and publication of SECOND TIME AROUND by an ePublisher indicate.  I doubt ePublishing will replace traditional publishing because, for some of us, there’s nothing like the feeling of a book in our hands.  But ePublishing accomplishes a number of important things:  it offers writers publishing opportunities that aren’t available with the dwindling number of traditional publishers in NY, it makes books available to people in lower income brackets because they’re more affordable, it’s expedient for people who are attached at the hip to their computer/laptop, and it’s convenient for travelers.

 

8.  How long does it take you to do research on the books you write?

 

I always perform research when writing and the length of time I spend depends upon a number of things:  how well-versed I am on the subject that requires research, how quickly I’m able to find an expert in that field, and how accomplished/timely my research partners are with their assistance.  Before giving credit, I always confirm with my research partners that they have no objections to me thanking them publicly (in the acknowledgements section of my books, in the content of my magazine and newspaper articles, and/or in the introductions of my insurance texts).  For example, an active duty member of the Marines provided research assistance and that individual did NOT want me to publish my thanks.

 

9.       Where do you do most of your writing?

 

Although I’m primarily right-brained, I have anal left-brained tendencies sometimes.  Where I write is one of them.  I prefer writing in the same spot, using the same laptop, because it’s easier to lose myself in writing if I’m comfortable and can repeat the same daily pattern.  Having said that, I sometimes get tremendous amounts of writing or plotting done in a hotel room during a business trip with the aid of a yellow legal pad and a ballpoint pen.

 

10.  Are you working on other things, if so what are they?

 

I write a monthly newspaper column, so I’m always on deadline for that.  I also develop and write 2-3 insurance courses a year and have one more to complete before January.  Aside from those projects, I’m working on two books right now.  One is on the back burner—that’s the sequel to SECOND TIME AROUND—because I got really involved in my current mystery, DEATH BENEFITS.  I expect to complete the first draft of DEATH BENEFITS by the end of January and TWO-TIMED (STA’s sequel) by April.

 

11.    What do you enjoy most about your writing?

 

Although I consider myself a wordsmith, I’ve never been able to articulate accurately how I feel about my writing.  I will, however, give it a shot.  Everything about writing is joyful:  each separate task and the sum of the tasks.  Writing is something that simply exists in the world of Linda:  like my curly hair, loud voice, and New York/New England accent.  It ain’t ever gonna go away!

Well Linda I have really enjoyed your stay, Please give us a link to your website and blog:

www.lindamfaulkner.com

www.lindamfaulkner.blogspot.com

Walk in peace and harmony,

Melinda

Barbara, I am honored to have you here today at the Pen to Paper.  We have alot to cover so lets get started,

 

            

 

 

1.  Tell us something about you and your books.

I’ve lived in New England most of my life, but I love to travel. My husband and I are involved in Civil War reenacting and participate all over the East coast. We recently purchased an 1872 Victorian Gothic and are remodeling and restoring it.
I have four books published. I started with historical romance since I love history. This is my first paranormal and I think I’ve found my niche. 

 

2.  Do you have any advice for other writers?

 

The only way to get published it to write. Set your butt in the chair until the manuscript is finished, learn all you can about editing and rewrites. Polish the entire book, not just the first three chapters, until it’s the best you can do. Then submit the book. Don’t be discouraged by rejection. I view it as a job interview-not every place is the right one.

 

3. What’s your latest book about? 

 Ancient Awakening is a paranormal romance set in New England . Police Officer ‘Mel’ Petersen investigates a death only she believes is murder. By disobeying direct orders from the Rhodes End Chief, she risks her career to follow clues that twist in circles to her backyard and lead the killer to her. Her neighbor Stephen Zoriak is a prime suspect. Steve worked for a major pharmaceutical company where he discovered a weapon so dangerous he destroys the research. He is exposed to the dangerous organism. He suspects he is the killer and agrees to help her find the truth. In the course of their investigation Mel and Steve find the real killer and a love that defies death.

 

 

4. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

 

The initial idea comes from a dream. I wake up ‘knowing’ the beginning and resolution of the story. I have to write it down before it fades. Then it’s a matter of figuring out how the hero and heroine get from here to there.

 

5. What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors?

 

Set up a good website. Use the right words and phrases to be picked up by search engines. I also have a Facebook page, Twitter and a blog. With all the changes on the web it takes time to get your name out. I probably don’t put enough time in, but it cuts into my writing time.

 

6.  As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing?

 

You came to the right person. My first novel was e-pubbed ten years ago, when the wave started. It’s still available and selling. I feel that e-publishing will continue to grow. IPods, laptops, and E-readers are all in use by readers. More and more companies are producing readers and book publishers are putting their books on line to meet the demand. When the publishing market slumped, eBooks jumped in sales.

 

 

 

List of your books currently available.

Please visit my website for excerpts and buy information for all my books

 www.barbaraedwards.net

http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp  for Barb’Ed Comments

 

 

Ancient Awakening, paranormal romance from the Wild Rose Press

 

Another Love, Historical Romance from Wings-press.com

Annie’s Heart, Historical Romance from Wings-press.com

Rachel’s Rescue, Romantic Suspense from Wings-press.com

 

 

1. Are you working on other things, if so what are they?

        I’m working on a sequel to Ancient Awakening tentatively titled Ancient Blood. A werewolf, an aura reader along with Mel and Steve hunt for a Rogue killer as well as a cure.

 

Here’s an Excerpt from Ancient Awakening:

“Don’t touch me, Mel, not unless you’re willing to do a lot more,” he warned as her hazel eyes flared golden.

“Don’t threaten me, Steve. You’re…”

He pulled her into his arms despite the alarm bells clanging in his head.

Danger! Danger! Danger!

Her widened eyes met his. Mel’s hands were trapped against his chest, but she didn’t push him away. Instead, her fingers curled into his shirt.

Her mistake. His mistake was to crush her mouth under his.

Mel’s soft lips parted. Need exploded. The taste of black coffee didn’t hide her sweet flavor. As her tongue tangled with his, her arms slid around his neck and her fingers burrowed through his hair.

Steve hungered to peel the starched shirt off her soft shoulders, lay her on the thick turf and ease his desire. He tasted her brows, her cheek, along her throat, seeking the source of her call. Her pulse whipped under his mouth, awakening another need.

His teeth gently closed on the vulnerable vein.

He wanted, wanted, wanted…

Cold alarm chilled his pounding blood.

Steve gasped for air. He’d forgotten his own ironclad rule. Mel’s eyelids flittered open to reveal the molten glow of desire but he forced himself free.

He had no right to touch any woman. Not until he knew he hadn’t become what he had set out to destroy.

 

 www.barbaraedwards.net

http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp  for Barb’Ed Comments

 

Well Barbara, Ancient Awakenings is on my must read list.  I really enjoyed your visit today here at the Pen to Paper and I hope to have you back again real soon,

 

Walk in peace and harmony,

 

Melinda 

Dawn, I am happy to have you here today at Pen to Paper.  We have a lot to cover so let’s get started.

 

     

 

 

 

1. Tell us something about you and your books. I write paranormal interracial romance. There are always several stories running around in my head at once, so I always have more than one WIP.

 

1.  Are there any new authors who have grasped your attention? Too many to mention. I’ve really been impressed my fellow authors in Taming of the Wolf.

 

1. Do you have any advice for other writers? Read avidly, and keep computer files for your ideas. Add to and develop your stories as ideas come to you. You don’t have to travel with your laptop. Your mind should always be developing another idea, character, or plot twist.

 

1. What’s your latest book about? My newest release is in the second Got Wolf? Anthology, Taming of the Wolf. It’s entitled “Raven’s Shelter,” and it’s about a veterinarian and a wolf shifter.

 

1. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? For me, it doesn’t take much to inspire a story. I’m always reading something from romance to history to reference books, and I have some pretty colorful dreams.

 

1. What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors? Get to know other authors and writers. Writers’ boards are great! There is no greater resource, and writers are fantastically colorful, creative, innovative marketers when they decide to be. Marketing should not feel like you’re hanging onto Mt. Everest by your nails. It’s such a big part of writing that it should be enjoyable. Developing relationships with fellow authors can help you stay on top of things and relieve a great deal of stress.

 

1. What advice would you give to somebody trying to get a literary agent? Unless you want to write for a traditional publisher, it’s probably more trouble than it’s worth. If that’s your goal, however, I think one of the best ways to acquire one is to attend writers’ conventions and workshops.

 

1. Are there any words you would like to say to other aspiring writers? Get organized. Keep a calendar for promotional activities and file your research. It also helps me to develop character analyses for each major character. It’s tedious and I don’t always do it, but every time I manage to get it done, it comes in handy.

 

1. As a child what did you want to do when you grew up? Everyone thought I’d be a veterinarian. In fact, my nickname is derived from that. I kept insects in jars in our windows and fed them, collected sick or lost animals, and had a knack for creating peace between natural enemies in the animal kingdom. That explains, in part, why I like to write about shifters and weres J

 

10.  As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing. Love it! It’s the best of two worlds for writers. Your opinions are actually considered, and you have the support and endorsements of other professionals, yet you still have a great deal of responsibility and control.

 

1. What advice would you give to other aspiring authors about getting their work placed with

a big publishing company? Think carefully about what aspects of publishing you    value most, and do your research. Also, consider the piece you’ve elected to publish – in which market does it best fit?

 

12.  Please give us a list of all of your books currently available.  

 

Taming of the Wolf – “Raven’s Shelter” available from The Wild Rose Press:    Vashti’s Star

 

 Authorhouse, Amazon.com, Black Classics (251-476-1060), and as they say, other fine bookstores J

 

13.  How long does it take you to do research on the books you write? It really depends on how much I already know about the subject matter. In a sense, I’m always doing research. I read for enjoyment, but my brain is always ticking away in search of ideas and unexpected connections for my stories.

 

1. How do you give credit to any research you do? I like to actually mention the place or person in my story – makes it more real.

 

1. What inspired you to become a writer? I started writing stories and drawing pictures to go with them when I was in elementary school, and I’ve always loved a good book. I wanted to be someone who brings the same pleasure to others that so many writers have brought to me. I know – really mushy, but true.

 

1. How did you go about getting published? My first book, Vashti’s Star, was a learning venture. My goal was to finish a book and publish it myself so I could learn more about every aspect of publishing. Let’s just say I learned a lot, and I learned there are better ways to get published when you write romance. “Raven’s Shelter” won second place in the Got Wolf? Contest. The main prize was publication in an anthology with other winners.

 

 

1. Where do you do most of your writing? I do most of my writing on my desktop in my dining room. It’s in the center of my home surrounded by windows, reference books, music, and inspirational artifacts like a sandalwood candle, stuffed animals, an antique brass clock, a wooden doll house, you get the idea.

 

1. Are you working on other things, if so what are they? I’m nearly finished with Aidan’s Will, a reincarnation piece. It’s a full length novel about a romance between a former slave and a Native American whose entire bloodline has been cursed. Also working on a novella, Jordan’s Wings about a descendant of disinherited angels and the human woman destined to be his mate. I’m also working on a couple of others, but you’ll probably see Aidan’s Will and Jordan’s Wings soon

 

1. What do you enjoy most about your writing? What don’t I enjoy!? I enjoy the process of developing characters to the point where they determine the outcome of the story. I enjoy seeing a project from a kernel of an idea to a finished work of art. I enjoy creating my characters’ worlds so that they overlap ours. I enjoy the rollercoaster of emotions as my characters face obstacles. I enjoy overcoming those obstacles and bringing my characters together for a happy ending. Mostly, I’m grateful to God for the gift of imagination and the ability to bring fantasy to fruition.

 

1. Considering your published novels and WIPs, do you have a favorite character at the moment? If so, what are some of his/her characteristics? Probably David in Aidan’s Will at the moment. He’s tortured and believes himself to be unlovable, but he’s willing to take any risk for a chance at love.

 

Dawn, I really enjoyed the interview today.  Hope to have you back on Pen to Paper soon.

 

Walk in peace and harmony,

Melinda

 

    

 

 

Tanya, its an honor to have you at Pen to Paper.  I have read some your books and I must say they are among the best I have ever read.  So, let’s get started so I can pick your brain.

 

 

Tell us something about you and your books

 

 I seem drawn to the Old West, so I guess you could say that’s the “brand” I want for myself. I’m also interested in trying a romance about Ollokott, the brother of the great  Nez Perce chief Joseph, and his wife Cloudburst. Of course, the Nez Perce did not have a HEA, but it sounds like they were happy while it lasted.

 

Are there any new authors who have grasped your attention?

 

I totally love Western authors. The “fillies” at Petticoats and Pistols have each written favorites of mine. I also like Linda Lael Miller and Diana Palmer. And just about any book with a cowboy in it.

 

Do you have any advice for other writers?

 

Keep at it! Join your local chapter of RWA. Submit! It won’t happen unless you get your work out there. And if you get rejected, well, we all do. And it isn’t fatal LOL.

 

What’s your latest book about?

 

Marrying Mattie will be released some time mid 2010. It’s a follow-up to my current release (which has been a top seller at the Wild Rose Press since its release in June.), Marrying Minda, and concerns Minda’s sister Mattie and a handsome horse doctor. Their initial romance can be read in a free short story, His Christmas Angel, available at The Wild Rose Press. The novel concerns the bad guy who breaks up their wedding…and an epidemic that threatens the hero’s future as a horse doctor.

 

 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

 

 This is a hard one to pinpoint. My current and next books take place in Nebraska (there is a third book planned) so sometimes I get local color and family lore from a close friend who was born near my fictional little town of Paradise. Her mom is 91 and loves to help me with details. A wip however, is set in Arizona, and I got the idea simply from visiting Cathedral Rock in Sedona.  The story, Outlaw Bride, finalled in last summer’s Romance Through the Ages Contest at the RWA online chapter, Hearts through History, and spins off an outlaw girl from the outlaw gang in Marrying Minda. So I think I have a lot of stories about that gang in my head.

 

What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors?

 

First of all, google the pen name you want to use. There is a porn star with my name which I didn’t know beforehand.  You need a website, so contract your domain name even before you publish. You can feature excerpts of your work and contests you have won. Also blogs are generally free. I don’t get to my blogspot as much as I’d like, but I do find I get “hits” so it does help.  I also think it’s good to enter some of the more prestigious contests out there.

 

Are there any thing you would like to say to other aspiring writers?

 

Never give up!

 

As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?

 

I think I always wanted to be a teacher. I loved school and my mom went back to teaching when I was about ten. So it never felt like I had a “working mom.” And I never felt like one when my kids were little. We had all the same days and vacations off together.  That said, I knew I would always be a writer, ever since the day I was about  eight years old and read Little Women. It’s always and forever my favorite book.  I was able to visit Louisa May Alcott’s grave and home, Orchard House, in Concord. Massachusetts not long ago for me, it was quite a sacred journey.

 

As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing

 

I’m all for e-publishing. My book Midnight Bride is solely available in e-form, and it’s probably my favorite book so far. But I do like having a book to hold in my hands; I don’t deny that. So I am fortunate that The Wild Rose Press, my current publisher, offers both formats.

 

Please give us a list of all of your books currently available.

 

The Outlaw’s Woman is no longer in print but can be found on Amazon.

 

Midnight Bride—Cobblestone Press. I loved working for Cobblestone but the editor in chief informed me earlier this year that they are no longer acquiring sensual historicals, but rather erotic ones. I was thrilled, however, with the good things they said about my work, and their regrets at our parting of the ways. But I am very comfortable at The Wild Rose Press, and hope to submit inspirational Western romance, both contemp and historical, to their White Rose inspirational line. .   

 

Marrying Minda is available at The Wild Rose Press, and Marrying Mattie will be released in 2010.

 

How long does it take you to do research on the books you write?

 

Depends. Seems I am double checking things even in the edits stage after a sale.

 

 

What inspired you to become a writer?

 

Louisa May Alcott

 

How did you go about getting published?

 

I entered a contest, and the editor wanted the whole thing.

 

What is your novel “Marrying Minda” about?

 

Mail order bride leaves home and finds herself married to the wrong man! And he’s a hottie Texas cowboy who can’t wait to get back to the cattle trails, even as he falls in love with her.

 

Where do you do most of your writing?

 

I have a writing room but we are converting it into a guest room soon, so I will make some kind of new lair downstairs. Which is okay. I get easily bored with things.

 

 

What do you enjoy most about your writing?

 

I just love to write.

 

Thank you, Melinda. I can be reached at www.tanyahanson.com or http://www.tanyahanson.blogspot.com   I totally appreciate you featuring me and my books.

 

Your welcome, Tanya.  It has been a pleasure and I hope to have you back here soon.

 

Walk in peace and harmony,

 

Melinda