Category Archives: Author Interview

Maggi Anderson, Author of Murder in Devon, on her Writing and her Writing Space

Posted on May 15, 2012 | 1 Comment

On my blog today for the Writers’ Room series, I have Maggi Anderson, the author of the mystery novel Murder in Devon, which I reviewed last week. This week, she’s here to talk to us about her writing space, how she gets things done, and to give away a free copy of her book.

I’m hoping for this to be a fun and friendly way for readers and writers to get to know a little more about you. So let your hair down and have fun answering the questions!

 Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of things do you write?

I am an Australian writer of historical romance, mysteries and young adult novels. My historical romances take place in the Georgian, Regency and Victorian eras. Most of my books are set in England apart from two about the Australian outback.

Do you have a schedule for writing?

I begin after breakfast, dealing with email and promotional commitments. Before lunch I do the necessary housework, catch up on any important reading or research. In the afternoon I visit the gym, and swim in the summer months. I then work on my current manuscript until six o’clock. Late afternoon seems to be the time my muse is present.

Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

Copious cups of tea and coffee and comfortable clothes, like a tracksuit suit me best. Sometimes television can help sort out a plot point or deepen a character’s motivation. It usually comes from out of the blue and is quite a mysterious process.  As if my brain has been sorting it out without my noticing. Music can be energizing and get me in the right mood, but I don’t tend to use it a lot. I find singing distracting.

Who or what is your inspiration?

I’m inspired by good writing; by an intriguing concept; or even just an image.  I saw a neo-Nazi rally on the television news and thought, what if? That’s how Murder in Devon began.

Could you tell us about your writer’s space?

I have a study nook off the kitchen, a step away from tea and coffee making facilities. My cat, Africa, a champagne Persian, graces me with her company, leaning on the keyboard and creating chaos. I don’t have the heart to tell her to leave.

Maggi_Anderson_desk

Maggi_Anderson_chair

Maggi_Anderson_cat

We live in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. The view from my window is of majestic trees often filled with sulpher-crested cockatoos Maggi_Anderson_ducksand colorful parrots. Wild ducks inhabit the creek at the bottom of the garden. It changes with the seasons, which I love. Autumn is my favorite; the Himalayan dogwood tree turns a glorious rich crimson and the towering elm turns to gold.

Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?

Murder in Devon is a murder mystery set in Devon, England. It’s a mystery/ romantic suspense which has been garnering some great reviews.  You can read about them on my blog: http://www.maggiandersen.blogspot.com

Murder in Devon is available in print and on Amazon kindle

Maggi_Anderson

Maggi Anderson Author website

 Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?

Some writers have instant success with their first novel. But for most of us, and me included, it takes years to become published.  Although with self-publishing and e-book companies springing up, it’s easier to get your novel published in some form. My advice would be not to rush it. Give yourself time to learn your craft and discover your voice. Polish your work and make it as perfect as you can.  Take the time to plan your career and set yourself up with a good website or blog, so readers will become familiar with your work.  Be patient, and don’t give up.

Thanks so much, Maggi, for taking the time to talk to us. If you’d like to read Murder in Devon for free, just leave a comment with your email or other contact information in it.

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Writing Space of Author Jessica Fortunato

Posted on April 24, 2012 | 10 Comments

Today, Jessica Fortunato, author of The Sin Collector, is my wonderful guest. I met Jessica on Goodreads, and immediately was drawn to her writing, artistic sense, and the music of her website. Please join me in welcoming Jessica!

Jessica_Fortunato_Sin_Collector

Thank you so much for having me on your blog.  It is a fun site, and I adore the workspace photo aspect!  Although I’ll warn everyone now, mine is not nearly as distinguished and neat as the other authors you have featured.

 I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful to read about! Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of things do you write?

I live in the booming metropolis that is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When I’m not writing, I’m usually cooking.  Currently I am working on the sequel to The Sin Collector titled The Sin Collector: Sacrifice.  I am also writing TSC Novella due to come out in July.  The TSC Novella is exciting because I am giving my readers the option to vote for whose story they want to hear.  Voting doesn’t end until May 1st. There is still time to choose.

What a terrific idea! So now tell us, do you have a schedule for writing?

I don’t have a schedule for writing.  I have tried to force myself to write, say 4,000 words a day.  I have never written anything and kept it using that mindset.  I will go a week and write a chapter if I’m lucky.  Then I will have a day where I spend six hours in my broken down chair hardly moving, typing non-stop.  I wish I had discipline, but I need pure inspiration to get anything productive done. It all manages to balance out in the end.

You’re still getting it done, so it’s working for you. Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

I do most of my writing late at night, so I am usually drinking caffeine of some sort.  Iced tea is my poison.  Music is a huge source of inspiration for my books, but I rarely have music on while I’m writing, it can be too distracting.  I find that I often have the television on, but muted, which makes absolutely no sense, but it’s my method.

Who or what is your inspiration?

As cliché as it is, my life is constant inspiration.  My characters carry traits of people I know and love.  Although my Collectors are immortal, they have very human sides, which I try to highlight even more so than their Supernatural aspects.  The places my characters journey to are often places I have read about and want to visit one day.  In writing, you can bring people back from the dead, unite the lost lovers, and tell the most satisfying story possible.  As for the humor in my book, that purely comes from my family.  Around my house you either get sarcasm or you get out.

Funny! That sounds like my house, too. Could you tell us about your writer’s space?

Jess_Fortunato_desk

My teeny desk

It is tiny and clutter central.  I swear I’m always organizing stuff but somehow everything just piles back up.  I have my laptop, which is really the only necessity.

Jess_Fortunato_desk2

The stuff the laptop hides

Then my small desk becomes littered with papers, usually something cute, my favorite Living Dead Doll, Little Red Riding Hood. (They are my horror guilty pleasure.)  I always have my Collector family tree nearby for character references.

Jess_Fortunato_desk3

My current stack of papers.

My writing space is also right next door to my hamster aquarium.  She really hates it when I write before midnight.

I guess you can’t say the hamster wheel is keeping you up at night! Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Can this answer be held against me in a court of law?  I haven’t done anything too zany In a long while.  I’m zany overdue! Does that mean I’m a grown-up? Since my Mom reads these things, how about the strangest thing? When I was in college, I had a hamster named Tabby who had a stroke.  The vet wanted to put her down.  However, the vet mentioned that Tabby wasn’t in pain, she just couldn’t use one side of her body.  So, I researched stroke rehab for humans online, and rehabbed my hamster.  The best was exercising her limbs in water as if she were swimming.  After a month, she could walk and climb just like her old self AND she lived another year.

Don’t give up on anything, no matter how small.

OMG, that’s an amazing story! Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us? 

Yes.  Get Collected.  Wander around the labyrinth that is The Sin Collector website.

It has links to follow me on Twitter and Facebook. It is full of fun things to do.  If you’ve read the book already you can take the Trivia challenge and find Collector Personality Quizzes.  There is also an awesome Soundtrack page. The music gives you a glimpse into the songs that helped form the characters, plot, and most heart wrenching and surprising scenes. In addition, as I said above, you can vote for the Summer Novella, and these things are just the tip of the iceberg!

Might I just interject here, readers, Jessica’s site is simply amazing. I click on her website just to listen to the music playlists! Here are two of her book trailers. Yes, people, she has more trailers at Youtube.

Official Book Trailer for The Sin Collector

The Sin Collector Book Trailer

Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?

Stay away from the website Pinterest.  I have lost hours of productivity to that brilliant but evil site!

In all seriousness though, my advice is always to write it down.  If the Universe is handing you a brilliant idea and you just figure you’ll get to it later, the Universe will give it to someone else with a faster rate of return.  I have seen it happen.  Fortune favors the bold.  If you’re a writer then odds are likely you are a reader as well.  Pay attention to your own habits.  What do you dread about certain books?  What aspects of a book make your heart race?  Above all, go with your gut.  Trust your instincts whether it is about how you market yourself, or how you market your characters.  Not everyone will love you and your work, but it’s work worth doing so stick with it.

Fabulous advice, Jessica! Thanks again for doing this interview today.

Well, friends, there you have it. The goods on the digs of this amazing new author. Now what are you still doing here? Get on over to The Sin Collector website and have some fun with all that’s there!

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The Writing Space of Author Taryn Rae

Posted on April 10, 2012 | 6 Comments

I’m delighted to feature Taryn Rae today on the Writing Room Inspiration series. Her debut novel, Castaway Hearts has just been released, and she’s here to tell us all about her writing process. Thanks for being on the blog and sharing with us, Taryn.

Taryn_Rae_AuthorPlease tell us a little about yourself. What types of things do you write?

I’m a small town Kentucky girl whose dream of being a writer started when I was probably 10 or 11 years old. I’m also a stay at home mom and wife, a Jane-of-All-Trades, really. I did put my writing on the back burner for a long time and finally started writing seriously in 2006 when I realized I’d soon have two kids in school and the house to myself all day. My first novel is a historical romance, but most of what I have written or plan to write is contemporary romance.

Do you have a schedule for writing?

I don’t really have a schedule for writing, not anything daily. For the past couple of years I’ve been in the editing phase more than writing, but I wrote and finished my first 10 manuscripts using the ‘book in a month’ method I picked up from doing National Novel Writing Month. (NaNoWriMo) When I’m ready to knock out a novel, I put myself on a 30-day self-imposed deadline and lock my internal editor in the closet for the time being, gagged and bound in duct tape

Sometimes you have to be tough on that internal editor, don’t you? Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

I actually do use music when I write. I set up a playlist with songs I feel express the movement, the theme or the emotions of the story as I write it. In one of my stories, the heroine was a country singer. I used many Keith Urban songs for that playlist. Some of my favorite musicians I use most often though are James Taylor, Ben Taylor (James & Carly Simon’s son), Pink, Maroon 5, Robin Thicke, Sara Bareilles, Daughtry & the All-American Rejects. It varies from story to story. I also mock up faux book covers to make it more visually “real” as I work on the book.

The faux book cover is a great idea. Who or what is your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from many different people. One of my aunts wanted to write and always had books around. On her shelves, I discovered V.C. Andrews, who is one of my favorite authors. My grandmother on my dad’s side was a librarian at Asbury College and always had books at home and supplied me with a lot of great classics growing up like The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Little Women, The Secret Garden, and Anne of Green Gables, just to name a few. My parents and closest friends push me onward toward my goals. There is also someone special, who has been my muse for years, always inspiring me to believe that love conquers all & true love is a very real & viable thing that can be touched with the hands, felt with the heart and never dies. It lives on, existing in every fiber of our being, whether we’re together or not.

That’s so romantic. I can guess who it is. Could you tell us about your writer’s space?

Taryn_Rae_Writers_SpaceSince I got my laptop, I’ve taken up residence in my bedroom. Situated in the corner next to the trunk that houses my souvenirs of childhood, the wall in front of me has a lovely seascape picture, a calendar, a wooden sign I once designed and painted that says “Love~ an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” I draw inspiration from the two faux Van Gogh pictures as well- Night Stars and Starry Night.

A poster for inspiration- “We do not remember days, we remember MOMENTS.” Along with Mother’s Day cards and drawings from my kids is a printed out saying that reminds me to be humble- “Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve and Mercy is when God doesn’t give us what we do deserve…”

That’s so true about us remembering moments. Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Zaniest, craziest thing I’ve ever done would probably be meeting my husband on match.com and moving to be with him after we’d known each other all of four months online. We met once in real life before I moved here, but we’ve been together since 2001.

That’s amazing! You must have known he was “The One” right away. Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?

My first novel, a historical romance, Castaway Hearts is out now through Turquoise Morning Press.

Taryn_Rae_Castaway_Hearts

Twice orphaned, Catherine Barrett arrives in Virginia a stranger to her closest kin and secretly engaged to the one man her family would disapprove of- her seafaring grandfather’s apprentice. Add to her troubles, the rich and intriguing older brother of her secret betrothed, Dawson Randolph, a plantation owner who is as heartless as he is handsome. Heartbroken when her intended sets sail for his maiden voyage, Catherine finds it difficult to adjust to her new life, hoping to befriend the one man who is, undoubtedly, the match her grandparents wish for her. Dawson’s distaste for her secret engagement to his brother makes it clear he has no designs for marriage to anyone. Especially her.

Ten years since the tragic loss of his young wife and infant son, Dawson Randolph is convinced love and marriage is a fool’s game and resents being pardon to his brother’s hidden engagement. Damned by his instant attraction and his own growing desire, Dawson vows to befriend her against his better judgment. Determined to bring her happiness in a time of fear and uncertainty, Dawson puts aside his animosity to become her confidant, only to realize Catherine holds the key to his heart. When tragedy strikes at sea, Catherine’s guilt pushes Dawson to the fringes of her life as madness consumes her.

Can his love save her before she drowns in her own grief? Or is he doomed to love her from a distance, always in the shadow of her love for his dead brother?

Castaway Hearts sounds fabulous. Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?

Write, write, write. As long as inspiration strikes, and even when it doesn’t, you have to write. Put that pen to paper, those fingers to the keyboard. Breathe life into the characters that reside within you and keep following your dream.

Do you want to know more about Taryn Rae? Here are the places to find her online.

Thanks again for doing this interview, Taryn. I wish you great success with Castaway Hearts and with all your future books.

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Interview with Jennifer Anderson, Author of Ice Princess

Posted on April 3, 2012 | 2 Comments

Jennifer_Anderson_AuthorToday as part of my Writers’ Inspiration Series, the wonderful Jennifer Anderson, author, mother, and wizard of words has agreed to be my guest.

First off, thank you so much for having me Suzanne. I love what you’ve done with the place

*looks around* *nods*!

You’re too funny, Jennifer! Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of things do you write?

My name is Jennifer Anderson and I typically write YA. Besides my love of reading YA, I’m not sure what else drew me to this genre. Maybe it has to do with my own love of high school.  My experience wasn’t terrible and I missed it when I graduated. But I’m all grown up and venturing out into the writing world.

Do you have a schedule for writing?

Funny you should ask about my schedule. A month or so ago, I blogged about being a Writing Vampire. For some reason, my creative juices flowed after the sun set. Since then, my day job has changed. I went from working approximately 40 hours a week to only 20 with Fridays off. So now that I’m alive during the day, I’m making myself write. However, I still find it easier at night.

Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

The most important thing I need is food. I don’t know what it is about eating and writing but I need to have something ready to shove in my mouth. In the morning and mid afternoon, I like to have a cup of coffee while at night I prefer tea. I think it’s the warmth of the beverage I enjoy. Clothing is optional (teehee) but I do like to have my iPod playing.  I know others prefer silence but when I’m working on a tough scene, my music choice is important.  Sometimes I find my groove with Taylor Swift or I might blast the Twilight soundtrack (the music is very moody.)

Yes, it’s sort of like plotters and pantsers, music writers and no music writers. Could you tell us about your writer’s space?

After Christmas, I asked (when I say asked, I mean I whined) my husband to move a spare desk we stored in the hallway into our extra bedroom. The space is also used as a playroom for our two children which houses a TV, dress ups and games. I cannot tell you how excited I was to get my space. Before, I’d lug my laptop from chair to chair or to my bed and write. I found myself often distracted. Now, in my little space, I can shut the door and zone out. I love it!

I still have to share the space and my son has decided to help me create and display a collection of dinosaurs and Angry Bird erasers. I have to admit. I enjoy their company.

If you notice in the picture, I have an enlarged map of Honey Creek so when I’m writing, I can refer back and drive myself around town!

Jennifer Anderson map of Honey Creek

Jennifer Anderson writers work space

I love the Angry Birds and dinosaurs idea! The enlarged town map is brilliant. Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Often after a few cocktails, I find myself foot loose and fancy free. I’m sure I’ve done crazier things but the most recent, and one I’m proud of for some reason is twirling on an exotic dancer pole. Let me back it up a bit. A friend of ours wife threw him a party for his birthday. She rented something called a “Road Pony” to drive us around town. Inside, there were disco lights, black leather couches, a TV and 2 poles. Yes! I’m not joking. So, after a bar stop and many drinks, I took a running start, launched myself at the pool and proceeded to spin around until my butt hit the floor. Luckily, I walked away bruise free with a fun story to tell.

I’d say that qualifies as zany! Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?

I mentioned earlier how I mainly write YA. Well, I tried my hand at a Sweet Romance and was rewarded for my efforts with inclusion in the Turquoise Morning Press Men in Uniform anthology. The book is full of some of my fellow TMPers with short stories of men in uniforms. It’s a delightful read.

Even better, my debut YA novella, Ice Princess, from the Honey Creek Ohio line releases April 29, 2012 by TMP. I am supper excited about this.

Cover of Ice Princess by Jennifer Anderson

For more information about me and my books, check out my author site at jenandersonauthor.com, my blog at Musings from the Peanut Gallery. For all your Honey Creek news, check out our site Honey Creek Books.

Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?

Writing can be hard. Trust us, we’ve been there. It doesn’t happen overnight. First, you’ve got to write. You can’t be a writer without a finished product. While you’re writing, get out there and mingle. Join social media sites. Meet people in the writing industry. Next, keep writing. Once you feel you have something special, find someone to beta read it for you. But be prepared. You may have many hours of re-writing ahead of you.

The most important thing to remember is to have faith and trust the group of friends you’ve surrounded yourself with. Having a group of writers to throw ideas and complaints at is important. Eileen Dreyer, a romance writer, once told me the most important thing to have is a support group away from your family and friends. And she’s a NYT Best Selling Author.

Thank you again for having me.

Thank you for doing this interview! I can’t wait to read your debut Ice Princess when it comes out on April 29. Good luck on all your future books!

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Jamie Lisa Forbes, Author of Unbroken

Posted on April 2, 2012 | 2 Comments

Today I’m honored to have as a guest the award-winning author Jamie Lisa Forbes. Her novel, Unbroken, tells the tale of two women in Wyoming living the hard lives of ranchers. Meg Braeburn is raising her son alone while she works as a ranch hand. Gwen Swan is married to a rancher. As the women get to know one another, family histories and problems surface. Friendships are tested, and family relationships are stretched taut.

The writing is realistic and true to the nature of life in rural Wyoming. Harsh winters, endless wind, and dependence on neighbors to survive form the backdrop of this novel. Ms. Forbes writes with a spareness of prose to match the landscape. This book is one that opens a window onto a way of life few people experience.

This debut novel, published in 2010 by Pronghorn Press, won the Women Writers of the West Willa Literary Award. Now I’d like to introduce you to the author.

Cover of Unbroken by Jamie Lisa Forbes

Unbroken by Jamie Lisa Forbes

Hi, Jamie. Please tell us a little about yourself. What inspires you to write?

I was born and raised on a ranch along the Little Laramie River in southeastern Wyoming.   While I had a childhood much like the children I have written about in Unbroken,  I spent a great deal of time reading and I began writing stories and poems almost from the time I learned to write.  From that time forward, I always had a need to write.

That explains how you depicted Wyoming ranch life so accurately. What’s your background? Have you worked on a ranch?

After college and 14 months in Israel, I began my adult career on my family’s ranch in January 1979, one of the worst winters ever in southeastern Wyoming.   Like Meg Braeburn in Unbroken, I did not want to live the traditional ranch wife role.  I wanted to be out working the ranch myself.   I had expected my father to welcome my participation and I was quite surprised, when, of all my family, he was the one who was the most opposed to it.

How interesting. Do you have a schedule for writing?

I do in that sense I block out certain days to write.  As far as scheduling completion of work, or portions of work, I find that impossible to do.  I am a finicky reviser.  I can revise almost indefinitely.

Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

I wish there were aids to help me write.   I once read a quote by Hemingway to the effect that the writing process consists of bashing your head on the keyboard until it bleeds and that coincides with my experience of writing.

Your experience seems to have paid off. What did you do when you found out you received the esteemed Willa Cather award?
Jamie Lisa Forbes with her WILLA Award for Unbroken

Jamie Lisa Forbes with her WILLA Award for Unbroken

I was, and still am, humbled.  As I said in my acceptance speech, in all the years I spent working on Unbroken, I had no idea I would finish it,  much less live to see it published and win the WILLA.

Congratulations on your well-earned award. Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?

I believe that the people who know me well would say that everything I have ever done is zany and crazy.  All of my friends in 1979 thought that with my education and background,  I was crazy to choose a life in ranching.   I have always made the daring choices, the choices that were the least expected.  And I have no regrets.

Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?

I have been blessed beyond measure in all things, including my writing success.  I am now working on a novel about my new home state, North Carolina, and I hope to write it as well and move  my readers as much as I was able to do with Unbroken.

Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?

Self- discipline is essential.   Second, seek out a mix of readers, or writers you respect, and listen to what they say about your work.  Before Unbroken was accepted for publication, it was read by a dozen friends and relatives, one published author and one publishing editor.  The last person made the one critique of the novel, which, when I followed her advice, got the novel published.

It goes to show that every opinion counts. Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today, and sharing your thoughts with the readers here. I wish you great success with your future books.

Unbroken, by Jamie Lisa Forbes, Published 2010, Pronghorn Press, ISBN 978-1-932636-61-1

A copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes.

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The Writing Space of Author PJ Sharon

Posted on March 20, 2012 | 16 Comments

I’m delighted to have as a guest today on the Writing Room Inspiration series, PJ Sharon. I first got to know PJ through the Young Adult Romance Writers of America (YARWA) group. She’s an accomplished author, blogger, and woman of many talents, who always seems to have time to support her fellow writers.

PJ Sharon is author of several independently published, contemporary young adult novels, including HEAVEN IS FOR HEROES. Her stories have garnered several contest finals, including two awards for ON THIN ICE, and a place in the prestigious Valley Forge Romance Writers and the Florida Romance Writers Golden Palm contest for SAVAGE CINDERELLA.

PJSharon_Savage_Cinderella

Writing romantic fiction for the past six years, and following her destiny to write Extraordinary stories of an average teenage life, PJ is a member of  RWA, CTRWA, and YARWA. She is mother to two grown sons and lives with her husband and her dog in the Berkshire Hills of Western MA.

Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of things do you write?

I’m writing young adult fiction these days. My stories are about real teens with real issues who have some serious obstacles to overcome and who learn valuable life lessons to find their “hopefully ever after” ending.

Your stories are truly unique and inspiring. Do you have a schedule for writing?

Oh, I wish I did! These days, I spend far more time on the business end of writing than I do on the actual writing. I’m hoping this is a temporary condition while I’m learning the ropes of Indie-publishing and getting the ball rolling on creating a solid backlist of books. Although I don’t write towards manuscript completion every day, I do consider all the blog writing to be good practice. I creatively write in spurts. If I have a few hours to dedicate to adding to my manuscript, I can easily get a chapter or two written. I don’t have word count goals or anything like that, but once the flood gates are opened, I’m unstoppable, LOL. I do get to the point after a few days where I HAVE to do some writing or I’ll start resenting the “job” of being a published author. I’m just about there this week, and plan to add a few chapters to my WIP on Friday.

Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

I’m not superstitious and I’m more of a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-dig-in kind of girl. It does help me if I get organized first and clear away the extraneous to-do’s on my list so I can stay focused. I try to eliminate distractions and avoid the Internet when I’m in a groove. A cup of English Breakfast tea is always nice, and I’m highly motivated by chocolate.

Ah, you’re a highly organized tea lover. Who or what is your inspiration?

I guess “life” in general is my inspiration. I’ve had such an amazing journey filled with highs and lows that could rival the Andes. I’ve come so far from where I was in life that I now feel compelled to share the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’ve often wished I’d had books like the ones I’m writing available to me when I was a teenager.  If I can save teens from experiencing half of what I went through, it is effort well spent. At the same time, I think the themes in my books are universal and can hopefully be an inspiration to adult readers as well. I believe that fulfillment comes from giving back and spreading the love. I choose to do that through sharing a message of hope with readers.

Could you tell us about your writer’s space?

I’d love to! Up until recently, I was sitting on my couch working on a laptop. I had pillows behind me, under me, and around me trying to create some semblance of ergonomics. I know! Crazy, right? Being a former PT person and currently a Massage Therapist, I should have known better. My body was paying for it, believe me. I had a dedicated office space upstairs in a corner room, but it was terribly isolating and inconvenient—and not very ergonomically designed either.

So, for Christmas, my husband surprised me. I came home from work one day and he had brought all of my office equipment down from the cubbyhole upstairs, rearranged our living room, and created a fabulous office space right where my old couch used to be!  I now have the perfect setup, including dual screens that are interactive, so I can work on multiple projects and move pages around easily. He added track lighting that works great for adding illumination and soft light, which is better for the eyes than fluorescents. For my birthday, I bought myself a new office chair to complete my ergonomic makeover! The couch? It’s now out on our front porch. I suspect I’ll find my husband napping there on occasion once the weather gets warm. :-)

PJ Sharon at her desk     PJ Sharon at desk side view   PJ Sharon dual monitors

What a great guy he is! Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Oh, boy! Do you want a list? I’m a risk taker and I love a challenge. I’m afraid I’ve become a little more conservative (smarter) about physical challenges as I’ve gotten older, but I manage to keep exploring exciting new paths that keep me juiced up about life—such as indie-publishing. :-) As far as zany/crazy endeavors, I once picked up an alligator, had my picture taken with three boa constrictors-one around my neck and one in each hand, and stuck my arm in the mouth of a jaguar. No, I’m not kidding!

PJ Sharon with jaguar

PJ Sharon with Snakes

And you have the pictures to prove it!  You’re obviously not afraid of anything! Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?

So glad you asked! My latest release, SAVAGE CINDERELLA, is available now on Amazon, and early reviews have been great. Now that I’ve completed that project, and my baby is out in the world, I can dedicate more time to writing the next book. I’m about a quarter of the way through my current work in progress, the first book in a dystopian trilogy, THE CHRONICLES OF LILY CARMICHAEL, due out in July. If I can manage it, I’ll have the second book out in December. In between that, I have a CHRONICLES companion short story that will be part of the October WG2E anthology.

I love the cover for SAVAGE CINDERELLA. Last of all, PJ, what advice would you give to other writers?

Write what you love, believe in yourself, and be bold! You can do anything you set your mind to, and with practice, you can become the writer you were meant to be.

You’re living proof that writing what you love pays off. Thanks so much, PJ.

If you’d like to contact PJ Sharon, here are places to find her and connect with her.

Contact Information for PJ Sharon:

Books by PJ Sharon:

Your turn:

What do you think? Would you be as daring as PJ Sharon and put your arm in a jaguar’s mouth?

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The Writing Space of Author Judy Alter

Posted on March 13, 2012 | 8 Comments

Today’s post is a guest post from mystery writer Judy Alter. Take it away, Judy!

Room with a view

Some years ago my oldest daughter, Megan, called from Austin one Sunday morning. “I’ve remodeled your house,” she announced. My reply was, “Thank you very much, but I like my house the way it is.” Mine is a 1922 red brick with the standard layout: living room, dining room, and kitchen march down the right side of the house, with three bedrooms on the left. There are a few variations—a half bath in the front bedroom, an extra short hallway off the dining room to the bathroom between kitchen and third bedroom. Previous owners had remodeled, adding a long room across the back (now a playroom and the bedroom for my local grandson) and turning the kitchen into galley space. It still has the charm of an old house, including battered and worn wood floors.

Judy_Alter_office3But as I listened, what she said made sense. My office then was in the third bedroom, a fairly dark space with nothing to look at but the pictures on the wall opposite my desk. The front bedroom opened directly off the living room through an off-center standard door. Megan’s idea? Put French doors in the front bedroom and make it into my office. Eventually that turned out to be a multi-faceted remodeling project including painting several rooms, re-routing air conditioning ducts, replacing the pull-down staircase and other things that needed to be done.

 

Judy_Alter_office2These days I live at my desk. Eating alone? I eat in front of the computer, sometimes with an eye on the TV. I work here, and when I quit for the evening to relax with a good book, I read at my desk (never was comfortable reading in bed). From my desk I can look out into the living room and out the windows of the dining room to check on what lights the neighbors have at night. (They tell me they can also check on how late at night I work at my desk.) The room itself has four windows on two walls, so it is usually sunny and bright, depending on the day. At certain times of the year, I have to close the shutters because the sun plays games on my computer screen.

Judy_Alter_office1The bookshelves that line one wall hold only a portion of my books, though we added an extra section to them a few years ago. I never can find the specific book I want and go from room to room studying the shelves. Someday I plan to organize. But don’t hold your breath!

Some days, when I am busy running errands or doing other things away from the house, I feel the pull of this office space. I want to be here, checking email, eating a quiet lunch, picking away at something I want to write.

Have I written the great American novel in this space? Not hardly, but my writing is doing better in the last couple of years. Beyond that, the office makes me happy—and I think that’s most important.

TeacherWriter comments:

That’s such a wonderful way to open up a writing space. There’s something about French doors that I love, and I’ve never been fortunate enough to have them in my own house. Lucky you!

About Judy Alter

Judy_Alter author pictureJudy Alter, author of the Kelly O’Connell Mysteries, has written fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers, including many books about women of the American West, such as Mattie, Libbie, and Sundance, Butch and Me, soon available as e-books. She retired as director of TCU Press and has several awards to her credit, including the Owen Wister Lifetime Achievement Award from Western Writers of America. The single parent of four and grandmother of seven, she lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her Bordoodle puppy and aging Aussie. Find her at the Judy Alter author website, and follow her two blogs, Judy’s Stew and Potluck with Judy.

Skeleton in a Dead Space

Judy_Alter_Skeleton_in_a_Dead_Space book coverKelly O’Connell never thought real estate was a dangerous profession. But while updating early-twentieth-century Craftsman houses in an older neighborhood in Fort Worth, Texas, she stumbles over a skeleton and begins unraveling an old murder. The police call it a cold case, but Kelly knows she must solve the murder if she is to finish the house and sell it. She and her two young daughters quickly become the target of threats and vandalism, and someone is telling her ex-husband in California what’s going on. Tim Spencer arrives to protect his daughters by taking them to California with him but is soon found shot to death. Then a new client barges into Kelly’s life, and she finds herself facing a gun, a deadly killer, and the solution to the mystery of the skeleton and Tim’s death.

No Neighborhood for Old Women

Judy_Alter_No_Neighborhood book coverWhen a serial killer begins targeting older women in Fort Worth’s Fairmount neighborhood, realtor/renovator Kelly O’Connell investigates, in spite of the pleas of her companion, policeman Mike Shandy, and her assistant, the colorful Keisha, that she stay out of it. Kelly knows a serial killer will hurt business, and she worries about the frightened old women in the neighborhood. And when Claire Guthrie, a friend and former client, shows up at Kelly’s front door announcing that she’s just shot her husband in the butt, Kelly becomes her champion. Kelly knows about bad marriages and bad husbands from her own experience. Then Kelly’s mom, the needy Cynthia O’Connell, decides to move to Fort Worth to be near her grandchildren. Kelly, a harried, hassled, and loving single mom of two young girls, unwittingly puts her children, her mom, and herself in danger and almost derails her love life.

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The Writing Space of Author Sonya Weiss

Posted on March 7, 2012 | 7 Comments

I’m delighted to feature Sonya Weiss today on the Writing Room Inspiration series. I love that she has a dedicated area to write filled with things that inspire her. Thanks for being on the blog and sharing with us, Sonya.

Sonya_Weiss Office

Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of things do you write?

I’ve been a writer since I was a little girl when I would dream up stories instead of paying attention in class. I wrote my first manuscript (500 long pages) by hand when I was still in high school. I write non-fiction and fiction. With fiction, I write in two genres-romantic suspense and young adult.

Handwriting five hundred pages must have been a tremendous task. You have true dedication to your stories. Do you have a schedule for writing?

Not really. I write whenever I get a few minutes. I have to write, it’s part of who I am.

Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

I play a game of Mahjongg before I start writing.

I love it! What a way to relax and get into your writing frame of mind. Who or what is your inspiration?

I get inspiration from everything around me, especially people who have overcome tremendous odds to reach their goals or dreams. I have a picture of Peg Leg Bates hanging by my desk. He has an incredible story of perseverance.

Not many people know about Bates. He’s a true example that we can do anything we set our hearts to. Could you tell us about your writer’s space?

Sonya_Weiss Inspiration Wall

I like to surround myself with things that inspire me. I have a postcard from my friend Audrey in Italy.  I have my RWA PRO pin on the corkboard. I have ticket stubs, writing quotes…I even have a Dove candy quote that says, “You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” I love that.

I have a quote from Christie Craig, a note Roxanne St. Claire sent saying she can’t wait to get a book signed by me (LOL!), I have encouraging ‘you can do it’ notes from friends and I have a heart decoration that says, “Friends and chocolate make life bearable.”

Sonya_Weiss Desk

Those are wonderful things to keep in your line of sight and mind. Friends and chocolate most definitely make the going easier. Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?

When I was a teenager I jumped from a second story barn hayloft. Let me just say that loose hay is not soft and will not prevent your butt from hitting the hard packed dirt floor.

Oh, you’re so lucky you didn’t break something! Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?

I recently started a new blog that focuses only on the YA part of my writing at www.sonyaweiss.com.

Your blog is great. Readers, if you want to know seven more random facts about Sonya, check out her post about her Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award. Last of all, Sonya, what advice would you give to other writers?

That there are no expiration dates on dreams and to find the strength to keep going even if you don’t have support, to keep going no matter how many rejections you get and to remember that agents/editors can only offer opinions about your work and they can be wrong. The author of The Help was rejected 60 times. What if on try number 59 she would have said, “These agents/editors are experts in the business so I guess they’re right and this work isn’t going to sell”…the what if there could have had such a huge impact.

That’s terrific advice. Thanks so much, Sonya.

The Writer’s Inspiration Series has been quite popular here. Some of the awesomely amazing authors I’ve featured here besides the fabulous Sonya Weiss are:

Last of all, don’t forget that not all of us are blessed to have a writing room of our own. But you can turn any nook, corner, or closet into a writer’s retreat you love. Didn’t Erma Bombeck write at a plank table propped on cinder blocks with her kids underfoot?

Yes, fellow writers, we can do it, anywhere, anytime, any way we please!

Your turn:

Have you overcome great adversity to write? Do you have a special source of inspiration? What would you like to say to Sonya?

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The Writing Space of Author Cat Shaffer and Cammie Eicher

Posted on February 28, 2012 | Leave a comment

Cammie Eicher, an Ohio native who now lives in northeastern Kentucky, isn’t the least bit afraid of those things that go bump in the night … as long as she’s safely behind locked doors. A member of Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and the International Thriller Writers, she loves to craft suspenseful stories from the paranormal side of life. She also writes as Cat Shaffer.

Cat, I’m hoping for this to be a fun and friendly way for readers and writers to get to know a little more about you. So let your hair down and have fun answering the questions!

Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of things do you write?

I write paranormal suspense/dark fantasy (with romance in each book) as Cammie Eicher and contemporary romantic suspense as Cat Shaffer. And Cat has also written a historical romantic suspense and a couple of short stories for anthologies.

Bittersweet by Cat Shaffer

Cat Shaffer Bittersweet Cover

Click on the cover to watch the book trailer for Dead Man Stalking by Cammie Eicher

Cammie Eicher Dead Man Stalking cover

See more of Cammie Eicher’s books at her website.

Do you have a schedule for writing?

I try to set aside the two hours before I go to bed, from 10 p.m. to midnight, I started that when my husband worked a 4 to midnight shift and discovered that’s a really good time for me. I am definitely NOT a morning person, although on occasion I do hurry from bed to write if I’ve been struck by inspiration.

It sounds like that’s a quiet time for you to write. Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

I have a CD of instrumentals with nature sounds, such as water and breezes, that gives me a neutral background. My office is in the side of the house by some kinda noisy neighbors, so the music serves as a buffer. I like to be comfy when I write, so I’m usually in my pajamas, but then again it is late at night. I live within rock-throwing distance of a coffee place, so I often walk over and bring coffee back before I sit down to write.

I like the idea of nature sounds. That might work for someone like me, who doesn’t use music while writing. Who or what is your inspiration?

Ideas just pop into my head! My books always start with a “what if?” question followed by “and then what?” As a kid, I was encouraged to read anything I wanted, so I was well grounded in all sorts of literature — mostly good, but some bad.

That’s such good advice to consider “what if?” followed by “then what?” when writing. Could you tell us about your writer’s space?

It’s the messiest place in my house! There’s a clear path to the computer, but I have stacks of stuff ranging from plastic boxes holding specialty papers and newspaper clippings to shelves full of books. My cat loves it in there; I think she believes she’s mountain climbing as she propels herself off my desk and onto the top of the nearest book shelf.

Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Years ago, auditions for the old show America’s Funniest People were held at our local mall. In order to write a story for the newspaper where I was a reporter, I dressed up in an evening gown with a wig and lots of fancy jewelry and did hog calling. No, I wasn’t picked!

How funny! It’s too bad you didn’t have your national debut with that! Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?

I’ll have a new Cammie Eicher book out in April titled “Claimed” with a heroine who’s half-Valkyerie that I’m buzzed about. A quick look at all my books are available at my websites, www.cammieeicher.com and www.catshaffer.com. Also, my cat spills details of my life and hers at www.tabbytalles.blogspot.com

Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?

Never give up! You don’t need anyone to validate you as a writer; rejections are a base for improvement, not a comment on you as a person.

Writers give that advice all the time, but it’s so true! Never, ever give up. Last of all, I’d like to post this photo of you with Abraham Lincoln.

Cat_Shaffer_AbeLincoln

Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Cat. This has been a fun interview.

Dear readers, if you would like to know more about Cammie or Cat, be sure to visit her websites. Her cat’s website is funny and she can make you believe it’s her tabby writing the blog! Also, be sure to come back soon for more of our Writer’s Inspiration series. Last week I had Amy Durham on the blog and in coming days, my guests will be Sonya Weiss, PJ Sharon, Judy Alter, Jamie Lisa Forbes, Jennifer Anderson, and Taryn Rae. If you’re an author, and you’d like to be featured in this spot, just send me an email at lillysuzanne at gmail.

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A Visit to the Writing Space of Author Amy Durham

Posted on February 21, 2012 | 5 Comments

Amy Durham is a teacher, a writer, a mom, and a cook. I’m so happy she agreed to be part of the Writing Room Inspiration series. Thanks for being on the blog, Amy! From your description, you must be an expert juggler of all things.

Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of stories do you write?

I’m a wife, mom of 3 wild boys, a full-time teacher, and a wanna-be chef! I love books, of course, and I have a burning desire to travel the world and experience different cultures. If only time and finances would allow for that!  I write light YA paranormals with a hefty dose of romance thrown in. I have long loved romance novels. I’ve also long loved the imagination and creativity of paranormal fiction. When I found my voice in YA fiction, I wanted to combine my love of both paranormal and romance into stories for young adults.

 I don’t know how you keep up with everything! Do you have a schedule for writing?

I wish my life allowed for a schedule! With a full-time job and full-time kiddos, my life is hectic. My goal each week is to be intentional and MAKE time for my writing. Sometimes that time is on my lunch break. Other times, it’s after the kids are in bed. Whenever that time comes, I make it count!

Amy Durham teacher desk for writing

 Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

No real rituals, though when the weather is pleasant, I LOVE to sit on my front porch, with my laptop, and enjoy the beautiful countryside while I write.

Amy Durham writing chair outside

 The outdoor writing spot looks fabulous! Who or what is your inspiration?

Life itself is my inspiration. Whether it’s joys or difficulties, the way human beings live life is fascinating, and a real inspiration for those of us who love to tell stories. My oldest son, Kelly, is also quite the inspiration. He’s old enough to realize that his mom has big dreams, and I never want to give up, because I hope my ambition and dreams will inspire him to do the same… Dream Big!

 Could you tell us about your writer’s space?

Well, when it’s not the front porch, it’s usually my comfy living room chair. I’ve learned to tune out the TV and noisy kids and write in the midst of my loud, crazy family!  When I need quiet, I’ll either pop in headphones or hide in my bedroom.

Amy Durham writing couch

 Headphones can be a blessing, can’t they? Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?

You mean besides deciding to write books?! I’ve not been a terribly crazy or rebellious person, but I did participate in a water balloon fight on the town square the week before my high school graduation.  A cop broke up our “fun” and the friends I was with drove off from the square and up a big hill, in the dark, with no headlights, in order to avoid the reprimand we probably deserved!

 Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?

First of all, I’d like to say THANK YOU so much for having me here at your blog today. I appreciate the hospitality, and the opportunity to reach new people! My first YA novel, a paranormal titled Once Again, is now available for download at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. It centers around Layla Bradford and Lucas Ellis, two high school students who discover they are the reincarnations of a couple from the 1800’s. Frightening visions lead them to believe that in their past lives they suffered a terrible tragedy at the hands of an evil madman, and it’s not long before they realize he’s targeting them again… in THIS life.  They must uncover the truth in time to stop the same tragedy from unfolding once again.

 Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?

I know it sounds trite, but NEVER GIVE UP! Write because you want to… because you love it. Let the writing give you that creative outlet that you need. Nurture it. Feed that creative side of yourself. And eventually it will all pay off!

Thank you, Amy!

The pleasure was all mine to have you on the blog! I can’t wait to read this story. I love mysterious romance books. Dear readers, if you want to know more about Amy and her books,  you’ll find all her information at the end of this post. You can see her pictures of Sky Cove, the town setting for Once Again in Amy’s blog post here. You’ve gotta love those pics!

Amy Durham
ONCE AGAIN now available!!

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