Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts

Monday, August 22, 2016

Video Interview

Hello!
Summer is drawing close to an end. I know I go back to work on Wednesday and I can't believe how fast it went. I didn't accomplish as much as I would have liked, but I feel like I say that every year. A few weeks ago I mentioned how I was doing a character interview with Kris Hack. Well today my video is released and you all can see my awkward rambling. At first I thought it had to be a mythical creature, but then I heard it was any character I had to talk about one of my favorite types of, sarcastic/witty character. I might be bias considering my sense of humor is pretty dry, but I enjoy reading and writing sarcastic/witty characters.



You can see my interview on her website. First you have to sign up HERE to see all 11 interviews. All it is, is your email and name, you aren't put on a spam list or anything. Once you sign up that's it. If you already have done so you can see the interviews HERE. I can't promise when you watch my video that you won't see one of my dogs or not. I honestly can't remember if they chose that time to take a nap or not. I talk about different characters in all of my stories including to End of the Line 2, Off the Beaten Path. However, I will warn you I do tend to talk with my hands a lot, can I blame that on being a teacher?
Care to guess who I'm talking about ;)



On other hand I got Mistakes #4 back from my editor Jenn. I have been going through it in parts. My boyfriend and I are in the house hunting so that has kept me pretty occupied the past few weeks. However, I haven't been talking about the edits as much or advertising because I started to second guess my title and I feel funny saying I have a story being released in about a weekish without stating the title. With starting my thesis class this month, working, and house stuff it might slow my writing down a bit more down than usual, plus put me on a tight budget so the fifth installment might take me a bit to write I am warning everything.

Since Mistakes #4 is being released within the next couple of weeks I put the first couple on sale so that everyone can get caught up!


Shadows from the Past
(Mistakes #1)
FREE
Children fear what lurks in the shadows. After the tragic loss of her best friend, Renee learns that what stalks the shadows wants her. She will have to choose the darkness or die.



Whispers in the Woods
(Mistakes #2)
FREE
The ranks are being questioned in the shadows. No one is truly safe. Kylie is unsure of herself as she doesn't know what she wants to do with her life. However, one trip into the woods will drag her into a war.



Footsteps in the Alley
(Mistakes #3)
$0.99
Children are taught to fear what may lurk in the dark. All Nathan wanted was a night away from boredom. However, when he got out of the theater he got a night he wasn't expecting. A night that leaves him running for his life.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Review of After All by Mia Josephs

Hello!
I am here posting the review for Mia Josephs' After All. It's a New Adult novel. I read this while I was on my trip. After a year of only reading for work and school I was excited to get back to reading for fun. This was one of the books on my kindle that I got to catch up on. Needless to say it was a long list. This book helped get back into the grove a little and I can not wait to read more by this author.



A fresh start. That's what this move was suppose to be about. Ashley is a law student doing an internship for the summer which looks good on paper, but unsettling as she thinks about the friend that she has lost. Her focus was to help people and to finish her degree. Things take a turn for a new direction when she meets Brandt, a man in his thirties with two teenage children. He keeps telling himself that he is too old for her, but as she lives next door it makes it hard to escape her.

If you enjoy Jolene Perry or other Mia Josephs works, you will not be disappointed. There are sweet moments, witty comments, true emotions that make these characters seem real. It will give you the warm and fuzzies that you need. However there are some dark moments and sexual situations so if you do not like either this is not your read. I would recommend this book to readers though.




PS in a few days you will be able to see my interview video and a new video everyday! There are eleven authors talking about angels, ghosts, protectors, athletes, and witty characters. Sign up to see them: Click Here

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Power of Love

Hello!
I am lucky enough to be taking part BFI Love Fest this year. I appreciate being part of it and I get to talk about one of my favorite things to write about, love. All of my stories have some bases of love because everyone can relate on some level, boyfriend-girlfriend, husband-wife, siblings-siblings, friends-friends, parent-child, boyfriend-boyfriend, girlfriend-girlfriend, and many more.

I love watching movies like 'Shakespeare in Love', 'A Walk to Remember', and 'A Princess Bride'. 'Shakespeare in Love' is a fictional spin on how Shakespeare wrote one of his plays. In a true Shakespeare fashion it does have its ups and downs, but the emotion could cause strong emotions and turn a whole world upside down. Those are just three movies that come to mind, but I think 'A Princess Bride' is one of the best examples of power of love. It is a tale of two peasants that grow to love each other, but don't ever say so. However, the two are torn apart. The two are given obstacles and are even tortured. Then the only thing that can save our young hero is true love. This is a movie that is full of action and humor as well, a must love classic for everyone.

I can remember watching 'A Princess Bride' as a child and eventually I hope that to read the book as well. Now this isn't to say there are books that don't show the true power of love. 'Wildflower Hill' discusses the power of love between mother and daughter, then a granddaughter as she picks up the pieces of her life. In the adult novel 'Lover Eternal' I nearly teared up. This book is definitely a 18+ kind of book, but it talks about a vampire who is cursed who falls for a human who had been through years of cancer treatments. For obvious reasons they could not be together, and this is not. My favorite when I was in fifth grade was 'The Two Princesses of Bamarre'. It is about two sisters, one is more shy than the other. The bolder of the two gets sick and the other sister goes on a journey that is dangerous and involves dragons in search for the cure. The love for her sister (and later a boy) helps her find her strength against everything she is up against to save the one she loves. Of course if you go on my goodreads you could see the books upon books of that contain love and while I am writing it is hard to think of specific ones to choose without rambling (well too much...).

Now I might be a little bias with the next paragraph will talk about some of my works on the topic. 'End of the Line' is a story about the end of the world, but the power of their feelings between siblings, friends, and eventually girlfriend-boyfriend they fight a chaos world. Asteroids had destroyed everything, but they stick together to live. 'Family Ties', a Abby goes missing and her friend knows in his gut that she is alive even as the cops lose faith. 'Beneath the Scars' is about Riley who is covered in head to toe scars from serving overseas, but when he meets Eponine he is forced to see a world outside of his apartment. Eponine dropped out of college and works a job she hates to make sure that she has a roof over not only her head, but her ten year old sister's to keep a social worker off their backs. 'Project US', Nick and Rachel are thrown into a marriage at sixteen and together to find a way to get their lives back to normal. Nick starts to have doubts, but will do anything to make Rachel happy. 'Shadows from the Past' is a novella (that is on sale for free) deals with what will the power of love free a person from in the paranormal sense.

Love is a strong thing to experience, read, watch, and write about. It is all around us and will surprise us in ways we could never expect.

The BFI Love Fest is going on for another day, please check out all the videos, chats, and authors that are involved!
Site
Twitter - Where it is taking place.
Authors
my interview

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Review ~ Love Undone by Diana Nixon

Good Morning!
It's been awhile since I posted and there are a few reviews coming your way because I finally had time to read! Who knew that would happen again? I just want to take a second and remind everyone my giveaways are still going on and you can click here and read the details! Now today I have a review for you of a New Adult book (not suitable for under 18!) and I loved this book. It probably wasn't the best book to read at work, but I loved it none the less. If you haven't checked out Diana Nixon, I would highly suggest that you do. Who hasn't wondered if love should get a second chance? I hope to read more by Diana :)

** Not suitable for under 18! **

Your heart tells you to jump, but your mind wants you to stay cautious of the man before you, do you jump or run? Kassie wakes up in the hospital with all her memories, the good and the bad, all gone. As she is picking up the pieces there is a man with dangerously alluring dark blue eyes that causes her already hurting mind to spin even further. He makes her heart skip beats, but there is a small voice that tells her she should keep her guard up.

Love Undone by Diana Nixon was very well written, good flow without extra fluff some books might add. Kassie has fun witty fights with Daniel the alluring dark man. Daniel will make any woman weak in the knees. I loved reading this story, you feel for both characters. Kassie because she is trying to piece together a life she can not remember, and redealing with tragedies from her past. Daniel, well no one is perfect and no one has a clean past, but you still got to love him. This might be a book that I will eventually pick up a paperback if there ever is one :) go grab yourself a copy!






Interview with Diana:
1.      Where did you come up with the plot to Love Undone?
-          I started writing this book before Christmas, and frankly, it was supposed to be a little different. I even thought about writing it in collaboration with another author. Then, I read my notes and realized that I wanted it to be different from my previous stories. So I tried my best to make it more emotional, touching, catching and memorable. And today, reading the reviews, I can see that I’ve succeeded! It DOES make my readers feel and this is exactly what I wanted from Love Undone. It shows how fast everything that you love and live for can be taken away from you, by accident or death. I also wanted to show how much we shall cherish every person we love, because we never know when his/her travel might end…

2.      Do you believe in love deserves another chance?
-          I do. Personally, I’m sure that everything deserves a second chance, because we all know that the first pancake is always a failure, lol

3.      You have written both YA and NA books, do you prefer to write one over the other?
-          Well, YA books are always beautiful and romantic, while NA stories are more open and show a different side of the youth, where not only happy smiles exist. Now that I have worked in both genres, I think I like NA books more. Or maybe I just feel like I’m too old to write more YA books, lol However, I’m thinking about writing another YA story:) In other words, you never know what to expect from a writer:)

4.      What is your favorite dessert?
-          Ice-cream, with strawberry or chocolate:)

5.      You speak several different languages, which was the hardest for you to learn?
-          Those that I speak were not too hard to learn. There’s only one language that I think I will never be able to learn and it’s French. The pronunciation and spelling are killing me:) Now I’m working on a book that needs French phrases, and I have to check the spelling of every work, over and over again, before sending the text to the editor, because sometimes even she, a French native speaker, can’t understand what I wanted to say, lol

6.      Was there anything that was hard for you to write in this story?
-          The whole story was hard to write. Maybe because unlike other books, I wanted this one to be so heart-shattering? So, yes, it took me awhile to make all those ideas from my head look good on paper:)

7.      Is there a specific routine you have to writing?
-          No routine; more coffee, more chapters:)

8.      What is your favorite book that you've read?
-          I don’t have one:) I like different books, from Gone with the Wind to The Da Vinci Code.

9.      Do you prefer to read off an e-reader or a physical copy?
-          Physical copies are easier to read, but unfortunately, we live in the world of never-stop running, lol, that’s why e-books are always with us, on our phones, e-readers, notebooks.

10.  What advice would you give to those who are either just starting to write or trying to get the ball rolling?
-          Never listen to those saying that your book is not good enough to be published:) Every story deserves a reader. And at least one 5* review:)


Love Undone
By Diana Nixon
Available from JUNE, 3rd 2014
What would you do if all your memories were gone?
One day Kassie wakes up and realizes that her life is nothing but an endless emptiness…
One tragic incident takes away everything that she has ever cherished and loved: family, friends and all the best moments that she ever lived through. 
Now everything seems unknown, including a beautiful stranger,
whose mere look makes her heart beat faster. 
Who is that reckless and mysterious man? Is he just an old friend or an enemy? Sinking into the vortex of indescribable emotions, they will give in to the most irresistible temptation ever,
just to fall in love with each other, again and again...


EXCERPT
“It’s not safe to go there alone, Miss,” he said, stopping at what looked like an old barn.
“Trust me, I’m so pissed that no one will dare touch me,” I said, giving him the money.
“Do you want me to wait for you?”
“No thanks, I’m meeting a friend here,” I said, as I spied Daniel’s car near the entrance. I got out of the taxi and headed for the steps.
A huge guy about my age stood in my way. “Are you a member of the club?” he asked gruffly.
“No, but I know one of the members.”
“Who?”
“Daniel Farrell,” I said, hoping my voice sounded firm. I didn’t want him to think that I was an easy target.
“He’s fighting now. You sure you want to see it?”
“He’s what?” I didn’t expect such an answer.
“It’s a boxing club, you know? People come here to fight.”
I swallowed hard. “Yes, I need to see him.”
He opened the doors for me, and nodded to the stairs, leading to the ground floor.
“Be careful with the crowd. People get really crazy when Dan’s fighting.”
I nodded silently, feeling my palms sweating. What the hell am I doing here?

I only took a few steps down the stairs, when someone caught me by the hand.
“Don’t go there, Sweetheart. They will eat you alive.”
I looked up at the guy, and my knees trembled even worse. He was head and shoulders above me, and the dragon tattoo on his upper arm only made my fear grow. I will kill Daniel for making me drag my ass here, I thought irritably to myself, trying to break free of the guy’s death grip. It wasn’t hard. He let me go, and pulled a lighter from his pocket. I stood still, not knowing what to do next. He smirked, with his bright-blue eyes watching me intently. There wasn’t anything seductive about his gaze. He probably thought I was the stupidest creature ever, since I willingly crossed the threshold of The Underground alone. He lit a cigarette and blew out a thick cloud of smoke right into my face. I grimaced.
“I remember you,” he said, leaning against the opposite wall. “Last time you were here, you were really pissed.”
“This time isn’t much different. Wait, I’ve been here before?”
“Yeah, about two years ago.”
“What was I doing here?”
“Looking for Daniel, I guess.”
“Do you know him?”
“Of course. I know all of my fighters.”
The realization hit me. “You must be the owner of this place.”
“Want to watch the fight?”
“Not really. But I need to talk to Daniel.”
“Come with me,” he said, turning around and heading up the stairs. I hesitated. “Come on, I’m not gonna hurt you. I care about my life, you know?”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, following him. Apparently, my courage was back.
“Dan will make me eat my balls if I touch you.”
Huh, that surely makes me feel better, I thought to myself.
“I heard about the explosion. And about your brother.”
“You knew him?”
“I saw him a few times. He came to watch Dan’s fights. Sorry about your loss. I’m Kane, by the way. And you are-”
“Kassie.”
“Right.”
“Here we go, my little kingdom,” Kane said, opening the door to what I supposed was his office. “You are safe here. Want a drink?” he asked, nodding to a small bar in the corner.
“Do you have water?”
“Will soda do?”
“Yeah, thanks.”
I walked to a huge window opening to the round arena with a few dozens of people standing around it. They were shouting and applauding, watching the fight. Even from the distance, I could recognize Daniel as one of the fighters.
“He will be all yours in less than 10 seconds,” Kane said, giving me a glass of soda. “It’s the longest time he spends on one opponent.”
I looked at Daniel again and gasped quietly, when his fist connected with the other guy’s jaw. What surprised me most was Daniel’s expression. It was severe and focused, making shivers run up and down my spine.
Kane opened the window and my hands shot to my ears at the loud cheering and shouting coming from downstairs. When Daniel attacked again, the other guy’s defense shattered. He fell to his knees. His nose met Daniel’s fist again. I grimaced as more blood spilled to the floor.
“Not a comfortable sight, is it?” Kane said, smirking.
“That is not the word,” I said quietly, still watching the poor guy’s motionless body lying in the center of the circle.
“That’s it, the moment of victory,” Kane added, applauding Daniel.
I didn’t share his enthusiasm, and I truly hoped I wouldn’t vomit right in the middle of his ‘kingdom.’ I felt terribly sick.
Before leaving the circle, Daniel applauded himself, helped his opponent to his feet (which was kind of unexpected) and looked around, smiling briefly at the admiring praises coming for the sideliners. And then, he looked up and right at the window where Kane and I were standing. Our gazes locked, and it was the very moment that I regretted coming to the club. Daniel’s expression became murderous. 

Watch book trailer
Read Chapter 1
Follow Blog Tour on Facebook:


Other books by Diana Nixon:
Love Lines (LL, # 1)
Songs of the Wind (LL, # 2)
From Scratch (LL. # 2.5)
Diamond Sky (LL, # 3)

The Souls of Rain (Heavens Trilogy, # 1)
The Prisoners of Dreams (Heavens Trilogy, # 1.5)

Hate at First Sight (A contemporary romance)

Grab a copy of the book you’d like to read here:

Diana Nixon’s official page:
Follow Diana Nixon on Facebook
On Twitter
On Pinterest
On Goodreads


Saturday, April 5, 2014

Interview ~ Diana Nixon

Happy Saturday!
Today there I have a treat. A bit ago I released my review of The Souls of Rain, the book about a strong will Angel who finds out her world might not be what she thought it was. Well she has a new book coming out and I got to do an interview with Diana! You should check her out :)




Diana Nixon



1.      You write for a couple of age groups, which is your favorite to write?

-  I like working in multiple genres and write books for readers of different age. It gives a chance to create stories of various kinds, which in turn helps make all of the ideas in my head come true, from unbelievable magical spells to make-you-swoon love scenes:) I enjoy writing fantasy a lot, but my fantasy books are created both for YA and NA readers, and I actually think that people of all ages can read them, because they tell about the things that are important for everyone: family, friendship and love.

2.      What is your favorite thing to write?

- Dialogs. I always try to make them as real as possible, so that every reader could easily imagine him/herself being one of my characters. I think that dialogs are very important, as they help make any book more interesting. In my stories, they take the biggest part of the narration.

   3.      What is your favorite thing to read?

-  I read books of various genres, from contemporary romances to thrillers.

   4.      What is your favorite dessert?

- Ice-cream:) With fruits and chocolate or strawberry syrup.

    5.      What was it that made you build up the courage to turn a story on your computer to a published work?

- Well, frankly, when I started writing my first book I didn’t think about publishing it. But after it was ready, I thought it was too good to get lost on one of my hard disks. So I edited it and published, hoping to find readers who would love it:) Fortunately, I never regretted that decision:)

6.      What is the hardest part of writing for you?

-          I used to think that it was editing. But now, I realize that every step of writing is important, from the title and to the last word of my book. I also think that cover design and book synopsis should be well thought-out, because this is what readers see first.

   7.      When do you find time to write?

- I’m a full-time writer:) So almost every day I find some time to write. I do have breaks, but they never last too long, because even when I’m not writing I’m still thinking about the new ideas for my books:)

   8.      What is your favorite book?

- I don’t have one:) But if you mean a favorite of my books, it’s Songs of the Wind (Love Lines, # 2). It’s such a touching, beautiful and emotional story; I truly enjoyed working on it. Besides, it was the first book that showed my poems that I had always been afraid of revealing:)

9.      What advice would you give to those who want to get into writing?

- Do your best to make your writing dreams come true, and never stop half-way. Trust me, the moment you take your own book into your hands is worth anything:)

10.  Can you tell us any tidbits of your upcoming novel?

-          My next book to come out is a NA romance, named Love Undone. It’s a ‘roller-coaster’ love story, full of unpredictable twists, passion, fire and drama:) Here’s the synopsis of the book:

What would you do if all your memories were gone?
One day Kassie wakes up and realizes that her life is nothing but an endless emptiness…
One tragic incident takes away everything that she ever cherished and loved: family, friends and all the best moments that she ever lived through.
Now everything seems unknown, including a beautiful stranger, whose mere look makes her heart beat faster. Who is that reckless and mysterious man? Is he just an old friend or an enemy?
Sinking into the vortex of indescribable feelings and emotions, they will give in to the most irresistible temptation ever, just to fall in love with each other, again and again…


Love Lines BLOG TOUR
The traces of supernatural powers have always been crossing the world of human beings. Many people know about the existence of healers, mind readers, oneiromancers and wizards. But for centuries their lives have been kept secret and no one has ever heard about Dever, a kingdom of mysteries and magic.
Neither has Eileen Clark, whose life has never been different from the one other teenagers have.
Everything changes the day Eileen receives an invitation to join the ranks of Dever’s students.
Nothing will ever be the same again…
New life, new friends, new enemies…
And love so powerful that no magic will be able to destroy…
Read CHAPTER 1 + Watch book trailer

Books by Diana Nixon:

About the author:
Diana Nixon is a poet and the author of fantasy and contemporary romances.
She was born in Minsk, Belarus, where she currently lives. In 2008 she graduated from Belorussian state University. She has a Master of Law degree and speaks several foreign languages, including English, Polish and Spanish.
Buying books: http://diananixon.blogspot.com/p/buying-books.html

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Interview with Faye Hall

Hi Everyone!
Happy Saturday! I know it's been awhile since I posted. Grad school is kicking my butt a little and I've been working on a couple of projects, my goal is to have a couple of books come out back to back so I'm getting this ready. On a happier note I have an author interview today! This author is Faye Hall and she is very nice and you should take a minute to get to know her. Also you should check out her books if you are interested in historical fiction novels with twists then she is the author for you!

Interview with Faye Hall

1. What is your favorite part of writing?
My romances all have a certain amount of mystery and deceit in them as well as passion.  I love writing the twists and turns, the part that almost tears the hero and heroine apart, just before they are drawn back to each other.  It really is my favorite part.

2. What is your favorite genre to read?
I do enjoy regency romances, especially those by Amanda Quick.

3. What is your favorite dessert?
My husband makes the best Black forest cheesecake ever!

4. What was that moment that made you step up and take that step into the world of writing? To get from story on my computer to seeing who would publish my work?
That moment…I’d had my first child, was in a very unhappy relationship and I just thought one day that there must have been more to life than what I was living.  At the time I had about 50 half written scripts on my computer, so I picked one, finished it, and sent it off.  Unfortunately it was rejected, but it gave me the drive to just keep going.  When I reunited with the man who is now my husband, I gave him some of my scripts to read through.  He immediately told me how brilliant they were and insisted that I should start resubmitting them again.  So I did…and they rest, as they say, is history.

5. What was your favorite part of writing a story that took place in the past?
All of my books are set in the late Victorian years of Australia, a historical part of my country I was never taught at school, and barely knew existed.  So searching local history books, and trying to find what was available on the internet was really so very fascinating.  I’ve learnt more about the history of where I grew up in the last few years then what I ever knew before.

6. What is the hardest thing for you to write?
Definitely beginnings.  I struggle with them so much.

7. What is your favorite book?
Favorite would have to be Amanda Quick’s Deception.

8. When do you find time to write?
Not often lol.  Seriously, my husband and I have 9 children, so I literally write when I can where I can.  A lot is done after the children are in bed, but I do tend to jot notes down on my phone whilst waiting to collect them from school too.

9. Other than becoming an author what other jobs did you consider doing?
When I was eight I wanted to be a beauty therapist.  When I was 12 I wanted to be a fashion designer.


10. What advice would you give to those who want to write? 

Just keep writing.  If it’s what you love then you should never give up, no matter how many knock backs you may get.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Interview ~ Amy Eye

Hey Lovelies!
Today I have a special treat. I did an interview with Amy Eye who is the owner of The Eyes for Editing. She is one of the two editors that I use. She is great, knowledgeable, and friendly. For me have trouble trusting services over the internet because you really don't know who is on the other end. With editing services too, you just don't know where you are sending your money or if the people will actually fulfill the services. Amy though, she will work with the writer and be what they need, straight to the point to hand holder. I love working with her and hope to do so in the future. She has worked on End of the Line second edition and Shadows from the Past. Here is an interview.


Chameleon Logo


Interview

1. For how long have you been an editor?
I’ve been editing for as long as I can remember, it seems.  LOL  Some days it seems like it’s been decades, other days – maybe just a month or so.  Usually those days are determined by how quiet my kids are when I’m working, the pull of the moon on the tides and just how cranky I am that day.  :)

2. Was it hard to start your own editing company?
It was really scary, actually. You never know what is going to happen when you jump out into the world and start working for yourself, especially when you have three kids who depend on you to not mess up.  LOL And it was most definitely a challenge.  All I can say is THANK YOU to Journalstone Publishing for giving me a chance.  Had it not been for Christopher Payne, I never would be doing this for a living today.  No joke. 

3. You've edited just about every genre out there, what's your favorite to work on?
My absolute favorite is YA and Middle grade.  I love knowing that children will read what I am working on and, hopefully, encourage their love of reading throughout their lives.

4. What is your favorite dessert?
I would have to say raspberry cheesecake. That is heaven one little slice at a time!

5. What is your favorite pet?
My bearded dragon, Seraphina, would probably insist that I say it was her… but I love all animals.  I own a small zoo!  :P

6. What is your favorite book? (Can be a book you haven't edited!)
My favorite all-time books are the Harry Potter series. That book came to me at a time where I needed an escape from the world, and Hogwarts is my fantasy land. I love the interaction between the characters, the morals behind the books, the wisdom of Albus Dumbleore, the angst of Snape… I could keep going, but I think I’ve bored all of my friends enough for a lifetime.  LOL!!

7. What is your favorite movie?
I’m not a huge movie or TV person, but my latest favorite was The Hunger Games.  Favorite movie of all-time may be Clue.  Love Tim Curry!

8. You use to do Journal Jabber, how did you get started in that?
That would be another salute to Journalstone.  I was helping to book radio interviews for the authors at Journalstone, when Christopher thought I would be great at interviewing… as they say, the rest is history.  I began fumbling my way around the blog talk internet circuits on episode at a time until I really got the hang of it and found my stride. The show is still going strong, and one of my best friends Angela Yuriko Smith is hosting the show now, and I still pop in to conduct interviews from time to time.

9. You also work on Christmas Lites collection, which is a collection of short stories to raise money for the NCADV. What is your favorite process about working on that collection?
Knowing that I and the authors behind the book will be able to make a difference in the lives of people who need it the most.  The NCADV is an amazing organization that does so much to improve the lives of those who suffer at the hands of loved ones. This is just one way that we can all give to those who need it.

10. Can you tell us anything about the third edition of Christmas Lites?
That it is going to be absolutely amazing!  We have stories in there that cover just about every genre there is.  There is something in that book for everyone!

11. What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't working?
Well, I’m an avid reader, and I love to play video games. Right now, I’m blasting my way through Dragon Age Origins, and I try to eliminate zombies at least three times a week with my best friend, Mikey. I’m really a nerd in the true sense of the word.

12. What is your favorite season?
Spring.  I think that’s the case for a lot of people.  But I love when the chill in the air is replaced with the sounds of spring.  The birds pecking around in the new grass, the sound of kids yelling in the street on their bikes… After the heaviness of winter, the spring always feels like a new beginning.

13. Who is your favorite character of all time? Why?
Albus Dumbledore.  He was a patient, wise and good man. He gave unselfishly and knew his limitations.  Never before have I read a character who imparted such knowledge and wisdom, true wisdom, to not only the characters in his book, but to the readers.  He touched me as a reader in a way that none have before.

14. What is your favorite kind of muffin?
Poppy seed!  OOHHH, now, I’m hungry…  thanks a lot.  LOL!

15. It is fall, and everything is coming up as pumpkin flavored everything, do you have a favorite pumpkin flavored item?
I’m actually not a huge fan of pumpkin.  :P  I love to carve them and I love eating baked pumpkin seeds, but I don’t like the whole pumpkin flavor thing…

16. What advice can you give for authors?
Read, write and revise.  Reading helps give you an idea of what you like and what you don’t. It helps build your creativity.  You get to see what other authors have done and it really does help to give you the sense that anything is possible when you write.  Writing is important.  If you don’t do it, you will never improve. Writing is a skill that takes years to perfect, and if you don’t continuously write, your skills will get rusty. Revising is great for learning as well. Go through what you have written and look at it from an outsider’s view. How can you make it better?  How can you trim out extra words.  How can you develop your feel and tone with your choice of words?  These exercises will make a huge difference in your writing.  And the more you do it, the more it will become an ingrained part of your writing.


17. What advice can you give for people who want to become editors?
LEARN, LEARN, and then LEARN some more. Rules are always changing, the needs of the clients are always changing.  Learn the grammar rules, learn about the market you are working in, learn how to be patient.  Learn to have a thick skin.  Learn to love your job and your authors.  Without them, you are nothing.